Ray D'Ariano - Are You On Something? (1973/2023) [Official Digital Download 24/192]

Every copy of Ray D'Ariano's 1972 comedy album ARE YOU ON SOMETHING? (KSBS 2072) that I've ever seen has either a hole punch or cutout notch in the cover. I purchased my first copy in 1974 from a department store bargain bin. This is no reflection on Ray's work here, which is spirited and in places wickedly imitative.

As seen here, Ray was once a doughy kid from NYC with thick dark red hair. In the mid-80s he played sidekick to Soupy Sales on WNBC-66AM's 10am to 3pm slot. Their music and talk show was sandwiched between Imus in the Morning and Howard Stern. This was during Howeird's PRIVATE PARTS era. After Stern was fired, Soupy's contract wasn't renewed. Ray was kept on at 10 to 3 until 1988, when WNBC ceased to exist (it's now WFAN). He claims to be NYC's last-ever AM radio DJ.

Ray's first and only comedy LP reflects its times via satire. On Side One, his take on the epic-length WOODSTOCK concert film skews some familiar moments that are in themselves quite amusing. "Misable" is a commercial that features a down-on-his luck inner city cat who discovers New Life. "Cheech & Ernie" is a Sesame St. ripoff of Cheech & Chong's "Dave" routine from their self-titled first album . The "Jameson Diet" is white crosses or something similar. "Universe" is a nightspot ad. "Radio Suite" is an aural collage (complete with between-station tuning effects) that in part spoofs the shouting, echo-drenched DJs of AM's glory days. Our host does an acne prep ad. A snack food spot precedes a Cousin Brucie clone. After a pitch for donations and a Long John Nebel clip, there's a cool cat pushing some hot stuff. A Brad Grey imitation has a caller with the dreaded radio on in the background. A clothing store ad is drowning in echo. Finally, Ray himself hosts a panel discussion on War with unspeaking dead leaders.

TRACKLIST

1. Ray D'Ariano - Woodstock
2. Ray D'Ariano - I'm Miserable
3. Ray D'Ariano - Cheech and Ernie
4. Ray D'Ariano - The Jameson Diet
5. Ray D'Ariano - The Universe
6. Ray D'Ariano - Radio Suite: Beautiful Bobby and Pimpagell / Fripto's Skinless / Cousin Looselip / Listener Sponsored Radio / Brother Frank's Appliance and Jewelry Outlet / Is That You Brad / Bill Thrill and Menison Clothes
7. Ray D'Ariano - Late Talk
8. Ray D'Ariano - Groovy / Are You on Something? / Thank God
9. Ray D'Ariano - The Classic / SDP
10. Ray D'Ariano - Special New Roommates
11. Ray D'Ariano - How to Make It With Chicks
12. Ray D'Ariano - Paulie



Thanks to the Original customer.