… to these recent RCA Victor releases. This is a command, not a suggestion. Top tier entertainment advertising from 1960, right before your very eyes. Como Swings (LSP-2010, 1959), Chet Atkins’ Teensville (LSP-2161, 1960), and Elvis is Back!, presumably from that hip-swingin’ clam bake (LSP-2231, 1960). These titles and many more are “now available in NEW ORTHOPHONIC and LIVING STEREO versions.” Contact your dealer for more details.
Monthly Archives: January 2018
How High?
Back in 1951, the husband and wife combo of Les Paul and Mary Ford released a slew of shellac 78s. Almost exclusively on the Capitol Records label, this 10″ features Les on his custom Gibson and Mary’s angelic melody on vocals. How High the Moon back with Walkin’ and Whistlin’ Blues as catalog no. 1451. The former is from the stage production of Two for the Show, while the latter is a lazy stroll of an instrumental with a country twang and a foot-stomp backbeat. Certainly a fun, yet restricted and short listen.
The Shape Turns 20!
Though not until October, it’s notable to mention that Refused’s undisputed masterpiece, The Shape of Punk to Come, turns 20 this year. Sit on that one for a beat. While you’re at it, check out Decibel’s coverage of the album in their September, 2010 issue (No. 071). If this doesn’t make you feel old, you’re probably already in the ground.
The Passing of the 40’s, Volume IV
The Passing of the 40’s, the event, not the compilation album, must have been a riveting and ambitious affair. Big bands were still the big deal, and the seeds of rock n’ roll had just been planted. With big bands for the quaint, and jazz for the city folk, The Big Band Era Volume IV (The Passing of the 40’s) covered a lot of ground, and offered much to a wide range of listeners. As seen on TV, and neatly organized in the library.
Do It
Do It is the 1994 single by Swiss geniuses (and mentally stable types) Dieter Meier and Boris Blank, aka Yello. 8x versions of this catchy synch-pop-dance track spanning two records, and for only $2.99 (Amoeba circa: 2008?), makes for a perfect value-meal purchase. When asking yourself, the answer should always be, Do It.
src Fail
For those of you unsavory types who missed out on the ocean blue double vinyl version of the Mondo Jaws soundtrack, you’ve got an overpriced chance to acquire a copy over at srcvinyl. That’s right! For a cool $54.99, you could be the proud owner of the black vinyl version, for roughly a third more than the original retail cost of the ocean blue version. Upon closer examination over at src, it appears this item’s preorder description offers conflicting information… Unless there are varying degrees of darkness (“none more black”), how could a 180 gram black colored vinyl record be described as “Limited double 180gm colored vinyl LP pressing” ??? Somebody better fix that shit!
Great Men of Music: Franz Liszt
This 4x LP box set by Time Life Records circa: 1978 titled, Great Men of Music, showcases 14 of Franz Liszt’s better known arrangements, including the three-part Faust Symphony. Time Life Records released a library of 4x LP box sets under the Great Men of Music umbrella, including collective works by Stravinsky, Schumann, Prokofiev, Bartok, and of course Brahms, at least, these are the ones we own. Obviously there are Beethoven and Mozart box sets to round out the gaggle, and each can be had for about $1 per record, or $4 per set, making these thorough compilations no-brainers for the casual classical consumer.
Gimme Gimme Gimme
The blazing insert to the 2008 comp album, Have Another Ball! (The Unearthed A-Sides Album) released by Bay Area goofballs Me First and the Gimme Gimmes depicts a lovely, mid-century paradisiacal oasis atop a jovial list of jukebox, Top 40 cover songs. A “greatest hits” album all but in name, Have Another Ball! contains pop-punk versions of such memorable tunes by Paul Simon, Daryl Hall, John Denver, Carole King, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, and Elton John. Certainly an album to own for those loopy late nights. “A paradisiacal oasis, right at your fingertips.” Enjoy!
Virgo’s Fool
Originally titled Virgo’s Fool, Van Morrison’s fourth studio offering titled His Band and the Street Choir, brought with it Mr. Morrison’s most successful, solo single. No, it wasn’t Brown Eyed Girl (which is what I’d assumed it to be), but instead, the looming and luxurious Domino. This 12-track album clocks in at just under 42 minutes, and with everything Van the Man released through 1972 (with Saint Dominic’s Preview) is essential, lazy day listening material.
Random Two
Two 45s I never imagined spinning back to back. 1996’s California Dreamin’ by Japanese punks Hi-Standard followed by the live version of Mony Mony by Billy Idol from 1987. Playing the “random two” game is fun from time to time, especially when whiskey picks the records.
Back to Life, Back to Reality
Unsure how to start the new year, I’ll give a quick shout out to our trusty portable, the Numark PT-01 USB. If ever you’re looking for a rugged portable that plays 33 1/3s, 45s, and 78s, this is your machine. She runs on 6x D batteries, and if you’re serious, I suggest investing in EBL rechargeable batteries and the EBL Universal Charger. Well worth the money, on all accounts.
The Prudent Groove 