Today’s vinyl find is The Dramatics’ 1979 LP “Anytime, Anyplace.” As far as I know, this record has not been released since it’s original vinyl release, save for perhaps a few repressings into the ’80s.
It was common practice in the late ’70s to retool some of the soul greats for the disco era, and this record is a prime example. Sure, it’s nowhere near the same league as The Dramatics’ work for Stax, but there are a few decent tracks here nonetheless. Definitely a few nice samples to be harvested, and that’s really part of what this little vinyl excavation project is all about: finding ultimately forgettable records from decades ago, and digging out a few gems. Even though it’s kind of sad that what these guys put at least a few months of work into only produces a few seconds of truly enjoyable music 30 years later, it shows that there was still something there in what was probably a contractual obligation. As long as it provided a paycheck for them, I’m happy. I sure love tracks like What’cha See Is What’cha Get, and I would feel good if putting out what amount to ultimately sub-par records put food on the table, ya know? You’ll notice that Love Birds starts out an awful lot like In The Rain.
Anyway, here are a few of the better tracks to check out.
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I Think About You
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Stranger (In My Life)
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Okay, so I was WAY late to the party on this one. I’m sure a lot of people have already heard this record, but consider this a PSA to anyone like me who missed it. Adam’s Case Files (free download at link), the prequel mixtape to 88-Keys’ full length The Death Of Adam is one of the most ridiculously amazing things I’ve heard in a long time.
Here’s the video that got me on track. Caught it on Subterranean on MTV2, of all places to get the scoop on a hip-hop video.
Anyway, this tape could have easily been put out as a record and have been legendary. Where else will you here Andrew Gold, Bonnie Raitt and Dr. Hook in the same mix with Kleeer and Carl Carlton? Check it out, and buy the record The Death Of Adam too. And visit 88-Keys’ blog while you’re at it. His love for PRL outshines even my fixation on Original Penguin.
So, yeah, late to the party. But at least I showed up, right?
So I’ve known about this for a few weeks, but I haven’t been posting recently, so better late than never. Anyway, I am beyond excited about The Impossible Project. Ever since last year’s announcement that Polaroid was ceasing production of all instant films, I’ve been a bit panicked as to what the plan was from here on out.
I have quite a few Polaroid cameras of various types, and I absolutely love shooting them. I use both the integral film type (the well-known polaroid format popularized by the SX-70 of the ’70s) and the older peel-apart packfilm type (ask your grandparents). I haven’t been terribly concerned about the packfilm cameras, as Fuji makes a readily available packfilm that will fit in these cameras with no trouble. I haven’t purchased any yet as I’m still finishing off my existing stock of expired Polaroid 669, but I intend to buy some soon. Furthermore, Polaroid announced a few months ago that they have partnered with someone (I suspect Fuji) to resume production of these film stocks. So I’ve stopped sweating that.
As for the integral cameras (SX-70 and 600), though, I thought they were going to be relegated to very stylish bookshelf decor, which is a bit depressing. Fuji (gotta love Fuji) makes an integral camera of their own called the Instax, which has been a gray market product here in the US for a few years, but is slated to become readily available. The pictures differ significantly from the standard polaroid (they have a wider frame and a developer pod on each end), but I figure that they would make a suitable replacement. There is also an Instax Mini, that uses identical film to the Polaroid Mio (I think polaroid was actually packaging Instax Mini for the Polaroid Mio at one point), so that is another option as well.
But then… I learn of The Impossible Project. Apparently Austrian artist/Polaroid enthusiast Florian Kaps (also leading manager of the Lomographic Society) bought the Polaroid factory in the Netherlands, with the manufacturing equipment, and hired Polaroid engineers with the aim of formulating a new brand of integral film compatible with both the 600 and SX-70 cameras. They intend to begin production next year, and I (along with the legions of Polaroid fans worldwide) cannot wait. Hopefully, I can calm down now.
Most of the records I post will likely be soul/R&B, but I have a wide variety of tastes (and vinyl), so I will be mixing it up regularly. Sunday after Valentine’s Day sounds pretty laid back to me, so here’s some nice out-of-print easy listening to help.
Although he’s probably best known for his forays into lounge/exotica, Martin Denny released a TON of records, many of which have never been subsequently released. This one is a collection of standards from 1966, simply titled “Martin Denny!” Nothing ground-breaking, but a very nice set of standard tunes showcasing Denny’s unique style.
My copy isn’t exactly pristine in nature, so there is a bit of noise on the tracks. I cleaned it up and compressed to keep it to a minimum, though, and it just adds to the ambience, right? Relax and enjoy!
Tracklisting:
Lisbon Antigua
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Stranger In Paradise
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Under Paris Skies
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Love Is A Many Splendored Thing
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The Song From Moulin Rouge
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Moonglow
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Ruby
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The “In” Crowd
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April In Portugal
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Autumn Leaves
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The Poor People Of Paris
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A Taste Of Honey
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This is the first post in what is to become a series (no, not two years between posts) of postings of not-necessarily-rare but definitely out-of-print and relatively obscure vinyl. Today, it’s the solo debut from Ray Parker Jr, a long-time session musician/songwriter, frontman from ’70s funk group Raydio, and best known for the mega-hit theme from the 1984 film Ghostbusters.
Most of the tracks are standard early ’80s R&B, with a little more rock flavor than usual for 1982. I guess Ray was just ahead of his time as it sounds more like late ’80s/early ’90s pop to me. With that said, there is some good stuff there that still holds up well. For my money, the hot track on this one is “Let’s Get Off.” Superb ’80s synth funk at its best. For what it’s worth, the lyrics aren’t bashful either. Even a nod to Behind the Green Door. Nice!
The three singles from this record, “The Other Woman,” “Let Me Go,” and “It’s Our Own Affair” all charted, with the title track going number 4 in the top 100 and number 2 R&B. In any case, there are plenty of nice synth-pop hooks to be had throughout (oh how many things I could sample from the instrumental “Just Havin’ Fun”), and plenty of ’80s nostalgia factor to go around. All in all, worth the 96¢ I paid for it. Here’s a few highlights:
Let’s Get Off
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Just Havin’ Fun
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This record’s been around for a few years, but not nearly as many as it sounds like (in a good way). Previously unknown to me, and probably most others in the US, but this 2005 record is a GEM! As near as I can tell, it isn’t tremendously well-known outside of its originating country of Finland, but Nicole Willis has had her hand in plenty that you’ll all be familiar with.
She’s worked with The Brand New Heavies, Deee-Lite, The The and even Curtis Mayfield, prior to marrying record producer Jimi Tenor and relocating to Finland. There, she teamed up with a group called the Soul Investigators and Keep Reachin’ Up is the latest release to come from that collaboration. At least that’s how I understand it.
In any case, this is one of the greatest records I’ve heard in a long time. It’s a little Martha Reeves, a little Donna Summer, all good. Real deal vintage soul sound with a little trip-hop and exotica thrown in to taste. Buy yourself a copy. It’s a little steep as far as CDs go ($33.99 on Amazon) due to its import status, but easily worth twice the price.
Here’s a little taste… If This Ain’t Love (Don’t Know What Is)
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Although I typically resist the temptation to fill my home with vintage electronics, I can’t help but be fascinated with home video devices of the past. Total Rewind, The Virtual Museum of Vintage VCRs has information on just about any device that’s ever been used to watch pre-recorded video on your TV. Their thorough history goes back to some large reel-to-reel units, some very obscure disc-based systems, and all the way through the VHS vs. BetaMAX days until now. Included are photos, technical explanations of how each format works and the backstory on what went wrong. The site is extremely entertaining if you’re at all interested in old-timey gadgetry.
As lame as this sounds, I have got to have one of these disco floors. This is old news, but I have to mention it. For those of you who haven’t seen this yet, some students from MIT have developed a rather elaborate disco floor (a la Saturday Night Fever) with touch-sensitive panels, USB connectivity with custom controller software, etc. And, they’ve started a company to sell all of the components to build one in your own home. For a couple grand, you too can discreetly live out your own disco fantasy (or relive it, whichever the case may be. Anyway, I give you the 1E Disco Dance Floor. Definitely check out the videos, you’ll be measuring out a space in your basement for one.
This is the first in what will likely be a long list of classic soul records mentioned on this site. Billy Stewart’s 1965 Chess Records masterpiece, I Do Love You, has been on my heavy rotation list for the past few weeks, and I strongly urge that you get a copy for yourself. If you haven’t heard any of this yet, it isn’t a typical soul record. Aside from the gospel influence that you would expect, there is a heavy dose of scat-inspired jazz style on here, too, that makes for a very interesting disc. Some of the highlights (you’ll notice a trend here):
I Do Love You
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Love Me
Why Do I Love You So?
Fat Boy
Sitting In The Park
Sadly, Billy Stewart died in a tragic car accident in 1970 after releasing only a handful of albums, cementing his place in soul music obscurity. I wasn’t familiar with Billy Stewart prior to picking up a copy of Time Life’s thorough “Soul Story” collection (yes, I was sold on the info-mercial). “I Do Love You” is on the set, and after a few listens, I had to go digging for more. My recommendation is to pick up the CD reissue of the full album that is out on MCA Special Products. All of Billy’s stuff is fairly obscure, and although there are a few comp discs of his work out there, pretty much anything you could want is on this one. Long story short; $6.98 well spent!
Today’s vinyl find is The Dramatics’ 1979 LP “Anytime, Anyplace.” As far as I know, this record has not been released since it’s original vinyl release, save for perhaps a few repressings into the ’80s.
Okay, so I was WAY late to the party on this one. I’m sure a lot of people have already heard this record, but consider this a PSA to anyone like me who missed it. 
Most of the records I post will likely be soul/R&B, but I have a wide variety of tastes (and vinyl), so I will be mixing it up regularly. Sunday after Valentine’s Day sounds pretty laid back to me, so here’s some nice out-of-print easy listening to help.
This is the first post in what is to become a series (no, not two years between posts) of postings of not-necessarily-rare but definitely out-of-print and relatively obscure vinyl. Today, it’s the solo debut from Ray Parker Jr, a long-time session musician/songwriter, frontman from ’70s funk group Raydio, and best known for the mega-hit theme from the 1984 film Ghostbusters.
of the full album that is out on MCA Special Products. All of Billy’s stuff is fairly obscure, and although there are a few comp discs of his work out there, pretty much anything you could want is on this one. Long story short; $6.98 well spent!