The Trumpet Summons Us Again!

George Atkins and Hank Levine “The Trumpet” – Though the concept of making a novelty pop album out of John F. Kennedy’s speeches seems strange and unfathomable, the actual record is even more peculiar than you might imagine. Not content to simply set the President’s words to standard instrumentals, the producers of the record recast Kennedy as a lead vocalist for a groovy pop band, with a chorus of back up singers cheerfully repeating his solemn words as though to mock him. The results are ridiculous and highly inappropriate, especially when the chorus repeats the words “tyranny and poverty, tyranny and poverty” over and over with demented glee like a jingle from hell.

Dan Friel “7Sisters” – In spite of almost exclusively using cheap, semi-obsolete electronic gear, Dan Friel manages to create an impressively massive wall of sound on this track. This basically sounds like a more aggressive Flying Saucer Attack, with all of the lead parts played on overdriven keyboards over droning guitar chords and a chintzy drum machine. For best results, you’re going to want to play this as loud as you possibly can, to maximize the physical sensation of the waves of treble passing over you. (Click here to buy it from Velocirecords.)

Elsewhere: Fans of the Fiery Furnaces should please note that Eppy has posted his analysis of “Paw Paw Tree,” bringing him near to the halfway point on the album.