Today would have been Elvis’ 87th and David Bowie’s 75th birthdays. It IS my dad’s 74th birthday. I never really connected to Elvis’s music. It was slightly before my time. I do, however, LOVE me some Bowie although it took me a while to realize that. There are some slow spots in my Bowie relationship. But, for the most part, it’s all great stuff. Here’s a great cover of a great Bowie song. Happy birthday, Pops!!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “Ashes to ashes, funk to funky. We know Major Tom’s a junkie. Strung out in heaven’s high hitting an all-time low.” – “Ashes to Ashes” (Bowie)
Yesterday was a most typical day for The BCPF and me. Up, breakfast, Underdog Records, a quick stop at City Beverage to grab wine that we ordered 2 weeks ago, home to listen to records, MIL, dinner, movie. We love those kind of days. By the way, today is the last Sunday of my 40s. Wow… Here’s the haul:
Elvis Costello – Hey Clockface — This is Elvis’ newest album. We haven’t listened to it, yet, but I liked the pieces that I used in the Underdog Records commercial this week on The Less Desirables. 2×LP, Limited Edition, Indie Exclusive, Red Transparent. Indie exclusive means that the colored vinyl is only available at independent retailers. You won’t get the transparent red at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and large music chains (if those still exist). New.
Norah Jones – Come Away With Me — This was “used” but maybe played once and it is in NM condition. This has become a big deal for the daughter of Ravi Shankar, and both The BCPF and I love her voice, so we had to get it.
Alice In Chains – Facelift — Alice In Chains’ debut album. I have played two songs on it in bands. “We Die Young” and “Man in the Box.” The latter was the first song I ever sang as the lead singer in a band live. A little trio back when I was 22 called Amorak. The name is a long story for another time. But, this album is amazing and I had forgotten just how much so. I still prefer the follow up Dirt but this is still great. 2×LP remaster on 180g black vinyl. New.
Grateful Dead – American Beauty — #261 on the RS List (that matters) and the 50th anniversary edition at that. I am not a fan of the Dead, really. But, I needed this because I think everyone should have it and it’s on that danged list. This is the collector’s edition on 180g black vinyl. New.
The Dream Syndicate – 50 In A 25 Zone — I really know nothing about this. The BCPF put it in the crate. That’s all I know other than it’s a six-track 12″. VG+.
Commodores – Midnight Magic — The seventh album from Commodores. This album has the Lionel Richie-penned “Still” and “Sail On.” VG+.
It’s a shorter haul this week and my wallet thanked me for that. RSD Black Friday edition is coming, well, on Black Friday, so go to the RSD website and see what is coming out that day. The last three RSD drops (Covid 2020 editions) were by lottery appointments only. This one is back to lining up, waiting your turn and going in with people you may or may not know. I don’t know that I will be going to the Black Friday RSD but I don’t know that I’m not. Underdog Records will be open from 8a-7p that day. You can order new vinyl that Underdog Records has in its current inventory, day or night, 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Also, use Discogs to track your music collection of find those things you just gotta have but can’t find.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “Lady, morning’s just a moment away and I’m without you once again. You laughed at me. You said you never needed me. I wonder if you need me now?” – “Still” (Richie)
Today is the 51st anniversary of Elvis’ From Elvis in Memphis (#190 on the RS list). It’s a good album and I’m not really a big Elvis fan. Now, this was “the” single from the album. I don’t know if we can call it a cover since Mac Davis wrote the song. He wrote it and Elvis did it. I don’t know how that is supposed to go. Oh well, whatever, enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “As the snow flies on a cold and gray Chicago morning, a poor little baby child is born in the ghetto. And his mama cries. ‘Cause if there’s one thing that she don’t need, it’s another little hungry mouth to feed in the ghetto.” – “In the Ghetto” (Davis)
Today is my dad’s birthday. I got to talk to him a little bit and I’m glad he’s here for me to do that. He’s a great man and no matter how hard I try I’ll never be the man he is. But, he lets me be the man I am and that’s awesome, too. But, he shares a birthday with several names in music.
Luther Perkins (who was guitarist for the Tennessee Three, Johnny Cash’s band), Shirley Bassey (singer of three James Bond theme songs), Cristy Lane (country and gospel singer), Robbie Krieger (guitarist from The Doors), Terry Sylvester (The Hollies), Mike Reno (singer from Loverboy), Paul Hester (of Split Enz and Crowded House), Dave Weckl (drummer for Paul Simon, Madonna, George Benson, Michel Camilo, Robert Plant, Anthony Jackson and Chick Corea Elektric Band), Andrew Wood (Mother Love Bone), R. Kelly, Torry Castellano (drummer of The Donnas), and probably a few more.
The two big ones, though, in my opinion, are Elvis Presley and David Bowie. That’s the two that I always talk about, but that list is pretty impressive. So, since it’s Bowie’s birthday, too, well, here’s a little something for you. Enjoy and happy birthday, Pop!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “Ziggy played for time, jiving us that we were Voodoo. The kids was just crass. He was the naz. With God-given ass. He took it all too far, but boy, could he play guitar.” – “Ziggy Stardust” (Bowie)
I remember 42 years ago today, sitting with my mother in the “white house on the hill” watching Tic-Tac-Dough on a black and white television set and the news breaking in that Elvis Presley had passed away. It was shocking even though I didn’t care anything about Elvis (at the time). Friends of the family were rocked. It was bad for them.
Today would have also been my ex-wife’s father’s birthday. It was weird. My dad’s birthday is January 8, the day that Elvis was born, (as well as David Bowie) and hers the day he passed. RIP Ronnie.
So, here’s a little snippet of the man doing his thing. Supposedly the last song he ever sang live.
Long live the King!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “Are you lonesome tonight? Do you miss me tonight? Are you sorry we drifted apart? Does your memory stray to a bright sunny day when I kissed you and called you sweetheart?” – “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” (Turk/Handman)
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.
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
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.
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.
The Young Rascals – Collections – Some of these weren’t in the greatest shape but it wasn’t “damage” as much as it was “love,” right? This is one of those. G+.
The Band – Music From Big Pink – #34 on the RS List. I don’t really care for the album but I need to give them another chance anyway. G+.
The Liverpool Kids – Beattle Mash – This is an enigma to me. It’s clearly a Beatles-esque or Beatles-influenced band. Beatles is spelled wrong in the title and on the back but right everyhwere else, including the center label itself, where it credits the artist as The Schoolboys. Liner Notes credit artist as The Liverpool Moptops. So, who knows what’s going on. They cover “She Loves You” but the rest is just in British Invasion genre. G+?
Elvis – Double Dynamite! – Not even credited to Mr. Presley, it just says Elvis, although the cover is clearly him. It also says it’s made from original RCA masters. Eh? VG.
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)
Today in record release history has been the largest that I’ve had since I started doing the “X years ago today this album was released” posts. If it’s not something I have for releases, I move on to birthdays and today, I didn’t even get to that, much less the deathdays. So, let’s run down what I did have today first.
Elvis Presley —— Elvis Presley ► Rock n Roll >> 1956 Genesis —— …And Then There Were Three… ► Prog Rock >> 1978 Van Halen —— Van Halen II ► Hard Rock >> 1979 Journey —— Departure ► Prog/Art Rock >> 1980 ZZ Top —— Eliminator ► Blues-Rock >> 1983 Ratt —— Out Of The Cellar ► Heavy Metal >> 1984 Howard Jones —— Dream Into Action ► New Wave Synth-Pop >> 1985 Depeche Mode —— Songs Of Faith And Devotion ► Synth-Pop >> 1993
That’s eight! However, I did find after posting that the Howard Jones album didn’t actually come out yesterday but March 11. The site that I use, mainly, had it wrong or at least had it right and I can’t find any evidence to corroborate it. It happens, but that’s not important. This was a big day for releases. But, beyond what I had there were more.
● Bobby Darin —— That’s All ► Pop-Rock >> 1959
● Dionne Warwick —— Dionne Warwick In Valley Of The Dolls ► Pop-Soul >> 1968
● King Crimson —— Lark’s Tongues In Aspic ► Prog Rock >> 1973
● Roxy Music —— For Your Pleasure ► Prog Rock >> 1973
● Judas Priest —— Sad Wings Of Destiny ► Heavy Metal >> 1976
● Bob Marley & The Wailers —— Kaya ► Roots Reggae >> 1978
● Rick Springfield —— Success Hasn’t Spoiled Me Yet ► Power Pop >> 1982
● Fates Warning —— No Exit ► Heavy Metal/Progressive >> 1988
● Joni Mitchell —— Chalk Mark In A Rain Storm ► Folk-Rock >> 1988
● ZZ Top —— Recycler ► Blues-Rock >> 1990
● The Fall —— Code: Selfish ► Post-Punk >> 1992
● Dwight Yoakam —— This Time ► Alt Country-Rock >> 1993
● The Mothers Of Invention —— Ahead Of Their Time ► Art Rock >> 1993
● Everclear —— Sparkle And Fade ► Grunge-Punk >> 1995
● Iron Maiden —— Virtual XI ► Heavy Metal >> 1998
● A+ —— Hempstead High ► Pop-Rap >> 1999
● Elton John & Various Artists —— Elton John And Tim Rice’s Aida ► Pop-Rock >> 1999
● Gov’t Mule —— Live…With A Little Help From Our Friends, Vol. 2 ► Southern Rock/Jam Rock >> 1999
● Mark Knopfler —— Metroland [Sndtrk] ► Roots Rock >> 1999
● Peter Pan Speedrock —— Killermachine ► Punk Rock >> 2000
● Jerry Garcia Band —— Shining Star ► Roots Rock >> 2001
● Eddie Money —— Let’s Rock ‘N Roll The Place ► Album Rock >> 2003
● Eric Clapton —— Me And Mr. Johnson ► Blues-Rock >> 2004
● Guns N’ Roses —— Greatest Hits ► Hard Rock >> 2004
● Lou Reed —— Animal Serenade ► Album Rock >> 2004
● Ringo Starr —— Tour 2003 ► Pop-Rock >> 2004
● Triumph —— A Night Of Triumph ► Arena Rock >> 2004
● Kansas —— Miracles Out Of Nowhere ► Prog/Arena Rock >> 2015
Now, a lot of days there are a lot but I just don’t have many of them. But, today, I had eight and the rest of the list was pretty impressive, too. Anywhat I just thought it was interesting. Do you have any of these, Dear Reader? Tell me about them!
Note: I wrote this yesterday but had, just finished when I had to pick up 3B from school, I forgot to send it. So, I wrote it but forgot to post it, so sorry about that.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “Stay with me, my love I hope you’ll always be. Right here by my side if ever I need you. Oh, my love. In your arms, I feel so safe and so secure. Every day is such a perfect day to spend alone with you.” – “Follow You Follow Me” (Banks/Collins/Rutherford)
After a week off, it was back to the routine and that included our return to Underdog Records. My only regret for the trip to Asheville was that I didn’t go to any record stores up there. But, we’re back and here’s what we got!
Superchunk – What A Time To Be Alive – The BCPF is a big fan of these folks. I’ve even seen them in concert twice with her. It’s good stuff. New on clear/colored vinyl.
The Breeders – All Nerve – The Deal twins got the band back together and this is their first release in a number of years. It sounds like they just picked up where they left off. They have a sound and this is it. Orange vinyl. New.
Soccer Mommy – Clean – When I was making the commercial for Underdog this week, I included a bit of a tune from this album. I thought it was right up The BCPF’s alley and I was right. She liked it a lot! New on clear vinyl.
Van Morrison – Moondance – #66 on the RS list. I really like this one from Van. He’s sometimes hit or miss with me but this is a hit. VG++.
Sonic Youth – Dirty – Another favorite of The BCPF. It’s a little heavier than I’m used to with her so it is always odd to hear her play it, but, she enjoys it. VG++.
Britny Fox – Britny Fox – Some of the hair stuff that I didn’t really listen to when I was younger and into that genre. I didn’t not like it, I just preferred Cinderella. Does that make this one of the evil stepsisters? I don’t know. VG+.
Queen – A Day At The Races – So, the big Queen show is coming this week. I do research for it. I have wanted to collect all the Queen stuff and this was there used and in what I’d call NM condition, about $10 cheaper than new. No brainer.
Doctor Hook And The Medicine Show – Doctor Hook – One of my favorite Dr. Hook songs is “Sylvia’s Mother.” That is on this album and I’m happy about it. It was a VG+ copy, so yes.
England Dan & John Ford Coley – Nights Are Forever – In what someone called the “most 70s looking cover,” I had to get this because I love the song “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight.” The whole album was pretty righteous. Sappy 70s sugary pop stuffs but still pretty righteous. NM condition, too.
Roberta Flack – Killing Me Softly – I have always challenged anyone to find me a singer that delivers with the sexiness of Sade. This comes very close, but not quite there. This is a great album, though. We thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. VG+.
Various – Jesus Christ Superstar (The Original Motion Picture Sound Track Album) – I have the original Broadway cast recording with Ian Gillan and Murray Head. I have always maintained that I liked the movie version better. Listening to the Broadway version a little more challenges that. So, now I have both and I can A/B them if I want. VG+.
Daryl Hall & John Oates – Along The Red Ledge – I see no titles that I’m familiar with on the track listing. But, it’s adding to the H&O canon. It was just $2 so I figured what the heck. VG.
Various – Storytellers – VG+. A 2xLP compilation of several 70s tunes from 1979.
Yes – The Yes Album – Even though it was their third album, I think this is where they came into their own as an original band. The first two, from what I understand was a lot of covers. I have my hits and misses with Yes, but I think the band is great. I haven’t listened to this yet. $1 bin find. VG.
Firefall – Firefall – I bought this one for $1 for just one song. It turns out the whole album is pretty darned good. VG+.
Air Supply – Greatest Hits – I am unashamedly a fan of Air Supply. I had this on cassette and CD (I think) and I have fond memories of my friend Scotty Byrd and I doing this album’s songs, karaoke-style when I lived in WV. $1 bin find. VG.
I told you earlier this week about the albums that Jerry Chapman, yes, that Jerry Chapman had sent me. These are those (thanks, Jerry!!!):
So, it was a great week to be a record collector in our house!
Underdog Records is running a new special for March. Jonathan repriced a lot of the $1 records to $.50. That part isn’t just for March. What is for March is if you pick 5 of those $.50 albums, you’ll get them for $.20 each. So, Five for $1. That’s pretty awesome. Also, make sure you listen to The Less Desirables on Wednesdays for the TLD/UR special of the week. I don’t announce those anywhere else so you could be missing out on stuff.
— “I can dim the lights and sing you songs full of sad things. We can do the tango just for two. I can serenade and gently play on your heart strings, be your Valentino just for you. Ooh love ooh loverboy. What’re you doin’ tonight, hey boy. Set my alarm, turn on my charm. That’s because I’m a good old-fashioned lover boy.” – “Old Fashioned Lover Boy” (Mercury)
It was cold as all get out yesterday when The BCPF and I took to the streets to do our “Saturday Thang.” Near, if not in, the 60s the day before, it was at around 34° or so as we went to Underdog Records. Brrrrrr! But, we got to warm up with some great music. Let’s hit it.
Big Star – Radio City – Local ties all around this album. I know it’s a favorite of many of the musical circles in town and some of them even had some things to do with the band itself. It’s #405 on the RS List and you know what? It’s a fantastic album. New.
Run-D.M.C. – Run-D.M.C. – One of the pioneering rap albums that set that whole genre on fire. It’s #242 on the RS List. New.
Etta James – At Last! – The first time I heard this woman’s voice I was smitten. She’s so powerful and soulful. It’s easy to see where Amy Winehouse got her inspiration. Great album coming in at #119 on the RS List. New.
Stan Getz / Charlie Byrd – Jazz Samba – I loved the Getz/Gilberto album that we got last year, even more so than the first time I heard it. I missed out on the second album from that duo, but I think I’ll dig this one. VG+.
Berlin – Love Life – I’m listening to this as I write this post. It’s a good new wave/pop record. Good stuff. I’ve always loved Terri Nunn’s voice (and she’s cute). VG+.
Ray Parker Jr. – The Other Woman – Yep, I love some cheese. Parker Jr., though, is a really good guitar player. He has been a session player for some big names in music like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Boz Scaggs, David Foster and Herbie Hancock. He also wrote a lot of hits for others like “Mr. Telephone Man” for New Edition and so on. VG+.
Nat King Cole – The Man And His Music – Because we grab anything we can with Nat King Cole on it, and it was only $1 and a 2xLP at that. It’s in fairly good condition, too.
There was another Benjamin Britten that we got but it’s not in Discogs and I’ll have to enter it along with about four or five others that take about 30-45 minutes each to put all that info in (especially hard when their in foreign languages) and it’s not easy to find info on some of those things. A headache. For the record, I think I’ve only purchased one album that I had to put in. She has purchased the rest… sigh… I kid.
Just this week, Jonathan got in a set of Bose speakers and a JVC receiver that were in good shape, he sold the speakers pretty quickly. But, he is always getting groovy record gear in and it’s there for the taking. Follow Underdog Records on Instagram to get the latest of what’s going out there. He posts new releases, freshly obtained used vinyl and other record-related info. Jonathan, like Clay Howard, Jerry Chapman and myself all use Discogs to keep up with our collection and share with others. Plus, the Discogs Marketplace is pretty banging, too.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “September girls do so much. I was your Butch and you were touched. I loved you, well, never mind. I’ve been crying all the time. December boy’s got it bad. December boy’s got it bad.” – “September Gurls” (Chilton)
One of my most overused pictures but I love it. It tells a story.
So, I know it’s cliche to say that your father is the greatest man you’ve ever known. I know that phrase gets over-used for whatever man is being talked about. But, I don’t care because, to me, Ma Père is the greatest man I’ve ever known. To me, probably the greatest man that has ever lived. While we don’t always agree on things like politics or religion (or the lack thereof), it’s still because of him that I strive to be respectful, honest, helpful, remarkable and someone that everyone comes to for “that thing that you know.”
My dad is the epitome of the standard. Not standard in the mainstream sense. Standard as in the bar is here, try to overshoot it. It never happens. No matter how hard I try I will never be that man. Perhaps to 3B, one day I’ll be that standard. But, for me, I can never meet or match the man that he is. I can find twenty more ways to say it but I mean every single word of it and feel about a hundred times more strongly than the words that I would write. He is my rock, my foundation and everything that I strive to be, not only in a man but being a father.
Today, January 8th, on a day that he shares with Elvis (he’d be 83, David Bowie (he’d be 71) and Stephen Hawking (he’s 76), Ma Père turns the big 7-0. I used to think 70 was old but I see him working just as hard as he ever has, just doing different things. I see him one of the healthiest people I know and strongest, still. So, it’s not old, it’s advanced. Here’s to you Pops! You’re awesome and I love you so very much. Happy solar circumnavigational anniversary day!!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “What I like to do is try to make a difference with the work I do.” – David Bowie
Useless Things Need Love Too 