Based on other articles I've come across, I initially went along with the widely held belief that the short-lived
Album World label was a tax scam entity similar to Dellwood, Guinness, Tiger Lily, etc. Today I still think
there's evidence to support that theory, though I've come to believe the label started out as a legitimate
enterprise before morphing into tax scam entity. Formed in 1977 as a division of the Nashville-based
International Record Distributing Associates, Album World was apparently the brainchild of Hank Levine and
Mike Shepherd. Levine and Shepherd had considerable experience in music market and their original goal
was to provide a way for small, independent labels to get national distribution via their national distribution and
promotions capabilities. That plan explains the crazy-quilt list of labels released under the Album World
numbering system - Lanark was a Birmingham Alabama based label, Storybook was a Miami-based company
specializing in children's albums, TR Productions was a Los Angeles-based jazz outlet, etc.. Interestingly, a
1978 article in Billboard magazine indicated the company also planned to release albums by 'known' acts
including Bobby 'Monster Mash' Pickett, horror movie star Lon Chaney, and boxer Mohammad Ali. As far as I
can tell, none of those projects saw fruition. So, the uneducated conclusion I've drawn is that Album World
started out as a legitimate operation, but evolved into a tax scam operation.
That conclusion seems to have some credence based on comments from photographer/art director Eric
Wrobbel. Wrobbel was responsible for many of the 'generic' cover photographs. On his interesting website
he describes Album World management giving him 'blank check projects' to design covers for various albums.
According to Wrobbel, Album World management had absolutely no interest in the end product, leaving him
with maximum flexibility to do whatever he wanted to. Photos of the artists were out of the question since in
many cases the names on the releases were fictitious (Jimmy Lewis, Marty Reese, etc.).
For anyone interested, Wrobbel's website is located at: http://www.ericwrobbel.com/art/
And lo and behold, Mr. Wrobbel stumbled onto the website and was kind enough to send in some comments:
Hi, interesting website you have. Back in 1977 I did photography and art for several (11) albums for Album World.
The Rhett Davis record was released earlier under a different label, Aquarian, with the title "For My Friends."
It was a custom record and a well-made one, produced by Rhett himself. I did the cover art that time too.
Redid it for Arrow (Album World). That hand on the Marty Reese cover is my own! The watch was given to me
by my grandfather. The Tim Winters cover was shot at The Gold Rush, a bar on Elliston Place in Nashville. The
subjects on the covers I did for Album World were all friends of mine doing me a favor by posing. Their faces
are all obscured in some way because, of course, they are NOT the artists on the records. Some of these friends
have gone on to Nashville fame so I shouldn't identify them more than that.
Eric May 2013
As elsewhere, on this site, this is my attempt to document the label's bizarre discography. That task is made
incredibly difficult by the near total absence of any information on the label and the fact the company chose to
release material on a series of 'subsidiary' labels such as Arnold, Clover, Kitty, etc. The only common
marketing feature they share is found in terms of catalog numbers - they all seem to start with the format
AW #14***.
I've only heard a handful to these albums so unless there's a firm dollar value shown under the value column,
the figures reflect nothing more than a guesstimate as to value on my part. Many of these are so rare that
there simply isn't much of a baseline for coming up with a true value. (That said, I know a French dealer who
has a copy of "Moonpie" for sale - you can own a copy for a mere $10,000 ... amazing what some dealers
think the market will bear)
Feel free to send me any information you've got on Album World and I'll be happy to credit you with the
contribution.
Got
this interesting note on the label:
Thanks for the site which I have enjoyed.
Noticed one update today which may be of interest. A few of the Album World titles (Roze Vagus
"Almost Country," Sandy Sims "Teach Me Tonight" and possibly others) have resurfaced as mp3 or
CDR copies available in "remastered" form from I-Tunes and Amazon from a company called
"Essential Media Group." These use the same cover art as the Album World versions.
http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Me-Tonight-Digitally-Remastered/dp/B008VAWZ4U/ref=sr_1_
1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398368934&sr=8-1&keywords=sandy+sims+teach+me+tonight
My guess is that the company has a connection with well known country producer Jimmy Bowen
since I see he produced the Sims album, and also an early Kim Carnes album "Rest On Me" which
has resurfaced from Essential Media Group.
Thanks again (April 2014
Recent additions and changes:
2010
- August 12th 2010 - added review of "Shat"
- August 14th 2010 - added photo of 'Shat" cover
- August 18th 2010 - added photo and review of The Tarots "Knight in Blue Armour"
- September 13th 2010 - added a photo of the self-titled Ellie & Joanne LP
- September 13th 2010 - added review and photo of Louis Voltaire Ojena "For Believers, Poets, and Lovers"
- October 16th 2010 - added photo of Lupe's Latin Cats "I Put a Spell On You" LP
2011
- January 5th, 2011 - added a review of River Saint "River Saint" LP
- January 5th, 2011 - added listing for Sky Hawk "Sky Hawk" LP
- January 5th, 2011 - added listing and photo for Mickey Carroll "Love Life" LP
- January 5th, 2011 - added listing and picture for Jimmy Louis "Best of this Deal" LP
- January 5th, 2011 - added listing for David Cornwall "David Cornwall" LP
- January 5th, 2011 - added listing and photo for David West "This Is Me" LP
- January 25th, 2011 - added photo for Jefferson Airplane "Jefferson Airplane" LP
- January 25th, 2011 - increased size of album cover images from 100 x 100 jpg to 144 x 144 jpg
- January 25th, 2011 - added entry and photo for Bob Cain & the Cane Breakers
- January 26th, 2011 - added entry and photo for Ned Mudd & The Alonzo Dish Band
- February 2nd, 2011 - added entries for Crystal Ball, Joe South & Buddy Mize, Sunset, Too Much,
Willie Weatherly (thanks to Carl Weiss for the information)
- February 3rd, 2011 - added entry for Front Porch String Band "Country Rain" and added photo for Crystal Ball
- February 4th, 2011 - added photo and review for Willie Weatherly "Come the Dawn" LP
- February 4th, 2011 - added photo for Richard Pulin "Tony Roma Presents Cool Elegance" LP
- February 6th, 2011 - added entry for Disco Mama "Disco Mama" LP
- February 14th, 2011 - added review and photo for Sky Hawk "Sky Hawk" LP
- February 20th, 2011 - added photo for Sunset "Carolina" LP
- February 24th, 2011 - added entry and photo for Richard Goldman "Gold" LP
- March 11th, 2011 - added entries for Wolfman Speaks "Lon Chaney's Last Recordings" and Joy Malay and
Her Ensemble "Made Inn De' USA" (thanks to John Haupy for the information)
- March 12th, 2011 - added photo for Wolfman Speaks LP
- March 18th, 2011 - added photo for The Pros "Love Return" LP
- March 18th, 2011 - added review of Gold "Sweethearts" LP
- March 25th, 2011 - added Johnson Party of Four "Fall Out" LP entry and photo
- April 7th, 2011 - added photo of Jeremiah "Blowin Your Mind" LP (thanks to James Baird)
- April 14th, 2011 - added review of The Pros "Love Return"
- May 6th, 2011 - Producer Gary Vandy dropped me a short email on the River Saint LP (see that entry for
more information
- December 16th, 2011 - Added Fuzzy "Disco Down" LP image
2012
- May 11th, 2012 - Added Peco Kids LP photo and LP review
- June 24th, 2012 - Added picture of Danny Dee "Movin' In" LP
- September 29th, 2012 - Added picture of Fuzzy "Disco Down" LP
- November 03, 2012 - Received an email from Richard Goldman ("Gold") asking for information on the
"Gold" album. You can click on the album link below to see the email.
2013
- February 3rd, 2013 - Added picture of Seven Kings "99.8" LP
- February 3rd, 2013 - Added picture and review of Lawrence Shaul "Profiles of Love"
- February 16th, 2013 - Added photo and review of The Swingers "Thunder & Lightning"
- May 1st, 2013 - Add comments from photographer Eric Wrobbel
- May 1st, 2013 - Added photo for Isreal Cocoa "Sangria" LP
- November 29th, 2013 - Added photo for Too Much "Secret Agent Man" LP (thanks to James Baird for the link)
- November 29th, 2013 - Added photo for Hot Licks "Faster and Faster LP (thanks to James Baird for the photo)
- November 29th, 2013 - added entry for Salsa "The Spell Is Broken" LP (thanks to James Baird for the photo)
- November 29th, 2013 - added entry for Chris Ford "Shower the People" LP (thanks to James Baird for the photo)
- November 29th, 2013 - added entry for Chris Ford "Symphonic Lady" LP (thanks to James Baird for the photo)
2014
- July 10th, 2014 added entry and review for Cathy Saunders "Sweet and Gentle"
- July 14th, 2014 added photo of Buddy Causey "Dixie Fried" LP
- July 14th, 2014 added photo of Front Porch String Band "Country Rain" LP
- July 14th, 2014 added photo of California "California Memories" LP
- July 14th, 2014 added photo of The Tarrots "Disco Madness"LP
- July 14th, 2014 added photo of The Tarrots "It's In the Cards" LP
- July 14th, 2014 added photo of the Disco Mama self titled LP
- July 14th, 2014 added photo of The Tarrots "Dream Merchants" LP
- July 14th, 2014 added photo of Joy Maloy "Made Inn De' USA" LP
- December 14th, 2014 added photo Dr. Rage & Hero's Orchestra "Disco Future" LP
- December 14th, 2014 added photo Dr. Rage & Hero's Orchestra "Soul Disco Jazz" LP
- December 18th, 2014 added photo and review of Hard Luck "Witch Doctor" LP
- December 20th, 2014 added photo and review of Gregg Steve "I'm So Lucky" LP
2015
- January 25th, 2015 Added review of Sunshine "Makes My Day"
- January 25th, 2015 Added photo and review for Damond Von Brightonn & His Symphonic Pop Society Orchestra "Sundown Lady"
- January 25th, 2015 Added photo and review Johnson Party of four "Fall Out" LP
- January 31st, 2015 Added review of The Tarots "It's In the Cards" LP
- February 1st, 2015 Added review of Salsa "The Spell Is Broken" LP
- February 1st, 2015 Added new entry for Sly Stone "Wanted" LP (thanks to James Baird for the photo and entry)
- February 1st, 2015 Added a review of Too Much "Secret Agent Man" LP
- February 2nd, 2015 Added photo of Bobby Boris Pickett & Lon Chaney "Ticklish Tales of Terror"
- February 6th 2015 Added photo of Damond Von Brightonn & His Symphonic Pop Society Orchestra "The Sound Sifters"
- February 16th, 2015 Added photo of Leonard R. Willis "She Won't Stay Here Long Enough for Breakfast"
- February 28th 2015 Added photo and review of The Tarots "Disco Madness" LP
- August 16th, 2015 Added review of David Cornwall LP
- September 15th, 2015 Added review of California "California Melodies" LP
2016
- Added photo of "Nuchie" LP
- October 16th added review for Buddy Causey LP
2017
- Added entry for Dirty Licks "Faster and Faster"
- February 25th added review for Sunset "Carolina" LP
- May 28th added review for Lupe's Latin Cats "I Put a Spell On You" LP
- October 20th, added review for American Made "Licorice Stix"
2018
- January 16th added photo for California "Do You Wanna Dance"
| LP cover | Artist | LP Title | Label | catalog # | Year | Genre |
Value |
| Here are recently listed additions to the BadCatRecords inventory. To see a brief album description and track listing, be sure to click on the 'Artist' name. |
 |
Johnny Cole | First Meeting After | Stanley | AW 14001 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
 |
Marjorie Buffett | Take Me Easy | Clover | AW 14002 | 1977 | country | unknown |
 |
Salsa | The Spell Is Broken | Robert | AW #14002 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP |
FOR SALE $50.00 |
 |
Richard Pulin | Tony Roma Presents Cool Elegance | TR Productions | AW 14003 | 1977 | jazz | unknown |
 |
Peco Kids | Love In An Open Hand | Sorrentino | AW #14004 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $100.00 |
 |
Bobby Boris Pickett & Lon Chaney | Ticklish Tales of Terror | Aire | AW 14005 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
 |
The Wolf Man Speaks | Lon Chaney's Last Words | Garrison | AW 14006 | 1977 | Halloween | unknown |
 |
California | California Memories | Sonny | AW 14007 | 1977 | pop-rock | FOR SALE $50.00 |
 |
unknown | unknown | unknown | AW 14008 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
|
unknown | unknown | unknown | AW 14009 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
 |
Johnson Party of Four | Fall Out | Swann | AW 14010 | 1977 | pop | FOR SALE $50.00 |
 |
Viva | Automobile Downstairs | Mark Holly | AW 14011 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $140.00 |
 |
Sky Hawk | Sky Hawk | Courtney | AW 14012 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $30.00 |
 |
Seven Kings | 99.8 | Rob 'n Liz records | AW 14013 | 1977 | unknown | FOR SALE $70.00 |
 |
Salinas | Salinas | Trapp Records | AW 14014 | 1978 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $80.00 |
|
unknown | unknown | unknown | AW 14015 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
 |
Seven Kings | A Taste of Country | unknown | AW 14016 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
 |
Sunshine | Makes My Day | Obregon | AW #14017 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | SOLD $175.00 |
 |
Sound Sifters, The | Tomorrow's Dream | Cunniingham | AW-14018 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
 |
Eldeberry Jak | Eldeberry Jak | Forrest | AW | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $100.00 |
|
unknown | unknown | unknown | AW 14019 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
|
Lee, Janie | Happy Days | Thaw | AW 14020 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
 |
Cocoa, Isreal | Sangria | Thaw | AW 14021 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | unknown |
 |
Bob Cain & the Cane Breakers | Bob Cain & the Cane Breakers | Lanark | AW-14022 | 1977 | jazz | unknown |
|
unknown | unknown | unknown | AW 14023 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
 |
Damond Von Bringtonn & His Symphonic Pop Society Orchestra | Shower the People | Roshawn | AW 14024 | 1977 | easy listening/MOR | unknown |
 |
Wee Folk, The | The Story of Alice In Wonderland | Storybook | AW 14025 | 1977 | children's record | unknown |
|
Happy Times | Story of Sleepy Hollow | Storybook | AW 14026 | 1977 | children's record | unknown |
|
various artists | Country Primier | Christensen | AW 14027 | 1977 | country | unknown |
 |
Hillow Hammet | Hillow Hammet | L&BJ | AW 14028 | 1977 | rock | unknown |
 |
Dena Carrol | The Fantastic Dena Carrol | Lanark | AW 14029 | 1977 | pop | unknown |
|
Little People, The | The Story of Aladdin and His Magic Lamp With Treasure Island | Storybook | AW 14030 | 1977 | children's record | unknown |
 |
Saunders, Cathy | Sweet and Gentle | Bud's Music | AW#14031 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $100.00 |
 |
Crystal Ball | It's Not Too Late | Bucks Best | AW 14032 | 1977 | rock | unknown |
 |
Mickey Carroll | Love Life | Coconut Grove | AW 14033 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
|
unknown | unknown | unknown | AW 14034 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
 |
Too Much | Secret Agent Man | Timberline | AW 14035 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | SOLD $90.00 |
|
unknown | unknown | unknown | AW 14036 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
 |
Causey, Buddy | Dixie Fried | Lanark | AW 14027 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP |
$75.00 |
 |
Jimmy Louis | Best of the Deal | Lanarch | AW-14038 | 1977 | country | unknown |
 |
River Saint | River Saint | Van Dyke | AW-14041 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $100.00 |
 |
Shat | Shat | Van Dyke | AW 14042 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP |
$75.00 |
 |
Wuagneux, Robert | Wuagneux On You | LeMaster | AW-14043 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $70.00 |
|
Eberhart Quartet | Love's Oasis | Zeit | AW-14045 | 1977 | jazz | unknown |
 |
Dr. Rage & Heor's Orchestra | Disco Soul Jazz | Seiler | AW-14045 | 1977 | disco | unknown |
 |
Rachels, Ray | If Love Was Money I'd Be On Relief | Lanark | AW 14047 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP; still in shrink |
FOR SALE $75.00 |
 |
David Cornwall | David Cornwall | Lanark | AW 14048 | 1977 | unknown |
unknown |
 |
Shamrock | Shamrock | Blake | AW 14049 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $100.00 |
 |
Weatherly, Willie | Come the Dawn | Blake | AW 14050 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP; minor ring wear | SOLD $20.00 |
 |
Ilian | Drive Me Crazy | Kitty | AW 14051 | 1977 | folk | unknown |
 |
Front Porch String Band | Country Rain | Lanark | AW 14052 | 1977 | country/bluegrass | unknown |
 |
Shaul, Lawrence | Profiles In Love | Lanark | AW #14053 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | SOLD $60.00 |
 |
Ellie & Joanne | My Heart's a Baby | Gene | AW 14054 | 1977 | country | FOR SALE $60.00 |
 |
Stevens, Gregg | I'm So Lucky | Arba | AW 14055 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $200.00 |
 |
Sly Stone | Spaced Out Sly | Album World | AW 14056 | 1977 | funk | unknown |
 |
Moonpie | Moonpie | Lanark | AW 14057 | 1977 | soul | unknown |
 |
Sly Stewart | Wanted Vintage Sly | Subbaro | AW 14058 | 1977 | soul |
 |
Dr. Rage & Heor's Orchestra | Disco Futura | Tesler | AW 14058 | 1977 | disco | unknown |
 |
De Armitt, Deby | Listen To Me | Robert | AW 14060 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $75.00 |
 |
Tarots, The | Disco Madness | Heinquarters | AW-14061 | 1978 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $150.00 |
 |
Licorice Stix | American Made | Kagan | AW-14063 | 1977 | rock | $140.00 |
 |
Tarots, The | It's In the Cards | Richard | AW-14064 | 1977 | VG? cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $100.00 |
 |
Pros, The | Love Return | Barbarella | AW 14065 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP; minor ring wear | FOR SALE $100.00 |
 |
Ojena, Louis Voltaire | For Believers, Poets, and Lovers | CP Katz | AW #14066 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | SOLD $40.00 |
 |
Damond Von Brightonn & His Symphoinic Pop Society Orchestra | Sundown Lady | Dowd | AW #14067 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $10.00 |
 |
Jeremiah | Blowin Your Mind | Wong | AW-14067 | 1978 | unknown | unknown |
|
unknown | unknown | unknown | AW-14068 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
 |
Ned Mudd & The Alonzo Dish Band | The Name Is Mudd | Lanark | AW-14069 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
 |
Tarots, The | Knight In Blue Armour | Arnold | AW 14070 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP; minor ring wear | SOLD $100.00 |
 |
Swingers, The | Thunder & Lightning | Schaffer | AW-14071 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | SOLD $80.00 |
|
Joe South & Buddy Mize | Country Kings | Hass | AW 14074 | 1978 | pop | unknown |
 |
Barrister, William | Night Rider | Eralma | AW 14075 | 1978 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $40.00 |
 |
California | Do You Wanna Dance? | Robbins Robin | AW 14077 | 1978 | easy listening | estimated value $40.00 |
 |
Lupe's Latin Cats | I Put a Spell On You | Mark | AW-14078 | 1977 | rock | FOR SALE $80.00 |
 |
David West | This Is Me | Fortini | #AW-14080 | 1977 | country | estimated value $40.00 |
 |
Disco Mama | Disco Mama | Van Dyke | AW-14080 | 1977 | disco | estimated value $40.00 |
 |
Sunset | Carolina | Brown | AW-14081 | 1977 | NM cover / NM LP; sealed | $80.00 |
 |
Hard Luck | Witch Doctor | IRA | AW # 14082 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $50.00 |
 |
Dirty Licks | Faster and Faster | IRA | AW 14083 | 1977 | pop / rock | estimated value $80.00 |
 |
Sha Na Na | Heartbreak Hotel | AW 14084 | 1978 | pop | estimated value $40.00 |
 |
Henry House and the House Band | Save It For a Rainy Day | Lanark | AW 14085 | 1978 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $80.00 |
 |
Joy Maloy and Her Ensemble | Made Inn De' USA | JM | AW 14086 | 1977 | unknown | estimated value $60.00 |
 |
Gold (aka Richard Goldman) | Sweethearts | Granya | AW 14087 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP; minor ring wear | SOLD $50.00 |
 |
Nuchie | Nuchie | MH | AW 14088 | 1978 | pop | estimated value $40.00 |
 |
Danny Dee | Movin' In | Harper | AW 14090 | 1978 | soul | estimated value $100.00 |
 |
Heavy Metal Boys | Pacific Freight | Donnelly | AW 14094 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP; still in shrink wrap | FOR SALE $75.00 |
 |
Vicki Hallman | Now and Then | Lanark | AW 14099 | 1978 | pop | estimated value $40.00 |
 |
Tarots, The | Dream Merchants | Stardust | AW 14100 | 1978 | unknown | estimated value $80.00 |
 |
Pros, The | Off the Wall | Hudson | AW 14112 | 1978 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | FOR SALE $120.00 |
 |
Roze Vagus | Almost Country | Kaola | AW 14133 | 1979 | pop | estimated value $40.00 |
 |
Jefferson Airplane | Jefferson Airplane | VII | AW 14308 | 1979 | rock | estimated value $70.00 |
 |
Robert Niverera | Manoa Woman | Rochelle | RR-1001 | 1977 | R&B | estimated value $40.00 |
 |
Fuzzy | Disco Down | Nervie | AW 10863 | 1977 | VG+ cover / VG+ LP | SOLD $40.00 |
 |
Jimmy Dee | Today Tonight | Rosewood | AW 11004 | 1977 | country | estimated value $40.00 |
 |
Sandy Simms | Cryin' Eyes | Mediterranean | AW 11005 | 1977 | country | estimated value $40.00 |
 |
Marty Reese | I Just Don't Have the Time | Cameo | AW 11006 | 1977 | unknown | estimated value $40.00 |
|
unknown | unknown | unknown | AW 11007 | 1977 | unknown | unknown |
 |
Wilis, Leonard R. | She Won't Stay Long Enough for Breakfast | Tangerine | AW 11008 | 1977 | unknown | FOR SALE $30.00 |
 |
Tim Winters | Good Woman Blues | Fairlane | AW 11009 | 1977 | country | estimated value $40.00 |
 |
Sandy Sims | Teach Me Tonight | Whale | 1977 | unknown | estimated value $40.00 |
 |
Rhett Davis | Rhett Davis | Arrow | #AW-11010 | 1977 | country | estimated value $40.00 |
 |
Nashville Rhythm Section | Keep On Dancing, Vol. 1 | Silver Bear | AW-15001 | 1980 | country | estimated value $40.00 |
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