Lot #193: Exotica LP The Markko Polo Adventurers - Orienta Vintage 1959

Mono pressing of the highly sought after Exotica masterpiece, Orienta, performed by the fictitious outfit The Markko Polo Adventurers. Released on RCA Victor label (Cat LPM 1919) this album is an absolute staple for collectors of mid century Spage Age pop, lounge, and exotica. A masterful blend of traditional arrangements with quirky percussion, mid century sound effects, and theatrical themes to create a vivid audio-travelogue. Cover: features a theatrical, Eastern inspired studio set up intended to make buyers believe they were purchasing music from a real, active touring troupe. In reality, the group never existed - it was entirely a studio creation. Photo by Murray Laden, utilizing the 1950s cheesecake visual strategy. Highly sought for its retro aesthetic alone. The album was arranged and conducted by Gerald Fried - who went on to achieve massive fame composign iconic television scores for Star Trek and Gilligan's Island. Tracklist blends reimagined public domain scores with original compositions packed with ambient noises (like wind chimes, ferry boat horns, and sirens) to tell humorous musical stories. This album is not considered a psyop. While it relies heavily on fabrications, deception, and theatrical illusion, its purpose was entirely commercial rather than geopolitical or military. It falls into the realm of mid century marketing. RCA Victor invented The Markko Polo Adventurers out of thin air. It was a studio project orchestrated by arranger Gerald Fried to tap into the massive 50s Exotica and Space Age Pop craze popularized by artists like Martin Denny and Les Baxter. Musically, Orienta is actually a parody or comedic send up of the West's obsession with the "mysterious East". Critics compare its tone to a musical version of Get Smart - an over the top, tongue in cheek pastiche meant to amuse listeners with sound effects rather than subvert them. Because Gerald Fried's later work is so deeply tied to classic 60s espionage and sci fi television, pop culture enthusiasts jokingly link his early lounge music to themes of secrecy and spycraft. Auction Note: All lots are from a single estate collection. This is an opportunity to purchase a carefully curated decades-spanning collection from a single collector. The majority of the vinyl is in near mint condition with many appearing unplayed - if there are flaws of note we did our best to photograph that specifically. If you would like any further information please use the question portion available on each lot. Shipping is available - if you win the lot please email [email protected] to arrange. Pickup category timeslot {A}