• Because You Love Me…
  • Follow
  • The Podcast
  • About
  • Friends

Useless Things Need Love Too

Useless Things Need Love Too

Tag Archives: Jethro Tull

Spinning Sunday or: The Listens 4/25/20

26 Sunday Apr 2020

Posted by TGBII in Records, Spinning Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

a-ha, AC/DC, Al Green, Bon Iver, Charles Aznavour, Cranes, Depeche Mode, Discogs, Eagles, Elton John, Firefall, Genesis, Gerry Rafferty, Iggy Pop, Jerry Goldsmith, Jethro Tull, Joe Cocker, Joe Jackson, Love and Rockets, Men at Work, Midnight Oil, Music, Quiet Riot, Randy Newman, Records, Rickie Lee Jones, Stephen Stills, The Doors, The Less Desirables, The Police, The Who, Tom Jones, Underdog Records, vinyl, Yes

Salutations™!!

Dear sweet baby [enter deity here], please let this be over soon. If for no other reason, I want to get back to Underdog Records, see Jonathan and buy vinyl goodness. Amen.

Listen42620

©All the record companies… I don’t own the copyright on these

You know my religion is “non-Prophet” so that was really just symbolic. However, the sentiment is exact and true. I want to get back to Underdog. The good news is Jonathan is doing a lot of deliveries and is still getting in new stock. I don’t buy a lot of new stuff so that throws me behind. I am more about the used stuff and, well, I figured it’s just not as feasible for him to rifle through the used stuff. That’s okay. I have plenty to keep me company here, but there’s nothing like the thrill of bin diving. I love it. Anywhat!

This week, I was home more than usual (usual for the lockdown) and The BCPF had work and conferences via Zoom, so I was under headphones a lot this week. I listened to 23 albums. I should probably try to listen to some podcasts during this downtime but I really want to listen to music. I suppose this is the equivalent of being a chef and having to cook at home, or being a truck driver and having to drive the family to Florida for vacation or per my old job working with the family sand business, why would I go to the beach when I can see sand anytime I want? So, I’m just not in the mood to listen to podcasts on my “downtime.” That’s cleared up.

The criteria for my streaming listening (for this list, anyway) is this: I have to own it on vinyl. I can’t listen to it on vinyl because of the situation, but I want to act like I am. So, I use the Discogs shuffle feature and see what pops up. Oddly enough, on the same day, I had two from The Who and even odder, I had two Yes albums right in a row; one I wish I had drawn after the other started. That worked out for me. Here’s my headphone “haul:”

  • Randy Newman – Good Old Boys
  • Joe Cocker – Joe Cocker!
  • Jerry Goldsmith – Logan’s Run (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
  • AC/DC – Let There Be Rock
  • Tom Jones – Tom
  • The Doors – The Doors
  • Quiet Riot – Condition Critical
  • The Who – Who Are You
  • The Who – Who’s Next
  • Men At Work – Cargo
  • Iggy Pop – TV Eye 1977 Live
  • The Police – Reggatta de Blanc
  • a-ha – Hunting High And Low
  • Yes – Close To The Edge
  • Yes – Fragile
  • Gerry Rafferty – Night Owl
  • Eagles – Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975
  • Depeche Mode – Songs Of Faith And Devotion
  • Rickie Lee Jones – Pirates
  • Firefall – Élan
  • Jethro Tull – M.U. – The Best Of Jethro Tull
  • Genesis – Abacab
  • Joe Jackson – I’m The Man

    collage142620

    ©The record companies

That was a good listen haul, I think. I enjoyed most of it a lot. I didn’t have that I didn’t like, I just would have preferred something else, I guess.

Then yesterday, The BCPF and I had our listening time and we shuffled through these albums:

  • Stephen Stills – Stephen Stills 2
  • Charles Aznavour – Aznavour!
  • Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago
  • Midnight Oil – Diesel And Dust
  • Cranes – Self-Non-Self
  • Al Green – Let’s Stay Together
  • Love And Rockets – Express
  • Elton John – Tumbleweed Connection
collage242620

©The record companies

That’s what we listened to. Follow Underdog Records on Facebook and Instagram, you’ll see what he’s got going on and you can get into the delivery thing and have him bring you some records. Also, visit the website to order new vinyl. Obviously, I use Discogs and even more so this week. There are no TLD/UR specials right now but I still hope you listen to the episodes. Okay, that’s all I have. Have a great week, stay home if you can, wash your damn hands and stay safe!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Walked out this morning, don’t believe what I saw. A hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore. Seems I’m not alone at being alone. A hundred billion castaways looking for a home.” – “Message in a Bottle” (Sting)

Now Normal Chronicles or: Gettin’ Sticky

23 Thursday Apr 2020

Posted by TGBII in Video

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bob Dylan, Dave Mason, Elvis Costello, Hootie And The Blowfish, Jethro Tull, Joe Walsh, Men at Work, Music, Peter Gabriel, Supertramp, The Ramones, The Rolling Stones, Video, Wilco

Salutations™!!

Today is the anniversary of a few albums. The Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers (49th) and Black and Blue (44th), The Ramones’ self-titled debut (44th), Too Old to Rock ‘n’ Roll: Too Young to Die! from Jethro Tull (44th), Bob Dylan at Budokan (41st), Men At Work’s Two Hearts (35th), Two Hearts, the Dave Mason album (33rd), Joe Walsh’s Ordinary Average Guy (29th), Hootie and the Blowfish’s Fairweather Johnson (24th), Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (18th), Elvis Costello’s When I Was Cruel (18th), Supertramp’s final album Slow Motion (18th), and Peter Gabriel’s Live Blood (8th). That’s a wide field. And, I find it odd that there are two completely different albums with the same name on the same anniversary. I’ll go with this cover, though. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Let’s forget about the tongue-tied lightning. Let’s undress just like cross-eyed strangers. This is not a joke, so please stop smiling. What was I thinking when I said it didn’t hurt?” – “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart” (Tweedy)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 11/9/19

10 Sunday Nov 2019

Posted by TGBII in Records, Spinning Sunday, The Less Desirables Network

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

David Bowie, Discogs, Faces, George Harrison, Jethro Tull, John Lennon, Music, Records, The Less Desirables, The Less Desirables Network, The Police, Tracy Chapman, Underdog Records, Y & T

Salutations™!!

We did get to go to Underdog Records yesterday but we didn’t get to listen to any of the loot. We were shopping for fixtures for the upgrades to the house and going to a housewarming party for a friend. We had a great day but it involved little music. Here’s the haul:

Ytblacktiger

©A&M

First, there is Regatta de Blanc from the Police but no one has put this reissue on Discogs yet and I don’t want to be the one that does, so I’m holding out for that. Anyway, A&M or someone is reissuing the whole Police catalog, but only Regatta and the next entry were released this week. Regatta is #New.

  • The Police – Zenyattà Mondatta — 2019 rerelease of The Police’s third album. New.
  • Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman — #263 on the RS list. This album is an amazing piece of work. There is much more to the album than just “Fast Car.” Some have called it a bit political but I think she passes that off as being subjective. Great album, again. VG+.
  • Y & T – Black Tiger — This was featured in the Eugeology series from 2017. It was entry #21. You can read my then commentary here. I haven’t listened since but I like to have things that could be musically important. This is the Japanese release and is in immaculate condition. NM.
  • David Bowie – Never Let Me Down — Released in 1987, this was the last solo album from Bowie until 1993. In between, he formed Tin Machine and still toured although he retired his back catalog. I don’t know what he was thinking there, really. I think he just wanted to recharge and reinvent. I don’t really know much about this album, but it was there and I grabbed it. VG++.
  • John Lennon – Walls And Bridges — Original cover with die-cut flaps. This was Lennon’s fifth solo record and had the hits “Whatever Gets You Through the Night” and “#9 Dream.” VG++.
  • Jethro Tull – Stand Up — I’ve never been a big fan of Tull, outside of a few songs here and there. I don’t know how I feel about this album, either, but I do like “A New Day Yesterday,” which I performed with Vagabond Saints Society when they did a night of Jethro Tull. EX/VG++.
  • George Harrison – Extra Texture (Read All About It) — Harrison’s sixth solo album, it was his final album under his contract with Apple Records and EMI, and the last studio album issued by Apple. There were a lot of superstar guest musicians and the album didn’t do very well. But, it is what it is. EX/VG++.
  • Faces – A Nod Is As Good As A Wink…To A Blind Horse — Faces’ third album and probably their defining moment. They were riding a high from Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May” solo hit and were ready to go. They shuffled up some of the lead vocal duties and that made some of the members frustrated, especially bassist Ronnie Lane.  Found this is the $1 bin and there are two more $1 albums that for whatever reason didn’t get into my Discogs collection. Well, one I know was because it wasn’t in Discogs and the other I must have just skipped. G+.

A good day and I hope to listen to these things soon. Jonathan was in a good mood and we had a few minutes to laugh and talk. I always love that. He has some new-to-the-store electronics for sale and he’s always adding new stock to the “freshly new” bins. Listen to the latest episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection and bring this “haul” to you.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Poets, priests, and politicians have words to thank for their positions. Words that scream for your submission. And no one’s jamming their transmission. Because when their eloquence escapes you, their logic ties you up and rapes you.” – “De Do Do Do De Da Da Da” (Sting)

Dressed to Kill or: Many KISSes

19 Tuesday Mar 2019

Posted by TGBII in KISS, Music Review, Records

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Ace Frehley, Album Reviews, Bill Aucoin, Casablanca Records, Dressed to Kill, Gene Simmons, Jethro Tull, KISS, Music, Neil Bogart, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Records

Salutations™!!

I know I said that I was done with these, but I had to write about something, right?

Today is the 44th anniversary of the release of KISS’ Dressed to Kill album. Probably my least favorite of the “Klassic KISS” albums, it still has plenty of proud moments for me. One of my favorite KISS tunes is “She” and while that was originally a Wicked Lester tune (co-written by Gene and Stephen Coronel), really no one ever heard it like that and I think most people would prefer there not be flutes, a la Jethro Tull, in their KISS songs. Incidentally, today is also the anniversary of Aqualung. I just thought I’d throw that out there.

Dressed_to_Kill_(album)_cover

©Casablanca Records

Other great songs on this album are “C’mon and Love Me” which I performed probably as much as any KISS song in Heavens Sake, “Rock Bottom,” “Two Timer,” and “Love Her All I Can,” also a former Wicked Lester tune but completely written by Paul. Those are the great tunes from the album (including “She”). Then there are the mid-card KISS tunes like “Room Service,” “Ladies in Waiting,” “Getaway,” and “Anything For My Baby.” These are okay but nothing really kicks me from them.

Of course, the “elephant in the room” is that song. And by that song, I mean that song.

I have to give credit where credit is due, without that song, KISS may have never been what they became. Without that song there probably wouldn’t have been any Destroyers, Unmasked, solo albums, Lick It Up, Revenge, Sonic Boom and so on. I’m almost positive that without that song, Casablanca Records would have folded after the release of Alive! later in the year. But, I really don’t like that song. That’s not true. I am so burnt out on that song. I cringe when I hear it come on, but I have to respect it. That song made KISS KISS. I know this. I am just so over it. More than any other KISS song, I don’t care if I never hear it again, although I know I certainly will.

Okay, enough, that song is obviously “Rock and Roll All Nite.”

Paul and Gene were basically told by Bill Aucoin, their manager, who was in turn told by Neil Bogart, the president of Casablanca Records, that they had to write an anthem. They didn’t really know what he meant. What he meant was a “cheerleading song,” something everyone can sing along to. So, they cranked this thing out. The words make no sense really, but hey, it was 1975. Really, though, name an “anthem” that is more known than this tune. I’ll wait. “Twist and Shout?” “Shout?” “Hey Jude?” I don’t know if any of them are as potent as “RNRAN.” Anyway, the KISS haters will debate that all day long. KISS fans may try to include “Shout It Out Loud” (Destroyer) or “I Love It Loud” (Creatures of the Night), but I’m pretty sure that while we may all be tired of “RNRAN,” we’d be hard-pressed to put those ahead of it.

Funds at Casablanca Records were tight. So tight, in fact, that when the band was brought in the studio after touring, they couldn’t even afford to hire a proper producer. So, Bogart did the work himself. I think he did okay. It’s not the most sonically-dynamic KISS album, but it’s not the worst sounding either.

This was KISS’ third album in just 13 months. Today, that would be unheard of. KISS was released in February 1974 and Hotter Than Hell in October 1974. This was March 1975. There was little time to write and prepare, which, I believe, is why there are two Wicked Lester songs on the album. I also believe that is why there are so many mid-card songs on the album. And, I think it is why the album is so short. The whole thing comes in at 30:07. That’s 15 minutes per side on vinyl. It’s almost EP length in comparison to standards.

Gene played rhythm guitar on “Ladies in Waiting” and Ace played all guitars and bass on “Getaway” (he wrote) and “Rock Bottom” (he co-wrote). Peter sang “Getaway.” Four of the tunes made it to Alive! 

It does have one of the coolest covers, though. I love the boys in business suits. All of them, except Peter, had to borrow theirs because they didn’t own one. If you notice, Gene has on some open-backed high-heeled clogs or something and they’re a little small for his feet. The heel is about an inch out of the back of the shoe. The back cover is the negative of that cover photo.

The album was certified gold in 1977. To my knowledge, it hasn’t progressed from there.

It sits at #29 on my KISS list (out of a possible 32), which surprises a lot of folks. Sorry, it’s just not up there on my “want-to-listen” list. But, it is a KISS Klassic and, again, I give it mad props because of that.

What do you think of this album, Dear Reader?

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Hard times got me down. Good times ain’t around. Now I got the mind to say, ‘Girl, you hit rock bottom and you’re there to stay!'” – “Rock Bottom” (Stanley/Frehley)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/16/18 (The Father’s Day Edition)

17 Sunday Jun 2018

Posted by TGBII in Life as We Know It, Records, Spinning Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Discogs, father, Father's Day, Graham Parker and the Rumour, Iggy Pop, Jethro Tull, Mary's Gourmet Diner, Pavement, The Less Desirables, Underdog Records, Vibes Up Winston-Salem, Willow's Bistro

Salutations™!!

First off, I want to say “happy father’s day” to all the dads out there, whether they’re dads, step-dads, furry kids’ dads, father figures, all of you. My life would be nothing like it is without my own Ma Père and I’ll get to see him in a few hours. He made me the man I am today, even if it took a while for me to catch on. Thanks, Dad. 15965375_10154740755025490_3295274378463804499_n

We went to Mary’s Gourmet Diner first and then to Underdog Records. We took a detour and went to Vibes Up Winston-Salem and talked with my friend Carly Sink about crystals and other hippy stuff. I say that with complete love because I love hippies, heck I married one. Back home to hear some of our spoils and then to Willows Bistro. Here’s our very short, but rewarding haul!

_music

©Matador

  • Pavement – Slanted And Enchanted – #135 on the RS list, which boggles my mind. I’m not saying it’s not deserving of the list but jeez o’pete, this can’t be that high on the list. It could be back in the 300s or something but 135? Nah. It’s The BCPF’s favorite Pavement album which contains her favorite Pavement song, “Summer Babe (Winter Version).” New.
  • Iggy Pop – TV Eye 1977 Live – It’s Iggy, a New Wave/punk icon, and The BCPF loves that stuff, so she wanted this and who am I to say no? VG+.
  • Pink Floyd – Ummagumma – A really rough version of this 2xLP but it’s still a good listen. I really enjoy record 2 best with all the members doing their own compositions. I mean who doesn’t like “Several Species Of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together In A Cave And Grooving With A Pict?” The album is graded as VG-. I think that’s generous, but that’s what I’ll go with.
  • Jethro Tull – War Child – “Bungle in the Jungle” is on this one. I don’t completely get Jethro Tull but I am not against it, either, so I figured why not? VG++.
  • Graham Parker And The Rumour – Squeezing Out Sparks – #334 on the RS list. Why not just switch the two we got this haul and I’d be okay with that. This should have been 135 and the Pavement album 334. I’m just sayin’. But, this was a great record, I enjoyed all of it! It was a $1 bin find but I think that was because the cover was a bit chewed up. The vinyl was VG/VG+, not a skip nor crackle.

That was it. Just five this week. Funds are tight and we have a trip to Boston to save for, so that was the dealio. Jonathan is taking in a lot of used stuff but he’s awaiting final approval on his offers. When that happens a lot of fresh used stuff will be coming in. Keep an eye on Underdog Records’ social media to find out what! Also, they post about new releases as well. And don’t forget to listen to The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/Underdog special of the week!

Discogs recently updated their Android app and I couldn’t be more pleased with it. It’s UI is great and aesthetically pleasing. It does all I want it to do in my collecting and allows me marketplace access and a randomizer to do random grabs. Check it out and start collecting.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Sit by my window and look outside, wonder why the sun don’t shine on me. What’s wrong with you, you stupid child, don’t you think that I’m the one you’re waiting to see? Don’t talk too much ’cause she falls for the suckers, makes her feel everything is secure. Don’t ever leave a footprint on her floor. Don’t bother with the local girls.” – “Local Girls” (Parker)

Read more: Graham Parker – Local Girls Lyrics | MetroLyrics

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 12/9/17

10 Sunday Dec 2017

Posted by TGBII in Records, Silent Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Barbra Streisand, Beethoven, Belle & Sebastian, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Camille Saint-Saëns, Daniel Barenboim, David Bowie, Discogs, Dusty Springfield, Erich Leinsdorf, Eugene Ormandy, Firefall, Foreigner, Heart, Jethro Tull, Leonard Bernstein, Leontyne Price, M. Ward, Madama Butterfly, Madonna, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Pat Benatar, Peter Tosh, Philip Maero, Pretenders, Richard Tucker, Rosalind Elias, Scheherazade, She & Him, Stash Records, Sting, The BCPF, The Fixx, The Grateful Dead, The Living Presence Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Rolling Stones, Tracey Ullman, Traffic, Underdog Records, W.A.S.P., WSNC, Zooey Deshanel

Salutations™!!

A lazy, snowy day in WSNC yesterday. It was great, though. It was cold enough to snow and the ground warm enough to not allow it to stick to the roads. They were navigatable and it was beautiful. The flakes were big and fluffy. The BCPF and I loved it. It was cool to stand in Underdog Records, talking records, life, music in general, everything. It was just cool. So, we walked out with this:

Phil_Collins_-_Face_Value

©Virgin

 

  • Belle And Sebastian – The Life Pursuit (The BCPF’s and my favorite B&S album; have looked for it for a while and Jonathan was able to finally get it off backorder; new)
  • She & Him – A Very She & Him Christmas (mmmm Zooey Deschanel; The BCPF has wanted this for a long time on vinyl and there it was!; new)
  • Dusty Springfield – You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (VG+ copy)
  • David Bowie – Stage (2xLP live album from 1978; VG+)
  • The Grateful Dead – Steal Your Face (Okay Danielle, I’m going to try this; 2xLP VG+)
  • The Grateful Dead – The Best Of The Grateful Dead: Skeletons From The Closet (same here; VG+)
  • Traffic – Traffic (VG+)
  • W.A.S.P. – The Headless Children (VG+)
  • Various – The Stash Christmas Album (VG++)
  • Bob Marley & The Wailers Featuring Peter Tosh – The Birth Of A Legend (VG+)
  • Pretenders – The Singles (VG+)
  • Phil Collins – Face Value (have always loved PC and this album is amazing from beginning to end, VG++)
  • The Fixx – Reach The Beach (as I asked on my post about this album, why weren’t they bigger than they were? This band is amazing! VG++)
  • Tracey Ullman – You Broke My Heart In 17 Places (VG+)
  • Heart – Heart (spend a lot of time playing “bed drums” (pillows arranged to emulate a drum kit) with this album; VG+)
  • Pat Benatar – Seven The Hard Way (VG+)
  • Pat Benatar – Tropico (VG+)
  • Rolling Stones – Made In The Shade (VG+)
  • The Rolling Stones – Emotional Rescue (VG)
  • Sting – The Dream Of The Blue Turtles ($1 bin find but this joker is in VG+ condition)
  • Madonna – Like A Virgin ($1 bin find, but in great shape; VG+)
  • Firefall – Élan ($1 bin find; VG+)
  • The Living Presence Orchestra – Neapolitan Nights ($1 bin find; VG+)
  • Rimsky-Korsakov / The Philadelphia Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy – Scheherazade, Op. 35 ($1 bin find; VG)
  • Beethoven, Daniel Barenboim – Beethoven Sonatas: Pathetique – Les Adieux – Moonlight ($1 bin find; VG+)
  • Barbra Streisand – The Way We Were ($1 bin find; VG is the rating but it sounded great, probably closer to VG+)
  • Various – Season’s Greetings From Barbra Streisand…And Friends ($1 bin find; VG)
  • Saint-Saëns / Britten – Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic – The Carnival Of The Animals / The Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (hopefully a better version of the “Carnival of the Animals” that I love so much; $1 bin find; VG+)
  • Leontyne Price, Richard Tucker, Rosalind Elias, Philip Maero, Erich Leinsdorf – Highlights From Madama Butterfly ($1 bin find; VG+)
  • Jethro Tull – M.U. – The Best Of Jethro Tull ($1 bin find; VG)
  • Foreigner – Head Games (this is pretty rough looking and I’m going to give it a listen through, Jonathan didn’t charge me for it as it’s in such a sad state and I may remove it if it’s not listenable; G)

So, there you have this week’s haul. Not a bad one, I don’t think. We have sure enjoyed listening to the five or six we got through yesterday (and into today). Right now you can get an additional 10% on a gift certificate (also a 45RPM record with a sticker, très chic!) to give to that record lover that you just don’t know what they have already (and don’t look at Discogs to find out). Jonathan has a few turntables, both new and used, in the store right now! Go check them out. And, if you haven’t noticed, I like Discogs, a lot!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Sukie was the kid, she liked to hang out in the graveyard. She did brass rubbings, she learned you never had to press hard. When she finished hanging out she was all alone. She decided that she better check in at home. There was an awful row between her mum and dad. They said she hadn’t done this, she hadn’t done that. If she wanted to remain inside the family home she’d have to tow the line, she’d have to give it a go. It didn’t suit Sukie, so she took her things and left.” – “Sukie in the Graveyard” (Kildea/Geddes/Cooke/Colburn/Martin/Jackson/Murdoch

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 5/27/17

28 Sunday May 2017

Posted by TGBII in Records, Silent Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bad Company, Billy Idol, Blue Oyster Cult, Bon Jovi, Boston, Burt Bacharach, Carly Simon, Cinderella, Cyndi Lauper, Daryl Hall, Def Leppard, Depeche Mode, Discogs, Elton John, Elvis Costello, Foreigner, Heavy Metal, Jefferson Starship, Jethro Tull, Jim Croce, John Oates, KISS, Krokus, Led Zeppelin, Missing Persons, Mozart, Nino Rota, Robert Plant, Rod Stewart, Steely Dan, Steve Martin, Stryper, The Beatles, The Big Chill, The Godfather, The Kingston Trio, The Kinks, The Less Desirables, Underdog Records, Waylon Jennings, White Nights, ZZ Top

Salutations™!!

Underdog Records closed on Saturday (through this Tuesday) for a bit of “respite.” Never fear though, I still went there Friday (twice) and got a nice haul for the weekend. This is what it looked like:Sgt._Pepper's_Lonely_Hearts_Club_Band

  • Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Friday was the 50th Anniversary of its release, new).
  • Depeche Mode – Music For The Masses (new)
  • Kiss, Ace Frehley – Ace Frehley (new)
  • The Beatles – Let It Be (new)
  • Led Zeppelin – Untitled (actually Led Zeppelin IV, but Discogs has it as “untitled”)
  • Various – Big Band Jazz: From The Beginnings To The Fifties (six LP set of great big band jazz)
  • Elton John – Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy
  • Elton John – Tumbleweed Connection
  • Krokus – The Blitz
  • Jefferson Starship – Freedom At Point Zero
  • Foreigner – 4
  • Burt Bacharach – Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (Original Movie Soundtrack)
  • Boston – Don’t Look Back (completes my “trilogy” of the first three Boston albums)
  • Various – The Big Chill – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  • Mozart, Robert Casadesus, George Szell, The Columbia Symphony Orchestra – Mozart Concertos – No. 22 In E-Flat, K. 482 / No. 23 In A Major, K. 488
  • Nino Rota – The Godfather (Original Soundtrack Recording)
  • Steve Martin – A Wild And Crazy Guy
  • Rod Stewart – Foot Loose & Fancy Free
  • Steely Dan – Katy Lied
  • The Costello Show Featuring The Attractions And Confederates – King Of America
  • The Kingston Trio – At Large
  • Sonny & Cher – All I Ever Need Is You
  • Carly Simon – Boys In The Trees
  • Jethro Tull – Aqualung
  • Jim Croce – Life And Times
  • Jim Croce – You Don’t Mess Around With Jim
  • Billy Idol – Billy Idol
  • Billy Idol – Rebel Yell
  • Various – White Nights: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  • The Kinks – Kinks Greatest Hits
  • Daryl Hall & John Oates – Big Bam Boom
  • Blue Öyster Cult – Mirrors
  • Stryper – To Hell With The Devil
  • Bad Company – Desolation Angels
  • Various – Heavy Metal – Music From The Motion Picture
  • Missing Persons – Spring Session M
  • Def Leppard – Hysteria
  • Cinderella – Night Songs
  • Waylon – Greatest Hits
  • ZZ Top – Eliminator
  • Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet
  • Cyndi Lauper – She’s So Unusual
    • Robert Plant – Now And Zen

Man… we are certainly gonna need a new cabinet soon. We’ve started on the last cube of the 8 cube cab. It’s coming. Underdog will be open again on Wednesday. You can find them at 825 Burke Street in WSNC. Listen to The Less Desirables to hear what the weekly Underdog/TLD special is. And, use Discogs for your cataloging of LPs and CDs and hit me up, we can share collections.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“It’s all the same, only the names will change. Everyday, it seems we’re wastin’ away. Another place where the faces are so cold. I drive all night just to get back home. I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride. I’m wanted dead or alive. Wanted dead or alive.” – “Wanted Dead or Alive” (Sambora/Bon Jovi)

Steal the Rhythm While You Can or: Colder Than a Well-Digger’s What? (RS part 17)

16 Thursday Apr 2015

Posted by TGBII in Music Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Big Brother & The Holding Company, Black Flag, Gomez Addams, Graham Parker, Janis Joplin, Jethro Tull, Morticia Addams, Radiohead, Richard and Linda Thompson, Soundgarden, The Beatles, Tom Waits, X

Salutations™!!

So, here we are with another segment of the Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums of All Time. Hmm, the last few were pretty awesome, I thought.  I did peek, just a bit, to what’s coming and this may be a rough segment, but hopefully not too bad.  Let’s hit it, shall we?

#340 – Damaged by Black Flag. Um, ok. I feel like I’ve been punched in the ears – from within.  This is a sonic assault on the aural senses and I can’t decide if that’s a good thing or not. This is the first time I’ve ever heard anything from Black Flag.  I grew up looking at pictures of their album covers and t-shirts when I read Circus, Hit Parader or Metal Edge. I also only saw the t-shirts on pimply-faced punks that predated goths. Now, I’m not trying to stereotype, it is just how I remember it. Not lying, that’s how it was. I did know of Henry Rollins from some solo stuff, though, if that helps relieve the near head explosion that I know some of you are going through right now. There isn’t anything I can say about this album other than, dang! Angst wouldn’t really fit this as parts of it is actually kind of fun sounding.  There aren’t many songs that are over three minutes and that’s probably a good thing.  I think Rollins would have an aneurysm if they went on too long.  Overall, I don’t really like anything about this album. I hope there aren’t any other Black Flag albums on this list, but something tells me the listerati are not on my side, here. It is Rolling Stone, after all. Did not dig, which I am sure doesn’t surprise anyone that knows me.

1Heart of Saturday Night

“The Heart of Saturday Night” by Tom Waits

#339 – The Heart of Saturday Night by Tom Waits. Holy Smokes (pun intended)! Tom Waits is actually singing here. And he has a voice. A singing voice. The music is soothing and this is what I always expected when people talked about Tom Waits.  “New Coat of Paint” and the followup, “San Diego Serenade” are honest, emotional and a delight to listen to.  You can color me pleasantly pleased, indeed. Some great jazz crooner stuff mixed with folk troubadour-esque inflection. Some of the songs remind me of that era’s Billy Joel.  Not comparing, just saying I hear similarities.  I love that “Diamonds on My Windshield” has the phrase “colder than a well-digger’s ass.” I have always loved and have used it more than once. And Jim Hughart is one bad bassist. Great double work on this album. Some Springsteen-like sounds coming out of the speakers, too.  That’s what I hear in “(Looking For) The Heart of Saturday Night,” Springsteen. A fun fact about this album, Jim Gordon, the drummer for this along with Imagine from John Lennon, All Things Must Pass by George Harrison, as well as albums from The Beach Boys, Randy Newman, Gordon Lightfoot and Alice Cooper, among others, was sentenced 16 years to life for the murder of his mother (hammer and stabbing) in 1984. He’s still there. Che ers.  Oh, and I certainly, absolutely and vehemently DUG this album.

#338 – Cheap Thrills by Big Brother & The Holding Company. Yeah. Uh huh. Although I like some of the songs, I haven’t really ever gotten into Janis Joplin.  I don’t see the big deal. She’s all scratchy and annoying. But, there’s some emotion.  She has that. I once had someone tell me that they thought she was the greatest singer ever. I think they lost their mind.  I’m not thrilled with this album, it doesn’t suck but nothing I ever care to hear again. Didn’t dig.

1JethroTullAqualungalbumcover

“Aqualung” by Jethro Tull

#337 – Aqualung by Jethro Tull. Ah, heavy metal. So it goes. Some hard rock in parts but some Celtic craziness in others. Fantastic, I say. In “My God” you can hear every breath that Ian Anderson is pushing through that flute. I love that solo. I saw local Winston-Salem musician, Audrey Fannin (Muck) do a fine job performing these wild flute musings. My absolute favorites are the hits, really.  “Aqualung,” “Cross-Eyed Mary,” Locomotive Breath.” But, as a whole, it’s a darn fine album.  I’d like to hear it on vinyl. DUG!

#336 – In Rainbows by Radiohead. This is not my favorite Radiohead album.  I don’t know that I have a favorite, but I do know this one isn’t it. I bought it when it first came out and with limited knowledge of Radiohead, at all, thought it was just a bunch of noise. Not like pollution or anything, just a lot of noise.  I still feel that way mostly but it has some moments.  “Nude” is one of those moments. Ethereal and flighty it’s a great listen.  “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” is shoulder bouncy and fun.  I love the synth ramblings of “All I Need.” It’s heavy and synthy, two things I like together.  Perhaps like chocolate and chipotle? I don’t know where that came from but something like that. After further reflection, I do like this album.  Leave off the first two tracks and I’m sold. Those aren’t bad just not my thing, I guess. But, yes, I dug it.

1superunknown-608x608

“Superunknown” by Soundgarden

#335 – Superunknown by Soundgarden. If I was going to count the “Big Three” that came out during the grunge revolution, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and I was going to pick my favorite among those three, then Soundgarden would definitely win. Chris Cornell’s vocals and Kim Thayil’s masterful guitar work are the “chalk it up to awesome” in this band.  And hey, as Don Jamieson said on That Metal Show, they have the balls to sing about a guy and spoons. There’s that.  From the Leslie effect on “Black Hole Sun” to the talkbox on “My Wave,” the guitar antics continue.  Intriguing lyrics and great song structure make this album (and pretty much all Soundgarden albums) a fantastic listen. “Mailman” just muddles along but it drags you with it and doesn’t let up on ya. There are various tunings happening along with some serious time signature craziness, which is certainly not out of the norm for Soundgarden. Am I the only one that sang “Butt Hole Sun?” The album is as solid as its predecessor, Badmotorfinger and I absolutely dug it!

#334 – Squeezing Out Sparks by Graham Parker. This is pure 1979/1980 record raucousness.  It’s telling of the time and that’s not a bad thing.  Solid recording and reminiscent of J. Giles or Rick Springfield with some Elvis Costello thrown in.  It’s a good mixture.  Something I could definitely hear Eugene listening to on his Zune. “Local Girls” is a good representation of music at the time and while I think there were no true “singles” on this album, this would have been the one to release. “You Can’t Be Too Strong” is an honest be-all-you-can ballad that through the bad stuff you have to stay strong. It’s an acoustic laden song that sits, perfectly, on the album.  But, still, as much as I enjoyed listening to the album, I have to wonder, what was it that made it worthy of this list? I don’t hear anything that is absolutely noteworthy, just a good album. Is this better than Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell? No, so why is it ranked higher?  Is it better than Let It Be, Honky Chateau, Stop Making Sense or Lou Reed’s Berlin? Heck no. So why is it ranked higher?  Really, I don’t get that. But it’s a good album, nonetheless. Dug.

1220px-XWildGift

“Wild Gift” by X

#333 – Wild Gift by X. First off, I am digging the gravelly vox from Exene Cervenka. I also like the short song times. Punk isn’t my strong suit and I like that it passes by quickly. Not that I don’t enjoy it. It’s a decent record, but I couldn’t listen to it twice. “We’re Desperate” is a strong song and “Adult Books” is a fun little flamenco kind of thingy. I could see Gomez and Morticia Addams dancing to it, even though I know they didn’t necessarily flamenco, it’s pretty goth in its own way. John Doe sounds a lot like a less-on-key David Byrne. There’s a garage band lo-fi element here that I think adds definite character; did I mention this is punk? The boogie of “In This House That I Call Come” is another fun ditty. I bet they were a hoot to see live. Still may be, their Wikipedia page lists them as still active with 2012 being the last (at least on there) documented show. Again, to me, not as good as the albums I listed above, so why this high?  I dunno. Dug, for the most part.

#332 – Shoot Out the Lights by Richard and Linda Thompson. I think I’m starting to get annoyed trying to figure out why some of these are so high on this list, if even on it at all. There’s nothing wrong with this album, but there certainly isn’t anything special about it. I’m sure I’ll be voicing my frustration with this as time goes on, especially since we’ll be getting to the real grit and dirt of the list.  “Walking on a Wire” is a decent song. I like the bend resolve at the end of the song. “A Man in Need” reminds me of Talking Heads sonically and even in some of the vocals from Richard. I’ll say that I enjoy Linda’s vocals much more than Richard’s. When he’s not sounding like David Byrne, he’s doing a fair Gordon Lightfoot impression with some Tom Petty mixed in there. I had never even heard of R&L before this list (they were at #471, too). Again, I’m not complaining about the album, but questioning the quality of placement, either in the list or where in the list. Meh.

1original_447

“Help!” by The Beatles

#331 – Help! by The Beatles. I’m glad this list finished off strong. My confusion with this one is why it’s so low (high?) on the list.  Why any Beatles album (even Yellow Submarine) would be outside the Top 20 is beyond me. Good from beginning to end. Great, even. Some of my favorite Beatles songs of all time are on this album: “Help!” “I’ve Just Seen a Face,” “You Like Me Too Much,” “Yesterday,” “Ticket to Ride,” “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away.”  For my money, The Beatles are the greatest and most influential musical geniuses in the history or rock/pop music.  I’m not counting Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, etc. I mean in the “modern era” and the future. Twelve thumbs up, if I had them.

This segment had some ups and downs. In Rainbows, Aqualung, Superunknown, The Heart of Saturday Night and Help! were spectacular. I want to know your thoughts on these albums.  Even if I don’t like it doesn’t mean you won’t. Actually, you probably will because my opinions are generally contrary to most.  I’d like to hear it, though.  Let me know, hit me up, tell me about it. Maybe the next segment will be better, overall?  We’ll see.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!!

—
“I think I’m gonna be sad
I think it’s today, yeah
The girl that’s driving me mad
Is going away” – “Ticket to Ride” (Lennon/McCartney) from Help!

 

Follow Useless Things Need Love Too on WordPress.com

Social

  • View tgbii’s profile on Facebook
  • View bassmantnc’s profile on Twitter
  • View timbeemanii’s profile on Instagram
  • View timothy-beeman-ii-9ab93827’s profile on LinkedIn
  • View +TimothyBeemanII1970’s profile on Google+

Recent Posts

  • Still Ticking or: The Tenth Second Birthday
  • Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 2/19 and 2/26
  • Silent Sunday or: Big Game Day
  • Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 2/5/22
  • Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 1/29/22

Recent Comments

Damien on The End of an Era or: Thank Yo…
TGBII on  He Occasionally Takes an Alco…
Damien on Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 1…
Damien on  He Occasionally Takes an Alco…
KISS Rankin’ o… on Where They Stand or: Many KISS…

Archives

  • April 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • July 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • January 2014

Categories

  • Beer
  • Blogging
  • Food
  • Friend Friday
  • Honeymoon
  • KISS
  • Life as We Know It
  • Movie Review
  • Music Review
  • Podcasting
  • Product Review
  • Rant
  • Records
  • Silent Sunday
  • Sounds Like Saturday
  • Spinning Sunday
  • Spirits
  • Talking Tuesday
  • The Less Desirables Network
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized
  • Video
  • Wine

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Dealspotr

@themanwhoatethetown - influencer profile on Dealspotr
dealspotr.com
Follow Useless Things Need Love Too on WordPress.com

Enter your email address to receive notifications when the idiot who runs this blog updates by email.

Join 1,980 other followers

Recent Posts

  • Still Ticking or: The Tenth Second Birthday
  • Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 2/19 and 2/26
  • Silent Sunday or: Big Game Day
  • Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 2/5/22
  • Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 1/29/22

Recent Comments

Damien on The End of an Era or: Thank Yo…
TGBII on  He Occasionally Takes an Alco…
Damien on Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 1…
Damien on  He Occasionally Takes an Alco…
KISS Rankin’ o… on Where They Stand or: Many KISS…

People Who Say Things That Rock!

Categories

  • Beer
  • Blogging
  • Food
  • Friend Friday
  • Honeymoon
  • KISS
  • Life as We Know It
  • Movie Review
  • Music Review
  • Podcasting
  • Product Review
  • Rant
  • Records
  • Silent Sunday
  • Sounds Like Saturday
  • Spinning Sunday
  • Spirits
  • Talking Tuesday
  • The Less Desirables Network
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized
  • Video
  • Wine

People who love to read my spoutings.

  • 53,239 hits

Archives

  • April 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • July 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • January 2014

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Copyright For All Ramblings:

©Timothy G Beeman II

Blog at WordPress.com.

Useless Things Need Love Too Podcast

Just another rambling dude talking out his...

Fan Interference Podcast

Part of The Less Desirables Podcast Network

Asylum: Tales from the Devereaux Diaries

Eat Drink Triad Podcast

The Podcast of Triad Food and Beverage Coalition

Beeman-Metz Media

Coming Soon

FOX8 WGHP

News, Weather, Sports and more from FOX8 WGHP

As Ardmore Turns

An almost true-to-life soap opera that practically writes itself.

Beeswax Vinyl and More

A NC-based Podcast About Music and Music History!

Defining Yellow

Eddie Huffman

SippingNC: The Art of Drinking

A Blog and Podcast all about North Carolina libations.

Dr. Rock's Blog & Roll

Your dose of the BEST music ever made! (www.DrRock.com)

Sipping NC: The Art of the Drink

North Carolina Libations from Beer to Wine to Spirits

benedictbeerblog

Funny Redhead Loves Beer. Funny Readhead Writes About Beer.

The Beer Dads Podcast

Three guys having a beer and talking about being dads.

The Man Who Walked the Town

Exploring WSNC One Step at a Time

Somewhere Over the Olive Tree

Way up high in the Valencian mountains

Daily Inspiration Blog

triad-city-beat.com/1643080770-dedupe/

Wrestling-Online.com

Covering pro wrestling news since 1998!

  • Follow Following
    • Useless Things Need Love Too
    • Join 1,980 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Useless Things Need Love Too
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...