The Mom and Dads “20 Favorite Waltzes”

They weren’t kidding, ten songs per side, waltzes, polka, each with identical sound and tempo, but each as unique as a fingerprint (or song). So few notes, so many songs, it always freaks me out to think about. The excellent cover photo of the band (one mom and three dads, and they look great) is bordered by a 1984 re-release hot-pink frame that really poorly compliments the musicians’ Pepto-toned vests, white shirts and pants (and skirt), and white, leather shoes. As is often the case, expanding the photo to cover the entire cover would have been a better option. The back cover lists all of the songs and composer credits, but fails to credit the band whatsoever. We have the internet for that, but when this record came out, I guess you had to know a Mom and Dads enthusiast or something, or maybe already have one of their records—they released tons between 1970 and this time. Frankly, it’s not my cup of beef barley soup—and by the time I got through this epic journey, I felt like I’d paid my dues, sure enough. I don’t dislike the music, but I’d much rather hear it live—and you can still find polka bands performing in Milwaukee (I think—sadly, the Pandemic rendered nothing a sure thing—even eggs aren’t necessarily eggs). Weirdly, I realize that I know most of these songs—and the ones I don’t know are so much like the ones I know, it makes me question everything—and brings back, for a few, brief seconds—a dream I had last night—believe it or else!

2.10.26