Customer Reviews

Like an Atom Bomb

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Great CD! If you are into mid-century paranoia this CD is for you. It has all the songs from Atomic Cafe, the soundtrack to that film is only on vinyl and out of print, so this disc is a steal. It's the bomb, so to speak.

If you liked this check out:
The Atomic Cafe (Collector's Edition)

Red Scared!: The Commie Menace in Propaganda and Popular Culture

I was born at the end of the era this album covers, so most of this music was new to me. I bought it as a way to support my history and music hobbies--I'm actively seeking out historical music now after enhancing my US Civil War interests by learning to enjoy music of that era. The songs are interesting and enjoyable to listen to as period pieces. As music, they might appeal to a lover of gospel or blues, but I suspect few others will greatly enjoy most of these purely as music. Besides the gospel and blues, there are a few country pieces, and one big band piece that is out of place in my opinion (see below). I suppose the heyday of these songs was too early for any precursor "rock and roll" or even generic 50s pop music to fall into the category.

Quality of the recordings is good, especially for the age of these pieces. Sound quality is never a problem. I converted the songs to MP3s, and was mildly annoyed that many of the pieces have the digital artist information listed as "various artists", so I had to enter accurate performer information by hand into iTunes for about half the tracks.

One piece, "Mission to Moscow", by the Benny Goodman Orchestra, is out of place here. This instrumental piece was first recorded in 1942 during World War II when Uncle Joe Stalin was our buddy, I suspect for the PRO-RUSSIAN<!> movie by the same name, though I can't find confirmation of that yet! It's a perfectly fine piece of period music, and I enjoy listening to it, but it doesn't really fit here. Minor historian nit, but not really important.

If the subject of the album appeals to you, I predict you'll be pleased.

Mildly entertaining. An interesting loose knit mix of country, blues and gospel songs having to do with the atom bomb and the Cold war. Most of the songs are fun and entertaining but not memorable. One stand out and classic cut on this compilation is Old Man Atom by the Son's of the Pioneers.

This is a great collection of the many "Atom Bomb" songs that are in movies such as "Atomic Cafe", Dr. Strangelove, and other films of the genre. I highly recommend this to anyone who collects "bomb" memorabilia.