Tag Archives: KISS

Now Normal Chronicles or: Snazzy Dress

19 Friday Mar 2021

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 46th anniversary of the third KISS album, Dressed To Kill. While it has at least three of some of my favorite KISS tunes, it also has some real clunkers. The album is comprised of a lot of filler tracks, including TWO holdovers from the band’s Wicked Lester days, and was put together hastily in desperation. It also is the album with the studio version of “that” song. “Rock N Roll All Nite” was the song that broke KISS to the mainstream world. Everything else was “underground” at least unknown to most. I hate that song. Really, only because it has been over played. If I go to a KISS concert, I am singing, at the top of my lungs, along with every single word. But, I hate listening to recorded versions of it. That’s why I picked one of the aforementioned a) one of my favorite KISS songs and b) a Wicked Lester leftover. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Doing well for others, she doesn’t really know. The powers are within her as she takes off her clothes. I know she’s going down, going, everybody knows she’s so good.” – “She” (Simmons/Coronel)

Now Normal Chronicles or: What I KISSed or Missed

16 Tuesday Mar 2021

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was the 45th anniversary of KISS’ very important and for them, really, groundbreaking album, Destroyer. It’s nowhere near my favorite KISS album. In my initial rankings, it ended up at #14, barely making the top 15. It does have one of my favorite KISS songs, and one of my favorite Gene songs (written by Paul), which is the one I chose today. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“You’ve got something about you. You’ve got something I need. Daughter of Aphrodite, hear my words and take heed! I was born on Olympus. To my father, a son. I was raised by the demons. Trained to reign as the one. God of Thunder!” – “God of Thunder” (Stanley)

Now Normal Chronicles or: The One That Started It All

18 Thursday Feb 2021

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This is reprinted from last year with edits made as needed.

Salutations™!!

Today is the 46th 47th anniversary of KISS. The band started in 1973 but this album came out on February 18, 1974. Only eight months older than its successor, Hotter Than Hell which was only five months before its successor, Dressed To Kill. This isn’t my top KISS album but came in at #3 on my rankings (you can read “Part I” or “Part II” of my ranking list by clicking those links). It had the lion’s share of the spots on the first Alive! album, too (7 of the 16 tracks were from this album).

This week we talk about Symphony – Alive IV on Asylum – Tales From the Devereaux Diaries Podcast and next week we talk about The Millenium Concert but the week after that, we will review this album.

Instead of looking out for some half-good cover version, I’m pulling out one of the most famous videos of this song. It was the version featured in the KISS Xposed video and is with Gene doing the blood thing. It rocks! Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, keep KISSin’!
Scorp out!

—
“And baby, won’t you let me? I think I’m going out of my head. I’m just about to, ooh yeah!” – “100,000 Years” (Stanley/Simmons)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 10/31/20

01 Sunday Nov 2020

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday, The BCPF and I went to Underdog Records, first, then we made a stop at City Beverage who was having a tent sale for wine and such. We got to hang out with our friends the Dyers and then had lunch. We stopped at Publix and got some wine for her along with a few essentials. Then home to listen to rekkids. Here’s the haul:

©EMI

Queensrÿche – Empire — This is one of my favorite albums from the 90s, which came out in 1990. Queensrÿche is one of my all-time favorite bands, at least through the album after this one. My favorite album from them (and my second fave all time) is Operation:Mindcrime but I didn’t even know anything other than “Gonna Get Close to You” from QR until this album. I didn’t know of Geoff Tate’s range, the band’s intricate progressions, anything. So, this was reissued and I had to have it. It was a bit pricey but I had to have it, nonetheless. 2xLP. New. Green vinyl.

U2 – All That You Can’t Leave Behind — 2×LP, Special Edition, 20th anniversary edition. The album celebrated 20 years on Friday. This was the release of that. I have never had this on vinyl and don’t know that it was even released on vinyl 20 years ago. But, here we are. This album contained “Beautiful Day,” “Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of,” “Walk On” and more. New.

Europe – The Final Countdown — Here it is. One of the most “annoying” hair band albums of the mid-to-late-80s. And, I love it. As overplayed as the title track is, I still love it. I have always loved it and will always love it. “Carrie” is one of the best power ballads of all-time in my opinion. I was so glad to get this album. It was reissued on “clear vinyl with hint of purple” according to its hype sticker. It’s pretty. New.

Devo – Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! — #442 on the (real) RS List. “Golfball-white vinyl” LP in standard sleeve with reproduction inner sleeve. Limited edition of 4,000 copies. Their cover of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is on this. New.

Eels – Earth To Dora — A new release from one of The BCPF’s favorite “bands.” I say it that way because it’s basically Mark O Everett’s show with revolving “band” members. It’s a good listen; I enjoyed it. New.

So, I got a new album from Mipso but it’s not on Discogs yet and I have to put it in myself, I guess. When I do, or if it shows up, I’ll include it on next week’s haul.

I got three of my needed KISS collection items this week from my Kousin Marvin in Pittsburgh. These are the three:

Kiss – Alive III — recorded from the Revenge tour, the album’s “live” tracks were taken from three shows (Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis) that happened a mere 24 days after I saw the tour in Greenville, SC. It’s a beefy live album and I have always loved it. 180g, gatefold. Thanks, Marvin! New.

Kiss – MTV Unplugged — The MTV special debuted on Halloween night, 1995. I watched it at the apartment of the drummer of the new band I was part of, Bobby Richardson of Heavens Sake (although we weren’t named that yet). We knew from some internet leaks that there was going to be a reunion of sorts for this show. We watched and enjoyed it. At least I did. I will say that I think one of Paul Stanley’s greatest vocal performances of all-time came during “I Still Love You” on this program. The album itself was released on The BCPF’s 21st birthday. Thanks, Marvin! 180g. New.

Kiss – Carnival Of Souls: The Final Sessions — So, this was the album that KISS was working on when they did the MTV Unplugged show/album. The popularity of that show/album led to a full-blown KISS reunion with Ace and Peter and put this album on “hold.” I say hold. I think it was going to be full-on abandoned. It’s a grunge album in all its aspects. Nothing that KISS was known for, at all. Do I think it’s their greatest album? Nope. But it’s a great album for what it is. I have had to convince others or even practice what I preach on a few KISS albums and what I preach is, “don’t think of it as a KISS album. Think of it as a (fill in the genre blank) album.” Plenty of good things on this, including Bruce Kulick’s lead vocal debut. Thanks, Marvin! 180g. New.

It was a good, short haul. I almost cried during the listening of Empire and The BCPF actually used her turn to let me hear it first. We almost always start with her on Saturdays. I rewarded her with some (attempted) singing of nearly every tune on the album. Lucky her. Lucky me!!! Jonathan rearranged the store as is customary for post-RSD events. But, he wasn’t thinking about RSD Black Friday (still I think it shouldn’t happen) when he did it. He may or may not switch that before then.

But, Underdog Records is open Thursday-Saturday from 11a to 7p and Jonathan ships/delivers records Monday-Wednesday, weather permitting. Check out their website to order new vinyl 24/7. I use Discogs to track my collection.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“When lights go down, I see no reason for you to cry. We’ve been through this before. In every time, in every season, God knows I’ve tried. So please, don’t ask for more. Can’t you see it in my eyes? Though this might be our last goodbye.” – “Carrie” (Tempest)

Now Normal Chronicles or: Hotter Than Wham!

23 Friday Oct 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 36th anniversary of Wham!’s Make It Big album and it’s hard to pass that one up, but because I talked about the death of Tony Lewis yesterday, I missed KISS’s sophomore effort, Hotter Than Hell celebrating it’s 46th anniversary. The overall mix of this album is like it’s done in a tank or a large bathroom. But, I think that adds to the charm and certainly makes it sound mean. This song is the first KISS song Heavens Sake did on stage. It’s a favorite of mine and I think it is a great opening track. You can hear me and Kousin Gary debate that on the fifth episode of Asylum: Tales from the Devereaux Diaries podcast here. But, instead of finding some lame cover, I decided to go original, kind of. This is KISS in soundcheck and I think it’s cool to see the “behind the scenes” footage. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Lady, you know I heard the neighbors say, baby, you might be leavin’ me today. Oh yeah, someone’s come along and shared your time. Don’t care, no I don’t, no but you can’t be his and still be mine, so… Ooh, got to choose, who’s your baby?” – “Got to Choose” (Stanley)

Sounds Like Saturday or: Hot… in the Shade

17 Saturday Oct 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 31st anniversary of KISS’ 15th studio album, Hot in the Shade. It rides really low on my list and if you search this blog you’ll probably find it. We talked about it on Asylum – The Tales From the Devereaux Diaries podcast. Anyway, the album had a few hits including this one, which, oddly enough ended up on five different albums in a year’s time. Bruce Kulick plays on this, I suppose. I like it. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Johnny saw her riding on a street car named Desire. His fate was sealed. She could see him coming like a hundred other liars. It was no big deal. Rosa had a lover on the shady side of town – Tito, he was king of the streets. She was his possession like a jewel on his crown. Johnny better run, better run. Better hide your heart.” – “Hide Your Heart” (Stanley/Child/Knight)

Now Normal Chronicles or: It’s Alive… II!

14 Wednesday Oct 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 43rd anniversary of KISS Alive II. That means it is just 3 days younger than my sister. Sorry, Sis, I guess I gave that away… Anyway, it had some of my favorite KISS songs on it and five studio tunes. This song featured Bob Kulick stepping in for Ace who couldn’t be bothered to show up or just wasn’t able because of demons (and not the Gene Simmons kind). Bob’s younger brother, Bruce, was later a full-member (well, full hired hand). Bob sadly passed away in May of this year. RIP, Bob. Enjoy this video!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Do you wanna make believe? There’s nothing up my sleeve. I’m a man as man can be as you can plainly see. Don’t wanna see no tears. Eliminate your fears. When you think you’ve seen it all, baby… You can’t believe your eyes, what you heard weren’t lies. My love is too much to hold, too much to hold. Much too much.” – “Larger Than Life”

Now Normal Chronicles or: Hell or Well, Hell

09 Friday Oct 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 8th anniversary of KISS’ last (so far) album, Monster. We talked about this this on Asylum: Tales from the Devereaux Diaries podcast last night. It’s not a bad album. There’s a lot of energy and a lot of ambition. I didn’t like it much at first, but over the last two weeks I have listened to it a lot (along with Sonic Boom) and have a new appreciation for it. This KISS tribute band does a decent job with it. The Catman looks like Peter back there. The Starchild has a hard time with the vocals but no worse than Paul does. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I rode the highway to heartache. I took a trip on the ship of fools, woah yeah! And I paid the price to have my way because money makes the rules, yeah!” – “Hell or Hallelujah” (Stanley)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 10/3/20

04 Sunday Oct 2020

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Salutations™!!

It was a routine Saturday for The BCPF and me. Underdog Records, breakfast, records, dinner, movie. That’s how it was and that’s how we like it. Here’s our haul:

©House of Mythology

Sufjan Stevens – The Ascension — I learned very early on in my relationship, nay, my knowing of the existence of The BCPF that Sufjan Stevens is one of her all-timers. Yet, she insists every time we put something new or even old by him, in apologizing because she doesn’t know if I’ll like it. She does that with a lot of her music. I feel don’t be apologetic about it. If you like it, dig it. I picked it out for her because I heard it whilst making the commercial this week for Underdog Records on The Less Desirables. It was a bit more electronica than I was expecting but I really enjoyed it. It’s indie-exclusive clear vinyl. New.

The Doors – Live At The Stockholm Konserthuset, Stockholm, September 20th, 1968 – Radio Broadcast — From the notes on Discogs: “Copyright 2019 Supernaut Records. Manufactured in the EU. Broadcast in 196X. Not exportable for the USA. This is an indipendent [sic] production , released strictly in accordance with the 1988 Copyright Act. Limited to 500 copies.” And, yet, here we have it. I’m okay with that. Import (obviously), unofficial (obviously). New.

Wilco – Sky Blue Sky — I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, The BCPF loves Wilco. We got Wilco. 2xLP. New.

Green Day – Dookie — #193 on the RS List (that matters). The band’s major-label debut. The album had five singles: “Longview,” “Basket Case,” “Welcome to Paradise,” “When I Come Around” and “She.” Back when this came out, I hated it, because, I didn’t understand it. I understand it. I like it. I couldn’t believe I didn’t already have it in the collection. New.

Ulver – Flowers Of Evil — Ulver means “wolves” in Norwegian. This band started out as a black metal band in Oslo. They have “developed” over the years. They were black metal, then blending experimental rock, electronica, ambient, trip hop, symphonic and chamber traditions, noise, progressive and experimental music into their oeuvre. I like that word. Ulver’s Oeuvre. Sounds like a band. Anywhat! This is more along the lines, at least to me, of some goth synth pop. I enjoyed it and The BCPF did, too. I heard it whilst making the Underdog Records commercial for TLD. White vinyl. New.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Electric Ladyland — #55 on the RS list (that matters) and #53 on the ridiculous new list, this was Jimi’s last album before he passed. “Crosstown Traffic” and Jimi’s cover of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” were probably the biggest hits from the record at the time, but “Voodoo Child” and “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)” have become pretty popular, too. The hype sticker reads: The Authorized Hendrix Family Edition. 180 Gram Audiophile LP Pressing. All Analog Remaster From The Original 2-Track Master Tapes By Jimi’s Original Engineer. Complete Original Artwork, 8 Page LP sized booklet with Rare Photos and Liner Notes. Packaged in a gatefold sleeve. It’s new!

Kiss – The Originals — So, Jonathan just gave this to me. The cover is beaten up, the records have scratches and my search still continues for a good copy but I at least have one in my possession. This is a second printing of the collection, which includes the full albums of KISS, Hotter Than Hell and Dressed To Kill, their first three albums. Again, it’s a pretty crap copy but I have one. But, as I said, I will continue to search for a decent copy. Graded G at best.

That’s the haul. The fair and beautiful weather made for a slow morning for Jonathan, I think. He had added some new stuff in the “Freshly Used” section. He will be going through more this week. Remember he does store to porch deliveries Monday through Wednesday and the brick-and-mortar store is open Thursday through Saturday from 11a to 7p. You can order, anytime, day or night by visiting the Underdog Records website. Hey, do me a favor and tell him that I sent you. Also, use Discogs to track your collection, vinyl, CD, cassette, whatever.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Do you have the time to listen to me whine about nothing and everything all at once? I am one of those melodramatic fools, neurotic to the bone, no doubt about it. Sometimes, I give myself the creeps. Sometimes, my mind plays tricks on me. It all keeps adding up. I think I’m cracking up. Am I just paranoid? Am I just stoned?” – “Basket Case” (Armstrong/Prichard/Wright)

My Holiday or: A Happy Podfather

30 Wednesday Sep 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today I get to celebrate a holiday that many celebrate now but when I started there were a lot fewer. Today is International Podcast Day.

I have mentioned before that I have been podcasting longer than probably 98% people in the area and probably that much or more continuously. I started podcasting in 2007 when I was co-owner of a local comic book store. We only did about 5 or 6 that was even worth mentioning and it most of that was rehashing recorded conference calls with Marvel Comics execs. But, it was a start and wasn’t what I wanted to do. I wanted to do a radio show. I wanted to talk about pop culture. I still want to do radio. And, in a way, I do.

I started The Less Desirables with my pal Brian Attridge on February 3, 2010. You know that story. Eugene came along, Brian left, Caitlin came, Eugene left, Bruce came, Bruce left, Danielle came, Caitlin left, Bethany came. I’ve talked that ad nauseum by now. I wanted to do more than The Less Desirables, though. I wanted a whole network of podcasts, whether I was involved or not, perhaps just as an associate producer. Also, I wanted to get my “studio” out of my house and into a real business location.

So, in late 2012, Eugene and I moved all my stuff from my bedroom loft to a spot in the Chatham Building off of Fourth Street in WSNC. Soon after, in early 2013, I started producing both the Camel City News Hour hosted by Chad Nance and Fan Interference hosted by Ty Collins. CCNH lasted a few years and Fan Interference is still going today. Later in 2013, Nikki Miller-Ka, The BCPF and I started Tart & Tangy Triad, a food news podcast. That went until early 2016.

In February 2015, five years after starting The Less Desirables, Jon Lowder, Paul Jones, and I started The Beer Dads Podcast, after we were sitting at Small Batch Beer trying to decide what we were going to do a podcast about and I came in complaining about 3B, my son. We recorded it and Jon and Paul have become partners of mine. We have crossed the 200 episode mark.

In July of 2016, I recorded my first episode of The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast because I wanted another food podcast and had to rebut nasty comments about a critique of a local restaurant that I was actually a fan of. That is still going and I have had four co-hosts. Kelly Bone was my first, followed by Tim Johnson, then Ray Morgan. Ray is still with me and we have added Lea Metz to our lineup. I love them both being there. We will record episode 170 next week.

In late 2016, I started Sipping NC: The Art of Drinking Podcast with Jordan Keiper and we had a lot of drinking to do, for sure. We recorded into 2017 had to pause due to an illness in Jordan’s family. We are still on that hiatus, although Jordan and I have discussed, along with Danielle from TLD restarting it back up, but C-19 and other issues have kept us from doing that.

In 2018, along with “Jeff Evans” and Rory, we started Apartment 5B: Irrational Conversations with the Cool Breezes of Anytown, USA. We did that up to the pandemic, which JE’s wife was getting ready to have a baby, so we put everything on hold and we haven’t started back up.

In July 2019, Clay Howard and I started Beeswax Vinyl & More, a podcast that explored music in a different way. Clay’s schedule didn’t allow for him to do that long. I’m exploring other options for that. I haven’t given up on it. Stay tuned.

In February of 2020, Eugene B Sims started his long-awaited podcast, Wheeler’s Dog. He does two a week, one for the general public and one for his Patreon subs. I am an “associate producer” for that show. It’s all Eug, really. But, it is on my network.

And, finally, in July of this year, my “Kousins” Gary and Marvin and I started Asylum: The Tales from the Devereaux Diaries Podcast. We talk music but almost exclusively about our favorite band, KISS.

Also, I have produced a lot of podcasts for companies and clients. Forsyth Magazines, Blue Door Group, Phoenix Rising, Ring the Bell Realty, Center for Private Business, Dr. Shawn Ricks, and more are on the way in the next few months.

So, podcasting is now in my blood. I have done it so long and for so many that I’ve been christened, “The Podfather” and I love that title. I run with it and will continue to do so. So, to all my podcasting co-horts, whether they’re mine or not, to those in the community that do podcasts that I’m not part of but may have been inspired by (so I’ve been told) and to the people who listen to them, HAPPY INTERNATIONAL PODCAST DAY!!!!!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I think podcasting is here to stay.” – Adam Scott