Theodore Bikel - Songs Of Russia (1960) Vinyl LP • Soviet-era Folk Songs
Catalog Number:
EKS-7185Musical Styles:
1960s, Eastern European Music, Folk Revival, Gypsy, Russian Music, Traditional FolkSleeve Grade:
Very Good Plus (VG+)Record Grade:
Excellent (EX)Condition Details:
Vinyl plays with occasional light-crackles (play-graded). Cover has a few creases near edges; scuffing (front/back); back has some discoloration spots and front a few surface impressions. Inner-sleeve is original (generic white). Spine is easy-to-read (crooked text). Minor shelf-wear along top/bottom-edge and corners. Paper on back cover is coming unglued near bottom edge. Opening is crisp with signs of light use and divots. Release date is approximately 1960. (Not a cut-out.)
Tracks:
- Pomnyu Ya
- Yamshchik Gani-ka K Yaru
- Noch Tikha
- Polso Bylo Lyublyatse
- Gari Gari Maya Zvyezda
- Chupchik
- Vyecherny Zvon
- At Volgi Da Dona
- Talyanochka
- Padmaskovniye Vyechera
- Padrushka Milaya
- Katiusha
- Pravazhanye
- Tyomnaya Noch
About The Record:
Songs Of Russia Old & New, by Theodore Bikel, is a collection of traditional Russian folk songs blending old classics with newer Soviet-era pieces, performed with passion by the actor-folk singer who brought authenticity through his multilingual talents and expressive delivery. The album features tracks like Pomnyu Ya (I Remember), Yamshchik Gani-Ka K Yaru (Coachman, Away to the Fair), Noch Tikha (Quiet Night), and Polso Bylo Lyublyatse (I Never Meant to Love), highlighting themes of nostalgia, romance, and rural life in Russia. A unique aspect is Bikel's shift from the primarily Gypsy-flavored predecessor to a broader scope incorporating Soviet-specific material, reflecting the Cold War-era interest in Russian culture among Western audiences. It stands historically as a follow-up to his breakthrough Songs of a Russian Gypsy, which had been a major success for both artist and label, prompting this quicker sequel to capitalize on that momentum. Fan-favorites often include the evocative storytelling songs that showcase his dramatic vocal style. The album itself was a hit for Elektra Records in the folk scene.