THE FORERUNNER OF MUSIC VIDEO

   Scopitones were based on technology developed during World War II, color 16 mm film clips with a magnetic soundtrack were designed to be shown in a specially designed jukebox. The first Scopitones were made in France, among them Johnny Hallyday's "Noir c'est noir" (Los Bravos' "Black is Black") and the "Hully Gully" showed a dance around the edge of a French swimming pool. Scopitones soon spread to West Germany and England. By 1964, approximately 500 machines were installed in the U.S.A.. Several well known acts of the 1960's ranging from Nancy Sinatra ("These Boot Were Made For Walking") to Procol Harum ("A Whiter Shade of Pale") appeared in them. From 1964 enjoy the radiant sound of George McKelvey.

 

FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

"Childhood Days" is a collection of those great ol' classic children's songs that we have grown so used to hearing on old scratchy 45's (the kind that used to be pressed on yellow and red vinyl). This compilation features 30 tracks bound to bring back your earliest memories on this planet. Tunes like "The Teddy Bear's Picnic", "The Ugly Duckling", "Polly Wolly Doodle" and "The Big Rock Candy Mountain" had me toe tapping and singing along. The CD  is an import put out by BMG. The interesting thing about this compact disc is that it claims to be made in the E.U. - okay where is the E.U.? Thanks to google I learned that E.U. stands for The European Union which is an economic and political union of 27 member states primarily located in Europe. So where the hell was it made...perhaps we shall never know. Anyhow it's well worth having in your collection (if you can find it!).

LULU "Shout"

I actually got to see Lulu perform live at Palisades Amusement Park in The 60's. After the show I got to meet her and remember she told my parents that I was a cute little boy. I melted like ice cream! Since the park has been closed New Jersey has never been the same. To this day this version of "Shout" is still my favorite.

AND SPEAKING OF SOUPY...

In 1964 The Soupy Sales Show found a new weekday home on New York City's WNEW (Channel 5) TV. This show marked the height of Sales' popularity. It featured many guest appearances such as Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. as well as musical groups like The Shangri-Las and The Supremes. Soupy's dance "The Mouse" became a top 40 radio hit and launched a series of Lp records.

BROTHER CAN YOU SPARE A DIME

It's hard to believe that there was a time when 10 cents would enable you to make a phone call, buy a cup of coffee, play a song on the jukebox, get a candy bar or a new comic book. To be an adolescent with a pocket full of coins was like being a millionaire. The possibilities were endless! Today a dime is close to worth- less, now even gum machines only take quarters. Let's take a moment to return to the days before UPC codes, when box tops helped put Battle Creek, Michigan on the map.

A COMEDY CLASSIC

Gone are the glory days of the novelty record. Some of my prized 45's and Lp's are from this genre and here for your viewing pleasure is the king himself, Mr. Alan Sherman. His records can still be purchased at your local Goodwill and Salvation Army Stores.