Bizarre Albums

She was cast on the Carol Burnett Show when she was just 18 years old. A few years later, she'd have a #1 hit song. This is the story of Vicki Lawrence's The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia , from 1973. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarre…

10 year old Lena Zavaroni broke a record by winning British competition show Opportunity Knocks five weeks in a row. Soon after, she would become the youngest person to ever have an album in the top 10. This is the story of Lena Zavaroni’s Ma! He's Making Eyes At Me, from 1974. Special thanks to l…

The actress best known for her roles in Married…with Children, Sons of Anarchy and Futurama has a surprisingly full and interesting backstory with music. Then, several years into her role as Peg Bundy, she finally recorded a solo album. This is the story of Katey Sagal’s Well…from 1994. Suppor…

Academy Award nominated actress Minnie Driver wasn’t happy with some of the acting roles she was taking, so she took some time off and went back to her other love, music. This is the story Minnie Driver’s Everything I’ve Got In My Pocket, from 2004. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums …

Guy Lafleur was a 5 time Stanley Cup winner during his time in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens…and a disco artist? This is the story of Lafleur! from 1979. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & Instagram: @to…

Actress Goldie Hawn became an “It Girl” in the 1960’s as a cast member of Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In. Then she quickly won an Oscar off of her first major film role. With her career rolling, Reprise Records signed her to make an an album. This is the story of Goldie Hawn’s Goldie, from 19…

This is an episode of Bizarre Singles, originally posted on patreon.com/bizarrealbums Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & Instagram: @tonythaxton 

Beloved character actor Harry Dean Stanton always loved singing. He played guitar and sang throughout his life. After his passing in 2017, some old bandmates resurrected some recordings. This is the story of Harry Dean Stanton With�The Cheap Dates’ October 1993, from 2021. Support the show: patreo…

With their popularity waning in the United States, the World Wrestling Federation looked to the UK for bigger success. This is the story of World Wrestling Federation Superstars’ Wrestlemania - The Album, from 1993. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram…

Child model and actor Milla Jovovich decided to take an acting hiatus when she was in her late teens. The result was making an album of songs she’d been working on since she was 12 years old. This is the story of Milla’s The Divine Comedy, from 1994. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums F…

After joining the cast of Charlie’s Angels for season 2, Cheryl Ladd was reunited with her first love, singing. This is the story of Cheryl Ladd’s self titled debut album, from 1978. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on…

WHOA! A teen heartthrob records an album. This is the story of Joey Lawrence's self titled debut album, from 1993. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & Instagram: @tonythaxton

An infamous American Idol audition leads to a record deal. This is the story of William Hung's Inspiration, from 2004. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & Instagram: @tonythaxton

After a 3 year absence, (MC) Hammer returned with a new look and a new sound. This is the story of Hammer's The Funky Headhunter, from 1994. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & Instagram: @tonythaxton

In honor of the Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl win, this is an episode of Bizarre Singles, originally posted over at patreon.com/bizarrealbums. It's the LA Rams...or The L.A. Rammers, performing "Let's Ram It!", from 1986. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instag…

Part two of General Electric Presents Go Fly A Kite, from 1966. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & Instagram: @tonythaxton

One year before their Tony Award winning show Cabaret hit Broadway, Kander and Ebb wrote a musical to take place at General Electric’s Utility Executives Conference. This is the story of General Electric Presents Go Fly A Kite, from 1966. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show…

The multi-Emmy award winning actor from All In The Family releases a love letter to the 1930’s. This is the story of Carroll O’Connor’s Remembering You, from 1972. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & Instag…

Before becoming the Guiness World Record holder for “Most Hours on Camera”, Regis Philbin first saw the national spotlight as the co-host on The Joey Bishop Show. In the middle of that run, he released an album. This is the story of Regis Philbin’s It’s Time For Regis! from 1968. Special app…

Unlocked! This is an episode of Bizarre Singles, originally posted on patreon.com/bizarrealbums. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & Instagram: @tonythaxton

Sometimes, after releasing episodes of Bizarre Albums, new information comes my way about some of these albums and I want to pass that on to you as well. But as usual, I’m not here to make fun of them, I’m here to celebrate them and tell their story. This is Bizarre Albums, REMASTERED. This is t…

Sometimes, after releasing episodes of Bizarre Albums, new information comes my way about some of these albums and I want to pass that on to you as well. But as usual, I’m not here to make fun of them, I’m here to celebrate them and tell their story. This is Bizarre Albums: REMASTERED. This is t…

A synthesizer pioneer hoped to be able to compose the music for Star Wars. When he didn't get the job, he reimagined the classic soundtrack. This is the story of Patrick Gleeson's Star Wars, from 1977. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums…

Unlocked! A free Christmas bonus episode of Bizarre Singles, originally posted over at patreon.com/bizarrealbums�

NBC gathers some of their top stars to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. This is the story of NBC Celebrity Christmas, from 2000.� Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & Instagram: @tonythaxton

After their live action movies started having diminishing returns, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles looked to a couple of straight to video releases...that shared a soundtrack. This is the story of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' We Wish You A Turtle Christmas / Turtle Tunes, from 1994. Support the sh…

A Marvel Comics licensing executive approaches a new record label about doing a series of Marvel character albums. This is the story of Spider-Man: Rock Reflections Of A Superhero, from 1976. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow To…

Model. Actress. Singer. All before Moonlighting. This is the story of Cybill Shepherd's Cybill Does It...To Cole Porter, from 1974. Special appearance by Brandie Posey.� Listen to Brandie Posey's podcast, Lady to Lady Listen to Brandie Posey's standup album, Opinion Cave Support the show: patreon.co…

The legendary hard rockers get a bluegrass tribute…with appearances from David Lee Roth. This is the story of Strummin' With The Devil: The Southern Side Of Van Halen, from 2006. Special guest guitar in the intro theme by Zach Comtois. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on…

Shortly after the cancellation of their popular tv show, The Monkees made a film…and it was…bizarre. This is the story of The Monkees’ Head, from 1968. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & Instagram: @tonyth…

They started as a pre-teen barbershop quartet, moved onto being a pop group, then in 1972, The Osmonds made a hard rock album. This is the story of Crazy Horses, by The Osmonds, from 1972. Special appearance by Dave Holmes! Listen to Dave's great new music podcast, Waiting For Impact: A Dave Holmes …

Though only a moderate hit on tv at the time, the kids from The Brady Bunch released an album. This is the story of Meet The Brady Bunch, from 1972. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & Instagram: @tonythaxton …

Happy Halloween! Here is a free bonus episode of Bizarre Singles, originally posted in 2019 at patreon.com/bizarrealbums !

Since the mid 1970’s, Andrew Gold had been a successful musician, songwriter and producer. After releasing his third solo album in 1980 (and being the man responsible for writing the theme song for The Golden Girls), he didn’t make another solo album for 16 years. When he finally made another al…

It's Halloween time! The Munsters debuted on CBS in 1964. The show was such a success that that same year, TWO different Munsters albums were released. One that featured the cast, and one that did not. This is the story of At Home With The Munsters, from 1964. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarreal…

73 year old actor William Shatner went back into the recording studio with Ben Folds as his producer...and made an album no one expected. This is the story of William Shatner's Has Been, from 2004. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Fol…

Right before their huge scandal broke,Tammy Faye Bakker, wife of the controversial televangelist Jim Bakker, released an album. This is the story of Tammy Faye’s Enough is Enough, from 1986. Thanks to Sara Benincasa! Check out her podcast, Well, This Isn't Normal. Support the show: patreon.com/biz…

Focusing on disc 3 of Sinatra’s triple album…he sings about the future and space travel. This is the story of Frank Sinatra’s Trilogy: Past Present & Future, from 1980. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & I…

This is an episode of BIZARRE SINGLES from patreon.com/bizarrealbums I'll be back with a new episode of Bizarre Albums next week! 

Country music artists + NFL players. That’s about all you need to know. This is the story of NFL Country, from 1996. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & Instagram: @tonythaxton

“The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart has had quite a life. He spent decades as a manager in professional wrestling, but in the years leading prior, he was a member of the rock band The Gentrys. Once he switched careers, he was able to use his music background in the world of wrestling. Today is t…

How did singing and dancing clay raisins from commercials end up with a platinum album? Today is the story of The California Raisins (aka The California Raisins Sing The Hit Songs), from 1987. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow T…

It’s Alias August on Bizarre Albums! All month long, episodes will focus on albums that artists released under another name. Snoop Dogg has had quite the life. His debut album goes to #1 and becomes the fastest selling hip hop album of all time. He dabbles in acting, porn, and youth football. Then…

It’s Alias August on Bizarre Albums! All month long, episodes will focus on albums that artists released under another name. After taking their career to new heights with their American Idiot album in 2004, Green Day made a garage rock album under the name Foxboro Hot Tubs. This is the story of Fo…

It’s Alias August on Bizarre Albums! All month long, episodes will focus on albums that artists released under another name. When nearing the completion of their Zooropa album, U2 felt like they hit a wall. That’s when producer Brian Eno had them improvise. This turned into a project with Eno wh…

It’s Alias August on Bizarre Albums! All month long, episodes will focus on albums that artists released under another name. XTC has been called anything from post-punk to power pop. In the mid-80’s, they would release a psychedelic album…under a fake name. And then did it again 2 years later.…

It’s Alias August on Bizarre Albums! All month long, episodes will focus on albums that artists released under another name. XTC has been called anything from post-punk to power pop. In the mid-80’s, they would release a psychedelic album…under a fake name. This is the story of The Dukes of St…

This is an encore presentation of the Lancelot Link and the Evolution episode with a special announcement regarding a brand new colored vinyl reissue from Enjoy The Toons Records!

A band made up entirely of animatronic animals that performed exclusively at a pizza restaurant. And they made an album. This is the story of Gee, Our 1st Album! by The Rock-afire Explosion, from 1982. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums…

Kids Incorporated started out as a syndicated television series about a band made up entirely of kids..and it became the launching pad for several soon to be stars. This is the story of Kids Incorporated, from 1984. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: …

Scott Baio became a teen idol after going the cast of Happy Days in 1977. The storylines eventually pushed a romance with one of his co-stars as well as singing. A few years later, he was a co-star of a new spin-off and recorded an album. This is the story of Scott Baio's self titled album, from 198…

The most famous mime of all time and the birth of hip hop. This is the story of The Best of Marcel Marceao, from 1970. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagam: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & Instagram: @tonythaxton

In 2021, Gary Busey has become a staple in comedies and reality tv, but back in 1978, he was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in the Buddy Holly Story. He and his co-stars sang the songs and played the instruments themselves. This is the story of soundtrack for The Buddy Holly Stor…

Laverne and Shirley (Penny Marshal and Cindy Williams) first appeared on an episode of Happy Days in late 1975. Just a few months later, they had their own spinoff. And it was immediately a huge hit. By the end of it’s first year on the air, they even released an album in-character. This is the st…

In the 90's, Garth Brooks was the biggest star in all of music. He had four different albums that sold more than 10 million copies. He was not only the biggest star in country music, but he crossed over into the pop world as well. Then, Brooks did something very different. He created Chris Gaines, a…

This is an episode of Bizarre Singles, originally heard by my patrons over on Patreon. Get weekly bonus episodes at patreon.com/bizarrealbums

Brie Larson. Academy Award winning actress, Marvel superhero, and...teen pop star? It happened. This is the story of Brie Larson's Finally Out Of P.E., from 2005.� Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & Instagram: @…

Citizen's Band Radio, or CB Radio, blew up in the 1970's. They earned nearly 30% of all of Radio Shack's revenue. So, Radio Shack decided to capitalize on the trend and release a Radio Shack exclusive album full of CB themed songs. This is the story of All Ears: CB Songs, from 1977.� Support the sho…

Actor Donny Most, grew up with singing as his first love. When he got the role of Ralph Malph on Happy Days, that derailed his singing dreams…for a little while. This is the story of Donny Most’s self titled album from 1976. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter…

Kurt Russell made his film debut when he was just 12 years old. By the time he was 15, Walt Disney signed him to a ten year contract. Shortly after his first big starring role for Disney, Kurt Russell recorded a bubblegum pop record for Capitol Records. This is the story or Kurt Russell's self title…

Ben Folds Five had a mainstream hit with "Brick". The next move? Ben Folds decided to do an experimental project without his bandmates. This is the story of Fear of Pop - Volume I, from 1998. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow To…

A 73 year old comedian releases an album of music? It happened. This is the story of George Burns Sings, from 1969. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter & Instagram: @tonythaxton

The Beverly Hillbillies shot to #1 in the ratings faster than any other show in the history of television. It even had a a theme song that went to #1 on the country charts…but when a Beverly Hillbillies album with the entire cast was released, they didn’t have quite as much success. This is the …

After having a #1 album that was also the fastest selling hip hop album of all time, Vanilla Ice’s fame faded almost as quickly as it came. He tried to return in 1998…with a nu metal album. This is the story of Vanilla Ice’s Hard to Swallow, from 1998. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbu…

After being the biggest star professional wrestling had ever seen, Hulk Hogan left the WWF to star in his own tv series. It didn't last long before he came back to wrestling, but this time went to rival company, WCW in 1994. One year later, he made an album with some friends and his wife. This is th…

Due to a scheduling problem, this week's show is an episode of Bizarre Singles from the Patreon. (I explain in the intro) �Enjoy this episode of Bizarre Singles on Prince's "Batdance", from 1989.� Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @bizarrealbums F…

Just a few years after winning an Oscar for her performance as Loretta Lynn in Coal Miner's Daughter, Sissy Spacek recorded a country album of her own. This is the story of Sissy Spacek's Hangin' Up My Heart, from 1983. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter & Instag…

Before becoming a movie star, Clint Eastwood was a cast member of CBS’s Rawhide. Shortly before he got his first starring film role, he released an album. This is the story of Rawhide’s Clint Eastwood Sings Cowboy Favorites, from 1962…or 1963? Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follo…

He was one of the Emmy winning stars of the groundbreaking Mary Tyler Moore Show. Caddyshack was still another 5 years away, but Ted Knight was popular enough to release an album. This is the story of Ted Knight's Hi Guys, from 1975.�

David Johansen was the lead singer of the New York Dolls, a highly influential band in the 1970’s that paved the way for glam and punk. After their breakup and a lackluster solo career, David Johansen developed an alter ego, Buster Poindexter, and made an album of calypso and lounge music. This is…

Mr. T was a bouncer and bodyguard who shot to fame when he was cast as Clubber Lang in Rocky III. Through that lead to tv shows, more movies, and even breakfast cereals. He developed a young fanbase, so, he made an album aimed at children. This is the story of Mr. T’s Commandments, from 1984. Spec…

Part two of this week's episode, covering the second disc of Stevie Wonder's Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants, from 1979. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter and Instagram: @tonythaxton

After winning the Grammy for Album of the Year on three consecutive albums, Stevie Wonder took a three year break from recording. When he returned with a new album, it was a movie soundtrack to a documentary… based on a book…about plants. This is the story of Stevie Wonder's Journey Through The …

The Turtles record label wanted them to write another “Happy Together”, but then The Beatles released Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. And The Turtles said they wanted to make their own concept album…as a different band playing a different genre for every track. This is the story of Th…

After being a successful child model as well as starring in several successful movies, actress Lindsay Lohan made her debut album when she was only 18. This is the story of Lindsay Lohan's Speak, from 2004. Special appearance by Jackie Johnson of the Natch Beaut podcast. Support the show to get bon…

Paul McCartney released his first solo album in 1970, about one month prior to The Beatles’ Let It Be, the final album they would release. In 1971, he made his second album, Ram, with his wife Linda. Just before it’s release, he also made an orchestral instrumental version of the album. Eventual…

Pat Boone was the second biggest act of the late 1950’s, behind only Elvis Presley. Then he went down a country and gospel music path. Then in 1997 he shocked the world with an album of heavy metal covers. This is the story of Pat Boone’s, In A Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy, from 1997. Suppo…

After over thirty years of being a successful actor, Kiefer Sutherland releases his debut country album.� Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on Twitter and Instagram: @tonythaxton

Oscar winner. Emmy winner. Country music recording artist. This is the story of Jack Palance's Palance, from 1970. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on social media: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on social media: @tonythaxton

Lynda Carter shot to fame on the Wonder Woman tv series in 1975. But her first love was singing. This is the story of Lynda Carter’s Portrait, from 1978. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on social media: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony on social media: @tonythaxton

Merry Christmas! This is a free bonus episode of Bizarre Singles, originally released last Christmas on the Patreon.  You can get weekly bonus episodes and more at patreon.com/bizarrealbums

How does combining contemporary christian music, Robert Kardashian and the NFL result in a Christmas album? This is the story of Dallas Cowboys Christmas, from 1985…and 1986. Support the show: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @bizarrealbums Follow Tony Thaxton o…

Los Angeles punk veterans Bad Religion. Not exactly the band you would expect to release a Christmas album. But they did it. Because they wanted to. This is the story of Bad Religion's Christmas Songs, from 2013. Special thanks to Brett Gurewitz for talking with me for this episode! Support the sho…

Just before The Beatles were to begin work on The White Album, John Lennon invited Yoko Ono over to his home....while his wife was away. They took acid, stayed up all night, and made this recording. This is the story of Yoko Ono/John Lennon, Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins, from 1968. � Support…

When motorcycle stuntman Evel Knievel set out to jump Snake River Canyon on his "skycycle", an album was released on Amherst Records as a way to promote the event. �This is the story of Evel Knievel, from 1974.� Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/bizarrealbums Follow the show on Twitter and I…

In the early 80's, for the first time in his career, Neil Young signed with a new record label. Geffen Records gave him a sizable advance and creative control. But after David Geffen heard the record, he tried to sue Young for making "uncharacteristic music". Yes, it was different. But Young has his…

In 1990, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had one of the biggest movies of the year. Late that summer, they embarked on a tour….as a band…sponsored by Pizza Hut. This is the story of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Coming Out Of Their Shells, from 1990. Support the show on Patreon! patreon.com/b…

Ethel Merman has been called the undisputed First Lady of the musical comedy stage. After nearly 50 years of Broadway and film success, she released a disco album. She was 71 years old. This is the story of Ethel Merman’s The Ethel Merman Disco Album, from 1979.

Burt Reynolds had been a working actor since the late 1950's, but yet when the early 70's came, he suddenly shot to fame. Once that movie star role was solidified, he took on country music next. This is the story of Burt Reynolds' Ask Me What I Am from 1973.�

Alfred Hitchcock had already been a successful film director for over 25 years when Alfred Hitchcock Presents debuted on television. And it made him a huge celebrity in America, with his best success yet to come. Yes, he released an album. No, he did not sing. This is the story of Alfred Hitchcock P…

A rock band with Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein. Need I say more? This is the story of Groovie Goolies, from 1970. Spooky version of the theme song performed by Eban Schletter.�

A promotional record released by Chevrolet in 1965 to promote driver safety among young drivers. This is the story of Chevrolet Sings Of Safe Driving And You, from 1965.�

Muhammed Ali is one of the greatest boxers of all time. One of the most famous people of all time. A Boxer, activist, and philanthropist. But did you know that in 1976, he teamed up with his friend Arther Morrison to make a children's album about dental hygiene? This is the story of The Adventures o…

After becoming the breakout star of Welcome Back Kotter, John Travolta caught the attention of Bob Reno at Midland International Records. It didn't hurt that he was already a singer with Broadway experience. �This is the story of John Travolta's self-titled album, from 1976.�

Actress Barbara Eden stole the show on I Dream of Jeannie. But before she got into acting, she’d always had a love of singing. So after a couple of successful seasons on television, Barbara got to make an album for Dot Records. This is the story of Miss Barbara Eden, from 1967.�

Professional baseball player. Professional football player. Why not try rapping? This is the story of Deion Sanders' Prime Time, from 1994.�

In 1970, two comedy writers from the Carol Burnett Show and Get Smart decided to try to capitalize on the popularity of espionage movies and shows. But this one would be different...with a cast made up entirely of chimpanzees. Those chimps also played in a band called The Evolution Revolution. This …

At the beginning of 1989, The Arsenio Hall Show debuted. �It was a hit. �At the end of 1989, Arsenio released an album by his overweight, rapper alter ego, Chunky A. This is the story of Chunky A's Large And In Charge, from 1989.

Free bonus episode in honor of Record Store Day 2020. This is an episode of Bizarre Singles from the Patreon feed ( patreon.com/bizarrealbums ) on Ted Cassidy's "The Lurch". Ted Cassidy played Lurch on the Addams Family tv show in the 60's. Just re-pressed for Record Store Day by Jackpot Records. Vi…

A self-described housewife, Elva Miller would go into the recording studio and record songs simply as a hobby. Then, a series of events lead her to signing a contract with Capitol Records. This is the story of Mrs. Miller's Greatest Hits, from 1966. Special thanks to Eliza Skinner. Support the show …

He became the biggest star on daytime tv. Then he quit and became a prime time star. But he always had his eyes set on a music career. This is the story of David Hasselhoff's Night Rocker, from 1985.�

He played in bands in his younger days, but eventually found a career in comedy. Once his comedy career took off, Chevy Chase tried to bring his comedy and music together This is the story of Chevy Chase's self titled album, from 1980.�

A mother reads her son’s palm and makes some predictions about his future. One of those predictions was that his daughters would be the biggest girl group in America. Despite no musical experience, or even interest, the girls were told by their father they would be taking music lessons and forming…

In 1969, the New York Mets had one of the biggest turnarounds in the history of Major League Baseball. Fans took to calling them the amazing Mets, so they surprised their fans by making an album. This is the story of The Amazing Mets, from 1969.� Thanks to John Ross Bowie!� Follow him on social medi…

In 1970, the Harlem Globetrotters got their own Saturday morning cartoon. The show’s music supervisor was the man with the golden ear, Don Kirshner. So, that meant the show had a surprisingly good soundtrack, thanks to uncredited studio musicians. This is the story of The Globetrotters. from 1970.…

In the early 1970’s, NASCAR racing had seen a big surge in popularity. �Jim Donoho, the son of Nashville racing promoter Bill Donoho wanted to get some of the most popular NASCAR drivers to make a country music album. This is the story of NASCAR Goes Country, from 1975.�

Saturday Night Fever was released in late 1977, bringing both John Travolta and disco to the masses. Less than a year later, Cookie Monster, Grover and the rest of the gang from Sesame Street hopped onto the disco bandwagon. This is the story of Sesame Street Fever, from 1978.

Just 3 years after graduating high school, Crispin Glover was cast in one of the biggest movies of all time, Back To The Future in 1985. He followed that with the critically successful River’s Edge. Then, he took a few years off of acting and pursued other creative projects. Writing and illustrati…

The story of the infamous album by Star Trek's William Shatner, The Transformed Man from 1968.

Hogan’s Heroes was not exactly your typical sitcom. Debuting on CBS in 1965, it was set in a German POW camp during World War II. And it was a hit. So, in 1966, the supporting cast made an album of popular World War II songs. This is the story of Hogan's Heroes Sing The Best of World War II, from …

He dominated standup comedy. He was a cast member of Saturday Night Live when he was 19. He was a movie star. In Eddie Murphy's own words, his ego said "I can do anything!", so he recorded an album. This is the story of Eddie Murphy's How Could It Be from 1985.�

Macho Man Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan, two of the biggest stars in the history of professional wrestling. They had an on again/off again friendship both in the ring and out. In 2003, when he was more or less retired from wrestling, Macho Man wasn't happy with Hogan and called him out....rapping. Thi…

May 22, 2020 was the 40th anniversary of the release of Pac-Man, the video game that made video games for everybody. Two Ohio musicians living �in Georgia, Jerry Buckner and Gary Garcia, loved Pac-Man so much that they decided to write a song about it. And it got them signed. This is the story of Bu…

NBC’s Miami Vice was the hottest show on television in the mid 80’s. The show’s breakout star, Don Johnson, told the head of CBS Records he wanted to make an album. So they signed him. This the story of Don Johnson’s Heartbeat, from 1986.

In March of 1965, The Theodore Hamm Brewing Company held it’s Centennial Celebration party in Minneapolis, Attendees that night would receive a copy of the souvenir album, Hamm’s 65- Bursting with Freshness. This episode was recorded live on February 18, 2020 at Able Seedhouse & Brewery in Minne…

One year after his departure from Van Halen, David Lee Roth released his first solo album, Eat ‘Em and Smile. It was a double platinum success. And then, he re-recorded all of the vocals and released it in Spanish, under a new title. This is the story of Sonrisa Salvaje from 1986. Special thanks t…

Free bonus episode of Bizarre Singles from patreon.com/bizarrealbums

Morton Downey Jr. was a pioneer of what would come to be called “trash tv”. After his controversial talk show became a massive success, he tried to return to his roots by releasing an album. This is the story of Morton Downey Jr. Sings, from 1989.

In 1974, Lou Reed had a top 10 album with Sally Can’t Dance. His label, RCA Records, pushed him to release another album quickly. What they got was a double album of nothing but noisy feedback and guitar effects. This is the story of Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music from 1975.�

The thrilling conclusion to Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, from 1978.�

Robert Stigwood was on fire. He was the manager of the Bee Gees. He produced the films Grease and Saturday Night Fever. Those soundtracks combined sold over 70 million copies for his label, RSO Records. For his next project, Stigwood produced a jukebox musical film made up entirely of Beatles songs.…

She was already an heiress. She was already a model. She was already an author. She had become an actress. So, of course, there would be an album. This is the story of Paris Hilton’s album, Paris, from 2006.

Professional wrestling exploded in the 1980’s. Particularly the World Wrestling Federation. With one album already behind them, Vince McMahon decided it was time for his company to record a follow up. This is the story of Piledriver: The Wrestling Album II from 1987.�

Johnny Cash. The country music outlaw. The Man in Black. The man who once sang the lyrics, “I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die”, released a children’s album in 1975. This is the story of The Johnny Cash Children’s Album from 1975.

A former writer for Gilligan’s Island named Joel Rapp, his wife Lynn Rapp, and a synthesizer pioneer named Mort Garson team up to release an album of music…for plants. This is the story of Mother Earth’s Plantasia from 1976.

Jane Fonda’s Workout played a huge part of the 80's fitness craze. With success, comes parody. This is the story of Miss Piggy's Aerobique Exercise Workout Album, from 1982. ��

The thrilling conclusion to the soundtrack for the 2018 documentary Bathtubs Over Broadway.�

Steve Young was a writer for David Letterman for over 20 years. While record shopping for a segment on the show, he stumbled into some �mysterious, corporate souvenir records marked "internal use only". Little did he know, they would change his life. This was the subject of the 2018 documentary, Bat…

Mae West. Actress, playwright, sex symbol…and 70 something year old rock and roll singer?!? It happened. With a teenage backing band. This is the story of Mae West’s Way Out West album from 1966.

A free episode of Bizarre Singles from the Patreon.com/bizarrealbums page! This one is about the rap single released by actors Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks, "City of Crime" from the soundtrack to their Dragnet movie from 1987. ��

“The first time I heard that Ed was taking singing lessons I made a citizens arrest on his tonsils for assault with a deadly weapon. After listening to this album, however, I think I’m liable to be sued for false arrest. Ed can sing. And quite well, too. I’m certain you’ll find “And Me…I…

An animated opening movie title sequence spawned one of the most iconic cartoon characters of all time, The Pink Panther. In 1981, The Pink Panther released a so-called "punk" record. This is the story of Pink Panther Punk from 1981.�

From the first ever live Bizarre Albums show. This time, instead of an album, telling the story of Michael Jackson's ill-fated Ghosts music video from 1997. Recorded live on October 18, 2019 as part of Podcast Party at the Pack Theater in Los Angeles, CA.�

John Wayne. The Duke. He loved America. So much so, that in 1973 he recorded an album of patriotic poems set to music. This is the story of John Wayne's America, Why I Love Her from 1973.  

Elvis Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker was not a Colonel. In fact, he wasn't even a legal US citizen. Many people believe he was a con man and would do anything to make some money. One of his craziest plans was to release an Elvis Presley album...of just talking. This is the story of Having Fun…

MTV aired episodes of the old Monkees tv show in 1986, which was also the twentieth anniversary of the band and the tv series. It exploded and Monkeemania had returned. The following year, a tv producer wanted to capitalize on their popularity a reboot of The Monkees...The New Monkees. This is their…

After opening his own salad bar and gym in Beverly Hills, Richard Simmons started getting national attention when his energetic demeanor was attracting celebrities to work out with him. Once the 80's hit, Richard Simmons was on tv, selling books, and of course, making an album. This is the story of …

The Three Stooges started out as a vaudeville act back in the 1920's. They starred in 190 short films and in 1959, they branched out into making records.  Originally released as The Three Stooges Sing Six Happy Yuletide Songs, the album has been reissued several times, and also with the name, Chris…

Following the surprise success of his Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk album, Meco Monardo set his sights on making a Star Wars Christmas Album….only two years after the debacle of the Star Wars Holiday Special. This is the story of Christmas in the Stars: Star Wars Christmas Album, from 1980. 

Long Island’s Twisted Sister were 1980’s MTV/heavy metal darlings. After reuniting in the early 2000's, they announced they would make one last album....a Christmas album. This is the story of A Twisted Christmas by Twisted Sister, from 2006. �

Comic books. Movies. TV series. Animated spin-offs. Tales From The Crypt did it all. Including a Christmas album in 1994.�

Dinosaurs was a sitcom that was born from an idea that Jim Henson had shortly before his passing in 1990. Eventually his son Brian took over the Jim Henson Company and was able to make the show for ABC in 1991. The show was a hit, so of course, that lead to an album in 1992. This is the story of Din…

After his band Them broke up, Van Morrison was courted by Bang Records and Bert Berns to record some solo material. After a promising start, it quickly went downhill, eventually resulting in Morrison recording over thirty nonsense songs that he made up on the spot just to get out of his record deal.…

Record producer Domenico "Meco" Monardo saw Star Wars on it's opening day in May of 1977. He ended up seeing it 11 times in the theaters. He loved John Williams' score and dreamed up a disco version that he thought could be a hit...and he was right. This is the story of Star Wars and Other Galactic …

On the heels of the success of Sam Raimi's 2002 Spider-Man movie, Marvel announced a Spider-Man musical. Bono and The Edge from U2 were tapped to do the music. It seemed like everything was falling into place...then...budget problems, delays, firings, injuries, and even a death eventually lead to th…

It's Halloween! Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street was a hit in 1984. But it was after A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors that it totally crossed into the mainstream. Freddy Krueger merchandise was everywhere. Including this album from 1987 by a group of studio musicians calling themsel…

Happy Halloween! Within a few weeks of it's tv debut in 1964, The Munsters became one of the top ten shows on television. The show premiered in September and before the end of the year, there was already tons of merchandise, including this album.�

Get in the Halloween spirit with a free bonus episode from the Patreon feed. Sign up for weekly bonus episodes of the spinoff show, Bizarre Singles, at patreon.com/bizarrealbums !�

Star Trek started gaining a cult following after it's television debut in September of 1966. �A few months later, Dot Records approached the producers about making some sort of Star Trek album. The result: Leonard Nimoy Presents Mr. Spock's Music From Outer Space, from 1967.�

In 1966, rock bands started to get much more ambitious in the recording studio. On television, Batman had premiered in January and was a huge success. So, Jan and Dean made a rock and comedy concept album about Batman...well, at least that was the plan.�

Academy Award winning actor Joe Pesci seemed to always have a connection to music, whether that was playing guitar in bands or helping with the formation of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. In 1998, Pesci released an album of his own, as his character from the hit comedy, My Cousin Vinny....Vince…

In 1998, after nearly fifty years of producing records, Sir George Martin decided to make one final album. A record for himself, as he put it. He asked some of his friends and heroes to come and perform Beatles songs for it. Recording artists such as Phil Collins and Bobby McFerrin took part...but s…

Alvin and The Chipmunks had all but faded away in the 1970's. Their unexpected return was due in part to a bored radio DJ making a joke. This is the story of Chipmunk Punk, from 1980.�

In 1976, after winning his second consecutive Super Bowl, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw released an album of country and western covers. ��

Laverne and Shirley was a wildly popular American sitcom in the 70's and 80's. Michael McKean and David Lander played the roles of Laverne and Shirley's upstairs neighbors, Lenny and Squiggy. Occasionally they appeared in episodes playing music as Lenny and The Squigtones. In 1979, Lenny and The Squ…

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal released a platinum selling hip-hop album in 1993. This is the true story of how it came to be.�

In 1989, bassist Dee Dee Ramone left The Ramones and made a rap album under the name, Dee Dee King. This is the story of that album, Standing In The Spotlight. 

In 1968, a band composed entirely of cartoon characters from Riverdale released their self titled debut album...The Archies. This is their story.�

The story of actor Bruce Willis' The Return of Bruno album(1987).�

The story of The Simpsons Sing The Blues album(1990).�

For the debut episode, hear the story of the World Wrestling Federation's The Wrestling Album(1985). �

On this new podcast, Tony Thaxton tells the story behind the strange albums that you can't believe actually exist.�