Those who know me well will know that I’m a fan of good “bad” music — from the awesome “The Shaggs” and the Portsmouth Sinfonia, through to the frankly surreal Swedish Elvis impersonator Eilert Pilarm. By the way, if you’ve never heard Eilert in action, here’s a taster of what you’ve been missing: Jailhouse Rock (MP3)
Anyway, for the life in me I can’t remember how I came across this gem, but Tape Findings is a site containing recordings from cassette tapes bought in thrift stores and garage sales. From band demos to recorded letters, it’s a treasure trove of the wonderful and the bizarre.
I’m still working my way through the archive, but here’s a few to get you started:
- week 15: stalacpipe organ — half recognisable tunes played on the “Great Stalacpipe Organ” (an underground organ hooked up to stalactites)
- week 32: easy listening organ — the “2001/Star Wars Medley” is like the soundtrack to your worst nightmare
- week 52: all women’s kazoo band — my fave so far… you’ve not lived until you’ve heard “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” performed on kazoo