Alka Seltzer - Tunes From Old Records

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Alka Seltzer - Tunes From Old Records
Date: March 22, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Featured Performers: Kurt Massey, Martha Tilton, Country Washburn

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio is a nostalgic musical journey through the beloved radio tunes of yesteryear, focusing on the records and songs that shaped the era before television. Performed and hosted in the warm, conversational manner of vintage radio, Kurt Massey, Martha Tilton, and Country Washburn invite listeners to “get out those old records” and relive the magic of big band, swing, and vocal pop standards. The show is punctuated with playful banter, historical tidbits, and spirited renditions of classic hits.

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Key Discussion Points & Musical Highlights

1. Introduction and Theme of the Show

• [01:08-01:20] The trio kicks off the show, introducing themselves and inviting listeners to join in celebrating the memories that old records inspire.
  • “Morning, noon, and night, it’s Alka Seltzer time!” – Kurt Massey [01:20]
• [01:25-02:02] The hosts set the stage for a trip down memory lane through musical favorites, especially for those who’ve had their “platter collection” for years.

2. Memorable Oldies and Stories Behind Them

The Very Thought of You

• [02:17-02:42] Country Washburn names Ray Noble as the artist that first comes to mind when thinking about favorite platters. A snippet of “The Very Thought of You” is played, setting a romantic tone.
  • “The very thought of you, and I forget to do the little ordinary things that everyone ought to do.” – Singer [02:22]

Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen (The Andrews Sisters)

• [03:01-03:20] The show reminisces about the Andrews Sisters’ impact with this lively classic, singing it with authentic flair.
  • “Can anyone believe it’s been 15 years since the Andrews Sisters rocked the nation with this one?” – Guest/Co-host [03:01]

Songs About Love and Nostalgia

• Multiple hosts and guests express how these tunes evoke strong emotional memories, often reminiscing about first loves or family gatherings centered around the radio.

3. Playful Banter and Lighthearted “Nonsense Platters”

• [07:19-08:10] The hosts look back at the 1930s’ penchant for “nonsense songs,” including:
  • “I blow through here and the music goes around and around…” (music and playfulness) [07:31]
  • “Medi in the Itty bitty poo…” – Kurt Massey, singing “baby talk” lyrics [07:46]
  • “Hudson on the rilla rye…” – Announcer, showcasing a double-talk classic [08:10]

4. Sentimental Standards & Celebrated Performers

I’ll Never Smile Again (Frank Sinatra & Tommy Dorsey)

• [08:25-09:53] The show honors Sinatra’s debut with Tommy Dorsey with a heartfelt rendition, highlighting the song’s emotional weight.
  • “I’ll never smile again until I smile at you…” – Singer [08:33]

Green Eyes (Helen O’Connell & Bob Eberly)

• [10:10-10:25] A shoutout to the Dorsey brothers and their success with this everlasting hit.

Glenn Miller’s Moonlight Serenade

• [10:32-11:08] Country Washburn, with his orchestra, pays tribute to Miller’s influence.
  • “Music fans would never forgive us if we left the great Glenn Miller out of our platter session!” – Country Washburn [10:32]

The Mills Brothers’ Paper Doll

• [11:12-11:26] The team recalls the Mills Brothers and the powerful effect of their smooth harmonies on American music.

5. The Power of Old Records—Reflections

• [11:30-11:47] Emphasizing the importance of music in reviving “good times and good friends of yesterday.”
  • “Anytime you want to recall the good times and the good friends of yesterday, well, just do what Martha and I did today.” – Country Washburn [11:30]

6. Fun Moments and Lighthearted Jabs

• [13:34-13:46] The group humorously regrets not having enough time for even more music legends, noting:
  • “Someday we’ll just have to buy a whole extra hour… We didn’t get in Harry James or Artie Shaw or any of Bing!” – Guest/Co-host [13:34]
  • “When you get to talking about old records, you lose all track of time.” – Country Washburn [13:46]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On collecting old records:
  • “We’re going to get out our favorite old records and build a show of musical memories, especially for you folks who started your platter collection, oh, say, 20 years ago.” – Country Washburn [02:02]
• On revisiting the past through music:
  • “Friends, anytime you want to recall the good times and the good friends of yesterday, well, just do what Martha and I did today.” – Country Washburn [11:30]
• On the infectiousness of catchy tunes:
  • “What if they sound scratchy?” – Martha Tilton
  • “The tunes really were catchy!” – Announcer [01:50-01:56]
• Emotional resonance:
  • “Moonlight Serenade” and “I’ll Never Smile Again” both performed with great pathos, reminding listeners of music's depth and ability to touch the heart.

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Musical Setlist Highlights & Timestamps

• The Very Thought of You (02:22)
• Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen (03:10)
• The Angels Sing (05:29)
• I’ll Never Smile Again (08:33)
• Green Eyes (10:16)
• Moonlight Serenade (10:32)
• Paper Doll (11:15)
• Barney Google and other nostalgic refrains (11:52–12:20)

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Closing Reflections

• The episode closes with the team inviting listeners to keep revisiting old favorites, promising more musical journeys in future broadcasts.
  • “We’ll just have to do it on the installment plan, Martha. But right now, we’d better say goodbye to our friends and ask everybody to come back and see us tomorrow, same time, same station.” – Country Washburn [13:46–13:58]

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This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio is a rich, warm, and joyous celebration of America's musical heritage as broadcast over the radio, blending historical context, playful personalities, and performances that continue to resonate through the decades. Perfect for fans of vintage music and radio lore alike.

Transcript

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[Announcer]

Alka Seltzer Speedy Alka Seltzer the Alka

[Narrator]

Seltzer Show Transcribed in Hollywood, featuring radio's favorite singing stars, Kurt Massey and Martha Tilton with the music of Country Washburn.

[Announcer]

It's Alka Seltzer time Alka Seltzer time

[Kurt Massey]

Morning, noon and night It's Alka Seltzer time I'm Kurt. I'm Martha.

[Announcer]

And here we go with the Alka Seltzer Show. Get out those old records, those old phonograph records, the ones we used to play so long ago.

[Martha Tilton]

What if they sound scratchy?

[Announcer]

The tunes really were catchy.

[Kurt Massey]

And especially those that said I love you so.

[Country Washburn]

That's just what we're going to do. We're going to get out our favorite old records and build a show of musical memories, especially for you folks who started your Platter collection, oh, say, 20 years ago.

[Guest or Co-host]

What's on top of your stack, Kurt?

[Country Washburn]

Well, this is one that called to our attention a talented fellow named Ray Noble.

[Singer or Performer]

The very thought of you and I forget to do the little ordinary things that everyone ought to do

[Announcer]

I'm living

[Singer or Performer]

in a kind of daydream I am happy as a king and foolish though it may seem to me that's everything

[Guest or Co-host]

Golly, Kurt. Can anyone believe it's been 15 years since the Andrews Sisters rocked the nation with this one?

[Announcer]

By mere Mr. Shane, please let me explain. By mere Mr. Shane means that you're

[Kurt Massey]

grand my mere Mr. Shane again, I'll

[Announcer]

explain It Means you're the fairest in the land.

[Kurt Massey]

I could say bella bella. Even say Vonderbar.

[Singer or Performer]

Each language only helps me tell how

[Announcer]

grand you are to explain. I'm here, Mr. Shane. So kiss me and say you understand. So kiss me and say you understand.

[Martha Tilton]

Oh, we all love Alka Seltzer.

[Guest or Co-host]

Yes, we do.

[Announcer]

Yes, we do. Oh, we all love Alka Seltzer. Yes, we do. Yes, we do. You just buy it and you try it.

[Kurt Massey]

You will know exactly why.

[Announcer]

It is a favorite from here

[Narrator]

and

[Announcer]

all over the world.

[Narrator]

Wherever Alka Seltzer is sold, it is a favorite for fast relief from acid indigestion. Just buy it, try it, you'll see why. Alka Seltzer, with its instant alkalizing action, can give you the fast relief you want whenever acid, upset stomach or heartburn makes you uncomfortable. And see those cheerful Alka Seltzer bubbles? They help soothe and settle an unsettled stomach and bring gentle, effective relief. And Alka Seltzer is really refreshing, not like taking medicine at all. So whenever your stomach feels upset from acid indigestion, let Alka Seltzer bring relief quickly and gently. Just try Speedy Alka Seltzer once and make it your favorite. From then on. Try Alka Seltzer by the glass at any drugstore soda fountain. And get a package or two at the counter to keep handy at home.

[Announcer]

Get out those whole wrecks. Those old phonograph records, the ones we used to play so long ago.

[Country Washburn]

Believe me, one of the greatest old records in anybody's collection is a Benny Goodman platter with Harry James, Ziggy Elman, Gene Kruper, Lionel Helmton, Teddy Wilson, and a terrific and talented little girl named Martha Tilton. And the angel Saint Martha.

[Martha Tilton]

We meet and the angels sing. The angels sing the sweetest song I ever heard. You speak and the angels sing. Or am I breathing music into every word?

[Kurt Massey]

Suddenly the setting is strange. I can see water and moonlight beaming. Silver waves that break on some undiscovered shore.

[Announcer]

BL

[Kurt Massey]

Suddenly I see it all change.

[Martha Tilton]

Long winter nights with the candles gleaming through it all. Your face that I adore you smile and the angels sing. And though it's just a gentle murmur at the start we kiss and the angels sing.

[Kurt Massey]

And leave their music bringing in my heart.

[Singer or Performer]

Oh, real great, Martha. Real wonderful.

[Country Washburn]

Looking over these old records, it seems to me that the 30s had more than their share of nonsense platters. For instance, that Farley and Riley hassle that threatened the nation's sanity.

[Announcer]

I blow through here and the music goes around and around.

[Singer or Performer]

Oh, and it comes up here.

[Guest or Co-host]

But likewise Saxy Dowel's little classic of the baby talk that Hal Kemp recorded

[Kurt Massey]

down in the Medi in the Itty bitty poo Femme fee Itty bitty Andy

[Guest or Co-host]

Mama Fitty Too Phim said to mama

[Kurt Massey]

fitty femmy foo 10 Andy fam Andy Fam all over the day.

[Announcer]

And as though that weren't enough, they

[Country Washburn]

gave us double talk as well as baby talk. There was that big, big record by the Merrimacks.

[Announcer]

Hudson on the rilla rye and a brawler brawler suet Hats Head rolls Another little rye and a brawler suet.

[Guest or Co-host]

And then came a welcome reaction. We all went sentimental with the Sentimental Gentleman.

[Country Washburn]

Frank Sinatra made his debut with Tommy Dorsey, and they both made recording history with this tender and touching ballad.

[Announcer]

I never say smile again

[Singer or Performer]

Until I smile at you

[Announcer]

I'll never laugh again

[Singer or Performer]

what good would it do? For tears would fill my eyes My heart would realize

[Announcer]

that our ome.

[Singer or Performer]

I'll never love again I'm so in love with you

[Announcer]

I'll never thrill again

[Singer or Performer]

to somebody new. Within my heart I know I will

[Announcer]

never stop to smile again

[Singer or Performer]

Until I smile.

[Guest or Co-host]

Well, that certainly was one of TD's greatest. And brother Jimmy was doing all right too, with Helen o' Connell and Bob Eberly. Jade Dorsey was on the bestseller list with Green Eyes.

[Martha Tilton]

Your green eyes were the soft lights.

[Kurt Massey]

Your eyes that promise sweetness Bring to

[Martha Tilton]

my soul A longing, a thirst for love divine.

[Country Washburn]

And Martha, the music fans would never forgive us if we left the great Glenn Miller out of our platter session. With the help of my violin and Country Weissman's gang, we'll try to recall a little of his wonderful Moonlight Serenade.

[Guest or Co-host]

Oh, and the Mills Brothers, Curt. Let's not forget them now, sir.

[Country Washburn]

The song that they made their very own.

[Singer or Performer]

I'm gonna buy a paper doll that I can call my own A doll that other fellas cannot steal.

[Guest or Co-host]

Oh, that'll bring back a million memories, I betcha.

[Country Washburn]

Friends, anytime you want to recall the good times and the good friends of yesterday, well, just do what Martha and I did today.

[Announcer]

Get out those old records, those old phonographs, the ones we used to play

[Martha Tilton]

so long ago on the old Wind up victual.

[Announcer]

Barney, Google and Scratchy. The tune and the song.

[Singer or Performer]

I used to beg you over and

[Announcer]

over Just to set the wedding day. Meet me on the portable to melt your heart away with all those old.

[Singer or Performer]

They were wonderful. Lay them over again.

[Announcer]

The ones we used to play so long ago. Alka Seltzer Speedy Alka Seltzer.

[Narrator]

Speedy is the word for Alka Seltzer, the way it brings fast relief from a headache or muscular aches and pains. Yes, and it brings speedy relief from cold discomforts. Alka Seltzer relieves the headache and the ache all over feverish feeling of a cold. Alka Seltzer contains sodium acetyl salicylate, one of the most useful pain relievers known to medical science. And tests prove the system absorbs more of this pain reliever faster from Alka Seltzer. So if you have a cold right now, try Speedy Alka Seltzer for fast relief. That's Alka Seltzer to relieve cold discomforts.

[Announcer]

Alka Seltzer Speedy Alka Seltzer.

[Martha Tilton]

Quick relief or misery of a cold

[Announcer]

gives relief that's very fast. Cold is gone but cannot last. Alka Seltzer.

[Guest or Co-host]

Golly, Kurt, someday we'll just have to buy a whole extra hour on the network and finish up this old record session we didn't get in Harry James or Artie Shaw or any of Bing.

[Singer or Performer]

Oh, no.

[Country Washburn]

You know, when you get to talking about old records, you lose all track of time. We'll just have to do it on the installment plan, Martha. But right now we'd better say goodbye to our friends and ask everybody to

[Announcer]

come back and see us tomorrow, same time, same station. We'll sing the old song, we'll sing the new we'll sing the bright songs and maybe we'll sing the blues on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday too for you.

[Narrator]

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