Music For Lovers Only

Probably the most popular, iconic mood music album ever made, and the go-to make-out record for an entire generation, Jackie Gleasons Music for Lovers Only set the stage for untold imitators to come with its evocative album artwork and lush, sweeping soundscapes. Released as a 10 LP in 1952 as the debut album from the television comic superstar, it set the recordwhich still stands!for most weeks in the Top Ten Album charts at 153, and hit the charts yet again in 1955 when it was released as a 12 LP. But here is where the history of Music for Lovers Only becomes, like most romances, complicated. The original 10 included only eight tracks, but Capitols first 12 issue of the album added eight more for a total of 16; subsequently, however, the album was reissued on LP with 12 tracks, and the out-of-print initial CD release of Music for Lovers Only featured just the eight tracks from the original 10 release. Now, Real Gone Music is restoring this classic album to its full, 16-track length, with its glorious, original artwork intact (back cover quote: A wisp of cigarette smoke in the soft lamplight, the tinkle of a glass, a hushed whisperand music for lovers only) and in its original mono. As for those wondering what musical contribution Mr. Gleason made to the album, some say Gleason conceived of melodies in his head and described them vocally to his assistants. But when Bobby Hackett, whose wistful trumpet lines were the focal point of the Gleason sound and of this album, was asked what Jackie contributed to the recordings, he replied: He brought the checks. Either way, Music for Lovers Only stands as The Great Ones greatest musical achievement.