Peter Dunn's Vinyl Museum

Following up from the last post, this is the unique sleeve that the Dorothy Lamour album came in...

At first, I thought 'oh cool, something more than the usual brown/white paper sleeve with a cartoon cat on it.' But then I noticed all the text everywhere...

I'll have to add a sticker like that on my record player too. Heh. :)

This post has a nice little history of Peter Dunn and his vinyl history, including links to a couple of videos involving the stores. Another good post here. Given how many are out there, and how many Toronto albums I see here, I'm surpised it took me this long to see one.

Funny/sad how nowadays, a record store like this could thrive in certain locations, especially given their apparent huge selection and low prices, but in the late 90s/early 00s, they were shutting down everywhere. It's possible I saw one of the Museum locations, especially the 355 Yonge St. one, as it was close to Sam's and HMV, but I have no memory of it.

Big Bird and Oscar visit Canada

I was wondering if this 1981 album was a Canada-only release, and apparently it was.

RCMP? So clichéd... ;)

Makes sense that CBC was first, though I bet it was quickly translated/remade into many languages for worldwide distribution. The Canadian version is the one I grew up with, though it was still 95% the American version. They basically just inserted a few Canada-specific skits here and there, some in French. We didn't need it, but there's some law about Canadian content, blah blah blah...

Vid Kids!

I was happy to have found this. I had forgotten about it.

Definite Mini-Pops vibe to this, despite the lack of costumes, and that may explain the lack of Bob Schneider (precious little info on him, but here's a lengthy old article), who was a huge force in this show.

A mix of current and classic songs was typical of these albums. Learn more about Vid Kids here.

And here's a full episode!

Computerman was my favorite segment. :)

You're Simply the Most

Coming across this was a nice surprise!

Didn't even know he had an album before I saw this. Of course, I know that's true of countless other TV stars of the period. I've also posted albums featuring his co-stars Fonzie and Chachi. ;)

Interesting super-minimalist cover. I guess the color draws you in. Hmm...

I can't think of what to do with the back cover. Hey Donny, can you move to your left a couple of feet and lean to your right a bit? Perfect.

I see what they did there.

Brought to you by the letter K[-tel]

Wasn't aware this had happened. Pretty cool!

Chris? I kinda recognize him, but the name is lost on me. Is he supposed to be Paul Williams? :p

Thanks for unwittingly donating to my collection, Tricia. ;) Too bad you ripped the cover, though.

Best album ever?

Yep, I was quite pleased to find this one...

I doubt that's his real signature, but if it is, that's pretty cool. ;)

From a distance, he just looks sort of confident.

Up close, I think he's gonna steal my wallet! :p

This 1982 album was his first of two. (the second, released in 1983, was called "The Boys are Out Tonight") Here's the track listing:

1. What Was In That Kiss
2. Wanted For Love
3. Woman, I Love Only You
4. Half The World
5. Runnin' Out Of Reasons To Go
6. What Am I Supposed To Do
7. Looking For The Right Girl
8. Midnight Confessions
9. When You Find Someone Who Loves You
10. How Do You Talk To Girls

More info on Scott here.

Bo Duke sings

Or perhaps Jonathan Kent? Or maybe I should just say John Schneider. Heh heh. ;)

I love finding albums that celebrities recorded. I already knew John made music in addition to his acting. And unlike many, it wasn't some one-off attempt at making a hit song; it has been a long, successful second career! With his looks, you never know...maybe he could've made it solely as a recording artist.

According to his discography, this one got up to 4th place on the U.S. Country charts!

More info on John and his various ventures at his official site.