Hi-Fi News & Record Review - Test Record

Hi-Fi News & Record Review - Test Record

LP released in 1996

I'm not going to lay out some sob story about how or why there has not been an update in almost two months. I'm not going to make an apology that I have not posted in a while. I know I have let my 60-something devoted fans down. I feel terrible that I have not provided anything that could be life-changing or just downright amusing, but there was not much I could do about it.

I'll be brief in explaining what's been going on behind the scenes. I went from a part-time job to a full-time job around the end of September. That was also the time I was getting ready for the next post here. So, I now have a full-time job in my field with somewhat decent pay and benefits plus I now contribute to society even more in the form of more withholding taxes. Also I happen to still be enrolled in the Master's of Library and Information Science (LIS) program in grad school. In case you're wondering, I should be finished next year in December. I need something to fall back on just in case the self-help/life improvement gig doesn't work out. Librarianship doesn't pay enough to buy a mansion in Hawaii and a jet helicopter, but there are a lot worse jobs out there. I've tried to adjust to the new job schedule and school. Now I think I've done just that, I'll be able to help you work on you through my postings on a regular basis.

I thought I would make my somewhat grand return with another LP designed to test your records and your turntable from an operation called Hi-Fi News & Record Review (now just called Hi-Fi News). I needed to test my turntable anyway, so I thought I would record this LP while I'm at it. This LP is all about the tones, signals, and the pink noise. What I like about this LP is that there is no middle-of-the-road music tacked on or any music for that matter.

Here is what a chap named Len Gregory, "The Cartridge Man" has to say about this record:
All the test tracks on this disc have been carefully chosen to help you set up your cartridge and arm combination to work optimally. It is assumed that you have already followed the manufacturer's recommendation as regards setting-up their particular unit, and that the platter is perfectly level. When you have a cartridge for which the manufacturer gives a range of tracking weights (for example, between 1.5 and 2.5 grams), it is recommended that you begin the tests at the manufacturer's suggested maximum weight. You can then decide whether you want to reduce the tracking weight or not, according to the cartridge's capability during the first run.

The back cover also provides record handling tips which are obvious but still helpful:

• Always handle records with great care.
• Avoid touching the playing surfaces.
• Keep your records clean - if they need cleaning, then find a dealer with a record-cleaning machine (or buy one).
• Make sure your turntable mat is kept clean.
• Keep your stylus clean too - remember, dust and dirt shorten both the life of your records and your stylus.
• The opening of the inner record sleeve should always lie inside the outer sleeve if you are to avoid dust contamination.
• Store records upright at an even temperature.
• Make sure that you keep your records away from heat sources.

One more thing: if you happen to live in the United States of America, be sure to exercise your right to vote tomorrow.

Tracklisting:  (link coming back soon)

Side 1

1. Channel Identification {0:28}

2. Phasing {0:26}

3. Channel Balance {1:04}

4. Pink Noise -20dB, L Channel {0:27}

5. Pink Noise -20dB, R Channel {0:29}

6. Bias Setting (300 Hz Tone L+R at +12dB) {0:19}

7. Bias Setting (300 Hz Tone L+R at +14dB) {0:17}

8. Bias Setting (300 Hz Tone L+R at +16dB) {0:18}

9. Bias Setting (300 Hz Tone L+R at +18dB) {0:18}

Side 2

1. Tracking Ability 1 (300Hz L+R at +15dB) {0:21}

2. Cartridge/Arm Lateral Resonance Test {1:22}

3. Cartridge/Arm Vertical Resonance Test {0:44}

4. Tracking Ability 2 (300Hz L+R at +15dB) {0:14}

5. Cartridge Alignment (Azimuth) Test: 300Hz Vertical {0:21}

6. Residual System Noise (Unmodulated Grooves) {0:20}

7. Tracking Ability 3 (300Hz L+R at +15dB) {0:21}

John Ankerberg - The Fatal Myths of Condom-Based Sex Education

John Ankerberg - The Fatal Myths of Condom-Based Sex Education

released on cassette in 1993

I found two cassettes of this program at a local thrift store. The program on the cassettes is from the The John Ankerberg Show TV program. "The Fatal Myths of Condom-Based Sex Education" purports to explain the fallacies of sex education involving condoms and other sexual protection drawn from supposed research and wild tales of public schools encouraging promiscuity. It does not take long on the program for Ankerberg to make clear his agenda of pushing ideological fundamental Christian based abstinence-only programs in public schools. Ankerberg and his many guests including the likes of Phyllis Schlafly, D. James Kennedy, Gary Bauer, Charles Stanley, Beverly LaHaye (wife of Left Behind author Tim LaHaye), etc. assert that using condoms will still lead to dire consequences such as teenage pregnancies and death. According to them, public schools or rather every school should be teaching morality drawn from their kind of religion.

Some douchebag named Josh McDowell says on the program that people believe it is not government's or society's business what goes on with two consenting adults behind closed doors. Josh becomes indignant when he points out that these same people want the government to fund AIDS research as if it is a hypocritical thing to do. I guess that finding a cure for a deadly disease is immoral if said deadly disease is supposed to prevent teens and unmarried adults from fornicating, right. I would not be surprised if Josh is still as ignorant of AIDS today as back in 1993.

Ankerberg and his ilk contend that abstinence-only programs work the best for turning teens into responsible and moral abstinent teens. Even better is that teens become followers of Ankerberg's brand of religion and give 10% of their paycheck to their church. Anyway there is factual evidence that proves Ankerberg and his friends wrong [the two links are examples out of many more sources]. Plus check out the .pdf report "Abstinence Only vs. Comprehensive Sex Education: What Are the Arguments? What is the Evidence?" on the AIDS Research Institute website.

Informing teens, who happen to be at stages in their lives where the hormones rage the highest, about all of the options including contraceptives and abstinence along with factual information about sex is the most effective way for teens not to end up in terrible situations due to their having sex. Teens will be at least interested in sex due to the combination of raging hormones and curiosity. Why not properly educate them. Ankerberg tries to counter this fact by saying that human beings are not animals and that abstinence-only programs can control the animal urges that people do not supposedly have in the first place. Even if teens are growing up in a religious household or in religious surroundings, they'll most likely still engage in some fooling around. My friend and fellow blogger, JACkory, attended a church camp for three years while he was in high school. During the third year at church camp, his girlfriend did for him what Monica Lewinsky did for Bill Clinton. I have no doubt that stuff still takes place at church camps and church meetings around the world.

John Ankerberg is much occupied with Christian apologetics among with everything else of interest to fundies if his crammed website is any indication. According to his biography:

President and founder of The Ankerberg Theological Research Institute.

Producer and host of the nationally televised John Ankerberg Show, a half-hour program seen in all 50 states via independent stations, the DAYSTAR Network, the DISH Network, DirecTV and on the SKY ANGEL Satellite, numerous cable outlets, as well as on the internet. The program can be seen each week by a potential viewing audience in excess of 99 million people. John presents contemporary spiritual issues and defends biblical/Christian answers.

Note: The tapes have quite background noise including hissing that I was unable to get rid of. Otherwise the tapes still play and the listener can hear what is said.


Tracklisting:

Side One

1. The Fatal Myths of Condom-Based Sex Education Prog. 1 {19:44}

Side Two

1. The Fatal Myths of Condom-Based Sex Education Prog. 2 {20:03}

Side Three

1. The Fatal Myths of Condom-Based Sex Education Prog. 3 {19:33}

Side Four

1. The Fatal Myths of Condom-Based Sex Education Prog. 4 {19:31}

Drunk Neighbor Recites Opening of "Also Sprach Zarathustra"

Drunk Neighbor Recites Opening of "Also Sprach Zarathustra"

recorded in 2009

Some while ago, I had a neighbor at the apartment complex where I live who was usually loud and obnoxious during the night and occasionally during the day too. This was mostly due to his drunkeness although he acted the same way sometimes even when he was sober. He lived across the hall from me. Sometimes he would play his stereo and sing along to whatever was being played. The music was mostly mainstream "classic" rock. Other times he would just yell to the point that the people living close to him could hear him. A few times the landlord gave him warnings to be quiet. If he did not do as he was asked, the landlord asserted that he would be evicted. He always was quiet for a few times each time he received a warning. Then when the landlord was not present he would start again getting drunk and yelling. I think I was the only one who was displeased with his behavior especially when I can hear him from my place.

One night, the obnoxious neighbor visited my next door neighbor whom he made friends with. They started talking and laughing. Then the obnoxious neighbor started getting drunk. I don't think the other guy was quite as drunk as the obnoxious neighbor was the only one being loud. I was getting pissed off at having to hear him while I was reading a book. Immediately an idea came to me. I decided to record the drunken idiot. Maybe I would play back what I recorded to the landlord. Actually I never did play anything back for the landlord or anyone else [until now].

I used the recording feature on my Sansa mp3 player. As a recording device, it is inferior, but it will do. During the recording, the drunk neighbor screamed, made an ass of himself, said some incoherent things loudly and recited the opening music of the famous Richard Strauss composition "Also Sprach Zarathustra" which I'm sure many people are familiar with it from the Kubrick masterpiece 2001. The audio presented here is the drunk's version. It's quite riveting which is why I am willing to present only this part of the recording here. I think the same reasoning given on the Raymond and Peter post applies here: "you have to wonder how much right to privacy a person who's screaming at the top of their lungs expects." No identifying information about him is given nor will be given to anyone.

I recorded him at the entrance to my apartment. I never stepped out in the hallway the entire time. The drunk is in the next door neighbor's apartment when he does his thing. Obviously, he did not care if anyone could hear him or not. I should note that there was a fan in the hallway during the recording as the ventilation was not working in the hallway at the time. Anyway, that should tell you how loud he was.

The good news is that he moved out some time ago though it was amazingly by his own desire to move elsewhere rather than him being evicted. I can sleep without worrying about being awakened by him. Just in case I somehow miss him, I have a few recordings to remember him by.

Tracklisting:

1. Drunk Neighbor Recites Opening of "Also Sprach Zarathustra" {1:19}

A. A. Allen Miracle Revival Ministries - Crying Demons

A. A. Allen Miracle Revival Ministries - Crying Demons

*special thanks to JACkory for this

I will point out first that this is not actually the complete LP of Crying Demons. This is a 2-CD release of various stuff taken from several of A. A. Allen's LPs including the first side of Crying Demons. The rest appear to be from a series of records released on Allen's Miracle Records. There is a photo of the LPs embedded in the files which come up when I play the tracks on Windows Media Player [yeah, I know I'm lame]. A few of them involve Allen exorcising demons or the devil from people who claim to be possessed as he did on "Crying Demons". One track, "Thus Saith the Lord", is a recording of prophecies uttered where God is supposedly speaking through different people. Apparently they're possessed too, but it's by the good supernatural entity Allen worships so no exorcisms are conducted. All of the tracks were recorded at Allen's tent shows er I mean sermons he held. I wish I was alive back then to attend these events as they would have been some memorable fun entertainment. Oh well, these recordings will have to do.

This release was put out by a label called Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God (apparently inspired by Francis E. Dec). This is most likely a bootleg. There are a few used copies available by third-party sellers on Amazon.com including a "new" copy for $77.98 as of this writing.

Tracklisting:  (links will be back soon)

CD1

1. Miracles as They Happen (F) {21:51}

2. Miracle Revival Service (C) {22:32}

3. How to Have God's Faith [excerpt] {6:25}

4. Miracle Revival Service (B) {21:55}

CD2

1. Thus Saith the Lord {22:47}

2. Miracle Revival Service (E) [excerpt] {5:40}

3. God's Last Message (To a Dying World) {22:28}

4. Crying Demons {22:18}

various artists compilation - A Basement of Curiosities Sampler

various artists compilation - A Basement of Curiosities Sampler

This compilation is intended as a sampler of the records, tapes, and CDs discussed in A Basement of Curiosities during the first two and a 1/2 years of the blog's existence featuring the highlights (or lowlights). This post is for newcomers to the blog as well as for visitors familiar with the blog.

The other day, I went to that TED website to check out what recent talks are available. The site posts free videos of what are advertised as "riveting talks by remarkable people" at the TED conferences. What I have seen so far from my few visits to the site is interesting and even riveting. However, I noticed that no one at these TED conferences talk about stuff that matters such as how to make more money, how to be more successful in life, how to have better sex, how to attract people to have sex with, how to develop your ESP powers (everyone is supposed to have them, right), how rock 'n' roll inspired by the powers of hell will be used for Communist takeover of America aided by dirty unshaven stinkin' beatniks, why America is the #1 country in the world, how Satan and the New Age Movement corrupt young minds, how to hunt elk, etc. This is what people care about. I am going to toot my own horn and say that I am proud my blog has its fair share of "ideas worth spreading".

To keep the compilation at a manageable length, the length of the compact disc was used as an arbitrary measure of the length of the compilation. The compilation was intended to only be as long as one CD, but there was a decision made to include more material to present a better representation of A Basement of Curiosities. Therefore, the compilation is the length of 2 CDs. One can burn this compilation onto 2 CDs if one wishes to do so to listen to or to pass around to other people.

Half of the tracks are musical performances and the other half are excerpts from spoken word recordings of what could be considered riveting lectures and sermons. The tracklisting below is an intended sequence of the compilation including which tracks are included on the first and second CDs. Of course, anyone can rearrange, resequence, or even remix and make mashups of the tracks if one wishes to do so for listening and/or burning onto CDs.

There are two options for getting the sampler. Each CD has a link to a zip file. Each track also has a link for downloading for those who prefer to choose which tracks to get and for those familiar visitors who may have been hesitant to download a long lecture or sermon which excerpts are provided.

Tracklisting:

CD1  (full CD links will be back soon, all the links to the individual tracks should still be active)

1. Dr. J. Clifton Williams - Techniques for Academic Success [excerpt] {3:11}
from recording Techniques for Academic Success cassette
Note: Dr. Williams explains why you should use the library.

2. Corelli-Jacobs - track 1 {2:37} from recording Music to Grow Plants LP

3. Dr. Joseph Murphy - Developing a Wonderful Personality [excerpt] {2:11} from recording Developing a Wonderful Personality/Communicating with the Subconscious LP

4. Bill Glass - Giving All of Oneself {1:39} from recording The Most Important Thing LP

5. Dickie Goodman - Energy Crisis {1:42}
from recording Mr. Jaws and Other Fables LP

6. Earl Nightingale - 9th Principle: Power of the Master Mind {1:23}
from recording Think and Grow Rich LP

7. The Electric Moog Orchestra - Imperial Attack {4:12} from recording Music from Star Wars LP

8. Stephen Ettinger - Acquired Murmurs (2) {1:58}
from recording Canine Heart Sounds LP

9. Dr. Ed Sceery - Advanced Elk Calling [excerpt] {2:13} from recording Advanced Elk Calling cassette
Note: This is the beginning of the tape with elk calls and an introduction by Dr. Sceery.

10. Apes of Wrath - The Apes of Wrath {3:07}
from recording Apes of Wrath LP

11. Audio Sellers - The Money Machine [excerpt] {3:44} from recording The Money Machine LP

12. Millard Bennett - How to Get People to Act Favorably With You [excerpt] {3:27}
from recording How to Get People to Act Favorably With You cassette
Note: Millard Bennett talks about the 30/10 power formula. Go to the post for this cassette to learn more if you're not familiar with it.

13. Boomer Sooner - When You Play the Sooners {2:05} from recording University of Oklahoma 7" vinyl

14. Directional Sound - Hogs Slaughtered {0:52} from recording The Sound of Sounds LP

15. Neil Brahe - The Magic Power of Enthusiasm in Dental Practice [excerpt] {2:10} from recording The Magic Power of Enthusiasm in Dental Practice LP

16. Marty Gold - Whistle While You Work {1:27} from recording Wired for Sound LP

17. Louise Egolf - Hello Pretty Bird {2:30} from recording Train Your Bird to Talk LP

18. Fred Lowery - Swing Low, Sweet Chariot {1:22} from recording Abide with Me LP

19. Dr. Michael Dean - Dr. Michael Dean's Hypnosis Record [first side] [excerpt] {1:57}from recording Dr. Michael Dean's Hypnosis Record LP

20. Tom Massey - Guided Visualization for Happiness & Prosperity [excerpt] {1:19}
from recording Guided Visualizations cassette

21. Henry Blythe - Stop Smoking [excerpt] {2:36}
from recording Stop Smoking LP
Note: Henry starts to use the hypnotic sponge.

22. James Walker - The New Age Movement: Space Age Heresies [excerpt] {4:08}
from recording The New Age Movement: Space Age Heresies cassette
Note: James believes The Beatles were evangelists of the New Age Movement and the implication was that young minds were corrupted by The Beatles.

23. Sapulpa High School Chorus - Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds {3:57} from recording A Tribute to The Beatles LP

24. Charles Kebbe - The Harper's Bazaar Success Formula for a Beautiful Speaking Voice [excerpt] {1:27} from recording The Harper's Bazaar Success Formula for a Beautiful Speaking Voice LP

25. Jim Bakker - How to Accomplish the Impossible with the Big Three Mountain Movers [excerpt] {3:11} from recording How to Accomplish the Impossible with the Big Three Mountain Movers LP
Note: Bakker proves Pat Robertson wrong.

26. Jimmy Swaggart - The Ring of Fire [excerpt] (1) {2:29} from recording The Ring of Fire LP
Note: Rock 'n' roll is evil and parents ought to be horsewhipped for letting their kids have that rotten filth of Beatle records.

27. The Moog Machine - You Keep Me Hangin' On {2:23} from recording Switched-On Rock LP

28. Jack Van Impe - Marked for Death: Can America Survive? [excerpt] {3:27} from recording Marked for Death: Can America Survive? LP
Note: Rock 'n' roll is used as a vehicle for wild and rebellious youth to take over America or something like that.

29. John Cook - And God Gave Me a Fix [excerpt] {2:08}
from recording And God Gave Me a Fix LP
Note: Cook led a good life as a stuntman getting his ass kicked by the likes of John Wayne and Lee Marvin in movies and hanging around celebrities and possessing lots of money and material possessions while suffering the ill effects of drugs and alcohol.

30. Gil Trythall - Folsom Prison Blues {3:12} from recording Country Moog: Switched On Nashville LP

31. Russ Burgess - The Burgess Method: Developing Your ESP Powers [excerpt] {3:19}
from recording The Burgess Method: Developing Your ESP Powers LP

32. Dennis Coffey and The Detroit Guitar Band - Capricorn's Thing {2:13} from recording Electric Coffey LP

CD2

1. Vanguard Stereolab - Speaker Balancing Signal {0:58}from recording Vanguard Stereolab Test Record LP

2. Hunter Lott - The Firing Session [excerpt] {3:07} from recording Front-Line Interviewing and the Firing Session cassette

3. Art Holst - The Challenge of a Pro [excerpt] {2:45}
from recording The Challenge of a Pro LP
Note: Art is optimistic that a few stinkin' long-haired dirty unshaven beatniks won't change America plus the War on Christmas was waging as far back as the late 1960s too.

4. The Sanborn Singers - Recruit/Train/Motivate {2:50} from recording Sing Out for Free Enterprise LP

5. Hilton Sutton - The U.S.A. in Prophecy [excerpt] {2:12} from recording The U.S.A. in Prophecy cassette
Note: Intellectualism is the subject of this excerpt.

6. Tony Dolan - Cuba Will Be Free {1:55} from recording Cry, the Beloved Country LP

7. Pat Robertson - It's Time to Pray, America [excerpt] {2:16}
from recording It's Time to Pray, America LP

8. John Wayne - Face the Flag {3:49} from recording America, Why I Love Her LP

9. Earl Nightingale - The Southwestern Company Sales Tips: Your Job as a Salesman {2:37}
from recording The Strangest Secret LP

10. Ajay Lowery - Taxanity {3:02} from recording I Will Not Be Swayed LP

11. - Stock Sports Car Class {0:50} from recording Drag Race Sound Effects LP

12. Bob Harrington - A Real He-Man {2:47} from recording Holy Happy Hour LP

13. J - The Way to Become the Sensuous Woman [excerpt] {1:48}from recording The Way to Become the Sensuous Woman LP

14. Jimmy Swaggart - The Ring of Fire [excerpt] (2) {2:33} from recording The Ring of Fire LP
Note: Jimmy talks about his favorite subject.

15. - Erotica, The Rhythms of Love [excerpt] {0:53} from recording Erotica, The Rhythms of Love LP

16. Lust Control - Virginity Disease {3:31}
from recording We Are Not Ashamed cassette

17. Helen Gurley Brown - How to Behave at Home {2:19} from recording Lessons in Love LP

18. Charley Drew - The Girls I've Loved & Lost {2:27}
from recording An Evening with Charley Drew, His Piano, and His Party Songs LP

19. Warren Mintz - Plateau Phase of the Male Sexual Cycle [excerpt] {4:06} from recording Plateau Phase of the Male Sexual Cycle cassette
Note: Warren reads a part of the D. H. Lawrence novel Lady Chatterley's Lover.

20. - Chicago {1:59} from recording Stag Party in London Vol. 2 LP

21. Jack Van Impe - From Night Clubs to Christ [excerpt] {4:05} from recording From Night Clubs to Christ LP
Note: Jack talks about how movies are getting worse with their increasing amounts of nudity, sex scenes, lesbianism, and violence.

22. 101 Strings - This Guy's in Love With You {3:40} from recording The Sounds of Love LP

23. Willard Cantelon - LSD: Battle for the Mind [excerpt] {2:38}
from recording LSD: Battle for the Mind LP

24. Dr. James Dobson and Steve Russo - Fighting Satan in Today's World [excerpt] {2:08}
from recording New Age, Humanism and Satanism: Protecting Your Family cassette
Note: Russo explains how teens get into Satanism.

25. Pat Robertson - Teens' Question #6 (Music) {2:22}
from recording Answers for Today's Parents and Teens cassette

26. Former Fetus - I'm Free {2:45} from recording A Rock Opera CD

27. A. A. Allen - God is a Killer [excerpt] {3:32}
from recording God is a Killer LP

28. Directional Sound - Sports Cars on Curve, with Crash {1:20} from recording The Sound of Sounds LP

29. Brian Ruud - From a Bum Trip to... "The Trip Beyond" [excerpt] {2:32}
from recording From a Bum Trip to... "The Trip Beyond" LP
Note: Hoodlum Brian discovers Jesus in prison.

30. Raymond and Peter - Don't Call Me Goodnight! {1:09} from recording Shut Up, Little Man! CD

31. Lloyd Lindroth - Tequila {2:28} from recording Harpist's Bazaar LP

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}

Donice - Aerobic Celebration: Aerobic Exercise to Contemporary Christian Music

Donice - Aerobic Celebration: Aerobic Exercise to Contemporary Christian Music

LP released in 1982

This is America's first Christian aerobics LP. That's what the cover says so it must be true. As this LP's release date shows, fitness has been emphasized for quite a while in the Christian world. There are Christian programs dedicated to fitness and nutrition. There are even fitness segments on The 700 Club and fitness and wellness tips offered by Pat Robertson in between moments of calling for assassination of leaders in foreign countries and claiming that the people in earthquake ravaged nations have made a deal with Satan.

So you the visitor can use this LP to also help you get in shape and looking fit and trim with some 1980s contemporary Christian music in the background (listen to the first 24 seconds of "Highwire", it's some hot schitt, unfortunately, the rest of the song goes downhill from there) and some young lady named Donice leading. The LP came with an instruction manual with photographs.

Now for the purpose of this album's existence taken from the back cover:

WHY AN AEROBIC ALBUM FOR CHRISTIANS?

We have created an album of aerobic exercises set to Christian music for these reasons:
* because we believe that aerobic fitness is a crucial part of caring for your body, the temple of the Holy Spirit
* because we're aware that in today's world, thousands of Christians (and non-Christians) are getting involved in physical fitness activities
* because we believe that the body, through movements such as these aerobic exercies can and should be used to praise the Lord and celebrate His works

AEROBIC CELEBRATION (Aerobic Exercise To Contemporary Christian Music) provides you with about 10 minutes of warm-up activity, 21 minutes of continuous aerobics and 6 1/2 minutes of cool-down time. The first two songs, "Until He Comes" and "Nature of Love" will prepare your body for a good, hearty workout by stretching your muscles gently. The last two songs, "Angels" and "He That Overcomes," will give your body time to wind down to its natural rhythm gradually and healthily.



Tracklisting:  (link will be back soon)

Side One

1. Until He Comes by Nancy Grandquist {5:07}

2. Nature of Love by Brown Bannister {5:31}

3. Look to Love by Nancy Grandquist {3:08}

4. Look to Jesus by Patrick Henderson and the West Angeles Church of God in Christ Sanctuary Choir {3:41}

5. He is the King by Gary McSpadden {4:18}

Side Two

1. Jesus Keeps Takin' Me Higher and Higher by Gary S. Paxton {3:18}

2. Jailhouse Rock by Farrell & Farrell {1:53}

3. Highwire by Farrell & Farrell {3:10}

4. Angels by J. J. Lee {4:00}

5. He That Overcomes by Farrell & Farrell {2:55}