Category Archives: Records

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 7/11/20

12 Sunday Jul 2020

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Salutations™!!

The usual Saturday routine, The BCPF and I got up, ran to Underdog Records, had lunch, listened to records, had dinner, watched a movie (Bohemian Rhapsody, by the way).

GnR--UseYourIllusion1

©Geffen

Here’s the haul:

  • Andrew Bird – My Finest Work Yet — The BCPF and I saw Andrew Bird open for Belle and Sebastian two years ago. He was great. This is, like most of his work, experimental, ethereal and kind of laid back. I dug it. New.
  • Guns N’ Roses – Use Your Illusion I — This album and its twin were overplayed in 1991. Not nearly as much as Appetite for Destruction was and still is, but it was. But, no matter, I loved them then and I love them now. I only got #I (because that’s all that was at Underdog Records) but I’m sure I’ll find #II soon. I was at the infamous Greensboro concert when they were 2-3 hours late and played until 3am. They played these albums, to the best of my knowledge, in their entirety and I was in awe. Then again, I hadn’t been going to concerts that often but this was amazing. The first time I heard their version of “Live and Let Die” was at this show and I nearly cried. I love that tune. Great album. I need to listen to #II again to see which I like better. 2xLP. New.
  • Queen – A Night At The Opera — The Queen album, at least to most. I don’t know that I fit in that category because I have others I like better, but I guess this is like Queen’s Destroyer, considered their quintessential masterpiece, even if it wasn’t really. We watched Bohemian Rhapsody last night and it was amazing. Then when we finish watching, I check my phone and see that the video of me doing “Bicycle Race” was posted yesterday (that song is not on this album). A coinkidink for sure. This album is really fantastic. New.
  • Billy Joel – Streetlife Serenade — Billy’s third album. I really, really, love old Billy Joel. I say old. Isn’t all of it old now? How about earlier BJ? And even with that, I’m good through most of his career. Listening to the recurring Joel channel on SiriusXM opened me up to a lot of cool stuff I hadn’t heard. This has “Root Beer Rag” and “The Entertainer” on it. Those are prominent but the whole album is a great listen. EX.
  • Billy Joel – Songs In The Attic — This was BJ’s first live album. It had a bit from his debut album, which at the time wasn’t readily available. Most importantly to me, on this album is the version of “She’s Got a Way” that I’m most used to hearing. It was a great representation of his early stuff and we loved listening to it. VG+.

Not a huge haul today but fun. And, we did something we don’t always do. We listened to all of our haul on the day we got it. Jonathan was talking with some folks about purchasing some used stuff to resell. I love hearing that. Distribution has been rough because of C-19 but he keeps getting stuff and is still doing deliveries early in the week. Watch Underdog Records’ Instagram and Facebook pages to see what he is getting in, new and used, and even equipment and supplies. You can DM for something (first come first served) you see. Jonathan can try to special order things for you as well. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection and am able to share it with my friends.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“You suck my blood like a leech, you break the law and you breach. Screw my brain till it hurts, you’ve taken all my money. And you want more. Misguided old mule with your pigheaded rules. With your narrow-minded cronies who are fools of the first division.” – “Death on Two Legs” (Mercury)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul(s) 7/3-4/20

05 Sunday Jul 2020

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I both took Friday off, so we treated it like a “first Saturday.” We did the things we do for Saturday. We had breakfast/brunch/lunch, went to Underdog Records then came home and listened to what we got. We repeated the process on the actual Saturday, too, although that wasn’t the plan. Anywhat! Here’s the two-day haul (and a note that all these releases are “new”):

The_Waterboys_Album_cover

©Chrysalis/Island

  • Nirvana – In Utero (2013 Mix) — I’ve had a tumultuous relationship with Nirvana. But, most of my disdain has passed and I am more on the “appreciate” side of them, now. This is the 20th-anniversary remix of the album from 2013. But, this is also a reissue of that version. 2xLP.
  • Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot — #493 on the RS list, it’s one of The BCPF’s faves. “Heavy Metal Drummer” was put on a mix CD for me when we were both just friends. I like that they mention KISS throughout and that Mediocre Bad Guys covered it. The buildings on the front cover make up Marina City in Chicago. When we were in Chicago last we stayed at the Hotel Chicago which is directly behind Marina City, part of the complex itself. It was something out of Mad Men but elegant. It was definitely a weird stay but we enjoyed it. Not quite as much as we enjoyed the Sofitel but that was one of the nicest hotel rooms we’ve ever had. 2xLP.
  • Tom Waits – Swordfishtrombones — I liked this one better than I liked the other we got from Mr. Waits this weekend. I know it’s his schtick. I know it’s his gimmick. But, I really dislike it when he gets the most grumble for his buck in his voice. He actually sings in a regular tone and timbre for some of the songs. When he does that, his voice actually comes through. He sounds like he’s faking it at times when he grumbles. But, his piano playing is fantastic. I love that part (of both albums).
  • Tom Waits – Heartattack And Vine — Ditto everything I said on the previous entry.
  • The Mothers Of Invention – Weasels Ripped My Flesh — I have been trying to at least understand Zappa better. This credited to The Mothers of Invention but only so because of the live material. The studio stuff was Zappa solo, as the Mothers had disbanded two albums prior. I have tried to take the approach to Zappa as the fact that he was a talented jazz musician that liked take the idea of jazz to the far extreme boundaries of the genre. Sometimes it’s beautiful. Other times it is anything but. This, well it just is.
  • The Waterboys – The Waterboys — The debut album from this Edinburgh-based band. While not on this album, their biggest hit was probably “The Whole of the Moon.” I hear a lot of Doug Davis (yes that Doug Davis) on this. Not that he was on it, but I hear some influence on it. I know that he’s a fan of the band. It was a great listen.
  • The Mountain Goats – We Shall All Be Healed — The brainchild of John Darnielle, the award-winning author and musician, The Mountain Goats, again, is a favorite of The BCPF. He’s funny, witty, and a good musician. I get kind of tired of everything sounding the same but again, the content makes up for that.
  • Nina Simone – My Baby Just Cares For Me — This is the Nina Simone album that I mentioned last week that we got two weeks ago. It finally made it to Discogs so I could include it. It was a great record and we really enjoyed it.
  • Madonna – Madame X — Madge’s latest album, released Summer 2019. A lot of electropop and a mixture of activism/connected and Madonna pop sensibilities. Not a bad record. I got it brand new from the clearance bin. Was regularly $30+ but I got it for $16. Win!
  • Schubert / The Budapest Quartet – The Last Quartets — This is technically “new” because it is still sealed and never opened. Jonathan had it in the “used” bins. It was supposed to be purchased on Friday but we accidentally left it in the bin instead of grabbing it. We got it yesterday. 3xLP of Schubert. Yes.

For the next selections, these are all “imports.” Most are “unofficial” releases which, to me, anyway, could mean “bootleg.” But, they were sold to Jonathan through a distributor, so I don’t know. Anywhat! All are “new.” Here we go.

  • Pink Floyd – Live In NYC 1977 — I love Pink Floyd. They hover around the 5-8 spot on my “all-time favorite” list. This is basically Wish You Were Here live. The sound quality is awful as is the performance, but it’s cool to hear it. I didn’t mind the fact that they didn’t recreate the album, they interpreted their own album. Clear “coke bottle” vinyl.
  • Echo & The Bunnymen – BBC Recordings 1979-1980 — I didn’t know E&BM went back that far, but they did. When I heard these songs yesterday, I thought it was U2, but it’s not. U2 has been around since 1976, I didn’t know that, either. Still, the fact that this album sounded like Boy or October is a good thing, as I like everything U2 up until Zooropa. Not my fave by any means. This was a great listen and makes me love that era of the “first wave” even more. We need more of this.
  • Pixies – Into The White- BBC Recordings From 1988 And 1989 — Everything that I said about Mothers of Invention earlier? Well, multiply that by about 20. I like Pixies in the studio. Live, they get weird. I have a hard time taking them seriously, but I try.
  • Brian Eno – The BBC Sessions — I am a fan of Brian Eno. At least I think I am. One thing the BBC Sessions always tell me is that people get weird (or weirder in Eno’s case) when they step into the BBC Studios. Now, to be fair, we haven’t listened to this one, yet. So, it may not be weird. I am just preparing for it to be.

A big haul, for sure. Bigger than most, recently. Good stuff. A lot of listening time. Jonathan has Underdog Records, the brick-and-mortar, open Thursday through Saturday 11-7, and doing deliveries on Mondays, Tuesday, and Wednesday as long as weather permits. Watch Instagram and Facebook for what he’s putting out, be it new or used. You can shop for new vinyl anytime, day or night, by visiting the website. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection and you should, too!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Well, the eggs chase the bacon round the fryin’ pan and the whinin’ dog pidgeons by the steeple bell-rope. And the dogs tipped the garbage pails over last night. And there’s always construction work bothering you. In the neighborhood.” – “In the Neighborhood” (Waits)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/27/20

28 Sunday Jun 2020

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I had a good day yesterday. We had breakfast out (which was scary and probably not something I’ll talk her into again for a while) and then went to Underdog Records to see Jonathan, get our fix, and came home listened to everything we bought and had some DiLisio’s for dinner. Great stuff. Here’s the haul:BridgesBabylon97

  • The Rolling Stones – Bridges To Babylon — I have stated many times that I’m not a huge Rolling Stones fan. I have also stated that my favorite era of the Stones is the 1978-1981 years. Well, precisely Some Girls and Tattoo You. Emotional Rescue was pretty bad, to me. I don’t like Exile on Main Street but some of the others around that album I did like. Then there were the later years (not like current era, but the late-80s into the 90s). I had mostly dismissed that stuff. Voodoo Lounge or Steel Wheels. And, of course, this album. The funny thing is, yesterday when we listened to this album. I fell in love with it. Yeah, it’s Glimmer Twins uber-cheesy nonsense but I really, really enjoyed listening to it. This is the first time since 1997 that this album was released on vinyl and it is a half-speed mastering which means the mastering lathe is cutting into the master platter at half the speed which gives the cutting head more chances to get the cut right. Think of a riding lawnmower. If you go at 10-12 mph on that mower, the grass will still be cut but not as good as if you went 5-7 mph, right? The cut will be more precise and it will look better, or in case of a mastering lathe, it will sound better. There are several pro/con schools of thought on that, but I think it is a good thing. Anywhat, I loved listening to this, it sounded great, the songs were enjoyable. I’m so glad I got this. 2xLP. New.
  • Rolling Stones – Steel Wheels — This one, which had more “hits” than the previous entry on this post, didn’t hold up as well to me. I still liked it, but it wasn’t as fun. I had both of these albums on CD and I think listened through them once each. This one may get hit in a “random grab” but I can see the previous one being listened to more readily. This, too, was half-speed mastered. New.
  • Van Halen – 1984 — Yes, I already had this but my copy had some skips and surface noise. It is my favorite VH record. This was remastered, reissued, and is on 180g vinyl. I told The BCPF that I don’t remember hearing “this or that” even on the CD. This was well done. I still love every song on here and am quite happy with paying for a new copy. So, yeah… New.
  • Mother Love Bone – Apple — This was on the Eugeology list that I did with Eugene a couple of years back. I really liked it then. I really love it now. I think when I listened on the “list,” I was focused so much on the analysis or critique that I didn’t get to listen for listening’s sake. Yesterday, I got to listen and enjoy it even more. I am so glad that Eugene put his on my radar and that Underdog Records put it in my hands. New.
  • Superchunk – No Pocky For Kitty — The BCPF and I have seen Superchunk in concert twice. She had seen them more than that, I think before we met. Mac McCaughan started the band in Chapel Hill, NC, and later Merge Records. If you’re wondering, Pocky is a popular Japanese treat. Basically, biscuit/bread treats dipped in chocolate or strawberry coating. We sold them when I owned the comic book store. They were good but not worth the cost (since they were imported). This album, the band’s second release, is pretty good. The BCPF enjoys them more than I do, but I don’t dislike them. New.
  • Superchunk – On The Mouth — The third release from the band (1993), the same applies to this one as the previous entry. She liked it. I didn’t mind it. New.

That’s the haul. Short and sweet. I failed to mention last week that we also got a Nina Simone record but as of yet it isn’t on Discogs, at least the version I got, which was a reissue released last week. I’ll give it another week and if it’s not on Discogs, I’ll have to add it myself. I don’t like entering them. I always feel like I’m leaving something off. Plus, the meticulous intent from the editors of that site is kind of scary. Which, is why I trust them with my collection; precision and meticulousness. You should use them, too.

Underdog Records is open Thursday through Saturday from 11a-7p. Jonathan does deliveries (weather permitting) Monday-Wednesday. You should follow him on Instagram (the preferred method) or Facebook to see what he’s offering up. It could be new or used. Just follow the instructions in the posts. Plus, you can see what new vinyl (whether reissues, backstock, or new releases) he has, and purchase some via the website.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“I dance a dancer, I’m all wrong. She thinks she’s young and wise but no, no, no. She dance around my, my pretty little cable car and fix me up with a guy, why? C’mon, how dare you do this? Why she done that to me, ever? Why she done it to me? So I’m singing…” – “Stargazer” (Ament/Fairweather/Gilmore/Gossard/Wood)

Spinning Monday or: The Haul 6/20/20

22 Monday Jun 2020

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Salutations™!!

Saturday took The BCPF to my happy place, Underdog Records. This week’s haul is short but just being there is enough to make me giddy. Thank you, Jonathan, for making it a great visit every time. Okay, so I’m a day behind because of the holiday yesterday so let’s get to it!

Sufjan_Stevens_-_Illinois

©Asthmatic Kitty

  • Sufjan Stevens – Illinois — The BCPF introduced me to Sufjan when we were just friends. She put “Casimir Pulaski Day” on a mix CD for me. I like that song. Sufjan is an odd bird, quirky, kooky and very talented. This is a concept album all about Illinois-ish. Great album. New.
  • Yo La Tengo – Stuff Like That There — From the Matador Records website: “On this album, the band revisits the original concept of their 1990 album Fakebook with a mix of cover songs, “covers” of Yo La Tengo songs and brand new originals.” Another that I was introduced to before The BCPF and I dated. New.
  • Band Of Horses – Everything All The Time — I know I say this every time I post a new-to-us Band of Horses album. They’re so wispy and airy. Another favorite of The BCPF and yet another that I got to know before we dated. I see a pattern that I didn’t know about on Saturday. Hmmm… VG++/EX
  • Art Tatum – More Of The Greatest Piano Of Them All — Art Tatum was a popular jazz pianist that has been dead more years that I have been alive. But, I love jazz piano so we’ll love this, I’m sure. VG/VG+.
  • Deodato – Prelude — Deodato is more than a composer and performer, he’s an arranger and producer, too. This album contains his pop-inspired cover of Richard Strauss’ “Also Sprach Zarathustra” which we all know as the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey. But, did you know that his daughter is married to Stephen Baldwin and his granddaughter is married to Justin Bieber? You do now. Really, I bought this album because I got tired of seeing it at Underdog Records. I enjoyed the listen, so I’m glad I got it! VG+.
  • The Northern Pikes – Big Blue Sky — The only thing I’d ever heard from The Northern Pikes was their song “She Ain’t Pretty.” I loved the song and the video. That song isn’t on this album but that’s okay. This was a fantastic listen. Straight-forward power-pop and I dug it. I’m glad I found it. VG+.

Jonathan is back to Thursday-Saturday regular hours, now. He is still doing deliveries Mondays through Wednesday as long as it’s not raining, which over the last few weeks… meh. But, you should watch his Instagram and Facebook pages (Underdog Records’ pages, that is) to see what he’s getting in, has gotten in and taking out! Buy new vinyl day or night at the Underdog Records website. We will get back to a special of the week when things settle down at TLD. I use Discogs to curate my collection and you should too, no matter the format.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Hear that lonesome whippoorwill, he sounds too blue to fly. The midnight train is whining low. I’m so lonesome I could cry.” – “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (Williams)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/13/20

14 Sunday Jun 2020

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Salutations™!!

Jonathan was having truncated hours yesterday, so The BCPF and I headed to Underdog Records right around 1015a or so and while our haul is short, we had good conversations with Jonathan (masked up, of course) and then went to have some lovely crêpes at Penny Path. Here’s the haul:Ernest Jenning Record Co.

Built to Spill Plays the Songs of Daniel Johnston_Built to Spill

©Ernest Jenning Record Co.

  • Death Cab For Cutie – Transatlanticism — the former Mr. Zooey Deschanel, Ben Gibbard, leads this band and The BCPF is a big fan. I liked it, too. It’s a great listen. It came out in 2003 and this was a 2xLP reissue. New.
  • Built to Spill – Built To Spill Plays The Songs Of Daniel Johnston — Doug Martsch, the only permanent member of Built to Spill was friends with (and played back up on his final five tour dates before retirement) Daniel Johnston. Johnston was an eclectic, lo-fi, and mentally-troubled musician who was born in California, raised in West Virginia (wow) and made a name for himself for writing in the “outsider” genre of music. He was also a visual artist. Johnston passed away from a suspected heart attack in September of last year. This is Martsch’s tribute to him. I like the songbook, with lyrics and chord charts, that is included. A good listen. Yellow vinyl. New.
  • Mötley Crüe – Dr. Feelgood — To me, this is the last Mötley Crüe album. Okay, there was the John Corabi Mötley Crüe album and Generation Swine and New Tattoo and all that crap, but that’s what it was. Crap. Well, not the Corabi album, but it wasn’t Crüe. This is heavier but still as poppy as Theater of Pain (which I love, by the way) and that’s okay. There were a lot of good songs on this album. The title track is a fave, of course. “Without You” and “Kickstart My Heart” were cool, too. Another cool feature on this album is that David “Shuffle” Steele from the bands The Beat (English Beat for us Americans) and Fine Young Cannibals after Ranking Roger and Dave Wakeling left to form General Public, sings backup vocals throughout the album. But that’s not the end of the guest stars. Byran Adams, Steven Tyler, Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees, Rick Nielsen and Robin Zander from Cheap Trick, all of Skid Row and Mike Amato (the tour manager for bands such as Arcade Fire, Green Day, KISS, Linkin Park, System of a Down, Cinderella, AC/DC, Skid Row, Marilyn Manson, Soundgarden, Kid Rock, Daughtry, Daniel Powter, Godsmack, Slipknot, etc.) all also sang back up. Nice. Reissue. New.
  • Spirit  – Feedback —This band had Jay Ferguson in the beginning. You know, “Thunder Island.” This album was the first without him and without their original bassist. I don’t know what any of that means but I’m sure we’ll find out when we listen to it. VG+.
  • Strauss – The Best Of Strauss — Yep. Strauss. “Used” but still sealed and in NM condition. Right on.

Jonathan is still doing deliveries during the week and the store is only open on Friday and Saturday for the time being, though I think he’s considering expanding into Thursday, but for now. Just Friday and Saturday. You should watch his Instagram and Facebook pages for things he’s just gotten in, used and new and you can order from him directly. You can shop new vinyl, anytime, day or night, by visiting the UR website. I use Discogs to track my collection, pick randoms and share my collection with friends. You should too!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Cops on the corner always ignore somebody’s getting paid. Jimmy’s got it wired, law’s for hire, got it made in the shade. Got a little hideaway, does business all-day but at night he’ll always be found sellin’ sugar to the sweet people on the street. Call this Jimmy’s town.” – “Doctor Feelgood” (Mars/Sixx)

The Monday Recap or: The Listens 6/7/20

09 Tuesday Jun 2020

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Salutations™!!

Yep, missed the boat on this yesterday so, I’m getting it for you today. Per usual, this week’s streaming listens comes from Discogs’ shuffle feature and it has to be an album that I own on vinyl (outside of peripheral things like Beeswax Vinyl & More listens), that way it’s like listening to my vinyl but with headphones from my computer whilst The BCPF works 10 feet away. Here’s the list (this is in order of listens):

collage60820

So, all the records that I had in Discogs for this, I believe they all came from Underdog Records. 99% of my records came from there.

Again, check out Underdog Records’ social and web stuffs. Buy records. Use Discogs to keep track of your collection and use it’s groovy (see what I did there) shuffle feature.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Although the things you’ve done I wouldn’t criticize. I guess you had your way. You see I gotta make you understand. I know it sounds a foolish thing to say. But it don’t matter baby ‘cos’ today’s another day. You shine a little love on my life.” – “Shine a Little Love” (Lynne)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/6/20

07 Sunday Jun 2020

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday, The BCPF and I got to go back to Underdog Records for the second straight week. We also ate inside a restaurant, albeit briefly. So, we tried to get some normalcy. We got another good haul this week and a few imports. I don’t usually go for that kind of thing but, these were things we couldn’t pass up. Anywhat! Here’s the haul:

Greetings_from_Asbury_Park_NJ

©Columbia

  • The Smiths – Absolute Panic! — I know that The Smiths, or more accurately, Morrissey is polarizing to many folks. You either love him or hate him. Don’t feel bad, I think he hates himself. I am actually in the middle. I neither love nor hate him. I enjoy the work, believe it or not. This was an import and is a great quality sounding live show. I don’t know where it was, though. The album comes from Germany, though. It’s notable that obviously there were some folks fighting in the crowd and Morrissey keeps calling them out. New?
  • Bruce Springsteen – Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. — Springsteen’s debut album which has his version of “Blinded By The Light” which makes no sense whatsoever and one of my favorite performances from VSS that I’ve done, “Spirit in the Night.” This is a really good listen and I enjoyed it. New.
  • Morrissey – At The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, UK, December 22nd, 1988 — This is, according to Jonathan, Morrissey’s first solo show after he left The Smiths. It’s right before Christmas 1988. I had just turned 18 a few weeks prior. It’s an import. We’ll hear it soon. New.
  • They Might Be Giants – Flood — A picture disc. I don’t buy picture discs as they usually suck, quality-wise, are noisy, and eat the crap out of your needle. That being said, The BCPF wanted it and I offered little resistance. New.
  • Caleb Caudle – Better Hurry Up — Local WSNC musician. I’d call him a friend. He’s been on The Less Desirables, I believe, more than once. I know he’s at least been played on more than one occasion. This is his new release and Jonathan says it’s the best thing he’s put out, which is saying something. New.
  • The Jesus And Mary Chain – Send Me Away – Early Demos — The BCPF is a fan of the band, it’s an import, it’s “unofficial,” it’s in our collection. Funny thing, I bought it without asking her. I knew better. New.
  • Queen – Sheer Heart Attack — Early Queen, their third album. Released 12 days before my fourth birthday. Dang, this is old. The biggest hits from this album are “Killer Queen,” “Now I’m Here” and “Stone Cold Crazy” although the whole album is, well, “killer.” New.
  • Nicole Atkins – Italian Ice — I have no idea what this is. The BCPF put it in my hand. It’s a pretty red/ruby color vinyl, though. New.
  • The Sisters Of Mercy – Gimme Shelter — Another import with a flimsy cover. I think these are BBC recordings of their tunes. This is also one that I picked up without conferring with The BCPF and I know she digs them and their goth sounds. New.
  • Accept – Midnight Highway — It’s a compilation album from 1983, which is pre-“Balls to the Wall” for the band, that song and album was released in December 1983. I just wanted to check it out. VG+.
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Neville Marriner, Academy Of St. Martin-In-the-Fields – Amadeus (Original Soundtrack Recording) — I loved the movie (which won Best Picture in 1984. I am a big fan of Mozart, too. And, Tom Hulce, who played Wolfgang in the film went to UNCSA. So there. VG+.
  • Servant – Swimming In A Human Ocean — Turns out this is a Canadian Christian Rock band. I don’t know if I’ll like it since my religion is “non-prophet,” but we’ll see. It’s still sealed but I will probably open it. I may or may not keep it, either. I don’t know. As far as I can tell, this is the last album from the band. It’s from 1985. New?
  • Nik Kershaw – The Riddle — All I know from Kershaw is the hit, “Wouldn’t It Be Good?” It’s on this copy of the album but it is really from his debut album called Human Racing. The US version of this album (which this obviously is) had the song listed. I guess they couldn’t release it enough times. I love the original of the song and really dig the Jerry Chapman (yes, that Jerry Chapman) version. The rest of this album is early- to mid-80s pop fare. Mark King from Level 42 does play bass on one track, though, so that’s a plus.

Well, that’s this week’s haul. We got several of these listened to yesterday but not as much as we’d like. But, it’s a start. I believe that Underdog Records will be closed next Saturday as Jonathan is attending a wedding. Jonathan is still doing deliveries during the week and the store is only open on Friday and Saturday (except, of course, for this Saturday coming) for the time being. You should watch his Instagram and Facebook pages for things he’s just gotten in, used and new and you can order from him directly. You can shop new vinyl, anytime, day or night, by visiting the UR website. I use Discogs to track my collection, pick randoms and share my collection with friends. You should too!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Well now Wild young Billy was a crazy cat and he shook some dust out of his coonskin cap. He said, ‘Try some of this it’ll show you where you’re at, or at least it’ll help you really feel it.’ By the time we made it up to Greasy Lake, I had my head out the window and Janey’s fingers were in my cake. I think I really dug her cause I was too loose to fake. I said, ‘I’m hurt,’ she said, ‘Honey, let me heal it.’ And we danced all night to a soul fairy band and she kissed me just right like only a lonely angel can.” – “Spirit in the Night” (Springsteen)

The Monday Recap or: The Listens 5/31/20

01 Monday Jun 2020

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Salutations™!!

So, as I said yesterday, I’m going to attempt to write my Monday blog post about the week of “my” listening. Per usual, this week’s streaming listens comes from Discogs’ shuffle feature and it has to be an album that I own on vinyl (outside of peripheral things like Beeswax Vinyl & More listens), that way it’s like listening to my vinyl but with headphones from my computer whilst The BCPF works 10 feet away. Here’s the list (this is in order of listens):

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So, all the records that I had in Discogs for this, I believe they all came from Underdog Records. 99% of my records came from there.

Again, check out Underdog Records’ social and web stuffs. Buy records. Use Discogs to keep track of your collection and use it’s groovy (see what I did there) shuffle feature.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
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” (Gabriel)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 5/30/20

31 Sunday May 2020

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Salutations™!!

RHCP-BSSM

©Warner Bros

YES! You read that correctly. The “haul” and not the “listen.” I haven’t decided yet if I’ll put what I’ve listened to in the last week. You’ll know by the time the end of this blog post happens. So, back to what this means. It means that Underdog Records is back open! It also means that there are a lot of new restrictions that you have to abide by to enter the store. Only five customers are allowed in at a time and each must wear a mask and you get a squirt of hand sanitizer when you walk in and other than cash, all forms of payment are “touchless.” I’m good with all of that.

As I’ve said on the podcasts, I’m not sure that I’m ready to reinsert myself into society just yet. I know Jonathan really didn’t want to open this early but, the need kind of superseded his “want.” When we were there (just after 11am), there was one guy in the store. He left and one of my friends walked in. Soon after that, one more person came, got what was being held for them, and walked out. A gentleman and his son came in and we talked about my Pittsburgh Steelers mask and that was it. Jonathan has spaced the “freshly used” section so the rows that aren’t right up against each other. It was a great “first experience back.” To tell the truth, other than smothering in my mask, it was so great to be back. Now that that was more long-winded than I expected. Let’s do this haul!

  • The Smiths – Louder Than Bombs — Although I skipped most of the compilation albums on the RS list, I stated in my review that I “broke my own rule” and listened to it. The BCPF is huge on the Smiths and my views on them have changed since then, too. I enjoy them… at least in small doses. This is #369 on that list. 2xLP. New.
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik — #310 on the RS list, this is my favorite (and to most extents the only one I like) RHCP album. The first time I ever played and “slap bass” in front of anyone was on “Suck My Kiss.” I still love that song. It’s 2xLP and is probably about 5 songs too long, but I don’t mind it. New.
  • R.E.M. – Document — #462 on the RS list, this has some really good stuff on it: “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine),” “Finest Worksong,” “Oddfellows Local 151” and “The One I Love.” The latter being one of the most misunderstood “love songs” I know of along with “Every Breath You Take” from the Police and “You’re All I Need” from Motley Crue. These songs are not love songs, people. New.
  • Yo La Tengo – Summer Sun — Yo La Tengo is one of The BCPF’s bands. I can’t tell you much about them except that they scatter their styles and I don’t mean just album to album. They are basically all over the place on each album, too. She digs them, so there. 2xLP. New.
  • Yo La Tengo – I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass — Same as before. She said this was one of her faves in college. 2xLP. New.
  • Mazzy Star – So Tonight That I Might See — I know nothing about Mazzy Star. This is another of The BCPF’s doing. I know they are a California band and a female lead singer. That’s all I know. This is a reissue and new.
  • Bauhaus – In The Flat Field — Yet another fave of The BCPF. I knew the name of the band when I met her and heard “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” and their cover of “Ziggy Stardust,” and knew of Peter Murphy and more intently Love and Rockets (all from SiriusXM’s 1st Wave) before I met The BCPF. So, basically, you take Peter Murphy and David J from the band and you have Tones On Tail. Insert David J back and you get Love and Rockets. This was their (Bauhaus) debut album. Reissue. New.
  • Bauhaus – Mask —  Their second album and ditto on the previous entry. New.
  • Def Leppard – On Through The Night — The debut album from Def Leppard. I know this is the favorite DL album of several of my friends. I don’t get that. It’s good. But, even The BCPF (who admittedly doesn’t listen to this kind of music) asked after it was played, “that was Def Leppard? That didn’t sound like them.” I liked the more polished, hit-driven Def Leppard better. New.
  • Coldplay – A Rush Of Blood To The Head — The sophomore effort from Martin & Co. which is the follow-up to one of my all-time favorite albums, Parachutes. This has some great stuff on it but isn’t its predecessor by any means. That doesn’t excuse the fact that this album is on the RS list at #466. New.
  • Foo Fighters – Foo Fighters — I will admit that I am not a huge FF fan but I respect the heck out of them. I want to like them and love watching documentaries and specials about the band. Songs from this album, though, I really do like. I have it on CD and now I have it on vinyl. Yay me! New.
  • Superchunk – Here’s Where The Strings Come In — Another fave of The BCPF and one that I have actually seen (I think twice) live with my girl. They put on a good live show. It’s not flashy as I’d prefer but it is high energy. I don’t know about this album but she saw it and wanted it. ‘Nuff said. New.
  • Verdi – Great Men Of Music — It was in the used section but it was still in shrink wrap and is in NM condition so I’m going to say it’s new. It’s a box set with 4xLP.
  • The Coup – Coup De Grace — There is nothing that I can find about this band online. This is a cut-out but sealed copy. It’s listed as “classic rock” on Discogs. That’s what I know. I’ll report when I know more. NM.
  • Patty Smyth – Never Enough — Smyth’s debut solo album after leaving Scandal. NM/EX.
  • Eric Carmen – Boats Against The Current — This album is chock-full of big-name guests from the 70s/80s. Ollie Brown, Andrew Gold, Jeff Porcaro, Bobby Keys, Brian Wilson and Bruce Johnson from the Beach Boys, etc. It’s a sealed cut-out and is listed in NM/VG++.
  • Mike Bloomfield And Al Kooper – The Live Adventures Of Mike Bloomfield And Al Kooper — Another I know nothing about but according to Wikipedia: “The performances, recordings and production cannot be described as flawless; in his sleeve notes, Kooper describes the difficulties of finding rehearsal space, Bloomfield’s insomnia,[1] and the failure of a vocal microphone during “Dear Mr Fantasy”; the track “I Wonder Who” is faded during a Bloomfield solo for no apparent reason. Nevertheless, the album remains an important, if raw, document of a live blues-rock performance of the period and, apart from its intrinsic qualities, is notable not only for one of the earliest live recordings by Carlos Santana but also for Bloomfield’s debut as a vocalist.” It’s kind of beat up and is listed as VG.
  • Commodores – In The Pocket — It is the last Commodores album to feature Lionel Richie, as he left the band to start a solo career the following year. I wish I had blue jeans with The Less Desirables logo embroidered on it like on this cover of this album. NM/EX.
  • Saint-Saëns / Charles Dutoit, Montreal Symphony Orchestra – Symphony No. 3 Organ — I love Camille Saint-Saëns. I don’t know how I feel about the organ part, but I love his work. We’ll see how this goes. It’s NM/EX.
  • Mike Oldfield – Tubular Bells — This album celebrated its 47th anniversary on Monday. I have heard about it but don’t know much about it. The vinyl is VG+, the cover is VG.

So, this is a huge haul. It was necessary, at least to me. I needed that. My spirit raised exponentially. To see and talk with Jonathan was amazing, even if I couldn’t and didn’t shake his hand. Being able to rummage the bins was therapeutic. Jonathan will still be doing deliveries and the store will only be open a few days a week but when it is, it will be regular store hours. You can follow him on the social channels and you can always purchase new vinyl any time, day or night, by visiting the Underdog Records website. We haven’t quite gotten back to the TLD/UR special of the week but we are hoping to, soon. Thank you, Jonathan, for keeping it going. I loved my visit to the candy store. Also, I use Discogs to track my collection and it has come in handy for random listening.

To that, I think I have decided that as long as I am working mostly from home that I will continue to use the random method that I have been using and will use Monday’s post for reporting that. I know my blog has become more music-based with anniversaries and such, but music is and has always been such a bit part of my life that I think it fits. Speaking of music and what I do, I have a couple of podcast projects in the works that are music-focused. I’ll certainly talk about it here. You know I will.

So, until tomorrow, keep spinnin’!
Scorp out!

—
“So, if there’s something you’d like to try… If there’s something you’d like to try, ask me, I won’t say no, how could I?” – “Ask” (Marr/Morrissey)

 

 

Spinning Sunday or: The Listen 5/23/20

24 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in KISS, Records, Spinning Sunday

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Salutations™!!

Another Saturday passes that we didn’t get to darken the door of Underdog Records. That doesn’t mean Underdog isn’t busy. Heck no! Jonathan is running himself ragged to make deliveries and has extended the reach to Greensboro, High Point and other places. So, definitely watch the Underdog Records Facebook and Instagram and watch what he’s releasing. Purchasing is first-come-first-serve so be on the lookout. Also, you can purchase new vinyl anytime day or night on the website. If you’re outside of the delivery area or just don’t want Jonathan to drop stuff off at your door, then he offers “unlimited” LPs (I’m sure it’s a little limited) for a flat rate $4.

This week’s “listens” were abundant. 22 albums I got through from Monday-Friday.

And, per usual, this week’s streaming listens comes from Discogs’ shuffle feature and it has to be an album that I own on vinyl (outside of peripheral things like Beeswax Vinyl & More listens), that way it’s like listening to my vinyl but with headphones from my computer whilst The BCPF works 10 feet away. Here’s the list (this is in order of listens):

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Whew! A long listening list indeed! It was spread out, too. The BCPF remarked how I went from Streisand to Megadeth. It worked. I love Streisand and I’m not afraid to admit that. But, I was ready for something heavy after having gone through The Mamas and the Papas and Streisand back to back. It worked, as I said.

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Well, yesterday, here’s what The BCPF and I listened to, actually on vinyl:

All-in-all, it was a great listening week. I just hope to get into Underdog Records soon to rummage through the used vinyl.

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Again, check out Underdog Records’ social and web stuffs. Buy records. Use Discogs to keep track of your collection and use it’s groovy (see what I did there) shuffle feature.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“I was seventeen, you were just a dream. I was mesmerized, I felt scared inside. You broke my heart and I still can feel the pain. I’ve been counted out, I’ve had fear and doubt. I’ve been starry-eyed, never satisfied. Because late at night I still need you just the same.” – “Sure Know Something” (Stanley/Poncia)