Saturday, October 7, 2017

Pinky and Perky

Her are Pinky and Perky, from the BBC children's show of the same name. Not sure what they mean by 'between these and the original sounds.' Perhaps their songs were re-recorded for the album and they're cheekily acknowledging it? (or they're saying that Pinky and Perky are not the original performers of "Yellow Submarine" and such)

Let's take a look at that sticker near the top.

W.H. Smith? Someone must've brought this 'across the pond,' as the kids say. To make sure, I'll consult the assistant.

Sunday, October 1, 2017

10 cents too much!

I guess I should start out by stating that I only got this as a sort of time capsule thing. I thought 'this is too weird/dumb not to grab!' It's probably the most controversial album I have, just because of the cover image. Nowadays, you'd [hopefully] only see blackface for comedic purposes, like some character on a sitcom accidentally gets something on their face that makes it look like blackface, and it's 'oh, you...' *cue laugh track* Anyway...

Not sure where the 10 cent sticker would've been from. Flea market? Anyway, I found this (and a few others similar to it, possibly the same artists) at the local Salvation Army, no doubt from one person's collection.

I think it's the same guys on the other minstrel albums. Definitely some cringe-worthy titles there, mixed in with some great ones. ("Beautiful Dreamer" is especially nice)

Unsurprisingly, as seen in the bottom left corner, this 1961 album is from England. (it says An Oriole of England Recording) While the Civil Rights movement was going strong in America, the BBC series The Black & White Minstrel Show was going strong in the UK, lasting until 1978! :o The first time I saw performers in blackface, or at least really took notice and understood the controversy, was on All in the Family, where Archie blacked up for a show with his Army buddies, much to Edith's dismay. (first time ever was probably seeing clips of Al Jolson)

More info on the history of minstrel shows here