Tag Archives: Alice Cooper

Spinning Sunday or: The Listen 5/2/20

03 Sunday May 2020

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Salutations™!!

I am so longing for the opportunity to get back into Underdog Records and rummage through the used albums, some new albums and just to see Jonathan again. This is getting rougher as the time slips away. We’ve eaten well, though.

This week was a lot shorter in both the headphone/streaming listening and the actual record listening. The BCPF and I only got four albums in yesterday. I would say that we were busy but, other than cutting my hair, grabbing lunch and dinner, we didn’t do much of anything. We always listen from as early as we can to dinner time. Then we catch up on binge-watching, which right now is Roseanne. And, I was in the studio twice this week and was on some video conferences, so my headphone listening was lighter, too. Anywhat! Here’s the “headphone listen” list:

collage50320

That was it for my private listening. Again, to explain what the “private listening” is, I use Discogs to pick an album that I already have on vinyl. That way, I am listening to what I have but not bothering The BCPF in the process, as she tries to work. So, I’m listening to my collection, just under headphones. Now to the record listening, what there is of a list, anyway:

collage150320

There you have it. My/our slim listening lists for the week. Hopefully, this week I get more listening time. Or… hopefully, this week we can get some money coming in! That would be even better.

Underdog is still doing deliveries all over the Triad. He started just in WSNC and has moved to the outlying areas and, to me, is overworking himself. But, he’s a dedicated record store owner. Possibly the most dedicated there is. And, he’s the sweetest dude, too. You really should check out the Instagram (especially) and Facebook pages of Underdog Records. You can order new stuff, anytime, day or night, on the Underdog Records website. He can deliver to your house or ship it to you, unlimited LPs for $4. Get you some rekkids! And, obviously, I use Discogs to track my collection.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Cover me when I sleep. Cover me when I breathe. You throw your pearls before the swine, make the monkey blind. Cover me, darling please…” – “Shock the Monkey” (Gabriel)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 2/21/20

23 Sunday Feb 2020

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Salutations™!!

After missing a week of visiting Jonathan at Underdog Records, The BCPF and I made up for it. I went on Thursday and we both went on Friday. I missed having new records in my hands and flipping through the inventory. Here’s the haul:

Iron_Maiden_-_Seventh_Son_Of_A_Seventh_Son

©EMI/Capitol

  • Best Coast – Always Tomorrow — I heard this when I was preparing the ad for Underdog Records on The Less Desirables and thought it sounded like The BCPF’s kind of music. I was correct. She dug it. I dug it. New.
  • King Krule – Man Alive! — This was another one that I heard the lead single from and I liked it so I bought it. Once I got it home, though… meh. I like the artistic chances he was taking but it was hard to follow and hard to get into. Both of us were kind of speechless. But, I don’t give things up easily. I’m keeping it. It’s on blood-red, transparent vinyl. New.
  • Bob Marley & The Wailers – Exodus — The ninth studio album by Marley, it was a departure from most of what he wrote prior. Of the songs that ended up on Legacy, which is simultaneously his greatest hits album and the highest-selling reggae album of all time, this album had more tracks than any other. This album contains “Exodus,” “Jamming,” “Waiting in Vain,” “Turn Your Lights Down Low,” the amazing “Three Little Birds” and “One Love/People Get Ready,” co-written by Curtis Mayfield. NM.
  • Iron Maiden – Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son — I still need Somewhere In Time to have all the “classic” Iron Maiden albums that I really care about. I consider their first seven (of which this is seventh and SIT, sixth) the canon that matters. This isn’t my favorite from them but does have some good moments. I always think of a former classmate of mine, Mark Bohannon because he was the biggest Maiden fan I knew, which was odd to me because I pictured Maiden heads to be stoner types with long hair and all greasy skinned (gimme a break, I was new to this scene) and he was clean-cut, kept and wore sweaters and stuff. Anyway, this was something he talked about a good bit. NM.
  • Alice Cooper – Raise Your Fist And Yell — Alice’s 10th solo record and the last to feature Kip Winger on bass and Paul Taylor on keys, both would go on to form Winger with Reb Beach and Rod Morgenstein. The song “Prince of Darkness” was included in the film of the same name from John Carpenter. VG+.
  • Jill Barber – Metaphora — The 2018 album from jazz/folk vocalist Barber. Laidback and very listenable. A good listen, actually. The BCPF eats stuff like this for breakfast, so she, of course, loved it. On “Coke Bottle” blue/green transparent vinyl. NM.
  • Journey – Next — The last Journey album before Steve Perry came along (with Robert Fleishman making a brief stop, first) and totally pop-rocked them out (which is still my favorite era of Journey). I don’t recognize any of these tunes and it wasn’t what I was expecting. I was looking for it to be a little more proggy like the early Journey albums were, but they were kind of in pop mode here, it seems. None of these songs are in the live lineup of played tunes anymore. I liked it, it was just different to me. VG+.
  • Genesis – Seconds Out — 2xLP live album from Genesis. It was the last Genesis album to feature Steve Hackett, thus making Genesis a “three-piece” after this, in which …And Then There Were Three came along. This was recorded, mostly in Paris, on their Trick of the Tail tour. VG+.
  • Frankie Goes To Hollywood – Liverpool — FGTH’s second and final album. That’s sad because both this and its predecessor, 1984’s Welcome to the Pleasuredome are amazing albums. I love synth-driven pop and this is chock full of that. I enjoyed every note of both albums. Amazing stuff, both. I love them. I hate they didn’t do more.  VG+.

Again, it was good to get by Underdog Records again. They have a slew of electronic equipment for sale, either from the store or on consignment. Now is the time to get the equipment you need or want. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear what the TLD/UR special of the moment is. Use Discogs to keep track of your music collection or to just do “random grab” choices. That’s fun.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“Laugh like the head of Apollo. Young and strong on the wings of tomorrow. Rise up in millions, get off your knees. Dispelling the demons in the valley of danger. We all work together, sculptures in sorrow. With love light to follow on sweet head of Apollo. Rage hard, into the light.” – “Rage Hard” (Gill/Johnson/Nash/O’Toole)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 3/9/19

10 Sunday Mar 2019

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Salutations™!!

A cold and slimy day yesterday was made better by being with my girl, seeing Jonathan at Underdog Records, buying records and listening to them all day. And, in the listening (and buying) there was a lot of The BCPF influenced listening since I let her pick out a few new or reissued albums because her birthday is Tuesday. Here’s what we got:

3981_foto1_product_xl

©Bite Back

  • Johnny Marr – Call The Comet — Marr, unlike his former bandmate in The Smiths, Morrissey, isn’t all gloom and doom and this album was really rocking. We enjoyed listening to it. A lot. New.
  • Cranes – Self-Non-Self — The BCPF described this as “the Cure with a weird-voiced woman singer.” I don’t necessarily disagree with that but, to me, it sounds more like Art of Noise with an amalgamation of Siouxsie Sioux and Blossom Dearie singing lead. But, as weird as it truly was, I really dug it. Good stuff but I need to pace myself with it. New.
  • The Smiths – Meat Is Murder — Hey, speaking of The Smiths, this is #296 on the RS list and whilst I didn’t really know any of the tunes, it’s the wonderful, miserable stuff you expect from them. New.
  • Hüsker Dü – New Day Rising — #488 on the RS list. I don’t really remember what it sounds like. I think I gave it a bad review but my listening tastes have matured since #488 on that list. That was a few years back and most of the stuff that I didn’t like then have grown on me or I can just give a new listen. So, let’s see how this one goes. New.
  • Paul Simon – The Rhythm Of The Saints — This was the follow-up to Graceland and while I don’t think it is nearly as good as its predecessor, it was a good album. On Graceland Simon used African-inspired percussion and rhythms, on this album, he used Latin-American influences to achieve his musical goals.
  • Alice Cooper – Pretties For You — This is the debut album by Alice Cooper (that’s the band, not necessarily Vincent Furnier’s character in the band). I’ve not heard it but from what I understand, Frank Zappa “produced” it. I say that because, supposedly, Frank left the studio and left his brother in charge. He recorded their rehearsals and Frank came in and told them the album was done. Now, Zappa was a weird individual so I want to hear what, if anything, he did to the album. VG-.
  • Jimi Hendrix – The Cry Of Love — This was the first album released after Jimi’s death. This past Tuesday was the 48th anniversary of the release of the album. It was released in March 1971 after Jimi passed on September 18 the year before. It was comprised of music Jimi had been working on for his new album and the compilation of this album was done by Mitch Mitchell and Eddie Kramer, who is given credit for production. VG+.
  • The Hollies – Words And Music By Bob Dylan — This is a reissue of the album “Hollies Sing Dylan” with a different cover. The track listing is the same. Anytime The BCPF sees something with Dylan’s name on it, she grabs it. That’s what happened here. VG+.
  • The Moody Blues – On The Threshold Of A Dream — The Moodies fourth album. Once Ray got me going on the collection, now I feel like I need to populate it. So, here we are. I know nothing about the album. VG+.
  • Stephen Stills – Right By You — I try to get things like this for The BCPF because I know she loves it. I found it Friday and had Jonathan put it back for me. She was happy. I was happy. ‘Nuff said. VG+.
  • The Style Council – My Ever Changing Moods — The Style Council was basically Paul Weller from The Jam and Mick Talbot from Dexy’s Midnight Runners. I haven’t listened to this yet, but from what I can tell, it’s some “blue-eyed soul.” The US version was slightly different from the UK version. This is the US version. The UK version was called Café Bleu and Side 1 of the US is called that. VG/VG+.
  • George Frideric Handel – The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock – Water Music — VG+.
  • Various – Tommy (Original Soundtrack Recording) — The 2xLP soundtrack of the film and not the album. I need to find the actual album. I have “excerpts” from it and this. VG-.
  • The New American Guitar Ensemble: Lewis Ross  – A Collection Of Favourite Christmas Carols — $1 bin find. In decent condition. VG.
  • Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison – My Fair Lady — The movie soundtrack and not cast recording. So, while Audrey Hepburn is credited, Marni Nixon was the actual vocalist. Incidentally, Marni Nixon was the mother of Andrew Gold whose biggest hit was “Lonely Boy.” $1 bin find. VG.
  • Creedence Clearwater Revival – Cosmo’s Factory — CCR’s fifth album. This was a $1 bin find and is in pretty bad shape. I don’t know how much we’ll get to listen to it, but I’ll give it one spin. G+. Incidentally, we also got Rolling Stones’ Let It Bleed but I’m not counting that we have it because it is in bad shape and the cover is being held together by one quarter-inch piece of cardboard. I cleaned the record but it wasn’t better than G/G+ either.
  • Savoy Brown – Street Corner Talking — $1 bin find. VG.
  • Ella Fitzgerald / Frank DeVol And His Orchestra – Like Someone In Love — Just like all things Dylan, The BCPF grabs all things Ella. This was a $1 bin find and is maybe G+.
  • Cream – Best Of Cream — $1 bin find. G+/VG-.

Underdog Records is gearing up for Record Store Day which is April 13. If you haven’t seen the list yet, you should, it is pretty impressive. I will be camping out again with my pals Bob, Dave, Jordan and Michael. We are going to be better prepared for warmth and fun and frolic this time around. But, to see the list go to the RSD website.

Discogs is how I keep track of my collection and am able to give you this list every week.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Heifer whines could be human cries. Closer comes the screaming knife. This beautiful creature must die. This beautiful creature must die. A death for no reason. And death for no reason is murder.” – “Meat is Murder” (Morrissey/Marr)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 7/21/18

22 Sunday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!

It was a big week from Underdog Records this time around. Not just yesterday but Friday as well. Jonathan had purchased a large number of records and immediately went in and pulled all the $1 records to go ahead and get those out for sale. I happened across them and snatched about 13 $1 records that I couldn’t let get past me. Here’s what we got:

Eat_Em_And_Smile_Cover

©Warner Bros.

  • Beastie Boys – Paul’s Boutique — #156 on the RS list. 3B is really into rap/hip-hop so I’m going to show him the stuff that happened before the current trend of mumbling that’s going on. New
  • Joy Division – Unknown Pleasures — The BCPF is a Joy Division fan. She wanted it and, by golly, I like giving her things she wants. Although I am somewhat familiar with Joy Division, I’d say this was like a cross between The Doors and Talking Heads with dark sprinkles on top. It was a great album, though. New.
  • Black Sabbath – Paranoid — #131 on the RS list. I never really cared for Black Sabbath, as a whole, but the more I listen, the more I like. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t dislike them, I just didn’t care one way or the other. I liked Ozzy’s solo stuff. I also liked the Sabbath “hits,” just not the album stuff. Or at least I thought that was the case. It wasn’t, ultimately. “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” “Planet Caravan” and “War Pigs.” ‘Nuff said! New.
  • Talking Heads – More Songs About Buildings And Food — #383 on the RS List. I filled quite a few slots on that list this week. This isn’t my favorite Heads album but it’s not bad. I think my only frown on this is that it has the much-overplayed “Take Me to the River.” And, even that isn’t too awful. New.
  • The Beatles – Yellow Submarine — Trying to build up my Beatles collection, too. I also bought a copy of Rubber Soul but I’m going to take that back because it’s the crappy US version and I want the far superior UK version. The songs on this album are great, of course, because it’s the Beatles on drugs. That was the best period or at least my favorite period. I really think George Martin’s orchestrations on the second side are beautiful. VG+
  • Patti Smith – Horses — #44 on the RS list. I caught this one being graded by Jonathan and snatched it right away. It was a great album and we enjoyed listening to it. VG.
  • Cheap Trick – Heaven Tonight — Trying to get caught up on my Cheap Trick needs and this a step in the right direction. It doesn’t make up for my missing In Color both because it’s my favorite CT album but also because it’s on the RS list. But, that being said, this is a fantastic album. VG+.
  • Alice Cooper – Flush The Fashion — I always run my Alice acquisitions by Eugene because he’s my “Alice Guru.” I sent him a picture of this (and the next) and he sent back his approval. I told him that I’m upping my “Alice Game.” He was a happy camper. VG.
  • Alice Cooper – Alice Cooper Goes To Hell — As with the last one, Eug was happy, although less enthused about this as Flush. But, it’s another notch in my Alice collection. VG+.
  • After The Fire – ATF — You know I’m not afraid to buy an entire album for one song, especially when it’s $1 or $2. I did for this one. “Der Kommissar” is on this album and I love their version. It was VG.
  • Elton John – Greatest Hits — #136 on the RS List. Being as it’s a compilation, I didn’t listen when I did the list, but, I didn’t have to, I have had it on CD for many, many, many years. It’s jammed-packed with “hits” and darn good ones, too. VG/VG+.
  • Styx – Crystal Ball — I know Styx gets crapped on all the time, but you know what? I’m unashamedly a fan. Rabid fan? Nah. But, I dig their stuff. It was Tommy Shaw’s debut with the band and he sang the album’s only Top 40 hit, “Mademoiselle.” It was a $1 bin find and in fairly good shape. I’ll go with VG.
  • U2 – Boy — I believe this was one of my two favorite $1 bin finds of the weekend. It’s #417 on the RS list and is, of course, U2’s debut album from 1980. Even though it was in the $1 bin, it’s in really good shape. VG/VG+.
  • Starz  – Starz — Another one that I ran by Eug because he’s also my “Starz Guru.” He sent back “Excellent! Every Starz album is awesome.” So, I’m taking that as it is a win! $1 bin find and VG.
  • Greg Kihn Band – Rockihnroll — Another that I purchased for one song, “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em).” Again, it was only $1 so why not? VG.
  • Berlin – Pleasure Victim — I love Terri Nunn’s voice. That, plus this being a $1 pulled me to purchase the album, but it also has “Sex (I’m A…),” “Masquerade” and “The Metro” and you just can’t go wrong with those tunes. VG.
  • Chic – C’est Chic —  “Le Freak” for $1. Okay. VG.
  • Paul Revere & The Raiders – Paul Revere & The Raiders’ Greatest Hits — $1 bin find. VG.
  • The Raiders – Indian Reservation — $1 bin find. VG.
  • John Cougar – Nothin’ Matters And What If It Did — I don’t recognize any of the song titles on this 1980 album but it was $1 and it had Edith Massey on the cover which makes it something I can’t pass up. Massey played Edie the woman obsessed with eggs and the “Egg Man” in John Waters’ film Pink Flamingos. The BCPF considers this her favorite most hated film, ever. It’s in G+ condition.
  • Tom T. Hall – We All Got Together And… — I have really gotten into the country “crap” that I had to listen to from Ma Père growing up. Tom T. Hall was one of those. $1 and G+.
  • Tom T. Hall – For The People In The Last Hard Town – Same as the previous, it’s Tom T. Hall and it has “I Love” on it, so that helps. $1 and VG.
  • The Call – Reconciled — I’m familiar with the name The Call but not the music, at least that I know of. I do know they’re one of those mid- to late-80s pop bands that I like so much, so let’s try it out. It’s only $1 and in VG.
  • The Call – Into The Woods — As is the case with the last one, $1 and VG.
  • The Who – Meaty Beaty Big And Bouncy — Compilation album in which the outer sleeve is in dreadful condition. It looks like it had lain in the snow for an entire winter, all puffed and bubbly. The vinyl looks to be in decent condition but I’m rating it at about G+ and it was $1.
  • David Lee Roth – Eat ‘Em And Smile — The other that I am very excited about. I loved this album from the first time I ever heard it and when I moved to WSNC, it was the first time that I had MTV at my disposal and the video for “Yankee Rose” was one of my favorites! The whole thing was awesome and fun to listen to. It was in the $1 bin but I’m going with VG/VG+, even, because I think it is great shape.
  • Miles Davis – In Person, Friday Night At The Blackhawk, San Francisco, Volume I — Remember from many months back when I came across that bonus stack of records that I didn’t even know I had had for? This was part of that. There is still a huge stack of jazz and classical albums I haven’t even gone through, yet, but I am (very) slowly getting through that and this was one that I dug out for this week. I know nothing of it. I’m going with VG.

Whew! That was a large addition week. Jonathan is taking on some hired help to get Underdog Records up to the next level. He says he probably has tons of sellable inventory that he can’t get to because he’s stuck behind the counter and already works a shload of hours that he just can’t keep up with it all. I can’t wait to see what comes from his findings because I’ve gone through all the used stuff that he’s had for the last bit. But, it should bring in new customers when he (and I because I do a lot of advertising for him) starts advertising the stuff on Underdog Records’ social media platforms. So, be on the lookout!!

I didn’t add any Discogs Marketplace acquisitions this week but I did do some dealings with them. You’ll find out more about those when I get them. It will be good stuff. But, use it to keep track of your collection; it’s a great tool.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning!
Scorp out!

—
“I was on the outside when you said you said you needed me. I was looking at myself, I was blind, I could not see. A boy tries hard to be a man. His mother takes him by the hand. If he stops to think, he starts to cry. Oh, why? If you walk away, walk away, I walk away, walk away. I will follow.” – “I Will Follow” (Hewson/Evans/Mullen/Clayton)

JC Superstar or: Dixon Does It

05 Thursday Apr 2018

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Music Review

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Salutations™!!

This past Sunday was Easter and NBC presented a live version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice masterpiece, Jesus Christ Superstar. And, I must say that I thought it was brilliant. In many ways, at least to me, it was superior to other versions. Not in all but there were several ways.

norm-lewis-jesus-christ-superstar

Norm Lewis as Caiaphas (©NBC)

 

John Legend has a great voice and I think he did a fine job singing. His acting was suspect, but he’s never been known as an actor. Some questioned casting him. Not me, I think it was an admirable job. Now, it is totally my belief that this story, despite its name, isn’t about Jesus. I think it’s about Judas. In all the versions I have heard and/or seen, Judas always outdoes Jesus. But, back to Jesus, John Legend did great but he comes in third in my rating behind Ted Neeley and Ian Gillan in that order, although Ted and Ian can alternate depending on my mood.

Like I said, the true star of this show was Judas and in such, Brandon Victor Dixon played a fantastic Judas. His voice was powerful and his range wide. There was a time toward the end that he was seemingly struggling to hit some notes but he still hit them. I’ve only seen the film and heard the Original UK Recording so those folk had time between performances. This was all in one. Dixon killed. He had emotion, passion (pun!), discourse, regret and power in the part. I’m rating him tied for first with both Carl Anderson and Murray Head. Judas is my favorite character and I have really loved each performance, each for different reasons.

Another of my favorite characters in the story is Caiaphas, played by Norm Lewis in this production. I think Lewis had the best voice of the three (Victor Brox in the UK and Bob Bingham in the film). He kept the low growly parts rough and the higher baritone parts smooth. And, dang! I want those cloaks the Pharisees/Sanhedrin wore. Those looked cool as heck. Lewis’ hairstyle was soooo the part, too. He made the part cool, for sure. Again, he wins as best.

Another star of this show that didn’t get enough respect in the reviews that I read was Jin Ha who played Annas another of the Sanhedrin. His register was spot on and he really captured the spirit of the part. I think his voice is better than both Brian Keith (UK) and Kurt Yaghjian (film). He, too, looked cool in the Sanhedrin cloak.

I don’t think the performances of John Gustafson (UK) and Larry Marshall (film) were all in your face, but the portrayal of Simon Zealotes by Erik Grönwall is quite memorable. It could be the half-shaved head with the geometric tattoos or the over-the-top performance or that strong high-pitched voice. Who knows, but Grönwall knocks it out of the park. Grönwall won the 2009 Swedish Idol contest. He’s also in a hard rock band over in Sweden. Interesting dude and a great high voice.

Ben Daniels’ Pontius Pilate was a cool character. His costume was top-notch and his performance went along with that. I don’t know if it was just out of his range or he was just playing the part but at the end of his trial (and the 39 lashes) his voice gets disheveled, shaky and “weak.” I would like to think that the character’s urgent circumstance led to the frazzled sounds coming from his mouth. Both the UK and film versions were played by Barry Dennen. I think Daniels was the best of the two, although I do dig his version of “Pilate and Christ.”

King Herod and “King Herod’s Song” are one of my favorite character/song combos in this story. The incomparable Alice Cooper played Herod in this production. Former lead singer of Manfred Mann, Mike d’Abo played the part in the UK version and Josh Mostel (son of famous Broadway/film actor, Zero Mostel) is in the film. I loved Alice’s performance, but he takes the passenger seat compared to Mostel’s. His floaty/flighty performance in the film was so much fun.

I’ve saved Mary Magdalene for last. As much as I loved what Yvonne Elliman did in both the UK and film versions, Sara Bareilles tore them up. I think she looked the part, played the part and sounded the part, each by 1000. Mary isn’t one of my favorite characters in the story but she plays the “innocent resignation” quite well. “Everything’s Alright” has been stuck in my head since Sunday. Bareilles’s version in particular. It was great.

The chorus and extras were all where they needed to be and the story was updated for 2018 as opposed to 33 CE/AD/etc. It was more street and less ancient. The orchestra was great. The young guitarist that started the show was quite awesome. The costumes and some of the set design/work was done in part by UNCSA alumni. It was visually stunning.

Now, not everything was great. I loved that they had the audience but the audience was a bit overly enthusiastic. Every time someone would sing, they’d go crazy. It was great but every breath didn’t need to be applauded. The sound mixing was a bit off, at least in the beginning. You could hear a lot of the music but not so much of the singing; it was spotty and patchy. Later in the show that straightened itself out.

I did like the “during the commercial” spycam of backstage and even front of the house while the commercial breaks happened. That was good.

All in all, I loved this version. I have watched it twice. I have recently watched the film again and I’ve listened to the film soundtrack no less than four times since Sunday (including once today). I think this set the standard for the live musicals if NBC is going to continue to do it. They teased Wicked which is my favorite Musical Theatre show during this, I wonder if that’s next? We’ll see. I think most of the reviews were positive and I definitely give this a 4.5 out of 5 on it. I hope they do more of it. I miss going to Charlotte for the Broadway Lights series. Great stuff. Now, where’s the remote? I have another watch in me.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“So, you are the Christ, you’re the great Jesus Christ? Prove to me that you’re divine; change my water into wine. That’s all you need do, then I’ll know it’s all true. Come on, King of the Jews.” – “King Herod’s Song (Try It and See)” (Webber/Rice)

Forty-Two On or: Destroyer

15 Thursday Mar 2018

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Salutations™!!

Forty-two years ago today, March 15, 1976, the fourth KISS studio album, Destroyer was released. Destroyer was the immediate follow-up to Alive which, thanks to “Rock and Roll All Nite,” really broke KISS into popularity.

200px-Kiss_destroyer_album_cover

©Casablanca

 

Their first three studio albums did absolutely nothing and were released within 13 months. They tried one after the other and no luck. This album was released two years after the first album.

People had heard rumors that this band KISS put on makeup and were rocking so hard that their live shows were going great. But, bands (and record labels) want to sell records. The release of Alive brought them to the radio. Fans then went back and bought up the first three albums, which made up the contents of Alive.

So, here they were recording a follow-up album. The record company brought in Bob Ezrin, best known at the time, for producing Alice Cooper. Ezrin brought string arrangements, choirs, and special effects. KISS was just straightforward Gibsons and Marshalls at that time. Fans were expecting the same hard rock pizzazz that KISS, Hotter Than Hell and Dressed To Kill had. They got that, kind of…

The strings and acoustic guitars, pianos and choirs kind of threw people off. Not in a bad way, mind you, just perplexingly. It wasn’t expected. And, really, that wasn’t something that happened on a full-blown KISS album again until 1981. The solo albums had some hints of it but, again, full-blown KISS albums.

The album starts off with someone washing dishes and listening to or watching a news report about someone dying in an auto accident. It was the intro to “Detroit Rock City,” which was based on a true story about someone who died on their way to a KISS concert in Charlotte. But, Charlotte Rock City doesn’t have the same ring to it. DRC was a song that I got really tired of really quickly. I got to where it turned my stomach to hear it. It was just overdone and I didn’t really care much about it. I will say the solo was awesome, which was arranged by Ezrin. I have come back around and now don’t mind hearing it again. I don’t know why.

The crash then goes into “King of the Night Time World,” a song about a youth having troubles at home and wanting to make it with his girl (“… and the dirty things that we do”). That song grew on me later, as well. I really didn’t pay much attention to it until the band I was in, Heavens Sake, learned it and played it live.

Third, is my favorite song from the album and one of my all-time KISS songs all around – “God of Thunder.” It is Gene Simmons, even though he didn’t write the song. Paul Stanley did. But, Ezrin thought the theme and progression were better suited for Gene’s darker character, so he slowed it down and turned it over to Gene. Starting off with Ezrin’s kids playing in the studio, they were wearing some space helmets with walkie-talkies in them. What they actually say has been debated for 42 years and even David and Josh Ezrin don’t know what they said. I’ve always thought they said, “okay… talk sexy.” Who knows? Anywhat! I have always loved singing this, which I did for the VSS show a few years back and playing it with Heavens Sake. The darkness of the song is amazing. Lots of crackles, feedback, screaming, moaning and wasteland effects. I love the song. Gene usually does his blood spitting at the beginning of this tune.

All that was well and good. Great hard-rocking tunes. Then it happened. The strings. The acoustic guitar. The odd lyrics and (gasp!!!) the Brooklyn Boys Chorus singing about getting a girl horny. “Great Expectations” was a drastic turn of events. Part of the compositional theme of the song was based on Beethoven’s “Sonata Pathétique,” and I find that pretty cool. Now, I dig the song; like it, in fact. But, it threw people for sure. After a few listens, it grows on you and it’s a pretty cool song. Odd… but cool. End Side 1.

Side Two starts with some rock and roll rebellion going on. Paul wrote two songs about breaking out and being free of the parental grasp on this album. Well, three really. I know that rock and roll was about rebellion and they took this to heart in the song, “Flaming Youth.” I mean, could it be more obvious? “My parents think I’m crazy and they hate the things I do. I’m stupid and I’m lazy, man, if they only knew. How flaming youth will set the world on fire. Flaming youth, our flag is flying higher and higher and higher.” Yeah, rebellion. The song was an amalgamation of ideas from Gene, Paul and Ace Frehley, with Ezrin taking them and embellishing them. I really dig this tune.

“Sweet Pain” is up next and it’s quintessential Gene and his horndog-laden love god persona. Ain’t no one can love you like me and my BDSM loving arse is basically the theme. I’ll love you so much it will hurt. And, he’ll do it while wearing leather and using whips. Isn’t that sweet? Yeah, sweet pain, from what I hear. I didn’t understand most of that when I was a kid but I find it funny now. Gene was what? 26 when they released this? Yeah. Horndog. And, I love it.

The third “break out and be something/do something song” was a bit of a smash from the album and a live staple for many years to come. “Shout It Out Loud” was co-written by  Stanley, Simmons and Ezrin. If it’s too loud they’re too old. Shouting it out loud is basically the cheerleading call-to-action of the rockin’ world. That’s what they want you to do. They took the title from the Hollies tune “We Want to Shout It Out Loud.” Wicked Lester recorded that when Gene and Paul were in that band. I got to do the Gene lines with my pal Reid Mansell at the VSS show.

“Beth” was a surprise. It was filler. It was a throw-away. They recorded it to appease Peter’s itch to have a song with his name on it. That may not be the official story but from what I’ve read between the lines over the years, yeah… It was the B-side of “Detroit Rock City” and was left to its (presumed) fate of filler. But, something happened. Something that I don’t know what really common at the time, DJs started flipping the record over and playing “Beth” instead of “DRC.” It still sits as the highest charting song in KISStory, at #7, one place higher than “Forever” which came 14 years later. I like the tune. I prefer the Eric Carr version on the greatest hits album, Smashes Thrashes and Hits in 1988, but this is classic.

The album closes with “Do You Love Me.” It’s a tune about the glitzy lifestyle of the rockstar and the potential gold-digging girlfriend who may or may not really like the singer; she may just be using him to get the status, attend the parties, get the backstage passes, limousine rides and so on. It’s sad really. That is unless Paul’s character in the song was getting what he wanted out of it. But, if he was, would he need to ask if she loves him? Probably not. That song became a concert staple. It then fades into some weird effected thing where you hear Paul doing banter from Dressed to Kill/Alive tour about a “rock and roll party.” I never felt it was necessary but I didn’t hate it.

I wasn’t into KISS or even know about them, until around 1977/78 and I never had this on vinyl as a kid. I did get it on cassette when I moved to WSNC and I definitely got it on CD and then the remastered CDs. I got it the vinyl remasters on 180g black vinyl that has all the original packaging and all.

I do have the remixed copy of Destroyer: Resurrected that Ezrin remixed and re-EQed the songs while adding some elements that had been left out. The original Ace solos (which were originally Dick Wagner of Alice Cooper’s band in the release) for a couple of songs and added some additional vocals to a few songs. Ace was part of stuff from this album but he was starting to flake a bit. That’s why Wagner did his thing.

The cover was painted by sci-fi/fantasy artist Ken Kelly (who also did the Love Gun cover) and it depicts a true wasteland with burning buildings and barren, burning land. It showed the band as larger-than-life characters that were destroying the world around them.

I don’t know why the album was called Destroyer other than it goes with the God of Thunder theme. I don’t know and I don’t care. It’s a great album. To me, there’s not a filler on there. It is #489 on the RS list I’m always talking about. It isn’t my favorite KISS album but I’d say it’s in the top 10. One day I really need to rank them. I’ll do a post on that when I do.

Have you listened to this album, Dear Reader? What did you think? Tell me about it, I’m truly interested. If you haven’t check it out on your favorite streaming service and if you like it, consider purchasing it. It sounds great on vinyl, but I’m biased. Rock on, Destroyer!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I’m the lord of the wastelands. A modern day man of steel. I gather darkness to please me and I command you to kneel before the… God of Thunder and Rock and Roll. The spell you’re under will slowly rob you of your virgin soul.” – “God of Thunder” (Stanley)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 11/18/17

19 Sunday Nov 2017

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Salutations™!!StreetSurvivorsFlames

So this week will be a mixture of the take from Underdog Records and a shload of records that I didn’t know that I owned. Let me explain. About 10 years ago, my ex-wife and my mother went to an auction (they were always going to auctions) and purchased a ton of records. They only wanted to rock records but it was one of those, you take one you have to take the whole thing deals. Well, I didn’t have a record player back then. So they got stored. And, I forgot about them. About 3 weeks ago, my ex-wife asked me if I got the ones out of the cabin. What are you talking about? We didn’t have any in the cabin. She informed me that yes we did. I thought perhaps it was one or two things that I had over time. Well, I had to go in the attic with my mother and she said, there are your records. I was looking through and just like a kid, kept saying these are mine!?!? So, I brought them home and am going through them a little at a time. Many rock albums to add to my collection and a lot of jazz, folk and classical, too. I did the rock ones first. Again, these are mixed here.

This is the Bonus Stack below the line

So, that’s a lot and that’s only the rock and few that The BCPF wanted to listen to. I have at least 50 more to put in that are of all other genres. This coming Friday is Black Friday and Underdog Records will have a ton of awesomeness for Record Store Day – Black Friday Edition. Go to the RSD website to find out what is coming. Jonathan said he’s stocking 90% of that list, so make plans now. And buy a gift certificate for someone, do it now and get an additional 10% added for no additional cost. And as you can see, we do a lot of cataloging with Discogs and we love it!

And RIP not only to Malcolm Young, but Mel Tillis passed away, too. RIP Mel.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Heaven. Heaven is a place. A place where nothing. Nothing ever happens.” – “Heaven” (Byrne)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 10/7/17

08 Sunday Oct 2017

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I had a great day yesterday and that included a great haul from Underdog Records. The quantity was lower than normal but the quality was dyn-o-mite! So, let’s not even wait:

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©Virgin Records

 

So, as you can see, it’s not a long list today but we really enjoyed the haul. Jonathan is always getting in, cleaning and putting out new used inventory and every day is a new adventure in Underdog Records. Records have become one of my new passions (along with cooking) and I love listening to them. I hear things on albums I’ve owned on CD for years that I never even knew existed. Good stuff, indeed. Also, not to throw in a shameless plug for The Less Desirables, but there is a weekly Underdog Records/TLD special, every week. To hear what that special is, you have to listen to TLD to find out. Sneaky, I know, but hey, it’s my job (literally). I also keep all my personal collection logged into Discogs.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been. Lives in a dream. Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door. Who is it for? All the lonely people. Where do they all come from? All the lonely people. Where do they all belong?” – “Eleanor Rigby” (Lennon/McCartney)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 9/23/17

24 Sunday Sep 2017

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I were able to get to Underdog Records fairly early, thanks to getting up and walking our butts off ahead of our regular schedule. We saw only one of our regular crowd, but I chalk that up to the earlier time and the fact that Fiesta 2017 was right up the street. The haul was modest but we got some great stuff!Lick_it_up_cover

There’s also an album that we got yesterday that wasn’t in Discogs. It’s all in German so it may take me a bit to put that in. If you’re looking for something and don’t see it in Underdog Records, Jonathan can special order it for you. You can also make purchases online via their website, including preorders. Listen to The Less Desirables to hear the weekly Underdog/TLD special. Obviously, I use Discogs to document, archive and keep track of my collection. You should, too.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Well, I keep on thinking about you, Sister Golden Hair surprise. And I just can’t live without you; can’t you see it in my eyes? I’ve been one poor correspondent, and I’ve been too, too hard to find. But it doesn’t mean you ain’t been on my mind. Will you meet me in the middle, will you meet me in the air? Will you love me just a little, just enough to show you care? Well, I tried to fake it, I don’t mind sayin’, I just can’t make it.” – “Sister Golden Hair” (Beckley)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 8/12/17

13 Sunday Aug 2017

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Salutations™!!

The haul from Underdog Records was pretty cool. We got good stuff and I got to converse with several people from our “#nowspinning” Facebook group and even met someone who was just added while we stood in the store. I love that group. I love the “family” and record support we have. Always something interesting and many times something we forgot about or didn’t know was available or we’re just dying to have. It’s just so much fun. Yeah, I’m a nerd and I don’t care. I also got to chat with my buddy Ed Bumgardner for a few minutes, as well. Always cool. Anywhat! Here’s the haul:

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©Warner Bros. Records

 

And there you have it. Underdog Records has all your vinyl (and the players to play them) needs covered. If you are a customer of Underdog or are into vinyl at all, look for the Facebook group and join us. It’s a fun community. We also use Discogs to catalog, and share our record collections.

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“See the stone set in your eyes. See the thorn twist in your side. I wait for you. Sleight of hand and twist of fate. On a bed of nails, she makes me wait. And I wait, without you. With or without you.” – “With or Without You” (U2/Bono)