Author – FourDayWeekend

The Dukes of Haggard: Point of View

The dude that sold this to me told me that it was only sold at truck stops. I don’t know if that’s true. It seems to be a concept album of (unlicensed?) Merle Haggard songs covered in a disco or new wave idiom. This was a studio project produced by Don Oriolo & Jurgen Korduletsch. […]

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” [Audio clip: view full post to listen] “All Through The Night” [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

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 Wind.” I was suitably impressed by the title track. Wait […]

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 together. “Lady” [Audio clip: view full post to listen] “Knowing […]

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” [Audio clip: view full post to listen] “Ain’t Gonna Pay My Ticket” [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

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 of the game squares simply reads, “FOLD BACK FOIL TO […]

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 for the single to turn up. If anyone has heard […]

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 Zarathustra” by Richard Strauss.  A disappointing recording of this tune […]

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. “What A Wonderful World.” [Audio clip: view full post to […]

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 to say, our make-out session didn’t flow too well. Frequent […]

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 Remote crew captured 15 original works by 44 performers. Michael […]

Tom Wilson: All-American Boy

Tom sings about all the stuff he does on the cover of his album, and more! [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

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 home gym? Why is there wainscoting in the basketball court?) […]

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 you with the advertising muscle needed to carry the fight […]