My new friend Russell from Princeton Architectural Press sent over this amazing book they just published. It chronicles the art and story of Mingering Mike, a guy who wanted to be a soul superstar so bad he created over 100 fake record albums. You may have read about his story a few years ago on BoingBoing, or in a NYTimes article. While Dori Hadar, a DJ, was looking through records at a flea market, he came across an unknown artists hand-painted record covers containing records made of cardboard. They had everything a real record should have, liner notes, gatefold interiors and even some of them came covered in plastic. There were fake soundtracks and singles too. Mingering Mike was often the producer, writer, album artist, and director. And he made his albums released under all different record companies- my favorite being Fake Records Inc. After finding these records, Dori posted them on Soulstrut, an online forum for record collectors and since then, about thirty years since Mingering Mike created these records, everyone became intrigued- record collectors, folk art collectors, music people. Dori tracked down Mingering Mike and they became friends and helped him get this book made. I’m so happy Mike has become the superstar he always wanted to be. The book has giant pictures of all the best records and tells Mike’s interesting story. You can learn more about Mingering Mike on his website and look out for a vinyl 7″ of Mingering Mike’s hit single “There’s Nothing Wrong With You Baby” being relased by the Vanguard Squad.

© Julia Rothman 2007