Echoes of the Originals: The Sensational Ink Spots on Crown Records

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Crown Records, a name that conjures up images of cheap vinyl and the notorious Bihari brothers, presents us with an album that is as much an echo of a legendary past as it is a symbol of the era's recording industry paradoxes. "More Ink Spots" features the vocal stylings of Charlie Owen's ensemble, dubbed an "Imposter" group for their lack of original Ink Spots members. Yet, their sound is undeniably reminiscent of the classic harmonies that once captivated audiences worldwide.

The album cover for "More Ink Spots" is a vibrant display, with the group, dressed to the nines, frozen mid-performance against a striking red backdrop. Their joyous expressions and dynamic postures leap from the jacket, inviting listeners to experience the music beyond the vinyl. The simplicity of the design, with bold lettering and a clear, striking photograph, reflects the straightforward approach of Crown Records – to deliver music in its most accessible form.

The tracklist, a melange of beloved standards and nostalgic tunes, is brought to life by the distinct timbres of George Bledsoe (baritone vocals), John Dix (bass vocals), Charlie Owens (lead vocals), and Stanley Morgan (2nd tenor). From the ethereal "Stardust" to the comforting strains of "Home On The Range" and the whimsical "Clementine," each song is a thread in the tapestry of American music heritage.

Crown Records, under the Bihari brothers, became a juggernaut in the budget record industry from 1957 to 1972, releasing approximately 740 albums. While often criticized, their business practices reflect a certain cunning emblematic of the music industry's more shadowed corners. These albums, like the one you may serendipitously uncover in a thrift store bin, hold stories of a bygone era, of artists whose voices resonated through less-than-ideal circumstances.

"More Ink Spots" stands as a testament to the complex legacy of Crown Records – a blend of exploitation and exposure. Like many from the Crown catalog, this album might have been sold cheap, but the memories it revokes are rich and enduring.

As you dust off this album and let the needle drop, you're not just listening to a forgotten group trying to capture the magic of the original Ink Spots. You're uncovering a piece of history, one that is intertwined with the struggle, survival, and spirit of the music that defines an era. Listen here, and let the past come alive once more.
Tracklist:

A1 Stardust
A2 Home On The Range
A3 Clementine
A4 East Side West Side
B1 I'll Never Smile Again
B2 Cuddle Up A Little Closer
B3 Honeymoon
B4 My Wild Irish Side

A Basic Guide To Shopping For Vinyl Records At Thrift Stores (With Post-COVID Edits/Additions)

This is a revised and somewhat expanded edition of an article I first wrote for this blog in 2011. A lot has happened since then, so it was time to edit the article, given my grown-up understanding, and acknowledge significant changes in the vinyl collection world in recent years. Besides updating some statements of fact, grammar has also been corrected, which is now updated to reflect my current level of education, not the high-schooler who wrote the earlier edition.

ChatGPT 4 (DALL·E 3 Tool) generated an image (with the most obvious/glaring gibberish text spot removed) based on this article's original text as the basis of the prompt resulting in this image. Teenage me would have done just about anything to have access to the digital AI powered tools we have now.

Here are some tips and insights to help you discover outstanding vinyl records while browsing thrift stores:

1. Begin by researching all the thrift stores in your area (or where you are visiting) and reading reviews [2024 Edit: consider using online AI-powered chat models, like ChatGPT 4, to do the heavy lifting if one is pinched for time]. Avoid stores with consistently poor reviews, as they may not offer worthwhile finds. Pricing can vary, but high across-the-board prices are generally a factor to consider. Don't dismiss a store based solely on subjective opinions about organization or staff quality; being too selective might cause you to overlook hidden gems.
2. Vinyl records are typically located in or near the media section of thrift stores, although they may sometimes be found elsewhere. If you need help locating them, ask the owner or an employee for assistance- sometimes they are in an obscure corner of the shop one might not have thought to look otherwise. [2024 edit: many thrift stores are either not selling or trashing the majority of what they get record-wise, keeping and selling only records in good condition they feel have any decent chance of selling... sadly, this is the new normal, and seasoned collectors have good reason to mourn this trend. Also, many people are becoming either inclined to sell the records of deceased relatives online or to a record dealer directly, or hold onto them, as their recent resurgence over the past decade has made many records boomers purchased desirable to own on vinyl.]
3. When pricing isn't displayed, inquire with the owner or staff. If the asking price seems excessive, take a moment to scan the selection for any exceptional finds. A reasonable price range is typically between $0.25 to $1.00 per record. While exceptions exist for rare or sought-after releases, anything priced above $2.00 may not offer sufficient value [2024 edit: $2 is now typically the average "reasonable" base price for albums, with $1 being reserved for garden variety single-length records at most places I visit these days. I have not seen records for a quarter a pop at any thrift store in many years, and likely I never will again]. Remember, regional pricing norms vary; what's considered a good deal for me may differ elsewhere- be flexible. Online comparisons, such as eBay listings, can provide context for assessing thrift store prices. [Edit 2024: Keep in mind that online auctions typically require one to pay for shipping, which makes even a $2-3 dollar price tag on an individual record one desire on hand at a physical store more economical overall- plus you are helping to support a charity or local business].
4. Set clear objectives and budget constraints before browsing. Avoid impulse purchases based solely on affordability; not all records are rare or worth acquiring. Stay focused on your preferences to ensure you don't end up with records you won't actually enjoy listening to.
1. [2024 edit: I like to go after material I have good reason to suspect is not already online in readily accessible digital format. Basically, I buy records to play once to transfer them to digital format, which I, in turn, clean up and share as much as possible- this has changed how I approach going crate-digging or going through the stacks, whatever you want to call it, if I know with at least 99% certainty I could type the song or album title with artist name and pull up the recording(s) featured on a record and listen to it, I don't bother purchasing it (although if there is alternate cover art then what is found online I will take a picture of it before putting it back into the crate or shelf it is in. I now go through several hundred records and typically take a half-dozen to the counter to purchase at most one time (and that is on a very good day). This contrasts quite a bit with my purchasing habits when I was younger (like when I first wrote this blog post/article in 2011); I often came home with a dozen or more records... ah, the good old days- except when it came time to move to another house... moving them all was a royal pain, which led to a massive chunk of them being forced to donate when I went to college after graduating high school and serving a church mission.]
5. Scan through the stacks of records, separating them by format (78s, 45s, and LPs) when possible. While they're typically sorted into distinct categories, sometimes they're mixed together, so thorough browsing is essential.
6. Always inspect records housed in sleeves or jackets that obscure the label. It's not uncommon to find mismatched records mistakenly placed on album covers. This attention to detail can lead to pleasant surprises if both albums containing swapped records are donated together and placed on the sales floor simultaneously.
7. Take the time to flip through the records individually, pulling out any that catches your eye. After reviewing the entire selection, reassess your choices to ensure your satisfaction.
8. Trust your instincts when deciding whether to purchase an item. If you need more clarification, prioritize what matters most to you now. It's better to be cautious than regretful. Once selected, proceed to the checkout counter to complete your purchase.
9. Remember to bring sufficient cash with you, as some thrift stores may not accept cards [2024 edit: this is much less of a problem post-COVID than in years prior]. This ensures you won't miss any desirable records due to payment limitations.
10. Finally, enjoy listening to your newly acquired records. If you discover an artist or group you love, watch for their releases during future crate-digging adventures.
11. [2024 edit: Take time to periodically purge your collection of releases that no longer interest you, especially if you have been collecting for a long time and your interests in various genres have shifted significantly. Finding or making digital copies really helps one let go of excessive records in one's collection- and yes, my dear teenage me who wrote the original version of this article in 2011 when I was a naive little sophomore, it is possible to have too many records for one's own good.]

Happy hunting!

Forgotten Sounds: Andy Wiswell & His "Hits A Poppin" Orchestra with Vocal Stars of Radio & Television

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In the American music industry's vibrant landscape, hidden gems are waiting to be unearthed, waiting to tell their stories. One such treasure trove was Parade Records, a budget label born in the heart of New Jersey in 1950 under the visionary guidance of Wally Wolsky. While its name might not immediately conjure up memories of chart-topping hits, Parade Records holds a significant place in the annals of music history, intertwined with other labels like Pirouette Records and Spin-O-Rama.

Picture this: dusty shelves in a forgotten thrift store tucked away in the quiet corners of Idaho. Amidst the clutter, a worn-out LP album catches the eye. Its cover is adorned with promises of melodies and lyrics long lost to time. This album, a relic of Parade Records, offers a glimpse into a bygone era of music.

Tracklist in hand, we delve into the musical journey offered by Parade Records:

A1 Here

Written-By – Cochran*, Grant*

A2 Little Things Mean A Lot

Written-By – Stutz*, Lindeman*

A3 If You Love Me (Really Love Me)

Written-By – Parsons*, Monnot*

A4 Poor Butterfly

Written-By – Golden*, Hubbell*

B1 The Man Upstairs

Written-By – Morgan*, Stanley*, Manners*

B2 Jilted

Written By – Colby, Manning

B3 The Man With the Banjo

Written-By – Reichel*, Mellin*

B4 Answer Me, My Love

Written-By – Sigman*, Rauch*, Winkler*

Yet, nostalgia mingles with disappointment as the needle scratches against the vinyl. The sound, once vibrant and alive, now echoes with the wear and tear of time. Though laden with potential, the tracks bear the scars of neglect, their true essence obscured by the passage of years.

Apologies are offered for the over-processed sound, a result of early attempts to salvage the album's treasures. In hindsight, it's a decision regretted, a realization that these melodies deserved better treatment. The original copy, plucked from obscurity in that Idaho thrift store has since been relinquished, leaving behind only echoes of what could have been.

And yet, amidst the static and imperfections, there lies a beauty that transcends the limitations of technology. These tracks, imperfect as they may be, serve as a testament to the resilience of music and its ability to endure through the ages.

As we bid farewell to Parade Records and its fleeting moments captured in sound, let us remember that, sometimes, imperfections make the music genuinely unforgettable. And who knows? Perhaps, somewhere out there, another copy of that elusive album awaits, ready to be rediscovered and cherished once more.