Mississippi Records

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Mississippi Records Label was founded by Alex Yusimov. Yusimov used the name and address of his longtime friend, Eric Isaacson, who was starting a record store called Mississippi Records in Portland, Oregon, because he had no permanent address at the time. An LP by Yusimov's project Duck Duck Gray Duck became Mississippi Records' #1 (MR-01).

Isaacson got involved with the label starting with the fourth release. Known as the rarest release on Mississippi, MR04 was a cassette release of Eric's band THE ILLEGAL GUARDIANS. A 3 piece punk band that at the time sported a 10-year-old singer and were known for their contemporary classic "Burritos". Starting with MR05, Isaacson asked his long-time Canadian friend Warren Hill to join the label, changing the course of the Mississippi Records label to mostly reissues of hard to find music. Hill runs a shop by the name of Backroom Records & Pastries from a shed attached to the back-end of his apartment building in Montreal. Isaacson still runs a shop in Portland sharing its title with that of the label: Mississippi Records.

"The label started, as far as me and Eric go, I think in 2003 or 2004... We put in $3,000 each and put out our first two vinyl releases, which was the Washington Phillips and Last Kind Words, and then things have just been going without really needing any more money put in." - Warren Hill [1]

The label has begun to catch the attention of collectors by bringing to light obscurities from lands stretching from Thailand to North America to Africa with releases limited to only 1,000 copies. Another factor adding to the demand for these records is their affordability with all releases sold at under $10, abiding by their "Always - Love Over Gold" motto.

Contents

[edit] Namesake shop

Mississippi Records is located at 4007 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, Oregon. It is known for holding true to the same philosophy as the label: providing hard to find music cheaply. They carry only vinyl and cassette with a very small number of CDs by local Portland bands.

[edit] Releases

MR-001--"Desire" LP by [[]] First solo album by multi-instrumentalist Alex Yusimov.

MR-002--"Life During Wartime-The Troubles" cassette by Erin Yankee

MR-003--"Nightmare Fantasy/Spooky Reality" 2xLP by Spooky Dance Band

MR-005--"Last Kind Words (1926-1953)" LP by Various Artists
"Incredibly well compiled '20s-'30s era blues comp. High quality of sound for the time period of its recordings. This compilation is filled with the most accessible blues songs made to be appreciated by enthusiasts and those new to the genre. Features Blind Willie McTell, Memphis Minnie, Geechie Wiley, etc." [2]

MR-006--"What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?" LP by Washington Phillips
"Original recordings from 1927-1929, with Phillips perhaps accompanied on the Dolceola (miniature piano-like instrument). Beautifully haunting music from Phillips. His sweetly-sung Christian blues, bathed in a celestial haze of notes from an instrument that sounds like a child's music box, stand out amongst the work of guitar evangelists and street corner Scripture-ites of the era. Phillips' sacred porch songs provide evidence of a higher power, for how could man alone create music for the angels? These recordings sound remarkable from being from the 1920s." [2]

MR-007--"To Trace a Raveling" LP by Tara Jane O'Neil
Compilation of Tracer EP (2005) and A Raveling EP (2005).

MR-008--"Love is Love" by Various Artists
"The styles of music featured on this Lp are: R&B, Highlife, & Dry Guitar Music."--Liner notes. Cover has a black and white photo pasted to the front.

MR-009--"70s Thai Orchestra" by Thai Orchestra
""A stunning LP of hypnotic country molam from Thailand. A rich tapestry of heavy percussion, xylophone, khaen & phin (more or less the Thai electric guitar). A strong groove behind an inherently psychedelic music." Not mentioned anywhere on this record, but this is actually a copy of the legendary Siamese Temple Ball CD that came out back at the dawn of time (I mean, year 2000); one mystery meats another mystery.""[2]

MR-010--"Interacting Cautiously/Mold/Streets" 7"ep by Red Herring

MR-011--"Warning/Building Blocks" 7"ep by Red Herring

MR-012--"Whats Lost" LP by Evolutionary Jass Band

MR-013--"Lipa Kodi Ya City Council" LP by Various Artists
"This LP contains hard to find R&B, Pop, Highlife, Palm-wine, Jùjú & Choral music recorded between 1967 & 1972."--Liner notes.

MR-014--"I Don't Feel at Home in this World Anymore 1927-1948" LP by Various Artists
"This compilation is our tribute to the music made in the U.S. between 1927 and 1948. We decided not only to focus on traditional genres (blues, old-time, Cajun), but to also show the music that was brought by the boatloads of immigrants coming to these shores. Their music influenced and still affects our culture today. The album starts off with a heavenly example of Greek rebetica from Marika Papagika. Also featured is early Tex-Mex pioneer Lydia Mendoza and gospel duo Two Gospel Keys. The latter gives us our title track. Louisiana Cajun music is beautifully executed by artists Cleoma Falcon and Blind Uncle Gaspard with Dela Lachney. The Blue Sky Boys may be considered old-time, but their haunting, melancholic harmonies belong in their own genre. The Caresser and Wilmouth Houdini bring on the Calypso with that New York jazz flavor. Hawaiian slack key guitar is demonstrated by Mike Hanapi's Ilima Islanders and Mme. Riviere's Hawaiians. Aside from Calypso, NY was also a big hub for Jewish klezmer, as shown by Jacob Hoffman playing with Henry Kandel's Orchestra. Sexteto Bolona is a great example of the roots of salsa and there's even a mystery track by an unknown Indonesian folk singer of the time. The comp ends with blues performer Big Boy Cleveland with his oddly original 'Quill Blues.' A beautiful record from beginning to end." NB: Lp is inscribed with MR-014, while sleeve is inscribed with MR-013 on some releases.[2]

MR-015--"Mental Blocks For All Ages" LP by Dog Faced Hermans "Dog Faced Hermans was a five-piece band whose style could be described as anarcho-artpunk incorporating folk and noise influences as well as unorthodox instrumentation. Hailing from Scotland, DFH came out of the herky-jerky Glasgow scene with bands like Stretchheads, Dawson and Archbishop Kebab. Mental Blocks was their 2nd full length LP, released in 1991 on the band's own Demon Radge label. They had 3 LPs, 1 12" EP and a collection of EPs, comp tracks and splits before signing on with Alternative Tentacles for their last two LPs. Guitarist Andy Moor has been a part of The Ex for about 12 years now, and bassist Colin McLean is now playing as part of The Ex's live set. DFH has influenced bands such as Erase Errata, Veronica Lipgloss, God Is My Co-Pilot, and many more. Mental Blocks is considered one of their (if not the) best and hardest to find albums. Remastered by members of the band for improved clarity over the original release."

MR-016--"Malcolm X Memorial" LP by Phillip Cohran and the Artistic Heritage Ensemble
"An early member of the Sun Ra Arkestra, Philip Cohran went on to record & self-release this LP in 1968, originally in an edition of 1,000. Cohran was a personal friend of Malcolm X, & this is a concept album musically telling the story of Malcolm's political & spiritual journey. It features a tight groove-oriented band (which later evolved into the Pharaohs, & then Earth, Wind, & Fire!) who explore soul, jazz, & Middle Eastern rhythms. A politically radical & intense recording not to be missed. Philip Cohran is a much under-appreciated musical genius, & we are proud to reissue this album for the first time on vinyl. Gatefold LP with archival photos & liner notes." [2]

MR-017--"Life is a Problem" LP by Various Artists
[2] The first edition of this release had a 7" (MR-017.5) of George "Bongo Joe" Coleman performing "This Old World is in a Terrible Condition" but the second edition does not.

MR-018--"Armchair Boogie" LP by Michael Hurley & Pals
This release was going to have a reproduction of the comic that came with the original, but the idea was scrapped for budget reasons.

MR-020--"Skip James 1931" LP by Skip James
"Twelve songs from Skip's first recording session." Jacket includes a black and white photo pasted to the front.

MR021/C-01--"Irma Thomas Sings" LP by Irma Thomas
This is the first release on Change Records from Astoria, OR. Mississippi handles the manufacturing and distribution for the label so there is a Change cat # and Mississippi cat # inscribed in the dead wax

MR-022--"Bongo Joe" LP by George Coleman
Originally released by, and subsequently licensed from, Arhoolie Records.

MR-023--"Soul Vein/The Nasty" 7" EP by Cavaliers Unlimited
North Portland Music Series, Volume 1.

MR-024--"Never Bought Never Sold" LP by Animals and Men
Animals + Men -- named after a song by Adam and the Ants -- started life around the winter of 1978-1979 when Susan Wells took over vocal duties in what was a three piece called Psychotic Reaction. Based in Frome Somerset, their first release Don't Misbehave in the New Age (1980) was an indie hit. When the band split in '81, Susan and Ralph formed the Terraplanes. A & M/Terraplanes released three vinyl 45s. A few years ago, demos by the band surfaced on the Messthetics/Hyped 2 Death label. Recently, the band have reformed and performed the odd gig and are releasing an EP of new songs soon on Convulsive Records. Mississippi Records is proud to be the first to release an entire LP containing the three 45s and early demos, all recorded between 1979-1983. For fans of early UK DIY.

MR-025--"Fight On, Your Time Ain't Long" LP by Various Artists
The LP jacket for this release says it is "MR-026", but the dead wax is inscribed with MR-025.

MR-026--"North Portland Music Series, Volume 2" EP by Sad Horse
There is an incomplete catalog of the Mississippi releases in the handmade fold-over sleeve for the record

MR-027--"Compilation" by The Clean
This is Change Records 002, but only a MR catalog number is in the dead wax. The jacket says "Little Axe Records 002 (A division of Change Records)

MR-028--"The Rats" LP by The Rats
Originally released by Whizeagle Records, 1980.

MR-029--"Mata La Pena: A Compilation of International Music" LP by Various Artists
Compilation focusing on mellow dramatic music from around the world. Everything from Calypso to Flamenco to Thai ballads to Indonesian instrumentals to American country to Hawaiian music. Designed as a sort of sequel to our I Don't Feel At Home In This World Anymore compilation. Cover art by Chris Johaanson." Heavyweight sleeve with paste-on cover. [2]

MR-030--"Oh Graveyard, You Can't Hold Me Always" LP by Various Artists

MR-031--"Earth Groove: Voice of Cosmic India" LP by Pandit Pran Nath
This is Change Records 003, but no reference to a Change catalog number is on the jacket or record.

MR-032--"Ntsamina" LP by Spiritual Singers
Congolese Gospel

MR-033--"I Woke Up One Morning In May" LP by Various Artists
Sequel to our Last Kind Words compilation. All country blues recorded between 1927-1934. Features favorites such as Memphis Minnie, Lottie Kimbrough & Robert Wilkins. This slab also has a few of our favorite obscurities like Little Hat Jones and Louie Lasky. Fourteen songs -- all classics! Full color beautiful cover in the stylish tip-on sleeve." Other artists include: Cryin' Sam Collins, Henry Spaulding, Kansas Joe McCoy, Buster Johnson, Elvie Thomas, Willie Baker, Blind Blake, Charlie McCoy and Joe Callicott.

MR-035--"Hum of Life" LP by Dog Faced Hermans
When we put out the Mental Blocks For All Ages, the obvious question from everyone who excitedly plopped down their nine bucks on our glass counter was, 'Are you gonna put out Hum Of Life?' So here it is, the follow up to Mental Blocks. Recorded in '93, DFH lays down 11 tracks of thumping drums, pulsating bass lines, most unusual guitar squacks and Marion Coutts belting out enchanting melodies with voice and her trusty trumpet. 8 Eyed Spy and Ornette Coleman covers (it's legit, I swear) complete this perfect album of political art-punk at its best. [2]

MR-036--"True Story of Abner Jay" LP by Abner Jay
Compilation culled from Abners' self released LPs & 7"s featuring hits such as 'I'm So Depressed,' 'Cocaine', 'Vietnam,' & 'The Reason Young People Do Drugs.' Abner Jay was a one-man band singer/songwriter deserving of a wider listening audience than he received in his day. This is the first vinyl release of his material since the 1970s. Great soulful folk & R&B music. Most (but not all) copies of the LP include a press photo of Abner, transcriptions of his spoken word pieces, a reproduction of an informative pamphlet about Abner & a press statement penned by Abner himself. Tip on jacket.

MR-040--"South Georgia Blues" LP by Cecil Barfield
Recorded by George Mitchell in 1978, this LP was originally released by the Southland label under the name 'William Robertson.' Due to Cecil's superstitions and legitimate fears of the taxman, he insisted that it come out under a false name. Cecil was an unusual blues musician, giving each song its own feel and rhythm. Another underrated American original. This is a co-release with Big Legal Mess Records. [2]

MR-042--"Yverzucht" LP by De Kift
De Kift emerged from a Dutch squatters' movement and the punk waves of the late '70s and early '80s. Their debut vinyl LP Yverzucht was released in 1989. Ferry: guitar & brass (Svatsox); Wim: drums (Rondos, the Ex); Jacco (GRRR): bass; Maarten: vocals (Pistache B.V.). De Kift were a tremendous and original force at the time. Sparse, rhythmic, angular, yet energetic music. Staccato punk with fanfare elements. Maarten's lyrics were recited, spat out and crooned, bleak reflective explorations of the Dutch mental state of the times. Maarten (as well as Jacco) departed the band after debuting Yverzucht. Out of the ashes, emerged a new conceptual, literary De Kift that would play on for 20 years. De Kift were part of the squatter movement. Playing benefits, raising funds, eyebrows and soundtracking a lifestyle on its last legs." Includes insert with Dutch/English lyrics. [2]

MR-043--"De Kift" EP by De Kift
Spunky 1988 release. A fairly unknown predecessor to their debut LP Yverzucht. Impossible to find and never reissued. Three songs of driving rhythms and volatile speech. Another testament to the uniquely prolific '80s Dutch punk scene." Awesome tri-fold, heavy cardstock sleeve with Dutch/English lyrics. [2]

MR-044--"Parsnip Snips" LP by Michael Hurley
Originally released in 1997 in Germany in a press size of 500. These original copies were seized by the government shortly after the record's release. Only 150 or so were sold before the seizing, but since then copies have leaked out of whatever dank German bureaucratic basement they were relegated to. Still, a very hard record to find for years, now back in print. Our current reissue was re-mastered from the original tapes and has superior sound quality to the original. Culled from Michael's unreleased output between his First Songs LP from 1964 and Armchair Boogie in 1972. All tracks feature just Michael and guitar. Absolutely beautiful folk music by the singular Snock -- in our opinion, one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time. [2]

MR-046--"Bahaman Guitarist: Good Morning Mr. Walker" LP by Joseph Spence
Reissue of the Arhoolie LP recorded in 1971. Joseph Spence was a highly original guitarist and vocalist from the Bahamas. His music is hard to describe - extreme guitar runs with joyful vocalese rambled along with it. This album includes hits such as 'Out On The Rolling Sea' and 'Sloop John B.' One of our favorite LPs of all time. Silk screened cover glued over a hand manufactured Folkways style cover. [2]

[edit] References

[edit] Citations

  1. ^ Warren Hill in an interview for Hour.ca by Steve Guimond
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Release list by Forced Exposure

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 45°33′22″N 122°40′28″W / 45.5560°N 122.6745°W / 45.5560; -122.6745

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