Draft:Today (The New Christy Minstrels album)

Today, officially released as Today, and Other Songs Featured in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Presentation Advance to the Rear, is the sixth studio album and sole soundtrack album by the American folk music group the New Christy Minstrels. It was recorded between 1963 and 1964, and was released by Columbia Records in March 1964.

Background
The album was especially directed by Randy Sparks, after being contracted by Ted Richmond to compose a film soundtrack for the upcoming Advance to the Rear. The supergroup incorporated an array of instruments, such as marxophones, Jew's harps, piccolos, and ukelins.

Reception
In a retrospective Allmusic review, Bruce Eder awarded Today two stars out of five. "Musically, it was not the group's strongest album, comprised as it was primarily of period and period-style songs that weren't always the wisest choices," he wrote, "[but the titular song] is the standout track."

Side one
All tracks composed and directed by Randy Sparks.


 * 1) "Company of Cowards" – 2:08
 * 2) "This Ole Riverboat" – 2:41
 * 3) "Love Theme" – 2:04
 * 4) "Whistlin' Dixie" – 1:47
 * 5) "Anything Love Can Buy" – 2:53
 * 6) "Ladies" – 2:01

Side two

 * 1) "Charleston Town" – 2:20
 * 2) "Company Q Whistle March" – 2:27
 * 3) "Way Down in Arkansas" – 1:57
 * 4) "Brackenby's Music Box"– 1:50
 * 5) "Riverboat Theme" – 2:05
 * 6) "Today" – 2:44