Dr. Robert Parrish - Listen and Lose

Dr. Robert Parrish - Listen and Lose

released on LP in 1972

From looking at the album's title, you would probably think that I'm trying to turn you into a loser, you know being contrary to the pro-winning attitude championed constantly on this blog because this is a blog for winners. You could not be more wrong. In fact, the "lose" part refers to losing weight. That's what this record is all about. Yes, we here at the Basement (actually meaning my lonely self and that stray cat that keeps hanging around the porch trying to mooch food off of me) do encourage you people out there to lose some pounds if there are too many pounds.

This LP promises that you can lose weight not by going on a diet (which I always doubted would work), but by imagining yourself to be slim and trim. I think the liner notes explains this quite adequately:

All you have to do to begin this weight loss system is to listen to a recording. The recording teaches you how to relax - and then it teaches you some eating habits. You learn these new ideas quickly, simply because you are so relaxed and therefore receptive to fresh ideas. ... There is a conflict between your will power and your preconceived ideas. When you resolve this conflict, you can begin to lose weight. "Listen and Lose" doesn't give you new will power. "Listen and Lose" gives you new imagination - a new image, if you will, of yourself and a system to help you achieve this image. ... [The record] can really help you. It can open the way for you to turn the imagined image into the real image of you. All you have to do is listen.

The back cover also provides Parrish's background and credentials:

The author of "Listen and Lose", Dr. Robert E. Parrish, is eminently qualified to write about the psychological aspects of becoming slender. Through his professional experiences as a University professor and a practicing psychologist he has developed a deep sensitivity to the problems and struggles of individuals who are desirous of a change in their personal lives but who are without positive goals and a realistic workable plan.
Since 1960 he has been researching and developing procedures for relaxation, utilizing effectively the laws of suggestions, visualizing procedures, and goal setting for learning and personal development.
Dr. Parrish received his Bachelors degree, Masters degree and in 1962 his Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma.


Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Introduction {13:25}

Side 2

1. Procedure {20:07}