TCCDM Pulls One Out..."Environments 9" (1979)

"Environments  9" (1979)

Of the 11 "Environments" albums recorded between 1969 and 1979, disc 9 is my favorite and the only one I really care to own.  The cover alone is worth the price of admission.  The hyperbole is hilarious!  “Better than booze, safer than pot” —Life Magazine.  ”Highly addictive” —High Times.  Well, which is it?  Safe or addictive?  Well, it is definitely safe.  The record sounds like you think it sounds.  No music.  Just nature.  Gentle sounds of the "Pacific Ocean" on one side.  A little bit of "Caribbean Lagoon" ambience on the other.  There have been many imitators, but sound recordist Irv Teibel was the first to capture the natural sounds and bring it to the masses on vinyl.

If you love reading, this album is a great way to knock out an hour.  About 10 minutes in, I grabbed a book I was working on and did some serious page-turning.  It's perfect for reading.  No distracting beats or time changes.  No jarring vocals.  Just the peaceful and calming effects of Mother Nature.  Each side is 30 minutes.  Just the right amount of time before setting your book down, stretching your legs a bit and flipping the square over.  I've used this album on several occasions for just this purpose.

On the label, there are a few unintentionally funny tips to help enhance your listening experience.
"Tree crickets can be eliminated by reducing treble."
"Balance speaker volume so insect sounds are equally balanced.”
"Wait three minutes for volume to reach maximum and adjust"
"Reduce bass if ocean sound is too powerful in the low frequencies."
All good tips I'm sure, but I still found this hilarious and pretty cool, too.  There was no information included that provides exactly where all the nature recording went down...but it actually does sound really good.

"Environments  9" (back)


Syntonic Research INC label


"Caribbean Lagoon" - "Environments 9" (1979)

TRACKS:
A1  "Pacific Ocean" 30:00
B1  "Caribbean Lagoon" 30:00

PERSONNEL:
Irv Teibel - sound recordist
Mother Nature

Good stuff.

 Casey Chambers
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