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Tag Archives: Guns ‘N’ Roses

Now Normal Chronicles or: Use That Illusion

17 Friday Sep 2021

Posted by TGBII in Video

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Guns 'N' Roses, Music, Video

Salutations™!!

Today is the 30th anniversary of Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II from Guns N Roses. That was a big deal. But a little insulting, too. They said that making a double album would have cost the consumer too much money. Instead, they released two full-sized albums (30 total songs). A double album would have cost probably 1/2 to 3/4 the cost of two full albums. I don’t see that they’re saving us and I feel they knew that. Anywhat! This is the O’Keefe Music Foundation out of Ohio. The OMF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) music organization that offers FREE music lessons, FREE music camps, FREE recording sessions and FREE music videos to young musicians from around the world! If you’re interested in donating to the OMF follow this link. Again, this is the O’Keefe Music Foundation, they’re doing the lead single from the albums, and while the solo is a bit unimaginative, the group sounds good, Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I’m a cold heartbreaker, fit to burn and I’ll rip your heart in two. And I’ll leave you lyin’ on the bed. I’ll be out the door before you wake ’em, it’s nothin’ new to you. ‘Cause I think we’ve seen that movie, too. ‘Cause you could be mine.” – “You Could Be Mine” (Rose/Stradlin)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 3/12/20

14 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by TGBII in Records, Spinning Sunday

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Aerosmith, Discogs, Guns 'N' Roses, Icehouse, Marvin Gaye, Mr Barbecue, Music, Prince, She & Him, Starbuck, The BCPF, The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Magnetic Fields, Underdog Records, Wilco

Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I actually went to Underdog Records on Friday instead of yesterday. Friday was her birthday. It may not seem like much, but I got a special advanced preview of the cheeseburger that will come from Mr. Barbecue with their opening TOMORROW!!! So, she can say she ate there before just about everyone else. I’m used to that. She isn’t. It was cool. Her birthday weekend has been great (according to her) and will culminate in me getting my “FauciOuchie” (C-19 vax) after I write this blog post. So, that means I need to get a move on… Here’s the haul:

Wilco – Being There — This was one of The BCPF’s birthday presents. She is a big Wilco fan. I can handle them in small doses. This is 19 songs, I may have to have a drink or two for it, but, hey! She has it. It gets its name from the 1979 film starring Peter Sellers and Shirley MacLaine. It’s self-produced by the band. 2×LP. New.

©Music Brokers

Guns N’ Roses – G N’ R Lies — I love “Patience” and I like a few of the other tunes on this “unofficial” release. I don’t know why they call it that. The album is definitely not without its controversy. A lot of homophobic and racial slurs being thrown around. I like this version of “You’re Crazy” better than the Appetite for Destruction version. Cream-colored vinyl. NM.

The Flying Burrito Bros – The Gilded Palace Of Sin — This album was #192 on the RS list that matters and fell to #463 on the one that doesn’t. I went back and looked at my review of it from 2015 and it seems mostly favorable. I don’t remember it, truthfully, but when I saw that Jonathan had a reissue of it, it triggered me to purchase it because I would just overlook it otherwise. So, now I have it. New.

She & Him – Volume One — The first album by M. Ward and the beautiful Zooey Deschanel. We did get to listen to that one on Friday. She sounds great and “young.” I like the classic/old-timey-ness of her voice and the music itself. The tracks were all written by her except for “You Really Got a Hold on Me,” “I Should Have Known Better,” “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” She co-wrote “Sweet Darlin'” with fellow actor/musician Jason Schwartzman. I liked it. New. The BCPF’s birthday present.

She & Him – Volume Two — The second album by M. Ward and Zooey. Again, she wrote all the songs except for two covers. I haven’t heard this one yet, but I can’t imagine me not liking it. New. The BCPF’s birthday present.

The Magnetic Fields – Get Lost — Original 1995 album release was on compact disc only. This is 180g and features an alternate song sequence. I haven’t heard it yet, but I can imagine it’s going to be weird, just like all other Magnetic Fields albums. New. The BCPF’s birthday present.

Calexico – Garden Ruin — This, the fifth studio album by the rock band Calexico, was released in 2006 and was the first Calexico album to feature no instrumental tracks, instead relying on a more direct, pop-style approach. Leaving behind the “indie-mariachi” genre, if you will, the band took their music in a different direction. This is a more straightforward indie rock album. One of The BCPF’s favorite bands, she had only ever had this on CD. New. Her birthday present.

Various – The Many Faces Of Prince (A Journey Through The Inner World Of Prince) — From what I can tell, these are songs that were written by Prince, possibly with the band before he broke big, 94 East, and some by the artists that made them famous, like Sheila E. doing “Glamorous Life” (which I never knew he wrote) or Chaka Khan’s “I Feel For You” which should have probably been “I Feel 4 U.” Also on this is Dead Or Alive’s cover of “Pop Life,” Heaven 17’s “Sign O’The Times”, Gary Numan doing “U Got The Look,” Information Society doing “Controversy” and Sigue Sigue Sputnik doing “I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man,” among others. 2×LP. Purple vinyl (of course). Import (I think).180g. NM.

Marvin Gaye – The Soulful Moods Of Marvin Gaye — Marvin Gaye. Good stuff. NM.

Neil Young – Trans — I don’t know anything about this album, other than it was a bit weird to long-time fans. The reason I got it, though? Jonathan’s note on the sales sticker: “Neil Young was never afraid to take a chance.” VG+.

Frank Zappa – Sheik Yerbouti — Mostly made up of live material recorded in 1977 and 1978, with later overdubs in the studio. I think it’s also a bit of a parody compared to the contemporaries of the time. I don’t know what to expect but I expect it to be, well… different. 2×LP. VG.

Aerosmith – Classics Live — Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. Yes, I do hate Aerosuck, but I couldn’t resist this when it was sitting there in the “freshly acquired” bin. It’s in VG+ condition and it should be in my collection. Now, it is.

Icehouse – Primitive Man — I love Icehouse’s later stuff, so I’m hoping I love their earlier stuff. This was their second album. So, wish me luck! VG+.

Starbuck – Moonlight Feels Right — The BCPF and I hear this song all the time on our Yacht Rock channels. I don’t know anything from the band other than the title track. Jonathan said there’s a 7″ in the sleeve as well and doesn’t know what the 7″ is or if it was ever part of the original packaging. I haven’t looked inside to know. But, I hope the rest of the album is like the title track. EX.

So, I think that Jonathan and I got a little closer to our podcast launch this week, but we still need a bit more hashing. Underdog Records is open, now, from Wednesday to Saturday 11a-7p and he’s still doing deliveries on Monday and Tuesday. Keep up on the Underdog Instagram account to see what he’s got for purchase. You can shop his entire new inventory day or night, 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Tell him I sent you! I use Discogs to track my collection as well as my friends’ collections. You should, too.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“I sit here on the stairs cause I’d rather be alone. If I can’t have you right now, I’ll wait dear. Sometimes I get so tense but I can’t speed up the time. But you know love there’s one more thing to consider.” – “Patience” (Guns N Roses)

Now Normal Chronicles or: The Hard Rock Day

17 Thursday Sep 2020

Posted by TGBII in Video

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Guns 'N' Roses, Judas Priest, Music, Ozzy Osborne, Scorpions, Video

Salutations™!!

Today is a big day in music releases, but for today, I’m only going to focus on hard rock albums that came out on this day. The UK release of Scorpions’ In Trance turns 45 today. Unleashed in the East from Judas Priest turns 41. Use Your Illusion I, Use Your Illusion II from Guns N Roses and No More Tears from Ozzy are all 29 today. That’s a lot of hard rock! I have always loved this song and think this is an amazing version, all things considered. This performance involves 21 students who range in ages from 5 to 16. The poor kid who is playing drums can’t be any bigger then the kick drum and does a great job. However, someone needs to introduce him to a stick bag or stick stick caddy as he dropped a stick twice. Also, I have to say it’s cheating a bit to play a high note instead of the squeal harmonics but again, none of the kids are over 16, they probably hadn’t mastered that yet. I think Zakk needs a wah pedal to get it to sound like he does. Anywhat! Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“So now that it’s over can’t we just say goodbye? I’d like to move on and make the most of the night. Maybe a kiss before I leave you this way. Your lips are so cold, I don’t know what else to say. I never wanted it to end this way, my love, my darling. Believe me when I say to you in love I think I’m falling here. No more tears.” – “No More Tears” (Osbourne/Wylde/Castillo/Inez/Purdell)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul? 7/25/20

26 Sunday Jul 2020

Posted by TGBII in Records, Spinning Sunday

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Aaron Copland, Anton Bruckner, Antonin Dvorak, Bach, Discogs, Dmitri Shostakovich, Franz Liszt, Franz Schubert, Guns 'N' Roses, Gustav Mahler, Handel, Jean Sibelius, Joseph Haydn, Maurice Ravel, Mozart, Music, PJ Harvey, Prokofiev, R.E.M., Records, Richard Strauss, Richard Wagner, The Less Desirables, Underdog Records

Salutations™!!

Yesterday had to be one of the weirdest days we’ve seen in the last bit and this is 2020 where everything is weird. Even the most usual of things. So, we get up and get going. Routine. We run over to Underdog Records and I have a field day with some classical.

You see, The BCPF and I have turned our Sundays (for the most part) into Classical Sunday. We listen to a lot of rock and folk and all that stuff during the week and then Sunday has become the “day of rest” and with that a little culture. You saw over the last few weeks we had gotten the “TimeLife – Great Men of Music” box sets from the 1970s for Guiseppi Verdi and Sergei Rachmaninoff. I have quite a few full sets of TimeLife collections on CD and now I’ve decided I want to find the full collection from this series  ~1975. I didn’t decide that until yesterday and you’ll see why in a little bit.

GunsnRosesUseYourIllusionII

©Geffen

But first, the rest of the reason why yesterday was one of the weirdest days. We got three new records and there were skips in the first song on the second side of two of them. Okay. While listening to the second of the three new ones, the power goes out. A car hit a pole or something the text from the power company said. It was out for about 90 minutes. Then it comes back on, we finish album number two, put on album number three and the power goes out again. This time a tree had fallen. So, we start looking into what to eat for dinner. The power comes on again.

We pick our place for dinner, order it, and go pick it up. We get it home and the entire order was wrong. Practically everything on the order was either the exact opposite of what we ordered or stuff that we hadn’t even said. So, we drove all the way back and the place was closed. But, a few forceful knocks and a masked smile got me in the door. They apologized profusely and remade my order. They even threw in a few extras. They were nice. I will go back (of course).

So, that was the weird day we had. Here’s the weird haul we got:

  • R.E.M. – Out Of Time — The BCPF has been looking for this one. Jonathan ordered it special for us and here it is. This one has “Shiny Happy People” and the song that really broke them mainstream, “Losing My Religion.” New.
  • Guns N’ Roses – Use Your Illusion II — Jonathan special ordered me this one. I like a lot of aspects about this one but upon listening to it yesterday (including the power outage), I realized that it doesn’t have the same oomph that Use Your Illusion I had. But, there is a caveat for me. The “filler” songs on this one are better than on I. The main meat of I was better but the peripheral songs on II were better, in my opinion. I used to like the “alternate” lyrics for “Don’t Cry” (and I still do) but realized over the last few weeks that the “original” is the better version. 2xLP. New.
  • P J Harvey – Dry — She is a strong and powerful woman and it shows in her music. This is a reissue of her debut album from 1991. This one I have to take back as B1, which was one of the main reasons why The BCPF wanted this, skipped all the way through. It knocked around 30 seconds off the song, I’d say. I examined it and can see little nicks and imperfections. We bought it new, too. Jonathan has another one held for me and we’ll exchange it. But, I really enjoyed listening to all but B1 and part of B2. New.

So, from here on in, it’s all classical, all the time. The first isn’t part of the TimeLife (TL) series but what follows is many Sundays of listening pleasure. Now, being the completist I am, I have to find the ones I’m missing. Dang it, whomever you are that unloaded your entire TL collection on Jonathan this week! Each of the “Great Men of Music” series are 4xLP and I list their grading. Here we go:

  • Haydn, Dekany Quartet – String Quartets, Volume III —  Joseph. 3xLP. NM.
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Great Men Of Music — EX.
  • Johann Sebastian Bach – Great Men Of Music — EX.
  • Prokofiev – Great Men Of Music — VG+ (Sergei, by the way).
  • Franz Schubert – Great Men Of Music — EX.
  • Gustav Mahler – Great Men Of Music — VG+.
  • Antonín Dvořák – Great Men Of Music — EX.
  • Handel – Great Men Of Music — (George) VG+.
  • Richard Strauss – Great Men Of Music — VG+.
  • Maurice Ravel – Great Men Of Music — VG+.
  • Richard Wagner – Great Men Of Music — EX.
  • Jean Sibelius – Great Men Of Music — VG+.
  • Anton Bruckner – Great Men Of Music — VG+. I had never heard of Anton.
  • Franz Liszt – Great Men Of Music — VG+.
  • Dmitri Shostakovich – Great Men Of Music — VG+. I had never heard of Dmitri.
  • Aaron Copland – Great Men Of Music — VG+. The lone American on the classical train this week.

So, there you have it! Now, I only have about 20 more to go! I don’t know how many there are. I need to look that up. But, Underdog Records was jumping yesterday. Good crowd (still only five allowed in at a time – okay seven yesterday but people were checking out). I love seeing it that way. It reminds me of the “old” days. Maybe we’ll get back to the TLD/UR specials of the week and playing songs on TLD again. Check out the Underdog Records social media for the latest finds that can be yours. Jonathan still does deliveries during the early part of the week and will ship unlimited records for $4. Also, I use Discogs to keep up with this crazy collection of mine!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Whaz so civil ’bout war anyway?” – “Civil War” (Rose/Slash/McKagen)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 7/11/20

12 Sunday Jul 2020

Posted by TGBII in Records, Spinning Sunday

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Andrew Bird, Billy Joel, Bohemian Rhapsody, Discogs, Guns 'N' Roses, Music, Queen, The BCPF, Underdog Records, vinyl

Salutations™!!

The usual Saturday routine, The BCPF and I got up, ran to Underdog Records, had lunch, listened to records, had dinner, watched a movie (Bohemian Rhapsody, by the way).

GnR--UseYourIllusion1

©Geffen

Here’s the haul:

  • Andrew Bird – My Finest Work Yet — The BCPF and I saw Andrew Bird open for Belle and Sebastian two years ago. He was great. This is, like most of his work, experimental, ethereal and kind of laid back. I dug it. New.
  • Guns N’ Roses – Use Your Illusion I — This album and its twin were overplayed in 1991. Not nearly as much as Appetite for Destruction was and still is, but it was. But, no matter, I loved them then and I love them now. I only got #I (because that’s all that was at Underdog Records) but I’m sure I’ll find #II soon. I was at the infamous Greensboro concert when they were 2-3 hours late and played until 3am. They played these albums, to the best of my knowledge, in their entirety and I was in awe. Then again, I hadn’t been going to concerts that often but this was amazing. The first time I heard their version of “Live and Let Die” was at this show and I nearly cried. I love that tune. Great album. I need to listen to #II again to see which I like better. 2xLP. New.
  • Queen – A Night At The Opera — The Queen album, at least to most. I don’t know that I fit in that category because I have others I like better, but I guess this is like Queen’s Destroyer, considered their quintessential masterpiece, even if it wasn’t really. We watched Bohemian Rhapsody last night and it was amazing. Then when we finish watching, I check my phone and see that the video of me doing “Bicycle Race” was posted yesterday (that song is not on this album). A coinkidink for sure. This album is really fantastic. New.
  • Billy Joel – Streetlife Serenade — Billy’s third album. I really, really, love old Billy Joel. I say old. Isn’t all of it old now? How about earlier BJ? And even with that, I’m good through most of his career. Listening to the recurring Joel channel on SiriusXM opened me up to a lot of cool stuff I hadn’t heard. This has “Root Beer Rag” and “The Entertainer” on it. Those are prominent but the whole album is a great listen. EX.
  • Billy Joel – Songs In The Attic — This was BJ’s first live album. It had a bit from his debut album, which at the time wasn’t readily available. Most importantly to me, on this album is the version of “She’s Got a Way” that I’m most used to hearing. It was a great representation of his early stuff and we loved listening to it. VG+.

Not a huge haul today but fun. And, we did something we don’t always do. We listened to all of our haul on the day we got it. Jonathan was talking with some folks about purchasing some used stuff to resell. I love hearing that. Distribution has been rough because of C-19 but he keeps getting stuff and is still doing deliveries early in the week. Watch Underdog Records’ Instagram and Facebook pages to see what he is getting in, new and used, and even equipment and supplies. You can DM for something (first come first served) you see. Jonathan can try to special order things for you as well. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection and am able to share it with my friends.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“You suck my blood like a leech, you break the law and you breach. Screw my brain till it hurts, you’ve taken all my money. And you want more. Misguided old mule with your pigheaded rules. With your narrow-minded cronies who are fools of the first division.” – “Death on Two Legs” (Mercury)

Some Post-Turkey Patience or: Lies, All Lies

29 Friday Nov 2019

Posted by TGBII in Video

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Guns 'N' Roses, Music, Video

Salutations™!!

We’re getting over the turkey hangover today, Dear Reader. A day that happens to be the 31st anniversary of Guns N Roses’ GnR Lies EP. There was only one single on this album, “Patience,” which is a song that I really do like. However, there were better options for this song, so here you have it. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I used to love her, but I had to kill her. I used to love her, hm yeah, but I had to kill her. I knew I’d miss her so I had to keep her. She’s buried right in my backyard.” – “Used to Love Her” (Guns N’ Roses)

Spinning Monday or: The Haul 5/11/19

13 Monday May 2019

Posted by TGBII in Records, Spinning Sunday

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Bangles, Chilliwack, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Discogs, Donnie Iris, Electric Light Orchestra, ELO, Guns 'N' Roses, Judas Priest, Lambchop, Music, Pet Shop Boys, Peter Paul and Mary, Records, Roger Hodgson, Rush, The Less Desirables, Underdog Records

Salutations™!!

The post mother’s day edition of Spinning Sunday Monday is here. We had a whole weekend that was “normal” for us and about time. Started with breakfast, then to Underdog Records, buying and listening and then to dinner. A great day, minus the rain, but we were in listening to records, so there’s that! Here’s the haul:

GunsnRosesAppetiteforDestructionalbumcover

©Geffen Records

  • Guns N’ Roses – Appetite For Destruction — #62 on the RS list and really a great all-around album. I had never had it on vinyl and was waiting to find a good used copy but people don’t just give that up so we bought it new. This album was a game changer. I know I give Nirvana a lot of flack for “killing my music,” but I really believe this is where the killing started. They may have had a song about “doing it” but most of it was slinging their stuff around with attitude and extreme prejudice. They weren’t fluffing anything and taking no prisoners. Hair bands couldn’t keep up with this and the scene shifted a bit. Hair was still going strong into the 90s but it was watering itself down and then in 1992, it all really fell apart. This was just turning the eye on. I will say if I never hear “Paradise City” again, I’ll be happy. Everything else on the album is great.
  • Judas Priest – British Steel — Four to go. I have every official Judas Priest album from the first Rocka Rolla to Screaming for Vengeance and also Turbo. I want to fill the gap to Painkiller which is what I think of as the definitive “Priest Discography.” Yes, they did stuff, good stuff, even after, but once you get past 1990, then records weren’t the thing any longer. I need Defenders of the Faith, Priest Live, Ram It Down and Painkiller to have them all. I am glad to have what I have so far. Great first wave of British Heavy Metal stuffs. New.
  • Lambchop – This (Is What I Wanted To Tell You) — The BCPF loves Lambchop, but this, his latest release, was a bit of a departure from what he’s done in the past. It was good, but he used a bit too much autotune as a prop, I felt. The BCPF agreed, I think. It’s on cool clear vinyl, though. New.
  • Rush – Caress Of Steel — I have started trying to fill my Rush discography, as well. I got three steps closer on Saturday. This album is the oldest of theirs that I have and a little rawer than I’d like but it has some great stuff on it. “Bastille Day” is probably the biggest thing from it. It’s just starting to be a little more prog from the band at this point. VG+.
  • Rush – Permanent Waves — The album that followed Hemispheres (which I need to get) and before their biggest album Moving Pictures, this has “Spirit of Radio,” “Free Will” and “Entre Nous” on it. I didn’t know that I was such a fan of what they did before yesterday. Yeah, I know stuff I like, but I’ve always said they were too robotic and lacked feeling. That is true about some aspects of their music, but the lyrics are deep (sometimes too deep) and they tell a story with the music, even above the lyrics at times. I liked it. VG+.
  • Rush – Grace Under Pressure — The band was definitely in their synth years at this point, which I love because I’m a synth fan. When I saw the video for “Distant Early Warning” for the first time, I didn’t get it and didn’t like the song. Now, though, I dig the song. I like this album and it had four “official” singles, “Distant Early Warning,” “The Body Electric,” “Afterimage” and “Red Sector A.” “The Enemy Within” had a video and was the very first video played on Canada’s MuchMusic in August 1984. VG+.
  • Pet Shop Boys – Please — The debut album from Pet Shop Boys, it is probably still what they’re best known for, even though they have had some great things since. The big singles were “West End Girls,” “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money),” “Suburbia,” and “Love Comes Quickly.” Great synth-pop from some of the masters of that genre. VG++.
  • ELO – Time — The ninth studio album from Electric Light Orchestra, although for this album they were credited as ELO only. It’s a concept album and had five singles released for it: “Hold On Tight,” “Twilight,” “Ticket to the Moon” (backed with “Here Is the News”), “Rain Is Falling” and “The Way Life’s Meant to Be.” This was more synth-based music as Jeff Lynne had already gotten rid of the orchestral aspect of the band, which may be why they went with ELO as the band’s name? Who knows? VG+.
  • Chilliwack – Lights From The Valley — I know little about Chilliwack, except for two songs, “My Girl (She’s Gone, Gone, Gone)” and “I Believe” in which neither is on this album. They came later. But, in my quest to become more rounded in my musical knowledge, this was at Underdog and I wanted it. It was sealed, which, I immediately unsealed it to get the catalog number to be able to put it in Discogs. The vinyl is in NM condition and the sleeve is VG+ with a little wear on it, including a “record ring.”
  • Bangles – All Over The Place — The band’s debut album with the singles “Hero Takes a Fall” and “Going Down to Liverpool,” written by Kimberley Rew of Katrina and the Waves. Great pop record, this. VG++.
  • Roger Hodgson – In The Eye Of The Storm — I asked Jonathan if Hodgson’s solo stuff sounds like Supertramp (since he was one of the main songwriters/singers) and he said that not only does it, but he has this record in his collection and loves it. So, I bought it. I’m a fan of Supertramp, so I figure I’ll be a fan of this, too. VG++.
  • Various – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band — I know a lot of people hated this film. I didn’t hate this film. Plus, I mean the all-star lineup for the soundtrack is hard to beat and they’re doing Beatles songs? Heck yeah! 2xLP. VG.
  • Donnie Iris – Back On The Streets — Donnie Iris, the former songwriter/singer of The Jaggerz (“The Rapper”) and post-“Funky Music” Wild Cherry, I came to know him for one song. “Ah, Leah.” It was brought to my attention because my sister’s name is Leah and she liked the tune. That’s on this album and why I snatched it from the $1 bin. VG.
  • Rud Wharton And The Musette Street Players – –  Sidewalks Of Paris — Because The BCPF and I are suckers for anything Parisian. No other reason. Well, that and this was a $1 bin find. VG.
  • Peter, Paul And Mary – A Song Will Rise — It’s sappy 60s folk, just the way The BCPF likes it from the $1 bin. VG-.
  • Peter, Paul And Mary – Album — Second verse, same as the first. VG-.
  • Creedence Clearwater Revival – Green River — A very “fair” copy of this album. It’s scuffed, it’s scratched, I almost didn’t include it in the collection. But, it is here, now. G at best and that’s pushing it. $1 bin find.

Underdog Records was a bit empty when we got there but people started coming in pretty steady by the time we left. Jonathan wasn’t feeling good, so watch social media to make sure he’s back by Tuesday. Always listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to find out what the TLD/UR special of the week is.

I use Discogs to rate, catalog and track my collection. You can do it with CDs and cassettes, too.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’!
Scorp out!

—
“Off on your way, hit the open road. There is magic at your fingers. For the spirit ever lingers, undemanding contact in your happy solitude.” – “Spirit of Radio” (Peart/Lee/Lifeson)

Movin’ Out or: When Are You Coming ‘Round Again?(RS Part 44)

14 Monday Nov 2016

Posted by TGBII in Music Review, Uncategorized

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Billy Joel, Guns 'N' Roses, Led Zeppelin, Michael Jackson, Phil Spector, Radiohead, Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums, Sly and the Family Stone, The Rolling Stones, U2, Van Morrison

Salutations™!!

Man, I loved the last segment of Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums of All Time. Some of my favorite albums on that segment. I kind of skimmed ahead so I know some of the stuff coming and I’m very excited! So, let’s just straight in!

#70 – The Stranger by Billy Joel. I’ll say, and I don’t care what anyone thinks about it, I love Billy Joel. There are some exceptions but for the most part, I’m all about the “piano man.” I told you I was going to do it and here it is: the first album that I own and am listening on1thestranger1977 vinyl!! I’m excited! This album contains the first song I ever sang in karaoke and one that I have played in a band, on keyboards and singing, “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” and it is one of my favorite songs of his, too. It’s all so very 70s NYC and as I have stated (even in the last segment), that I love that stuff. Here’s my obligatory arse kissing of the bass player: Doug Stegmeyer was a beast. So sad he left us so soon. Many of the songs on this album are what I’d call my “must hear” tunes: the aforementioned “Movin’ Out,” the title track, “Just the Way You Are,” “Vienna,” “She’s Always a Woman” and the one that I wish I had the chops (and, really, the cajones) to learn (and one of my top 3 BJ songs, in general), “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.” I love the story, the setup, the structure, the playing, everything about it is pure gold. I absolutely love that song. I truly get lost in this album. The one tune that was a moderate hit for him (reached #24) that I really don’t like is “Only the Good Die Young.” I love the piano intro and then that shuffle boogie beat hits in and I don’t really care for it. But, other than that, this album is fan-frickin’-tastic! I LOVE IT!

#69 – Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin. Okay, it may be cliche but this is my favorite Zep album. And, too, here I’ll explain the “believe it or not” moment of this album. I never heard anything from this album, yes, including “Stairway to Heaven” until 1988 or so. That’s 17 years after its release, I know. I had heard of “Stairway” but until someone sat me down and let me hear it, nada, zilch, zero, nothing. Again, it wasn’t something I was exposed to. Truthfully, I don’t even know if I got it or understood what it was I was even hearing at that point. I was 17-going-on-18. I was lost. Then the local classic rock station here in town became my go-to for a while and it turned me onto a lot of stuff. Just like last segment’s Back in Black, this contains some of my faves (“Stairway,” “Black Dog,” “Misty Mountain Hop,” “Going to California,” “When the Levee Breaks”) but also my most hated Zep song, “Rock and Roll.” I have always hated that song. i don’t mind it when The Threadbare Trio does it slowed down and acoustic. That’s fun. I’m not too into “The Battle of Evermore,” either, to tell the truth. Upon listening to it this time, though, it’s not as sucky sucky as it used to be, to me. Now, do I think this is their best album? Not necessarily. There’s parameters and mood to consider in order for me to say which of them that would be. It’s my favorite because I wore it out (skipping from track 1 to track 4 and then a few on side 2) on the cassette. I can really tear into the album now, in its entirety. I just tune out “RnR.” In the US, it is certified as 23x platinum (23 million copies sold, well… shipped). When I think of power drumming and only part of why I think John Bonham is one of the greatest drummers to ever live, and what KISS based their drum sound on Creatures of the Night is “When the Levee Breaks.” Just power all around. The 1off_the_wallwhole album has that. I really LOVE this one, too.

#68 – Off the Wall by Michael Jackson. MJ’s fifth solo effort. It was the first on Epic, though. Five singles were released on this album: “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Rock With You,” “She’s Out Of My Life” (intended for Frank Sinatra, who never recorded it), “Girlfriend” (a Wings cover written by Sir Paul McCartney) and the title track, which to me sounds an awful lot like “Boogie Nights” from Heatwave. The bass line and sound are both very much like that. Speaking of which, it seems that I’m always going on about the bass players, but hey, I’m a bass player, and a fairly good one, I think, and can really get into being impressed with a really good bassist. This album is no different. Louis Johnson played all the tunes except for “Rock With You,” which is Bobby Watson. We lost Louis in 2015. He was part of the famous Brothers Johnson. RIP. “Girlfriend” was written for MJ but McCartney and Wings recorded it first. MJ wrote a few tunes on the album, himself. Stevie Wonder co-wrote “I Can’t Help It,” and Carole Bayer Sager and David Foster wrote “It’s The Falling In Love” which was recorded by several other artists around the same time, including Dionne Warwick. Overall, the vocals by MJ seem a bit strained and amateurish. They’re good songs and Quincy Jones does a fantastic job in the production, but it’s obviously not Thriller. I think it’s a decent album, but nothing that rocks my socks. It’s MJ so it’s going to be good, but it’s not world shaking, at least not to me. I know it was ground-breaking, and I recommend that you listen because it is iconic. Perhaps a Top 120 album, not Top 70. All that said? I dug it.

#67 – Kid A by Radiohead. I believe Thom Yorke started to develop a complex about the success of OK Computer and needed a release. Or, at least, needed a different direction. I think prior to this album he was okay with the band being an alternative “rock” band. This is what became the Radiohead that I didn’t care for and didn’t like. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of artists such as Enigma and other “chill” and electronic-based music but not when I’m expecting the ethereal rock stylings I’m mostly used to with Radiohead. There are times that it seems like some of the Yellow Submarine/Magical Mystery Tour era Beatles albums, which I liked those, too. But, again, something isn’t right about Radiohead doing it. There are a few tunes that I like, though: “Optimistic,” “How to Disappear Completely,””Morning Bell” are all decent tunes. The rest of it isn’t bad, just not my thing. If I were rating this like a beer, on how well they pulled off what they were trying to convey, I’d probably rate this fairly high. However, this is more if I liked it or not and as a whole, I didn’t. As I said, it’s not bad, just not my thing. I see its importance, but don’t see how it rates higher than OK Computer and The Bends. Both are far superior albums in my opinion. Even Pablo Honey is better than this. Didn’t dig.1vanmorrisonmoondance

#66 – Moondance by Van Morrison. I know I’m in the deep dark abyss with this, but the only songs that I know I know by Van Morrison is the title track of this album and “Brown Eyed Girl.” I heard Doug Davis doing a tune the other day and Clay Howard was singing along. I asked who it was and he said it was Van Morrison. I don’t know what song it was, just that it was Morrison. It may be on here, I don’t know. I also know that Vagabond Saints Society did Van Morrison before I was ever a part of the group. I saw one of the shows at Corpening Plaza. I love the title track of this, even though I like Michael Bublè’s version better.”Crazy Love” is a bit different from the rest of the album, but it’s a sweet song. Morrison has a powerful, yet smooth, voice. There are songs that I don’t care for, “These Dreams of You” reminds me of that shag-crazy beach music that I really could never hear again. Yes, some of it is bluesier or jazzier than that, but it’s very beach music-esque. There’s good stuff on here but my favorite is “Moondance.” I love that ‘standards’ style and this is good in that vein. It’s hippy and I’m good with that. “Brand New Day” is late-60s/early-70s rock that I enjoy a good bit. It does sound a lot like other things that were out at the same time, but that’s okay. It’s still good. “Everyone” is definitely a trip back to Morrison’s Northern Irish roots. It’s flutey and cool Gaelic feel makes me happy. History and all that. Moondance was released in the same year I was born, but it’s about eight months older than I. Overall, I dug it.

#65 – Back to Mono (1958-1969) by Phil Spector. I’m sure it’s a fine box set compilation, but it’s a compilation, nonetheless, skipped.

1sticky#64 – Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones. Some of my favorite Stones songs are on this album: “Brown Sugar,” “Bitch,” “Sister Morphine,” “Dead Flowers” and one of my absolute favorites, “Wild Horses.” To me, this is timeless. Even though the album was released in April, 1973, it seemed quite full in production, more like a late-70s era album in so many ways, at least to me. I don’t claim to be a Stones fan, I’m Beatles all the way, but, I can’t deny this album’s firm grasp on the rock and roll canon; it’s good stuff. The history and stories behind the tunes are equally compelling. There are a few songs that I’m less excited about but I think they’re still great and completely fill out the holes quite nicely. “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,” “I Got the Blues” and “You Gotta Move” are three of those. I’ve mentioned how I don’t like that blues stuff, but there’s something endearing about it here. I know they’re not, but I choose to hear it as if they’re poking light, playful fun at it. “Bitch” is extra special to me not as a song itself but for what it inspired. Gene Simmons always said that the main riff in “Deuce” came from playing the “Bitch” riff backward. It was the kicker to Alive and was and is prominent in KISS’ “Kisstory.” I’ve grown used to thinking about Doug Davis when I hear many of these tunes because he has performed a few of them in his cover band/solo shows and on more than one occasion, I’ve gotten up to do some backup vox with him on them. He lets me do that, for whatever reason. I thank him. Mick Jagger is extra sassy on this album. Keith Richards is lucid and the parts are clean and, truly, ingenious. Charlie Watts is one of the most solid drummers to ever grace a set of skins and because you know I dig ’em, Bill Wyman is one of the most underrated bass players in rock and roll history. I will have to admit that I am not very familiar with Mick Taylor’s work except for here. It sounds like he’s pretty up on his chops. And, finally, when I hear the saxophone, I know who it is; it’s Bobby Keys, whom I had the pleasure of meeting after and during one of the Mediocre Bad Guys collaborations with him doing an extended Rolling Stone show. All in all, I dig this album a lot!!!

#63 – Achtung Baby by U2. One of my two favorite U2 albums (the other, of course, is The Joshua Tree) and I love a lot of U2 albums. I don’t get turned off by Bono’s political and social platform screaming. I can easily not pay attention to the likes of him and his ilk. I don’t get caught up in their views, just their songs. That’s not true of every aspect of my life but it is with music. The exception to the rule is Ted Nugent. That’s not because I dislike his politics so much (which I do), that’s just a byproduct of how much I can’t stand his music, his playing or anything about him. The mere sight  or sound of him turns my stomach; but I digress. Two of my absolute favorite U2 songs are on this album: “One” and “Mysterious Ways.” I am in love with that tone The Edge gets on “Mysterious Ways” and the riff itself is pretty cool, too. The “echo plex” sound that The Edge is pigeonholed into is prevalent on this album. There, of course, was hints and varying degrees of the delay usage from the early stuff, but after Rattle & Hum and its predecessor, The Joshua Tree, it got more pronounced. I, myself, don’t mind that. I can still make out the riffs and notes that are underneath the effect and I think it’s cool. If nothing else, it’s their signature sound. Really, as far back as I have paid attention, U2 has had an ethereal feel and the echoey, delayed and reverbed depth has been part of that. There were plenty of tunes on this album that would constitute ‘hits.’ Many would go on to be concert staples or radio mainstays, like “Even Better Than the Real Thing” – which Richard Branson wanted to use in ads for his Virgin Cola to compete with Coke or, “the real thing;” the band declined -, “Until the End of the World,” “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses?” Bono, being the showman that he is, took on the persona of “The Fly” which he developed in the recording process of this record. U2 wanted to make the most un-U2 album they could; to reinvent themselves and go in new directions. Co-producer Brian Eno said his job on this album was to undo anything that sounded too much like U2. It’s standard to what U2 sounds like now, but it was absolutely different when it came out. As much as I love U2 now, then Joshua Tree was the stuff, I couldn’t stand them. It wasn’t what I was used to and I’ve documented how I rebelled when I dealt with that. I’ve changed obviously, but when this album came out, I was actually into “Mysterious Ways” and “One.” I didn’t buy the album until much, much later, though. I’m glad I did. I believe even Eugene gave this a good 1gunsnrosesappetitefordestructionalbumcoverreview when he, Brian and I covered it as an album of the week. I more than dig it, I love it!

#62 – Appetite for Destruction by Guns ‘N’ Roses. A real game changer when “Welcome to the Jungle” arrived on the scene. L.A. knew what was up but we had no idea what we were getting into when a then-poofy-haired Axl Rose was getting off that bus and into a straight jacket in the video. Hard rock and metal was getting a bit ‘hairy’ and poppy at the time so this was the savior for those who were becoming disenfranchised with the ‘Strip scene’ norms. It was, and still is, pure hard rock with a cocksure and unrelenting arse as a lead singer, who didn’t hold back on anyone, even his own band mates. Axl was something different. After that one video, the bouffant hairdo disappeared and was replaced with stringy locks covered in a bandanna but still with leather and flannel, an odd, but somehow perfect, combo. He also incorporated a vast span of vocal styles and range. One minute he’s grunting deep, the next screaming a few octaves higher, belting out the woes of drug use, women, lost relationships, outrunning the law and how f’ed up life is, in general. But, while Axl was the front man and basically overshadowed all that was good in GnR, I felt the real stars were the other members of the band. Yes, Axl was what you saw because he’s like a little chihuahua jilting about in a frenzy and barking incessantly because someone rang the door bell, but Slash, Duff McKagan, Steven Adler and Izzy Stradlin were the powerhouse players that made the band what it was. Slash’s blues-infused riffing and educated leads were only a compliment to Izzy’s rhythmic powerplaying. Duff and Adler held the rhythm section down to some tight beats. Duff wasn’t a slouch on the bass, either, he is really a guitar player in a bass player’s body. The album starts five-fingered paintbrushing your face from the onset of “…Jungle” and lets up only when the tape ran out on side 2. Over the years, for whatever reason, I’ve basically avoided “Think About You,” and “Anything Goes” and I can’t explain why. They just weren’t my thing, I guess; not bad tunes. I wouldn’t say I didn’t like them, just didn’t care. Now, one song that I don’t like and never did, and again, I don’t know why, is “Paradise City.” I really dislike that song. Maybe because it was just totally overplayed? I dunno. On the converse of that, I rarely turn “Sweet Child o’Mine” when it comes on and it’s overplayed more than “Paradise City.” I still giddy when I hear it, especially the album version (radio cuts it down too much).  Who knows. All I do know is this album changed the face of music for the last quarter of the 1980s music scene and never really released its stranglehold on the both the top 40 and hard rock charts alike. I’m okay with that. I’m very much okay with that. I love this album.

#61 – Greatest Hits by Sly & The Family Stone. I will note that while I’ve heard most of these songs on the Sly/Family albums on the list, I do feel a little kinship to the album. It was released on November 21, 1970, the day after I was born. I’m one day older than it. Woot.

So, this was a powerful segment, I think. Two comps, yes, but c’mon… The Stranger, Zoso, Achtung Baby, Appetite, Sticky Fingers…!? The only one I didn’t really care for was the Radiohead mess. Not a bad overall score, I don’t think. Can’t wait to do the next segment. Their cranking down little by little but at a good speed. I’m trying to do all this while concentrating on my normal routine. I want it done by January 1st. I’m working on it! I’m working on it! See you next segment folks…

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“A bottle of red, a bottle of white – it all depends on your appetite. I’ll meet you any time you want, in our Italian Restaurant.” – “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” (Joel)

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