TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

This is probably going to be a rambling post so bear with me.

Today is Funky Frolic's 2nd anniversary. It has been an incredible journey filled with many ups and downs but the time has come for me to say farewell and move on. It's not a decision I've made lightly but many of the things that have happened this year have sucked the fun out blogging. The file sharing issues and subsequent flood of re-requests took away the time and desire I had to create new content and I just couldn't muster the dedication that this place requires.

There are so many people I'd like to thank - from my fellow bloggers to all the wonderful people who left comments that would bring a smile to my face, friends and strangers alike. I've been lucky to have a group of supporters who helped make Funky Frolic what it is and it's been a joy to be part of a community of like-minded music lovers. Thank you all so much.

I feel like I've achieved everything I wanted here. The aim was always to celebrate the music I enjoy and bring it to the widest audience possible. I think that over the course of the last two years I've played my part in fostering the appreciation of certain genres amongst people. Around 7 or 8 terabytes of music have been downloaded through Funky Frolic and it's a thrill to know people have listened to albums I've recommended or mixes that I've created. I couldn't have imagined something I created would receive a million pageviews on the internet, let alone almost two million. It's been a wild ride and one I'll never forget.

I will leave the site up in case I have a change of heart and can't stay away or if I have a new project you might be interested in. I'll lock the comments function in a couple of weeks. You can contact me through my Blogger profile if you wish but please refrain from making music requests. I apologise to those who have outstanding re-up requests, I hope you are able to find what you're looking for somewhere else.

Well, I guess that's it. I've had a lot of fun and I hope you have too. As always, stay funky.

Mr.Craig.

SURVIVE ALL SHELTERS - RADIO SPOTS

Download here

Track 1 - Maximum Protection (General)

Track 2 - Comparison

Track 3 - Value

Track 4 - Equipment

Track 5 - DYS

Track 6 - Maximum Protection (Steel & Concrete)

Track 7 - DYS (Short)

Track 8 - Maximum Protection (Steel & Concrete) Short 

Track 9 - Maximum Protection (Short)

For those who were unwilling to "duck and cover" these radio spots provided all the information you'd want to know about Survive-All nuclear bomb shelters. Aside from the obvious kitsch value of these recordings there are some very nice Raymond Scott style electronic sound effects. It's good fun to listen to and an interesting historical document to boot. You can find a shelter-load of details about this recording here.

U.S AIR FORCE - RADIO PROMOTIONAL SPOTS

Download here

Track 1 - Rock N Roll (30 secs)

Track 2 - Rock N Roll (60 secs)

Track 3 - Country (30 secs)

Track 4 - Country (60 secs)

Track 5 - Disco (30 secs)

Track 6 - Disco (60 secs)

Track 7 - Soft Rock (30 secs)

Track 8 - Soft Rock (60 secs)

Track 9 - Job Application

Track 10 - Space Alien

Track 11 - Battlestar Galactica (30 secs)

Track 12 - Battlestar Galactica (60 secs)

This 1979 promotional record for the U.S air force contains a bunch of variations on the same basic jingle. Things get a bit weirder from Track 9 onwards however when Commander Adama from Battlestar Galatica and even an alien are used to sway the hearts and minds of potential recruits. Rather strange and well worth a listen.

MARS PRODUCTION LIBRARY H906

Download here

Track 1 - What Is The Time?

Track 2 - Merry Christmas, Happy New Year

Track 3 - A Right Smart Holiday

Track 4 - Extra Special Jolly Day

Track 5 - Have A Happy New One

Track 6 - Merry Christmas

Track 7 - It's Christmas

Track 8 - The Nicest Things Are Happening

Track 9 - Special Announcement

Track 10 - Have A Wonderful Day

Track 11 - Christmas One Liner 1

Track 12 - Christmas One Liner 2

Track 13 - Christmas One Liner 3

Track 14 - Christmas One Liner 4

Track 15 - Christmas One Liner 5

Track 16 - Christmas One Liner 6

Track 17 - Christmas One Liner 7

Track 18 - Christmas One Liner 8

Track 19 - Christmas One Liner 9

It's Christmas in May! Regulars at Funky Frolic may recall my love of "Mars Production Library CK 713-714", a collection of kitsch generic jingles for use on radio. Last night to my joy I discovered another Mars release, this one is geared towards the holiday season with lots of little stings encouraging people to have a wonderful Christmas. It's a blink and you'll miss it affair with the whole album clocking in at a whopping three and a half minutes! I found this over at The Jingle Jetsam which has a very nicely collection of retro advertising for you pleasure so be sure to check it out sometime. Enjoy!

EXPLOITATION RADIO SPOTS - VARIOUS ARTISTS

Download here

Track 1 - Teenage Tramp

Track 2 - Soilent Green

Track 3 - Live Fast, Die Young

Track 4 - Thrill Killers

Track 5 - Dr.Jekyl, Sister Hyde

Track 6 - 1000 Convicts And A Woman

Track 7 - Deathrace 2000

Track 8 - Horror Of The Zombies

Track 9 - Honky

Track 10 - Hot Bed

Track 11 - Last House On The Left

Track 12 - Invasion Of The Bee Girls

Track 13 - Mark Of The Devil

Track 14 - Nurses For Sale

Track 15 - Dr.Phibes

Track 16 - Balled

Track 17 - Bloody Pit Of Horror

Track 18 - Alligator Man

Track 19 - Astrozombies

Track 20 - Aunt Jemima

Track 21 - The Naughty Stewardesses

Track 22 - Hillbilly Hooker

Track 23 - Bad Girls

Track 24 - You Only Live Twice

Track 25 - Zardoz

Track 26 - The House Of Seven Corpses

Track 27 - Sexy Sisters

Track 28 - Call Her One Eye

Track 29 - Feeling Creature

After yesterday's journey into the world of pirate radio I decided to delve a little deeper into the www looking for some more retro radio spots and promos. I dug up quite a haul of interesting material and the first comp I've put together is this collection of 1970's exploitation film trailers. Those of you who are familiar with "Super Bad, Super Black" and "Sex, Sleaze & Soul" will know what to expect - lots of violent imagery and sexually suggestive wordplay mixed in with a great deal of cheesiness. It's a little shocking, a little bit funky and very fun. I don't know how "You Only Live Twice" slipped in there but it's suitable trashy anyway. Library fans will notice that the music used in the "Teenage Tramp" spot is "Powerboat" by Alan Hawkshaw. As always, I hope you dig.

PIRATE RADIO SOUNDS - VARIOUS ARTISTS

Download here

I've been lacking a bit of motivation in the last week but I hope this makes it up to you. I've put together a collection of promos, intros, retro advertising and various oddities taken from pirate radio stations broadcasting into Britain during the 1960's. There's lots of wild and wacky sounds from the likes of Radio Caroline, Swinging Radio England along with Radio Luxembourg and others. For a bit of background info on the fascinating world of pirate broadcasting check out wikipedia pages here and here. 53 tracks, 25 minutes - enjoy!

SEX, SLEAZE AND SOUL - VARIOUS ARTISTS

Download here

Track 1 - Some Of My Best Friends Are
Track 2 - Bucktown: Title Theme
Track 3 - Superchick
Track 4 - Thunderfist: Chow Chung's Theme
Track 5 - That Man Bolt
Track 6 - Breaker Breaker
Track 7 - Detroit 9000: Title Theme
Track 8 - Mr.Scarface
Track 9 - Naughty Stewardesses
Track 10 - The Bummer
Track 11 - The Big Bust Out
Track 12 - The Big Doll House: Mud Wresting
Track 13 - Thunderfist
Track 14 - Bare Knuckles: Main Theme
Track 15 - Black Eye
Track 16 - Bucktown: End Theme
Track 17 - 24 Hour Lover
Track 18 - The Gay Deceivers
Track 19 - JD Revenge: Main Theme
Track 20 - Chinese Connection, Bruce Lee
Track 21 - Hijack
Track 22 - Ready, Willing & Able
Track 23 - Black Godfather: End Theme
Track 24 - Two Gentlemen Sharing
Track 25 - Blaxploitation Drive-In Triple Feature
Track 26 - Fists Of Fury, Bruce Lee
Track 27 - Switchblade Sister: Hold It Whitey
Track 28 - Centrefold Girls
Track 29 - Fearless Fighters
Track 30 - Incredible Two Headed Transplant
Track 31 - Slaughter: Main Theme
Track 32 - The Big Doll House
Track 33 - Savage Sisters
Track 34 - Black Gunn: Main Theme
Track 35 - The Wonder Women
Track 36 - Trip With The Teacher
Track 37 - Hammer: Main Theme
Track 38 - Some Of My Best Friends Are: Spot 2
Track 39 - Some Of My Best Friends Are: Spot 3
Track 40 - That Man Bolt: Spot 2
Track 41 - Human Tornado: Main Theme

"Sex, Sleaze And Soul" does for porn films and R rated flicks what "Super Bad, Super Black" did for blaxploitation. It's a compilation of naughty, silly radio spots and previews which focuses the spotlight on the seedier side of 1970's film culture. Aside from the highly amusing porn movie advertisements there are promos for kung fu, horror and action movies along with a couple that cover blaxploitation such as "That Man Bolt: Spot 2". What pushes this collection over the top from great to awesome is the inclusion of a bunch of theme songs that are the epitome of classic porn groove. It's a great listen and a whole lot of sexy fun!

I couldn't find a video that quite captured the essence of this collection so I decided to make one of my own. Hope you enjoy my first foray into the world of YouTube...

RAYMOND SCOTT - MANHATTAN RESEARCH INC.

Disk 1 - http://www.mediafire.com/?jymtymzmwdm
Disk 2 - http://www.mediafire.com/?eynujwyrw2y

DISK 1

Track 1 - Manhattan Research, Inc. Copyright
Track 2 - Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. (Instrumental, Take 4)
Track 3 - Bendix 1: "The Tomorrow People"
Track 4 - Lightworks
Track 5 - The Bass-Line Generator
Track 6 - "Don't Beat Your Wife Every Night!"
Track 7 - "B.C. 1675" (The "Gillette" Conga Drum Jingle)
Track 8 - Vim
Track 9 - Auto-Lite: Sta-Ful (Instrumental)
Track 10 - Sprite "Melonball Bounce" (Instrumental)
Track 11 - Sprite "Melonball Bounce"
Track 12 - "Wheels That Go"
Track 13 - "Limbo: The Organized Mind"
Track 14 - "Portofino" 1
Track 15 - County Fair
Track 16 - Lady Gaylord
Track 17 - Good Air (Take 7)
Track 18 - IBM MT/ST: "The Paperwork Explosion"
Track 19 - Domino
Track 20 - Super Cheer
Track 21 - Cheer: Revision 3 (New Backgrounds)
Track 22 - "Twilight In Turkey"
Track 23 - Vicks: Medicated Cough Drops
Track 24 - Vicks: Formula 44
Track 25 - Auto-Lite Spark Plugs
Track 26 - Nescafe
Track 27 - Awake
Track 28 - "Backwards Overload"
Track 29 - Bufferin: "Memories" (Original)
Track 30 - Bandito The Bongo Artist
Track 31 - Night And Day
Track 32 - Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. ("395")
Track 33 - K2r
Track 34 - IBM Probe
Track 35 - GMGM 1a
Track 36 - The Rhythm Modulator

DISK 2

Track 1 - Ohio Plus
Track 2 - "In The Hall Of The Mountain Queen"
Track 3 - General Motors: Futurama
Track 4 - "Portofino" 2
Track 5 - "The Wild Piece" (a.k.a. "String Piece")
Track 6 - "Take Me To Your Violin Teacher"
Track 7 - "Ripples" (Original Soundtrack)
Track 8 - Cyclic Bit
Track 9 - "Ripples" (Montage)
Track 10 - The Wing Thing
Track 11 - County Fair (Instrumental)
Track 12 - "Cindy Electronium"
Track 13 - "Don't Beat Your Wife Every Night!" (Instrumental)
Track 14 - Hostess: Twinkies
Track 15 - Hostess: Twinkies (Instrumental)
Track 16 - Ohio Bell: Thermo Fax
Track 17 - "The Pygmy Taxi Corporation"
Track 18 - Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. (Announce Copy, Take 1)
Track 19 - Baltimore Gas & Electric Co.
Track 20 - Lightworks (Slow)
Track 21 - "The Paperwork Explosion" (Instrumental)
Track 22 - Auto-Lite: Ford Family
Track 23 - Auto-Lite: Ford Family (Instrumental)
Track 24 - Auto-Lite: "Wheels"
Track 25 - Bufferin: "Memories" (Demo)
Track 26 - "Space Mystery" (Montage)
Track 27 - "The Toy Trumpet"
Track 28 - "Backward Beeps"
Track 29 - Auto-Lite: Sta-Ful
Track 30 - Lightworks (Instrumental)
Track 31 - "When Will It End?"
Track 32 - Bendix 2: "The Tomorrow People"
Track 33 - Electronic Audio Logos, Inc.

I've been meaning to post this collection ever since I started Funky Frolic but I knew it was going to be a very time consuming effort. I was able to find a couple of links online which at least saved me from uploaded the CD's. So, without further ado I present "Manhattan Research Inc." by Raymond Scott.

During his early career Scott was a pianist and band leader for CBS and in the 1940's he sold his music publishing to Warner Brothers. From there Carl Stalling adapted many of his compositions for use in Looney Tunes cartoons ( the best known examples being "Powerhouse" and "The Toy Trumpet" which can both be found on "Reckless Nights And Turkish Twilights". A few years later he founded Manhattan Research as explained on Wikipedia...

"In 1946, Scott established Manhattan Research, a division of Raymond Scott Enterprises, Incorporated, which he announced would "design and manufacture electronic music devices and systems." As well as designing audio devices for his own personal use, Manhattan Research Inc. provided customers with sales & service for a variety of devices "for the creation of electronic music and musique concrete" including components such as ring modulators, wave, tone and envelope shapers, modulators and filters. Of unique interest were instruments like the "Keyboard theremin," "Chromatic electronic drum generators," and "Circle generators"

Scott often described Manhattan Research Inc. as "More than a think factory - a dream center where the excitement of tomorrow is made available today."^[ Bob Moog, developer of the Moog Synthesizer, met Scott in the 1950s, designed circuits for him in the 1960s, and acknowledged him as an important influence. Relying on several instruments of his own invention, such as the Clavivox and Electronium, Scott recorded futuristic electronic compositions for use in television and radio commercials as well as records of entirely electronic music. A series of three albums designed to lull infants to sleep, Scott's groundbreaking work Soothing Sounds for Baby was released in 1964 in collaboration with the Gesell Institute of Child Development.

The music, which today sounds uncannily similar to the ambient work of Tangerine Dream or Brian Eno from the mid 1970s, did not find much favor with the record-buying public of the day. Still, Manhattan Research, Inc. had considerable success in providing striking, ear-catching sonic textures for broadcast commercials."

"Manhattan Research Inc." contains many examples of the advertisement music mentioned above in all their groundbreaking glory, along with a range of other stunning electronic pieces such as "Space Mystery Montage", "Ripples", "The Rhythm Modulator". "Bandito The Bongo Artist", "Night And Day", "Backwards Overload" and the very quiet but profound "Cyclic Bit". There are even a few tracks that feature a young Jim Henson, "Bufferin: Memories (Original)", "Limbo: The Organized Mind" and "IBM MT/ST: The Paperwork Explosion".

Not only is the music unbelievable but the 2 CD set is encased inside a 143 page booklet which contains interviews with those who knew and worked Raymond, information on the various instruments he created, in depth details of each track included on the collection and a range of other fascinating insights. You will find some of the photos from the booklet below along with a couple of Youtube videos to give you a taste of his genius.

You really can't have a conversation about the history of electronic music or it's application in advertising without mentioning the name Raymond Scott. Thanks to "Manhattan Research Inc." these treasures will continue to find new ears and his legacy will live on. Suffice to say it is one of the most important collections of it's type ever released and really is a must for all good music libraries. I hope it gives you as much joy as it has for me over the years.

SUZANNE CIANI - LIXIVIATION

Link removed at request of label.

Track 1 - Lixiviation

Track 2 - Atari Video Games Logo

Track 3 - Clean Room (ITT TV Spot)

Track 4 - Almay Eclipse (TV Spot)

Track 5 - Paris 1971

Track 6 - Sound of A Dream Kissing

Track 7 - Atari Corporate Tag

Track 8 - Princess with Orange Feet

Track 9 - Pop & Pour (Coca-Cola Logo)

Track 10 - Discover Magazine (TV Spot)

Track 11 - Live Buchla Concert 1975

Track 12 - Inside Story (PBS TV Spot)

Track 13 - Liberator (Atari TV Spot)

Track 14 - Eighth Wave
Track 15 - Sound Of Wetness
Track 16 - Second Breath

This is my first exposure to the work of Suzanne Ciani and it proves to be a revelation. Unlike Delia Derbyshire and Daphne Oram, American born Ciani created electronic music that is more ambient and contemplative, but also fun as well. In 1974 she set up her own company in order to directly market advertising music at major corporations such as Coca Cola, Columbia Pictures, Atari and others. Many of the advertising spots featured on this album bear a similarity to the work of Raymond Scott but she also forged new ground, particularly in the development of the Coca Cola Pop and Pour composition which was used widely throughout the 1970's.

Amongst her other achievements Ciani became the first solo woman to produce a Hollywood film score ( "The Incredible Shrinking Woman" ), created sound effects for Meco's "Star Wars And Other Galatic Funk", founded the The Electronic Centre For New Music and has been nominated for five Grammy awards. This collection should be considered a must have for anyone interested in the history of electronic music, especially in the field of advertising. Sensational.

Below are two clips, the first from Suzanne's appearance on the David Letterman Show back in 1980 I believe and the second documents her work creating sounds for the Xenon pinball machine.

FF016 - BREAKFAST TIME! VOLUME 2

http://www.mirrorcreator.com/files/1JMF23SJ/FF016_-_Breakfast_Time__Vol.2.zip_links

Track 1 - Post Cereal Monkees Record Promotion

Track 2 - Cocoa Pebbles

Track 3 - Froot Loops

Track 4 - Kellogg's OK's

Track 5 - Kellogg's Sugar Pops

Track 6 - Kellogg's Cocoa Krispies 

Track 7 - King Vitamin Cereal

Track 8 - Lucky Charms

Track 9 - Cheerios

Track 10 - Alpha-Bits Cereal

Track 11 - Cracker Jacks

Track 12 - Fruity Pebbles

Track 13 - Almond Joy And Mounds

Track 14 - Apple Jacks

Track 15 - Crispy Wheats 'N Raisins

Track 16 - Count Chocula

Track 17 - Cocoa Puffs

Track 18 - Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Track 19 - Cap'n Crunch

Track 20 - Frosted Flakes

Track 21 - Raisin Bran

Track 22 - Smurfberry Crunch

Track 23 - Cherrios

Track 24 - Strawberry Shortcake Cereal

Track 25 - Sugar Jets Indian Armband Promotion

Track 26 - Weetabix

Track 27 - Rocky Road Cereal

Track 28 - Kellogg's Sugar Smacks

I got a positive response to my last collection of breakfast cereal commercials ( get it here ) so I thought I would put together some more sugary delights for you. Sadly we have missed the opportunity to get our free "Best Of The Monkees" record or Indian Warrior Armband ( with secret symbols ) and many of these products are long gone but you can still relive the golden days of shameless propaganda and cartoon cross promotions right here. Most of these adverts are from the 1970's and 80's but I think a couple of more recent one's have snuck in as well. Enjoy!

FF015 TV TIME! - RETRO THEME SONGS AND COMMERCIALS

http://www.mirrorcreator.com/files/DJLYC1DU/FF015_-_TV_Time_.zip_links

Track 1 - 20th Century Fox Theme
Track 2 - BBC Medieval Mind Trip
Track 3 - Mr.T Cartoon Theme
Track 4 - Wheel Of Fortune Theme 1975-1983
Track 5 - Victoria Bitter Beer Commercial
Track 6 - TVS Indent 1982-1987
Track 7 - Palisades Amusement Park Commercial
Track 8 - Diet Coke 1983 - First Ever Commercial
Track 9 - Superman/Aquaman Hour Of Adventure Theme
Track 10 - Atlanta Braves Baseball On TBS 1980's
Track 11 - McDonald's McDLT feat. Jason Alexander
Track 12 - Mannix Theme (LP Version)
Track 13 - Marine Boy Theme
Track 14 - Mac Vs PC Commercial
Track 15 - BBC 2010 Election Theme
Track 16 - Magnum P.I Commercial Break
Track 17 - Service Information
Track 18 - ABC's Wide World Of Sports Theme
Track 19 - Shazam Theme 1974
Track 20 - Warner Bros. Pictures Theme
Track 21 - Mario's All Stars Theme
Track 22 - Jack In The Box Mini Sirloin Burgers Commercial (Spanish Version)
Track 23 - McDonald's Big Mac Commercial 1978
Track 24 - WCBS 11pm News 1982
Track 25 - Old People Die PSA
Track 26 - WAYL FM Indent 1981
Track 27 - $10,000 Pyramid Theme
Track 28 - E.T Wants Future Funk Jingle
Track 29 - Universal Pictures Theme
Track 30 - Magnum P.I Theme
Track 31 - Pepsi Generation feat. Michael Jackson
Track 32 - ABC Station Break
Track 33 - Manwich Commercial
Track 34 - The $64,000 Question Theme
Track 35 - The Super Mario Bros. Super Show Theme
Track 36 - ABC Monday Night Football Theme 1970-1975
Track 37 - WFIL Action News 1970
Track 38 - McDonald's Big Mac Commercial 1984
Track 39 - Atlanta Braves Baseball Home Run Music
Track 40 - WGBH Indent
Track 41 - Airwolf Theme 1984-1986
Track 42 - ABC 7 Eyewitness News
Track 43 - Commodore 64 Commercial 1983
Track 44 - Match Game/Hollywood Squares Theme

I've been playing around with this compilation on and off for a couple of months now and even though it's a bit rough around the edges I thought it was time to set it free from my hard drive. Aside from some interesting theme songs and vintage commercials I have included a number of cool indents, station ID's, public service announcements and general weirdness. Highlights include a "medieval" version of "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix and some very funky themes courtesy of Mannix, Wheel Of Fortune, Airwolf and Magnum P.I. On the commercial side of things there is some quality obscurity in the form of a Spanish language Jack In The Box jingle, Diet Coke's first introduction to the public and some truly demented performances on the 1978 Big Mac ad. I had to include "Victoria Bitter" because it is arguably the most iconic commercial ever on Australian television.

My pick of the bunch from the other tracks would be the BBC election coverage music which seems to generate an inexplicable emotional resonance whenever I hear it. When I release a mix it's always good to get some feedback so please take the time to leave a message if you choose to download this. It should be noted that due the variation in age and sources for this material there are differences in sound quality from track to track. I hope you enjoy!

THE PRICE IS RIGHT - 70'S MUSIC LIBRARY

http://www.cinefamily.org/sharity/priceisright.zip

Track 1 - Amen, Brother Herbert
Track 2 - Bhen
Track 3 - Brioche
Track 4 - Car Music ('72)
Track 5 - Car Music (Current)
Track 6 - Come On Down ('75)
Track 7 - Deja Vu
Track 8 - Dig We Must
Track 9 - Eric
Track 10 - Jive Walk
Track 11 - Losing Horns
Track 12 - Main Theme
Track 13 - Phaser
Track 14 - Ralph
Track 15 - Robert
Track 16 - Rye Bread 2
Track 17 - Sam
Track 18 - Second Thoughts
Track 19 - Showcase 1
Track 20 - Showcase 2
Track 21 - Splendido!
Track 22 - Spring Waltz
Track 23 - Starcrossed
Track 24 - Tachlen
Track 25 - The Bean Stalker
Track 26 - The Big Banana
Track 27 -  The Cats

This a super, super, super groovy collection of library music featured on The Price Is Right during the 1970's. I'm not sure where the music was originally sourced from or who the composers were but fans of Syd Dale, Alan Moorhouse and James Clarke should be in heaven listening to this. Horns and flutes play a prominent role in most of the tracks and they are underlayed by frenetic drumming and funky wah wah guitar. I dare you to resist the incredible "Starcrossed", "Dig We Must" or "The Bean Stalker" or the more subtle pop charms of "Deja Vu" and "Rye Bread 2". The combination of uptempo British go go grooves and down and dirty U.S funk is what makes the majority of this music so desirable and fun. A compilation truly deserving of 10 out of 10 Frolics!

I found this link over at The Cinefamily but I suspect the original comp was put together by Egg City Radio so props to whoever compiled this awesome selection. I'm sure some of you will be able to identify individual tracks so feel free to leave me a message.

Update - Thanks to those who identified the composer of this music as being Edd Kalehoff.

DAPHNE ORAM - ORAMICS

Part 1 - http://www.mediafire.com/?iorweemcaie

Part 2 - http://www.mediafire.com/?cgj2kjenm3h

PART 1

Track 1 - Introduction
Track 2 - Power Tools
Track 3 - Bird Of Parallax
Track 4 - In A Jazz Style
Track 5 - Purring Interlude
Track 6 - Contrasts Essconic
Track 7 - Lego Builds It
Track 8 - Pompie Ballet
Track 9 - Intertel
Track 10 - Adwick High School No.1
Track 11 - Look At Oramics
Track 12 - Rotolock
Track 13 - Purple Dust
Track 14 - High Speed Flight
Track 15 - Studio Experiment No.1
Track 16 - Four Aspects
Track 17 - Kia Ora
Track 18 - Dr.Faustus Suite
Track 19 - Adwick High School No.2
Track 20 - Tumblewash
Track 21 - Studio Experiment No.1
Track 22 - Snow

PART 2

Track 1 - Rockets In Ursa Major (Excerpt 1)
Track 2 - Food Preservation
Track 3 - Studio Experiment No.3
Track 4 - Bala
Track 5 - Episode Metallic
Track 6 - Studio Experiment No.4
Track 7 - Adwick High School No.3
Track 8 - Fanfare Of Graphs
Track 9 - Studio Experiment No.5
Track 10 - Brocillande
Track 11 - Mary Had A Little Lamb
Track 12 - Incidental Music For Invasion (Excerpt)
Track 13 - Costain Suite
Track 14 - Rockets In Urs Major (Excerpt 2)
Track 15 - Passacaglia
Track 16 - Missile Away
Track 17 - Pulse Persephone
Track 18 - Adwick High School No.4
Track 19 - Nestea
Track 20 - Rockets In Ursa Major (Excerpt 3)
Track 21 - Conclusion
Track 22 - Studio Jinks

It is probably unfair to compare Daphne Oram to Raymond Scott but it is a good reference point for those who are unfamiliar with her work. Both were pioneering in their use ( and sometimes creation ) of electronic instruments and both worked within the advertising arena for periods of their career. This 2 disc collection of her work presents a confounding mix of musique concrete, orchestral elements, ethnic music and almost every present-day sub genre of electronica. In terms of mood, many of the tracks are incredibly dark and ominous which completely contradicts the image of the smiling woman that greets you on the front cover. What beautiful insanity must have lurked within her mind in order to create such brutal intensity?

As a founding member of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop she was at the forefront of the new and exciting world of electronic music. Oram's greatest inspiration came in 1962 with the creation of her Oramics sound technique ( read more here ) but in terms of popular culture she is probably best know for supplying sound effects for "2001: A Space Odyssey". During the late 1960's and 1970's she continued to work and teach on the subject along with writing the book "An Individual Note Of Music: Sound And Electronics". After two strokes in the 1990's she was forced to retire and sadly passed away in 2003, aged 77.

The other day I read a comment on an electronic music forum that claimed Delia Derbyshire never actually existed and it was nothing but a communist code name. It made me laugh at the time as I thought about the conspiracy theories people come up with but having listened to "Oramics" I think it's entirely possible that Daphne was sent to Earth by aliens on some kind of secret mission. Her creativity was simply other worldly.

I'm posting this album today in part because I wanted to highlight the fact that a 4 LP collection of Oram's work has recently been released, entirely comprised of never heard before music. Ironically it may turn out to be the most important electronic music release of this decade. You can find info about "The Oram Tapes: Volume 1" here. Boomkat are also selling a deluxe 4 LP version of "Oramics" at a reasonable price if you are interested. I might post another one of her records tomorrow.

BUILDING A BETTER WAY - CHEVROLET LIBRARY MUSIC

Download here

Track 1 - Opening
Track 2 - Designing
Track 3 - Corvette
Track 4 - Cameo
Track 5 - Vega
Track 6 - Proving
Track 7 - Monte Carlo
Track 8 - Nova
Track 9 - Chevelle
Track 10 - Building
Track 11 - Trucks
Track 12 - Caprice
Track 13 - Impala
Track 14 - Selling It's A Better Way

Being New Year's Eve and my 365th post for 2011 I thought I would pull something out of the top draw. I found this wonderful record at the non-library music blog Franklin Mint late last year and have been sitting on it ever since in the knowledge that many of you would be blown away. To be honest I don't think the guy who runs FM quite realised just how desirable this music would be to library fanatics like us ( he could probably sell it for, well, a mint ).

The album is a collection of music that featured in the promotional film "Building A Better Way" which was used to launch the 1974 Chevy product line. Having long since fallen in love with "Ford Taunus" by Christian Bruhn ( see "Popshopping Vol.1" ) I was well aware of just how funky auto related library music could get and these 14 tracks do not disappoint. Having said that, there is a heavy dose of orchestral easy listening and even a few electronic touches here and there but when things get funky they get SERIOUSLY funky! "Designing" and "Building" are mind boggling in their cinematic lushness with wah wah and blasting horns that rival anything that blaxploitation has thrown up. "Corvette" is a more straight ahead 60 seconds of blissful, pure funk while "Proving" evokes images of a high performance Chevy blasting around the race track.

On the easy side of things, "Impala" sounds like an off cut from "The Sound Gallery Vol.2", "Vega" and "Nova" both have irresistible pop charms and "Caprice" speaks for itself. The collection is wrapped up with a wonderfully corny vocal number espousing the qualities of Chevrolet. I have no idea who composed this music but they certainly knew what they were doing, every note is purposeful and self assured.

As you can tell, I absolutely love this record and I have no doubt you will too. It's been a fun and funky year, play safe tonight and I hope to see you all on the other side. Cheers!

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS - SEASONINGS

http://www.mediafire.com/?0965dlxbxnjjvbs

Track 1 - Jamie's Letter

Track 2 - Santa & Bobby

Track 3 - Papa & Tony

Track 4 - Neighbors

Track 5 - Warm Hugs

Track 6 - Holiday Salute

Track 7 - Mistletoe

Track 8 - Runaway

Track 9 - Worried Helen

Track 10 - The Christmas Story

Track 11 - Grandma's Gift

Track 12 - The Bell Ringer

Now don't get me wrong, I haven't got anything against religion but there is something unnerving and a little creepy about these Christmas themed PSA's put out by the Seventh Day Adventists. There is some exceptional overacting on the likes of "Runaway", "Worried Helen" and "Papa & Tony" which pushes this record over the edge from quirky to kitsch. Check it out and let me know what you think!

FF014 - POLITICKING VOLUME 1

http://www.mirrorcreator.com/files/04RKOTFV/FF014_-_Politicking_Vol.1.zip_links


Track 1 - JFK Vintage Commercial
Track 2 - Richard Nixon's The One
Track 3 - Nixon Commercial
Track 4 - Harold Fold...Call Me
Track 5 - Jimmy Carter 4 President
Track 6 - LBJ Daisy
Track 7 - Ed Broadbent Rap
Track 8 - George Bush Snr. Revolving Door
Track 9 - Ronald Reagan It's Morning In America Again
Track 10 - Ronald Reagan The Bear
Track 11 - Willie Horton Attack Ad
Track 12 - Perot Campaign Commercial
Track 13 - George W. Bush Commercial
Track 14 - Hillary Clinton 3 a.m
Track 15 - Barack Obama What If?

This compilation of campaign advertising features the good, the bad and the downright ugly side of political life in the United States. Whether these candidates are trying to glorify themselves or ruin the reputation of their competitors, it all sounds a bit silly now. Silliest of all would probably be "The Bear" by Ronald Reagan closely followed by Ed Broadbent's rap. If you would like a good giggle or just some strange ipod / mixtape filler then I think you'll enjoy this.

G.I JOE - PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Download here

Track 1 - Alpine - What To Do When You're Lost

Track 2 - Barbeque - Don't Pull The Fire Alarm Unless There's A Fire

Track 3 - Barbeque - What To Do If Your House Is On Fire

Track 4 - Blowtorch - Don't Call The Fire Department From A Burning Building

Track 5 - Cross Country - Wear Helmets For Protection

Track 6 - Cutter - Instead Of Fighting Find A Better Way

Track 7 - Dial Tone - Have Proper Ventilation While Painting

Track 8 - Doc - Don't Take Drugs Without Your Parents There

Track 9 - Flint - It's Better To Tell The Truth

Track 10 - Flint - Listen To Yourself

Track 11 - Mutt - Don't Pet Strange Dogs

Track 12 - Ripcord - Have Your Eyes Tested

Track 13 - Roadblock - Don't Jump Your Bike Over Downed Powerlines

Track 14 - Shipwreck - Running Away Isn't The Answer

Track 15 - Spirit - What To Do If You Catch On Fire

These public service announcements were featured at the end of G.I Joe episodes between 1989 and 1991. Each segment closed with the catch phrase "...and knowing is half the battle". I presume the other half of the battle involved taking the advice of cartoon characters named "Mutt", "Ripcord" and "Dial Tone" seriously. They certainly are hilarious and have spawned several parodies over the years, but in my opinion nothing is funnier than the real thing. If you haven't heard them before then prepare yourself for a treat and if you have then get ready for a retro blast from the cartoon past!

 

Please note - The re-uploaded version now contains 21 PSA's.

FF012 - ADVERTISING MUSIC VOL.1 (BREAKFAST TIME!)

http://www.mirrorcreator.com/files/VIWZSF1D/FF012_Advertising_Music_Vol.1_-_Breakfast_Time_.zip_links

Track 1 - Monster Cereal (Star Trek Promo)

Track 2 - Pink Panther Flakes

Track 3 - C3PO's Star Wars Cereal

Track 4 - Kellogg's OK's

Track 5 - Teaming Up With Mr.T

Track 6 - Gremlin's Cereal

Track 7 - Ghostbusters Cereal

Track 8 - Donkey Kong Cereal

Track 9 - Crispy Critters Cereal

Track 10 - Nintendo Cereal

Track 11 - Pac-Man Cereal

Sink your teeth into this! I have collected a bunch of 1980's cereal commercials featuring some of the more unusual cross promotions and wackiest scripting. Sadly the days of C3PO's and Nintendo Cereal System are long gone so this is my attempt at keeping the memories alive. Not only are the ads cool but the boxes can sell for plenty of money on ebay too...

McDONALD'S BIRTHDAY PARTY - VARIOUS ARTISTS

http://sharebee.com/25bbd702

Creepy and corny doesn't even begin to describe this promo record from McDonald's. Made to sound like a broadcast from the fictitious radio station K.I.D.S, we are subjected to various children's songs / games, a bit of pop and disco and plenty of the rather disturbing voice of Ronald McDonald himself. The purpose of this album is unclear, it sort of encourages a family to a host a McDonald's birthday party at home without needing to go to the restaurant. If you don't want your kids to eat fast food I would suggest making them listen to this on high rotation! Thanks to the original uploader.