After Ski At Timberline Lodge: A Cozy, Quirky Time Capsule from 1959
Let’s get one thing straight—this album is not your typical jazz or folk record. After Ski At Timberline Lodge by The Bohemians feels like a warm mug of cocoa after a long day on the slopes (pun intended). Released in 1959 under Timberline Records, it’s got that wholesome, old-school charm with a dash of weirdness thrown in for good measure. It’s part pop, part folk, part world music, and all kinds of charmingly offbeat.
First off, can we talk about Ray Atkeson’s photography? That cover alone makes you wanna grab a wool sweater and head to some snowy mountain lodge where everyone sings together around a fireplace. But let’s dive into the tunes because, trust me, they’re worth it.
The track “Muss I Denn” sticks out like a sore thumb—but in the best way possible. This German folk classic gets a jazzy twist here, and honestly? It works. You don’t need to understand every word to feel its bittersweet vibe. There’s something so earnest about how The Bohemians tackle this tune—it’s like they’re saying goodbye to someone they really love but also trying to keep things light. And hey, who doesn’t appreciate a little yodeling now and then?
Then there’s “Moonlight In Vermont.” Oh man, this one hits different. If you’ve ever been to Vermont—or even if you haven’t—you’ll swear you’re walking through crisp autumn air while listening to this. The vocals are smooth as butter, and the arrangement has just enough twang to remind you it’s still rooted in folk traditions. What makes it memorable isn’t just the melody; it’s how simple yet evocative it feels. Like, close your eyes, and suddenly you’re staring at golden leaves falling against a backdrop of misty hills. No lie—it’s cinematic without trying too hard.
Now, I gotta admit, some tracks lean more novelty than timeless. For instance, “The Tatooed Lady” is quirky as heck and probably wouldn’t fly today, but back then? Totally fun. Same goes for “When I Sing My Yodel”—you either laugh or cringe, no in-between. But isn’t that what makes albums like this special? They’re snapshots of their time, unfiltered and unapologetic.
What strikes me most about After Ski At Timberline Lodge is how human it feels. These aren’t perfect studio performances—they’re real people making music because they love it. Sure, the production might sound dated compared to modern standards, but that rawness adds character. Plus, hearing genres blend seamlessly before genre-blending was cool? Pretty impressive.
So yeah, give this album a spin if you’re into vintage sounds or just want something different. Just don’t expect perfection—expect personality. Honestly, listening to it feels like flipping through an old photo album. Some pictures are blurry, others are hilarious, but each one tells a story. And really, isn’t that what music’s supposed to do?
P.S. Fun fact: Did anyone else notice how many songs mention mountains? Coincidence? Or did The Bohemians just have altitude on the brain? Either way, points for consistency!
