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Frequently Asked Questions about
 Music Hall CDs
Looking for help? Click on any of the following for answers:
Q. I've never heard of any of these artists, where do I start?
A. If you were to ask people to name the top ten groups of the 1960s then you would expect "The Beatles" to feature somewhere in the list. In the same way, artists like Gus Elen, Harry
Champion and Florrie Forde would feature in a Music Hall "Top Ten". "CDR37 - A Music Hall Sampler" forms a great introduction to the styles of music hall songs, and includes some famous songs as well as the more obscure. As a taster of Music Hall songs then CDR14 "Music Hall Medleys" can be thoroughly recommended since it combines extremely clear
recordings with a whole range of different styles and songs. CDR15 "Costers & Cockneys" harnesses the talents of specifically London Artists and forms a good introduction to an earlier style of
performance and recording technique. Another artist, whose diction is very clear and has songs of immediate appeal for today
is Lily Morris featured on CDR18.
Q. Why would I be interested in these old songs?
A. Music Hall songs were the pop music of their day. The songs deal with all the timeless things of life - love, money (or lack of it), politics, enjoyment, heartache. In addition, many had
very catchy tunes. Some of them, such as "My Old Dutch", "Oh Oh Antonio" , "Hello, Hello, Who's your lady friend" and "A little bit of what you fancy does you good" have been incorporated into folk memory. Others conjure up a long lost time
of servants, butlers, maids, hansom cabs and foggy Winter Evenings or Excursion Trains to the Seaside.
Q. Aren't these all Scratchy Old Recordings?
A. There is a misconception that all old "78" recordings must be scratchy and tinny. This is probably borne of experiences with worn records and old "wind-up" horn gramophones. Modern
equipment and computer techniques, when used properly, can accurately bring out the sounds recorded in the grooves of both discs and cylinders whilst minimising any unwanted noises. Windyridge CDs
are transferred electronically using state of the art equipment - we do not "stick a microphone down the gramophone horn". To get a flavour of the sound quality, you can listen
to sample tracks.
Q. Can I buy these CDs in the shops?
A. No. These are available only by mail order from ourselves.
Q. I don't want to use my Credit Card, can I send you a cheque?
A. Yes, of course. For UK Delivery just print off the
Order Form, complete it and send it off with your cheque. Alternatively
please contact us for ordering details.
Q. How much is Post and Packing?
A. Inland Post and Packing is FREE and included in the price. A small charge is made for airmail postage outside the UK
Q. How long will it take for my CDs to arrive?
A. CDs are normally sent within three working days after receipt of payment. Occasionally, at holiday or busy times, it may take a little longer. First Class Postage is used inland, Air Mail for orders outside the UK.
Q. What's the difference between your Variety Series and the Regular Music Hall CDs?
A. The old "78" records which we use as the source material fall into two main types - those recorded directly into a horn (known as acoustic records) and those which used a Microphone (known
as Electrical records). In general the Electrical recordings are more attuned to modern ears and have a wider bass and treble response. Whilst the older acoustic records have a charm all their own,
they repay more careful listening. The Regular Music Hall CDs feature artists from the late 19th and the earliest part of the 20th Century, and so are generally taken from acoustic recordings. The
Variety Series use only the later electrical records (with a few exceptions which are clearly shown on the track listings).
Q. Do you have a tie-in with any specialist publications or organisations?
A. No, we are completely independent.
Q. I have some old records. Do you want to buy them?
A. If you have a collection of Music Hall material (discs or cylinders) then we are always interested so please contact us.
Q. I have a favourite Music Hall song/Artist which is not in your catalogue. Can you help me?
A. Suggestions for future issues are always welcome.
Q. Where can I buy the sheet music and lyrics for these songs?
A. We do not supply sheet music as some works are still in copyright. For songs and lyrics you are advised to visit a good second-hand bookshop. Extracts of words to some short choruses are included with the CD Melodies of the Music Hall (CDR38) for your personal use.
Q. What is the best way to handle, store, and clean the CDs?
A. Handle the disc only by the outer edge to keep fingerprints from the surface. Don't touch the unlabelled shiny side of a disc as that is the recording surface. Use a soft, lint-free cloth for cleaning the disc to remove dust, only wiping from the centre to the outer edges and never wiping in a circular motion. Don't put a disc down on hard surfaces that could scratch the recording surface. Don't use abrasive or solvent cleaners, audio CD disc cleaners, or conventional vinyl record cleaning solutions on the disc. Store discs in their storage cases to avoid scratches, and in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Don't leave the discs in direct sunlight or in a hot, humid environment. Don't spill liquids or allow moisture to condense on the disc.
Other questions?
© W J Clark 2005 - 2007
www.musichallcds.com
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