In my previous post about Bob’s most recent radio show, I noted that he described Bobby Peterson as “keenly alive, always brisk.” On consideration, that might not have been the true import of this comment. After playing that great Bobby Peterson track (”Mama Get Your Hammer”), Bob notes that Peterson “recorded for the V-Tone label.” Then he immediately adds, “keenly alive, always brisk,” in a manner that might suggest that this was actually the promotional slogan of that particular record label. On this I just can’t say. Does anyone have some V-Tone record sleeves at home (and Bob, you’re welcome to clear this up if you like)?

All of this can’t help but bring to mind the curious and amusing inscriptions on Dylan’s own Time Out of Mind CD, from 1997. On the actual label of the CD (at least on my copy which was purchased that same year), underneath the Columbia logo it says “Viva-tonal Recording,” and further down is added, in impressively jagged letters, the words “Electrical Process.”

And further checking shows that Columbia actually used to have a “Viva-tonal” sub-label, at least back in the 1930s when they were putting out 78 rpm records.

So … take all of this for what it’s worth, by all means.

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