What Is 317X?

Right up there with 7-UP, WD-40, Formula 409 and Grecian Formula 44, there's 317X. Well, OK, maybe you've never heard of it, but trust me, you should. This revolutionary anti-static ingredient is what helped make records sound so good. Surely it wasn't just hype on the part of RCA Victor Records? The sticker above was posted on many of RCA's Living Stereo releases from the late 50's and early 60's. The tag below was actually printed on many of the later releases. The sticker above is from the cover of George Beverly Shea-Christmas Hymns (RCA Victor LSP-2064, 1959) while the detail below is from Katie Lee-Life Is Just A Bed Of Neuroses (RCA Victor LSP-2214, 1960) (Both of which we've featured in our Oodles of Doodles series; follow the links). And way, way below is a note from the cover of the George Beverly Shea release describing the music within as "Holy Holiday". (I'm still trying to find out more about these descriptions, or maybe a list of them...)

All this carrying-on is really just to tell you about the new link you'll find over on the right to a site called 317X. This place has cover scans of dozens and dozens of vintage records, many of which I've shared doodles from. Please stop by over there and have a look to see some great images. It's truly a labour of love.