From my prized collection of LPs featuring people holding over-sized playing cards. This amateur orchestra floated over with this track. Great vibraphone break. “And Then I’ll Stay” melts me into a puddle.
The Luft Sisters – Full House
From my prized collection of LPs featuring people holding over-sized playing cards. Not unremarkable. Can we all agree on that? “Hit In The Heart” “All Through The Night”
Bob McKenna and Stash – The Sea Gull
I bought this on the strength of STASH, and the intense high-contrast sleeve. But I didn’t have high hopes. Everything seemed to indicate that this was going to be boring seafood restaurant jazz. Three originals couched by standards like “Route 66,” “Robin Hood,” and “Summer [...]
Judy and Johnny – First Time All Over Again
Well, their threads are awesome. And there’s something special about their music, I can’t put my finger on it. Johnny Carroll made some celebrated rockabilly recordings when he was younger. And I read that Judy Lindsey used to be a model. I’m glad they got [...]
Ilona Penzes – It’s Time You Spent The Night
This 45 reminds me of that scene in Blue Velvet where Frank Booth is wielding a love letter that will send you straight to hell. Dare to hear! It’s Time You Spent The Night
The Early Mammals – Dinosaur Omelet
With song titles like “Deathwagon” and “Monkey Swarm,” frankly I expected more. Keeper sleeve though. Monkey Swarm.
Kris Kelly – Nothing Short About Me
Once in a generation, a hesher dwarf LP exceeds all expectations and soars to new heights. “Nothing Short About Me” “Ain’t Gonna Pay My Ticket”
Edward E. Levin – Live Game
Edward E. Levin has been operating his “Magic Piano Shop” since 1971, giving lessons and tuning pianos. He still enjoys composing, though a cerebellar stroke in 2009 impaired his ability to perform. This 1980 LP features an odd parody of the Monopoly board game. One [...]
Watching The Door – Ken Lindsey
Ken Lindsey put out a handful of unremarkable rockabilly sides on the Prince label. This sleepy instrumental b-side was reissued on 51 West’s Long Gone compilation in 1976. It feels odd to post a review of a label comp, but I got tired of waiting [...]
Johnny Cox and Wayne Cox – Two Of A Kind
I collect records that feature playing cards on the cover. I don’t know why, but it’s fun. Two Of A Kind didn’t look very promising, but check out their oddly progressive interpretation of Harleme Nocturne (sic).
The Douglas Brothers – 2002 R.F.D.
R.F.D. (Rural Free Delivery) was developed in the 1890s so rural dwellers wouldn’t need to trek to the nearest post office to pick up their mail. “2002 R.F.D.” is naturally a rural rendition of the ever-reliable “Theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey,” aka “Also Sprach [...]
Long John Silver Orchestra: Snow Mist
This hypnotic instrumental is hidden on the b-side of a children’s Christmas novelty, “Harvey The Hippo,” released in 1959. I wonder if there are any other recordings of this song. “Snow Mist” was written by George David Weiss, who wrote a number of standards, i.e. [...]
Year 2000: Future Generation
Year 2000 released this cassette in 1990. Shockingly banal, yes. Facile, but earnest. Don’t give up too soon – the temperature rises in the 2nd stanza. The first time I played this tape, I was looking for some make-out music. I took a chance. Needless [...]
Various Artists – Live at The Lion’s Pause
St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN has long been famous for their choir. World tours, command performances, serious stuff. But the students can cut loose and do their own thing on the Mane Stage at The Lion’s Pause. On March 3rd, 1979, the Sound 80 [...]
Tom Wilson: All-American Boy
Tom sings about all the stuff he does on the cover of his album, and more!
The Holker Family – Feelin’ Good
I instantly fell in love with The Holker Family – endlessly coming at me in their gym shorts and tube socks. It only got better when I opened the gate-fold to find The Holker’s engaged in all manner of recreational activities. (Is this a private [...]
Brian Balestrieri: Bound To Love You
Private mustache lounge boner. “Workin’ My Bar”
Cold Front – Songs To Sell Beer By
I found this record in a vault at a very old brewery where I used to work. The jacket appears to be handmade – a plain white gatefold with decals applied. Dig this crazy copy: “Throughout 1968, think COLD… Nothing has been spared to provide [...]

















