Category Archives: Records

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 7/14/18

15 Sunday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was Bastille Day so happy birthday to our pals in France! Let’s hope they win the World Cup today, oui?

Fragile_(Yes_album)_cover_art

©Atlantic

It was a beautiful day yesterday, too. It was warm but not hot. The humidity was relatively low. Breakfast from Mary’s Gourmet Diner was good and the rekkid buying from Underdog Records was a load of fun. So, here’s what we got:

  • Eric B. & Rakim – Paid In Full — I got this album for a few reasons. One, it’s #228 on the RS List. Two, I used to play the bassline from the title track to impress the ladies when I was in high school; the dudes thought I was cool, too. Three, it’s a good album. This was back when I could listen to hip-hop and rap and think that the artists had something to say and said it to where you can understand it. Yeah, I know I’m sounding like a grandpa so get off my danged lawn! New
  • Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard Of Ozz — Ozzy’s first solo album. This was a reissue from 2011 which was the 30th anniversary of the album. Great sounding 180g black vinyl. New.
  • The Magnetic Fields – Holiday — This was The BCPF’s choice. She is a fan of this band. She likes it a lot. His voice went between cool and really bad, but even when the really bad parts were happening, it worked with the music they were doing. So, I didn’t really mind it. It was a decent album, all things considered. New.
  • Journey – Journey – The debut album from the band from 1975. I knew from having the Time³ Box Set from Journey that their earlier stuff was more “proggy” and bluesier than their more popular mainstream-80s commercial albums. I have never really cared for Greg Rolie’s voice, or him really, but this album wasn’t bad. I enjoyed listening to it. Yeah, I liked it. It was an original pressing from 1975 in VG+ condition.
  • Crosby, Stills & Nash – CSN — The first CSN album without Young other than their debut album. Someone who owned this record before I did must have decided to keep the picture from the cover. Apparently, it was glued on and they removed it. Either that or it just fell off. So instead of a picture of them on a sailboat, there’s a big blank gray rectangle. Okay. It’s a decent album and we enjoyed it. It was in the $1 bin and is in VG shape.
  • Yes – Yesshows — A 2xLP live album from 1980 which consists of recordings from 1976-1978. I have a feeling that this will be a prog rocker’s dream come true because it’s two records and only 8 songs. The entire Side B is “The Gates of Delirium” and comes in at nearly 23 minutes. It was a $1 bin find and I’d rate it at about VG.
  • Yes – Fragile — Along with 90125, this is my favorite Yes album. “Roundabout” and “Long Distance Runaround” are probably two of Yes’ most popular and well-known songs. The bassline in “Roundabout” alone could have gotten them into the Hall of Fame, why did it take so long? Anywhat! Chris Squire was an amazing bassist and I love listening to his lines. I know a few of my bass-playing friends list him as an influence. I found this in the $1 bin but once I cleaned it up, I’d say it was VG+, but that’s my rating. I love this album.
  • Philharmonic Orchestra Of Monte Carlo, Lawrence Foster – Famous Adagios By Barber, Sibelius, Grieg, Rachmaninoff And Others — Because it’s from Monaco, I figure that’s why The BCPF wanted this, but it was in the $1 bin and it was in really good shape. I’ll go with VG+. Most of the deeper classical things like this are generally well-taken care of.
  • Britten, Arnold – The Philharmonia Orchestra Conducted By Robert Irving  – Matinées Musicales – Soirées Musicales / English Dances – Four Scottish Dances — The BCPF loves Benjamin Britten and it was $1. VG+.
  • Various – Flappers, Speakeasies, & Bathtub Gin – The BCPF and I both like the history around the 20s, flappers, speakeasies and the idea of bathtub gin. The BCPF’s grandmother was a flapper, so why not? VG and $1.
  • Michel Legrand And His Orchestra – I Love Paris — Just read the title and you’ll understand why we got it. Exactly. That’s right. Yes. We do. VG+ and $1.
  • Kiss – Crazy Nights — I didn’t get this from Underdog Records but from the Discogs Marketplace. It was in VG++ shape and sounds terrific. I love this album but it gets a lot of flack from many of my fellow KISSheads because it is a bit on the poppier-rock side. It is that hair band cheese of the late 80s, but I still love it.

Jonathan had some great reissues come in this week and he had some great looking equipment, too. You should go in and check out the inventory. And remember to check out Underdog Records’ social media to find out what new superdynawhoppin’ stuff Jonathan is adding.

And, Discogs is where I keep up with my collection and purchase the items that Jonathan doesn’t have or would be too expensive to order.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Here’s a little song for everybody out there…” – “Crazy Crazy Nights” (Stanley/Mitchell)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 7/7/18

08 Sunday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!

We had to do some extensive searching for a parking space when The BCPF and I went to Mary’s Gourmet Diner yesterday morning. The denizens of the Heavy Rebel Weekender were out in full force with their rusted-out Dragulas and slicked back hairdos. And, I mean all of that with love and respect. They own it and that’s how they want it to be. I dig it. Well, I dig them doing their thing. I get absolutely nothing out of that whole scene. So, we found a spot that Annabelle would fit in — she’s a small thing — and went on to Mary’s. We came out and there was a sea of folks down both Liberty and Trade Streets. Nope. On to Underdog for us! Here’s the haul:

Asylum_album_cover

©Mercury

  • a-ha – Hunting High And Low — I’ve been wanting this one for a while. I don’t believe I had it in any format before. I don’t know why. Well, this is the brand new Rhino reissue and we got two pairs, a neon orange and a neon green, of groovy 80s sunglasses. The whole thing is pretty good and is in the same vein as “Take on Me” and “The Sun Always Shines on TV.” New.
  • Bauhaus – Burning From The Inside — My good friend Michael and I went back and forth on who was going to get this album. He wanted it. The BCPF wanted. It was her first Bauhaus album and was what introduced her to the band. I liked the album. She was afraid I wouldn’t. I dug it. VG++.
  • Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston — Her debut album and the only one of hers that I remotely care about. I have said it before and I’ll repeat it here. When Mariah Carey showed up on the scene in 1990, Whitney lost all relevance to me. Mariah’s songs were better and her voice was just amazing. At least in the beginning. She lost me later on, but the first two Mariah albums were amazing. This Whitney album was pretty neat, too. This was #259 on the RS list. VG++.
  • Marvin Gaye – Midnight Love — The last album from Marvin Gaye, which was his biggest selling by which I presume happened because of his death not long after its release. It has “Sexual Healing” on it, which I’m not really a big fan of, never have been. All-in-all, it’s okay.  VG+.
  • Eagles – On The Border — I don’t know if any band has ever created such a like/dislike debate or have been more polarizing than the Eagles. I like them, at least most of the Henley-sung stuff, myself. This had “Already Gone,” “James Dean” (which I hate), “Best of My Love” and the Tom Waits=penned “Ol’ 55.” VG.
  • Stevie Wonder – Hotter Than July – I really dig Stevie. Although I have to admit, this has some serious cheese on it. But, I love “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” and “Happy Birthday,” a song that pressed for MLK’s birthday to be a national holiday. It was deemed so just a few years later. VG++.
  • Toto – Hydra — Just like with Alan Parsons Project, I find that I like just about everything Toto does. I mean, what’s not to like? Also like APP, it’s a set of studio musicians and producers that were the cream of the crop at what they did and turned it into great songs and songwriting. “99” was probably the big hit on the album. VG++.
  • Rickie Lee Jones – The Magazine — We have two RLJ albums and both of them are fantastic. She has a great voice and is a very talented songwriter. VG++.
  • Jackson Browne – Jackson Browne — Browne’s debut album that we happened to find for $1. It has “Doctor My Eyes” and “Rock Me on the Water” on it. The cover is kind of beat up but the record is in really good shape. Even though it was $1 I’m going to say the vinyl was VG+.
  • Jackson Browne – Hold Out — Two Jackson Browne albums both in the $1 bin. Although critically the album has not been as well received as other Browne recordings, it remains his only album to date to reach number 1 on the Billboard chart. The sleeve and the record are at least VG but possibly VG+.
  • Kiss – Asylum — I didn’t get this one from Underdog Records. I bought it from the Discogs Marketplace. It cost me about $17 shipping and all and it is in VG+ shape. There’s a spot on the last track on Side B (“Uh! All Night) but it doesn’t affect the playability at all. It was a great transaction and filled the next spot in the KISSography. Crazy Nights is up next.

I loved seeing a good many people in the store, yesterday, at Underdog Records. It’s always fun when you get to see friends of yours, especially ones in the record collecting community, where you can talk shop and records and just enjoy the community. Keep an eye on the Underdog Records Facebook and Instagram feeds as Jonathan posts several times a day what he is putting out on the sales floor. There’s always something good coming in. There was no Underdog/TLD special this week as he was closed through Wednesday.

And, as I mentioned, I got that KISS album from the Discogs Marketplace. I really dig it. You can find deals, but you have to look for them. I had ordered Queensryche’s Rage For Order but the guy convinced me that shipping was astronomical and said he’d go ahead if I wanted to but it was really no problem to cancel. I did. Anyone else may have wanted to just make money and not care, or maybe he got burned from it in the past. I don’t know. He was honest and that was awesome. It’s a really good community over there. Try it if you’re looking for something. The Marketplace also deals cassettes and CDs as well.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“We’re talking away. I don’t know what I’m to say. I’ll say it anyway. Today’s another day to find you. Shying away. I’ll be coming for your love, OK? Take on me. Take me on. I’ll be gone in a day or two.” – “Take On Me” (Waaktaar/Furuholmen/Harket)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/30/18

01 Sunday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I were up early to head to Mary’s Gourmet Diner and then over to Underdog Records, yesterday. We were actually home before noon and that gave us over six hours of record listening before heading to Willows Bistro last night. That was great! Here’s the haul:

skidrow

©Atlantic Records

  • Skid Row – Skid Row – I have always been a fan of Sebastian Bach’s voice. He’s got power and soul. His range is amazing, too. This is a VG++ copy of the album was priced at about $20, so it was in magnificent shape and it was so fun listening to it on vinyl after years of CD listening. Great pickup!
  • Extreme – Extreme II: Pornograffitti – I wore the CD out for this album when I discovered it back in the very early 90s. I hate Gary Cherone’s voice outside of Extreme (like in Van Halen), but in Extreme, it fits darned-near perfectly. This was a VG++ copy. Now, my beef with the vinyl version of this album is the exclusion of “Hole Hearted.” I understand there are space limitations on vinyl (see my post a few months back about Dire Strait’s Brothers in Arms) but “Hole Hearted” made it to #4 on the charts! They could have left off “It (‘s a Monster)” or something else. Oh well. I also think this is the Canadian version of the album.
  • Polvo – Shapes – I had never heard of this band before but The BCPF says that they were a staple of the Chapel Hill scene in the early- and mid-90s. I know that it was mixed and partially recorded at my pal Mitch Easter’s Fidelitorium in K-Ville. It was a lot of soft to heavy stuff and I enjoyed listening with her. It was in VG++ shape.
  • Various – Lost In The Stars (The Music Of Kurt Weill) – Kurt Weill was a German/American composer and songwriter active in the 1920s through to his death in 1950. Perhaps his best-known work was The Threepenny Opera which featured the song “Mack the Knife.” This tribute has Sting, Lou Reed, Tom Waits, Marianne Faithfull, Todd Rundgren and others doing his songs. I loved all of it. The BCPF liked some of it. It was great stuff, to me. VG+.
  • Chris Stamey Group Special Guests The dB’s – Christmas Time – Chris Stamey is a Chapel Hill, NC native that spent a lot of time in WSNC. He was in bands with Alex Chilton of Big Star and he was also in Sneakers with Mitch Easter. He later formed the dBs with Peter Holsapple, which along with REM and Let’s Active (Easter’s band) led the charge for guitar bands in the southeast. It’s a Christmas album. That’s what I know of it other than what I’ve already said. VG+.
  • The Dream Academy – The Dream Academy – Yes, “Life in a Northern Town.” But, this album was so much more than just that song. The whole album is in that vein but it’s just as good as that song. This was in the $1 bin and there was a skip here and there but very little. I’m going to say VG.
  • Van Halen – Van Halen – the awesome first VH album and I got it for $1. After cleaning it up, it was in really good shape. Not much surface noise at all and not a single skip. I was quite pleased with that acquisition. I’ll go with VG.
  • The J. Geils Band – Ladies Invited – I don’t recognize any songs on here, but it was $1, so why not? VG.
  • Go-Go’s – Beauty And The Beat  – Yep, “Head Over Heels,” “This Town,” and “We Got the Beat.” No skips and it was only $1. VG.
  • Various – Top Gun (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – $1 bin find. You don’t pass this soundtrack up. VG.
  • Michel Legrand And His Orchestra – The New I Love Paris – I’ve said it before but The BCPF and I are obsessed with French music from the 50s and 60s. It was $1 so there you go. VG-.

So, a while back, Jonathan had given me a crate of “warped” records that he was going to let me do some experimenting with because I wanted to play with flattening them. I went through some of them yesterday and while there was a little bit of warble on the turntable, none of the ones I pulled were too awfully bad. So, here’s what I cleaned from that stack:

  • Christopher Cross – Another Page – It’s the album with “All Right” and “Think of Laura.” The LP itself was in pretty good shape with the slightest warp. I would say it’s about VG.
  • Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim – Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim – Ol’ Blue Eyes. Not too bad. VG-.
  • Bruce Springsteen – Human Touch and Bruce Springsteen – Lucky Town – Sister releases, ninth and tenth of Springsteen’s studio albums, released on the same day. Lucky Town was still sealed. They each had a little warble but all in all, VG/VG+.
  • The Beach Boys – Endless Summer – 2xLP compilation album. I had to do some serious washing on this album and there were some spots on the album that I have no idea what it is. I washed it extra long and most but not all of that scum came off of the wax. I’d say G+, and that’s being generous.
  • Richard Marx – Rush Street – I’m a huge fan of Richard Marx, whether I should be or not. I dig him. One of my favorite tunes from him and this album is “Hazard.” I love the story. Not much warp, either. VG/VG+.
  • K.T. Oslin – 80’s Ladies – Still sealed and not much warpage. VG/VG+.
  • Various – Happy Days – Fonzie Favorites – Yeah, I don’t know. It was there and I couldn’t resist cleaning it to see what came of it. I’ve not listened to it but it’s mostly Doo-wop and old rock and roll. Everly Brothers, Bobby Darin, Bill Haley & the Comets, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Coasters, The Chantels, etc. VG.
  • Bee Gees – 1st – The guys, including the non-Brothers Gibb, look way young. It’s the coolest that Barry Gibb has ever looked, I’d say. It’s called 1st and for a major label, it is their first, but it’s third in their actual discography. It has the tune “New York Mining Disaster 1941” on it. VG. Mono.
  • Tom Jones – What A Night – I love me some Tom Jones. According to its Wikipedia page, “the album was promoted by Epic as showing a more sensitive and thoughtful side to the singer.” Okay. G+.

So, that’s a pretty good haul or at least a pretty good addition. Jonathan had a pretty good selection of receivers and turntables in Underdog Records yesterday. It’s a great way to start your record collecting (besides having something to play them on), having good and decent equipment.

Thanks to Discogs for providing a place to keep a record of what I have in my collection. Last night at Willows I was able to compare notes and collections with my good friend Michael. Discogs is great.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“A Salvation Army band played and the children drank lemonade and the morning lasted all day, all day. And through an open window came, like Sinatra in a younger day, pushing the town away, away. Life in a northern town.” – “Life in a Northern Town” (Laird-Clowes/Gabriel)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/23/18

24 Sunday Jun 2018

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Salutations™!!

_music1

©Swan Song

The BCPF and I were working to get the new studio ready to function for a good part of yesterday, but we did at least get by Mary’s Gourmet Diner and Underdog Records and were able to listen to several records before heading to Willows Bistro. Here’s the very short haul:

  • The New Year – Snow – I don’t know anything about this band but The BCPF digs them and that’s all I really need to know, right? Right. It was VG++.
  • Faster Pussycat – Faster Pussycat – I played “Bathroom Wall” in the first major band I was in that had any real recognition, The Blue. Not my favorite band but I couldn’t resist getting it. VG.
  • Bob Dylan – The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan – This is #97 on the RS List, which I think is asinine. I think it’s his best work. Certainly, it’s better than Blonde on Blonde. I hate that album. I would have been one of those folks upset that Dylan went electric because I think he wasn’t as good. The acoustic stuff with him, his guitar and his harmonica, is the best Dylan. It’s rated at VG- but I think it’s in pretty good shape.
  • Eurythmics – 1984 (For The Love Of Big Brother) – I love the Eurythmics and I love the story of 1984, although it’s scary as heck (kind of like today’s world). There weren’t any real hits on here, just the soundtrack of the film. VG.
  • Hoodoo Gurus – 1000 Miles Away – This is just a 12″ single on a picture disc. I am not a fan of picture discs as they tear the needle up, but The BCPF says it’s her favorite Hoodoo Gurus song and you don’t argue with her. It was in the $1 bin and it’s in VG shape.
  • Led Zeppelin – Presence – This completes my Zeppelin studio collection. However, several of the albums, including this one that I got in the $1 bin, are in pretty terrible shape. They were “well loved.” I will be finding replacements for those, eventually. The album is in “good” shape and the cover is in “fair” shape.

Short list this week; end of the month and all. Jonathan was pretty busy yesterday, which is good. He had Ozzy Osbourne’s first album, Blizzard of Oz which I was really hoping to get my hands on but, that didn’t work out. Oh well. I’ll keep looking for that one. Keep an eye on Underdog Records’ social media as there are always new things kicking in there. And, I’ll be doing something with Jonathan for The Less Desirables, too.

Discogs is my go-to for collection documentation. Every album I own is on my Discogs list (except the three that I will have to enter myself) and I can watch my friends’ lists as well.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Keep spinnin’!

—
“Well, it ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe. Ifin’ you don’t know by now. An’ it ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe. It’ll never do somehow. When your rooster crows at the break a dawn. Look out your window and I’ll be gone. You’re the reason I’m trav’lin’ on. Don’t think twice, it’s all right.” – “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” (Dylan)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/16/18 (The Father’s Day Edition)

17 Sunday Jun 2018

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Salutations™!!

First off, I want to say “happy father’s day” to all the dads out there, whether they’re dads, step-dads, furry kids’ dads, father figures, all of you. My life would be nothing like it is without my own Ma Père and I’ll get to see him in a few hours. He made me the man I am today, even if it took a while for me to catch on. Thanks, Dad. 15965375_10154740755025490_3295274378463804499_n

We went to Mary’s Gourmet Diner first and then to Underdog Records. We took a detour and went to Vibes Up Winston-Salem and talked with my friend Carly Sink about crystals and other hippy stuff. I say that with complete love because I love hippies, heck I married one. Back home to hear some of our spoils and then to Willows Bistro. Here’s our very short, but rewarding haul!

_music

©Matador

  • Pavement – Slanted And Enchanted – #135 on the RS list, which boggles my mind. I’m not saying it’s not deserving of the list but jeez o’pete, this can’t be that high on the list. It could be back in the 300s or something but 135? Nah. It’s The BCPF’s favorite Pavement album which contains her favorite Pavement song, “Summer Babe (Winter Version).” New.
  • Iggy Pop – TV Eye 1977 Live – It’s Iggy, a New Wave/punk icon, and The BCPF loves that stuff, so she wanted this and who am I to say no? VG+.
  • Pink Floyd – Ummagumma – A really rough version of this 2xLP but it’s still a good listen. I really enjoy record 2 best with all the members doing their own compositions. I mean who doesn’t like “Several Species Of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together In A Cave And Grooving With A Pict?” The album is graded as VG-. I think that’s generous, but that’s what I’ll go with.
  • Jethro Tull – War Child – “Bungle in the Jungle” is on this one. I don’t completely get Jethro Tull but I am not against it, either, so I figured why not? VG++.
  • Graham Parker And The Rumour – Squeezing Out Sparks – #334 on the RS list. Why not just switch the two we got this haul and I’d be okay with that. This should have been 135 and the Pavement album 334. I’m just sayin’. But, this was a great record, I enjoyed all of it! It was a $1 bin find but I think that was because the cover was a bit chewed up. The vinyl was VG/VG+, not a skip nor crackle.

That was it. Just five this week. Funds are tight and we have a trip to Boston to save for, so that was the dealio. Jonathan is taking in a lot of used stuff but he’s awaiting final approval on his offers. When that happens a lot of fresh used stuff will be coming in. Keep an eye on Underdog Records’ social media to find out what! Also, they post about new releases as well. And don’t forget to listen to The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/Underdog special of the week!

Discogs recently updated their Android app and I couldn’t be more pleased with it. It’s UI is great and aesthetically pleasing. It does all I want it to do in my collecting and allows me marketplace access and a randomizer to do random grabs. Check it out and start collecting.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Sit by my window and look outside, wonder why the sun don’t shine on me. What’s wrong with you, you stupid child, don’t you think that I’m the one you’re waiting to see? Don’t talk too much ’cause she falls for the suckers, makes her feel everything is secure. Don’t ever leave a footprint on her floor. Don’t bother with the local girls.” – “Local Girls” (Parker)

Read more: Graham Parker – Local Girls Lyrics | MetroLyrics

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/9/18

10 Sunday Jun 2018

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Salutations™!!

So, we rushed to do our Saturday Thang (minus Willows Bistro, which we did the night before) because I was opening for King’s X. But, we made it to Mary’s Gourmet Diner and Underdog Records and even got a few listened to before we had to be at The Ramkat. Here’s what we got:

Queensryche_-_Queensryche_EP_cover

©EMI America

  • Queensrÿche – Queensrÿche – Historically one of my top 5 bands of all time. However, their later stuff with Geoff Tate wasn’t up there. Conversely, this wasn’t really my wheelhouse with them, either, but there are some great concert staples on here. It was their debut EP that was put out independently at first but then reissued under the EMI America label and is officially part of the QR canon. It’s great stuff and it was VG++.
  • Queensrÿche – The Warning – The follow-up to the debut EP, this too isn’t one of my faves by them but I love having anything I can of theirs. I don’t dislike it and will listen to it often. My time with them started at the next album in their discography, Rage for Order, but I don’t have it yet. I didn’t know about them until right as Empire came out. But, this too has some concert staples and is a great listen. VG++.
  • Tesla – Mechanical Resonance – The debut album by Tesla and it contains one of my favorite hard rock songs ever, “Modern Day Cowboy,” which I think has one of the greatest opening guitar runs ever. A few other hits on this album, as well. “Little Suzi,” “Cumin’ Atcha Live” (which I did in a former band), “Changes,” “Gettin’ Better” (which I did in a different band), and  “EZ Come EZ Go.” VG (but that’s a conservative rating because of a little noise at the beginning).
  • Wall Of Voodoo – Call Of The West – Yes, the album with “Mexican Radio” on it. The whole album was really good. I didn’t know that WOV was so much of a synth band. I knew they were New Wave, Dark Wave and Post Punk but I was pleasantly surprised with the synth part. Great listen. VG++.
  • Marlene Dietrich – Songs In German By The Inimitable Dietrich – I don’t know what it is about Marlene Dietrich but we love listening to her stuff. I think, for me, it’s because that’s where the inspiration for Madeline Kahn’s Blazin’ Saddles character, Lili von Shtupp, the “Teutonic Titwillow,” came from. For The BCPF, I think it’s because she’s German. VG.
  • Soft Cell – Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret – This was not what I expected, either. I have heard “Tainted Love” since this came out in 1981 but the rest of it was very surreal. As NME wrote as a review: “The Soft Cell sex strategy should offer something spicy, rude and even a little wonderful… but Soft Cell are conceptualists who rely on too many preconceptions and play around with too many ideas to convince you of any personal energy or commitment… Soft Cell are very plain fare – unspectacular music and very drab and flat lyrics, wrapped in a hint of special promise which is never realised [sic].” I can’t decide if I liked it or not. VG.
  • Eurythmics – Revenge – The album with “Missionary Man.” Annie’s voice is amazing and I think she’s sexy as all get out. I know some disagree on that last point but it’s okay. I like it! $1 bin find. The outer and inner sleeves are both in rough shape but the vinyl is in great shape. VG+ for the media, G+ for the sleeves.
  • Edith Piaf – More Piaf Of Paris With The Orchestra Of Robert Chauvigny – Because we love French music, we couldn’t pass this one up from the $1 bin. VG.

So, it was a slow week but funds are tight and this is what we could pull off. I can’t tell you how much I love just being in Underdog Records. I love being surrounded by vinyl. I do it there and to a lesser extent come here and do the same thing. But, Jonathan always has a great selection and his pricing is amazing. He’s got a lot of used equipment if you’re looking, as well.

Discogs is my go-to for keeping you up to date on my vinyl travels, Dear Reader.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Al Capone and the Bad Boy Jones, on the wrong side of the law. Johnny D and his company, always first to the draw. Gangster lean, feelin’ so mean, I try to take more than their share. Cause all they saw was ruling it all, the scent of blood was in the air. Bang bang, shoot ’em up, bang bang, blow you away. It’s a showdown in the no man’s land, for the cowboy of the modern day. Come sundown, don’t be hangin’ round, cause the cowboy’ll blow you away.” – “Modern Day Cowboy” (Hannon/Keith/Skeoch)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 5/26/18

27 Sunday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

It was a rainy, then sunny, then rainy, then sunny day yesterday. Mary’s Gourmet Diner, Underdog Records, Willows Bistro. Lots of record listening. But, it was a great day. Great. Day. Here’s our haul:

220px-Dokken_-_Under_Lock_and_Key

©Elektra Records

  • Dokken – Under Lock And Key – I dug me some Dokken in the mid-80s. This is my favorite album from them as it contains “In My Dreams” which is my favorite song from them. And… it was there in VG++ condition. Why pass that up?
  • Dokken – Back For The Attack – This was there at VG++, too. Double trouble!
  • Simon & Garfunkel – The Concert In Central Park – They had a full band behind them on this album. They performed in front of 500,000 people at this concert. 500k!!! But, it was put the best by The BCPF: Paul Simon solo with Art Garfunkel’s harmonies=perfection. VG+.
  • Dire Straits – Making Movies – This leaves only two albums for me to get to have the whole Dire Straits studio catalog. Granted their catalog isn’t that extensive but the point is that I have really gotten into them and I want all of them. This isn’t my favorite one or even two of theirs but it’s still really good. Jonathan kept an eye out for me as I missed out on a copy a few weeks back. VG++.
  • Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense – I really wish that this was the extended version of the album. That would have been a 2xLP, I’m sure. I don’t even know if there is a version on vinyl or not. This has a truncated version of “Once in a Lifetime,” excluding the “water dissolving, water removing” part. In fact, every song but two were truncated because of limitations of vinyl’s capacity. The CD/cassette versions were longer. Plus, none of the Tom Tom Club stuff. This album is #345 on the RS list. As far as the overall goes, I think it’s way too low. I’d put it in the Top 100, but that’s just me. I think this is awesome, I just wish there was a deluxe version. VG+.
  • George Frideric Handel/ The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock – Music For The Royal Fireworks, Concerti A Due Cori – The BCPF loves her some Hanel. VG+.
  • Electric Light Orchestra – Eldorado – A Symphony By The Electric Light Orchestra – I love me some ELO and I love the Wizard of Oz reference on the cover. VG.
  • Richard Harris – My Boy –  I really enjoyed the first Richard Harris album that I had. I’m wondering if the album was dedicated to his son, Jared, who fans of Mad Men would know as Lane Pryce on the show? He would have been around 10 when this came out. VG+.
  • Jean-François Paillard Chamber Orchestra • I Solisti Veneti • Various – The Pachelbel Canon And Other Baroque Favorites – NM.
  • Nat ‘King’ Cole Trio – In The Beginning – VG+ of very early Nat. It’s his trio and it was true jazz. The BCPF really loves him and I love the style (and him, too). Great record.
  • Nat King Cole – L-O-V-E – $1 bin find in mono and VG shape. More Nat King Cole.
  • Nat King Cole – Let’s Face The Music – And more in the $1 and in VG shape.
  • Johnny Cash & June Carter – Carryin’ On With – $1 bin find in VG shape.
  • Buster Poindexter – Buster Poindexter – The sandpaper-voiced singer of the New York Dolls, David Johansen, in his mid-to-late-80s alter ego, Buster Poindexter. Yeah, I liked “Hot Hot Hot” and that’s why I bought it. Well, that and it was only $1. It’s in VG+ shape.
  • Various – Television’s Greatest Hits, Volume II – I’m a sucker for television theme songs and I actually have this on CD. But, I couldn’t pass up on having the 2xLP version and that 2xLP version was only $1. Ka-ching!
  • Bonnie Raitt – Give It Up – #495 on the RS list and it was sitting in the $1 bin. The BCPF picked it up, so “yay her” for adding to the list. We’re up to 187 out of 500 right now. VG.
  • Monty Python – Instant Record Collection – Exactly as it says., Monty Python. Sketch stuff, I think. $1 bin find. VG.
  • Gerry Rafferty – Night Owl – I enjoyed the other Rafferty album I have. It’s a $1 bin find in VG.
  • Mel Tormé – The Tormé Touch – I got this for several reasons. It was in the $1 bin. I like his voice. I dig his nickname (the Velvet Fog). And, I was a fan of Harry Anderson and Mel was his favorite singer. RIP Harry (and Mel). VG.
  • The Steve Miller Band – Circle Of Love – It was there for $1. That’s the only reason I got it. Well, I liked the cover. VG.

That’s it. That’s a pretty extensive haul but a lot of it was $1 bin stuff. I added two to the RS list gathering experiment.

Underdog Records has a ton of freshly-stocked used vinyl in. If you’ve not been in a while, go check it out! If you’ve never been, check it out! Don’t have a receiver or turntable or speakers? Want some? Underdog Records always has some equipment for sale and reasonably priced.  All your vinyl needs can be met at Underdog. Usually, they are open Tuesday-Saturday but for this week, they’ll be closed on Tuesday as Jonathan and Kerri are going out of town for the holiday. He certainly needs and deserves it.

Discogs is how I bring you this list every week. I keep every album I own on vinyl listed on there and they have a pretty cool marketplace, too.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack. And you may find yourself in another part of the world. And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile. And you may find yourself in a beautiful house with a beautiful wife. And you may ask yourself, well… How did I get here?” – “Once in a Lifetime” (Eno/Frantz/Byrne/Harrison/Weymouth)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 5/19/18

20 Sunday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

R-114636-1320261717.jpeg

©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)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 5/13/18

13 Sunday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

It was a slow record purchasing day for The BCPF and me yesterday but we still got some good stuff. We walked the West Highlands and grabbed breakfast at Mary’s Gourmet Diner and then made our way to Underdog Records before coming home, listening and grabbing dinner at Willows Bistro. Here’s our haul:

postal service

©Sub-Pop

 

  • Pixies – Doolittle – #227 on the RS List. It’s one of The BCPF’s favorite albums. She said it was her high school years all over again. It was pretty good. I’d heard it whilst listening to the list backward but revisiting it on vinyl was pretty cool. New.
  • The Postal Service – Give Up – If the Pixies album was her high school, this is The BCPF’s college years, she said. It was a great listen, catchy yet still “alternative” enough to please her then-college-aged mind. New.
  • The Fresh & Onlys – Wolf Lie Down – Neither The BCPF nor I know anything about this album or even this band. It was in the clearance bin. New.
  • Archers Of Loaf – Icky Mettle – We have an album by Eric Bachmann and she says every time we listen to it that she can’t believe it’s the same guy singing. His solo stuff is much smoother than his voice with Archers of Loaf, which is quite raspy. New.
  • Billie Holiday – Strange Fruit – You just don’t pass on VG+ quality Billie Holiday when you see it. You grab it. That’s what we did.
  • Handel – Cantata: Nel Dolce Dell’ Oblio / Sonatas In D Minor & C Major / Trio Sonata In F Major – Still sealed, which is new but it was previously owned so we don’t call it new. We’re going to go with NM instead. The cover is in really near-perfect shape save a little bit of discoloration, I hope the vinyl inside matches its cover.
  • Nat King Cole / Ella Fitzgerald – Nat King Cole / Ella Fitzgerald – Her two favorite singers so you don’t pass on it when you see it. It is VG+ and is a thing of beauty.

There wasn’t a lot of fresh used that we were interested in yesterday but that’s not the norm. There are generally several pieces that I try to hunt down and that’s always part of the fun. But, like I said earlier, even though it was a short haul we got good stuff. Plus, it allowed us to catch up on some of our “need to be heard” albums. We got some of that done We still have two Record Store Day finds to listen to and hopefully will get to them in the next few days. He has a cassette deck for sale if you’re looking for one of those.

Discogs helps me when I’m standing in the middle of Underdog Records and trying to figure out if I already have this used album or that one. I have, on several occasions brought home a few used and as I was putting them in the collection, realized that I already have that particular one. Well, dang! Jonathan always works with me on those but what if he wasn’t as cool as he is? Yeah, not happening anymore because Discogs allows me to look at my collection just by clicking on the app on my phone.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Outside there’s a boxcar waiting. Outside the family stew. Out by the fire-breathing. Outside we wait ’til face turns blue. I know the nervous walking. I know the dirty beard hangs out by the boxcar waiting. Take me away to nowhere plains. There is a wait so long. You’ll never wait so long. Here comes your man.” – “Here Comes Your Man” (Thompson)

Skipped the Play or: Her Name is…

10 Thursday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

You know I’ve been posting albums that correlate with release days and all that good stuff, right? Yeah. Well, a month or so ago I posted my Top 10 albums that had an impact on my life or some other superlative. One of those ten was Duran Duran’s Rio.

220px-DuranRio

©Capitol Records

 

Well, today is the 36th anniversary of its release. But, because I had my first appointment this morning at 8am and then another meeting at 11a that lasted until 1:30p, stopping for lunch, going to the studio and downloading (or trying to) video off of four different devices to be able to piece together something later, pick up 3B from school, run to my optometrist to get my replacement contacts, go back to the studio to finish the downloads, go to dinner with 3B and his girlfriend and her family, go with them to a carnival that came through town and finally getting home around 8:30p, I didn’t have time to play the record.

So, I want to say that I love that album, because it’s well-written, has great tunes and one of my favorite bass players of all-time, John Taylor. It’s just a great album. Happy anniversary to it.

The album 11-17-70 from Elton John was also released on this day in 1971, so it’s 47 years old. I would have played it.

Twisted Sister’s Stay Hungry is 34 as of today.

I don’t have it on vinyl but Steelheart’s self-titled album came out 28 years ago. I really liked a few tunes on that.

The Weezer self-titled (blue album) was released 24 years ago today. I have that on vinyl.

Also, today is the birthday of U2’s singer, Bono. He’s 58 years old today. So, I probably would have played War or The Unforgettable Fire for that.

I would have played Cosmic Wheels from Donovan, Traffic by Traffic (Dave Mason) and Bloody Tourists by 10cc (Graham Gouldman) because they all turned 72 today.

I would have played Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols because it would have been Sid Vicious’ 61st birthday (even though he played bass on just one song).

May 10 had a lot of things happening when it comes to my vinyl collection. It’s quite a day. Great stuff. I probably wouldn’t have gotten to all of it had I had time to play stuff, but it would have been tough to decide what to actually play. Rio would definitely be one, the rest would be a guessing game. But, thanks for reading what I would have tried to get in had I been home.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Moving on the floor now babe you’re a bird of paradise. Cherry ice cream smile, I suppose it’s very nice. With a step to your left and a flick to the right you catch that mirror way out west. You know you’re something special and you look like you’re the best. Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand, just like that river twisting through a dusty land. And when she shines she really shows you all she can. Oh, Rio, Rio dance across the Rio Grande.” – “Rio” (Le Bon/Taylor/Taylor/Taylor/Rhodes)