I’ve been dwelling on records made in the UK in the 60’s and early 70’s- especially the Vertigo Swirls and Island “pink labels.”  (Additional pieces on Island and Vertigo will be added along the way). But, given the “label” approach I’ve been taking here for some of the features, related reviews and essays, I thought it might be interesting to shift focus, from the UK to LA. This shift parallels what I perceive to be a shift in epicenter of the music business that took place from the late 60’s to the 70’s and beyond, as popular musical styles changed. And no... Read More

Sent me a note regarding the Buddy Guy recording mentioned in footnote 14 here to the following effect: “The soundtrack to the film “Chicago Blues” is on vinyl Red Lightnin RL0055 (1985)”   Thanks for that, Stephen! (and for reading the footnotes)…. ... Read More

This site started as a small, non-commercial site, with no advertising and no mission other than to provide readers with insightful articles, reviews of older records, the “back-story” behind some of the great recordings, including interviews with producers and people behind the scenes. We also provide those just entering the world of vinyl records, as well as more seasoned collectors, with practical advice on such things as record cleaning, buying and the like. The site is now gaining momentum and we thought it would be appropriate to spell out our policies on matters of privacy and... Read More

Lest you think this site is all Vertigo, all the time, well, it’s not. But given the significance of the label, I added a few more reviews- records that are in my estimation, some of the best of the catalog. These reviews are intended to be read together with the interview of Olav Wyper, the man Philips sought out to get them into the rock/psych/folk genre, posted here earlier this month. In addition, I am close to publishing a piece called “Buying Used Records-A Primer” which attempts to capture in one place, the basics: the significance of different pressings, deadwax... Read More

Mel Brooks was once asked what the hardest part was to film making: “Punching all those little holes on the sides,” was his answer.  Putting a fresh round of material together for this site is easier and more fun than you’d imagine, but it requires time (and some hole punching).  Although my original intention was to do constant updates to the content here, I’m now on pace to publish at more leisurely intervals with periodic updates in between. The latest issue features: an interview with Olav Wyper, the creator of Vertigo Records. This label fascinates me for a variety of... Read More

Although this website is designed along the lines of a traditional newspaper rather than an Internet chat board, thoughtful comment and criticism are not just welcomed-they are essential its purpose: a better understanding of music available on LP that doesn’t enjoy wide recognition.  We are fortunate to live in an era where a number of record companies and third parties have released (or re-released) many important recordings on vinyl. But there are just as many, perhaps more, which, for various reasons, have not benefitted from high quality reissues, or were released and  largely... Read More