The Edison phonograph monthly (Mar 1903-Feb 1904)

Record Details:

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EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY. COMMENTS ON JANUARY RECORDS. The list of Edison Gold Moulded Records issued for the opening month of the new year by the National Phonograph Company is fully up to the high standard set by the December list. It is another list full of popular airs, the newest music and attractive novelties. One of its features is the large number of Records made with orchestra and band accompaniment. The use of piano for accompanying songs has now become a thing of the past with the making of Edison Gold Moulded Records. Occasionally it may be found necessary on account of the peculiar composition of a song to have it sung with piano accompaniment, but such occasions will be rare. The use of an orchestra or band for accompaniments makes a Record of unusual richness and brilliancy, and adds greatly to its value. To have a fullsized orchestra or band play simply the accompaniment to a singer means much in the way of expense and trouble, but neither expense nor trouble will be allowed to stand in the way of more emphatically emphasizing the superiority of Edison Gold Moulded Records. The process by which they are made has always enabled the National Phonograph Company to make the most uniform, the most brilliant, the smoothest and the richest cylindrical Record on the market. Its reputation as the best will now be enhanced by the introduction of many novelties and new features. No reduction will be made in the price of these Records, but the utmost pains and care will be taken to make them more than ever worth their cost to the public. No product bearing the name of Edison is known as cheap goods, and the word cheap will never be used in connection with the Edison Gold Moulded Record, unless it be to say that it is cheap at the price asked for it. It will never be used as a record with which to advertise bargain sales and attract attention to goods of other make. The January list comprises twenty-five domestic and two foreign selections. Any Phonograph owner can buy the entire list without hearing them and not be disappointed in one. The opening number on the list is No. 8574, "Bedelia Medley." In December was listed a medley of the popular song, "Any Rags," made by the Edison Military Band, and it was received with such favor that it was determined to make a similar medley in January of some other popular song. "Bedelia," which was one of the most popular songs on the December list, was chosen. The "Bedelia Medley" is also made by the Edison Military Band. It opens with the first verse of "Bedelia," followed by "The Maid of Timbuctoo," "By the Sycamore Tree," and "Keep On AShining, Silv'ry Moon," and then closes with the chorus of "Bedelia." This combination of airs, coupled with the splendid work of the band, makes a great Record. Harry Von Tilzer, who wrote "Down Where the Wurzburger Flows," a song that achieved wide popularity, has just written another which he and his publishers believe will be equally popular. It is No. 8575, " Under the Anheuser Bush," and is not intended in any way to advertise wet goods. The National Phonograph Company secured by special permission the early use of the music of the song, and has made an excellent record of it. It has been sung by Billy Murray, with unusual care and with splendid enunciation. The song has a waltz air, and the singer is accompanied by the Edison Symphony Orchestra. The banjo Record with orchestra accompaniment made by Vess L. Ossman in December was such a success that another has been made for January. It is No. 8576, "Keep Off the Grass," and it also is made by Mr. Ossman. It will be difficult for lovers of banjo music to determine which of the two Records is the most attractive. Most of them will decide the question by buying both Records. Those who do so will make no mistake. The contralto and basso duets by Miss Morgan and Mr. Stanley are one of the features of each monthly list of new Records made at the Edison Laboratory, and that for January is fully as pleasing as any yet made by these artists. It is No. 8577, "Nobody's Looking but the Owl and the Moon." The pleasing air of the well known song is much enhanced by the charming blend of the singers' voices. The contralto voice is subdued and there are no blasts. One of the hits in "The Runaways," which ran so long in New York, is a dance by a comedian made up as a huge rooster. No. 8578, "The Rooster Dance," is a Record made of the music to which the comedian dances. It is a very clever characteristic composition, the crowing of a rooster being given by first one and then another of the instruments in the orchestra, all blending well with the general work of the orchestra. The Record is made by the Edison Symphony Orchestra in faultless style. No. 8579, "Peggy Brady," is a waltz song of the "Good Old Summer Time" style, still so very popular. It is now being sung in "The Isle of Spice," which is running in Chicago, and is drawing large crowds at every performance. "Peggy Brady" will eventually be as popular as "My Little Coney Isle" and other songs of the waltz order. The Record of the selection is made by Harry MacDonough, whose fine voice and clear articulation combine to make it most desirable. In No. 8580, "Hickory Bill," Len Spencer and Parke Turner have made an interesting Record which tells by means of a dialogue and banjo music how "Hickory Bill's" brother found him after years of separation. No one could play the banjo like "Hickory Bill," and this led his brother to identify him. A Record out„of the ordinary. Arthur Collins, in No. 8581, "My Dixie Lou," has a Record that is quite up to his usual high standard of coon love songs. The song is by