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That device reminds me of the one my father had on the TV years ago – “The Whistle Switch”. It was nothing more than the original “mute” button. You plugged the switch into the wall, then plugged your TV into the switch. When you wanted to shut up the noise, just squeeze the whistler and voila! You have picture but no sound. (I’d like to point out that there was no “MUTE” obstructing the screen.)
Eric - April 30, 2008

I know you’ve publicized it before — but could you kindly republish the info regarding how and when one might listen to your show?
Bob (URL) - May 01, 2008

The ‘Turnpike Sales’ ad was hilarious and, dare I say, funktastic :)

I believe that’s the song Lauryn Hill used on “The Sweetest Thing (Mahogany Remix)” back in ’97.
Steven Swain (URL) - May 05, 2008

That’s actually a sample from “The Theme from ‘S.W.A.T.’” I can’t say if Lauryn Hill used the same groove or not, but if she did, she has excellent taste:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21OCh6Znel4

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072560/

If you don’t mind ordering CDs from overseas, get a disc called “Shut It! Music of ‘The Sweeney,’” which is the soundtrack from a 1970s British cop show. It’s crammed full of funky instrumental tracks.
Webmaster - May 05, 2008

Thanks for the tip on “The Sweeney.” Looks promising, and I think I can get a copy from Amazon.

Apparently the group that did the song, Rhythm Heritage, was made up of some of the best session musicians working in the mid-to-late ’70s, including Ray Parker, Jr. and Jay Graydon, who produced some of George Benson’s better jazz-pop output from that era.

And, thanks to your YouTube link, I can confirm that Lauryn Hill sampled this song. The part right there in the bridge with the flanged guitar, around 1:50. That’s it. Great loop on your part, too, by the way.
Steven Swain (URL) - May 06, 2008

I’d also recommend “The Sweeney” DVDs; season 1 is out in the U.S. (All four seasons are out in the UK, but you need a special “region-free” DVD player, which I may … coff coff … own.)

Anyway, I have all four seasons, heh heh. It’s the British equivalent of “Hawaii Five-O” with a little bit of “Homicide” and “Barney Miller” mixed in —- great, kitschy ’70s television. I’ve become a big fan. (If you liked “Inspector Morse” on PBS, the lead actor, the late John Thaw, is the star of “The Sweeney.”)

http://www.thesweeney.info/

Supposedly, a big-budget movie based on the TV show is in production, so if you buy the DVDs now, you’ll know all about it before your friends.
Webmaster - May 06, 2008

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