Salutations™!!

Let me start by saying I had a great time singing with the Vagabond Saints Society last night. I would have liked to have had one more song, but it was fun hanging with my buddies.

©Columbia

The BCPF and I had a mostly regular day, outside of leaving home early to a) get a parking space and b) go eat at Crafted before the VSS show. We, of course, got to get by and say hey to Jonathan and walk out with some good records. Here’s the haul:

• The Black Crowes – Shake Your Money Maker — I have never been a fan of the Black Crowes and when this album came out, I hated it. I think because I was forced to play “Jealous Again” in a band and I didn’t like playing it. Actually, as I’ve gotten older, I really like this album including “Jealous.” But, I still hate “Hard to Handle” with a passion, no matter who’s doing it. I just really hate it. But, other than that, the entire album is a gem. My favorite song on the album starts it off, “Twice as Hard.” New.
• Bon Iver – i,i — The BCPF loves Justin Vernon, aka Bon Iver. I liked this album but really, I couldn’t figure out what his point was. It was a lot of samples, backward recordings, and electronic fills. Again, I like that, but, it wasn’t really what Bon Iver has been about. I’m okay with it, just… “?” New.
• Iggy Pop – The Idiot — This is a 4 Men With Beards reissue of Iggy’s 1977 debut solo album and it was produced by David Bowie. It’s a bit different from Iggy’s work with the Stooges and in retrospect, Bowie felt bad that he pretty much had grown fatigued in what he had been doing and wanted to get behind someone else’s work. It turned out that it’s basically a Bowie-style album with Jim Osterberg (Iggy’s real name) singing. Iggy’s version of “China Girl” is pretty good. I liked this album. NM.
• Journey – In The Beginning – 1975-1977 — I’ve talked many times about how I’m not a fan of pre-Steve Perry Journey. I’m not a huge fan of Gregg Rolie and am a fan of “hits.” That being said, this 2xLP collection of tunes from the first three Journey albums is pretty fantastic. They were more proggy than pop-rock at this time. But, I can’t say anything bad about any of it. I really enjoyed listening. VG+.
• Gospel Music – How To Get To Heaven From Jacksonville, FL — I know nothing about this band/artist. What I do know is that they/he is on Kill Rock Stars, the label that is best known for their commitment to underground punk and alt-rock in Portland, Oregon and Olympia, Washington. We haven’t listened to it, yet, but we will. Probably today. EX/VG++
• Marvin Gaye – Marvin Gaye’s Greatest Hits — It seems this is from Turkey but is on the Tamla label.  It is from 1977 and spans a good bit of his career. VG.
• Nat King Cole – Nat King Cole Sings His Songs From Cat Ballou And Other Motion Pictures — It was an album from Nat King Cole that we didn’t have and hey it was in the $1 bin. But, it’s in great condition. VG+.
• Ouro Negro and Berta Cardoso – A Visit To Portugal — Portugal is a target of a possible trip to Europe next year with The Beer Dads family. We also love collecting music from other countries so double bonus! Triple bonus is that this was in the $1 bin. Quadruple bonus is that it’s also in VG+.

Jonathan has a bit of used equipment that he’s collecting. Not really collecting but he’s prepping for sale. So if you or someone you know is in the market for a new (to them) turntable, receiver or heck, even an 8-track changer (yeah, that exists), then go by 835 Burke Street and check these things out! Tell him that The Less Desirables sent you! Speaking of, listen to each episode of The Less Desirables to hear what the TLD/UR special of the week is! And, use Discogs to track your collection, no matter what the media format. If you do, share it with me. Contact me for the hookup!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Nightclubbing, we’re nightclubbing. We’re what’s happening. Nightclubbing, we’re nightclubbing. We’re an ice machine. We see people brand new people. They’re something to see.” – “Nightclubbing” (Pop/Bowie)