Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, etc: The Complete 1956 British Albums Chart

Just before rock and roll took over the world, the radio waves in the UK had some of the best crooners and canaries in the business. Yes, rock was landing on the shores with Bill Haley and the Comets singing “Rock Around The Clock” and “Shake, Rattle and Roll”, and  Elvis w as singing about his “Blue Suede Shoes” while Lonnie Donnegan was skiffling along with “How Long, How L ong Blues”. But for the most parts, rich voices were the diet of the day, with Mel Torme singing a velvet fog of “Fascinating Rhythm”, and Frank Sinatra recovering from Ava Gardner on “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”. Lous Armstrong brings in nostalgia with “Lazy River” and soundtracks are in favor with pieces like “Oh, What A Beautiful Morning” and “Hello Young  L overs”   being taken for their own value and not due to being done by a jazzer. The mix of timeless and pop was a rare thing looking back before music got as segregated as it has now become.