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Production (also called "sound library") music generally is canned background for visual-media applications. Whether used with an advertising company's presentation or a home-movie screening, production music has the generic qualities presumed suitable for industrial applications. A single theme may be restated in various ways and lengths; timings often are under a minute. Vocals are very rare, and the composers and performers are unrecognizable from anything other than production music.
Production music from the 1960s and early 1970s includes spacey keyboards, funk, bongo bop, and many other desirable instrumental idioms. Library cuts are extremely useful for effects and transitions between styles (as segues between regular records). The anonymity of the composers, tight pop arrangements, and latterday discoveries of these "lost," funky tracks make them very attractive. But when played consecutively --to excess-- their ersatz origins reveal themselves. And post-1975 or so, as with most regular music, production music generally becomes unbearable.
Closely associated are vanity-published records, particularly records made by companies offering to arrange, perform, record, and press on vinyl any song one wished to send in. These were unavailable both commercially and to anyone seeking a one-time license to use them. But vanity-published records are another type of published music made just by studio musicians (though amateurs composed the lyrics).
Buying: Production albums generally are highly desirable because they were never commercially released. Still, some library LPs are better than others; later ones particularly may lack interesting or desirable music (or sounds). Other than date, the jacket and liner notess may give no clues. Because it can be difficult to judge on sight which are good, it is wise to buy from a reliable source, such as a professional dealer.
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| Rating | |
| 6 | Various: Henry's Happy Sound (Heinz Hötter)/Links Electronic (The Leo Hassler Synthesizer)/Easy Listening/Modern Movement (Erwin Lehn); Bosworth BLP-131 |
| 8 | Frank Gartner: Dramatics Electronic; Bosworth BLP-133; 1973 |
| 7 | [Bernard] Ebbinghouse Orchestra: Dramatic Diversions/Romantic Relaxation & Gentle Movement; Bosworth BLP-134; 1973 |
| 7 | The Bernard Ebbinghouse Orchestra: The Big Band Sound/Orchestral Sounds/Rhythmic Moods/In a Quiet Mood; Bosworth Backgrounds BLP-147; 1976 (production/mod) |
| 7 | Lew Howard & the "All Stars": America '76 Parts 1 & 2; Bosworth BLP-141; 1975 (final cut by the Gary Pacific Group) |
| 9 | The Seven Shadows directed by Derrick Vaughan: Seven Shades of Sound; Bosworth BLP-139; 1975 (funky, mod, etc.) |
| 8 | Felix Morton: Big & Brassy/Peter Gordon: Light & Easy; Bosworth BLP-140; 1975 (soul-jazz horns, mod funk, mexicali) |
| 9 | Various: Trunk Presents the Super Sounds of Bosworth; Trunk Barked 1; 1996 (production; reissue-compilation) |
| 8 | Various: Trunk Presents the Super Sounds of Bosworth Vol. 2; Trunk Barked 2; 1996 (production; reissue-compilation) |
| Rating | |
| 7 | Henrik Nielsen: Media Music Release No. 2--Bossa Nova/Rock Themes; Capitol (funky rock/bossa; 12 1-minute themes) |
| 7 | Henrik Nielsen: Media Music Release No. 5--Latin Jazz/Cocktail Combos; Capitol (Latin jazz/jazz; jacket & label may say it's release #2, but it's #5) |
| 8 | Henrik Nielsen: Media Music Release No. 9--Contemporary Life Styles; Capitol MEJS-6 |
| 6 | Robert Ascot: Media Music Release No. 11--Then & Now/Here & There; Capitol MM-11 (mod) |
| Erik Markman: Media Music Release No. 14--Commercials/Signatures; Capitol MEQS-9 |
| Jack Mayborn: Media Music the Professional--Video Concepts (No. 5); Capitol MERS-1 |
| Robert Ascot: Media Music the Professional--Country Music (No. 8); Capitol MEPS-2 |
| 5 | Wolfgang Städele: Media Music the Professional--Trends (No. 14); Capitol MMSE-24 |
| 4 | Wolfgang Käfer: Media Music the Professional--Prestige Themes (No. 16); Capitol MMSE-14 |
| 4 | Wolfgang Städele: Media Music the Professional--Dimensions (No. 33); Capitol MMSE-25 |
| Various (Classical Composers): Media Music the Professional--Class & Dignity (No. 40); Capitol PSE-40 |
| Rating | |
| 7 | Giampiero Boneschi; Chappell CAL-4004; 1973 (production/Moog) |
| 7 | Paul Bonneau et son Gran Orchestre: Telecineradio Volume 6; Chappell Mood Music [no # or date] (made in France) |
| 6 | John Cacavas & his Orchestra: Music for Drama (Orchestral); Chappell International CAL-4014; 1974 (spy/crime/suspense) |
| 8 | Mark Duval & his Music; Chappell LPC-1052; 1972 (production/funky rock/harp/Moog/steel guitar) |
| 7 | David Holland: Zouche Drums; Chappell LPC-1083; 1976 (drums/flute/funk/funky rock) |
| 7 | Ole Jensen & his Music; Chappell LPC-1034; 1970 (production/space-electronic) |
| 9 | The Machines: Electronic Music; Chappell LPC-1055; 1973 (Nino Nardini, Leach/Condron) |
| 6 | Various: [no title]; Chappell LPC 535-540 (Melodi Light Orchestra/Telecast Ensemble/Roger Roger) |
| 6 | Various: Jazz (Small Group) Vol. 1; Chappell Index Series CIS-5023; 1957-69 (compilation; John Barry, Robert Farnon, Johnny Hawksworth..) |
| 7 | Various: National Music--Far East Vol. 1; Chappell Index Series CIS-5032; 1960-69 (production/SE Asia; compilation; Robert Farnon, John Leach, Nino Nardini, Roger Roger..) |
| 6 | Various: Romantic Music (Small Group) Vol. 3; Chappell Index Series CIS-5050; 1975 (compilation; Johnny Hawksworth, Klaus Doldinger, Roger Webb, Jacky Giordano..) |
| Rating | |
| 8 | The Electrifying Sounds of E.M.F. (Derek Scott & Jack Parnell): Way In--Way Out; Berry/Conroy BMLP-113; 1974 (production/Moog) |
| 5 | Kai Rautenberg Electronic Sounds/Kai Rautenberg Organ Sounds; Berry/Conroy BMLP-123; 1975 (production) |
| 7 | S. Sklair: Musical Topograhy Vol. 1--African; Berry/Conroy BMLP-136; 1975 (African/production; some breakbeats) |
| 7 | The Klaus Weiss Sounds & Percussion; Berry/Conroy BMLP-117; 1975 (production/funky rock) |
| 9 | Various: [no title]; Berry/Conroy BMLP-097; 1972 (production; Afro-Beat B-side by W. Farley; A-side by Power/Walter/Hawsworth/Graham) |
| 7 | Uncredited: Jingles; Berry/Conroy BMLP-109; 1974 (some of everything) |
| 6 | Various: Presentations/Sounds Industrial; Berry/Conroy BMLP-110; 1974 (production/mod; R. Owens & others) |
| 9 | Various: On the Road; Berry/Conroy BMLP-131; 1975 (funky rock/whistling/funk) |
| Rating | |
| F. Gartner [Demeter Music Library]; Sam Fox/Demeter Music Library D-1/D-2 (presumed antecedent to D-3/D-4) |
6 | F. Gartner [Demeter Music Library]; Sam Fox/Demeter Music Library D-3/D-4 ("Oriental, Barbaric, Native"--exotic percussion; solo tabla w/some flute) | | Syd Dale/Andrew Arvin: (Modern Beat Music)/(Period Music with a Beat); Sam Fox SF-1015 |
| 9 | Steve Wittmack/Reynold Weidenaar/David Peelle: [Synchro Fox Music Library]; Sam Fox SF-1028; 1973 |
| 9 | Jean-Michael Jarre: [Synchro Fox Music Library]; Sam Fox SF-1029; 1973 (Moog/space-electronic) |
| 6 | Alex O. Kulaks: [no title]; Sam Fox SF-1027; 1973 (mexicali/mod/wordless chorus) |
| 6 | Various: [no title]; Sam Fox SF-1028; 1973 |
| 6 | Various: [no title]; Sam Fox SF-1030; 1974 |
| 8 | Various: Synchro Fox Golden Group; Sam Fox SF-2002 (crime/rock; compilation) |
| Rating | |
| 7 | Uncredited: Sound Effects; Robert Hall RH-1/2 (space/gong/horror) |
| Uncredited: Sound Effects; Robert Hall RH-7/8 |
| 8 | Uncredited: [Untitled]; Robert Hall/New World RH-78/79 (1/2 Moog/space) |
| 8 | Uncredited: [Production Music]; Robert Hall RH-104/105 (mod jazz/crime jazz) |
| 6 | Uncredited: [Production Music]; Robert Hall RH-204/205 (jazz/variety) |
| 6 | Uncredited: [Production Music]; Robert Hall/New World W-259 (Moog) |
| 6 | Uncredited: [Production Music]; Robert Hall/New World W-294/295 (funky Moog/disco/drums) |
| 6 | Uncredited: [Commercial Music] Robert Hall/New World W-304 |
| 6 | Uncredited: [Production Music]; Robert Hall W-400/401 (Moog) |
| 6 | Uncredited: [Production Music]; Robert Hall/New World W-402/403 (disco-funk) |
| 6 | Uncredited: [Theme Music]; Robert Hall RH-200/201 (bongo bop/surf/guitar) |
| 6 | Uncredited: Commercial Music/Money Maker --7" 45--; Robert Hall Audition Record (Christmas/jingle services) |
| 7 | Uncredited: Thematic Music/Thematic Music --7" 45--; Robert Hall Audition Record (Moog w/Christmas, mod, Brasil) |
| Rating | |
| 8 | Syd Dale: The Sounds of Syd Dale; KPM 1002; 1966 (crime/bongo bop/mod/biker) |
| 6 | Armand Migiani/The Backgrounds; KPM 1003; 1966 |
| 6 | Various: Light Intimations Vol. 1; KPM 1006; 1966 |
| 7 | Various: Light Intimations Vol. 2; KPM 1007; 1966 |
| 4 | Various [Music Specially Recorded for Film, Radio, & Television series]; KPM 1015; 1967 (psyche/rock) |
| 6 | James Clarke/Johnny Pearson/David Lindup/Syd Dale: A Light Jazz Feeling; KPM 1021; 1967 (mod/jazz/bossa) |
| 7 | Alan Hawkshaw: Soul Organ Showcase; KPM 1027; 1968 (soul-jazz organ/mod soul) |
| 8 | Group Thirty Orchestra: Popp Around the World; KPM INT 06; 1968 (all composed by Andre Popp!) |
| 4 | Various: Happy Novelties; KPM 1064; 1970 (mod/novelty) |
| 6 | Various: Progress & Prestige/Fourth Dimension; KPM 1066; 1970 (Keith Mansfield/Derrick Mason/Neil Richardson) |
| 7 | Neil Ardley/John Leach: Mediterranean Intrigue/Martenot; KPM 1084; 1971 (oriental jazz/ondes martenot) |
| 8 | Alan Parker/Alan Hawkshaw/Joe Haider; KPM 1080; 1972 (flute/mod soul-jazz/funky rock/bass) |
| 7 | Mike Vickers: A Moog for All Reasons; KPM 1101; 1972 (Moog) |
| 6 | Lewis Stern/John Leach: Medieval Music; KPM 1105; 1972 |
| 7 | Mike Vickers: Brass Plus Moog; KPM 1111; 1972 (mod/crime/Moog/bongo) |
| 5 | Various: Fusion; KPM 1121; 1973 (funky rock/electric sitar) |
| 3 | Various: Great Expectations; KPM 1137; 1974 |
| 7 | Various: Jingles; KPM 1145; 1974 |
| 7 | Mike Vickers: A Moog for More Reasons; KPM 1155; 1975 (Moog) |
| 7 | Alan Hawkshaw: Arp Odyssey; KPM 1169; 1975 (Moog) |
| 7 | Various: Middle East Suite/India; KPM 1183; 1976 (oriental/sitar) |
| 5 | Richard Harvey: Pipes, Flutes, & Whistles; KPM 1227; 1979 |
| Various: Predictions Part One; KPM 1233; 1979 |
| 6 | Various: Predictions Part Two; KPM 1234; 1979 (electronic/space; F. Monkman/M. Ironton/P. Cox/J. Devereaux) |
| 6 | Keith Mansfield/T. Cox: Technology & Movement; KPM 1241; 1980 (synth/drum) |
| 8 | Dave Vorhaus: The Vorhaus Sound Experiments; KPM 1243; 1980 (electronic/space/Moog) |
| 4 | Dick Walter: The Editor's Companion Vol. 1; KPM 1317; 1985 |
| 2 | Richard Myhill: Out Front; KPM 1339; 1985 |
| 7 | Various: Music for Dancefloors--The Cream of the KPM Green-Label Sessions; Strut LP-005; 2000 (2-LP compilation) |
| 8 | Various: Setting the Scene--From the Vaults of KPM; Groove Attack GAP-029-DLP; 1997 (2-LP compilation; soul jazz) |
| Rating | |
| 7 | Colin Beaton Trio/Peter Dennis Big Band; Southern MQLP-9019; 1973 (production/soul-jazz bass) |
| 6 | Leonhardt Combo; Southern 9010; 1971 (chief comp. Bernard Ebbinghouse) |
| 8 | Roger Roger/Nino Nardini: Jazz Dramatic/Jazz; Southern MQ/LP-32 (crime, flute, exotica) |
| 8 | Johnny Scott/Westway Studio Orchestra: Jazz-Beat-Bossa Nova; Southern SLLP-25 (soul jazz: vibes, bass, organ, guitar, mod) |
| 7 | Jonny Teupen & his Group: Never Gonna Be a Sky-Scraper/Waltzing Harp; Selected Sound 9013 (harp; A-side w/J.A. Rettenbacher on organ & bass) |
| 9 | Gerard Trede & his Electronic Instruments: Phasing Drums & Electronic Sounds; Gema/Southern Selected Sound 9031 (Moog/space/drums) |
| 7 | Westway Studio Orchestra: Southern SLLP-1 (partly Moog/space) |
| Unknown: France; Selected Sound 139 |
| Unknown: USA; Selected Sound 140 |
| Unknown: The Balkans; Selected Sound 141 (Yugoslavia/Hungary/Rumania) |
| Unknown: Greece; Selected Sound 142 |
| Unknown: Russia; Selected Sound 143 |
| Unknown: Japan; Selected Sound 144 |
| Unknown: China/Tibet/Afghanistan; Selected Sound 145 |
| Unknown: India; Selected Sound 146 |
| Unknown: Spain Vol. 1; Selected Sound 147 |
| Unknown: Italy Vol. 1; Selected Sound 148 |
| Unknown: Germany Vol. 1; Selected Sound 149 |
| Unknown: Brazil/Argentina; Selected Sound 150 |
| Unknown: Spain Vol. 2; Selected Sound 151 |
| Unknown: Italy Vol. 2; Selected Sound 152 |
| Unknown: Middle East; Selected Sound 153 (Arabia/Israel/Iran) |
| Unknown: Turkey; Selected Sound 154 |
| Unknown: Germany Vol. 2; Selected Sound 155 |
| Unknown: Africa Vol. 1; Selected Sound 156 |
| 7 | Various: South East Asia; Selected Sound 157; 1983 (Bali/Java/Malaysia/Philippines/Thailand; Deutsche Austrophon LC-2292) |
| Unknown: England/Ireland/Scotland; Selected Sound 158 |
| Rating | |
| Adrian Bonsel: Music for Wind Quartet 10"; De Wolfe DWLP-2968; 1966 |
| Basil Kirchin & John Coleman: Mind on the Run 10"; De Wolfe DWLP-2966; 1966 |
| 7 | The London Studio Group: T.V. Suite; De Wolfe DWLP-3164; 1970 |
| The London Studio Orchestra: Z Patrol; De Wolfe DWLP-3049; 1967 |
| 5 | The London Studio Orchestra: Driving Force; De Wolfe DWLP-3055; 1967 (industry/suspense) |
| Keith Papworth: Journey Into Sound 10"; De Wolfe DWLP-2968; 1966 |
| 7 | Alan Parker: Hot Ice; De Wolfe DWS/LP-3278; 1974 (funk/funky Moog/soul-jazz flute) |
| 7 | The Studio Group: Quartet of Modern Jazz; De Wolfe DWLP-3107; 1969 (jazz) |
| 7 | Reg Tilsley/Tilsley Orchestral No. 8: Theme and Variation; De Wolfe DWLP-3174; 1970 (production/crime/spy; short cues) |
| 7 | Jack Trombey & the International Studio Group: Living Power 10"; De Wolfe DWLP-2970; 1966 (spy/crime) |
| 5 | Jack Trombey & London Studio Orchestra: There's a World Going On 10"; De Wolfe DWLP-3039; 1967 (industry/suspense) |
| Jack Trombey & John Reids: Eye for an Eye 10"; De Wolfe DWLP-2969; 1966 (presumably spy/crime) |
| 6 | Jack Trombey: Disco Queen--Modern Orchestral Rock Sounds; De Wolfe DWS LP-3336; 1976 (disco-funk/funky rock) |
| 7 | Willsher/Chesher/Hawksworth: Electroshake No. 2--Electronic Sounds; De Wolfe DWLP-3135; 1969 |
| 7 | Uncredited: Cuts for Commercials Vol. 5; De Wolfe DWS-LP-3484; 1982 |
| Uncredited/Unknown: Marching Highlights 10"; De Wolfe DWLP-2972; 1966 |
| Uncredited/Unknown: Rhythmical Roundabout 10"; De Wolfe DWLP-2971; 1966 |
| 8 | Various: De Wolfe Music Library--Sound Book Part One; Irma la Douce 812-LP; 1998 (2-LP compilation) |
| Rating | |
| 6 | American Forces Radio: Shockwave; AFRTS (Moog) |
| 7 | American Forces Radio: Moog Logos; AFRTS (2-LP, Moog) |
| 6 | Alberto Baldan Bembo Sound Orchestra; Star Track TR-1982 (production/Moog/space disco) |
| 7 | Giampiero Boneschi: A New Sensation in Sound; Campi CML-057; 1974 |
| 6 | John Bread/Richard Eldwyn: Modern Beat, Modern Dances; Patchwork MC-46 (disco; France) |
| 7 | Bernard Estardy: Electro Sounds Volume 2; Telemusic TM-3033; 1973 (production/Moog/space-electronic/Moog funk/flute; France) |
| 7 | Felice Fucazza con Fabio Fabor: MegaMoog; World WLP-1092 (production/space-electronic) |
| 7 | Don Harper: Live-Neutral-Earth; Impress IA-406; 1975/1974 (funky Moog/space-electronic) |
| 7 | Don Harper: Strings Go Pop/Brass & String Bag; Josef Winberger/Theme Music JW-406; 1971 |
| 5 | Bobby Heath/Eric Peters/Robert Hunter: [News/Features with Preview Tracks]; Spectrum Mood Library 14 |
| 6 | The International Studio Orchestra: Zenith--Music for Space & Oceanographic Science by Eric Towren; Sylvester Music Company SMC 505; 1967 |
| 9 | Frederick Judd/Cliff Johns/James Harpham/Andre Jacquemin: Electronic Age; Studio G Mood Music Library LSPG-1009 Vol.1; 1970 |
| 6 | Multi-Track Sound Enterprises: Fabulous Las Vegas Roulette Record Game; 1974 (turntable roulette; narr. Bill Beach) |
| Muzak: Stimulus Progression [Numbers 1-3] |
| 5 | Muzak: Stimulus Progression Number Four; Muzak SLP-8980; 1972 |
| 8 | Nino Nardini & Pop Riviera Group: No. 7-- Pop, Soul, & Rock Psychadelique; Rotunde Musique RM-7 |
| 9 | Nino Nardini: Jungle Obsession; Re-Joint; 2000 |
| Norman Paris: The Perfect Background Music for Your Home Movies; MGM PM4; 1964 |
| 6 | Eric Peters: Music for Synthesizers; Studio G Mood Music Library LSPG-3009 Vol.3; 1978 |
| 6 | Frank Ricotti/Tony Hymas/Stan Sulzmann/Les Hurdle: Have Sounds Will Travel; Themes TIM-1031; 1978 |
| 8 | Yasotha Somadundram Ensemble: Authentic India Vol. 1; Sonoton SAS-001 |
| 6 | Joel Vandroogenbroeck: South East Asia; Gema/Coloursound CS-46 (Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Cambodia) |
| 7 | G. Wilden: Rockin' Soul/H. Posegga: Swingers 10"; Harmonic 630; 1970 (UK production/soul-jazz vibes/mod soul/funky sitar) |
| 9 | Uncredited 10"; Audio/Background Music Publishers BMP-134; 1968 (exotic percussion, Mid-East jazz, tabla, bongo bop, crime, guitar) |
| 8 | Uncredited: Sound Effects/Space Age Sounds; World Broadcasting System, Inc. D-46 (electronic short cues; Philadelphia) |
| 6 | Uncredited: Space Invaders--Sound Effects from a Fantasy Space Mission; Gateway GSLP-4611; 1982 |
| Various: Background Music for Home Movies; Folkways |
| Various: Background Music for Home Movies Vol. 2; Folkways FX-6111; 1965 |
| 7 | Various: Light & Easy; NFL Music Library NFL-101; 1977 (mexicali/funky rock/space-electronic) |
| 7 | Various: Nuggets--Luke Vibert's Selection; LO LLP-23; 2001 (2-LP compilation) |
| 7 | Various: Rock Opus 171/172; MusiCues MCS-171/172 (2-LP; instrumental guitar/acid rock/rock; Kaiser, Kaye, Venitsky, Rubinstein) |
| 5 | Various: Tom Ardolino Presents the Beat of the Traps: MSR Madness, Vol. 1, featuring Rod Rogers; Carnage Press CP-714 |
