These Weird Albums Really Existed. But Hey, It Was the 70s.

My sister used to take group lessons on the Yamaha Electone organ, which meant I had to go with her and my mom into Winnipeg at least once a week. After one too many complaints from me–I hated sitting around watching a room of young girls struggle with their chords, scales and foot pedal coordination–it was decided that I would forevermore be banished from the class. Instead, I’d be dropped off at the Garden City Shopping Centre to fend for myself for about 90 minutes. (Can you imagine today’s helicopter parents doing that today?)

This proved to be a very important stage my development as a music nerd. I’d spend almost the entire time at Sam the Record Man, walking up and down the aisles, watching what people bought and listening to whatever the staff put on the store stereo. Later, I became absorbed in that massive orange loose-leafed catalogue that you needed if you wanted to special order anything. I can’t tell you how much I learned during those visits.

This is why I have recollections of albums such as this…

…and this.

There were some bloody weird albums issued in the 70s. The industry was less corporate and money flowed like water. Labels threw all kinds of shit against the wall. Most of it didn’t stick, but damn, it was fun.

Rolling Stone has a list of these weird albums here. We have no defense other than to say “Hey, it was the 70s!”

(Thanks to Tom for the link.)