Tag Archives: David Bowie

Happy Birthday, Pops or: A Cool Bday Share

08 Wednesday Jan 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today is my dad’s birthday. I got to talk to him a little bit and I’m glad he’s here for me to do that. He’s a great man and no matter how hard I try I’ll never be the man he is. But, he lets me be the man I am and that’s awesome, too. But, he shares a birthday with several names in music.

Luther Perkins (who was guitarist for the Tennessee Three, Johnny Cash’s band), Shirley Bassey (singer of three James Bond theme songs), Cristy Lane (country and gospel singer), Robbie Krieger (guitarist from The Doors), Terry Sylvester (The Hollies), Mike Reno (singer from Loverboy), Paul Hester (of Split Enz and Crowded House), Dave Weckl (drummer for Paul Simon, Madonna, George Benson, Michel Camilo, Robert Plant,  Anthony Jackson and Chick Corea Elektric Band), Andrew Wood (Mother Love Bone), R. Kelly, Torry Castellano (drummer of The Donnas), and probably a few more.

The two big ones, though, in my opinion, are Elvis Presley and David Bowie. That’s the two that I always talk about, but that list is pretty impressive. So, since it’s Bowie’s birthday, too, well, here’s a little something for you. Enjoy and happy birthday, Pop!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Ziggy played for time, jiving us that we were Voodoo. The kids was just crass. He was the naz. With God-given ass. He took it all too far, but boy, could he play guitar.” – “Ziggy Stardust” (Bowie)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 12/26/19

29 Sunday Dec 2019

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I made our way to Underdog Record for the first time in over a week the day after Christmas. I couldn’t go any longer. We had put together our fifth record case and had shifted the whole collection around and now it was time to get more records! I think we did a good job, too. Here’s the haul:

1Bowie

©RCA

  • Pink Floyd – A Saucerful Of Secrets — This past April, we got the “mono version” of this for Record Store Day, but you’ll remember that it wasn’t a full version because I got a mis-pressed copy that had some weird dance/electronic song on the first side. Turns out, you needed to run that at 45RPM and when I Shazamed it, it came up “Track 1” from 04 by Moi. Well, this isn’t the cool mono version, but I wanted to have the album anyway, so I bought the stereo reissue from 2016. New.
  • Love And Rockets – Seventh Dream Of Teenage Heaven — This is the debut album from Love and Rockets, the band that was Bauhaus without Peter Murphy. It was a fun listen and is on a cool deep blue vinyl. It’s big on The BCPF’s list of bands and things she likes so when she saw it, she was like, “can I?” and I can’t tell her no. New.
  • David Bowie – Low — This was the first of the “Berlin Trilogy” (along with “Heroes” and Lodger). It was done with Brian Eno and Tony Visconti and was recorded mostly in France, not Berlin. It’s instrumental- and synth-heavy. The album is #251 on the RS list. I really like this album and while it doesn’t really feel like a Bowie album to me, it is a great listen. New.
  • The Jesus And Mary Chain – Psychocandy — This is a weird album. Jangly pop, I like it, but you can’t hear what they’re doing because there is so much “noise.” I think they added the noise and while I respect the artistic “vision,” it makes it really distracting and I think that really takes away from the overall integrity. VG.
  • The Rolling Stones – 12 X 5 — The second American studio album by the Stones, which released in 1964 following the success of their American debut The Rolling Stones (England’s Newest Hit Makers), which was released concurrently with their UK debut, The Rolling Stones. 12 × 5 is an expanded version of the EP Five by Five, which had followed their debut album in the UK. I had asked The BCPF if we had this album when we were rearranging our records on Monday. This is a really good copy of the 1986 reissue. EX/VG++.
  • The Connells – Fun & Games — The BCPF gasped audibly when I showed her this album, so to say she was excited would be an understatement. I thought it was a decent listen but not “great.” This is Jangle Pop and it’s okay for that. She was happy and that’s what matters the most! EX/VG++.
  • AC/DC – Fly On The Wall — I’ve never been a huge AC/DC fan, especially Brian Johnson era, but I didn’t mind this album at all. It’s a mid-80s record and I guess the big tune on this one is “Sink the Pink.” It’s really cookie-cutter 80s AC/DC. So, yeah. VG+.
  • Crow – Crow Music — I got the “Best Of” from Crow a few weeks back and thought it was decent. This one is their debut and it has what is probably their biggest hit, although I hadn’t heard of them before, “Evil Woman (Don’t Play Your Games With Me),” even though I have heard that song and don’t know if it was from that compilation album or perhaps on a comp CD from Time-Life or what. Anyway, it was pretty good. VG.
  • Various – The Best Of Laurie, Volume 1 — Compilation album of songs from early- to mid-60s. Dion, Chiffons, The Royal Guardsmen, The Mystics and more. NM.
  • Elvis Costello And The Attractions – Imperial Bedroom — I believe this is the first real album I heard of EC’s and I remember being really impressed with it. It has a lot of emotions and as The BCPF said, “he writes good torch songs.” VG/VG+.
  • The Longines Symphonette – Somewhere My Love and Other Romantic Movie Melodies — 6xLP of symphonic film melodies. I couldn’t pass it up. $1 bin find and it’s in NM.
  • Byrds – Byrds — I found this in our reshuffling and realized I had never put it in Discogs. I don’t know why. This is the Byrds twelveth and final album. Most of the press I see is less than stellar. But, The BCPF feels like she needs all of them and I’m not arguing over that! VG.

It was so good to see Jonathan again and just being in my favorite local store was a big relief. Jonathan had some good freshly-acquired vinyl and I noticed there was still a good bit of used stereos/turntables/speakers for sale. You gotta go by and check that out. You got Visa gift cards for Christmas, right!? Go invest in some vinyl!

Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables and hear what the TLD/UR Special of the Week is. Obviously, I use Discogs to track my collection, find what I may have, may need, and definitely want. And, as we found out (or confirmed what we already knew) whilst reshuffling our collection, it is great for the Random Grab!

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“Wickedness lies in your moistened lips. Your body moves just like the crack of a whip. Black cats lay atop your satin bed. You sure wish that you could see me dead. Evil woman, don’t play your games with me.” – “Evil Woman (Don’t Play Your Games With Me)” (Waggoner/Wiegand/Wiegand)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 11/9/19

10 Sunday Nov 2019

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Salutations™!!

We did get to go to Underdog Records yesterday but we didn’t get to listen to any of the loot. We were shopping for fixtures for the upgrades to the house and going to a housewarming party for a friend. We had a great day but it involved little music. Here’s the haul:

Ytblacktiger

©A&M

First, there is Regatta de Blanc from the Police but no one has put this reissue on Discogs yet and I don’t want to be the one that does, so I’m holding out for that. Anyway, A&M or someone is reissuing the whole Police catalog, but only Regatta and the next entry were released this week. Regatta is #New.

  • The Police – Zenyattà Mondatta — 2019 rerelease of The Police’s third album. New.
  • Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman — #263 on the RS list. This album is an amazing piece of work. There is much more to the album than just “Fast Car.” Some have called it a bit political but I think she passes that off as being subjective. Great album, again. VG+.
  • Y & T – Black Tiger — This was featured in the Eugeology series from 2017. It was entry #21. You can read my then commentary here. I haven’t listened since but I like to have things that could be musically important. This is the Japanese release and is in immaculate condition. NM.
  • David Bowie – Never Let Me Down — Released in 1987, this was the last solo album from Bowie until 1993. In between, he formed Tin Machine and still toured although he retired his back catalog. I don’t know what he was thinking there, really. I think he just wanted to recharge and reinvent. I don’t really know much about this album, but it was there and I grabbed it. VG++.
  • John Lennon – Walls And Bridges — Original cover with die-cut flaps. This was Lennon’s fifth solo record and had the hits “Whatever Gets You Through the Night” and “#9 Dream.” VG++.
  • Jethro Tull – Stand Up — I’ve never been a big fan of Tull, outside of a few songs here and there. I don’t know how I feel about this album, either, but I do like “A New Day Yesterday,” which I performed with Vagabond Saints Society when they did a night of Jethro Tull. EX/VG++.
  • George Harrison – Extra Texture (Read All About It) — Harrison’s sixth solo album, it was his final album under his contract with Apple Records and EMI, and the last studio album issued by Apple. There were a lot of superstar guest musicians and the album didn’t do very well. But, it is what it is. EX/VG++.
  • Faces – A Nod Is As Good As A Wink…To A Blind Horse — Faces’ third album and probably their defining moment. They were riding a high from Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May” solo hit and were ready to go. They shuffled up some of the lead vocal duties and that made some of the members frustrated, especially bassist Ronnie Lane.  Found this is the $1 bin and there are two more $1 albums that for whatever reason didn’t get into my Discogs collection. Well, one I know was because it wasn’t in Discogs and the other I must have just skipped. G+.

A good day and I hope to listen to these things soon. Jonathan was in a good mood and we had a few minutes to laugh and talk. I always love that. He has some new-to-the-store electronics for sale and he’s always adding new stock to the “freshly new” bins. Listen to the latest episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection and bring this “haul” to you.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Poets, priests, and politicians have words to thank for their positions. Words that scream for your submission. And no one’s jamming their transmission. Because when their eloquence escapes you, their logic ties you up and rapes you.” – “De Do Do Do De Da Da Da” (Sting)

The Renovation DJ or: Spinning the Reconstruction

05 Tuesday Nov 2019

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Salutations™!!

Today I got to spin some records whilst my house was being redone. Last night I received an email from the painter, Chris and he said he was listening to Thelonius Monk and said that he’d like to hear some Miles Davis on vinyl. I told him that I had him covered. So, when they got here this morning, I played Kind of Blue and Bitches Brew from Miles Davis.

ef828-maggotbrain

©Westbound

And, I played Welcome Back, My Friends, to the Show That Never Ends ～ Ladies and Gentlemen a live album from Emerson, Lake & Palmer from around 1974. It was a great listen. That was for the benefit of the HVAC folks who were taking the air handler out of the closet it was in.

Then, a random grab led me to Hunky Dory from Bowie. Then, because Chris’ worker asked me to play some funk, I threw some Maggot Brain from Funkadelic in for good measure. It was a good record listening day for me, I had fun and my house started to come back together. Yay me and The BCPF!

Let’s see what happens tomorrow!

Until then, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I once had a life, or rather, life had me. I was one among many or at least I seemed to be. Well, I read an old quotation in a book just yesterday. Said ‘Gonna reap just what you sow the debts you make you have to pay.’ Can you get to that?” – “Can You Get to That?” (Clinton/Harris)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 9/14/19

15 Sunday Sep 2019

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I slept late because we were out late, even though I didn’t get to play on Friday night. But, we did eventually get by to Underdog Records and had a little bit of listening time before our Saturday evening plans. Here’s the haul:

Tonight_(album)

©EMI America

  • Belle And Sebastian – Days Of The Bagnold Summer — When anything by Belle & Sabastian comes out, we jump on it. This is to a soundtrack of a film, I guess by the name of Days of the Bagnold Summer. It is a great album. If you’re not familiar with B&S, you should check them out. I understand it’s not for everyone but you never know, you may like it. New.
  • Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers – Southern Accents — Petty’s 1985 album that spawned “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” “Rebels” and “Make It Better (Forget About Me).” It’s a great album. EX/VG++.
  • Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough) — His follow up to the previous entry, this one had “Jammin’ Me,” “Runaway Trains,” “All Mixed Up” and “Think About Me” released as singles. A great album, as well. EX/VG++.
  • The Police – Ghost In The Machine — I had this one already but only in VG condition. I just couldn’t pass up a VG++ version. So, I’ll trade the other one in to Jonathan. This is tied for second of my favorite Police albums with Outlandos d’Amour, Reggatta de Blanc and Zenyatta Mondatta (yes, that is all their other albums) after Synchronicity. “Invisible Sun,” “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” “Spirits in the Material World” and “Secret Journey” were the singles but “Omegaman,” “Demolition Man,” “Rehumanize Yourself” and “Too Much Information” is also on this album.
  • David Bowie – Tonight — This may shock some people but the first time I ever heard of, or anything by, Bowie was “Blue Jean” from this album. I hated it. I don’t know why. It was because of the video on TBS’s Night Tracks music video program. Remember, I didn’t have MTV until 1986. I also didn’t have access to Bowie on the radio. I was so out of touch. That’s why I make it my mission, now, to absorb as much as I can. Bowie continues his writing with Iggy Pop on this album and does a Beach Boys cover (“God Only Knows” from Pet Sounds) and a Chuck Jackson cover (“I Keep Forgettin'”) and does a duet with Tina Turner on the title track. I love this album. VG++.
  • Chopin, Artur Rubinstein – Nocturnes (Complete) — You’ll see from the next few entries, there were a number of classical albums. This one first. It’s a 2xLP set of, well, the complete set of Nocturnes from ol’ Fred. VG.
  • Beethoven, Wiener Philharmoniker Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Pierre Monteux – Symphony No.3 In E Flat (“Eroica”) — Pretty much what it says. This one is NM and still sealed, although I’ll take care of that in the next little bit.
  • Luys Venegas de Henestrosa – Luys Venegas de Henestrosa (16th Century) “Libro de Cifra Nueva” — The “History of Spanish Music” series, this is a shload of harpsichord music. I don’t know how I feel about that. VG+.
  • Gustav Leonhardt, Johann Sebastian Bach – The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2 — 3xLP set that is in great condition and we got it from the $1 bin. VG+.
  • François Chantal – Piano At Twilight — I love piano music, this was in VG+ condition and in the $1 bin. Yes, please.
  • Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Love Beach — Released two days before my eighth birthday, this is the “nadir” of ELP’s output. It’s the last one before they split up. They didn’t play together again until 1992. Although, Keith Emerson and Greg Lake did join up with Cozy Powell for a whole different ELP in the mid-80s. That’s the first time I ever heard of ELP and didn’t know that Palmer was even a thing. Anyway, this is supposed to be earth-shatteringly awful which makes me want to hear it. According to Keith Emerson, the album was “an embarrassment against everything I’ve worked for.” It was $1 and goes in my ELP collection. A win for me, even if it does suck like a Hoover. VG/VG+.

When we got to Underdog Records yesterday, Jonathan had put out some doughnuts from Krispy Kreme and we each had one. Jonathan is always doing cool things for his customers. He has a lot of speaker pairs for sale right now, you should check out the Underdog Records’ Instagram and Facebook to see what he has. Plus, follow to see what he’s just picked up or acquired and is putting out for purchase. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear what the TLD/UR special of the week is!

I use Discogs to keep track of what I have so when I came across an album in the store I can look to see if I already have it. I was talking to another customer in the store and he says he gets home and realizes he already had a copy of something and just keeps it. I told him to use Discogs and that doesn’t happen as often. It does sometimes but not usually.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“I got my own way of workin’, but everything is run with a southern accent where I come from.” – “Southern Accents” (Petty)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 8/31/19

01 Sunday Sep 2019

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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.

In_the_Beginning_-_Journey

©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)

The King or: 42 Years

16 Friday Aug 2019

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Salutations™!!

I remember 42 years ago today, sitting with my mother in the “white house on the hill” watching Tic-Tac-Dough on a black and white television set and the news breaking in that Elvis Presley had passed away. It was shocking even though I didn’t care anything about Elvis (at the time). Friends of the family were rocked. It was bad for them.

Today would have also been my ex-wife’s father’s birthday. It was weird. My dad’s birthday is January 8, the day that Elvis was born, (as well as David Bowie) and hers the day he passed. RIP Ronnie.

So, here’s a little snippet of the man doing his thing. Supposedly the last song he ever sang live.

Long live the King!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Are you lonesome tonight? Do you miss me tonight? Are you sorry we drifted apart? Does your memory stray to a bright sunny day when I kissed you and called you sweetheart?” – “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” (Turk/Handman)

Sounds Like Saturday or: Shearwater

18 Saturday May 2019

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 40th anniversary of David Bowie’s Lodger album. An album that was mostly panned by critics and such. But, this is a great cover of “Fantastic Voyage.” AV Club comes through with Shearwater’s awesome cover (they did the whole Lodger album)! Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“We’re learning to live with somebody’s depression. And I don’t want to live with somebody’s depression. We’ll get by, I suppose. It’s a very modern world, but nobody’s perfect.” – “Fantastic Voyage” (Bowie/Eno)

Gone Solo or: Many Kisses (Part 2)

18 Tuesday Sep 2018

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Salutations™!!

The month of September is a huge month for KISS fans, even if they don’t know it. Why you may ask? Because the month of September is the anniversary month for the releases of TEN KISS albums. I’ve talked about Alive!, Animalize and Asylum.

20090517004510!Solo_inner_sleeve

©Casablanca Records

Now, today, September 18th is a doozie. In 1978, all four solo albums were released on this day. Three other KISS albums were released on this day as well, we’ll get to those.

Today is the 40th anniversary of the release of all four KISS solo albums. When I got into KISS, I was 7 going on 8 and that’s about when the whole Love Gun, Alive II, Double Platinum era was going on and then these were just coming out. Because of my newness to the band, I didn’t understand what was going on. I thought it was just 4 albums, one featuring songs by each member. I thought that was cool. And, in a way, it was. In other ways, it wasn’t. In many ways, actually.

While I pride myself on knowing my KISStory, at that time I had no such knowledge. I didn’t realize that Peter and Ace were both becoming victims of their own demons and weren’t pulling their own weight. They were constantly being pitted against Gene and Paul and were coming out on the losing side. As would be the case in any partnership/band/biz, that led to dissension. Ace and Peter were becoming more and more disillusioned with the “other side.” Gene and Paul were becoming less and less patient with Ace and Peter. Ace and Peter, whether right or wrong, felt that Gene and Paul were abusing their power and not allowing the others their creative freedom. Peter was threatening to quit as was Ace.  This is not just Gene’s and Paul’s long-heard version of the story, Sean Delaney backed this up when I talked with him several years ago. More on Sean later.

To keep the semblance of the band together, Gene and Paul, along with manager Bill Aucoin proposed that the individual members release their own album under the KISS moniker and let each showcase their influences, skills, desires, etc. Eraldo Carugati did the cover art of each and they looked cohesive, as they were supposed to. To the fans, including the newbies like me, it was to look like a cool thing they did in the name of creativity. I guess it was in some strange instances. They each dedicated their individual albums to each other, except Peter who added a dedication to Michael Benvenga who was in Chelsea and Lips with him, pre-KISS.

Ace’s album was all about the rock. Not, any pop or fluff really, even in the Russ Ballard tune, “New York Groove.” His guest list was not really extensive when you look at the other members’ tracks. He did recruit Anton Fig and Will Lee to play on his album, both of which would go on to be part of The World’s Most Dangerous Band from David Letterman. Fig would go on to be the drummer on the next two KISS studio albums (Dynasty and Unmasked) and when Ace finally blew the joint, he was part of Frehley’s Comet. Ace, being Ace decided he would do most of the other instruments himself, including most of the bass duties (Lee played on “Ozone,” “I’m in Need of Love” and “Wiped-Out”). There’s nothing wrong with that, he did it for the next few KISS albums, at least on his songs. Ace had Eddie Kramer produce his album (Ace co-produced it). Kramer was associated with Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, Beatles, and the list goes on. He also produced Alive! and Alive II. “New York Groove” was the only tune from this album that charted (#13). Ace’s was the only album to chart (#26) and was the highest selling.

Peter’s album was about soul, R&B, jazz, and rock and roll. kind of stuff. Peter’s background was in jazz drumming, not necessarily the hard rock that he was known for. His influences were older. Diverse. Most of the tracks on this record were written by Stan Penridge. The credits go to Penridge and Peter, but I’m suspicious of how much Peter actually wrote. He may have done some lyrics, I guess. Peter’s cover of Bobby Lewis’ “Tossin’ and Turnin'” was pretty good. KISS did it on the Dynasty tour, at least for a few shows. It was pretty awful from what I’ve heard of it. But, Sean Delaney wrote two songs on the album (“Rock Me Baby” and “I Can’t Stop the Rain”). What is remarkable about this is Sean actually produced Gene’s solo album but was asked to write for Peter. He did both. Peter had many guest musicians including Steve Lukather of Toto fame, Neil Jason (who also played all the bass on Gene’s album), Penridge, Allan Schwartzberg (who also played on Gene’s album and was credited as “additional drum overdubs” on several of the 80s-era KISS albums) and more. The album was produced by Vini Poncia who produced Dynasty and Unmasked. Incidentally, it’s the only one of the four that had a “credits insert” and the only one that released two singles, even though neither song charted.

Paul’s album has been touted as the “most KISS-like” and I disagree. I think that would be Ace’s (which could be one reason why I like it less). Now, Paul’s has KISS qualities but it sounds like Paul’s KISS songs. The addition of outside musicians changes the feel than that of a KISS album. I think Paul’s has the best-written tunes. A little bit of “Starchild” and a little bit of the “lover” is how I’d describe the album. Ballads, power-ballads, hard rocking tunes and some pop aspects. There’s not a song on this album that I don’t dig. While there are three songs (“Move On,” “Ain’t Quite Right” and “Take Me Away (Together as One)”) that were co-written by Mikel Japp, this is the only one of the four solo albums not to feature a cover tune. Paul had some notable guests on this album. Carmine Appice and Craig Krampf (co-writer of “Oh Sherrie” and session drummer for many big-named artists) on drums, and of course, Bob Kulick on guitar. Steve Buslowe played bass on side one and Eric Nelson on side two. I wonder if that was by design? I find it odd. The album was produced by Jeff Glixman who has worked with Kansas, Yngwie Malmsteen, Black Sabbath and more.

Gene’s album seems, to me, like a huge party. It’s like he gathered all of his friends, girlfriends, a previously-released KISS tune, bits of horror, hard rock, The Beatles and his favorite Disney films and threw himself a shindig. If I knew he wasn’t so straight-edged, that could be the case, but other than a few impromptu orgies, I don’t see the party happening. The album opens with something that reminds one of The Omen and is hellish before hitting the hard rock “Radioactive” which has a very cool (complete with choreographed dissonant passing notes) classical guitar interlude into “Burning Up With Fever” which on the original CD versions put both of those songs together and you had to either just listen through or fast forward to get to the latter. This is the only one of the four that re-recorded a KISS song (“See You In Your Dreams”) because he wasn’t happy with the original that was on Rock and Roll Over. Gene has always maintained that he learned English from watching Disney films. So, while it sticks out like a sore thumb on the album, it makes perfect sense that he’d cover “When You Wish Upon a Star” because hey, it gives him an extra tune and you love what you love, especially when it fits your story. Now, his guest list is incredible. He plays no bass on this album, just acoustic and electric guitar. He leaves the bass work to Neil Jason, who along with Allan Schwartzberg on drums, also played on Peter’s album. Elliot Randall, who is probably best known for his guitar solo on “Reelin’ in the Years” from Steely Dan handles most of the main guitar work but also, Rick Neilsen, Joe Perry, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter and Richie Ranno of Starz do guest spots. And back up singers? Bob Seger, Helen Reddy, Donna Summer, Cher, Janis Ian, Michael Des Barres and a then-unknown young lady by the name of Kate Sagal (yes, Peggy Bundy) all lent their voices. Sean Delaney, as I said, produced the album. Sean claimed, to me, that he never got paid for that job and that Gene cheated him. Again, that’s an allegation and not necessarily a fact. But, the fact that he and Gene had a falling out about this time and as far as I know never really reconciled, I can see it. It wasn’t my business and I hope they talked before Sean passed away in 2003.

You’ll notice the order in which I talked about the albums. This order is important because it is in reverse order my favorite/preferred list. Gene, Paul, Peter and Ace. I get looks and furrowed brows when I say Ace’s is my least favorite. There are several reasons for this. One, I just am not a huge fan of Ace’s. I feel he squandered an opportunity and let KISS fans down in general. Yes, Peter flaked first and was a little byotch about it. But, I felt we got the better deal because Eric Carr was a much better drummer and a rock drummer at that. Ace’s also is just boring to me. Don’t get me wrong, I like it, it’s just my least favorite. I felt the reason for the solo projects was to show a bit of freedom and influence and step out of the KISS box. If you’re going to sound like KISS, record a KISS album and don’t be a byotch. Peter, Paul and Gene all got experimental and showed range, for better or for worse. Don’t argue, you have your favorites and I have mine!

All four had cool posters that you pieced together and the ones I have on 180g vinyl (from Underdog Records, of course) are pretty good. I had to buy my Paul Stanley used and it is missing the poster. I never had all the posters as a kid, either, so I’m looking for a replacement. I talked earlier about the good and bad of the solo albums. I love them for what they are, in varying degrees. The bad, however, was that no matter how crappy Peter’s performed, he still thought he was better and needed more from KISS. They showed him the door. Ace, on the other hand, got bolder as his album did the best and it proved, at least in his head, that he was more important. I feel he was, but disagree with how he dealt with it. Plus, he and Peter’s demons really got in their way beyond “just ego.” What are your thoughts on the solo albums, Dear Reader? I know you’ll disagree on the Ace placement but it is how I see it.

This got a lot more overly verbose than I expected, so I’ll continue the others either in a separate post for today or just do it tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Until tomorrow (or later today), stay in the Useless Things Groove!
Scorp out!

—
“You were standin’ and I was thinkin’ ff all the time that I spend hangin’ around. Situation could only get better. I got closer to see what I found. In the mornin’, movin’ easy. Everything seems so right. But when the night comes, I’ve been dreamin’… Dreamin’ ’bout leavin’ you one more time. Girl, you gave me good love but it ain’t quite right.” – “Ain’t Quite Right” (Stanley/Japp)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul – Record Store Edition

22 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by in Records, Silent Sunday

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Salutations™!!

So, the thing I want to say first is this: as much as I don’t mind the cold, sitting outside when the temperature drops to 41° and the wind comes barreling in at 3:45am in the morning and you’re in line for the Super Bowl of Records and Vinyl. That “ish” sucks like a Hoover. But, that’s exactly what we did right outside of Underdog Records. The BCPF and I camped along with a few of our vinyl friends all night Friday night/Saturday morning to be the first four (actually six but two pairs and two individuals) in the door to make sure we get our wants/wishlist filled for Record Store Day.

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©Warner Bros.

 

We went to eat at Mary’s Gourmet Diner directly after and then we went home and crashed for FIVE hours. We got up and listened a little before heading to Willows Bistro to have dinner with friends of ours, The Johnsons. Anywhat! You came for the list, right? I will say that all of these are brand new/NM (because I’m opening them). I’ll also put down who wanted and/or picked it up (Scorp/The BCPF). Here is the list:

  • Fleetwood Mac – The Alternate Tango In The Night – I love the original Tango in the Night. I was kind of disappointed with this. I mean, it’s good, but I was hoping for true alternate takes of “Big Love” and “Everywhere.” There were cool things on it, but I didn’t get my full satisfaction out of it but that’s okay. I’ll listen over and over anyways. This was my top RSD priority. (Scorp)
  • Living Colour – “Live From CGGB’s” Tuesday 12/19/89 – Actually picked up by The BCPF. She saw them open for the Rolling Stones on this tour and wanted to capture it. I’d think it was a little out of her wheelhouse but I was happy she got it. I have always loved what I’ve heard from Living Colour. 2xLP. (The BCPF)
  • The Cure – Mixed Up – A remastered remix album that came out on my 20th birthday (which, by the way, means 1990) and The BCPF loved it. It’s on a 2xLP picture disc set and it’s pretty awesome. I loved the remixes, too. I hadn’t heard them before.  2xLP. (The BCPF)
  • The Cure – Torn Down: Mixed Up Extras 2018 – A sequel to the 1990 remix album Mixed Up. It is even more remixes, done by Robert Smith. 2xLP. (The BCPF)
  • Adam Sandler – They’re All Gonna Laugh At You! – My favorite Adam Sandler album. I got the only one that Jonathan got in. I don’t know how many he ordered but he only received one. I think it’s Sandler’s best. A mix of really great sketches and really good songs. There may be a clunker here and there but overall, it’s great! I’m glad I was where I was in line because the guy behind us wanted it and he drove all the way from New Bern to do his RSD shopping. Sorry, Jason. Looking at his haul though, I’d say he spent close to if not over $1000 that day, so I figured I saved him a few bucks. 2xLP. (Scorp)
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Ella At Zardi’s – Zardi’s Jazzland was a jazz-focused music venue in Los Angeles in the ’50s. It was world-famous and a lot of top-name jazz folks played there, including, Ella. There were only two of these that Jonathan got and it was a top priority for The BCPF, which because our pal Michael got the other, left our friend Bill out. Sorry, Bill. 2xLP (The BCPF)
  • Wilco – Live At The Troubadour L.A. 1996 – The BCPF is a Wilco fan and this is a 2xLP of the band in their heyday, at their peak. I like Wilco pretty well. It’s not my favorite but it is cool. (The BCPF)
  • The Sundays – Reading, Writing And Arithmetic – The absolute top priority for The BCPF, this completes the Sundays trilogy. It’s a reissue but she had them all on CD when she was younger. I’m glad she got it. (The BCPF)
  • Jeff Buckley – Live At Sin-é – The Sin-é Coffeehouse in Manhattan’s East Village was a jumping in point for a good amount of well-known musicians, including Mr. Buckley. This 4xLP is the complete version of his 4-song EP that was released in 1993. The “Legacy” collection (4xLP) was released in 2003 but only on CD. I could be wrong but I believe this is its first time released on vinyl. (The BCPF)
  • Madonna – The First Album – Picture disc of Madge’s first album with “Borderline,” “Holiday” and “Lucky Star.” It was surprisingly inexpensive. It will be fun listening to it. (The BCPF)
  • Neil Young – Roxy Tonight’s The Night Live – A live concert from Neil Young recorded in 1973, although the official release isn’t until next Saturday. Yay us for getting an early copy. It’s 2xLP but only three sides. The fourth side is etched. (The BCPF)
  • Pink Floyd – The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn – The mono version of the debut Pink Floyd album. I wasn’t going to get it but then I figured, I can’t not get it. I won’t get this chance again unless I am ready to pay 20% markup on them. I’ll admit this isn’t a favorite of mine but it is needed for the RS List (#347) but it’s a limited edition. (Scorp)
  • David Bowie – Welcome To The Blackout (Live London ’78) – As the title suggests, it’s live from 1978. Bowie wasn’t ever “not good” and I loved the late 70s/early 80s stuff. This is a 3xLP set, too. (Scorp)
  • David Bowie – Bowie Now – Compilation rerelease on white vinyl. (The BCPF)
  • Lou Reed – Animal Serenade – A 3xLP live album recorded in Los Angeles at the Wiltern Theatre in 2003 after The Raven. The show features a drummer-less band (including Mike Rathke on guitar/synth, bassist, vocalist Fernando Saunders, and the cello of Jane Scarpantoni). Reed delivers dramatic readings of some of his most compelling work. In addition, Anohni, of Antony and the Johnsons fame, contributes background vocals throughout and sings the lead on “Set The Twilight Reeling” and “Candy Says.” (The BCPF)
  • Duran Duran – Thanksgiving Live – The Ultra Chrome, Latex And Steel Tour – A 2xLP of Duran Duran on tour in 1997. (Scorp)
  • Duran Duran – Budokan – A brief live performance from Duran Duran in Japan. There are only nine songs, but they sound fantastic. Simon’s voice is on point and you can really hear everything coming through. (Scorp)
  • Dylan & The Dead – Dylan & The Dead – Just what it sounds like it would be. You can guess who picked this one up but I’ll give you a hint, it was not me. (The BCPF)
  • The Rolling Stones – Their Satanic Majesties Request – I’m very surprised this wasn’t on the RS List. A cool lenticular cover and gatefold packaging. I like KISS’ version of “2000 Man” better, but this isn’t bad. It’s on blue-splattered vinyl. (The BCPF)
  • Human League – Secrets – Vinyl debut and reissue of their 2001 album. (Scorp)
  • Sufjan Stevens – Mystery Of Love – 10″ transparent vinyl of Sufjan Stevens single from the soundtrack of Call Me By Your Name. (The BCPF)

So, by my count, that’s 13 for The BCPF and 7 for Scorp. Not a contest at all and it just is what it is. We both got what we wanted and that’s cool. The only thing I missed was the reissue of the Whitesnake ’87 album which I’ll find somewhere later. It was just a good haul. If I haven’t already told you how much we paid, privately, you’ll have to just guess. No reason to broadcast that, but I will say it was over $70.

Jonathan was swamped but in a great mood when we left, I hope it stayed that way and I hope he made all his money back and more. I believe he’s open today for a rare Sunday opening. That may have changed but may not have. Check the Underdog Records social media channels.

Surprisingly, Discogs had all of them in by the time I got to them, however, some were just the European versions (which should be about the same), so I’ll go looking for the US versions to make the collection listing more accurate. That’s it, I’m still tired and I’m out!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp is worn out!

—
“Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am home again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am whole again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am young again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am fun again.” – “Lovesong” (Smith/Gallup/Thompson/O’Donnell/Williams/Tolhurst)