Hello, fellow seekers of the unusual, the out-of-the-way, and the incredibly cheap!
I come to you today as a means of illustrating what can be achieved with just a bit of devotion to the Thrifty Music cause. Old-timers will know that the purpose of this series is to showcase music that I acquire at random through visits to my local thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales. I don’t seek out specific artists or big paydays from finding obscure collectors’ items for pennies on the dollar (though that’s happened a few times). I mainly just pick up music that “looks good.” There are earlier Thrifty Music posts that explain the HVB Thrifty Music methodology — I encourage you to go back through the archives to learn more — and to hear some obscure music that’s floated across my transom over the last couple of years, for next to nothing.
Today, I thought I’d share the results of one foray, to one thrift store in suburban Maryland, in a neighborhood affectionately called “Korean Corner.” In exchange for a few dollars, I walked home with these choice sides, and relatively few clunkers:
“All American Girl”, Freddy Cannon
This one was real pleasant surprise — like music from a 1962 teen surf movie that actually kicked ass. Don’t you love it when Hollywood actually delivers the goods in those old, crappy, teenxploitation flicks? It happens so seldom, but when they get it right — and there’s some righteously rockin’ music to go with the high-quality, 16mm film and wide-screen color saturation, it’s an awesome thing. No vuh-deo here, obviously, but close your eyes and imagine it. Ahh, the sea… the sand… chicks in bikinis doing the frug… and Freddy Cannon rockin’ it up at the tiki bar.
“Reveille Rock”, Johnny and the Hurricanes
Readers of previous editions of Thrifty Music will know of my weakness for those silly tunes from the ’50s and ’60s that featured straight-ahead, fast-paced rockin’ instrumentals, made noteworthy only because every so often, the band stops for somebody (probably the bassist) to utter some incomprehensible, out-of-context catch phrase or slogan. Here’s one by Johnny & the Hurricanes entitled “Reveille Rock.” In addition to it featuring the required spoken word interludes… man, check out the insane tempo of this number! ‘Fess up, RTHers in bands: how many of you could maintain a pace like this for longer than 30 seconds, without falling to your knees, wheezing for mercy?
“The Monkey Time”, Major Lance
This was a nice find: Curtis Mayfield protege Major Lance, singing a Mayfield composition entitled “The Monkey Time”. If I hadn’t told you who wrote and produced it, I’m betting you could’ve guessed. Gotta love old Curtis!
“Party Down, Parts I & II (HVB Groovealicious Extended Dance Partython Remix)”, Little Beaver
Lastly, a purchase that really made my day. I don’t remember if I featured Little Beaver’s ode to the ’70s party scene, “Party Down,” in a previous edition of Thrifty Music. I do know that my old 45 of the tune — also acquired at a thrift store — was so beat up it’s practically unlistenable. Thanks to the Korean Corner thrift store, I don’t have that problem anymore… and neither will you! Man, I love this song. Righteous, soulful, and jazzy guitar playing, glasses tinkling in the background, a mellow attitude (in the best sense of the word) — makes me want to pour myself a Courvoisier, turn the lights down low, and just chill with a room full of friends. Thanks, Little Beaver — anybody who can write the soundtrack to the perfect party is okay by me. (Note also that I’ve edited both sides of the single together, so you can enjoy six full minutes of Beaver’s laid-back party vibe. Enjoy!)
That’s all I’ve got this week, folks. Tune in next time for some more choice musical tidbits from the milkcrates, junk bins and garbage bags of our great nation.
HVB
