The office of TVTA is rocking to the sounds of the Empire. Disco funk Jedi pop anthems are causing our neighbours to bang angrily on the wall. Even our office cat Wooof has dived for cover under the sofa (sorry, Wooof, I should never have played you “What can you get a Wookie for Christmas when he already has a comb”). But really neighbours and Wooof, get a grip… because Star Wars records are actually great fun to play, and even better to collect! The cover designs alone can make for many pleasing displays and range from movie stills to original artwork, while the musical offerings found within the grooves feature official John Williams soundtracks, Meco disco anthems, synth rock, jazz, electro, pop, reggae and most things inbetween – including a sizeable number of knockoffs and compilation features.
Here are a few highlights direct from my own collection. (Wooof, you can come out now, it’s just the pictures).
Original soundtrack. 1977. 20th Century Records. French pressing. The first recording was the official soundtrack by composer John Williams. The album was released worldwide with many editions containing a free poster.
The poster artwork was by John Berkey. Look closely and you’ll see more than one YT-1300 space vehicle. What’s a YT-1300? Clue: Han and Chewie flew a heavily-modified version 🙂
Disco themes…
Star Wars And Other Galactic Funk by Meco. 1977. RCA. UK pressing. Standing in contrast to the symphonic glories of the original soundtrack was Meco Monardo’s Galctactic Funk verson. Meco went on to reimagine many of the Williams Star Wars themes with his special brand of disco funk.
Here’s the Spanish pressing of the 12″ Meco Supersingle La Guerra De Las Galaxias. RCA 1977.
Star Wars record tote…
In 1982, Disneyland Vista Records in the US produced a Star Wars record tote to store 7 inch vinyl records.
The tote was ideal for storing the many 7″ vinyl Read-Along storybook and record sets that were being produced at the time, as well as other singles.
Jazz and blues…
Maynard Ferguson New Vintage. Japanese pressing. CBS. 1977.
Another Japanese pressing, this time it’s Ron Carter’s Empire Jazz. RSO. 1977.
The cover art features a fantastic stage lineup of Chewie on keys, 3P0 on double-bass, a Stormie on sax, and R2 rocking the drums! Vader seems to be enjoying the show… he doesn’t appear to have force-choked anyone yet.
Han and Leia in love…
Boris Midney – Music From The Empire Strikes Back. US import. RSO 1980.
John Williams – The Empire Strikes Back Symphonic Suite. US pressing. Chalfont. 1980.
The Adventures of Luke Skywalker. RSO. 1980.
Recognise the cool dude playing the piano?
Music From The Motion Picture Scott Joplin. US pressing. MCA. 1977.
Scoops…
Star Wars Disco Theme – Galaxy 42. French pressing. CBS. 1977. The cover of this 7 inch single is inspired by a 1934 UK science fiction comic/magazine called Scoops.
Here’s a pic of that 1934 Scoops cover. Artist unknown.
Looks like Dave Grohl’s Probot found inspiration too.
Ha, even Wooof is at it! Wooof, you are such a wizard with MS Paint!!
This is just a small selection of the Star Wars records I have. I try and add to the collection whenever I can. The postage can sometimes be a bit on the heavy side when ordering from outside your own country, but don’t let that put you off starting your own collection. If vinyl’s your thing there are plenty of themes to tempt you – I also dabble in movie and TV animation soundtracks. I hope to post some of those up at TVTA soon. Until then, I’ll leave you with a final vinyl goodie… does the saber-wielding young pop Jedi below remind you of a famous footballer?
Star Wars knockoff… Chart Wars – May The Hits Be With You. UK pressing. Ronco. 1982.
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