Rob Price
Gutbrain Records
rob + gutbrain.com = email

2009 March 19 • Thursday

Famous science-fiction writer and editor Hugo Gernsback (for whom the Hugo award is named) was also the editor of Radio-Craft magazine. I picked up a few issues at the Park Slope flea market at P.S. 321 last weekend. They were in an old leather suitcase with a bunch of erotica and bible-studies books.

The February 1944 issue includes this article, "Music in Industry: Efficiently-Planned Morale-Builder".

"With interest in industrial music rising on an ascending scale, and with the demands of the world conflict focusing sharp attention on the increased production music provides, the management of the Oscar W. Hedstrom Corporation determined to give their employees the finest available broadcasting industrial unit."

[…]

"The master console from which the broadcasting originates consists of a turntable 78 or 331/3 R.P.M., using a high fidelity crystal pick-up for play-back, the weight of which is just under 2 ounces. The weight of the pick-up was advisedly kept at a minimum because of a stable heavy cabinet construction and a full-floating mounting shelf."

[…]

"Experience has taught that the efficacy of music is as good or as bad as those who listen think it. Thus, it must be made to fit the need. Many a pair of smudged hands and begrimed face is associated with a musical ear of a high order. And whenever the music is mediocre or badly planned and presented, the lights on the switchboard are set afire by complaining voices from the factory."

[…]

"In all fairness, it is reasonable to assume that a working man at his bench carries with him to the plant the same high quality of musical appreciation that he carries into his home. Therefore, the best is none too good."