By now, almost everyone who planned on being in school for the winter semester has returned to school. So what better time for a light-hearted complaint about Homework?
As I wrote a few months ago, the Star-Crest label fascinates me. Although their products seem to have started appearing in the early 1960's (the only confirmed date for the label found in the AS/PMA website is 1961), virtually everything I've heard from the good folks at Star-Crest sounds like it was intended for release in the 1930's.
That causes even more of a disconnect than usual with label stalwart Tony Rogers' rendition of "Homework". The lyrics present a typical young man, perhaps in his late teens, complaining of how he won't be showing up on time for his date (where they'll "neck and talk"), because of all the work he's been assigned. When it turns out that he's too late to even go to her door at all (although he also stopped to "take a bath"), he decides to read a good book, only to realize he can't even do that, because, you guessed it, there's more homework to be done.
That actually would not a be a bad bit of storytelling for an early '60's novelty pop or teen idol rock and roll record, come to think of it. Gary "U.S." Bonds could have made that work.
Unfortunately, lyricist William E. Cobb sent his lyrics to Star-Crest, and not Sterling or Lee Hudson, and we end up with a backing, and vocal delivery, that sound straight out of 1933. I wish I could have been there when Mr. Cobb heard the results of the work he'd paid for. Still, for all it's ridiculousness, I pretty much love this record.
Download: Tony Rogers with Orchestra - Homework
Play:
On the flip side, we hear Mary Marcuso's lament of having been tricked by an untrue lover, one who has now gone on to break yet another lover's heart. The setting again sounds like it was created in the mid-'30's (well, minus the guitar line, anyway) but at least this time, the lyrics and feel are appropriate to that time.
It's worth noting that this side of the record is a mere 84 seconds long: last week, I speculated that the total time of that week's 45 (3 minutes, 10 seconds) might be a record. Well, today's two-sider contains music that totals exactly... 3 minutes, 9 seconds!!!
Download: Tony Rogers with Orchestra - What a Fool I Was
Play:
2 comments:
I like the red vinyl, but that's about it. You are dead on concerning the 1930's "sound". If only they would have had the vocalist use a mega-phone, to really sell it, then it may have achieved a better whole effect. As these sides stand, for me, anyway, they are better to look at, than to listen to. Perhaps some producer of TV movies, out there, could utilize them for background, in a period piece scene. Or, better yet, frisbee-golf!
Hi Bob,
by odd coincidence I have also been blogging about Star-Crest: you can find the whole story about the label, plus eight tracks from their 45s, at http://worldsworstrecords.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/star-crust.html
I've also included links to your latest post and to your WFMU album.
Best,
Darryl
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