Some of my Phone Machine Messages:
I produced my own phone machine messages on my 4-track for about 10
years, and I also used my NeXT to help edit up the sounds as well. Sadly, the fun stopped when we moved to Brooklyn and got a different kind of phone machine.
Here's a selection from my extant collection of these messages. Don't try to call me at that phone number I mention (or sing) - I'm several numbers distant in the future from them.
At the beginning of every year, I made up an outgoing
message out of interesting bits of the incoming messages I've recorded
over the previous year.
"You have too much time on your hands. You must be unemployed at this point."
- D. Ashbaugh.
Now in glorious stereo Mp3 format! Most were recorded in the full fidelity afforded by semi-pro equipment!
Some of these are pretty generic - if you use them, send me some email so I can call it myself and leave a message.
- 1987
-
- May 14, 1987: Fine music
featuring a Flexatone. This was a kind of a parody of a WNYC house ad.
- 1988
-
- 1989
-
- June 15, 1989: In the Woods
All animals produced by me and my home-made harmonizer, HARM.
- (undated): Phone Jungle
A more electronic jungle exploration. Noises feature a DX7 tuned to the touch tone frequencies.
- Nov 26,1989: Tex Avery
A message inspired by LITTLE RURAL RIDING HOOD. On of a number of two-headed messages I made.
- 1990
-
- 1991
-
- 1992
-
- Jun 22, 1992: TMBG Parody
Lyrics:
You keep calling me up but I'm never at home!
Or I'm ignoring your call 'cause I'm in a bad mood
John: Why don't you leave a message for me? John: Why not leave it?
John: What could it cost you anyway? John: Why not leave it?
John: Why don't you leave a message for me? John: Why not leave it?
John: After the beep? John: After the beep?
John: After the beep? John: After the beep?
John: After the beep? John: After the beep?
- 1993
-
- Jan 2, 1993: Highlights of 1992
- Mar 14, 1993: Drumming Circle In the Woods
".. and Bing Crosby reincarnation ritual".
- Jun 13, 1993: Robeson Gospel
I lowered my voice just a bit, but I can really sing like that.
Lyrics:
I'm goin' where the mighty cannot phone!
I'm goin' where the mighty cannot phone!
Where the good Lord battles Satan,
Where the angels use call waitin',
So leave a message after that Heav'nly tone!
- July 30, 1993: Beach Boys I
I like this one, but it was too long for the machine. I'm a fan of Brian Wilson, It was fun to do a pastiche like this.
Lyrics:
How can I just hang around at home?
How can I let this summer go?
What with the beach, the sand, the sun -
Surfin' the Internet's no fun!.
If you want to get in touch with me,
Leave a message and eventually
I'll call.
- July 31, 1993: Beach Boys II
This is the one I ended up using
- Nov 6, 1993Auto harp Anniversary
20 years of autoharpery. And the Arkansas Traveler, in honor of Bill Clinton.
- 1994
-
- Jan 1, 1994: Highlights of 1993
- May 25, 1994: Backward Beep
- Sep 1, 1994: Sondheim parody
This is a Sondheim pastiche, circa COMPANY
Lyrics:
Talk to me!.
Even if I'm not here at home.
You can talk to me.
Messages on the phone are clear.
And tape is cheap, so listen for the beep.
- 1995
-
- 1996
-
- Jan 11, 1996: Highlights of 1995
- July 14, 1996: Aguas De Marco Parody
featuring my newly engaged fiancée, Nancy Graham. We later really learned the words in Portuguese and sang it at the Loser's Lounge, Valentine's Day 1997.
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Henry Lowengard,
jhhl-at-panix.com / 110 Fair St. / Kingston NY 12401-4802
© 2008 Henry Lowengard