Boomer Sooner - University of Oklahoma

Boomer Sooner - University of Oklahoma

This is a 7" vinyl record released in 1982. It is an EP dedicated to worshipping and praising the University of Oklahoma [Sooners] tackle football team. Five of the six tracks are songs about the Sooners, and the first track being the Sooners' fight song performed by the school band. The last song is a "version" of a song for a commercial of a well-known brand of soda. The band is apparently called Boomer Sooner if the label on the vinyl is any indication. The music is all country except for the first track obviously. There is zero info about this release on the interwebs info superhighway. From what I can tell, a bunch of rednecks or good ol' boys (if that is the politically correct term) who happen to be die hard fans of extra curricular activities of one particular institution of higher learning got together, had a few beers and recorded these songs. After you are finished listening to this, you'll come to believe that the Sooners football team are wonderful, great, (add any other superlative), and most important of all are #1. When this was recorded in 1982, the Sooners were supposed to be #1. It didn't quite turn out that way, but I'm sure that the Sooners are still #1 in the hearts of those anonymous musicians behind this EP. As of this writing, the Sooners play tomorrow on national TV in the spectacle called the Sun Bowl. Go Sooners and um, boomer sooner!

Tracklisting:

Side One

1. Boomer Sooner! {0:31}
performed by the University of Oklahoma band

2. The Brutal War {2:30}

3. See the Sooner! {2:08}

Side Two

1. I'm a Sooner {2:31}

2. When You Play the Sooners {2:05}

3. Coke Is It (Oklahoma Football Version) {0:58}

Happy Christmas, Merry Holidays plus two X-mas tunes by Mr. Sinatra

I would like to wish all my visitors and fellow bloggers a merry Christmas and/or happy holidays. I'll be offline for the next few days to visit family and maybe a lost relative or two.

Before I go, I'll produce one last X-mas post for the year (this post). This post has a couple of tunes by Basement fan favorite Mr. Sinatra, Rank Sinatra that is. By the way, Mr. Sinatra's album was posted last year. If I ever decide to put on A Basement of Curiosities festival, I want Rank Sinatra to headline. The incredibly gifted and talented entertainer brings holiday cheer by blessing us with two Christmas songs. The first song is a "duet" between him and mega-celebrity Britney Spears as they both sing Britney's Christmas hit, "My Only Wish (This Year)". This song came out before Britney was in two short marriages with Kevin "K-Fed" Federline and that other guy what's his name and shaved her head and then went in rehab. The other song is a cover of "Last Christmas" by Wham a.k.a. George Michael and that other guy what's his name. "Last Christmas" is from the Chairman of the Bored album which as I already mentioned was posted last year.

two Christmas songs by Rank Sinatra

Tracklisting:

1. Duet with Britany (For the Kids) {1:49}

2. The Last Christmas {3:33}

The Moog Machine - Christmas Becomes Electric

The Moog Machine - Christmas Becomes Electric

Here's some more Christmas cheer. Not only that, it's more Christmas synthesizer musik courtesy of The Moog Machine. By the way, their rocking Switched-On Rock LP was posted earlier this year here in The Basement. On this LP, The Moog Machine bring warm sentimental heartfelt renditions of everyone's favorite traditional Christmas tunes.

Info about The Moog Machine: The Moog Machine is a three-man organization. All the performances are by Kenny Ascher. Alan Foust wrote the arrangements. Norman Dolph produced the album and tuned the synthesizer.

Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Jingle Bells {2:00}

2. Little Town of Bethlehem {1:51}

3. We Three Kings {1:30}

4. Deck the Halls {0:55}

5. Silent Night {2:07}

6. Joy to the World {1:03}

7. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear {0:59}

8. O Come, All Ye Faithful {0:55}

9. Carol of the Bells {2:15}

Side 2

1. The Little Drummer Boy {2:55}

2. O Holy Night {2:40}

3. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen {1:50}

4. Patapan {0:56}

5. The First Noel {1:24}

6. We Wish You a Merry Christmas {1:17}

7. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing {1:30}

8. Twelve Days of Christmas {3:49}

Sy Mann - Switched On Santa

Sy Mann - Switched On Santa

It's that time of the year again. I guess no one liked the disco Christmas album I posted last year. I can't imagine why. Here's another Christmas album this time with the music being played with a Moog synthesizer. You may not like disco (understandably so), but it's hard to resist Moog synthesizer Christmas music. Even the legendary Jean-Jacques Perrey is involved with this album. You can't go wrong here (or am I wrong?).

I know most of the sharity sites are posting Christmas music of some sort and some of you are probably tired of all this Christmas music that's being blared from your favorite sites, the radio stations who decide to inundate the airwaves with only Christmas music instead of the usual overplayed popular soft rock pap and just about all of the retail stores whose employees for some reason say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". If you're not into all this Christmas music posted everywhere, too bad. I'm posting it here too because we at the Basement appreciate Christmas especially the one who blesses us with his blessings. That's right I'm talking about the one and only St. Nick (also known as Santa Claus in some parts of the world). If the opening bars during the first few seconds of Sy Mann's verson of "Jingle Bells" or his rendition of "My Favorite Things" doesn't send chills up your spine then either you're a socialist commie waging war against Christmas or you just don't like electronic music. I think the former is much more likely.

We love this time of year where we get to shop and consume without a care in the world. Not only are we engaging in the All-American activities of shopping and consuming, but we are doing it while somehow bringing hope and joy to others who lack hope and joy. Black Friday sales rule. So do those baskets with the artifical processed cheese, the berry jellies, and the summer sausage made up of several mystery meats (I think). Those things especially rule as they do not even have to be refrigerated. Neighborhoods with lots and lots of lights and kitschy lighted fixtures and nativity scenes also rule. I love me some Christmas lights especially if other people do it so I don't have to. Putting up lights myself takes up too much time. The extra time I have leaves me with more time to devote to this blog and my other blog. I think it works well with me blogging and other people decorating.

I am willing to admit that I do not enjoy the process of wrapping gifts that I bought for other people. It seems tedious and perhaps I just lack the ability, patience, and desire to beautifully wrap things with wrapping paper (with Christmas decor of course). I know I can get gifts wrapped at the various retail establishments, but since I'm a cheapskate, I end up doing the wrapping myself. I think I've already spent enough money on the damned things even with everything 10% off the regular price. I do really enjoy the unwrapping process as it is the greatest moment of the holiday season as I am shimmering with ecstatic anticipation in the hopes that what I asked for is underneath the wrapping paper. Either the thing I desire is unwrapped or it's something I absolutely do not want such as socks or underwear or worse cologne. Depending on what is unwrapped I am either overcome with joy or overcome with disappointment and asking St. Nick "What did I do to deserve this? I already have too much cologne from the past several years that I do not have a need for especially that Tommy Hilfiger stuff. Why do people think I need or want cologne? I've been good for most of the year so what gives? I think I would rather have a gift card to Wal Mart or Arby's instead. Seriously."

Getting back to this LP, I posted it last year in another online project that is on hiatus at the moment. Out of the usual spirit of generosity I thought I would post it again this year. There may be several other sites that are posting this too. I am not totally sure and I do not really care. It's Christmas. If I can give this to one person whose only Christmas music is, let's say the atrocious "Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer" and save this person by providing this wonderful Christmas music then I will have done my part in providing hope and joy.


Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer {2:11}

2. Jingle Bells {1:43}

3. Santa Claus is Coming to Town {2:02}

4. Tijuana Christmas {1:58}

5. My Favorite Things {2:24}

6. The Little Drummer Boy {2:37}

Side 2

1. Christmas Bells {1:52}

2. White Christmas {2:51}

3. Joy to the World {1:04}

4. When Christmas Comes {2:30}

5. Angels We Have Heard on High {1:42}

6. Silent Night {2:04}

7. What Child is This {2:04}

Ed Summerlin and Roger Ortmayer - Liturgical Jazz

Ed Summerlin and Roger Ortmayer - Liturgical Jazz

This LP is a recording of a church service of morning prayer set to jazz music. This most likely was recorded and released sometime during the early 1960s.

Personnel:

Ed Summerlin - conductor and tenor sax
Bob Thomas - alto sax
Earle Dhus - tenor sax
Morgan Powell - trombone
Bob Foutz - lead trumpet
Tom Wirtel - trumpet and flugel horn
Gene Gandy - piano
Rich O'Donnell - drums
Don Ratterree - bass

On the two hymns Marvin Stamm replaces Bob Foutz and Dee Barton replaces Morgan Powell. Tom Wirtel plays the trumpet solos and Ed Summerlin plays the tenor solos.

Reading by Roger Ortmeyer

Some comments from the liner notes by Roger Ortmeyer:

There seems to be consternation in some ecclesiastical circles when a jazz liturgy is proposed. Among jazz enthusiasts the reaction is nearly parallel; perhaps more of bewilderment and unease than of consternation.
Both need to be dealt with, and both need to be enlightened.
The liturgist is convinced that into his hands has been given a sacred treasure and he must struggle against those who would weaken its vigor. He tends to have a somewhat dogmatic sense of what is "proper." Jazz seems too frivolous, too immature and too much identified with unsavory aspects of the world for it to accompany the ancient liturgical patterns of the Church. The traditional, stately and the acceptable has been the liturgical accompaniment he recalls and he is usually determined to keep it that way.
...
The liturgy, supporting which this composition has been written, is an order designed for regular Sunday morning services of a local parish. It was contained in a book sent by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, to the organizing Conference of American Methodists in 1784. It's title was The Sunday Service of the Methodists in North America. His advice was that all the preachers should use it each Lord's day, feeling that it was the most "rational and scriptural way of feeding and guiding those poor sheep in the wilderness."
It will be noted by many that the service is essentially the order contained in The Book of Common Prayer. This is natural inasmuch as Wesley was a priest of the Church of England and was convinced to the day of his death that the liturgy of the Church was the best possible for the prayers of the people.
For most Christians, this basic pattern is the proper form of worship. It is a rehearsal of what they believe God has done for them, and their participation in the drama.
The rational of the liturgy is quite simple: 1) A representation of what the Christian believes God has done and continues to do through Jesus Christ, and 2) an enactment by each participant of this drama of salvation.
...
The music for the liturgy is a fine example of the coming of age of the jazz idiom. It explores in exciting fashion many of the features of contemporary "classical" composition while maintaining the necessary improvisation of jazz.
...
The conjunction of jazz with the spoken word forces the members of the congregation and the clerical leader to come to terms with the words of the liturgy. There is no lagging and day dreaming in this service. The worshipper is forced to shout his praises and, struck with trembling at his condemnation, rejoices in his absolution and in confidence makes offering of himself. Could anything more be asked of the music of the Church?
 
Tracklisting:

Side One

1. Prelude {5:10}

2. Collect for Purity of Heart {0:25}

3. Hymn of Praise: Love Devine {2:33}

4. Service of Confession {3:00}

5. Service of the Word {4:37}

Side Two

1. Te Deum {1:49}

2. New Testament Lesson (II Peter 1 3-11) {1:33}

3. Benedictus {1:21}

4. The Apostles' Creed {0:43}

5. Witness to the Word: Sermon {0:44}

6. Service of Offering {6:45}

7. After-Service {3:01}

8. Postlude {2:39}

Apes of Wrath - Apes of Wrath

Apes of Wrath - Apes of Wrath

released on LP in 1982

recorded at Unique Productions - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

I bought a used copy of the Apes of Wrath LP among many other items at a recent library sale (the recently posted Former Fetus CD and Tom Wopat LP were among the same batch of records, tapes, CDs and books). Apes of Wrath was an Oklahoma City band led by a fellow named Ted Dodson who wrote all of the songs and music on this LP. There are 21 musicians including Dodson credited on the back cover. I cannot tell who were the other principal members since there is very little information available. According to Ted Dodson's bio on his website, 1000 copies of this LP were pressed with half of the copies being sold in local record stores (by the way be sure to read his very interesting bio although he mentioned that he was proud of this album for some reason there is not much info about the band). This obscure gem is a collection of psychedelic rock tunes with quirky lyrics especially on side two which is the better side in my opinion. Mr. Dodson did set up another website to store some videos of a few songs off this album and of live performances for viewing.

As I mentioned earlier, there is very little info about this band. I did enter "Apes of Wrath" in Google and most of the results retrieved are links to another band with the same name. Apparently more info exists for that band than the one featured here. As far as I can tell from his website that may not have been updated in a few years, Dodson lives in Dallas, Texas and the whereabouts of the other musicians are unknown.

Tracklisting:

Side One

1. Back to Playing Again {1:53}

2. Where Did Your Daddy Go {3:29}

3. Old Doe {3:04}

4. I Need Somebody New {4:00}

5. Hey Gyp {5:58}

6. Broken Blue Heart {2:24}

Side Two

1. The Apes of Wrath {3:07}

2. Mutant Ape {1:37}

3. 3 Billion Blind Mice {4:03}

4. Mankind's Lies {3:51}

5. Oh! Dear {1:38}

6. Hypnotize the Masses {3:09}

7. Going Ape Over You {3:37}

Will Harvey - How to Find and Fascinate a Mistress [book]

Will Harvey - How to Find and Fascinate a Mistress [book]

book published in 1971

I found a copy of this book in some swap meet several years ago. When I first laid eyes on this book, I was somewhat amazed that a book like this was published. Then I looked at the cover again and I noticed the words "San Francisco Best Seller" on the top. I would not be surprised if this book was actually a bestseller in San Francisco at the time. If books like this were on top of bestseller lists, I would be interested in checking out what else sells (or sold) well in San Francisco. Forget the New York Times list. Anyway, I suppose I should feel lucky that a used copy of this book made its way to my locale which is a very conservative area (i.e. opposite of San Francisco). Come to think of it, this book would likely be read by folks in this area since they have a tendency to cheat and fool around while preaching morality. I do not think it is a coincidence that my locale has one of the highest rates of divorce in America.

This book is a guide to finding a mistress where the author has devised a test called the SYNAM test to determine if a woman is mistress material. Will Harvey has come up with four categories of the type of mistresses: honeybee, ladybug, hornet, and grasshopper. I suppose that his analogy of insect characteristics to mistress behaviors makes sense. There are tips on how to find mistresses and get them to be your companions. Harvey then writes about how to deal with the inevitable situation when the wife confronts the mistress. There are other tips such as how to deal with breakups with mistresses and what to do to use protection for both the philanderer and the mistress.

This book is aimed at men especially middle-aged to older men who are interested in having younger women on the side. This book seems to be a product of its time, but I'm sure the tips and ideas from this book are put to use today. Some people still want or need mistresses today after all. So, if you're looking for an interesting read (even if you're faithful which is good of course) check this book out.

From the blurb on the flap of the dust jacket:

This is not just a silly sex book or a manual for the sneaky. The author has found a realistic answer to the challenge of the sexually liberated woman who wants a capable man with no strings attached. He emphasizes HOW TO FIND THE WOMAN WHO IS LOOKING FOR YOU - and live to tell about it! But once you're on the man-mistress merry-go-round, how do you wave to the rest of the world without appearing silly? Or get off without stumbling? What respect does a mistress deserve? What happens when wife meets mistress?

Throughout his scientific and business career, the author has been asked these questions hundreds of times by bewildered friends and colleagues. They could never understand how he found and survived so many interesting women while maintaining a reasonable work schedule (from all outward appearances). Now, in the twilight of his career, he tells it like it is (or was for him). He's honest, arrogant - at times humble - but not apologetic. And for good reason. Some of the women in his life helped him write this book. All this country needs is a decent rationalization to relieve the suffering of untold millions who are doing it anyway - or wish they could. Never again will they feel alone.

Will Harvey began his career as an assistant professor in the sciences at a large university. An empty pocketbook and total frustration with academic life soon forced him into the business world. He would have preferred a steady job with an established firm, but the pressures of his personal life forced him to start his own company in the booming electronics field. Fortune smiled on him and he soon found himself in the on-again, off-again world of high finance (and low resistance). He attributes his modest success in business to the fact that he was most often preoccupied with the finer things in life when he otherwise would have been making serious mistakes at the office.

He has long felt that woman is the stronger sex, and that man's feeble claims to superiority are belied by the fact that most of his daily efforts are directly or indirectly devoted to the pursuit of, support of, or escape from a woman. So why fight it?

He looks back now on a lifetime which could have been conventionally wicked, had it not been for his constant struggles to turn personal necessity into social virtue.

part 1 part 2  (links will be back soon)

CONTENTS

1 PROFILES OF THE MISTRESS
Is She A Mistress? page 8
The Synam Test page 9
The Honeybee page 12
The Ladybug page 13
The Hornet page 15
The Grasshopper page 16
The Working Girl page 17
The Stewardess page 21
Your Own Secretary page 26
Where Do You Meet Her? page 29

2 I'M THE ONE
Mental Foreplay page 34
Don't Touch Me! page 35
The Panic Points page 37
Contact! page 41

3 MARKSMANSHIP
On The Firing Line page 48
The Bullseye page 49
Phase One page 50
Phase Two page 51
Phase Three page 52
The All-Day Sucker page 55
Bless the Squeek page 55
The First Shot page 57
The Warm-Up page 59
The Dud page 60
The Double Play page 61

4 OBSERVATIONS ON ORGASM
Are They All The Same? page 64
Automatics, Repeaters, And Not At All page 65
How Long Does It Take? page 68
The Over-Thirty Syndrome page 69
The Fatal Question page 71
Her Own Sex Manual page 73

5 LITTLE PROBLEMS
Don't Be Bashful page 75
The Afterglow page 76
The Dribble Problem page 77
The Gentle Hint page 78
The Missing Pill page 80
The Peeing Syndrome page 82
Oral Operations page 83

6 TABLE MANNERS
Time And Place page 87
Let Her Sniff The Buds page 94
How To Support A Mistress page 95
Holidays page 98
How To Protect And Present Your Mistress page 99
Wife Meets Mistress page 102
The Double Reverse page 103
Quickies page 110

7 THE END ZONE
I'm A Mistress page 115
You're A Bastard page 116
The Other Man page 117
The No-Breakfast Routine page 120
The Last Gasp page 121
The Silent Message page 122

8 FAMOUS LAST WORDS
Be Prepared page 125
The Condom page 126
Skins page 127
Hornet Protection page 129
VD page 132
A Blessing In Disguise page 133
The Pause page 134
Vaginal Suppositories page 136
The Diaphragm page 139
Foam And Applicator page 140
We're Stupid page 140
Testing The Condom page 141

9 HELPFUL HINTS FOR THE HUNTER
The First Blush page 145
The Team Approach page 146
Live Bait page 149
The Compassionate, Capable Man page 150
The Pompous Peacock page 152
The Badgered Businessman page 153
On The Job Contacts page 154
Too Good To Be True page 157
The Savior page 159

Michael Blate - Acugenics

Michael Blate - Acugenics

Acugenics is a program where an individual applies self-accupuncture without needles. Fingertips are used at 20 points throughout the body. The user of acugenics is supposed to be relaxed and Blate recommends that acugenics be used at night before the user goes to sleep. By the way, the user should either be naked or at least be wearing light clothing. Acugenics is supposed to be a self-healing method. The user is instructed to apply a few seconds at these sensitive spots. It sounds painful to do. I suppose that the user has to go through more pain before healing takes place.

This recording is dubbed onto what was originally a blank cassette. I found it at (you probably guessed it) a Salvation Army thrift store. I cannot tell what tape or record this recording was ripped from. I believe it is called acugenics as Michael Blate guides one through his Acugenics program while soft music of flute and occasional flourishes of harp play in the background.

On Side 2, Blate guides listeners through a healing program called applied imagination which uses a technique called guided imagery "which releases all the healing benefits stored in your imagination". This is supposed to realize your full potential for well being by balancing the energy throughout your organs. Soft music with harp plays in the background. The applied imagination program sounds less painful than acugenics which sounds more like my thing. I already feel more energetic from hearing this program's description. (He said "groin", "rectum", and "sex organs" heh heh heh heh heh).

According to his bio on his website: Author, lecturer and natural health educator, Michael Blate has spent most of his life exploring and sharing "self-health" methods and traditional spiritual teachings from around the world. He has written dozens of books and teaching guides to help people become more healthy, self-reliant and spiritually attuned. Michael has a special gift for presenting complex teachings in a straightforward, practical and easy-to-use format.

In the early 1970's, at a time when acupressure was all but unknown in the West, Michael’s first book — The Natural Healer's Acupressure Handbook — introduced this easy, effective technique to the US. Since then, G-Jo Acupressure had been taught in classes, workshops, schools, hospitals and universities around the world.

In addition to his contributions to health and healing, Michael’s explanations of the timeless wisdom known as Vedanta — sometimes called "spiritual yoga" (the basis of today's popular yoga programs) — have helped many spiritual seekers to more fully grasp this pinnacle of Eastern thought.

A frequent contributor to various magazines, Michael has also appeared on nearly 2,000 radio and TV talk shows to introduce audiences to the amazing healing powers and spiritual potential lying within each of us.

Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. track 1 {21:12}

Side 2

1. track 1 {14:23}

2. track 2 {7:41}

3. track 3 {1:39}

Marty Gold - Wired for Sound

Marty Gold - Wired for Sound

released on LP in 1956

recorded at Webster Hall, New York City, July 9, 11, and 12, 1956

conducted by Marty Gold; assistant conductor: Sid Ramin

I received this LP from a friend who was purging stuff before she moved. She must have kept this for many years as she did not even remember having this LP or how she acquired it. She is not familiar with it and she is not really interested in it. Lucky for her, I was interested and willing to take the LP as at the time (early 2000s) I just started exploring this kind of music from often visiting first-generation audio sharity sites such as Basic Hip Digital Oddio, Bellybongo, Your Pal Doug, Raymondo's Dance-O-Rama, and a few others whose names I can't recall at the moment.

Marty Gold was prolific in the realm of mid-20th century "space age pop". Gold recorded and released a lot of albums, some being hi-fi or stereo action type albums where then-new stereo recording technology was used incorporating all of an orchestra in some way. Not only were regular instruments used (saxophone, guitar, drums, trombones) used, unusual instruments were also used (on this album these include the tibia, kinura, and the English post horn). Wired for Sound is one of those hi-fi stereo or "new orthophonic" albums where reverberation is really the main instrument for these unique arrangements of musical standards.

Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Reflections in the Water {2:20}

2. Ti-Pi-Tin {1:48}

3. Blues in the Night {3:32}

4. In the Still of the Night {2:22}

5. Makin' Whoopee {3:44}

6. Lonely Guitar {2:47}

Side 2

1. Stella by Starlight {3:15}

2. You're the Top {1:50}

3. Whistle While You Work {1:27}

4. A Foggy Day {2:54}

5. Mood Indigo {3:01}

6. A Blues Serenade {2:14}

Tom Wopat - Tom Wopat

Tom Wopat - Tom Wopat

LP released in 1982 or 1983

It's almost time for Thanksgiving which means it's almost time to visit with relatives whom you wonder how in heck are you related to them and to pig out on turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry, rolls, and probably some strange casserole that one of your relatives concocted. Last year, I posted a tape to help you in hunting down turkeys because I thought it would be a good idea to catch your own turkey (I still do think that's a good idea). Unfortunately, I do not have anything else on hand to aid you in hunting a turkey. Instead I'll post something that qualifies as a turkey (a different kind, of course, not the delicious and edible bird).

This item is Tom Wopat's (a.k.a. Luke Duke) debut album which is a slick slab of country-pop. This LP interested me only because Tom Wopat was one of the leading co-stars on The Dukes of Hazard, a show I watched as a child. I have to admit I am still fond of this television show. Before I wrote this post, I learned with a little astonishment that Tom Wopat is still releasing albums now with uptown jazz and showtunes and he is acting in Broadway plays. It's hard for me to picture him as a urbane sophisticated Broadway crooner as I've always seen him as a roughneck (yet sensitive) always either being chased by law enforcement on dusty back roads or just crusing along in the Dodge Charger jumping over something as this LP may show. For some reason, I've always thought he was like that in real life.

Anyway, enjoy this turkey (if you can) and hope that you have a good Thanksgiving and a delicious real turkey (even if you bought it at the grocery store ;) ). I'll be back sometime next week with more posts.


Tracklisting:  (link may be back soon)

Side 1

1. Up on a Hill {3:51}

2. Sha-Marie {3:10}

3. Dreams {2:37}

4. Nobody's Fool {3:57}

5. I'm Not Worth the Hurt {3:43}

Side 2

1. Full Moon, Empty Pockets {2:53}

2. (Til) I Kissed You {3:40}

3. Savannah {3:08}

4. We Had It All {2:28}

5. The Luckiest Man in the World {3:32}

Former Fetus - A Rock Opera

Former Fetus - A Rock Opera

CD released in 1997

recorded on January 5, 1997

band members (no mention of which instruments are played by which individual):

Ben Hofmann
John Ganz
Mark Junglen
Randy Turnquist

I acquired a copy of this CD at the latest library sale along with a truckload of solo piano LPs and nature sounds cassettes. As one can tell from the title of this album, it is a "rock opera" about a fetus that receives a warning from a dream that its mother is about to abort it. Somehow the fetus escapes its mother's womb and goes on to live in the world. The fetus lives through struggles to fend for itself as most born human beings do by trying to procure food and shelter. Later, the fetus somehow becomes prosperous and draws people to follow him. The fetus ascends to be president, but its position at the top does not last long as the world comes crashing down.

There is very little info about this band in cyberspace. However, I learned that Mark Junglen is the fellow who is the leader of this band and owner of the label Big Ball Records that released this rock opera. Big Ball Records is based out of Colorado Springs, Colorado, the hub of fundamental conservative Christianity. An excerpt from some magazine is included in the liner notes that describes the band's sound as "Neil Young meets Minor Threat." I'll let you, the visitors, be the judge of that. The liner notes also offer a little bit more info: This disc is made for demonstration purposes on a limited budget and time to show the raw power of Former Fetus. If you can hear potential in a full production of this rock opera, realize ... this is our 4th album length set . . . we have THREE more sets of melodies as rampaging and powerful as this one.

The back cover has brief notes for each song and are included in the tracklisting below.

Tracklisting:  (link will be back soon)

1. Overture {1:03}
A Fetus, in the womb

2. Former Fetus {2:45}
Fetus becomes aware. A dream tells it's about to be aborted from its mother.

3. I'm Free {2:45}
The fetus escapes from the womb, wondering, into the world, he flees his death.

4. Live & Nesting {2:52}
Quietly into the world he blends, while fending for himself a creature's comfort. He grows strong and intelligent.

5. Under the Bridge {3:04}
Coming of age and completely alone.

6. Twilight Zone {2:21}
Former Fetus is propserous, has fame, and in the end, is a great leader.

7. I'm a Mom {3:40}
As you may have wondered why our hero was going to be done in.

8. Love {3:54}
Has our little guy finally found some peace and comfort?

9. After the Rapture {3:05}
His wistful taste of Love has been taken along with what good there was in the world.

10. Acoustic Nerve {2:00}
Not having been born, the Former Fetus is the only conscious being, scorned and left to witness the terror.

11. Former Fetus {5:05}
(reprise to noise)

Vanguard Stereolab Test Record

Vanguard Stereolab Test Record

Since this is a blog mostly about audio materials and the distribution of said audio materials and also recently being inspired by the new and worthy blog Stereofound, a post here in the Basement to test your playback system is overdue. This LP includes test tones, signals, and bits of classical music such as the staple "Sabre Dance" that seems to show up on every stereo or audio playback system test record. There may be more of these playback stereo test records posted in the future as I find these types of records interesting. I also want to help ensure that your playback systems work, of course.


Tracklisting:

Note: Both sides of the LP are the same.

1. Introduction {0:21}

2. Left Channel: 15 KC to 30 Cycles (-12 DB Level) {3:11}

3. Right Channel: 15 KC to 30 Cycles (-12 DB Level) {3:14}

4. 1,000 Cycles: Left, right (0 Level) {0:57}

5. 1,000 Cycles: Lateral, Vertical (0 Level) {0:54}

6. Speaker Balancing Signal {0:59}

7. 150 Cycles In Phase, Out of Phase, In Phase {1:01}

8. 3 KC Flutter Test {1:03}

9. 400 Cycles, +8DB, +6DB, +4DB, +2DB, 0 Level {2:02}

10. Chaconne for Organ [excerpt] and Sabre Dance from Gayne Ballet {4:43}

Bob Conklin - The Key to Motivation

Bob Conklin - The Key to Motivation

released on LP in 1965

People are losers in life because they do not have any drive or motivation to succeed. That is what Bob Conklin says on this LP. We should care what Bob Conklin says because not only is he successful enough in life to put out a motivational LP about motivation but he rose from a college graduate to a vice president and general sales manager of one of the nation's outstanding real estate companies in a short amount of time. That's what the liner notes say including the part where the real estate company is outstanding.

Not only did Bob Conklin accomplish that. He also built a sales force he directed (125 full time salesmen, six branch offices, six sales managers and somehow found the time to become a teacher in the Minneapolis Public School Education program. Wait, there's more. He is or was a nationally known speaker giving around 50 presentations a year. He was named the 1959 "Man of the Year" given each year by Minneapolis Sales Executives to the man making the greatest contribution to convincing people in Minneapolis and the surrounding area to consume stuff they likely won't need. To impress all of you even more, Bob Conklin was Member of the Board of Directors of the Minneapolis Board of Realtors and President of the Minneapolis Sales Executives.

Bob was a busy man and I have not even gotten to the part where Bob spends his spare time studying motivation of businessmen, thinking about motivation, and developing The Key to Motivation that is based on his research.

Now to quote the rest of the liner notes:

MOTIVATION - day-to-day - drive . . . energy . . . enthusiasm . . , CAN BE DEVELOPED!

... as you will realize when you open the door on this vast new insight of life and work - "The Key to Motivation!"
Hold it there. Before we get any further, I now have found another E in my E's that are the key to life success that I developed in the Neil Brahe post: energy. So it is now the three Es to life success: enthusiasm, energy and excellence.

Here is a dramatic new perspective of YOU . . . and a refreshingly different design for the foundation of your personal growth and improvement . . .

Here is a creative program conceived for the millions and millions of people who are dedicating their lives to service . . . and purpose . . . and loved ones . . .

For these people . . . the understanding and application of these principles of motivation will mean . . .

New vitality . . . energy . . . productive power.
Elimination of negative thinking . . . boredom . . . retarding forces . . . frustration . . . futility.
An insulation against the devastating effects of criticism, complaints, envy.
A new pleasantness, new feelings of satisfaction, progress, achievement.
A discovery of new YOU . . . meant to live a purposeful, exhilarating life.
Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Motivation is Believing {5:02}
with an introduction by Bob Richards, an athlete who won two gold medals for pole vaulting in the Olympics and ran for President in some far-right wing party in 1984

2. Belief is Conviction {3:20}

3. Belief is Service {1:12}

4. Belief is Truth {2:04}

5. Belief is Faith and Confidence {2:24}

6. Belief is an Ability {1:16}

Side 2

1. How to Develop Belief {3:06}

2. Belief Versus Criticism {3:54}

3. The Effect of Belief {2:45}

4. Belief Activates {2:26}

Zendik Orgaztra - Dance of the Cozmic Warriorz

Zendik Orgaztra - Dance of the Cozmic Warriorz
originally released in 1988; reissued on cassette in 1999

I found this cassette at one of my favorite locally-owned thrift stores while searching for rare Indonesian cassettes and motivational and religious records. Being not familiar with this band, I was intrigued by the psychedelic black-and-white cover, album title, and the song titles on the back. Surely, something with song titles such as "Let's Get Stoned" and "Inzanity" would be worth taking a chance on. After all, the asking price was only 79 cents plus tax. I paid for my purchase and went to pop this in the cassette player in my car. (Yes, I still do have a tape player in my car, cause I'm cool like that.) I'm happy to say I got more than my money's worth from this collection of psychedlic acid-rock music.

This is loaded with guitar fuzz and vocal poetry and chants by someone named Wulf (that is the correct spelling of his name) who is the leader of this band. I looked up this guy and he has led an interesting life. Wulf Zendik wrote poetry, novels, and hung around with folks such as Allen Ginsberg and Anais Nin. He met up with someone named Arol, another artist, during the 1960s. In 1969, wanting to maintain their artistic integrity in a world dominated by commercialism, they founded Zendik Farm, an artists' collective that is still around to this day. Wulf was even more creative at Zendik Farm where he continued to write and also create and record music on albums such as this one.

Tracklisting:

Side One

1. Yang/Yin {13:20}
Wulf - poetry, vocals, harp; Bugz - bass, Kardia drum; Nez - guitars; Zoot - synth and keyboards; Monk - drums

2. Farm Jam {5:59}
Wulf - vocal chant; Bugz - bass; Zoot - synth and keyboards; Nez - drums

3. The Kiss {6:43}
Wulf - poetry, vocals; Bugz - bass, Kardia drum; Nez - drums; Zoot - synth and keyboards

Side Two

1. MadMan {5:37}
Wulf - poetry, vocals; Bugz - bass; Zoot - synth and keyboards; Nez - drums; Kan - trebura

2. Dance of the Cozmic Warriorz {10:21}
Wulf - horn; Bugz - bass; Zoot - synth and keyboards; Nez - drums

3. Let's Get Stoned {7:03}
Wulf - poetry, vocals; Bugz - bass; Zoot - synth and keyboards; Kan - kangos; Nez - drums; Monk - metal percussion

4. Inzanity {4:30}
Wulf - zax; Bugz - bass; Nez - guitar; Zoot -synth and keyboards; Monk - drums; Kan - kangos

Anton LaVey - The Satanic Mass

Anton LaVey - The Satanic Mass

Today is Halloween or the holiday to celebrate Satan according to some people so I am bringing The Satanic Mass. It is not often that we hear from the other side. I found this somewhere in the deep abyss of the world wide web. As the cover says, The Satanic Mass was recorded live at the Church of Satan. Anton LaVey founded the Church of Satan on April 30, 1966 (which is the same day as Walpurgisnacht). He presides over the proceedings on this record. He is obviously the real deal unlike someone I know. This originally came out on LP then was reissued on CD in the mid 1990s with a bonus track ("Hymn of the Satanic Empire/Battle Hymn of the Apocalypse"). (Note: the bonus track has a silent gap between the 5:45 and 9:18 mark.) I do not know if what I found was a rip from an LP copy and the bonus track added or if the reissue was itself recorded from a vinyl copy, but the tracks except the last are ripped from vinyl. The first track "The Satanic Mass" is a recording of a Satanic ritual. Tracks 2 thru 7 are recordings of LaVey reading excerpts from his book The Satanic Bible accompanied by pieces of classical music. Enjoy and Happy Halloween!


Tracklisting:  (link may be back soon)

1. The Satanic Mass {19:48}

2. Prologue {2:43}

3. Book of Satan Verse I {2:43}

4. Book of Satan Verse II {3:26}

5. Book of Satan Verse III {2:56}

6. Book of Satan Verse IV {1:47}

7. Book of Satan Verse V {2:53}

8. Hymn of the Satanic Empire/Battle Hymn of the Apocalypse {13:20}

Neil Brahe - The Magic Power of Enthusiasm in Dental Practice

Neil Brahe - The Magic Power of Enthusiasm in Dental Practice

* special thanks to yragentman for providing this LP

This LP should be mandatory listening for all dentists and anyone else in the dental/oral hygiene profession. The American Dental Association (ADA) should be promoting this. (If you live outside of the USA, you'll have to look up your country's dental association and tell them about this record.) The last few times I went to the dentist, there was not any enthusiasm projected by the dentist or any of the staff. My dental appointments were dreadful experiences. It does not help that I have a fear of dentists just as some people have a fear of spiders and clowns. If dentists and their assistants displayed more enthusiasm, the experience at the dentist would be more bearable.

Somewhat surprisingly, there is no information about this record or about Neil Brahe. The record does not include any liner notes. It is known that Neil Brahe is or was a dentist. There are so many questions that need answering. What is Neil Brahe's background? Why did he decide to become a dentist? How did he develop enthusiasm? What is Neil's favorite movie? Is he still alive? I searched his name in the world's most famous search engine and none of the sites retrieved offer any background information on Neil Brahe. However, there are some profiles of dentists retreieved who are members of the Neil Brahe Study Club. What is the story behind the Neil Brahe Study Club? What is the Neil Brahe Study Club? Just when you think there are answers found, more questions are found instead.

After listening to this LP, I suddenly felt more enthusiastic. No doubt you will too after listening. In fact, I should strive to have more enthusiasm every day. If I demand enthusiasm from people doing some sort of procedures in my mouth, it is only fair that I should be enthusiastic myself. Come to think of it, everybody in all walks of life should be more enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is a major ingredient that leads to excellence. Yes, I have found the two Es that are the key to success in life: enthusiasm and excellence. For instance, this blog is a result of the two Es. I'm sure there are more Es, and I'll write them down when I find them. You do not have to be in dental practice to listen to this LP as the magic power of enthusiasm is there to be given to you. Will you accept this gift or are you going to be a sad lonely pathetic soul the rest of your life?*

Tracklisting:  (link will be back soon)

Side 1

1. The Magic Power of Enthusiasm in Dental Practice {21:52}

Side 2

1. The Magic Power of Enthusiasm in Dental Practice continued {23:41}

*If you're in the dental profession and your answer to the former question is no and your answer to the latter question is yes, please let me know by leaving your name and/or the name of the dentist(s) you work for so I can avoid you. Thanks in advance.

Mike Warnke - A Christian Perspective on Halloween

Mike Warnke - A Christian Perspective on Halloween

LP released in 1979

From the liner notes:

A Christian Perspective on Halloween was produced as a one hour radio show broadcasted initially on approximately 1,000 stations nationwide. It is a documentary providing historical background on the origin of Halloween, current information on the significance given it by members of occult groups, and, suggestions for alternative celebrations.
Those who know Mike Warnke as a comedian should not expect this album to be humorous. It is genuinely captivating and we believe it will provide helpful information on Halloween and answer questions some people have regarding Mike's past.
Though it was not at first our intention to make the show available except by radio, requests have been sufficient to make possible this public offering. We have preserved a radio show format as much as possible.
Our special thanks to WWGM radio in Nashville, Tennessee, where this program was recorded and first aired, and to Benton White who was then program director.

Read more in the comments about Mike's real background.

Tracklisting:

Side One

1. track 1 {11:15}

2. track 2 {5:11}

3. track 3 {6:03}

Side Two

1. track 4 {7:32}

2. track 5 {12:23}

3. track 6 {5:30}

Walter Martin - Occultic Revolution

Walter Martin - Occultic Revolution

Walter Martin was a preacher whose expertise are cults and the occult. He appeared to have put out a lot of recordings preaching about these subjects. I stumbled upon a tape where this lecture was dubbed. Walter believes that the occult is evil (it's all really Satan worship, right) and he explains that an increasing amount of people are believing in the occult. He fears that the occult will influence more people than his religion which explains this recording's title. It probably was recorded during the early-to-mid 1970s. What I most remember from this recording other than Walter's explanation of the occult are Walter's tales of encountering girls being possessed by demons and contacting Bible-hating spirits through Ouija boards. It's another educational recording for the family here in the Basement.

Tracklisting:  (link will be back soon)

Side 1

1. Occultic Revolution {41:19}

Side 2

1. Occultic Revolution continued {38:03}

Apollo 100 - Master Pieces

Apollo 100 - Master Pieces

LP released in 1972

I found this fine artifact of kitsch in a Goodwill thrift store. What drew my interest was that this has covers of 2 of my all-time favorite pieces of music, "Popcorn" and "Telstar". The originals are still better as I did not expect Apollo 100's performances to top the originals anyway, but they are still worth the one buck I spent. I also enjoyed the electric guitar or electric sitar sounds or whatever was modified on the track "Valleys". I think that this is the best track on the album and alone could also be worth the dollar spent.

Apollo 100 has released several albums consisting of reworkings of classical music and pop hits of the day. The liner notes tell me that Apollo 100 is "comprised of the cream of Britain's recording studio musicians" and the man leading Apollo 100 is "Tom Parker, a brilliant young arranger-musician." The music is described as the "basic chamber music sound with overtones of contemporary rock." More info: "Parker and Apollo 100 succeeded in capturing the imagination of record buyers everywhere with one of their very first singles releases, 'Joy' (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring from J. S. Bach's Cantata 147). This album, Apollo 100's second, offers a program featuring old favorites dressed in new form by Beethoven, Chopin and Rossini; plus three exciting originals and the group's unique versions of the current favorites "Nutrocker" (Tchaikovsky revisited), "Amazing Grace," "Telstar" and "Popcorn."


Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Amazing Grace {3:05}

2. Custer's Last Stand {2:24}

3. Tristesse {3:10}

4. Opus 5 {2:48}

5. Valleys {2:28}

Side 2

1. Popcorn {3:23}

2. Beethoven 9 {2:31}

3. Telstar {3:14}

4. Nutrocker {1:52}

5. William Tell {2:18}

Dennis Coffey and The Detroit Guitar Band - Electric Coffey

Dennis Coffey and The Detroit Guitar Band - Electric Coffey

LP released in 1972

Credits:

Dennis Coffey - guitars
Andrew Smith - drums
Bob Babbit - bass
Eric Morgeson - keyboards
Jack Ashford - percussion
Eddy (Bongo) Brown - percussion

Produced by Mike Theodore
Arrangements by Mike Theodore and Dennis Coffey

Recorded at GM Recording, Detroit
Milan Bogden - engineer

Guitar Band--electric guitars used to play all the horn and string parts

I bought a copy of this LP over a year ago at a Value Village thrift store for only a dollar plus tax. I think it goes to show that occasionally some good stuff shows up at the thrift stores even in the age of eBay.I was not actually familiar with Dennis Coffey before I bought this LP, but I unknowingly have heard his music before in the form of samples done by Public Enemy, The Beastie Boys, LL Cool J and other hip-hop artists. Dennis Coffey was a session player on several hit records on Motown and other labels. Meanwhile, he recorded a few albums in the early 1970s. These psych-funk albums are notable as treasure troves for samples as already indicated. Coffey had a single, "Scorpio", from his first album Evolution, chart in the top 40. Electric Coffey was his third album I believe. As already mentioned, the electric guitar is emphasized and overdubbed as it is used for parts usually played by string instruments and horns. That unique sound mixed in among funky drum breaks and excellent playing and production is what makes this LP a wonderful find.


Tracklisting:  (link may be back soon)

Side A

1. Capricorn's Thing {2:13}

2. Son of Scorpio {3:14}

3. Love Song For Libra {3:12}

4. The Sagittarian {2:37}

5. Love and Understanding {3:11}

Side B

1. Guitar Big Band {3:34}

2. Twins of Gemini {5:31}

3. Virgo's Song {2:27}

4. Lonely Moon Child {3:23}

The Moog Machine - Switched-On Rock

The Moog Machine - Switched-On Rock

I found this LP at an antique store several years ago. I was really thrilled with the find as I was hunting for any ol 1960s or 1970s Moog or other synth LPs, hoping to nab at least a few no matter how cheesy or absurd they are. Recently, I came upon this in my collection when I was going through my LP collection to pick which LPs I wanted to purge. No, this did not go in the purge pile. It has been years since I heard it and decided to give this another spin. At the same time this LP was spun, it was ripped to my hard drive.

Basically, this LP is a collection of covers of hit songs from the late 1960s from the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Zombies, The Fifth Dimension, The Beatles, etc. The instruments used are only a Moog (as you can figure out from the title) and real drums. Of course, these covers are more fun to listen to than the originals. Producer Norman Dolph, who wrote the liner notes, wants to emphasize that "the music is human music, and, most important, it is music, not Moog effects" and "this album is supposed to be a chuckle." It certainly is and it rocks.

Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Spinning Wheel {3:17}

2. Jumpin' Jack Flash {3:15}

3. The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) {2:38}

4. Get Back {2:36}

5. Yummy Yummy Yummy {2:24}

Side 2

1. The Weight {2:21}

2. Time of the Season {3:41}

3. Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In {3:09}

4. You Keep Me Hangin' On {2:23}

5. Hey Jude {3:43}