For those “in the know” you are aware of the fact that “Moggi” is actually Piero Umiliani. For those who are not, now you are. Anyway, I would just like to note that this is one of the creepiest library covers I have ever seen. Can anyone distinguish what that thing is? Maybe it’s better [...]
Very impressive “tape music” record on the Composers Recordings Inc. label with sounds dating from the early to mid 1960′s. The first side is credited to Otto Luening and Vladimir Ussachevsky, co-founders of the Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center. The b-side features Mel Powell, former director of electronic music at Yale University. The record begins with [...]
Wow, an 80′s library record that doesn’t sound like it belongs in a corporate training video for IBM! Unfortunately these types are few and far between, but thankfully for fans of floating synths and electronics, this one delivers. The first side mainly consists of gamelan jams that (for the most part) do a good job [...]
Small-group jazz library LP which at times could easily be mistaken for a Morricone soundtrack. Very distinct mix of harpischord, bossa rhythms, abstract electronics, and the classic Italian lounge sound on here. This record (which sounds great I might add – nice and loud mono pressing) was released on the scarce Italian library label Leo, [...]
Strange “exotica” library disc out of Paris, France from what sounds like the late 60′s (no date listed on the label or back cover). A “composition for 30 instruments and percussion accessories” by French composer Patrice Sciortino, and one of the finest of its kind. Sciortino does a great job of creating a distinct mood [...]
Don’t worry, I won’t bore you with a discussion on how cool the “Phasing Drums” part is. As a matter of fact, that’s the most uninteresting part of the record (gasp!). The highlights of this record therefore fall under the “electronic sounds” section, which makes up the entire A side and a quarter of the [...]
I had no idea what this LP was all about when I saw this at my local Salvation Army. I did know that it was a fresh change of pace from the usual barrage of Mantonavi’s and Streisand’s that have flooded the store for the past however many years. Anyway, flipping to the back cover [...]
This is yet another one of those library records where you wonder how one great track found it’s way on such an otherwise dull LP. I guess I should be used to this by now, as it’s basically the case with about 95% of the libraries out there. “Disadattati” is the sought-after tune that I [...]
Ok, so I realize this is sort of going against the grain of most reviews on here, but I couldn’t resist posting a (dare I say) PROTO Italo/house library track (yes, these actually exist). The release date on this was not included but it had to be either 1979 or 1980 (probably ’79 – after [...]
“Victory” was the inital release on the obscure Pentagram label (a subsidiary of Jubilee). In between a busy acting scheduling, Holman recorded this interesting mix of country, blues, and eastern influenced psych-folk. His voice is heavy on the vibrato, reminding me slightly of Tim Buckley. Copper Kettles is one of my favorites from this album [...]
“A new dimension in sound — electronically tested in sound labratory.” This sentence, which is seen on the front cover, the back cover, and the label of the record itself successfully emphasizes what this LP is all about. Tons of analog drones, hums, bloops, delays. You know, all that good, test-your-patience-type stuff you hear on [...]
Volume 1 of a 2 part series here. Sam Spence was the dude known for his musical contributions to NFL Films highlights in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Going by the cover art, it seems Spence is playing a Moog 55 Synthesizer on here, and in the process of doing so he actually creates some [...]
Released on “Palace of Lights” in 1981, Savant was a group lead by Kerry Leimer, the head of the label and someone who still releases electronic/ambient music to this day. The record contains only two tracks, both with a decidedly Eno-vibe (each in their own way). The a-side’s “Stationary Dance” reminds me of something that [...]
Emphasis on “Other Rhythms.” This is probably one of the top five in demand library LPs on the Peer International label, and for good reason. After you get past the bland “reggae” instrumentals (come on now, what library record doesn’t have at least one or two bad tracks), this record than begins to get interesting.
Yeah, there were a bunch of these “rock opera” records back in the early 70s, but how many can you name with Jim Backus playing the part of God? That’s right, as if Thurston Howell III and Mister Magoo weren’t enough, he also has “Creator of the Universe” to add to his impressive acting resume. [...]
This one comes from Italy on the obscure Octopus library label. No date is listed on the back cover but a safe guess would be early 70′s. The music on here is mainly jazz, but there are a few tracks which venture into the ‘psych’ territory. Most of the songs are composed by R. Conrado [...]
Outstanding set of early electronics on the ever-popular Folkways label. It’s hard to imagine the nerdish looking dudes pictured in the included booklet would be the ones producing these totally bizarre sound structures.
I now have a new pick for favorite library record cover ever. It’ll probably change in a few months but wow is this great. “Pollution” comes from the German SONOTON label and features some excellent electronic drone action. The record is mainly electronic, aside from two very kraut-rock / motorik percussion tracks, “Pollution Drums” and [...]