THE SPLENDID BOHEMIANS PRESENT: THE SUNNY SIDE OF MY STREET with THE "MIGHTY MEZ" - SONGS TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD - EPISODE #43: DELICIOUS by Jim Backus and Friend (Jubilee, 1958)

DIG THIS WITH BILL MESNIK AND RICH BUCKLAND- THE SPLENDID BOHEMIANS

DELICIOUS by Jim Backus and Friend (Jubilee, 1958)

This lascivious one-off came to me via Dr. Demento, the famed broadcaster and collector of novelty records. The evocative cocktail music by Mort Garson and Buddy Kaye sets the salacious scene. I immediately recognized the familiar voice of the tipsy seducer as Jim Backus (known for Mr. Magoo and Thurston Howell III). But, who was that sexy siren playing footsie with him? It was Kay Connell, who couldn't reveal her name on the record, as she was under contract at ABC-Paramount - so she remains deeply obscure, known to recorded history only as Jim’s “friend”.

Everyone loves to laugh; it’s contagious. JIm and Kay's chortling is so infectious that it sparks spasms of glee in anyone who hears it. I dare you to try to listen to this record while resisting the effervescent bubbles of mirth that these two wobbly wantons are serving up.

Jim Backus did some estimable dramatic acting, including as James Dean’s dad in Rebel Without a Cause, but he hit comedy pay dirt with Magoo, and later on Gilligan’s Island as the clueless millionaire. On this unique document, the actor demonstrates his powerfully persuasive comic gifts.