Introduction
In the golden era of the 1950s, when vinyl records were the primary medium for music consumption, one label stood out among the rest for its unique approach to the market. Royale Records, led by the visionary Eli Oberstein, revolutionized the industry by flooding the market with an extensive array of budget records in various speeds and sizes. This article will delve into the fascinating history of Royale Records and highlight one of their most notable releases, a 45 rpm EP featuring songs from Walt Disney's iconic animated feature film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."
The Rise of Royale Records
Eli Oberstein, the mastermind behind Royale Records, saw an opportunity in the market for affordable, accessible music. Oberstein aimed to bring music to the masses, regardless of their financial status, by focusing on budget releases. Royale Records quickly gained a reputation for its vast catalog, encompassing a wide range of genres and styles, catering to the diverse tastes of the American public.
Oberstein's strategy was simple yet effective: produce records at a lower cost than the competition and sell them at an attractive price point. This approach allowed Royale Records to capture a significant market share, particularly among budget-conscious consumers who still wanted to enjoy the latest hits and timeless classics.
The Smurfs Connection: A Curious Coincidence?
One of Royale Records' most intriguing releases was a 45-rpm EP featuring songs from Walt Disney's groundbreaking animated feature film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." The cover art of this particular release has garnered attention over the years due to its striking resemblance to the popular cartoon characters The Smurfs.
The cover depicts a group of six short, dwarf-like laborers with blue-colored skin, reminiscent of the iconic Smurfs. However, it is essential to note that this resemblance is purely coincidental, as The Smurfs were created by another studio several decades after the release of this Royale Records EP. Other versions of the jacket feature different background colors and skin tones for the laborers, further emphasizing the unintentional nature of the similarity.
The Artwork: A Glimpse into a Fairy Tale World
The cover art of the "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" EP is a testament to the attention to detail and creativity that went into Royale Records' releases. The illustration depicts a scene reminiscent of a fairy tale, with the six laborers traversing a clearing at the edge of a forest. The rearmost figure carries a sack over their shoulders, while another holds a walking stick. One laborer has a shovel slung over their shoulder, and the forwardmost person, hunched over and dressed in what appears to be a kilt, carries a lantern. Each character dons headwear that evokes the image of stereotypical medieval peasant laborers.
The background features a small stream crossed by a quaint bridge, suitable for horse-drawn carts and foot traffic. The linework is done in white against a contrasting background color (which varies depending on the jacket's version), with black text adorning the upper half of the cover. This whimsical and enchanting artwork perfectly captures the spirit of the beloved Disney classic.
The Music: A Timeless Collection of Songs
The "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" EP features a delightful selection of songs from the iconic animated film. The tracklist is as follows:
Side 1:
1a. Whistle While You Work
1b. I'm Wishing (Vocal)
1c. Someday, My Prince Will Come
Side 2:
2a. Heigh-Ho (Dig Dig Dig)
2b. One Song (Vocal)
2c. With a Smile and a Song
Each side of the record contains a continuous track without cue bands, making it challenging to cue to specific songs easily. The first and last songs on each side are played in their entirety, while the second song features an orchestral intro and outro performed by a vocalist of unknown identity. This mysterious singer regularly contributed to Royale Records' musical/show tune albums during this period, lending his talents to numerous other tracks.
Despite being a budget release, the musicianship exhibited on the EP is quite respectable. The orchestral arrangements and vocal performances capture the essence of the original film soundtrack, providing listeners with a delightful and nostalgic experience. The inclusion of beloved songs like "Whistle While You Work," "Someday, My Prince Will Come," and "Heigh-Ho (Dig Dig Dig)" ensures that this record appeals to both children and adults alike, making it a timeless addition to any music collection.
The Format: An EP Born Out of Necessity
It is speculated that the "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" release was initially intended to be a single-length 78/45 rpm record. However, due to higher than anticipated production costs, likely stemming from the acquisition of song rights, Royale Records may have opted to issue the album as an Extended Play (EP) record instead. This decision allowed the label to generate more revenue per unit sold, offsetting the increased expenses of producing the record.
The Legacy of Royale Records
Royale Records' impact on the music industry during the 1950s cannot be overstated. By focusing on budget releases and catering to a wide range of musical tastes, Eli Oberstein and his label made music more accessible to the masses. The label's extensive catalog, which included everything from popular hits to timeless classics, ensured that there was something for everyone.
While Royale Records may not have had the same prestige as some of the major labels of the era, its contribution to the democratization of music consumption is undeniable. The label's commitment to providing affordable, quality recordings helped shape the musical landscape of the 1950s and left a lasting impact on the industry as a whole.
Conclusion
The story of Royale Records and its visionary founder, Eli Oberstein, is a testament to the power of innovation and adaptability in the music industry. Royale Records carved out a unique niche by identifying a gap in the market and filling it with an extensive array of budget releases. They left an indelible mark on the history of recorded music.
The "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" EP, with its intriguing cover art, timeless track list, and respectable musicianship, is a prime example of the label's commitment to delivering quality content at an affordable price. While the coincidental resemblance to The Smurfs may have drawn additional attention to this particular release, the music and the story behind the record make it a fascinating piece of Royale Records' history.
As we look back on the golden age of vinyl and the labels that defined it, Royale Records stands out as an unsung hero. It was a label that dared to be different and, in doing so, changed the course of music history forever. The "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" EP is a testament to the label's enduring legacy and commitment to bringing music's magic to audiences everywhere.
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