Polish sound postcards

By ⋅ February 2, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment
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Back in the late 60s and early 70s it was difficult to get your hands on American pop music. At least, it was difficult if you lived in communist Poland. But Polish pop lovers found a way to get their fix of Donna Summer or Hot Chocolate. It came in the form of the sound postcard (pictured), a small plastic rectangle covered in grooves both literal and metaphorical. Poles would get a sound postcard in the mail, put it on their record player and gain access to unauthorized copies of western pop music, along with the occasional Polish tune too. We hear from Mat Schulz, an Australian living in Poland who happens to be a collector of Polish sound postcards.

This audio slideshow was produced by Alex Gallafent:

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9 comments for “Polish sound postcards”

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  • magda

    So much fun to see those again. I remember them from my childhood in POland.

  • Gerard Brindley

    Poland, cats and Donna Summers. It just goes to prove that music will always find a way into people’s lives. Perhaps one day there will be an exhibition of e-cards from the early 21st century.

  • http://www.areyoudevoted.com Phoenix Perry

    If you happen to live in New York and want to see and hear Mat’s postcard collection in person, come to his opening on Sunday at Devotion Gallery. Opening Sunday February 7th, 2010 at 7pm. On view until 02.14.2010
    http://www.areyoudevoted.com for more information

  • wanda rohs

    I collect knife rests, and I have many Polish made KRs. In fact I have been trying to research the History of Polish made Irena glass ware. I believe they went out of business and wonder if they have sold the molds to China or if they are being made by some other country now.
    When I heard of these Polish sound cards, they really caught my fancy.
    Where could I purchase one? I would like at least one with the Polish intro and English lyrics to a song. I live in the United States and see no chance of making a trip to Europe in the near future. I did get to visit Europe many years ago and loved it. I am now 75 years old. It would make an old lady very happy toadd something unique to my collection, if they aren’t out ofmy price range.
    Thank you for the information. I first heard it on NPR, and than looked it up online.
    Wanda Rohs

  • Alex Gallafent

    Thanks for your posts all. (I’m responsible for this slideshow.)

    I’d not heard of Polish sound postcards until this story came along but I’m happy, Magda, that they’ve rekindle some memories for you.

    Gerard, I suspect you may well be right about future generations marveling at present-day e-cards. But you’ll forgive me for hoping that many of them disappear into digital dust. These Polish sound postcards are curious and kitsch, but they’re not annoying. Personal opinion!

    And Wanda, my best advice to you would be to do as Mat Schulz does, and scour flea markets (or find a surrogate to do so for you.) I wonder if your research into Polish antiques to date might help you identify Polish communities in the United States? Certainly, Mat suspects that there are countless more sound postcards out there. Good luck!

    Alex Gallafent / PRI’s The World

  • Matt D

    Where can I find some of these? Anybody from Poland could get me a few (if those are still available) and send them my way!? I’d pay for the item and service.

  • http://www.bayho.com/c/electronic.html small electronic

    Very interesting video! NY is fun, poles are good dancer with rich history. you should bring more polies music or art to US. What is the differnt of art between us and poland?