Okeh Laughing Record

[Wolfe]

"Laughing...Gurgling...Chuckling"

[alang]

I have a German version of this record on the Kalliope label, K1800 called "Du lachst Dich kaputt", released in the early 1930s. I never understood why anyone especially during the great depression would pay money for something like that.

Andreas

[Wolfe]

Well, if you had little money in the 1930's in Germany and didn't want one more Wienerschnitzel schnizel schleiden band record or something, maybe that would suit the bill.

[Edisone]

Edison thought their own version was "rotten", but the OkeH record has caused convulsions of laughter in my family for a long time. Playing T gatherings, when nobody suspects but most are imbibing, a near-riot may occur.

When I was 12 or 13 or whenever it was before my voice changed, I recorded an "interview" with a fictional version of a much hated neighbor, during which I collapsed in hysterical laughter over & over again. The tape was a family-gathering staple for years, almost killing a couple of my Great-Aunts. Sadly, most of it was accidentally erased. Anyway, I understand why people found & find the OkeH Laughing Record to be hysterical.

[alang]

Well, if you had little money in the 1930's in Germany and didn't want one more Wienerschnitzel schnizel schleiden band record or something, maybe that would suit the bill.

Besides all the English and American records, there were lots of German jazz records available in 1930's Germany as well. Aside from the language the music was not that much different on both sides of the pond. And for every German folk song record there were for sure more than enough American "traditional" songs recorded that aren't everyone's taste either But stereotypes are always easier to handle than actual historic facts.

Andreas

[Wolfe]

Well, if you had little money in the 1930's in Germany and didn't want one more Wienerschnitzel schnizel schleiden band record or something, maybe that would suit the bill.

Besides all the English and American records, there were lots of German jazz records available in 1930's Germany as well. Aside from the language the music was not that much different on both sides of the pond. And for every German folk song record there were for sure more than enough American "traditional" songs recorded that aren't everyone's taste either But stereotypes are always easier to handle than actual historic facts.

Andreas

I understand most of your points. But I'm pretty sure there wasn't much American folk music on records about in Germany in the 30's, there wasn't much in America in 30's. In Weimar Germany there was a vibrant jazz/dance band scene that carried on for awhile, and gave those that were seeking a break from the usual schoiden froiden scheuled flooven.

[Caldog]

The Okeh laughing record was also featured in the Tex Avery cartoon "Shhhhhhh", which was also the last cartoon directed by him.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9w0QoQX48kw

[Caldog]

I also own a copy, but it is badly damaged in the middle. I found it at Amoeba music in Hollywood, CA for less than $2.00.

[Phonofreak]

Thanks for posting the cartoon. I remember seeing it when I was a kid, when I was watching Woody Woodpecker cartoons.
Harvey Kravitz

The Okeh laughing record was also featured in the Tex Avery cartoon "Shhhhhhh", which was also the last cartoon directed by him.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9w0QoQX48kw

[FloridaClay]

I took the plunge and bought a Okeh Laughing Record...this is the most hideous record I have ever heard. I found this great information on the record.

How many of you own a copy?

Thanks for the post. I was just looking for something like it yesterday. Several internet sources indicate that OKeh was acquired by Columbia in the mid-1920s and that the record stayed in Columbia's catalog for years. I just bought a copy on Columbia's E (for Ethnic) green label series and it sounds just like it is another re-release of the original German recording from the 20s.

It is bizarre, but at the same time guilty-pleasure fun. It must have tickled a lot of funny bones as it apparently sold well over a million copies over the years.

Clay