Zero to 180 – Three Minute Magic

Discoveries of a Pop Music Archaeologist

Category: Pickwick Records

"You're With It"
Zeroto180

Pickwick: Dukes of Deception

Pickwick International, those masters of mis-marketing, did whatever was necessary to trick you, potential chump, into buying one of their albums — namely, by dressing up outdated material so as to appear fresh and contemporary through the use of titillating imagery, stylish typography, and razzle-dazzle promotional hype. “Nouveau – A

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"One Way Ticket"
Zeroto180

Helen Reddy’s (Non-LP) Debut 45

Melbourne-born, Helen Reddy would begin her career in 1963 laying down vocals for a Consulate cigarette jingle with Bob Young and His Orchestra. Reddy’s win on Australian Bandstand would, according to Discogs, spur her big move in 1966 to the United States, where two years later, she would make her

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"Cycle Annie"
Zeroto180

“Foreman”: Sanitation Engineer

Scooter “The Music Computer” Magruder – WPFW radio host and general manager of Silver Spring’s Roadhouse Oldies – has work tirelessly to fan the flames of appreciation for our shared musical heritage over the years.  My recent album purchases at Roadhouse Oldies affirmed yet again that plenty of interesting songs remain

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"Mississippi"
Zeroto180

“Mississippi”: Pickwick Would Never Try to Mislead the Public

I remember as a kid learning the hard way about albums disguised as hits collections that were, in fact, faithful renderings by some shadow studio group.  Soundalike LPs, if you will.  Case in point:  18 Golden Hits of 1970.  The singers and musicians who did their best to mimic the

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"Bye Bye Birdie"
Zeroto180

“Bye Bye Birdie”: Groovy Guitar & Organ Instrumental

Chet Atkins‘s guitar sounds mighty and majestic when propelled by the infectious, burbling rhythms of an unnamed organist in this treatment of “Bye Bye Birdie” from Chet’s 1963 album, Teen Scene — dig that groovy roller rink organ sound. Note the original album cover: Check out the new and improved

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"Midnight Cowboy"
Zeroto180

Cincinnati: Hard Rock Capital of the World?

I have an album of repackaged material from the Buddah label — a compilation entitled Heavy Mix — that is one of the odder releases from everyone’s favorite reissue label, Pickwick.  I love that the cover art has a cement theme: Even more intriguing than the kitschy cover concept is

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