1. Billy Murray was an exclusive Victor recording artist from 1909 until January 1, 1919. He then became a free agent, able to record with any label he chose. This particular cut was recorded in January of 1919, just days after his release from Victor. Murray remained a free agent for about a year and a half, recording with a variety of labels, including Columbia and even Victor. Then on July 1, 1920, he signed another exclusive contract with Victor. This record is from that short free agent period.
2. "Alcoholic Blues", which makes light of the coal and sugar shortages due to rationing during WWI but woefully bemoans the absence of alcohol, was recorded just one year before the 18th Amendment took effect, banning the production, sale, and transportation of all alcohol in the US. However, the amendment was ratified on January 16, 1919, just days before Billy Murray recorded "Alcoholic Blues". So, this record was an extremely current and germane piece of music upon its release, given the impending ban of all alcohol.
3. The B-side of the record, "I'm Goin' to Settle Down Outside of London Town", is also an anti-Prohibition song. The singer praises the good ol' USA, but he must abscond to England because they still have liquor there.
In short, Billy Murray was a rock star.
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