Odyssey (1965)

Owl (1966)

I don't know anything about Owl except that they were in Boulder and put out Tod Dockstader records. However the Dockstader stuff I have from them is absolutely, positively, without a doubt, the best avant-garde tape/electronic music I know of. This album has him working with a soundtrack composer and orchestra. The liner notes explain that he composed little passages using a synthesizer and tape loops, and then had the composer work them into a score and record it with an orchestra. Then Dockstader took the taped recordings and went to town with a razorblade and splicer. It's not even his best work, but it puts most every electronic "remix" of live recordings to shame.

The owl on the label looks simultaneously calm (left eye) and completely in shock (right eye) in regard to the sonic insanity in the groove that surrounds him.

Pelican (1976)

Angel (1966)

LHI (1969)

Monument (1965)

DRG (1982)

Columbia Record Club (1967)

Enterprise (1968)

Enterprise (1969)

This copy of Hot Buttered Soul is pretty banged up, but the Enterprise font and logo is nice. Enterprise was part of Stax Records that released Isaac Hayes-related albums.

Pickwick (1978)

Decca (1971)

This is such a nice design. A+ work, Decca!

This album is a lame football-themed comedy record. The "David A. Axelrod" credit jumped out at me when I came across it in a record store in DC. I knew he had a couple of records on Decca, but had never heard of this one before. Everything on the A side and most of the B side are garbage, silly football banter. But when you hit the last cut, "Run for Daylight," it's a groovy Axe jam. The vocals are a bit awkward and the whole thing has a slightly under-rehearsed feel, but the classic Axelrod production hits hard. It even has a short open drum and vocal break. If you have ever wished that your interests in football and David Axelrod could come together, this track is for you.

Chess (1972)

This later Chess label makes me think of Lion-O from Thundercats.

Cadet (1968)

Chess/Checker/Cadet is one of my favorite labels, but I think that the design of this label could be a lot cooler than it is. The horse head logo is so classic, but it seems under-appreciated here. Basically, I want a label that has the horse logo printed to fill the entire thing, white on navy blue. And if I REALLY had my way, there wouldn't even be any text on one side, like the Vertigo label. Just that logo, printed large and crisp, spinning around. Now you're talkin!

This Ramsey Lewis album is one of my most favorite records. There's few albums I pull out to listen to as often as this one. All Beatles covers, but Ramsey OWNS each track. Instrumental versions of tunes you know, via Ramsey's soulful piano and an orchestra, plus spaced-out Moog effects and tight funk drums.

Actually, I think I'm going to put this on right now...