"Departmentstore Santas - At The Medeival Castle 100 Year Lifetimes Since, D.S.
I was kind of dissapointed after downloading and listening to this supposed classic. It has a song called 'Photo Album Of Baby' though that is about babies doing different things that I find to be mad funny and made this album worth listening to. "Babies suing each other in a court of law".
I've been a diehard fan of this lp since it was 1st released but I gotta say, Daniel has a point. Personally I think it's early appeal was "total package; name, artwork, insert, music. Back in 86 (I think that's about the time) when this record became available, the eye candy was a fetching as the music. Graphic design was still man made, so seeing something so visually odd & knowing how much work (& money) went into something-that was private press-you knew it was gonna have to be something unique. And it is/was/remains such an lp.
I think I got mine via Systematic, just before they closed shop. Then a glowing review appeared in FE & the frenzy was on. You'd always hear (1-3 times removed from source) of someone finding a copy for next to nothing, usually somewhere in SoCal or SW. Sometimes I'd see a copy at WFMU fair, usually for 40$ or less. At somepoint in the past decade it became the go-to release for a certain scribe to pigeonhole (seemingly) anyth ing that was left of center, fractured, whimsical, etc. So it stands to reason if this record is one you hear about more than you've heard, esp. if it was a linchpin comparison for you to buy something that didin't click, you'd approach it w/trepidation. & a much more critical ear than some of us 25 yrs ago.
Now when I listen to the record, it's always when someone is over that's never heard it. Opinions vary, but I've never heard anyone outright hate it. I think the sands of time have swayed me more towards Daniel's take. I really like it still, I doubt it's "Desert Island" material but still a fun listen. I think it shares quite a bit in common w/Camper Van Beethoven, whom they were rumored to be good pals with. I think I've probably always heard a certain CVB whimsy in this lp, but was too elitist to accept it.
And on that note I'll say I like the followup lp 'Guy Goode & His Decentone Orchestra'There Are No Clean People' more.
I downloaded this from Mutant Sounds years ago and I think it is absolutely charming, even today. Lost at Sea, Photo Album of a Baby, Hey, Egypt, W, An Open Letter...the album is fantastic. Ever consider putting out a reissue of this, s/booze? I hope the hype you mention isn't a deterrent.
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