Sam Chalpin - My Father the Pop Singer

Sam Chalpin - My Father the Pop Singer

The album's title refers to the father of a recording chief for a major record company, Atco Records. Sam Chalpin was 65 years old when he recorded the songs on this record which came out in 1966. Despite his age, Sam thought he was cool and hip and wanted to prove it by having him recorded singing the latest pop hits of the day. Sam's son, Ed, the recording chief, was reluctant at first to let Sam into the recording studio. Sam had as much experience singing as Sarah Palin has in politics. Sam sang mainly at some lodge meetings. Eventually Ed came around to letting Sam put out a record as Ed suddenly thought that Sam could be the answer to Mrs. Miller who recorded for Capitol Records.

Sam was let loose into a recording studio with an orchestra and a chorus to accompany him. Sam has a unique vocal style and voice. I'm not going to attempt to describe it. It's something that's better heard than read about. Sam is the William Hung of the 1960s as Sam's covers are distinct from the original versions and memorable listening experiences such as "Leader of the Pack", "Satisfaction" (which by the way has become my new favorite version of this song; my favorite used to be Devo's version), "Batman", etc. Frankly, Sam is much less talented than say John Lennon, Mick Jagger and many other rock/pop stars of the 60s. However, Sam's music is more appealing and better performed than most of what currently occupies the top 40.

Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Leader of the Pack {2:22}

2. Satisfaction {1:48}

3. Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) {1:55}

4. Dominique {1:38}

5. Somewhere {2:08}

Side 2

1. I Want to Hold Your Hand {1:35}

2. I Can't Stop Loving You {2:29}

3. Michelle {2:36}

4. Daydream {1:43}

5. Batman {1:47}