Stax Records - Memphis, TN

A Continuous Lean posted about a video of the 1967 Stax/Volt Revue in Norway - part of their '66-'67 European tour. No doubt, it's one of my all-time favorite live video recordings of any set of musicians, so I thought I'd give a quick blurb.

Booker T & the MG's open, with the Mar-Keys joining them for their own set. From there, this is the Stax Records house band, who backed just about everyone in those days in the studio. Stunning performances by Arthur Conley and Eddie Floyd just about get the all-white Norwegian hipsters moving, but there are Norwegian police there keeping everyone in check throughout the concert - keeping many in the front seated.

This all changes when the final two acts come out. First, the wildly entertaining Sam & Dave. If anyone wants to know where from John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd got the inspiration for their Blues Brothers characters, just watch Sam & Dave shake and scream and shout through their riveting set. They even entertain the other musicians, such as Donald "Duck" Dunn and Steve Cropper (both were also in the Blues Brothers Band). Then comes Otis Redding, and the energy explodes from the stage - matched by the crowd rushing the stage, finally breaking the lines of the policemen. It's sheer joy, and Otis Redding in his prime. It brings chills every time I see it. One of the best performances by anyone, ever.

These guys were uncertain young musicians at the time, and though they did ok back home in the States they were not sure how they would be welcomed when they traveled Europe. They were welcomed with open, loving arms, and when the Stax musicians returned home, many of their careers took off. The Monterey Pop Festival helped the effort ten-fold. Some might like Motown soul, but my heart lies more with the raw feeling I get hearing the old Stax soul.

A supplemental video that should be seen is "Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story", which does a sufficient job at giving a history and context to the artists and music that came out of Memphis. Another one would be "Tom Dowd and the Language of Music", which documents the life of engineer/producer/musician, Tom Dowd. He's interwoven in the story of Stax, and more so Atlantic Records, who owned Stax 1961-67.

Amazing stories branching out all over the place between these three videos - all worth watching immediately.

By the way, if you ever see Stax or Volt Records while at a tag sale, flea market, or junk shop, pick them up. They're not only worth dusting off your old record player for listening, but they are also collectible to many soul/r&b fans.

Diane Sawyer Loves Junk and Howe

Indirectly, she shows it.

Diane Sawyer and ABC News did an interesting segment all last week, "Made in America", which talked about the fact that just about everything we own in our homes is made outside the United States. They picked a family, showed them that all their household items were made elsewhere, and then replaced just about everything they owned with American-made products. They talked about the cost, and also U.S. jobs, which was the underlying point of it all. According to ABC News, if we as a population spent only $64 a year on American-made products, that would create 200,000 jobs. Next week, they're talking about clothes.

Unfortunately, they weren't looking for vintage items for either, otherwise Junk and Howe would have been on television. Anyway, here are the 5-minute segments - thought some might find them interesting.

By the way, the junkin' gods were with Junk and Howe on Friday - we have some very cool items coming to the store soon. Photos coming when the clouds disperse.




Segment 2
Segment 3
Segment 4
Segment 5

Pictures of Pyrex as Promised

Here's a few pictures of some Pyrex that we'll have coming to the Junk and Howe store this week!

More Pyrex at Junk and Howe!

More of everything is coming to Junk and Howe - we have a ton of amazing vintage items that have yet to be put up in the store. You won't have to wait long to get your chance at getting your hands on some wonderful "new" Pyrex - more beautiful and useful dishes are arriving to the Junk and Howe store shelves as early as this week. We've sold a few of our favorite Pyrex dishes already, and we know that as soon as these new ones are revealed they'll go fast as well.

This all doesn't even include the Pyrex gems we're keeping for ourselves! Pictures to come soon for everything. Until then, take a gander at a few vintage ads and a couple screenshots from films/commercials where Pyrex is featured in a scene. Enjoy!

If you didn't know, we're on Twitter - go follow to get first word of our sales and other announcements.



Imitation of Life


M&M's commercial

New Items at Junk and Howe!

We have just added some items to the Junk and Howe store for spring - a little of everything! And there's more to come next week!

If you've never seen it, and like film noir or French films, take a look at Jean-Pierre Melville's Le Cercle Rouge, starring the impressive Alain Delon (also in Le Samourai by Melville). Not only are the acting, writing, and directing outstanding, but stylistically it's wonderful to watch. It's on Netflix's watch instantly until 3/1. Saw it was going away and thought we'd pass it along as a recommendation.

Here are a few gems we just added to the store!:

American Tourister Black Briefcase (SOLD)



Navy Canvas Bag (SOLD)


Arnold Palmer Van Heusen Windbreaker (BUY IT)


Sears Blue and Blue Insulated Vest (BUY IT)


Chalet Green and White Platter Plates and Mugs (SOLD)

Retro Chalet

During my research on Spaulding Ware, I came across a blog called Retro Chalet. I sent Ira Mency an email about the Spaulding find, and she was kind enough to write about it and Junk and Howe on her blog. Retro Chalet is not only an informative and interesting blog, but also a store (at Etsy) – both are very cool and worth checking out. From a ton of vintage melamine to print block letters, there’s a “wow” waiting at each click.

My favorite piece of Ira’s has to be the Spaulding turquoise melamine spice canisters. Rare, and simply amazing!:



Here are a couple other cool finds at Retro Chalet. Go visit and enjoy!:
Lenox Melamine Dinnerware Set


Branchell Salt & Pepper Shakers


Starflite Train Case

SALE! Winter Wear

JUNK AND HOWE SALE

Junk and Howe likes to make you happy. Sales make everyone happy. We don’t put items on sale because we have too many of them, or because the items are worth any less than their price tag says they are worth. In fact, we price everything to sell.

When you visit Junk and Howe, you know you are going to get a deal on something very cool – something you’ll receive a compliment on – something you’ll use – something you’ll be reusing. You’ll leave with a smile, and maybe even wide, excited eyes. At best, you’ll have a well-made item – classically designed, always in style, and made in the United States.

UNTIL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2011 AT 4PM CST:

20% OFF ALL WINTER WEAR!

The entire country has seen the cold, crazy weather in the last couple months. It’s still winter, and it will be for another month, at least. Get a coat. Get a second coat. Get insulated. Get layered. We have some amazing winterwear! Everything in our sale section has been marked down 20%! You have until Friday.

JUNK AND HOWE SALE