This is my blog where I write about music, and myself. Vaudeville, burlesque, blues, jazz, novelties, and whatever else I feel like posting. Mostly from my own LPs and 78s. Comments and feedback always appreciated. Please do not link directly to mp3s. It's rude.

OHO
Seldom Bought
WKTK presents Baltimore's Best Rock
(1978)



I believe I got this record from The True Vine. I simply can't pass up a piece of trivial Baltimore music history. If you ask me, this song is pretty bad. Yet maybe I like it. I don't know. It's so ridiculous and I like to imagine being the child of a guy who was in this band, and being like "what the hell, Dad?"
I chose this track because of the keyboards and sound effects, but there's a track on Side A that's got a moog and is perhaps catchier. I may present that track tomorrow or something.
I didn't think I'd find much information about OHO, but the blogosphere never ceases to amaze, and I have uncovered not only that they did have not onw but two full-lengths, and that they reissued some material, but also:

OHO started in late 1973 in Baltimore on the ashes of the band Little Hans. They played experimental progressive rock influenced by Frank Zappa, as well as British prog bands of the first echelon, such as King Crimson and Yes. The band name was an acronym of its core members' surnames (O'Sullivan, Heck and O'Connor). After two proper albums, Okinawa and Vitamin Oho, the band disbanded, with Jay Graboski and Mark O'Connor moving on to form the more new-wave influenced Food for Worms. OHO has been sporadically reuniting throughout the 1980s, most notably in 1989 when they recorded their first new album for more than ten years, called Audition. 2004 saw the release of the album Up recorded by the latest incarnation of OHO that has been put together by the veteran Jay Graboski.
- Mutant Sounds.

I guess this is the WKTK staff. Lower felt-hand corner dude was pretty attractive.

Labels: baltimore

Posted by: Kara Mae 11/30/2008  (1) comments

OK I promise a new song up this weekend.
But I've also been meaning to announce that I may be collaborating with Fevered Brain Radio and doin a little podcast. I've been considering that for some time anyway so this is motivation.
This guy does everything by the law so if you are able to assist with donations to pay the evil BMI/ASCAP fees and whatnot, go to the site:
http://www.thefeveredbrainofradiomike.com/

Plus listen to the existing show and keep checking for updates, etc. Woo

Labels: podcasts

Posted by: Kara Mae 11/29/2008  (0) comments

Amazon.com removed the review I wrote of this Jayne Mansfield book.

Here was the review:

I am writing this review so that others who order this book may know what to expect, since I did not and was a little disappointed.
This book appears self published, and unfortunately seems entirely unproofed. The grammar is full of run-on sentences and misspellings, which is distracting from an otherwise nice story.
The book is written by one of Jayne's biggest fans. He has the facts straight, and has access to insider information from the family of Jayne. Unfortunately he editorializes often. Having not been present for the actual events, writing in the first person in a biography comes off as unprofessional.
My final gripe is the mentions of latter-day celebrities Tara Reid and Anna Nicole Smith. By referring to current events, the book trivializes and dates itself.
I've read all the biographies of Jayne, and certainly agree that they're altogether inadequate. My disappointment in this book resulted from my hope that it might be "the one."
What it is, however, is a loving tribute and a quick read. It's worthwhile as a brochure for those curious about the true story of Jayne's life.
Maybe one day the book can be proofread and expanded upon, with the photos printed in higher resolution.
In the meantime, I must say that this book put forth the life story of Jayne in a very honest and linear way.

I can only assume the author had it taken down or something. Pity. So I thought I'd post it here for posterity, since it's irritating that they would do that.

Labels: books, cinema, Jayne Mansfield

Posted by: Kara Mae 11/17/2008  (4) comments

Hey! A whole dang record. Actually, two records.
Over the last few weeks I've been taking my time and recording to mp3s the songs from both discs in this compilation. I have no idea what year this was released but I assume it caters to some rich people who thought the thirties were wonderful. I wasn't there, but I'd heard otherwise.
Furthermore, according to the 1930s Tin-Pan Alley compilation "The Music Goes Round and Around,", the thirties weren't that important music-wise either.
To further entice you to download "Those Wonderful Thirties: The Stars of Broadway, Night Clubs and Vaudeville," I'll admit that it's not the greatest. A lot of the recordings are actually from the 40s.. but they were hits in the 30s.
Lastly, I will reveal that I put varying degrees of effort into the recording and tagging of the four sides. It's sort of a grab bag.
There are some songs and a George Jessel comedy bit that I enjoyed. I'm gonna keep on with this 30s theme and record the other volumes of "Those Wonderful Thirties," including a Hollywood and I think a radio version. And then i'll save best for last and upload that "Music Goes Round and Around" comp.
Enjoy!

Download:
Those Wonderful Thirties: The Stars of Broadway, Night Clubs and Vaudeville

Labels: history, vaudeville

Posted by: Kara Mae 11/12/2008  (1) comments

As Clouds Drift By
Jayne Mansfield

This does not sound like the voice of Jayne Mansfield as I know it. But it's on both the Too Hot To Handle collection, and the Jayne/Marilyn compilation Dyed Blonde.
Anyway, whatever. I shall supplement it with this photo from the Modern Man 1957 Yearbook of Queens, a spiralbound girlie mag featuring a LOT of boobs.

women's thighs should touch in the middle, like Jayne's.

Labels: cinema, glamorous, Jayne Mansfield

Posted by: Kara Mae 11/05/2008  (1) comments