Category Archives: Records

Spinning Monday or: The Haul 5/11/19

13 Monday May 2019

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Salutations™!!

The post mother’s day edition of Spinning Sunday Monday is here. We had a whole weekend that was “normal” for us and about time. Started with breakfast, then to Underdog Records, buying and listening and then to dinner. A great day, minus the rain, but we were in listening to records, so there’s that! Here’s the haul:

GunsnRosesAppetiteforDestructionalbumcover

©Geffen Records

  • Guns N’ Roses – Appetite For Destruction — #62 on the RS list and really a great all-around album. I had never had it on vinyl and was waiting to find a good used copy but people don’t just give that up so we bought it new. This album was a game changer. I know I give Nirvana a lot of flack for “killing my music,” but I really believe this is where the killing started. They may have had a song about “doing it” but most of it was slinging their stuff around with attitude and extreme prejudice. They weren’t fluffing anything and taking no prisoners. Hair bands couldn’t keep up with this and the scene shifted a bit. Hair was still going strong into the 90s but it was watering itself down and then in 1992, it all really fell apart. This was just turning the eye on. I will say if I never hear “Paradise City” again, I’ll be happy. Everything else on the album is great.
  • Judas Priest – British Steel — Four to go. I have every official Judas Priest album from the first Rocka Rolla to Screaming for Vengeance and also Turbo. I want to fill the gap to Painkiller which is what I think of as the definitive “Priest Discography.” Yes, they did stuff, good stuff, even after, but once you get past 1990, then records weren’t the thing any longer. I need Defenders of the Faith, Priest Live, Ram It Down and Painkiller to have them all. I am glad to have what I have so far. Great first wave of British Heavy Metal stuffs. New.
  • Lambchop – This (Is What I Wanted To Tell You) — The BCPF loves Lambchop, but this, his latest release, was a bit of a departure from what he’s done in the past. It was good, but he used a bit too much autotune as a prop, I felt. The BCPF agreed, I think. It’s on cool clear vinyl, though. New.
  • Rush – Caress Of Steel — I have started trying to fill my Rush discography, as well. I got three steps closer on Saturday. This album is the oldest of theirs that I have and a little rawer than I’d like but it has some great stuff on it. “Bastille Day” is probably the biggest thing from it. It’s just starting to be a little more prog from the band at this point. VG+.
  • Rush – Permanent Waves — The album that followed Hemispheres (which I need to get) and before their biggest album Moving Pictures, this has “Spirit of Radio,” “Free Will” and “Entre Nous” on it. I didn’t know that I was such a fan of what they did before yesterday. Yeah, I know stuff I like, but I’ve always said they were too robotic and lacked feeling. That is true about some aspects of their music, but the lyrics are deep (sometimes too deep) and they tell a story with the music, even above the lyrics at times. I liked it. VG+.
  • Rush – Grace Under Pressure — The band was definitely in their synth years at this point, which I love because I’m a synth fan. When I saw the video for “Distant Early Warning” for the first time, I didn’t get it and didn’t like the song. Now, though, I dig the song. I like this album and it had four “official” singles, “Distant Early Warning,” “The Body Electric,” “Afterimage” and “Red Sector A.” “The Enemy Within” had a video and was the very first video played on Canada’s MuchMusic in August 1984. VG+.
  • Pet Shop Boys – Please — The debut album from Pet Shop Boys, it is probably still what they’re best known for, even though they have had some great things since. The big singles were “West End Girls,” “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money),” “Suburbia,” and “Love Comes Quickly.” Great synth-pop from some of the masters of that genre. VG++.
  • ELO – Time — The ninth studio album from Electric Light Orchestra, although for this album they were credited as ELO only. It’s a concept album and had five singles released for it: “Hold On Tight,” “Twilight,” “Ticket to the Moon” (backed with “Here Is the News”), “Rain Is Falling” and “The Way Life’s Meant to Be.” This was more synth-based music as Jeff Lynne had already gotten rid of the orchestral aspect of the band, which may be why they went with ELO as the band’s name? Who knows? VG+.
  • Chilliwack – Lights From The Valley — I know little about Chilliwack, except for two songs, “My Girl (She’s Gone, Gone, Gone)” and “I Believe” in which neither is on this album. They came later. But, in my quest to become more rounded in my musical knowledge, this was at Underdog and I wanted it. It was sealed, which, I immediately unsealed it to get the catalog number to be able to put it in Discogs. The vinyl is in NM condition and the sleeve is VG+ with a little wear on it, including a “record ring.”
  • Bangles – All Over The Place — The band’s debut album with the singles “Hero Takes a Fall” and “Going Down to Liverpool,” written by Kimberley Rew of Katrina and the Waves. Great pop record, this. VG++.
  • Roger Hodgson – In The Eye Of The Storm — I asked Jonathan if Hodgson’s solo stuff sounds like Supertramp (since he was one of the main songwriters/singers) and he said that not only does it, but he has this record in his collection and loves it. So, I bought it. I’m a fan of Supertramp, so I figure I’ll be a fan of this, too. VG++.
  • Various – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band — I know a lot of people hated this film. I didn’t hate this film. Plus, I mean the all-star lineup for the soundtrack is hard to beat and they’re doing Beatles songs? Heck yeah! 2xLP. VG.
  • Donnie Iris – Back On The Streets — Donnie Iris, the former songwriter/singer of The Jaggerz (“The Rapper”) and post-“Funky Music” Wild Cherry, I came to know him for one song. “Ah, Leah.” It was brought to my attention because my sister’s name is Leah and she liked the tune. That’s on this album and why I snatched it from the $1 bin. VG.
  • Rud Wharton And The Musette Street Players – –  Sidewalks Of Paris — Because The BCPF and I are suckers for anything Parisian. No other reason. Well, that and this was a $1 bin find. VG.
  • Peter, Paul And Mary – A Song Will Rise — It’s sappy 60s folk, just the way The BCPF likes it from the $1 bin. VG-.
  • Peter, Paul And Mary – Album — Second verse, same as the first. VG-.
  • Creedence Clearwater Revival – Green River — A very “fair” copy of this album. It’s scuffed, it’s scratched, I almost didn’t include it in the collection. But, it is here, now. G at best and that’s pushing it. $1 bin find.

Underdog Records was a bit empty when we got there but people started coming in pretty steady by the time we left. Jonathan wasn’t feeling good, so watch social media to make sure he’s back by Tuesday. Always listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to find out what the TLD/UR special of the week is.

I use Discogs to rate, catalog and track my collection. You can do it with CDs and cassettes, too.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’!
Scorp out!

—
“Off on your way, hit the open road. There is magic at your fingers. For the spirit ever lingers, undemanding contact in your happy solitude.” – “Spirit of Radio” (Peart/Lee/Lifeson)

Jumping in? or: You Can Spin It!

30 Tuesday Apr 2019

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Salutations™!!

I talk about records a good bit and someone asked me about starting to collect vinyl. I never know how to answer that, so I send people to Jonathan at Underdog Records. But, also, there are a few online record folks, especially on YouTube. So, I’m dropping this video from Jarrett New from VinylEyezz to help you figure some stuff out. Incidentally, my record player is the LP60. I love it but hope to upgrade soon. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“This is a great beginner’s turntable, for around 100 bucks, which I often mention on this channel.” – Jarrett New about the Audio-Technica LP60.

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 4/27/19

28 Sunday Apr 2019

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Salutations™!!

It seems like forever since I’ve done one of these posts. We were still “in the dark” from the power outage and just went on about our day. We had breakfast and then did two stints at Underdog Records. The first was just to go in and get our haul and the second was to see (and participate) in Clay Howard’s LP release show. I was supposed to play bass but scheduling got in the way and couldn’t practice. I did lend my backup vocals, however. It was a good show. Loud and intimate. Anywhat! Here’s the haul:

Chuck_Mangione,_Feels_So_Good_(1977)

©A&M

  • Carole King – Writer: Carole King — This was actually acquired last week but it was our only grab in a truncated visit to Underdog, which actually could have happened on Friday, it’s all a blur now. But, this was her debut album back in 1970. She had written a lot of stuff but this was her first for her versions of the songs. VG++.
  • The Mountain Goats – In League With Dragons — The BCPF loves The Mountain Goats and we try to get anything we can. This is a brand new release that came out on Friday. It’s the “hardcore” 2xLP, double-speed mastered version that is yellow/green marbled. It also contains an exclusive black vinyl 7-inch featuring two non-album tracks. New.
  • The Cure – Pillbox Tales 1977-1979 — This was an import and “unofficial” release. Robert Smith sounds so young and at times didn’t sound like him at all. But, it was and it is. Great sound. VG++.
  • The Fresh & Onlys – Early Years Anthology — This is an American rock band out of San Francisco. The BCPF picked it up, I don’t know much about it. According to the bastion of all correct internet infotainment, Wikipedia: They are a key band in what has been described as San Francisco’s “new garage rock” movement, but their sound is equally aligned with pastoral psychedelia, brooding new wave, western twang, and jangly literate 80’s guitar pop. NM.
  • Kate Bush – The Kick Inside — If you ever know a Kate Bush song, you never forget the voice when you hear it again. That is the case here. I know her best for her work with Peter Gabriel and the tune “Running Up That Hill.” And, you can definitely hear the trademark Kate Bush warbly/high-pitched jangle. I love it, though. VG- due to some pops and skip or two.
  • Dokken – Tooth And Nail — It’s Dokken, it’s hair metal from the late 80s. I like that stuff. Yeah, I’m a sucker. VG/VG- because of the sleeve.
  • Linda Ronstadt – Silk Purse — Her second album and it’s all covers, as she was wont to do. Her thing was her voice. That was her personality and her vibe. She now has Parkinsons Disease and is unable to sing. This and all subsequent entries on this list is from the $1 bin and should be VG unless otherwise noted.
  • Nat King Cole – Top Pops — Nat King Cole. The BCPF. Done.
  • John Denver – John Denver’s Greatest Hits — 3B always plays “Take Me Home, Country Roads” when we’re cooking so, we have to add it, right?
  • Chuck Mangione – Feels So Good — Ol’ Chuck gets Yacht Rock Radio play, especially the title track, so why not have some on vinyl? I love that song.
  • Paris – Paris — This was Bob Welch’s (credited as Robert Welch) first project after leaving Fleetwood Mac. He formed this band with ex-Jethro Tull bassist Glenn Cornick and ex-Nazz (with Todd Rundgren) drummer Thom Mooney. The fact that Bob is on it and the cool neon green cover, are really the reasons I got this.
  • The Lovin’ Spoonful – The Very Best Of The Lovin’ Spoonful — As the name suggests. This is listed as Good condition and the cover sleeve is Poor because it’s falling apart.
  • Abbott & Costello – Who’s On First? — The BCPF found it and wanted it. That’s all we needed to know, right?
  • Europe – The Final Countdown — 7″ Single, not the full album, which I certainly want. People seem to hate this song, the band and the album. Kind of like Nickelback today. However, I love the band, this song and the album. So, I stick my tongue out at all of you.

So, it was a pretty great haul, even though we only got to listen to about two of the records because of the power/Clay situation. We will catch up a little today, I think. Underdog was hopping with people yesterday, partly due to Clay’s performance, but because people were just wanting to be there. Jonathan had hotdogs, too. Yum! Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear about the TLD/UR special of the week. And, use Discogs to catalog your vinyl, CD or even cassette collections.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“I’d like to see you in the morning light. I’d like to feel you when it comes tonight. Now I’m here and I’m all alone. Still, I know how it feels. I’m alone again. Tried so hard to make you see but I couldn’t find the words. Now the tears, they fall like rain. I’m alone again without you.” – “Alone Again” (Dokken/Pilson)

Spinning Sunday or: RSD Edition

14 Sunday Apr 2019

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Salutations™!!

As you saw for the last two days, I spent almost 20 hours on the sidewalk in front of Underdog Records, camping out, watching the weather, hoping against hope that it didn’t rain, had my hands butter scrubbed, had a new restaurant stop and offer us samples of their shrimp and grits, was joined by The BCPF, survived without any rain, worked with my friends to make sure we all got what we needed and came home and crashed. There was a lot more detail of this story, but we will probably focus on that later in the week. For today, here is the Record Store Day haul!

Trout_Mask_Replica

©Straight/Reprise Records

  • Captain Beefheart And His Magic Band – Trout Mask Replica — This was the reason I camped out, at least for me. I don’t really “like” this album but I love having it. It is #60 (of all spaces) on the RS list. I understand more about it since my first listen, I love the artistic value and respect the heck out of the project. It isn’t a pleasant listen but it is an interesting one. 2xLP reissue. All of these will be Near Mint or NM and I’ll tell how many were available worldwide. This one doesn’t have limited availability, from what I can tell.
  • Pink Floyd – A Saucerful Of Secrets — Last year it was Piper at the Gates of Dawn, Floyd’s debut album remastered in mono. This year it’s their sophomore effort and I can’t wait to listen to it. I really liked Pink Floyd with David Gilmour minus Syd Barrett. I understand the importance and somewhat maniacal genius that Syd was, but just like I like Peter Gabriel, I don’t really like Genesis with him. Barrett was on this album minimally as he was starting his slide. He was dismissed before the album was finished. The cover was designed by Storm Thorgerson of Hipgnosis and is based on a Doctor Strange comic. 6500 available.
  • Bob Dylan – Blood On The Tracks Test Pressing — We have Blood on the Tracks which is #16 on the RS list but this is the New York Test Pressing of the album. The
    “hype sticker” on the shrinkwrap reads: “The original New York version of Blood on the Tracks. Replica of the 1974 test pressing. Featuring unique mixes. Available for the first time ever.” So, The BCPF wanted this one, so that’s what she gets. Only 7500 available worldwide.
  • Fleetwood Mac – The Alternate Fleetwood Mac — The last two years’ RSD hauls have had a few “Alternate” Fleetwood Mac albums. 2017 was Alternate Mirage, 2018 Alternate Tango in the Night and now this. I haven’t listened to it yet, but I like the concept. It’s the entire album, in this case, but is all early takes or early versions. Should be cool. There are no “availability” numbers for this album on the RSD website.
  • Duran Duran – As The Lights Go Down (Live Oakland Coliseum ’84) — DD at their height. 2xLP but only three sides. Side 4 is etched. Only 5500 of these are available worldwide.
  • Frank Black – Frank Black — One of the several that I camped out for, for The BCPF. She tells me that it was released a month or so before she graduated high school and they rode around wearing the cassette out. I like what I’ve heard of it. I like it better than Pixies stuff. It’s orange, too. 4500 available.
  • Jeff Buckley – In Transition —  The BCPF loves her some Jeff Buckley and this is 7 previously unreleased performances of his tunes. Only 3000 worldwide.
  • Bingo Hand Job – Live At The Borderline 1991 — So, one of our fellow campers was looking online and came across this one. I don’t know if he was just researching or if he was intrigued by the name but when he looked it up, he found that it was really REM doing their “alias” thing and playing a club. So, being as we were the first four in line, we kept that secret and three of us grabbed them. Hey, we were the ones that camped for 20 hours, we got what we want. 3000 available.
  • a-ha – Hunting High And Low (The Early Alternative Mixes) — I love the original and these are the early alternate mixes making their vinyl debut. There are only 6000 worldwide.
  • The Charlatans – Some Friendly  — This was the title that The BCPF wanted the most. It was Charlatans UK to her (and it says that on the album cover). It is clear vinyl and only 1000 worldwide.
  • Peter Gabriel – Rated PG — I generally have sworn off picture discs, but hey, this is Peter Gabriel. This is a collection of his songs that have been on movie soundtracks. Supposedly, according to Discogs, it is numbered, but I don’t find any indication on mine of a “number.” It does include a digital download, though. Only 2000 worldwide.
  • David J – Thoughts And Prayers — Similarly with the picture disc model, I don’t usually get 7″ either. But, The BCPF wanted it and here it was. Only 500 worldwide.

So, people have asked me if it was worth it. Truly, the actual record buying was secondary to the camaraderie, conversation, friendship, community and experience. That, in and of itself was worth it. The vinyl we got, knowing that we are one of 500-6000 in the world that have one, is priceless. Thank you so much to Underdog Records, especially Jonathan, for being a place where we want to do such things, always having our backs in the inventory and letting us in to go to the bathroom before you go home, bringing us doughnuts and coffee the next morning and just being an all-around awesome dude. And, thank you, Discogs for being available to help us sort this crazy mess out. And, thank you, Record Store Day (yes it is an entity) for doing this awesome “holiday” twice a year. And, lastly, to David, Jordan, Bob, Michael, Taylor, Jay, and The BCPF, thank you for making it a great experience to be out there.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“Master, master. This is recorded thru uh flies ear ‘n you have t’ have uh flies eye t’ see it. It’s the thing that’s gonna make Captain Beefheart and his magic band fat. Frank, it’s the big hit. It’s the blimp! It’s the blimp, Frank! It’s the blimp!” – “The Blimp (Mousetrapreplica)” (Van Vliet)

Gettin’ My Camp On or: Record Store Day

12 Friday Apr 2019

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Salutations™️!!

I’m writing this post while sitting outside of Underdog Records camping with friends in anticipation of Record Store Day. I don’t have much to say today because I hate typing on my phone.

Until tomorrow, stay dry!

Scorp out!

—

“This is a day for the people who make up the world of the record store—the staff, the customers, and the artists—to come together and celebrate the unique culture of a record store and the special role these independently owned stores play in their communities.” – Record Store Day

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul?

31 Sunday Mar 2019

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Salutations™!!

So, yesterday we actually pull the smallest haul ever, for us, from Underdog Records. It’s the end of the month and funds are tight so we looked through the $1 bin and found three records that we wanted and brought them home. Each surprisingly was in VG and dare I say VG+ condition even though none of the three had inner sleeves. Here’s what we got:

Attention_Shoppers!

©Capitol Records

That’s it! There were plenty of good things that had just come out or was in the “freshly used” bins but we stuck with a minimalist approach. Don’t forget that Record Store Day is on April 13 and the list is long! Underdog Records will be stocking nearly the entire list (according to availability as some are limited quantities). You can see the entire list HERE. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week. And once, we get our RSD titles, we’ll throw them on Discogs and into our collection!

Until tomorrow, keep spinning!
Scorp out!

—
“A stranger came to town his eyes were dark and cold as if to hide something that he did long ago. He took up with a girl who made the evening rounds, had no friends and wanted none. The people on the street just knew him by name of Johnny All Alone.” – “Johnny All Alone” (Starz)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 3/23/19

24 Sunday Mar 2019

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Salutations™!!

a3452871080_10

©Dead Oceans

It’s the end of the month and the end of the quarter. That means that funds are a bit tight. Our haul is very short this week, but we have a vast back catalog of recent arrivals that we went through. The sun was out, Underdog Records had their $1 albums outside, the day was great. Perhaps we’ll do some yard sitting today. I wish we could take the turntable out there. Oh well, Alexa will have to do. Here’s the haul:

That’s a short week. Jonathan will be at Gas Hill Drinking Room at the Ramkat this Thursday, 3/28 for BYOV. I really don’t know if there are themes every month, but this week, it’s 90’s Appreciation Day. Go by and take a few of your favorite 90s album and get in the queue, have a great beverage and enjoy the community that accompanies good vinyl listening parties. Speaking of listening, listen to each episode of The Less Desirables and hear what the TLD/UR special of the week is.

I use Discogs to catalog, track and sometimes choose what I’m going to listen to.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“Grind your teeth and cut off all your sleeves. A few good riffs and a sticky bag of cream. You said, therefore, it’s not as bad as it seems. A corner kid gets to live out all his dreams. No self-control. You keep singin’ through the screams. When you let go it’s closer than you think.” – Weird Ways (Showalter)

The Pops and Cracks or: My Vinyl Life

22 Friday Mar 2019

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Salutations™!!

This is going to be super short. A friend of mine sent this to me and I posted it on my Instagram. It’s a great joke and isn’t anywhere near true, but it does make you wonder why people get into vinyl like we do. I’ll write up a good explanation at another time. Until then…

0vinyl

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I collect vintage vinyl records.” – John Varvatos

Running Late or: Live!

21 Thursday Mar 2019

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Salutations™!!

I know I’m late. I was going to post about a Facebook Live that I participated in tonight to discuss what it is that I do. I say was going to, but I really did do the event but I think the event is private so I don’t think I can share it.

46058280_10216504695227972_370838819345268736_n

Nike Roach

But, I was on Nike (pronounced Nee-kay) Roach’s Facebook Live show where he talks about marketers and business folk that do good in the world. I guess I qualify for that. I’m going to try to link it HERE.

Nike is a great guy and was on The Less Desirables a few weeks back. I was returning the favor.

I had fun. Check it out. If it doesn’t work, I’m sorry.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Business folks, moms and dads, cats and dogs, chickens and frogs, it doesn’t really matter, no matter what you do, you are in the right place at the right time…” – Nike Roach

Dressed to Kill or: Many KISSes

19 Tuesday Mar 2019

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Salutations™!!

I know I said that I was done with these, but I had to write about something, right?

Today is the 44th anniversary of the release of KISS’ Dressed to Kill album. Probably my least favorite of the “Klassic KISS” albums, it still has plenty of proud moments for me. One of my favorite KISS tunes is “She” and while that was originally a Wicked Lester tune (co-written by Gene and Stephen Coronel), really no one ever heard it like that and I think most people would prefer there not be flutes, a la Jethro Tull, in their KISS songs. Incidentally, today is also the anniversary of Aqualung. I just thought I’d throw that out there.

Dressed_to_Kill_(album)_cover

©Casablanca Records

Other great songs on this album are “C’mon and Love Me” which I performed probably as much as any KISS song in Heavens Sake, “Rock Bottom,” “Two Timer,” and “Love Her All I Can,” also a former Wicked Lester tune but completely written by Paul. Those are the great tunes from the album (including “She”). Then there are the mid-card KISS tunes like “Room Service,” “Ladies in Waiting,” “Getaway,” and “Anything For My Baby.” These are okay but nothing really kicks me from them.

Of course, the “elephant in the room” is that song. And by that song, I mean that song.

I have to give credit where credit is due, without that song, KISS may have never been what they became. Without that song there probably wouldn’t have been any Destroyers, Unmasked, solo albums, Lick It Up, Revenge, Sonic Boom and so on. I’m almost positive that without that song, Casablanca Records would have folded after the release of Alive! later in the year. But, I really don’t like that song. That’s not true. I am so burnt out on that song. I cringe when I hear it come on, but I have to respect it. That song made KISS KISS. I know this. I am just so over it. More than any other KISS song, I don’t care if I never hear it again, although I know I certainly will.

Okay, enough, that song is obviously “Rock and Roll All Nite.”

Paul and Gene were basically told by Bill Aucoin, their manager, who was in turn told by Neil Bogart, the president of Casablanca Records, that they had to write an anthem. They didn’t really know what he meant. What he meant was a “cheerleading song,” something everyone can sing along to. So, they cranked this thing out. The words make no sense really, but hey, it was 1975. Really, though, name an “anthem” that is more known than this tune. I’ll wait. “Twist and Shout?” “Shout?” “Hey Jude?” I don’t know if any of them are as potent as “RNRAN.” Anyway, the KISS haters will debate that all day long. KISS fans may try to include “Shout It Out Loud” (Destroyer) or “I Love It Loud” (Creatures of the Night), but I’m pretty sure that while we may all be tired of “RNRAN,” we’d be hard-pressed to put those ahead of it.

Funds at Casablanca Records were tight. So tight, in fact, that when the band was brought in the studio after touring, they couldn’t even afford to hire a proper producer. So, Bogart did the work himself. I think he did okay. It’s not the most sonically-dynamic KISS album, but it’s not the worst sounding either.

This was KISS’ third album in just 13 months. Today, that would be unheard of. KISS was released in February 1974 and Hotter Than Hell in October 1974. This was March 1975. There was little time to write and prepare, which, I believe, is why there are two Wicked Lester songs on the album. I also believe that is why there are so many mid-card songs on the album. And, I think it is why the album is so short. The whole thing comes in at 30:07. That’s 15 minutes per side on vinyl. It’s almost EP length in comparison to standards.

Gene played rhythm guitar on “Ladies in Waiting” and Ace played all guitars and bass on “Getaway” (he wrote) and “Rock Bottom” (he co-wrote). Peter sang “Getaway.” Four of the tunes made it to Alive! 

It does have one of the coolest covers, though. I love the boys in business suits. All of them, except Peter, had to borrow theirs because they didn’t own one. If you notice, Gene has on some open-backed high-heeled clogs or something and they’re a little small for his feet. The heel is about an inch out of the back of the shoe. The back cover is the negative of that cover photo.

The album was certified gold in 1977. To my knowledge, it hasn’t progressed from there.

It sits at #29 on my KISS list (out of a possible 32), which surprises a lot of folks. Sorry, it’s just not up there on my “want-to-listen” list. But, it is a KISS Klassic and, again, I give it mad props because of that.

What do you think of this album, Dear Reader?

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“Hard times got me down. Good times ain’t around. Now I got the mind to say, ‘Girl, you hit rock bottom and you’re there to stay!'” – “Rock Bottom” (Stanley/Frehley)