This one starts with a vocal track off a custom 45 that was given out as Christmas presents by Jack Coyle Chevrolet in 1958.  Not only did they give out these records, but lucky customers were chosen to receive free gasoline!

From myself, and Robert Rodriguez of Wanted-Records.com, Merry Christmas to all of our friends and listeners.

New Mix: Holiday Soul Volume 2 – (10/8/11) – A Christmas Mix of rare 45s by tis1971

• Jack Coyle Chevrolet.  Turner 7-4221
• Hank Crawford. “The Christmas Song” (45); Kudu Records #911, 1972
• Creeper. “Santa Claus Wants Some Loving” (45); (H.B.S. Hot Buttered Soul) distributed by ABC Records #12147, 1975
• Howard Morris. “Department Store Santa Claus (Before Xmas)” (45); Roulette Records #4309, 1958
• Youngsters. “Christmas In Jail” (45); Empire Records #109, 1956
• Pearl Bailey. “Five Pound Box Of Money” (45); Roulette Records #4206, 1958
• Hollywood Bowl Symphonette. “First Noel, Jingle Bells” (45); (Made especially for Jack Coyle Chevrolet San Bernardino, California) Record-O-Ad Corp Records #1, 1958
• Tiny Tim. “White Christmas” (45); Vic Tim Records #1001, 19??
• The O’Jays. “Christmas Ain’t Christmas New Year’s Ain’t New Year’s Without The One You Love” (45); Neptune Records #20, 1973
• Johnnie Lee Wills. “Silver Bells” (45); Flying Fish Records #4001, 1979
• Kenny Burrell. “The Little Drummer Boy” (45); Cadet Records #5555, 1966
• Van Trevor. “The Melting Snow” (45); Claridge Records #305, 1970
• The Ray Conniff Singers. “Silver Bells” (45); Columbia Records #41484, 1960
• Sentinals. “Christmas Eve” (45); Era Records #3097, 196?
• Lennie LaCour. “Twinkle Toes (The Christmas Cha Cha)” (45); Lucky Four #1001, 19??
• Lalo Guerrero. “Pancho Claus” (45); (Capital) Cap Latino Records #6887, 19??
• Phroomf. “Phroomf” (45); Optimum Manufacturing Inc. No #, 1986..not sure
• Emotions. “Black Christmas” (45); Volt Records #4053, 1970
• Told by Marian Richman & Daws Butler. Music Composed, Arranged & Played by Bob Mitchell. Sound Effects: Ray Erlenborn. “Sleepy Santa” (45); Belda Records (Talking Komics) #107, 19??
• Boudleaux Bryant And The Sparks. “Holiday March” (45); Hickory Rceords #1108, 1959
• Ellen Marty. “Xmas Gift” (45); Marty Records #102, 19??
• Winifred Atwell. “Snow Bells” (45); Columbia Records #43472, 1967
• Wayne Champion. “It’s Xmas Time” (45); Invictus Records #7690, 19??
• Jimmy Dean. “Yes, Patricia, There Is A Santa Claus” (45); Columbia Records #43457, 1970
• Chubby Checker & Bobby Rydell. “Jingle Bells Imitations” (45); Cameo Records #205, 1961
• Hank Crawford. “Merry Christmas Baby” (45); Atlantic Records #5042, 1971
• Lu Ann Simms. “I Just Can’t Wait ‘Til Christmas” (45); Columbia Records #40089, 1953
• Miss L.L. and the Three Mice, Blimp, Whimp & Skimp. “No Chees (On The Xmas Tree)” (45); Skyway Records #138, 1964
• Marv Meredith. “Salvation Rock” (45); Strand Records #25021, 1960
• Bernie Knee, Music by Irving Fields Orchestra. “Take Off Those Whiskers Daddy” (45); Pat Records #106, 19??
• Lucky Luck. “Kanaka Christmas” (45); Mahalo Records #1000, 1962
• Jim Backus. “The Office Party” (45); Dico Records #101, 1959
• Howard Morris. “Department Store Santa Claus (After Xmas)” (45); Roulette Records #4309, 1958

Highlights include me starting out the mix in reverse to Beni Mason’s “The Devil’s Disciple”, then, a short clip about drug use leading to maggot infestations, then Bob McFadden’s “The Mummy” (in which the mummy is unable to scare a Beatnik), and Donald Woods’ “Memories of an Angel”, which is an answer record to last year’s Volume 1 ending of “Death of an Angel”.  We couldn’t identify the year some of these 45s were published.  If you know, tell us.

New Mix: Halloween Soul Volume 2 – (10/8/11) by tis1971

Here’s the tracklist.

• Beni Mason “The Devil’s Disciple” (45); P&L Records #007, 19??
• “Kids speaking about the horrors of drugs” on an unidentified LP
• Bob and Jerry “Ghost Satellite” (45); Rendezvous Records #100, 1958
• The Jet Stream “Crazy Me” (45); Smash #2095, 1967
• Bob McFadden & Dor “The Mummy” (45); Brunswick #55140, 1959
• Dick Dixon and The Roomates “The Caterpillar Crawl” (45); Kapp Records #292, 1959
• Art August & The Dorian-Aires “Nightmares” (45) Rama Records #105, 19??
• Del Vikings “The Voodoo Man” (45); Mercury #71266, 1958
• Eugene Church “I’m Your Taboo Man” (45); King #5610, 1962
• John Zacherle “Gravy (With Some Cyanide)” (LP); Wyncote Records #9050, 1964
• ALFRED HITCHCOCK LP
• Cris Kevin “Haunted House” (45); Colt Records #103, 1959
• The Holly Twins “Okeefenokee” (45) Rendezvous Records #180, 1962
• The Lumberjack with The Northwood Singers “Hell Bound Train” (45); Coach Records #6557, 19??
• Al Corsal music by Regal-Aires “Go Devil Go” (45); Star-X #511, 1958
• Googie Rene “Big Foot” (45); Class Records #2079, 1958
• The Fifth Estate “Ding, Dong! The Witch Is Dead” (45); Jubilee #5573, 1967
• Oliver Nelson & His Orchestra “Skull Session” (45); Flying Dutchman #10330, 1975
• The Turtles “Buzz Saw” (45); White Whale #292, 1968
• Bob Seger System “Death Row” (45); Capitol Records #2143, 1968
• Jaime Duque y Sus Latin Fury “Violencia” (45); Juventud #205, 19??
• Dickie Goodman “Mystery” (45); Mark-X #8010, 1964
• Johnny Brown and The Joy Boys “Suspense” (45); Duke Records #342, 1961
• Linda Burnett “Rattle Bone Rock” (45); Bop-It Records #701, 19??
• Jimmy Lunceford and His Orchestra “Hell’s Bells” (45) Decca Records #2071, 1937
• Hot Blood “Soul Dracula” (45); Era Records #115, 1975
• Hot Blood “Sans Dracula” (45); Era Records #115. 1975
• The Resonics “Split Personality” (45) Unity Records #101, 1963
• Donald Woods ” Memories Of An Angel” (45); Aladdin Records #3412, 1958

Vinylshuffle.com – Main Street People 2011 7 17 by tis1971

The reason for this mix is that Joy Osmanski requested it.   Joy and I met on Main Street (the second song in this mix).  411 Main Street.  The old bank district, back when Dorian Dudley’s marketplace was still across from Ray’s.  I lived in a loft on the 4th floor, just above Lost Souls, where I would sometimes DJ  (when I wasn’t DJ’ing from my fire escape).  I kept in solitude with my records for the first year until I ran into Joy.  The first time was in the Laundry room on my floor.  I said probably two words to her.  Maybe, “Good Bye”.   When I returned, she was there again.  This time, folding my laundry!   We spoke for a while.  Turns out, she was an actress on some TV show I didn’t know.  I didn’t have a TV.  She didn’t seem to mind.  The next day, she made me oatmeal cookies!   I invited her over to listen to records, and we’ve been friends since.

In many ways, that was the start of Vinyl Shuffle.  I began going out more and opening up my loft to those I’d meet in the neighborhood.  Lots people who I became great friends with, all through inviting them over to listen to music.  At it’s height, 50 or so would gather on a weekend night, and strangers would enter through the fire escape.  On quitter nights, I’d listen to my Jazz LPs… And still someone would climb through the fire escape. After three years of opening my loft up for all those Vinyl Shuffle parties, and teaching others to DJ (thanks to friends like Hapa, Denkym, SeanO, Hideo (RIP), (((hearsee))) and random strangers who taught me) and bringing so many people together, I moved to San Clemente, and started blogging occasional mixes. So, I can still connect musically with all those friends from Main Street, and reach out to new friends I’ve met virtually through this website, my instagram, and @vinylshuffle on Twitter.

By the way, Joy….  Like I said in the first paragraph, I don’t plan on “Themes”.  The records are random.  But, how “random” IS it, that I chose the “Main Street People” LP from Four Tops.  And….. that the two Chicago songs “Once Upon a Time” and “Progress?” feature city noises, followed by a toilet bowl flush, which is followed by a sound effects record that featured waves on the B-Side.  How crazy is it that those three tracks symbolize (in a sonic fashion) the gentrification of Downtown LA after my move to San Clemente where I live only 100 feet from the shore?!?!)

Joy, this mix is dedicated to you.

• Glasser. “Tremel” (Ring); True-025, 2010  (From Andrea’s personal collection)
• Four Tops. “Intro” (Main Street People);  Dunhill / ABC, 1973
• Chicago. “Once Upon a Time….” (Chicago III); Columbia Records, 1971
• Chicago. “Progress?” (Chicago III); Columbia Records, 1971
• Environments. “The Psychologically Ultimate Seashore” (Disc 1); Atlantic, 1970
• Alan Watts. “The Beginning of the Ending of Thoughts” (Dhyana, The Art of Meditation Volume I); Ascension Records, 1977
• The Chambers Brothers. “Time Has Come Today” (The Time Has Come); Columbia Records CL 2722, 1967
• Alain Goraguer. “Maquillage De Tiwa” (Bande Sonore Originale Du Film La Planete Sauvage); Pathé Marconi EMI, 1973
• Herbie Mann. “What’s Going On” (Push Push); Embryo, 1971
• The Stylistics. “One Night Affair” (Love Spell); Phonogram / Polygram, 1979
• Jimmy Smith. “Killing Me Softly With His Song” (Paid In Full); Mojo Records, 1974
• Betty Everett & Jerry Butler. “Our Day Will Come” (Delicious Together); Vee-Jay Records, 1964
• Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66. “The Look of Love” (Look Around); A&M, 1968
• Marvin Gaye. “What’s Happening Brother” (What’s Going On); Tamla, 1971
• Four Tops. “Intro” (Main Street People);  Dunhill / ABC, 1973
• Freddie Hubbard. “To Her Ladyship” (Super Blue); Columbia, 1978

The full background on why we made this mix has been moved to a separate, dedicated webpage (as with other vinylshuffle art events).

You can read and listen to it here:    http://www.vinylshuffle.com/the45show/

Tracklist:

• Damu the Fudgemunk. “New LP (EP Intro)” (How It Should Sound Promo EP); Redef Records
• Damu the Fudgemunk. “Judgement Day” (partial)
• Natural Four. “Can This Be Real” (45); Curtom Records #1990, 1973
• Ronnie Laws. “Tidal Wave” (Pressure Sensitive); Blue Note BN-LA452-G, 1975 (Partial, at 45rpm)
• The Ojays. “Give The People What They Want” (45); Philadelphia International Records (PIR) #3565, 1975
• Dizzy Gillespie & Lalo Schifrin. “Unicorn” (45); Pablo Records #11003, 1977
• Lionel Hampton & His Inner Circle of Jazz. “Greasy Greens” (45); Glad Hamp Records #2038, 1967
• People Under the Stairs. “Down in LA (Instrumental)” (Beer EP); Om Records, 2010

Thanks for a great year of listening to us play our records for you.  May you have as many laughs and as much fun listening to this mix as we had while recording it.

Happy Holidays!

Listen/Stream right now:
[audio http://vinylshuffle.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/vinylshuffle_com_holiday_soul.mp3]

Or download the MP3:
Vinylshuffle.com Mix :: Holiday Soul : December, 2010

• James Brown. “Let’s Make Christmas Mean Something This Year” (Soulful Christmas); King #1010, 1968
• Bill Lamb. “Go To Sleep Little Lamb” (45); Warner Bros. Records #7154, 19??
• Billy Barty. “The Clown In The Funny Nightgown” (45); Champ Records #712, 19??
• Bob Swanson & Co. featuring Ginny Gibson. “The Ain’t-Not Tree” (45); RSP Records #114, 19??
• Dinah Shore. “You Meet The Nicest People” (7″ 33rpm Chevrolet); Capitol Records  Inc. Custom Services Department #2886, 19??
• Otis Redding. “Merry Christmas Baby” (Soulful Christmas various artists); Atco #SD 33-269, 1968
• Charles Brown. “Merry Christmas Baby” (Soulful Christmas various artists); Holiday #1904, 19??
• L. Presley Lewis with JImmie Widener and the Southwesterners. “Jimminy Christmas” (45); Southwest #402 , 19??
• Rosemary Jun Mac Perrin & The Cricketones. “Mixie Pixie” (45); Cricket #zb-646, 19??
• Jay Matty. “Merry Twist Mas” (45); Lute Records #6021, 19??
• Ravers. “It’s Gonna Be A Punk Rock Christmas!” (45); Zombie #7683, 19??
• Tiny Tim. “White Christmas” (45); Vic Tim Records #1001, 19??
• Alfred Apaka. “Mele Kalikimaka – Jingle Bells” (45); Hawaiian Village Records #2, 19??
• Chuck Berry. “Run Rudolph Run” (Rhythm & Blues Christmas. Various Artists); United Artists Records #654, 1958
• Royal Guardsmen. “Snoopy’s Christmas” (45); Laurie Records #3416, 19??
• Helen Perry. “Ding Dong Christmas” (45); Helen Perry Presents #1112, 19??
• Society’s Children. “White Christmas” (45); Atco Records #6538, 19??
• Lou Rawls. “Littl e Drummer Boy” (Merry Christmas Ho! Ho! Ho!); Capitol Records #2790, 19??
• Temptations. “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer” (The Temptations Christmas Card); Motown #5251, 1970
• Stevie Wonder. “What Christmas Means To Me” (Someday Christmas); Tamla #362, 1978
• Nat King Cole. “The Christmas Song” (The Christmas Song); Capitol #1967,
• Louis Armstrong. “The Night Before Christmas” (45); Continental #1001, 1971
• Ramsey Lewis Trio. “Jingle Bells”  (45); Argo # , 19??
• James Brown. “Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto” (Christmas Classics Various Artists); Rhino #70192, 1968
• Bobby Boris Pickett & The Crypt Kickers. “Monster’s Holiday” (45); Garpax #44171, 1973
• Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass. “My Favorite Things” (Christmas Album); A&M Records #3113, 1968
• Mrs. Santa Claus with Toy Band. “Mrs. Santa Claus” (45); Weber Records #170, 19??
• Rochelle Battat. “Big Calhoun (The Christmas Seal)” (45); Obo Records #218, 19??
• Drifters featuring Clyde McPhatter. “The Bells Of St. Mary’s” (45); Atlantic #1048, 19??
• Mahalia Jackson. “Do You Hear What I Hear?” (Christmas With Mahalia); Columbia #9727, 19??
• Billy Daniels. “Holidays” (45); World Wide Stars #121, 19??
• Solomon Burke. “Presents For Christmas” (Soul Christmas Various Artists); Atco #33-269, 19??
• Roy Orbison. “Pretty Paper” (Christmas Classics); Rhino #70192, 1963
• Earl Grant. “Silver Bells” (45);  MCA #65023, 19??
• Becky Lamb. “Little Becky’s Christmas Wish” (45); Warner Bros. Records #7154, 19??
• Navidad En Andalucia. “Tocan Las Zambombas” (45); RCA #13.218, 19??
• Guy Pastor. “Let’s All Send Love This Christmas” (45); Hiback #111, 19??
• Vince Guaraldi Trio. “Christmas Time Is Here, instrumental” (A Charlie Brown Christmas); Fantasy #8431, 19??
• Jimmy McCracklin. “Christmas Time pt.1″ (45); Art-Tone Records #826, 19??
• Freddy King. “I Hear Jingle Bells” (45); Federal #12439, 19??
• William Bell. “Every Day Will Be Like A Holiday” (Soul Christmas Various Artists); Atco #33-269, 19??
• Charles Brown. “Wrap Yourself In A Christmas Package” (Charles Brown Sings Christmas Songs); King #775, 19??
• Frank Sinatra. “The Christmas Waltz” (A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra); Capitol Records #9240, 19??
• Run-Dmc. “Christmas In Hollis” (A Very Spe  cial Christmas); A&M #3911, 19??
• Mabel Scott. “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus” (Merry Christmas Baby Various Artists); King #5018, 19??
• Bobby Powell. “Bing Bong” (Merry Christmas Baby Various Artists); Jewel #5014, 1974
• Jackson Trio. “Jingle Bell Hop” (Merry Christmas Baby Various Artists); King #5018, 19??
• B.B. King. “Christmas Celebration” (45); Kent #412, 19??
• Johnny Carroll. “Happy Holiday” (45); Bell #1098 , 19??
• Whispers. “This Christmas” (Happy Holidays To You); Solar #60451, 1985
• Alan Watts. “Why Not Now” [laughing meditation segment] (Dhyana, The Art Of Meditation); Ascension #2001, 1977
• St. Nick. “Jingle Bells” (45); WB Records #49877, 1981
• Alan Watts. “Why Not Now” [laughing meditation segment] (Dhyana, The Art Of Meditation); Ascension #2001, 1977
• Phil Spector. “Silent Night” (Phil Spector’s Christmas Album); Warner Bros – Spector SP #9103, 1963

This is the spooky result. Enjoy it at parties.

Halloween Mix: 10/29/2010 by tis1971

• Mister Rogers. “Troll Talk” (Mister Rogers Knows That You Are Special); Small World Records, 1970  87054
• The Emperor. “I’m Normal” (45); Current Records, 1966   C111
• Jennell Hawkins. “Disgusted” (45); Dynamic Records, 196?  DY-1004
• Dina Washington. “My Man’s An Undertaker” (Late Late Show); Wing Records, 1953  MGW-12140
• Environments. “Ultimate Thunderstorm” (Totally New Concepts in Sound – disc 4); Syntonic Research, 1974 SD66004
• Various. “The Haunted House” (Chilling, Thrilling, Sounds of the Haunted House); Disneyland Records, 1964   DQ1257
• Various. “The Poison Death” (The Shadow; Original Radio Broadcasts Vol 3); Mark 56 Records, 1974   657
• Will Powers. “Adventures in Success” (Dancing for Mental Health); Island Records, 1983  90102
• Jud Conlon Singers . “The Scene of the Crime” (45); Zephyr, 19??   ZA70-015
• Bunker Hill. “Hide and Go Seek Part 1″ (45); Mala Records, 196?  451
• Sesame Street. “Games Monsters Play” (Monsters!); CTW, 1975   CTW22071
• Danny Hutton. “Monster Shindig”  (45); Hannah Barbara Records, 196?  HBR447
• Various.  “Time Warp” (The Rocky Horror Picture Show); Ode Records, 1975  SP77031
• Various. “Blast Off” (Adventures in Sound and Space); RCA Victor, 195?   LBY1013
• Esquivel and his Orchestra. “That Old Black Magic” (Other Worlds Other Sounds); RCA Victor, 19?? LSP1753
• The McQuire Sisters. “Will There Be Space in a Space Ship” (45); Coral, 195?  62276
• Various. “The Martian Monsters ” (Chilling, Thrilling, Sounds of the Haunted House); Disneyland Records, 1964 DQ1257
• Sue Allen. “Coffee Break” (45); Key Records, 195?  504
• Estus W. Pirkle. “Wintertime” (If Footmen Tire You, What Will Horses Do?); Moffitt Records, 19?? MPLP 2368
• Davey Jones and the Dolphins. “Hell Cats” (45); Tower, 196? PRO4527
• Peter Roberts / Orchestra Beat UP. “The Ho-Ho Rock and Roll” (45); Thunderbird Records, 19?? 1956
• Papa Kojie and Blue Riddim. “Nancy Reagan Re-Election Remix [short]” (Special 18 Million Dollar Inaugural Edition / Reggae Revolution Review); Ora International, 1985
• Alfred Hitchcock. “The Haunted and the Haunters” (Alfred Hitchcock presents Ghost Stories for Young People); Golden Records, 19?? LP89
• Cliff Gleaves. “The Day the Town Cried” (45); Park Ave Records, 19??  PA103
• Jack Marshall’s Music. “The Ghoul” (45); Capitol Records, 19??  5288
• Various. “A Penguin Caper” (Batman 45); Batman Records, 19?? 99
• Joe Houston. “Curfew” (45); Combo Records, 19??  155
• Roy Clark. “Spooky Movies” (45); Capitol Records, 19?? 4956
• Electric Ladies. “King Kong” (45); Mainstream Records, 19??  MRL5556
• Blue Magic. “Born on Halloween” (Thirteen Blue Magic Lane); Atco, 19??  SD36-120
• Nina Simone. “Monster” (45); Philips Records, 196? 40232
• Johnny Fuller. “Haunted House” (45); Specialty 19?? 655
• Gene Evans vocal background by The Beavers. “Tonight At Twelve (Race Of The Ghost Cars)” (45); Trend ’61 19?? 103
• Lil Greenwood. “My Last  Hour” (45); Federal Records 19?? 12082
• Donald Woods & The Vel-aires. “Death Of An Angel” (45) Flip Records 1955 100

The next day, Joe and I messed around on the MPC 2K Classic, and his new toy (the MPK 49), and an hour before the sun went down, we recorded this mix.  This time, I let Joe pick all the records, randomly.  This is how it turned out.

Listen/Stream right now:
[audio http://vinylshuffle.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/vinylshuffle_2010_8_14.mp3]

Or download the MP3:
Vinylshuffle.com Mix: Cold Summer : August 14th, 2010

• Grant Green. “We’ve Only Just Begun” (Visions); Blue Note, 1971
  I played this album on my last 7/4 mix.  Lot’s of artists have covered this Carpenters song, but this is the best one.
• Stevie Wonder. “Overjoyed [instrumental]” (45 – B-Side); Tamla/Motown 1832TF, 1985
  Instrumental version of Overjoyed, available on the b-side of the “Overjoyed” 45.  I remember when this song came out on the radio.  I was 14.  It reminds me of waking up at 4:30 in the morning and driving for an hour in my dad’s broken pick-up truck, to go fishing with him in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
• The Persuaders. “Thin Line Between Love & Hate” (45); Atco 45-6822, 1971
  Original version of the song later covered by The Pretenders.  I notice that 1971 pops up a lot in my mixes.  It was a good year for everything, including me
• William DeVaughn. “Be Thankful for What You Got, Part 2″ (45 – B-Side); Roxbury Records BRB0-0236-B, 1974
  Another instrumental version, available on the b-side of a 45.  This is one of my favorite songs ever.  Wish more people took the message to heed… No need for greed.
• Jerry Butler. “Just Because I Really Love You” (45); Mercury Records 72898, 1969
  Sampled by Dilla on Donuts.
• Gil Scott-Heron. “Me and the Devil” (I’m New Here); XL Recordings, 2010
  2010 marked the first year I went to Coachella — I keep away from large crowds.  Unfortunately, the 6 hour traffic jam caused me to miss GSH on the first night (The sole reason I even went to Coachella this year!)  The highlight was standing front and center while John Lydon and PiL played.  The lowlight was getting food poisoning the next day and missing Sly Stone and De La Soul.  That Sunday was “Record Store Day” and they had a small record booth at the festival so Andrea (@frenelda) picked up the new GSH album for me.  I hadn’t listened to it until just today, when I made the mix.
• Ratatat. “Grape Juice City” (LP,4); XL Recordings, 2010
  Another score from the Record Store Day booth at Coachella.  Andrea turned me on to this band.  She describes me as “grumpy” when it comes to “new music”, but I like this one.   Interestingly enough, it’s from the same record label as the new Gil Scott-Heron album above.
• La Roux. “Fascination” (La Roux); Polydor Ltd (UK) / Interscope (USA) B0013389-01, 2009
  I was surprised to hear La Roux on KISS FM recently (the “Bulletproof” track).  Even more surprising is that I was actually listened to KISS FM the other day.   I like the video for Bulletproof — I saw it on Logo TV and they play it at “Bang” in Hollywood a lot.  Reminds me of Tron.  Bulletproof is not my favorite song on the album.  Probably my least favorite (which is why I guess KISS FM is playing it).
• New Birth. “Forever” (Blind Baby); Buddha Records BDS 5636, 1975
  The thing I like about my vinylshuffle format is that it reminds me of how eclectic my musical tastes have been over the course of 40 years (and that I actually own all these albums on vinyl!)  I’m pretty sure I’m the first person in the world to record a mix with La Roux, followed by New Birth.
• Jefferson Starship. “Runaway” (Earth); Grunt Records / RCA BXL1-2515, 1978
  Another song that reminds me of driving around in the car with my dad.  This song makes me remember how varied song selections were on FM Radio in the 70s.
• The Art of Noise. “Moments In Love” ([Who's Afraid of…] The Art of Noise?); Island Records / Atco 90179-1, 1985
  The full, long, 10-minute version they don’t play on the radio.
• The Smiths. “Half A Person” (Louder Than Bombs); Rough Trade / Sire 25569-1, 1987
  The reason why I was so depressed during the 80s!  And my first attempt at DJing (I’d turn the Smiths up full blast on my Toyota Celica in the High School parking lot in rural Alabama, roll the windows down, hoping some girl would come over and say, “I Like the Smiths TOO!  You are amazing!”  That never happened.  It would be nearly 15 years later until I attempted to DJ again.
• Common. “Resurrection” (Resurrection); Relativity 88561-1208-1, 1994
  As chance would have it, this is the kind of music I DJ nowadays when I play to the public (Hip Hop, along with Funk, Soul and 70s Jazz), thanks to some mentoring by DJ Denkym, DJ Hapa, and DJ Hideo (RIP), and the realization that ladies would rather hear songs they can dance to — as opposed to shoegazing to the sad crooning of Morrissey.  But, you’ll hear none of that here:  Vinylshuffle.com mixes are meant for listening and educating, not dancing.
• The Brand New Heavies. “Stay This Way” (The Brand New Heavies); Delicious Vinyl DV14202-1, 1991
  Although I grew up listening to Soul/RnB (thanks to my dad), by the late 80s I was listening to Brit-Pop exclusively.  That started to change around 1991.  A guy whose name I can’t remember, came into the coffee shop I was working at in College.  He was a DJ at a San Fransisco radio station and had moved back to Mobile to live with his parents for a while, and began DJ’ing at a local Jazz radio station.  Although I was in college by the time, I still hadn’t met many people outside of Alabama at that point (except for a Kurdish couple that fled the Middle East during the Bush’s first Gulf War; They would trade me homemade baklava for free coffee).  Like the Kurdish couple, this guy also received free coffee… In exchange for music knowledge.  And he turned me on to lots of new (old) music.  This guy was one cool cat.  And he would use words like “cool cat” and “jive” and “far out” and “out of sight!”.  He gave me a copy of this BNH album on cassette, and was so into the new Brand New Heavies album, that we wanted everyone to know about them.  We would walk into all the local record stores and pool halls together and he would hit on all the girls by giving them copies of the cassette.  Sometimes it worked!  Now, when I play this album live during my DJ sets I smile and think of him.
• Earth, Wind & Fire. “Bad Tune” (Another Time); Warner Bros Records Inc 2WS 2798, 1974
  A double album from Warner Bros.  Previously released as two separate albums (Earth Wind and Fire (WS 1905) and The Need of Love (WS1958)
• David Axelrod. “Urizen” (Song of Innocence); Capitol Records ST 2982, 1968
  David Axelrod is so important that Wax Poetics dedicated two back-to-back issues to Axelrod.  If you haven’t seen this Live DVD recording of his performance at The Royal Albert Hall, check out the trailer (w/ Noel Gallagher from Oasis).
• Cannonball Adderley. “Bohemia After Dark” (Spontaneous Combuston The Savoy Sessions), Savoy Records SJL-2206, 1976
  Another double LP, previously released as Savoy 12017 and 12018.   “Bohemia After Dark” I thought was an appropriate end to this mix, as the sun had set a few songs earlier.  By the time this song was over, it was pitch black in the vinylshuffle lab, and we turned on the lights.

Here’s the gist of this mix:   I followed my standard “vinyl shuffle” format  (i.e. skipping the creative/planning process and  jumping straight into the recording while blindly picking one album after another, not knowing where the music will lead me).   But, I changed it up a bit this time, as this mix features albums I found at two legendary record stores in California that you need to know about, if you don’t already.  I haven’t been digging anywhere else this year…  For good reason:  Both stores are run by master musical story-tellers and it’s a treat to just be around them and trade stories while learning something new.  So, this mix is dedicated to all the wonderful musical connections and knowledge I’ve acquired from both of them in 2010.

New Mix: Surf and Soul (July 4th, 2010) by tis1971

One store, Laguna Beach’s legendary “Sound Spectrum” run by Jim Otto.  Jim’s store has deep historical roots in the surf and music culture of Laguna Beach, and may (or may not have) been mentioned on a page (or two) in the book “Orange Sunshine: The Brotherhood of Eternal Love and Its Quest to Spread Peace, Love, and Acid to the World“  (what a title!).

The second store is Los Angeles-based “Wanted-Records” and is primarily an online store, unless you happen to be fortunate enough to be pals with the guy… It’s run by another legend and Doo-Wop / Soul 45 collector, Robert Rodriguez).  Follow the guy on Twitter @wanted_records. If you’re looking for it, Robert can hook you up.  Just tweet him!  Robert has deep historical roots and connections in the Los Angeles soul scene and is a beat-junkie’s best friend.

Interesting tidbits about Sound Spectrum / Jim Otto:

• You can hear Jim each Sunday from 3pm to 6pm, spinning his rare Reggae vinyl on Saddleback College Radio KBSR 88.5 FM’s Reggae Showcase.
• One time, as I was leaving the store, Jim asked, “Hey, do you like 60s psychedelic art?”.  When I said, “Of course”, he went behind the counter and handed me a huge original print of the 1971 Sound Spectrum calendar.  (Pic #1 [random flickr post; not mine] and Pic #2 [closeup])  Two cool things about that:  1) I was born in 1971!  2) It was designed by legendary surf artist Bill Ogden (look him up).  And yes, I’m using the word “legendary” a lot in this post.  Sound Spectrum released yearly calendars to promote the record store from 1969 to 1972, all designed by Bill.
• If Jim’s not around in the store, you’re likely to run into another musical genius who goes by the name of “Wave”, an old Laguna surfer-type.  Wave has been releasing mix-tapes since the 80s (at least?) and handed me one called “Music to be murdered by”… a collection of music and sound effects from various movies.   “Wave” says (and it’s true) that he has a mix tape themed after every mood and circumstance you can imagine.  Someone needs to do a documentary on this guy.  You’re welcome.

Interesting tidbits about Wanted-Records / Robert Rodriguez:

• Robert and I met at an ad agency we once worked at.   He had several records and a fisher price turntable at his desk.  Once I knew he was sitting on (at the time) over 15,000 rare 45s, it was all over.   He gave me three for free, and handed me a shoebox full of everything I had been looking for for years.  He let me name the price.  That guy is like a crack-dealer of music!
• Are you a music producer?  Need a certain beat to sample to match a mood?  Why waste time digging when you can just ask Robert?  Try it.  I won’t name those in the industry that do the same, but you’ll be glad you did.
• Robert has a 100% success-rate in finding records for people who tweet him.  If he doesn’t have it in stock, he’ll pretty much know where to get it.

On to the tracks.  Below, you can see whether the album came from Jim or Robert.

• Charles Kebbe / Joyce Gordon. “Introduction” (The Harper’s Bazaar Success Formula For a Beautiful Speaking Voice: How to Acquire Poise and Self-Assurance with Simple Exercises for Voice Improvement); Harmony/Columbia HL 7296, 1962
  (Purchased from Wanted-Records)  I can’t find any background info on the google-webs, but it’s self explanatory, like so many other instructional albums from the 40s to 70s.  This was the first album I picked from the crate, and it’s a great way to start, I think.  I like mixes that start with spoken-word. The whole album has quite a few lessons on how to speak like a beautiful lady.  And trust me, it works… I tried it!
• Marvin Gaye. “Life is for Learning” (In our Lifetime?); Tamla, 1981
  (Purchased from Sound Spectrum)  I already owned a copy of this, but I found it at Jim’s store and decided to pick up a backup.   The lyrics are chilling and it’s my favorite song from the album, with the exception of “Love Party”.  The whole thing is a very funky, underrated album.  One of the last he released, and recorded at the height of his cocaine troubles.  When released, the album was missing the question-mark at the end of the title, which Motown chose to remove.  Marvin wanted the question mark in, as if to ask if “Armegeddon would come in our lifetime?”.  Maybe, but not his.
• Michael Jackson. “She’s Out Of My Life” (Off the Wall); Epic, 1979
  (Purchased from Sound Spectrum)  Another record I already owned but picked it up, since.. well, you know… records get more expensive after the artist dies.   I decided to not play the obvious party tracks from this album, and play this one instead.   It was written by Tom Bahler, about Karen Carpenter, after their breakup.  Michael Jackson took several takes on this song, breaking down in the end… A testament to how great Quincy Jones is as a producer, he left it in.
• Junior Wells’ Chicago Blues Band. “In the Wee Wee Hours”; Delmark DS-9612, 1965
  (Purchased from Wanted-Records) What a great song.  Nothing more to say, other than a wonderful snippit I found on the back of the album cover:

“I went to this pawnshop downtown and the man had a harmonica priced at $2.00.  I got a job on a soda truck… played hookey from school … worked all week and on Saturday the man gave me a dollar and a half. A dollar and a half! For a whole week of work. I went to the pawnshop and the man said the price was two dollars. I told him I HAD to have that harp. He walked away from the counter — left the harp there. So I laid my dollar-and-a-half on the counter and picked up the harp. When my trial came up, the judge asked me why I did it. I told him I HAD to have that harp. The judge asked me to play it and when i did he gave the man the 50c and hollered “Case Dismissed!”

• Bill Conti. “Reflections” (on 45); United Artists Records, 1977
  (Purchased from Sound Spectrum) Not rare, but I found a dusty 45 version of this at Jim’s store.  It’s from the soundtrack for “Rocky”.  Sounds as modern as the day it was recorded.
• Love. “A House is not a Motel” (Forever Changes); Sundazed Music, 1967
  (Purchased from Sound Spectrum)  Jim was playing this while Robert and I visited one afternoon.  Rolling Stone (in 2003) ranked it as 40th in the top 500 albums of all time.  Listening to this album in Sound Spectrum was like going back in time 40 years.
• Barbara McNair. “Where Would I be Without You” (The Real Barbara McNair); Motown MS680, 1968
  (Purchased from Wanted-Records)
• Little Richard. “Introduction Tutti Frutti”, “Keep a knockin’”, “Saturday Night Rock”, Jenny Jenny” (Little Richard Sings His Greatest Hits * Recorded Live); Modern Records MM-100, 1967
  (Purchased from Wanted-Records)
• Artist Unknown. “Hot Wheels” (The Original Hot Wheels Soundtrack); Forward Records ST-F-1023, 1969
  Vrrrroooooom!!!!!   OK, I lied.  I didn’t purchase this at either Sound Spectrum or Wanted-Records… but it happened to be in the same crate, so I used it… I used to work at Mattel as the Producer of HotWheels.com, and was fortunate enough to DJ a company Christmas party where I played this album.  I found out about it’s existence at a Hot Wheels Collector convention, and purchased it online for $10 the day after.  A Steal!  It was from the original Hot Wheels saturday morning cartoon show from the late 60s.  Recently, Hot Wheels put up an iTune mix of “Great Driving Songs” (This song didn’t make the cut and that is a shame!)
• Idris Muhammed. “House of the Rising Sun” (House of the Rising Sun); Kudu KU-27-S1, 1976
  (Purchased from Sound Spectrum)  I’m a sucker for anything of the CTI or Kudu label.   Speaking of Hot Wheels, one of my favorite designers Alton Takeyasu is a big CTI/Kudu / Idris Muhammed fan.  This song is for him
• Grant Green. “Mozart Symphony #40 In G Minor K550, 1st Movement” (Visions); Blue Note, 1971
  (Purchased from Wanted-Records)  So many great songs on this album, but while I’m in the dedicating mood, this one’s dedicated to Robert… Not only is the guy prolific with soul music, but he’s now taken it upon himself to learn the history of classical music as deeply as he knows soul.  I can’t wait to go to the Disney Concert Hall with him.   I love the structured approach this Mozart piece, with a funky-as-hell improv breakdown in the middle, returning back to structure before ending.
• Charles Kebbe / Joyce Gordon. “Speaking with Music” (The Harper’s Bazaar Success Formula For a Beautiful Speaking Voice: How to Acquire Poise and Self-Assurance with Simple Exercises for Voice Improvement); Harmony/Columbia HL 7296, 1962?
  (Purchased from Wanted-Records) As Charles Kebbe concludes, “See how pleasant it is to talk along with music?”  I know you’ll enjoy the experience.

My first post to Soundcloud, just to check it out.

Vinylshuffle.com – Sunday, 3-7-2010 by tis1971

The photo was taken by Will Tee Yang (http://sans35.com/).  The model is Andrea.  She enjoys my records, too.

New Mix: February 21, 2010 by tis1971

More mixes coming soon – perhaps even with guest “voices”.  And in the near future, we’ll dig through a few vinyl collections other than my own.

Tis