Category Archives: Records

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul RSD Edition 6/12/21

13 Sunday Jun 2021

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I got up and went to eat and then did some immediate grocery shopping for our project for today (even though we have to go do some more this morning) and decided to let the RSD crowd settle down. I love RSD but there just wasn’t any titles this drop that I was interested in enough to camp out and if there had been one or two things I wanted, I could have Venmoed money to one of my friends that were participating. So, the rush had waned and it was cool to just go and look at what was left over. The BCPF had things she wanted and she did get two of those things, but we just purchased a few items and went on our way. Here’s the haul (all are new except the last one):

©Record Store Day

Ella Fitzgerald – Ella In Berlin — The BCPF loves Ella. I wish we would have looked at the track list before purchasing it. It’s a 12″ maxi single. Two versions (1960 & 1962) each of “Mack the Knife” and “Summertime” (I hate that song). Limited Edition only 4000 total pressed.

Black Francis – Abbabubba (Bsides, Etc.) — The BCPF loves her some Pixies (at least the studio albums) and this is Frank Black’s RSD contribution. It was one of the two she was looking for. Limited Edition, Reissue, Black & White Split. Record Store Day 2021, Drop 1 exclusive limited of 1750 copies. 180g.

Joni Mitchell – Archives – Volume 1: The Early Years (1963-1967): Highlights — The other she was looking for. Compilation, Limited Edition, 180g. Many of these recordings were produced informally and on non-studio-grade equipment. There are some occasional, inherent audio anomalies, but we feel the historical significance, the music, and the performances far outweigh any of those audio imperfections. The release – which has been supervised by Joni Mitchell – features rare home recordings, live performances, and radio broadcasts recorded between 1963 and 1967. Pressed on 180gram vinyl, exclusively for RSD Drops 2021. Strictly limited to 15000 copies worldwide.

Echo And The Bunnymen – Live In Liverpool — 2×LP, Reissue, Clear. Record Store Day 2021, Drop 1 Exclusive. 180g. Recorded in 2001 at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Limited of 3500. This was my pickup.

We got the Jeffrey Dean Foster album that was released for yesterday, too, but it’s not in Discogs, yet. I haven’t had time to put it in. JDF is a friend of mine, in fact, I should see him today but if not, Thursday and definitely Friday. RSD was doing regional releases this drop and Jeff’s was one of them.

Orquesta Aragon – Boleros Con Cha Cha Cha — Continuing our fascination of “world music.” This isn’t on their official discography, so I don’t know what it is, per se. VG+.

So, RSD drop 1 is done. Drop 2 is July 17. Check out the RSD website for more info. I may camp for that one. I haven’t decided, yet. There are a couple of King’s X albums that I would love to have, so maybe. Jonathan looked tired but good yesterday. He said it was the longest line he’s ever had and he thinks he did okay on the sales. He will be doing a sale for the unsold RSD inventory as well as a regular sale, I figure. Follow him on social media and go to the Underdog Records website to purchase and peruse. I use Discogs to track my collection and to bring these blog posts to you. You should use it for your collection, too. Even if it’s not on vinyl. They do that.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Under blue moon, I saw you. So soon you’ll take me up in your arms, too late to beg you or cancel it, though I know it must be the killing time. Unwillingly mine. Fate up against your will through the thick and thin. He will wait until you give yourself to him.” – “The Killing Moon” (de Freitas/Pattinson/McCulloch/Sergeant)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/5/21

06 Sunday Jun 2021

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I went to eat first at Cafe Arthur’s which we hadn’t been to in about 18 months. We then went to a drag carwash to get Anabelle washed for the second time in two days. Then, we hopped over to Underdog Records and then home to do some listening. Here’s the haul:

Various – The Original Sound Of Burkina Faso — Mr. Bongo is a world music record label that specializes in reissuing albums from around the world and more recently lost classic films from around the world. We are doing our “Country Spinner” thing and eventually, hopefully, we get to Burkina Faso. I am fascinated with a lot of the African countries because they have lush but troubled histories, what with the European “ownership” of many of the countries for so long. But, beyond that, I have gotten more and more into world music lately. So there’s that.
2×LP, Compilation. New.

©Roadrunner

King Diamond – Abigail — I’m not the biggest King Diamond fan but something about this album I really enjoyed on CD so to have it on vinyl about $10 less expensive than buying new, especially in NM condition? Yeah, I’ll take that. Limited Edition, Reissue, Blue, 180g.

Sting – Live At The Bataclan — Record Store Day 2017 release – 3500 pressed. Recorded at the Bataclan in Paris on 12-11-2016. Sting performed an exclusive concert in Paris for the re-opening of the Bataclan, a year after Islamist militants killed 90 people at the venue. Sting donated the proceeds from the show to two survivors’ charities. NM.

Iron & Wine – The Creek Drank The Cradle — Sam Beam’s debut album from 2002. The BCPF needed it. She got it. New.

Superchunk – Come Pick Me Up — Seventh album from Mac McCaughan and company. I’ve stated before, I’ve seen this band with The BCPF, twice. Hype sticker states the following: “Superchunk’s class album from 1999. Remastered, 180-gram vinyl reissue including new liner notes and bonus tracks. Full download included.” New.

Paul Simon – There Goes Rhymin’ Simon — We have this already but the cover is kind of beat up and I believe it’s an original pressing. This is a Limited Edition, Numbered (#0657), Gatefold. It’s in NM. We will keep both.

KC And The Sunshine Band – Part 3 — This contains three of the band’s biggest hits, “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty”, “I’m Your Boogie Man”, and “Keep It Comin’ Love”. The first two reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 while the third peaked at number two. Two other singles, “I Like to Do It” and “Wrap Your Arms Around Me” found moderate success on the charts. Club Edition (RCA), Gatefold. EX.

Louis Armstrong – Hello, Dolly! — This should be Louis Armstrong and His All Stars, which at the time included Joe Darensbourg, Billy Kyle, Big Chief Russell Moore, Arvell Shaw, and Trummy Young. But, cool, anyway. On the back it does say that. Mono. VG+.

Maurice Larcange – Paris For Lovers — You know we love all things France, especially Paris. The “Country Spinner” currently sits on France and we are excited to start our journey (again) to France. This was there and as we collect anything we see “from” Paris, we had to have this, too. EX.

The haul was good this week. Nothing really high profile but we were happy with it. This coming Saturday is Record Store Day Drop One! So, make sure you go to the RSD website and see what will be coming out. Let me warn you, folks camp out for this so the line will be long. We didn’t get that last year because of the state of the world. Jonathan will be opening the store at 8am and only so many folks will get to go in at a time. But, if you’re not interested in RSD and just want other albums, then you can shop the Underdog Records website 24/7. I use Discogs to track my collection (that’s how I knew the condition of my other Paul Simon copy) and you should, too!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“When I think back on all the crap I learned in high school, it’s a wonder I can think at all. And though my lack of education hasn’t hurt me none. I can read the writing on the wall.” – “Kodachrome” (Simon)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 5/29/21

30 Sunday May 2021

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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:

©Def Jam/Roc-a-Fella

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)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 5/22/21

23 Sunday May 2021

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Salutations™!!

©Track

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)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 5/15/21

16 Sunday May 2021

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was 3B’s birthday and I got to text with him but not talk with him. But, he was working. The BCPF and I went to Underdog Records, to eat, the grocery store and to eat. But in between all that we listened to a few records, too. Here’s our haul”

©Mute

New Order – Education Entertainment Recreation — 3×LP, 180 gram Box Set. Recorded live at Alexandra Palace, London, November 9, 2018. Their only UK show of 2018. 3LP on 180 gram heavyweight vinyl. Housed in outer, side-pocket cover. Each vinyl issued in record cover (bearing “new order live at alexandra palace”) with slip sleeve, and includes a tri-fold insert. It was pricey but I wanted it, so… I got it. New.

Paul & Linda McCartney – Ram — Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo, 180g, Gatefold. It really only had one single in the US and that was “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey.” Mastered At Abbey Road Studios – Half Speed Mastering. 50th anniversary release (that anniversary is tomorrow). New.

Simon & Garfunkel – Sounds Of Silence — Somehow we didn’t have this. We have overlooked it often just because we thought we had it. We didn’t. We do now. New.

Crosby, Stills & Nash – CSN — This we did have, twice but neither were in great shape. This is a then-still-sealed copy that we promptly opened and listened. Reissue, Remastered, Repress, 180 Gram from 2018. New/NM.

Walt Disney Records – Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection Sampler — You know I love me some Disney. From Discogs: Walt Disney Records: The Legacy Collection is an exclusive line of musical releases that celebrates the milestone anniversaries of twelve of Disney’s most beloved original soundtracks. Each elegantly packaged title contains beautiful artwork and liner notes that tell the story behind the music. This sampler includes a small taste of the musical treasures that have made these soundtracks some of the most cherished of all time. Make sure to add all of the Legacy Collection titles to your Disney collection of music! NM.

Emo Philips – E=MO² — I have no clue what this is. I just know I like Emo Philips. We’ll see. EX.

Tina Turner – Private Dancer — The newly named Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Tina Turner’s biggest album and somehow I didn’t have it. Earlier this week we had the Brothers In Arms anniversary from Dire Straits and from that I played a cover of “Your Latest Trick” which was about a prostitute (or at least people who prostitute themselves). On this album, there’s “Private Dancer,” the title track that was also written by Mark Knopfler. I just find that interesting. EX.

Underdog Records always has great things to find to bring home to have a listening party, either alone or with a group (being socially mindful, that is). Underdog is open Wednesday-Saturday and you can purchased new vinyl 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Record Store Day is in June and July you can see the drops lists by visiting that website. I use Discogs to track my collection. You should, too.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“And the people bowed and prayed to the neon god they made. And the sign flashed out its warning
in the words that it was forming. And the sign said, “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls. And whispered in the sound of silence” – “The Sound of Silence” (Simon)

Spinning Monday or: The Haul 5/8/21

10 Monday May 2021

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I had a fantastic day on Saturday. The weather was wonderful, dinner and lunch were both wonderful, record buying at Underdog Records and home-listening were wonderful. Here’s the haul:

©Crush Music/Atlantic

Iron And Wine – Archive Series Volume No. 5 — This, according to the hype sticker is the LOST debut album recorded by Sam Beam while he was still in college at Florida St. It’s limited to 1000 copies, I think. It was a good listen. Sounds just like the rest of his stuff. That’s a good thing. New.

Weezer – Van Weezer — Indie Exclusive Pink Vinyl. Hype sticker on shrink: Van Weezer Neon Pink. Track B6 is hidden and is not mentioned in the track listing. This album was supposed to be released last year upon the commencement of their tour but because the world stopped, that was put off. This is heavy, but still very much Weezer. It’s dedicated to Ric Ocasek and Eddie Van Halen. New.

Emmylou Harris – Red Dirt Girl — 2×LP. Grammy Award Winner for best contemporary folk album. Non-gatefold sleeve. Sealed. NM.

Big Star – #1 Record — Wow. #434 on the RS list that matters, #474 on the one that doesn’t. This whole record is amazing. This is what I wrote when I reviewed it in November 2014: My second exposure of Big Star on this countdown. Again, not what I expected. “Feel” is a old-fashioned rock tune that has a great chord progression and dissonance that makes for creative song construction. Really the whole album is ahead of its time. I don’t feel the dissonance was really realized until many years later and here it was as common as a family supper on Sunday. The production was slick as heck, too. The dual lead singers made this a formidable force in music at the time, even though I, admittedly, was shut out from much of that until now. I didn’t know what I was missing and it’s a shame to say so. Harmonies that are tighter than a drum and the excellent musicianship and songwriting over all make this a wonderful album to listen to. I still believe that and double my enthusiasm now. It really is a great record. Limited Edition, Reissue, Repress, Clear White w/Blue Swirl, 180g. Limited to 500. Sealed, but since my belief is “records are to be listened to not looked at,” I opened that bad boy right away. NM.

Tom Waits – Nighthawks At The Diner — 2×LP, Special Pressing; Gatefold from 1975. Records are auto-coupled, meaning record 1 contains sides 1 and 4 while record 2 contains sides 2 and 3. I love Tom Waits songs. I just don’t always love Tom Waits doing them. I don’t know about this one as I’ve not heard it yet, but I can’t wait to. VG+.

Tom Waits – Foreign Affairs — PRC Richmond pressing from 1977. The liner notes include this line: “Forward all my mail to the corner of Pork & Beans.” All the same things I said about Tom Waits above, ditto. VG+.

It was all I could do to not buy a $75 VG+ copy of Rain Dogs from Tom Waits. It’s on the list and that’s the only time I’ve seen it. But, I just couldn’t do it. I really wanted it, though. But, there was plenty to go through, I was just disciplined… somehow. Underdog Records always has great things to find to bring home to have a listening party, either alone or with a group (being socially mindful, that is). Underdog is open Wednesday-Saturday and you can purchased new vinyl 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Record Store Day is in June and July you can see the drops lists by visiting that website. I use Discogs to track my collection. You should, too.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Wondering what are you doing? You’re driving me to ruin. The love that you’ve been stealing has given me the feeling. I feel like I’m dying. I’m never gonna live again. You just ain’t been trying. It’s getting very near the end.” – “Feel” (Bell/Chilton)

Spinning Sunday or: The Hauls 4/17-4/24/21

25 Sunday Apr 2021

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Salutations™!!

This is this week’s and last week’s hauls together as this week was slammed with video projects. I’m jumping out at it because I have several to go through… Here’s the hauls:

©Merge Records

4/17:

Madonna – Ray Of Light — This is #367 on the RS list that matters and #222 on the one that doesn’t. Comes with color printed inner sleeves with lyrics, credits & pictures. Matte cover, not laminated. 2×LP. New.

Depeche Mode – Songs Of Fate And Distortion — Remix import album (unofficial). The title is a play on their album, Songs of Faith and Devotion. New.

Aretha Franklin – I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You — #84 on the RS list that matters and inexplicably #13 on the one that doesn’t. It’s good, yes, but that good? No. No way. Uh-uh. Forget it. From the hype sticker: Soul Queen Aretha Franklin’s 1967 breakthrough studio album – Featuring signature song “Respect” – Original Mono Recording – 180 Gram Vinyl. New.

Wye Oak – Civilian — This duo out of Baltimore are on Merge Records and we know what that means! Merge Records = The BCPF gets it. This man/woman duo is full instrumentation. Jenn Wasner plays guitar/bass/keys/vox and Andy Stack plays drums and keyboards. He plays the drums with his feet and his right hand and plays bass lines and such with his left. New.

U2 – Wide Awake In America — I had this on vinyl, but it’s just a club edition (not that I care about that part) in VG condition (I DO care about that part). This is a remastered, 180g reissue that was in NM condition. I couldn’t pass that up.

4/24:

Yes – Yes — The bands 1969 debut studio album. Two of the members, Jon Anderson (vox) and Chris Squire (bass), would stay with the band for quite a while, well on and off. Anderson would leave and come back, leave and come back. Squire was the bass player until his death in 2015. 2×LP, Reissue, Remastered, 180 GR, Gatefold, Embossed. New.

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Mother’s Milk — This is the first album from RHCP that I ever knew of and still only heard the Stevie Wonder cover, “Higher Ground.” I respect the heck out of RHCP, all the way around, but I just can’t really get into them. The BCPF picked this one out, but I’m glad she did. I am glad to have it in the arsenal. Reissue on 180 gram Vinyl as part of the Capitol From The Vaults Series. New.

Tears For Fears – The Seeds Of Love — This was the 1989 follow-up to 1985’s megahit Songs from the Big Chair. It didn’t quite have the same punch but the title song alone is worth the price of admission. Reissue, Remastered, 180 gram. New.

Genesis – Selling England By The Pound — The penultimate Peter Gabriel Genesis album. I couldn’t tell you a single song from this album without looking it up (I would have guessed “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)” and would have been right, but not for certain). But, I didn’t have it and I wanted it. So, there. Deluxe Edition, Mixed, Reissue, Remastered – Half Speed Mastering. 2008 Mixes by Nick Davis & Genesis. 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl. New.

Peter Murphy – Should The World Fail To Fall Apart — Murphy’s debut solo album from 1986 following his departure from Bauhaus. By the way, the other three members of Bauhaus (Daniel Ash, David J (and his brother), Kevin Haskins) formed Tones on Tail (at least Ash and David J) and subsequently Love and Rockets. Anyway, this sounds great. That deep voice and synth-poppiness are fantastic here. I dug it. Reissue, Gatefold, Blue Vinyl. New.

Bauhaus – The Bela Session — Speaking of Bauhaus, 2018 limited edition colored vinyl (I think, we haven’t opened it yet) 12″ EP. New.

So, that’s the haul from the last two weeks. I think it’s a good haul. Record Store Day is coming in June and July and the list is available if you go to the RSD website. Jonathan has suspended Underdog Records store-to-porch deliveries due to a problem with his vehicle after a car in front of him kicked up a piece of shrapnel and it was hurled at the car like a spear. So, I’ll keep you informed when or if he resumes. Or you can watch the Underdog Records social media for more accurate and timely news about it. You can order new vinyl, anytime, day or night, by visiting the Underdog Records website. I use Discogs to track and document my record collection. You should, too.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“High time we made a stand and shook up the views of the common man. And, the love train rides from coast to coast. D.J.’s the man we love the most. Could you be, could you be squeaky clean and smash any hope of democracy? As the headline says you’re free to choose, there’s egg on your face and mud on your shoes. One of these days they’re gonna call it the blues, yeah, yeah.” – “Sowing the Seeds of Love” (Orzabal/Smith)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 4/11/21

11 Sunday Apr 2021

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a “business-as-usual” kind of day for The BCPF and me. Underdog Records, lunch, record listening, dinner. But there are two exceptions to the “as usual” part. One, we got to see Clay Howard, who brought his two kids still at home over to go fishing in our pond. That was cool. And two, we got to have dinner with Paul Jones and we went someplace we’ve not been in a while, Meridian. I have missed the antelope and it was delicious!! Anywhat! Here’s the haul:

©This Is American Music

Margot & The Nuclear So And So’s – Not Animal — Now, this is a used copy that is NM. It is 2­×LP and limited to 1500 copies on 180-Gram opaque pink vinyl. The BCPF hears “As Tall As Cliffs” on her Pandora playlists. So, that, Dear Reader, is why I paid $50 for this record. It was a good listen.

Tori Amos – Under The Pink — Tori’s second album, I don’t know if I like it better than the first but it was a good listen. NM.

Caleb Caudle – Carolina Ghost — Local musician Caleb Caudle and I have talked several times. He’s been on The Less Desirables once live and I’ve played his stuff more than once. This is not generally my kind of music but he is really good at what he does. I can’t figure the best way to describe him. It’s country. It’s not necessarily classic country and it certainly isn’t that crapola twangy new pseudo country. The BCPF described this as country & western without the western. That’s sounds about right. How about Country & Eastern? I like that better. This was an amazing record. NM.

Matt Berninger – Serpentine Prison — Matt Berninger is the singer for The National. The BCPF wanted it. We now have it. It was a really good listen, too. Really indie and really singer-songwriter-ish. Good stuff. NM.

The Waterboys – Fisherman’s Blues — This is the best-selling album by The Waterboys which has them reverting back to their Irish roots and stepping away from the rocker style stuff they had been doing. I have three Waterboys albums, but, I want the album that came before this one, This is the Sea because I want “The Whole of the Moon.” I really like that song. This is good, but I prefer the more rock stuff. NM.

Randy Newman – Born Again — I love Randy Newman. This, supposedly was a flop, both commercially and critically. The cover has Newman in a suit and tie, sitting behind an executive desk with white makeup and green dollar signs, which I figure is supposed to be either a shot at or homage to KISS. I think it’s the former. Newman was surprised at the lack of public and critical interest. This is sealed (cutout) so I’m going to say it’s NM.

Huey Lewis And The News – Sports — I have this already but the copy that I have is crap. VG for the media and G for the sleeve. This VG+ on both. VG sounds like it would be “very good” but a lot of times it has pops, crackles and surface noise. I think this will be better.

A decent haul. I know that the Record Store Day list has been released. I’m not overly impressed with the list and don’t know how much I’ll be clamoring for. I think there are a couple of King’s X albums that I would love to have but I’m probably not going to camp out for that. You can see the list by visiting the RSD website. Underdog Records will most likely have just about everything on the list. At least Jonathan will be ordering it, whether he gets it or not is hit or miss and not because of him. RSD is always a crap shoot for the store owners. They don’t usually know what they’re getting until they open the boxes. He will be posting social media previews the week prior. The first one is June 12. The next is July 17.

Underdog Records is open Wednesday-Saturday from 11a-7p and Jonathan does deliveries on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check out the social media (Facebook/Instagram) of the store to see what he got in and has up for sale. You can shop unused, new items 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. I use Discogs to catalog and track my collection.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Never was a cornflake girl. Thought that was a good solution.” – “Cornflake Girl” (Amos)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 4/3/21

04 Sunday Apr 2021

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I had a busy morning/afternoon yesterday. We got up and out to Underdog Records, the first two through the door, then went to brunch at one of our favorite spots. We saw Chef Travis Myers, sat in Bailey Park for a minute or 15, got an updated tour of 600°, Chef Travis’ restaurant coming soon, then some rekkid listening and dinner at Diamondback Grill, which is always a treat! Here’s the haul:

©Ruffhouse/Columbia

A Tribe Called Quest – The Low End Theory — #153 on the RS list that matters, #43 on the one that doesn’t. I wanted to fill some holes in the hip-hop/rap section of my “list” collection, as you’ll see. This is what I wrote when I reviewed it in February 2016: Back to hip hop basics. Or is that bass-ics? And I say back; really it’s at the front. This from the good ole days, before the hip hop and rap communities got so big they became completely irrelevant (at least to me), overly saturated and stereotypical. To me, the era from the mid-80s until the mid-90s are the best for hip hop. This was just vocals, heavy hip hop bass and drums with some samples and pads laid in for texture. Some references to Bell Biv Devoe and New Edition, I like that. But, in the end it became background music. Not that I was ignoring it or it wasn’t worth listening to, just that it became settled; as in it settled in and really didn’t take me anywhere. Or, it took me somewhere at the beginning but then dropped me off on the side of the road. I still pretty much feel this way. I didn’t look up what I wrote until after I listened to it. It starts off cool, but four sides of a record is a long way to go if you’re only somewhat into it. 2×LP, Reissue, Remastered, Label variation, multicolor as opposed to black and white. New.

Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill — #314 on the RS list that matters, #10 on the one that doesn’t. Yet another reason why that newer list is flawed. Is this a good album? I guess so, but to jump 304 spaces? Nah. Just like the entry above this one jumped 110 spaces. Nah. I get that you’re pulling from a younger demographic for this one, but c’mon, that’s ridiculous. From my original review back in May 2015 (with some clarifications): A little trivia for you. The cover of this album is directly inspired by another album on this segment of the overall list, Burnin’ by Bob Marley & The Wailers (#319). It’s basically the same concept. And, Lauryn, whilst touring with The Fugees got pregnant by Bob’s son, Rohan, so there’s that connection, too. Enough about that, though. I love the “school room” aspect. “Ex-Factor” is very much a breaking free song. Free of exes, of course. With two “high profile” exes to discuss, well, having this type song on the album is not unexpected and actually fits nicely. Wyclef or Rohan? The world may never know. Musically, the album is more than samples and hip-hop beats. It’s soul. Every bit soul. The messages spoken between songs (in the classroom setting) are positive and how to stand up for yourself, believe in yourself, being yourself; self-discovery if you will. I do like the cover of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” Now, I believe it to be a good album, influential and important for its time, but “best?” Eh. I know that coming up, especially in the upper tops of this list (#13 (Velvet Underground & Nico) I know already I’m going to run over like a lawnmower does a stray styro foam cup in the yard and #2 (Pet Sounds) I already don’t get) I’m going to get increasingly annoyed at the positioning of some of these albums and question a lot of them; you’ve seen what I’ve done so far. I get it this was important, but I really think it would be better up in the upper 400s. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it but think it doesn’t need to be this far up in the countdown. Dug. So, yeah, I liked it and I still liked it yesterday, but I don’t get that kind of jump. It’s not all that!!! 2×LP, Reissue. New.

EPMD – Strictly Business — #453 on the RS list that matters, completely gone from the one that doesn’t. From my initial review April 2014: “I Shot the Sherrif”… I mean, “Strictly Business” is fun.  I thought it reminded me a lot of Eric B and Rakim’s Paid in Full (which has to be in this list, somewhere).  Upon reading about it, it was called a “compliment” to it.  The time frame is right; the style is right; all is right.  And, it’s in a time that I liked what I heard in this genre.  Tight beats and fun samples (and yes, I hated sampling, then… still do mostly; this is tastefully done), not too harsh on the lyrical content and good stuff to hear.  I liked it.  I’d own it, believe it or not. DUG! Well, now I do own it. I haven’t listened to it again yet, but after reading what I wrote about it, I can’t wait to! 2018 Respect the Classics edition. Priority Records 2×LP. Non-gatefold jacket. New.

Weezer – OK Human — Clear vinyl with various random splattered colors known as “Control Room Chaos Splatter.” Indie Exclusive version. I always get Weezer and Wilco mixed up just based on name. One I like, one gets on my nerves. Weezer I like. This was released this January and we loved listening to it. Weezer is always fun. A lot of this was “sign o’ the times” kind of things like Zoom meetings and whatnot. But, it’s them keeping up. I dig it. I dug it. You should dig it, too. New.

The Andrews Sisters – The Best Of The Andrews Sisters — I thought to myself, you know what my collection is missing? Some swing-style, jump blues, boogie-woogie girl group that happens to be sisters. And, when I saw this at Underdog Records, in EX condition, I grabbed it, first thing (it is in the “A”s after all). 2×LP, Compilation, Club Edition (RCA), Reissue.

Khachaturian, David Oistrakh : The Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra – Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In D Minor — Composed by and conducted by Aram Khatchaturian. Performed by The Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra with David Oistrakh on violin. EX.

There’s the hip-hop heavy haul. Record Store Day is coming in June and July. Visit the RSD website to keep track of what titles (when they release them!!) will be available for those days. Underdog Records is open Wednesday-Saturday from 11a-7p. Watch their Instagram and Facebook pages to see what Jonathan may have just gotten in or what he’s stocking his bins with. You can purchase non-used new albums 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Jonathan and I have talked and we were supposed to have more news on our project at the beginning of last month but we have decided that May will be when we do it. I know I’m being vague, but be patient. I use Discogs for all my music cataloging needs.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Count on me to show support for Winston Smith in 1984. ‘Cause battling Big Brother feels more meaningful than binging zombie hordes. Take me up to Neverland. Hanging with Yossarian (Yossarian). He’s kinda just like me. We fight ’til we get free.” – “Grapes of Wrath” (Cuomo)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 3/27/21

28 Sunday Mar 2021

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I had a full plate of activities to do yesterday. We went to a farmers market. We ate lunch. We went to Underdog Records. We went to The Butcher’s Block, a new butcher shop in downtown. We listened, we stayed in for dinner. I cooked a fantastic “charcuterie” board of wild boar, elk and rabbit sausages, The BCPF placed several cheeses and apple butter and fig jam and we chowed down after we had a fantastic meal of French-cut rib pork chops rice and veggies and roasted potatoes. A great day indeed, minus all the rain. But, here’s the haul:

©RCA/Roswell

Queen – Jazz — The band’s seventh studio album, this contains both of the songs that I did during opening night of the Ramkat with Vagabond Saints Society, “Fat Bottomed Girls” and “Bicycle Race.” I have it on CD and loved it. I’m sure I’ll love it on vinyl, too. Half Speed vinyl mastering. Includes 3-panel fold-out poster of Bicycle Race on one side and lyrics on the other. Pressed on heavyweight vinyl. 2011 Remaster. 180 Gram. Embossed Gatefold. New.

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers – Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers — Tom and company’s debut album with hits “Breakdown” and “American Girl.” Can you hear “American Girl” without thinking of the scene in Silence of the Lambs, Dear Reader? Yeah, me either. I have never had this in any form. I had those songs on a greatest hits album but I’m glad we got this one. This is the black vinyl version of the RSD release from 2011. New.

Foo Fighters – Medicine At Midnight — The latest release from FF. I haven’t listened yet so I don’t have much to say. I know a lot of people are talking about, so here’s hoping. New.

The Antlers – Green To Gold — I have no idea what this is. I didn’t realize we had gotten it until we got home and I put it in Discogs. It’s apparently something The BCPF is into and wanted. As far as I can tell, it’s an indie band out of Brooklyn. This is their latest release which came out on Friday. Opaque tan vinyl in a gatefold sleeve. New.

The Mountain Goats – Songs For Pierre Chuvin — We know The BCPF loves her some The Mountain Goats. For this album, released on vinyl on Friday, it is the first album since 2002’s All Hail West Texas to feature only the band’s frontman, John Darnielle, as well as the first since then to be recorded entirely on a boombox, something that they were wont and got popular doing. It’s very lo-fi which was the point. New.

Eric’s Trip – Love Tara — So, this was some weird stuff. The BCPF got this album because it either has the second song she ever played on the radio when she was a DJ in college, or just the band was. Either way. I can’t say I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t for me, so good, we have it. NM.

It was a short haul but that’s cool. We don’t have to take in a half ton every time we go into Underdog Records. Underdog Records is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11a-7p. Jonathan does deliveries, weather permitting, on Monday and Tuesday. Watch the Instagram and Facebook pages for Underdog Records to see what he has just gotten in stock and you can send a message and pay for it immediately or you can shop 24/7 for new (unused) vinyl 24/7 at Underdog Records’ website. Record Store Day 2021 is going to happen in June and July this year. They still haven’t released any info on the titles. They’re cutting it close. Keep an eye on their site for more info. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection and is my way of knowing what I do and don’t have when I’m in the record store. You should, too.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Say there ain’t no sense in pretending. Your eyes give you away. Something inside you is feeling like I do. We said all there is to say.” – “Breakdown” (Petty)