The Jay Ward Gypsy Bugle Corps & Madrigal Society - A SALUTE TO MOOSYLVANIA!! (1962)

 

Here is an extremely rare and apparently self-published vanity release from 1962.  This is a 7-inch, 33&1/3 EP that is housed in a gatefold sleeve, and it is a lot of fun.  Several years ago, I posted it on this blog as part of a (now deleted) compilation, but since I recently had the good fortune to acquire a very lovely and excellent copy, it was time to make a brand new rip!

This was made around the time that Jay Ward was in the middle of his "Statehood For Moosylvania" campaign, and you will hear Moosylvania's own anthem, along with several fun instrumental pieces--one of them being the exact recording (as in, the one used for the show) of the "Dudley Do-Right Theme." At certain points after and between songs, you can hear the voices of the musicians and the small audience (this was to mimic a Jazz Festival, apparently), and at one point in the festivities, you can even hear the voice of Bill Scott, Bullwinkle himself!

Speaking of, you would expect this release to have a stronger connection to Rocky and Bullwinkle--which tells me there would have been some rights issues, or at least more trouble than somebody wanted to go to.  There is one clue though, if you look closely at the back cover! The "Moosylvania Anthem" really should have been used on the show itself!

You can find more in-depth information at this site, which also shows you what the inside of the gatefold looks like. 

Also, don't miss the hilarious graphic on the label, where Jay Ward  is pictured in place of the RCA dog!

LINK: A Salute To Moosylvania!!