Other than Damone’s show-stopper, my other favorite classic track was Rosemary Clooney’s “Botch-A-Me” which is integrated just shy of midway through the album. Not only does the tune pick up the pace considerably by offering her trademark boisterous female Louis Prima-esque scat quality with that unstoppably powerful voice but far more impressive is, given her outstanding catalogue of hits — pop-culture wise — it’s a rarity. Thus by including it, Weiner and Patsavas make the soundtrack all the more unique and creative, instead of choosing her more frequently played selections like “Mambo Italiano” or “Come On-a My House,” much like digging deeper throughout Fitzgerald and Vinton’s libraries as well.
Similarly in constantly surprising listeners by refusing to take any shortcuts in their thoughtful musical decisions, Mad Men, Music From The Series, Vol. 1 refuses to fall through the cracks as yet another 60’s collection just like its companion television series manages to keep viewers hooked by not going through the typical, unimaginative motions of most tried and true popular paradigms. For soundtrack lovers, it’s a must-buy and as I can attest, the soundtrack will even manage to seduce those who have yet to join the Mad Men converts. Hmm, now if only, I could finally get my hands on those DVDs.
Article comments
1 - Manuel Rodriguez
Here's a bit of trivia for you. The opening string-orchestra-theme music from "Mad Men" is actually stolen from the first six bars of the introduction to an arrangement by Enoch Light (of Enoch Light and the Light Brigade) of "Autumn Leaves". The introduction which eventually was used as the "Mad Men" theme quits where the "Autumn Leaves" tune begins and then just repeats for another 8 bars with a heavy Latin/Rock percussion track superimposed over it. I just happened to be listening to the CD "The Most Beautiful Music in the World" by Enoch Light and the Light Brigade when I suddenly recognized the theme music from "Mad Men" (but without the heavy percussion). Curiously, the CD (PRD 5109) was released on the Project3Records label in 1992. The actual recording may be from the 1970's or even earlier (it is discontinued now). Enoch Light recorded in the early 1960's for the Command label (subsequently bought by American Broadcasting Company). So he was certainly prominent during the time frame in which "Mad Men" takes place.
2 - Jen
Wow, that is fascinating. You have a great ear for music. Now I can't wait to check out that particular track... interesting. Thanks for the post and Happy New Year!