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Tag Archives: Disney

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 9/11/21

12 Sunday Sep 2021

Posted by TGBII in KISS, Records, Spinning Sunday

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Tags

Aerosmith, Discogs, Disney, Janet Jackson, KISS, Lord Huron, Music, The BCPF, The Less Desirables Network, The Velvet Underground, Underdog Records, Wang Chung, WSNC

©Mercury

Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I stopped by Underdog Records first thing before we met with Paul Jones for lunch at West End Cafe. That was all we did until I had to be in Kernersville to come out of retirement and play with my pals in Threadbare Trio. Here’s the haul:

Lord Huron – Strange Trails — I had never heard of this band, but The BCPF listens to Pandora all day long and this shows up on the channels she listens to. This is their album from 2015. It sounds kind of indie country-like to me. New.

Janet Jackson – Rhythm Nation 1814 — Ranked #277 on the RS list that matters, #338 on the one that doesn’t. For this album, Janet  drew inspiration from various tragedies reported through news media, exploring racism, poverty, and substance abuse, in addition to themes of romance. Can you imagine if she released this album today? A lot to draw on on all of those things. New.

The Velvet Underground – The Velvet Underground — I hate this band. I know I’ve said that 99,999 times of more. But, for good measure, I hate this band. It is #316 on the RS list that matters which I think is ridiculous. That’s way too high. If it is supposed to be in the Top 500, at all, it should sit at #500. Inexplicably, it’s ranked the absolutely ludicrous rank of #143 on the list that doesn’t matter. Another reason that version of the list is just stupid. But, the wife wanted it and it is on the list so I have to have it. EX.

Kiss – Crazy Nights — Yes, I already had this but I had it in VG+ condition. This is an original pressing with original inner sleeve and is in EX condition.

Aerosmith – Permanent Vacation — I hate Aerosmith. I have mentioned that ad naseum. However, I do really enjoy, almost to the point of “love” both this album and its follow-up, Pump. “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” “Rag Doll,” and “Angel.” Great tunes. VG+.

Various – Walt Disney’s Merriest Songs — “Chim Chim Cheree,” “Whistle While You Work,” “I Wan’na Be Like You” and others. From 1968. VG+.

Wang Chung – Points On The Curve — In a rare snafu on Discogs part, I typed in Wang Chung to see if I had this album and other albums showed up. So, I bought this. It turns out we did have it already. But, this is a club pressing and the other is a different pressing. It’s in EX condition, so I’m keeping both copies.

Underdog Records will be closed this week because Jonathan is going on vacation. FINALLY!! You can still order things from the website. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection (and most of the time it works perfectly). You should use it, too.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I’m alone. Yeah, I don’t know if I can face the night. I’m in tears, and the cryin’ that I do is for you. I want your love – let’s break the walls between us. Don’t make it tough – I’ll put away my pride. Enough’s enough, I’ve suffered and I’ve seen the light, baby.” – “Angel” (Tyler/Child)

Catching Up or: 2020 to 2000

22 Wednesday Jan 2020

Posted by TGBII in Life as We Know It

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

A Bug's Life, A Goofy Movie, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Disney, DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp, Fantasia 2000, Hercules, James and the Giant Peach, Mulan, Oliver & Company, Pocahontas, Robin Hood, Snow White and the Seven Dwarf, Star Wars, Tarzan, The Black Cauldron, The Fox and the Hound, The Great Mouse Detective, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, The Mandalorian, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Rescuers, The Rescuers Down Under, Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Salutations™!!

I haven’t caught you up on my Disney+ watching. I told you I had been watching all the True Life Adventures stuff and the Star Wars: The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian. And, I said I was watching all the animated features from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Frozen II (which may be expanded to Spies In Disguise, but I’m not sure of that yet). I think the last one I mentioned was when I was watching The Aristocats.

CREATOR: gd-jpeg v1.0 (using IJG JPEG v80), quality = 92

©Disney

I’m writing this as I’m watching Fantasia 2000, which is the “sequel” to the 1940’s animated classic. So, since I mentioned it last, I have watched Robin Hood, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Rescuers, The Fox and the Hound, The Black Cauldron (which I didn’t watch in order because I had seen it a few weeks back before I started the sequence), The Great Mouse Detective, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Oliver & Company, The Little Mermaid, DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp, The Rescuers Down Under, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Lion King, A Goofy Movie, Pocahontas, Toy Story, James and the Giant Peach, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (same as Black Cauldron), Hercules (ditto), Mulan, A Bug’s Life and Toy Story 2. 

That’s a lot! I have enjoyed them so very much. I love that they are available. Speaking of which, Tarzan isn’t going to be available until around June, so I had to skip that. I also skipped Doug’s 1st Movie because, nah, that’s just throwing off on a Disney Channel original. I should have skipped the DuckTales movie, too.

What is your favorite Disney animated feature? That can include Pixar or the Tim Burton films, too. I’d like to hear about it and why.

Until tomorrow, back to my “Rhapsody in Blue…”
Scorp out!

—
“One minute you’re defending the whole galaxy, and, suddenly, you find yourself sucking down Darjeeling with Marie Antoinette… and her little sister.” – Buzz Lightyear

Dang Cats or: The Difference Is…

14 Tuesday Jan 2020

Posted by TGBII in Life as We Know It

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Carolina Panthers, Disney, Jacksonville Jaguars, jaguar, Life, Life as It is, Luke Kuechly, panther, Sports

Salutations™!!

It is a long train of thought that got me to this, so bear with me for a bit.

In watching the awesome Disney+ service, I’m watching the “True Life Adventures” from the 1950s and 1960s. I’m watching Jungle Cat (1960) right now and it’s focusing on the part where they are featuring the jaguar. I noticed at the same time that the announcement of Luke Kuechly’s retirement from the Carolina Panthers.

1024px-Jaguar_in_Pantanal_Brazil_1_(cropped)

©Brad van Dorp

That got me thinking. The Panthers and the Jacksonville Jaguars started playing in the NFL the same year, 1995. Both “big cats.”

So, I got to thinking, who would win in a real fight, the panther or the jaguar? So, I did a little research. I don’t know who much of this is actually factual, but what I did find, was interesting.

Both cats are of the Animalia kingdom. Both are of the Felidae family. Both are of the Panthera genus. Both are of the Carnivora order. The average head and body length of both cats are 43″ to 75″. The average weight of both is 79 to 350 lbs. They both exert the same force, have the same technique, stamina and intelligence. The average life span of the panther is 13-15 years and the average life span of the jaguar is 14 years.

So, basically, they are the same exact animal. A few of the sites I looked at say that pathers are basically just melanistic jaguars. Panther is also kind of generic for leopards and jaguars, but with black coloring. So, again, they’re the same animal.

The natural area for the panther is Asia, Africa (leopard) and America (jaguar), and I suppose that’s North and South. The area for jaguars is Central and South America. So, the color of the skin/coat and area seem to really be the only differences.

So, does that mean that both teams are the same? Nah, but I do find it interesting. So, that meant nothing but I thought why not share it?

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“As written and directed by James Algar, this is one of Mr. Disney’s best—intimate, tasteful, strong and matter-of-fact.” – Howard Thompson of the New York Times about Disney’s Jungle Cat.

Aristocats Indeed or: The Journey Continues

18 Wednesday Dec 2019

Posted by TGBII in Life as We Know It

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Disney, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Sleeping Beauty, The Aristocats, The Jungle Book, The Sword in the Stone

Salutations™!!

I’ve been catching up on my Disney+ watching. And, beyond The Mandalorian and the Imagineering docuseries, I’ve been doing the animated features. I’m doing the Disney branded ones first and then I’ll do the Pixar ones. So, I started with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and will go to Frozen II (as I have stated).

MV5BMTU1MzM0MjcxMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwODQ0MzcxMTE@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,674,1000_AL_

©Disney

The last one I mentioned was Lady and the Tramp.

I have now gotten through Sleeping Beauty, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, The Sword in the Stone, The Jungle Book and I am now watching The Aristocats as I write this. I still love this streaming service. This is good stuff.

I’m off to watch this. See ya tomorrow!

Until then, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Ladies don’t start fights, but they can finish them!” – Marie (The Aristocats)

The Clearing or: Plus is More

12 Thursday Dec 2019

Posted by TGBII in Beer, Life as We Know It, Podcasting, Spirits, Wine

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3B, Alice in Wonderland, Disney, Lady and the Tramp, Peter Pan, Podcast, Podcasting, Zesto Burgers and Ice Cream

Salutations™!!

I’m finally starting to really clear up from all my crap the last weeks. There’s definitely a light at the end of the tunnel. I talked a good bit today so I’m a bit hoarse still but that’s getting better, as well. I was able to sing a little today which has definitely been out of the question during my sick time.

PeterpanRKO

©Walt Disney Pictures/RKO Radio

Today, I had time to have lunch with my son, 3B and his girlfriend. Of course, I took them to Zesto Burgers. I don’t get to do that much any longer since he has Career Center in the afternoons, has a job and has a girlfriend. So, that was a good turn.

I have been talking with two people that I have either done a podcast with in the past or am currently doing a podcast with now and we have a big project in the works and if it materializes, we will have a big announcement coming in the new year. That’s exciting to me.

The latest of the Disney+ watches include Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and Lady and the Tramp.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“We are Siamese if you please. We are Siamese if you don’t please.” – Si & Am (Lady and the Tramp)

That Voice or: A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

11 Wednesday Dec 2019

Posted by TGBII in Life as We Know It

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Bill Thompson, Clarence Nash, Disney, Eva Gabor, J. Pat O'Malley, Phil Harris, Pinto Colvig, Sterling Holloway, Verna Felton, Walt Disney

Salutations™!!

I talked yesterday about my love for Disney+ and it has really gotten me thinking about one of my all-time dreams, which is to do the voice for a Disney character. Watching many of these animated features, there are several people that are in many of the features doing various characters/voices, some doing multiple duties in the same feature. A few of those who come to mind are J. Pat O’Malley, Phil Harris, Verna Felton, Bill Thompson, Eva Gabor and the king of Disney voices, Sterling Holloway.

STERLING HOLLOWAY

Sterling Holloway (©ABC Photo Archive)

There are others, of course, but these are the ones that come to my mind.

J. Pat O’Malley was the Cockney coster in the “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” sequence in Mary Poppins; Cyril Proudbottom, Winkie, and a policeman in The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad; Colonel Hathi and the vulture Buzzie in The Jungle Book; all the non-Alice character voices in “The Walrus and the Carpenter” segment of Alice in Wonderland, including Tweedledum and Tweedledee, the Walrus, the Carpenter, and Mother Oyster. O’Malley also provided the voice of Br’er Fox in Song of the South. Actor Dick Van Dyke has said that O’Malley was his dialect coach on Mary Poppins, attributing his infamous Cockney accent in that film to O’Malley.

Phil Harris played Baloo in The Jungle Book, Thomas O’Malley in The Aristocats, and Little John in Robin Hood.

Verna Felton was the Elephant Matriarch, Mrs. Jumbo and Dumbo’s Mother in Dumbo. She was the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella and the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland. In Lady and the Tramp, she was Aunt Sarah. In Sleeping Beauty she wasFlora the Red Fairy and Queen Leah. In The Jungle Book, she was Winifred the Elephant (which was her last role, live or animated).

Bill Thompson was, in addition to doing the voice for Droopy, was the White Rabbit and the Dodo in Alice in Wonderland, Mr. Smee and the other pirates in Peter Pan and King Hubert in Sleeping Beauty. In Lady and the Tramp, he was heard in no less than five dialect parts of different characters.

Eva Gabor was “Duchess” in The Aristocats and Miss Bianca in The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under.

Sterling Holloway was Mr. Stork in Dumbo, adult Flower in Bambi, the narrator of the Antarctic penguin sequence in The Three Caballeros, the narrator in the Peter and the Wolf sequence of Make Mine Music, the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland, Kaa the snake in The Jungle Book, and Roquefort in The Aristocats. He is perhaps best remembered, however as the voice of Winnie the Pooh in the Winnie the Pooh featurettes through 1977.

Let’s not forget Pinto Colvig as Goofy, Grumpy and Pluto; Clarence Nash as Donald Duck and the man, Walt Disney himself, as the original voice of Mickey Mouse.

I have always been fascinated with voices, the actors who perform the characters and the whole idea of doing them myself. I really want to do animated voice-overs and the dream of all dreams would be to do a Disney animated picture.

Okay, back to Peter Pan.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I warn you, child… if I lose my temper, you lose your head! Understand?” –  Queen of Hearts

The Magical Stream or: Animated Heaven

10 Tuesday Dec 2019

Posted by TGBII in Life as We Know It, Video

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Tags

Amazon, Amazon Prime, DC, DC Universe, Disney, ESPN, Hulu, Marvel, National Geographic, Netflix, Pixar, Star Wars, television, Vimeo, YouTube

Salutations™!!

If it weren’t for football and rasslin’ I’d totally do away with any television at all. I mean television programming. Networks, cable channels and all that have no meaning for me anymore. The BCPF watches one channel 90% of the time and when she isn’t she may watch one other but mostly it’s Netflix and Amazon Prime.

disney-plus-logo-1547x1030

©Disney

We both watch Hulu together and I watch USA and football.

After that, I am totally an app person on my Amazon Fire TV. Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Vimeo, DC Universe which I have talked about several times in the last few months and now… Disney+. Oh, Disney+. I have mentioned several times on this blog and if you know me in person, you know that I love everything Disney.

On top of that, now that Disney owns Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic, they are darned near perfect for me. I got Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN+ (which who knows when I’d watch much of that?) in one package so it’s really cool to have. I’ve gotten into the Mandalorian, the Behind the Imagineering series, a few NatGeo series and of course the animated features.

Because I’m a glutton for lists, programming and streaks, I have decided to watch all the animated films in order from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Frozen II (I’ll have to wait on the last few, I think). There are a few that I can’t see because they’re not available on Disney+. So far, I’ve missed Make Mine Music and Song of the South, one because it’s not available and the other because there’s a shload of controversy over it (and I’m not sure it’s all warranted). I have them both on DVD so I can see them, but I am trying to watch them all on this awesome new service. I have watched Snow White, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi, Saludos Amigos, The Three Caballeros, Fun and Fancy Free, Melody Time, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad and Cinderella. That’s since yesterday. Being sick hasn’t been all bad.

I will watch all the Star Wars films from the start on, as well as the MCU in order.

Until tomorrow, and more Disney films later…
Scorp out!

—
“Nearly everybody gets twitterpated in the springtime. For example, you’re walking along, minding your own business. You’re looking neither to the left nor to the right, when all of a sudden, you run smack into a pretty face. Woo-woo! You begin to get weak in the knees. Your head’s in a whirl. And then you feel light as a feather; and before you know it, you’re walking on air. And then you know what? You’re knocked for a loop, and you completely lose your head!” – Friend Owl (Bambi)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 12/15/18

16 Sunday Dec 2018

Posted by TGBII in Records, Spinning Sunday

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Anita Baker, Annie, Discogs, Disney, England Dan and John Ford Coley, Franz Liszt, George Harrison, Heart, João Gilberto, Leonard Bernstein, Modern English, Music, Ozzy Osborne, Stan Getz, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, The Less Desirables, Underdog Records, Yes

Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I were out in a drenched wasteland of slush and deluge what with the snow melting and the constant, steady rain. But, we had our crêpes and headed on over to Underdog Records. Here’s the haul:

Tribute_crop

©Epic/CBS

  • Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads – Tribute — I had this on cassette first, and then on CD and now on vinyl. I love this album. As I said in my Instagram post, Randy Rhoads was on fire, Ozzy was sober and energetic and Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge were tight and heavy. It’s Ozzy at his finest live. It always got me, too, to hear Randy’s outtakes while recording “Dee” for his mother. 2xLP. VG+.
  • Stan Getz – Joao Gilberto – Getz / Gilberto #2 — A live, mono pressing of these greats doing their thing. I love the stuff from them that I have and this is going to be a great listen. VG+.
  • Heart – Bebe Le Strange — Not my favorite album by them, but it is solid. It’s bluesy and rocking. Also, they have the Tower of Power horns on “Even It Up.” The cover isn’t bad to look at, either. VG+.
  • pranava-om-ios-7-interface-symbol_318-35432George Harrison – Thirty Three & 1/3 — The BCPF loves her some George Harrison and this was a great album. The album actually has the 33 1/3 stylized like the “om” symbol (see to the right). This album was in EX/VG++ condition.
  • Leonard Bernstein, André Watts, Eugene Ormandy, Ivan Davis – Liszt’s Greatest Hits — I have listened to a lot of classical in my life, but I never paid much attent to Franz Liszt. I don’t know why because he does stuff that I like, such as, bombastic pieces and compositions that sound like movie scores. I dig that. This was in the $1 bin, but it is in pristine condition. EX/VG++.
  • Anita Baker – Rapture — Some R&B from the 80s. I like that stuff. $1 bin find in VG.
  • Stravinsky/ Tchaikovsky/Mussorgsky: Stokowski, London Symphony Orchestra – Firebird Suite: Marche Slave / Night On Bald Mountain — I got this specifically because of “Night on Bald Mountain.” That is the theme to one of the most famous scenes from Fantasia with the devil Chernabog, a large “black god” that is the embodiment of Satan or something like that. You know I’m a sucker for Disney stuff and that was something I couldn’t pass up. $1 bin find. VG+ (after I washed it and relieved it of the mold growing on it).
  • England Dan & John Ford Coley – Dowdy Ferry Road — I am a sucker, not only for Disney but for Yacht Rock as well. This is squarely in that realm but I have to admit that this album is a little cheesy. Don’t get me wrong, I do like it, but it kind of smells of K-R-A-F-T. $1 bin find in VG.
  • Yes – Close To The Edge — My quest for Yes albums continues and this only has three songs but still comes in at 37:51. It starts out with some seriously weird tape loops but it works its way out into a great tune, which happens to be the title track. It takes up the whole first side at just over 18 minutes. Side 2 has one eight-minute song and one 10-minute song. Still, even with my indifference to long songs, it worked here. $1 bin find. VG.
  • Modern English – After The Snow — The album from the post-punk/new-wave band that pretty much got them their recognition. It has the song “I Melt With You.” We haven’t listened to it, yet, but we will. $1 bin find in VG.
  • “Annie” Original Cast – Annie (Original Cast Recording) — Yep, the one that led to the film. But, this was from the Broadway version. Quadraphonic sound, no less. All that in a $1 bin find, VG.

Underdog Records had some great things this week. The holidays, oddly enough, are when the record companies wind down their releases because they want enough time to get some publicity behind the releases. You’ll still find new releases but they’re usually pretty light. Still, this week Jonathan was running a cool special as the TLD/UR special of the week. It was especially useful in the gift card area. Listen to The Less Desirables each week to hear what the special of the week is.

And, I stood (in the way) at the “fresh used” bins and used Discogs to confirm that I did or did not have certain records that I found. It’s a great tool and resource. We are especially fond of the “shuffle” feature. We love Discogs.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Moving forward using all my breath. Making love to you was never second best. I saw the world crashing all around your face. Never really knowing it was always mesh and lace. I’ll stop the world and melt with you. You’ve seen the difference and it’s getting better all the time. There’s nothing you and I won’t do. I’ll stop the world and melt with you.” – “I Melt With You” (Brown/Conroy/Grey/McDowell/Walker)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 11/23/18 & 24

25 Sunday Nov 2018

Posted by TGBII in Records, Spinning Sunday

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Adam Sandler, Bauhaus, Calexico, Cheap Trick, Chopin, Discogs, Disney, Donovan, Ella Fitzgerald, George Jones, José Gonzalez, José Iturbi, Record Store Day, Stevie Wonder, The B-52s, The Carpenters, The Less Desirables, The Less Desirables Network, Underdog Records

Salutations™!!

Note: I wrote most of this on Friday night and had to modify it for today. We’ll leave most of it for today.

Yes, it is for Friday and not Saturday, but that’s because we did our record shopping for this weekend at Underdog Records on Friday (and Saturday) for the Record Store Day Black Friday Edition (and Small Business Saturday). We were there at just before 5am and they opened at 8am. We were tired and after breakfast collapsed in bed for a few hours. We went back Saturday and But, here’s what we got:

Presstheejectandgivemethetape

©Beggars Banquet

All of these were brand new and with the exception of the Calexico, were “Record Store Day” releases.

  • Calexico – The Black Light — The non-RSD album we got and it’s a 20th Anniversary reissue and is a 2xLP on clear vinyl. These guys are great. Laid-back tex-mex/indie/alt-country music at its finest!
  • Cheap Trick – The Epic Archive Vol. 2 (1980-83) — We got the first volume this past RSD in April and I had to get this one. I bought two copies, one for Clay, which he paid me back for. I don’t really care much for this collection but hey, I have it. There are some good tunes on it, though.
  • José González – Veneer — 15th Anniversary reissue for RSD in a marbled-cream color. 2xLP and a very good listen from an Argentinian Swede. The name is very Latin but he’s from Sweden (his family is from Argentina). Good, laid-back indie folk music, this. You know the BCPF was all over this one. It was one of the two “must haves” for her on Friday.
  • The B-52’s – Cosmic Thing — Not quite 30 years but close since the release of this album. And, it’s much more than just “Love Shack,” “Roam” and “Channel Z.” A well-written album and the first after the death of Ricky Wilson in 1985. This is on a rainbow-splatter vinyl record.
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Ella At The Shrine — The only disappointment of the haul was this for me. It’s a “mini-album” so it’s kind of short. Along the lines of an EP, really. It’s a 12″ but it plays at 45 RPM like a 45/7″. I think the reason why I was disappointed is that the only time I don’t like her is when she goes on some scat rampage and this album was full of that. It’s annoying. It’s on cool mustard-colored vinyl, though.
  • Adam Sandler – What The Hell Happened To Me? — My second favorite Adam Sandler album and I got the first (his first and my favorite), They’re All Gonna Laugh At You, this past April at RSD and had to jump on this one, too. My two favorite skits are “Do It for Your Mama” and “The Hypnotist.” I laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh.
  • Bauhaus – Press The Eject And Give Me The Tape — Oddly enough, this is (outside of Adam Sandler) my favorite grab of the day. It’s the other “must-have” for The BCPF and she kept saying I was going to hate it, that I was going to look at her funny, that I was going to complain. None of that was true. Well, except for the looking at her funny part. I do that for sport. This was a great album of live weirdness recorded in London and Liverpool in 1981/1982. Great show and a great recording.

The following were picked up on Saturday and they are all $1 bin finds. The sale was 50% off $1 albums so, we made out good!

  • Carpenters – Carpenters — Their third studio album with “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “Superstar” among others. In an envelope sleeve. VG.
  • George Jones – I Am What I Am — The 1980 album with “He Stopped Loving Her Today” which I wouldn’t have bought without. The BCPF just rolled her eyes the whole time. VG.
  • Stevie Wonder – Music Of My Mind — 1972 album in which Stevie played all the instruments except the trombone and electric guitar (one song each). I haven’t listened to it, yet, so I don’t know what it’s like. VG.
  • Donovan – Barabajagal — Pure Donovan, this. Great stuff with great guests such as Jeff Beck, Ronnie Wood, Aynsley Dunbar, John Paul Jones, Rod Stewart, etc. It came out in 1969. VG+ (with the exception of a gash in the finale).
  • José Iturbi – Music To Remember — 10″ RCA Red Label in really good condition and features music from the life of Chopin. VG+.
  • Unknown Artist – It’s A Small World — Yes, one of the most annoying earworms ever, but you know what? I love it. And, The BCPF found this and put it in our carry-out crate. So, here we have it. It’s pretty beaten up. G+.

So, that’s the haul. There was stuff left over at Underdog Records when we left on Friday morning, and I don’t know what happened yesterday, but it was probably a good day on both days for Jonathan. He puts his heart and soul into the RSD bonanzas and he was in a good mood, that’s always a plus. We love to see him smiling. But, Underdog Records is your place to go buy vinyl. No other store is needed. Listen to the next episode of The Less Desirables (on Wednesday) to hear what the TLD/UDR special of the week is.

Discogs already had these albums loaded up and it didn’t take anything for me to find them. Good job Discogs!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’!
Scorp out!

—
“Crosses all over, heavy on your shoulders. The sirens inside you waiting to step forward, disturbing silence darkens your sight.” – “Crosses” (Gonzalez)

Gone Solo or: Many Kisses (Part 2)

18 Tuesday Sep 2018

Posted by TGBII in Music Review, Records

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Salutations™!!

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

20090517004510!Solo_inner_sleeve

©Casablanca Records

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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