Category Archives: Records

Sounds Like Saturday or: The Haul 7/13/19

14 Sunday Jul 2019

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a good day. The BCPF and I got up “early” and went to breakfast, then we ran to get a replacement battery for her phone and then headed to Underdog Records for some wax delights. We got some good stuff. It seems that the haul was slanted slightly toward The BCPF and that’s how most of it goes. That’s cool with me. “Happy wife” and all that. Here’s the haul:

Off_the_wall

©Epic Records

  • Drab Majesty – Modern Mirror — 2x45LP meaning they’re played at 45 RPM instead of the usual 33 1/3. Nowhere on that record can I find it conspicuously saying that it is 45. Oh well. Drab Majesty sounds a lot like old Depeche Mode or even New Order in spots. But, it has a modern feel to it as well. I hear songs from this when I was making the commercial for Underdog on TLD this week. It’s in an awesome clear blue vinyl (also available in clear red). New.
  • Versus – On The Ones And Threes — One of the first albums that I bought for The BCPF when we started “talking” was this album on CD. It had just come out and she made a big deal about “Versus is getting back together.” They had been apart for a while and got back together and did this album. It’s a good one. 2xLP. New.
  • Depeche Mode – When Love Is Enough (Early Demos) — She found this in the “Imports” section. It’s not an official release but is an awesome release. To hear the early demos of songs I’ve been listening to for a while was pretty awesome. At times Dave Gahan/Martin Gore sounded like some singer from the 40s on a phonograph or crank record player. Not great production but so fun to listen to. VG++.
  • Bob Dylan – Bob Dylan At Budokan — Seems like in the 70s everyone was doing an “At Budokan” album. This is Dylan’s. I skipped it because I really don’t like Dylan live, especially in this time period. It’s just gonna be some swooping and yelling, I’m sure. But, The BCPF didn’t skip it (I knew she wouldn’t) and here it is. VG++.
  • Various – A Very Special Christmas — This album was a big deal back in 1987 and it is sealed, so I had to get it. The album has been certified quadruple platinum and has raised millions of dollars for the Special Olympics. Like I said, “sealed” so technically it’s “new.”
  • Jeff Tweedy – Together At Last (Loft Acoustic Session I) — This is basically in NM condition and the only reason it wasn’t $20 is that the jacket spine has some damage. Tweedy is the lead singer for Wilco and this is some solo stuff. In fact, it’s considered his first “solo record.” NM.
  • Jeff Tweedy – Warm — This is his second solo record. NM.
  • Michael Jackson – Off The Wall — #68 on the RS List, it’s MJ and Quincy Jones doing their thing in 1979. Features the songs “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You” and a plethora of A-List songwriters including Jackson himself, Rod Temperton, Carole Bayer Sager, David Foster and Sir Paul McCartney among others. VG+.
  • Fleet Foxes – The Electric Lady Session — I generally stay away from 7″ and 10″ singles/45s but it’s Fleet Foxes and my girl love Fleet Foxes so I made sure to get it for her. VG+.
  • John Cougar – John Cougar — The third (technically fourth) album by John Mellencamp and the first that he wasn’t called “Johnny Cougar” and the first on Riva Records. I have to say that the big hit on this album, “I Need a Lover,” annoys me. Really, the only thing that annoys me is that the intro goes on forever, for no reason. The rest of the song is great. And, I have to say, this is probably one of my favorite Mellencamp albums. I loved every song on it and really enjoyed listening. I’m glad I have it. VG++.
  • Graham Nash – Songs For Beginners — I got this for The BCPF. She didn’t even know I had it until we got home. Yay me! VG.
  • Mantovani And His Orchestra – Italia Mia — $1 bin find. You know we scour the $1 bin (as well as the regular bins) to find music from different countries. We’re suckers for that, as I’ve stated ad nauseam. Even though most of the records in the $1 bin aren’t in the most pristine shape, this one didn’t even need to be cleaned. Jonathan doesn’t rate $1 albums but I’m stepping out and saying this is VG+.

Had a great visit at Underdog Records yesterday. Got to talk with Jonathan. Got to be around records, which I absolutely love. Got to talk about a-holes that park incorrectly in the parking lot across the street and how it messes up the symmetry of the rest of the day. Saw a friend whose name I can’t really remember right now, but she was buying records and I love when new collectors come and browse. Just a good day. Then the Cobras had a game and won 72-0 and Ma ‘Rents, and Aunt and Uncle and My Sis and Bro-in-Law got to hear me in action. Great day all around. Oh, listen to the newest The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week.

I also use Discogs to track my collection. I am not ashamed (nor sorry) that I held up the “freshly used” section to look at my Discogs to see if I had stuff. This is what I do, dang it! Just kidding-ish.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Well, Shakespeare threw down his pencil. Said, I think I’m gonna start layin’ brick. Too much of this Romeo stuff enough to make anybody sick. ‘To be or not to be,’ I mean, what’s that supposed to mean? I’m changin’ my image tomorrow. Be a groupie, make the scene.” – “Pray for Me” (Mellencamp/Bec Var)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 7/5/19

07 Sunday Jul 2019

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Salutations™!!

Yes, I have the date right up there. The BCPF and I went to Underdog Records on Friday because I had a Cobras Game last night. Jonathan had been closed on Wednesday and Thursday for the holiday but was open on Friday. Yay us! Here’s the haul:

Ultravox_-_Vienna

©Chrysalis Records

  • Metallica – Metallica — #255 on the RS list, it’s my second favorite Metallica album after Ride the Lightning. On this tour, they did an “In-the-Round” stage setup where they were in the middle and the crowd surrounded them on all sides. During the song “Seek and Destroy” from their debut album, Kill ‘Em All, James Hetfield came down and sang the hook with groups of people. As he walked past me (I was in the second row but we had been moved up to the security railing) and said, “I need one more crazy m*****f***er and I nearly jumped the fence screaming me! me! me! He came over, grabbed my hand and had me dangling over the railing as he went into the line. I was breathing through my nose, inhaling deeply, and he did the “searchin’…” and I yelled, at the top of my voice, “SEEK AND DESTROY!!!” I had friends who watched it from farther back in the arena and they told me later that they couldn’t even hear the music when I did that because it was so loud. “Enter Sandman,” “Sad But True,” “The Unforgiven,” “Wherever I May Roam” and “Nothing Else Matters” were all released as singles. It was a great heavy album. Not as heavy as their previous albums, at least not in the “thrash” way, but it was heavy sonically. 2xLP. New.
  • The Decemberists – Picaresque — The BCPF doesn’t hold back when it comes to The Decemberists. This album was the band’s last on the Kill Rock Stars label and was produced by Chris Walla, guitarist for Death Cab for Cutie. 2xLP. VG++.
  • Judas Priest – Killing Machine — This is a 2015 reissue of what we Americans knew as Hell Bent for Leather. It’s the same album and yes, I have Hell Bent but I wanted one with the albums’ proper name. Why was there a change? When this came out it was around the time of the Cleveland Elementary School shooting in San Diego. Brenda Spencer, a 16-year old, shot and killed the principal and a custodian and injured nine others (including eight children) from her house. When a reporter got in touch with her whilst she was holed up in her house and asked why she did it, she said, “I don’t like Mondays. This livens up the day.” That was the inspiration of Bob Geldof’s Boomtown Rats’ song, “I Don’t Like Mondays.” Anyway, this was an opportunity to have both titles. VG+.
  • Okkervil River – The Stand Ins — The BCPF likes this band and picked out the album. I liked what I heard but I wouldn’t have known to get it. My pal Patrick Ferguson is a big fan of the band as well. This was a follow up to The Stage Names and if you put the prior album above this one, it makes a complete picture. VG++.
  • The Knack – …But The Little Girls Understand — The follow-up to their debut, Get the Knack, which I tout as a gravely underappreciated album. This one charted well, but many critics panned it for its tired misogynistic themes and subject matter. I haven’t listened to it, yet, but again, I loved the previous record. We’ll see how the sophomore effort goes with me. VG+.
  • Arlo Guthrie – Power Of Love — I know nothing about this album other than it was released in 1981. The BCPF likes her folk heroes and well, he is one. VG+.
  • The Shirelles – The Shirelles Greatest Hits — $1 bin find. I’m not really sure why The BCPF wanted this one but it could be that it was a girl group. She usually goes for the more rocking/post-punk/first wave-kind but she picked it up.

Now, the next four I did not buy at Underdog Records, although I would have had I seen them there. Before we knew that Jonathan was open on Friday, we had stopped by Design Archives on Fourth Street and they had vinyl. I thought at first these things were overpriced, but I had Jonathan look at them and he said that was pretty accurate to what he would have charged, so I felt better about getting them at that point. Here’s that mini-haul:

  • Rush – Fly By Night — I added three more albums to my Rush collection through this vinyl stop. This is Rush’s second album and the first with the monster Neil Peart not only on drums but with the lyrics, too. Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee liked that Peart was a bookworm and wrote imaginative lyrics. That way they could concentrate on complex music. VG+.
  • Rush – Power Windows — This was the follow-up to Grace Under Pressure. The album has the songs “The Big Money” (for which there was a somewhat revolutionary video), “Manhattan Project,” “Marathon” and “Mystic Rhythms” among others. VG+.
  • Rush – Hold Your Fire — The mostly forgettable follow-up to Power Windows does at least feature “Time Stand Still” with Aimee Mann singing back up. It was the lowest selling Rush album since Hemispheres. VG+.
  • Ultravox – Vienna — Their fourth album and the first on Chrysalis Records and the first with singer Midge Ure. The singles on this album were “Sleepwalk,” “Passing Strangers,” the title track and “All Stood Still.” VG+.

I think this week’s haul was awesome. We’ve already listened to some great stuff and hopefully will get to a bit more today and hopefully, I’ll have time to listen to some throughout the week. Underdog Records will be open all next week and you should listen to The Less Desirables (well, you should anyway) to hear the TLD/UR weekly special. Also, use Discogs to track your music collection, be it vinyl, cassette, CD, or even 8-Track.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Time stand still. I’m not looking back but I want to look around me now. Time stands still. See more of the people and the places that surround me now.” – “Time Stand Still” (Peart/Lee/Lifeson)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/29/19

30 Sunday Jun 2019

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Salutations™!!

Whilst our early routine was the same, we had to rearrange our afternoon routine because I got The BCPF a massage to help her with a neck problem she was having. But, we finally got home after the massage and the record-buying from Underdog Records (of course) and got some quality time with a few albums. Here’s the haul:

Soundgarden_-_Badmotorfinger.jpg

©A&M Records

  • Massive Attack – Blue Lines — #397 on the RS list. This is one of the best trip-hop albums, ever. Even The BCPF, who doesn’t usually care for a lot of electronic/trip-hop stuff, said that this was nice. It could be one to highlight for Ember Audio + Design’s PVD sessions. Great album and it was Massive Attack’s debut. New.
  • The White Stripes – Elephant — #390 on the RS list. It’s a 2xLP set that has probably the band’s signature and best-known tune, “Seven Nation Army” which is really a play on what Jack White used to call the Salvation Army as a child. I remember liking it when I listened on the list, I look forward to listening again. New.
  • Built To Spill – Perfect From Now On — One of the first concerts I went to with The BCPF was Built to Spill in Carrboro way back when. She’s a huge fan and I dig them, too.  She says this is her favorite release by them, so I’m glad we got it. New.
  • Soundgarden – Badmotorfinger — In 1991, there were three albums that came out within weeks of each other. Pearl Jam’s Ten (got it #209 on the RS list) came first and Nirvana’s Nevermind (got it #17 on that list) and this album came out on the same day. When I think of the Seattle movement’s foray into the mainstream (although it wasn’t really into the mainstream then) those three albums are the doors that opened. I hated Nirvana and didn’t like much about Pearl Jam but I dug Soundgarden. Somehow this album didn’t make the RS list, but its successor, Superunknown did (#335 but I don’t have it, yet). Of the three singers, Kurt Cobain, Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell, Cornell kicked the most arse. Unfortunately, we only have Vedder left of the three. I did perform “Outshined” in the first band that I was ever the lead singer/bassist for. New.
  • The Decemberists – What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World — I don’t know anything about this album, but I love The Decemberists so it has to be good, right? The BCPF noticed it right before we left Underdog Records. So, she grabbed it. VG++/NM.
  • Fats Domino – Blueberry Hill — The BCPF wanted it. So, she got it. VG++.
  • The Del Fuegos – The Longest Day — I have heard of this band, but honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever heard a song by them. But, the time period – mid-80s – is something that makes me think I’ll dig it. It’s their debut album. Let’s see. VG++.
  • The Del Fuegos – Stand Up — Because there were two back to back, why not. This is their third studio album (1987) and the last before one of the Zanes brothers and one of their drummers quit. They had another album after this and then had a reunion tour and EP happen in 2012. VG+.
  • Joe Cocker – Luxury You Can Afford — Joe’s seventh studio album that had a lot of Muscle Shoals session players including Barry Beckett, Allen Toussaint (who also produced the album), Billy Preston, Donny Hathaway, Dr. John, Chuck Rainey and more. VG.
  • The Tubes – Remote Control — It was The Tubes first album with producer Todd Rundgren. According to Wikipedia, “It is a concept album about a television-addicted idiot savant based on the book Being There by Jerzy Kosinski.” It was a $1 bin find and is most likely in VG condition.
  • Various – High Society (Motion Picture Soundtrack) — 1956 musical film starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra. The BCPF grabbed it. $1 bin find. VG.
  • Various – Grease – The Original Broadway Cast Album — The original from 1972, six years before the film. $1 bin find. VG.
  • Claudine Longet – We’ve Only Just Begun — The BCPF and I (and now 3B) are all fans of The Gilmore Girls television show. Twice in the show, there is mention of Claudine Longet. Longet was the wife of Andy Williams from the late 60s to about 1975. Longet and Williams were friends of RFK and his wife. They were in the Kennedy suite of the Ambassador hotel, awaiting Bobby to finish accepting the nomination for the Democratic party when Kennedy was shot. Years later, after the couple split, Longet was convicted of negligent homicide in the shooting death of Olympic skier, Spider Sabich. So, more than her music, she’s known for other things, which makes her very interesting. It’s a fun listen, too. It was $1 bin find and is VG.

Lots of good listening yesterday and beyond. Underdog Records had an in-store yesterday and it was starting to get busy when we left. I love seeing that store busy. And, I got to see Jonathan three days in a row. At the Ramkat on Thursday for BYOV, Friday at the Ember Audio + Design PVD and then yesterday. That’s what I call a good week. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week. Also, I use Discogs to catalog and track what I have in my vinyl collection so when The BCPF says, “do we have this?” I can say definitively, yes or no.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“I can’t get that sound you make out of my head. I can’t even figure out what’s making it. It feels like fingernails across the moon or do you rub your wings together. There’s a mean bone in my body. It’s connected to the problems that I won’t take for an answer and I won’t take that from you. Because I’d hurt a fly.” – “I Would Hurt a Fly” (Martsch)

Sparking the Ember or: Vinyltastic

28 Friday Jun 2019

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Salutations™!!

After a few too many years of being gone from WSNC, Ember Audio + Design is back and tonight was their first PVD night in the new space. PVD means Public Vinyl Demo and it’s basically a listening party.

60429247_10156391739601305_5498241042975031296_n

Ember Audio + Design

I never got to go to any of the ones they did when they were on Trade Street. I say didn’t get to go, but what I mean is, I just never got around to it. I didn’t know what to expect, really.

So, we just sat in on the listening party because we didn’t bring something to be played.  The cool thing about this listening party is that you get to hear your own or other people’s favorite or interesting musical finds on an audio system that chances are you are never going to own. That’s not a bad thing, high-end hi-fi systems are super expensive, sure, but man, there’s something about hearing vinyl (which already sounds better than other media) on a system that probably costs in the 10s of thousands of dollars (I’m guessing here). Deep booming lows. Crisp and clear highs. Lush and rich strings and choirs. It’s like a blanket covering you with aural comfort, warming the cockles of your heart.

But, the store isn’t only about high-end audio equipment. Ember Audio + Design’s Facebook page says they are also: “Modern Furniture and Accessory retailer, featuring work from local and national designers, and audio gear from all over the world. We seek brands that offer the highest performance for the value – companies that have their own design teams in-house, and more often than not, manufacture everything themselves.”

The BCPF and I had a great time listening to this PVD and are already contemplating what we are taking to the next PVD session at the new store.

To Chris and Jamie Livengood, you guys have a great new place and I’m so glad to be part of Industry Hill with you and I look forward to a lot of PVD sessions, too. You should check them out, Dear Reader!! Also, keep an ear out for when Jamie and Chris come on The Less Desirables to talk with us more about the store and give you more info about what Ember Audio + Design is all about!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“In an effort to bring the best sound quality, ease of use, and design elements together, we’ve brought on the very best options at every price point – so, whether you’re just buying your first turntable, or finishing your journey off with the perfect listening chair, we’ve got you covered.” – EMBER Audio + Design.

Spinning Monday or: The Haul 6/15/19

17 Monday Jun 2019

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Salutations™!!

Since yesterday was Father’s Day, we did our grocery shopping on Saturday after breakfast before running over to Underdog Records before we had to be in Greensboro for a Cobras game Saturday night. So, here’s the haul:

Greetings_From_Timbuk_3

©IRS Records

  • Calexico / Iron & Wine – Years To Burn — The BCPF is a huge fan of both acts and having albums (there have been others) with both on at the same time means ecstasy for her. It came out just this week and is in lime green vinyl. New.
  • Supertramp – Supertramp — This is a reissue of the debut album by Supertramp. They were a little more subdued back then. I am glad to have this in my collection but I like their late-70s/early-80s stuff best. It is also one of two Supertramp albums we got on Saturday. VG+.
  • Dokken – Beast From The East — Live 2xLP set recorded in Japan. I know Dokken is one of those love ’em or hate ’em bands, but I’m really in the middle with them. I like their stuff but I don’t go crazy for it. However, I loved this when I had it on CD. They left off some stuff because it was long from the CD. This will be fun, I think. VG.
  • Cyndi Lauper – True Colors — One of two Cyndi albums I got this weekend. The other was in the $1 bin. We like those 80s pop staples and I felt she was one of those. VG+.
  • Joe Walsh – The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get — 1980 reissue of this album. I like “Rocky Mountain Way” so, let’s do it. VG+.
  • Roy Orbison – Mystery Girl — Roy Orbison was a unique talent both in songwriting and singing technique. He was a great one. This album had a lot of input from Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty as well as a tune from Bono and The Edge. It was completed a mere month before Orbison died at the age of 52. I was 18 when this came out and I thought he was so old. I’m less than four years from being 52. That’s crazy. This is a slight bit warped but plays awesomely and is still VG+.
  • Cheap Trick – Next Position Please — I don’t know how I feel about this album. I like “I Can’t Take It,” but the rest of it is weird to me. I know Todd Rundgren produced it. Jon Brandt is the bass player. I thought he was on only two CT albums but he was on like four, I think. Anywhat. It’s okay. VG+.
  • Neil Young & The Shocking Pinks – Everybody’s Rockin’ — The Shocking Pinks was a band made up just for this album and features a selection of rockabilly songs (both covers and original material). It’s only 25 minutes and is Young’s shortest album. Everybody’s Rockin’ is typical of his 1980s period in that it bears little or no resemblance to the album released before it nor the one released after it. I’m worried about it because I’m hit-or-miss with him. The BCPF wanted it, though.
  • Was (Not Was) – What Up, Dog? — This is a weird and quirky album but it was so fun to listen to. The biggest hits of the band’s career were on this album: “Spy in the House of Love” and “Walk the Dinosaur.” VG+.
  • The Michael Schenker Group – MSG — The former Scorpions and UFO guitarist’s band’s second album. It featured Cozy Powell on drums and Gary Barden on vocals. Stephen Stills of CSN actually did some background vocals. VG++.
  • Don Henley – The End Of The Innocence — Don Henley was part of one of the more polarizing bands ever, The Eagles. I never cared for Glenn Frey’s contributions to vocals, but he was a partner of Henley’s. I don’t care much for Frey’s solo stuff, but I really like Henley, especially this and Building the Perfect Beast. I just love Henley’s vocals. VG+.
  • Timbuk 3 – Greetings From Timbuk 3 — Yeah, their most famous track, “The Future’s So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades” is on here, but the album has some great spots. “Future” got a little cliche in 1986 but after a while, it got better and the story is funny. I liked listening to this. It was a great listen. VG+.
  • Supertramp – Crisis? What Crisis? — The fourth album overall from Supertramp and the second on this day’s collection. Again, it’s not Breakfast In America but I like it. VG+.
  • Vivaldi- – Max Goberman, The New York Sinfonietta – Three Concertos For Viola D’Amore / Two Concertos For Mandolin — It’s a classical jam. The interesting thing is that the album came out in 1968 and it was still sealed at Underdog. I opened it, but I didn’t look at the vinyl. It’s 51-year-old vinyl in there that hasn’t seen light since 1968. NM.
  • Cyndi Lauper – A Night To Remember — $1 bin find. Second Lauper this list update, too. To my knowledge, the only song on this album that I remember is “I Drove All Night.” I liked the album. VG+.
  • The Babys – Broken Heart  — This was the highlight of my purchase day, even though I didn’t know it until last night. The BCPF was alphabetizing our collection (the first time in almost a year) and it was my turn to pick an album. It was a great listen and if you haven’t listened to it, you absolutely should. Front-to-back, it’s awesome! VG.
  • Haydn, The Prague City Quartet – String Quartets Opus 76, No.4/Opus 20, No.4 — VG+.

Underdog Records is closed on Mondays, but on Tuesday, you should run by and see what used equipment Jonathan has for purchase. Get started in your record collectin’ if you aren’t already one. Then you can join in the madness fun with me! Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear the latest UDR/TLD special for that week. I use Discogs to bring you this list each week and to keep straight what I already own before I make purchases.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I know you broke up with him and your heart’s still on the shelf. It’s been over two years for me and I’m still not quite myself. You can’t be with someone new and you can’t go back to him. You’re beginning to realize that it’s sink or swim.” – “Last Worthless Evening” (Corey/Henley/Lynch)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/8/19

09 Sunday Jun 2019

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday The BCPF and I got to have a very rare Saturday to ourselves. We were supposed to work the TLD Network booth at Mixxer’s Industry Hill Block Party but that was rained out and I’m so glad I didn’t have to sit or move in that rain. Next year, hopefully, it will be better. I was looking forward to participating, just not dealing with the weather. But, we went to Penny Path and had breakfast and then got to spend time at Underdog Records and came home to a full day’s worth of rekkid listening and enjoyment of each other’s company. Here’s the haul:

R-13438328-1554217482-4692.jpeg

©Cleopatra Records

  • Pink Floyd – The Division Bell — The second album after Roger Waters left, it has some great songs on it. A lot of critics panned it as not being Gilmour’s best work and that it was like he phoned it in. I think the album is great and is a fun listen. This is a 2xLP remastered set with the vinyl being an amazing clear deep blue. New.
  • Anton LaVey – Satan Takes A Holiday — Yep, the big evil himself. Ish. It’s definitely him but I think people gave him a bad name because of the “Satanic Church” thing. He no more believed or worshiped the devil than he did God. He didn’t see a need in either. His version of Satanism is basically skeptical atheists. Anyway, you get a vision in your head about how “evil” this guy was supposed to be and yet here he is performing love songs. The best and funniest thing on here, though, has to be “Honolulu Baby” which had The BCPF and me both laughing so hard we were crying. It’s on clear blood red vinyl and only 500 were made. New.
  • Sebadoh – Act Surprised — The BCPF loves Lou Barlow and anything he does. As I mentioned, you can ask her about smelling his hair in Chapel Hill/Carrboro a few years back. This is Sebadoh’s latest album released within the last few weeks. This is the limited edition orange vinyl. New.
  • Bright Eyes – I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning — Nebraska-based indie rock band mainly consisting of Conor Oberst, a multi-instrumentalist and a couple of other folks and pulling from Omaha’s indie scene. The BCPF loves them and this was a good album. NM.
  • Sleater-Kinney – No Cities To Love — The band’s eighth album and the first after a decade-long hiatus in 2015. Influenced by the riot grrrl movement, they are legends in girl-punk. Again, The BCPF is a fan. NM.
  • The Monkees – Then & Now… The Best Of The Monkees — In 1986, when the Monkees were making some resurgent comeback on MTV and Nick At Night, you could find Monkee-mania happening all over again. I had this album, from Arista records, somehow I just remembered that, on cassette (all of Arista’s stuff came in red cassette cases). I believe, too I may have gotten it from one of the “clubs” either Columbia House or RCA/BMG. This, too, is a club version and it is in VG++.
  • Donovan – 25 Years In Concert — Donovan. We love Donovan. Live and in VG++.
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Fitzgerald Sings Songs From Let No Man Write My Epitaph — We love us some Ella and we were a little bit wary of purchasing this as it is only in Fine condition, but it was still about $5 which means it is probably a rarity or hard to find. Anywhat. We’ll treasure it, for sure. F.
  • Graham Nash – Innocent Eyes — A little reggae-influenced Nash. It was his fourth solo album. VG++.
  • The Rolling Stones – Out Of Our Heads — So, this is on the RS List, but I’ve not yet decided if I’m going to count this as “having it.” It was $1 but it’s pretty beaten up. I know there are skips on it. I’d like to have a better copy and will probably look for it eventually. This is the original British mono pressing. Rating reserved.
  • Gran Orquesta De Profesores Solistas – Honeymoon In Spain — Spanish music. We are suckers for that internationally-flavored music. It was a $1 bin find and is in VG.

It was so nice to have a Saturday back. I love all that I do and how busy it keeps me but sometimes you just need a day off. We got that. I feel good about it. Underdog Records was busy when we were there. A lot of people buying a lot of records. You gotta love that. Listen each week to hear the TLD/UR special. And use Discogs to catalog and track your music collection, no matter what format it’s in.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“I think I should speak now. Why won’t you talk to me? I can’t seem to speak now. You never talk to me. My words won’t come out right. What are you thinking? I feel like I’m drowning. What are you feeling?” – “Keep Talking” (Gilmour/Samson/Wright)

Spinning Sunday or: The Return of the Haul 6/1/19

02 Sunday Jun 2019

Posted by in Records, Spinning Sunday

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Salutations™!!

First, I want to say happy Pride Month! I’m an ally and not at all ashamed to say so.

TheRebelsNotIn

©K Records

Now, the day was indeed packed with wine and such as I mentioned yesterday, but before that craziness, and after, we were at Underdog Records trying to get back into our record groove (pun most certainly intended). Here’s what we got:

  • Rush – Hemispheres — This is the 200g Audiophile version. It’s not my favorite Rush album, but it’s still good. I prefer “hits” to the long, drawn-out, progressive “suites” they had on this. New.
  • The Halo Benders – The Rebels Not In — The BCPF learned of and got into this band when she was a DJ in college. It’s weird and kooky but it’s fun. This is the 2014 reissue and it also is out of print. So, she did well. NM.
  • Death Cab For Cutie – The Photo Album — I don’t know much about Death Cab except that Ben Gibbard was Zooey Deschanel’s first husband. The BCPF, however, is a big fan. NM.
  • Tortoise – The Catastrophist — I know absolutely nothing about this. Again, this is a The BCPF pick. VG+.
  • Heart – Brigade —  The follow up to their album Bad Animals and has “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You,” which I always liked. It’s probably an over-polished bunch of mess, but I’m willing to test that. VG+.
  • Crosby, Stills & Nash – Replay — A compilation of CSN hits. VG+
  • Small Talk  – Small Talk — Another album from a band that I nothing about. It seemed early 80s rock and was only $3 so I took a chance. Sounds like Rick Springfield smashed together with .38 Special to me. Not great but not bad. VG++.
  • The Rolling Stones – Got Live If You Want It! — The BCPF is the Stones fan in the fam, I don’t care one way or another. They’re not The Beatles and that’s all that matters. But, why not grab a live album when you can? VG-.
  • Various – The London Sampler — A compilation “sampler” of London Records artists from 1985. They were pushing their current acts at the time. The BCPF grabbed it. VG+.
  • The Hollies – Dear Eloise / King Midas In Reverse — This is the seventh U.S. studio album by the band, the last album to feature Graham Nash until 1983’s What Goes Around, as well as the last to feature songs written solely by members Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, and Tony Hicks. $1 bin find. VG/VG+.
  • Saint-Saëns – Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra*, Michael Murray  – Symphony No. 3 “Organ” — I love Camille Saint-Saëns and couldn’t pass this one up, especially when it’s a $1 bin find. The cover is slightly worn but the vinyl is NM. VG++ at minimum.
  • The Brothers Johnson – Light Up The Night — “Stomp” is on this album and I love that song. It was a $1 bin find so why not? VG+.

Underdog Records was jumping yesterday. I love seeing that. Lots of people, a bit cozy and crowded, a lot of awesomeness. Loved it. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear what the TLD/UR special of the week is. I use Discogs to keep up with my stuff and to share it with you!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“So we found this hotel, it was a place I knew well. We made magic that night. Oh, he did everything right. He brought the woman out of me, so many times, easily. And in the morning when he woke all I left him was a note. I told him, ‘I am the flower you are the seed. We walked in the garden we planted a tree. Don’t try to find me, please don’t you dare. Just live in my memory, you’ll always be there. All I want to do is make love to you.'” – “All I Want to Do is Make Love to You” (Lange)

Small Spinning Sunday or: The Haul?

26 Sunday May 2019

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Salutations™!!

This week, like last, was altered because of a Cobras game, which we lost, but the worst part was the loss of our star OL because of a dislocated ankle. But, I did get by Underdog Records for a brief visit on Friday. Mainly because my pal, Clay, purchased a record and left it behind the counter. I had to see what it was and that was my visit. Here’s my “haul:”

51T9T6GXaQL._SY355_

©Infinity

  • Debbie Gibson – Out Of The Blue — I’m a sucker for bubblegum pop. She was in school the same time I was (she’s a year ahead of me) and she writes her own songs. It was definitely cheesy stuff, but I enjoyed it. Couldn’t pass up this one. VG+.
  • Ray Charles – Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music — #105 on the RS List, I enjoyed it. It’s not really C&W music, but it was “modern sounds” for the time. I had to grab it. VG+.
  • TKO – Let It Roll — This is the album that Clay got for me. It was in the $1 bin but was in fantastic condition. I had never heard of the band, but apparently, Clay had done some backups for the singer of TKO, Brad Sensil on a later solo album. This is from 1979 and was good hard rock. Thanks, Clay!

That was the haul. Because of the passing of Danielle’s father last week, there wasn’t a TLD/UR Special of the Week, but if you listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables, you can hear the special for that week. There’s a lot of cool equipment in there and of course, Jonathan puts out newly acquired used vinyl almost every day. Go by and say hey. Tell him that I sent you! Use Discogs to catalog your collection, be it vinyl, CD or even cassettes.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Oh, can’t you see I’m not fooling nobody? Don’t you see the tears are falling down my face? Since you went away. Break my heart, you slipped away. Didn’t know I was wrong. Never meant to hurt you now you’re gone.” – “Foolish Beat” (Gibson)

Cheers to a Dynasty or: Endings

23 Thursday May 2019

Posted by in KISS, Music Review, Records

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Salutations™!!

Note: HERE THERE BE SPOILERS!!!

Last night, The BCPF and I finished Cheers (finally). So these spoilers are for a show that ended 27 years ago, so I think we’re safe.

Cheers_intro_logo.jpg

©NBC

We have been at it for around a year. I don’t know if it is over or under. I’m figuring over. But, while I think the ending was good, the reasons I thought it was good, is even better. First off, they did bring back a major character, Diane for a little closure of that chapter. I loved a line by Woody around 6 episodes from the end, while Cliff, Norm, Woody and Frasier were watching a Godzilla film at a drive-in that was going to close. He said he couldn’t understand why an actress would leave a successful series in the middle. A shot or homage, take your pick, I think a bit of both. Anywhat, Diane came back and then left again. That’s good.

Another reason I liked it is what I wish shows this day would employ as when it ends. They didn’t kill everyone off, they didn’t have them all moving away to places they won’t see each other again (I’m talking to you Friends), they simply had each person walk out of the bar to go home to their lives. Sam walked into the darkness to the pool room, and it was done. You felt like tomorrow, Norm, Cliff, Carla, Woody, Frasier, Paul, Phil and maybe even Rebecca would be right back, even though Becs did get married to Tom Berenger’s plumber character, Don. I just thought it was simple and unassuming. I really liked it.

The other thing to talk about, really quickly, is that KISS’ Dynasy turned 40 today. I’ve told the story about it and me before. Go search that in the search bar above. I’m not going into a lot of detail about it. It was their “disco emergence” and the album that threw a lot of people off the KISS train. I like it a lot but like the follow-up, Unmasked, even better. The transition KISS album turned 40. Wow, I’m getting old.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“And in the night, in the crowd, she’ll be there as she prances by your watch, while your dreams fade away.” – “Magic Touch” (Stanley)

Not a Haul But a Catch or: My Voice Hates Me

19 Sunday May 2019

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Records, Spinning Sunday

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Salutations™!!

The last two days were exhausting. No, I didn’t do a lot of exercise or overly-strenuous physical activities. But, when you use your voice like I do, sometimes you wear it out. Just like someone who works at a desk all day, you can get mentally exhausted and of course, physical laborers can get physically exhausted. Well, you can exhaust your vocal cords, too. Ask any singer.

Always&Forever

©Warner Bros.

But, after doing a rare Friday night Cobras game and being up from 630a and working the Winston-Salem Yoga Festival until 4p, talking to people in between and then going to Willows and talking over the Wake/UNCSA graduation parties, that’s a lot. And, I wouldn’t change a thing, other than I would have prepared some warm lemon-ginger tea with honey. But, I didn’t. But, it worked out okay. I can talk today, but my voice is extra low and while not actually hurting in any way, I can feel it flipping me the middle finger. I’ll take care of you better, I promise.

Thanks to Kristen Williams of K10Yoga for letting me run my mouth for the WSYF event!

So, with all that going on, we didn’t get by Underdog Records, but I did go by Friday before going to Greensboro, just to get a couple of things that Jonathan had shown on the social channels. So, I’ll give you those.

  • Triumph – Rock & Roll Machine — The “other” Canadian rock power trio, Triumph. This album is sort of a compilation. Even though originally it was only released in Canada, once the band signed with RCA, they put it out with a few tunes from the first album to acquaint the international audiences with the band. This includes a cover of Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way.” VG++.
  • Randy Travis – Always & Forever — So, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I hate most country music and always have. Always have. But, every once in a while something comes along and I just can’t help but like it. The first two, maybe three, Randy Travis albums and the first few Garth Brooks albums and the first Travis Tritt album, those were “guilty pleasures” for me. This was Randy’s second album and during the very late 80s I had a girlfriend in WV and I was living in NC. Every other weekend I would drive up to WV and see her. I would play this and his first album, Storms of Life, and sing my heart out. I saw it on the UR Instagram feed and had to go by and get it. The BCPF is less than thrilled, but hey, I listen to her stuff. She can handle it. VG+.

I don’t know what Underdog’s day was like, I wasn’t in there. I hope it was busy because the weather was great for record shopping. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week! And, use Discogs to catalog your collection.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I’m gonna love you forever. Forever and ever, amen. As long as old men sit and talk about the weather, as long as old women sit and talk about old men. If you wonder how long I’ll be faithful I’ll be happy to tell you again. I’m gonna love you forever and ever. Forever and ever, amen.” – “Forever and Ever, Amen” (Barnes/Seals)