Teasing the Korean Posted August 13, 2011 Report Posted August 13, 2011 (edited) Does Capitol have the greatest ever artist roster for a mainstream label? I would say so just for having the holy triumvirate of Les Baxter, David Axelrod, and Kraftwerk. But look at everyone who was on this label: Johnny Mercer Jo Stafford Frank Sinatra Yma Sumac Nat King Cole Stan Kenton Peggy Lee Nancy Wilson Les Baxter Louie and Keely The Louvin Brothers Wanda Jackson The Beach Boys The Beatles Howard Roberts Lou Rawls Cannonball Adderley David Axelrod Multiplication Rock Kraftwerk Not to mention artists like Art Tatum, Duke Ellington, and many others who were with them briefly. Like any other label, they released their share of dreck (Gordon MacRae, Liza, Judy). And since they've gotten Blue Note, they are better than ever. I have no idea what they've done since Kraftwerk. Pretty impressive, huh? Plus, they created two of the most beautiful record label designs ever: the classic rainbow label, and the green-and-purple early 70s label. Thank you, Dave Dexter, Jr., for your contributions to Western Civilization. Edited August 13, 2011 by Teasing the Korean Quote
jostber Posted August 13, 2011 Report Posted August 13, 2011 You just inspired me to buy a David Axelrod LP today. And the labels are beautiful. Quote
Teasing the Korean Posted August 13, 2011 Author Report Posted August 13, 2011 On 8/13/2011 at 8:35 PM, jostber said: You just inspired me to buy a David Axelrod LP today. And the labels are beautiful. My pleasure! Quote
Big Beat Steve Posted August 13, 2011 Report Posted August 13, 2011 While I am somewhat less enthusiastic about that label (they are O.K. by my taste but not more, especially their pop stuff of the 50s really is VERY middle-of-the-roadish, and while their jazz output has a lot of gems it still is more of a matter of "special interest" jazz if you dive deeply into it), there must be something to that label. About 6 years ago I bought a collection about 700 78rpms of 40s and 50s jazz/r&b/U.S. pop, and while the collection had already been picked over (but not in a targeted manner nor excessively as far as I could ascertain) before I got hold of it, the lot I bought had a really extraordinary share of Capitols. Pretty amazing since none of the other majors were nearly as well represented in the lot. Seems like the previous owner was a sort of Capitol nut too. So now I have plenty of Kentons (not that I would mind), Les Pauls, etc. Quote
Swinging Swede Posted August 13, 2011 Report Posted August 13, 2011 Well, what about Columbia, RCA Victor and Decca? Quote
Neal Pomea Posted August 13, 2011 Report Posted August 13, 2011 (edited) Paramount tops in the early recorded stuff! Edited August 13, 2011 by Neal Pomea Quote
marcello Posted August 13, 2011 Report Posted August 13, 2011 I'm actually re-reading Dave Dexter's book "Playback" as of late. Quote
kenny weir Posted August 13, 2011 Report Posted August 13, 2011 I agree - Capitol for me. Simply amazing. Add: Merle Haggard Merle Travis Gene O'Quin Jess Willard Quote
paul secor Posted August 14, 2011 Report Posted August 14, 2011 I wouldn't agree with Capitol being the greatest, but don't forget Gene Vincent. Quote
GA Russell Posted August 14, 2011 Report Posted August 14, 2011 Capitol was my favorite label when I was young because of The Four Freshmen The Kingston Trio The Beach Boys The Beatles and later If The Fourth Way Quote
Teasing the Korean Posted August 14, 2011 Author Report Posted August 14, 2011 On 8/13/2011 at 10:38 PM, Shawn said: I think I'd go with ATLANTIC. I actually thought about Atlantic right after I posted this. Quote
_forumlogo.png.a607ef20a6e0c299ab2aa6443aa1f32e.png)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.