MP3:
1 Goodyear - What's New (1:38)
2 Goodyear - He'll Cooperate (2:03)
3 Goodyear - A Definite Difference (1:47)
4 Goodyear - Welcome to Schultz's Market, What's New Reprise (4:58)
I've been obsessively collecting privately-pressed Industrial Musicals for just about 10 years now and, much to most folks' dismay, I truly believe that this weird subgenre is one of the most culturally unique musical movements of the 20th century. Employee motivation, the corporate bottom line, the detailed product descriptions – all set against the often ludicrously melodramatic strains of then-contemporary musical theatre. Thankfully, other kindred spirits at the 365 Days Project feel the same way. You do too, right? (Hello?.....Echo!...echo...)
Here's a rare one that was unearthed in the past two years, with only two known copies (so far). That's Show Biz, an early 60s EP by Goodyear. You might expect it to be about tires, right? Nope. This show is entirely about the introduction of Prime-Wrap, Goodyear's brand new plastic wrap for meats! Enjoy the anonymous, hard-working cast belt it out for The Man!
- Contributed by: Jonathan Ward
Image: Front Cover, That's Show Biz!
Media: 12" LP
Album: That's Show Biz!
Date: Early 1960s
Im new to 365 Days Project and even newer to the fabulous phenomenon of Industrial Musicals. Who would have guessed that music could have been written in honor of meat plastic wrap(?) The 60s were really innocent times. Thanks for rescuing this gem and sharing it. And plese post more Industrial Musicals. Love 'em!
Posted by: Barbarino | January 30, 2007 at 02:11 AM
I could listen to music like this forever. yes it's weird, but it's also quaint and mannered. These days such a record would have a strong hip hop beat and repetitive rap lyrics and might end up being bombastic. This Goodyear record is almost a thing of innocence. Something we need in this day and age
Posted by: Maureen Lee | January 30, 2007 at 03:02 AM
"Wrap her Prime Wrap and she'll cooperate!" Wow. A thing of its time, for sure. Thanks for unearthing and sharing such rarity!
Posted by: RBA | January 30, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Wow! Prime Wrap is better than ACID!!!
Posted by: Rumple Stiltskin | January 31, 2007 at 03:17 PM