Vinyl-O-Matic

By Will McCollumSociety & Culture Arts Music Personal Journals Music History

Vinyl-O-Matic episodes

March 26, 2020 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter A as in Alpha, and some that begin with the letter B as in Bravo
Albums and All That, Starting with the letter A as in Alpha, and some that begin with the letter B as in Bravo
From At Home with Their Hits (The Partridge Family) to Barry Lyndon (Music from the soundtrack to)
The Partridge Family [01:12]
"I Think I Love You"
At Home with Their Greatest Hits
Bell 1107 1972
Whoops. Don't know how this one slipped through the cracks, but I'm glad I caught it.
Be-Bop Deluxe [04:05]
"Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape"
Axe Victim
Harvest 11689 1974
From the debut Be-Bop Deluxe. Very Bowie derived, but cool things throughout.
The B-52's [07:40]
"Downtown"
The B-52's
Warner Bros. BSK 3355 1979
Reached number 59 on the Top 200. Wonderful pop junk, to borrow a phrase from Robert Christgau, here with the band borrowing from Petula Clark.
Lunachicks [10:35]
"Cookie Core"
Babysitters on Acid
Blast First BFFP 52 1990
I mean really, who doesn't love cookies? I always loved seeing them live back in my NYC days. One of the best was when they played with L7 at CBGBs shortly after my 22nd birthday.
Camarata conducting the Kingsway Symphony Orchestra and Chorus [13:56]
"Toccata and Fugue in D Minor"
Bach Spectacular
London Records SPC 21078 1972
In Phase 4 Stereo! Quadrophonic, you ask? Nope... just using 10 channels, and eventually 20 channels, with "extreme" stereo mixing.
Saar Chamber Orchestra [23:22]
"Contrapunctus 14 - Harpsichord"
Bach: Art of the Fugue
Musical Heritage Society MHS 657/658
Budget Bach from the Musical Heritage Society.
Arthur Loesser [26:55]
"No. 1: Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 846"
Well-Tempered Clavier, Books I & II
The Cleveland Institute of Music CRC 2001
Turns out Cleveland does more than rock.
AC/DC [31:09]
"Shoot to Thrill"
Back in Black
Atlantic SD 16018 1980
Got this album for my 12th birthday. I was told many times by my mother to turn it down. Mission accomplished. Presumably a 25x Platinum album. Shift those units!
The O'Jays [36:28]
"Love Train"
Back Stabbers
Philadelphia International Records KZ 31712
Gotta go with this hit in these times.
Gong Kebyar, Sebatu [39:32]
"Gilak"
Bali: Gamelan Music from Sebatu
Archiv Produktion 2533 130 1972
According to the liner notes, this is an ancient ritual temple dance performed by warriors before a fight.
John Coltrane Quartet [47:05]
"You Don't Know What Love Is"
Ballads
Impulse! A-32 1963 (1974 reissue)
A classic from the American songbook, written for an Abbott and Costello flick "Keep Em Flying" from 1941. Of course, it took Miles Davis to make it a jazz standard, and Coltrane and co to take it to the next level.
The Three O'Clock [52:19]
"Sorry"
Baroque Hoedown
Frontier FLP 1010 1982
From the frontlines of the Paisley Underground, we'll go with The Three O'Clock's cover of The Easy Beats "Sorry", because of course Angus and Malcolm Young's older brother George co-wrote "Sorry". How's that for a callback.
The Munich Bach-Orchestra [54:41]
"Concerto for Two Harpsichords and Orchestra in C-Minor"
Music from the soundtrack of Barry Lyndon
Warner Bros. K56189 1975
One of the finest films to be shot by candlelight. And hey, another call back: Bach + Harpsichord. We're killing it!
Music behind the DJ: "Inspector Clouseau's Theme" by Henry Mancini
1 hr 2 min
March 18, 2020 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter A as in Alpha, Part 4
The Miles Davis Sextet featuring John Coltrane and "Cannonball" Adderley [01:02]
"Straight,No Chaser"
Miles & Monk at Newport
Columbia PVC 8978 1964 (1977 reissue)
This is from the Miles Davis Sextet side of the album, recorded at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958. It features Davis on trumpet, Adderley on alto sax, Coltrane on tenor sax, Bill Evans on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Jimmy Cobb on drums.
Duke Ellington and his Orchestra [10:01]
"Jeep's Blues"
At Newport
Columbia CL 934 1957
Recorded the same year as Davis' set. The track we listened to features co-composer Johnny Hodges on alto sax.
Wings [15:53]
"Let 'Em In"
Wings at the Speed of Sound
Capitol Records SW-11525 1976
Number 1 on the top 200 albums, and number 3 on the Hot 100. This is definitely the sound of 1976, at least to my younger self's mind.
Nina Simone [21:04]
"Fine and Mellow"
Nina Simone at Town Hall
Colpix CP 409 1959
Recorded live at New York City's Town Hall, this is a fine Billie Holiday composition.
The Spindles [24:28]
"Night Time Is a Holy War City"
Atlas Amped
Sell the Heart STHR-005 2011
Doesn't get much more local than this septet. I've shared bills with several of these upstanding acts.
Pink Floyd [29:31]
"Fat Old Sun"
Atom Heart Mother
Harvest SKAO-382 1970
One of David Gilmour's favorite tunes. This one has definitely grown on me over the years, thanks in part to some of the John Peel BBC recordings of this song.
John Greenway [34:50]
"Botany Bay"
Australian Folk Songs and Ballads
Folkways Records FW 8718 1960
If you're going to start somewhere, you might as well start at the beginning.
Blondie [37:30]
"The Tide Is High"
Autoamerican
Chrysalis CHE 1290 1980
Originally recorded by The Paragons, Blondie took this single to number 1 on the Hot 100, and the album made it to number 7 on the top 200.
Comets on Fire [43:01]
"Hatched Upon the Age"
Avatar
Sub Pop SP 704 2006
Santa Cruz's own, and partially recorded at Prairie Sun Studios in Cotati! Avatar would be their final studio album.
Stan Getz [49:12]
"Time After Time"
Award Winner: Stan Getz
Verve Records MG V-8296 1957
A fine rendition of this Sammy Cahn/Jule Styne standard.
Music behind the DJ: "Black Magic Woman" by Terry Baxter and his Orchestra
1 hr
March 10, 2020 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter A as in Alpha, Part 3
Deerhoof [mm:ss]
"Dummy Discards a Heart"
Apple O'
Menlo Park Recordings mpk7026 2003
The first Bay Area band I got into after moving here in 2001 was a quartet that I saw open for Shonen Knife at Slims in 2003. That band? Deerhoof. I was hooked from there on out.
The Kinks [mm:ss]
"Wicked Annabella"
The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society
Earmark 42006 2005 (1968)
Every day, someone is born who has never heard "The Village Green Preservation Society". If you are that someone, you should listen to that track, you won't be disappointed. Here, however, we're diving a little deeper.
Gravy Train!!!! [mm:ss]
"I Wanna Wanna Wanna Wanna Wanna Wanna Get Rid of You"
Are You Wigglin?
Kill Rock Stars KRS414

Gravy Train was one of the Aughties finest live acts in the Bay Area.
ABBA [mm:ss]
"Money, Money, Money"
Arrival
Atlantic SD 19115 1976
Yeah I know I played this same track in Season 3. Yeah, I know that "Dancing Queen" is on here too. You'll just have to wait until we get to G for Greatest Hits.
Marilyn Mason [mm:ss]
"Haydn: The Musical Clocks (Flötenuhr)"
The Art of the Organ Builder
Mirrosonic Records CM 7001
Yes, this is a promotional recording for an organ manufacturer featuring one of the great American scholars of the organ.
Elvis Presley [mm:ss]
"Also Sprach Zarathustra/That's All Right"
As Recorded at Madison Square Garden
RCA Victor LSP-4776 1972
Recorded on June 10, 1972, and released on June 18, 1972. James Burton provides the licks.
Cavernlight [mm:ss]
"Constructing a Spire to Pierce & Poison the Infinite"
As We Cup Our Hands and Drink from the Stream of Our Ache
Gilead Media RELIC91 2017
Some doom-y goodness from Wisconsin
Asia [mm:ss]
"Heat of the Moment"
Asia
Geffen GHS 2008 1982
Carl Palmer does his best Hal Blaine impersonation on the verse. And who knew Steve Howe could Pop it up?
Cheap Trick [mm:ss]
"Hello There"
At Budokan
Epic AL 35795 1979
Full disclosure: I have lifted one of the riffs from this for my own musical gain because Cheap Trick was awesome (they could be awesome again if they brought Bun E. Carlos back into the fray).
Harry Belafonte [mm:ss]
"Man Smart (Woman Smarter)"
At Carnegie Hall
RCA Victor LOC-6006 1959
That's right.
Judy Garland [mm:ss]
"San Francisco"
At Carnegie Hall
Capitol Records WBO-1569 1961
Oh that ol' rascal San Francisco. This live album 73 weeks on the charts, 13 of them at the number 1 spot.
Johnny Cash [mm:ss]
"25 Minutes to Go"
At Folsom Prison
Columbia CS 9639 1968
No thanks to Columbia, this classic hit number one on the country charts and number 15 on the pop charts. This unexpected success helped revive Cash's career after several shaky years. This snappy death row ditty comes from the pen of Shel Silverstein.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet [mm:ss]
"Take the A Train"
Dave Brubeck and Jay & Kai at New Port
Columbia CL 932 1956
And now we're at Newport. The Jazz Fest that is, not The Folk Fest. And this will probably be the first of several A trains we'll take throughout the course of this season.
Ray Charles [mm:ss]
"Hot Rod"
At Newport
Atlantic SD 1289 1959
One of the most versatile musicians in the music business keeping things hot on his alto sax.
Music behind the DJ: "Spinning Wheel" by Terry Baxter and his Orchestra.
1 hr 1 min
March 03, 2020 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter A as in Alpha, Part 2
Japan [00:49]
"All Tomorrow's Parties"
All Tomorrow's Parties
Hansa 1218 1983
Well, it's certainly of a time. Originally recorded in 1979, this Steve Nye remix was released in 1983.
Benny Goodman Sextet [06:05]
"Flying Home"
All-Time Greatest Hits
Columbia KG 31547 1972
From one of the many, many Columbia retreads of Goodman's material, we have Lionel Hampton's signature tune "Flying Home" featuring solos by both Hampton and pioneer electric-guitarist Charlie Christian.
Willie Nelson [09:25]
"Do Right Woman, Do Right Man"
Always on My Mind
Columbia FC 37951 1983
I was really hoping Willie's rendition of the Aretha Franklin classic would well, not be a weak early 80s arrangement. But there ya have it. Ya can't win 'em all.
The Decemberists [12:23]
"Valerie Plame"
Always the Bridesmaid, Vol. 1: A Singles Series
Jealous Butcher/Y.A.B.B. Records JB-074 2008
Ah, a single from simpler political times.
The Decemberists [18:26]
"Days of Elaine"
Always the Bridesmaid, Vol. 2: A Singles Series
Jealous Butcher/Y.A.B.B. Records JB-075 2008
A snappy little number from Mr. Meloy and Co. This single also features a cover of VU's I'm Sticking with You.
The Decemberists [22:55]
"Record Year of Rainfall"
Always the Bridesmaid, Vol. 3: A Singles Series
Jealous Butcher/Y.A.B.B. Records JB-076 2008
Sure wish we were having a record year for rainfall here in Sonoma County.
Brian Eno [27:26]
"2/2"
"Ambient 1: Music for Airports
PVC/Ambient Records 7908 AMB001 1978
Ground breaking ambient music from Mr. Eno with this track engineered by krautrock/kosmiche impresario Conny Plank.
Hermes Nye [37:49]
"Bonnie & Clyde"
American Folk Music (The Life Treasury of)
LIFE L1001 1961
Jiminy jilligers... those are some sympathetic sentiments right there.
Neil Young [40:48]
"Hold Back the Tears"
American Stars 'n Bars
Reprise MSK 2261 1977
Linda Ronstadt and Nicolette Larson on backing vox, Ben Keith on pedal steel. All fine stuff on this track. Other tracks on this album featured Crazy Horse, and of course Star of Bethlehem with Emmylou Harris. Made it to number 21 on the top 200. Oh, and the awesome cover art by none other than Dean Stockwell.
Silver Jews [45:08]
"Smith & Jones Forever"
American Water
Drag City DC149 1998
Recorded at the Rare Book Room in Brooklyn, the late great Dave Berman created another wondrous record.
Michael Nesmith [48:28]
"Different Drum"
And the Hits Just Keep Comin'
RCA Victor LSP-4695
Michael Nesmith and Red Rhodes with a post-First National Band release. Mighty fine in its simplicity.
Brian Eno [52:43]
"I'll Come Running"
Another Green World
Polydor Deluxe 2302 069 1975
Yes, more Eno. This time it's Pop Eno. So many great tracks to choose from this 1975 album, but I've always loved this kinda goofy number featuring Robert Fripp on "restrained lead guitar".
Gladys Knight and the Pips [56:32]
"Help Me Make It Through the Knight"
Anthology
Motown M792S2 1973
I saw this song listed on the back of the album and thought, wow... I need to hear this version. And now you have too! This rendition made it to number 33 on the Hot 100.
The Supremes [01:00:57]
"Baby Love"
Anthology
Motown M9-794A3 1974
Once again, sometimes you just have to go with the classics, like this number one smash hit from 1964.
Dean Hurley [01:03:32]
"Edge of Known"
Anthology Resource Vol. II: Philosophy of Beyond
Sacred Bones Records SBR-225 2019
Like many folks, I was introduced to the work of Dean Hurley through his sonic contribution to Twin Peaks: The Return and was instantly enthralled. This is the second collection of thematic soundscapes, dealing with what lies beyond the veil.
Music behind the DJ: "Dance with Domino" by John Barry
1 hr 9 min
February 24, 2020 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter A as in Alpha
Jimmy Buffett [01:17]
"Dallas"
A1A
ABC Dunhill DSD-50183 1974
Still the decent country-oriented Buffett. This one was penned by the Coral Reefer's guitarist Roger Bartlett. Made it to number 25 on the Billboard 200.
Darryl Hall & John Oates [04:42]
"She's Gone"
Abandoned Luncheonette
Atlantic Records SD 7269 1973
To be honest, I really like "Las Vegas Turnaround", the track that precedes "She's Gone" but sometimes you just have to go with the hits. It's possible that somewhere out there in listener land, there is someone who has never heard "She's Gone". Hit #33 on the charts and turned platinum 29 years after its release.
ABBA [10:09]
"SOS"
ABBA
Atlantic Records SD 18146 1975
Too many tracks to choose from! I almost went with "Hey Hey Helen" but in the I had to send for help. While the album only just dented the Billboard 200 reaching #174, as a single "SOS" made it to #15 on the Hot 100.
Count Basie Orchestra [13:31]
"Jumpin' at the Woodside"
The ABC Collection
ABC Records AC-30004 1976
A 1976 reissue of Count Basie's 1969 Dot Records release Standing Ovation, recorded at the Tropicana in Las Vegas.
Chelsea Wolfe [18:49]
"Crazy Love"
Abyss
Sargent House SH141 2015
Continuing her evolution, this is one of the more brooding tracks from this excellent Sargent House release. This was also the first Chelsea Wolfe album to chart, making it up to #130. I'll also take this opportunity to let interested parties know that if you have the opportunity to see Chelsea Wolfe live, you should do it.
Kiss [22:21]
"New York Groove"
Ace Frehley
Casablanca Records NBLP 7121 1978
Back in the New York Groove, backed by such NY session musicians as Anton Fig and Will Lee. Of course this album made it well into the Billboard 200, peaking out at 26. It was also certified platinum a month after its release. Of course this is in the pre-Soundscan days, so that just meant that 1,000,000 copies of the album were shipped out, which explains why I picked up this remaindered copy for $1.
Luke Sweeney [25:29]
"Sympathy for the Night"
Adventure: Us
Aerobic International 2014
Speaking of grooves, this track by Bay Area musican Luke Sweeney has a very solid one.
Nilsson [28:30]
"One"
Aerial Ballet
RCA Victor LSP-3956 1968
Again, so many great songs to choose from, some of which we'll hear as we progress through the season, but I decided to go with this "One" .^ While this track failed to chart as a single, a year later Three Dog Night would take their rendition all the way up to number 5 on the Hot 100.
Havens, Richie [32:45]
"To Give All Your Love Away"
Alarm Clock
Stormy Forest SFS 6005 1971
A vert solid jam from Ritchie Haven's most successful album, featuring Rick Derringer on electric guitar.
Monty Python [35:37]
"Constitutional Peasants"
Album to the Soundtrack of the Trailer of the Film of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Executive Version
Arista AB 4050 1975
Seems relevant.
Alison Moyet [38:37]
"Honey for Bees"
Alf
Columbia Records BFC 39956 1984
A solo outing from the vocal powerhouse half of Yaz, produced by early 80s mega producers Jolley & Swain. Patti Austin covered this song as a single a year later and took it into the top dance club singles.
Moev [42:48]
"Alibis"
Alibis
Nettwerk 12 NTWK 11 1984
I had almost forgotten about this Canadian synth pop outfit. I had their album Yeah, Whatever once upon a time as a cassette, and then this 12" single recently made it into my collection. Hakuna matata.
The She’s [49:22]
"Eva's Interlude/Anywhere But Here"
All Female Rock and Roll Quartet
Empty Cellar Records EMP 034 2017
Great band, great album, and a great interlude! The vinyl release has a fantastic bookley featuring artwork by women who inspire the band.
Earth, Wind & Fire [54:24]
"Magic Mind"
All n’ All
Columbia Records 34905 1977
Yet still even more hot stuff from Earth Wind & Fire. The gents made it all the way up to number 3 on the album charts and went on to go triple platinum.
Diana Ross [58:09]
"Upside Down"
All the Great Hits
Motown M13-960C2 1981
Defintely enjoying the handywork of Chic's Nile Rodger and Bernard Edwards on this late-disco classic.
Sarah Vaughan [01:02:15]
"It's Delovely"
All Time Favorites
Mercury Wing MGW 12123 1965
Two great classics that taste great together. I'm talking about Sarah Vaughan and Cole Porter.
Music behind the DJ: "Gomez" by Vic Mizzy
1 hr 7 min
January 29, 2020 45s and More Revolutions: Mid-Season Replacement Series, Episode 4.
Tommy Roe [01:13]
"Heather Honey"
ABC Records 45-11211 1969
That is some quality bubblegum right there. Vinyl-O-Matic approved!
The Fantastic Baggys [04:06]
"Anywhere the Girls Are"
Imperial Records 66072 1965
Surf's up, ladies... from the duo Sloan and Barri who also wrote Johnny Rivers' "Secret Agent Man".
K.C. & the Sunshine Band [06:11]
"Get Down Tonight"
T.K. Records 1009 1975
I have to say as a DJ, that sped up guitar riff is a little panic-inducing. Did I play this at the right speed? Wait... It's a 45... phew! Number 1 on the Hot 100, of course.
John Fred and His Playboy Band [09:34]
"Judy in Disguise (with Glasses)"
Paula Records PAULA 282 1967
This funky number takes misinterpretted lyrics to its illogical conclusion. Cantelope eyes? Sure enough, it made it to Number 1 in the Fall of 1967.
Herman's Hermits [13:35]
"I'm into Something Good"
MGM Records K13280 1964
This Brill Building homage to Brian Wilson took the Peter Noon and the boys to number 13 in 1964
George Riddle [16:07]
"Set Up Another"
Starday Records 755 1966
A nice honky-tonk ode from one of the Jones Boys.
Diana Ross [18:57]
"Last Time I Saw Him"
Motown M 1278F 1973
This kitchen-sink production style number made it to number 14 in the winter of 1974 for Ms. Ross. Oddly it made it to number on on the Easy Listening chart.
The Beatles [21:46]
"I Feel Fine"
Captiol Records 5327 1964
This latin outing for the Liverpool lads landed them in the number one spot for three weeks at the end of 1964 and beginning of 1965.
The Singing Nun [25:15]
"Dominique"
Philips 44009 1963
All the way from Belgium to the number one spot on the Hot 100 in 1963, for Sœur Sourire.
Jay Black and the Americans [28:11]
"Tonight"
United Artists Records UA-353 1961
A little something from West Side Story for Mr. Black and his Americans.
Edison Lighthouse [30:43]
"Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Grows)"
Bell Records 858 1970
This London session musician affair climbed up to number 5 in March of 1970.
Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina [33:38]
"Your Mama Don't Dance"
Columbia 4-45719 1972
My mama did dance, but my dad did not rock and roll. But he did dance too, so there. The bearded Loggins and clean-shaven Messina took this retro outing to number 4 on the Hot 100 in 1974.
Bill Haley and his Comets [37:38]
"(We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock"
MCA Records MCA-60025 1973
Originally released on Decca in 1954, this reissue returned to the charts in 1974, peaking out at number 39.
The Partridge Family [39:48]
"Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted"
Bell Records 963 1971
But not like David Cassidy, who hated this song, especially the spoken word break. Nevertheless this single reached number 6 on the Hot 100.
George Jones and the Jones Boys [42:48]
"Not What I Had in Mind"
United Artists Records UA 528 1963
A little number penned by Cowboy Jack Clement which helped ol' George reach Number 7 on the country charts.
Johnny Rivers [45:33]
"Secret Agent Man"
Imperial Records IM-6187 1966
The aforementioned Sloan and Barri composition for the UK series Danger Man which was rebranded Secret Agent Man on this side of the Atlantic.
Music behind the DJ: "Auntie Gin's Theme" by George Martin and his Orchestra
53 min
January 23, 2020 45s and More Revolutions: Mid-Season Replacement Series, Episode 3.
Herman's Hermits [00:30]
"I Can Take or Leave Your Loving"
MGM Records K 13885
Reached number 22 on the US charts.
Bobby Darin [03:02]
"Mack the Knife"
ATCO Records 45-6147 1959
Bobby Darin's number one smash hit interpretation of the Berthold Brecht/Kurt Weill classic.
The Fabulous Echoes [06:07]
"Please Leave Her to Me"
Liberty Records 55755 1964
Hong Kong garage rockers who would eventually become part of Don Ho's circle of musicians.
Victor Lundberg [08:24]
"Open Letter to My Teenage Son"
Liberty Records 55996 1967
Phew... that may be the longest 4 minutes and 23 seconds of my life. Oh those rascally teenagers. This spent exactly 6 weeks on Billboard's Hot 100, peaking out at number 10.
Vic Dana [14:05]
"Lovey Kravezit"
Dolton Records No. 317 1966
Definitely a new one by me. Evidently inspired by a character from the C-grade James Bond cash-in The Silencers featuring Dean Martin as Matt Helm. The character in question is portrayed by Beverly Adams, who also appeared in two other Matt Helm vehicles, as well as How to Stuff a Wild Bikini as the object of Eric Von Zipper's affections and the Bewitched episode "George the Warlock" as Dora "D. D." Danger O'Riley
The Buckinghams [16:32]
"Kind of a Drag"
U.S.A. Records TM 1783 1966
A number one hit on the Hot 100 for this Chicago band.
Wayne Fontana [18:37]
"Pamela, Pamela"
MGM Records K 13661 1966
So this is what Wayne gets up to without the Mindbenders. Who kissed whom in the woods? Dude, you're totally crossing pop culture references.
Irma Thomas [20:48]
"Some Things You Never Get Used To"
Imperial Records 66095 1965
A mighty fine single from the Soul Queen of New Orleans. Somehow this Van McCoy single never gained any traction on the charts. However it did become a big hit on the Northern Soul scene.
Ed Ames [25:01]
"My Cup Runneth Over"
RCA Victor 47-9002 1967
A number one hit on... the Adult Contemporary charts in 1967 from one of the Ames Brothers and frequent portrayer of Native Americans on television.
Three Dog Night [27:45]
"Joy to the World"
Dunhill/ABC Records 45-4272
Three Dog Night bringin us their 1971 smash hit. Penned by Hoyt Axton, this easily made it to the number spot on the Hot 100.
Jimmy Holiday [31:08]
"Baby I Love You"
Minit MIN 32002 1966
Some quality soul from who helped compose "Put a Little Love in Your Heart". This single reached number 98 on the Hot 100 and number 21 on the R&B charts.
Brewer and Shipley [33:43]
"One Toke Over the Line"
Kama Sutra KA-516 1970
Yeah, somehow this one made it to number 10 on the Hot 100 despite Spiro Agnew's protestations. And produced by Occidental, California resident Nick Gravenites.
The Osmonds [38:13]
"One Bad Apple"
MGM Records K 14193 1970
If this number one gold record sounds like The Jackson 5, well that's because it was written by papa George Jackson.
Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels [41:02]
"Devil with a Blue Dress On/Good Golly Miss Molly"
New Voice Records 817 1967
This uptempo version of Shorty Long's "Devil..." reached number 4 on the hot 100, the most successful outing.
King Harvest [44:19]
"Dancing in the Moonlight"
Percecption Records P 515 1972
Zut alors, a little number from a Paris-based band King Harvest. This made it up to number 13 on the Hot 100.
The 5th Dimension [47:18]
"Save the Country"
Bell Records B 895 1970
The most succesful recording of this Laura Nyro tune, reaching as far as number 27 on the Hot 100.
Music behind the DJ: "Mack the Knife" by Dick Hyman
56 min
January 15, 2020 45s and More Revolutions: Mid-Season Replacement Series, Episode 2.
Rare Earth [00:32]
"Get Ready"
Rare Earth R 5012 1969
Rare Earth were one of the artists name checked by Gil Scott Heron as not being the sound of the revolution.
The Rolling Stones [03:20]
"Paint It Black"
London Records 45 LON 901 1966
Proto-Goth.
Gary Lewis & the Playboys [06:46]
"Jill"
Liberty 55985 1967
An opening timpani bounce?! Could this be of the Popcorn genre from Jerry Lewis' kid?
Sly & the Family Stone [09:04]
"Family Affiar"
Epic Records 5-10805 1971
The last number one single from Sly & the Family Stone. And actually it's just Sly on all the instruments, except the keys which are played by Billy Preson, and backing vox by his sister Rose.
Merrilee Rush & the Turnabouts [13:15]
"Angel of the Morning"
Bell Records 705 1968
This version made it all the way to number 7, recorded by Chips Moman in Memphis.
Sandy Posey [16:26]
"I Take It Back"
MGM Records K 13744 1967
Another Chips Moman produced single, which reached number 12.
Shorty Long [18:44]
"Here Comes the Judge"
Soul S-35044 1968
This Laugh-In inspired single made it all the way up to number 8. Release exactly two weeks before my birthday. How's your shing-a-ling?
Paul Mauriat and his Orchestra [21:19]
"Love Is Blue"
Philips 40475 1967
Aw yeah... pop harpsichord, it doesn't get much better than that. Orginally performed with lyrics by Vicky as a Eurovision entry from Luxembourg.
Jimmy Jules [25:22]
"Talk About You"
Atlantic Records 45-2120 1961
Some mighty fine New Orleans soul, with excellent arrangement by Harold Batiste. Jules would later go on to start a record label called Jim Gem Records.
Sly & the Family Stone [28:03]
"If You Want Me to Stay"
Epic 5-11017 1973
And this one was Sly's last appearance in the Top 20, reaching number 12 on the pop charts. It does feature a fine bass groove by Larry Graham's hand-picked replacement Rustee Allen.
Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen [31:04]
"Hot Rod Lincoln"
Paramount Records PAA-0146 1972
The souped up classic featuring the deft clutching of Bill Kirchen.
Bobbie Gentry [33:48]
"Ode to Billie Joe"
Capitol Records 5950 1967
And what an ode it is. If you'd like to know more about the now mysterious and amazing Bobbie Gentry, I strongly recommend the 33 1/3 series book on her first album, titled Ode to Billie Joe of course.
Merle Kilgore with The Merry Melody Singers [39:22]
"A Girl Named Liz"
Mercury Records 71978 1962
This is a new one by me. Kilgore was better known as a songwriter and would later become Hank Williams Jr's manager.
Gallery [41:38]
"Nice to Be with You"
Sussex SUX-232 1972
Oh yeah... that one! Some might nice jaunty country pop from Detroit. Made it all the way to number 4 on the hot 100.
Otis Redding [44:17]
"Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay"
Volt Records VLT-13684

Sure this copy is well used, but it's in waaay better shape than the one we heard not too long ago in the last season of Vinyl-O-Matic.
Jr. Walker and the All Stars [46:56]
"Do the Boomerang"
Soul S-35012 1965
I am definitely going to do the boomerang next time I'm out on the dance floor. This skronkity tune made it to number 36 on the hot 100 and number 10 on the r&b charts.
Music behind the DJ: "Theme from the Thomas Crown Affair" by Michel Legrand.
55 min
January 09, 2020 45s and More Revolutions: Mid-Season Replacement Series, Episode 1.
Family Circle [01:04]
6 Minutes to Figure Beauty: Words and Music to Grow Slim By
(Side One)
And one two three four, two two three four, etc.
Scholastic Magazine [05:09]
First Men on the Moon: Apollo 11 - July 20, 1969
Side One
I do love me some good NASA audio.
Barbra Streisand [12:01]
a side: "The Way We Were"
Columbia Records 4-45944 1973
This Hamlisch-penned tune debuted at number 92 in November of 1973, and hit number one in February of 1974. Of all things, I'm kinda digging the wah guitar way back in the arrangement.
Tompall and the Glaser Brothers [15:32]
a side: "The Last Thing on My Mind"
MGM Records K13531 1966
From Spalding, Nebraska we have Tompall, with his brothers Chuck and Jim. Tompall would of course join Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Jessi Colter to become an Outlaw (musician) in less than a decade. And there's a nice little "Buckaroo" lick in there.
Herman's Hermits [17:45]
a side: "Silhouettes"
MGM Records K-13332 1965
Thanks to Armed Forces Radio, we have this doo-wop classic by The Rays as interpreted by Herman's Hermits.
Jim Croce [19:45]
a side: "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown"
ABC Records ABC-11359 1973
Reputedly written about a fellow Jim Croce met in his brief Army career. Kind of reminds me quite a bit of Stagger Lee, but who am I to say. Hit number one in May of 1973 and was still on the charts when Croce's plane crashed in September of that year.
Jimmie Rodgers with Hugo Peretti & His Orchestra [24:24]
a side: "Secretly"
Roulette R-4070 1958
No, not the Singing Brakeman, the other Jimmie Rodgers. This turned out to be a gold record for Mr. Rodgers, reaching number 3 on the Hot 100 and number 5 on the Hot Country charts.
The Shocking Blue [27:01]
a side: "Venus"
Colssus ABC YYYY
Mareska Veres and her Dutch pals bringing this super hot hit from 1969. Made it to number 1 in 1969.
The 4 Season featuring the "sound" of Frankie Valli [30:07]
a side: "Let's Hang On!"
Philips 40317 1965
Wow, that fuzz rock fakeout before the first chorus is pretty awesome. Made it to number 3 on the hot 100 in 1965. I am totally having WCBS-FM flashbacks right now.
Elvis Presley [33:25]
a side: "Burning Love"
RCA Victor 74-0769 1972
A decent enough outing from early 70s Elvis. This reached number 36 on the country charts, and number 2 on the hot 100 in 1972.
Scholastic Magazine [37:49]
First Men on the Moon: Apollo 11 - July 20, 1969
Side One
If you love you some good NASA audio, dig this.
Family Circle [44:09]
6 Minutes to Figure Beauty: Words and Music to Grow Slim By
"Side One"
And one two three four, two two three four, etc.
Music behind the DJ: "Barnaby Jones Theme" by Jerry Goldsmith
52 min
December 24, 2019 Your Old Pal Will's Televisual Holiday Spectacular
Vinyl-O-Matic Special Presentation
Your Old Pal Will's Televisual Holiday Spectacular
This is only going to be up through the end of the year. If you want your own copy, shoot me a message. Merry Happy!
The Youngsters
"Christmas in Jail"
Jim Backus with Daws Butler
"I Was a Teenage Reindeer"
Doctor Teeth & the Electric Mayhem
"Little Saint Nic"
Frankie & Annette
"Surfers' Holiday"
The Sonics
"Santa Claus"
The Wailers
"She's Coming Home"
The Fall
"We Wish You a Protein Christmas"
Shonen Knife
"Space Christmas"
Jonathan Coulton & John Roderick
"2600"
Dean & Britta with Sonic Boom
"He's Coming Home"
Loretta Lynn
"To Heck with Ole Santa Claus"
Buck Owens
"Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy"
Sonny James
"Barefoot Santa Claus"
Glen Campbell
"The Night Before Christmas"
Red Skelton & Betty Garrett
"Baby It's Cold Outside"
Heino
"Ski Und Rodel Gut!"
Charo
"Feliz Navidad"
The Monkees
"Riu Chiu"
Cover image: Sonny and Cher Christmas Special (1976).
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1 hr

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Your Old Pal Will takes you on a journey through the peaks and valleys of all recordings vinyl. A through Z, organized alphabetically by artist/compilation title, irregardless of genre. Maybe it’s by title. Maybe it’s by album. Who knows what path we take next. New episode every Wednesday.

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