From Gilles Vignal.

(18 votes, average: 3.72 out of 5)

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This is a really beautiful cover. The photo only begins to do it justice. The colors and tones of the actual record sleeve are stunning. Simple and elegant. Fifties.

(16 votes, average: 4.38 out of 5)

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A nice latin record “Que Pachanga..!” on Kristal. Ruben Rios y su Charanga.

(17 votes, average: 3.94 out of 5)

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Portrait of Art Farmer on Contemporary.   Although it was not until 1958 (the year this album was recorded) that Art Farmer was voted “New Star” of the year in the Down Beat poll, his reputation had already been established among musicians on the basis of his work with Lionel Hampton, Gigi Gryce, and Gerry Mulligan. With a rhythm section that includes his twin brother, the late Addison Farmer, on bass, as well as pianist Hank Jones and drummer Roy Haynes, he is heard here in three originals (two are blues), and five other appropriate vehicles such as Benny Golson’s “Stablemates.” Farmer felt that this was the best album he had made at that stage in his career.

(12 votes, average: 4.17 out of 5)

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The Wild Rhythms of Jack Costanzo (aka “Mr. Bongo) “Latin Fever” Liberty Stereo.

(63 votes, average: 4.71 out of 5)

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A nice early rock n’ roll single from Uncle Gil in France.

(19 votes, average: 4.42 out of 5)

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“Puppet On A String” Sakura Accompanied by The Quests.

Listen here at WFMU  

What could be better than a Singapore singer covering western pop songs in broken English with a fuzz-guitar backing. Here for your enjoyment is Sakura’s four- track 1967 EP featuring Puppet On A String plus six superb tracks from her album Sakura Goes Boom Boom.

Sandie Shaw notoriously disowned the ’60s Eurovision novelty song Puppet On A String but Sakura Teng has made it her own, and even poses as puppets (and puppeteer!) on the sleeve. And what the hell is she wearing? Presumably silver tights and baby doll dresses were all the rage in Singapore in ’67. Chinese singers famously have trouble singing western lyrics so you have to admire Sakura who not only impersonates Elvis on Rock ‘n’ Roll Yodelling Guy but also (you guessed it) yodels. Is there anything this woman can’t do!

But save room for her take of the John Lee Hooker classic from her album Sakura Goes Boom Boom which has to be heard to be believed, and the fuzz guitar-driven cover of Connie Francis’ Stupid Cupid. Sakura is backed by a band called The Quests who were seemingly the in-house band at EMI-Columbia, Singapore and also backed other singers including Rita Chao.

Note: the back of the album bears the advertising legend: ‘Sakura also goes bazazz with Max Factor’!

– Contributed by: David Noades

(28 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)

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“Rockalain” of France sent this one in. Thanks Alain — this is sick.

“I’m glad to propose this funny LP cover of a 1970’s UK Rock & Roll Band “The Rock ‘n’ Roll Allstars”. Their attempt at a Red China tour was a disaster. The Chinese were not ready to hear this kind of music in the Seventies. The story goes that they played just one show before they were asked to leave the country. Maybe they were the first rock and roll band to play in China? A Thousand “Thanks” and congratulations for your magical and fabulous site !!!!!!”

(46 votes, average: 4.13 out of 5)

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