Re: [ARSCLIST] Early stereo mass market tapes

["Steven C. Barr(x)" <stevenc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Karl Miller" <lyaa071@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> On Thu, 19 Oct 2006, Steven C. Barr(x) wrote:
>
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "David Lennick" <dlennick@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> > > Hmm..wonder if someone wants to start an offshoot list devoted entirely to
> > CrapOnLP?
> > Well, we start out with any/all recordings (78's included if any) by:
> >
> > Any recordings of high-school bands or vocal units (with the
> >    exception of your alma mater or works featuring your offspring)
>
> I used to collect those for the archive. I believe they had some historic
> value as a documentation of the performance levels one could find in
> schools...but, I must admit, some of them, especially the dance bands,
> were pretty horrific.
>
Well, this opens a "can of worms" which, as a dedicated "data collector,"
I'd be interested in discussing! These recordings, which were usually
done by various folks (some simply ran off additional copies of
instantaneous recordings, while others actually mastered and pressed
their product) can be viewed as "interesting" in at least three
different aspects!

First, they can (and do) serve as souvenirs/keepsakes to those who
were actually part of the recorded performance...as well as their
family members and close friends. This could, in unusual circumstances,
give it "popular" value...suppose that Joe Gabroni was the third alto
sax in the Mukwanago High School band, and later emerged as a noted
entertainment figure. The album would then go for a number of dollars
on eBay...!

Second, they do document a specific event...and therefore have a
certain historic value, just as does the census records, tax records
or newspaper "backfiles" for "Mukwanago."

Finally, as KM notes, they provide aural evidence of how such
groups sounded at a given point in time.

Moral of the story...KEEP the dommed things, but don't expect
people to enjoy sitting through their playing! (I have a number
of 78's which fall into this class...)

Steven C. Barr
(now we need justification for keeping 101 Strings albums...:-))