'songs of the desert' was recorded at Faraway Studios in Manchester on 22nd March 2002, the following day some songs had additional backing vocals, percussion or instruments added before being mixed and released on April 29th 2002.

'songs of the desert' has proved that great songs stand the test of time, and the Sons of the Desert, the appreciation society of the Laurel and Hardy Association, have spread the word to their members in Italy, France, Germany, and the United States to mention a few.

The cover art is by Peter Daniel of HEADCRASH, and the inner sleeve notes on the songs are by Bob Parker

Album Information

Recorded live at Faraway Studios 22nd March 2002
Produced by Mon Duncalf & The Avalon Boys
Engineered by Mon Duncalf
All songs arranged by The Avalon Boys

The Cuckoo Song (T Marvin Hatley) 1930
This became famous as the signature theme for L&H and featured in many of their films. Played here by Pat, the scene is set for the songs that follow.

In the Good Old Summertime (George Evans/Ren Shields) 1902
From the film "Below Zero" 1930, which finds L&H as street musicians in a snowstorm in Chicago, the wistful opening to this song with acoustic guitars and a pipe organ leading into a stomping good-time finale.

At the Ball (Tune 1905/Lyrics T Marvin Hatley) 1937
From the film "Way Out West", performed in the film by The (Original) Avalon Boys
(Chill Wills, Art Green, Walter Trask, Don Brookins).

Lazy Moon (J.Rosamund Johnson/Bob Cole) 1903
Sung by Oliver Hardy in the film "Pardon us" 1931.

Trail of the Lonesome Pine (Harry Carroll/Ballard MacDonald) 1913
Probably the best known song that L&H performed and a hit in the 1970s, taken from the film "Way Out West".

I'm Looking At You (Richard Barry/Dub Blune) 2001
Written en-route to a recording session for "Way Out North", but not used, this song was re-recorded at the session and has the flavour of the 1930s.

Shine on Harvest Moon (Nora Bayes-Norwoth/Jack Norwoth) 1908
Taken from the film "The Flying Deuces".

Fresh Fish (Richard Barry/Dub Blune/Pat Clarke) 2002
Inspired by the film "Towed in the Hole" 1933.

Sons of the Desert (Frank Craven) 1934
Taken from the film of the same name, and sung to this day by the members of the L&H tents.

Go to sleep my baby (Joseph K Emmett) 1876
Taken from the film "Brats" 1930.

By the light of the Silvery Moon (Gus Edwards/Ed Madden) 1919

Let me call you sweetheart (Leo Freidman/Beth Slater Whitson) 1910
Originally sung by Oliver Hardy in the film "Swiss Miss" 1938.

Dixie (T. Marvin Hatley) 1937
Used in the film "Way Out West" 1937.

Honolulu Baby (T. Marvin Hatley) 1934
From the film (Sons of the Desert) 1934.

Another Fine Mess (Unknown) 1935?
Comprising two instrumental pieces used as a background music on many L&H films, recorded 23rd March 2002.

Pack up your troubles (Felix Powell/George Asaf) 1915

Thanks to:
Bob & Helen Russell, Ian Cudlip, Mike Renouf, Paul Gunning, Elizabeth Owen, Peter Daniel, The Sons of the Desert, Peter Stewart, David 'Bogs' O'Farrell.

Dedicated to Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy