The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

jamiegramo wrote: Fri Dec 06, 2024 11:54 am I was surprised at how suggestive this record was for 1931.

Is it because I am listening to it through late 20th Century/ early 21st Century ears or would it have been considered rather risqué at the time? There is often the perception that the past was more innocent.

This goes beyond suggestion

As to the innocent past, let's not imagine that our generation invented this stuff

There's a rarer 'companion' record to Pussy, in similar vein - here's my rather worn copy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJzrzGZ8VS0

And a third disc in the same series, also during Harry Roy's early days playing at the Bat Club on Albemarle Street, London, which enjoyed something of a 'reputation' - but neither side of this record is risque https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSrR5UZcDFo

Early blues lyrics contained some (lots) of inuendo. Not as strong as this but it was still there.
Even Popular artists and Big Bands had sets of 'alternate lyrics' which could be used live.
This was before portable tape recorders or cell phones so you knew the performance was kept 'in house'.
It's surprising to record to posterity this level of inuendo?
Harry was a OG to the upcoming Rap lyrics.
Harry deserves a cut of present sales of his records.
The Roaring Twenties had opened things up?
Thank you Harry

bob stutz

The Man That Comes Around that came out later is pretty suggestive also.

https://youtu.be/H6XumLcciBM

travisgreyfox wrote: Fri Dec 06, 2024 7:01 pm The Man That Comes Around that came out later is pretty suggestive also.

https://youtu.be/H6XumLcciBM

That's a favorite!

The Sweet violet boys had a great rendition of “The Man Who Comes Around”. Sweet Violet boys… Prairie Ramblers,.. Kentucky Ramblers…. All the same group minus Patsy Montana who wasn’t involved with Sweet Violet boys recordings..

R Crumb and his Cheap Suit Serenaders issued their version of "My Girls Pussy" on a 78 RPM.

Great record.

Marc

Here is the label. Note the absence of composer credit. Did they have Copyright permission?