CDs collect Sid and Marty Krofft music

Those of us of a certain age (you can spot us by our graying/thinning hair) have fond and/or troubled memories of Sid and Marty Krofft's psychedelic Saturday morning live action shows such as "H.R. Pufnstuf," "The Bugaloos," etc., and the bubblegum soundtracks that accompanied them.

Now El Records is making some of that music available on CD.


The Bugaloos
Syd & Marty Krofft’s enormously successful follow up to “Hr Pufnstuf” another wizard of oz style children's programme full of psychedelic metaphors and great music (Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel).
With a nod toward the contemporary success of Josie and The Pussycats and The Banana Splits (which placed a band at the centre of the story), and with insect wings that allow them to fly, The Bugaloos were a fake pop band of English bugs who live in Tranquility Forest (the last of the British colonies) along with their friend Sparky the firefly.

The Bugaloos theme was created by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel (who had completed ‘Barbarella’ and ‘Pufnstuf’ and would soon write the famous themes for 'Happy Days' and ‘Laverne and Shirley') with most of the other beautiful selections (including the hit 'Senses of Our World') penned by Hal Yoergler who also produced the soundtrack.

Touted as the British version of the Monkees, over 5000 aspiring Bugaloos auditioned to cast the four leads, each having to demonstrate aptitude in dance, singing, and acting. Apparently a young Phil Collins was amongst them, auditioning for the role of I.Q but failing to get the part.



Pufnstuf Original Soundtrack
The soundtrack to the film version of Sid & Marty Kroffts gigantic children's TV hit 'HR Pufnstuf'-the programme that introduced psychedelia into the diet of English and American children in the late 60s/ early 70s. It starred of course, the most famous English boy actor of all, Jack Wild (straight from the highly-acclaimed Artful Dodger in Lionel Bart's 1968 film musical smash 'Oliver!'), alongside the great Cass Elliot from the Mamas And The Papas (whose film debut this was), So a unique anglo-american appeal.
Pufnstuf was a smash hit in America and is today an institution. Still remembered fondly by those that were touched by it as children and now enjoyed by younger viewers through cable transmissions. Pufnstuf was also a hit here in the uk where like 'The Simpsons' it enjoyed prime airtime slot at 6pm in the evening.

The soundtrack written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel ('Barbarella' 'Happy Days' 'Laverne & Shirley) is a remarkable amalgam of bugglegum, psychedelic instrumentation and joyful knockabout songs including ‘Zap The World’ and the fine Cass solo number ‘Different’ which is exclusive to this record. Pufnstuf is full of great, clever, funny songs sung by Jack Wild, Cass Elliot, Witchiepoo and the cast.


Both albums are due out March 11 and are available for pre-order from Amazon by clicking the above title links.

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