Someone has finally had the foresight to gather all of the programs from the short-lived Stan Freberg Show, which was CBS Radio's last episodic comedy. This four-disc box includes the first seven installments, which have not been heard in their entirety since airing in July and August of 1957.... [+] Expand

Someone has finally had the foresight to gather all of the programs from the short-lived Stan Freberg Show, which was CBS Radio's last episodic comedy. This four-disc box includes the first seven installments, which have not been heard in their entirety since airing in July and August of 1957. Unlike the majority of reissued vintage broadcasts, both Stan Freberg Show, Vol. 1 and the companion Stan Freberg Show, Vol. 2 are presented with stunning sound quality and with the blessing of the artist. For these sets, Freberg himself offers a whimsical "Programme Forward." The introduction was taped in 1996 and features contributions from June Foray and Peter Leeds. Other members of Freberg's troupe include Hans Conried and Daws Butler, all of whom were accompanied by Billy May and the CBS Radio Orchestra. They provided a similar service for pop vocalist Peggy Taylor. One powerful moment occurred during their debut outing on the astute, if not somewhat disturbingly accurate "Incident at Las Varoces." The selection became known as more of a social statement than a traditional comedic offering, reinforcing Freberg's unique abilities as an observer and almost by default a commentator. Freberg incorporated each of his distinctive talents when executing his insightful parodies and belief-suspending 'theater of the mind' antics. Although tremendously popular, the light-hearted "Abominable Snowman" sketches presented Freberg with the formidable task of playing the part of the subject and the interviewer. It became so taxing on his voice, the scenes rarely returned to the air. He was also a best-selling recording act for Capitol Records and a few of his best-loved sides are here, such as "Rock Island Line," "Yellow Rose of Texas" and the brilliant satire "Wunnerful, Wunnerful." After the show had been canceled, Freberg took the highlights from the Stan Freberg Show to compile the albums Face the Funnies, Madison Ave. Werewolf and the appropriately-titled With the Original Cast -- the cover of which displays Freberg with a broken leg -- get it ? -- original cast. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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