Ok guys, before I start this, I have to ask… 65 of you have downloaded the Hamsadutta double LP. That’s a LOT. I warned you… why didn’t you listen?!

Well clearly you like punishment, so let’s round out the Hamsadutta-centric Hare Krsna Records catalog with the final installment…

HKR #1003 – Hare Krsna Festival

This is, by far, the second most available ISKCON record on Ebay, etc. Radha Krsna Temple [produced by the famous George Harrison... he was in the Beatles, you know, he gave us a house!] being the first.

However, there is naturally some weirdness about this release. Hare Krsna Records wasn’t the only label to release this. Radha Krsna Productions, also out of Germany, also released this. Why? I have no idea.

Now, just who is Radha Krsna Productions? Again, no idea. Both covers are identical, save for the address in the bottom left corner.

Radha Krsna Productions clams this to be their 4th release (RKP #1004). I have three of their other releases (1001 and 1005… 1003, a possibly a Srila Prabhupada double LP, is on the way… I don’t have and can’t find #1002).

Anyway, back to HKR #1003/RKP #1004… The aptly titled Hare Krsna Festival. Germany, where all of the Hare Krsna Festival records come from, must have been a happening place around 1974. Clearly, they were always having festivals! Every single record released by them at that time was called Hare Krsna Festival!

And yes, this once again has Hamsadutta waling and moaning throughout it. Maybe you guys like that. Never heard it? Well, here’s a fine example… (it’s really short, so even Rati & Dwija can download it!)
15 Seconds of Hans

But let’s get to the record.

Side One

1) Vande Ham – Fifteen or so minutes of a nice kirtan lead by Hamsadutta. Harmonium, mrdanga and kartals. The assembled devotees and Hamsadutta’s own improvisation accompany him.

Side Two

1) Tulasi Prayer – Led by a female, probably Hamsadutta’s wife, Himavati. This is the same exact recording that was on the Hare Krsna Festival 7″ HKR #2001.

2) Jaya Radhe Jaya Krsna – Led by Hamsadutta. This is the same exact recording that was on the Hare Krsna Festival 7″ HKR #2003.

3) Vande Ham – Led by Hamsadutta. And this is the same exact recording that was on the Hare Krsna Festival 7″ HKR #2002.

Side two of this LP is just a rehashing of stuff that was released on 7″’s. Side one, however, seems to be a new recording. You really have to question what was going through their bald little heads while releasing these records. Also notice, on the label, how Hamsadutta has credited himself with writing all of the songs. “Hans Kary”… pretty bold, eh?

Ok, So that does it for the entire Hare Krsna Records label. A label dedicated to preserving the moaning and waling of Hamsadutta das for generations to come.

If you’re curious (and I know you are), here’s a rundown of their catalog:

Hare Krsna Records
12″ LPs
- 1001 – Hare Krsna Festival
- 1002 – Hare Krsna Festival Part II
- 1003 – Hare Krsna Festival
- 1004 – The Beautiful Hare Krsna People Double LP (Rereleased #1001 & #1002)
7″ Singles
- 2001 – Hare Krsna Festival
- 2002 – Hare Krsna Festival
- 2003 – Hare Krsna Festival Amsterdam

You’ve made it this far, I guess I better give you the link so you can download it.

And for next Ekadasi, I promise, no more Hamsadutta, ok?

Related posts:

1. It’s Ekadasi! The Beautiful Hare Krsna People DOUBLE LP!
2. It’s Ekadasi! Hare Krishna Records – The 7″’s
3. Hare Krsna Happening! The First Hare Krsna Record
4. It’s Ekadasi! Acyutananda Swami’s “India” LP!
5. It’s Ekadasi! Radhagovinda Productions