Theodore Bikel - Songs Of Russia (1960) Vinyl LP • Soviet-era Folk Songs

Catalog Number: EKS-7185

Record Grading: Excellent (EX), Sleeve Grading: Very Good Plus (VG+)

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.