A few weeks back, somebody posted a message about songbooks available from Albert E. Brumley & Sons. The books sounded pretty good, so I blew forty bucks and bought every book available from the company. They'll take credit card orders at (800)435-3725. Their address is different from what was previously posted. It's Albert E. Brumley & Sons, Inc., 100 E. Albert E. Brumley Parkway, Powell, Missouri 65730. Postage is four bucks, whatever the size of your order.

The little songbooks, about 50 songs each, are $3.00, or $20 for the set of 8. There are three "Songs of the Pioneers" booklets in the set, one called "Lamplitin' Songs & Ballads," another called "America's Memory Valley." These books are a wonderful collection of corny old songs that are just plain fun to sing, from "I Ride an Old Paint" to "You've Been a Good Wagon But You done Broke Down." The other three are mostly gospel (Brumley wrote "I'll Fly Away" and "Turn Your Radio On").

The other books are "Great Inspirational Songs" and "Christian Hymnsongs" ($4.50 each); and "Radio Favorites" and "The Best of Albert E. Brumley" ($3.00, such a deal). You'll find the most popular hymns in the little booklets, so it might not be worth your while to get these others. I suppose it's sacrilegious to say so, but I find these songs go especially well with a six-pack.

Thanks to whoever suggested these books. They're great!

-Joe Offer-