Lately, I’ve been watching the TV series Mad Men on Netflix streaming. It’s an oddly compelling view into the lives of people working at an advertising agency in the 60′s. The characters are interesting and the setting adds a fascinating element. The music, although sparse, comes from the 60′s, and I’ve noticed a few gems I hadn’t previously heard.

One episode featured “Lollipops and Roses” sung by Jack Jones. Apparently it was quite the hit back in 1962.

Another episode ended with an instrumental featuring a clarinet. It turns out it was Acker Bilk playing “Stranger on the Shore”. Not only was the music great, but what a wonderful name, Acker Bilk! How had I not heard of him before? And what a pleasant surprise when I went to Amazon.com to purchase the song–he also has an amazing rendition of “Nights in White Satin“!

I made a few nice additions to my MP3 collection this week, thanks to Mad Men!