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Subject:   exotica Digest V2 #24
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exotica Digest             Saturday, 27 July 1996       Volume 02 : Number 024

In this issue:

    Collections
    Kay Martin
    The Creed Taylor Orchestra
    Drasnin's Voodoo
    "Fire Goddess" by Webley Edwards
    >Subject: So, how big is yours?
    Drasnin/Mitchum
    Re: Collections
    Lymansized
    Re: ULTRA-LOUNGE
    Enoch Light Birthday-a-Go-Go Party
    The mid-60s orchestral "Discotheque" genre
    Sideburns & Switchblades!
    Re: So, how big is yours?
    Digest version of the list?
    Peter Thomas Sound Orchester
    Re: Las vegas grind
    Re: ULTRA-LOUNGE
    tomita, and 60s soundtracks
    Re: Las Vegas Grind
    Re: ULTRA-LOUNGE

See the end of the digest for information on subscribing to the exotica
or exotica-digest mailing lists and on how to retrieve back issues.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Charles Fensch <[e-mail]>
Date: Thu, 25 Jul 1996 18:25:00 -0600
Subject: Collections

Well, for insurance purposes, i have all my albums and CDs catalouged:

1,624 CDs
3,123 Albums
about 100 8-tracks (insurance? hah!)
over 3,000 + cassettes
about 200 78s
about 1,000 45s

But about 50% of the CDs have been promos and many an LP has cost a dime...

[e-mail]

------------------------------

From: Charles Fensch <[e-mail]>
Date: Thu, 25 Jul 1996 18:28:15 -0600
Subject: Kay Martin

Woo hoo! I scored a second copy of Kay Martin and her Body Guards for a buck at
a local Salvation Army. Torchy and very wierd lounge-y stuff. Keep your eyes
peeled.

[e-mail]

------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Jack Diamond)
Date: Fri, 26 Jul 1996 18:55:42 +0000
Subject: The Creed Taylor Orchestra

"Shock" by the Creed Taylor Orchestra
"Panic, Son of Shock" by the Creed Taylor Orchestra
"New York, New York" by the Creed Taylor Orchestra
"Nervous Beat - Lonelyville" by the Creed Taylor Orchestra

In these recordings Creed Taylor is the Producer.  He's THE MONEY.
He's not THE ARTIST ;-)>

Kenyon Hopkins is The Artist !  He's the Arranger, mostly the Composer, and
definitely the person who "realized" the concept and made it real.

Creed Taylor who is great as a producer who produced all of those wonderful
jazz records on Verve in the early 60's and on is still only THE MONEY.

Kenyon Hopkins is really the true genius behind all of those records plus
the best Crime Jazz soundtracks, TV and Film you ever heard !!


- - Jack



------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Jack Diamond)
Date: Fri, 26 Jul 1996 18:55:47 +0000
Subject: Drasnin's Voodoo

About Robert Drasnin "Voodoo". I bought the original of this a couple years
>ago and wasn't particularly impressed and was very surprised when I played
>the reissue in a shop and realised I had it!!! Fairly average exotic music
>I'd say. Stick to early Martin Denny and Les "God" Baxter. Or Eden Ahbez.
>They are brill examples of exotic music. This is only one step above Arthur
>"loungebore" Lyman.

Signed
Anonymous


Y'know...just because people can talk and think and put one word in front
of the other and make sentences that make sense. etc etc etc still doesn't
mean they are not a fucking idiot
I just woke up and I'm a little Cancery (Crabby) and I don't like people
talkin' shit about obvious genius!!!!!

The kids today, whaddaya gonna do ?  Said in my best Old New York Jew
accent, being one I can say that except for the "Old" part.

Robert Drasnin's Voodoo LP was released in not sure the date 'cause I don't
have the CD, only the record.
Anyway was released in the late 50's I suppose on the SAME LABEL under 2
DIFFERENT titles.

1) Voodoo
2) Percussion Exotique

Same exact record, different packaging.  god I love the "Old Days" when
labels used to pull that shit.
Crown was probably like biggest offender but they had some great schtuff
they most certainly did/do ;-)>

Robert Drasnin was a brilliant Flautist who did some really great mid 50's
jazz w/ Red Norvo's outfit on Liberty in 55 and 56 I believe,
can't find the record ;-)>  I have it!!  Just can't find it.
He's also a billiant composer and arranger who wrote, composed and arranged
all of the music on Voodoo which includes a young Johnny Williams who we
now  to be John Williams (Star Wars, etc etc etc) on Piano who used to hang
out with Mancini and Esquivel.
4 or 5 of the West Coast's best studio percussion men plus some serious
other studio jazz players and (at the time) an un-named female wordless
vocalist.

Robert Drasnin's Voodoo LP or Percussion Exotique whichever you prefer is
absolutly great jazz exotica all the way, imho anyway.

- - Jack




------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Jack Diamond)
Date: Fri, 26 Jul 1996 18:56:20 +0000
Subject: "Fire Goddess" by Webley Edwards

Found a copy of  and "Fire
>Goddess" by Webley Edwards for a buck each in EX+ condition recently,

>[e-mail]
______________________________

"Fire Goddess" by Webley Edwards.

Isn't that on Capitol with this VERY exotic/attractive half naked woman on
the cover holding out (for you ? perhaps) these 2 half shells filled with
fire convieniently covering up her most I'm sure luscious breasts ?

What do you think of that record ?  I think it's brilliant !!!

- - Jack



------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Jack Diamond)
Date: Fri, 26 Jul 1996 18:56:34 +0000
Subject: >Subject: So, how big is yours?

Well...I think I've got about 5,000 rekkids but a number of them are for sale.

Maybe a couple thousand are one's that I can't live without and if it
really came down to it only all of Esquivel's, all of early Mancini's. Lalo
Schifrins and all my 50's west coast jazz would have to be the one's I took
to a "desert island"

But then of course now that I start to think about it
Jommie Haskel's Countdown IN MONO!!!!!!!!!  I think the mono sound is
better believe it or not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Russ Garcia's Fantastica
Marty Manning's The Twilight Zone
Attileo Mineo's Man in Space with Sounds
and soooooo many more would have to go with me to.

Tropical Island Platters, vinyl wize.  Which one's would you take ?

Oh Yeah!!  The Mindexpanders-What's Happening
101 Strings-Astro Sounds
Kenyon Hopkins Soundtrack to The Hustler
Armando Travajoli - Seven Golden Men
Nino Rota - Juliette of the Sptrits

I'm toooooooooooo talkative right now ;-)>

Gotta go, too hip

- - Jack

PS None of these have to be in STEREO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



------------------------------

From: [e-mail]
Date: Fri, 26 Jul 1996 22:17:06 -0500
Subject: Drasnin/Mitchum

>What do you all think of the Robern Drasnin "Voodoo" reissue?

a genius exotica album made a bit depressing by the fact it was Drasnin's
only one.


>How about the Robert Michum "Calypso Is Like So" reissue?

well, he definitely was  better singer than actor...but this still comes
out being a fine slice of white bread (bred?) calypso. i bought this years
ago on French import vinyl and Scamp did a marvelous re-master to CD.

you'll find both at Vik's...


in swank,

Vik


Vik's Lounge
http://www.chaoskitty.com/t_chaos/lounge.html



------------------------------

From: "Steve Sando" <[e-mail]>
Date: Fri, 26 Jul 1996 19:19:25 +0000
Subject: Re: Collections

> Well, for insurance purposes, i have all my albums and CDs
> catalouged:

Excuse me for being off topic, but have you catalogues these on your
computer? PC or Mac? What program did you use? I've been told I need
to use a relational database but my mind goes hazy when I read about
them.

Thanks


Coconut Grove, publishers of MisterLUCKY
PO Box 78146, San Francisco, CA 94107
http://www.wco.com/~coconutg/
"Strange how potent cheap music is" - Noel Coward

------------------------------

From: [e-mail]
Date: Fri, 26 Jul 1996 23:06:13 -0400
Subject: Lymansized

Arthur Lyman: I too must defend the maestro of vibes.  He has, I think, the
jazziest feel of the three biggest producers of Exotica.  His version of
"Watermelon Man" (out of Herbie Hancock, by way of Mongo Santamaria) is
spiffy.  Les wins for Orchestration, Concept and Composition.  Martin wins
for goofiness and album covers, and Mood (really, the most essential
ingredient).

Collection Size:  Sadly I just schlepped 500 LPs down to Haight Street sold
off 300 and sacrificed the rest to Goodwill.  Got a baby coming and the
Record Room will soon be the land of the Infant.  That still leaves (about)
two full cases plus - uhmmm about 1600 LPs and 400 CDs.  Don't get all hot
and bothered about hitting the Goodwill or Recycled and Reckless - very few
of the sold albums were Exotic (excepting a Ray Martin Phase 4 album, and
Neil Hefti's Big Band Gotham City record).

I subscribe to two mailing lists, Exotica and Surf.  Just bought two great
Surf CDs that would make most Exotica fans happy: The Huntington Cads Go
Exotic (on Mai Tai Records) and The Aqua Velvets - NOMAD.  Those of you who
have never experienced The Aqua Velvets (a SF local group) - I can vouch for
the sterling quality of  their compositions.  Their last album featured two
songs which by their titles alone should indicate their thrust: "Martin
Denny, Esq." and "A Raymond Chandler Evening."  The new CD actually seems to
delve deeper into that vibe.  As for the Cads - they are featured in a
thoroughly intoxicating version of "Mr. Yunioshi" on the SHOTS IN THE DARK
compilation.  The rest of their material is equally lush and Tonally
Gorgeous.

My other purchase of the day (and this should make Br. Cleve happy) - Four
Piece Suit - READY TO WHERE.  Bought at (where else) Medium Rare Records in
SF.

- --David

------------------------------

From: Maggie Mortensen <[e-mail]>
Date: Fri, 26 Jul 1996 22:19:19 -0700
Subject: Re: ULTRA-LOUNGE

Steve Sando wrote:

> Isn't Terry Melcher Doris Day's son?

And D.J. Johnson added:

>Yup.  He's even better known as the guy who pissed Charles Manson off
>while living in the house that Sharon Tate & Roman Polanski would
>eventually move into.
>Quite a distinction... :(

Melcher's "greater" distinction (ahem) was that he recorded an album
of tunes by Charlie.  They're still around on tape somewhere,
but never released...I heard some of them played in a documentary
film I saw about Manson.  Sort of Beatlesque and unremarkable --
except for historical value.  His failure to turn Charlie into
a rock star was reputedly the initial fuel for Charlie's little
temper tantrums.


Maggie Mortensen<><>Exarch Services<><>New Orleans USA

------------------------------

From: [e-mail]
Date: Fri, 26 Jul 1996 23:31:22 -0400
Subject: Enoch Light Birthday-a-Go-Go Party

Hey, Exotica list folk:

I wanted to let you know I'm organizing a "memorial birthday happening" for
the late Enoch Light in his birthplace of Canton, Ohio on Saturday night
August 17 at 10 PM.  Joseph's Grille, a cozy bar near downtown Canton, will
be transformed for ONE NIGHT ONLY into a mad, Mod, mid-60s discotheque with
Command-esque decor.  (Unfortunately, the original couple of gals I had hoped
to have be go-go dancers Ms. Provocative & Ms. Persuasive aren't currently on
speaking terms, so I've got to work out alternate plans...)  At midnight
(Light was actually born on the 18th), anticipate birthday cupcakes.

For a few hours we'll be spinning vintage Command and Project 3 vinyl, with
an emphasis on Light & Co.'s more upbeat, danceable stuff, especially the
"Discotheque" dance records. (Look for a separate posting of mine on the
orchestral rock "Discotheque" genre)

Owed in part to the wonders of the Internet, I've connected with Light's
family, Dick Hyman, etc. and they've responded with curiosity and
encouragement -- all these people have been so ASTOUNDINGLY friendly and
supportive.  There aren't many relatives left in the Ohio area, but one or
two MIGHT make it.  Robbie Baldock (of "Spaced Out - The Enoch Light Web Site
fame) has also been a great support of the venture; it was at his Web site I
found out Light was from my area and then convinced a few friends in town
that such an event sounded like a good time.

Also, FYI there's an entire dissertation on Enoch Light and his contributions
to the recording industry written by a music professor named Richard Gradone.
The whopping 394-page document can be ordered from UMI, a company in Michigan
that makes custom one-off books of theses, dissertations, out of print books,
etc. It can be ordered for $57.50 by calling them at [phone].  I
haven't seen/ordered a copy yet myself, but it sounds like THE definitive
historical document on Enoch Light & his work.

E-mail me direct at [e-mail] if you're around the area (or just part of
the international Jet Set and want to fly in ;-) ) and interested/able in
attending, and I can get you more details and directions.

Michael David Toth
[e-mail]

------------------------------

From: [e-mail]
Date: Fri, 26 Jul 1996 23:34:44 -0400
Subject: The mid-60s orchestral "Discotheque" genre

Some of my absolute favorite records I've found since I started investigating
50s-60s pop instrumental vinyl a couple years back have been these "Dance"
records of Enoch Light's. (Specifically, "Discotheque - Dance Dance Dance"
(Command, 1964); "Discotheque Vol. 2" (Command, 1965); "Enoch Light's Action:
It's Happening...So Let's Dance!" (Project 3, 1967))

The friends I've played these for have been immediately taken by them, yet I
don't see a whole lot of collector interest or awareness. (i.e. if some of
the vinyl for-sale lists on the Net are any indication, while other LPs are
priced like major appliances, when these have turned up, they're REALLY
reasonable)  When I spoke with Richard Gradone, the guy who wrote a PhD
dissertation on Light, even HE wasn't familiar with these records or this
genre.

These are definitely ROCK records, but with this mutant sound of mid-60s rock
hits arranged and performed with a big band mindset.  The closest association
I can make with this unique sound is perhaps a ska rock thing with its punchy
rhythms, wild horn sections, and expanded instrumentation.  It's the usual
Command personnel on the musician duties, making for some driving percussive
rock beats, and man, does that Dick Hyman cook on that mid-60s organ sound!!
 Fun-o-rama!!   Many mid-to-late-60s Command & Project 3 albums often have at
least a couple tracks with this sound (Hyman's Man From ORGAN, in
particular).

This stuff is definitely NOT in the "space age bachelor pad" style which is
getting all the attention, so that probably accounts for its still turning up
comparitively cheap.  But I'm starting to think this was an entire
genre/sound all its own...if anyone can shed any historical light on the
subject please do.

The only non-Light record of this type I've picked up so far is a
budget-label LP entitled "Discotheque" by Jack Hansen & His Orchestra.
 Lacking the Command Percussion section (with a capital P!), it in turn lacks
the infectious pounding drive of the Light albums, but it's clearly trying to
cash in on the same trend. What STARTED this trend? How widespread was it?

The first Command Discotheque LP seems to be marketed to the teen set as
"this is the only record you need to buy for your dance party" record, not
unlike a lot of budget compilations I've seen from the 1950s on up. But by
EL's Action, it seemed like these records were targeting the demographic too
old to be teenagers, but too young to have kids -- like the swinging crowd
that was buying all the Martin Denny records were looking to get hip to all
the hot new teen dances.

Love, love, love this rockin' big-band-a-go-go stuff. (Hey, it compelled me
to throw a public Enoch Light birthday dance party built around it!) The next
time you encounter one of these LPs, I highly suggest an investigation.  And
Yoo-hoo!  CD Reissue labels! If my circle of friends is any indication, you
could make this THE next big thing...

Michael Toth
[e-mail]

------------------------------

From: "Matthew N. Page" <[e-mail]>
Date: Sat, 27 Jul 1996 00:12:30 -0700
Subject: Sideburns & Switchblades!

At 04:50 PM 7/26/96 -0400, you wrote:
>I just ordered Las Vegas Grind Vol. 1 on CD from Matador.
>They manufacture and distribute Crypt Records.  They have
>Vol. 2 and Jungle Exotica listed also.  They are all US$13
>postpaid.  For you vinyl fans, they have LVG Vol. 1, 3 and 4
>listed at US$9 postpaid each.
>
>    Matador Records
>    676 Broadway 4th Floor
>    NYC, NY  10012
>    [phone]
>    [phone] fax
>    http://www.matador.recs.com
>
>Good luck!
>
>I can't wait to hear it myself,
>K.M.D. Sartori.
>
>

Thanks alot, I'll check to see if I can get LVG2. LVG1...gotta love it!
                                                                -Matt


------------------------------

From: [e-mail]
Date: Sat, 27 Jul 1996 11:39:36 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: So, how big is yours?

Grant China writes:

>I was just wondering how big everybody's CD/LP collections are?
>
>I know that a lot of people are suprised at the size of my collection but I
>have a feeling that I just may be a piker compared to some of the serious
>collectors. I have around 400 CDs.  I haven't counted my LPs but they occupy
>about 8 feet on the shelf.
>
>So come on, who wins the exotica mailing list bragging rights?

     Probably not me.  I have about 1,100 C.D.'s and about 2,300 LP's but
that's chump change compared to more than a few people here.
                    --Jon Johnson
                      [e-mail]


------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Henrik Engstroem)
Date: Sat, 27 Jul 1996 19:11:39 +0100
Subject: Digest version of the list?

Hi!

I was wondering if anyone knew whether there is a digest to this list, and
how to recieve it. Perhaps even a FAQ?

Thanks for your time,

Henrik (whose modest record collection is approaching the 1.000 point)




------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Johan Dada Vis)
Date: Sat, 27 Jul 1996 19:32:24 +0100
Subject: Peter Thomas Sound Orchester

i can recommend his cd "Raumpatrouille" very very much; i like it better
than the soundtrax to "10th victim" or "7 golden men"; some trax on
"Raumpatrouille" remind me of those 2; it is rather eclectic, lots of
variation, lots of different sounds and rhythms, some wordless vocals,
organs, strings, brass & woodwinds, organs... yummy!

(avail. from - amongst others - German Music Express:
"http://www.musicexpress.com")

there's another cd from his available, called "easy lounge" or something
like that; is that as great?

thanx,

= Johan |)/\|)/\ Vis



------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Johan Dada Vis)
Date: Sat, 27 Jul 1996 19:32:32 +0100
Subject: Re: Las vegas grind

[e-mail] wrote:

     There were four LP volumes in the "Las Vegas Grind" series initially; on
Crypt Records.  Crypt took the four records and stuck their contents on two
C.D.'s.

        unfortunately, not every track of those 4 (great!!!) lps made it
        to the 2 cd's; in Europe those cd's can be obtained from
        Rockhouse: "http://www.musicmailexpress.com"

        = Johan |)/\|)/\ Vis



------------------------------

From: Mike Ensley <[e-mail]>
Date: Sat, 27 Jul 1996 12:47:10 -0500
Subject: Re: ULTRA-LOUNGE

> Melcher's "greater" distinction (ahem) was that he recorded an album
> of tunes by Charlie.  They're still around on tape somewhere,
> but never released...I heard some of them played in a documentary
> film I saw about Manson.  Sort of Beatlesque and unremarkable --
> except for historical value.  His failure to turn Charlie into
> a rock star was reputedly the initial fuel for Charlie's little
> temper tantrums.
>
>
> Maggie Mortensen<><>Exarch Services<><>New Orleans USA
>
>

In fact, Charlie's album has been released on cassette as "LIE: The
Love and Terror Cult," with a knockoff cover of LIFE magazine's story
on Chuck and his wacky friends.  I bought the tape several years ago
at Tower in New Orleans in fact, but there was no label info, so I
assume it's a boot.
But I have seen it more recently in small, independent stores (where
everyone should buy their records...)

Mike Ensley
PIGEONHOLE Magazine

------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (jordana)
Date: Sat, 27 Jul 1996 12:37:40 -0400
Subject: tomita, and 60s soundtracks

>From: [e-mail]
>Date: Thu, 25 Jul 1996 16:46:44 +0000 (GMT)
>Subject: Tomita
>
>I picked up a splendid Tomita cassette the other day - COSMOS. I don`t know how
>widely known it is but it features a version of the Star Wars theme which

We have many records of his at the radio station.  I never really listened
to them seriously, but they're really good for a layer under other things
when I mix.  Also, his music somehow sounds good at all 3 speeds (33, 45,
78).  And the covers are really good too.  Full of mermaids and spacemen -
many would make great inspiration for an airbrushed mural on somebody's
custom van.

>From: [e-mail] (ANITA SERWACKI)
>Date: Thu, 25 Jul 1996 15:43:16 -0400
>Subject: Re[2]: The Knack

>     I  was able to pick up a letterboxed video of "The Knack..."
>     about 6 months ago for $20 (usually more than I'm willing to pay,
>     but this is not an easy one to find).  The letterboxed version
>     was released on video by MGM/UA in 1994.  Definately worth keeping
>     an eye out for - directed by Richard Lester, the man who brought
>     us "A Hard Day's Night."

The movie is very similar to Lester's Beatle movies (he also directed
"Help,"  I think he did "the Knack" in between the 2) because it has a
similar sense of crazy humor, wacky chase scenes, and various mod outfits
worn by the characters.  I would _highly_ recommend it, and a good video
rental (one that has a few art films, you know the type) might stock it.  I
didn't know there was a soundtrack available - I will definitely have to
search it out.  I also need Modesty Blaise and of course Barbarella...

The soundtrack to "Our Man Flint" is good (another highly recommended film,
along with "In Like Flint," especially if you like funny Bond).  The music
is by Jerry Goldsmith, whose name is very familiar - what else did he do?
Also good is the soundtrack to "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E." by Teddy Randazzo,
and of all things, "Up The Junction" with music by Manfred Mann.  This album
basically has many versions of a few theme songs, and some of the versions
sound like less spooky than but similar to Vampros Lesbos-type stuff.

- -Jordana
_____________________
 jordana robinson
        [e-mail]
 image & direction
      www.geocities.com/SoHo/2157
_____________________


------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Patrick Cashin)
Date: Sat, 27 Jul 96 14:04:59 EDT
Subject: Re: Las Vegas Grind

About the same time that the LAS VEGAS GRIND albums came out
there was an album called FOUR HAIRY POLICEMEN that was in
the same vein. It contained a track called "The Greasy Chicken"
but I don't remember who it was credited to. I believe it was
Andre Williams. Has anyone else heard it? Does anyone know if
the song is available on CD?

------------------------------

From: [e-mail] (Sevo Stille)
Date: Sat, 27 Jul 1996 20:46:28 -0500
Subject: Re: ULTRA-LOUNGE

On Jul 27, 12:47pm, Mike Ensley wrote:
> In fact, Charlie's album has been released on cassette as "LIE: The
> Love and Terror Cult," with a knockoff cover of LIFE magazine's story
> on Chuck and his wacky friends.  I bought the tape several years ago
> at Tower in New Orleans in fact, but there was no label info, so I
> assume it's a boot.
> But I have seen it more recently in small, independent stores (where
> everyone should buy their records...)

There was a limited (bootlegged?) vinyl edition of LIE! published by somebody
out of the Psychic TV/TOPY fringe about ten years ago - but the outrageous
collectors price it generally gets around here is rather due to the fact that
it provides for  macabre soundbites for DJ's than to any quality in the music.

IMHO, the knowledge that the high-spirited off-key chorus is a gang of
murderers and the bizarre leftist lyrics (in the vein of "you could feed the
world from my garbage dump") can't make up for Charlies campfire singing and
third-rate guitar strumming.  If it has to be down-to-the-earth hippie music,
give me David Peel any time!

Sevo

- --
Sevo Stille                                              [e-mail]
Web Department                                    [e-mail]
Institut fuer Neue Medien            Tel: ++49 (69) 94196314
Daimlerstrasse 32                Fax: ++49 (69) 94196322
D 60314 Frankfurt a.M.

------------------------------

End of exotica Digest V2 #24
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