Tag Archives: Built to Spill

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 02/20/21

21 Sunday Feb 2021

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I each got our hair cut yesterday. We went to the same person and we just took turns with Cynthia Pratt-Miller at Hair Bomb Hair Salon which is conveniently directly beside Underdog Records! Having Mojito for lunch was delicious but dang! It was cold on that patio. Yesterday was a mild day temp-wise but the patio at Mojito is a breezeway. It’s between two buildings and there’s an arched roof so the wind just gets pushed through there. That’s great when it’s 90° out, but when it’s only 40°…? Whew! But, the food was delicious and it was worth the misery to have it. Here’s the haul:

©Vertigo

Built To Spill – There’s Nothing Wrong With Love — Whilst The BCPF was getting her ‘do did, I was shopping and talking with Jonathan. I saw this, checked Discogs to make sure we didn’t have it and had Jonathan put it behind the counter so she couldn’t see it. When we got home, I told her that I had a surprise for her and within the first two seconds (if that) of Side A, I heard an audible gasp and her eyes got wide. She came over and hugged me hard. I felt good about that. She has never sang in front of me, be she did look at me and pantomime a good bit of it to me. Again, that made me feel good, making her feel good. She said it’s from her early college days. New.

Pixies – Bossanova — So from her college days, we back up a little bit and hit her high school years. The Pixies are always hit-or-miss with me, but they’re almost always hit for her. She got this one on her own. Reissue on 180g vinyl. New.

Cherry Glazerr – Haxel Princess — We picked up a Cherry Glazerr album in 2019 and I remember enjoying it. It was the latest release from them at the time. This is their debut album from 2014. I love the cover and it reminds me of a friend of mine. Red Translucent vinyl. New.

David Bowie – The Man Who Sold The World — Jonathan had just gotten a shipment and was checking them in when I saw this. I had to look it up and was surprised that we didn’t already have it. I could have sworn we had. But, we hadn’t, so I rectified that; made it right, if you will. Textured cover, LP in poly-lined inner sleeve. Additional replica of the original paper inner sleeve included. Remastered, 180g. New.

Yo La Tengo – Sleepless Night — 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided, EP released last year. Original cover art by Yoshitomo Nara. Drawing of the band by Georgia. Illustration by James etched on the record’s flip side. A Sleepless Night poster was included with EPs preordered prior to August 28, 2020 yet this wasn’t what we did. These tracks were originally available as part of a multi-media catalogue from artist Yoshitomo Nara published by Los Angeles County Museum of Art for Nara’s eponymous exhibition in 2020. The etching on Side B is pretty cool. New.

The Zombies – R.I.P. — Limited Edition Record Store Day 2015 release. 5600 pressed. Intended as the follow-up to the iconic Zombies album Odessey And Oracle. This is the first legitimate vinyl release of the never issued Zombies R.I.P. album as it was intended in the United States. Reissue, 180g. NM.

Various – Original Soundtrack From The Vestron Motion Picture – Dirty Dancing — Yeah… and? I have no problem saying this. I love this album. I loved it (and kind of liked its companion Vol. 2) when it came out. I was 17. I love pop music. I loved the Patrick Swayze song. I’m not ashamed. I like what I like. And there you have it. VG+.

The Clash – Give ‘Em Enough Rope — Reissue on blue Epic labels, with original JE cat. # prefix. Jacket front cover is second U.S. issue with “Oriental”-style block font. Jacket back cover includes barcode and updated B5 track title and credits. “P” stamped in runouts denotes Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Pitman, pressing. Track B4 title on jacket: “Cheap-skate.” First cat. # on labels, jacket spine. Second cat. # on jacket back cover. That’s all from the notes on Discogs. VG+.

Now, this one…
Dire Straits – Brothers In Arms — Yes, I had this already. But, again, I didn’t. The original US vinyl versions had truncated versions of every song on the first side minus one, “Walk of Life.” I am so over that song and, honestly, I think it’s the worst song on the album. So, of those first five songs four of them were shortened. The biggest travesty of that was the extended saxophone solo at the beginning of “Your Latest Trick” being completely omitted. Now, I get it, media constraints dictated that they had to cut some stuff. I wish they had cut “Walk of Life” completely, but it was a big hit for them.

Brothers in Arms was one of the first albums for the CD market, and was a full digital recording (DDD) at a time when most stuff was recorded analog. I remember seeing a lot of ADD on CDs back then. Producer Neil Dorfsman says the digital multitrack was mixed on an analog board with the resulting two track mix re-digitized via a Prism A/D converter and recorded on a DAT machine. I had this on cassette and where that was dependent on amount needed, the cassette presented full versions of the songs. I then had it on CD and it, too, had full versions. I was so disappointed to hear the truncated songs.

All (or most) of Dire Straits catalog was reissued just earlier this year and on double LPs (in some cases) with remastering and all that. But, for whatever reason, even though this album was on 2×LP, I was informed that it was still the truncated versions. I didn’t get it and I still don’t. If you expand to the 2×LP model, then you can easily expand to full-versions.

Well, this made me have to search and seek elsewhere. I found this version on the Discogs Marketplace and reading through the descriptions, this one, released in 2015 by Mercury for their “Back2Black” collection, was 2×LP with what I sought. I had a great back-and-forth with the seller who happened to be UK and Poland (he has inventory in both places). There were no listings of run times on the cover (and not on the label either, I found out), and he was pretty sure this was the right version. It was sealed so he couldn’t look on the inside. I took a chance. Worst case scenario, I got a really good copy and could sell my VG+ back to Jonathan for credit. I got it yesterday. It was waiting for me on my porch when we got in from our Saturday trek. I opened the packaging, still reluctant and when I played it, everything was there in its full-glory. I was ecstatic! So, now I have the full-on album, the way it was intended. Thanks to Andrew for your help and thanks to Discogs for giving me a place to shop for records when Jonathan can’t get me something. He checked and it wasn’t available through any of his distributors. So, I had to step out but I am so happy to have this. And the album is amazing.

Jonathan and I are still in discussions about how this new project we’re working on will go, but just keep your eyes peeled. It is indeed coming. Go by and check out Underdog Records, open 11a-7p Thursday – Saturday and he does deliveries Monday – Wednesday (weather permitting). He will ship to you, as well. You can look at what he has for sale (unused, new vinyl only) by visiting the Underdog Records website. Tell him that I sent you! Obviously, I also use Discogs to track my collection and buy from the Marketplace when I need something.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“She’s like the wind through my tree. She rides the night next to me. She leads me through moonlight only to burn me with the sun. She’s taken my heart but she doesn’t know what she’s done.” – “She’s Like the Wind” (Swayze/Widelitz)

Now Normal Chronicles or: Zero Carried

02 Tuesday Feb 2021

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 22nd anniversary of Built To Spill’s Keep It Like a Secret album, which happens to be a fave of The BCPF. You’ll remember we just got it this weekend and I talked about it on Sunday’s blog. Neither of us knew it was the anniversary this week. Serendipity. This is her favorite song on the album and instead of finding some lame cover, I picked the actual band. Enjoy!

I walked 4296 steps today. That includes three long active stretches of land/road covered. A good day.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I can’t be your apologist very long. I’m surprised that you’d want to carry that on. Count your blemishes. You can’t, they’re all gone. I can’t see your response putting them back on.” – “Carry the Zero” (Martsch/Nelson/Plouf)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 1/30/21

31 Sunday Jan 2021

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Salutations™!!

©Up Records/Warner Bros

The BCPF and I started our day at Clementine’s to have some fantastic breakfast. We then headed over to Underdog Records, found some good stuff and came home for some listening. Here’s the haul:

Poison – Look What The Cat Dragged In — Yeah, I know it’s cheesy and truth be known it doesn’t hold up well. I know a lot of people hate Bret Michael’s voice. Some hate the glam aspect, because let’s face it, when you think of glam metal/hair bands, who do you think of first? Probably Poison. But, here’s the thing. It came out at a time where I was just getting introduced to a whole different world of music, thanks to me finally getting MTV. So, it was new to me. Here’s the thing. I thought it was and I still think it is fun. It’s not a masterpiece and it didn’t or doesn’t have to be. I just enjoyed listening to it. And, that’s all that matters. It’s a “club edition” but in EX. It was well taken care of.

The Love Language – Ruby Red — This is The BCPF’s jam. Well, maybe not this band per se, but they’re signed to Merge Records and just about everything Merge puts out is her jam. This band is basically Stuart McLamb and is from Raleigh, NC. To me, it sounds like Superchunk but with a singer that can stay on key. No offense Mac McCaughan. It’s a good listen. New.

Julie London – Around Midnight — Jazz standards from the singer/actress. Julie London was married to Jack Webb of Dragnet fame. She also had a recurring role on the medical drama Emergency! She sometimes smoked three packs of cigs a day. I haven’t heard this yet but it’s bound to fantastic! No sarcasm there, either. This is original pressing of the stereo mix. It was released the same year (but after) as the mono mix. VG.

George Harrison – Brainwashed — This is the twelfth and final studio album by the ex-Beatle. It was released posthumously in 2002, almost a year after his death at age 58 (just eight years older than I am right now, wow…), and 15 years after his previous studio album, Cloud Nine. Recordings began over a decade before Harrison’s death but were repeatedly delayed. The album’s overdubs were completed by his son Dhani, session drummer Jim Keltner, and longtime friend and collaborator Jeff Lynne, according to Wikipedia. It was a great listen and “Marwa Blues” is a great instrumental track. It was nominated for Grammys. NM.

Built To Spill – Keep It Like A Secret — The BCPF and I have seen this band live together. She swears there’s something different about this than her CD copy. I believe her, but I find no evidence of that online anywhere. The one difference I see is that there is a bonus track on this vinyl version, which is a reissue and split to 2×LP to enhance the audible experience. I liked it. It’s good stuff. New.

Jonathan had a steady stream of customers yesterday. Things look to be picking up. Only 6 people are allowed in the store at one time, and while we didn’t see that yesterday, we have seen people waiting to get in over the last few weeks. I love that rock/hard rock/heavy metal folks are selling their collections to Jonathan. Most of it is black/death metal, which I’m certainly not into, some of it is just good straight-ahead rock! I love it. Underdog Records is open Thursday-Saturday from 11a-7p and Jonathan does deliveries and store pickups by appointment only Monday-Wednesday. You can shop for new vinyl, day or night, 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Follow him on social media, especially Instagram, to see what he had just acquired and is putting out for purchase! Use Discogs to keep track of your collection. You won’t be sorry!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“You know I call you, I call you on the telephone. I’m only hoping that you’re home. So I can hear you when you say those words to me and whisper so softly.” – “Talk Dirty to Me” (Michaels/DeVille/Dall/Rockett)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/13/20

14 Sunday Jun 2020

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Salutations™!!

Jonathan was having truncated hours yesterday, so The BCPF and I headed to Underdog Records right around 1015a or so and while our haul is short, we had good conversations with Jonathan (masked up, of course) and then went to have some lovely crêpes at Penny Path. Here’s the haul:Ernest Jenning Record Co.

Built to Spill Plays the Songs of Daniel Johnston_Built to Spill

©Ernest Jenning Record Co.

  • Death Cab For Cutie – Transatlanticism — the former Mr. Zooey Deschanel, Ben Gibbard, leads this band and The BCPF is a big fan. I liked it, too. It’s a great listen. It came out in 2003 and this was a 2xLP reissue. New.
  • Built to Spill – Built To Spill Plays The Songs Of Daniel Johnston — Doug Martsch, the only permanent member of Built to Spill was friends with (and played back up on his final five tour dates before retirement) Daniel Johnston. Johnston was an eclectic, lo-fi, and mentally-troubled musician who was born in California, raised in West Virginia (wow) and made a name for himself for writing in the “outsider” genre of music. He was also a visual artist. Johnston passed away from a suspected heart attack in September of last year. This is Martsch’s tribute to him. I like the songbook, with lyrics and chord charts, that is included. A good listen. Yellow vinyl. New.
  • Mötley Crüe – Dr. Feelgood — To me, this is the last Mötley Crüe album. Okay, there was the John Corabi Mötley Crüe album and Generation Swine and New Tattoo and all that crap, but that’s what it was. Crap. Well, not the Corabi album, but it wasn’t Crüe. This is heavier but still as poppy as Theater of Pain (which I love, by the way) and that’s okay. There were a lot of good songs on this album. The title track is a fave, of course. “Without You” and “Kickstart My Heart” were cool, too. Another cool feature on this album is that David “Shuffle” Steele from the bands The Beat (English Beat for us Americans) and Fine Young Cannibals after Ranking Roger and Dave Wakeling left to form General Public, sings backup vocals throughout the album. But that’s not the end of the guest stars. Byran Adams, Steven Tyler, Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees, Rick Nielsen and Robin Zander from Cheap Trick, all of Skid Row and Mike Amato (the tour manager for bands such as Arcade Fire, Green Day, KISS, Linkin Park, System of a Down, Cinderella, AC/DC, Skid Row, Marilyn Manson, Soundgarden, Kid Rock, Daughtry, Daniel Powter, Godsmack, Slipknot, etc.) all also sang back up. Nice. Reissue. New.
  • Spirit  – Feedback —This band had Jay Ferguson in the beginning. You know, “Thunder Island.” This album was the first without him and without their original bassist. I don’t know what any of that means but I’m sure we’ll find out when we listen to it. VG+.
  • Strauss – The Best Of Strauss — Yep. Strauss. “Used” but still sealed and in NM condition. Right on.

Jonathan is still doing deliveries during the week and the store is only open on Friday and Saturday for the time being, though I think he’s considering expanding into Thursday, but for now. Just Friday and Saturday. You should watch his Instagram and Facebook pages for things he’s just gotten in, used and new and you can order from him directly. You can shop new vinyl, anytime, day or night, by visiting the UR website. I use Discogs to track my collection, pick randoms and share my collection with friends. You should too!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Cops on the corner always ignore somebody’s getting paid. Jimmy’s got it wired, law’s for hire, got it made in the shade. Got a little hideaway, does business all-day but at night he’ll always be found sellin’ sugar to the sweet people on the street. Call this Jimmy’s town.” – “Doctor Feelgood” (Mars/Sixx)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/29/19

30 Sunday Jun 2019

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Salutations™!!

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

Soundgarden_-_Badmotorfinger.jpg

©A&M Records

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

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

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

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

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 3/24/18

25 Sunday Mar 2018

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Salutations™!!

The_Scorpions_LatFS

@Mercury

 

Yesterday was a cold, snotty, sleety, crappy-weathered day. But, I had my best gal and we had each other to keep warm and enjoy some record listening. That means, of course, that we went by Underdog Records! And, here is what we got:

So, a pretty good haul. I was especially excited about the Dire Straits album even with the truncated first side. That and the Rickie Lee Jones were worth the whole thing. Good stuff.

New to vinyl? Want to get into vinyl? Returning to vinyl? Don’t go spend a ton of money on brand new equipment when you can get quality used stuff from Jonathan at Underdog Records. If you decide you want to get deeper into the “lifestyle” then you can go spend big bucks. But, don’t just jump in. My two cents.

Discogs is also a great way to catalog your collection, see your friends’ collections and even purchase used and new vinyl in the marketplace. It’s a great site and a great resource.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Is that her? What’s her name? Oh, it’s never going to be same. But that’s not her. I know what’s wrong – Chuck E’s in love with the little girl who’s singing this song.” – “Chuck E’s in Love” (Jones)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 7/29/17

30 Sunday Jul 2017

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I had a shorter haul this week but it had some great stuff in it. Underdog Records was accommodating as usual in our “habit.” Thanks to Jonathan for having a fantastic store. Here’s the haul:R-1864031-1270451320.jpeg

So, even though the haul was lighter, the enjoyment has been fantastic! Go grab some vinyl from Underdog Records, or a turntable – he has a good bit of affordable ones, along with speakers, receivers and other accessories – and archive your collection with Discogs and share your collection with me. My username is tldtim.

Until tomorrow, happy listening…
Scorp out!

—
“You say yes, I say no. You say stop and I say go go go, oh no. You say goodbye and I say hello. Hello hello. I don’t know why you say goodbye, I say hello. Hello hello. I don’t know why you say goodbye, I say hello.” – “Hello Goodbye” (Lennon/McCartney)