365 Days #322 - Various Artists - Make It In Rockford (mp3s)

MP3:
01 Say Hello To Rockford (1:24)
02 Rockford On My Mind (2:41)
03 Making It In Rockford (1:43)
04 Team Up With Rockford (1:41)
05 Make It In Rockford... Weigh The Difference (2:19)
06 Weve Got It All In Rockford (2:19)
07 Its All In Rockford (4:16)
08 Look Into Rockford (2:30)
09 Rollin Home To Rockford (3:22)
10 Make It In Rockford (3:31)

In the late 70s (or early 80s?), the Rockford, Illinois Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored a songwriting contest for the locals. An LP was produced, funded by Pepsi. One of the judges of the contest was Rick Nielsen (spelled "Neilson" on the back) from Cheap Trick.

It's been one of my favorite "civic pride" records since I came across it. My favorite moments are the new-wave-ish "Making It In Rockford" and the sermon breakdown on "Make It In Rockford…Weigh the Difference." And the oppressive nature of the final, disco track... and the front cover photo collage... and the line "Catch a smile on Whitman Bridge" from the first song...

"The Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce would like to express a special thanks to all those Rockford artists who's talents and dedication made this record album possible. The songwriting contest, which started with hopes of finding some musical interest in the Rockford area, has ended with the production of this professional record album showing the world what Rockford has to offer."

- Contributed by: Jonathan Ward

Images: Front Cover, Back Cover

Comments

[Nikkki Ramone]

The funny thing about Rick Nielsen: his name spelled "Nelson" on the back of CHEAP TRICK OWN ALBUM, 1985 "Standing On The Edge" :D

[Adam Gott]

Do they still do stuff like this? One would think that it would be easier to make a high quality cd than it ever was to make a vinyl lp.

[Mickey Mephistopheles]

I vaguely recall this making its way to a David Letterman "Dave's Record Collection" segment many a moon ago, aside a record featuring singing professional bowlers. (Anyone here heard of that one besides me? I googled it already and came up empty.)

[Sammy Reed]

I guess you could say that "Weigh the difference" has "Ralph Harrison with soul". (ouch)

[dabee]

I think I'd like to make it in Rockford with the girl in the middle of the montage...

[Nate]

That album must have been made in the '80s because several songs mention the MetroCentre and it opened in 1981.
Thank you for sharing this. I want to know whose great idea this was and what purpose it was supposed to serve - 'cuz if I heard any of these songs, I'd make sure to settle down somewhere else...

[Thaddeus (Rockford, '78)]

Yes, I recall this making its way on to Late Night with David Letterman.

[PepsiSpirit]

Does this remind anybody else of song poem records ?