Yodel fans are a rare breed and it's difficult to find great yodeling recordings, particularly of the alpine variety. When you search eBay for "yodel", most likely you will get results that focus on a narrow selection of American country, or "cowboy" yodeling. Since I prefer "alpine" yodeling, better defined as yodeling from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, etc., I'm going to offer some sugestions to those of you who are searching for similar recordings. (Cowboy yodel fans...see #5 below).

Here are some things to consider when you are searching for true alpine yodels:

1. Be sure you are familiar with and use the different spellings and forms (including the German form) of "yodeling". For example, Americans will spell the word "yodeling" while many selections from England and Australia will spell the word "yodelling". Also be aware of the european spellings: jodel, jodler, jodeln. Including these spellings in your search will enhance your options.

2. When beginning your search, be sure to select the "worldwide" option. Most great (but not all) yodel recordings will come from Germany, Austria, Switzterland, etc. It helps also to include regions that are known for yodels (i.e. Tyrol, Bavaria, etc.).  While shipping from Europe from Europe can be pricey, that's where you'll find the most contemporary recordings. Yodeling, though, is not mainstream even in the countries where it originated.


3. Be aware that alpine yodeling is not "au current" and many of the recordings you find will be vintage LP's. I've come across some real treasures on these old vinyl recordings, so don't overlook these offerings. Some yodlers are so well known that their recordings have been transfered to CD. Look for: Franzl Lang, Peter Hinnen, Adi Unterberger (from Canada). For the best American alpine yodler, look for recordings by Kerry Christensen - he is the absolute best (Kerry also performs country style yodels)! If you are interested in learning how to yodel, I can highly recommend Christensen's "U2 Can Yodel".  I learned how to yodel using this CD.

4. I mentioned earlier the value of vintage recordings. Be on the lookout for obscure recordings from the USA, particularly those from the midwest and on private labels. I came across some superb recordings from New Glaurus, Wisconsin by "The Edelwiess and Betty"...look for them..absolutely charming. Also look for Arthur Brogli and his two private label recordings "Spectacular Yodeling" (which is "specatcular") and "Happy Yodeling" (the latter is tough to find).

5. After all is said and done, don't overlook some of the "cowboy" yodel recordings. I highly recommend: Wylie and the Wild West, Riders In the Sky, and (in my opinion one of the best cowboy yodelers of all time) Randy Erwin (aka Randy Skalicky). Sadly underrecorded, Randy's cowboy yodels are smooth, soft, honey covered bubbles. Look for "Til the Cows Come Home"...terrific!

I'm not sure how I became obsessed with yodeling. It just happened one day. I suspect that my Swiss heritage has something to do with it. I do know that yodeling has brought me a joy that I've never had before (and that's coming from a guy who's getting up there in years). If you share that joy, I hope you find this information helpful. As a eBay friend says: YODEL ON!