Archeophone’s Labels and Innovations series introduces audiences to individual labels or recording innovations from the acoustic era of recording. We give you behind-the-scenes looks at the inventive minds and the marketing schemes that shaped the fledgling industry. Releases in this series will feature tracks that present the recordings released by a particular label (or influenced by an innovation in recording technology) and will give you a detailed booklet explaining the origins and history of the label or innovation.
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Genres · Critical Issues · Labels & Innovations · Pioneers · Anthologies · Jazz, Dance & Blues · Ethnic & Foreign Language · Phonographic Yearbooks · Special Products · Vinyl
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Etching the Voice: Emile Berliner and the First Commercial Gramophone Discs, 1889-1895
Various Artists
Released: September 28, 2021 • Catalogue: ARCH 3006 • UPC: 860003210055
The recordings on these two CDs were made between 1889 and the mid-1890s at the launch of Emile Berliner’s disc gramophone in Europe. They are the first and scarcest manufactured sound recordings in the world-the archetypes of the 78, the 45, the EP, and the LP. Gathered together, all surviving discs could be carried in a hatbox. And as such, they are the holiest of grails among collectors of early recorded sound. Yet much of what collectors believe about these discs is wrong. Historians Stephan Puille and David Giovannoni and the GRAMMY-winning Archeophone team set the record straight about the discs’ composition (it’s not celluloid), their size (it’s not five inches), the speed at which they were recorded (it’s not what you think), their content (it’s rarely Emile Berliner), and their purpose (it wasn’t to capture timeless performances). They explain how the first gramophones, after initial positive response, came to be misunderstood as toys, when in fact they embodied cutting-edge technology that initially outyelled, eventually outsold, and ultimately outlived Edison’s cylinder phonograph. With 100 discs (plus two bonuses) restored here, this compilation holds the largest audio library of these pioneer recordings ever assembled. And it presents them with a sound quality unavailable to anyone at any time. Quite literally, these recordings could not be heard this clearly when new. These 19th-century recordings document a key moment in entertainment and technological histories. They are the first performances that people could command at will in their own homes. We bring them into your 21st-century home accompanied by a comprehensive and enjoyable 80-page booklet of essays, track notes, transcribed lyrics, and illustrations. List price: $32.99
The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 4
Various Artists
Released: May 3, 2011 • Catalogue: ARCH 3005 • UPC: 778632905283
Volume 4 of The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings features 59 selections recorded between January and June 1932. The notes in the 24-page booklet follow the story of the Durium Corporation as they moved their focus from the weekly releases to the more lucrative business of producing advertising records, before eventually folding in 1934. List price: $31.99
The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 3
Various Artists
Released: October 24, 2007 • Catalogue: ARCH 3004 • UPC: 778632901025
Volume 3 of The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings picks up where Volume 2 left off and features 51 tracks including the Durium 5 minute records and a number of rare advertising records. The package includes a 24-page booklet with complete discographical information, an essay about the Durium Corporation and notes on the recordings. List price: $31.99
The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 2
Various Artists
Released: December 14, 2005 • Catalogue: ARCH 3003 • UPC: 777215109544
The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 2 includes 48 tracks, spanning 1930 through 1931, by standout bands led by Vincent Lopez, Ted Fiorito, Harry Reser, Sam Lanin, and Don Voorhees. Plenty of rare gems are here too, including all five A-series Durium Juniors (featuring Eva Taylor, Frank Luther, and Carson Robison), an experimental 5-minute Hit of the Week, and a live Durium recording of pianist Leola Felton playing “The St. Louis Blues.” List price: $31.99
The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 1
Various Artists
Released: December 14, 2004 • Catalogue: ARCH 3002 • UPC: 777215107472
The first double-CD set in an eventual four-volume series featuring all regular weekly issues of these cardboard records that were the best-selling records during the Depression, along with several advertising and uncommonly scarce promotional records from the Durium Company. The biggest names in 1930s music are here: Ben Pollack, Phil Spitalney, Vincent Lopez, and Duke Ellington, playing as “The Harlem Hot Chocolates.” Top vocalists include Smith Ballew, Irving Kaufman, and Scrappy Lambert. More than two hours of music and a very informative 24-page booklet with notes by Doug Benson and Hit of the Week expert Hans Koert. List price: $31.99
The Pink Lambert: A Collection of the First Celluloid Cylinders
Various Artists
Released: May 17, 1999 • Catalogue: ARCH 3001 • UPC: 656605913322
22 songs, sketches, whistling solos, and band performances from ca. 1902, with detailed notes in a 16-page booklet. Featured artists are the (original) American Quartet, Collins and Natus, Joe Belmont, Harry Macdonough, Sousa cornetist Otto Mesloh, and the Metropolitan Band. Includes original research into the operation of the Lambert Company of Chicago and 22 of the world’s rarest records. A glimpse into the culture of 100 years ago. List price: $15.99
The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 1
Various Artists
Released: December 14, 2004 • Catalogue: ARCH 3002 • UPC: 777215107472
The first double-CD set in an eventual four-volume series featuring all regular weekly issues of these cardboard records that were the best-selling records during the Depression, along with several advertising and uncommonly scarce promotional records from the Durium Company. The biggest names in 1930s music are here: Ben Pollack, Phil Spitalney, Vincent Lopez, and Duke Ellington, playing as “The Harlem Hot Chocolates.” Top vocalists include Smith Ballew, Irving Kaufman, and Scrappy Lambert. More than two hours of music and a very informative 24-page booklet with notes by Doug Benson and Hit of the Week expert Hans Koert. List price: $31.99
The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 2
Various Artists
Released: December 14, 2005 • Catalogue: ARCH 3003 • UPC: 777215109544
The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 2 includes 48 tracks, spanning 1930 through 1931, by standout bands led by Vincent Lopez, Ted Fiorito, Harry Reser, Sam Lanin, and Don Voorhees. Plenty of rare gems are here too, including all five A-series Durium Juniors (featuring Eva Taylor, Frank Luther, and Carson Robison), an experimental 5-minute Hit of the Week, and a live Durium recording of pianist Leola Felton playing “The St. Louis Blues.” List price: $31.99
The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 3
Various Artists
Released: October 24, 2007 • Catalogue: ARCH 3004 • UPC: 778632901025
Volume 3 of The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings picks up where Volume 2 left off and features 51 tracks including the Durium 5 minute records and a number of rare advertising records. The package includes a 24-page booklet with complete discographical information, an essay about the Durium Corporation and notes on the recordings. List price: $31.99
The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 4
Various Artists
Released: May 3, 2011 • Catalogue: ARCH 3005 • UPC: 778632905283
Volume 4 of The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings features 59 selections recorded between January and June 1932. The notes in the 24-page booklet follow the story of the Durium Corporation as they moved their focus from the weekly releases to the more lucrative business of producing advertising records, before eventually folding in 1934. List price: $31.99
Etching the Voice: Emile Berliner and the First Commercial Gramophone Discs, 1889-1895
Various Artists
Released: September 28, 2021 • Catalogue: ARCH 3006 • UPC: 860003210055
The recordings on these two CDs were made between 1889 and the mid-1890s at the launch of Emile Berliner’s disc gramophone in Europe. They are the first and scarcest manufactured sound recordings in the world-the archetypes of the 78, the 45, the EP, and the LP. Gathered together, all surviving discs could be carried in a hatbox. And as such, they are the holiest of grails among collectors of early recorded sound. Yet much of what collectors believe about these discs is wrong. Historians Stephan Puille and David Giovannoni and the GRAMMY-winning Archeophone team set the record straight about the discs’ composition (it’s not celluloid), their size (it’s not five inches), the speed at which they were recorded (it’s not what you think), their content (it’s rarely Emile Berliner), and their purpose (it wasn’t to capture timeless performances). They explain how the first gramophones, after initial positive response, came to be misunderstood as toys, when in fact they embodied cutting-edge technology that initially outyelled, eventually outsold, and ultimately outlived Edison’s cylinder phonograph. With 100 discs (plus two bonuses) restored here, this compilation holds the largest audio library of these pioneer recordings ever assembled. And it presents them with a sound quality unavailable to anyone at any time. Quite literally, these recordings could not be heard this clearly when new. These 19th-century recordings document a key moment in entertainment and technological histories. They are the first performances that people could command at will in their own homes. We bring them into your 21st-century home accompanied by a comprehensive and enjoyable 80-page booklet of essays, track notes, transcribed lyrics, and illustrations. List price: $32.99
The Pink Lambert: A Collection of the First Celluloid Cylinders
Various Artists
Released: May 17, 1999 • Catalogue: ARCH 3001 • UPC: 656605913322
22 songs, sketches, whistling solos, and band performances from ca. 1902, with detailed notes in a 16-page booklet. Featured artists are the (original) American Quartet, Collins and Natus, Joe Belmont, Harry Macdonough, Sousa cornetist Otto Mesloh, and the Metropolitan Band. Includes original research into the operation of the Lambert Company of Chicago and 22 of the world’s rarest records. A glimpse into the culture of 100 years ago. List price: $15.99
The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 1
Various Artists
QuickviewThe Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 1
Various Artists
List price: $31.99
The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 2
Various Artists
QuickviewThe Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 2
Various Artists
List price: $31.99
The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 3
Various Artists
QuickviewThe Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 3
Various Artists
List price: $31.99
The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 4
Various Artists
QuickviewThe Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 4
Various Artists
List price: $31.99
Etching the Voice: Emile Berliner and the First Commercial Gramophone Discs, 1889-1895
Various Artists
QuickviewEtching the Voice: Emile Berliner and the First Commercial Gramophone Discs, 1889-1895
Various Artists
List price: $32.99
The Pink Lambert: A Collection of the First Celluloid Cylinders
Various Artists
QuickviewThe Pink Lambert: A Collection of the First Celluloid Cylinders
Various Artists
List price: $15.99
| Title | Artist | Catalogue | Price | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 1 | Various Artists | ARCH 3002 | $31.99 | |
| The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 2 | Various Artists | ARCH 3003 | $31.99 | |
| The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 3 | Various Artists | ARCH 3004 | $31.99 | waitlist |
| The Complete Hit of the Week Recordings, Volume 4 | Various Artists | ARCH 3005 | $31.99 | |
| Etching the Voice: Emile Berliner and the First Commercial Gramophone Discs, 1889-1895 | Various Artists | ARCH 3006 | $32.99 | |
| The Pink Lambert: A Collection of the First Celluloid Cylinders | Various Artists | ARCH 3001 | $15.99 |