Tag Archives: Ella Fitzgerald

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul RSD Edition 6/12/21

13 Sunday Jun 2021

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I got up and went to eat and then did some immediate grocery shopping for our project for today (even though we have to go do some more this morning) and decided to let the RSD crowd settle down. I love RSD but there just wasn’t any titles this drop that I was interested in enough to camp out and if there had been one or two things I wanted, I could have Venmoed money to one of my friends that were participating. So, the rush had waned and it was cool to just go and look at what was left over. The BCPF had things she wanted and she did get two of those things, but we just purchased a few items and went on our way. Here’s the haul (all are new except the last one):

©Record Store Day

Ella Fitzgerald – Ella In Berlin — The BCPF loves Ella. I wish we would have looked at the track list before purchasing it. It’s a 12″ maxi single. Two versions (1960 & 1962) each of “Mack the Knife” and “Summertime” (I hate that song). Limited Edition only 4000 total pressed.

Black Francis – Abbabubba (Bsides, Etc.) — The BCPF loves her some Pixies (at least the studio albums) and this is Frank Black’s RSD contribution. It was one of the two she was looking for. Limited Edition, Reissue, Black & White Split. Record Store Day 2021, Drop 1 exclusive limited of 1750 copies. 180g.

Joni Mitchell – Archives – Volume 1: The Early Years (1963-1967): Highlights — The other she was looking for. Compilation, Limited Edition, 180g. Many of these recordings were produced informally and on non-studio-grade equipment. There are some occasional, inherent audio anomalies, but we feel the historical significance, the music, and the performances far outweigh any of those audio imperfections. The release – which has been supervised by Joni Mitchell – features rare home recordings, live performances, and radio broadcasts recorded between 1963 and 1967. Pressed on 180gram vinyl, exclusively for RSD Drops 2021. Strictly limited to 15000 copies worldwide.

Echo And The Bunnymen – Live In Liverpool — 2×LP, Reissue, Clear. Record Store Day 2021, Drop 1 Exclusive. 180g. Recorded in 2001 at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Limited of 3500. This was my pickup.

We got the Jeffrey Dean Foster album that was released for yesterday, too, but it’s not in Discogs, yet. I haven’t had time to put it in. JDF is a friend of mine, in fact, I should see him today but if not, Thursday and definitely Friday. RSD was doing regional releases this drop and Jeff’s was one of them.

Orquesta Aragon – Boleros Con Cha Cha Cha — Continuing our fascination of “world music.” This isn’t on their official discography, so I don’t know what it is, per se. VG+.

So, RSD drop 1 is done. Drop 2 is July 17. Check out the RSD website for more info. I may camp for that one. I haven’t decided, yet. There are a couple of King’s X albums that I would love to have, so maybe. Jonathan looked tired but good yesterday. He said it was the longest line he’s ever had and he thinks he did okay on the sales. He will be doing a sale for the unsold RSD inventory as well as a regular sale, I figure. Follow him on social media and go to the Underdog Records website to purchase and peruse. I use Discogs to track my collection and to bring these blog posts to you. You should use it for your collection, too. Even if it’s not on vinyl. They do that.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Under blue moon, I saw you. So soon you’ll take me up in your arms, too late to beg you or cancel it, though I know it must be the killing time. Unwillingly mine. Fate up against your will through the thick and thin. He will wait until you give yourself to him.” – “The Killing Moon” (de Freitas/Pattinson/McCulloch/Sergeant)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 3/6/21

07 Sunday Mar 2021

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a fairly routine, laid-back day. That was good because the night before was full of great food and good times with my best girl, The BCPF. Of course, some time at Underdog Records and “rekkid” listening. Here’s the haul:

Dolly Parton – New Harvest … First Gathering — Dolly’s eighteenth studio album. I have to say I love her stuff and this was good, but mostly unremarkable. A couple of covers, “My Girl (My Love)” and “(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher,” that are decent, but overall, I was kind of disappointed. VG+.

©Verve

Judas Priest – Hero, Hero — This is a compilation album of early Judas Priest recordings, released in between British Steel (1980) and Point of Entry (1981) by Gull Records. It consists of all ten tracks from the Rocka Rolla album, six tracks from the Sad Wings of Destiny album, and an alternate version of “Diamonds And Rust”. The tracks from Rocka Rolla and “Diamonds And Rust” were remixed by Rodger Bain in 1981. The tracks from Sad Wings of Destiny were not remixed. I have both Rocka Rolla and two versions of Sad Wings of Destiny but I wanted to add to my Priest repertoire. 2×LP, Gatefold, VG+.

Leonard Cohen – The Best Of — According to Ira Nadel’s 1996 Cohen memoir Various Positions, Cohen agreed to the project because there was a new generation of listeners and he was given complete artistic control; he picked the songs, designed the package, and insisted that the lyrics be included. The album was not a hit in the United States but did well in Europe. I like Cohen. Generally, though, he falls in the same category of Tom Waits, Lou Reed, even Bob Dylan, I love their songs, but would rather hear someone else sing them. EX.

The Mothers Of Invention – Freak Out! — 2×LP, Reissue, Stereo, Hot Spot Ad, 180g. This is #246 on the RS list that matters and is not on the RS list that doesn’t. Boo to that. Not that I love this album, but c’mon… This copy is NM for the LPs but this is what is on the description label from Jonathan: “The cover went on a bender and woke up on a park bench, but both albums (LPs) are in near mint condition. Had the cover been in the same condition as the vinyl, I would have probably paid $20+ for this. With the cover, I paid $6. I’ll take it. Plus, it’s another notch on my RS lists and, well, another tick in the quantity column. 2013 reissue, with “Freak Out – Hot Spots” map/poster insert. Side D is delineated as noted in Tracklist on inner gatefold; on label, a single track is listed as “The Return Of The Son Of Monster Magnet (12:17)” Side 1 and Side 3: Barking Pumpkin Records, Purple Label
Side 2 and Side 4: Zappa Records, Green Type on Red Label.

Ella Fitzgerald / Duke Ellington – Ella & Duke At The Côte D’Azur — 1967 live album by Ella Fitzgerald, accompanied by the big band of Duke Ellington. It’s really mostly Duke with some Ella sprinkled in. I don’t know if that was normal for then or what, but that’s how it happened. I don’t mind Ella’s scatting which is something she’s known for, but I’d prefer to just hear her sing without all of that. She did it a lot on here. And Duke’s band was nuts with the squealing high pitches of the trumpets. It was kind of difficult to listen to and enjoy it. This is 2×LP and, as far as I can tell, is an original pressing. It was sealed, oddly enough, and of course we promptly opened that sucker up. NM/New.

Paper Lace – Paper Lace — I can’t tell if this is an official studio release or a compilation. Discogs doesn’t put any details on this album. It doesn’t line up with what Wikipedia says about the first Paper Lace album. So… I don’t know. But, it has “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” and “The Night Chicago Died” on it. I know their version of “Billy…” (which they wrote) wasn’t the hit. That was from Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods. VG+.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Shaka Zulu — Best known to us Americans as the backing singers on Paul Simon’s fantastic Graceland album, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been around for a long time. From Wikipedia: Following the collaboration on Paul Simon’s 1986 album Graceland which brought the group to international prominence, Shaka Zulu (produced by Simon) marked the band’s first genuine international hit, securing them an American audience which would be built upon by the successes of Journey of Dreams (1988) and Two Worlds, One Heart (1990). Shaka Zulu was a collection of newly recorded versions of older Mambazo hits, such as “Unomathemba”, “Hello My Baby” and “Lomhlaba Kawunoni”. Shaka Zulu won a Grammy in 1988 for Best Traditional Folk Recording. VG+.

Exposé – Exposure — I remember being in the 10th grade and getting tutored by my Geometry teacher and this song being played over and over and over again by the Dixie Debs (a horrible name for the all-female dance/pep team of the school) out in the hallway. I liked it, I still like it when I hear the hits on 80s on 8 on SiriusXM. So, yeah. EX.

The Police – Synchronicity — Yep, another one added to the long list of variant covers of this album. This one is denoted as Yellow, Blue, Red (YBR) Andy/Sting/Stewart – Andy Tub Right. That’s six of the variants that I have now. VG.

Jonathan has increased a day on the schedule. Underdog Records is now open Wednesday-Saturday 11a-7p with deliveries happening on Monday and Tuesday. Closed Sunday. You can get in on the delivery action by watching his social media where he posts, new, restock, freshly acquired and more. You can buy NEW (meaning unopened unused) vinyl 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. I used Discogs to keep track of what I have, what some of my friends have, to pick a random record and to occasionally buy things from the Discogs Marketplace.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Some dreams are in the night time and some seem like yesterday. But leaves turn brown and fade, ships sail away. You long to say a thousand words but seasons change.” – “Seasons Change” (Martineé)

Spinning Sunday or: The Listen 4/11/20

12 Sunday Apr 2020

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I have been quarantined and like I said last week, we actually don’t have time during the week to listen to records, even though we have been surrounded by them all day every day for the past three weeks. But, when The BCPF is doing her thing and I am doing mine, I go under headphones and listen to streaming. Yes, believe it or not, I do stream and have CDs. It’s not all about the vinyl. It’s just my preferred way. But, when I am streaming for the home time, I still do a random grab with Discogs and that means it’s stuff that I already have on vinyl. So, this past Wednesday, I think – days are running together – I had a good listen of the following (sorry about the weird black border on the pic):onlinecollage

Then yesterday, The BCPF and I listened to some vinyl like we usually do on Saturdays. Here’s what we listened to, in no particular order:20200412_110457

So, there you have it. Make sure you follow Underdog Records on social media, particularly Instagram. That way you know what he’s putting out for sale. Also, check out the website as Jonathan’s web store is back in business! You can pay via Venmo, CashApp or PayPal and he can bring it to you or ship it for $4 (that’s unlimited LPs for that price). Also, use Discogs to catalog your music collection, no matter the format.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Up on the hill, people never stare. They just don’t care. Chinese music under banyan trees here at the dude ranch above the sea. Aja. When all my dime dancin’ is through, I run to you.” – “Aja” (Fagen/Becker)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 8/10/19

11 Sunday Aug 2019

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a great day! The BCPF and I got started a little early, went to breakfast, went to our favorite music store (possibly our favorite store of any ilk), we listened to great music, we went to Willows early and then we hung out with The Beer Dads’ extended family. Great times indeed. Here’s the haul:

Lone_Justice_-_Lone_Justice

©Geffen Records

  • R.E.M. – Green — The BCPF’s new addition, she said this was the first R.E.M. album that she bought new. I wasn’t into the band at the time, but “Stand” from this album is part of two stories that I tell. One is in my senior year in high school when I drew circles around the classroom (mimicking the video) and my teacher getting onto me. The other is that it was the first song I ever sang with the Vagabond Saints Society. New.
  • The Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers — #64 on the RS list, it has always been a good album to me, even though I’ve never been a huge fan of the Stones. Big tunes are “Brown Sugar,” “Wild Horses,” “Sister Morphine” and “Bitch” which, by the way, Gene Simmons always said that “Deuce” was actually “Bitch” backward (the riff, that is). New.
  • Florence + The Machine – Ceremonials — We both had heard of F+Machine but didn’t really know much about them. This was there and is a fantastic 2xLP set. It’s like a lot of what The BCPF (especially) and I listen to, but the more modern version of it. Alternative-esque rock with electronic bite. I liked it. We both liked it, actually. VG++.
  • She & Him – Volume 3 — Who isn’t in love with Zooey Deschanel? Male or female. She’s just amazing. Plus, she can sing. I think Ma Mère would enjoy this album. She’s channeling all of her Leslie Gore/Dusty Springfield that she can muster. NM.
  • Rare Earth – Rarearth — Rare Earth was the first big hit-making act signed by Motown that consisted only of white members. This album came out in 1977. I’m not really familiar with the band outside of a couple of songs like “I Just Want to Celebrate” and “Hey Big Brother.” The latter I only know because it was our closing song on Apartment 5B this past week. VG++.
  • Joe Cocker – Joe Cocker! — Cocker’s second studio album, this album features numerous covers of songs originally performed by Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, John Sebastian, and Leon Russell. I liked Joe Cocker, although he could get on my nerves. It was a good listen, though.  VG+.
  • Bob Seger And The Silver Bullet Band – Night Moves — I have always maintained that there would be world peace without Bob Seger songs. But, Clay Howard has done a little work in trying to convert me and so, I am giving him another try with matured ears and I have to say it was a good album. However, I think I pinpointed the culprit of my dislike of him (well, outside of “Old Time Rock and Roll”). “Sunspot Baby” is that song. I hate that song and it is his screaming it the whole time that makes me despise hearing his voice (with the aforementioned OTRnR). But, the rest of the album is actually quite good, and dare I say it… enjoyable. VG+.
  • David Crosby / Graham Nash – Wind On The Water — Yet another of the many incarnations of the CSNY family tree. Yet another that we have, too. VG++.
  • Lone Justice – Lone Justice — I had never heard of Lone Justice but it was from 1985, had a Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ feel to the look and I decided to give it a spin. So, the band is a “cowpunk” band. They’re American (from Los Angeles), but cowpunk started in the UK. I had to look cowpunk up and here’s what I found: a subgenre of punk rock that began in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s and California in the early 1980s. It combines punk rock or new wave with country, folk, and blues in sound, subject matter, attitude, and style. Many of the musicians in this scene have now become associated with alternative country or roots rock. From the first tune, we picked up on the Dolly Parton influence which oddly enough was paired with Punk-styled music. There was definitely a twang that goes with the country genre but it was still rocking. It’s an interesting, heck I’ll say “good” listen. VG+.
  • Mason Jones, The Philarte Quartet – Mason Jones And The Philarte Quartet — “Quintet In E Flat Major, K. 407 for French Horn, Violin, 2 Violas and Cello” by Mozart and “Quartet For French Horn and String Quartet” by Bernhard Heiden. VG++.
  • Firefall – Luna Sea — We’re listening to this one as I write this. “Just Remember I Love You” is probably the biggest hit on this one. We have gotten more and more into Firefall since we’ve started listening to Yacht Rock Radio on SiriusXM. Also, Ma Père’s ringtone when Ma Mère calls him is “You Are the Woman” (not on this album). $1 bin find, but the record is in great shape. I’m going to go with VG/VG+.
  • Ella Fitzgerald And The Nelson Riddle Orchestra – The George And Ira Gershwin Songbook — 2xLP of Ella and Riddle doing Gershwin songs. $1 bin find. VG.

Again, a great day yesterday. Sunny, a good record-buying crowd coming in and just overall goodness of Saturday-ness. We had a great day. Jonathan had a few receivers and turntables that are in really great shape, you should check them out. Also, listen to each new episode The Less Desirables to hear what the TLD/UR special of the week is. And, I use Discogs to keep track of this vinyl madness that I bring to you.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Your feet are going to be on the ground. Your head is there to move you around. If wishes were trees the trees would be falling. Listen to reason, season is calling.” – “Stand” (Berry/Buck/Mills/Stipe)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 7/27/19

28 Sunday Jul 2019

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Salutations™!!

DrjohnNighttripper

©Atco

Yesterday was a good music day. I was still on a high from the night before when I participated with the Vagabond Saints Society doing the music of The Cars at The Ramkat. Then, The BCPF and I went to Underdog Records and had a full day of music intake. We have listened to the whole of our haul from yesterday by now as we listen to the last entry in this post whilst I am writing it. Here’s the haul:

  • Dr. John, The Night Tripper – Gris-Gris — Mac Rebennack wanted to do something with his character, Dr. John, the Night Tripper. It was an elaborate story he was making and wanted others to help him, even trying to get someone else to be “Dr. John.” But, he ended up doing it and highlighting a lot of the good – and probably some bad – of the voodoo/New Orleans culture. This was his debut album and it sits at #143 on the RS List. It’s weird and wicked but cool. Unfortunately, we lost Mac last month. New.
  • Weezer – Weezer — This is Weezer’s cover album and these covers are bad arse! To name a few of the covers, “Africa,” “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” “Take On Me,” “Paranoid,” “Mr. Blue Sky,” and “No Scrubs.” It’s awesome. New.
  • Kate Bush – Lionheart — Hella talent here. But, man, she is somewhat cuckoo, at least as she purveys it. Great voice. I was tired after listening to this because of the ups and downs. VG++.
  • Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest — The BCPF said she knew it would be right up her alley but she wasn’t too familiar with this. It was psychedelic, experimental and trippy but had some hints of Jeff Buckley in there, too. It was a great listen. VG.
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie! — Original mono pressing. I can’t emphasize how much we both love Ella. She was so amazing. Her voice like silk. Neither of us care for most of the “scatting” but it wasn’t too prevalent on this album. But, there is plenty of greatness on it. It’s a bit scratchy but still a good listen. VG-.
  • John Barry – Out Of Africa (Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack) — I love John Barry’s work. From James Bond to Somewhere in Time to, well, this, and beyond. This incorporates a little bit of Mozart, but it’s a beautiful collection of music. From what I remember, I liked the movie, too. VG++.
  • Damien Jurado – Live At Landlocked — I believe, from the cover photo, Landlocked is a record/music store. The BCPF was all over this but I have to say, whilst I liked Damien’s commentary and explanations. Once he started singing it was like he only hit four notes on-key. I didn’t really care for it, but again, I’m pretty sure she did. And, that’s all that matters, right? VG-.
  • Various – Ruthless People (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) — I love soundtracks, but I have to say I didn’t really care for this one. I actually like most of the artists on the album but these songs were not that good. VG+.
  • Mendelssohn, Erich Leinsdorf, Boston Symphony Orchestra– Incidental Music To A Midsummer Night’s Dream — $1 bin find. It’s in great shape and sounds amazing. The BCPF doesn’t care much about the narration, but I think it’s cool. I like it. Great pieces of music, here, too. VG+.

This week, Bethany, my co-host on The Less Desirables purchased a turntable from Jonathan at Underdog. She posted that she was playing Van Morrison and had some Fleetwood Mac. I know she has like 10 Olivia Newton-John albums, so Top Leaf Cigar Lounge will be rocking! Speaking of TLD, listen to each new episode to hear the TLD/UR special of the week. And, use Discogs to catalog your collection and use that shaking feature (shake your phone) to select a “random grab.”

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“When there’s a yellow moon above me, they say there’s moonbeams I should view. But moonbeams being gold are something I can’t behold, ’cause I was born to be blue.” – “(I Was) Born to Be Blue” (Tormé/Wells)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/8/19

09 Sunday Jun 2019

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday The BCPF and I got to have a very rare Saturday to ourselves. We were supposed to work the TLD Network booth at Mixxer’s Industry Hill Block Party but that was rained out and I’m so glad I didn’t have to sit or move in that rain. Next year, hopefully, it will be better. I was looking forward to participating, just not dealing with the weather. But, we went to Penny Path and had breakfast and then got to spend time at Underdog Records and came home to a full day’s worth of rekkid listening and enjoyment of each other’s company. Here’s the haul:

R-13438328-1554217482-4692.jpeg

©Cleopatra Records

  • Pink Floyd – The Division Bell — The second album after Roger Waters left, it has some great songs on it. A lot of critics panned it as not being Gilmour’s best work and that it was like he phoned it in. I think the album is great and is a fun listen. This is a 2xLP remastered set with the vinyl being an amazing clear deep blue. New.
  • Anton LaVey – Satan Takes A Holiday — Yep, the big evil himself. Ish. It’s definitely him but I think people gave him a bad name because of the “Satanic Church” thing. He no more believed or worshiped the devil than he did God. He didn’t see a need in either. His version of Satanism is basically skeptical atheists. Anyway, you get a vision in your head about how “evil” this guy was supposed to be and yet here he is performing love songs. The best and funniest thing on here, though, has to be “Honolulu Baby” which had The BCPF and me both laughing so hard we were crying. It’s on clear blood red vinyl and only 500 were made. New.
  • Sebadoh – Act Surprised — The BCPF loves Lou Barlow and anything he does. As I mentioned, you can ask her about smelling his hair in Chapel Hill/Carrboro a few years back. This is Sebadoh’s latest album released within the last few weeks. This is the limited edition orange vinyl. New.
  • Bright Eyes – I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning — Nebraska-based indie rock band mainly consisting of Conor Oberst, a multi-instrumentalist and a couple of other folks and pulling from Omaha’s indie scene. The BCPF loves them and this was a good album. NM.
  • Sleater-Kinney – No Cities To Love — The band’s eighth album and the first after a decade-long hiatus in 2015. Influenced by the riot grrrl movement, they are legends in girl-punk. Again, The BCPF is a fan. NM.
  • The Monkees – Then & Now… The Best Of The Monkees — In 1986, when the Monkees were making some resurgent comeback on MTV and Nick At Night, you could find Monkee-mania happening all over again. I had this album, from Arista records, somehow I just remembered that, on cassette (all of Arista’s stuff came in red cassette cases). I believe, too I may have gotten it from one of the “clubs” either Columbia House or RCA/BMG. This, too, is a club version and it is in VG++.
  • Donovan – 25 Years In Concert — Donovan. We love Donovan. Live and in VG++.
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Fitzgerald Sings Songs From Let No Man Write My Epitaph — We love us some Ella and we were a little bit wary of purchasing this as it is only in Fine condition, but it was still about $5 which means it is probably a rarity or hard to find. Anywhat. We’ll treasure it, for sure. F.
  • Graham Nash – Innocent Eyes — A little reggae-influenced Nash. It was his fourth solo album. VG++.
  • The Rolling Stones – Out Of Our Heads — So, this is on the RS List, but I’ve not yet decided if I’m going to count this as “having it.” It was $1 but it’s pretty beaten up. I know there are skips on it. I’d like to have a better copy and will probably look for it eventually. This is the original British mono pressing. Rating reserved.
  • Gran Orquesta De Profesores Solistas – Honeymoon In Spain — Spanish music. We are suckers for that internationally-flavored music. It was a $1 bin find and is in VG.

It was so nice to have a Saturday back. I love all that I do and how busy it keeps me but sometimes you just need a day off. We got that. I feel good about it. Underdog Records was busy when we were there. A lot of people buying a lot of records. You gotta love that. Listen each week to hear the TLD/UR special. And use Discogs to catalog and track your music collection, no matter what format it’s in.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“I think I should speak now. Why won’t you talk to me? I can’t seem to speak now. You never talk to me. My words won’t come out right. What are you thinking? I feel like I’m drowning. What are you feeling?” – “Keep Talking” (Gilmour/Samson/Wright)

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)