Friday, April 28, 2023

Mr. Spock's Music From Outer Space!


Star Trek was a hit, at least it made a big impression on those Americans who were susceptible to its science fiction charms. Attempts to monetize that success among the cast was best accomplished by Leonard Nimoy who as "Mr. Spock" was a sex symbol to some of the younger set. Tall, dark and sort of handsome in a weird way is an apt description of the Vulcan Spock. 


Leonard Nimoy would go on to record several albums, but his first played hard on his Spock image. Dot Record's Leonard Nimoy Presents Mr. Spock's Music From Outer Space was released in the spring of 1967 and achieved some success, reaching 83 on the Billboard chart. The album was rereleased in the United Kingdom in 1973 as the relentless mania which is Star Trek took hold overseas. I wouldn't call Leonard Nimoy a singer really, but his voice isn't unpleasant and blended with copious gimmicks it almost works. 


"A Visit to a Sad Planet" was the only actual "hit" from the album when it was released as a forty-five single. The B-side of the record was the Star Trek Theme.



To listen to this truly amazing recording check out Music From Outer Space at this link.

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4 comments:

  1. I seem to recall that his version of 'Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town' wasn't too bad, actually. That might've been on a different album though.

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    1. He sounds okay doing a vague Kenny Rogers shtick, which fits his voice. If you want another listen check this out:

      https://youtu.be/Tk57tQmRw70

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  2. His rendition of "The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins" is legendary! Also, I suspect the other main reason for Mr Spock's popularity was his icy Vulcan demeanor - I think there were any number of ardent female fans thinking "Logical and unemotional, eh? Give me half an hour with him, and I'll have him thawed out like he wouldn't think possible..."

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    1. You could be onto something there. Tall dark and alien is indeed likely a thing for some ladies.

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