Thursday, March 31, 2005

THEREMINS THEREMINS THEREMINS

The absolutely critical Thereminvox.com website, dedicated to all things theremin, has a fantastic mp3 library chock-full of rare historical recordings of what's been called the strangest musical instrument ever invented. Most of it's the spooky mood music you'd expect, but what is one to make of things like:
"Sinners" by a rock'n'roll combo known as Freddy And The Hitch-Hikers. Recorded around 1961, it's one the first (the first?) rock records using electronics.
"So Attracted To You" Quoth, "A great spooky cha-cha tune from 1959 by Herbi Silvers and his Orchestra. This song features Leon "Herbi" Silver on vocals and saxophone and his "Silver Belles"." Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman, the man on the theremin here, was possibly the most widely known and recorded thereminist ever, appearing on American national TV shows like "Tonight" with Johnny Carson, recordings with everyone from Les Baxter to Captain Beefheart, and countless mystery/horror/sci-fi film scores. There's a treasure-trove of his stuff here.

And this concludes today's history lesson. Questions?



Oh, come on now, can I see some new hands?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm posting to say excellent job of posting all this music. It's pretty surprising to see nobody giving comments on this stuff since it's all great. Great blog by the way and keep putting up the music!

Mr Fab said...

Always nice to hear, thanks. Webstats show the readers are out there - but they may be on too much medication to respond...

Anonymous said...

Cher Monsieur Fab ,
Many thanks for your "pre-ad" about the CD "Happy Electro Pop Machine" .It is presently on elabration and will be released in 2006 . I'll send you a copy when it'll be masterized ....
Sincerest regards to you .

Jean Jacques Perrey

Mr Fab said...

Oh my GAWD. The Maestro himself! Don't thank me monsieur, the pleasure's all mine.