This is my blog where I write about music, jewelry, and myself. Vaudeville, burlesque, blues, jazz, songs about baltimore, novelties, and whatever else I feel like posting. Mostly from my own LPs and 78s. Subscribe via any of the methods in the right-hand column. Please do not link directly to the mp3 files.
Back, Back, Back to Baltimore
This song appears to have no relation, other than title, to " Back, Back, Back to Baltimore" sang by those racist vaudevillians Collins & Harlan. I'd seen that sheet music before and assumed that this recording would be my peek into it's questionable content. I had already formulated thoughts in my head about the times when people decide it's appropriate to re-record racist songs, changing the lyrics to make it seem okay. And whether a song is worthy of doing that. That can be a post for another day, because I've got some examples. So..... Zeb Turner is some rockabilly guy, and apparently a local DJ here in Baltimore (and DC). I guess this record is from the early 50s. It's cool that he wasn't just some guy who was cised on the original "Back to Baltimore," but it leaves me with little to say.  Zeb Turner
Back, Back, Back to Baltimore
King RecordsLabels: baltimore
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Baltimore & Ohio employess shout it out with glee.
The B & O Railroad. If you have any interest in such things, I encourage you to read the wikipedia, because I really can't pick out the fun facts to include here, let alone facts relevant to the song/glee club. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad employees' Glee Club is referenced a lot in this book on corporate management, of all things. It looks like it could be an interesting book.. I at least find the preface engaging. However an amazon reviewer condescendingly notes: "A word of warning as stated by the author in his preface: This is NOT a "choo-choo" book!...... This is a MUST READ for all those in corporate venues who want to get ahead." Uh okay guy. Well anyway, it appears that the B&O Glee club formed during the mid-twenties, was successful in glee club competitions (perhaps in part due to the "selected non-employees" that had been added?), had a record on Decca in 1945 and this self-released record from.. also the 40s? The song is kind of fun, not to mention the wanton self-references to B&O, and Baltimore, and Ohio. That's how I like it. The guy who recorded this record is someone special, so if you really want to get intense on reading about some 78s, check out this page on Orlando Marsh. And even better, this one. Hell yeah.  The Baltimore & Ohio Glee Club
Casey's ghost Comes Back
year: ?Labels: baltimore, history
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So as I mentioned previously, I spent a little time in Las Vegas. Frankly it was lame. I don't gamble and it was 107 degrees out and I need to walk around to enjoy a place but I couldn't walk very far. I enjoyed looking at the landscapes between Vegas and Zion Canyon, and I listened to the Sons of The Pioneers and thought about how cool water aint so bad. I have never been fond of water but I guess if you're in such a crappy place and you find some cool water that has kind of an earthy flavor from seeping through rocks or whatever, and you're tired of breathing in dust and the smell of your gross horse, then water is pretty great. I guess now I understand why the Sons of the Pioneers are always all obsessed with water. The Sons of the Pioneers
Cool WaterThe Sons of the Pioneers
Belle of BaltimoreLabels: baltimore, country
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WBA what the hell
 ???
TOTEM TOM TOMThis record smells great. It smells like my grandparents basement full of old books and random treasures. Such as the old 78 players that eventually became mine. I don't get what this record is all about. It is mint condition shiny 78rpm 12 inch. The song name typed on the other side is "CHCIAGO" [sic?] Good typing job there. Just this piano playing that sounds like the skill level of my elementary school music teacher. No offense Mrs. whatever your name was.. I associate WBAL with baseball games on the radio. And their call letter jingle, "double yoo bee eh elllll!!" Labels: baltimore
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WHFS top 50 of 1992
I compiled this myself.The hardest song to find was that "Beneath the Damage and the Dust" song. I imagine that the guy who sang that is like the father on the Gossip Girl TV show and he talks about his hit. Anyway, most of these songs remind me of riding around in a car. I loved the radio. I hope to compile 50-100 as well as the top 100 of 1994.. but it took some effort to do. So I figured I ought to share it. I got the list from hereLabels: baltimore
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Baltimore our Baltimore get the spirit
 Baltimore Public Schools
Baltimore Our Baltimore
year: ??Are these high school students? What year is this? Look at this record - it's RED. And translucent. My computer is soooo messed up that it is a true labor of love to do these songs. And I don't love it enough to do it often. But for reasons I won't get into I have a few spare moments here so check it out, this lovely song. You can play this at the Ravens games and stuff. More music posts coming soon. Labels: baltimore
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More from the "Baltimore's Best Rock" album. I was going to do the first three songs but the first song skips for no apparent reason. In addition, the song is so boring I decided to start writing this blog entry while listening to it and my computer can't handle that. It's true. My computer cannot load a mainly text page and record a song at the same time. It can't really run itunes either. I plug in my ipod and then go do something for a couple of hours. SO some time in the next few months I hope to buy a newer computer. I think Dells suck but I can't afford a mac and I don't know about any other computers. Any ideas? I'll probably just end up buying a Dell. If I ever buy anything at all. Ole faithful Dell 4550 here's been going strong for 6 years. And it's sucked for 5 of those years. ANYWAY I'm delivering a timeless party jam, entitled "Fish Bait." In addition, another boring song called "Hideaway," with lyrics about wizards and fantasy. Yet it still manages to be dull. These are tracks 3 and 2, respectively, off of this compilation. Play Fish Bait at your holiday party. Videotape people dancing to it. Put that video on youtube. Send me the link. I will post it here on unicornmeat.com. Oh and while I was recording I became engrossed in a magazine and let the 4th track, "Texas City" play as well. I'm embarrassed that this song was on a record in the name of Baltimore. I just know that one of these posts is gonna bite me in the ass because these band members are still around and probably search for mentions of their old bands only to find me dissing their corny glory days. Basement Floor, Both Worlds, & Kashmir
WKTK presents Baltimore's Best Rock
1978
Lilly Christine for irrelevant Eye Candy
Labels: baltimore
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"Baltimore's Best Rock".. if you say so..
 OHO
Seldom Bought
WKTK presents Baltimore's Best Rock
(1978)I believe I got this record from The True Vine. I simply can't pass up a piece of trivial Baltimore music history. If you ask me, this song is pretty bad. Yet maybe I like it. I don't know. It's so ridiculous and I like to imagine being the child of a guy who was in this band, and being like "what the hell, Dad?" I chose this track because of the keyboards and sound effects, but there's a track on Side A that's got a moog and is perhaps catchier. I may present that track tomorrow or something. I didn't think I'd find much information about OHO, but the blogosphere never ceases to amaze, and I have uncovered not only that they did have not onw but two full-lengths, and that they reissued some material, but also: OHO started in late 1973 in Baltimore on the ashes of the band Little Hans. They played experimental progressive rock influenced by Frank Zappa, as well as British prog bands of the first echelon, such as King Crimson and Yes. The band name was an acronym of its core members' surnames (O'Sullivan, Heck and O'Connor). After two proper albums, Okinawa and Vitamin Oho, the band disbanded, with Jay Graboski and Mark O'Connor moving on to form the more new-wave influenced Food for Worms. OHO has been sporadically reuniting throughout the 1980s, most notably in 1989 when they recorded their first new album for more than ten years, called Audition. 2004 saw the release of the album Up recorded by the latest incarnation of OHO that has been put together by the veteran Jay Graboski.- Mutant Sounds. 
I guess this is the WKTK staff. Lower felt-hand corner dude was pretty attractive.
Labels: baltimore
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blow up your tv throw away your papers...
My brother called me with an extra ticket to go see John Prine in DC. I've seen him a number of times since my childhood but it's been awhile. In the past few years of listening to music and playing some guitar and singing to myself, I've chosen new favorites.. growing up I really liked "Paradise" and "Hello In There." A few years ago I got really into "Christmas In Prison." I guess I haven't really listened to much of his later stuff. I didn't like it as much. Like the "In Spite of Ourselves" song which has Iris DeMent and a sweet melody going for it but the lyrics are just too dumb for me. John Prine & Nanci Griffith
Streets of BaltimoreI've said before that I am not really a fan of this arrangement. The subtle changes in the lyrics.. the monologue.. But you know, i've got this theme going on so here it is. Labels: baltimore, displacement, Streets of Baltimore
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Baltimore music history for real
Something with a little more substance this time. Not just a song entitled 'Baltimore', or about Baltimore, or a mysterious record label located in Baltimore, but an actual musical group from Baltimore. 
The Cardinals
If you already have an interest in this topic, you may be familiar with The Orioles, successful R&B group from around these parts in the 40s and 50s. The Cardinals are one of the founding members of the era of the "bird" groups that came in the wake of the success of the Orioles. Like their mentors, the Cardinals also hailed from the city of Baltimore. The group was formed in early 1947... For three years the group was a local favorite playing many of the area clubs and music revues. Soon after New Year's of 1951 the vocalists were given an audition for Atlantic records, and reportedly label founder Herb Abramson liked what he heard and the group was signed up. - DooWop NationIn my search for more Cardinals info, I came across a rather recent blog entry - from just a few weeks ago. This 'blogger' posted a download for a whole bunch of Cardinals songs. The song I've chosen isn't among them, coincidentally. I believe there are other Cardinals songs to be found on the blogosphere. Perhaps once you listen to the one I've put up here you'll be compelled to go find them.  The Cardinals
Kiss Me Baby
Atlantic 958 (1952)Labels: baltimore
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Dixie Record Company, Baltimore MD
 The Melody Boys
It's A Simple Little Town
year: ?If it isn't obvious, I purchased this because it was released by "Dixie Record Co., Baltimore, MD." I couldn't find anything about The Melody Boys (well, not these "Melody Boys" anyway), Dixie Record Company (well, not the one in Baltimore, MD anyway), or songwriting credit "Nello McQuigg" (He or she is probably he only person named that ever, and yet Google yields nothing). It's a scratchy sounding record, a boring ass song with some Hawaiin Guitar and easy listening vocals. Zzz. Why do I do this again? Well if someone searches for the Dixie Record Company in Baltimore and writes to me, it'll all be worth it. Speaking of which, I forgot to mention that I received an email from Tompall Glaser's cousin, Dennis Glaser, who had this to say:
"Actually, Harlan Howard is a co-writer on Baltimore. The legend is that TP had written a dozen verses, then appeared in Harlan's office one day, tossed it on his desk, and said, "Here, fix this." And Harlan did. He was the No. 1 writer in Nashville during that pivital time in Nashville when country music changed from studio-controlled slush to honest, individual expression.
I was told that the lyrics were used in a college textbook as an example of story-telling songs. But I do not have first-hand knowledge.
You might also add that I worked with Tompall and Waylon Jennings during the seminal years of country music change--the 70s--and since retiring, have authored a memoir, "A Geezer's Guide to the Universe," and am completing a second volume, "My Music City Memories," in which I recount some tales about people I met and things I experienced during that era."
Thanks dude! Labels: baltimore
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Baltimore Diary (late for Independence Day)
 Eddie Albert
Baltimore Diary 1773-1973 (excerpt)
RCA/The News American (1973)This is from a two LP set. The second record "presents for you selections from America's prolific musical heritage," such as "Shenandoah", "Semper Fidelis", "The Charleston", "The Twist", "Aquarius"(yes, from hair -k), and "God Bless America." The first is a narrative compiled from stories (and weird classified ads) from The News American, "Baltimore's first and oldest newspaper", which ceased publication in 1986. I've included a few minutes of tragedy and comedy from the turn of the 19th century. Labels: baltimore, history
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Headin for Baltimore..?
 Baltimore Society Orchestra
Headin' For Baltimore
(1922)I wonder if this song was entitled after selecting a phrase from a bag. Or maybe just a city name from a bag. Or maybe there's a version with lyrics that I haven't heard. Anyway whatever. According to this site, "the Dixie Daisies was a recording pseudonym used by Cameo Records and its subsidiary label Romeo for many Sam Lanin recordings." You may recall Sam Lanin from this other unicornmeat post. Labels: baltimore, jazz era
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Displacement VI + Baltimore
Bobby Bare
The Streets of Baltimore
(1966) Well this is it... my #1 "displacement" song I think. "The Streets of Baltimore." The original is written and performed by Tompall Glaser but I don't actually have that version. When I do I'll post it. The second person to make it a big hit is Bobby Bare here. He looks like sort of a turd on this album sleeve but he seems ok I guess. It's not my favorite version. I'm not sure which is. I first heard John Prine do it... but it's been covered by Gram Parsons, Shane McGowan, The Lemonheads, and a score of others. So I may keep em coming. Hell, maybe eventually I'll record this song myself. Listening to a lot of versions of a song really solidifies my likes and dislikes as far as lyrical nuances. I don't know why but I've always been annoyed by some changes artists make when they sing a song. Not always, but sometimes it just seems pointless. As I said, I haven't heard the original but I can say that I prefer the versions where they say "her heart was filled with gladness" instead of "laughter." I mean why would the city lights make her laugh.. that's stupid. And "some old machine" vs "an old machine." "Some old machine" sounds more like he's like he's just telling the story of working some old machine, rather than like.. working on an antique or something which would be an unnecessary detail even if it were the original intention. Yeah, I nitpick just a bit. Note: This is the first time I've used Audacity instead of Cool Edit to record a song. I think it might be better. Labels: baltimore, country, displacement, Streets of Baltimore
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Cross My Heart Mother
 Baltimore Society Orchestra
Cross My Heart Mother, I Love You
(1925?)The other side of this record is a song credited to "The Tricky Ten", which was otherwise known as "Eddie Peabody's Dance Orchestra", and had another recording on Oriole in 1925. Baltimore Society Orchestra also has a recording from 1925 called "I Miss My Swiss." That's basically all I know. Labels: baltimore, jazz era
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Baltimore.
 The Drifters
Baltimore
Atlantic 2050 (1960)You know The Drifters. "This Magic Moment." Well the B-Side of that song is called "Baltimore." And here it is now. I recorded it from my 78 player because I lost my 45rpm insert. You know, the spiral things?  Please mail me one. Kara Mae PO Box 6039 Baltimore, MD 21231 Labels: baltimore
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Baltimore Bounce mellow for springtime
 Erskine Hawkins and his Orchestra
Baltimore Bounce
1938This is the kind of song I can never have too many of. It's nothin special but nice background music for when the mood strikes. 1938... just on the cusp of when this kind of music loses my interest. Erskine Hawkins doesn't get much action on Wikipedia and Sammy Low doesn't have an entry at all. Sorry dudes. I'll try to get more songs of theirs to keep the flame alive. The brief alien cellphone interference at the beginning of the song is left in to convey the ambiance of my surroundings a bit. Labels: baltimore, jazz era
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Baltimore Oriole
 Hoagy Carmichael & Orchestra
Baltimore Oriole
1942I have some good stuff coming. I don't even like Hoagy Carmichael. Plus, this song isn't about Baltimore. Not really. Labels: baltimore
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That Tori Amos Baltimore Song
Amongst the world of songs about Baltimore, this one has a certain mythology to fans of that zany Maryland-born redhead. As for me, I think it's just a terrible song about Baltimore. Ellen "Tori" Amos
Baltimore
1980Labels: baltimore
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Baltimore Blues
"Take me back baby.. with my drunken ways." "Papa" Charlie McCoy. Great stuff. Many good songs to be found. "Baltimore Blues" is found in CD form on Volume 1 of the complete works of the McCoy brothers. Not to be confused with this Charlie McCoy, who looks pretty lame.. Charlie McCoy
Baltimore Blues
1934Labels: baltimore, blues
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Don't bother to stop me if you've heard this one.
 Eubie Blake and His Shuffle Along Orchestra
Baltimore Buzz - Fox Trot
Victor 18791-A, 1921I love 78s that say what type of song they contain.. Fox Trots always do. And of course old ragtime and blues songs made sure to have the words "rag" or "blues" right in the title. I guess that's because people went out and bought records without hearing them more often. Nowadays we demand to hear it before we buy it... or own the song without buying it at all. This here song is by the famous Eubie Blake who was of course from Baltimore and now has the Jazz and Cultural Center named for him. Despite living a block away for most of my Baltimore existence, I never stepped foot in the place. I'm glad it exists nonetheless. Below the song title it says "Introducing 'In Honeysuckle Time'". I guess that never caught on. I chose this song because it has the word "Baltimore" in the title. I've decided I'm going to start posting a lot of Baltimore-related songs. Actually I might have decided that a long time ago, I can't remember. I've been in the habit of seeking out 78s that mention or originate from Baltimore for quite some time now. So for all I know I've posted this song before. That's liable to happen from time to time, knowing me. Labels: baltimore, jazz era
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