Peter Thomas - Everything You Need to Know to Operate a CB Radio

Peter Thomas - Everything You Need to Know to Operate a CB Radio

LP released in 1976

UPDATE 7/26/2010: There was an error on my part as the wrong link was included. Now the correct link is in the post.
Breaker one nine this is grey calx, I need a smokey report, anyone there, over. I don't want to feed the bears.

Long before the age of the Internet with its chat rooms, message boards, IM, social media sites, and blogs as well as cell phones with the texting feature, people talked to both acquaintances and strangers alike using aliases or handles through citizen's band (CB) radio. The CB fad was at its peak from the late 1970s (when this LP was released) to the early 1980s. CB use was featured in classic movies and TV shows such as Smokey and the Bandit, Convoy, and The Dukes of Hazard. Then people no longer were excited to use CB radio I guess. I think that truckers and emergency personnel are the only ones who still use CB radio.

This LP explains about everything you need to know to use a CB radio from codes and terminology to etiquette and laws. By the way, the Peter Thomas on this LP is not the musician, he is the announcer and narrator of documentaries known for his work on PBS shows (NOVA) and Forensic Files and the announcer of NPR's sponsors.

I think it would be awesome if people used CB terms and codes in chat rooms, message boards, IM, social media sites, blogs, and cell phones instead of what is used now.

10-4. Have a fine day and a better tomorrow. We're down, we're gone, bye bye.

Tracklisting:  (link will be back soon)

Side 1

1. No Sour Grapes, Please {5:11}

2. Introduction {4:11}

3. Courtesy on the Air {9:52}

4. Time Check and Ten Code {3:02}

5. Radio Check {3:26}

Side 2

1. Choosing a Handle {1:23}

2. Be Heard When You Shout {7:01}

3. Channel 9-For Emergency {3:53}

4. Having an Eyeball {2:00}

5. How About an Eastbounder {2:58}

6. Meet Me on 18 for Directions {1:50}

7. Where are the Smokeys and Beavers? {1:14}

8. Smokeys with Ears {1:46}

9. You, Your Radio and the F.C.C. {5:40}

The Basement Has a Sponsor

A Basement of Curiosities has a sponsor. That sponsor is Terrell's Siding who is a highly reputable home improvement company specializing in siding, windows, roofing, and sunrooms. Terrell's is committed to providing the highest quality products and the finest workmanship at an affordable price. Terrell's has been proudly helping homeowners for 40 years. This company has been in existence longer than I have so that should mean something. Watch the video if you already have not done so for not one but two important messages. Not only is Terrell's the best in siding, roofing, windows, and sunrooms, but Terrell's also is the best when it comes to values. Terrell's is so highly impressive that a local TV news reporter went to visit the company's owner and was also featured on the national cable news program, The Rachel Maddow Show. Terrell's operates primarily in central Oklahoma, but you'll wish that you had Terrell's in your city or locality.

It may seem strange that my first sponsor is someone whose services I can't use yet as I do not own a home as of right now. I have been promised a large discount in the future for the home I'll eventually own in exchange for sponsorship from this fine company. Believe me, I'm going to own a large home in a gated or exclusive community because I'm on my way to being a winner. The home will have somewhere around 4 or 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a kitchen with an "island", a large living room with a large plasma TV and a large stereo, another large room for a home theater, and a double door garage. I may even buy another home or two just for the heck of it.

Enough about me, this is about the sponsor. Terrell's is committed to providing the highest quality products and the finest workmanship as well as ending secular socialism. If you need services in the areas of siding, roofing, windows, and sunrooms and stand for freedom and liberty, call or write Terrell's. If you don't live in Oklahoma and need home improvement services, move to Oklahoma.

various artists compilation - No Hang-Ups Tapes Volume III

various artists compilation - No Hang-Ups Tapes Volume III

released on cassette in 1988

I saw the cover and was excited in anticipation of getting to hear recordings of answering machine messages from highly acclaimed actors and actresses such as Nina Hartley, Herschel Savage, Nikki Charms, Misty Dawn, John Holmes, and others. (Not that I'm familiar with their work, I heard from various sources that they have a mastery of their craft.) Maybe I should have looked at the cover a little more closely.

Anyway I bought the tape, which was still sealed by the way, at a local thrift store. Sometime afterward, I opened the case and popped the tape into my car tape player. I discovered that this is a version that has only male voices. I was a little disappointed that I wouldn't get to hear Nina Hartley, Nikki Charms, and the other fine actresses. But I got over it and the tape provided a few minutes of entertainment for me. It also provided motivation for me to seek out the "female voice" version.

I guess that for you guys instead of providing your own message and voice on your answering machine which was probably boring, you get some oh so funny R-rated prerecorded messages that you can place on your answering machine. No doubt friends, family, medical practioners who set up appointments, employers, debt collectors, and telemarketers will get a kick out of the messages. One would think that these prerecorded messages make their users sound more like sleazebags. The tape provides instructions on how to do just that. (Just remember this came out in 1988.) I suppose that you can use the mp3's I generously ripped and provided for you to use on your fancy iPhone or Droid or whatever you use. So this tape could still be of use at the present.

Tracklisting:

1. anonymous - Hot Springs {0:19}

2. Eric Edwards - Jacuzzi {0:19}

3. anonymous - Say What {0:20}

4. anonymous - Really Blew It {0:22}

5. John Holmes - The Hots {0:21}

6. anonymous - Soft & Furry {0:22}

7. anonymous - A.M. Genie {0:20}

8. John Holmes - Getting Nailed {0:19}

9. John Holmes - Over Billion Served {0:21}

10. anonymous - Frozen Stiff {0:24}

11. Herschel Savage - Take It Off {0:21}

12. Eric Edwards - Great Sex {0:21}

13. Eric Edwards - Getting Ready {0:18}

14. anonymous - Leg Man {0:22}

15. anonymous - Sex Drive {0:23}

16. Herschel Savage - Strip Poker {0:22}

17. Herschel Savage - Mary Christmas {0:21}

18. anonymous - Evil Scientist {0:22}

19. anonymous - Loose Girl {0:18}

20. Herschel Savage - Amateur Gyne {0:14}

21. John Holmes - This is John Holmes Answering for... {0:04}

22. Nina Hartley - This is Nina Hartley Answering for... {0:05}

Sapulpa High School Chorus - A Tribute to The Beatles

Sapulpa High School Chorus - A Tribute to The Beatles

released on LP sometime in the early 1970s

Does the world need any more recordings of Beatles covers? Maybe. Maybe not. But I'm posting this anyway. This album is a recording of a live concert by the Sapulpa High School Chorus which the school is located in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, a few miles west of Tulsa.

I have little knowledge of high school chorus music, but if the popular TV show Glee is any indication (a show I don't watch by the way), there are a lot of high school choruses and bands throughout America that includes pop/rock music in their repertoire. Back then when this LP was recorded, probably not many high school choruses performed pop or rock songs much less record entire albums of this material.

The album starts out with "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" which includes electric piano. It's not quite up to the level of William Shatner, but it works for me. It may be good listening with some acid dropped. (Not that I'm planning to indulge in this activity any time soon mind you, just hypothetically saying.) There's also a version of "Blackbird", one of Charles Manson's favorite songs or was at one time. Too bad there's not a cover of "Helter Skelter". There are covers of Beatles standards such as "Michelle", "Yesterday", "Let It Be". If you're into this kind of music and/or The Beatles, you'll enjoy this album. No doubt the kids had a lot of fun doing this. This is one of those cases where there is interest in finding out what became of the people involved, but its not destined for anyone to find out.


Tracklisting:  (link will be back soon)

Side One

1. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds {3:57}
Chorus

2. Blackbird {1:47}
soloist, Susan Dodson

3. And I Love Her {2:28}
Chorus

4. Strawberry Fields Forever {2:54}
Junior Sextet

5. Got to Get You Into My Life {2:52}
Chorus

6. The Long and Winding Road {3:14}
soloist, Pam Young

Side Two

1. Beatles Medley #2 {3:57}
Chorus

2. Michelle {2:43}
Senior Trio

3. Here There and Everywhere {2:39}
Chorus

4. Ticket to Ride {3:44}
Chorus

5. Let It Be {3:03}
soloist, Roger Fitzgerald

6. Yesterday {3:00}
Chorus

Lloyd Lindroth - Harpist's Bazaar

Lloyd Lindroth - Harpist's Bazaar

released on LP probably sometime in the 1970s

I found this LP at my favorite local flea market earlier this month. The cover says "America's Foremost Swing Harpist" and the LP label says "America's Swingin'est Harpist". Since I enjoy harp music of all stripes, I figured this has to at least somewhat be good. Some of the liner notes were also persuasive in my exchanging a couple of bucks for this LP:

Lloyd's first album "Harpist's Bazaar" is presenting a new sound in music. His secret is a specially amplified Electronic harp (the world's first). He uses exclusively "kustom" speakers and amplifiers to create his sound, and specially developed microphones that augment the beautiful sound of the harp without picking up any of the mechanical sounds of the pedals.

Many swing harp albums [I didn't know there were many swing harp albums.] have employed the use of multiple recording effects to create commercial sound that is effective to the public. "HARPIST'S BAZAAR" is not such a case. There are no gimmicked-up tempos; and every song Lloyd has recorded he performs in the same exciting manner on stage with his demanding and challenging technique. This has earned him the title from one reviewer, Don Hearn, Washington Daily News, as "The Amazing Young Man With a Harp!" There is no question that he is - "America's Swingin'est Harpist!"

This album is a collection of instrumental performances of standards and hits of the day with Lloyd performing on his electronic harp with his quartet. Only one song actually has vocals and that is on "Tequila" when Lloyd or someone else says "tequila." I have not enjoyed listening to that particular tune except its use in Pee Wee's Big Adventure until I heard Lloyd's version on this album. This album is yet another example of why interpretations or covers can be more interesting and in some cases better than the originals. I suppose I need to seek out more swinging harp albums.

Lloyd Lindroth has given performances in many clubs, the Grand Ole Opry, and even gave a few "command" performances at the White House. Lloyd was labeled the "Liberace of the harp" for his flamboyance as he dressed in flashy costumes, wore a $7000 ring in the shape of a harp, and employed the use of lights, smoke, and "dancing waters" in his live performances. Lloyd performed diverse styles of music including country (he recorded the first and only country harp album according to the Lindroth website). He played on the soundtrack to the TV miniseries Roots and on variety shows on The Nashville Network (before it became Spike TV). Lloyd played concerts until the end of his life as he passed away in June 1994.

No one will get to enjoy seeing Lloyd in concert anymore. The last part of the liner notes will conclude this post as they describe the ending of Lloyd's concerts:

How does the act finish? Lloyd gets that harp going at such a wild pace that the whole thing finally blows up in a big pile of smoke! One lady was overheard to say, "I've never heard a harp like that before!" Well, that's true. You won't hear anything like "Harpist's Bazaar" anywhere unless you are lucky enough to see "America's Swingin'est Harpist" in person - - - Lloyd Lindroth and His Quartet!


Tracklisting:

Side One

1. Walk in the Black Forest {2:08}

2. Goin' Out of My Head {2:13}

3. Love is Blue {2:25}

4. St. Louis Blues {2:20}

5. Cumana {2:32}

6. Jet {3:48}

Side Two

1. Holiday for Strings {2:16}

2. Little Rock Getaway {1:51}

3. Up Up and Away {2:56}

4. Try to Remember {3;00}

5. Tequila {2:28}

6. Granada {4:04}

Helen Gurley Brown - Lessons in Love

Helen Gurley Brown - Lessons in Love

*special thanks to jay strange for this informative record

LP released in 1963

Good girls go to heaven. Bad girls go everywhere.

Before she became the chief editor at Cosmopolitan magazine for a long time where she transformed the magazine from a not widely read cultural literary magazine to a magazine containing photos of stick thin models and articles about sex positions and dating, Helen Gurley Brown wrote a book called Sex and the Single Girl which became a bestseller in 1962. Much of the book's content was radical for its time and interestingly her husband, the late producer David Brown, was the one who prompted Helen to write a book about her days as a single woman.

Sometime soon after the publication of the book, it was planned by the Crescendo Record Company for Helen to record an album of her reading portions from her book. However, Warner Brothers who was making a movie version of the book at the time, owned the recording rights to the book, so the audio version was nixed. So, Helen came up with new material that resulted in the LP, Lessons in Love. Each side of the LP contained advice each for men and girls (that's what they're referred to instead of women).

Helen dishes advice on how to discreetly cheat on your wives or husbands (it's only natural and bound to happen, right). Helen offers advice each for secretaries and bosses to maintain relationships in and out of the office. There's hope for midgets , I mean little men, to have success picking up girls. There's even hope for plain or ugly girls to land men as Helen helpfully explains how this is possible. Helen also tells how men can reject a girl and how a girl can reject a man. At the end of each side, in a bit of contradiction from her stance that cheating is okay, Helen explains how a man and a girl can remain faithful and love only his wife or her husband respectively.

So listen to the original Cosmo Girl tell you how to live your love life.

Tracklisting:

Side 1 HOW TO LOVE A GIRL

1. How to Have an Affair and Live Happily Ever After! part 1 {3:58}

2. How to Have an Affair and Live Happily Ever After! part 2 {2:50}

3. How to Behave at Home If You're Misbehaving Away from Home {2:20}

4. Getting the Most from Your Secretary {2:58}

5. Little Man You'll Have a Busy Day {3:13}

6. How to Say No to a Girl {3:18}

7. How to Love Your Wife and Nobody Else {4:09}

Side 2 HOW TO LOVE A MAN

1. How to Love a Man If You Aren't Pretty {6:06}

2. How to Say No to a Man Who... {2:57}

3. Unfaithful Wives' Tales {4:56}

4. How to Love a Boss {2:55}

5. How to Talk to a Man in Bed {4:02}

6. How to Love Your Husband and Nobody Else {3:32}

Hugo Montenegro - Neil's Diamonds

Hugo Montenegro - Neil's Diamonds

LP released in 1973

Arranged & Conducted by Hugo Montenegro

Arp & Moog Synthesizers programmed and played by Dick Hamilton, John Montenegro & Larry Muhoberac

Recorded in RCA's Music Center of the World, Hollywood, California

Today, I reveal to you one of my guilty pleasures (out of many). No, it's not Neil Diamond, it's Hugo Montenegro, particularly this LP of Neil Diamond covers. Hugo's versions are a lot more fun and plain better in my not too humble opinion. They even sound more fresh than the overplayed originals. Plus this has Arps and Moogs!

Dom Cerulli says on the back cover:

Expect the unexpected!
That's true of both Neil Diamond and Hugo Montenegro.
Diamond's haunting songs never quite go where they lead you at first; never quite resolve the way you think they should; never really ever leave you quite the way they found you.
They seem to have a life of their own.
And the arrangements of Mr. Montenegro are very much like that, too.
They shimmer with strange new colors and rhythms that may shock you at first or jar you at first or make you come alert at first. Then they get deeper into the marrow, the soul of a song, and explore it. And while this is going on, the shifting, subtle, sensual sound begins to grow on you. Different, exotic, ethereal sounds come from everyday familiar instruments. New, brittle, sparkling sounds come from electronic inventions still being shaken down.
And before you know it, the Montenegro version is the one you always want to hear.

It is cool that the liner notes (a.k.a label hype) and I are in agreement. That does not happen too often. Happy listening.


Tracklisting:

Side A

1. Cracklin' Rosie {3:10}

2. I'm a Believer {3:33}

3. Song Song Blue {3:25}

4. Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show {3:48}

5. Sweet Caroline {3:09}

Side B

1. Porcupine Pie {2:11}

2. Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon {3:11}

3. Two-Bit Man Child {3:12}

4. Walk on Water {2:35}

5. Hurtin' You Don't Come Easy {3:35}