Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Tom Lehrer: The Remains Of Tom Lehrer

Tom Lehrer: The Remains Of Tom Lehrer

By Mike Perciaccante
June 7, 2002
View read count

Did you know that the classic songs (heard regularly on Dr. Demento's show) "The Vatican Rag," "The Masochism Tango" and "Poisoning Pigeons In The Park" — not to mention, "Silent E" (from the Electric Company) all came from the fertile mind and imagination of one man? Tom Lehrer is the genius behind these great musical and comedy classics.

If you already knew, this is the collection you've been waiting for - a three CD retrospective of Tom Lehrer's career. If you didn't, this CD will serve as an education. Tom Lehrer is the man when it comes to witty rhymes, clever lyrics, as well as, topical musical humor and satire.

At 72-years-old, Tom Lehrer is basically retired (he doesn't perform in public and has not released any new music in quite some time), but everyone knows his songs. This box set combines all of Lehrer's previously released albums and some key bonus tracks, such as his songs from The Electric Company.

Rhino has again assembled a beautiful package that not only honors the artist, but serves as a testament to his career. The biggest bonus of this set is the hard-cover bound liner notes. The reader/listener is treated to a complete set of lyrics, an interview, photos and the usual well-researched notes. The Remains Of Tom Lehrer is a winner through-and-through.

Track Listing

(74 tracks)

Personnel

Tom Lehrer

Tom Lehrer - Producer Al Klink - Sax (Tenor) Richard Hayman - Arranger, Conductor Ray Alonge - French Horn Seymour Barab - Cello Mac Ceppos - Violin Alex Cores - Violin Lawrence Feldman - Clarinet John Frosk - Trumpet Jack Gale - Trombone Seymour Red Press - Clarinet, Flute, George Shaw - Bass Ralph Silverman - Violin Thomas Parshley - Clarinet, Flute Morris Wechsler - Piano Arcadie Birkenholz - Violin Richard Sarpola - Bass

Album information

Title: The Remains Of Tom Lehrer | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: Atlantic Jazz

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest 95 en ...
< Previous

Pennies from Heaven
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.