#SPC-3088

[vinylarchavist]

The Great Doctor Dolittle Songs by The "Bugs" Bower Orchestra & Chorus featuring Ron Marshall, released on the Pickwick/33 label (catalog number SPC-3088). This is a 1968 vinyl LP featuring songs from the 1967 Doctor Dolittle film musical, composed by Leslie Bricusse.

Below is a detailed overview based on the information available:

Album Details

Title: The Great Doctor Dolittle Songs (also listed as Songs from Doctor Dolittle on some platforms)

Artists: The "Bugs" Bower Orchestra & Chorus, featuring Ron Marshall

Label: Pickwick/33 Records

Catalog Number: SPC-3088

Release Year: 1968

Format: 12" Vinyl LP, Stereo

Manufacturer: Pickwick International Inc. (distributed in the UK by Pickwick International Inc. (GB) Ltd., and in Australia by Basic Books Pty.)

ASIN: B00GGNXWGO (Amazon listing)

Content and Nature of the Album

This Pickwick/33 release is a budget album, likely a sound-alike or cover version of songs from the 1967 Doctor Dolittle film, rather than the original soundtrack featuring Rex Harrison, Samantha Eggar, and Anthony Newley. Pickwick Records was known for producing affordable LPs, often with in-house artists covering popular songs to capitalize on a film’s or musical’s success. The “Bugs” Bower Orchestra & Chorus, led by arranger/conductor “Bugs” Bower, and featuring vocalist Ron Marshall, performs these covers. Ron Marshall also appeared on other Pickwick releases, such as a 1967 Oliver! album (SPC-3135), suggesting he was a regular vocalist for their budget recordings.

While the exact tracklist for The Great Doctor Dolittle Songs isn’t fully detailed in the provided sources, it likely includes popular songs from the 1967 film, such as:

“Talk to the Animals” (the Oscar-winning song)

“My Friend the Doctor”

“Fabulous Places”

“Doctor Dolittle”

“Like Animals”

These tracks are inferred from similar Pickwick releases and other budget albums like Hits From Doctor Dolittle and Other Favorite Animal Songs by The Hollywood Sound Stage Orchestra, which included these songs. Pickwick’s albums typically focused on the most recognizable tracks to appeal to casual buyers, so less prominent songs (e.g., “The Voice of Protest” or “Where Are the Words”) may have been omitted.

Key Features

Sound-alike Nature: This album does not feature the original film cast (e.g., Rex Harrison) or the original orchestrations by Alexander Courage and Lionel Newman. Instead, “Bugs” Bower’s arrangements and Ron Marshall’s vocals provide a budget-friendly interpretation of Bricusse’s songs.

Production: The album was produced by Pickwick International, known for cost-cutting measures like simplified arrangements and minimal packaging. The vinyl is noted for being in good condition in some listings, though Pickwick LPs often had basic cardboard jackets prone to wear.

Availability: The album is available on platforms like Amazon and was listed as a vintage sealed vinyl LP (SPC-3088) on sites like Toad Hall Online. It’s also referenced on Discogs, though specific tracklists and credits are limited.

Additional Context

“Bugs” Bower: Maurice “Bugs” Bower was a conductor and arranger for Pickwick, often working on their budget soundtrack and children’s albums. His orchestra and chorus were used to recreate the feel of popular musicals.

Ron Marshall: A vocalist featured on multiple Pickwick releases, including Oliver! (1967), where he performed alongside the Pickwick Children’s Chorus & Orchestra, also arranged by Bower.

Pickwick/33 Practices: Pickwick’s budget releases sometimes misled buyers by mimicking original soundtracks in cover art or titles. This album’s title, The Great Doctor Dolittle Songs, suggests an attempt to evoke the 1967 film’s popularity without explicitly claiming to be the original soundtrack.

Purchase and Condition

Where to Find: The album is listed on Amazon (ASIN: B00GGNXWGO, available since November 5, 2013) and vintage record sites like Discogs, eBay, and Toad Hall Online. Etsy also lists Pickwick/33 records, though specific availability for this title varies, with some items marked unavailable.

Condition: Listings note that the vinyl and label are typically in very good condition, though jackets may show light storage wear, stains, or small paper pulls. Check photos on Discogs or eBay for specific copies.

Price: Prices vary based on condition and whether the LP is sealed. As a budget release, it’s generally affordable, though rare sealed copies may command higher prices on collector sites.

Comparison to Original Soundtrack

For contrast, the original 1967 Doctor Dolittle soundtrack (20th Century Fox Records) and its 2017 50th Anniversary Expanded Edition (La-La Land Records) feature the authentic performances by Rex Harrison and others, with lush orchestrations and additional demos. The Pickwick album, while charming for collectors of vintage vinyl or budget releases, offers a more economical, less polished take on the same material.

Recommendations

If You’re a Collector: This album is a great find for fans of 1960s budget vinyl or Pickwick curiosities. Check Discogs, eBay, or Amazon for available copies, and verify the condition of the jacket and vinyl before purchasing.

If You Want the Original Songs: Consider the 1967 original soundtrack or the 2017 La-La Land Records expanded edition for the authentic Doctor Dolittle experience, including unreleased tracks and demos.

Further Details: If you have the album or a specific copy in mind, I can analyze images or listings (e.g., from Discogs or Etsy) for tracklists or condition details. Alternatively, I can search for additional listings to help you find a copy.