Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. Sounds kinda like a bad “Christmas With The Burger King” concept album.

Trust me, you’ll thank me for this little present. You can feel free to open it now. Okay, go ahead. Read on.

Well, history and music go hand in hand as you know, even here at The Peanut Gallery, and since Christmas is just a month away, I thought I’d give you an early Christmas gift by letting you know about some great, free music from the 1920′-1950’s that are in the public domain at archive.org

Whether you like blues, pop, swing, folk, or any other type of music from that era, have a look at archive.org and listen to some real gems.

There are too many great ones to highlight, so here are a few you’ll find,

I’m In The Mood For Love - Vera Lynn with the Casini Club Orchestra, from 1935 and her first commercial recording. By the way, she also appeared on the cover of Jack Owens’ first music sheet for “How Soon” in 1944, published in England. She also started her career the same year as Jack.

I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate - Virginians, from 1923. I like the Wingy Malone version better because it has vocals, and especially because it reminds me of Louis Jordan.

The Wreck of the Southern Old 97 - Ernest Thompson, from 1924. You might remember Johnny Cash’s classic version of this song, but have a listen to this early version, complete with an extra first verse not found in other covers.

Jingle Jangle Jingle - Gene Autry, from 1942. As you might have already read on this blog, Jack Owens co-wrote a song with Gene Autry in 1937, along with Jack Lawrence who first put some of the initial words together.

Marie - Mills Brothers and Louis Armstrong, from 1940. This is a beautiful rendition, just a great sound.

So how are you liking your Christmas gift so far?? Not bad for free, huh?? Better than that gift card you’re going to re-gift, don’t ya think?? Okay back to the goodies.

One you’ll be sure to play over and over for your friends is none other than one of Edison’s recordings from 1922, that great little talking number, Santa Claus Hides In Your Phonograph. Ahh yes, what’s better than Old Saint Nick explaining that he can’t come out of the phonograph to greet all you kiddies because he needs a bath first. But of course, silly Santa, what were we thinking. Perhaps that sinister laugh you belly out every few minutes would even make the Burger King run for cover.

So there you go folks. Oh, and as a stocking stuffer, since we know how popular those can be, more of these great songs can be found on internet radio at KBRDradio.com.

Nothing like old songs for the holidays.