Isaiah's Finds of the Week

        The right to your opinion is a great excerpt from this book: Crimes Against Logic . The overall theme is being open minded to opinions. This shows us that there are always two sides to any opinion, and it is wise to be open to hearing the facts as opposed to turning a deaf ear and allowing your own opinion to drive the way you view a certain subject. The overall Tone is almost like someone giving a speech, or even a one-on-one conversation where someone is giving you sound advice. Overall, a serious but mild tone, and definitely an eye opener - even inspirational.

Richard Cory Response      While reading Richard Cory, I was picturing a sharp dressed man with a charming personality who everyone wanted to be around. Then come to find out, he shoots himself! This story sets a theme that conveys that people aren't always as happy as you think. I can relate the story of Richard Cory to Robin Williams. He was a beautiful person - he had an amazing personality, and knew how to make people laugh. His legacy still lives on even after his death, he inspired many like Gabriel Iglesias to pursue comedy as his passion. Yet, deep down where people couldn't see, Robin was obviously sad and troubled enough to take away his own life. The mood for this poem overall, seems quite relaxed, again; like the story of a man who everybody loved. The ending is what hits you like a freight train, and leaves you dazzled... 

 Pictured above is an extremely rare and original copy of this highly sought after group harmony record. The Vel Tones were (and still are) a virtually unknown musical group. A few groups from the same time period share the same name - "The Vel Tones", however, this group released only 3 singles. In 1958, they recorded 2 sides for Coy records, they were "Playboy" & "Cal's Tune." Not many copies of the Coy release exist (it has been bootlegged and many copies of those exist.) Within the same year of it's release, Coy records sold the master tapes to a bigger record company named "Kapp Records" for national distribution. In 1959, both Coy sides were re-recorded with different musical arrangements. To this day, both versions and hard copies (vinyl 45 R.P.M) are very hard to come by, I am fortunate to own the 2 versions on their original respective labels.  Hear: Playboy (Coy Version) Cal's Tune (Coy Version) Hear: Playboy...

Rare Chicano Group Harmony / Soul 45 R.P.M        Pictured above is a very rare and hard to find piece of Chicano Soul history. Unknown to most collectors, this record is a very beautiful cover of the 1955 hit single by Gene & Eunice . This single comes from San Antonio, TX - presumably from around 1962. The group sounds like a 3 part harmony backed by a strong Wind Section (comprised of Saxophones), and a marimba in the background. As a collector of rare Vocal Group Harmony, this single is at the top of my list of records to find. Take a listen for yourself to see the awesomeness behind this record, and to hear the voices of a group who never got to be heard.