Little is known (by me) about theater organist Jesse Crawford. Big in the 1920s and 1930s, he received the “Decca treatment” on this 195? mono release of Over the Rainbow. Though I generally steer clear of organ-based wobblers, I couldn’t pass up the amazing cover art, depicting a sensationally colorful, and spectrum-spanning pipe organ. This copy is also signed by Mr. Crawford, so that helped matters.
Author Archives: The Prudent Groove
Stereo and Regular
Regular = mono, apparently and according to Decca Records. Found inside Jesse Crawford’s 195? album, Over the Rainbow, this New World of Stereo Sound insert has something for even the seasoned listener, such as your esteemed self.
Gypsy
I’d not heard of Yoska Gabor and his Gypsy Orchestra until the day I nabbed the Time Records Series 2000 album, Gypsy. She must be a reissue as she’s not housed in her usual, Time Records Series 2000 gatefold cover, but that doesn’t subtract from how mesmerizing the music is. I’m much more a fan of the horn than I am of the string, but with the fury and passion displaying within Gypsy, I’ll let the horn rest for a double-sided spin. Check it out if you’re feeling adventurous. She’s labeled as jazz-folk-pop, but I’m sure you’re clever enough to come up with your own label for it.
Animalization
Though she may have a few blemishes, I’ll gladly nab The Animals’ Animalization for a cool $0.92. G’wan have to spin this fool first chance we get. The Animals were my first introduction to the British Invasion, so although I’ve moved on to brighter, Kinkier horizons, I’ll always have a special place in my heart for my first.
Nasty
Upon its 1998 release, I grew to hold some nasty resentment towards my (then) favorite band’s Hello Nasty release (their fifth). For me, 1992’s Check Your Head and 1994’s Ill Communication were the perfect, bratty blend of aggressive punk and conscious hip hop that defined an era (my high school years). That era ended in 1998 with Nasty. She was released in the summer, and by the fall I’d already moved on to the likes of Crass and Anal Cunt (thank you Ear Wax Records in Madison, WI). I’d kept up with the boys Beastie through the end of their career (2011’s Hot Sauce Committee Part Two), but they’d certainly fallen from the pedestal I’d made for them. Now listening to the 4x LP box set from 2009, and I must admit that my stupid, younger self may have been a bit too harsh on Hello Nasty. It’s certainly one of my least favorite of their albums, but it certainly makes for an enjoyable spin.
For Whom the Cowbell Tolls
I’ve stopped spinning and decided to read about spinning these past few weeks. Couldn’t tell you the last record I spun, to be completely honest. Just finding out of this 2014 book’s existence the other day, she arrived at my stoop late last night. 36 pages in and I’m already blocking several hours to continue over the weekend. If you’re read Dan LeRoy’s 33 1/3 book on Paul’s Boutique, this is part 2 titled, For Whom the Cowbell Tolls – 25 Years of Paul’s Boutique. Along with several circa: 1988 production photos, this book touches upon two more books in the making. One, a complete and official history of Delicious Vinyl by coauthor Peter Relic, and the other an authorized autobiography by the remaining Beastie Boys. Both of which will be sought out and thoroughly analyzed. If you’re a fan of Paul’s Boutique, and you haven’t already, check out the 33 1/3 book. If you’ve read that and love it, For Whom the Cowbell Tolls is a must-read sequel.
The best in men’s clothing
Call Paul’s Boutique, ask for Janice
The number is 718-498-1043
That’s Paul’s Boutique and they’re in Brooklyn
Days
I am now officially two months behind on my Vinyl Me, Please spins. Someone needs to get their shit together.
Happy National 8-Track Tape Day!
Yes, it’s a real thing. Look it up, fools! Also, happy National 8-track Tape Day!
Love, The Prudent Groove
Let the Good Times Roll
Not bad what $4 can get you when you’re in a savvy mood. www.rftc.com, kids.
Better Call Paul
My current obsession… all things Paul’s Boutique. Ask for Janice.
Happy 40th Birthday, The Clash!
The Clash’s monumental debut was released 40 years ago today. Let that one settle in. 40… YEARS! Yup. We, all of us, are very, very old. Anyway, happy flippin’ birthday, The Clash! Though I don’t consider you punk, you’re one of my favorite bands. RIP Joe Strummer.
On Fire
We’re On Fire today, which, I suppose is better than being IN fire. That’s right… DV-001, kids. Limited to only 1000 copies from back in 1987, On Fire / Cheeba Cheeba was produced, arranged and mixed by Delicious Vinyl creators, and Los Angeles staples Matt Dike and Michael Ross. Spreading the fire, one day at a time.
I Like My Percussion Provocative (Vol. 3)
Ahhh (sigh of relief). Another day, another early 60’s Space Age Pop album. Enoch Light? Check! High quality gatefold cover? Check! Command Records quality? Check! Groovy, minimalist album art? You bet’cha! Provocative Percussion Vol. III is probably my favorite so far, of those I own. Still missing Vol. II, then we’ll have all 8 volumes of both the Provocative and Persuasive Percussion series. Volume IV of Provocative currently rests on the wall of our kitchen after the wife knocked over the previous framed accent. She’s a fan of these volumes as well, so secretly, I think she wanted to display the album art. Who can blame her?!
Bottoms Up
1967 Dean Martin is solid, reliable, and adequate cocktail-chaser music. Gin and tonic, rye and vermouth with a dash of bitters, or a tart vodka martini are all outstanding pregame options to Deano Martino’s You Can’t Love ’em All. Though originally recorded for the original Ocean’s 11 in 1960, Ain’t That A Kick in the Head made its first LP appearance on this record, or so I could gather by my research companions (Discogs.com and Wikipedia.org). Whether your drink of choice is a Harry Headbanger, black coffee, or simply lemon water, Dean Martin is at the ready with a thirst-quenching soundtrack for you. Bottoms up.
New Show
It’s been YEARS since I’ve experienced Front 242. September can’t get here fast enough.
Steal the Necklace
I’ll admit a few things, though I recognize this isn’t a wise attempt before my first cup of coffee. I was not immediately blown away by Run the Jewels’ Junior effort, RTJ3. Ok, that’s the first thing. The second thing is, as highly recommended as this album comes, I’m banking on the idea that this album is a slow-grower, and will eventually become one of my favorite spins. The same blanket statement can be said (because it happened) for the entire Dead Kennedys library. So, here’s hoping RTJ can channel some Jello Biafra, at least within these reverberating walls.
Membershit
Just renewed my Vinyl Me, Please subscription today and it dawned on me… I don’t utilize the member store near enough. Nothing from this month’s flier screams “buy or die,” but I should really make it a point to check the store monthly. Bang for my buck, know what I’m sayin’?
Solid Gold
In all my Wax Trax! Records collecting days, I’ve never seen a gold version of the iconic logo. Not sure why it’s taken me so long to secure WAX005, A Popular History of Songs’ 1984 effort, Ladder Jack, but neatly affixed to the back cover of said EP is this glittering gem. I’m a sucker for logos, if you haven’t figured that out, and beside the Grand Royal Records logo, this one may take the cake.
Music to be Murdered By
Well kids, it finally happened. I finally nabbed a copy of Dan the Automator’s 1989 EP, Music to be Murdered By. Needless to say, I’m beside myself with excitement to spin this 7-track dinosaur for the first time. I’m not really sure what to expect from a 1989 Dan Nakamura, but I can’t wait to find out. In regards to timeline, it would be another 10 years from the time of this release before I’d even hear of the man (1999’s So… How’s Your Girl? by Handsome Boy Modeling School), so let’s just say this is gonna be a fun spin.
Please take special note of the cheeky details in the album art. Classic Automator.
Newly Remastered for Vinyl
What was, a short week ago, just entering my conscious via casual coffee conversation, is now a welcomed member of our record library. The 20th anniversary of the From Dusk Till Dawn soundtrack is featured on double blood-red splattered vinyl, comes with a foil-stamped number of 5500, and was officially approved for release by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. Not sure what that says, but it says something.
The Prudent Groove 