Tag Archives: music

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The Dot Records Customer Service Plan

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dotplanPresented below, in its entirety, is the Dot Records Customer Service Plan, as found on one of their (early 1960s?) inserts. Enjoy.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO OUR CUSTOMERS

Dear Customer:

Have you ever asked your record dealer for a Dot album and found that it is not in stock? If so, we’d like to tell you about the Dot Customer Service Plan and how it works.

If your dealer does not have the Dot album of your choice, ask him to use the Dot Customer Service Plan postage-paid post cards to order that album directly from Dot Records in Hollywood. Your order will be sent to him by return mail, and you will be notified of its arrival at your dealer’s by post card. Thus, your dealer gets credit for the sale even though he did not have the album in stock. Support your local dealer by availing yourself of this plan.

1964 , , , , , , Leave a comment

Sound Effects Volume 9

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v9Some days, not all days, are good days for sound effects. Functioning more as a stock audio library than a casual dinner party favorite, and in this case, volume 9 of such, Authentic Sound Effects (created and produced by Jac Holzman) is your one-stop shop for the following (but not limited to) exciting, and necessary sounds: Sonar Pings, Helicopter Start Up and Take Off, Hospital Waiting Room, Turnstile, Jet Airliner (Jed & Lina) Interior, Geiger Counter, Sonar Pings, Avalanche, Whip Cracks, and of course, the Good Humor Truck. Tickle your imagination and check out Authentic Sound Effects Volume 9. You never know when that bellowing Building Demolition sound will come in handy.

1959 , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Volume 2

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ppv2Released in 1959 (a pattern… it’s beginning to develop!), Terry Snyder and the All Stars (with production and direction from label owner, Enoch Light) released volume 2 in a four volume series titled, Persuasive Percussion. Surprise, surprise, Space Age Pop a plenty on this series, and v2 was my first acquisition from the bunch. Had for a cool $0.92 (yes, that’s correct), Persuasive Percussion Volume 2 has gotten heavy play since the recent monetary transaction, and comes highly, no, intergalactic-ly recommended.

1959 , , , , , , 1 Comment

Pele, and the Legend thereof

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peleThe carousel of Space Age Pop continues to spin over here at The Prudent Groove. Next up, 1959’s The Legend of Pele from Arthur Lyman. “More birds?” asks my wife as the first tracks spins. Bird sounds were (apparently) a big thing in the late 1950s. Exotic sounds (and covers) of just about every kind were big just before the boom of the sonic British Invasion. This era, and this uncategorizable genre (Space Age Pop is a modern term) is a whirlwind of toe-tapping, bird chirping grooves that screams for unforgotten attention, that which it is currently, and diligently receiving from our cabinet hi-fi.

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A New World of Sound on DECCA

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deccaIt’s been a while since we’ve seen a new Decca insert. This one, from a 1963 album by Irving Fields Trio features a rather minimal Jazz section, but boasts a hefty sum by both Bing Crosby (titled Bing’s Hollywood) and Al Jolson. The Mood Music section is where I’m going to spend my time cherry picking, but there is plenty for even the novice listener to explore.

1958 , , , , , , , Leave a comment

I Get a Kick Out of Porter

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bushkinI don’t know much of Bushkin outside of his 1958 album, I Get a Kick Out of Porter, and what little I know about him I learned from the back album jacket. Aside from being an acclaimed songwriter and composer, apparently he was an avid jet flyer as well. One could gather as much from the cover photo, but one can also chalk this late 50s album up to “heavy cheese” or, at least that’s was my thought when I picked it up at the local record shop a few days ago. Ok, now to the music. I Get a Kick Out of Porter is energetic, late 50s jazz piano. Sophisticated, but not violent. Like with many other late 50’s jazz-fused Space Age Pop, it’s perfect living room music for evenings with a loved one. I bought it for the cover, but I’ll keep it for the vigor.

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The Eight Questions Most Often Asked about Stereo Records

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flipThe flip side to Thursday’s Full Dimensional Stereo insert from Capitol Records is this beautiful and informative breakdown of Capitol’s Full Dimensional Stereo sound, or as they state, The Eight Questions Most Often Asked about Stereo Records. Have a read, enjoy the mid-century art, and don’t forget to take notes… there will be a quiz at the end of the week.

1959 , , , , , , 2 Comments

I Want to Be Happy Cha Cha’s

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cha-chaIt’s Saturday, and time for Cha Cha. I’m sorry, didn’t you know? Nevertheless, the glorious weekend is here, which is celebration enough for dancing. I Want to Be Happy Cha Cha’s by Enoch Light and the Light Brigade (gee that sounds great) offer a spectacular blister-popping dance party with this, their magnificent 1959 album. Enjoy your weekend, kids!

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Full Dimensional Stereo

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dimensionalPimping the sensuous, splashy stereo sound to a mass of minions mothering mono was a popular venture in the dawn of this new recording and distribution era. Many vibrant inserts painstakingly detailing this new process were produced, such as this from Capitol Records from the late 50s. It’s an interesting feat to fancy a world where this (by today’s standards) common technique was the shiny new toy on the shelf. I’m gratified that so many labels of the time spent so much on promoting this recording method, which now only seem to exist stuffed inside an indiscriminate album jacket at the thrift store. Beauty, is indeed, in the eye (and ear) of the beholder.

1964 , , , , , , Leave a comment

The Drunken Penguin

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drunkenpIntoxicate your ears with this furry little squirt, The Drunken Penguin. Having been searching for this damn album for longer than I’m willing to admit, I’ve, in the process, acquired a few other ragtime, saloon-style piano records from Mr. Fabric, and am a much wiser, and well-rounded man as the result. Bent Fabric… (get to) know him… (get to) love him. This album was my introduction to the greatness that is Bent Fabric, and I implore you all to pour yourselves a heavy, taxi-calling glass.

1960 , , , , , 2 Comments

Provocative Piano

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hymanIf only for the intoxicating album cover, one should check out Dick Hyman’s explosive, Provocative Piano. Released in 1960, this organ-dancing, cool-man’s-groove music will tickle your fancy just as easily as it tickles the permeating plastic keys of Dick’s outrageous organ. One listen and you’ll get exactly what I’m jivin’ at, boss. Enjoy, and tell ’em the Groove sent’cha!

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GR-8-Tracks

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tapeitblueHunting for elusive and quintessential records while at the same time tracking down (see what I did there) casual listening and essential 8-tracks is a bit of a full time job. Lucky for me, my folks support and encourage this practice, and gobble up each and every much needed 8-track they can find. Perfect example, this double 8-track comp by the Beatles titled, 1967 – 1970 from 1973. They were presented to us just the other day, and by the sounds of it, were nabbed for a cool $0.50. Thanks, M & D for the mounding stash of GR-8-tracks, for the constant support, and for turning me on to The Beatles!

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S&M Airlines of Hope

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smLet’s roll out of 2016 in blazing style, aboard S&M Airlines. I won’t get into the plethora of ways 2016 was one of the worst years of my existence, I’ll only hold one, desperate match in the attempts at keeping the flame of hope alive. 2016, you are dead, and I couldn’t be happier. 2017, I look at you with hesitant optimism. Don’t let us down. Happy New Year, kids.

1996 , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

March March Alive

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nakedArguably Madison, Wisconsin’s most prolific achievement, punkers Naked Aggression barked socialist ideals over light speed rhythms for audiences of couch protesters and pro-choice supporters alike. Though their idea of state smashing and organized religion bashing weren’t new as of the early 1990s, their collective voice has withstood the test of time (a rigged, almost impossible test to pass), and are greatly deserving of a solid, and focused listen.

1995 , , , , , , , Leave a comment

The Thing

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love1995 called and they want their thing back. We’re so happy to finally own this amazing Love Jones album, their 2nd studio album (depending on who you ask). The Thing was, simply put, the thing back in the summer of 1995, and it continues to fill that cocktail lounge niche that never really seemed to go away… something I’m forever grateful for.