Tag Archives: Jackson Browne

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul (12/22/18)

23 Sunday Dec 2018

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a pretty big haul, but it was a cheaper haul. I’ll explain more as we go. But, it was fun just being at Underdog Records, as it always is. It’s my candy store. Here’s the haul:

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©Warner Bros.

  • Siouxsie And The Banshees – Peepshow — The BCPF and I had a good long discussion about why she likes the “Dark Wave” stuff so much. I don’t know that we ever got to the bottom of it, but she just digs it. This was a reissue of their 1988 album. New.

So, from here on, all the albums are $1 bin finds and unless otherwise noted, they are all in VG condition (mostly after cleaning them up). So, here we go:

  • Pablo Cruise – A Place In The Sun — I only really knew one song by Pablo Cruise, who I thought was a guy. I didn’t realize that it was a band in which none of them were named Pablo Cruise. They were a quartet and would always joke that Pablo was the one in the middle. There is a story behind the name, at least minimally, that I won’t get into because, well, that’s not why we’re here. This is the one that has “Whatcha Gonna Do?” which was the song that I knew. This was in really good shape, so I would maybe even rate it VG+, but that may be pushing it.
  • Pablo Cruise – Worlds Away — The other Pablo Cruise that I got, this was the follow-up to A Place in the Sun.
  • Sanford And Townsend – Smoke From A Distant Fire — I will admit that I got this album only because either Ed Sanford or Johnny Townsend (I don’t know which is which), on the cover, looks like a young, chubby Clay Howard. The duo were well-known studio musicians (weren’t they all in the 70s?) and songwriters who co-wrote good songs. I haven’t listened to this so I don’t know what they sound like.
  • Atlanta Rhythm Section – A Rock And Roll Alternative — This album has “So Into You” on it and I like that song. That itself was worth the buck.
  • Jim Steinman – Bad For Good  — For those who don’t know, Steinman was the musical mind behind the songs for Meat Loaf. In fact, this was supposed to be the follow-up to Bat Out of Hell but because of Mr. Aday’s vocal problems, Steinman recorded it himself. Meat Loaf did do some of the songs on some of his later albums. The cover is pretty beaten up, but the LP looks to be VG.
  • Jackson Browne – For Everyman — Browne’s sophomore effort. It contains his version of “Take It Easy” which was co-penned by Glenn Frey.
  • Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road — Okay, trying this again. Every time I get this 2xLP album it’s pretty beaten up and I have to continue looking. This one doesn’t seem to be too bad, but I haven’t played it, yet, either. I’ll keep you informed.
  • Bob Dylan / The Band – Before The Flood — The first officially released live album by Dylan, it’s his 15th album overall and the seventh from The Band. I know nothing of it, so we’ll see about it. Also a 2xLP.
  • Todd Rundgren – Todd — The last 2xLP for today, it’s Rundgren’s fifth album. I liked Something/Anything? so I am hoping I like this, too.
  • Steely Dan – Countdown To Ecstasy — I love me some Steely Dan and this has “Bodhisattva” and “My Old School,” which, the latter I love.
  • Stanley Clarke / George Duke – The Clarke / Duke Project — Stanley Clarke. ‘Nuff said.
  • Savoy Brown – Hellbound Train — Jonathan asked if I had ever heard this album and I said no. He then said he wanted me to have it. So he gave it to me. We listened to it. It’s pretty good. It’s a blues-rock band from England. Nothing overly exciting for me. I didn’t dislike it, though. Thanks, J.

For your holiday shopping needs, Underdog Records will be open today, Sunday from 11-4 and Monday (Christmas Eve) from 10-3. And, the big thing now is gift certificates, so make sure you either get yours or tell your loved ones to get you one. Listen to The Less Desirables each week to hear what the TLD/UR special of the week is. And, use Discogs to catalog your music collection, be it vinyl, CD or even cassette.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“So you’re having trouble with your romance? Well, you better check it out before it goes, yeah. ‘Cause you might not be seeing things just the way you should. And you don’t recognize what everybody knows. Whatcha gonna do when she says goodbye? Whatcha gonna do when she is gone?” – “Whatcha Gonna Do?” (Jenkins/Lerios)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 9/8/18

09 Sunday Sep 2018

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I were back to Underdog Records yesterday after our trip to Beantown last week. It was good to be back and not only did we get a good haul this week, we actually got about six hours of record listening as well! Other than going through some head cold or sinus thing, yesterday was a wonderful day. I love my girl and spending the day with her. Here’s the haul:

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©Warner Bros.

  • The Psychedelic Furs – Talk Talk Talk — When I was younger, say when this stuff was new, I always got PFurs mixed up with The Fixx and Naked Eyes. They were close enough to the first wave stuff that it was only on my radar when they had a mega hit. I just didn’t have access to it. I have (obviously) come to know the difference and this was a great record. VG++.
  • Dire Straits – Love Over Gold — I have, on several occasions, mentioned my newfound love of Dire Straits. I am now only one album from having all of their studio albums on vinyl. I’m not sure it was even released on vinyl or not. If not, since they are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, perhaps they’ll get a reissue of it? And, if they could figure out a way to get side one of Brothers in Arms back to its full-length self, that would be great. This was a great record. VG+.
  • Aerosmith – Aerosmith — No, I still don’t like Aerosmith, but there are some songs that I like and this was their debut album. This is the second pressing reissue from 1976 where “Walkin’ the Dog” is spelled correctly and they only used the photo of the band instead of the full sky pic. VG+.
  • Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – I Love Rock ‘N Roll — I know the song is way played out by now, but when this came out, I always felt it was a matter of “oh you have that!?” with covetous intent. I never had it, though. As a kid, for some things, albums and such, ordinary releases felt like the Holy Grail and I either felt special for having something or jealous someone else did. Music is just that big a deal to me. Anywhat! This was there and The BCPF couldn’t resist getting it. VG.
  • Pretenders – Pretenders — This completes our 79-89 Pretenders full-length album collection. They have stuff later but this was their heyday, so this is what we want. It has some great tunes including “Precious” and “Brass in Pocket.” VG++.
  • Squeeze  – Singles – 45’s And Under
  • Squeeze – Argybargy — We got two Squeeze albums yesterday and we’ve only gotten to listen to the “Singles” one so far. But, I had forgotten how many awesome songs this band had. Both of them were VG++.
  • The Cars – Candy-O — Just like Dire Straits, I have come to realize that I just downright love The Cars. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. This album, their second, has a lot of great stuff including “Let’s Go,” “It’s All I Can Do,” and “Dangerous Type.” VG++.
  • Robert Plant – Now And Zen — If I’m not mistaken, it’s the second time I’ve bought this album but the first time owning it. I believe this is the one that I purchased and immediately gave to my pal and bandmate, Clay Howard. I may be wrong, sure, but I believe that’s what happened. It has “Ship of Fools,” “Tall Cool One” and “Heaven Knows” and has a really cool feel and groove about the whole album. I dig it. VG++.
  • The Guess Who – The Best Of The Guess Who — I had this album on CD and didn’t realize how much I missed by just going after the “sexy” Rock 92 staples. Songs like “Laughing” and “Undun” are really good. I do wish (as annoying as it is) that they would have included the album version of “American Woman” but the meat of the song is here. Great listen. VG+.
  • Aldo Nova – Aldo Nova — I have passed over this about 20 times. It was a good price and I finally pulled the trigger on it. VG++.
  • Jackson Browne – World In Motion — VG++.
  • Jackson Browne – Lives In The Balance — I say I am a “fan” of Jackson Browne. However, I am usually more hit-or-miss with his stuff than I am full-on excited. These are two 80s albums. We will see if they’re hits or misses with me. VG+.
  • Billy Squier – Don’t Say No — This album was two before the one with “Rock Me Tonite” on it so he was still rockin’ and rollin’ at this point. Really, I don’t know why people flipped out over that video other than it was just awful. People are dumb. But, this has the hits “In the Dark,” “The Stroke,” “My Kind of Lover” and “Lonely is the Night.” But, there are so many other good songs on the album as well. You should get it or stream it or something if you’ve not heard it. VG++.
  • Isaac Stern, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy, Tchaikovsky/ Mendelssohn– Violin Concerto In D Major / Violin Concerto In E Minor — $1 bin find, but as per usual with classical records that we find in the $1 bin (or elsewhere), the classical music folks pretty much take care of their records. It was in really good shape, both the media and the cover. I rated it VG+ but could have gone VG++ if not for a little bit of “spotting” on the vinyl, even after my cleaning of it.
  • Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass – Christmas Album — The BCPF loves her Christmas albums, we both dig Herb Alpert and it was a $1 bin find. Why not jump on it!? Even for a $1 bin find it was in VG shape.

There you go, Dear Reader. Not only did we get awesome albums in this haul, many of them were VG++ and all of them were priced nicely. That’s what we missed being in Boston. We loved Boston but we missed our Saturday routine at Underdog Records. Deals like this week’s haul are what Underdog Records is all about. Plus, Jonathan is very helpful with finding the right equipment, old titles, he knows his inventory and is just the sweetest guy. Just yesterday a couple came in looking for cleaning supplies to be able to listen to some old records they had in storage. He helped them pick out the right stuff for what they needed and even gave away his “secret formula” recipe for the solution that I and several of the Underdog Records community use for cleaning records. He could have upsold some other stuff but he didn’t. He cares about your records. Watch the Instagram and Facebook feeds for the newest finds Jonathan has come across at Underdog Records. Also, listen to The Less Desirables every Wednesday night/Thursday morning (or anytime really) to hear the weekly TLD-exclusive deal.

Also, I stood in Underdog Records yesterday with my phone in my hand and every time I came across the titles above, I first checked on Discogs to make sure I didn’t already have it. Discogs is a great resource for all record, CD and even cassette collectors. The Marketplace is pretty awesome, too.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“Caroline laughs, and it’s raining all day, loves to be one of the girls. She lives in the place in the side of our lives where nothing is ever put straight. She turns herself ’round and she smiles and she says, ‘This is it, that’s the end of the joke.’ And loses herself in her dreaming and sleep, and her lovers walk through in their coats. Pretty in pink, isn’t she?” – “Pretty in Pink” (Ashton/Butler/Butler/Ely/Kilburn/Morris)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 7/7/18

08 Sunday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!

We had to do some extensive searching for a parking space when The BCPF and I went to Mary’s Gourmet Diner yesterday morning. The denizens of the Heavy Rebel Weekender were out in full force with their rusted-out Dragulas and slicked back hairdos. And, I mean all of that with love and respect. They own it and that’s how they want it to be. I dig it. Well, I dig them doing their thing. I get absolutely nothing out of that whole scene. So, we found a spot that Annabelle would fit in — she’s a small thing — and went on to Mary’s. We came out and there was a sea of folks down both Liberty and Trade Streets. Nope. On to Underdog for us! Here’s the haul:

Asylum_album_cover

©Mercury

  • a-ha – Hunting High And Low — I’ve been wanting this one for a while. I don’t believe I had it in any format before. I don’t know why. Well, this is the brand new Rhino reissue and we got two pairs, a neon orange and a neon green, of groovy 80s sunglasses. The whole thing is pretty good and is in the same vein as “Take on Me” and “The Sun Always Shines on TV.” New.
  • Bauhaus – Burning From The Inside — My good friend Michael and I went back and forth on who was going to get this album. He wanted it. The BCPF wanted. It was her first Bauhaus album and was what introduced her to the band. I liked the album. She was afraid I wouldn’t. I dug it. VG++.
  • Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston — Her debut album and the only one of hers that I remotely care about. I have said it before and I’ll repeat it here. When Mariah Carey showed up on the scene in 1990, Whitney lost all relevance to me. Mariah’s songs were better and her voice was just amazing. At least in the beginning. She lost me later on, but the first two Mariah albums were amazing. This Whitney album was pretty neat, too. This was #259 on the RS list. VG++.
  • Marvin Gaye – Midnight Love — The last album from Marvin Gaye, which was his biggest selling by which I presume happened because of his death not long after its release. It has “Sexual Healing” on it, which I’m not really a big fan of, never have been. All-in-all, it’s okay.  VG+.
  • Eagles – On The Border — I don’t know if any band has ever created such a like/dislike debate or have been more polarizing than the Eagles. I like them, at least most of the Henley-sung stuff, myself. This had “Already Gone,” “James Dean” (which I hate), “Best of My Love” and the Tom Waits=penned “Ol’ 55.” VG.
  • Stevie Wonder – Hotter Than July – I really dig Stevie. Although I have to admit, this has some serious cheese on it. But, I love “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” and “Happy Birthday,” a song that pressed for MLK’s birthday to be a national holiday. It was deemed so just a few years later. VG++.
  • Toto – Hydra — Just like with Alan Parsons Project, I find that I like just about everything Toto does. I mean, what’s not to like? Also like APP, it’s a set of studio musicians and producers that were the cream of the crop at what they did and turned it into great songs and songwriting. “99” was probably the big hit on the album. VG++.
  • Rickie Lee Jones – The Magazine — We have two RLJ albums and both of them are fantastic. She has a great voice and is a very talented songwriter. VG++.
  • Jackson Browne – Jackson Browne — Browne’s debut album that we happened to find for $1. It has “Doctor My Eyes” and “Rock Me on the Water” on it. The cover is kind of beat up but the record is in really good shape. Even though it was $1 I’m going to say the vinyl was VG+.
  • Jackson Browne – Hold Out — Two Jackson Browne albums both in the $1 bin. Although critically the album has not been as well received as other Browne recordings, it remains his only album to date to reach number 1 on the Billboard chart. The sleeve and the record are at least VG but possibly VG+.
  • Kiss – Asylum — I didn’t get this one from Underdog Records. I bought it from the Discogs Marketplace. It cost me about $17 shipping and all and it is in VG+ shape. There’s a spot on the last track on Side B (“Uh! All Night) but it doesn’t affect the playability at all. It was a great transaction and filled the next spot in the KISSography. Crazy Nights is up next.

I loved seeing a good many people in the store, yesterday, at Underdog Records. It’s always fun when you get to see friends of yours, especially ones in the record collecting community, where you can talk shop and records and just enjoy the community. Keep an eye on the Underdog Records Facebook and Instagram feeds as Jonathan posts several times a day what he is putting out on the sales floor. There’s always something good coming in. There was no Underdog/TLD special this week as he was closed through Wednesday.

And, as I mentioned, I got that KISS album from the Discogs Marketplace. I really dig it. You can find deals, but you have to look for them. I had ordered Queensryche’s Rage For Order but the guy convinced me that shipping was astronomical and said he’d go ahead if I wanted to but it was really no problem to cancel. I did. Anyone else may have wanted to just make money and not care, or maybe he got burned from it in the past. I don’t know. He was honest and that was awesome. It’s a really good community over there. Try it if you’re looking for something. The Marketplace also deals cassettes and CDs as well.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“We’re talking away. I don’t know what I’m to say. I’ll say it anyway. Today’s another day to find you. Shying away. I’ll be coming for your love, OK? Take on me. Take me on. I’ll be gone in a day or two.” – “Take On Me” (Waaktaar/Furuholmen/Harket)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 1/6/18

07 Sunday Jan 2018

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Salutations™!!

main-qimg-004351295541bbab7870fca578a57a4b-c

©Verve

 

So, yesterday was the first trip into Underdog Records of 2018. The BCPF and I got some good stuff, I believe. I filled in a couple of empty spaces on the RS list and one from the Eugeology list, too. The overall haul was short, but the depth was good! Let’s hit it…

Right after we left yesterday, Jonathan got in a used Audio-Technica ATLP120 in like-new condition with an upgraded cartridge. It has already sold but he gets stuff like this in nearly every day. Follow them on Instagram to keep track of what comes through there, as it comes through there. Great deals to be had there, in equipment and records, obviously! We also love using Discogs to keep track of what we have, info on the records, who produced what, who played on what and so on. Plus, there’s a marketplace if you’re not finding the stuff you need elsewhere. Check them out.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Everybody’s at war these days. Let’s have a mini-surrender. I need some sentimental hygiene.” – “Sentimental Hygiene” (Zevon)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 12/23/17

24 Sunday Dec 2017

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Salutations™!!

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

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

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

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 8/1-5/17

06 Sunday Aug 2017

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Salutations™!!

This week’s haul spans several days as we visited Underdog Records on Tuesday upon our return from Raleigh, seeing Belle and Sebastian. So it’s extra long today. Let’s hit it!

Peter_criss_solo_album_cover

©Casablanca/UMe

 

So, as you can see, that’s a pretty good haul. Some stuff we’re really excited to get, some we just needed for the collection and some “must haves.” It’s always fun to go in Underdog Records. We have a little community that we’ve formed being customers over there. I know Jonathan has a few quality turntables for sale in the store right now and some receivers and speakers, as well. If you’re looking to get into vinyl for the first time, or again, or just want/need to upgrade your setup, then you’ve choices over there. And, we all use Discogs to manage and archive our collection (and to provide you links for this blog).

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“My house! Is out of the ordinary. That’s right! Don’t wanna hurt nobody. Some things sure can sweep me off my feet. Burning down the house.” – “Burning Down the House” (Frantz, Byrne, Harrison, Weymouth)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 5/6/17

07 Sunday May 2017

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a really great day for “rekkeds.” The BCPF and I met up with our buddy
Clay Howard at Underdog Records for some Saturday morning candy shopping. After we finished there, The BCPF and I went to Mary’s Gourmet Diner. While we were there, Clay sent a picture of something he purchased from the

Alive_2_cover

©Island Def Jam/UME

Rescue Mission store. That’s basically across the street from Mary’s and we walked down there when we finished eating. I bought 17 rekkeds there (at $.50 per). So, I’ve split the haul between Underdog Records (the official vinyl sponsor of The Less Desirables) and what we grabbed at the RM. Here ya go:

From Underdog Records:

From Rescue Mission:

So, there you go! A great haul as far as music goes. I have washed them all in my handy dandy system that The BCPF calls me washing my “rekked dishes.” Hopefully, some of those 50¢ albums will be worth listening to. Thanks for reading.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“What’s your name? Who’s your daddy? (He rich) Is he rich like me? Has he taken, any time (any time), (to show) to show you what you need to live? Tell it to me slowly (tell me what). I really want to know. It’s the time of the season for loving.” – “Time of the Season” (Argent)

Why Me Lord or: And Now You Do What They Told Ya (RS part 14)

16 Monday Mar 2015

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Salutations™!!

It seems it’s been forever since I wrote one of these entries.  It has been over a month, for sure.  I’ve iterated that I’ve been busy and that’s certainly the case.  I’ve missed sitting in the studio doing some research or travel work or maintenance and letting some music flow over me. Eugene and I had a conversation about this list (you know he hates lists) and we discussed how I listen.  I do take it in.  I listen to the beginning to get a “feel” of the album and then let it play in the background, whilst keeping the editor for this blog open so I can come in and type some thoughts about it as it’s going. I do agree with him that subconscious listening can be beneficial and more apt for absorption.  All that being said, let’s jump in here.  The last segment was really fun for me, let’s hope this one is, too.

1Mott

“Mott” by Mott the Hoople

#370 – Mott by Mott the Hoople.  All I knew about Mott was Ian Hunter and Bowie’s song “All the Young Dudes.”  “All the Way From Memphis” is fantastic and chugs along like a roving party and it is fun.  There is total soul from Hunter “Hymn for the Dudes.” Soul you can feel, even. AND, you get Thunderthighs (the female backing vocals from Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side”) providing their fabulous airs. “Violence” is rocking but the chorus reminds me of the theme song to the Spider-Man cartoons from the mid- to late-60s.  Listen and when he says “vi-o-lence, vi-o-lence. It’s the only thing that’ll make you see sense” see if it doesn’t make you think “Spider-Man, Spider-Man does whatever a spider can.” Not complaining, really, I just think it’s funny. And more emotion with “Ballad of Mott the Hoople.”  Hunter shows some vocal depth here, too.  “I’m a Cadillac/El Camino Dolo Roso” is a musical escape and well done at that, with guitarist Mike Ralphs taking the lead vox responsibilities for a song.  Overall a really good album.  I wouldn’t turn it off if it came on.  Dug!

#369 – Louder Than Bombs by The Smiths. Thanks to The BCPF, I had already gained an appreciation for The Smiths.  That is NOT to say that I’m a huge fan as there’s something really annoying about Morrissey’s insistence of talking through the songs. What I mean by that is: even though he technically “sings,” he’s just basically talking in key.  His phrasing is quite unique, though.  Ultimately, I’m torn with The Smiths.  I appreciate them and I’ll even admit I do like most of the songs but at the same time it is bothersome and other than the point I made earlier, I can’t pinpoint what it is about it I don’t really care for.  Another thing, I am, for all intents and purposes, breaking my own rule as this is a compilation, albeit mostly B-sides and such beyond a few A-side single releases.  It’s a throwing together of tunes to appease to US audiences.  So instead of reviewing the album, really, I’m going to just point out some faves and move on.  “Sheila Take a Bow,” “Shoplifters of the World Unite,” “Panic,” “Ask.”

1Eagles

“Eagles” by Eagles

#368 – Eagles by Eagles. Let me say up front that, like Doug Davis, I too, can’t get into much of Glenn Frey.  He’s a sap and his songs are mostly boring, at least to me. Don Henley, as I’ve stated, I love.  “Chug All Night” is complete crap.  “Take It Easy” is okay and yes, it’s a Frey song (co-written by Jackson Browne), just not my favorite stuff from this band.  The next album, Desperado and later disc, Hotel California are much better albums.  Bernie Leadon, I do like him.  Give me him and leave Frey out.  Same with Randy Meisner. “Witchy Woman” is one of my all-time favorite Eagles songs.  “Earlybird” has great vocals and that banjo from Leadon is fantastic!  “Most of Us Are Sad” and “Take the Devil” are also good songs.  Dug.

#367 – Ray of Light by Madonna. This is not the Material Girl.  This is some serious stuff.  Serious as in seriously good. First off, anyone who purchased this get their money’s worth.  13 songs and the shortest one (“The Power of Good-Bye”) is 4:10. The average length is around 5:10 or so.  The ol’ gal shows she still has chops as her voice is still silky and sultry.  This is more a dance album as it’s more electronica-based and well written.  I’ll say it’s catchy but nothing really stands out as awesome.  Somehow, though, even saying that, there’s not really any filler.  Is it possible that it’s just a good album without distinction?  Well, it’s my review and I’ll say, yes.  The title track was the only thing I’d heard from this album prior to listening and will probably still be the only one I’d recognize.  William Orbit (producer) is a mad man with the ambience and structures, though.   Dug.

1American Recordings

“American Recordings” by Johnny Cash

#366 – American Recordings by Johnny Cash.  I love the fact that Rick Rubin approached John and asked him to do this project, stripped down, like he likes it. And, I love the fact that the album was named for the record label, being the first on it since changing its name from Def American.  “Delia’s Gone” is a great opening number.  The stripped down aspect of this album along with the song selection (some of which were written by others specifically for JC) makes this a beautiful listen.  JC is honest with his voice, without all the twang, and in the style that got him the notoriety in the first place.  “Oh, Bury Me Not (Introduction: A Cowboy’s Prayer)” is classic Cash storytelling, even if it wasn’t written by him. That’s another thing about him: he takes and owns what he records. It’s his; him.  Dug.

#365 – Rage Against the Machine by Rage Against the Machine.  Mighty politico against a very talented riff-cranking guitar master in Tom Morello.  “Bombtrack” starts off the album and is subdued and you get the feeling of a train rolling toward your face. A racing drum build and the now-signature RATM sound comes through. OMG! “Killing in the Name.”  I learned that song for a band once and that bass line is one of my all-time faves.  So much groove and angst in that song.  Powerful and perversely elegant at the same time.  This is a ball buster and you smile the whole time. Very unconventional musicans.  Some call Morello a noise maker, one who plays with the guitar more than actually playing it.  They’re stupid.  He’s very versed in the ways of guitar wizardry and riff magic.  Other notables are “Township Rebellion,” “Freedom,” “Bullet in the Head.” Dug!

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“LA Woman” by The Doors

#364 – L.A. Woman by The Doors.  Not the biggest Doors fan, but this doesn’t suck.  The 12 bar blues crap on “Cars Hiss  By My Window” I can do without.  “Love Her Madly,” “Riders on the Storm” I’m okay with.  As far as the title song goes, I actually think I like Billy Idol’s overplayed version of it better.  Jim Morrison was just not my cup o’tea. I do, however really admire and appreciate Ray Manzarek’s abilities and what he meant for their sound.  I guess I’m saying I enjoy the sound but something about them overall – I can’t put my finger on it – really bugs me.  Maybe it’s just Morrison himself? I do like that they used a real bass player for some of the tracks, although, again, Manzarek was a beast. Mostly dug.

#363 – Substance by New Order. Caveat: I didn’t listen to this specifically for this list. I own this because I know The BCPF likes New Order (to a degree) and that I had gotten more and more into them, at least the radio hits.  That being said, I have listened to it several times as of late; both straight through and through the various shuffles on my iPod. Again, I’m going against my own rules as this is technically a compilation album of 12″ versions of New Order and older Joy Division songs, including what my wife, The BCPF, has proclaimed to be her favorite song of all-time: “Ceremony.” That’s a strong proclamation.  I do like “True Faith,” “Blue Monday,” “Bizarre Love Triangle” and “Thieves Like Us.”  I could do without all the B-sides and such, like “The Beach” which is basically an instrumental/remix of “Blue Monday.”  I guess it’s great for N.O. fans but casual listeners, like moi, I think it’s overkill.  The first 12 songs?  That’s a great compilation. The whole, to me is excess.  First half I dug. The rest, I abstain.

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“Siamese Dream” by Smashing Pumpkins

#362 – Siamese Dream by Smashing Pumpkins. This album’s era was my first exposure to Billy (Corgan) and the gang.  At that time. I was in a hair band.  This music “killed” that music; at least that’s what I felt at the time.  I have grown up and stopped thinking that way.  I think “Today” was the first song I heard.  Then, it was “Disarm,” I believe. Back then, I hated that “crap” and now I can enjoy listening to it. My feelings about the Pumpkins was changed after watching some behind-the-scenes doohickey about the next full album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.  This is great driving music or great background music.  It’s heavy and hard but it’s plenty laid-back, too. This album is a good representation of things to come and, to me, showed that the Pumpkins were just getting started. Dug!

#361 – Stankonia by Outkast. Okay, so I’m listening to the opening track called, appropriately, “Intro,” and I am laughing. I really don’t know a lot about Outkast; I couldn’t name one song without looking at track listing.  This doesn’t really do anything to change that, but I have to say that the album as a whole is an easy, if long, listen.  I was dreading it for the reasons of most hip-hop music in the earlier parts of this countdown.  I thought it was going to be a lot of “N” word this and “N” word that and condescension of “respect” left and right but this wasn’t that.  There are a few instances of the “N” word showing up but it’s not driven like a hammered nail into your ears. “Ms. Jackson,” “So Fresh, So Clean,” and the title track, “Stankonia,” are show melodic elements that were really fun to listen to. “B.O.B.” was was a bombastic, rhythmic flight to Funking-It-The-Hard-Way. I’ll admit that I enjoyed this album.  Would I listen again? Probably not to the whole thing but parts of it, I wouldn’t turn off.  Dug.

Wow! By my estimation, I see 8 1/2 “dugs” up there (no rating for Smiths and only half of the New Order and I’m counting all of The Doors).  That’s one of the biggest liked sections of the countdown I’ve had.  I actually believe that I’ll have a good bit of likes from now on as we’re getting more into the meat of the countdown.  I’ll say the beginning was a bit shaky but we’re getting better. Some of the stuff is really surprising me and some of it is right where I thought I’d be, while only a bit of it is disappointing. More perplexing than anything else, in most cases.  Anywhat! My time for this segment is done! What are your thoughts on these reviews?

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Today is the greatest day I’ve ever known. Can’t live for tomorrow, tomorrow’s much too long. I’ll burn my eyes out, before I get out” – “Today” by Smashing Pumpkins (Billy Corgan) from Siamese Dream (1992)

 

Sending an S.O.S to the World or: Caught Beneath the Landslide (RS part 13)

04 Wednesday Feb 2015

Posted by in Music Review

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Salutations™!!

The last leg of the countdown had some real duds for the Scorpster.  Here’s hoping that this leg is better, or at least slightly more pleasing.  We’ll see… Let’s hit it, running!

#380 – Funky Kingston by Toots and The Maytals. Reggae. Sigh… Reggae.  IF there is any consolation to having to listen to it it’s that there are a few songs that are closer to old Rhythm & Blues than to Reggae.  “Sailin’ On” would be an example of this.  Their version of “Louie Louie” is pretty okay, too.  But, for the most part, it’s reggae and definitely not my thing. Didn’t dig.

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“CrazySexyCool” by TLC

#379 – Crazysexycool by TLC. Don’t understand the “Intro-lude” but that’s ok.  It gets into the R&B that we’ve come to know and love from T-Boz, Left-Eye and Chilli.  “Creep” is the real lead song and it’s a groovy trip in hip-hopdom. “Waterfalls” is on this album and that’s a great listen.  “Red Light Special” is a damned sexy song, no doubt about it! As a matter of fact, this whole album is sexy. Left-Eye (RIP) was a drunk and whacky chick, for sure but it all worked for this album. All the way to the end with “Sumthin’ Wicked This Way Comes,” I dug it. D.U.G!

#378 – (What’s the Story) Morning Glory by Oasis. Although I have had this album for a long, long time, I’ve never listened from front to back.  I’m bad like that.  Another reason I need this list.  It’s the only way to keep me on task.  Otherwise, I skip to the hits or I wander aimlessly and nothing gets listened to.  “Hello” and hello to you! Great opener. Too bad these brothers couldn’t get their shite straight, there was real talent here.  I don’t know about Beatles level talent (as they claimed) but still darned good. “Wonderwall,” that ever present acoustic show staple is on this album.  It’s a great song, no doubt.  Did I mention that it was a shame they didn’t stay together?  “Morning Glory” is in your face and full on rocking it.  I liked that one a lot! There’s a lot of sound effects on this album, like the water that segues “She’s Electric” with “Champagne Supernova.”  Overall this is a fabulous disc and I’m glad I finally heard it 1 to 12. Dug!

#377 – The Ultimate Collection (1948-1990) by John Lee Hooker.  Anthology=collection or greatest hits.  Nope.

BjorkPost

“Post” by Bjork

#376 – Post by Björk. I don’t anything about Björk other than she’s Icelandic, former singer of Sugercubes and a bit “eclectic,” if you will.  The synth bass kicking arse at the beginning of “Army of Me” is fabulous and her voice is haunting. Somewhat seductive, although I don’t believe the song is supposed to be sexy.  It’s aggressive, but with more blue lyrics it would probably work, as well.  “Hyper-Ballad” is also bass intensive with brushwork percussion. That one is supposed to be sexy, I think.  “It’s Oh So Quiet” is very much a Broadway-esque jazz number with the dazzling Björk quirky treatment. This, so far is my favorite tune on the disc.  The music on this thing are all over the place and really I wouldn’t expect anything less from her.  “Isobel” is reminiscent of a James Bond theme with allure and intrigue and dissonant chord progressions. It is especially relative to the ’90s Bond pictures.  “Possibly Maybe” falls in this same mold, at least slightly.  She’s very jazzy and really, I dare say, she kicks butt! Her English is remarkable, by the way.  Love the conga solo in “I Miss You,” as well.  This album is great! DUG DUG DUG!!

#375 – Late for the Sky by Jackson Browne. The greatest thing about Jackson Browne is just that, Jackson Browne.  You always know what you’re going to get: solid songwriting and a great recital of such.  Has he ever written a bad song?  I never knew how much I did like him until recently.  But, that love (yeah, he just upgraded) is deeper than I knew as well.  It goes with the soundtrack of life, in a way.  Look at “Running on Empty.” Can any of you hear that and not see Forrest Gump running through the western US?  If you can, then you’ve not seen Forrest Gump.  But, that has nothing to do with this album.  That 1970s beyond-country-folk-yet-not-folk rock that he’s best known for is right here.  The title track starts the album and it’s fantastic; exactly what you’d expect. Browne always finds a way to make a chord change, in almost every song, that you don’t expect to happen.  Which, I guess in a way makes you expect it.  It could be a rise when you think it’s going to be a fall or vice versa. Nothing over the top, but right on spot. There are only 8 songs on the album but the shortest one is three minutes, eight seconds, including 2 six minute ones.  So even with less songs you’re still getting over 41 minutes of music which was about average for that time, I’d say.  While there aren’t any songs on this that I’d say that were greatly memorable, the album itself, as a collection is a pretty great listen.  I know there are other JB albums on this list, at least there should be. I look forward to them.  Highlights are “Fountain of Sorrow,” the title track, “Walking Slow” and “Farther On.”  Good stuff and I dug it.

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“Siren” by Roxy Music

#374 – Siren by Roxy Music. Now this is the Roxy Music that I know at least a little about.  “Love is the Drug” is one of my favorite Roxy songs.  Awesome bass work and that ’70s staccato guitar work. I love this song! “Sentimental Fool” is a six minute guitar and noise solo that I really don’t mind.  Normally that stuff gets away from me, but I dig it.  Bryan Ferry adds his vocal quirkiness to the song about 1/3 of the way in and he falsettos the stuffing out of it.  Again, I dig it. “She Sells” is in your face and fits that mold of the times.  Dance beats, jazzy-disco rhythms, British style and over exaggerated Ferry; a perfect mix and fit for this album. Isn’t that Mick Jagger’s ex on the cover? I dug it!

#373 – Volunteers by Jefferson Airplane. Jefferson Airplane is a band that I never really got into.  I think I had some weird hang up about them being “old people” music, although it wasn’t then and just because most of their fans are older, that’s not that old.  It’s hippie stuff, no doubt.  Some psychedelic shite, fo sho.  This is a little more laid back and I’ll admit that I’ve never done an illegal substance, ever, but this makes me think people would need to be high to truly appreciate it.  Not saying I don’t, just saying I think the experience would be even better.  There is an air about this album that reminds me of stuff that The BCPF would listen to, even today, so it’s stood (somewhat) the test of time.  Still anti-warish as was the time.  I think I will take Crosby, Stills and Nash’s version of “Wooden Ships,” though.  The song was written by Stills and Crosby and Jefferson Airplane’s Paul Kantner so it belonged to both, I just think CSN “owned” it. Dug, but nothing out of this world (they’re not a Starship, yet… bad joke, sorry).

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“Reggatta de Blanc” by The Police

#372 – Reggatta de Blanc by The Police. YES!!! I have professed my love for this band before and GOSHDARNIT! I have to repeat my love!!!  One of my favorite tunes, ever, “Message in a a Bottle” opens this bad boy.  One of the greatest guitar patterns ever; it sounds so full. I’m giddy just listening to it.  I can remember vividly the local super group, Vagabond Saints Society doing “Reggatta de Blanc” during their Police show; great job!  And “Walking on the Moon!?”  A simple song, but man, it has such a groove. I know some people discount it because of the ska/reggae aspect, but I think it’s awesome.  Oh, the woes of everything bad in “On Any Other Day.”  One of the best bass riffs, in my opinion, is from “The Bed’s Too Big Without You.”  The album is great. The album is awesome. There is nothing I can say bad about it. DUG

#371 – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not by Arctic Monkeys. Good Brit rock this, the debut album from AM. “The View from the Afternoon” and “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” both, out of the gate, kick you in the teeth and groove you at the same time.  I think it’s funny that one of the most laid back songs on the album is called “Riot Van.”  This album is fun, it rocks, it grooves, it is worth listening to.  I’d revisit this one at another time.  That’s a good sign, right? Dug!

So this segment, like the last ended, started off on a low note, but all the ones that I reviewed (remember the anthology) after that, I really liked.  So I’d say 8 out of 10 is a success! I wish they could all be like that.  Upon glancing ahead I see a lot of stuff in the next segment that I really look forward to hearing.  It should be fun. This was fun.  I hope it is for you.  What are you thoughts on these albums? By all means, feel free to send me a note, reply to the post, email me, Facebook me, Tweet me, just let me know your thoughts.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“How many special people change
How many lives are living strange
Where were you when we were getting high?
Slowly walking down the hall
Faster than a cannon ball
Where were you while we were getting high?” – “Champagne Supernova” (Gallagher) from (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?

The Waits is Over or: The Beatles Can’t Be This Low (RS pt 11)

02 Friday Jan 2015

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Salutations™!!

Well the first 100 down, let’s start the next 100.

#400 – Anthology by The Temptations. Right off the bat, greatest hits album. Great start, RS, great start. Skip.

#399 – Rain Dogs by Tom Waits. So after the success that I had with Mule Variations, I was looking forward to hearing more Tom Waits; thinking I had found a gem.  That was short lived however as this album didn’t compare to the previous one. This was more about reminding me of what I thought I was going to hear with Tom Waits the first time.  Sad, I say.  Not saying it was bad, just not what I was hoping for.  “Downtown Train” and “Rain Dogs” were the highlight for me. Meh,

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“Eliminator” by ZZTop

#398 – Eliminator by ZZ Top. Some of my childhood, this.  I’ll admit, too, that while I did have this cassette, I only listened to the hits off of it.  I was always bad about that; to some extent still am.  In the listening of this, there are the obvious “hits” like “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Legs” and “Sharp Dressed Man,” sure. But, I found my favorite song, and probably the gem, on this album (outside of “SDM”) is “I Need You Tonight.”  That song is money.  Now, the apparent disappointment in this album is the fact, or supposed fact, that Dusty Hill and Frank Beard aren’t playing much on this album. I don’t think it’s Dusty playing those popping bass lines in “Thug,” I really don’t.  Still, I really like it. Dig!

#397 – Blue Lines by Massive Attack. From the get-go with “Safe From Harm,” a smile on my face. I love this stuff.  I believe I actually own this album.  I may be wrong but I’m not in front of my collection to know. This is Chill and a mix of soul/R&B and some hip-hop. Case in point, “Be Thankful for What You’ve Got.”  Some Marvin-esque vocals and smooth R&B from Tony Bryan; that’s velvet right there.  Another fantastic track is “Daydreaming.” This I absolutely LOVE! DIG!!

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“For Your Pleasure” by Roxy Music

#396 – For Your Pleasure by Roxy Music. What the heck is this!?  Give me the Avalon Roxy Music any day.  I’m not a fan of jam prog stuff.  I love Pink Floyd but there’s only so much of the long jammy songs that I can handle.  Way too much for me.  With what I know of Brian Eno, he must be behind the suckage of this album.  I know I’ll get flack for it, but I do not like this at all.  There’s nothing memorable about it.  I’ve already forgotten who I was listening to. Didn’t dig,

#395 – Sound of Silver by LCD Soundsystem. Hard-hitting electronica/alt-dance music.  Made for club dancers, obviously, it’s a bit repetitive as that style usually is.  That’s ok though.  It’s not just “boots-and-pants-and-boots-and-pants” dance, either.  It’s hippy and trippy.  Good stuff, there.  The lead track, “Get Innocuous!” is a good way to hit the ground running.  I really liked “Time to Get Away.” It was minimalist but with awesome clavinet riffage. Hoo hoo hoo!  More delicious dirty as “North American Scum” cranks, next. Punkish, really.  “All My Friends” takes it from just dance to power pop and does a fabulous job of it.  Reminds me of rocking pop on the radio these days, but not lost in drivel.  It’s good stuff. “Watch the Tapes” is good pop punk with the electronica elements added in.  Mucho beats and looping happening here.  I think my favorite song is “New York I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down.” I love the piano and snarky shots at the mayor and other iconic stereotypes. I like what I’ve heard from LCD Soundsystem up to this point.  This is no different.  I dug it!

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“Good Old Boys” by Randy Newman

#394 – Good Old Boys by Randy Newman. Wow.  “Rednecks” is a very unexpected slap to the face.  I know he’s singing about the subject tongue-in-cheek from the rednecks’ perspective, but I don’t like the “N” word and it was surprising.  That being said, I liked the song.  “Marie” is like a drunk letter to a love.  I love Newman’s piano playing.  It’s always so rich and powerful.  The album is full of typical Newman humor and disregard for manners.  That’s what makes his stuff so great! “Kingfish” is a good raunchy piano tune with over the top strings.  This is just a great album. DUG!

#393 – Kala by M.I.A. The first thing I noticed is that it’s hard to listen to this, not because of the music but because it’s got licensing issues.  Rhapsody couldn’t play, although they did list it.  It comes up and says not available.  YouTube also didn’t allow it to play because of licensing.  So Google let me play it, song-by-song through Vimeo and DailyMotion, etc. It’s rumored that she couldn’t get a long-term visa from the US to record because of her family’s ties to the Sri Lanka guerrillas.  The world fusion/hip hop styles are great.  Switch did a great job in production.  A lot of percussion-driven beats and it’s bass heavy. Lots of old school drum machines involved and at times it sounds discoish, and I love disco.  “Jimmy,” “Bird Flu,” “Paper Planes,” “Mango Pickle Down the River” are some of my faves.  Dug.

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“Let It Be” by The Beatles

#392 – Let It Be by The Beatles. My first reaction is: WHY is this album so low (or high?) on this list? How is any Beatles album this high on the list?  If it were Let It Be… Naked, then I’d understand that.  Anywhat!  With the exception of “Dig It” and “Maggie Mae,” I don’t have a song on here that is either not in the “like” column or a throw away, although I am a little tired of hearing the title track.  This album is great.  The last album released by The Beatles, it wasn’t the last recorded.  That would be Abbey Road.  “Two of Us” and “Dig a Pony” start the album out and I remember the first time I heard it, I was blown away. So full, so harmonic, so well written.  I did covers of “Dig a Pony” and “I’ve Got a Feeling” in a Beatles tribute show.  The Beatles are like my second favorite band of all time, behind KISS. Good stuff.  Dug!

#391 – The Pretender by Jackson Browne. I like that I’m listening to an album from someone I have continuously overlooked and at the same time respected.  Browne is a great songwriter and his songs are good to just take in and hear stories.  “The Fuse” has a sense of urgency and leads off the album. I must say I love true fade outs.  I don’t know how to feel about “Linda Paloma,” though. Kind of slamming Spanish music with a waltz.  It’s okay, just weird to me.  “Here Come Those Tears Again” is right back on the JB train. It’s the popish stuff that I expect from him. Even 3B liked “The Only Child,” as he is one of those.  “The Pretender” is a great pop song and a fitting end for a decent album.  I’d listen again. Dug.

Other than the silly anthology/greatest hits album thrown in, it was a decent segment of 10.  Some really good, some not so good.  I look forward to the next installment.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I got to have a shot
Of what you got it’s oh, so sweet
You got to make it hot
Like a boomerang I need a repeat.” – ZZ Top, “Gimme All Your Lovin'” from Eliminator (1983)