Music

On this day in 1964, Vee Jay Records released the first version of “Introducing the Beatles,” considered to be the most widely counterfeited Beatles’ album. There are scores of web sites detailing the features of the genuine and fake albums. If Granny has the real McCoy stashed in her basement, you’re looking at 5 figures, depending on condition, of course.

But it’s all about the music. The Mudd has the CD re-release of most of the tunes. The Fab Four were still evolving, so a lot of the songs were penned by other people, but enjoy the raw energy.

We get gifts. Most of the time they’re a welcome addition to the collection. Today’s CDs come from the library of a fine gentleman who passed away recently. As you can see, he enjoyed music – all kinds of music. And spooky Halloween sounds.

Today’s first CD pile is a piano-rama, with the exception of one flute (AND piano) recording that slipped in there. And for good measure we bring you another bunch featuring choruses, orchestra, chamber music and music for wind ensemble.

It may surprise the young folk out there that what is widely considered to be the first rock ‘n’ roll recording was done three years before Bill Haley and the Comets did “Rock Around the Clock.” Jackie Brenston and the Kings of Rhythm recorded “Rocket 88” in 1951, a recording which had nothing to do with either the space program (then non-existent) or a piano. It was an Oldsmobile. Again, ask your granddad. Please enjoy the audio on <a href=""this clip and ignore the wildy inappropriate video. We have a recording in the Mudd, too.

One of the people responsible for that 1951 recording died today. Ike Turner, probably more widely known as the Svengali/abusive husband to Tina Turner, was 76. Ike and Tina were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

We can hardly keep ahead of the onslaught. For all of you who have been clamoring for CDs featuring doughnuts, trombone, didjeridu and Brahms piano music, too, today is your day. You can get everything you want in the Mudd’s latest CD pile.

Today’s new CD pile takes you from Bach to Takemitsu with a stop for some American composers. Take a look.

This latest bunch of CDs carries on the Mudd tradition of bringing you just about every kind of music you desire. Today if you want vocal music, we’ve got it, both jazz and classical. How about cello? Some nice string quartets? Does symphonic music float your boat? Done, done, done and done.