| Homer |
Henry Doyle Haynes
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Jul 27 1920 - Aug 07 1971 age 51
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Official Site
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| Jethro |
Kenneth C. Burns
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Conasauga, Tennessee
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Mar 10 1920 – Feb 04 1989 age 68
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Official Site
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The duo gets an introduction from fellow comedian Archie Campbell.
Following Archie’s intro (along with a short bit of sax from Boots
Randolph), there are a few jokes from the duo before they break into one
of their standards, “Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyeballs”, a
humorous take on “Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes”.
Under the guise of Homer & Jethro, “Let Me Go, Lover”, becomes
“Let Me Go, Blubber”, where Jethro feigns being mad at Homer for talking
over his instrumental part. The song, “Fascination” is also worked in.
Perhaps the best cut on side one, is their disassembly of “16 Tons”.
Some great lyrical “adjustments” on this one, that are pretty funny.
Homer & Jethro are legendary country funnymen, but they were also
quite accomplished musicians, as “C-Jam Blues” shows. It’s a smoking
instrumental in the jazz fold, featuring the sax of Boots Randolph,
along with Jethro’s stellar mandolin playing.
Following some comical banter with the audience, the duo wrap side
one with their hit “The Billboard Song”, where they stopped after the
first verse, for some comical bantering, that includes some good humor,
not to mention the song, itself, that tells of comical consequences that
resulted from a storm tearing away parts of billboards to reveal
various ads which result in unintended tags, such as “…drink Wrigley
Spearmint Beer”.
Side two opens with some more jokes that are pretty good. Song-wise,
things open with their parody of “Yellow Rose Of Texas”, which is
titled, “Yaller Rose Of Texas, You-All”.
“Battle Of Kookamonga”, of course, is their famous parody of “Battle
Of New Orleans”. Arguably their biggest hit, as it was a top twenty pop
hit, it also includes a few seconds of “San Antonio Rose”.
One has to chuckle at them getting the crowd, which apparently
included several celebrities of the day, to bark along on “How Much Is
That Hound Dog In The Window”. The song, itself, is one of the great
novelty songs of country music history, becoming a top five hit in 1952.
The song also answers the age-old question, “Can a guitar be funny?”
For that answer, you’ll have to get a copy of the album and see. Also,
listen to how Jethro integrates “Skater’s Waltz”.
Following some more comical banter, including some good lines from
Homer, the two wrap the album with their take on the Elvis classic
“Heartbreak Hotel”. Titled “Hart Brake Motel”, one could argue it’s the
highlight of side two, despite the presence of their two big hits.
Some really witty lyrical work, right here.
Not available on CD, though I think it would be a good one to
release, it seems to be pretty numerous, as far as used copies go. Most
of them going between $4 and $25, in both stereo and mono versions.
As for the Standout Track, I will go with “How Much Is That Hound Dog
In The Window”, while the Hidden Gem goes to “Hart Brake Motel”. You
won’t find a Weakest Track on this disc.
Overall, a funny album. Family-friendly, as well. Homer and Jethro
were of that generation where lewd references to sex and body parts
weren’t needed to get a laugh. No, you may not be constantly doubled
over in hysterical laughter, then again, you might. But, what the album
may lack in out and out guffaws of laughter (and there are a couple of
spots), it makes up for with consistent chuckling. A fun one to spin. I
rate it a 5 out of 5. UltimateTwang
01 Introduction
02 Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyeballs
03 Let Me Go, Blubber
04 Fascination
05 Sixteen Tons
06 Lullaby Of Bird Dog
07 C-Jam Blues
08 The Billboard Song
09 Yeller Rose Of Texas, You - All
10 San Antonio Rose
11 Battle Of Kookamonga
12 (How Much Is) That Hound Dog In The Window
13 Skater's Waltz
14 Hart Brake Motel
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Musical Parody
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RCA Victor – LPM-2181,
LPM2181
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Thanks eNick!
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