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"I'd Rather Be Alone (Just Thinking of You)"

by the Memphis Melody Boys

This obscure gem was written by Jack Yellen and Milton Ager in early 1926 (the same pair that would later write "Ain't She Sweet" and "Happy Days Are Here Again"). This version was released twice - first on Gennett Records, then on the Sears Roebuck "Challenge" label. The original issue on Gennett credited Barney Zeeman's Kentucky Cardinals (Thanks to Tom Hennessey for providing that info). As it turns out, it was actually Harry Reser's band, so "Memphis Melody Boys" is a pseudonym of a pseudonym! This record will definitely get your toe to tapping. The first thirty seconds is very badly worn, but after that the surface noise smooths out nicely. (see the Red Hot Jazz Archive for further info about Harry Reser, as well as many more sound samples.)
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