Today is the 39th anniversary of Judas Priests “breakthrough” album, Screaming for Vengeance. This tune is probably the best known from the album, but it’s an erroneous saying. The phrase is supposed to be “if that’s what you think, you’ve got another think coming.” This is a decent cover but man, the “other guitarist” who isn’t even the lead guitarist or really does much other than distracting the people in the audience is annoying. I’ve been out in the crowd from the stage, but when there’s a need ro call for it, not just going out because you think those people are at all interested in you. Anyway, the singer sounds good except for the “money shot” or the high note before the solo. Anywhat! Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “If you think I’ll sit around while you chip away my brain, listen I ain’t foolin’ and you’d better think again. Out there is a fortune waitin’ to be had. You think I’ll let it go? You’re mad, you got another thing comin’.” – “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” (Tipton/Halford/Downing)
Yesterday was a fairly routine, laid-back day. That was good because the night before was full of great food and good times with my best girl, The BCPF. Of course, some time at Underdog Records and “rekkid” listening. Here’s the haul:
Dolly Parton – New Harvest … First Gathering — Dolly’s eighteenth studio album. I have to say I love her stuff and this was good, but mostly unremarkable. A couple of covers, “My Girl (My Love)” and “(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher,” that are decent, but overall, I was kind of disappointed. VG+.
Judas Priest – Hero, Hero — This is a compilation album of early Judas Priest recordings, released in between British Steel (1980) and Point of Entry (1981) by Gull Records. It consists of all ten tracks from the Rocka Rolla album, six tracks from the Sad Wings of Destiny album, and an alternate version of “Diamonds And Rust”. The tracks from Rocka Rolla and “Diamonds And Rust” were remixed by Rodger Bain in 1981. The tracks from Sad Wings of Destiny were not remixed. I have both Rocka Rolla and two versions of Sad Wings of Destiny but I wanted to add to my Priest repertoire. 2×LP, Gatefold, VG+.
Leonard Cohen – The Best Of — According to Ira Nadel’s 1996 Cohen memoir Various Positions, Cohen agreed to the project because there was a new generation of listeners and he was given complete artistic control; he picked the songs, designed the package, and insisted that the lyrics be included. The album was not a hit in the United States but did well in Europe. I like Cohen. Generally, though, he falls in the same category of Tom Waits, Lou Reed, even Bob Dylan, I love their songs, but would rather hear someone else sing them. EX.
The Mothers Of Invention – Freak Out! — 2×LP, Reissue, Stereo, Hot Spot Ad, 180g. This is #246 on the RS list that matters and is not on the RS list that doesn’t. Boo to that. Not that I love this album, but c’mon… This copy is NM for the LPs but this is what is on the description label from Jonathan: “The cover went on a bender and woke up on a park bench, but both albums (LPs) are in near mint condition. Had the cover been in the same condition as the vinyl, I would have probably paid $20+ for this. With the cover, I paid $6. I’ll take it. Plus, it’s another notch on my RS lists and, well, another tick in the quantity column. 2013 reissue, with “Freak Out – Hot Spots” map/poster insert. Side D is delineated as noted in Tracklist on inner gatefold; on label, a single track is listed as “The Return Of The Son Of Monster Magnet (12:17)” Side 1 and Side 3: Barking Pumpkin Records, Purple Label Side 2 and Side 4: Zappa Records, Green Type on Red Label.
Ella Fitzgerald / Duke Ellington – Ella & Duke At The Côte D’Azur — 1967 live album by Ella Fitzgerald, accompanied by the big band of Duke Ellington. It’s really mostly Duke with some Ella sprinkled in. I don’t know if that was normal for then or what, but that’s how it happened. I don’t mind Ella’s scatting which is something she’s known for, but I’d prefer to just hear her sing without all of that. She did it a lot on here. And Duke’s band was nuts with the squealing high pitches of the trumpets. It was kind of difficult to listen to and enjoy it. This is 2×LP and, as far as I can tell, is an original pressing. It was sealed, oddly enough, and of course we promptly opened that sucker up. NM/New.
Paper Lace – Paper Lace — I can’t tell if this is an official studio release or a compilation. Discogs doesn’t put any details on this album. It doesn’t line up with what Wikipedia says about the first Paper Lace album. So… I don’t know. But, it has “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” and “The Night Chicago Died” on it. I know their version of “Billy…” (which they wrote) wasn’t the hit. That was from Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods. VG+.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Shaka Zulu — Best known to us Americans as the backing singers on Paul Simon’s fantastic Graceland album, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been around for a long time. From Wikipedia: Following the collaboration on Paul Simon’s 1986 album Graceland which brought the group to international prominence, Shaka Zulu (produced by Simon) marked the band’s first genuine international hit, securing them an American audience which would be built upon by the successes of Journey of Dreams (1988) and Two Worlds, One Heart (1990). Shaka Zulu was a collection of newly recorded versions of older Mambazo hits, such as “Unomathemba”, “Hello My Baby” and “Lomhlaba Kawunoni”. Shaka Zulu won a Grammy in 1988 for Best Traditional Folk Recording. VG+.
Exposé – Exposure — I remember being in the 10th grade and getting tutored by my Geometry teacher and this song being played over and over and over again by the Dixie Debs (a horrible name for the all-female dance/pep team of the school) out in the hallway. I liked it, I still like it when I hear the hits on 80s on 8 on SiriusXM. So, yeah. EX.
The Police – Synchronicity — Yep, another one added to the long list of variant covers of this album. This one is denoted as Yellow, Blue, Red (YBR) Andy/Sting/Stewart – Andy Tub Right. That’s six of the variants that I have now. VG.
Jonathan has increased a day on the schedule. Underdog Records is now open Wednesday-Saturday 11a-7p with deliveries happening on Monday and Tuesday. Closed Sunday. You can get in on the delivery action by watching his social media where he posts, new, restock, freshly acquired and more. You can buy NEW (meaning unopened unused) vinyl 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. I used Discogs to keep track of what I have, what some of my friends have, to pick a random record and to occasionally buy things from the Discogs Marketplace.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “Some dreams are in the night time and some seem like yesterday. But leaves turn brown and fade, ships sail away. You long to say a thousand words but seasons change.” – “Seasons Change” (Martineé)
Today is the 40th anniversary of Judas Priest’s seventh studio album, Point of Entry. It was the follow-up to British Steel which many consider their breakthrough album. Here’s Stone Sour doing their version of this tune. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “Well, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. You get nothing for nothing: expect it when you’re backseat driving, and your hands ain’t on the wheel. It’s easy to go along with the crowd and find later on that your say ain’t allowed. Oh, that’s the way to find what you’ve been missing.” – “Heading Out to the Highway” (Tipton/Halford/Downing)
Yesterday was the third edition of RSD 2020 (the April version that got spread over three months). There will be an RSD Black Friday edition which I think is ridiculous and shows a money-grab. That doesn’t mean I won’t participate. I just think this year, dragging us through what will be four months straight is crazy. They should have reset next year. I’m not complaining about the cost or the organization, I’m just saying for 2020 they should have let the Black Friday version lie.
Anywhat! Here’s the haul, and as the last few have been, when applicable, I will include why these are special from Discogs and they’re all “new.”
Judas Priest – Sad Wings Of Destiny — Record Store Day 2020 first release, part of the October 24th drops. Limited to 2,700 copies. Comes in a gatefold jacket. 2×LP, 45 RPM, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Color In Color, Embossed, 180 Gram vinyl. I have this in its original form, single LP, but only in VG condition. We didn’t get this from Underdog Records, the gentleman in front of me picked up the last one. We had to go somewhere else and we felt dirty doing that.
Alice Cooper – Live At The Apollo Theatre, Glasgow // 19.02.82 — 2×LP, Limited Edition. Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release. Limited to 7,000 copies. Sticker: Classic live show from Alice Cooper’s “Special Forces Tour”. First time on vinyl. The Very Last Show on the Legendary Special Forces Tour! Recorded live at Apollo Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland – February 19, 1982. FM / Soundboard recording – Original broadcast by Radio Clyde. This was a great show!
Frumpies – Frumpie One Piece — LP+7″, Limited Edition, Limited to 1500 Copies. LP on White Vinyl. 7″ is on black vinyl. Featuring: Tobi, Kathi, Billy (BIKINI KILL), Molly (BRATMOBILE), and Michelle (THE MAKE UP). Hype sticker reads: Collecting their six seven inches recorded in the 90s across and LP and 7″. Includes a lyric zine.
The Rolling Stones – Metamorphosis — Compilation, Limited Edition, Reissue, Stereo, Green, 180 gram. Special Edition Hunter Green Vinyl. Full Color Exclusive Iron On Cover Art. The iron-on transfer is cool, but of course, I wouldn’t actually use it.
Skid Row – Slave To The Grind — 2×LP, Limited Edition, Red. Gatefold Version, comes with Lyric Sheet. Limited to 4000 Copies Worldwide. So good to hear this album on vinyl. Sebastian Bach’s vocals were on fire then. Sonically rich and fantastic.
The Church – Gold Afternoon Fix — Limited Edition, Reissue, Gold. First-ever LP reissue of the 1990 classic from the legendary Australian indie band. Gold Vinyl Pressing. Limited to 1750 copies! This was a great listen.
Cheap Trick – Out To Get You! (Live 1977) — 2×LP, Limited Edition. Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release. Limited to 4,700 copies. Comes in a gatefold jacket. Recorded from four shows over two days, an early and late show, each, on June 3 & 4, 1977 at Whiskey A Go-Go.
Toto – Live In Tokyo — Limited Edition, Red Vinyl. First stand-alone release on red vinyl for Record Store Day. Limited to 2750 copies. It’s five songs recorded in 1980.
Warren Zevon – Warren Zevon’s Greatest Hits (According To Judd Apatow) — Limited to 4,500 copies. A portion of proceeds from this album will og to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), an independent nonprofit organization, for which Jordan Zevon has served as the National Spokesperson for 15 years.
Modern English – I Melt With You — 12″, Single, Reissue. I don’t usually do 12″ singles, but The BCPF wanted it. We didn’t get that at Underdog Records. They were sold out so we had to go somewhere else.
Beck – Uneventful Days (St. Vincent Remix) — “No Distraction (Khruangbin Remix)” is marked “A” on the label. St. Vincent not credited as the other main artist on the release. We also don’t usually do the 7″ either but, again… The BCPF wanted it.
We also got three selections that were NOT part of the RSD haul. We just decided we wanted them. They are:
The Mountain Goats – Getting Into Knives — This is NOT a RSD release. 2×LP, Limited Edition, Gold Metallic. One thing cool about this was the Matrix etching on each side: MRG 716 SIDE A TALES FROM THE BEFORE-TIME J POWELL; MRG 716 SIDE B WHALES VISIBLE FROM THE SHORE-TIME J POWELL; MRG 716 SIDE C ALL HANDS TO THE FACTORY FLOOR-TIME J POWELL; MRG 716 SIDE D REFORGING THE HAMMER OF THOR-TIME J POWELL.
INXS – Kick — Limited Edition, Reissue, Green. I had this on CD and never on vinyl. I love this album and it was so fun to listen to it on vinyl. It’s a not-quite mint green.
Mercyful Fate – Mercyful Fate — 12″, 45 RPM, Mini-Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Clear With Black Smoke. Mercyful (yeah, spelled right) Fate, if you don’t know is the band helmed by Kim Bendix Petersen, which may be more recognizable as his stage name, King Diamond. Four songs.
It was a great day and a great haul. I look at what I got through three RSD drops and if this had been all on one day, I either wouldn’t have gotten all that I did or I would have lost my arse on spending. Another reason, I think I’m a bit miffed about the Black Friday, thing. Jonathan was in good spirits yesterday, during what I know was a stressful time. He did say that for RSD Black Friday, he was going to allow people to lineup and rake through like normal. Some people have complained about the lottery format and griping about stupid stuff. I think Jonathan did the best he could as, hello!!! We are still in a fricken pandemic!!!!!! Okay, I’m done with that. Jonathan put all remaining RSD inventory on the Underdog Records website, at 1pm on the dot yesterday. I haven’t looked so I don’t know what is left but check it out. He does touchless deliveries, curbside, in-store pickups Monday-Wednesday and the store is open Thursday-Saturday. I also use Discogs to track my collection.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “We could live for a thousand years. But if I hurt you I’d make wine from your tears. I told you that we could fly, ’cause we all have wings but some of us don’t know why. I was standing. You were there. Two worlds collided and they could never ever tear us apart.” – “Never Tear Us Apart” (Farriss/Hutchence)
Today is a big day in music releases, but for today, I’m only going to focus on hard rock albums that came out on this day. The UK release of Scorpions’ In Trance turns 45 today. Unleashed in the East from Judas Priest turns 41. Use Your Illusion I, Use Your Illusion II from Guns N Roses and No More Tears from Ozzy are all 29 today. That’s a lot of hard rock! I have always loved this song and think this is an amazing version, all things considered. This performance involves 21 students who range in ages from 5 to 16. The poor kid who is playing drums can’t be any bigger then the kick drum and does a great job. However, someone needs to introduce him to a stick bag or stick stick caddy as he dropped a stick twice. Also, I have to say it’s cheating a bit to play a high note instead of the squeal harmonics but again, none of the kids are over 16, they probably hadn’t mastered that yet. I think Zakk needs a wah pedal to get it to sound like he does. Anywhat! Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “So now that it’s over can’t we just say goodbye? I’d like to move on and make the most of the night. Maybe a kiss before I leave you this way. Your lips are so cold, I don’t know what else to say. I never wanted it to end this way, my love, my darling. Believe me when I say to you in love I think I’m falling here. No more tears.” – “No More Tears” (Osbourne/Wylde/Castillo/Inez/Purdell)
Yesterday was a national holiday for record collectors, although it didn’t feel like it. In recent years, I would have camped out overnight in front of Underdog Records in anticipation of Record Store Day. And, it would have been mid- to late-April. But, all that went out the window with C-19. RSD was postponed and then they decided to do it in three drops. One each in August, September, and October. Jonathan did the right thing and set it up in a lottery system where interested parties registered to enter. There were over 100 entries, maybe close to 200. Only 36 slots were available: 3 people every 15 minutes from 8am (the normal start time for RSD) and 11am. Underdog then closed and Jonathan took an inventory of the leftovers and, also for the first time, he was able to sell RSD titles online the day of.
I was lucky enough to draw one of the spots. I was a 1015am slot. No overnight camping was allowed, which I don’t mind missing at all, I just missed hanging with my friends. And, no mad scramble for records, although with our crew (or Crüe as we call it), it was fun to do that together. All of these are new and I include (where applicable) the limited issue. So, with that in mind, here’s the haul:
Ace Frehley – Trouble Walkin’ — Record Store Day 2020 first release, limited to 2,400. 2XLP, 45 RPM, Yellow/Orange splatter. First time on vinyl since 1989. I only owned it on CD, much later.
The Cure – Bloodflowers — Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release, limited to 7,500 copies. 2xLP, Limited Edition, Picture Disc, Reissue. I don’t usually do picture discs because a) they sound atrocious and b) they tear the poop out of my needle. But, this album isn’t available on vinyl right now unless you find an old copy.
Judas Priest – British Steel — Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release, limited to 3,500. 2xLP, Single Sided, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue. Side A is on Record 1, and Side B is on Side A of Record 2. Sides B & D are printed on creating the illusion of a picture disc. Tracklisting on the packaging differs from what is listed on RSD’s website. I’m not sure how this works, I haven’t opened the albums. I got this mainly for the collectability of it.
Throwing Muses – Purgatory Paradise — Record Store Day 2020 first release, limited to 950 copies. 2xLP, Reissue. I don’t know that this album (released in 2013) was released on vinyl originally. I think that’s what the first release means. This was a pick from The BCPF.
k.d. lang – Drag — Record Store Day Aug 2020 edition. Smoky grey vinyl. 2xLP, 3 sides recorded, side 4 etched “drag.” Special Edition. k.d. lang (I love the lowercase styling) has an amazing voice.
Fight – A Small Deadly Space — Record Store Day 29 Aug 2020 exclusive. First-ever vinyl reissue. Limited Edition, Red & Black Marble. For those who don’t know, Fight was the band that Rob Halford started after he left Judas Priest in 1992. This is their second album.
Martin Denny – Exotic Moog — Limited Edition, Reissue, Orange. Record Store Day 2020 exclusive, limited to 1,500 copies. Originally released in 1969.
Tones On Tail – Pop — Limited Edition, Reissue. RSD 2020 Release. Limited to 1500 copies. We didn’t get this from Underdog Records. I had talked to someone from the Crüe that I knew had an earlier time slot and I knew that this was on his list. Another part of RSD is you’re only allowed to buy one of each title. I also didn’t know how many copies Jonathan got in, so another member of the Crüe had to go to another store (he didn’t get drawn) and was first in line (that store did allow people to gather) and picked it up for me. This was The BCPF’s “must-have” from the list.
Al Green – Green Is Blues — Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Green/Blue Split, 180g. First released for Record Store Day 2020 with an initial pressing of 3,000 copies, of which 500 were sold in the UK. Housed in a tip-on jacket. This means the pictures are glued onto the card stock.
The Pale Fountains – Longshot For Your Love — Compilation, Limited Edition, Reissue. RSD 2020 release reissue limited to 900 Copies. Black vinyl disc issued in a gatefold sleeve. With inner sleeve featuring liner notes & lots of photographs. This was confusing. Musically it is amazing. Vocally it was awful. The music wins.
Roxy Music – Roxy Music — Reissue, Clear, 180 Gram, Gatefold. Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release, limited to 4,000, gatefold cover. This release is listed as “Roxy Music – The Steven Wilson Stereo Mix“ on RSD’s website, but that title does not appear on the front cover or spine. So, I don’t know if it really is the Steven Wilson stereo mix or not. Some copies with “Made in the Czech Republic” sticker on the back. Mine had that. The debut album from the band in 1972.
Gorillaz – G Sides — Compilation, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, 180g. Limited to 15,000 worldwide copies according to Record Store Day. Printed inner sleeve. I don’t have any Gorillaz and I don’t know a single tune by them. I figured now is a good time to listen to some of it.
Pretenders – Live! At The Paradise Theater, Boston, 1980 — Limited Edition, Reissue, Clear / Red. RSD Drop, August 29, 2020 release. Limited edition of 6500 copies. It’s in a vinyl plastic sleeve that smells like pool floats and beach balls. I dug it. The record is awesome, too.
Tom Tom Club – Genius of Live 2020 — Compilation. Record Store Day 2020. Exclusive limited to only 1200 pressed on yellow vinyl.
Dio – Annica — 12″. Picture Disc. Officially released on August 29th, 2020 for Record Store Day. The sticker still lists the date for RSD as April 18, 2020, which was postponed. Limited to 3000 copies. Again, this is more for the collectibility of it than to listen to. I’m not a fan of 12″ single nor picture discs (as I stated).
Def Leppard – Rock N Roll Hall of Fame — Limited Edition, Special Edition. Released for the first Record Store Day “Drops” 2020. Limited to 4000 copies. Includes a hype sticker. Recorded last year in the Barclay Center during their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
Ultravox – Sleepwalk — 12″, 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Clear. Record Store Day 2020 edition: first time on UK 12″. Cover sticker states Ultravox. 40th Anniversary. 12″ Clear Vinyl Exclusive Sleepwalk. Limited Edition Record Store Day. Rear Cover states: Taken from the 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of VIENNA. Note: only one pressing of this has been manufactured for worldwide distribution and there are no separate releases for any specific country. 1,200 copies only.
New Riders Of The Purple Sage – Field Trip — Limited Edition, Black. Recorded live at Temple Meadow – Veneta, Oregon August 27, 1972. Taken directly from the original 16-track analog master reel-to-reel tapes running at 15 I.P.S. Previously released as “Veneta, Oregon August 27, 1972” (KUFALA Recordings- KUF 0088) in 2004. Record Store Day Release limited to 1500 copies. I know this is probably a blasphemous statement, but I have never heard of NRPS other than some passing something here and there. I don’t know that if I ever had heard it or anything from them, I wouldn’t know it was them. So, why not check it out?
Various – Girls In The Garage Volume 8 — Compilation, Limited Edition, Numbered, Special Edition. Some of the artists on this are Claire Lane, The Beas, The Liverbirds, Marilyn Mattson, Shammy And The Famous Ruis Family, Die Sweetles, What Four and Judy Came, just to name a few.
The next two were not part of the RSD releases but we picked them up while we were in the store:
Fantastic Negrito – Have You Lost Your Mind Yet? — My Kousin Gary turned me on to this during the recording of Asylum: The Tales from the Devereaux Diaries podcast last week. It’s hard to put him in a genre but you can include, blues, R&B, and some roots stuff. It’s a great listen and The BCPF loved it as well. New.
Rolling Blackouts C.F. – Hope Downs — The BCPF really liked the first album we got from Rolling Blackouts C.F. (which was their second album) so she wanted this one (their first), too. New.
I know this was all long and I won’t go into any long-winded diatribe things. Checkout Underdog Records’ website, listen to Asylum: Tales from the Devereaux Diaries podcast (and The Less Desirables and The Man Who Ate the Town and… well, the whole TLD Network) and use Discogs for cataloging and collecting!
Until tomorrow, whew! Keep spininn’!
Scorp out!
— “Have you lost your mind yet? To get free tonight, ah. To all of your friends that come over, uh. And get free tonight, uh. Clap your hands in time. Get free tonight, yeah. Now the whole world is watching. Get free tonight. It’s your mind, body and soul food tonight. Let your mind, body and soul feel it tonight.” – “Chocolate Samurai” (Dphrepaulezz)
So, as I said yesterday, I’m going to attempt to write my Monday blog post about the week of “my” listening. Per usual, this week’s streaming listens comes from Discogs’ shuffle feature and it has to be an album that I own on vinyl (outside of peripheral things like Beeswax Vinyl & More listens), that way it’s like listening to my vinyl but with headphones from my computer whilst The BCPF works 10 feet away. Here’s the list (this is in order of listens):
Peter Gabriel – So — Yes it is my favorite album of all time and I was elated that it showed up!
So, all the records that I had in Discogs for this, I believe they all came from Underdog Records. 99% of my records came from there.
Again, check out Underdog Records’ social and web stuffs. Buy records. Use Discogs to keep track of your collection and use it’s groovy (see what I did there) shuffle feature.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!
— “I am standing up at the water’s edge in my dream. I cannot make a single sound as you scream. It can’t be that cold, the ground is still warm to touch. We touch, this place is so quiet, sensing that storm.” – “Red Rain” (Gabriel)
Today, there are several choices, again, to choose from as the anniversary feature. Let’s see… Today is the 40th anniversary of both British Steel from Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, the debut, self-titled album from… you guessed it… Iron Maiden. It’s also the 38th anniversary of Van Halen’s Diver Down album, the 37th anniversary of Bowie’s Let’s Dance album, the 34th anniversary of Cocteau Twins’ Victorialand, and the also the 34th anniversary, and the second of the day for Judas Priest, of Priest’s Turbo.
Now, let’s see. I’m not a huge fan of Cocteau Twins and Diver Down is one of my least favorite Van Halen albums, so those are out. I’m a Dickenson fan and not a Di’Anno fan so the Iron Maiden is out, too. British Steel is a little early in the NWBHM realm for me to say that I love it. That means New Wave of British Heavy Metal. I dig it, but not my favorite. That leaves Bowie and Turbo. Man, that’s hard.
Turbo is my favorite Priest album. Yeah, it’s like the cheeseballest, 80s pop Priest record, but that was what I cut my Priest teeth on. I like “Turbo Lover” and “Parental Guidance.” Sorry, but I do. I liked the over-polished hipness of it. Sue me. Well, don’t. You wouldn’t get any from me.
Let’s Dance starts off really strong. “Modern Love,” his version of “China Girl” and the title track. It gets a little squirrely outside the theme from Cat People, “Cat People (Putting Out Fire)”, co-written by Giorgio Moroder.
So, for my vid pick for today, I decided I couldn’t pass up on Culture Club doing a Bowie cover. I hope you enjoy it! I should think I’d have liked to see Culture Club doing “Grinder” from British Steel but oh well.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “If you say run, I’ll run with you. And if you say hide, we’ll hide. Because my love for you would break my heart in two if you should fall, into my arms and tremble like a flower.” – “Let’s Dance” (Bowie)
Today is the 44th anniversary of Judas Priest’s Sad Wings of Destiny album and while I could have spent countless hours looking for bad cover bands trying to do Halford, or at least Tim “Ripper” Owens, I decided to just stick with the real deal. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “You’re in for surprise. You’re in for a shock. In London town streets when there’s darkness and fog. When you least expect me and you turn your back, I’ll attack.” – “The Ripper” (Tipton)
In 1971, Carole King released her seminal album, Tapestry. It contains 12 songs and there isn’t a clunker one. “I Feel the Earth Move,” “So Far Away,” “It’s Too Late,” “Home Again,”
“Beautiful,” “You’ve Got a Friend” (I really don’t like James Taylor’s version but love this one), “Where You Lead” (I’m a huge Gilmore Girls fan and that was the theme song sung by Carole and her daughter Louise Goffin), “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” “Smackwater Jack,” “Tapestry” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” The album is amazing. It’s #36 on the RS list and I wonder if that’s too far up the list. Should it be in the 20s? I don’t know, but man, it’s a great album.
Now, in 1978, there were three big albums released. Well, I know one of them was big, the other two were pretty big for fans of those bands, too. Let’s start with the “other two.”
Waiting for Columbus is Little Feat’s first live album. 17 tracks on 2xLP. I’m not a Little Feat fan, really. But for some, it’s the tops.
Stained Class is the fourth album from Judas Priest. It’s the first album with temporary drummer Les Binks. Binks gets a songwriting credit with “Beyond the Realms of Death.” Bassist Ian Hill gets his first writing credit with “Invader.” I always thought anyone could be the bassist for Priest because he doesn’t “do anything.” Now, he isn’t flashy, but Hill is a good solid bassist. I think the best song on the album is the opening track, “Exciter.” I have grown to really dig Judas Priest.
Now, the big one is where we were introduced to the magic that was Van Halen. On this day in 1978, Van Halen was released. The wizardry of Eddie Van Halen was something that few had heard before. His fretboard work, combined with his tremolo picking was earthshattering. Yeah, it’s not as out-there as it used to be but in 1978, it certainly was. Combine Eddie’s guitar work with Alex’s thunderous drumming, Michael Anthony’s near virtuoso-like bass playing, he was matching Eddie in a lot of those tunes, and his ultra-high harmonies and the frontman that is second, in my opinion to Paul Stanley in stage presence (at least then), Diamond David Lee Roth and you have a band like no other. Dave’s ability to split his vocals in those early days was amazing.
From the siren into with the growling bass in “Running With the Devil” to the groove rock of “Jamie’s Cryin'” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” to the classic rock and roll feel of “Feel Your Love Tonight” to the speed boogie of “I’m the One.” All of that on their own would be a darn-great rock album. But, then you add the laid back feel of “Little Dreamer,” the in-your-face version of the Kink’s “You Really Got Me,” the classic “Ice Cream Man” and the song that changed the lives of as many up-and-coming/wannabe guitarists as “Purple Haze,” “Stairway to Heaven” and “Iron Man,” “Eruption” and that makes this one of the greatest rock albums I have ever heard. I say that and I’m not even a big VH fan. It’s #410 on the RS list and I think that’s a bit too high. I think it should at least be in the top 200. But, that’s just me, I guess.
So, I’ll spare you a video to watch, but I just wanted to bring attention to this day in record releases, of which I have three of the four on vinyl! Thanks for indulging me.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “It used to be so easy living here with you. You were light and breezy and I knew just what to do. Now you look so unhappy and I feel like a fool.” – “It’s Too Late” (Stern/King)
