Undoubtedly, 1934, was the year that the Great American Songbook coalesced into something that was blatantly obvious.

The entire world of ‘Western’ pop music revolved around the sophisticated musings of learned Americans, led in particular by the culturally challenging observations of Cole Porter, who ruled contemporary music in a manner not so different from Oscar Wilde’s hold on contemporary literature just forty years previous.

For a short period of time between the world wars, sophistication, literacy, worldly knowledge and a significant edginess challenging cultural mores defined the mainstream. For a short while, it was glorious.

Featured tracks include:

I Get a Kick Out of You – Tony Bennett

I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’ – Brian Wilson

I Only Have Eyes for You – The Flamingoes

Lazy River – Louis Armstrong

Miss Otis Regrets – Bryan Ferry

On the Good Ship Lollipop -  Tiny Tim

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town – The Crystals

Stars Fell on Alabama – Ella and Louis

Summertime – Miles Davis

Winter Wonderland – Darlene Love

You and the Night and the Music – Chet Baker

You Go to My Head – Bryan Ferry

You’re the Top – Cole Porter