The United States of America, Vol. 1 the Early Years and Vol. 2 the Middle Years by Stan Freberg (CD, Jul-1996, 2 Discs, Rhino Records USA)

What was that?
French horns!

So begins a one of the running gags in Stan Freberg's sendup of the history of the United States of America(The Early Years).

What? "French horns" didn't make you laugh? Well, obviously you've never heard the record. And if you didn't, you don't know why the Eagle is our national bird instead of the turkey, what it cost George Washington to rent the boats he used to cross the Delaware, why Manhattan was only $24, why we have no fleurs de lys on the American Flag, or even why Columbus used three boats* to come to America, and why the banks were closed when he arrived.**

And it's a musical, besides. You'll be humming "Everybody Wants to be an Art Director" after your first hearing. This is a classic comedy album. In my opinion it's the best of Freberg, which is saying something considering that he did St. George and the Dragonet AND Grey Flannel Hat Full of Madison Avenue Werewolves. What? You don't know them either? I'm jealous - I know this stuff by heart and you still have a voyage of discovery ahead of you!

Land ho!
What was that?
French horns!
No, it was the lookout - he's sighted land!
Quick, hand me the glass...
Not that glass, the other one.

*Isabella got a better deal at the fleet rate.
**Columbus day.