Today is the anniversary of a lot of landmark albums. It was hard to pick one. Led Zeppelin III (49th anniversary), Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (46th), Joe Jackson’s I’m the Man (40th), Quadrophenia Soundtrack (40th), Speak & Spell, the debut from Depeche Mode (38th), Mike + The Mechanics (34th), Belinda Carlisle’s Heaven On Earth (32nd). Yeah, some of these may not be “landmark” but they were pretty big. I couldn’t choose, so The BCPF swooped in and, of course, picked this one, and it’s a really good cover. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “When I’m with you baby, I go out of my head. And I just can’t get enough. And I just can’t get enough. All the things you do to me and everything you said. I just can’t get enough. I just can’t get enough.” – “I Just Can’t Get Enough” (Clarke)
Again, full disclosure, I forgot to post this yesterday but will date it for yesterday.
Today is the 32nd anniversary of Depeche Mode’s Music for the Masses and The Smiths’ Strangeway, Here We Come. So, the song I picked got to say “Strange” in an effort to bridge the two. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “There’ll be times when my crimes will seem almost unforgivable. I give in to sin because you have to make this life livable. But when you think I’ve had enough from your sea of love, I’ll take more than another river full. Yes, and I’ll make it all worthwhile. I’ll make your heart smile.” – “Strangelove” (Gore)
Yesterday was a good day. The BCPF and I got up “early” and went to breakfast, then we ran to get a replacement battery for her phone and then headed to Underdog Records for some wax delights. We got some good stuff. It seems that the haul was slanted slightly toward The BCPF and that’s how most of it goes. That’s cool with me. “Happy wife” and all that. Here’s the haul:
Drab Majesty – Modern Mirror — 2x45LP meaning they’re played at 45 RPM instead of the usual 33 1/3. Nowhere on that record can I find it conspicuously saying that it is 45. Oh well. Drab Majesty sounds a lot like old Depeche Mode or even New Order in spots. But, it has a modern feel to it as well. I hear songs from this when I was making the commercial for Underdog on TLD this week. It’s in an awesome clear blue vinyl (also available in clear red). New.
Versus – On The Ones And Threes — One of the first albums that I bought for The BCPF when we started “talking” was this album on CD. It had just come out and she made a big deal about “Versus is getting back together.” They had been apart for a while and got back together and did this album. It’s a good one. 2xLP. New.
Depeche Mode – When Love Is Enough (Early Demos) — She found this in the “Imports” section. It’s not an official release but is an awesome release. To hear the early demos of songs I’ve been listening to for a while was pretty awesome. At times Dave Gahan/Martin Gore sounded like some singer from the 40s on a phonograph or crank record player. Not great production but so fun to listen to. VG++.
Bob Dylan – Bob Dylan At Budokan — Seems like in the 70s everyone was doing an “At Budokan” album. This is Dylan’s. I skipped it because I really don’t like Dylan live, especially in this time period. It’s just gonna be some swooping and yelling, I’m sure. But, The BCPF didn’t skip it (I knew she wouldn’t) and here it is. VG++.
Various – A Very Special Christmas — This album was a big deal back in 1987 and it is sealed, so I had to get it. The album has been certified quadruple platinum and has raised millions of dollars for the Special Olympics. Like I said, “sealed” so technically it’s “new.”
Jeff Tweedy – Together At Last (Loft Acoustic Session I) — This is basically in NM condition and the only reason it wasn’t $20 is that the jacket spine has some damage. Tweedy is the lead singer for Wilco and this is some solo stuff. In fact, it’s considered his first “solo record.” NM.
Michael Jackson – Off The Wall — #68 on the RS List, it’s MJ and Quincy Jones doing their thing in 1979. Features the songs “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You” and a plethora of A-List songwriters including Jackson himself, Rod Temperton, Carole Bayer Sager, David Foster and Sir Paul McCartney among others. VG+.
Fleet Foxes – The Electric Lady Session — I generally stay away from 7″ and 10″ singles/45s but it’s Fleet Foxes and my girl love Fleet Foxes so I made sure to get it for her. VG+.
John Cougar – John Cougar — The third (technically fourth) album by John Mellencamp and the first that he wasn’t called “Johnny Cougar” and the first on Riva Records. I have to say that the big hit on this album, “I Need a Lover,” annoys me. Really, the only thing that annoys me is that the intro goes on forever, for no reason. The rest of the song is great. And, I have to say, this is probably one of my favorite Mellencamp albums. I loved every song on it and really enjoyed listening. I’m glad I have it. VG++.
Graham Nash – Songs For Beginners — I got this for The BCPF. She didn’t even know I had it until we got home. Yay me! VG.
Mantovani And His Orchestra – Italia Mia — $1 bin find. You know we scour the $1 bin (as well as the regular bins) to find music from different countries. We’re suckers for that, as I’ve stated ad nauseam. Even though most of the records in the $1 bin aren’t in the most pristine shape, this one didn’t even need to be cleaned. Jonathan doesn’t rate $1 albums but I’m stepping out and saying this is VG+.
Had a great visit at Underdog Records yesterday. Got to talk with Jonathan. Got to be around records, which I absolutely love. Got to talk about a-holes that park incorrectly in the parking lot across the street and how it messes up the symmetry of the rest of the day. Saw a friend whose name I can’t really remember right now, but she was buying records and I love when new collectors come and browse. Just a good day. Then the Cobras had a game and won 72-0 and Ma ‘Rents, and Aunt and Uncle and My Sis and Bro-in-Law got to hear me in action. Great day all around. Oh, listen to the newest The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week.
I also use Discogs to track my collection. I am not ashamed (nor sorry) that I held up the “freshly used” section to look at my Discogs to see if I had stuff. This is what I do, dang it! Just kidding-ish.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “Well, Shakespeare threw down his pencil. Said, I think I’m gonna start layin’ brick. Too much of this Romeo stuff enough to make anybody sick. ‘To be or not to be,’ I mean, what’s that supposed to mean? I’m changin’ my image tomorrow. Be a groupie, make the scene.” – “Pray for Me” (Mellencamp/Bec Var)
I admit that other than working a major Quickbooks snafu and cooking with 3B, I did nothing today. Still enjoying my mini holiday. So, with that, I don’t really feel like typing much today. So, instead, I’ll leave a video. Because I’m in a mood for it, here’s a Depeche Mode cover from Message to Venus.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“Come with me into the trees. We’ll lay on the grass and let the hours pass. Take my hand. Come back to the land. Let’s get away just for one day. Let me see you stripped down to the bone.” – “Stripped” (Gore)
Today in record release history has been the largest that I’ve had since I started doing the “X years ago today this album was released” posts. If it’s not something I have for releases, I move on to birthdays and today, I didn’t even get to that, much less the deathdays. So, let’s run down what I did have today first.
Elvis Presley —— Elvis Presley ► Rock n Roll >> 1956 Genesis —— …And Then There Were Three… ► Prog Rock >> 1978 Van Halen —— Van Halen II ► Hard Rock >> 1979 Journey —— Departure ► Prog/Art Rock >> 1980 ZZ Top —— Eliminator ► Blues-Rock >> 1983 Ratt —— Out Of The Cellar ► Heavy Metal >> 1984 Howard Jones —— Dream Into Action ► New Wave Synth-Pop >> 1985 Depeche Mode —— Songs Of Faith And Devotion ► Synth-Pop >> 1993
That’s eight! However, I did find after posting that the Howard Jones album didn’t actually come out yesterday but March 11. The site that I use, mainly, had it wrong or at least had it right and I can’t find any evidence to corroborate it. It happens, but that’s not important. This was a big day for releases. But, beyond what I had there were more.
● Bobby Darin —— That’s All ► Pop-Rock >> 1959
● Dionne Warwick —— Dionne Warwick In Valley Of The Dolls ► Pop-Soul >> 1968
● King Crimson —— Lark’s Tongues In Aspic ► Prog Rock >> 1973
● Roxy Music —— For Your Pleasure ► Prog Rock >> 1973
● Judas Priest —— Sad Wings Of Destiny ► Heavy Metal >> 1976
● Bob Marley & The Wailers —— Kaya ► Roots Reggae >> 1978
● Rick Springfield —— Success Hasn’t Spoiled Me Yet ► Power Pop >> 1982
● Fates Warning —— No Exit ► Heavy Metal/Progressive >> 1988
● Joni Mitchell —— Chalk Mark In A Rain Storm ► Folk-Rock >> 1988
● ZZ Top —— Recycler ► Blues-Rock >> 1990
● The Fall —— Code: Selfish ► Post-Punk >> 1992
● Dwight Yoakam —— This Time ► Alt Country-Rock >> 1993
● The Mothers Of Invention —— Ahead Of Their Time ► Art Rock >> 1993
● Everclear —— Sparkle And Fade ► Grunge-Punk >> 1995
● Iron Maiden —— Virtual XI ► Heavy Metal >> 1998
● A+ —— Hempstead High ► Pop-Rap >> 1999
● Elton John & Various Artists —— Elton John And Tim Rice’s Aida ► Pop-Rock >> 1999
● Gov’t Mule —— Live…With A Little Help From Our Friends, Vol. 2 ► Southern Rock/Jam Rock >> 1999
● Mark Knopfler —— Metroland [Sndtrk] ► Roots Rock >> 1999
● Peter Pan Speedrock —— Killermachine ► Punk Rock >> 2000
● Jerry Garcia Band —— Shining Star ► Roots Rock >> 2001
● Eddie Money —— Let’s Rock ‘N Roll The Place ► Album Rock >> 2003
● Eric Clapton —— Me And Mr. Johnson ► Blues-Rock >> 2004
● Guns N’ Roses —— Greatest Hits ► Hard Rock >> 2004
● Lou Reed —— Animal Serenade ► Album Rock >> 2004
● Ringo Starr —— Tour 2003 ► Pop-Rock >> 2004
● Triumph —— A Night Of Triumph ► Arena Rock >> 2004
● Kansas —— Miracles Out Of Nowhere ► Prog/Arena Rock >> 2015
Now, a lot of days there are a lot but I just don’t have many of them. But, today, I had eight and the rest of the list was pretty impressive, too. Anywhat I just thought it was interesting. Do you have any of these, Dear Reader? Tell me about them!
Note: I wrote this yesterday but had, just finished when I had to pick up 3B from school, I forgot to send it. So, I wrote it but forgot to post it, so sorry about that.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “Stay with me, my love I hope you’ll always be. Right here by my side if ever I need you. Oh, my love. In your arms, I feel so safe and so secure. Every day is such a perfect day to spend alone with you.” – “Follow You Follow Me” (Banks/Collins/Rutherford)
I’m sure we’ll play this today on vinyl, but we’re celebrating the 1986 release of Depeche Mode’s Black Celebration album and this is probably my favorite song on it, so here ya go. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “Come with me into the trees. We’ll lay on the grass and let the hours pass. Take my hand. Come back to the land. Let’s get away just for one day. Let me see you stripped down to the bone.” – “Stripped” (Gore)
So, I know the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is at times controversial, sometimes political and always polarizing subject. Some think it’s contrived, others a complete waste of time. I have been critical of their inability to nominate qualified artists over some that have been sketchy at best.
Now, I know opinion is a major boiling point in things like this. I don’t like this band so they shouldn’t be in there. How can they say that’s rock and roll!? Where’s KISS!? They let N.W.A. in? Those are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the HOF. I was guilty of that, as I’ve said (and said above). But, I have to look beyond my personal tastes (because there’s not account for that I’ve always been told) and look to the importance of the artist.
First off, what constitutes Rock and Roll? Is it just a genre of music that includes predetermined instruments with or without vocals? Or, does it go beyond that and stretch into attitudes as well? My admitted idol, Gene Simmons, sparked a bit of controversy last year over the inclusion of N.W.A. in the HOF. According to Rolling Stone, Gene said this to Ice Cube: “Respectfully, let me know when Jimi Hendrix gets into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. Then you’ll have a point.” Ice Cube shot back about Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Chubby Checker inventing rock and roll and, from what I can understand, Cube made it about race (but… wasn’t Jimi black?). Gene said in response: “You’ve got Grandmaster Flash in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Run-D.M.C. in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? You’re killing me. That doesn’t mean those aren’t good artists. But they don’t play guitar. They sample and they talk. Not even sing.” I don’t know that I agree with him on that part. Yeah, rap is a different animal altogether but I believe what Cube said in response to that part was all telling: “I respect Gene Simmons, but I think he’s wrong on this because rock & roll is not an instrument and it’s not singing. Rock & roll is a spirit. N.W.A is probably more rock & roll than a lot of the people that he thinks belong there over hip-hop. We had the same spirit as punk rock, the same as the blues.”
I want to focus on six words in that last part. Rock & roll is a spirit.
It took me a long time to realize that. It wasn’t something that I liked, therefore it wasn’t something that needed to be in the Hall of Fame. Well, bullstein on that! Anyone can look at my music reviews on this blog in particular and tell that I am no expert on anything other than my opinion. My backstory and history and the music industry’s backstory and history don’t necessarily run in the same circles. I like what I like and I’m pretty staunch in those things, right or wrong, I’m there. What I like compared to what most others like is hit or miss (usually leaning more toward the “miss”) and certainly my ideas on what something should be is just a personal incantation. It’s not gospel or even informed a lot of the time. That’s one reason why with the Eugeology list, I have tried to pay very close attention, do some research and craft the proper responses and or thoughts for each entry. Rock and roll is a state of mind, or, well, spirit.
This brings us back to the HOF and the inductees for 2018 have been announced. First, let’s see who was actually nominated this year: The Meters, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, J. Geils Band, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, Link Wray, Moody Blues, Dire Straits, Eurythmics, Judas Priest, Kate Bush, Rage Against the Machine, Depeche Mode, The Zombies, The MC5, The Cars, LL Cool J, Bon Jovi, Nina Simone and Radiohead.
I voted many times (you were allowed one per IP addy, per day) and my votes were always the same with one alternating. I voted for The Cars, Depeche Mode, Radiohead, Nina Simone, Dire Straits, and Eurythmics. I guess my newfound love for first wave/new wave was showing. However, three of those actually made it in. I wasn’t not for Judas Priest, The Zombies, Kate Bush or MC5 to get in, I would have been fine with them, as well. But, not who I was voting for this time. The final list was as such: Bon Jovi, Nina Simone, Dire Straits, Moody Blues, The Cars and listed as “an early influencer,” Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe. I hate that title for her, “early influencer.” I’m not a fan of blues and I’ve made no bones about that, but man this lady could wail some serious blues guitar and she sang like nobody’s business. She belted her tunes with major conviction and regardless of whether she was relevant mostly in the 1940s or not, I believe if she’s worthy of being in, she’s worthy of being in. It doesn’t need a special category. At least not in that direction. She deserves to be here because she was influential to many of the top blues musicians, either directly or indirectly. I wanted a few YouTube vids to get myself more acquainted with her style and man, it was pretty great. Yeah, I just said that.
Nina Simone, it’s about danged time. She stood out. There was none like her. She was scary, too. She thought nothing of pointing out someone in the audience that was being an idiot or disruptive and she’d tear you a “new one” anytime she thought you were wronging her. Great musician and great raspy, yet smooth vocals. My first introduction to her was in the film Point of No Return (the Americanized La Femme Nikita) which wasn’t that great of a film but whatever. I also loved her version of “Black is the Color of My True Love’s Hair” (the Jaffa Remix). And, she’s a North Carolina girl! She’s from Tryon, NC.
The Cars were never known for their dynamic stage presence, but they wrote some catchy-arsed tunes. Their first album is darn near perfect start to finish and I really dug Heartbeat City, as well. They were the inspiration for a good many new wave and mainstream artists alike. One of my votes, I am glad they’re getting in. I hate Ben Orr won’t be here to see it.
Dire Straits. I was never a “fan” per se, but they have some serious moments. Brothers in Arms is a fantastic and powerful album from end-to-end, even if you leave in “Money for Nothin'” and “Walk of Life.” As overplayed as those songs were, they were well written and what guitarist isn’t at least a little bit jealous they didn’t write the opening riff of “Money?” I have to admit I didn’t know what that song was about until about two years ago. It snapped and I was like… wait! It’s about that!? I don’t know what I thought it was about, really. But, it’s a little twinge of jealousy from two working joes that they have to do all this heavy lifting and these “yoyos” playing their guitars get paid for nothing. Not true of course, but we all choose our “work.” Of course, their career is far beyond that album forward and backward. Mark Knopfler is a great guitarist and his work onthe soundtrack for The Princess Bride was quite awesome. I’m glad they got in.
I really know very little of Moody Blues other than that sappy arsed “Nights in White Satin,” “I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)” and 1986’s “Your Wildest Dreams.” I know I should know more. I will probably get educated on my lack of knowledge by those who read this blog. I would go as far as saying that I want to know more. I do have The Other Side of Life on vinyl (with the aforementioned “Your Wildest Dreams”). Perhaps that will go on soon. I know it’s a pale representation of the band’s collective work but you gotta start with what you’ve got, right? I guess.
Bon Jovi. Bon Jovi. Hmmm… Okay, I’ll admit it. I like Bon Jovi from New Jersey back. My favorite album from them is the first one, cleverly called Bon Jovi. It was piano/keyboard driven rock and I liked that. “Love Lies” and “Shot Through the Heart” are great. On CD the only one of those in the range I mentioned that I don’t have is 7800° Fahrenheit. I don’t know why, either. I know they get a bad rap when it comes to rock and roll. It was cheesy and hair bandy, sure. But, they sold records and they put on a good show. The songs, as juvenile and over-polished as they sometimes were, were well-written. I can’t complain about them, really. Plus, they outright beat the pants off the other nominees in the fan votes. I mean it wasn’t even close. The fan vote was easily twice as many as the next closest nominee if not three times. It was crazy. I knew they’d not have a problem getting in, so I never voted for them.
Well, that’s my thoughts on this. I will probably get wrung for it, but hey, it’s the way it is. What are your thoughts, Dear Reader? Who do you feel should be in the HOF that isn’t? Of what are your thoughts on the HOF in general? What could be done to make it a more legitimate accolade? Is it already legit? Answer me those things. Thanks in advance.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “I don’t mind you coming here and wasting all my time. Cause when you’re standing oh so near I kinda lose my mind. It’s not the perfume that you wear. It’s not the ribbons in your hair. And I don’t mind you coming here and wasting all my time.” – “Just What I Needed” (Ocasek)
Per IMDb: “A noble underachiever and a beautiful valedictorian fall in love the summer before she goes off to college.”
Lloyd Dobler (Cusack) starts obsessing over Diane Court (Skye) at their high school graduation. She’s the valedictorian, and most assume she’s “out of his league.” She has won a fellowship to attend school in England and her father, Jim (Mahoney), couldn’t be happier. Jim is the owner of a retirement home and is his daughter’s best friend, after the divorce from her mother. They have a good bit of money and that adds to the ways that Diane and Lloyd are different, although neither of them cares.
Jim is worried that Lloyd may be a detriment to Diane’s upcoming matriculation in England; afraid that she’ll want to stay home instead of going. The more the two teens get involved, the more Jim becomes less tolerant of Diane’s “freedoms.” It doesn’t help that the IRS is investigating Jim on fraud charges through the retirement home. Do the crazy kids stay together? Do they break up? What happens with the IRS? You’ll have to watch to find out.
As usual, Joan Cusack plays in the film with her brother, John. She doesn’t give any Oscar-winning performances but that wasn’t what she set out to do, in this film. It was so strange seeing John Mahoney with dark hair and playing a role outside of Martin Crane, Frasier’s father in the television series. There are times when you don’t like him and I’m not used to that with him, either. There are times when you certainly do like him, though.
The BCPF thinks Ione Skye got the part because she’s pretty while I think she is an awful actress and looks like a horse. As the film went on it was like she learned to act. The acting was less atrocious from her the deeper the film went. Beyond that, I think that she and Cusack (who can act) actually had good screen chemistry.
Another Frasier cast member, Bebe Neuwirth (she played Frasier’s ex-wife, Lillith), made an appearance here, as well. Other cameos include Jeremy Piven, Chynna Phillips, Eric Stoltz and Lili Taylor.
Probably the most notable thing about this film is its soundtrack. One of the most famous scenes of teen-driven dramedies happens in this film: the iconic holding of the boombox playing “In Your Eyes” from Peter Gabriel (off my favorite album of all-time). Cusack reenacted that onstage at a Peter Gabriel show a few years ago. In addition to PG, the soundtrack included Nancy Wilson of Heart (her husband, Cameron Crowe wrote the film), Depeche Mode, The Replacements, Cheap Trick, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Living Colour and Joe Satriani. It’s a great soundtrack and the songs fit well in the film.
Overall, I think it was a decent film. Not my favorite of teen films but it was pretty good. Rotten Tomatoes has it at 98% Fresh with an Audience Score of 85%. IMDb has it at 7.4 stars out of 10. We rented it from Amazon Prime and I will rate it 4 stars out of 5. Have you seen it? What would you like to hear/read me review?
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “One question: are you here ’cause you need someone, or ’cause you need me?… Forget it, I don’t care.” – Lloyd Dobler
Underdog Records closed on Saturday (through this Tuesday) for a bit of “respite.” Never fear though, I still went there Friday (twice) and got a nice haul for the weekend. This is what it looked like:
Man… we are certainly gonna need a new cabinet soon. We’ve started on the last cube of the 8 cube cab. It’s coming. Underdog will be open again on Wednesday. You can find them at 825 Burke Street in WSNC. Listen to The Less Desirables to hear what the weekly Underdog/TLD special is. And, use Discogs for your cataloging of LPs and CDs and hit me up, we can share collections.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “It’s all the same, only the names will change. Everyday, it seems we’re wastin’ away. Another place where the faces are so cold. I drive all night just to get back home. I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride. I’m wanted dead or alive. Wanted dead or alive.” – “Wanted Dead or Alive” (Sambora/Bon Jovi)
Great stuff. A lot of $1 bin things that I’ve already run through the “record washer.” They usually clean up enough to be enjoyable and sometimes you get those that are NM after the cleaning. Those are true finds! Go see Jonathan at Underdog Records and if you don’t have a turntable, he has some for sale, some hi end and some starter level. And, there’s a $1500 Marantz receiver there on consignment. There’s an audiophile on my friend/follow list that definitely wants that… I know it.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“I hear the drums echoing tonight. But, she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation. She’s coming in, 12:30 flight. The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation. I stopped an old man along the way, hoping to find some long forgotten words or ancient melodies. He turned to me as if to say, ‘Hurry boy, it’s waiting there for you!'” – “Africa” (Paich/Porcaro)
