Tag Archives: Ella Fitzgerald

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 3/16/19

17 Sunday Mar 2019

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I got a slow start yesterday. We didn’t leave the house until 1130a and mosied around breakfast and getting to Underdog Records. It was a lazy day for us and that’s okay. We like those. Here’s our haul:

Gary_Clark_Jr._-_This_Land

©Warner Bros

  • Gary Clark Jr. – This Land — I have waited three weeks for this album. There was a snafu in my obtaining it when it came out and then it was sold out and then it was on backorder. But, now, I have it. It’s a fantastic record, too. Clark meshes a whole range of styles in his music. There’s rock, there’s soul, there’s R&B, and there’s blues, there’s hip-hop. I hear some Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Prince, B.B. King, Jesse Johnson (The Time), SRV, and many others in here. Clark is no rookie but I had never heard of him. I thank Danielle Bull for the introduction. He feels it and I loved it. New 2xLP.
  • Thomas Dolby – The Flat Earth — This was a weird album for me. I never heard the “She Blinded Me With Science” Thomas Dolby and that’s okay, I didn’t have to hear that. But, there were times when he was off-key or almost off-key, but I got the feeling all of it was deliberate. And, I’m okay with that, too. “Hyperactive!” was fantastic and the rest of the album was a fun listen. VG+.
  • Tom Tom Club – Close To The Bone — Every song sounds like “Genius of Love” (from their previous album) but I like that song, so that’s okay. The album did sort of drag a bit, but The BCPF wanted and that’s all that matters. VG+.
  • Golden Earring – N.E.W.S. — Also known as North East West South, this is Dutch band Golden Earring’s follow up to Cut which had “Twilight Zone.” This one didn’t do as well. VG+.
  • Eric Burdon And The Animals – The Greatest Hits Of Eric Burdon And The Animals — Another of The BCPF’s selections. I don’t recognize any of the song titles, but that is no indication of the quality of the songs because, heck, there are plenty of songs I don’t know, right? Just go with me here. VG.
  • Loverboy – Keep It Up — I think of this as a “lost” Loverboy album because Get Lucky and Lovin’ Every Minute of It were such powerhouses. This was released between the two. And, while there were three singles released from the album (“Strike Zone,” “Hot Girls in Love,” “Queen of the Broken Hearts”) none of them stand out to me. I know some go crazy over “Hot Girls in Love” but it’s just meh to me, but I’m hoping that in the context of a full album, I’ll find a greater appreciation.  VG+.
  • Peter, Paul And Mary – Peter, Paul And Mommy — The trio’s first children’s album. It contains hits like “Puff the Magic Dragon” among others. The single, “Day is Done”, reached number 7 on the Easy Listening chart and number 21 on the Pop Singles chart. Anytime you see PP&M albums, you can almost always be assured that it was The BCPF’s doing. Although Ma Mère liked them a lot, I can only handle them in small bursts. VG++.
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Gershwin Song Book Vol. 1 — One of The BCPF’s faves, you can rest assured it was her picking this out, although, I will say, I showed it to her to approve. VG-.
  • Neil Diamond – Classics The Early Years — Just like it says, early Neil Diamond. VG+.

Being as Jonathan has been sick he’s been behind on his Curated by Underdog series. I get it and would rather him catch up for other folks than me. I’ll be around and mine is more an experiment for me and I guess him. I do look forward to whatever he pulls for me, though. You should check into it, as well. You don’t have to live here to participate. He can ship you his selections. Check it out on the website. Also, listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear what the TLD/UR special of the week is. And Record Store Day is April 13, go to their website to find out what’s coming.

Also, as one of our private group started doing this week, the daunting task of putting his collection in Discogs, he’ll find that having that is a big help and you can make purchases from their Marketplace. I have grown to depend on it. Good stuff.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“She’s turnin’ on the heat. She’s got the magic touch. She’s turnin’ on the heat. And it’s a little too much. She’s turnin’ on the heat. And it’s a hundred above yeah. Hot girls in love. I’m in love.” – “Hot Girls in Love” (Dean/Fairbairn)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 3/9/19

10 Sunday Mar 2019

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Salutations™!!

A cold and slimy day yesterday was made better by being with my girl, seeing Jonathan at Underdog Records, buying records and listening to them all day. And, in the listening (and buying) there was a lot of The BCPF influenced listening since I let her pick out a few new or reissued albums because her birthday is Tuesday. Here’s what we got:

3981_foto1_product_xl

©Bite Back

  • Johnny Marr – Call The Comet — Marr, unlike his former bandmate in The Smiths, Morrissey, isn’t all gloom and doom and this album was really rocking. We enjoyed listening to it. A lot. New.
  • Cranes – Self-Non-Self — The BCPF described this as “the Cure with a weird-voiced woman singer.” I don’t necessarily disagree with that but, to me, it sounds more like Art of Noise with an amalgamation of Siouxsie Sioux and Blossom Dearie singing lead. But, as weird as it truly was, I really dug it. Good stuff but I need to pace myself with it. New.
  • The Smiths – Meat Is Murder — Hey, speaking of The Smiths, this is #296 on the RS list and whilst I didn’t really know any of the tunes, it’s the wonderful, miserable stuff you expect from them. New.
  • Hüsker Dü – New Day Rising — #488 on the RS list. I don’t really remember what it sounds like. I think I gave it a bad review but my listening tastes have matured since #488 on that list. That was a few years back and most of the stuff that I didn’t like then have grown on me or I can just give a new listen. So, let’s see how this one goes. New.
  • Paul Simon – The Rhythm Of The Saints — This was the follow-up to Graceland and while I don’t think it is nearly as good as its predecessor, it was a good album. On Graceland Simon used African-inspired percussion and rhythms, on this album, he used Latin-American influences to achieve his musical goals.
  • Alice Cooper – Pretties For You — This is the debut album by Alice Cooper (that’s the band, not necessarily Vincent Furnier’s character in the band). I’ve not heard it but from what I understand, Frank Zappa “produced” it. I say that because, supposedly, Frank left the studio and left his brother in charge. He recorded their rehearsals and Frank came in and told them the album was done. Now, Zappa was a weird individual so I want to hear what, if anything, he did to the album. VG-.
  • Jimi Hendrix – The Cry Of Love — This was the first album released after Jimi’s death. This past Tuesday was the 48th anniversary of the release of the album. It was released in March 1971 after Jimi passed on September 18 the year before. It was comprised of music Jimi had been working on for his new album and the compilation of this album was done by Mitch Mitchell and Eddie Kramer, who is given credit for production. VG+.
  • The Hollies – Words And Music By Bob Dylan — This is a reissue of the album “Hollies Sing Dylan” with a different cover. The track listing is the same. Anytime The BCPF sees something with Dylan’s name on it, she grabs it. That’s what happened here. VG+.
  • The Moody Blues – On The Threshold Of A Dream — The Moodies fourth album. Once Ray got me going on the collection, now I feel like I need to populate it. So, here we are. I know nothing about the album. VG+.
  • Stephen Stills – Right By You — I try to get things like this for The BCPF because I know she loves it. I found it Friday and had Jonathan put it back for me. She was happy. I was happy. ‘Nuff said. VG+.
  • The Style Council – My Ever Changing Moods — The Style Council was basically Paul Weller from The Jam and Mick Talbot from Dexy’s Midnight Runners. I haven’t listened to this yet, but from what I can tell, it’s some “blue-eyed soul.” The US version was slightly different from the UK version. This is the US version. The UK version was called Café Bleu and Side 1 of the US is called that. VG/VG+.
  • George Frideric Handel – The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock – Water Music — VG+.
  • Various – Tommy (Original Soundtrack Recording) — The 2xLP soundtrack of the film and not the album. I need to find the actual album. I have “excerpts” from it and this. VG-.
  • The New American Guitar Ensemble: Lewis Ross  – A Collection Of Favourite Christmas Carols — $1 bin find. In decent condition. VG.
  • Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison – My Fair Lady — The movie soundtrack and not cast recording. So, while Audrey Hepburn is credited, Marni Nixon was the actual vocalist. Incidentally, Marni Nixon was the mother of Andrew Gold whose biggest hit was “Lonely Boy.” $1 bin find. VG.
  • Creedence Clearwater Revival – Cosmo’s Factory — CCR’s fifth album. This was a $1 bin find and is in pretty bad shape. I don’t know how much we’ll get to listen to it, but I’ll give it one spin. G+. Incidentally, we also got Rolling Stones’ Let It Bleed but I’m not counting that we have it because it is in bad shape and the cover is being held together by one quarter-inch piece of cardboard. I cleaned the record but it wasn’t better than G/G+ either.
  • Savoy Brown – Street Corner Talking — $1 bin find. VG.
  • Ella Fitzgerald / Frank DeVol And His Orchestra – Like Someone In Love — Just like all things Dylan, The BCPF grabs all things Ella. This was a $1 bin find and is maybe G+.
  • Cream – Best Of Cream — $1 bin find. G+/VG-.

Underdog Records is gearing up for Record Store Day which is April 13. If you haven’t seen the list yet, you should, it is pretty impressive. I will be camping out again with my pals Bob, Dave, Jordan and Michael. We are going to be better prepared for warmth and fun and frolic this time around. But, to see the list go to the RSD website.

Discogs is how I keep track of my collection and am able to give you this list every week.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Heifer whines could be human cries. Closer comes the screaming knife. This beautiful creature must die. This beautiful creature must die. A death for no reason. And death for no reason is murder.” – “Meat is Murder” (Morrissey/Marr)

Spinning Tuesday? or: Morgan Bonus!

29 Tuesday Jan 2019

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Salutations™!!

The good thing about people knowing that you’re into records, and collect them and play them and so on, is that people come to you first when they’re ready to part with their collections.

styx_-_man_of_miracles

©Wooden Nickel

Yesterday, when Ray Morgan came over to the Lab at Industry Hill, he had “candy” with him! And, by “candy,” I mean records! He had a shload of Styx albums in there and he was just ready to part with them. I guess he was mad at them or something. I’m kidding about that, but he did bring me a stack. So, to keep them separate from the usual Saturday haul, I’m going to tell you what I cleaned and what I’m keeping. I also had some from the “bonus stack” from last year (or was it the year before? I can never keep that straight) and I go through when I have time and clean a few of those. So, there are a few here, too. Here’s what we got:

  • Styx – The Serpent Is Rising — This is Styx’s third album. It is on Wooden Nickel Records and John Curulewski is still with the band at this time. “Winner Take All” was the only single released and did practically nothing. It does have Styx’s version of Handel’s Messiah. VG.
  • Styx – Man Of Miracles — The fourth album. The last on Wooden Nickel. “Best Thing” was the only single from this album, but their sound did start to diversify from what it started as. This was the German pressing. VG+.
  • Styx – Equinox — Their A&M Records debut, their fifth studio album and the last with Curulewski who left to spend more time with his family and control more of his own musical direction. “Lorelei” and “Light Up” were released as singles, but “Suite Madame Blue” got a good bit of play, too. VG+.
  • Styx – Crystal Ball — Their sixth album and the first with Tommy Shaw. “Mademoiselle,” the title track and “Jennifer” were released as singles. I have a copy of this but this is the 1984 reissue. It hasn’t been filed on/in the shelves yet, so I haven’t been able to compare to see if I’m going to keep one or the other or keep them both, according to what versions I have. VG+.
  • Styx – Best Of Styx — With the success of The Grand Illusion (Ray gave it to me, but I had it already), Styx’s seventh album, and mainly on the singles “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)” and “Come Sail Away”, Wooden Nickel went back and released a greatest hits from when they were on their label. This is the German pressing of the album. VG+. Ray brought me Pieces of Eight, Cornerstone and Paradise Theatre but I already had those and my copies were either in better shape or the issue was better. Ray, however, took good care of his vinyl.
  • Styx – Kilroy Was Here — I already have this but, this was the British/European release so, I kept both of them. I am a collector, eh? Yeah, this album gets a lot of flack but, I still dig it. “Mr. Roboto” and “Don’t Let It End” were the big hits on this album. VG+.
  • Styx – Caught In The Act Live — 2xLP live album to support Kilroy. This tour had a mini-movie at the beginning to try and make sense of the concept album that Kilroy was supposed to be. Tommy Shaw left the band after this album was released. It was the last of the classic Styx lineup as John Panozzo was too sick to tour when they reunited and died in 1996. VG+. In addition to the Styx, Ray also brought me some Moody Blues.
  • The Moody Blues – A Question Of Balance — This was their sixth album and was an attempt to get away from their overly psychedelic roots and move into stuff they could reproduce better live. “Question” was the only single released. VG+.
  • The Moody Blues – Every Good Boy Deserves Favour — Their seventh studio album. The title is the mnemonic for the lines of the treble staff in music. I was taught it was “every good boy does fine” but this is a British band, after all. “The Story in Your Eyes” was the single. VG+.
  • The Moody Blues – Seventh Sojourn — I actually bought this a few weeks ago, but this was in much better shape. VG+.
  • The Moody Blues – Long Distance Voyager — Their 10th album and the first of the 80s. “Gemini Dream,” “The Voice” and “Talking Out of Turn” were the singles. This is the Canadian pressing. VG+.
  • Randy Crawford – Rich And Poor — I know nothing about this artist or album. Randy is a female, so I suppose it’s short for Miranda. The album is signed by Randy and is to Ray. VG+.
  • Foster And Lloyd – Foster And Lloyd — I know nothing of F&L. But, he said it’s a really good album, so, we’ll go with it! VG+.
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Webb On The Air — Ella was part of Chick Webb’s band and this is highlights of his and hers. VG+.
  • Frank Sinatra – Sinatra’s Swingin’ Session!!! — Nelson Riddle conducted and Frank sang. Much of this was previously released. VG+.
  • Herbie Hancock – Round Midnight – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack — Herbie, Bobby McFarren, Wayne Shorter and a long list of folk are featured on here. Ray was excited about it, so I am, too. VG+.
  • The Sugar Bears – Presenting The Sugar Bears — Yes. That Sugar Bear (and his many personas). Featuring songs written by Baker Knight and sung by Kim Carnes and Mike Settle. It was a real-life group that performed the songs under the persona of the cereal mascot. It’s as cheesy as you’d think it would be, but you know what? I dug it. VG+.

So, I decided that I would make two different posts about this “haul.” One for the ones that Ray gave me and another for the “bonus stack.” I didn’t get these from Underdog Records, but I certainly would have if they’d been there. Thank you, Ray! I enjoyed going through them and look forward to listening to my new Styx collection!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto. Mata ahoo Hima de. Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto. 
Himitsu wo Shiri tai.” – “Mr. Roboto” (DeYoung)

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

25 Sunday Nov 2018

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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)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 5/13/18

13 Sunday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

It was a slow record purchasing day for The BCPF and me yesterday but we still got some good stuff. We walked the West Highlands and grabbed breakfast at Mary’s Gourmet Diner and then made our way to Underdog Records before coming home, listening and grabbing dinner at Willows Bistro. Here’s our haul:

postal service

©Sub-Pop

 

  • Pixies – Doolittle – #227 on the RS List. It’s one of The BCPF’s favorite albums. She said it was her high school years all over again. It was pretty good. I’d heard it whilst listening to the list backward but revisiting it on vinyl was pretty cool. New.
  • The Postal Service – Give Up – If the Pixies album was her high school, this is The BCPF’s college years, she said. It was a great listen, catchy yet still “alternative” enough to please her then-college-aged mind. New.
  • The Fresh & Onlys – Wolf Lie Down – Neither The BCPF nor I know anything about this album or even this band. It was in the clearance bin. New.
  • Archers Of Loaf – Icky Mettle – We have an album by Eric Bachmann and she says every time we listen to it that she can’t believe it’s the same guy singing. His solo stuff is much smoother than his voice with Archers of Loaf, which is quite raspy. New.
  • Billie Holiday – Strange Fruit – You just don’t pass on VG+ quality Billie Holiday when you see it. You grab it. That’s what we did.
  • Handel – Cantata: Nel Dolce Dell’ Oblio / Sonatas In D Minor & C Major / Trio Sonata In F Major – Still sealed, which is new but it was previously owned so we don’t call it new. We’re going to go with NM instead. The cover is in really near-perfect shape save a little bit of discoloration, I hope the vinyl inside matches its cover.
  • Nat King Cole / Ella Fitzgerald – Nat King Cole / Ella Fitzgerald – Her two favorite singers so you don’t pass on it when you see it. It is VG+ and is a thing of beauty.

There wasn’t a lot of fresh used that we were interested in yesterday but that’s not the norm. There are generally several pieces that I try to hunt down and that’s always part of the fun. But, like I said earlier, even though it was a short haul we got good stuff. Plus, it allowed us to catch up on some of our “need to be heard” albums. We got some of that done We still have two Record Store Day finds to listen to and hopefully will get to them in the next few days. He has a cassette deck for sale if you’re looking for one of those.

Discogs helps me when I’m standing in the middle of Underdog Records and trying to figure out if I already have this used album or that one. I have, on several occasions brought home a few used and as I was putting them in the collection, realized that I already have that particular one. Well, dang! Jonathan always works with me on those but what if he wasn’t as cool as he is? Yeah, not happening anymore because Discogs allows me to look at my collection just by clicking on the app on my phone.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Outside there’s a boxcar waiting. Outside the family stew. Out by the fire-breathing. Outside we wait ’til face turns blue. I know the nervous walking. I know the dirty beard hangs out by the boxcar waiting. Take me away to nowhere plains. There is a wait so long. You’ll never wait so long. Here comes your man.” – “Here Comes Your Man” (Thompson)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 5/4-5/18

06 Sunday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

First off, notice I changed the title of this one. It seems my Sunday posts are a bit verbose at times, and they’re usually about records. Neither of which really lends to the “silent” aspect of Silent Sunday. So, I think I’m changing the “haul” posts up a bit. I’ll still do Silent Sunday for non-record posts.

500x500

©A&M

 

Well, this is a little different in the record category, as well. I went to Underdog Records, three different times from Friday to Saturday. I went on Friday because I didn’t think I’d get there Saturday because of a party we were having with a dear friend of ours. That included a bus and beer. Yep. Bus. Beer. And, also, on Friday, I was given a few records by a friend of mine. She said, here you can have these. Some of them ended up crossing off a few entries off the RS List. So, here’s what we got:

  • Poison – Open Up and Say…Ahh! – Yeah, I know it’s cheesy “hair metal” but I don’t care. I love this album. I think Bret Michaels sings perfectly well for what they were. Still, when people talk hair metal, I’d say 17 out of 20 would say Poison first. This was a reissue, so new.
  • Dr. Dog – Critical Equation – A new album from a band that, to me, sounds like a mixture between Robert Smith of the Cure and Bob Dylan. It’s right up The BCPF’s alley and that’s why I picked it. New.
  • Liz Phair – Exile In Guyville – #327 on the RS List, this was a reissue on 180g vinyl to celebrate its 25th anniversary. It’s a great album. She’s ballsy for a chick. That’s a good thing. New.
  • Bob Dylan – Desire – #174 on the RS List. It was there in the used bin and in VG condition.
  • Frankie Goes To Hollywood – Welcome To The Pleasuredome – Yep, this is the “Relax” album, which is all most people know about. My second favorite song from the band is also on this album, “Two Tribes (For the Victims of Ravishment).” VG
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Johnny Mercer Song Book – Ella. ‘Nuff said. VG+.
  • Crosby-Nash – Live – Another rendition/combination involving any or all members of CSNY. Jonathan said it’s great so well see. VG+.
  • Stephen Stills – Stephen Stills 2 – Another in the CSNY shuffle.
  • The Motels – All Four One – “Only the Lonely” is on this one. I love that song and I want to hear more from them. VG+.
  • Bruce Springsteen – Nebraska – #226 on the RS List, it was a little more on the subdued side. That’s okay. I think I gave it a neutral review on the list. VG+.
  • Journey – Infinity – The first with Steve Perry singing and the last with Aynsley Dunbar on drums. I’d say “Wheel in the Sky” was the big hit on this one. VG+.
  • Stan Getz – Stan Getz I hope this is as good as the other Stan Getz things I have. I love his stuff. VG.
  • Squeeze  – Cosi Fan Tutti Frutti – I like Squeeze. It was there. I grabbed it. Done. VG+.
  • Fleetwood Mac – Heroes Are Hard To Find – Pre-Buckingham/Nicks Mac with Bob Welch still in the band. I like Bob Welch. Let’s see what we got. VG+.
  • The Alan Parsons Project – Eve – Another in the Alan Parsons Project cannon! VG++.
  • 10cc – Bloody Tourists – I love the song “Dreadlock Holiday” which is about reggae. I think it’s a great song. We’ll see what the rest of it sounds like. VG++.
  • Supertramp – “…Famous Last Words…” – I see a few of my friends talk about this album as something special. I like Supertramp, let’s see. NM.

These are the ones that were “gifted” to me:

So, a pretty big haul there. Thanks, Lori for the gifts. And thank you Underdog Records for providing me a “candy store” to be proud of. And thanks to Discogs for providing such a great place for me to catalog my stuff!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Winter is here again oh lord. Haven’t been home in a year or more. I hope she holds on a little longer. Sent a letter on a long summer day. Made of silver, not of clay. I’ve been runnin’ down this dusty road.” – “Wheel in the Sky” (Schon/Fleischman/Valory)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul – Record Store Edition

22 Sunday Apr 2018

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Salutations™!!

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

They'reallgonnalaughatyou

©Warner Bros.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 12/23/17

24 Sunday Dec 2017

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Salutations™!!

Let me say, a brand new needle on your turntable makes all the difference in the world! Everything sounds so crisp and amazing. The BCPF and I have been enjoying a long week together observing the 3-Feet Rule (no farther than three feet from each other for most of the vacation). In that, we also went by Underdog Records about four times altogether. It was a great vacay. So, needless to say, this is from all week. Plus, I marked five off of the RS List this week. Let’s get started:led_zeppelin_-_led_zeppelin_II-front

So, a pretty good haul. And, again, with a new needle, it really all sounds great, even the older stuff. Underdog Records is open today until 2pm if you have a last minute thing to grab. He has specials, too. We use Discogs to archive our collection (hence the hyperlinks above).

From The BCPF and me, we hope your Christmas Eve is nothing shy of fantastic. It’s the day we do all the family stuff, traditionally and it’s my favorite of the two-day holiday. Love, happiness and lots of food for you all!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Now it’s a mighty long way down the dusty trail. And, the sun burns hot on the cold steel rails. And, I look like a bum, and I crawl like a snail all the way from Memphis.” – “All the Way From Memphis” (Hunter)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 11/18/17

19 Sunday Nov 2017

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Salutations™!!StreetSurvivorsFlames

So this week will be a mixture of the take from Underdog Records and a shload of records that I didn’t know that I owned. Let me explain. About 10 years ago, my ex-wife and my mother went to an auction (they were always going to auctions) and purchased a ton of records. They only wanted to rock records but it was one of those, you take one you have to take the whole thing deals. Well, I didn’t have a record player back then. So they got stored. And, I forgot about them. About 3 weeks ago, my ex-wife asked me if I got the ones out of the cabin. What are you talking about? We didn’t have any in the cabin. She informed me that yes we did. I thought perhaps it was one or two things that I had over time. Well, I had to go in the attic with my mother and she said, there are your records. I was looking through and just like a kid, kept saying these are mine!?!? So, I brought them home and am going through them a little at a time. Many rock albums to add to my collection and a lot of jazz, folk and classical, too. I did the rock ones first. Again, these are mixed here.

This is the Bonus Stack below the line

So, that’s a lot and that’s only the rock and few that The BCPF wanted to listen to. I have at least 50 more to put in that are of all other genres. This coming Friday is Black Friday and Underdog Records will have a ton of awesomeness for Record Store Day – Black Friday Edition. Go to the RSD website to find out what is coming. Jonathan said he’s stocking 90% of that list, so make plans now. And buy a gift certificate for someone, do it now and get an additional 10% added for no additional cost. And as you can see, we do a lot of cataloging with Discogs and we love it!

And RIP not only to Malcolm Young, but Mel Tillis passed away, too. RIP Mel.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Heaven. Heaven is a place. A place where nothing. Nothing ever happens.” – “Heaven” (Byrne)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 10/14/17

15 Sunday Oct 2017

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I have had a busy weekend but we still got by Underdog Records. In fact, I was there three times this week. I love that place. Anywhat! Here’s the haul:R-10987179-1507892215-1957.jpeg

While we were in Underdog Records yesterday, a friend of my pal, Patrick, was in there hanging with him and he started to get the vinyl bug. He started asking about turntables and such. Patrick asked me if Jonathan sold turntables and I said yes! It’s really according to his inventory, but he is constantly replenishing his used turntable inventory and also has some receivers and speakers for sale at any given time. Just keep checking with him. We were happy with our haul from yesterday and we listened to a good many of them, even in our truncated Saturday schedule. Again, I love Underdog Records. And, I love using Discogs because it tells me of so much of the “behind the scenes”/technical things and release history and I can share my collection with my friends. I dig them both the most and it’s the perfect pairing.

Until tomorrow, happy listening…
Scorp out!

—
“When I think back on all the crap I learned in high school it’s a wonder I can think at all. And though my lack of education hasn’t hurt me none, I can read the writing on the wall. Kodachrome. They give us those nice bright colors. They give us the greens of summers. Makes you think all the world’s a sunny day. I got a Nikon camera. I love to take a photograph. So, Mama, don’t take my Kodachrome away.” – “Kodachrome” (Simon)