[78-L] Juiced Speeds

[David Lennick]

I've noticed speed differences between the LP and 45 versions of some pop 
records in the 70s and 80s, but that's not what you were asking. One deliberate 
juicing up in a transfer to 78 that's been documented is Al Jolson's first 
Decca, which was because Jack Kapp didn't think it captured the old Jolie. Many 
Capitol 78s in the 40s are running fast..this has been noted in a Nat King Cole 
discography and I found it to be the case on some other recordings from the 
late 40s ("Sparky's Music Mix-Up" stands out..the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto 
is a half tone sharp on the 78).

Dickie Valentine's "Finger of Suspicion" was supposedly recorded with the 
singer dubbing to a track that was slowed down slightly because he couldn't hit 
the high notes. Some Elvis RCA sides sound WAY fast to my ear, and Johnny 
Mathis's "Twelfth of Never" sounds as if it was slowed down substantially..the 
timbre of the voice never rings true.

dl

mgstill at bellsouth.net wrote:
> When was it possible, and on what recordings were speeds ever juiced up (or down) during the 78 era?
> 
> I am not considering any variations in playing speed of 78 records; my question is about speed changes made to the original recordings before they were put on discs, for the purpose of making them more commercially viable, or for novelty or experimentation.
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Best,
> Margaret G. Still