Tag Archives: Fleetwood Mac

Spinning Monday or: The Listen 5/9/20

11 Monday May 2020

Posted by in Records, Spinning Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

Yep, I am a day behind on this because yesterday was Mother’s Day.

So, Underdog Records is still “closed” and Jonathan says that while he does see reopening in the near future, it will still be several weeks, and procedures within the store will be different. He’s doing a shload of deliveries right now, though. Head over to the Underdog Records website, or follow on Instagram (Jonathan’s preferred method) and Facebook to see what you can purchase.

And, per usual, this week’s streaming listens comes from Discogs’ shuffle feature and it has to be an album that I own on vinyl (outside of peripheral things like Beeswax Vinyl & More listens), that way it’s like listening to my vinyl but with headphones from my computer whilst The BCPF works 10 feet away. Here’s the list:

collageA51020

©record companies/not me

That’s a pretty good “listen” list, I think. Not my favorite Prince album and I’m not a huge Springsteen fan, but overall, it was enjoyable.

Then there were the ones that The BCPF and I listened to on Saturday on vinyl:

CollageC51020

©record companies/not me

That was a really good listening session, other than I need to find a better copy of Running on Empty because that was clearly a $1 bin find and is in really bad shape. Almost unlistenable at times. So, it’s on my hunt list, I guess.

I cannot wait to flip through the used records again. I want to buy a lot of them! I have an impressive collection now but that’s not enough. I want more! Part of the experience is the ability to collect. We’ll work on it. Patience, old man… patience.

Again, check out Underdog Records’ social and web stuffs. Buy records. Use Discogs to keep track of your collection and use it’s groovy (see what I did there) shuffle feature.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice. If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill. I will choose a path that’s clear, I will choose freewill.” – “Freewill” (Peart/Lee/Lifeson)

Spinning Sunday or: The Listens 4/18/20

19 Sunday Apr 2020

Posted by in Records, Spinning Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

As has been the case for the last month, we haven’t really gotten anything new because Underdog Records is affected just like everything else in the world right now. So, in the spirit of “normalcy,” or the “Now Normal” that I call it, I used my listening time during the week hitting Discogs’ awesome shuffle feature and picked albums that I have and streamed them. I pay for Napster (the same that used to be arsehats and cheat artists out of their money, but they’re legit – they used to be Rhapsody) and the artists get paid for my listens, so yay for that. So, here’s what I listened to this week under headphones (not counting what I listened to for Beeswax Vinyl & More):

ListeningCollage419

That’s a pretty good “listens” list, I think. Then yesterday, The BCPF and I got to listen to some records. We did our usual alternating turns and it was all “random grab” via Discogs shuffle. Here’s that list (in no particular order):20200419_113623

That’s my listening for the week. I really cannot wait until Underdog Records opens back up. This is really hard. It’s like having to ween off candy. Jonathan is my “candy man” and the records my candy. Well, you can still purchase things from him. Just go to their Instagram and Facebook pages and see what he’s putting out for sale. He’ll deliver to you, either personally or ship them to you. You can shop via the Underdog Records website, as well. You can also purchase one of the new Underdog Records t-shirts and proceeds go to Underdog Records to help them stay afloat. See how here.

You see the marvel of Discogs already in this post.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“You are here and warm but I could look away and you’d be gone. ‘Cause we live in a time when meaning falls in splinters from our lives. And that’s why I’ve traveled far, ’cause I come so together where you are.” – “Sentimental Lady” (Welch)

Now Normal Chronicles or: The Choice

13 Monday Apr 2020

Posted by in Video

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

Salutations™!!

Today is the anniversary of three different albums that I think are especially good. Two of which have a pretty good rapport with fans and one that is questionable. Let’s start with that one. Today is the 33rd anniversary of Fleetwood Mac’s Tango In The Night album. I like the poppy and polished aspect of that album. That’s something that turned many people, particularly those who would call themselves Fleetwood Mac fans.

Another anniversary is the 39th anniversary of Billy Squier’s Don’t Say No album. I was never really a Squier fan. I didn’t dislike him, I just didn’t pay attention. There was a recent discussion about this album in particular on Facebook a bit ago and there was an attempt to get me to say I didn’t like it. I couldn’t say it as being the case. But, I explained that I really had no opinion on it. I like it, just don’t think about it.

The third is Bowie’s Aladdin Sane. It’s not my favorite Bowie, not by a mile but it is important. #279 on the RS List, there isn’t anything wrong with it. I just think it was a bridge album for me. From The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars to this and then the covers album, Pin Ups to Diamond Dogs. I like Diamond Dogs, don’t know much about Pin Ups and have no outright problems with this, just not my favorite, as I verbosely said.

So, here’s the choice I made. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Looking out for love. In the night so still. Oh, I’ll build you a kingdom in that house on the hill. Looking out for love. Big, big love.” – “Big Love” (Buckingham)

I Heard A Rumour or: Oh Daddy

04 Tuesday Feb 2020

Posted by in Video

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,

Salutations™!!

Today is the 43rd anniversary of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest album (in my opinion), Rumours. It’s #25 on the RS List and to me has no true clunkers. This is the song, I believe, that Clay said he would leave off the album but I think it’s haunting and I really dig it. This is a professional FM cover band so it may be wrong to include them but, I think they sound better doing it than FM when they did it live. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Why are you right when I’m so wrong? I’m so weak but you’re so strong. Everything you do is just alright and I can’t walk away from you, baby, if I tried.” – “Oh Daddy” (McVie)

Spinning Sunday or: RSD Edition

14 Sunday Apr 2019

Posted by in Records, Spinning Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

As you saw for the last two days, I spent almost 20 hours on the sidewalk in front of Underdog Records, camping out, watching the weather, hoping against hope that it didn’t rain, had my hands butter scrubbed, had a new restaurant stop and offer us samples of their shrimp and grits, was joined by The BCPF, survived without any rain, worked with my friends to make sure we all got what we needed and came home and crashed. There was a lot more detail of this story, but we will probably focus on that later in the week. For today, here is the Record Store Day haul!

Trout_Mask_Replica

©Straight/Reprise Records

  • Captain Beefheart And His Magic Band – Trout Mask Replica — This was the reason I camped out, at least for me. I don’t really “like” this album but I love having it. It is #60 (of all spaces) on the RS list. I understand more about it since my first listen, I love the artistic value and respect the heck out of the project. It isn’t a pleasant listen but it is an interesting one. 2xLP reissue. All of these will be Near Mint or NM and I’ll tell how many were available worldwide. This one doesn’t have limited availability, from what I can tell.
  • Pink Floyd – A Saucerful Of Secrets — Last year it was Piper at the Gates of Dawn, Floyd’s debut album remastered in mono. This year it’s their sophomore effort and I can’t wait to listen to it. I really liked Pink Floyd with David Gilmour minus Syd Barrett. I understand the importance and somewhat maniacal genius that Syd was, but just like I like Peter Gabriel, I don’t really like Genesis with him. Barrett was on this album minimally as he was starting his slide. He was dismissed before the album was finished. The cover was designed by Storm Thorgerson of Hipgnosis and is based on a Doctor Strange comic. 6500 available.
  • Bob Dylan – Blood On The Tracks Test Pressing — We have Blood on the Tracks which is #16 on the RS list but this is the New York Test Pressing of the album. The
    “hype sticker” on the shrinkwrap reads: “The original New York version of Blood on the Tracks. Replica of the 1974 test pressing. Featuring unique mixes. Available for the first time ever.” So, The BCPF wanted this one, so that’s what she gets. Only 7500 available worldwide.
  • Fleetwood Mac – The Alternate Fleetwood Mac — The last two years’ RSD hauls have had a few “Alternate” Fleetwood Mac albums. 2017 was Alternate Mirage, 2018 Alternate Tango in the Night and now this. I haven’t listened to it yet, but I like the concept. It’s the entire album, in this case, but is all early takes or early versions. Should be cool. There are no “availability” numbers for this album on the RSD website.
  • Duran Duran – As The Lights Go Down (Live Oakland Coliseum ’84) — DD at their height. 2xLP but only three sides. Side 4 is etched. Only 5500 of these are available worldwide.
  • Frank Black – Frank Black — One of the several that I camped out for, for The BCPF. She tells me that it was released a month or so before she graduated high school and they rode around wearing the cassette out. I like what I’ve heard of it. I like it better than Pixies stuff. It’s orange, too. 4500 available.
  • Jeff Buckley – In Transition —  The BCPF loves her some Jeff Buckley and this is 7 previously unreleased performances of his tunes. Only 3000 worldwide.
  • Bingo Hand Job – Live At The Borderline 1991 — So, one of our fellow campers was looking online and came across this one. I don’t know if he was just researching or if he was intrigued by the name but when he looked it up, he found that it was really REM doing their “alias” thing and playing a club. So, being as we were the first four in line, we kept that secret and three of us grabbed them. Hey, we were the ones that camped for 20 hours, we got what we want. 3000 available.
  • a-ha – Hunting High And Low (The Early Alternative Mixes) — I love the original and these are the early alternate mixes making their vinyl debut. There are only 6000 worldwide.
  • The Charlatans – Some Friendly  — This was the title that The BCPF wanted the most. It was Charlatans UK to her (and it says that on the album cover). It is clear vinyl and only 1000 worldwide.
  • Peter Gabriel – Rated PG — I generally have sworn off picture discs, but hey, this is Peter Gabriel. This is a collection of his songs that have been on movie soundtracks. Supposedly, according to Discogs, it is numbered, but I don’t find any indication on mine of a “number.” It does include a digital download, though. Only 2000 worldwide.
  • David J – Thoughts And Prayers — Similarly with the picture disc model, I don’t usually get 7″ either. But, The BCPF wanted it and here it was. Only 500 worldwide.

So, people have asked me if it was worth it. Truly, the actual record buying was secondary to the camaraderie, conversation, friendship, community and experience. That, in and of itself was worth it. The vinyl we got, knowing that we are one of 500-6000 in the world that have one, is priceless. Thank you so much to Underdog Records, especially Jonathan, for being a place where we want to do such things, always having our backs in the inventory and letting us in to go to the bathroom before you go home, bringing us doughnuts and coffee the next morning and just being an all-around awesome dude. And, thank you, Discogs for being available to help us sort this crazy mess out. And, thank you, Record Store Day (yes it is an entity) for doing this awesome “holiday” twice a year. And, lastly, to David, Jordan, Bob, Michael, Taylor, Jay, and The BCPF, thank you for making it a great experience to be out there.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“Master, master. This is recorded thru uh flies ear ‘n you have t’ have uh flies eye t’ see it. It’s the thing that’s gonna make Captain Beefheart and his magic band fat. Frank, it’s the big hit. It’s the blimp! It’s the blimp, Frank! It’s the blimp!” – “The Blimp (Mousetrapreplica)” (Van Vliet)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 5/4-5/18

06 Sunday May 2018

Posted by in Records, Silent Sunday, Spinning Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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)

Sounds Like Saturday or: Sentimental Lady

28 Saturday Apr 2018

Posted by in Sounds Like Saturday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Salutations™!!

So, last night when The BCPF and I were driving back from GSO, we were listening to some yacht rock on Sirius XM and this song came on. I love the album that it’s from. I have the Fleetwood Mac album that it was on but I haven’t listened to it, yet. I will. Anywhat! Here ya go… Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“And all of the things that I said that I wanted come rushing by in my head when I’m with you. Fourteen joys and a will to be merry, and all of the things that we say are very sentimental gentle wind blowing through my life again. Sentimental Lady. Gentle one.” – “Sentimental Lady” (Welch)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul – Record Store Edition

22 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by in Records, Silent Sunday

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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)

Two Birthdays or: The Important Things

11 Wednesday Oct 2017

Posted by in Life as We Know It

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

So, I struggled today with what to write about but I decided that I would write about both and I felt the struggle leave. There are TWO major milestones happening today. On this day in 1977, my little sister was born. I’m no maths scholar by any means but if I take 1,977 from 2,017, that leaves 40. Right? FORTY! Man, it’s often a surprise that I let her live that long. Of course, I jest. She’s always taken good care of me when she needed to. 551589_3780918167809_2064565919_n

When we were much younger, we rarely got along. I’m a month shy of seven years older than her. It’s not like I hide my age so I’m not giving anything away there. She was too young to hang with my friends and truthfully, she annoyed the bejeezus out of me.  Always wanted to play with my stuff and always claimed that everything was hers. There was something about a Whitney Houston record and a Fleetwood Mac tape in there somewhere, right, sis? As we grew older, the contention didn’t necessarily go away.

Once, when we were still living in WV, she kept doing cartwheels in front of the TV while I was watching wrestling. I asked her to stop. I told her to stop. She didn’t stop. I got up on the back of the ugly (but oh so interesting) black/white/red chair I was sitting in and when she came through again, I did a clothesline off the “top rope” on her and she hit her head and I busted her lip. There was also a time when we had just moved here and I was “watching” her. I locked her out of the house and she put a broom handle through the window. Or was it me? I don’t really remember.

We had some big arguments, water (with ice) thrown to the face, a takedown, near hits and near misses. I don’t know about her, but I’m not proud of any of those fights, but that’s what siblings do, right? I would always make her so mad when she would throw the “I’m going to tell mom!” at me. I would hurry and tell on myself so she didn’t get the satisfaction. She would do whatever she could to get me into trouble but then would stand and scream at our mother to stop whipping me. Those were the days.

But, because we all end up growing up, somehow, we did. We don’t always see eye-to-eye but I really enjoy hanging out with her, now. We can have “life” conversations, general conversations, she listens to a few of my podcasts religiously (and I talk about her on those), we’ve grown up. She’s a great mother to my nephews. Any problems they have is certainly not from my side of the family. I kid. We get to hang out sometimes and have dinner at Willows and we always talk cooking and recipes during the holidays. She still can’t let things go, but that’s just our Leah. I wouldn’t want her any other way. She’s bad-arsed in just about every way. The BCPF says she’s so glad that my sister likes her and is glad she’s “on her side.” She’s scary when she’s not on your side. I’m scared of her. So, happy birthday or solar circumnavigational anniversary day, sis. I do love ya and can’t wait until we’re back at Willows having a burger and sangria.  I could write a 10,000-word blog post and it would still not be enough to cover her and my stories.

SO, the other thing that I’m celebrating today is that on my sister’s 40th birthday, it’s also The Less Desirables‘ 400th episode! Who would have thought when Brian and I started this roller coaster ride back in 2010 that it would still be going strong in 2017? I could see missing a few weeks here and there, but nope (in actuality, only one was missed). We’ll have world-class body painter Cheryl Ann Lipstreau in to celebrate with us and maybe a few other guests. I’ll probably get my face painted. You’ll want to hear that, I’m sure. So, here’s to Brian, Eugene, Caitlin, Bruce and Danielle for helping me keep this dream alive. I still love my “job” and love sharing it with you, Dear Reader (and Listener). 400 is a big number, I hope the next 400 will be as fun as the first 400. Thank you for listening!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“For there is no friend like a sister in calm or stormy weather; To cheer one on the tedious way, to fetch one if one goes astray, to lift one if one totters down, to strengthen whilst one stands.” – Christina Rossetti

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 8/26/17

27 Sunday Aug 2017

Posted by in Records, Silent Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

After a week off from records to absorb deliciously fermented grape juice, we made up for it at Underdog Records on Saturday. I’m sure Jonathan wasn’t complaining. Let’s just do it!

COTN_album_cover

©Casablanca/Island Def Jam/UMe

 

That’s quite the haul. It’s hard to tell what I missed yesterday because we were a little late getting there and I know Clay had already been through. We were quite excited with this haul and it’s already been good listening. If you’re thinking of getting into vinyl, getting back into vinyl or just want to expand your vinyl collection, then you need to get by Underdog Records. They have turntables, receivers, speakers, cleaning accessories and more. Listen to The Less Desirables each week to hear what the Underdog/TLD special is for that week. And use Discogs to archive and log your vinyl collection so you always know what you have.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“The road is long with many a winding turn that leads us to who knows where. Who knows where? But I’m strong. Strong enough to carry him. He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.” – “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” (Russell, Scott)