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Tag Archives: Blondie

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 3/2/19

03 Sunday Mar 2019

Posted by TGBII in Records, Spinning Sunday

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Tags

Alvin Lee, Band of Horses, Blondie, Book Of Love, Chris Frantz, Colin Blunstone, Discogs, Eric Clapton, Gary Numan, Iron and Wine, John Entwistle, Kansas, Keith Moon, Murray Head, Music, Paul McCartney, Records, Robert Palmer, Rod Argent, Roger Daltrey, Rose Royce, Talking Heads, The BCPF, The Beat, The Beatles, The Japanese House, The Zombies, Underdog Records, Van Morrison, Walter Egan

Salutations™!!

We had a brief encounter with warmer, sunnier weather yesterday. That was nice and it made it harder for us to stay indoors and listen to records, but hey, we were listening to records and that’s one of our favorite pastimes. So, it worked out. But, we pulled a lot of stuff home yesterday from Underdog Records. Here’s the haul:

Sheperd's-dog

©Sub-Pop

  • The Japanese House – Good At Falling — I had heard of The Japanese House (who is really just a pseudonym for Amber Bain) whilst watching something else. It was a showcase or something, I don’t remember. But, I liked what I heard. She’s ethereal, atmospheric and even though she uses Auto-Tune, she uses it for effect, not necessarily for patching shoddy vocals. I liked it. It’s a 2xLP and is in limited white vinyl. I usually don’t read the labels (my eyesight isn’t that good), but it says on this one that it’s to be played at 45RPM. I was a quarter through the first track before I realized something was amiss. New.
  • Van Morrison – Astral Weeks — #19 on the RS list, this is not my favorite VM album, nor do I like it all that much. It has some beautiful moments, but mostly, he warbles on a bit much for me. And, in one song he sounds like Porky Pig. I don’t know, I just don’t understand it, I guess. It’s on the list, it needs to be in my collection. New.
  • The Beatles – Abbey Road — #14 on the RS list. This album, along with The Beatles (#10) – also known as “the white album” – and Sgt. Pepper’s (#1) rotate being my favorite Beatles album, and now I have all three. I have had a couple of versions of this album but they have all been really crappy and I didn’t want my collection to reflect crappy versions. Especially on such an important album. 180g black vinyl remaster. New.
  • Band Of Horses – Acoustic At The Ryman — The Ryman is the theater that housed the Grand Ol’ Opry for many, many years. It has been refurbished and is now a legit music venue again (it has been for many years, this is not new). Band of Horses was one of the first bands I learned of from The BCPF, she calls them one of her faves. When we were doing mix CDs, she put a few tunes on there. I love “No One’s Gonna Love You” and that’s on here. New.
  • The Beat – The Beat — It is this band, who happened to release their album first, that prompted Dave Wakeling and his band The Beat to go by The English Beat in the US. In Europe this The Beat is known as Paul Collins’ Beat. It’s a long and confusing story, lawsuits happened (but not between bands but record labels and bands, hmmm). This is a promo copy of their debut from 1979 and is in really great shape. VG+.
  • Iron And Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog — I actually purchased this on Friday. Knowing that The BCPF also loves this band and we have seen him in concert, together, I sent a picture of it to her at work and her reply was “pant pant pant.” I didn’t know if that was a reference to the dog or what. I guess she was really happy. She told me later that it was the album that introduced her to Sam Beam’s (single person named as a band) work. So, she was excited. VG++.
  • Kansas  – Song For America — The band’s second studio album. VG+.
  • Kansas – Point Of Know Return — Their fifth studio album with the title track and “Dust in the Wind.” VG.
  • Blondie – The Best Of Blondie — VG+.
  • Rose Royce – Strikes Again — The official title is Rose Royce III: Strikes Again. I’m going to be completely honest and say the only reason I bought this is because I had it as a kid. I loved the look of it, the embossed raised rose, the purple and silver motif, I just dug it. I can’t tell you one single song off the album without looking it up, but I wanted it because it reminded me of my childhood. It is probably stashed away somewhere at Ma ‘Rents’ and if I find it one day, it will probably be in pretty torn up shape but I had it and that’s all that matters. VG+.
  • Walter Egan – Fundamental Roll — It’s Egan’s debut album. I like “Magnet and Steel” from his second album. This was there, in good shape, why not? VG+.
  • Robert Palmer – Clues — Palmer had played percussion on Talking Heads Remain in Light and Chris Frantz, the drummer from Talking Heads, returned that favor and played on this. I’m not familiar with any of the songs, but there are a couple co-written by Gary Numan (“Cars”) and one Lennon/McCartney song, “Not a Second Time.” It was found by The BCPF in the $1 bin. VG.
  • Roger Daltrey – One Of The Boys — Critic William Ruhlmann said in AllMusic that “Roger Daltrey called on a wider circle of friends for his third album and came up with a more varied collection of songs … But Daltrey was never in danger of getting lost in the all-star session. Nevertheless, the album was not treated as a major release and found only modest commercial success.” This album has songs written by Colin Blunstone (Zombies), Paul McCartney, Murray Head. Eric Clapton, John Entwistle, Keith Moon, Alvin Lee, Rod Argent and more played on it. Yet, I hear it’s mediocre. But, it was $1 and is in VG/VG+.
  • Book Of Love – Book Of Love — American synth-pop band in the vein of Depeche Mode with a majority of female members. It was $1 and The BCPF said it was in her wheelhouse so there you go. It’s in VG.

Underdog Records was rockin’ when we were there and it was getting crowded. That’s a good thing. Jonathan has just gone through a bunch of $1 albums and put them out for purchase. Listen to The Less Desirables newest episode on Wednesday night/Thursday mornings and hear what that week’s TLD/UR special is. Discogs helps me keep track of all this stuff.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“He bad production. He got walrus gumboot. He got Ono sideboard. He one spinal cracker. He got feet down below his knee. Hold you in his armchair you can feel his disease. Come together, right now. Over me.” – “Come Together” (Lennon/McCartney)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 5/19/18

20 Sunday May 2018

Posted by TGBII in Records, Spinning Sunday

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Blondie, Boston Pops, Dire Straits, Elvis Costello, Mary's Gourmet Diner, Music, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Paul McCartney, Pavement, Records, Spinning Sunday, Supertramp, Taco, Tchaikovsky, The B-52s, The Breeders, The Sea and Cake, Toto, Underdog Records, Willow's Bistro, Wings

Salutations™!!

R-114636-1320261717.jpeg

©RCA

 

We didn’t walk yesterday because it was misting/drizzling and I hate being wet. I didn’t want to get caught up in the deluge. Anywhat! The BCPF and I still ate at Mary’s Gourmet Diner, went to Underdog Records, did a lot of record listening and met our friends at Willows Bistro last night. Here’s our haul:

  • The Sea And Cake – Any Day – A brand new release from this jazz-infused indie rock band. I had never heard of them but The BCPF is a fan and it was pretty cool. I liked it a good bit. New.
  • The Breeders – Last Splash – The second album from the Breeders, released in 1993. They reissued them this week but we found a VG++ used 2009 reissue and it sounded fantastic. Great album.
  • Pavement – Brighten The Corners – Another fave of The BCPF’s college days. The first side was bright and funny. I didn’t pay any attention to side two. Overall, I didn’t dislike it. VG+.
  • The B-52’s – The B-52’s – This is an original pressing of their 1979 debut album. It’s in VG++ shape. It was ranked on the RS List at #152. That’s impressive. They were game changers in the new wave/classic alternative scene. Great album.
  • Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Rust Never Sleeps – #351 on the RS List. I didn’t really care for it, I don’t think, the first time I heard it. I cared just a little more this time. I think my problem with him is his voice live. He’s always straddling the proper pitch and his voice kind of rakes on my nerves. Still, it was VG+ and I have another marked off the list.
  • Tchaikovsky – Boston Pops / Arthur Fiedler – Swan Lake – NM 1964 pressing.
  • Paul McCartney & Wings – Red Rose Speedway – Someone had just brought this in to sell and I snatched it up. It has one of my top 5 Mac songs on it (“My Love”) and it was in VG condition. The rest of the album is good but I love that one song.
  • Toto – Toto – First album from a talented group of session players. This is no Toto IV but that’s okay. It has “Hold the Line,” “I’ll Supply the Love” and “Georgy Porgy” on it, all of which were released as singles along with “Rockmaker.” VG+.
  • Elvis Costello And The Attractions – Trust – VG copy of Declan Macmanus’ fifth album. I know nothing of the album but The BCPF likes Elvis Costello. We saw him live way back in 2010 or 2011.
  • Taco – After Eight – Yes! That “Puttin’ on the Ritz” guy. The whole album is in that old school standards/pop genre that the Irving Berlin tune is in. I really, really enjoyed listening to it. VG+.
  • Dire Straits – Communiqué – VG copy of Dire Straits’ second album. I know nothing of this album but I know that I have really developed a love for Dire Straits’ music. So, I’m looking forward to listening to it.
  • Blondie – Eat To The Beat – “Dreaming” is probably the best-known tune on this album, but I hear it has some other fantastical wonders on it, as well. It was a $1, so there’s that. VG.
  • Supertramp – Crime Of The Century – I’m trying to find all the Supertramp I can. I dig them and it’s good rock/pop. The two songs I recognize by title only (I haven’t listened to it, yet) are “Dreamer” and “Bloody Well Right.” The cover was beaten up and totally came apart at the glue points. I reglued that with my hot glue gun and cleaned the album up. The vinyl was in VG/VG+ condition, but there is some surface noise. $1 bin find.

Jonathan had a big purchase day from the way he talked so there’s bound to be plenty of freshly stocked used albums coming through. Watch Underdog Records’ Instagram and Facebook for the latest on their new and used acquisitions and for specials. Also, check out the ad on The Less Desirables podcast every week to hear what the TLD/Underdog special is.

Also, I use Discogs to archive my collection. There were two records I had to look up whilst in Underdog Records, yesterday. One I had and the other I didn’t. So, that saved me the guessing game. I love this service.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Keep spinning!

—
“Here comes a stingray. There goes a manta-ray. In walked a jellyfish. There goes a dogfish chased by a catfish. In flew a sea robin. Watch out for that piranha. There goes a narwhal. Here comes a bikini whale!” – “Rock Lobster” (Pierson/Wilson/Schneider/Strickland/Wilson)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 4/7/18

08 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by TGBII in Records, Silent Sunday

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Blondie, Cream, Discogs, Freddie Jackson, Leo Sayer, Marvin Gaye, Mary's Gourmet Diner, Mott the Hoople, Neutral Milk Hotel, Record Store Day, Rod Stewart, Seals & Crofts, The Connells, The Jam, The Less Desirables, Underdog Records, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Walter Carlos, Willow's Bistro

Salutations™!!

It was a cold, dreary but fun day for The BCPF and me yesterday. Mary’s early, Underdog Records, Costco to find another record storage shelf (they didn’t have them but we ordered one from the online store), back home to listen to our haul and finally, Willows. Hey did I mention Underdog Records? Here’s the haul:

Connellsboylan

©TVT Records

 

  • Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Sex & Food – I heard some of the UMO stuff when I was making the Underdog commercial for The Less Desirables on Wednesday. This album hadn’t come out, yet, but I did go listen to their previous one and thought it was great. This one will have to grow on me a bit but it is a decent album. It’s on nice, heavy, “Pepto” pink vinyl, too. New.
  • Cream – Disraeli Gears – #114 on the RS List. I’m not a Clapton fan and really, I’m not a Cream fan, but this is a good album. It is used but in VG+ shape and is on 180g black vinyl. It’s a reissue but I don’t really care that much about that.
  • The Jam – The Gift – I have heard Doug Davis, yes, that Doug Davis, talk about The Jam before, as I have other folks as well. I was familiar with “Town Called Malice” but nothing else. The album is a pretty good listen. I liked it. VG+.
  • Neutral Milk Hotel – On Avery Island – I had never even heard of this band until about two months ago when someone was comparing them to another band (which band escapes me). What kind of name is that? I’d ask. Anywhat! I would have been okay had I never heard of them. This isn’t bad, but I just don’t care. I have it. The BCPF “likes” them. She’s not crazy about them but they’re her wheelhouse. VG+
  • The Connells – Boylan Heights – The BCPF let out an audible moan when she saw this. She was almost jumping up and down on the little step stool she was standing on. Okay, okay, I’ll add it. She was very excited about it. I listened. I don’t get the big deal but okay. I heard nothing “special” but if she’s happy, that’s what really matters. And, my pal Mitch Easter produced it! VG+.
  • Blondie – AutoAmerican – “Rapture” and “The Tide is High” are on this album. The rest is a little weird at times, but it was a great listen. It’s a fun album. VG+.
  • Leo Sayer – Endless Flight – I’m just a sucker for the Yacht Rock lot. “When I Need You” and “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” (which I know isn’t technically Yacht material but the former is) are on this and there’s a lot of my favorite studio musicians playing on it. VG++ condition.
  • Rod Stewart – Tonight I’m Yours – The first song I remember hearing from Rod Stewart (and knowing it was Rod Stewart) was “Young Turks.” I had it on 45. His version of Ace’s “How Long” (written by Paul Carrack) and Dylan’s “Just Like a Woman” is pretty good, too. Overall, this is a decent album but certainly not a “great” album. VG+.
  • Mott The Hoople – All The Young Dudes – #484 on the RS list. I saw this one from the back in the $1 rack. I was like oh yeah! I needed a little love. I cleaned it. There’s surface noise, sure, but for the most part, it turned out to be VG. This album also demonstrates how a Velvet Underground song can sound good. Let someone other than Velvet Underground do it.
  • Marvin Gaye – Moods Of Marvin Gaye – Beaten up and a little moldy, I cleaned it up and there was a little skippage happening but it was Good. It has been through it, I think. Of course, $1 bin find.
  • Freddie Jackson – Rock Me Tonight – Knowing songs from this album deemed me “the coolest white boy in school” when I was in high school. I am a sucker for slow jams and “You Are My Lady” is one of my goto slow jams (or is it jamz?). So, you can imagine my almost The BCPF-like squeal when I saw it in the $1 bin. Yep. I did. VG.
  • Seals & Crofts – Unborn Child – I mentioned Yacht Rock, right? Yeah, ’nuff said. $1 bin find and it’s G+; a little beaten up but we’ll see how it plays.
  • Walter Carlos – Switched-On Bach – Yeah, I want to hear 60s synths doing Bach. I don’t care much for Bach’s organ work, but I love me some synthesizers. Do it, Walter Carlos! G+ $1 bin find.

Not a huge haul this week. We’re saving money for Record Store Day which is coming April 21. Jonathan has already said he’s ordered almost all of the day’s offerings. That may be the perfect time for you to get back into vinyl. There are special editions, reissues, collections, and more. Visit the website to see what is coming out.

While we were in there yesterday I looked at a Denon and a Yamaha turntables. Each was over $500. But, they looked so danged cool. I’m sure they play great, too. But, not to worry, Jonathan has less expensive turntables, including beginner-/entry-level models. He sometimes carries new but for the most part, it is a used inventory. Great stuff, nonetheless.

Also, I use Discogs to catalog my collection and bring you “the Haul” every week. More than that, I have ordered a few things off the Marketplace if I am looking for something specific and I am noticing that there’s not a lot of them coming through Underdog (which isn’t often). Check them out, too.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Keep spinnin’!

—
“Fab Five Freddie told me everybody’s high, DJ’s spinnin’ are savin’ my mind. Flash is fast, Flash is cool. Francois sez fas, Flashe’ no do. And you don’t stop, sure shot. Go out to the parking lot. And you get in your car and you drive real far. And you drive all night and then you see a light. And it comes right down and lands on the ground. And out comes a man from Mars. And you try to run but he’s got a gun. And he shoots you dead and he eats your head. And then you’re in the man from Mars. You go out at night, eatin’ cars. You eat Cadillacs, Lincolns too; Mercury’s and Subaru’s. And you don’t stop, you keep on eatin’ cars.” – “Rapture” (Stein/Harry)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 9/16/17

17 Sunday Sep 2017

Posted by TGBII in Records, Silent Sunday

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Tags

.38 Special, ABBA, Art Garfunkel, Bangles, Black Sabbath, Blondie, Carly Simon, Carole King, Dan Fogleberg, Discogs, Duran Duran, Eddie Money, Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis Costello, George Harrison, Haircut One Hundred, Haydn, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Jim Croce, Joan Baez, Laura Branigan, Metallica, Miles Davis, Mozart, Nat King Cole, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Paul Simon, Pete Townshend, Peter Paul and Mary, Player, Quiet Riot, Ratt, Red Rider, Sting, Styx, The BCPF, The Kingston Trio, The Moody Blues, Underdog Records, Van Halen, Werner Müller

Salutations™!!

Underdog Records was jumping yesterday but The BCPF and I didn’t see most of our “regulars” friends that we usually get to hang with. That was sad, but it was a great day otherwise. We filled in some “collection” gaps, I added to my hard rock genre, The BCPF got one of her favorite albums of all time. It was a great day. Here it is:R-3555769-1481559753-1737.jpeg

  • Paul Simon – Graceland (Top 5 for The BCPF, had it special ordered for her, new)
  • Sting – …Nothing Like The Sun (The BCPF nearly squealed when I presented it to her)
  • Metallica – Kill ‘Em All (NM used copy)
  • Metallica – Master Of Puppets (on RS Top 500 of All Time, I never cared for it before now, it’s a fave, NM used)
  • Metallica – …And Justice For All (2xLP, NM used)
  • Quiet Riot – Metal Health (Dutch pressing, VG+)
  • Bangles – Different Light
  • George Harrison – Cloud Nine
  • Player – Player
  • Miles Davis – Decoy (VG+ clean copy)
  • Ratt – Ratt
  • Eddie Money – Can’t Hold Back
  • Elvis Costello And The Attractions* – The Best Of Elvis Costello And The Attractions (VG+)
  • Black Sabbath – Master Of Reality (1974 pressing, VG+)
  • Art Garfunkel – Fate For Breakfast (with what has to be the silliest back cover photo ever)
  • Art Garfunkel – Scissors Cut
  • The Moody Blues – The Other Side Of Life
  • Duran Duran – Notorious (still sealed, will change that soon)
  • Dan Fogelberg – The Innocent Age
  • Styx – Kilroy Was Here
  • Carly Simon – Anticipation
  • Van Halen – Fair Warning
  • Haircut One Hundred – Pelican West
  • Red Rider – As Far As Siam
  • Jim Croce – Photographs & Memories: His Greatest Hits
  • Pete Townshend – Empty Glass
  • Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
  • Nat King Cole – When You’re Smiling
  • The Nat King Cole Trio – The Vintage Years
  • 38 Special – Strength In Numbers
  • 38 Special – Wild-Eyed Southern Boys
  • Carole King – Simple Things
  • Carole King – Touch The Sky
  • Carole King – One To One
  • Carole King – Rhymes & Reasons
  • Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass – S.R.O.
  • Laura Branigan – Branigan 2
  • Peter, Paul And Mary – Album 1700
  • Kingston Trio – The Best Of The Kingston Trio Vol. 2
  • Werner Müller – O, Tannenbaum (Christmas On The Rhine)
  • Joan Baez – Joan Baez Vol. 2
  • Mozart*, Haydn*, N.W.D.R-Orchester, Hamburg*, Leopold Ludwig – Symphony No, 41 “Jupiter”, Symphony No. 94 “Surprise”
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Ella In Hollywood
  • Blondie – The Hunter
  • ABBA – Greatest Hits

In addition, there is another jazz album that is from the 1930s but it’s not in Discogs so I will have to put it in, I suppose. It should be in soon. Getting back into vinyl? Then Underdog Records is your place! Whether you’re getting new stereo/turntable equipment, looking for the best accessories for your equipment or to buy a shload of vinyl, this is it. And Discogs is where I do all my cataloging and archiving.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I don’t take coffee, I take tea, my dear. I like my toast done on one side. And you can hear it in my accent when I talk. I’m an Englishman in New York.” – “Englishman In New York” (Sumner)

CBGB or: The Less Desirables Movie of the Week

18 Saturday Feb 2017

Posted by TGBII in Movie Review, Uncategorized

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a/perture Cinema, Alan Rickman, Blondie, CBGB, Hilly Kristal, Iggy Pop, IMDb, Johnny Galecki, Justin Bartha, Lou Reed, Malin Akerman, Netflix, Patti Smith, Punk, Rotten Tomatoes, Rupert Grint, Talking Heads, Taylor Hawkins, Terry Ork, The Dead Boys, The Less Desirables, The Police, The Ramones

Salutations™!!

a/perture cinema, the Official Movie Sponsor of The Less Desirables, presents The Less Desirables Movie of the Week, CBGB (2013), starring Alan Rickman, Malin Akerman, Justin Bartha.

Per IMDb: “A look at the New York City punk-rock scene and the venerable nightclub, CBGB.”

Hilly Kristal (Rickman) had a few businesses and marriage that failed, mostly because of

220px-cbgbmovieposter

©XLerator Media

his hedonistic lifestyle of thinking that money was secondary and happiness and doing good was enough. Doesn’t always work that way. He tried another “club,” this time in the Bowery of New York City. His closest friends, even his daughter, figured he’d fail, as he always had. He wanted this bar, again, in the Bowery of NYC, to be a place for country, blue grass and blues, so he renamed what was going to be called Hilly’s on the Bowery, CBGB to reflect his wishes for the establishment.

He hired an artist fella by the name of “Taxi” to run sound for his new club. He gave a junkie named “Idaho” a job cooking what looks like old toilet water, but they call it Hilly’s Chili. He enlists the help of some biker gangs to keep people off of his back, giving them free drinks in exchange for “protection,” whenever he needed it.

One day, a dude by the name of Terry Ork shows up saying he represents a band called Television and they want to audition to play the club. He doesn’t really dig it but he doesn’t really not. He gives them a gig. They become popular. Following that, a slew of punk icons, still in their early days, come rolling through. Acts like The Ramones, Blondie, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, The Dead Boys, Talking Heads and Patti Smith, just to name a few. CBGB became the birthplace of American punk. Speaking of which, the film also talks about the phenomenon that was Punk Magazine. The mag’s origin, the people that worked there, promoted there and counted on there to get their fix of the NYC punk scene.

I don’t know how truthful most of this film is. It seems plausible but improbable most of the time. It is entertaining, though. It’s NYC in the 70s, what could be bad about that? The story is gritty and dingy, as is the scenery, as are the sets. I’ll admit that I don’t know a lot about the punk scene, American, British, or otherwise, but I really enjoyed getting a (probably) convoluted account of the rise and somewhat fall (Dead Boys) of some of these punk pioneers. I also, admit that I enjoyed the soundtrack immensely. Bands that I normally wouldn’t care for, I enjoyed, even the Ramones, if you can believe that. It made me want to go and find the real backstories of these real life bands.

I liked the many cameos and supporting actors and actresses that had parts. Rupert Grint as Cheetah Chrome, Taylor Hawkins as Iggy Pop, Johnny Galecki as Ork and many others. Again, I’m not thinking this film was supposed to knock anyone’s socks off and it certainly didn’t. Total US theater gross for this film was $40,400. That’s not a typo, forty thousand, four hunderd. Including the Home Distribution tallies, it has made about $526,514. Still, small change for the movie industry with a large release.

I don’t know that the filmmakers knew how to handle the true history and made it a bit cheesy, where the source material should have been portrayed a bit richer. I am huge fan of Alan Rickman and this was one of the last films he made before his death a little over a year ago, January 14, 2016. I don’t know that I especially enjoyed his portrayal of Hilly Kristal but I liked that he gave it a shot.

Rotten Tomatoes rates the film at a dismal 8% Rotten and the Audience Score, while significantly better is only a 42%. IMDb has it at 6.6 stars out of 10. That’s actually not too bad. I saw the film on Netflix. I am rating it 3.75 stars. That last .75 is from the soundtrack alone. Not a great film but decent if you want a bit of historical fiction and some great music. Have you seen it? What did you think? What would you like to hear/read me review?

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I opened CBGB because I thought country music was gonna become the next big thing. And it did… in Nashville.” – Hilly Kristal

Appelle-Moi or: Can You Help Me Occupy My Brain? (RS Part 37)

28 Thursday Apr 2016

Posted by TGBII in Music Review

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Black Sabbath, Blondie, Bruce Springsteen, Dr. Dre, Elton John, Notorious B.I.G., Pavement, The Meters, The Replacements

Salutations™!!

The last segment of Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums of All Time was a long-time in the making and I’ve started this one kind of soon after, so hopefully it won’t go so long this time. A good segment last time, too. Not a lot of filler; some but manageable. Let’s not waste time, let’s hit this one.

#140 – Parallel Lines by Blondie. Punky chic, I’d say. Don’t let Debbie Harry’s pretty looks fool you. She’ll dazzle you with her looks and roundhouse kick you with her voice and the band does so with their no-nonsense music (well, maybe a little, Blondie_-_Parallel_Lineswell-planned nonsense). Three staples of Sirius XM’s First Wave channel, “Hanging on the Telephone,” “One Way or Another,” which starts this album out right, and “Heart of Glass,” all three are the flour while the rest of the album is the egg in the cake; the rest holds it together. It truly is in your face. You can look away but you can’t escape. “Picture This” is probably some of the best capturing of a live feel in the studio I’ve heard since the 76-77 era of KISS, while “Fade Away and Radiate” has that Blondie reggae beat but a sultry and seductive backbone. “Pretty Baby” reminds me of the Shangri-Las or something like that. It hearkens back to the 50s rock and roll pop girl groups. I know that was the point and I’m quite okay with it. I hear some Cheap Trick (or just similarities therein) in the music of “I Know But I Don’t Know.” The dissonant chord changes are what do it for me, I think. I’m ashamed to say that I really don’t know much about Blondie other than the hits on this album, “Rapture” and “Call Me.” This is a reminder of how sucky I can be at knowing my classic bands. Pity, Scorp, pity. I think “Heart of Glass” is a good indication as to where the band would be going in the following few years. It sounds more futuristic than the rest of the album and, to me, was more than just a representation of the disco stuff that was still lingering and hanging on at the time; it was advanced in structure and sound. I really like that song. I really like this album! Dug!

#139 – Rejuvenation by The Meters. NOLA Funk! Yes, please. This album was produced by the very recently departed, R&B legend, Allen Toussaint. The early Meters albums were mostly instrumentals. This is not just instrumental. I’ll also say this, again, George Porter, Jr. is a genius of a bass player. None of these guys are slackers. Tight drumming, banging piano and an added horn section that was arranged by Mr. Toussaint. My favorite tune on the album is the last song, “Africa.” It’s sounds mean and funky all at the same time. Now, I do like it, and completely dig it on the countdown but why this high on the list? That’s my only question. Overall, I dug it.

#138 – The Chronic by Dr. Dre. This one was on hold until I ordered it from iTunes. It’s not on anything streaming (while all of his others are) and YouTube has several copies but they’re all muted. Anywhat! I didn’t want to Dr.DreTheChronicspend money on it as it’s not my thing, really. BUT, I got it and put it on my iPod and listened to it whilst driving around in Nigel (my Kia Soul) and I have to say, this is some really good stuff. Well, let’s not go crazy, whether or not it’s “good” is subjective but I really like it. I’ve enjoyed listening to it. As always, I could certainly do without all the “n” word strewn about the album, but what can you do? I’d actually consider this a Snoop Dogg album over a Dre album. He’s highlighted throughout and his work is the best on the record. There’s a lot of shots at Eazy-E, who owned Ruthless Redords and Ice Cube, both former N.W.A. members. Dre and gang also take shots at Tim Dog and Luther Campbell (Luke of 2 Live Crew). They’re not at all apologetic about it, either. They don’t hold back. It was a pleasure to listen to. “F*** with Dre Day (And Everybody’s Celebratin’),” “Let Me Ride,” “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,” “A N***a Witta Gun” and “Deeez Nuuuts” are my favorites on here. I almost wish I’d have bought the vinyl version, now. I’m still happy with it. Dug!!

#137 – Tim by The Replacements. Well, it’s not everyday you have an album named after you. I know what you’re thinking, wait! I thought your name was Scorp? Haha, well, it is. Just go with it. Once I waded through R.E.M., the Cure and such, this is what The_Replacements_-_Tim_coveralternative rock would have sounded like in my head. I know it’s a travesty and all that but I knew nothing of The Replacements, other than the song “Alex Chilton,” prior to this complete countdown. I don’t know how I didn’t. Well, that’s not true. This was released before I moved to WSNC and we didn’t have access to this where I was from. “Dose of Thunder” sounds like something Cult would have done. I like that. “Hold my Life,” “I’ll Buy” are both solid songs. The first one that really made me go, that’s cool is “Waitress in the Sky.” Next is “Swinging Party” and I REALLY like that one. At the time it was rough and dirty, I’m sure. But, I think it fits perfectly snug in the annuls of the early alternative (or First Wave) motif. It’s rebellious but not totally defiant; accessible. There’s not a single song on this album that I’d skip over. I may not think them my favorite tunes, but they’re certainly a great listen. One of my faves in the last bit. And closing out on “Here Comes a Regular?” I nearly wept. Priceless. DUG!

#136 – Greatest Hits by Elton John. Compilation album, but I will admit, it, along with it’s sister Greatest Hits Volume II, are two of my favorite comps ever. I think I have grown to like this one more but at first II was my fave. It’s a good representation of Elton’s and Bernie’s masterful craftsmanship. (I dig it even if I don’t review it)

#135 – Slanted and Enchanted by Pavement. There has to be something said about a singer that only sporadically finds the right note to sing and you can tell that he doesn’t care if he does or doesn’t. He’s in his own world and you have to respect that. You don’t have to like it, but you have to respect it. I don’t know, just yet, how I feel about. I do know that this is definitely one of The BCPF’s favorite bands. I can see that because she doesn’t care if anyone sings on key, either. I’m not at all putting them down, I get it. This is probably what Eugene has always talked about with it “being about feeling it” or putting the emotion and meaning first. Well, I’m about a slick package and this certainly isn’t that. It is also impressive that they can fit 14 songs in at under 39 minutes. Musically, this is some great and innovative (to me) stuff. The attitude, I get that. The meaning, I get that. The work horse here seems to be Gary Young, the drummer/percussionist; he’s on it with some wicked slamming beats and it sounds like his drums probably needed a few shots of whisky and a sedative after he played them. That and therapy. “Conduit for Sale!” is one of my favorites. I find that when Stephen Malkmus gets in a higher register and is near screaming levels, his pitch is a lot better. When he’s laid back, it becomes droopy and inconsistent. Again, note that I am not putting that down. I am only pointing out the facts, here. In conversing with The BCPF, I told her this was “beautifully awful,” and I stand by that. It’s tasteful and so wrong which makes it oh so right. 1992, mission accomplished. I dig it.

#134 – Ready to Die by Notorious B.I.G. Pickle juice drinking? Wow. I don’t really know what I’m listening to here, but I think I like it. Liberal use of the “n” word and amazingly there are a lot of m*therfu*kers that somehow found their way onto the album. “Juicy’ is a great song. I really dig that one. The album itself seems like it could be a concept deal, but it could just be Biggie’s ability to tell a story. It’s about life, but it’s more reminiscent of a movie than real life, but we do know he died in a big “war,” and this is all about the lifestyle. A lot of shots fired, a lot of screaming, a lot of killing. It’s creepy knowing that the name of this album is what it is and what happened to him. Morbid, really. I’ve heard “Everyday Struggle” before as well. I’d say “Big Poppa” was the biggest hit on here. The radio-friendly stuff is a whole lot easier to listen to than the gangsta-heavy stuff, but it’s all pretty easy to listen to. Biggie’s not a fast-talking rapper, instead just being laid back and flowing. It’s not a bad album overall and I’m surprised that I liked it as much as I did. That being said, TheWildTheInnocentI’m done with it and don’t care if I ever listen to it again, other than a handful of tunes. Dug-ish.

#133 – The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle by Bruce Springsteen. Definitely, this is a mix of sultry, bluesy and cock rock. The music on this album is spot on. “Kitty’s Back” is one fantastic song, going from that sultry to slinky, laid-back and shuffling. One thing I can never take from Bruce is that he’s a story teller and a half. “Kitty” certainly brings the cream to the top in that instance. That same characterization can be said for “Wild Billy’s Circus Story,” complete with Garry Tallent’s clever tuba treatment. I just pops out there every once in a while. It’s cool and I can dig it. Getting through the opening track was easy musically but not so easy vocally, but he more than made up for it with the rest of the album. The last three songs, “Incident on 57th Street,” “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)” and “New York City Serenade,” are lauded by many to be some of the best 25 minutes in album history, so I hear. I go on record to say that I have always hated “Rosalita” and that didn’t change after this, but the other two songs are a fantastic 17 minutes of juiciness. I will be honest and say that I never knew that Bruce was the guitarist of his band for the early stuff. I never heard of him until Born in the USA and by that time, he was more associated by the large entourage of musicians that surrounded him on stage in the vidoes. I never knew better; color me impressed. This is a good album that comes in just under 47 minutes for seven songs. I dug it.

#132 – Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack by Various Artists.  This is one that I wish I wasn’t such a stickler about compilations. Yes, it’s a soundtrack, and one of the greatest, in my opinion. I have it on vinyl, even. I’ll listen to it but not comment further.

#131 – Paranoid by Black Sabbath. As much as I loved Sabbath’s debut album, this is Sabbath to me. I mean, heck, “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” “Paranoid” and “Planet Caravan” on the same album? C’mon! It’s heavy. It’s metal. It’s classic. I never knew that the instrumental end of “War Pigs” was called “Luke’s Wall.” And, a fine anti-war tune that is. “Paranoid” is a fun (not fun) song with a great guitar riff. I Black_Sabbath_-_Paranoidloved Ozzy’s rendition of that and “Children of the Grave” on the Tribute album. I never got Pantera’s cover of “Planet Caravan” but I think this version sits easy as a mood shift from the heaviness. It’s very Doors-like to me with some Allman Brothers thrown in. Great vocal effect on that, too. I listened to this one through headphones and love the panning on “Iron Man.” Really, does a song get much heavier than this? This is the heavy that Death and Speed Metal bands wish they could get. A menacing riff to go with a menacing figure in the lyrics. What I get out of the lyrics are: he goes to the future and sees destruction. He tries to get back to warn everyone in his own time that this is going to happen. In the magnetic field that enabled his time travel, he’s turned into a bit metal dude and he can’t talk. We know in this society, anything the masses don’t understand, they shun. He gets mad and destroys those who mock him. So, I guess he created the destruction he saw the vision of? Do I hear a talkbox mixed with the wah pedal in “Electric Funeral.” I’d love to ask Ed B. here in WSNC what Geezer Butler is playing to make the bass sound so boxy. Is it the Rickenbacker 4001? I generally don’t like that kind of bass sound but this is actually perfect for what they’re doing. The album closes with “Fairies Wear Boots” and as it goes quiet afterwards, you kind of feel like something’s over. A feeling of finality. That’s sad, but good that you can feel that way about an album, right? I certainly dug it. It’s a great album.

So, wow, other than the two comp albums (which incidentally, I love both) most everything got a “Dug;” only Biggie got a “dug-ish.” It was a good segment that gave me some “hmmm, how didn’t I know I liked that already?” moments. I hope the next set is just as awesome. Which, this one was only a week after the other, hopefully I will get to the next segment in a short amount of time, too. See you, then…

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Politicians hide themselves away, they only started the war. Why should they go out to fight? They leave that role to the poor.” – “War Pigs” (Iommi, Osbourne, Butler, Ward)

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