- A Nostalgic Journey Through Country Waltzes and Canadian Landscapes
"In The Blue Canadian Rockies" is the second full-length 12" Vinyl LP Album by "The Moms and Dads", released in 1971. This album continues to showcase the band's signature blend of easy listening and country music. With their harmonious melodies and soothing tunes, "The Moms and Dads" offer a musical journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, creating a nostalgic and delightful listening experience. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
When it comes to soothing melodies and nostalgic tunes, few bands capture the essence of Americana quite like The Mom and Dads. Their 12" vinyl LP album, "In the Blue Canadian Rockies", is a charming collection of songs that takes listeners on a musical journey through picturesque landscapes and cherished memories.
The Mom and Dads, known for their unique blend of country, folk, and easy listening, create a warm and inviting atmosphere with their music. "In the Blue Canadian Rockies" exemplifies their signature style, transporting listeners to a simpler time filled with heartfelt melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
This vinyl LP album not only offers a delightful auditory experience but also includes a custom inner sleeve, providing album details and photos. It's a thoughtful addition that allows fans to further immerse themselves in The Mom and Dads' musical world, connecting with the stories and emotions behind each track.
"In the Blue Canadian Rockies" invites listeners to join The Mom and Dads on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Canada. From the title track, which captures the serene beauty of the Canadian Rockies, to the lively melodies of "I'm an Old Cowhand", the album paints vivid musical pictures that evoke a sense of wanderlust and nostalgia.
The Mom and Dads' musical talent shines throughout the album, showcasing their instrumental prowess and the harmonious blend of their voices. Whether it's the gentle strumming of guitars, the playful sounds of the accordion, or the rhythmic beats of the drums, each instrument comes together seamlessly, creating a rich tapestry of sound that perfectly complements the heartfelt lyrics.
"In the Blue Canadian Rockies" is a testament to the enduring appeal of The Mom and Dads' music. Their ability to captivate listeners with their wholesome and charming melodies has made them a beloved group for decades. Their music transcends time, allowing new generations to discover the joy and simplicity of their songs.
The Mom and Dads were an American easy listening and country music group that gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. The band originated in Spokane, Washington, and consisted of four members: Doris Crow (keyboard and vocals), Leslie Welch (accordion and vocals), Quentin Ratliff (drums), and Harold Hendren (bass guitar).
Known for their light-hearted and melodic sound, The Mom and Dads achieved success with their instrumental covers of popular songs, as well as their own original compositions. Their music often featured catchy melodies, harmonies, and a variety of instruments, including accordion, piano, drums, and bass.
The Mom and Dads gained a substantial following with their live performances and were regulars on television variety shows, including "The Lawrence Welk Show". Their music appealed to a wide audience, and they released several albums throughout their career, including the well-known "In the Blue Canadian Rockies".
While the group disbanded in the late 1970s, their music continues to be cherished by fans of easy listening and country genres. The Mom and Dads left behind a legacy of nostalgic and comforting melodies that evoke a sense of simpler times and hold a special place in the hearts of many listeners.
As the needle touches the vinyl, "In the Blue Canadian Rockies" envelops the listener in a warm and comforting embrace. The Mom and Dads' soothing harmonies and melodic arrangements transport us to a bygone era, where life moved at a slower pace and music provided solace and joy.
Music Genre: Polka, Folk, World, & Country |
Album Production Information: Album cover photography: David Ingro |
Record Label & Catalognr: MCA Records – MCA 7007 |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1971 Made in Canada |
Complete Track-listing of the album "THE MOM AND DADS In The Blue Canadian Rockies" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "THE MOM AND DADS In The Blue Canadian Rockies" is: Track-listing Side One:
Track-listing Side Two:
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Front cover of THE MOM AND DADS – In The Blue Canadian Rockies: A breathtaking natural vista dominates this album sleeve. In the foreground, the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake shimmer with a glassy stillness, reflecting the cold, glacial purity typical of the Canadian Rockies.
Jagged grey-blue mountain peaks rise steeply in the background, layered in soft gradients of alpine stone, snow, and shadows, creating a towering wall of nature. A sweeping slope of scree descends from the left, meeting the shoreline dotted with pine trees, their dark green needles sharply contrasted against the lake’s radiant color.
On the right, a fir tree extends partially into the frame, giving the image depth and framing the mountainous background. Overhead, the sky glows in soft pastel tones of blue and light yellow, suggesting either early morning or dusk.
The album title IN THE BLUE CANADIAN ROCKIES is printed in bold blue capital letters across the top, with THE MOM AND DADS standing out in oversized yellow type directly beneath it. In the top right corner, the MCA Records logo and catalog number (MCA 7007) appear in small print.
This album cover evokes a deep sense of peace, nostalgia, and timeless wilderness, perfectly aligning with the band’s easy listening and country stylings.
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Back cover of THE MOM AND DADS – In The Blue Canadian Rockies: The back cover is a well-structured black-and-white collage combining performance imagery, track details, and critical acclaim. On the right, a high-contrast live photograph captures the four band members mid-performance on a small stage. The accordionist and keyboardist (a woman, likely Doris Crow) are prominently featured under a large “GARDENS” sign painted on a brick wall backdrop.
To the left, the album's tracklist is divided by sides and annotated with songwriters, durations, and music publishers. Each song is set in uppercase text, with track timings aligned clearly. Below the tracklist is a photo credit to David Ingro.
The lower half of the sleeve is filled with printed testimonials from Canadian radio broadcasters praising the band’s previous hit, “The Rangers Waltz,” and their broad appeal. The glowing reviews are typeset in a newspaper-column layout, lending an archival, documentary feel.
On the bottom right, an inset reproduction of the band's first album cover, “The Rangers Waltz,” is included with track highlights. MCA Records branding, catalog number MCA 7007, and production credits round out the presentation.
This back cover not only showcases the warmth and grassroots popularity of The Mom and Dads, but also reinforces their connection to Canadian audiences and broadcasters, making it an essential artifact in the group’s legacy.
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Side One Label of THE MOM AND DADS – In The Blue Canadian Rockies: This image shows a close-up of the vinyl record’s central label for Side 1. The upper half of the label is a deep blue background where the title IN THE BLUE CANADIAN ROCKIES and artist THE MOM & DADS are printed in white uppercase text. Below that, the designation SIDE 1 appears.
The centerpiece of the label is the iconic MCA Records logo—a multi-colored geometric prism design divided into orange, red, violet, blue, and teal triangles surrounding the spindle hole, set against a black background. To the left of the prism is a cartoon face logo with a monocle, and the bold white-on-black MCA RECORDS brand mark.
On the right of the prism, technical details are printed in white: STEREO, catalog number MCA-7007, and matrix number (MG 71026).
The bottom semicircle lists all six tracks on Side 1 with timing and songwriter credits:
Around the edge of the label in white lettering is the copyright and production imprint: Made in Canada by MCA Records (Canada) under licence from MCA Records Inc. – U.S.A. Broadcast under licence only. The label's classic design and clean layout are typical of early-70s pressings.
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Side Two Label of THE MOM AND DADS – In The Blue Canadian Rockies: This is the detailed label for Side 2 of the 12-inch vinyl LP, continuing the visual theme from Side 1. The upper arc is colored in soft blue, featuring the album’s title IN THE BLUE CANADIAN ROCKIES and the artist name THE MOM & DADS in white capital letters. Below that, it reads SIDE 2.
The centerpiece remains the vibrant geometric prism logo of MCA Records, divided into four sharply defined colored sections—red, violet, teal, and orange—radiating around the center hole. A monocled cartoon face sits to the left, framed by the black and white MCA Records banner.
On the right side, the text reads STEREO with catalog number MCA-7007 and matrix code (MG 71027). The record’s outer rim again carries the imprint: Made in Canada by MCA Records (Canada) under licence from MCA Records Inc. – U.S.A. Broadcast under licence only.
The song listing for Side 2 appears in white print against a deep blue background:
This side preserves the album’s nostalgic charm, showcasing a blend of traditional and popular American melodies. The clean typography and bright label design make it instantly recognizable among collectors.