Wendell Austin and the Country Swings - LSD (1968)

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LSD

Wendell Austin and the Country Swings 

Wreck Records W-2

(1968)

A hillbilly warning to dropping acid. You too may end up like our man here, dropped some acid and killed his wife and ex and is now on his way to prison.

Maine native Wendell Austin remained an under the radar Country singer/songwriter his whole life, but it was LSD that has left him a cult star forever.

This has been comped already couple times, once on the Wavy Gravy LP and on the Twisted Tales of The Vinyl Wastelands CD, "Hippie In A Blunder."

The flipside you can find via the Dollar Country mixtape and CD, which I highly recommend...

Also Dollar Country has a fantastic zine "Ten Country Songs About Drugs" which makes for an excellent read.

Listen here!

Arcesia - Leaf (1972)

 

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Leaf

Arcesia

Reachin' Arcesia

(1972)

The story of John Arcesi has been told a few times, but to those not in the know, I'll paraphrase here.

John Arcesi was a crooner during the tail end of the big band era, late 40s into the 50s. He would never reach major fame, but would consistently release singles throughout the 50s, sometimes under his own name, sometimes under aliases. 

By 1961 or thereabouts, he would pause his career and settle down with his wife, then a decade later, something happened.

Some sources say he had a breakdown with psychotropics, some say it was the death of his wife the year prior, but in 1972 at age 54, he would write and record "Reachin' Arcesia," aa tortured vanity project of the psychedelic era with the vocal strains of the aged balladeer he was. 

The wild album has been the conversation of many theories to what frame of mind John Arcesi had during the project... and it appears after it was recorded he lived the remaining decade or so of his life as an artist in Hawaii before settling back in Palm Springs... the place his wife and him spent the last years of her life.

Many tracks from this album have been comped already... "White Panther," "Butterfly Mind" and "Rainy Sunday." The album itself released in many bootlegs and one official reissue, which I suggest seeking out.

Listen here!

Eva Quartette with W.J. Smith - You Can't Make A Monkey Out Of Me (1927)

 

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You Can't Make A Monkey Out Of Me

Eva Quartette with W.J. Smith

Gennett 6239

(1927)

Who needs hairbrained theories like evolution, when you have facts like the bible?! This gospel group shouts it aloud in this topical hymnal, inspired by the 1925 Scopes trial.

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Dallas Frazier - Space Command (1954)

 

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Space Command

Dallas Frazier

Capitol 2813

(1954)

Years before Dallas Frazier would write hits such as "Alley Oop" or "Elvira" or the countless songs for George Jones, at age 14 he would write and record the hillbilly bopper "Ain't You Had No Bringin' Up At All."

Unfortunately, it would languish to the B-side of this cornball kiddie record about being a space ranger. Gloriously dreck ridden. Enjoy!

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William Shatner - Taxi (1972)

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Taxi

William Shatner

Dinah! (TV episode)

(1972)

Yeh, yeh, yeh....

The Shatman gets mentioned in the annals of Golden Throat legends for his versions of classics such as "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds," or his notorious version of Elton John's "Rocket Man." 

But ya know what hardly gets talked about? His cover of Harry Chapin's "Taxi" performed live on Dinah Shore's variety show.

Listen here!

Little Plains Elementary School - Can't Smile Without You/We Are The Champions (1978)

 

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Can't Smile Without You/We Are The Champions

Little Plains Elementary School 

Spring Concert

(1978)

For those who like their School choir/band recordings of the Langley persuasion. We have this charming record with 70s powerhouses like Barry Manillow and Queen. 

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Unknown Duo - Autumn Leaves/Flute Song(?) (1950s?)

 

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Autumn Leaves - Flute Song?

Unknown Duo

Audiodisc (Acetate)

(1950s?)

Unlabled 10" LP I found amongst my 78s... not sure where or when I picked this one up, but was surprised to hear an albums worth of songs done by this amateur pianist and singer. Was it a rehearsal? Recital? Something for fun? Or did they really think they were hot stuff...

Jonathan and Darlene Edwards were a put-on by professional artists Paul Weston and Jo Stafford, but these guys are the real deal. No information on song titles or performers, but I picture her looking like this.

Listen here!