My Weird Record Collection

It’s the 15th of the month! There’s supposed to be a new episode, right? Right?? Well…listen for details!

Dr. Murray Banks was a psychologist who specialized in love, sex, and all the fun and not-so-fun stuff that goes with it. Join Sean as he learns all about these topics from Murray Banks as the New York shrink addressed a crowd in 1961, and also his reflections on his first record show in over 20 years! SHOW NOTES A Lesson in Love on YouTube

Did you know that Amway had its own singing group? And that they released albums? Join Sean in episode 27 of My Weird Record Collection for an inspirational dive into The Sanborn Singers and a souvenir album from the 1971 World of Amway convention! SHOW NOTES A Bright New World on YouTube “The Story of the Leisure World Globe,” from Laguna Woods History Center

Okay, recently you learned how to communicate your ideas, and it was proposed that if you do that well, you could get a Christmas bonus. So why is this recruitment pitch from the New England Mutual Life Insurance Company considered a Christmas bonus? Guess you’re just gonna have to listen to episode 26 of My Weird Record Collection and find out! SHOW NOTES The Next Step is Up to You on YouTube The Next Step is Up to You on Discogs Mock-up of a potential New England Mutual Life Insurance Company questionnaire (warning: AI generated!)

Are you afraid to talk to people? Do your subordinates yawn a lot when you’re presenting a simple plan? Have you ever overheard someone mumble “That meeting could have been a memo”? (This is 1967, by the way, so no e-mail.) Well, boy howdy, you’re in luck! The editors of Nation’s Business, courtesy of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, have exactly the solution for you! Have your girl queue up episode 25 of My Weird Record Collection so you can explore the strangely uncapitalized album How to communicate your ideas so you and the other men of your business can succeed! SHOW NOTES How to communicate your ideas on YouTube How to communicate your ideas on Discogs How to communicate your ideas on The Internet Archive Nation’s Business magazine online “How To Remove A Sticker From A Record Album Cover” on YouTube

It’s the ultimate battle: two New Jersey college sports teams face each other with rules that they’re not sure about because, well, nobody’s ever played the game before! And who better to commemorate that event than Chevy? Legendary sportscaster Chris Schenkel brings us this and several other stories throughout college football’s first hundred years. SHOW NOTES Chevrolet Salutes the 100th Anniversary of College Football on YouTube Chevrolet Salutes the 100th Anniversary of College Football on Discogs If the Walls Could Talk… podcast “How New Jersey Saved Civilization… the first intercollegiate football game” Knute Rockne’s famous halftime locker room speech Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 24

Father Francis Lad Filas S.J. was an expert in the fatherhood of Joseph to Jesus. Every year for decades he told viewers of ABC-TV about the Shroud of Turin. Oh, and he also knew about sex, and he was happy to fulfill the inquiring minds of the teen populace of 1964. Join Sean for this exciting adventure into Fr. Filas’ record, and a brief walk with the Shaded Dog! SHOW NOTES Teenagers’ Questions About Life, Love, & Sex on YouTube Teenagers’ Questions About Life, Love, & Sex on Discogs A brief bio of Fr. Francis Filas, courtesy of the Digital Sindonological Lexicon “Doubts Concerning the Coins Over the Eyes”, from The Shroud of Turin Website “Did Jesus really exist? And what’s with the Shroud of Turin,” from The Straight Dope Shaded Dog: Your Guide to RCA Living Stereo Classical Records Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 23

90% of what you know about training a dog is wrong. Well, at least that’s what Chuck Eisenmann says! If you have a dog and want to know what you’ve been doing wrong, perhaps this episode is for you. Otherwise, this episode is DEFINITELY for you! Also, a story of a special black triangle on a certain Beatles album. SHOW NOTES Educate Your Dog by The Eisenmann Method on YouTube Baseball in Wartime entry on Chuck Eisenmann Educate Your Dog by The Eisenmann Method on Discogs.com “Are cats and dogs really color-blind? How do they know?” – Cecil Adams, The Straight Dope, May 1, 1987 Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 22

Glenn W. Turner preaches the power of greatness and how to achieve your wildest dream of riches — through multilevel marketing! Also…ever wonder what the deal is with ridges and those large spindle holes on seven-inch records? Listen and learn with episode 21 of My Weird Record Collection…and be great! SHOW NOTES Dare to Be Great! on YouTube Dare to Be Great! on discogs.com “Glenn Turner’s castle” – Orlando Observer, January 12, 2018 “A super-huckster builds an empire on a bold slogan: Dare to be Great!” – Life, May 28, 1971 “Why are vinyl record speeds 33, 45, and 78 RPM? And why the big hole in 45s?” – The Straight Dope, March 12, 1976 Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 21

It’s 1985. There’s a famine in Ethiopia causing suffering and death. In episode 20 of My Weird Record Collection we take a look at that famous fundraising effort that happened in…San Diego??? We also dip our toes in the water of the sea of promo records. SHOW NOTES Will They Know It’s Summertime? on YouTube Will They Know It’s Summertime? on Discogs 91x (XETRA-FM) official web page Global Communities (merger between Project Concern International and the Foundation for Cooperative Housing) Weird record rankings as of episode 20

Media legend and genius businessman Earl Nightingale scolds you about driving before you even reach for your keys. Why? My guess is someone cut him off in traffic on his way to work and he decided to vent his frustrations on a record. Whatever the case, Sean examines this spoken-word nugget in episode 19 and also pays tribute to a musical genius who rolled up to heaven recently. So be matyerr and listen to My Weird Record Collection. And stay alive, will ya? SHOW NOTES A Great Way to Live…A Tragic Way to Die entry on Discogs A Great Way to Live…A Tragic Way to Die on YouTube Nightingale Conant’s official web site Weird record rankings as of episode 19

You think you’re a wiz at Trivial Pursuit? And that all that useless knowledge you’ve acquired will get you on Jeopardy! some day? That’s all fine and dandy, but how can you perform in a record-based trivia game? Travel with Sean back to 1966 for episode 18 — and be prepared to identify music played on an organ! SHOW NOTES Name That Trivia on YouTube Side One Side Two Name That Trivia on discogs.com Ted Auletta’s bio on spaceagepop.com Vinyl Junkies: Adventures in Record Collecting by Brent Milano Weird record rankings as of episode 18

The label was called Music For Pleasure. But how much pleasure does Smash Hits ’71 provide? Listen to episode 17 of My Weird Record Collection and hear Sean discuss this album of mysterious uncredited studio musicians re-produce such time-honored masterpieces as “My Sweet Lord,” Mozart’s “Symphony No. 4,” and of course, “Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep.” SHOW NOTES Smash Hits ’71 on YouTube: Side 1 Side 2 Vinyl Vulture’s write-up on Music For Pleasure (via archive.org) BWD Productions Lally Stott on Toppop The Mixtures – “The Pushbike Song” on Top of the Pops Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 17

Version 1.0.0 To celebrate the anniversary of Chicago being incorporated as a city, we look at the 1979 release Mayor Daley on the Record for episode 16. Bill Cameron compiled bits and pieces of “Hizzoner,” from happy to angry, and sometimes his rather artful use of the English language. Also, Sean gives some record storage tips as well. You don’t need to make a mountain out of a mole or fly all the way into O’Hara International Airport to enjoy the history behind “Da Mare.” SHOW NOTES: Mayor Daley on the Record on YouTube IBVIVIC Vinyl Album Storage Case Bag for 12-inch LP Boss: Richard J. Daley of Chicago by Mike Royko Audio Supplies for Recorded Music Formats at BAGS Unlimited Kallax storage at IKEA Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 16

Is your marriage on the rocks, or is it on the rock? Are you old enough? Listen to Bob Harrington, the Chaplain of Bourbon Street, and learn what makes a good marriage — better yet, listen to episode 15 of My Weird Record Collection and learn more about the album and a bit about Bob himself!Also, have one drink for every time Sean mentions the RIAA. SHOW NOTES Bob’s Marriage Repair Kit on discogs.com Bob’s Marriage Repair Kit on YouTube Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 15 RIAA Gold and Platinum database

To start off 2025, My Weird Record Collection is back as Sean combines two of his loves: record collecting and retro video games. We take a look at a spoken-word record from 1982 about how to improve your arcade gaming on some classic titles. Will Curtis Hoard’s techniques prove valuable? Listen to episode 14 and find out! SHOW NOTES L.A. Strong – Support Wildfire Relief California Fire Foundation Conquer the Video Craze on discogs.com Conquer the Video Craze audio on archive.org Conquer the Video Craze on YouTube Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 14 aurcade.com – find where you can play your favorite arcade games!

Wait a minute…episode 13 is out? Is it January 15th already? Well, no…Sean just couldn’t let Christmas go by without one more episode to round out the year! In this Christmas-themed My Weird Record Collection, Sean takes a dive into records he had as a child, courtesy of Mr. Pickwick. You wouldn’t think children’s records would be considered weird. Again, you wouldn’t THINK that children’s records would be considered weird, but here we are. Just listen and find out what we mean. SHOW NOTES All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth EP on Discogs Mr. Pickwick Players – Frosty the Snowman – entire album on YouTube Don Janse and his 60-Voice Children’s Chorus – Christmas Drummer Boy on Discogs Don Janse and his 60-Voice Children’s Chorus – Christmas Drummer Boy – entire album on YouTube Don Janse and his 60-Voice Children’s Chorus – Rudolph, The Red-nosed Reindeer EP on Discogs Don Janse and his 60-Voice Children’s Chorus – The Little Drummer Boy EP on Discogs The Chipmunk Song EP on Discogs The Chipmunk Song EP on YouTube

“Li’l Wally” Jagiello was Chicago’s polka king, yet somehow Sean never heard of him until happening upon this album while out for a day of normal record shopping. So for this episode he takes a look into this oddly-titled album, and takes a mini-dive into Christmas albums. It’s time to live it up! (You know what I mean?) SHOW NOTES: Polish Sex on YouTube Polish Sex on Discogs Jay Jay Records – official web site Dance Around the Christmas Tree with Li’l Wally on YouTube Dance Around the Christmas Tree with Li’l Wally on Discogs “Walter Jagiello defined the polka sound of Polish Chicago” by Steve “Plastic Crimewave” Krakow, Chicago Reader Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 12

We just had a presidential election here in the States, so what better topic than…campaign records! In this month’s episode, we take a look at campaign music supporting two vastly different U.S. presidential candidates who ran for the highest office in the nation in the ’60s! Also, Sean offers some hints on how to digitize those treasured pieces of vinyl in your collection. SHOW NOTES: “High Hopes” with Jack Kennedy on YouTube Jack Kennedy – “All the Way” on YouTube Campaign Favorites – George C. Wallace on YouTube Jack Kennedy record’s entry on Discogs Campaign Favorites – George C. Wallace on Discogs Audacity – free sound recorder and editor Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 11

It’s the Libra time of year, and it’s also Sean’s birth sign! So naturally, this was a fitting record to choose for this episode Learn what the famed astrologer has to say about the sign of the scales. Sean also opines on what to do with those dud records that creep into your collection from time to time. SHOW NOTES: Sydney Omarr’s Libra album on YouTube (track by track) The Libra album on Discogs.com Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 10

Did you know that Sears produced at least two custom records? (Actually, they did at least three, but alas, only two were within reach for this episode!) And did you know that Sears had a charm school? Hear more about it with episode 9! Also, Sean gives you advice on what makes your records sound good. SHOW NOTES “Get more from your KENMORE” on YouTube “Young Ladies in Review” on YouTube (both versions) “Get more from your KENMORE” on discogs.com “Young Ladies in Review” on discogs.com “Charmed and Dangerous” – boomer Debi Dixon reflects on her experiences with the Sears School for Young Charmers Rod Hart – “C. B. Savage” Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 9

I was saddened to learn of the recent death of Richard Simmons. Despite having the remainder of the year’s episodes planned out, I made a last-minute change to pay tribute to the wacky master of fitness. For episode 8, let’s check out his 1982 exercise album, Reach. I mean…Richard Simmons singing? Count me in!While we’re at it, let’s explore these vendors who say, “I know what I have!” (rant alert!) Show Notes: Reach on YouTube Reach on discogs.com Complete Reach workout video TV ad for Reach Richard Simmons’ appearance in Satyricon Richard Simmons’ story on Real People Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 8

Breaker breaker, this is Switchblade Coyote with Episode 7 of My Weird Record Collection. You got your ears on, good buddy? We’re gonna eyeball a record from 1976 that tells you how to get the most out of your CB radio, with that famous channel hogger Peter Thomas. Also, we take a look at perhaps why people love records so much. SHOW NOTES Everything You Need to Know to Operate a CB Radio on YouTube Everything You Need to Know to Operate a CB Radio on discogs.com “Revolver” by Hooverphonic CB World Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 7

Imagine this: it’s 1967. You and your husband arrive at your friends’ house for a dinner party. But before dinner, they pull out a tripod and expand a screen on it, plug in a film projector, and excitedly tell you that they can’t wait to show you highlights of their vacation to Topeka. And just to spice things up, they also provide a professional soundtrack to really enhance the sensation of actually being there. Episode 6 of My Weird Record Collection discusses that memorable soundtrack. SHOW NOTES Background Music and Sound Effects on YouTube Custom Music for 8MM on YouTube “Ridin’ Surf” music set to surfing footage “Travelling and Locomotion” as a backdrop to Sean’s spring break trip to New York City Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 6

It’s one thing to bet on a horse race that’s taking place at a track. But how about a prerecorded horse race that’s on a vinyl record — and you still don’t know who the winner will be? In episode 5 of My Weird Record Collection, Sean explains how it’s possible via a 1976 play-at-home game.SHOW NOTES U.S. gambling helplines by state Worldwide gambling helplines They’re at the Post entry on discogs.com New York Times, “A Good Track Record” by Lawrence Van Gelder – July 18, 1976 Players enjoying They’re at the Post They’re at the Post on YouTube: Race #1 (all possible outcomes) Race #2 (all possible outcomes) Race #3 (all possible outcomes) Race #4 (all possible outcomes) Race #5 (all possible outcomes) Race #6 (all possible outcomes) Race #7 (all possible outcomes) Race #8 (all possible outcomes) Race #3, one possible outcome – video of the record playing so you can see how fast the tone arm moves! Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 5 The Jockey Club

Sean here. I have to confess: I made some mistakes during the autoharp episode. I know, I know, a horrible injustice to autoharps. Not enough corrections and addenda for a full episode, but too many just to mention in the next episode, so here’s an interim mini-episode to hold you over until May 15. (My apologies to Dr. Walter Duda.)

You and your significant other want to invite four friends over for a dinner party, but what do you cook? And how? Lucky for you, food writers Gaynor and Dorothy Maddox have four suggestions for you. Even luckier for you, My Weird Record Collection is providing you with some commentary on Gaynor and Dorothy’s commentary! Whether you want to try Dorothy’s famous steak dinner or treat your friends to a Polynesian wingding, you can’t lose with Episode 4! SHOW NOTES Hear How to Plan the Perfect Dinner Party entry on Discogs.com Hear How to Plan the Perfect Dinner Party – entire album on YouTube Hear How to Plan the Perfect Dinner Party – entire album on archive.org Carlton Album Discography – by Mike Callahan and David Edwards Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 4 WNYC radio broadcast by Gaynor Maddox from 1946

Don’t feel threatened by the ides of March — pick up an autoharp and play! For this month’s episode, Sean pulls out not one but two autoharp albums from his box of oddities from local record stores. Show Notes McDonald’s Menu Song record What Happened to the Winner of McDonald’s $1 Million Flexi-Disc Contest? Autoharp for Students and Educators on YouTube Tuning Your Autoharp album on YouTube Meg Peterson’s blog Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 3 Jo Ann Smith on YouTube Tim Crist / Worm Quartet web site Kevin Zerbe (artwork designer)

Dime stores were quite common for a time, and in this episode of My Weird Record Collection, Sean takes a look at an interesting relic of those times: a ten-inch record containing the audio from a grand reopening of the original J.J. Newberry discount store in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania!Show Notes: J. J. Newberry Memorial Store Opening Ceremony – complete audio on YouTube Audio Record – December 1951 issue, with article about Fulton Recording Company Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 2 Kevin Zerbe @ www.zerbinator.com

The record that started it all for Sean and his weird collection! In the first complete episode we examine this thrift store curiosity and the history behind it and learn some record maintenance tips. Show Notes The Singing Johnson Family on discogs.com The Singing Johnson Family playlist on YouTube Your Favorites By The Singing Johnson Family playlist on YouTube Weird Record Rankings as of Episode 1 Recommended cleaning products

A new year brings new hope, new beginnings, and…a new podcast! In this introductory episode, Sean talks about how he got into collecting records that even their vendors don’t know how to categorize. On the way, he’ll also share some general record collecting and maintenance advice.

Ever wonder what’s on those strange records you see in the wild, the ones that even used record stores don’t know how to categorize? Well, I do! I buy them, listen to them, and share with you exactly what you’re missing! Starting in January 2024 I’ll discuss one (or maybe more!) of these oddities each month, plus give you some thoughts and tips on record collecting.