Tag Archives: Discogs

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 2/8/20

09 Sunday Feb 2020

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday, The BCPF was to get her hair cut and that got us to Underdog Records earlier in the day. Like, 11am early. Her cut was next door at Hair Bomb with Cynthia Platt-Miller so we did that before eating. The BCPF has lived here her entire life and had never eaten at Grecian Corner so I took her there. We had good food, yeah, good, good food. Anywhat, here’s the haul:

NotoriousByrdBrothers

©Columbia

  • Cat Power – The Greatest — In what I’ve come to know as “sadcore” (“bleak lyrics, downbeat melodies and slower tempos, or alternatively, songs with deceivingly upbeat melodies that are simultaneously characterized by depressive lyrical undertones or imagery,” according to Wikipedia), it was musically something that I figured I’d hear in a coffee shop somewhere. I liked it. Her voice is really smooth. She spent some time in her youth attending school in Greensboro. The BCPF wanted it and yep, she got it. I had never heard anything that I knew of from Cat Power. The BCPF said that she had played me something before but it wasn’t announced who it was. New.
  • Mister Rogers – It’s Such A Good Feeling: The Best Of Mister Rogers — What the world needs now is more Fred. Fred Rogers made everything seem okay when we were kids, at least he did to me. The BCPF agreed. Life lessons, how to deal with situations, education and more. Ol’ Fred was a great guy. This is a Barnes & Noble exclusive and is on transparent red vinyl. NM (but there is a scratch on the best song on the album… boo).
  • Lou Reed – Rock N Roll Animal — Yesterday’s haul can be explained best this way: a lot of Byrds, a lot of Lou. Not a lot of either, really but multiples of both. Let’s just go with that. This is a live album of Lou doing four Velvet Underground songs and one non-VU song. I have stated many times that I am not a fan of Velvet Underground but I like (mostly) Lou solo. These versions of the VU songs were really good. Another cool aspect of this album is basically it’s the Alice Cooper band (the Welcome to My Nightmare years) with Lou instead of Alice. Dick Wagner (who played the guitar solos on “Sweet Pain” and “Flamin’ Youth” as well as the acoustic guitar on “Beth” on KISS’ Destroyer) and Steve Hunter were both guitarists on this album, “Whitey” Glan played drums and Prakash John played bass. All four of those guys were the band on Nightmare. Anywhat! It was a decent listen. NM/EX.
  • Lou Reed – Rock And Roll Heart — This was Lou’s first album on Arista records. I haven’t listened to it, yet. There were three singles released for the album, “I Believe in Love,” “Chooser and the Chosen One” and the title track. VG+.
  • The Byrds – (Untitled) — It’s untitled but really, that’s the name of the album. It’s a 2xLP that is a live show on sides 1 & 2 and studio stuffs on sides 3 & 4. It’s the first “official” live album by the band (recorded in early 1970) and the first to feature Skip Battin on bass, having replaced John York. VG+.
  • The Byrds – The Notorious Byrd Brothers — This album was #171 on Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Albums of All Time List. That’s a good place for it. Some on that list I couldn’t figure why they were where they were and some I couldn’t figure out why they were there at all, but this one fits perfectly where it is. It’s a good listen. This is the one where David Crosby gets kicked out of the band. Who knows the real reason but it stemmed from his rants and political musings as well as his not wanting certain songs on the album because it was from outside writers (King/Goffin), and so on. But, the album is legit good and, again, deserves the spot it holds on the RS list. VG+.
  • The Byrds – Ballad Of Easy Rider — The title song was written by Roger McGuinn and Bob Dylan, although Dylan wasn’t credited on the album. It was, of course, featured in the film Easy Rider and this album was released to capitalize on the success of that film. Critics panned it at first but it has grown to be a strong spot holder in their discography. VG+.
  • John Entwistle – Smash Your Head Against The Wall — This was the first solo album of any of the members of The Who. The cover is quite weird. It’s his face superimposed in an x-ray of a skeleton chest. I don’t know what it sounds like as I haven’t listened to it, yet, but Jonathan said that he liked it a lot. That’s good enough for me. VG-.
  • Various – Nothing In Common – Original Soundtrack — Sealed but a cutout. Tom Hanks and Jackie Gleason. Songs from Thompson Twins, Richard Marx, Aretha Franklin, Carly Simon, Nick Hayward (from Haircut 100) and The Kinks among others. That’s all I got for it. NM.
  • Rick Wakeman – The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table — I haven’t heard this yet but I love Wakeman’s concept album stuff. I like mystic, medieval themes, too, so I will probably enjoy this. I look forward to hearing it. VG+.

We got to Underdog Records around 11am and the place was jumpin’. I like seeing a long of people in there. Jonathan had Drive-By Truckers pumping, the incense and candles burning and it was a good time in the old record store, for sure. I noticed Jonathan had a lot of used stereo equipment like equalizers, cassette decks, receivers and even a CD changer. Those were all the “black-faced” late 80s/90s stuff that for whatever reason people tend to shy away from these days. They want silver plated stuff that makes them seem a bit more “legit,” I guess but good sound is good sound. I know the black-faced stuff is more digital and solid-state and the older stuff seems more “vintage” and is possibly tube-powered. I don’t know. My stuff is all black-faced except for my turntable which is plastic but silver. Anywhat, the prices were really good and much of the stuff had been fully-serviced. So, the point is, if you want to update or create a new-to-you stereo system, Underdog Records is the place to be to get that. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear what the TLD/UR special of the week is. I use Discogs to track my collection and Jonathan now puts QR codes on his labels to help make sure you get the right version/variant/copy in your Discogs account. Good stuff!

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you. I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you. So let’s make the most of this beautiful day. Since we’re together, we might as well say: Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won’t you be my neighbor?” – “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” (Rogers)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 2/1/20

02 Sunday Feb 2020

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Salutations™!!

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.

Montrose_-_-s-t-

©Warner Bros.

  • 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)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 1/25/20

26 Sunday Jan 2020

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I had a great listening day yesterday. We got by Underdog Records and grabbed a good bit of stuff and came back and listened. It was really a great listen. Okay, here’s the haul:

  • Wolf Parade – Thin Mind — Great Canadian band out of Montreal and on the Sub Pop label. Good straight-forward indie power pop. Well-written tunes and full of hooks. I heard their lead single, “Julia Take Your Man Home” when I was doing the Underdog Records ad for this past week’s The Less Desirables. New.

    Dead_Mans_Party_album

    ©MCA

  • Angelo Badalamenti – Music From Twin Peaks — The BCPF and I love this show and we love the music. I think we both had it on CD or something. But, this is on limited edition clear green vinyl. It sounds fantastic and brings back good memories of going back and watching the show together. I love the lounge aspect of the music. It’s so fun! New.
  • Pet Shop Boys – Hotspot — Brand new Pet Shop Boys! It’s their first since 2016. Which, to me could have been their first since 1990 and I wouldn’t have known any better. I didn’t even know they were still together. That being said, I loved listening to this. Great dance electronica with some grit and humor (or humour, since they’re Brits), which is what they’ve always done. This was so much fun to listen to. I recommend it if you were ever a fan of their stuff. New.
  • Oingo Boingo – Dead Man’s Party — I heard an audible gasp out of The BCPF when she found this one in the “newly acquired” section. I knew of a few Oingo Boingo songs, most notably “Weird Science” and a few others and I didn’t realize that my entire Oingo Boingo knowledge was this album. “Just Another Day,” the title track, “Stay,” and the aforementioned “Weird Science” are all here. The whole album was amazing and I thought to myself, I could listen to this again. I don’t usually do that, but it would have been worth it! EX/VG++.
  • Rage – Rage — So, it’s been fun doing what I call “Pulling a Bob” and no, that’s not a euphemism for something dirty… get your head out of the gutter (although that would be a funny one). Pulling a Bob is in reference to the drummer from my old band Heavens Sake. We joked that he would go and look through albums, cassettes and CDs and look for whatever bands he could find that had a lot of hair. He was really into that kind of thing. Well, my “Bob” isn’t necessarily that. I just like finding those early-to-mid 80s bands that look like they’d be hard rock or sound like they would. This is listed as hard rock, and I had to do some digging to find anything on them. Apparently, they were Nutz before this and consisted of John Mylett, Dave Lloyd, Keith Mulholland, Mick Devonport, and Terry Steers. They’re Brits. I think the cover looks more like Loverboy than an early 80s hard rock band. Then again, I guess you could call early 80s Loverboy a “hard” rock band. VG+.
  • Sugarloaf – Spaceship Earth — All I know of Sugarloaf is “Green Eyed Lady” and that’s not on here. But, it was just a couple of bucks and I said, why not. I like “GEL.” VG+.
  • Don Henley – I Can’t Stand Still — Henley’s debut solo album with “Dirty Laundry,” “Johnny Can’t Read” and the title track. He looks so young on the cover. VG+.
  • Re-Flex – The Politics Of Dancing — I love the title track and really, that’s all I know from them. I hope the rest of the album is in the vein of that song. A couple of bucks, I couldn’t turn it down. VG+.
  • Bonnie Raitt – Sweet Forgiveness — This is the album that has her cover of Del Shannon’s “Runaway” on it. That song reached #57 on the chart. The BCPF picked this one up. VG+.
  • Chris de Burgh – The Getaway — I knew the big hit on this album, “Don’t Pay the Ferryman” from the K-Tel album Hot Tracks which was partly the catalyst for me breaking my “KISS Isolation.” I listened to nothing but KISS for so long and then this was given to me by my mother for Christmas and I found myself really into pop music. I have grown a lot since then. Anywhat! I liked that “Ferryman” song and this was there for a few bucks, I said, yes, please! VG+.
  • Blue Öyster Cult – Some Enchanted Evening — A live album from BOC. Okay. It’s pretty rough but Jonathan has it listed as VG-. That’s what I’m going with, too.

So, a solid haul. We loved listening to the new albums and revisiting the older ones. A long listening day full of goodness. We were talking with Jonathan in the store and he was devising a new way of labeling his used records, with barcodes. His system is kind of confusing to me, but I’m sure I’ll learn it better. He hunts down the exact version that’s in Discogs (which I know from experience can be daunting and sometimes downright impossible) and that’s included in the code, too, so it takes the work out of it for you. Another thing we talked about his how he always makes sure that, unless it’s a $1 bin find, he or De or Adam cleans each record by not only washing them but running them through the vacuum system so that it doesn’t only dry the liquid cleaner but also sucks up all the bad particles and such. Unless we buy some $1 records, I don’t have to come home and run my records through my cleaner, I just use the static brush to get a few straggling particles and I have the cleanest listening experience possible with the records I get.  Jonathan takes such good care of his customers and friends. Thanks, buddy.

Listen to each new episode of TLD for the TLD/UR special of the week. I use Discogs to track my record collection and Jonathan may have just made it easier.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“We got the bubble-headed bleached-blonde, comes on at five. She can tell you ’bout the plane crash with a gleam in her eye. It’s interesting when people die. Give us dirty laundry.” – “Dirty Laundry” (Henley/Kortchmar)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 1/18/20

19 Sunday Jan 2020

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I finally had a normal Saturday. We didn’t have to put anything together. We didn’t have to install anything. We didn’t have to go anywhere. We didn’t have to work on the house. We had breakfast. We went to Underdog Records. We came home and listened to records all day. I told The BCPF I want today to be as “mindless” as possible. It fit the bill perfectly. Here’s our haul:

Too_Fast

©Elektra/Leathür

  • Megadeth – Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? — As much as I love hard rock and metal, I don’t really have a lot of it on vinyl. I’ve been looking to add some Megadeth and this was there and ripe for the picking. It’s a 2017 reissue, but that’s good enough for me. Not necessarily my favorite from Dave and Co, but it’s a good start! New.
  • Tori Amos – Little Earthquakes — Amos’ debut solo album after breaking up Y Kant Tori Read. It was co-produced by Ian Stanley who used to be with Tears for Fears and was a big reason why Songs from the Big Chair was so popular. This was happening about the time I was rejecting anything that wasn’t hard or heavy and nothing that remotely sounded “alternative” was allowed. I realize how ridiculous that is, but at the time, my angst was against those with angst. This is good, although she does still kind of get on my nerves. Like a more talented Jewel. New.
  • Mötley Crüe – Too Fast For Love — I did this for the Eugeology list back in 2017. You can read my review here. I try to collect anything that I did on a “list” and again, hard rock in my collection. My review more than describes anything you need to know about it. New.
  • Ultravox – Rage In Eden — I have grown to dig what I hear from this band. They were new wave and most of what I know of them I hear on 1st Wave on SiriusXM. When I see or hear them, I immediately think of my pal Doug Davis (yes, that Doug Davis) and a conversation we had after a Vagabond Saints Society gig sitting at Finnigan’s Wake. I only have one other thing from Ultravox and that’s Vienna. This is good First Wave synthpop. I dug it. EX/VG++.
  • R.E.O. Speedwagon – R.E.O. Speedwagon — I have a confession to make. Well, a couple, actually. First, I’ve never really liked REO (or R.E.O.) Speedwagon. I loved Hi Infidelity and some of Wheels Are Turnin’ (that album is mostly crap) and a few other songs here and there. But, overall? Nah. The other thing is I never knew that Kevin Cronin didn’t found the band. I always thought that since he was the end-all-be-all in the band that it was his baby. Nope. This is the band’s debut and Terry Luttrell is the lead vox. I couldn’t pass up having it, but I don’t see me really enjoying it so much. VG+.
  • Cutumay Camones De El Salvador – Patria Chiquita Mía — Cutumay Camones was a band from El Salvador whose stated objective was to “recover Salvadorean cultural roots and to provide popular music for the national liberation movement.” I guess they accomplished that? I don’t know. The BCPF picked it up. VG+.
  • Frank Strozier – Fantastic Frank Strozier — So this was not from Underdog Records. This is from a “first.” One of our loyal listeners on the Apartment 5B podcast sent this to me. The album was in a jacket and had a post-it that reads, “For Producer Tim (that’s what I go by on that show)… Had to go really deep… my 5th Grade Social Studies Teacher.” I think from what Jeff Evans (the podcast’s host) said, the 5th-grade teacher really recommended that album to him. I looked this up because I don’t know anything about it. So, the rhythm section, that’s the bass, drums, and piano had all played on Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue earlier in 1959. It was also one of the few recordings to feature a brilliant, young trumpeter named Booker Little who died of uremia at the age of 23 in 1961. Strozier is a saxophonist and I really can’t wait to hear this. So, many, many thanks to you, “Loyal Listener Matt,” for sending this to me. I really, really appreciate it. NM.

So, a mid-sized haul and a lot of good stuff. Jonathan had a lot of new-to-the-store used vinyl and has restocked some of the new stuff so he is churning out some records! Good used equipment there, too. Speakers, receivers, good stuff. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special. I’m going to give you one for free right here. There are a lot of cool records in the clearance bin there at Underdog Records. Go in and tell Jonathan that you heard from The Less Desirables that you should get something from the clearance bin and you’ll get an additional discount on the things in that section. Don’t expect me to give away the beans every time, I still need you to listen to the podcast! I use Discogs to track my collection and the collections of my friends.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“Excuse me, but can I be you for a while? My dog won’t bite if you sit real still. I got the Antichrist in the kitchen yelling at me again. Yeah, I can hear that. Been saved again by the garbage truck. I got something to say, you know but nothing comes. Yes, I know what you think of me, ‘you never shut up.’ Yeah, I can hear that.” – “Silent All These Years” (Amos)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 1/11/20

12 Sunday Jan 2020

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I did a quick jaunt to breakfast and Underdog Records yesterday and came home and my pops came over and helped me replace (read: he installed) a light fixture and put up a new one. It was a lot longer process than it should have been, I’m sure, but hey, we did what we needed to and voila! The lights are up. We didn’t really get to listen to much vinyl yesterday because I wanted to play stuff that my dad would be interested in since he was doing us a solid. There was a lot of George Jones playing from Alexa. Here’s the haul:

Nine_Inch_Nails_-_With_Teeth.png

©Interscope/Nothing

  • Nine Inch Nails – With Teeth — My pal Daniel Butner has loaned me his collection of NIN albums to listen to and get acquainted with. The journey has been interesting. I have never really been into Industrial Rock. Yeah, I have dabbled in some Marilyn Manson and even some NIN but never really paid attention to it. I have a couple of NIN either on vinyl or CD. This is a brand new, 2xLP, remastered, reissue for the 15th anniversary. I sent Daniel a pic and he was excited! New.
  • The Replacements – Don’t Tell A Soul — The 1989 follow up to Pleased to Meet Me. I really enjoyed the previous three records, so let’s hope this is as kick-butt as those. New.
  • The Love Language – Libraries — This is something The BCPF pulled. I do know they are an indie rock band from Raleigh and that this was NM.
  • Modest Mouse – Strangers To Ourselves — I have heard of MM but don’t really know anything about them. The BCPF is a fan and after looking them up, I see that they are strongly influenced by Pavement, Pixies, XTC, and Talking Heads, all bands that she/I like, so it should be interesting. This is “like new” per Jonathan, so let’s say, NM.
  • The Strokes – Angles — Don’t know a lot about The Strokes but a lot of my friends like them. The BCPF picked it up, I’ll post when we listen. VG+.
  • Prefab Sprout – From Langley Park To Memphis — Both The BCPF and I are fans of Belle & Sebastian and upon reading about their influences, this was on their list, so we will probably dig it. The album had guest appearances from Stevie Wonder and Pete Townshend and used multiple producers including Thomas Dolby, who could not commit to working on the entire album. VG+.
  • The Rainmakers – The Rainmakers — I’ve never heard of The Rainmakers but this album was from the mid-80s and looks like something I’d listen to. So, I will. VG++.
  • Sergio Mendes – The Beat Of Brazil — An acclaimed bossa nova/jazz musician from Brazil, Sergio Mendes is a world treasure, so I’ve read. He’s collaborated with many contemporary artists as well as done a lot on his own. This is from 1967 and will feature a lot of bossa nova. VG+.
  • Procol Harum – Exotic Birds And Fruit — Jonathan loves Procol Harum and I have found I enjoy it, so I bought this. Incidentally, the name means nothing. A famous record producer had a cat named Procul Haran (Procul being the breeder’s prefix). So their manager named them Procol Harum (bastardizing both that and harem, kind of like Motley Crue or Def Leppard). VG.
  • Pretenders – Extended Play — This came out between the first Pretenders album and second. A couple of song are outtakes from the first and a couple of them ended up on the second album. It was an addition to the collection. Bam! VG.
  • Bing Crosby – Zing A Little Zong — The only album we listened to yesterday when my dad was here. I love Bing Crosby and his ilk. I just enjoy the standards/crooners style vocal jazz. I just dig it. It’s a good album. VG+.

So, not a bad haul. The new year has waded us through the holiday wasteland of no new releases and things are coming out, be them reissues or brand new albums. I dig it a lot. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week. I use Discogs to bring you all this lovely list, you should use it to track your music collection regardless of the medium.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“Father, son, holy cow. Moses went up to the mountain high to find out from God why did you make us why? Secret words in a secret room, he said a womp bop a lu bop a lop bam boom. I did not put you here to suffer. I did not put you here to whine. I put you here to love one another. And to get out and have a good time now now now. Let my people go-go-go.” – “Let My People Go-Go” (Walkenhorst)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 1/4/20

05 Sunday Jan 2020

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Salutations™!!

A fun Saturday that was a little late starting (just like today) but we had breakfast (or lunch) and then went by to see Jonathan at Underdog Records. Good listening, too. Here’s the haul:

  • The Police – Synchronicity — Yep, I found another. This was one of the 2019 reissues, but it had a variant cover that I didn’t have, so I bought it. Someone got it for Christmas and decided they didn’t like it and sold it to Jonathan. One listen through so it’s NM.

    HEAVEN2B-2BBent2B-2Bfront

    ©Columbia/Brighton

  • Touré Kunda – Casamance Au Clair De Lune — According to Wikipedia: “Touré Kunda is a Senegalese band noted for their musical versatility and political activism. Their 40-year career encompasses recordings in over six languages and collaborations with well-known musicians such as Carlos Santana and Talking Heads. They have had considerable success in Africa and Europe and are active in social causes such as Children’s rights and advocates for the homeless.” It’s good stuff. We enjoyed listening to it as we are fans of the world music genres and we have a few. This was a really good listen. VG+.
  • Squeeze – Babylon And On — There were five singles released on this album and I’m not sure if I know any of them. I don’t know if any of them get played on 1st Wave on SiriusXM much. I’m indifferent to Squeeze. I like them, but I really don’t pay a lot of attention to them. The singles are “Hourglass,” “Trust Me to Open My Mouth,” “The Waiting Game,” “853-5937” and “Footprints.” VG+.
  • Graham Parker And The Rumour – The Parkerilla — I think I’ve said this before but Parker reminds me of a mix of the new wavy side of Elvis Costello and the punk aspects of Joe Jackson. This is a live album and it’s actually pretty good, for a live album. VG+.
  • Heaven – Bent — I believe this album has been known as three different things, Heaven, Twilight of Mischief and Bent. The band, as far as I can tell, is Australian and the guitarist, Bradford Kelly, designed the “Kelly” guitar for Jackson, which was probably most famous as being the guitar of choice of Marty Friedman in his Megadeth days. I always loved the design. I don’t know what it sounds like but it sure looks like something that my pal Bobby Richardson, the drummer from Heavens Sake (how coincidental) would love. We always joked that he would go through records (or CDs) just to find some band with a lot of hair. That was his thing. VG.
  • Boston Pops / Arthur Fiedler – Star Dust — An album of “pops” music by the Boston Pops Orchestra and conducted by Arthur Fiedler. VG+.

Yep, a good time in the record shop, snotty weather and all. I wish I had the money but he has a beautiful Kenwood receiver in the store that looks beautiful and he says it sounds beautiful. It’s probably mid-80s and is in pristine condition. Good stuff. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special. Use Discogs to track your music collection, no matter the medium.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“The hourglass has no more grains of sand. My watch has stopped, no more turning hands. The crew have abandoned the ship. The lights are on but no one is in.” – “Hourglass” (Difford/Tilbrook)

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 12/13/19

15 Sunday Dec 2019

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Salutations™!!

Like the last few weeks, The BCPF had the day off on Friday and we went to Underdog Records a day early. We got some good stuff and I’m going to share that with you, now!

Queensryche_-_Promised_Land_cover

©EMI

  • Michael Kiwanuka – Kiwanuka — I first heard pieces of this album when I was making the commercial for Underdog Records on The Less Desirables. I thought it was great. Jonathan kept getting copies and selling out before I could get there to get one. So, I had him order one for me specifically. Here it was, finally. And it was well worth the wait. Lots of good ambient blues, R&B, rock, all that in one. A great album that even The BCPF loved and was disappointed there wasn’t a download code in the sleeve. New.
  • The Smiths – Strangeways, Here We Come — Gotta love some miserable Brits, eh? “I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish,” “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before,” “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me” and one of my favorite Smiths tunes, “Girlfriend in a Coma” is on this album. VG++.
  • Elvis Costello & The Imposters – Look Now — A 2018 release from EC, it sounds like old EC and that is a good thing. He wrote most of the stuff himself but there were three songs co-written by Burt Bacharach and one co-written by Carole King. A really good listen. VG++.
  • Pink Floyd – Atom Heart Mother — Released a month and a half before I was (born), this is Pink Floyd’s fifth studio album and consists of mostly instrumentals (36:44 of the 52:06 total running time). I didn’t think I’d care for it as sometimes Floyd’s instrumental stuff idles on, but I did enjoy it. It is a good and relaxing atmospheric listen. VG+.
  • Faces – Ooh La La — This is the fourth and final studio album by Faces. By this time, Rod Stewart had already had a hit with “Maggie May” and his first few solo albums, and the singer had become increasingly distanced from some of his Faces bandmates, who were frustrated by the fact that by this point they had come to be perceived by the public (and even by some concert promoters) as little more than Stewart’s backing band for live work (according to Wikipedia). I had never heard the title track until the Amazon Echo commercials and when I found out who it was, I was like, yeah, that sounds like Rod Stewart. Turns out it was Ronnie Wood who sang it, co-writing it with Ronnie Lane, the bassist. The cover is cool, you can “squeeze” the top of the sleeve and the mouth and eyes move. VG+.
  • The Who – Magic Bus — Oh we crazy Americans in the 60s and 70s. This is a compilation album of previously released material and was not issued in the UK. They were capitalizing on the success of the song by the same name. The BCPF picked it up! VG+.
  • Ringo Starr – Beaucoups Of Blues — A most peculiar album, indeed. It’s not really that peculiar, but it’s certainly Ringo’s take on American country and western. It’s pure “tears in my beer.” Not bad for what it was, but… VG+.
  • Angel City – Face To Face — I had never heard of Angel City until Eugene had me review Two Minute Warning on his hard rock list. You can read my review here. In Australia, they were known as The Angels, but so they wouldn’t be confused with the band Angel (KISS’ rostermates on Casablanca Records), they changed to Angel City. This was their second overall release and the first for the US. It’s a decent listen, as we did so whilst cleaning/straightening our downstairs. Rock, punk, even metal at some points. VG+.
  • Queensrÿche – Promised Land — This wasn’t purchased at Underdog Records. I believe this came from Bobby the Drummer (from Heavens Sake) when he worked at CEMA (EMI) when we first met. He knew I was a Queensryche fan and gave it to me. I had either forgotten that I had it or where it was (or a combo of the two) and I found it located behind a filing cabinet that I have in my living room. You’d have to see it… but it was still sealed. So, I promptly opened it up and gave it a spin. Operation: Mindcrime will always be my favorite Queensryche album (second favorite overall of all time) and Empire will always be my second favorite ‘Ryche album. But, to me, this is their most underrated. It is just what I wanted to do musically at that time and I still love it. It’s still hard rock but has a more modern edge to it (at least in the mid=90s) and Geoff Tate was still singing and not talk-singing through songs. He hadn’t quite blown himself out at this point. The songs are well-written, still tell stories and still sounds like Queensryche. I love this album and will listen to it again, really soon. Have I mentioned that I love this album?

It’s Christmas time and that means gift certificates and Underdog Records has plenty of them, in any denomination you want. The cool thing is these come on old 45s/singles/7″ whatever you call them. And, Jonathan can still special order anything on vinyl that you need in time for your special vinyl lover (I can give you a list if you’re interested *wink*). Also, Underdog Records will be putting out freshly acquired used vinyl every single business day until Christmas. Also, also, there are plenty of used receivers, turntables, speakers and more in the store if you know someone who has said they’d love to start listening to records (perhaps again) but don’t know where to start. Jonathan can help you out. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week. I use Discogs to track my awesome record collection and to make sure I don’t double dip something I already have. The BCPF used it to “random grab” a record during our cleaning time yesterday. Much fun, indeed!

Until tomorrow, keep spinning!
Scorp out!

—
“Let me whisper my last goodbyes, I know – it’s serious.” – “Girlfriend in a Coma” (Morrissey/Marr)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 12/6/19

08 Sunday Dec 2019

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Salutations™!!

Much appreciation to those who have asked how I’m feeling. I am coughing up stuff but able to purge it. So, my throat hurts, my chest hurts, my head hurts, I hurt. The good news is, I got about three hours of sleep last night, twice! So, that’s a plus. Anywhat! We’re here to talk records. We went to Underdog Records on Friday since The BCPF was off work and then came home and listened to records. Saturday, we went to breakfast and basically just went home and didn’t leave the house for the rest of the day. Here is the haul:

556d7a-20190910-prince-1999-super-deluxe

©Warner Bros.

  • Prince – 1999 — The first-ever vinyl remaster of this iconic album, #163 on the RS list, and it’s in a beautiful “Prince Purple” vinyl. The packaging is reminiscent of the original and it sounds divine! Great album! New.
  • Pearl Jam – Vitalogy — #485 on the RS list, I dreaded listening to this when I got to it as I’m not a huge PJ fan. But, I have to say I enjoyed this album. The copy is VG as there is some surface noise but it doesn’t really affect the listening, or something like that, which Jonathan had put on the sticker.
  • Bob Marley & The Wailers – Natty Dread —  This is the seventh studio album by Bob Marley and the Wailers, released in 1974. It was the first album released as Bob Marley and the Wailers instead of just the Wailers, the first recorded without Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, and the first recorded with I Threes, a female vocal trio consisting of Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt, and Marley’s wife, Rita Marley. “No Woman No Cry” is on this and is probably the best-known song from the album (if not Marley’s career). VG.
  • Villa-Lobos / Prokofiev – Leopold Stokowski, The Stadium Symphony Orchestra Of New York – Uirapurú + Modinha (From Bachianas Brasileiras No. 1) / Cinderella (Ballet Suite) — Great musical pieces from what I would only figure to be great ballets. The cover was attractive, as well. I enjoyed listening to it in my drowsy and dozing session. Original pressing as far as I can tell, EX/VG++.

The Christmas season is slow to get cranked around this year. Jonathan would love if you came by to see him. If you don’t have a turntable, then he’s got you covered. There are several used turntables, receivers, speakers and more there in the shop ready to find a place in your home. Then you can start experiencing the joys of vinyl listening as I do. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week. Use Discogs to keep track of your music collection, vinyl, CD, cassette or 8-track! Possibly even reel-to-reel.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Waitin’, watchin’ the clock. It’s four o’clock. It’s got to stop. Tell him, “Take no more.” She practices her speech as he opens the door. She rolls over, pretends to sleep as he looks her over. She lies and says she’s in love with him, can’t find a better man. She dreams in color, she dreams in red, can’t find a better man.” – “Better Man” (Vedder)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul – Black Friday Edition

01 Sunday Dec 2019

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Salutations™!!

I had told Jonathan that The BCPF and I wouldn’t be coming to Underdog Records for the Record Store Day – Black Friday event, and technically, we weren’t there at the opening for the bum-rush doorbuster event, but we did wait until about noon and went by and the store had settled down. We still found pretty much all we would have gotten had we gotten there in the wee hours of the evening, which surprised us. If this had been the April version of RSD, I would have camped out and been one of the first three in the line and in the door. But, since we went on Friday and spent a good bit of money we didn’t go on Saturday, so this reflects Friday and two that I got on Wednesday. Here ya go:

190759783115

©Epic/Legacy

  • Cheap Trick – Are You Ready? Live 12/31/1979 — This is supposedly an infamous show from The Forum in Los Angeles, New Year’s Eve 1979. The “supposedly” is the infamous part. The hype sticker states it’s from a few different mixes and the first few songs in the set are really crappy production. The sonic quality picks up after the first little bit. Robin Zander’s voice, which I’ve always found strong was a bit shaky in some spots, too. I think they had played a few shows before and he needed a break. Still, it sounds pretty good overall; lots of energy. It was an RSD exclusive, limited to 3500 copies worldwide, and I picked up the last one that Jonathan had. 2xLP. New.
  • John Linnell – State Songs — One half of They Might Be Giants, John Linnell, plays a lot of original songs about 15 different states and one about all 50. I’m a fan of TMBG but sometimes they’re a bit much for me to take. I think this is good for comedic purposes but overall? I didn’t really think it was that great. RSD exclusive, first time on vinyl on green-marbled wax, limited to 1500 copies worldwide. New.
  • Frehley’s Comet – Live… — Not to be confused with Live+1 that came out in 1988, which was recorded in Chicago in 1987 and had two live KISS tunes (Ace’s) and two live from Frehley’s Comet’s self-titled debut and one studio demo track. This was recorded in March 1988 in London and has all the live tracks from the previously mentioned EP along with “Cold Gin” and “Shock Me.” This also had Jamie Oldaker playing drums instead of Anton Fig. A really good sounding recording. I don’t know how many more songs they did and if these were the only ones that made it, or if he only did six songs…? RSD “first,” limited to 2700 copies worldwide, first time on vinyl; orange. New.
  • Jeff Buckley – Live At KCRW: Morning Becomes Eclectic — I will say again that when the world lost Jeff Buckley, we lost a true musical genius and talent. His ability to jump his voice from heavy to heavenly at the drop of a hat was amazing. This EP has five songs done at KCRW sometime in the 90s. RSD exclusive limited to 3750 copies worldwide. New.
  • John Coltrane – A Love Supreme: The Complete Masters — #47 on the RS list, this is a 3xLP reissue from 2015 that I purchased on Wednesday. Coltrane is a “local boy done good.” He was born in Hamlet, NC in the south-central part of the state and grew up in High Point, just down the road from WSNC. This version includes the original album, a quartet session and a sextet session. Good stuff. VG+.
  • The Rolling Stones – Love You Live — Love You Live was recorded on the “Tour of Americas” from 1975, the “Tour of Europe” in 1976 and from the El Mocambo nightclub concert venue in Toronto in 1977. It was overdubbed and mixed from late May to mid-June 1977. So, I didn’t think they could have done that good of a job live. But, the final result was pretty good considering it is the Stones and it is a “live” album. VG+.
  • Heart – Greatest Hits / Live — This is a compilation album of greatest hits, live recordings and new tracks released in 1980. I like Heart. I’ll probably like this. VG+.
  • Streetband Featuring Paul Young – Streetband Featuring Paul Young — I get the feeling that this was a record company money grab as it “features” Paul Young. This is before “Every Time You Go Away,” before “Come Back and Stay,” even before the Q-Tips. His time in Streetband wasn’t very long in the late 1970s. But, he has a great voice, let’s hear how this works out, eh? 2xLP. VG+.
  • Marty Balin – Balin — The other LP that I picked up on Wednesday. Every time I hear “Hearts,” I think of my friend Jim Young. I really don’t know why other than we once had a conversation about it. Same with “Personally” from Karla Bonoff. But, this, Balin’s debut solo album after Jefferson Starship, has “Hearts” and it was only $2 and was in NM condition, although I give the outer sleeve VG++.
  • John Philip Sousa – The Music Of John Philip Sousa On Parade — We say the Piedmont Wind Symphony do Sousa songs early last month and we never knew how much style was in those marches. I thought of them as being boring but one we saw it live, I can’t say that any longer. The BCPF picked this one out. It’s from the National Geographic Society. VG+.

Jonathan said that the Record Store Day – Black Friday Edition was a success, even more than he expected. He did a great job getting it all set up and we are all thankful that he provides us record collectors with a “candy store” we can be proud of. Underdog Records has a good selection of used stereo equipment for sale and don’t forget gift certificates, they come on old 45s. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week/month. Also, use Discogs to track your music collection no matter the format (other than digital and maybe even then).

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Hearts can break and never mend together. Love can fade away. Hearts can cry when love won’t stay forever. Hearts can be that way.” – “Hearts” (Barish)