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Remembering or: Happy Memorial Day
31 Monday May 2021
Posted Life as We Know It
in31 Monday May 2021
Posted Life as We Know It
inTags
30 Sunday May 2021
Posted Records, Spinning Sunday
inTags
Billy Joel, Kanye West, Lou Barlow, Newport Folk Festival, Roger Laredo and His Orchestra, The Cure
Salutations™!!
The BCPF and I got to Underdog Records right after opening and Jonathan and De had spent the week rearranging the store, so we had to get our bearings but it was cool to see the change. We had a beer tour with The Joneses last night so we only got one album in for listening. Here’s the haul:
Kanye West – The College Dropout — The College Dropout is the debut studio album by Kanye. It was #298 on the RS list that matters and #74 on the one that doesn’t. Here’s what I said about it when I listened in 2015: Okay, Kanye is an a-hole. I’ve said it. I just now said it, again. The POTUS even said he was an idiot. Some of the things he does, yeah, makes him look like one. I think he’s an attention wh*re and enjoys being such. But, while he does look like an idiot, I don’t think that he is one. This is his debut album and it took a long time to record. He uses samples from several of his 1Kanyewest_collegedropoutcontemporaries throughout the album. It’s been a while since the “N” word was prevalent in an “RST500” album but I knew this was going to have it in there. I was right. That’s bad for me, but he’s got a decent voice and isn’t too abrasive in the raps. He uses a good bit of actual singing vocals from others, like “All Falls Down” with Syleena Johnson. “I’ll Fly Away,” by Albert Brumley is a modern gospelized version of the tune that heard growing up going to Ma Mère’s (and eventually Ma Père’s as well) Pentecostal-Hades-Fire-and-Brimstone church. Yes, Dear Reader, I haven’t always been the heathen I am today. Let me say, it sounds a lot better on this album that it ever did in that little white church by the creek. Kanye seems to have fun, but is serious. Lots of musicality and I’ll be honest, I didn’t hate listening to it. I’ll admit that with 20 tracks it does tend to become background music, but at the same time, it’s very accessible (minus the “N” word). The last song, “Last Call,” pretty much is KW talking about the making of the album and signing the deal with Roc-A-Fella records after Capitol passed on him. I like the behind the scenes stuff. All in all, I dug it.
2×LP, Reissue. New.
Lou Barlow – Reason To Live — The BCPF has been a long-time fan of Lou Barlow’s. She likes him in Sebadoh, Folk Implosion and solo. We were at a concert for Superchunk once and she got to meet Lou. She had to lean in because the music was loud. She said he had great-smelling hair. Okay. This came out this week. Limited Edition, Blue Baby vinyl. New.
The Cure – Faith — The third studio album by Robert Smith and company. We didn’t have this on vinyl and it was there, brand-spankin’ new and calling our name. We picked it up. Reissue, Remastered, 180g. Has Rhino Vinyl hype sticker, includes the text “Remastered by Robert Smith” and “180 gram heavyweight vinyl”. New.
The Cure – Pornography — Then, the fourth studio album from The Cure. Same as above. We didn’t. Now, we do. Reissue, Remastered, 180g. Has Rhino Vinyl hype sticker, includes the text “Remastered by Robert Smith” and “180 gram heavyweight vinyl”. New.
Billy Joel – Piano Man — The second album from BJ. This is in EX condition and while we already had this, it wasn’t in this good of condition.
Billy Joel – The Bridge — The tenth studio album by Billy Joel, released on July 9, 1986, just after I moved here to WSNC. It was the last studio album produced by Phil Ramone as well as the last to feature Joel’s long-time bassist Doug Stegmeyer and rhythm guitarist Russell Javors. I remember seeing the video for “A Matter of Trust” and liking it. I have to admit that other than the radio hits that J104 played in WV, I didn’t know much about Billy Joel at the time, so this was one of the first things that I got to see him in. I didn’t have MTV until we moved here. I like the tunes on the album. EX.
Various – Newport Broadside — The BCPF if fascinated by the Newport Folk Festival, even though she’s never been to it. I didn’t know that it was started in 1959. I thought it was a relatively new festival. Hmmm… This is one of the first comp albums released from this festival. This was from 1963. It features Joan Baez, Bob Davenport, Bob Dylan, The Freedom Singers, Jim Garland, Sam Hinton, Peter La Farge, Ed McCurdy, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, and Pete Seeger. As far as I can tell, this is an original pressing and is in EX condition.
Roger Laredo And His Orchestra – Italy — Italian music from, you guessed it… Roger Laredo and his orchestra. EX.
You really need to go see the newly rearranged store. More space and things are easier to get to, I think. Jonathan is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11a-7p. You can order new (unused) vinyl 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Record Store Day Drop #1 is June 12 so go to the RSD website and see what is coming! I use Discogs to track my collection, what I may need and use their marketplace to collect my records. you should, too!
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!
—
“Some love is just a lie of the heart. The cold remains of what began with a passionate start. And they may not want it to end. But it will, it’s just a question of when.” – “A Matter of Trust” (Joel)
29 Saturday May 2021
Posted Sounds Like Saturday, Video
inSalutations™!!
Today is the 52nd anniversary of the self-titled debut album by Crosby, Stills & Nash. That album has a shload of fantastic tunes. It is #262 on the RS list that matters and #161 on the one that doesn’t, however I think the second one has it more accurate. This is a great cover, enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“I’ve got an answer… I’m going to fly away. What have I got to lose? Will you come see me Thursdays and Saturdays? What have you got to lose?” – “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” (Stills)
28 Friday May 2021
Posted Video
inSalutations™!!
Today is the 30th anniversary of Johnny Marr’s (Smiths) and Bernard Sumner’s (Joy Division/New Order) collaboration debut, Electronic which was the band’s name, too. I had never heard of this until The BCPF told me about it. But, here it is. There were several covers but I thought this from 2019 was a good representation. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“I’ve always thought of you as my brick wall. Built like an angel, six feet tall. Six feet tall. And when you go away, I start to weep. You’re too expensive girl to keep. Isn’t it sweet?” – “Get the Message” (Marr/Sumner)
27 Thursday May 2021
Posted Video
inSalutations™!!
Today is the 58th anniversary of Bob Dylan’s second studio album, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. I have never been a Dylan fan but I think that was all his later electric stuff and the live stuff where he’s always shouting. I say he writes great songs but I’d rather hear someone else sing them. This album, I really, really like. This song, is the one that I say I will always prefer his version. It has a lot of meaning for The BCPF, which I won’t divulge as it’s not my story to tell. But, I love this song. This (again) is not my favorite version but it is an interesting take on it. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“And it ain’t no use in turning on your light, babe. The light I never knowed. And it ain’t no use in turning on your light, babe. I’m on the dark side of the road. But I wish there was something you would do or say to try and make me change my mind and stay. But we never did too much talking anyway. But don’t think twice, it’s all right.” – “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright)” (Dylan)
26 Wednesday May 2021
Salutations™!!
On The Less Desirables this evening, we had Beth Blair and Jay McNulty of the new Honu Global. As explained on their website:
After many years in various careers, we decided to share our creativity and experience. Our passion for creating beautiful things is unbounded and we express them in our work and offer them in our gallery or at selected partners. If you want to reimagine your business, we can empower your team by working side by side to curate, stage and design for maximum impact and sales.
The cool thing, too, is that Jay is a beer maker, so we got to try both the Elderberry Ale and the English Nut Brown Ale that he made. We enjoyed those beers a lot!
You should give the show a listen, which you can do here.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“It all starts with an idea, share yours with us.” – Honu Global
25 Tuesday May 2021
Posted Video
inTags
Salutations™!!
Today is the 38th anniversary of Dio’s debut album, Holy Diver. I have never been a huge Dio fan, but I appreciate and respect what the band, and Ronnie James Dio, too, did for the metal genre. I like RJD’s stuff, I just don’t go seeking it out. Anywhat! Here’s a good version of the title track done by Burning Witches. They do a great job. The camera crew, though needs some help. They don’t know who to focus the shot on when the solos are happening. Amateurs… Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“Holy Diver. You’ve been down too long in the midnight sea. Oh, what’s becoming of me? Ride the tiger. You can see his stripes but you know he’s clean. Oh, don’t you see what I mean? Gotta get away. Holy Diver, yeah.” – “Holy Diver” (Dio)
24 Monday May 2021
Posted Food, Podcasting, The Less Desirables Network
inSalutations™!!
Today, we recorded the 200th episode of The Man Who Ate the Town podcast. Five years plus and still going! Latest restaurant news and views! Listen here.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“
23 Sunday May 2021
Posted Records, Spinning Sunday
inTags
Dave Matthews Band, Discogs, Dolly Parton, Joni Mitchell, Morton Gould, Mothers of Invention, Record Store Day, Records, The Association, The Who, Underdog Records
Salutations™!!
The BCPF and I took her brother and her mother to eat the night before at Diamondback Grill to celebrate my MIL’s 80th birthday. Her brother came along with us on Saturday to do some record shopping at Underdog Records, eat breakfast/lunch at Clementine’s and we gave a tour of parts of the town that he hadn’t seen yet. Here’s our haul:
Joni Mitchell – Live At Canterbury House – 1967 — The BCPF is a major fan of Joni Mitchell. She didn’t know that this existed and neither did I. 3×LP, Limited Edition, 180g. Packaged in a 6-panel, book-style gatefold sleeve. Hype Sticker: Includes 9 previously unreleased original songs predating Joni’s first album. Limited edition of 10,000. 3 sets of music. Recorded live at Canterbury House, Ann Arbor, MI, October 27, 1967. New/Sealed.
The Who – The Who Sell Out — Reissue. All Media, Deluxe Edition, Remastered, Stereo. 2×LP with bonus tracks. It’s #115 on the RS list that matters and #316 on the RS list that doesn’t. I remember listening to this when I went through the list and thought it was really good. I’ve been looking for this for a while and it was just reissued. New.
Dave Matthews Band – Remember Two Things — the “debut” album from Dave Matthews Band. When this was first released it was The Dave Matthews Band. I have never liked DMB but this wasn’t too bad. Non-Gatefold, Vinyl are housed in two poly lined white paper sleeves and contains a card with a download code. New.
The Mothers Of Invention – Burnt Weeny Sandwich — Reissue, Remastered, 180 Gram. I’ve been enjoying getting to know some Zappa stuff. Gatefold cover. With replica of original black and white poster. New.
Dolly Parton – The Very Best Of Dolly Parton — 2×LP Compilation. New.
The Association – Insight Out — Limited Edition, Reissue, Mono, Red. 2017 Rhino Summer Of Love Series. New/sealed.
Morton Gould And His Orchestra – Latin, Lush And Lovely — I don’t know what this is. The BCPF wanted it. We got it. VG+.
Underdog Records is open Wednesday to Saturday. Things are starting to open back up and Jonathan is bringing people back into the store, mostly without restrictions. Follow Underdog on social media to find out what is new and happening at the store. You can shop 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Record Store Day is coming soon and you should go to the RSD website to find out more. I use Discogs to track my collection. You should, too.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!
—
“I know you’ve deceived me, now here’s a surprise. I know that you have, cause there’s magic in my eyes. I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles. Oh yeah. If you think that I don’t know about the little tricks you’ve played. And never see you when deliberately you put things in my way.” – “I Can See For Miles” (Townshend)
22 Saturday May 2021
Posted Sounds Like Saturday, Video
inTags
Salutations™!!
This week we celebrated (or we didn’t and I just said we did) the 33rd anniversary of Cinderella’s sophomore effort, Long Cold Winter. I liked it. I liked the debut better, I think. This was probably their biggest hit and with it you get a bonus from that debut album. Keifer sounds good, too. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“Do you wanna see me beggin’ baby? Can’t you give me just one more day? Can’t you see my heart’s been draggin’ lately? I’ve been lookin’ for the words to say.” – “Don’t Know What You’ve Got (Till It’s Gone)” (Keifer)
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