Nice Wikipedia article: Unusual types of phonograph records

[Steve E.]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unusual_types_of_gramophone_records

I like the 1972 Bhutanese postage stamps that were records!! among other cool things:

"In 1972, the Kingdom of Bhutan released several unusual postage stamps that were playable plastic phonograph records. These miniature 33 1/3 RPM recordings feature either regional music or tourism information. While they are sought-after as novelty postage stamps, they were not practical for postage use because of their size, and cancellation damaged the grooves, rendering them unplayable. Also, the small circumference of many of the stamps made them unplayable on turntables with automatic return tonearms."

[Jesus H Chrysler]

on a similar note, have any of you seen the "comes to life" books by yes interactive or the earlier fisher price "talk to me" books? the books have little tiny 2" records laminated to the pages to be played by the accompanying player, which you set on top of the record. push the button and the little needle spins round and plays the track. Very cool. sounds awesome if you wiggle it around while its playing. I just got one. gotta put an output jack on it for some lofi tiny record skratching, maybe a speed control and reverse switch. then I ought to rig up a tiny lathe to cut some of my own records for it.

[Steve E.]

Wow. Looks like they sell for NOTHING on Ebay. Good tip! made in the first half of the 90's, ay?

[Jesus H Chrysler]

The Fisher Price book I have is copyrighted 1978, the yes interactive books are from 94 and 95. i don't have the fisher price player, but the other one plays them both so I imagine it's similar in design. the little records are cut inside out. i'm not sure of the rpm.
further info as it develops...

[Wink Junior]

My favorite unusual records in that article are the Soviet punk-era "Bones" recordings, where old x-ray sheets were etched to make punk 7" records. Those look really cool and I'd love to get my hands on one.

I'm got an Gakken Emily Berliner etcher and I wish I could find a source of x-ray sheets/photos so I could cut out discs and etch them with it! If anyone knows where you can score used x-ray sheets...?!

[Jesus H Chrysler]

vets, chiropractors, hospitals...they all have to clear out their archives at some point. Just leave em your name and number and ask them to put some aside for you. My x-ray cuts didn't work out so well ( maybe the film is formulated differently nowadays?). maybe you'll have better luck at it

[Wink Junior]

vets, chiropractors, hospitals...they all have to clear out their archives at some point.

When did you try? The new HIPPA laws (which I'm studying for CISSP certification) make it very difficult to get any medical "information" like this - it must be stored or destroyed by current Federal privacy laws.

Any other tips appreciated. I can't even get my own x-rays from the hospital although when I visit next time I think I'm going to steal them from my folder! I want to make some "Bones" records, dammit!

Cheers, Wink

[JayDC]

couldn't you just order blank x-ray sheets?

If you can, then I suggest ebay, since you can usually find surplus x-ray machines for pretty cheap.. Get into some high risk activities, hurt yourself, run home x-ray yourself, cut it and get to the clinic doc..

on a more sirius tip.. How about hospitals in other countries, where the laws are different, and where they are poor, and can use your money... That could be a source..

[miles.]

a 1" record was released by the grindcore band Spazz on Slap A Ham Records. It contains one track on each side : "Hemorrhoidal Dance of Death" (played at 78 RPM) and "Patches Are For Posers" (played at 33 RPM). The edition was limited to 14 copies.

this is inaccurate. this "record" doesnt contain any audio. its just a toy record.