The label was called Music For Pleasure. But how much pleasure does Smash Hits ’71 provide? Listen to episode 17 of My Weird Record Collection and hear Sean discuss this album of mysterious uncredited studio musicians re-produce such time-honored masterpieces as “My Sweet Lord,” Mozart’s “Symphony No. 4,” and of course, “Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep.”

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To celebrate the anniversary of Chicago being incorporated as a city, we look at the 1979 release Mayor Daley on the Record for episode 16. Bill Cameron compiled bits and pieces of “Hizzoner,” from happy to angry, and sometimes his rather artful use of the English language. Also, Sean gives some record storage tips as well. You don’t need to make a mountain out of a mole or fly all the way into O’Hara International Airport to enjoy the history behind “Da Mare.”

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“Li’l Wally” Jagiello was Chicago’s polka king, yet somehow Sean never heard of him until happening upon this album while out for a day of normal record shopping. So for this episode he takes a look into this oddly-titled album, and takes a mini-dive into Christmas albums. It’s time to live it up! (You know what I mean?)

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We just had a presidential election here in the States, so what better topic than…campaign records! In this month’s episode, we take a look at campaign music supporting two vastly different U.S. presidential candidates who ran for the highest office in the nation in the ’60s!

Also, Sean offers some hints on how to digitize those treasured pieces of vinyl in your collection.

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It’s the Libra time of year, and it’s also Sean’s birth sign! So naturally, this was a fitting record to choose for this episode Learn what the famed astrologer has to say about the sign of the scales. Sean also opines on what to do with those dud records that creep into your collection from time to time.

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Did you know that Sears produced at least two custom records? (Actually, they did at least three, but alas, only two were within reach for this episode!) And did you know that Sears had a charm school? Hear more about it with episode 9! Also, Sean gives you advice on what makes your records sound good.

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I was saddened to learn of the recent death of Richard Simmons. Despite having the remainder of the year’s episodes planned out, I made a last-minute change to pay tribute to the wacky master of fitness. For episode 8, let’s check out his 1982 exercise album, Reach. I mean…Richard Simmons singing? Count me in!
While we’re at it, let’s explore these vendors who say, “I know what I have!” (rant alert!)

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