DECEMBER
2001
For
December, we passed on Christmas greetings to the 'Children
of the Empire' from Uncle Mac. This track, typical
of the Reithian BBC in the mid 1930s, features several delightful
Christmas carols. |
412KB
.mp3 |
JANUARY
2002
For January, we featured a 1936 advertisement
for 'His Master's Voice' radio receivers. It's delivered in
manly tones redolent of the 'Keep Fit' movement of the late
'30s. |
182KB
.mp3 |
FEBRUARY
2002
For February, we switched from a masculine theme to the
feminine. Here's "Housewives Choice"
as played by the BBC during the long-running post-war request
programme aimed at domestic daytime listeners - usually housewives. |
324KB .mp3 |
MARCH
2002
For March we played the original 1930s theme from the Ovalteenies.
Heard over Radio Luxembourg and designed to encourage young
listeners to drink a well-known beverage, this advertising feature
is notable for its commercial edge - and very catchy tune.
Enjoy ! |
76KB
.mp3
|
APRIL
2002
We played something we imagine the late HM the Queen Mother
would have found as charming as we do. It was Changing
the Guard at Buckingham Palace sung by 10 yr-old
child star Ann Stephens in July 1941. By this time of
course, Buckingham Palace had come under repeated air attack—but
the Queen would not budge... |
267KB
.mp3
|
MAY 2002
'Music while You work' was featured this month.
First heard on the Home and Forces programme on June 23rd
1940 - this was 'light music to inspire and motivate workers'.
The programme continued after the war on the Light programme.
Tunes were intended to be 'light, tuneful and be audible above
the factory machinery'. With thanks to Bryan Webb of cc41.net
(well worth a visit!) for this information. |
352KB
.mp3
|
JUNE 2002
We came right "up to date", in fact to the 'sixties,
with an piece from Radio 390, the only pirate
station that didn't broadcast pop music but went for easy listening.
This extract is either teeth-grindingly awful or deliciously
camp depending on your point of view ! First we're treated
to the 'Baggy Knee Test' and then it's on to 'Masters of the
Organ'. Enjoy... :) |
233KB
.mp3
|
JULY 2002
This month we sampled something from the U.S.A. It's a
fabulous radio ad for a Dodge automobile. "Why
when I'm in love, I float through life on a cloud"... and
that folks is exactly how you feel in the famous Dodge Air-Glide
ride" ... "The beauty-winner of 1936"... This
extract originates from a sponsored radio show. |
122KB
.mp3
|
AUGUST 2002
Here's 'Nickelodeon', with a really gorgeous feel-good tune.
This was a big hit in 1953 and played regularly on the BBC Light
Programme. But who's the singer ? The answer is apparently
Donald Peers. Thank you Dai Collins for writing in ... |
304KB
.mp3
|
SEPTEMBER 2003
Thank you Dawn for this request ! She tells me her father
is looking for this piece, often heard on the Light Programme
in mid-century when such British orchestral music was a mainstay
in the schedules. To preserve the delicate tapping of the typewriter
I've had to make this file slightly larger. But it's well worth
waiting for, I think you'll agree ... |
477KB
.mp3
|
DECEMBER
2005
Here's a treat by Eric Coates. 'Television March' was written
in 1946 for use at the start of transmission every day on
the television service, radiated from Alexandra Palace . Written
rather in the same mould as Coates' Dambusters march, this
music contains a brilliant tune which brings to mind London
going about its business again in the optimistic new dawn
following the Second World War. |
582KB
.mp3
|
AND
LASTLY...
Here are some Test Cards and music... |
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All our vintage
sound files are believed to be long out of copyright. We will remove
files immediately if this proves not to be the case.
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