Saturday, February 15, 2025

The Beatles Live at the Hollywood Bowl - Capital Recods 1977

I can hardly imagine performing music I wrote to an audience of constant, deafening screams. How did the girls manage to scream for the entire length of a concert? It’s such a peculiar phenomenon—sustained excitement expressed in such an overwhelming way. Interestingly, while the majority of the noise comes from girls, you can occasionally hear boys, women, and men joining in, though their voices are almost entirely drowned out. I don’t mean to single out the girls, but their exuberant energy dominates the soundscape.

Despite the unrelenting screams captured on this record, it’s fascinating to hear the Beatles in their touring prime. They sound fantastic, even if the tempo of their performances feels rushed at times. Was Ringo trying to push the set along to escape the chaos? It’s anyone’s guess. Regardless of the pacing, their music still shines, full of love and passion—the very emotions that inspired such adoration from their fans.

Even today, the love for the Beatles endures, though fans now express their excitement differently. Instead of screaming their hearts out during concerts, they carry that joy and admiration in their hearts and minds.

Oh well it's Chicken Pot Pie time... 

Mr. Eshnier 

The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl is a live album capturing the electric atmosphere of the Fab Four's performances at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in 1964 and 1965. Released in 1977, the album provides a rare glimpse into the energy and excitement of Beatlemania at its peak. The recordings, though technically challenging due to the deafening screams of fans, showcase the Beatles’ raw talent and ability to deliver unforgettable live performances despite the chaos surrounding them.

The tracklist features many of the Beatles' early hits, including Twist and Shout, She Loves You, and A Hard Day's Night, along with their endearing banter and charm between songs. Producer George Martin and engineer Geoff Emerick worked to enhance the original tapes, bringing out the music amid the audience's frenzied cheers.

In 2016, a remixed and remastered version of the album, Live at the Hollywood Bowl, was released to coincide with the documentary The Beatles: Eight Days a Week. This edition included four additional tracks and featured improved sound quality, offering a refreshed listening experience for fans.

Sources:

Friday, February 14, 2025

Telescope Time ! Vlog # 78


 As the sun dipped below the horizon, my son and I were playing outside when I noticed the perfect alignment of the moon and Venus in the evening sky—an ideal opportunity for some telescope viewing. I quickly retrieved my telescope from the house and set it up outdoors. We began by focusing on the moon, marveling at its craters and surface details, then shifted our attention to the brilliant Venus shining nearby. To conclude our session, we aimed our telescope at Uranus, enjoying the thrill of spotting this distant planet. Sharing these awe-inspiring celestial sights with my son was not only exciting but also a deeply rewarding experience.

Mr. Eshniner

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Son of Blob By The Blobs / (Mort Garson) Title song from the Motion Picture "Son of Blob"

This copy of the record was originally part of my mother’s collection of 45 singles. It holds a special place in my heart as one of the first records I ever listened to, back in the late 1980s. My mother kept her records stored in a box inside a cabinet in the living room, and when she was at work, I would rummage through them and play them on a portable 45 turntable from the late 1960s—a device that, given its age, would probably be a fire hazard today.

This record stood out immediately. From the moment I heard it, I knew something unique was happening. At the time, I had no idea what a synthesizer was, but the sound was unlike anything else I had experienced. It’s undeniably a goofy-sounding pop song with a distinct and zany overall sound. In the 1990s, I included it on mix tapes for friends, and their reactions were always the same: they found it weird, perhaps even bad, but undeniably intriguing.

Primarily instrumental, the track exudes an eccentric charm. Years later, in my 30s, I delved deeper into Mort Garson’s broader discography and discovered a treasure trove of innovative music. I’ve since become a true fan of his work. I won’t name any of his other pieces here because I encourage you to explore his catalog yourself. Mort Garson was a fascinating figure, and "Son of Blob," while just a brief moment in his musical journey, deserves to be celebrated by all who appreciate inventive and unconventional sounds.

Sincerely 

Mr. Eshniner 

"Son of Blob" is a 1972 novelty song performed by The Blobs, written by electronic music pioneer Mort Garson for the horror-comedy film Son of Blob (also known as Beware! The Blob), directed by Larry Hagman. The track was released as a 7-inch single by Verve Records, with "Party Pooper" as the B-side.

Mort Garson, renowned for his innovative use of the Moog synthesizer, infused "Son of Blob" with a quirky, electronic sound that complemented the film's campy nature. The song reflects Garson's experimental approach to music composition during the early 1970s.

The single was produced by Anthony Harris and distributed by Verve Records, a label known for its diverse catalog, including jazz and experimental music. While "Son of Blob" did not achieve significant commercial success, it remains a notable example of early electronic novelty music and Garson's eclectic body of work.

In 2020, "Son of Blob" was reissued as part of the compilation album Music from Patch Cord Productions, which features a collection of Mort Garson's compositions, highlighting his contributions to electronic music. 

Here are the sources used:

  1. 45cat - "Son of Blob" by The Blobs
  2. Wikipedia - Mort Garson
  3. Bandcamp - Music from Patch Cord Productions
  4. YouTube - Son of Blob Theme by Mort Garson

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Switched On Nashville By Gil Trythall - Athena Records, (1972)

I recently received Nashville Gold from my good friend Tony as a Christmas gift, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have it in my collection. After my first listen a few days ago, I found myself playing the entire album several more times throughout the day. The synthesizers bring a unique, almost neutral tonality to the country music, transforming the genre in an intriguing way. Traditional guitar sounds are scarce, with the characteristic twang instead reimagined through the synths—a challenging feat for any digital instrument, but one that’s executed beautifully here. I’m captivated by the album as a whole and eagerly anticipate many more enjoyable listens in the future.

Mr. Eshniner 


Nashville Gold by Gil Trythall is a fascinating fusion of country music and Moog synthesizer experimentation, a bold creative effort that emerged in the 1970s. Known for blending traditional country sounds with the cutting-edge electronic music technology of the time, Trythall reimagined popular country hits in a way that was both innovative and genre-defying. The album features iconic tracks like "Wichita Lineman" and "King of the Road," transformed into electronic orchestrations that retain the heart of the originals while exploring entirely new sonic dimensions.

Gil Trythall, a classically trained musician and early Moog enthusiast, brought an unparalleled level of sophistication to the project, combining his deep knowledge of both traditional music theory and the avant-garde possibilities of synthesizers. Nashville Gold stands as a testament to the adventurous spirit of the 1970s, where artists were eager to push boundaries and blend seemingly disparate musical worlds.

Though niche in its appeal, the album has gained recognition over the years as a cult classic, celebrated by fans of both country music and electronic music for its daring and imaginative approach. Nashville Gold continues to inspire listeners with its unique take on musical fusion, showcasing the endless possibilities of creative expression.

For more information, you can visit the following sources:

Friday, February 7, 2025

It's Cold ! Vlog #77


 I feel hopeful as of now for 2025. I’m not entirely sure why, but I think the main reason is that I’ve chosen to focus on myself and my family. By keeping things simple and tuning out unnecessary distractions, I’ve found a sense of peace and clarity. This simplicity feels like a foundation for optimism, and it’s helping me look forward to the year ahead with quiet confidence.

Mr. Eshniner 

Thursday, February 6, 2025

The Rain, the Park, and Other Things - COVER SONG


Here is a song and video I created for a track by The Cowsills from the late '60s. Back then, I didn’t post many videos on this blog—perhaps because it never occurred to me to merge my creative projects with blogging. I suppose I preferred to keep things separate at the time.

This song represents one of my first ventures into multitrack recording and one of the earliest cover songs I ever produced. I was new to home recording, and listening to it now, it does sound a bit rigid to my ears. Still, it’s far from terrible. I vividly remember sharing it with friends, who jokingly assumed I must have been a flower child reincarnated—or perhaps indulging in something illicit! Of course, none of that was true; I’ve always lived a clean and straightforward lifestyle, and that remains the case to this day.

The song is called The Rain, the Park, and Other Things, and I hope you enjoy this early recording of mine.

Mr. Eshniner 

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Organically Programmed - Live at The Flicker Theater in Athens Georgia


Here in this video is the band Organically Programed performing a song at the Flicker Theater on November 29th 2024. This was the last show I attended in Athens, GA, that wasn’t connected to my own band. Coincidentally, it took place on the same day that Will Hart passed away, adding an unusual and somber weight to the experience. While Organically Programmed delivered an incredible performance, there was an undeniable sense of mourning in the atmosphere that lingered throughout the event. Please enjoy this video, because this band is one of the best bands in Athens Ga these days. 

Mr. Eshniner

The Beatles Live at the Hollywood Bowl - Capital Recods 1977

I can hardly imagine performing music I wrote to an audience of constant, deafening screams. How did the girls manage to scream for the enti...