Author Archives: TGBII

No Piggyback or: Doing My Part

22 Tuesday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

We didn’t do The Man Who Ate the Town again this week. This time it was Kelly’s turn to miss as she had something she had to take care of. Next week, though!

I do want to say a very special thanks to DiLisio’s Italian Restaurant, Washington Perk and The Humblebee Shoppe for their support of us, as well as Test Pattern Studios.

Something different for today’s post, though. Here is Jeffrey Dean Foster and Karon Click (McKinney) doing “Under Pressure” at the Ramkat’s opening gala with the Vagabond Saints Society. I was the only choir member that was on this song (other than Karon) and I got to make a few cameo appearances in it. Thanks to Gregory Silva for the video!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“‘Cause love’s such an old-fashioned word and love dares you to care for the people on the (People on streets) edge of the night. And, loves (People on streets) dares you to change our way of caring about ourselves. This is our last dance. This is our last dance. This is ourselves under pressure.” – “Under Pressure” (Mercury/Deacon/May/Taylor/Bowie)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 5/19/18

20 Sunday May 2018

Posted by in Records, Spinning Sunday

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Salutations™!!

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©RCA

 

We didn’t walk yesterday because it was misting/drizzling and I hate being wet. I didn’t want to get caught up in the deluge. Anywhat! The BCPF and I still ate at Mary’s Gourmet Diner, went to Underdog Records, did a lot of record listening and met our friends at Willows Bistro last night. Here’s our haul:

  • The Sea And Cake – Any Day – A brand new release from this jazz-infused indie rock band. I had never heard of them but The BCPF is a fan and it was pretty cool. I liked it a good bit. New.
  • The Breeders – Last Splash – The second album from the Breeders, released in 1993. They reissued them this week but we found a VG++ used 2009 reissue and it sounded fantastic. Great album.
  • Pavement – Brighten The Corners – Another fave of The BCPF’s college days. The first side was bright and funny. I didn’t pay any attention to side two. Overall, I didn’t dislike it. VG+.
  • The B-52’s – The B-52’s – This is an original pressing of their 1979 debut album. It’s in VG++ shape. It was ranked on the RS List at #152. That’s impressive. They were game changers in the new wave/classic alternative scene. Great album.
  • Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Rust Never Sleeps – #351 on the RS List. I didn’t really care for it, I don’t think, the first time I heard it. I cared just a little more this time. I think my problem with him is his voice live. He’s always straddling the proper pitch and his voice kind of rakes on my nerves. Still, it was VG+ and I have another marked off the list.
  • Tchaikovsky – Boston Pops / Arthur Fiedler – Swan Lake – NM 1964 pressing.
  • Paul McCartney & Wings – Red Rose Speedway – Someone had just brought this in to sell and I snatched it up. It has one of my top 5 Mac songs on it (“My Love”) and it was in VG condition. The rest of the album is good but I love that one song.
  • Toto – Toto – First album from a talented group of session players. This is no Toto IV but that’s okay. It has “Hold the Line,” “I’ll Supply the Love” and “Georgy Porgy” on it, all of which were released as singles along with “Rockmaker.” VG+.
  • Elvis Costello And The Attractions – Trust – VG copy of Declan Macmanus’ fifth album. I know nothing of the album but The BCPF likes Elvis Costello. We saw him live way back in 2010 or 2011.
  • Taco – After Eight – Yes! That “Puttin’ on the Ritz” guy. The whole album is in that old school standards/pop genre that the Irving Berlin tune is in. I really, really enjoyed listening to it. VG+.
  • Dire Straits – Communiqué – VG copy of Dire Straits’ second album. I know nothing of this album but I know that I have really developed a love for Dire Straits’ music. So, I’m looking forward to listening to it.
  • Blondie – Eat To The Beat – “Dreaming” is probably the best-known tune on this album, but I hear it has some other fantastical wonders on it, as well. It was a $1, so there’s that. VG.
  • Supertramp – Crime Of The Century – I’m trying to find all the Supertramp I can. I dig them and it’s good rock/pop. The two songs I recognize by title only (I haven’t listened to it, yet) are “Dreamer” and “Bloody Well Right.” The cover was beaten up and totally came apart at the glue points. I reglued that with my hot glue gun and cleaned the album up. The vinyl was in VG/VG+ condition, but there is some surface noise. $1 bin find.

Jonathan had a big purchase day from the way he talked so there’s bound to be plenty of freshly stocked used albums coming through. Watch Underdog Records’ Instagram and Facebook for the latest on their new and used acquisitions and for specials. Also, check out the ad on The Less Desirables podcast every week to hear what the TLD/Underdog special is.

Also, I use Discogs to archive my collection. There were two records I had to look up whilst in Underdog Records, yesterday. One I had and the other I didn’t. So, that saved me the guessing game. I love this service.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Keep spinning!

—
“Here comes a stingray. There goes a manta-ray. In walked a jellyfish. There goes a dogfish chased by a catfish. In flew a sea robin. Watch out for that piranha. There goes a narwhal. Here comes a bikini whale!” – “Rock Lobster” (Pierson/Wilson/Schneider/Strickland/Wilson)

Revenge of Sounds Like Saturday or: the Domino Bonus

19 Saturday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

I know I’ve already done a post today but not only is today the release anniversary of So from Peter Gabriel, it’s also the 26th anniversary of KISS’ Revenge. It was a return of heavier rock from KISS that mostly got away from the poppier sound of the last few releases. To quote Paul Stanley, “you won’t hear any ‘hammer-ons’ on this album.” I think he meant hammer tapping, but whatever. In this video, I swear that Gene is the only person that could drink from a straw and make it look cool. Even, if the song is a bit creepy, it’s definitely “Gene.”

Until tomorrow (again), same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Never had confession. Never had a home. Never had no worry until I met Domino. 
Ain’t the Virgin Mary. Love her I confess. Got my hesitations, ’cause she kisses like the kiss of death. Loves lots of money, back’s against the wall. Calls me Sugar Daddy, she knows she’s got me by the balls. They call her Domino – so fine.” – “Domino” (Simmons/Vincent)

Sounds Like Saturday or: Don’t Give Up

19 Saturday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 32nd anniversary of the release of what I call my favorite album of all time, So by Peter Gabriel. So, I wanted to share one of my faves from the album. My favorite of all time is, of course, “Sledgehammer” but I give that enough love, so here’s another from that album. I want to do So in its entirety with VSS and I want to do all the PG vocals and I want local legend Susan Snow to be my Kate Bush. We’ll see if that ever happens.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Got to walk out of here. I can’t take any more. Going to stand on that bridge, keep my eyes down below. Whatever may come and whatever may go that river’s flowing. That river’s flowing. Moved on to another town, tried hard to settle down. For every job, so many men. So many men no-one needs.” – “Don’t Give Up” (Gabriel)

(Red) Rain or: Soaking in It

18 Friday May 2018

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Rant

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Salutations™!!

I am so over the wet, rainy weather conditions. I think we missed spring, at least the sunny spring because now if the sun is out, it’s hotter than seven hades and we’re still in the middle of May. But, the rain is so annoying. I can’t ride with my windows or sunroof open. I can’t sit in the yard. I can’t do much of anything. I hate being wet and I hate running to my car to avoid becoming so. Meh, I say.

Anyone else already done with the rain? Does anyone actually enjoy it? I’m sure there are some. I mean, I don’t mind rain but let it do its business and then leave. I believe it’s appropriate that tomorrow is the anniversary of Peter Gabriel’s So (my favorite album of all time), if for no other reason than the opening tune is about rain (at least in title). Here’s the video since the rain makes me not want to do a lot of writing.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I am standing up at the water’s edge in my dream. I cannot make a single sound as you scream. It can’t be that cold, the ground is still warm to touch. We touch. This place is so quiet, sensing that storm. Red rain is coming down. Red rain. Red rain is pouring down. Pouring down all over me.” – “Red Rain” (Gabriel)

Gunning the New Sponsor or: Wearing It

17 Thursday May 2018

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Podcasting, The Less Desirables Network

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Salutations™!!

I am thrilled to say that Machine Gun Graphics is the newest sponsor of The Less Desirables and, to an extent, the whole The Less Desirables Network. We are excited that Kyle and Nikki have signed on with us.MGG_LOGO

Are you familiar with Machine Gun Graphics? If not, then you need to get acquainted.

Basically, Machine Gun Graphics can print anything that can be printed. Why use Machine Gun Graphics? They have a website with Free Design studio. You design your own merch. You dream it up and they can print it on most flat fabrics. Things like bags, t-shirts, hoodies, hats, sweatpants, and so on.

They also specialize in water-based and discharge printing.  They use Eco-Friendly inks, and they strive to keep their shop as Eco-friendly as they possibly can since those kinds of products are available.  MGG can even source Eco-Friendly and sustainable garments.  That’s awesome!

New services they offer? Wide Format printing, stickers, banners, window signage, enamel pins, patches. And, they are fully automated.  They’re set up for small orders and large orders. They like to joke that they can take on orders from 12 to120,000. But, really, they can.

Another bonus is that their prices are comparable to major/national vendors. They stand by their work and they do what they do as well as anyone. I’d rather support local than those national companies. I’m not just saying that because MGG is my sponsor.

I know that it’s time for new TLD t-shirts and I need stuff for The Man Who Ate the Town. I’m glad that I now know the place locally to get all my printed needs taken care of.  And, you should get your stuff done there, as well! Again, I am very pleased and excited to have them as part of The Less Desirables Network family.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Machine Gun Graphics is a custom screen printing company located in downtown Winston – Salem, NC owned and operated by Kyle Woodall. They offer a variety of services for all of your merchandise and promotional needs as a company or band.” – Machine Gun Graphics

Bolo or: The Less Desirables Beer of the Week

16 Wednesday May 2018

Posted by in Beer, Podcasting

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Salutations™!!

Bull’s Tavern, the Official Beer Sponsor of The Less Desirables, presents Bolo Coconut Brown from Burial Beer, The Less Desirables Beer of the Week.burial

As Danielle said during the show, she’s never heard of a coconut brown before. We’ve heard of coconut stouts and coconut porters. But, never a coconut brown. It’s hard to beat just about any beer that has Burial’s name on it. So, when those factors are combined, that means delicious creamy goodness.

To me, there was a little bit of flavor dilution. There wasn’t a big coconut flavor push in the beer. The flavors were all a bit muddled. On top of that, the beer had been in a growler for an hour or so and it was warmer than I’d want it. I’d love to retry it right out of the tap. All that being said on the flavor, I liked it. I would just have liked a little more clarity. The brew is 5.6% ABV.

BeerAdvocate rates it at 3.94/5 (Very Good). Untappd has it at 3.91 caps out of 5. I rated it 4.25 out of 5. Tune into the latest episode of The Less Desirables to hear what Danielle, Bethany, Cheyenne, Nathan and I had to say about it. You can listen HERE.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Dense forest demand sharp blades. Worn, torn, chipped or rusted, the Bolo shepherds the path. Later still, this tool of ancient times takes on the tiring task of harvesting the hidden fruit of the tropics. Enjoy an aroma that reminds you of tropical granola with a smooth maltiness that hints at chocolate and nuts. Baked in our kettle, cured to perfection.” –  Burial

The Last of My Colored Hair or: How Long, Now?

15 Tuesday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

So, I’m going to spare you the whole “it was 16 years ago today at 2:42pm, that my awesome son was unleashed upon this world” story. But, really, that’s what happened. So, instead, I’m going to tell you about the thing that happened today, which I’m sure you can figure out what that is. But, time’s up and I’m going to tell you anyway.

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Yeah, that’s my kid…

 

Yeah, his mother and I accompanied 3B to the local DMV/Highway Patrol office and watched him and a nice officer drive off in her vehicle. They were gone about 10 minutes at the most and then they came back. I thought, uh oh. That didn’t take too long. That can’t be good. But, the instructor confirmed that she hadn’t been scared by his driving.

3B is a good driver. I still worry about his immaturity but I guess you have to let them grow up, right? I mean Mes ‘Rents gave me room and always hoped that I’d grow up. I don’t think that I ever did, though.

So, yeah, he passed it on his first try. Look out WSNC (and Pinnacle and all points in between).

In all this happening, we didn’t record The Man Who Ate the Town today, but in missing that, I want to give a big shout out to our sponsors anyway. Washington Perk is your downtown purveyor of fine provisions. It’s not a grocery store, no, but it’s better than a convenience store. Sandwiches from the Perk deli counter, a wall of beer and wine, a chip corner, Larry’s Beans coffee and, of course, Wolfie’s Custard. You can find them at 301 W 4th Street in WSNC.

For the best cookies and baked goods in town, much of which is gluten-free and/or vegan, you have to go to The Humble Bee Shoppe located at 1003 Brookstown Ave in WSNC. Brittany makes everything from scratch and as we say, she wants to challenge your perception of scratch-made and give you a baked goodness experience that you’ll never forget!

Di Lisio’s Italian Family Restaurant is my favorite Italian restaurant in town. Tony is my favorite Italian. I’ve never made any bones about that, right? Kelly and The BCPF both agree with me, too. Homemade sauces, delicious seafood and meat options with a variety of pasta to choose from. Di Lisio’s goes beyond lasagne and spaghetti but if that is what you like, you will love Di Lisio’s! They”re located at 301 Brookstown Ave.

Thanks to all our sponsors for everything they do. And, hey! I’ve not received any playlists, yet. Get with it folks! And, watch out for my boy out there on the road.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I’m not ready for this…” – 3B’s mother, my “baby mama.”

Second Sunday or: Threadbare Trio

14 Monday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday, my pals Neal Goode and Clay Howard and I performed for the first SSO4 of 2018. We opened the season doing a little “comedacoustic” music. I just made that up. Anywhat! I wanted to show a picture or six. I thought they looked cool. Thanks to Mackenzie Cates-Allen and Hayley Cates for the pics, by the way.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“We want to thank the visionary, passionate creators of SSO4, the 4CM Group. The Winston-Salem Ambassadors are honored to have been entrusted with this wonderful event.” – SSO4 (Winston-Salem Ambassadors)