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

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.

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]

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.

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)

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]

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.