Saturday, December 31, 2011

BUILDING A BETTER WAY - CHEVROLET LIBRARY MUSIC





















Download here

Track 1 - Opening
Track 2 - Designing
Track 3 - Corvette
Track 4 - Cameo
Track 5 - Vega
Track 6 - Proving
Track 7 - Monte Carlo
Track 8 - Nova
Track 9 - Chevelle
Track 10 - Building
Track 11 - Trucks
Track 12 - Caprice
Track 13 - Impala
Track 14 - Selling It's A Better Way

Being New Year's Eve and my 365th post for 2011 I thought I would pull something out of the top draw. I found this wonderful record at the non-library music blog Franklin Mint late last year and have been sitting on it ever since in the knowledge that many of you would be blown away. To be honest I don't think the guy who runs FM quite realised just how desirable this music would be to library fanatics like us ( he could probably sell it for, well, a mint ).

The album is a collection of music that featured in the promotional film "Building A Better Way" which was used to launch the 1974 Chevy product line. Having long since fallen in love with "Ford Taunus" by Christian Bruhn ( see "Popshopping Vol.1" ) I was well aware of just how funky auto related library music could get and these 14 tracks do not disappoint. Having said that, there is a heavy dose of orchestral easy listening and even a few electronic touches here and there but when things get funky they get SERIOUSLY funky! "Designing" and "Building" are mind boggling in their cinematic lushness with wah wah and blasting horns that rival anything that blaxploitation has thrown up. "Corvette" is a more straight ahead 60 seconds of blissful, pure funk while "Proving" evokes images of a high performance Chevy blasting around the race track.

On the easy side of things, "Impala" sounds like an off cut from "The Sound Gallery Vol.2", "Vega" and "Nova" both have irresistible pop charms and "Caprice" speaks for itself. The collection is wrapped up with a wonderfully corny vocal number espousing the qualities of Chevrolet. I have no idea who composed this music but they certainly knew what they were doing, every note is purposeful and self assured.

As you can tell, I absolutely love this record and I have no doubt you will too. It's been a fun and funky year, play safe tonight and I hope to see you all on the other side. Cheers!

MIDAS TOUCH - EARTH SHAKER





Track 1 - Earth Shaker
Track 2 - Country Matters
Track 3 - Aqua Perambulator
Track 4 - Black Bison
Track 5 - Intimations
Track 6 - Path Of Love
Track 7 - Blazing Banjoes
Track 8 - Full Time
Track 9 - Blabber Mouth
Track 10 - Osprey
Track 11 - Brandy Snap
Track 12 - Melancholy Madness
Track 13 - Crazy Paving
Track 14 - Hard Rider
Track 15 - Sexibition
Track 16 - Half Time

Sometimes it's good to be reminded that library music records were never produced with the intention of being heard from start to finish. Take for example "Earth Shaker" which jerks wildly from track to track between funk, easy listening, quirky electronics, pop and a whole lot more. It certainly presents a challenging journey for the listener but there are plenty of rewards along the way. I tend to gravitate more towards the harder / funky side of things so "Black Bison", "Earth Shaker", "Aqua Perambulator" and the wickedly fun "Sexibition" ( go the cowbell! ) all rate highly with me. "Intimations" is also quite an interesting track and some of you might recognise it from "Nuggets: Luke Vibert's Selection".  Due to the wide range of styles on offer this album almost serves as a library compilation and I'm sure you will find music of interest somewhere within its 16 tracks.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

JAMES SAUNDERS - TELETEXT





















http://uploading.com/files/6m369558/Teletext.rar/

Track 1 - Spectra
Track 2 - Teletext
Track 3 - Pathfinder
Track 4 - Over The Top
Track 5 - G-Force
Track 6 - Star Curve
Track 7 - Factors
Track 8 - Axial
Track 9 - Challenger
Track 10 - Terminator
Track 11 - Metropolis
Track 12 - Aerospace
Track 13 - Mission Controller
Track 14 - Modulation
Track 15 - Microchip
Track 16 - Switch
Track 17 - Decoder

There's some very satisfying electronic moods and grooves on this 1981 release from the Rouge library. Sure, there are a few instances when things get a little cheesy ( it was the early 80's after all ) but for the most part the listener is treated to pop-tastic melodies and foot tapping drum beats. I particularly like the slightly more serious compositions such as "Factors", "Spectra" and the rather funky "Axial". It's not hard to picture this music as the soundtrack to a really cool retro computer game ( "Modulation" being the most glaring example ). While James Saunders' work here doesn't quite reach the same heights as Perraudin, Gonet or Fevre it still contains plenty of enjoyable elements that make this record a rewarding listening experience. Credit goes to Bazounga for the original upload.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

MANU DIBANGO - AFRICAN VOODOO




Download here

Track 1 - Groovy Flute
Track 2 - Soul Saxes Meeting
Track 3 - African Pop Session
Track 4 - Walking To Waza
Track 5 - Out Of Score
Track 6 - Ba-Kuba
Track 7 - Zoom 2000
Track 8 - Aphrodite Shake
Track 9 - Wilderness
Track 10 - Jungle Riders
Track 11 - Iron Wood
Track 12 - Coconut

A Cameroonian music legend, Manu Dibango turned out this sensationally good library record in 1972 through the French label PSI. It takes all the best bits from afro-beat and funk then compresses them into 3 to 4 minute nuggets that are perfect for use in television or advertising. These days however it has more appeal to groove merchants, DJ's and lovers of fine music like you or me. It's always nice when a composer performs on an album and here you will find some top notch sax and vibes from Dibango with "Iron Wood", "Soul Saxes Meeting" and "Coconut" being fine examples of his talents. The level of funkiness on these tracks is just off the charts and that is one of the reasons why original copies of "African Voodoo" sell for hundreds of dollars. This is required listening.

I should also mention that there is a compilation of Manu's library work called "African Woodoo" which features a few of the above tracks. I haven't given it a listen yet but I'm sure it's great. You can check it out here - http://www.mediafire.com/?kjmphi84h3dipua.


Monday, December 26, 2011

MONTPARNASSE 2000 CLASSICS - VARIOUS ARTISTS






Track 1 - Call Me Africadelic / Gerard Levecque & Claude Romat
Track 2 - Catalepsy / Eric Framond
Track 3 - Ghetto / Eric Framond
Track 4 - Murder In Chicago / Cecil Wary
Track 5 - Love Call / J.J Robert & J.M Guise
Track 6 - Vision Pop / J.J Robert & J.M Guise
Track 7 - Grand Roque / Maurice Vander
Track 8 - Danger / Rene Costy
Track 9 - Don't Be Cool / Jacky Giordano
Track 10 - Ok Richard / Sylvano Santorio
Track 11 - Violence / Caiage
Track 12 - SOS 17 / Guy Pederson
Track 13 - Turn In Around / Willy Albimoor
Track 14 - Xenos Cosmos / Janko Nilovic

Janko Nilovic wasn't the only one turning out funky grooves on the Montparnasse 2000 label as evident on this killer compilation. Most of the music falls under the label of jazz but it's all kept pretty tight with only a couple of tracks missing the mark. The absolute standout in my opinion is "Ghetto" which is a thoroughly compelling slab of afro funk goodness. Meanwhile Jacky Giordano and Rene Costy infuse some nice crime jazz into the proceedings which is more than welcome. "Ok Richard" has been comped before on "La Guepe Vol.2" but the majority of the other tracks are unfamiliar to me. Montparnasse is a library that I only have a passing knowledge about and this compilation certainly puts into perspective how good the composers were who graced their releases.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

ACHTUNG! GERMAN GROOVES - VARIOUS ARTISTS





 
Track 1 - Mabusso / Ambros Seelos
Track 2 - Guitar Shower / Don Kelly Band
Track 3 - UFO-Invasion / Gerhard Narholz
Track 4 - U Humbah / James Last
Track 5 - On The Way To Philadelphia / Kai Warner & His Orchestra
Track 6 - Hackepeter / Theo Schumann Combo
Track 7 - Mamy Blue / Henry Arland
Track 8 - Chariots Of The Gods / Peter Thomas Sound Orchester
Track 9 - Orbiter / Heinz Kiessling
Track 10 - Easter Afternoon / Ady Zehnpfennig
Track 11 - Soul Breeze / Max Greger & His Orchestra
Track 12 - Es Steht Ein Haus In New Orleans / Orchseter Gunther Gollasch
Track 13 - Hard Work / Pete Jacques
Track 14 - One For You, One For Me / Hans Ehrlinger And His Orchestra
Track 15 - Catch Up / Catch Up
Track 16 - The House That Jack Built / Helmut Zacharias
Track 17 - Mocoto / Roberto Delgado
Track 18 - BL Special / Berry Lipman
Track 19 - Sport Extra / Hans Haider
Track 20 - Tigerauge / Walter Kubiczek

German-grade rare groove is a unique creature. Sure there are elements of funk, jazz and go-go but many of the tracks found on this compilation have a really strong psychedelic flavour that makes them stand out. It's true that some French artists were on a similar trajectory during the same period but there is a certain manic sleaziness that pervades the likes of "Orbiter", "Mabusso", "Hackepeter" etc. that stamps this music as distinctly German. Outside of Berry Lipman, Pete Thomas and Gerhard Narholz I've never heard of any of these artists before which makes this collection all the more exciting. Clearly it is the tip of a very funky iceberg!

Friday, December 23, 2011

THE MUSIC LIBRARY BONUS DISC - VARIOUS ARTISTS







Track 1 - Broad Highway / Basil Kirchin
Track 2 - Sun-Kissed Chicks / Jean-Jacques Debout
Track 3 - Spring Leitmotiv / Herve Roy
Track 4 - Flutes Ad Libitum / Raymond Guiot & Guy Pedersen
Track 5 - Delia's Psychadelian Waltz / Li de la Russe (Delia Derbyshire)
Track 6 - The Loner / Nick Harrison
Track 7 - Zapata / Luis Conti
Track 8 - Pop Bazaar / Jean-Jacques Debout
Track 9 - Suspense No.1 / P.A. Dahan & M. Camison
Track 10 - Wild Trumpets / Pierre Dutour
Track 11 - Kermesse Non Heroique / Guy Pedersen
Track 12 - Chantelle's Party / Yanko Nilovic
Track 13 - Bass In Love / Guy Pederson
Track 14 - Piano + Piano / P.A. Dahan & M. Camison
Track 15 - Super Carrousel /  P.A. Dahan & M. Camison
Track 16 - Synthetic Neutron / Sauveur Mallia
Track 17 - First Step (b) / Basil Kirchin & Roy Neave 

Several years ago Jonny Trunk put out an excellent book of library music cover art which also came with a very tasty compilation of rare library tracks. Long time Funky Frolicker Tex sent me a message that he'd bought the book but it arrived minus the bonus CD. They must have sold out or something. Whatever the reason, I just happen to have a digital copy of the collection so here it is for your listening pleasure...

Those of you familiar with Trunk's taste will know what to expect, it's a diverse set of music in the same mould as "The Super Sounds Of Bosworth". One track in particular that should be highlighted is the hypnotic afro / jazz rhythms of "Kermesse Non Heroique" by Guy Pedersen which clocks in at a truly epic 13 mins. 18 secs. Janko Nilovic also makes an appearence under the rather unimaginative alias of Yanko Nilovic along with Sauveur Mallia, Basil Kirchin, Delia Derbyshire and Pierre Dutour. With a line up like that it's no wonder this collection is a winner.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

BLACK DEVIL DISCO CLUB PRESENTS - THE STRANGE NEW WORLD OF BERNARD FEVRE







Track 1 - Dali
Track 2 - Dangerous Mixture
Track 3 - Cosmic Rays
Track 4 - Stay On Grey
Track 5 - Polyster
Track 6 - Pendulum
Track 7 - Misererum
Track 8 - Fantasm
Track 9 - Sandobu
Track 10 - Savana Melody
Track 11 - Stress On Pluton
Track 12 - Molecule Dance
Track 13 - Co-lateral
Track 14 - Subconscient Lamentation

Certainly an apt album title if ever there was one, these 14 tracks have their origins in the 1975 release on L'Illustration Musicale "The Strange World Of Bernard Fevre". Far from a reissue though, the tracks here have been extended and reworked by the man himself which gives the already fascinating compositions a new lease on life. Here is an excerpt from a write up by The Milk Factory which I think provides an excellent summation -

"Fevre works with only a few sounds at a time, arranging them into extremely tight nuggets and applying them to playful little melodies. Following one of the principles of library music, none of these tracks go much over three minutes, their respective themes kept to recurring little patterns that seem repeated at various points throughout but never actually ever appear more than once. The music is deceptively simple and stripped down, especially on pieces like Cosmic Rays, Pendulum or Savana Melody, and while these were all featured on the original record, they ultimately remain here pretty bare. Despite this, the whole album sparkles with exquisite sonic components and rich arrangements, and while his sound pools are restricted, Fevre assembles them in such way that they take on a much bigger dimension."

This really should be considered required listening for all up and coming electronic artists. For the rest of us it provides a rare opportunity to hear 1970's library music reconfigured in a much more satisfying way than the hip hop samples and remixes that currently exist. It's only a recent release so I urge you to join me in grabbing a copy for yourself after giving this download a listen. You can also find "Pendulum" on "Luke Vibert's Further Nuggets"

I just wanted to add a little Funky Frolic news. The Stumbled Upon gadget seems to have gone missing in action so I've removed it for now and have added the option to follow my blog by email. You can do that by submitting your details below "Popular Posts This Week".

Speaking of popular posts, I woke up this morning to find that WFMU's Beware Of The Blog had given my Jimi Hendrix Christmas album post a mention and the impact was swift with Jimi now finding himself inside my Top 10 Popular Posts Of All Time. Hopefully these visitors like what they see and check out some of the other content that I have up.

I would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas, thanks for all the support as always and hopefully I will check in again on New Years Eve. Cheers from Mr.Craig.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

MISSUS BEASTLY - SPACE GUERILLA


 
Download here

Track 1 - Space Guerilla
Track 2 - Guitar For Sale
Track 3 - Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Track 4 - Fuzzy, Don't Go To The Disco
Track 5 - Hoffmannstropfen
Track 6 - Cose Dola
Track 7 - For Flu
Track 8 - King Garlic

Maybe this LP should have been called "Space Gorilla" because it is an absolute monster! The title track has been sampled by at least one hip hop act that I know of and it appears in a shortened form on the "Dusty Fingers Vol.10" ( under the name "K.G Intro" ) and "Rare Funk Vol.1" compilations but here it is presented in all it's 10 min 48 sec glory. Whether you enjoy tight breakbeats ( "Hoffmannstropfen" ), chunky guitar riffs ( "Guitar For Sale" ), esoteric jazz ( "For Flu" ) or disco funk ( "Fuzzy, Don't Go To The Disco" ) you will find it all and much more on these 8 tracks. It is a wonderful melting pot of European prog rock and Blue Note-esque jazz that demands the listener's attention from start to finish.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

BERNARD ESTARDY - LA FORMULE DU BARON





Track 1 - Monsieur Dutour
Track 2 - Cha Tatch Ka
Track 3 - Ala Mia Thra
Track 4 - Autoscopie
Track 5 - La Gigouille
Track 6 - Le Pain, Le Vin
Track 7 - La Valse Du Vepar
Track 8 - Les Lahoutes
Track 9 - Meut's Boogie
Track 10 - De Temps En Temps
Track 11 - Bave A Roi
Track 12 - Sister Charlotte Abbaye

Until I checked out this album I had pigeon holed Bernard Estardy as being mostly an electronic music composer ( see "Electronics" by Estardy and Alain Poinsot ) but this is a completely different beast! Don't let the pensive cover art fool you there are some unbelievably groovy nuggets contained within, the production values are just out of this world for a 1967 release and the whole record has a fresh sound that belies it's age. In terms of genres I guess it has a french soundtrack / jazz vibe but tracks like the circus evoking "Bave A Roi" and the slamming "Cha Tatch Ka" defy any existing labels. Some of songs also have vocals with the best probably being "Sister Charlotte Abbaye". My only criticism would be that some of the tracks fade out leaving the listener begging for more. This is definitely one to check out! Thanks to the uploader.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

GODCHILD - SELF TITLED






Track 1 - Koun'Toupack
Track 2 - Chut Bebe Dort
Track 3 - Dans C'cas La Oui
Track 4 - Retour De Flamme
Track 5 - Ne Parlons Pas De Rien
Track 6 - Reveil Matin
Track 7 - In Ne S'est Rien Passe
Track 8 - Pas Un Brin De Vent
Track 9 - 4 Pas Et Demi
Track 10 - Ne Le Refait Jamais Plus
Track 11 - Perdigouna
Track 12 - Un Bouquet De Cerises
Track 13 - Pastagam
Track 14 - La Tete Qui Bout

I first came into contact with Godchild through the excellent "La Tete Qui Bout" which features on the "La Guepe Vol.4" compilation. Here is the original album from which that track was sourced and I am happy to report that the rest of the music is of a similarly high quality. The words "holy grail" are thrown around quite a bit in library music / rare groove circles but it's fair to say that "Godchild" qualifies for this compliment alongside other classics such as "Under Pompelmo" by Giuliano Sorgini and "Accadde A" by Arawak. Released in 1972 or 1975 depending on who you ask, it contains some thrilling breakbeats, jazzy horns and plenty of well executed electric piano along with a couple of vocal numbers. There are numerous tempo changes that keep the listener on their toes while still maintaining a consistently cool vibe throughout.

This record was re-released in 2002 by Kid Loco, or at the very least it contains three remixes by him. You can download those remixes here. Thankfully that re-release exists because otherwise you would need to shell out hundreds of dollars for an original copy ( I saw one on the internet go for $685 U.S ). Or of course you can download it here right now!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

JANKO NILOVIC - POP SHOPIN






















http://www.mediafire.com/?4bjoctwg2vz

Track 1 - Peter Out
Track 2 - Cross Rolls
Track 3 - The Sun Is Rising
Track 4 - Sometime Ago
Track 5 - Pogo Logo
Track 6 - Turn In Around
Track 7 - Pop Shopin
Track 8 - Today's Paper
Track 9 - Hocus Pocus
Track 10 - Leap In The Dark
Track 11 - Summer Summer

Everything that is good about Janko Nilovic is contained within this wonderful record from the Montparnasse 2000 library. You never quite know where he will take a composition and as with much of his work there is a sexual undercurrent that at times borders on porn groove. Most of the tracks are up tempo with wah wah and horns playing a major part, a prime example being the tour de force that is "Hocus Pocus". Even on a more laid back number like "Summer Summer" Janko can't help himself, launching into some slammin' funk at the 1 min 17 sec mark. The rip I have contains some pops here and there but really, who cares when you are faced with such musical perfection!?

TREVOR AND GEOFF BASTOW - DOUBLE EXPOSURE






Track 1 - Raunchy
Track 2 - White Lightning
Track 3 - Airedale (Curry)
Track 4 - One More Time
Track 5 - Funky Monkey
Track 6 - Winds Of Change
Track 7 - Look Before You Leap
Track 8 - Over Easy
Track 9 - Spring Loaded
Track 10 - Run For Cover
Track 11 - Chopping Block
Track 12 - Broken Bossa

This album from the Programme Music library presents the Bastow brothers in a slightly different light to much of the work they did for Bruton. It's straight up jazz/funk with plenty of satisfying guitar, piano, organ and vibes on show. Despite the lack of a prominent bass sound the grooves are fairly chunky with the best tracks displaying a blaxploitation style vibe. There are highlights all over the place and any record with track titles like "Funky Monkey" and "Raunchy" is just fine with me!

Friday, December 16, 2011

SAINTS ROW EZZZY 105 - VARIOUS ARTISTS





Track 1 - Bachelor Samba / Marc Durst
Track 2 - Berg Und Tal / Gerhard Narholz
Track 3 - Bossa Cubana / Gerhard Narholz
Track 4 - Chanson Pour Toi / Alfred Jack
Track 5 - A Cielito Lindo / Carlos Periguez
Track 6 - Coconuts / Gerhard Narholz
Track 7 - Colonie Celeste / Jean-Jacques Perrey
Track 8 - Dancing On The Avenue / John Cacavas
Track 9 - Dolce Vita / Bruno Bertolli
Track 10 - Face To Face / Sammy Burdson
Track 11 - A Girl Like You / Norman Candler
Track 12 - Jarabe Tapatio / Carlos Periguez
Track 13 - Just Strolling Along / Sammy Burdson & John Fiddy
Track 14 - Kalamazoo Style / Olivier Andres & Christian Seguret
Track 15 - Love For Life / Sammy Burdson & John Fiddy
Track 16 - Marvellous Singers Remix / Marc Durst & Laurent Lombard
Track 17 - Naughty But Nice / Walt Rockman
Track 18 - Stereo Cha Cha / Umberto Pagnini
Track 19 - A Sunny Day In Heidelberg / Horst Jankowski
Track 20 - Swing Paname / Angel Debarre
Track 21 - Tchopa Twist / Nicholas Folmer
Track 22 - Tooba Boogie / Otto Sieben
Track 23 - Walkie Talkie / Gerhard Narholz
Track 24 - Whistle Happy / Colin Baldry & Tom Kane

This is a collection of music contained on EZZZY 105, a mock radio station featured in the video game Saints Row 2. There's a lot of South American and easy listening grooves with a few quirky little nuggets thrown in for good measure. The general mood is lighthearted and fun ( "Jarabe Tapatio" and "Coconuts" being prime examples ), some of my personal favourites would be the lush strings and breathless vocals on "Just Strolling Around", the big band sounds of "Bossa Cubana" and the begging-to-be-sampled "Colonie Celeste" by Jean-Jacques Perrey.

If you are looking for the funkier side of computer game soundtracks I'd probably recommend you download "Bully OST" or "GTA IF 99" but if you're even remotely interested in lounge / easy music then you should definitely give this a go. Thanks to Bret for giving me the heads up on this collection.

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS - SEASONINGS





Track 1 - Jamie's Letter
Track 2 - Santa & Bobby
Track 3 - Papa & Tony
Track 4 - Neighbors
Track 5 - Warm Hugs
Track 6 - Holiday Salute
Track 7 - Mistletoe
Track 8 - Runaway
Track 9 - Worried Helen
Track 10 - The Christmas Story
Track 11 - Grandma's Gift
Track 12 - The Bell Ringer

Now don't get me wrong, I haven't got anything against religion but there is something unnerving and a little creepy about these Christmas themed PSA's put out by the Seventh Day Adventists. There is some exceptional overacting on the likes of "Runaway", "Worried Helen" and "Papa & Tony" which pushes this record over the edge from quirky to kitsch. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

SVEN LIBAEK AND HIS ORCHESTRA - MY THING





Track 1 - My Thing
Track 2 - Misty Canyon
Track 3 - Sydney Revisited
Track 4 - Kangarootine
Track 5 - Groove
Track 6 - Soul Thing
Track 7 - Flight To The World
Track 8 - Winds On Falls Creek
Track 9 - Indian Pacific
Track 10 - Highway No.1
Track 11 - Expectations
Track 12 - Go, Girl, Go

After a little bit of searching I have located the Sven Libaek album that contains "Misty Canyon". Released through the Peer International Library this is slightly more laid back than "Solar Flares", most of the tracks having a guitar base with horns, vibes and/or flute layered over the top. The music is great and the Australian references in the song titles certainly add to the appeal for me ( "Indian Pacific" I presume refers to the train which travels between Sydney and Perth, a journey of 4,352 kilometres. Also, "Highway No.1" is the road that circuits the entire coastline of Australia making it the longest highway in the world. )

It's probably wrong of me to make comparisons but some of this work reminds me of the great James Clarke, the music is probably best described as easy listening but there is so much going on beneath the surface. Please note - sadly "Sydney Revisited" cuts off at 1:15, Broshing has kindly supplied a link to the full track and you can access it by clicking on "Comments" below. Thanks to the original uploader.

SVEN LIBAEK - SOLAR FLARES






Track 1 - Solar Flares
Track 2 - Stella Maris
Track 3 - Lift Off
Track 4 - Destination Omega 3
Track 5 - Conversations With Hal
Track 6 - No Flowers On Venus
Track 7 - Quasars
Track 8 - Meteoric Rain
Track 9 - Space Walk
Track 10 - Infinite Journey
Track 11 - In Nebular Orbit
Track 12 - ...And Beyond

Being an Aussie I couldn't resist posting this rare and wonderful example of 1970's Australian library music. The unique sounds heard on this recording can be attributed in part to the Qasar II synthesizer which was invented by Sydney resident Tony Furse. However, at its heart this is a jazz / funk album and a very good one at that. I suspect that the High Llamas have heard of Sven because "Stella Maris" is incredibly similar to the style of music they play.

While writing this post I thought to myself "Haven't I heard of that name before?" and sure enough Sven is responsible for one of my favourite library music tracks of all time - "Misty Canyon" so I will have to hunt around and see if I can find some more albums by him. The only criticism I would give to "Solar Flares" is that without the track titles you wouldn't have a clue this was space themed. So, in that respect it fails but purely as a listening experience it's an epic piece of funkiness!














Credit goes to the I Flips Me Lid blog for the photo and background info.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

PAC-MAN - THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM





Track 1 - The Magic Christmas
Track 2 - Snowflakes And Frozen Lakes
Track 3 - Under The Tree
Track 4 - Deck The Halls
Track 5 - An Old Fashioned Christmas
Track 6 - Somedays Are More Important
Track 7 - Friends Again
Track 8 - We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Here's another 1980's pop culture cash-in from Kid Stuff Records. The basic plot involves Pac-Man and Miss Pac-Man inviting a bunch of ghosts to spend Christmas with them. Interwoven between this "story" are a couple of well know Christmas jingles and some truly awful original songs. This album is utterly horrific but if I was eight years old again then I might have enjoyed it...maybe.

Monday, December 12, 2011

JEAN-JACQUES PERREY - MUSIQUE ELECTRONIQUE DU COSMOS






Track 1 - The Alien Planet
Track 2 - In First Orbit
Track 3 - Music Of The Planets
Track 4 - Space Light
Track 5 - Intercelestial Tabulator
Track 6 - Mars Reflector
Track 7 - Aqua Density
Track 8 - Caverns In Deep Sea
Track 9 - Cybernauts
Track 10 - Saturnian Bird
Track 11 - Andromeda Calling
Track 12 - The Saturn Ambassador
Track 13 - Spatial Blues
Track 14 - Barnyard In Orbit
Track 15 - Chicken On The Rocks

What starts off as a fairly standard collection of space soundscapes ( if there is such a thing ) gets progressively weirder and weirder with "Saturnian Bird" and "Barnyard In Orbit" in particular raising eyebrows. Being a Jean-Jacques record there is plenty of electronic experimentation underpinning all the quirkiness and the tracks are kept nice and tight with the longest one clocking in at 2 mins 22 secs. While there isn't anything especially groundbreaking on this 1962 release, I'm sure it will please the fans along with anyone who enjoys a bit of space themed music.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS VOL.1 - VARIOUS ARTISTS






Track 1 -  Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer Mambo / Billy May
Track 2 - Winter Wonderland / Peggy Lee
Track 3 - Christmas Trumpets, We Wish You A Merry Christmas / Ray Anthony
Track 4 - Christmas Is / Lou Rawls
Track 5 - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, White Christmas / Jimmy McGriff
Track 6 - I'd Like You For Christmas / Julie London
Track 7 - Holiday On Skis / Al Caiola
Track 8 - (Everybody's Waiting For) The Man With The Bag / Kay Starr
Track 9 - Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Rock / Hollyridge Strings
Track 10 - I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm / Dean Martin
Track 11 - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, Jingle Bells Bossa / Eddie Dunstedter
Track 12 - Christmas Kisses / Ray Anthony & His Bookends
Track 13 - I'll Be Home For Christmas, It's Cold Outside / Jackie Gleeson & Jack
                 Marshall
Track 14 - What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? / Nancy Wilson
Track 15 - Cha-Cha All The Way / Capitol Studio Orchestra
Track 16 - The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) / Nat King Cole
Track 17 - The Nutcracker Suite / Les Brown & His Band Of Renown
Track 18 - Ring Those Christmas Bells / Fred Warning & The Pennsylvanians
Track 19 - Violets For You Furs / The Continental
Track 20 - Toys For Tots / Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole & Nancy Wilson
Track 21 - Jingle Bells / Johnny Mercer

Here are 21 swinging Christmas tunes care of the Ultra Lounge series. There's plenty of big band, bossa grooves, smooth easy listening and a few obscurities. The album is cool enough ( at least as far as Xmas music goes ) to please the likes of us funky types while still appealing to any older relatives that might be visiting you this holidays. If you like what you hear then you'll want to check out volumes 2 and 3 aswell. Please note - I think Track 3 is missing from this rip.


Friday, December 9, 2011

THE BIGROUP - BIG HAMMER






Track 1 - Big Hammer
Track 2 - Anna Purna
Track 3 - Devil's Stronghold
Track 4 - Rolling
Track 5 - Beat Norm
Track 6 - Heavy Lift
Track 7 - What's Coming
Track 8 - Blow Suck Blues
Track 9 - Gentle Swell
Track 10 - Bombilation

While "Big Hammer" doesn't quite hit as hard as it could have, this 1971 release from the Peer Music Library still contains some truly outstanding beats and grooves. The drums stand out as the glue that holds this record together with subtle guitar or flute accenting on the likes of  "Devil's Stronghold", "Gentle Swell", "Rolling" etc. As lovely as those tracks are I think the real highlights come in the form of the psych-rock infused "What's Coming", "Bombilation" and "Beat Norm". The breakbeats are electrifying, the organ playing out of control, the guitar licks irrepressible. It's no surprise that this record has become a favourite with library fans and beat junkies alike, so much so that it was re-released in 2005 with a limited edition of 500 copies ( some of which appear to still be available for a reasonable 25 Euros ). Check it out, you wont be disappointed!

JIMI HENDRIX - MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR





Track 1 - The Little Drummer Boy / Silent Night / Auld Lang Syne
Track 2 - Three Little Bears
Track 3 - The Little Drummer Boy / Silent Night / Auld Lang Syne (Extended Version)

To be honest I didn't know this record existed before today but I'm glad I know about it now. Jimi puts his unique spin on some Xmas classics and while I'm not sure "Three Little Bears" has any relevance to the holidays, it's a very good track aswell. Well worth checking out and I'm sure you'll agree this single also has a cool cover.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

FF014 - POLITICKING VOLUME 1





















http://www.mirrorcreator.com/files/04RKOTFV/FF014_-_Politicking_Vol.1.zip_links


Track 1 - JFK Vintage Commercial
Track 2 - Richard Nixon's The One
Track 3 - Nixon Commercial
Track 4 - Harold Fold...Call Me
Track 5 - Jimmy Carter 4 President
Track 6 - LBJ Daisy
Track 7 - Ed Broadbent Rap
Track 8 - George Bush Snr. Revolving Door
Track 9 - Ronald Reagan It's Morning In America Again
Track 10 - Ronald Reagan The Bear
Track 11 - Willie Horton Attack Ad
Track 12 - Perot Campaign Commercial
Track 13 - George W. Bush Commercial
Track 14 - Hillary Clinton 3 a.m
Track 15 - Barack Obama What If?

This compilation of campaign advertising features the good, the bad and the downright ugly side of political life in the United States. Whether these candidates are trying to glorify themselves or ruin the reputation of their competitors, it all sounds a bit silly now. Silliest of all would probably be "The Bear" by Ronald Reagan closely followed by Ed Broadbent's rap. If you would like a good giggle or just some strange ipod / mixtape filler then I think you'll enjoy this.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

BRUTON BRG 11 - WAY AHEAD





Track 1 - Scenic Route / Trevor Bastow
Track 2 - Spotlight / Trevor Bastow
Track 3 - Spotlight Link / Trevor Bastow
Track 4 - Disco Data / Trevor Bastow
Track 5 - Disco Data Link 1 / Trevor Bastow
Track 6 - Disco Data Link 2 / Trevor Bastow
Track 7 - Rundown / Trevor Bastow
Track 8 - Rundown Link 1 / Trevor Bastow
Track 9 - Rundown Link 2 / Trevor Bastow
Track 10 - Happy Heart / Trevor Bastow
Track 11 - Happy Heart Link 1 / Trevor Bastow
Track 12 - Full Frontal Funk / Trevor Bastow
Track 13 - Full Frontal Funk Link 1 / Trevor Bastow
Track 14 - Pathway / Brian Wade
Track 15 - Pathfinder / Brian Wade
Track 16 - Way Ahead / Brian Bennett
Track 17 - The World Today / Brian Bennett
Track 18 - Let's Go / Dave Gold
Track 19 - Let's Go Link / Dave Gold
Track 20 - Let's Get Success / Dave Gold
Track 21 - Let's Get Success Link / Dave Gold

As per the request from Lord Summerisle I have tracked down a copy of this 1979 Bruton release. There are a range of genres featured on the album from jazz / funk to disco and pop. Trevor Bastow composed the first 13 tracks and the highlights include the upbeat and very danceable "Spotlight", "Happy Heart" which evokes images of cruising through the English countryside in a sportscar and the aptly named "Full Frontal Funk" with it's 70's cop show vibe. The two Brian Bennett numbers are typically assured and the record finishes with some nice pop from Dave Gold. If you are familiar with late 70's Brutons then you'll have a fair idea what to expect, it's pretty lightweight but there is plenty of fun to be had aswell. Please note - "Let's Get Success" has some technical issues. Credit goes to the Vintage Library Emporium for the original upload.

Monday, December 5, 2011

A LITTLE FUNKY FROLIC UPDATE
















Recently I was approached by Clement from French website One Shot Music to do an interview regarding Funky Frolic. It was humbling to receive this request and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to discuss blogging and my love of music. The interview was posted today and I'm really happy with how it came out. You can check it out here.

In other news I am in the process of gathering a bunch of obscure / funky Christmas albums and will start posting them in the next week or so. I'm also in the early phases of putting together an advertising / production themed mix which should be ready around New Year's.

As always I'd like to say thanks to those of you who have left kind messages, it's always nice to log in for the day and find some words of support. It makes it all worthwhile. I know there are plenty of you who visit and don't leave messages but considering the amount of pageviews and downloads I get it's clear that many of you find the blog enjoyable and continue to return, so thank you one and all.

Funky Frolic out.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

ROGER ROGER & NINO NARDINI - AFRO SPOOKY RHYTHM PERCUSSION





Track 1 - Afro-Beat
Track 2 - Afro-Syn
Track 3 - Bossa-Rhythm
Track 4 - House Of Echoes
Track 5 - Ectoplasm
Track 6 - Poltergeist
Track 7 - Spook Train
Track 8 - Roger Rhythm 1
Track 9 - Roger Rhythm 2
Track 10 - Roger Rhythm 3
Track 11 - Power Source
Track 12 - Timp Easy
Track 13 - Drum City

Released through the Southern music library this record presents a very French interpretation of African beats and rhythms. Unsurprisingly given that Nardini and Roger Roger were involved, there is an element of electronic experimentation within some of the tracks along with a quirkiness that they both possessed in spades. "Bossa Rhythm" seems a bit out of place on this record both musically and thematically but it's a lovely song none the less. The last three tracks are credited to John Matthews and Peter Dennis, "Power Source" features some nice elements and "Timp Easy" sounds like the theme to an elephant herd on the move.

Friday, December 2, 2011

GETTING OFF! THE SEDUCTIVE SOUNDS OF 70'S ADULT CINEMA






















http://www.mediafire.com/?m05mjrj4mtz

Track 1 - Move On / L.Hurdle & F.Ricotti
Track 2 - J.P Walk / Anton Scott
Track 3 - Gentle In The Night / Alan Tew
Track 4 - Power Play / Ray Davies
Track 5 - Nude Interlude No.1 / Unknown
Track 6 - Hawkwind And Fire / Alan Hawkshaw
Track 7 - Disco Fever / Brian Bennett
Track 8 - The Bends / Roger Webb & Keith Grant
Track 9 - The Heist / Alan Tew
Track 10 - Nude Interlude No.2 / Unknown
Track 11 - Carl's Cabana / Unknown
Track 12 - Fernando's Blues / Unknown
Track 13 - Nude Interlude No.3 / Unknown
Track 14 - Bang'em Hard / Unknown

While it's probably not the best representation of 1970's porn groove, this compilation does include some big names from the world of library music. Mixed in with the standard bass / drum / horn funk numbers are pieces of dialogue from some of the featured porn films. It's a very solid record but I have a particular soft spot for the slow burning "Gentle In The Night" by Alan Tew. I should have given this collection more of a chance when I first heard it because it's actually packed with quality and deserves repeated listens. Check it out for yourself and get your groove on!

KPM 1091 - VIBRAPHONE JAZZ QUARTET





Track 1 - Vibes In Counterpoint
Track 2 - Vibes In Counterpoint (Short)
Track 3 - Vibes In Waltz Time
Track 4 - Vibes Abstraction
Track 5 - Vibes Invention
Track 6 - Air For Vibraphone
Track 7 - Bossa Noches
Track 8 - Detour
Track 9 - Douglas Dilemma
Track 10 - Factory Fresh
Track 11 - Light Manufacturing
Track 12 - Sales Appeal
Track 13 - Consumer Goods
Track 14 - Market Research
Track 15 - Day By Day
Track 16 - Industrial Environment

This KPM by Bill Le Sage and Tony Kinsey provides a heavy dose of vibraphone vibes over the course of it's 16 tracks. There is a mixture of moods with some of the songs displaying a 1950's advertising / shopping muzak feel while "Industrial Environment" and others are more pared back and mysterious. One of the standout tracks is "Day By Day" which also appears on the "Setting The Scene: From The Vaults Of KPM" compilation. If you are searching for a cool album for your next swinging cocktail party or maybe just something different to put on over Christmas then this should suit the bill. Many thanks to the Vintage Library Emporium for the link.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE - HERITAGE EP






Track 1 - Prelude
Track 2 - Moments
Track 3 - Spottie
Track 4 - Rainbows
Track 5 - Water

Here is some cool modern music for your listening enjoyment. The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble hail from Chicago and comprise 8 brothers ( yes that's right, 8! ). They play a restained but incedibly groovy style of funk which has seen them perform on the same bill as artists like Blur, De La Soul and Mos Def. This EP is just one example of how funk music continues to flourish in the 21st century and I would encourage you to seek out and buy their past releases along with the most recent EP - "Bulletproof Brass".

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

VROOMMM FUNK CINEMATIQUE - VARIOUS ARTISTS





Track 1 - Bracconiere - G.Sorgini
Track 2 - Honda - G.Sorgini
Track 3 - Sgambetto - R.Ducros
Track 4 - Bossa Astratta - L.Zito
Track 5 - Blues Elena - V.Stagni
Track 6 - Crisi Dell'Industria / F.Tamponi
Track 7 - Ineguale / U.Fusco
Track 8 - Plutone / S.Montori & G.Chiti
Track 9 - Propagazione Meccanica / G.Ugolini
Track 10 - Central Park / E.Roncarati
Track 11 - Una Partita Agitata / R.Ducros
Track 12 - Pressing / R.Ducros
Track 13 - Black California / P.Cannizzo
Track 14 - Shotgun / Arawak
Track 15 - Spiritoso / Braen
Track 16 - Struble Day / F.Tamponi
Track 17 - Nervoso / Astemix
Track 18 - Saudade De Brasil / R.Ducros
Track 19 - Iron Suite / M.Molino
Track 20 - La Rimonta / R.Ducros
Track 21 - Contropiede / R.Ducros
Track 22 - For Me / M.Molino

Here's another truly fantastic collection of Italian rare grooves that I spent a couple of years trying to import without luck. To my joy I was finally able to locate a copy on the internet last year and I wasn't disappointed! It shares a similar sound to "Phase 6 Super Stereo" which was also released on Plastic Records. However "Vroommm" is much more comprehensive and features some familiar names to those who are fans of 1970's Italian library music. The likes of Mario Molino, Remigio Ducros, Giuliano Sorgini and Arawak have appeared on a number of albums posted at Funky Frolic and their talents are indisputable. The unique way they blended funk, jazz, rock and other genres resulted in library music that is worlds away from what their British counterparts were creating during the same period. If you don't have this record already then you simply must find out for yourself just how good it is! Thanks to the original uploader and if you want to check out more music such as this click on "Italian Grooves" under the labels section of my blog.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

READY STEADY BOOGALOO! - VARIOUS ARTISTS



Track 1 - Come One Come All / Syd Dale
Track 2 - Wild Elephants / James Clarke
Track 3 - The Groupie / Syd Dale
Track 4 - Lucky Seven / Syd Dale
Track 5 - Cool Stepper / Max Harris
Track 6 - Carnaby Chick / Don Lusher
Track 7 - Running From Danger / Steve Gray
Track 8 - Disco Tek / Syd Dale
Track 9 - Boogaloo / Sys Dale
Track 10 - Go For Broke / Steve Gray
Track 11 - Double Take / James Clarke
Track 12 - London Life / Syd Dale
Track 13 - Spanish Charade / Tony Hatch
Track 14 - Say Something Sweet / James Clarke
Track 15 - Gentle Giant / Syd Dale
Track 16 - Hacienda Happening / Dick Walter
Track 17 - Portobello Market / Syd Dale
Track 18 - Black, White And Wonderful / Les Reed
Track 19 - News Travels Fast / Jim Lawless

This is one of a number of compilations which dig into the Amphonic vaults and unsurprisingly it features label founder Syd Dale heavily. There is a bit of crossover with "Blow Up: Exclusive Blend Vol.2" and they both share a similar easy listening / pop / go go vibe along with excellent sound quality. On many tracks lush orchestration is countered by crisp drums and blasting horns, prime examples being "Portobello Market" and "Cool Stepper". Make no mistake though - there is a great deal of funkiness to be had! The inclusion of music by James Clarke and Tony Hatch perfectly compliments that of Syd and the likes of Steve Gray and Jim Lawless just add an extra cherry to a perfectly formed groove cake, if you get my drift! This is a must have library collection.

P.S - As per the requests I was sent - I have replaced the links on "The Cop Show Themes" by Henry Mancini and "Insight Modulation" by Zanagoria. I hope they work okay. Cheers.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

FUNKY FROLIC'S 1ST BIRTHDAY SPECTACULAR!













Wow, I don't know where to begin! It's been such an amazing year at Funky Frolic, one that has involved a great deal of hard work on my behalf ( 418 posts and counting ). However the success of this site is very much a result of the support that has been graciously provided by countless fellow bloggers and visitors. For those of you who have given me advice, sent me albums, linked to Funky Frolic, become members and left so many wonderful messages I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I thought it would be cool to go over some of the highlights from the last 12 months and also compile an obligatory list. So here we go!




http://funkyfrolic.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-pussy-belongs-to-daddy-various.html

The biggest surprise of year one came when I posted this 1950's novelty record on a whim. I never could have imagined it would become the most viewed and most searched for album at Funky Frolic. I try not to think about the reasons behind that though!

"My Pussy Belongs To Daddy" heads a long list of popular posts that included cover art nudity. From " In The Nude" by Pornland to "Electronic Toys Vol.1" and "Pinball Playboy" by Cook County. Speaking of "Pinball Playboy", didn't that one come out of leftfield...It goes to show that you never quite know what will capture the imagination of the public.

The response to the mixes I've released has been fantastic with over 8,000 downloads. The Legends Of Library series proved to be very popular and I might consider adding a couple more composers to the list in the future. I have just finished another Frolic Beats comp and you can find that directly beneath this post.

I think it's a shame that the "Most Popular Posts" don't really reflect what I consider to be the best albums I have written about. So here is my Top 20 favourites from the year past in no particular order. If you haven't checked them out already then I urge you to click on the links and discover for yourself just how great these records are. Also, feel free to leave a message with your choice of top picks and if I get enough responses I'll post them up sometime.

1. "Desert" by A.Vuolo & E.Grande
2. "The Exotic Moods Of Les Baxter" Les Baxter
3. "Mars Production Library CK-713/CK-714" Various
4. "To-day's Sound" Piero Umiliani
5. "Ritornano Quelli Di... " Calibro 35
6. "Dirty Fan Male" Various Artists
7. "Paris Soul" Ben & The Platano Group
8. "The Amazing Spider-Man OST" Various Artists
9. "Bite Hard: The Music De Wolfe Studio Sampler 1972-1980" Various Artists
10. "Bully OST" Shawn Lee
11. "Under Pompelmo" Giuliano Sorgini
12. "Shut It! The Music Of The Sweeney" Various Artists
13. "Jimmy Ruckus And The Five Fingers Of Death" Big Pimp Jones
14. "Action Drive: KPM Compilation" Various Artists
15. "Bruton BRI 10 - Fantasia" Brian Bennett
16. "Mo'Hawk" Alan Hawkshaw
17. "Insight Modulation" Zanagoria
18. "Setting The Scene: From The Vaults Of KPM" Various Artists
19. "Man In Space With Sounds" Attilio Mineo
20. "Zombie" Fela Kuti & Afrika 70

So what does the future hold for Funky Frolic? Well, I still have a few tricks left up my sleeve and you can expect a number of weird and wonderful Christmas albums over the holiday period. Hopefully sometime in April I will pass the 1,000,000 pageview mark which will be a decent achievement for a niche blog. I hope you will continue to find music of interest at Funky Frolic in 2012 and beyond. With your continued support I'm sure things will keep rolling along.