A CHILD’S GARDEN OF GRASS

A CHILD’S GARDEN OF GRASS

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_S._Margolis

Many years ago I was in a record shop hanging out but not finding anything worth buying. A buddy of mine threw a CD on the counter in front of me, pointed at it, and started reciting random one liners and inside jokes, all of which went way over my head. A couple other patrons picked up on the comedy routine in progress and my interest was piqued enough to throw down $30 plus tax for the mystery album. I unsealed it, handed it back to the store clerk, and asked him to play it on the store stereo speakers. Upon seeing this, every customer in the store immediately pinned himself to a speaker in anticipation. I had no idea what I had just paid for, however seeing 15 record geeks collectively turn into Nipper and Chipper the RCA dogs was worth the price alone.

The album was a Rhino Handmade CD reissue of “A Child’s Garden Of Grass” from 1971, with two bonus tracks: David Peel and the Lower East Side singing “Have A Marijuana” and David Frye as President Nixon in “A Presidential Trip”. The album is billed as “A Pre-Legalization Comedy”; Basically, it is an instructional record for marijuana smokers, or eaters, or however you get your kicks. The CD even includes instructions for pot cookies in a tiny Zip-Loc baggie! Even for non-heads, this album is a RIOT. Comedy skits, sound effects, and a narrator who always seems on the verge of bursting out laughing himself. The album is split into 13 “sessions” (creativity, physical effects, getting hung up, etc) and covers all the topics potheads new and old will need to have a successful trip. The bonus tracks are a hoot, as well, particularly “A Presidential Trip”. PIcture President Nixon attempting to smoke a joint and failing miserably and extrapolate from there. Very, very funny.

An original LP of this will set you back $400 if you can find one. The Rhino Handmade Cd’s were a limited edition but can be had for a good price if you shop around. Puff puff pass, friends, puff puff pass….
WS