The BCPF and I both got our do’s did yesterday and we both feel much better. Lunch and records, then dinner with friends. It was a good Saturday! Here’s the haul!
Of Monsters And Men – My Head Is An Animal — An Icelandic band that The BCPF digs. This is their debut album from 2011. 2×Vinyl Limited Edition, Reissue, Pink Splatter on White. New.
My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges — Another band that The BCPF likes. We actually saw them in Greensboro sometime after we started dating in the old War Memorial Auditorium. 2 x Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Album, Repress, Cream with Black Blob. New.
Colin Hay – Going Somewhere — A reissue from the former frontman of Men At Work. We saw Colin in Charlotte on The BCPF’s 35th or 36th birthday. Limited edition of 1000 on white vinyl. New.
Underdog Records is still on mask wearing and will be for the foreseeable future. It’s air conditioned in there so don’t complain you’ll get to hot or that it’s uncomfortable and all that jazz. None of us like it and if everyone would have done their parts we wouldn’t be in this mess. But, he’s been getting a lot of stuff in, from equipment to freshly used and brand new albums (including reissues). Check out their Instagram and Facebook for “breaking news” from Underdog about what Jonathan has just gotten in. You can order new vinyl 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. I use Discogs for my collection and you should, too.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “I can’t stop the way I feel. Things you do don’t seem real. Tell me what you’ve got in mind cause we’re running out of time. Won’t you ever set me free? This waiting ’round’s killing me. She drives me crazy, like no one else. She drives me crazy, and I can’t help myself.” – “She Drives Me Crazy” (Steele/Gift)
First, let me say, it’s the 52nd anniversary of the start of Woodstock today (you’d have known that if you listened to today’s episode of Beeswax Vinyl Daily). Second let me say that we listened to no records yesterday as we had a food and beverage event and a work event for The BCPF. We did buy a mini stack of records, though. Here’s the haul:
Sting – My Songs — This is the second studio album to feature new renditions of previously released material (after 2010’s Symphonicities). It involves both solo and Police stuff. I think I may have listened to this on streaming a while back. It is sealed for now, but we’ll crack that bad boy open in a little bit. New.
Depeche Mode – Angels And Black Swarms — This is on the back cover: “Black Swarm” was the alias which Reprise and Mute Records used for Depeche Mode, on the pre-released promo copies of “Playing The Angel” and “Precious” single, in order to avoid the album leaking out before its release date. Each copy has an individual number and the name of the person it was sent to, printed on it. I am not quite sure what any of that means. I see nothing on this cover, so it must be referring to the original copies. Grey marbled cover. It is an unofficial import and is “new.”
The XX – XX — One of the many, many upsides to doing the Beeswax Vinyl Daily and having Underdog Records as a sponsor, is finding things that I didn’t know that I liked. This celebrated an anniversary this past week and I liked what little I heard. New (and the name should be The xx and the album is xx, but Discogs doesn’t like when every first letter isn’t capitalized).
Depeche Mode – Some Great Reward — The fourth DMode album. This has Master and Servant, Blasphemous Rumors and People Are People on it. I love all of those songs and most everything that DMode does. VG+.
Fleetwood Mac – Never Break The Chain — The legendary broadcast, apparently from The Forum, Inglewood, California 21st october 1982. Limited edition on blue vinyl. VG/VG+. There is a scratch one a side but according to the sales label from Jonathan, he doesn’t hear it affecting the sound.
Billie Holiday – Lady Sings The Blues — This is a Brazilian import of this album. The track listing features no song that is on the American release of the same name. It doesn’t even have the title track on this version. The BCPF wanted it and well, you know how that goes, right? VG+.
Various – Jesus Christ Superstar — Yes, I already have this, but this is the 1980 reissue (the original happened just a month before I was born in 1970). Better yet, this is still sealed, so it will be NM/New. I love this rock opera/musical and can’t get enough of it. So, I’ll keep my older copy, too, but I want the vinyl as clean as possible. New.
I was glad we got to stop in and see Jonathan and buy some groovy vinyl before our day of booze, brews and chews. The store is back to people wearing a mask for the time being, so be aware of that. He had a lot of new stuff in the “Freshly Used” section, too. You can shop the brand new stuff (including reissues and such) by visiting the website. I use Discogs to track my collection and to do this blog. You should, too!
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “What’s the buzz, tell me what’s a-happening? Why should you want to know? Don’t you mind about the future? Don’t you try to think ahead? Save tomorrow for tomorrow. Think about today instead. I could give you facts and figures, even give you plans and forecasts, even tell you where I’m going.” – “What’s the Buzz/Strange Thing Mystifying” (Rice/Lloyd-Webber)
This is this week’s and last week’s hauls together as this week was slammed with video projects. I’m jumping out at it because I have several to go through… Here’s the hauls:
Madonna – Ray Of Light — This is #367 on the RS list that matters and #222 on the one that doesn’t. Comes with color printed inner sleeves with lyrics, credits & pictures. Matte cover, not laminated. 2×LP. New.
Aretha Franklin – I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You — #84 on the RS list that matters and inexplicably #13 on the one that doesn’t. It’s good, yes, but that good? No. No way. Uh-uh. Forget it. From the hype sticker: Soul Queen Aretha Franklin’s 1967 breakthrough studio album – Featuring signature song “Respect” – Original Mono Recording – 180 Gram Vinyl. New.
Wye Oak – Civilian — This duo out of Baltimore are on Merge Records and we know what that means! Merge Records = The BCPF gets it. This man/woman duo is full instrumentation. Jenn Wasner plays guitar/bass/keys/vox and Andy Stack plays drums and keyboards. He plays the drums with his feet and his right hand and plays bass lines and such with his left. New.
U2 – Wide Awake In America — I had this on vinyl, but it’s just a club edition (not that I care about that part) in VG condition (I DO care about that part). This is a remastered, 180g reissue that was in NM condition. I couldn’t pass that up.
4/24:
Yes – Yes — The bands 1969 debut studio album. Two of the members, Jon Anderson (vox) and Chris Squire (bass), would stay with the band for quite a while, well on and off. Anderson would leave and come back, leave and come back. Squire was the bass player until his death in 2015. 2×LP, Reissue, Remastered, 180 GR, Gatefold, Embossed. New.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Mother’s Milk — This is the first album from RHCP that I ever knew of and still only heard the Stevie Wonder cover, “Higher Ground.” I respect the heck out of RHCP, all the way around, but I just can’t really get into them. The BCPF picked this one out, but I’m glad she did. I am glad to have it in the arsenal. Reissue on 180 gram Vinyl as part of the Capitol From The Vaults Series. New.
Tears For Fears – The Seeds Of Love — This was the 1989 follow-up to 1985’s megahit Songs from the Big Chair. It didn’t quite have the same punch but the title song alone is worth the price of admission. Reissue, Remastered, 180 gram. New.
Genesis – Selling England By The Pound — The penultimate Peter Gabriel Genesis album. I couldn’t tell you a single song from this album without looking it up (I would have guessed “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)” and would have been right, but not for certain). But, I didn’t have it and I wanted it. So, there. Deluxe Edition, Mixed, Reissue, Remastered – Half Speed Mastering. 2008 Mixes by Nick Davis & Genesis. 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl. New.
Peter Murphy – Should The World Fail To Fall Apart — Murphy’s debut solo album from 1986 following his departure from Bauhaus. By the way, the other three members of Bauhaus (Daniel Ash, David J (and his brother), Kevin Haskins) formed Tones on Tail (at least Ash and David J) and subsequently Love and Rockets. Anyway, this sounds great. That deep voice and synth-poppiness are fantastic here. I dug it. Reissue, Gatefold, Blue Vinyl. New.
Bauhaus – The Bela Session — Speaking of Bauhaus, 2018 limited edition colored vinyl (I think, we haven’t opened it yet) 12″ EP. New.
So, that’s the haul from the last two weeks. I think it’s a good haul. Record Store Day is coming in June and July and the list is available if you go to the RSD website. Jonathan has suspended Underdog Records store-to-porch deliveries due to a problem with his vehicle after a car in front of him kicked up a piece of shrapnel and it was hurled at the car like a spear. So, I’ll keep you informed when or if he resumes. Or you can watch the Underdog Records social media for more accurate and timely news about it. You can order new vinyl, anytime, day or night, by visiting the Underdog Records website. I use Discogs to track and document my record collection. You should, too.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “High time we made a stand and shook up the views of the common man. And, the love train rides from coast to coast. D.J.’s the man we love the most. Could you be, could you be squeaky clean and smash any hope of democracy? As the headline says you’re free to choose, there’s egg on your face and mud on your shoes. One of these days they’re gonna call it the blues, yeah, yeah.” – “Sowing the Seeds of Love” (Orzabal/Smith)
This week marks the 28th anniversary of Depeche Mode’s Songs of Faith and Devotion. It doesn’t have the mega hits the other DM had, but it has great songs. Like this one. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “I would tell you about the things they put me through, the pain I’ve been subjected to. But the Lord himself would blush. The countless feasts laid at my feet. Forbidden fruits for me to eat. But I think your pulse would start to rush.” – “Walking In My Shoes” (Gore)
We got very little listening in yesterday as we had several other “errands” or “just wanted to dos” but, we got some in. It was a chilly but beautiful day yesterday. Here’s the haul:
Oasis – (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? — #378 on the RS list that matters and rises to #157 on the one that doesn’t. This song has two of my faves on here, “Champagne Supernova” and “Wonderwall.” Yeah, you know me, I’m all about “the hits.” 2×LP, Reissue. Remastered double heavyweight vinyl – includes download code for album, bonus unreleased tracks & rarities. New.
Depeche Mode – Gone To The U.S.A. — Compilation, Unofficial Release, Red Vinyl. Remixed tunes, imported album. Some interesting remixes on this album. The red vinyl is beautiful. New.
The Beatles – With The Beatles — With one of the most imitated covers in music history, this was the band’s second album, released on the same day that JFK was assassinated. Stereo remastered album on heavyweight 180g vinyl. This album has been prepared using the 2009 digital remasters which had been created from the original stereo analogue master tapes. New.
The Beatles – Beatles For Sale — This is The Beatles’ fourth album, which is probably my least favorite of their stuff. It’s sandwiched between A Hard Day’s Night and Help! which are my two favorite “early Beatles” albums. Manufactured on 180-gram, audiophile quality vinyl with replicated artwork. This album has been prepared using the 2009 digital remasters which had been created from the original stereo analogue master tapes. Gatefold, I think. New.
Simon & Garfunkel – Bookends — This album was at the ridiculously high number of #234 on the RS list that matters and fell completely off for the one that doesn’t, which verifies just one of the reasons why it doesn’t matter. A scandalous atrocity! This album contains one of the greatest songs ever recorded, “America.” It also has “Mrs. Robinson” and “A Hazy Shade of Winter.” New.
Morrissey – I’m A Poet — Unofficial release. Recorded for FM Broadcast at the Balch Fieldhouse, part of the University of Colorado, Boulder on 1st of October 1992. Import. New.
Ramones – Rocket To Russia — #106 on the RS list that matters and #385 on the one that doesn’t. I’ve never been a fan of the Ramones, it’s like weird punk mixed with surfing music and 50s nostalgia. I listened to the album when I did the 500 and I remember that I didn’t really care for it other than “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker.” But, this listen wasn’t so bad. Some of it was redundant and classic crap that I don’t like, but some of it was enjoyable. New.
a-ha – Scoundrel Days — The second studio album by Norwegian new wave band a-ha. “Water drops” on front and back cover are embossed. Glossy inner sleeve contains lyrics and credits. I loved Hunting High and Low and hope this one is as good. I have no reason to believe it won’t be. NM/EX.
Kings Of Convenience – Quiet Is The New Loud — The debut album by Norwegian indie pop duo Kings of Convenience, released on January 29, 2001. This is an über rare album and The BCPF saw Norwegian, indie pop, duo, and had to have it. Now this is only in Good condition because there is a lot of surface wear. This could be anything, but, I’m going to guess it was from neglect and over-playing. The cover is in at least VG/VG+.
Saint-Saëns / Franck – Rubinstein, Wallenstein, Symphony Of The Air – Concerto No. 2 / Symphonic Variations — To be clear, Side A is “Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 22” from one of my favorite composers, Camille Saint-Saëns. Side B is “Symphonic Variations” from César Franck. Both are performed by Symphony Of The Air which was some of the core members of the newly-disbanded NBC Symphony Orchestra. Both sides are conducted by Alfred Wallenstein, featuring Artur Rubinstein on piano. EX.
A big haul this week. I didn’t even realize that the Saint-Saëns piece was in there. The BCPF snuck it in. Underdog Records was jumping and even more so when we were leaving. The capacity is now at 10 customers at a time and he was about maxed out when we took off. He’s had to expand the “freshly used” section because he’s getting to a lot of things and getting them put out. That’s cool. Good stuff to choose from. If you’re in to heavy metal and I mean the real heavy stuff – death/black/cryptic – then he’s got plenty for you. But, don’t worry, there are plenty of other great selections, too. The store is open from 11a-7p Wednesday through Saturday and Jonathan does deliveries (weather permitting) Monday and Tuesday. You should watch the Underdog Records social media. Instagram is Jonathan’s platform of choice. You can shop new vinyl, day or night, 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. I use Discogs to track my collection and also make sure I’m not getting unwanted duplicates. Or, may it helps me with the wanted duplicates?
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “‘Kathy,’ I said as we boarded a Greyhound in Pittsburgh. ‘Michigan seems like a dream to me now.’ It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw. I’ve gone to look for America.” – “America” (Simon)
Today is the 35th anniversary of Depeche Mode’s fantastically awesome Black Celebration album. Growing up, at least into my late 30s, I didn’t know much about and didn’t really like Depeche Mode. I learned. I learned well. I really dig them now, a lot. This is not a cover but them doing a live show (with a live drummer) in 2006. 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.” – “Stripped” (Gore)
Dear sweet baby [enter deity here], please let this be over soon. If for no other reason, I want to get back to Underdog Records, see Jonathan and buy vinyl goodness. Amen.
You know my religion is “non-Prophet” so that was really just symbolic. However, the sentiment is exact and true. I want to get back to Underdog. The good news is Jonathan is doing a lot of deliveries and is still getting in new stock. I don’t buy a lot of new stuff so that throws me behind. I am more about the used stuff and, well, I figured it’s just not as feasible for him to rifle through the used stuff. That’s okay. I have plenty to keep me company here, but there’s nothing like the thrill of bin diving. I love it. Anywhat!
This week, I was home more than usual (usual for the lockdown) and The BCPF had work and conferences via Zoom, so I was under headphones a lot this week. I listened to 23 albums. I should probably try to listen to some podcasts during this downtime but I really want to listen to music. I suppose this is the equivalent of being a chef and having to cook at home, or being a truck driver and having to drive the family to Florida for vacation or per my old job working with the family sand business, why would I go to the beach when I can see sand anytime I want? So, I’m just not in the mood to listen to podcasts on my “downtime.” That’s cleared up.
The criteria for my streaming listening (for this list, anyway) is this: I have to own it on vinyl. I can’t listen to it on vinyl because of the situation, but I want to act like I am. So, I use the Discogs shuffle feature and see what pops up. Oddly enough, on the same day, I had two from The Who and even odder, I had two Yes albums right in a row; one I wish I had drawn after the other started. That worked out for me. Here’s my headphone “haul:”
That was a good listen haul, I think. I enjoyed most of it a lot. I didn’t have that I didn’t like, I just would have preferred something else, I guess.
Then yesterday, The BCPF and I had our listening time and we shuffled through these albums:
That’s what we listened to. Follow Underdog Records on Facebook and Instagram, you’ll see what he’s got going on and you can get into the delivery thing and have him bring you some records. Also, visit the website to order new vinyl. Obviously, I use Discogs and even more so this week. There are no TLD/UR specials right now but I still hope you listen to the episodes. Okay, that’s all I have. Have a great week, stay home if you can, wash your damn hands and stay safe!
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!
— “Walked out this morning, don’t believe what I saw. A hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore. Seems I’m not alone at being alone. A hundred billion castaways looking for a home.” – “Message in a Bottle” (Sting)
As has been the case for the last month, we haven’t really gotten anything new because Underdog Records is affected just like everything else in the world right now. So, in the spirit of “normalcy,” or the “Now Normal” that I call it, I used my listening time during the week hitting Discogs’ awesome shuffle feature and picked albums that I have and streamed them. I pay for Napster (the same that used to be arsehats and cheat artists out of their money, but they’re legit – they used to be Rhapsody) and the artists get paid for my listens, so yay for that. So, here’s what I listened to this week under headphones (not counting what I listened to for Beeswax Vinyl & More):
That’s a pretty good “listens” list, I think. Then yesterday, The BCPF and I got to listen to some records. We did our usual alternating turns and it was all “random grab” via Discogs shuffle. Here’s that list (in no particular order):
That’s my listening for the week. I really cannot wait until Underdog Records opens back up. This is really hard. It’s like having to ween off candy. Jonathan is my “candy man” and the records my candy. Well, you can still purchase things from him. Just go to their Instagram and Facebook pages and see what he’s putting out for sale. He’ll deliver to you, either personally or ship them to you. You can shop via the Underdog Records website, as well. You can also purchase one of the new Underdog Records t-shirts and proceeds go to Underdog Records to help them stay afloat. See how here.
You see the marvel of Discogs already in this post.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!
— “You are here and warm but I could look away and you’d be gone. ‘Cause we live in a time when meaning falls in splinters from our lives. And that’s why I’ve traveled far, ’cause I come so together where you are.” – “Sentimental Lady” (Welch)
Early to rise and out the door. The BCPF and I went to Young Cardinal Cafe (again) and had a fantastic breakfast. We then went to Underdog Records and got just a few records and came home to listen. It was a good day. Happy Daylight Saving Time. There’s the haul:
Cowboy Junkies – The Caution Horses — The BCPF’s and my first date was to see Cowboy Junkies in Charlotte. This is from 1990 and, while a cut-out, was still sealed and so we are taking it as new. I’ll admit that CJ isn’t my favorite stuff. I like the folky aspect but some of it gets a little annoying. But, The BCPF likes them, a lot, and that was our first date, so… New/NM.
Depeche Mode – Speak & Spell — The remastered, reissue of DMode’s debut album. It was the only one to feature founder Vince Clarke before he went on to form Yaz/Yazoo! with Allison Moyet and then Erasure with Andy Bell. The big hit on this album is “Just Can’t Get Enough.” I love me some synth-pop/synth-heavy music, especially from this era. New.
Bob Dylan – Street-Legal — Whew… Dylan. I’m just… I don’t know. This is late-70s electric Dylan and while it wasn’t bad… I just cannot get into it. One thing I did find interesting, though, on the back cover, it looks like Bob is doing his best Alice Cooper imitation. VG+.
The Cuff Links – Tracy — It turns out that the Cuff Links was pretty much just one of many projects by Ron Dante. The title track reached #9 on the charts in 1969. All the rich vocal harmonization was done by Dante, himself. When this got to the charts, the #1 song was “Sugar, Sugar” by the Archies (modeled after the comic strip/book) and guess who was the head of that? Yep, Dante. So, it was just a lot of his playing around, which I can certainly respect. I’d do it. I have done it. So… VG+.
It was a very small haul this week, but Record Store Day is coming up, the list has been released, and I am having to save my collection money for that as we are up to 21 titles that we want. The average cost of these records can be around $25-30 and that’s a good chunk of change. We will pare down the list as the day gets closer and I figure what I can do without. The BCPF will have to do the same. If something comes along that I have to have before RSD, then I’ll buy it but my buying will probably continue to be light for the next little bit. You should go by and see what they have and what I’m leaving for you to buy! Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to see what the TLD/UR special of the week is. Use Discogs to catalog your collection. The “random” feature is pretty cool.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!
— “We walk together, we’re walking down the street. And I just can’t get enough. And I just can’t get enough. Every time I think of you, I know we have to meet. And I just can’t get enough. And I just can’t get enough.” – “Just Can’t Get Enough” (Clarke)
Happy Super Bowl Sunday! The BCPF and I went to Penny Path yesterday to celebrate Imbolc (where pancakes are generally the tradition but we went with crêpes). Then we hit up our friend Carly’s shop, VibesUp Winston-Salem, then to Jim & Dana Moody’s West End Coffeehouse and grabbed some pies for today’s big game and we even saw Daniel Butner from Carrabba’s and Kandi and Lori from TBD/Pride WS. Then we headed to Underdog Records and grabbed just a few records. It was a full day of visiting. It was great and tiring all at once. Here’s the haul.
Depeche Mode – Exciter — I was excited to get this because, well, we love Depeche Mode in this house. But, really, while it was a good listen, it really didn’t thrill me. I didn’t hear anything that memorable. It is produced well, mixed well, written well. I just wasn’t moved by it. But, I’m glad I have it. New, remastered on 180g.
The Mountain Goats – Transcendental Youth — This album focuses on outcasts, recluses, the mentally ill, and others struggling in ordinary society. John Darnielle has a way with quirky, witty and funny lyrics (even if the subject matter isn’t always funny). It was a good listen. New.
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – The Tourist — Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is a musical project started by Alec Ounsworth. This album was independently released and is on a cool white vinyl. The songs were really well-written and the sonic quality was fantastic. It was a fun listen. EX/VG++.
Montrose – Montrose — This was entry #11 from the Eugeneology/Hard Rock albums I did a few years back. You can read my review here. I’m interested in seeing if my views of it have changed because while I didn’t dislike it, I didn’t exactly like it. And, I said I probably wouldn’t listen again, but here we are. We’ll see. VG+.
It was a short-haul this week. That’s all we got. Underdog Records was jumping yesterday. The store was full and both The BCPF and I had to wait to get to the “Freshly Acquired” section of the used records. That rarely happens. Did you know that Underdog Records has two listening stations in the downstairs part of the store? You can sit on a comfy couch either in a darker, more intimate setting or sit by the window watching the creatures of Burke Street/West End shuffle through. You can do that and listen to just about any used record in the place. Also, you can grab a complimentary cup of coffee and have it whilst listening or if you ask nicely – and are over the age of 21 – you can get a complimentary brew of alcoholic nature. Yesterday I had a Natty Bo, a National Bohemian. Not my favorite beer at all but what the heck. It wasn’t anything that said “Bud” on it. Jonathan wants his store to be welcoming and comfortable to all and I believe he nails it. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week. And, use Discogs to track your music collection, no matter the medium.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’ and GO CHIEFS!!…
Scorp out!
— “Do every stupid thing that makes you feel alive. Do every stupid thing to try to drive the dark away. Let people call you crazy for the choices that you make. Climb limits past the limits, jump in front of trains all day. And stay alive. Just stay alive.” – “Amy aka Spent Gladiator 1” (Darnielle)
Useless Things Need Love Too 