This record came from my dad’s collection which I inherited after his turntable died in the late 90’s. Copyright 1957, this disc boasts the “new stroboscopic audio fidelity label. (a way to tell if your turntable is revolving at the correct speed)” In case you’re wondering, it also has a 13.75 DB at 10 KC Rolloff and a 65 + DB Signal to noise Ratio.
We take particular pride in the fact that the signal-to-noise ratio herein exceeds 65 decibels, and in transference from original master tape to this recording the loss is less than 1 decibel, and that, as a matter of fact, the surface of this pressing is lower than the natural tape hiss of the original master tape.
What does this all mean? It means that tracks such as #13. Shoveling Scrap Metal are scientifically formulated to be the most painfully irritating one minute and 2 seconds of your auditory life.
I listened to this album a lot when I was little, revelling in the awesomeness that was the “Super Stereo” effects– for example, on “Man on Concrete Stairs,” as he man descends, his echoing footsteps start in one speaker, and then travel around one speaker at a time, making it sound as if you’re hanging in mid air at the center of the staircase. Far out, man! (those were my dad’s exact words when he described it to me)
I make a lot of shitty electronic music on my computer, and I don’t think one piece I’ve done doesn’t contain a sample from this. being too cheap to actually buy a drum machine, “Shoveling Scrap Metal” makes a great high-hat sound if you speed it up and play it backwards. “Chinese New Year” has a pretty infectious groove as well. “Dribbling Basketball” slowed down is a great bass drum. Well, great to me anyway.
A NOTE ABOUT RECORD CARE
Much has been said of worn styli; however, the worst possible thing that one can do to a phonograph record (and, incidentally, the crime of which each of is is most often guilty) is to (a) put a “mint condition” record on a dusty turntable, and/or (b) leave it on that turntable to gather dust after having played it.
One Comment
Dude, Your sight is damn freaking sweet. I am using that Coal Hoist Winch Room in my electronic music! Haha
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