Tag Archives: Mott the Hoople

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 2/10/19

10 Sunday Feb 2019

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF hasn’t been feeling well and it’s just another hit to our 2019 plans. Not her fault, of course, but we had wanted to start a big cleaning/purge project through this year to just get more organized. But, she’s not felt up to it because of all the crud going around. Plus, this will enable us to have more room for records!

Nothing's_Shocking_(Jane's_Addiction_album_-_cover_art)

©Warner Bros.

She was able to get out of the house for the first time in three days yesterday and that helped her out a lot. We got to go by Underdog Records and grab a haul and I signed up for the Curated by Underdog program because I’m interested in what Jonathan will put together for me. Anywhat! Here’s the haul:

  • XTC – Skylarking — Yes, I had this already but it was in really sad shape and while I don’t want to get into the rabbit hole of replacing things with better versions (as that can get expensive) there are a few that I just can’t not get better copies of. This was a brand new remastered reissue that was in the clearance bin. Again, new.
  • Jane’s Addiction – Nothing’s Shocking — As someone put it on my Facebook post about this, this was the “Appetite for Destruction” for the alternative scene. The BCPF said that for her high school days, everyone had this. The heavy metal folk, the indie folk, the college radio folk, anyone who listened to anything remotely rocking, had this, she said. It was a little behind my time and it was the leading edge of what I didn’t like or want to hear. That being said, with time comes appreciation and I really do appreciate and yes, like, this album, now. And, it’s #312 on the RS list! New.
  • Roger Waters – The Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking — I don’t know what my aversion to Roger Waters was, but when I was 20-21 or so, someone tried to get me to listen to this. I listened for about four minutes and ejected the tape. Nah said I. But, I like Pink Floyd. What is wrong with me? This is basically his extension of The Wall which is my favorite Floyd album. This is Radio KAOS are fantastic albums that I, regrettably, realized way too late. VG+.
  • Blossom Dearie – Blossom Time — Blossom Dearie. The first time I ever heard that name was when the Schoolhouse Rock nostalgic craze showed back up in the 90s and the internet allowed me to look up info. She sang “Figure Eight,” “Unpack Your Adjectives” and part of the “Mother Necessity” ensemble. She has a very unique child-like quality in her voice. But, I saw an album by her at Underdog a while back and it was expensive. Someone else posted on our “Now Spinning” group that they were playing her and they loved her. I had Alexa play her tunes and I listened for hours. I love her. This was a great find and I couldn’t pass it up. It’s an original from 1966 and is in VG+.
  • Nazareth – Hair Of The Dog — Now you’re messing with what? VG+.
  • Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Tarkus — My recent ELP undertaking lately means when I see them, if I don’t have them, I get them. This is in VG++!
  • Hank Williams, Jr. – Hank Williams, Jr.’s Greatest Hits — I mean, why not? VG+.
  • Christine McVie – Christine McVie — This is a fantastic record. It’s her second solo effort released in 1984. Lindsay Buckingham (who just went through open-heart surgery and has damaged vocal cords) plays some guitar and sings some backup on the album. Mick Fleetwood shows up for a bit. Eric Clapton, too. And, Steve Winwood sings a duet with Christine and co-wrote another tune on the album. A great listen, this. VG++.
  • The Escape Club – Wild Wild West — What is a Saturday haul without some 80s cheese (my favorite)? I don’t know what anything past the title song sounds like, I guess I’ll find out soon. VG.
  • Mott The Hoople – The Hoople —”Roll Away the Stone” and “The Golden Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Should be all we need to know. It was a $1 bin find and is probably in VG.
  • Various – Arthur (The Album) — I liked the film and loved the soundtrack because I love cheesy yacht rock. There ya go. $1 bin find. VG+.

Also, we picked up a better copy of Bridge Over Troubled Water from Simon & Garfunkel. This was VG/VG- but it sure beats the F+/G- version we have.

So, yeah, back to the Curated by Underdog thing. According to the Underdog Records website, “This is a flexible subscription service with multiple options to best tailor it to your desires while still giving Underdog Records the flexibility to creatively influence your collection with albums we know you’ll enjoy.”

I decided to go with the “Novice Monthly Package” with a New/Used Mix. I’m really no novice, but the Expert package is $50 per month and I’m not quite ready to spend that, yet. The Novice package is $35 per month. You can choose to do it bi-monthly or quarterly, too. So, I will get two used and one new album that, combined, would add up to around $35 for the combo. I’m excited because as Jonathan said, my tastes are all over the place. I’m just ready to see what he puts together for me. You know I’m going to share it with you, Dear Reader!

In order to do this, he has to have access to my Discogs. Discogs, if you’re not familiar, is a free website on which you can catalog your collection, including specific pressings and the condition of your albums, in order to keep up with what you already have, what’s on your want list, what lesser grade albums in your collection need upgrading, and much more. (that last part was from Underdog’s website, thanks Jonathan).

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“I won’t believe in heaven and hell. No saints, no sinners, no devil as well. No pearly gates, no thorny crown. You’re always letting us humans down. The wars you bring, the babes you drown. Those lost at sea and never found. And it’s the same the whole world ’round. The hurt I see helps to compound that Father, Son and Holy Ghost is just somebody’s unholy hoax. And if you’re up there you perceive that my heart’s here upon my sleeve. If there’s one thing I don’t believe in it’s you… Dear God.” – “Dear God” (Partridge)

Spinning Monday or: The Haul 2/2/19

05 Tuesday Feb 2019

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Salutations™!!

Yes, this is usually a Sunday thing but Sunday and yesterday were either an important day or just something I had to rant about instead. So, here’s the haul from Saturday from Underdog Records.

Bent_out_of_shape_rainbow

©Mercury

  • Cherry Glazerr – Stuffed & Ready — Another try at introducing The BCPF to a group that I think she’d like. I’m usually successful and this another triumph. It’s a little Riot Grrl ish but that’s okay because she likes that stuff. Girl power! Jonathan said this was a little heavier than their past stuff but he also said he likes everything they do. Win! New.
  • Green Day – Kerplunk! — This is the second album from Green Day, the last indie release before signing with Reprise Records and the massive hit album Dookie was released and it’s the first with Tré Cool on drums. This is the 2009 reissue, VG+.
  • Donovan – Sunshine Superman / In Concert At The Anaheim Convention Center — As the title suggests, it’s a 2xLP/true Double Album as it is Sunshine Superman and a live album packaged together. VG+.
  • Weezer – Raditude — Weezer’s last on Interscope/DGC/Geffen. The title was suggested by Dwight Schrüte from The Office. Actually, it was Rainn Wilson who played Dwight, but still… VG.
  • Rainbow – Bent Out Of Shape — I’m trying to expand my classic hard rock repertoire beyond just what Eugene introduced me to in 2017. I’m trying. I’m trying. I don’t know much about the album. It was there. I purchased it. VG+.
  • U2 – Under A Blood Red Sky (Live) — Live album from the Irish lads that featured songs from their first three albums and was the soundtrack to a companion film of (almost) the same name. Great versions of the tunes, too. It was right before The Unforgettable Fire which was still before “my U2 time.” But, I really like that album, and the next few, a lot. VG+.
  • Rod Stewart – The Rod Stewart Album — Stewart’s debut solo record. I don’t know that I cared for his “Man of Constant Sorrow” but I did like the rest of the album. I like the elegant sleek yellow cover. In the UK it was called An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down which was one of the songs on the album. Lots of Faces and other special guests on the album. VG+.
  • Joni Mitchell – Mingus — A collaboration with Charles Mingus prior to his passing, we get to hear a shload of Jaco Pastorius on this record. It’s very experimental and some of it is “out there,” but it’s worth every second. Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Peter Erskine (along with Jaco) on one album? Wow! VG+.
  • UB40 – Labour Of Love — Yes, the whole thing sounds like “Red Red Wine.” But, it’s reggae with electronica sprinkled in and some of it is really “slow jammy” which is cool with me. It’s not a great record but it’s a decent record. VG+.
  • John Waite – Mask Of Smiles — The lackluster follow-up to No Brakes which had “Missing You.” It was there and I thought the picture on the back was funny. VG+.
  • ABBA – Voulez-Vous — “Chiquitita”, “Does Your Mother Know” and “I Have a Dream” were the singles of this album which saw the group embracing disco. I didn’t know they ever didn’t embrace it…? VG+.
  • Traffic – Mr. Fantasy — Traffic’s debut album. The cover and tracklisting the US got were different than the UK release which was fairly common at that time. It’s a decent record. The band was a four-piece but Dave Mason left before the album was released. VG.
  • Mott – Drive On — Mott the Hoople after Ian Hunter left. I don’t know anything about the album, but I like the Mott the Hoople stuff I’ve heard. Let’s hope it wasn’t all about Hunter. VG.
  • Rick Wakeman – Journey To The Centre Of The Earth — Yes’ keyboardist extraordinaire doing his composition based on the Jules Verne novel of the same name. I want to hear it. It’s in rough shape but I still have it as VG, but the cover is really rough (G/F+). It was a $1 bin find.

Jonathan had sold a couple of speakers when we were there and there were a lot of other speakers to choose from. A lot of cool stuff in there. I meant to ask him about the Curated by Underdog program. I kind of want to know how he’d curate music for me. Listen to The Less Desirables every Wednesday (or when you get to it) and hear the TLD/UR special of the week. Also, I highly recommend you use Discogs to catalog and track your music collection (no matter the format).

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Under a blood red sky a crowd has gathered in black and white. Arms entwined, the chosen few. The newspapers says, says… Say it’s true, it’s true and we can break through. Though torn in two, we can be one. I will begin again.” – “New Year’s Day” (U2)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 4/7/18

08 Sunday Apr 2018

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Salutations™!!

It was a cold, dreary but fun day for The BCPF and me yesterday. Mary’s early, Underdog Records, Costco to find another record storage shelf (they didn’t have them but we ordered one from the online store), back home to listen to our haul and finally, Willows. Hey did I mention Underdog Records? Here’s the haul:

Connellsboylan

©TVT Records

 

  • Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Sex & Food – I heard some of the UMO stuff when I was making the Underdog commercial for The Less Desirables on Wednesday. This album hadn’t come out, yet, but I did go listen to their previous one and thought it was great. This one will have to grow on me a bit but it is a decent album. It’s on nice, heavy, “Pepto” pink vinyl, too. New.
  • Cream – Disraeli Gears – #114 on the RS List. I’m not a Clapton fan and really, I’m not a Cream fan, but this is a good album. It is used but in VG+ shape and is on 180g black vinyl. It’s a reissue but I don’t really care that much about that.
  • The Jam – The Gift – I have heard Doug Davis, yes, that Doug Davis, talk about The Jam before, as I have other folks as well. I was familiar with “Town Called Malice” but nothing else. The album is a pretty good listen. I liked it. VG+.
  • Neutral Milk Hotel – On Avery Island – I had never even heard of this band until about two months ago when someone was comparing them to another band (which band escapes me). What kind of name is that? I’d ask. Anywhat! I would have been okay had I never heard of them. This isn’t bad, but I just don’t care. I have it. The BCPF “likes” them. She’s not crazy about them but they’re her wheelhouse. VG+
  • The Connells – Boylan Heights – The BCPF let out an audible moan when she saw this. She was almost jumping up and down on the little step stool she was standing on. Okay, okay, I’ll add it. She was very excited about it. I listened. I don’t get the big deal but okay. I heard nothing “special” but if she’s happy, that’s what really matters. And, my pal Mitch Easter produced it! VG+.
  • Blondie – AutoAmerican – “Rapture” and “The Tide is High” are on this album. The rest is a little weird at times, but it was a great listen. It’s a fun album. VG+.
  • Leo Sayer – Endless Flight – I’m just a sucker for the Yacht Rock lot. “When I Need You” and “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” (which I know isn’t technically Yacht material but the former is) are on this and there’s a lot of my favorite studio musicians playing on it. VG++ condition.
  • Rod Stewart – Tonight I’m Yours – The first song I remember hearing from Rod Stewart (and knowing it was Rod Stewart) was “Young Turks.” I had it on 45. His version of Ace’s “How Long” (written by Paul Carrack) and Dylan’s “Just Like a Woman” is pretty good, too. Overall, this is a decent album but certainly not a “great” album. VG+.
  • Mott The Hoople – All The Young Dudes – #484 on the RS list. I saw this one from the back in the $1 rack. I was like oh yeah! I needed a little love. I cleaned it. There’s surface noise, sure, but for the most part, it turned out to be VG. This album also demonstrates how a Velvet Underground song can sound good. Let someone other than Velvet Underground do it.
  • Marvin Gaye – Moods Of Marvin Gaye – Beaten up and a little moldy, I cleaned it up and there was a little skippage happening but it was Good. It has been through it, I think. Of course, $1 bin find.
  • Freddie Jackson – Rock Me Tonight – Knowing songs from this album deemed me “the coolest white boy in school” when I was in high school. I am a sucker for slow jams and “You Are My Lady” is one of my goto slow jams (or is it jamz?). So, you can imagine my almost The BCPF-like squeal when I saw it in the $1 bin. Yep. I did. VG.
  • Seals & Crofts – Unborn Child – I mentioned Yacht Rock, right? Yeah, ’nuff said. $1 bin find and it’s G+; a little beaten up but we’ll see how it plays.
  • Walter Carlos – Switched-On Bach – Yeah, I want to hear 60s synths doing Bach. I don’t care much for Bach’s organ work, but I love me some synthesizers. Do it, Walter Carlos! G+ $1 bin find.

Not a huge haul this week. We’re saving money for Record Store Day which is coming April 21. Jonathan has already said he’s ordered almost all of the day’s offerings. That may be the perfect time for you to get back into vinyl. There are special editions, reissues, collections, and more. Visit the website to see what is coming out.

While we were in there yesterday I looked at a Denon and a Yamaha turntables. Each was over $500. But, they looked so danged cool. I’m sure they play great, too. But, not to worry, Jonathan has less expensive turntables, including beginner-/entry-level models. He sometimes carries new but for the most part, it is a used inventory. Great stuff, nonetheless.

Also, I use Discogs to catalog my collection and bring you “the Haul” every week. More than that, I have ordered a few things off the Marketplace if I am looking for something specific and I am noticing that there’s not a lot of them coming through Underdog (which isn’t often). Check them out, too.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Keep spinnin’!

—
“Fab Five Freddie told me everybody’s high, DJ’s spinnin’ are savin’ my mind. Flash is fast, Flash is cool. Francois sez fas, Flashe’ no do. And you don’t stop, sure shot. Go out to the parking lot. And you get in your car and you drive real far. And you drive all night and then you see a light. And it comes right down and lands on the ground. And out comes a man from Mars. And you try to run but he’s got a gun. And he shoots you dead and he eats your head. And then you’re in the man from Mars. You go out at night, eatin’ cars. You eat Cadillacs, Lincolns too; Mercury’s and Subaru’s. And you don’t stop, you keep on eatin’ cars.” – “Rapture” (Stein/Harry)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 3/10/18

11 Sunday Mar 2018

Posted by in Records, Silent Sunday

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday morning was a little odd because 1) we were recovering from the awesome VSS/Queen show the night before and 2) we had to be at home until later to have some things picked up from our house. We eventually got to Mary’s Gourmet Diner (with 3B with us) and then to Underdog Records.  So, here’s the haul:

  • Cheap Trick – We’re All Alright! – I had to look up this record on Discogs to see if I had it. I didn’t. 2017 release. New.

    220px-Oracular_Spectacular_2008

    ©Columbia

  • They Might Be Giants – I Like Fun – Brand new TMBG and it includes all the smart and snark that you’d think you need from them. It’s in there! New.
  • MGMT – Oracular Spectacular – #494 on the RS list. It was in VG++ condition, basically played maybe once and then sold. So it was near new. Great album, too.
  • The WaterBoys – Room To Roam – UK pressing, VG condition. I know very little about the band but what I have heard, I’ve enjoyed.
  • Al Green – Let’s Stay Together – 2009 reissue in VG++ condition. Same as the MGMT above, like it’s really not been played more than twice or so.
  • Blue Öyster Cult – Agents Of Fortune – The album with what is probably their most famous song on it, “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.” It’s in VG+ condition. At Underdog, the albums that have better ratings and are in better condition get put in the protective sleeves and have detailed stickers on those sleeves. In the “notes” section, Jonathan has “more cowbell!!”
  • Roberta Flack – Feel Like Makin’ Love –  I have found that I really enjoy listening to Roberta Flack’s music. This was a great VG+ addition to the collection.
  • Graham Nash – Wild Tales – VG condition. Nash looks like he’s a necromancer or getting ready to conjure the dark lord or something.
  • Gerry Rafferty – Gerry Rafferty – I know of “Baker Street” and “Right Down the Line.” Other than that, I don’t know much about Rafferty. I’ll find out more when I listen. VG+.
  • The Art Of Noise – In Visible Silence – I didn’t have any Art of Noise on any medium so when I found this in the $1 bin, I had to grab it. It’s in VG condition.
  • Moms Mabley – Moms Mabley At The Playboy Club – I have no idea what this is. It was The BCPF’s pickup. It’s pretty beaten up. I’d say “Good” at best.
  • Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark – Crush – I love when I get stuff that I knew of but didn’t know it. Does that make sense? I know OMD’s “If You Leave.” I have their latest release. I knew they had more tunes that I had heard. This album has two of those songs. Plus, they have a song entitled “88 Seconds in Greensboro.” I found out that it is talking about the 1979 “Greensboro Massacre” where 5 civil rights activists were shot down by KKK and Nazis right here in Greensboro. It was a $1 bin find and is in really good shape. I’d say VG+.
  • U2 – Wide Awake In America. Rarely do I find U2 albums in the $1 bin. That’s what happened this time. This four-song EP has live recordings from “The Unforgettable Fire” tour. It looks well-used but it plays great. I’ll call it VG.
  • Mott The Hoople – Mott The Hoople – I’ve liked all I’ve heard from this band and this was in the $1 bin. Let’s go with it. There is a bunch of gunk on Side 1 and without getting microscopes and sewing needles, I can’t get it cleaned and I don’t know how it will sound, I’ll just call it G.
  • Michael Jackson – Thriller – This did not come from Underdog, at least not when I got it. I told you last week of the albums that Jerry Chapman, yes, that Jerry Chapman sent me and I had one that was a duplicate? I also said I traded it to Clay for something. This is what I traded for. My sister had this when we were younger and I pretty much procured it for myself. It was tossed around and beaten up pretty bad. I have come across a few copies but none that were in any kind of listenable condition. This is in good shape. Thanks, Clay!

Record Store Day is coming on April 21 and the list is out. Just visit the website and make plans to stand out in the morning in line to grab what you want. The line will be long and the lineup of the releases for that day will be really good. The BCPF has already gone through and made a list. And, then, Discogs, Y’all! Keep track of what you’ve got!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“We don’t make mistakes. We know you. Oh, yes we have known you. Times are changing but not in our street. Once we played there, like the good times. You know it. God, you know it. They’re heading for a shallow grave with a big black cross by a tall white house to a place down south. We won’t forget. To be stabbed in the back by a man they met. In 88 seconds in Greensboro.” – “88 Seconds in Greensboro” (McCluskey/Humphreys)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 1/6/18

07 Sunday Jan 2018

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Salutations™!!

main-qimg-004351295541bbab7870fca578a57a4b-c

©Verve

 

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

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

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 12/23/17

24 Sunday Dec 2017

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Salutations™!!

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

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

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

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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

It Doesn’t End? or: The Count Continues

18 Monday Jan 2016

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Uncategorized

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Salutations™!!

If you’re keeping score of the celebs (near celebs) and the like that we’re losing at (what I’d call) a record pace, here’s the tally since last week:

Robert Banks Stewart, 84 (Doctor Who, Bergerac, Shoestring – writer)
Al Hart, 88 (American radio host)
Franco Citti, 80 (Italian actor – The Godfather)
René Angélil, 73 (Cèline Dion’s husband and manager; her brother died two days later)
Rex Morgan, 67 (NBA star)
Pete Huttlinger, 54 (gutarist for LeAnn Rimes and John Denver)
Dan Haggerty, 74 (Grizzly Adams)
Noreen Corcoran, 72 (Gidget Goes to Rome, The Girls on the Beach, Bachelor Father)
Ted Marchibroda, 84 (American football player and coach)
Gary Loizzo,70 (singer, American Breed)
“Iron” Mike Sharpe, 64 (professional wrestler)
Bob Harkey, 85 (racecar driver)
Dale Griffin, 67 ( drummer, Mott the Hoople)
Mic Gillette, 64 (Tower of Power)
Blowfly, 76 (American musician and music producer)
And, today, Glenn Frey (The Eagles, solo)

So, my plea to the universe to stop taking our celebs last Thursday has fallen upon deaf celestial ears. Sixteen since Thursday alone. Jon, from The Beer Dads, and I were talking eagles_reason_9_v_g_mpabout this very thing this evening. The elder celebs – the ones that our parents may have grown up idolizing – while having a lot of “press” for their days, didn’t have the mass media that we had at our disposal from the late 60s on. Therefore the celebs that we grew up with have been highlighted in movie soundtracks, MTV, VHS, DVDs, Netflix, etc. have been more, and constantly so, in our face and in our minds. So, it seems that they’re all starting to fall at once, or at least we’re noticing it more. Another thing to consider is that Mercury is in retrograde (whatever that means) and it could some weird circumstance on it, but I doubt that one. Anywhat, here is a plea to the universe, again, please, enough!

Sorry this was late today, but until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I got sick of my job, sick of my wife, sick of my future and sick of my life. I packed up my car and I got some gas and told ev’rybody they could kiss my ass. I’m goin’ to Party town.” – “Partytown” (Frey/Tempchin)

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

16 Monday Mar 2015

Posted by in Music Review

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Salutations™!!

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

1Mott

“Mott” by Mott the Hoople

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

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

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“Eagles” by Eagles

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

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

1American Recordings

“American Recordings” by Johnny Cash

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

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

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“LA Woman” by The Doors

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

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

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“Siamese Dream” by Smashing Pumpkins

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

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

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

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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