Forgotten Sounds: Andy Wiswell & His "Hits A Poppin" Orchestra with Vocal Stars of Radio & Television

Listen Here!

In the American music industry's vibrant landscape, hidden gems are waiting to be unearthed, waiting to tell their stories. One such treasure trove was Parade Records, a budget label born in the heart of New Jersey in 1950 under the visionary guidance of Wally Wolsky. While its name might not immediately conjure up memories of chart-topping hits, Parade Records holds a significant place in the annals of music history, intertwined with other labels like Pirouette Records and Spin-O-Rama.

Picture this: dusty shelves in a forgotten thrift store tucked away in the quiet corners of Idaho. Amidst the clutter, a worn-out LP album catches the eye. Its cover is adorned with promises of melodies and lyrics long lost to time. This album, a relic of Parade Records, offers a glimpse into a bygone era of music.

Tracklist in hand, we delve into the musical journey offered by Parade Records:

A1 Here

Written-By – Cochran*, Grant*

A2 Little Things Mean A Lot

Written-By – Stutz*, Lindeman*

A3 If You Love Me (Really Love Me)

Written-By – Parsons*, Monnot*

A4 Poor Butterfly

Written-By – Golden*, Hubbell*

B1 The Man Upstairs

Written-By – Morgan*, Stanley*, Manners*

B2 Jilted

Written By – Colby, Manning

B3 The Man With the Banjo

Written-By – Reichel*, Mellin*

B4 Answer Me, My Love

Written-By – Sigman*, Rauch*, Winkler*

Yet, nostalgia mingles with disappointment as the needle scratches against the vinyl. The sound, once vibrant and alive, now echoes with the wear and tear of time. Though laden with potential, the tracks bear the scars of neglect, their true essence obscured by the passage of years.

Apologies are offered for the over-processed sound, a result of early attempts to salvage the album's treasures. In hindsight, it's a decision regretted, a realization that these melodies deserved better treatment. The original copy, plucked from obscurity in that Idaho thrift store has since been relinquished, leaving behind only echoes of what could have been.

And yet, amidst the static and imperfections, there lies a beauty that transcends the limitations of technology. These tracks, imperfect as they may be, serve as a testament to the resilience of music and its ability to endure through the ages.

As we bid farewell to Parade Records and its fleeting moments captured in sound, let us remember that, sometimes, imperfections make the music genuinely unforgettable. And who knows? Perhaps, somewhere out there, another copy of that elusive album awaits, ready to be rediscovered and cherished once more.