RECORDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD |
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In the 1960s, French singer-songwriter Francoise Hardy was quite a sensation. She was photogenic, had a beautiful singing voice, and wrote many of her biggest selling hits. Sadly, she never received the recognition in America which she richly deserved, so the handful of records she released stateside are hotly sought collectors items today. This particular item is a rare 10" LP with songs sung in both French and German. |
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Heino is a genre unto himself. In Germany, he's enjoyed tremendous popularity across all ages and classes. He is possibly the most universally loved recording artist in the German speaking world. Outside of his homeland, the music is, well, uh let's say a tad less accessible. Imagine a cross between patriotic German marches, polkas and deep throated baritone. Oh yes and he always seems to be singing about things totally foreign to Germany, like Hula dancers or cowboys. Go figure. |
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In postwar Japan, western culture was widely imitated. Many Japanese recordings of the 50s imitated a variety of western styles from Big Band to Cha-cha, but always with a distinctive eastern flavor. One group that achieved great success was the duo of Emi and Umi Ito, better known as the Peanuts. Here in the west, we were treated to their vocal stylings in Japanese monster movies, wherein they played the tiny priestesses of Mothra. |
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Well, it seems that in the 60s the Germans were captivated by the culture of Japan, and several TV shows exploited this new alliance between the former Axis superpowers. Lo and behold, the Peanuts found superstardom in Deutschland via the boob tube, and this LP features several vocal celebrations of this new east-west exchange. |
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IT'S A "HAIR"-Y WORLD |
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My fondness for esoteric records actually had its start with this very piece of vinyl. In the 70s, I had to learn a selection from the musical 'Hair' for the school band. I wanted to hear the original, so I started digging for the Broadway cast album. It was not to be found anywhere, so I settled for this French recording. I don't think it helped much, but I was hooked on hearing what other countries thought "Acid'" rock should sound like. Here's your chance to hear it, too. |
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The most interesting thing about this particular recording, is that one of the singers was a pre-disco Donna Summer. Her vocal style is very evident in "Wasserman" (the German version of "Aquarius". Ach der lieber!) |
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Well, I can only let the recording speak for itself. I've included a short clip from "Good Morning, Starshine" mixed through a sushi blender. |
