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}

Gary "Moses" Bowman Preaching on the University of Arkansas campus

Here's a video to commemorate the start of school here in America.

Gary "Moses" Bowman is a preacher who likes to visit college campuses in Arkansas, Oklahoma and in other states in the South. Occasionally, he is also known as Preacher Bob. Usually, Moses warns the young college students that not only are they going to Hell, but that there is no hope for them to change their destiny, no salvation; their destiny is Hell, Moses tells them. Depending on circumstances, students could get a potential double whammy, hell on Earth in the form of student loan repayments because the college presidents and trustees or regents want to jack up tuition and eternity spent in the lake of fire. If you're in a fraternity or sorority or wear shorts or skirts, you're headed straight for Hell. If you accept evolution, you're also headed for Hell. Yes, Moses likes to dispense his version of the truth and make people angry.

Gary Moses Bowman sings and dances while telling college students their futures are bleak. In this video, he does just that. I like the way he uses his whistle in between his singing as if the whistle is another vocal device aside from his voice. Maybe he should go on America's Got Talent or record an album so that it could be featured in the next incarnaton of 365 Days Project. At the beginning if the video, Moses sings about how evolution is spiritual pollution then sings another song at the end about how evolution caused the Virginia Tech shooting two years ago. In between his performances, he preaches about the moon and the Earth's "real age". Yes, he uses his whistle while preaching.

I usually do not post videos. In fact, this is actually the first time in my life that I've embedded a video in a blog. I've wanted to do this as I suppose I haven't really lived until I've embedded a You Tube video. I think this is a good first choice.

Howard Loy - How to Stop Smoking Without Using Willpower

Howard Loy - How to Stop Smoking Without Using Willpower

Here's another quit-smoking record. What makes this one different from the others is that you don't have to use willpower to quit smoking. That's what the title says. I'm sure that this is the one that will work this time and no more money will be put in the pockets of tobacco companies. Smoking is not a physical addiction, it is a learned habit that can be unlearned, the liner notes assert. (Right.) The techniques, lessons and exercises have been created by some guy named Howard Loy. This LP includes a couple of celebrity endorsements by Joanne Woodward and Richard Basehart. They also appear on the LP's introduction. About the celebrities, I know Joanne Woodward is Paul Newman's wife and I never heard of Richard Basehart until I bought this LP at one of the Salvation Army thrift stores. Since I started school and a new job (yes, I finally am no longer a lazy food-stamp-carrying bum sucking up welfare from the guvment, perhaps now I will become a successful person using the lessons I learned from my collection of Success Motivation Institute records), I no longer have much free time. I did not get to look up more info on Richard Basehart.

About Howard Loy from the liner notes:

Howard Loy is one of the pioneers in the technique of subconscious teaching.

He first became interested in the application of this technique while on the supervisory staff of NAOP - Narcotic Addict Out-patient Program for the State of California.

The techniques he developed over months of research have been employed by over 3,000 people with success recorded in 87% of the cases.

Among those who have taken the course are many of Hollywood's leading personalities. (Maybe there's a few even I've heard of.)

Mr. Loy earned his BA degree and his Master's degree in psychology at Pepperdine College. He is a family counselor, a child counselor and a member of the psychology staff at Glendale College in Southern California.



An important piece of advice from the liner notes for those serious about quitting smoking: How to Stop Smoking Without Using Willpower consists of a program of four lessons and two exercises. They are planned and scheduled in the manner best suited to helping you reprogram the data in your subconscious. Follow the schedule as indicated here. Do not skip ahead. It will only end up confusing you. Richard Basehart Comment Introduction: Howard Loy Joanne Woodward Comment

FIRST DAY: Lesson #1, Exercise #1
SECOND DAY: Exercise #1
THIRD DAY: Lesson #2, Exercise #1
FOURTH DAY: Exercise #1
FIFTH DAY: Exercise #1
SIXTH DAY: Exercise #1
SEVENTH DAY: Lesson #3, Exercise #2
EIGHTH DAY: Lesson #4, Exercise #2
NEXT TWO MONTHS: Exercise #2

Lesson #1: Instructions on how the program works, why the smoker has problems trying to quit with willpower and what they are to start doing to become an ex-smoker.

Exercise #1: To be used to become an ex-smoker.

Lesson #2: A review of lesson #1, introduction of thoughts about situational habits and instructions on what to do on their cut-off day.

Lesson #3: Cut-Off Day! Instructions on how to relieve every day tension and how not to dwell on thoughts of cigarettes.

Lesson #4: Discussion on what to do to complete the program and how to handle any problems in the future.

Exercise #2: To be used after becoming an ex-smoker to complete training.


Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Introduction {4:35}

2. Lesson #1 {5:49}

3. Lesson #2 {6:38}

Side 2

1. Exercise #1 {3:53}

2. Lesson #3 {9:39}

3. Lesson #4 {3:46}

4. Exercise #2 {4:33}

Art Holst - The Challenge of a Pro

Art Holst - The Challenge of a Pro

LP released in 1969

This is a recording of motivational speaker Art Holst in front of a gathering of sales professionals at a sales conference in Chicago. Art, of course, is trying to encourage and motivate his audience to strive to seek opportunities and meet their goals of selling lots of stuff and making lots of money from sales of lots of stuff . Art uses humorous anecdotes especially during his time as an official in the National Football League, the highest level of tackle football in America. Art is self-deprecating which helps since his job as an official is the most disliked and least respected profession in professional sports despite their job to keep the game in order. Art sure does enjoy hearing himself talk about football. He uses a few football metaphors throughout his speech (BTW, did you know that football season is almost here?).

At the midpoint of his speech, Art assures the audience that hippies or as he likes to call them "bearded, long-haired, dirty, unshaven, stinkin beatniks" won't undermine the free enterprise system and influence over 220 million Americans to change their ways. Bearded, long-haired beatniks seems to sound cooler than hippies. I prefer beatnik over hippie.

Art inspires his audience to meet the challenge of a pro by competing to be a winner because winning is what matters most in the competitive society, the society that the dirty unshaven beatniks are trying to change. That means the listener of this recording, that is you, will be inspired to meet goals, score touchdowns (in sales that is) and be a winner.

Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. The Challenge of a Pro part 1 {23:55}

Side 2

1. The Challenge of a Pro part 2 {21:28}

Gil Trythall - Country Moog: Switched On Nashville

Gil Trythall - Country Moog: Switched On Nashville

I found this LP at my local favorite antique store and paid only a dollar for it. As you can tell by the title, the album is a collection of country music hits performed using only the Moog synthesizer. I can't imagine this LP being well-received by country purists plus the LP doesn't even give off any "my dog died, my wife left me and I'll go drown my sorrows in whiskey" vibes. It is fun entertainment throughout its 28 minutes including the ballads. I would rather listen to this LP than listen to anything by Toby Keith and just about anything else played on Clear Channel-owned country music stations. Seriously. So if you're looking for some tunes to play at the next hootenanny, but with robots or a retro-futuristic theme, Country Moog is the one to bring. Yee haw!


Tracklisting:

Side I

1. Foggy Mountain Breakdown {2:07}

2. Folsom Prison Blues {3:12}

3. Last Date {2:29}

4. Harper Valley P.T.A. {2:38}

5. Cattle Call {2:13}

6. Gentle On My Mind {2:26}

Side II

1. Wildwood Flower {1:58}

2. Orange Blossom Special {2:18}

3. Walking the Floor Over You {2:23}

4. Little Green Apples {3:58}

5. Yakety Moog {2:26}

101 Strings - The Sounds of Love

101 Strings - The Sounds of Love

I do not think I need to explain 101 Strings to my regular visitors who are likely also regular visitors to other sharity blogs posting old loungy/easy listening music and/or similar to the stuff I usually post. Just in case, I'll briefly explain 101 Strings. It is made up of various orchestras hired for cheap to record mood or easy listening music which are mostly covers of hit tunes. An engineer named Dick L. Miller came up with the idea for the 101 Strings budget albums to release on his Somerset label. In 1964, Miller sold the catalog and licence to the Alshire label which continued to be prolific in releasing 101 Strings product. 101 Strings released somewhere around 200 albums. If you dig around in thrift stores, flea markets, library sales, garage sales, etc. chances are great that you'll see at least one or two 101 Strings LPs in the piles although spotting one of the few 101 Strings LPs worth having (e.g. Astro Sounds from Beyond the Year 2000, Sounds of Today, even the LP in this post, etc.) is slim.

The music on The Sounds of Love is really not that interesting. It is the usual easy listening style with monotonous strings. However, what makes The Sounds of Love fun to listen to are the vocals. A woman named Bebe Bardon contributes moans to a few of the songs. I assume that she is the person on the front and back covers and in the cheesecake centerfold-style fold out. Some guy named Joe Adams contributes vocals to a few other songs. I guess the best way to explain his style is if you enjoy William Shatner, you'll enjoy Joe Adams.

Another 101 Strings album featuring Bebe Bardon called The Exotic Sounds of Love was released a few years later. If anyone can provide this or the 7" I Remember/Whiplash (two songs from that album), I will be appreciative.



Voice sounds by Bebe Bardon on Side One - tracks 1 and 3 and Side Two - track 1
Dialogue by Joe Adams on Side One - tracks 2 and 4 and Side Two - tracks 2 and 4

Tracklisting:  (link will be back soon)

Side One

1. Love at First Sight {3:01}

2. Wonderful Seasons of Love {2:50}

3. I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good {3:20}

4. The Sounds of Silence {3:48}

5. In Love Again {2:23}

Side Two

1. Love is Blue {2:29}

2. This Guy's in Love With You {3:40}

3. Acapulco Affair {2:20}

4. Yesterday {4:28}

5. South Seas Romance {2:44}

Ernie Anderson and Alex Dreier - Miracle Methods and Power Closing Techniques

Ernie Anderson and Alex Dreier - Miracle Methods and Power Closing Techniques

Here is an LP targeted at salesmen so they can increase wealth for their companies and even for themselves. The liner notes say:

On this one LP disc, the Businessmen's Record Club presents two outstanding talks on salesmanship by two distinguished TV and radio personalities.

On Side One, Ernie Anderson offers every salesman 13 "miracle methods" to raise personal sales and income. Each of these methods sounds simple enough, even obvious to anyone with any success in selling. [Why are they miracle methods then if they are so obvious that every salesman (salesperson) should be trained in using them?] Yet each method is ignored by countless salesmen every day, for an incalculable loss in sales revenue for the companies they represent. [So, that's why they are called "miracle methods". Would it be a miracle if many salesmen didn't ignore these methods? Then there would be no need for this LP and Ernie Anderson wouldn't make any money telling people "miracle methods". Oh, sorry, I accidentally used a bit of what is called critical thinking.]

The important thing is to put each of these miracle methods into practice. For they are all based on action, not some abstract theory. [These can be used in the real world. Great!] They all require more effort, but all pay off with handsome rewards. [That means get off your lazy asses and get out there and get in customers' faces to peddle your wares.] And - taken altogether - these 13 methods will take you up the mountain top [Mt. McKinley?, the Matterhorn?, K2?], reaching for the stars. You'll be a happier, more successful, more popular person when you make each method an everyday habit for the rest of your life. [This sentence alone should be an incentive to head for the dl link.]

On Side Two, Alex Dreier offers nine power closing techniques to help you achieve the most important step in selling [Side Two starts by Alex saying "Now we come to the payoff". Was this sampled on an Ice Cube record or was it another rapper? I recall hearing this snippet on some rap record way back when.] . . . getting that signature on the dotted line. [Does this also make you happier, more successful and more popular not to mention better looking?] Everything else in selling may be important - but the man who finally makes the sale is the man who brings home the bacon. [And the eggs, and the bread, and the milk.]

A good closer reaps the benefit of everything which has gone before him . . . the advertising, the customer's natural desire, even his competitor's spadework. [Does this mean that Ernie Anderson's miracle methods are no good unless a salesman can close the deal? Good thing that 9 power closing techniques are on the other side of the LP. Then again, Businessmen's Record Club could have charged more money by putting Alex Dreier's 9 power closing techniques on a separate LP. Then again, the underachieving salesmen most likely could not afford 2 LPs., so they should be thankful for the 2-on-1 LP.]

Mr. Dreier first proves that an initial "No" from the buyer means nothing, that most sales are made after the buyer says "No." [No way!] Then he goes on to describe nine effective ways of changing that "No" to a "Yes!" [I'll mention that when I say "no", I mean "no". None of these techniques will convince me to change my mind, but that does not mean that it cannot work on someone else. Some people enjoy making salesmen earn their sales according to Mr. Dreier.]

Every salesman should find at least several of these closing techniques to fit his own particular style, his own product or service - and to suit nearly every situation he may encounter. Careful attention to any or all nine closes will, with practice, improve your sales record - with a corresponding raise in income. [which translates to more happiness, more success, more popularity, more opportunities to get laid]

So, there you have it. You don't have to end up like Willy Loman. Miracle methods and power closing techniques will have you rolling in the dough and turn you into a legend in generating revenue for businesses.


Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Ernie Anderson - Miracle Methods {19:30}

Side 2

1. Alex Dreier - Power Closing Techniques {21:49}

Dr. J. Clifton Williams - Success in the Classroom

Dr. J. Clifton Williams - Success in the Classroom

We'll continue with the back-to-school series of posts. This guy explains on this tape (from 1970) how to prepare for tests and how to do well on tests as well as how to make good grades in classes. I think I should have posted this one first instead of Techniques for Academic Success. Basically, if you don't do the homework and flunk the tests, you fail the classes. Thus, you become a loser in the realm of formal education which means you'll most likely for the rest of your life be working for low pay in either a big-box chain store taking shit from prick managers and ill-mannered customers or serving high-cholestrol, fattening, greasy food for a fast food chain while taking shit from prick managers and ill-mannered customers. So you better get motivated to succeed and start listening and/or passing this on to someone who's attending school.

Tracklisting:  (link will be back soon)

Side A

1. Success in the Classroom {28:44}

Side B

1. Success in the Classroom continued {24:35}

A Basement of Curiosities Comment Policy [written on August 4, 2009]

I believe I need to post rules and policies about comments on this blog. I should have done this when I first started this blog, but I was fortunate for a year and a half that no problems came up in the comments section. That is until now.

First of all, I have a very open comment policy. This means that anyone (even anonymous people without aliases) is welcome to post a comment without being approved by me. I found that a majority of blog owners overall (not just sharity bloggers) are either strict about who can comment or what can be posted as a comment. They also moderate comments, that is they read and decide to approve comments for posting. It has not come to the point where I need to moderate comments and I hope it will not be necessary to moderate comments.

The reason I decided to write this post is that people recently have decided to post spam on my blog. I just deleted several comments posted by one individual who posted such spam in several of my posts.

My policy is that the comments section is not to be used as a means for advertising and attempt to direct people to whatever is being advertised. If you have something interesting and relevant to offer, I am willing to make an exception as long as it is not in multiple posts. Examples include letting me know that you have an interesting blog or website and/or offer interesting material (preferably for free). If spam shows up, it will be deleted shortly thereafter.

I have the comments available for anyone to post their thoughts about the posts, add information to the posts, let me know about technical issues, to ask questions or even to make requests. Yes, your requests are welcome. You can have conversations with each other or me. This is a social blog as well as a blog about my cool and awesome collection in both physical and digital form.

If you have any questions or if there is something I need to clarify, feel free to write in the comments form.

Dr. J. Clifton Williams - Techniques for Academic Success

Dr. J. Clifton Williams - Techniques for Academic Success

I know that the people out there want more druggie albums as well as more stuff about Satan and LPs of how to remove pimples from rear ends (I will be somewhat amazed if there is in existence of an LP of how to remove pimples from anywhere on the body). It's not that I am psychic that I know what people outside of my locality want (because I'm trying to find time to fully concentrate and listen to Russ Burgess again, yeah that's it.) It's that my visitors have asked for these kinds of albums.

I am sorry to disappoint any of you that the subject of this post does not deal with any of the topics mentioned in the above paragraph. No, I take that back. The cassette that is the focus of this post is very important, so you all really need this. You see, August is here and school usually starts in the middle of August here in the U.S. of A. Even if you are not going to school, no doubt you know someone who is going to school. If you are a visitor and fan of this blog, you are definitely acquainted with someone going to school. That person is yours truly.

This cassette by one Dr. J. Clifton Williams teaches listeners how to succeed in school which translates to how to be a success in corporate America. On side A, he explains how to effectively and efficiently write papers and give oral reports. I am fond of side B. Dr. Williams explains how the library is a very helpful resource for succeeding in school and how to use the library to its fullest advantage. That is awesome and here's the kicker. I am in library school right now. Library school is formally called School of Library and Information Studies (LIS). Library schools throughout the country have this name or something similar. Hopefully, I'll be employed in a library or archive somewhere soon.

There is not much information about Dr. Williams available. There is not even a Wikipedia entry for Dr. Williams although there is some composer who shares the same name who is apparently significant enough to have a Wikipedia entry. All I was able to find out is that he has degrees in psychology, does consulting in management and advises the president of Baylor University.

Nothing here about drugs, Satan or removing pimples, but you or someone you know will get an A or at least a B. Not to worry, druggie and Satan stuff as well as more stuff to make you a success in life are forthcoming.

Tracklisting:

Side A

1. Techniques for Academic Success {24:08}

Side B

1. Techniques for Academic Success continued {26:59}

James R. Lawson - The Riverside Church Carillon

James R. Lawson - The Riverside Church Carillon

I hope that my visitors are having a wonderful summer (or wonderful winter for those in the southern hemisphere of this planet). There will be some words of wisdom posted here soon to help you be a better person, make more money, tap your hidden psychic powers and get dates. Meanwhile, enjoy some music.

From the liner notes:

The Riverside Church Carillon is one of the most notable carillons in the world. Installed at a time when carillons were only beginning to be used in this country, it has provided a new musical experience for thousands of people, many of whom have come to see the gigantic instrument in action. To reach the belfry it is necessary to take an elevator to the twentieth floor and then climb several flights of stairs to the top of the tower. From this point one can look out upon the whole expanse of Manhattan and the surrounding areas. Within, hang the 74 bells of the Riverside Church Carillon.

A carillon is a musical instrument of the keyboard type, having as its basis twenty-three or more chromatically attuned bells. Its development from simpler bell mechanisms began around the fifteenth century in Europe, when small sets of bells were installed in clock towers and mechanically arranged so that they would ring before the sounding of the heavy hour bell. As the number of bells increased the mechanism was arranged to play a melody.

THE CARILLONNEUR

The musician who has played the carillon at Riverside Church since 1960 is James Raymond Lawson.

Mr. Lawson is founder and director of the SOCIETAS COMPANARIORUM (Society of Bell Ringers), an organization for the study and promotion of bell music. A major activity of the society is the publication of carillon, chime, and handbell music.


Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Crown Him with Many Crowns {1:13}

2. Fairest Lord Jesus {1:15}

3. Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the Sun {1:02}

4. My Country, 'Tis of Thee {1:44}

5. We Gather Together {1:49}

6. O God, Our Help in Ages Past {1:18}

Side 2

1. A Mighty Fortress is Our God {4:15}

2. America the Beautiful {1:33}

3. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross {1:09}

4. Christ the Lord is Risen Today {2:13}

5. Joy to the World! The Lord is Come {1:16}

6. Silent Night, Holy Night {2:51}

Dick Sutphen - Chakra Balance

Dick Sutphen - Chakra Balance

Dick Sutphen is an expert on metaphysics and a hypnotist. He has written a lot of books and recorded a lot of cassettes and CDs. He also offers services such as private past-life and spirit-contacting therapy, personal "phone-coaching" and seminars to medical professionals on how to use his "life-changing techniques".

Mr. Sutphen has a weekly radio show, "Dick Sutphen's Metaphysical World", which is available for download on the Contact Talk Radio site.

On this cassette, Dick guides listeners on how to balance their chakras through hypnosis to achieve improved health and vitality and heightened awareness. What are chakras, you ask? According to the website, Eclectic Energies, they are:

...centers of energy, located on the midline of the body. There are seven of them, and they govern our psychological properties. The chakras are located on the lower part of our body are our instinctual side, the highest ones our mental side.

The chakras can have various levels of activity. When they're "open", they're considered operative in a normal fashion.

Ideally, all chakras would contribute to our being. Our instincts would work together with our feelings and thinking. However, this is usually not the case. Some chakras are not open enough (being under-active), and to compensate, other chakras are over-active. The ideal state is where the chakras are balanced.

The site linked above offers a chakra test to determine if your chakras are open, under-active or over-active.

On Side A, as already mentioned, Dick explains how to cleanse and balance one's chakras in a soft slow-paced voice. His voice is combined with a heartbeat and vibrato-tones. On Side B, the person speaking is not Dick, but some woman who is not credited anywhere. She guides listeners to engage in meditation to balance the chakras to achieve higher awareness.

Important Note: A Basement of Curiosities along with Mr. Sutphen emphasizes that this tape should not be played while driving your vehicle.

Tracklisting:

Side A

1. Hypnosis Programming {29:34}

Side B

1. Directed Meditation {22:12}

John Wayne - America, Why I Love Her

John Wayne - America, Why I Love Her

Because it's the 4th of July, son. (Or should that be pilgrim?)

Grab a hot dog, a cold soda or beer and some firecrackers and blast the sentimental heartfelt patriarchal protestant patriotic poetry and music at a high volume.

Tracklisting:  (link may be back soon)

Side 1

1. Why I Love Her {2:56}

2. The Hyphen {2:27}

3. Mis Raices Estan Aqui (My Roots Are Buried Here) {2:39}

4. The People {3:42}

5. An American Boy Grows Up {4:27}

Side 2

1. Face the Flag {3:49}

2. The Good Things {2:36}

3. The Pledge of Allegiance {4:18}

4. Why Are You Marching, Son? {3:53}

5. Taps {3:00}

Sports Car Caravan

Sports Car Caravan

It's been a while since we had any car engine noises on this site. It's also been a while since I posted on this blog. As you can see, these are recordings of sports cars in various races. The organization behind this label did not give any information about the individual tracks (what cars are recorded on which track, on what race track is the recording taking place). Instead this was given on the back cover:

If you've been to a motor race - and since you're interested in this record, the chances are pretty good that you have been - you'll find a lot here that is familiar to you. Sounds of sports car racing have the uncanny ability to bring back all the sensations of the race itself; your mind's eye sees all the color of the cars, the bright flags, the excited crowd; after a few minutes listening you will even imagine you can smell the exhaust fumes, the castor oil, the burnt rubber.

Soundwise, you may find some new items here. These particular sounds were recorded at a wide variety of races, so different cars, with different gear ratios and different exhaust systems, give the listener a broad coverage of the sounds of this great new American sport.

Surprisingly, enough, even exactly the same car on two different courses will sound like two different cars. But at speed, which is how you can hear them on this disc, they all have one basic quality in common - all of them help to recreate the enormous excitement of sports car racing.

Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. track 1 {1:27}

2. track 2 {3:25}

3. track 3 {3:26}

4. track 4 {3:28}

5. track 5 {4:56}

Side 2

1. track 6 {8:50}

2. track 7 {12:07}

Dr. James Dobson - New Age, Humanism and Satanism: Protecting Your Family

Dr. James Dobson - New Age, Humanism and Satanism: Protecting Your Family

This is a 2-tape set released in 1991 by Christian fundamentalist and famly psychologist Dr. James Dobson and his merry band Focus on the Family. The material on the tapes were from the Focus on the Family radio broadcast. The first tape is a panel discussion headed by Dobson. The rest of the panel include Frank Peretti, who seems to be a Christian version of Stephen King and author of what is considered the notable Christian horror fiction novel, This Present Darkness among others, Dr. Fred Dickason who was a faculty member at the Moody Bible Institute and an expert in demon possession and angeloogy, Steve Russo, an evangelist and the featured attraction of tortuous school assemblies, and Sal Dena, a private investigator who specializes in spiritual warfare and crimes revolving around Satanism and the occult. The discussion is basically about how satanism is vying for the hearts and minds of America's youth in tandem with the other "evil philosophies" humanism and the new age. So, those who engage in free thinking, scientific inquiry, compassion and just plain secular are really doing the work of the devil. Got it. Thanks panel. These folks also offer equip listeners "with the key strategies and tools we all need to combat Satan in today's world." Gotta protect families from other belief systems and the possibility that humans can lead virtuous lives without believing in supernatural entities.

The second tape is a lecture by Frank Peretti. He "shares - with delightful humor and creativity - how man's quest for personal power has led society to embrace 'moral relativism' and the dangerous belief that man himself is a god. An insightful look at man's search for truth, this is a presentation you won't forget!" Believe me, you won't forget this presentation, but for probably different reasons other than what is intended by Peretti.

Focus on the Family was based in Pomona, California, when this set came out. In 1993, the organization moved to what became the epicenter of fundamentalist Christianity, Colorado Springs, Colorado.



Tracklisting:

Tape 1

featuring Sal Dena, Dr. Fred Dickason, Steve Russo and Frank Peretti

Side 1

1. Fighting Satan in Today's World {44:15}

Side 2

1. Fighting Satan in Today's World (continued) {43:31}

Tape 2

lecture by Frank Peretti

Side 1

1. God's Way or My Way {34:33}

Side 2

1. God's Way or My Way (continued) {30:59}

Brian Ruud - From a Bum Trip to... "The Trip Beyond"

Brian Ruud - From a Bum Trip to... "The Trip Beyond"

Brian Ruud is a preacher from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada who grew up as a son of a preacher. Brian Ruud had a rebellious streak. On this LP loaded with references to drug experiences, Brian tells his story of where he came from and how he came to be the person he is today. He was basically a juvenille delinquent during most of his childhood and teenage years who was involved in robbery, violence, drug dealing and, of course, drug use. His father also had a penchant for corporal punishment. Brian was on what is called a "bum trip." He lost a lost of weight from drug abuse and felt a lot of self-hatred. Brian ended up in Prince Albert Penitentiary, what is reputed to be the San Quentin of Canadian prisons. Brian was put in solitary confinement and there he says he discovered "the trip beyond", an experience that changed his life.

One gets the impression that this LP was recorded in front of a live audience with the sounds of applause and laughter appearing. I find it odd that the audience occasionally starts laughing at inappropriate moments in Brian's lecture or rather the sounds of laughter are cued at inappropriate moments. I confess that I did laugh at a couple of Brian's "jokes", both of them about acts of theft. It sounds to me that there was no live audience present when Brian spoke, just sounds generated in a studio where Brian recorded this album.

Brian Ruud is still preaching, warning people about the dangers of drugs. He also still somewhat has his blonde afro. Besides preaching, Brian Ruud is a motivational speaker and consultant according to his website.

The album is entertaining and even inspiring enough that listeners will want to go from a bum trip to the trip beyond.

Tracklisting:

Side One

1. From a Bum Trip... side one {19:56}

Side Two

1. From a Bum Trip... side two {18:34}

Russ Burgess - The Burgess Method: Developing Your ESP Powers

Russ Burgess - The Burgess Method: Developing Your ESP Powers

*special thanks to Tripmaster for providing this LP

I hope he doesn't mind if I post this on the main page. The Basement has been getting a funny smell since I haven't been around for a while. I'm sure you know basements tend to smell after they have been neglected for some time. It's time to spray some Lysol* and get a new post produced.

Russ Burgess is a hypnotist and has ESP powers. Not only that but he is also an accomplished bird trainer. His bird training skills earned him a spot on The Ed Sullivan Show. Recently, he has retired from doing shows. I learned all of this from this article in The Community Journal (serving Ashburnham & Westminster, Massachusetts).

I couldn't find anything online about the background story of the LP presented here. So, you'll just have to listen to what Russ says if you want to develop your ESP powers. Yeah, I know I already posted "how-to-develop-your-ESP-powers" material before, but it could be beneficial to have other records available so as to have more ideas and other perspectives just in case the other ESP instructional post doesn't quite work for you. ;)

*The Basement of Curiosities is not sponsored by Lysol nor should it be implied that The Basement of Curiosities or the author is endorsing Lysol. It just happened to be available at the time. ;)

Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. The Burgess Method side 1 {17:12}

Side 2

1. The Burgess Method side 2 {16:57}

Gil Boyne - Mind Power Cassettes

Gil Boyne - Mind Power Cassettes

Gil Boyne is a certified hypnotherapist. He is not some average hypnotherpaist, he is one of the pioneers of the profession of hypnotherapy and a true master of hypnotherapy (other hypnotherapists say that he is the greatest of all time). Gil Boyne has been awarded "Man of the Century" by the International Hypnosis Hall of Fame in 2000. Many hypnotherapists have been molded and developed by Gil Boyne in his courses.

According to his website: Gil Boyne has made numerous original contributions to the contemporary practice of hypnotherapy. He has brought to the counseling professions an awareness of the "inner wisdom” of the human psyche. He teaches that the “inner creative mind” not only knows all the questions but knows all of the answers as well.

Recently, I found a cassette with a couple of Boyne's self-hypnosis programs. He teaches the listener the art of self-hypnosis on side 1. On side 2, he helps the listener learn the secrets of success and overcome the mentality of the willingness to fail.

I think I ought to play this tape during sleep especially side 2 as I feel like I am going to be successful and wealthy just by listening to side 2. I should have it played every night with headphones or earbuds on just like what happens to the children as they are subjected to hypnopaedia or sleep-teaching in Brave New World. I learn that desiring wealth then increasing my wealth is spiritual fulfillment and will become my destiny.




Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Self-Hypnosis Training {15:07}

Side 2

1. Secrets of Success {18:38}

John Cook - And God Gave Me a Fix: The John Cook Story

John Cook - And God Gave Me a Fix: The John Cook Story

John Cook was not always an evangelist. He used to be an actor who went by the name Sonny Austin. He mainly had bit parts and he was also a stuntman. He was on the receiving end of John Wayne and Lee Marvin fight scenes as John tells the audience. When he was not doing his day job, John was living a life doing drugs, drinking, smoking, partying, carrousing around and getting into real fights (none involved John Wayne or Lee Marvin). In other words, he lived the life of a sinner. John did just about anything that was available to get high including sniffing glue, smoking marijuana, and injecting dope.

The drugs and the Hollywood lifestyle started to take a toll on John who had everything including jewels, Cadillacs, tailor-made suits, beautiful women, swimming pools, etc. Before he decided to leave Hollywood for the slower environs of Missouri, John was involved in a terrible family tragedy. He also attempted to cut his wrists. Eventually he departed Hollywood suffering the effects of heavy drug and alcohol use, but stopped in northwestern Oklahoma. This is where he handcuffed himself to his bed so he could go turkey and kick his drug habit. He did that and became a Christian.

He ended up in Oklahoma City. John does not say how he ended up there. Apparently when this record came out, John Cook was on the circuit preaching against the evils of drugs, drinking and smoking as well as telling audiences what a horrible person he was. I'm sure that John scared the bejeezus out of the youth in attendance. I would have been. In fact, on a couple of occasions as a child, I went to hear preachers speak who mostly screamed and ranted about every 15 seconds about the sins of the world. I was frightened enough not to do anything deemed wrong. I think I was more afraid of incurring the wrath of those preachers than of God. These preachers were much more intimidating than John although this record did bring back memories.

This LP was released by C.R.S. Records in Oklahoma City.


Tracklisting:  (link will be back soon)

Side 1

1. And God Gave Me a Fix side 1 {18:31}

Side 2

1. And God Gave Me a Fix side 2 {17:10}

Yanie Brewer - reading (at a fair or convention)

Yanie Brewer - clairvoyant reading (at a fair or convention)

I found this cassette at a library sale a few months ago. I found this tape on the same day I found those New Age Movement cassettes that are in the previous two posts. The tape is just a white cassette with no labels or marks and it came with a business card of one Yanie Brewer (photo above). As you can see from the business card, Yanie is a clairvoyant who apparently specializes in past life readings.

The tape has a recording of Yanie doing a reading at either a fair or a convention or some other kind of gathering of folks. I can't tell if this was recorded by Yanie herself or if this was (likely secretly) recorded by the person who was receiving the reading. I suspect it is the latter. Only one side of the tape has a recording of Yanie at work, the other side is blank.

To learn more about Ms. Yanie Brewer, I consulted my best friend, Google. Google did not find much information about Ms. Brewer, but as usual it did its best to retrieve what relevant information it could find. One of the few sites Google found says this about Brewer: An experienced intuitive teacher and healer, Yanie Leaha Kyra [Brewer] brings her talents into her journey to assist people in their awareness and soul connection. . . . Yanie Brewer is a local Austinite [Austin, Texas] who spends her life learning and being the most she can about "spirit" and the universe. She is an intuitive in every sense, a Reiki Master, Holographic Re-patterning practitioner, but most of all she loves facilitating groups to connect stronger with spirit--this is none thru the method of energetic meditation.

Tracklisting:

1. clairvoyant reading {16:23}

James Walker - The New Age Movement: Space Age Heresies

James Walker - The New Age Movement: Space Age Heresies

This cassette is a lecture Walker gave on the day prior to the day he discussed new age in schools (which is in the previous post). Walker explains the basics of the new age movement (actually how he perceives the new age movement). Some of the people who attended the lecture were given workbooks. I never came across the workbook, just this tape.
I've been really busy busy lately that I have not been able to update this blog as much as I would like. I finally got around to posting this tape as I wanted to post it a few days after the last post. It's actually been a while since I listened to this tape. I don't remember everything that this guy said. I do remember that he said something like the new age movement nearly died in the early half of the 20th century and that The Beatles single-handedly revived the new age movement. Now the new age movement is thriving and corrupting young minds everywhere. People seem to be happier having their own sets of beliefs which is not a good thing in Mr. Walker's eyes. Rest assured that Walker and his organization, the Watchman Fellowship, are there to save the world from the new age movement and their powerful minions like Oprah, George Lucas and Madonna.
Note: This blog will probably be flooded with posts during April just to let you know.



Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. The New Age Movement side 1 {44:09}

Side 2

1. The New Age Movement side 2 {38:30}

James Walker - The New Age in Our Schools: The Three R's

James Walker - The New Age in Our Schools: The Three R's

This tape was produced by a group called the Watchman Fellowship which is "an independent and apologetics ministry focusing on new religious movements, cults, the occult and the New Age." The president of this organization is James Walker who is the lecturer on this tape. The Watchman Fellowship believes what is really the competition in the area of beliefs (those new religious movements, cults, the occult and the New Age) is dangerous to mankind. One of the specialties of this organization is knowing how to "witness" to members of cults and new religions or how to convince members of cults and new religions that their beliefs of Christianity are better.

I'm sure the Watchman Fellowship's heart is in the right place. After all, they're trying to protect us from those strange belief systems of other humans. Assumably, we all should not only believe but accept that what the Watchman Fellowship believes is true. The Watchman Fellowship is watching out for us, but who is watching the Watchman Fellowship? Sorry, couldn't resist.

On this tape, Walker claims that the New Age movement has infiltrated the public schools to attempt to teach/brainwash the children "the three R's" which are not reading, writing and arithmetic. They are relaxation, relativism and reality manipulation. Speaking from personal experience, I have never encountered anything to do with the New Age during all of my 12 years in public school. Maybe back then these New Age dudes with their ideas of relaxation, relativism and reality manipulation were lurking outside of the school walls with the drug dealers waiting to corrupt the innocent and naive young people such as myself.

One of the highlights of this lecture is where Walker plays a tape allegedly of a New Age spirit guide working over a third grade class. The tape is supposedly recorded by a student. That particular tape sounds enticing enough that I would like to get a copy myself. I want to know more about the white rabbit with long ears and pink eyes. This part starts at about the 28:20 mark on side 1.

Notes: Someone named Rick Branch is credited as compiling the material on this tape, but since Walker is the only one doing the lecture and there's no more information available about Rick Branch, only James Walker is credited here.

There are clicks throughout the files. That is because the condition of the tape itself is not very good. Also, side 2 the sound quality is lower. The listener will have to turn up the volume when listening to side 2.

Tracklisting:

1. side 1 {43:13}

2. side 2 {40:00}