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Tag Archives: Neil Young

Spinning Monday or: The Haul 6/15/19

17 Monday Jun 2019

Posted by TGBII in Records, Spinning Sunday

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Tags

Calexico, Cheap Trick, Cyndi Lauper, Discogs, Dokken, Don Henley, Haydn, Iron and Wine, Joe Walsh, Michael Schenker Group, Music, Neil Young, Records, Roy Orbison, Supertramp, The Babys, The Less Desirables, Timbuk3, Underdog Records, Vivaldi, Was (Not Was)

Salutations™!!

Since yesterday was Father’s Day, we did our grocery shopping on Saturday after breakfast before running over to Underdog Records before we had to be in Greensboro for a Cobras game Saturday night. So, here’s the haul:

Greetings_From_Timbuk_3

©IRS Records

  • Calexico / Iron & Wine – Years To Burn — The BCPF is a huge fan of both acts and having albums (there have been others) with both on at the same time means ecstasy for her. It came out just this week and is in lime green vinyl. New.
  • Supertramp – Supertramp — This is a reissue of the debut album by Supertramp. They were a little more subdued back then. I am glad to have this in my collection but I like their late-70s/early-80s stuff best. It is also one of two Supertramp albums we got on Saturday. VG+.
  • Dokken – Beast From The East — Live 2xLP set recorded in Japan. I know Dokken is one of those love ’em or hate ’em bands, but I’m really in the middle with them. I like their stuff but I don’t go crazy for it. However, I loved this when I had it on CD. They left off some stuff because it was long from the CD. This will be fun, I think. VG.
  • Cyndi Lauper – True Colors — One of two Cyndi albums I got this weekend. The other was in the $1 bin. We like those 80s pop staples and I felt she was one of those. VG+.
  • Joe Walsh – The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get — 1980 reissue of this album. I like “Rocky Mountain Way” so, let’s do it. VG+.
  • Roy Orbison – Mystery Girl — Roy Orbison was a unique talent both in songwriting and singing technique. He was a great one. This album had a lot of input from Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty as well as a tune from Bono and The Edge. It was completed a mere month before Orbison died at the age of 52. I was 18 when this came out and I thought he was so old. I’m less than four years from being 52. That’s crazy. This is a slight bit warped but plays awesomely and is still VG+.
  • Cheap Trick – Next Position Please — I don’t know how I feel about this album. I like “I Can’t Take It,” but the rest of it is weird to me. I know Todd Rundgren produced it. Jon Brandt is the bass player. I thought he was on only two CT albums but he was on like four, I think. Anywhat. It’s okay. VG+.
  • Neil Young & The Shocking Pinks – Everybody’s Rockin’ — The Shocking Pinks was a band made up just for this album and features a selection of rockabilly songs (both covers and original material). It’s only 25 minutes and is Young’s shortest album. Everybody’s Rockin’ is typical of his 1980s period in that it bears little or no resemblance to the album released before it nor the one released after it. I’m worried about it because I’m hit-or-miss with him. The BCPF wanted it, though.
  • Was (Not Was) – What Up, Dog? — This is a weird and quirky album but it was so fun to listen to. The biggest hits of the band’s career were on this album: “Spy in the House of Love” and “Walk the Dinosaur.” VG+.
  • The Michael Schenker Group – MSG — The former Scorpions and UFO guitarist’s band’s second album. It featured Cozy Powell on drums and Gary Barden on vocals. Stephen Stills of CSN actually did some background vocals. VG++.
  • Don Henley – The End Of The Innocence — Don Henley was part of one of the more polarizing bands ever, The Eagles. I never cared for Glenn Frey’s contributions to vocals, but he was a partner of Henley’s. I don’t care much for Frey’s solo stuff, but I really like Henley, especially this and Building the Perfect Beast. I just love Henley’s vocals. VG+.
  • Timbuk 3 – Greetings From Timbuk 3 — Yeah, their most famous track, “The Future’s So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades” is on here, but the album has some great spots. “Future” got a little cliche in 1986 but after a while, it got better and the story is funny. I liked listening to this. It was a great listen. VG+.
  • Supertramp – Crisis? What Crisis? — The fourth album overall from Supertramp and the second on this day’s collection. Again, it’s not Breakfast In America but I like it. VG+.
  • Vivaldi- – Max Goberman, The New York Sinfonietta – Three Concertos For Viola D’Amore / Two Concertos For Mandolin — It’s a classical jam. The interesting thing is that the album came out in 1968 and it was still sealed at Underdog. I opened it, but I didn’t look at the vinyl. It’s 51-year-old vinyl in there that hasn’t seen light since 1968. NM.
  • Cyndi Lauper – A Night To Remember — $1 bin find. Second Lauper this list update, too. To my knowledge, the only song on this album that I remember is “I Drove All Night.” I liked the album. VG+.
  • The Babys – Broken Heart  — This was the highlight of my purchase day, even though I didn’t know it until last night. The BCPF was alphabetizing our collection (the first time in almost a year) and it was my turn to pick an album. It was a great listen and if you haven’t listened to it, you absolutely should. Front-to-back, it’s awesome! VG.
  • Haydn, The Prague City Quartet – String Quartets Opus 76, No.4/Opus 20, No.4 — VG+.

Underdog Records is closed on Mondays, but on Tuesday, you should run by and see what used equipment Jonathan has for purchase. Get started in your record collectin’ if you aren’t already one. Then you can join in the madness fun with me! Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear the latest UDR/TLD special for that week. I use Discogs to bring you this list each week and to keep straight what I already own before I make purchases.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I know you broke up with him and your heart’s still on the shelf. It’s been over two years for me and I’m still not quite myself. You can’t be with someone new and you can’t go back to him. You’re beginning to realize that it’s sink or swim.” – “Last Worthless Evening” (Corey/Henley/Lynch)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 1/12/19

13 Sunday Jan 2019

Posted by TGBII in Records, Spinning Sunday

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Tags

ABBA, Curated by Underdog, Discogs, Heart, Jay Ferguson, John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, Music, Neil Young, Old Sea Brigade, Records, Rush, The Less Desirables, Tom Waits, Underdog Records

Salutations™!!

Underdog Records was jumping yesterday with people coming in and Jonathan was only playing local artists in the store for the first part of the day. He sold a good bit of local music, including selling out of a few, with that. I like when he does that. I had gone in and set some stuff back on Friday but we picked up the stuff yesterday. Here’s what we got:

tomwaits-mulevariations

©Anti-/Epitaph

  • Old Sea Brigade – Ode To A Friend — I call it my “husbandly duty” to find new music that my lovely bride, The BCPF will enjoy; stuff that is “up her alley.” When I record the weekly advert for Underdog Records on The Less Desirables, I use portions of new releases or whatever Jonathan has sent me to highlight and a lot of the time, I’ll find stuff that I think is really good, either that I will like, The BCPF will like or we both would. This is one that I thought she’d love. I had Jonathan get me one and we brought it home and she was very pleased with it. It’s laid back folky stuff and she loved it. I recommend listening to it. New.
  • Tom Waits – Mule Variations — #414 on the RS list, this is a 2xLP that is completely co-written with Waits’ wife and songwriting partner, Kathleen Brennan. I’m hit and miss with most Tom Waits stuff. The songs are beautiful and sometimes dark but his singing is what is the determining factor in my like/dislike. He sounds like he had a cocktail of gravel, concrete, and sandpaper whilst smoking two packs of Camels concurrently and saving cats from a burning building. It’s rough. EX/VG++.
  • Neil Young – After The Gold Rush — #71 on the RS list and while I feel that should be about 100 positions higher, it’s still a great album. Neil Young is another that I’m hit or miss with. VG++.
  • Rush – Signals — The follow-up to Moving Pictures, in 1982, Signals has “Subdivisions,” “New World Man,” “The Weapon,” and “Countdown.” Not my favorite Rush album but it’s still a good one. VG+.
  • Jay Ferguson – Thunder Island — I know the title track and that’s about it. I like the title track and it was only a few bucks so I decided to buy it with the picture of him in his fabric toe shoes. It’s just funny. VG+.
  • ABBA – Super Trouper — With “Super Trouper” and “The Winner Takes It All.” Their next album was the last studio album prior to their hiatus, which is still going on. VG+.
  • Heart – Private Audition — Released in 1982 and is the last Heart album to feature Mike DeRosier and Steve Fossen, who left after the recording of this album. VG+.
  • John Fogerty – Centerfield — Put me in coach! The title track, “The Old Man Down the Road” and “Rock and Roll Girls.” It was $1, so why not? VG+.
  • Joni Mitchell – Clouds — “Chelsea Morning,” “The Fiddle and the Drum” and “Both Sides, Now” are the tunes that The BCPF are most excited about. This is Mitchell’s sophomore effort and we have 10 of the first 11 of her albums. It was $1. VG.

I told you about Curated by Underdog Records, right? I think so. De is also digging out a lot of backstock of used equipment that Jonathan hasn’t had time to go through and they’re cleaning them up and getting some really great stuff up for sale. I really wanted that Sansui (as I wrote about). They have a lot of great stuff for those looking to break into or update their record collecting experience. Listen to The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week.

Discogs is how Curated by Underdog keeps track of what you have and how you do, as well!

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“Woke up, it was a Chelsea morning and the first thing that I heard was a song outside my window. And, the traffic wrote the words. It came a-reeling up like Christmas bells and rapping up like pipes and drums. Oh, won’t you stay? We’ll put on the day and we’ll wear it ’till the night comes.” – “Chelsea Morning” (Mitchell)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul – Record Store Edition

22 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by TGBII in Records, Silent Sunday

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Tags

Adam Sandler, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Discogs, Duran Duran, Ella Fitzgerald, Fleetwood Mac, Jeff Buckley, Living Colour, Lou Reed, Madonna, Mary's Gourmet Diner, Music, Neil Young, Pink Floyd, Record Store Day, Records, Silent Sunday, Sufjan Stevens, The BCPF, The Cure, The Grateful Dead, The Human League, The Rolling Stones, The Sundays, Underdog Records, Wilco, Willow's Bistro

Salutations™!!

So, the thing I want to say first is this: as much as I don’t mind the cold, sitting outside when the temperature drops to 41° and the wind comes barreling in at 3:45am in the morning and you’re in line for the Super Bowl of Records and Vinyl. That “ish” sucks like a Hoover. But, that’s exactly what we did right outside of Underdog Records. The BCPF and I camped along with a few of our vinyl friends all night Friday night/Saturday morning to be the first four (actually six but two pairs and two individuals) in the door to make sure we get our wants/wishlist filled for Record Store Day.

They'reallgonnalaughatyou

©Warner Bros.

 

We went to eat at Mary’s Gourmet Diner directly after and then we went home and crashed for FIVE hours. We got up and listened a little before heading to Willows Bistro to have dinner with friends of ours, The Johnsons. Anywhat! You came for the list, right? I will say that all of these are brand new/NM (because I’m opening them). I’ll also put down who wanted and/or picked it up (Scorp/The BCPF). Here is the list:

  • Fleetwood Mac – The Alternate Tango In The Night – I love the original Tango in the Night. I was kind of disappointed with this. I mean, it’s good, but I was hoping for true alternate takes of “Big Love” and “Everywhere.” There were cool things on it, but I didn’t get my full satisfaction out of it but that’s okay. I’ll listen over and over anyways. This was my top RSD priority. (Scorp)
  • Living Colour – “Live From CGGB’s” Tuesday 12/19/89 – Actually picked up by The BCPF. She saw them open for the Rolling Stones on this tour and wanted to capture it. I’d think it was a little out of her wheelhouse but I was happy she got it. I have always loved what I’ve heard from Living Colour. 2xLP. (The BCPF)
  • The Cure – Mixed Up – A remastered remix album that came out on my 20th birthday (which, by the way, means 1990) and The BCPF loved it. It’s on a 2xLP picture disc set and it’s pretty awesome. I loved the remixes, too. I hadn’t heard them before.  2xLP. (The BCPF)
  • The Cure – Torn Down: Mixed Up Extras 2018 – A sequel to the 1990 remix album Mixed Up. It is even more remixes, done by Robert Smith. 2xLP. (The BCPF)
  • Adam Sandler – They’re All Gonna Laugh At You! – My favorite Adam Sandler album. I got the only one that Jonathan got in. I don’t know how many he ordered but he only received one. I think it’s Sandler’s best. A mix of really great sketches and really good songs. There may be a clunker here and there but overall, it’s great! I’m glad I was where I was in line because the guy behind us wanted it and he drove all the way from New Bern to do his RSD shopping. Sorry, Jason. Looking at his haul though, I’d say he spent close to if not over $1000 that day, so I figured I saved him a few bucks. 2xLP. (Scorp)
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Ella At Zardi’s – Zardi’s Jazzland was a jazz-focused music venue in Los Angeles in the ’50s. It was world-famous and a lot of top-name jazz folks played there, including, Ella. There were only two of these that Jonathan got and it was a top priority for The BCPF, which because our pal Michael got the other, left our friend Bill out. Sorry, Bill. 2xLP (The BCPF)
  • Wilco – Live At The Troubadour L.A. 1996 – The BCPF is a Wilco fan and this is a 2xLP of the band in their heyday, at their peak. I like Wilco pretty well. It’s not my favorite but it is cool. (The BCPF)
  • The Sundays – Reading, Writing And Arithmetic – The absolute top priority for The BCPF, this completes the Sundays trilogy. It’s a reissue but she had them all on CD when she was younger. I’m glad she got it. (The BCPF)
  • Jeff Buckley – Live At Sin-é – The Sin-é Coffeehouse in Manhattan’s East Village was a jumping in point for a good amount of well-known musicians, including Mr. Buckley. This 4xLP is the complete version of his 4-song EP that was released in 1993. The “Legacy” collection (4xLP) was released in 2003 but only on CD. I could be wrong but I believe this is its first time released on vinyl. (The BCPF)
  • Madonna – The First Album – Picture disc of Madge’s first album with “Borderline,” “Holiday” and “Lucky Star.” It was surprisingly inexpensive. It will be fun listening to it. (The BCPF)
  • Neil Young – Roxy Tonight’s The Night Live – A live concert from Neil Young recorded in 1973, although the official release isn’t until next Saturday. Yay us for getting an early copy. It’s 2xLP but only three sides. The fourth side is etched. (The BCPF)
  • Pink Floyd – The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn – The mono version of the debut Pink Floyd album. I wasn’t going to get it but then I figured, I can’t not get it. I won’t get this chance again unless I am ready to pay 20% markup on them. I’ll admit this isn’t a favorite of mine but it is needed for the RS List (#347) but it’s a limited edition. (Scorp)
  • David Bowie – Welcome To The Blackout (Live London ’78) – As the title suggests, it’s live from 1978. Bowie wasn’t ever “not good” and I loved the late 70s/early 80s stuff. This is a 3xLP set, too. (Scorp)
  • David Bowie – Bowie Now – Compilation rerelease on white vinyl. (The BCPF)
  • Lou Reed – Animal Serenade – A 3xLP live album recorded in Los Angeles at the Wiltern Theatre in 2003 after The Raven. The show features a drummer-less band (including Mike Rathke on guitar/synth, bassist, vocalist Fernando Saunders, and the cello of Jane Scarpantoni). Reed delivers dramatic readings of some of his most compelling work. In addition, Anohni, of Antony and the Johnsons fame, contributes background vocals throughout and sings the lead on “Set The Twilight Reeling” and “Candy Says.” (The BCPF)
  • Duran Duran – Thanksgiving Live – The Ultra Chrome, Latex And Steel Tour – A 2xLP of Duran Duran on tour in 1997. (Scorp)
  • Duran Duran – Budokan – A brief live performance from Duran Duran in Japan. There are only nine songs, but they sound fantastic. Simon’s voice is on point and you can really hear everything coming through. (Scorp)
  • Dylan & The Dead – Dylan & The Dead – Just what it sounds like it would be. You can guess who picked this one up but I’ll give you a hint, it was not me. (The BCPF)
  • The Rolling Stones – Their Satanic Majesties Request – I’m very surprised this wasn’t on the RS List. A cool lenticular cover and gatefold packaging. I like KISS’ version of “2000 Man” better, but this isn’t bad. It’s on blue-splattered vinyl. (The BCPF)
  • Human League – Secrets – Vinyl debut and reissue of their 2001 album. (Scorp)
  • Sufjan Stevens – Mystery Of Love – 10″ transparent vinyl of Sufjan Stevens single from the soundtrack of Call Me By Your Name. (The BCPF)

So, by my count, that’s 13 for The BCPF and 7 for Scorp. Not a contest at all and it just is what it is. We both got what we wanted and that’s cool. The only thing I missed was the reissue of the Whitesnake ’87 album which I’ll find somewhere later. It was just a good haul. If I haven’t already told you how much we paid, privately, you’ll have to just guess. No reason to broadcast that, but I will say it was over $70.

Jonathan was swamped but in a great mood when we left, I hope it stayed that way and I hope he made all his money back and more. I believe he’s open today for a rare Sunday opening. That may have changed but may not have. Check the Underdog Records social media channels.

Surprisingly, Discogs had all of them in by the time I got to them, however, some were just the European versions (which should be about the same), so I’ll go looking for the US versions to make the collection listing more accurate. That’s it, I’m still tired and I’m out!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp is worn out!

—
“Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am home again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am whole again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am young again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am fun again.” – “Lovesong” (Smith/Gallup/Thompson/O’Donnell/Williams/Tolhurst)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 12/23/17

24 Sunday Dec 2017

Posted by TGBII in Records, Silent Sunday

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Belle & Sebastian, Bob Dylan, Christmas, Christmas Eve, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Discogs, Ella Fitzgerald, Fletch, Handel, Harold Faltermeyer, Jackson Browne, Jan Hammer, Jimi Hendrix, Journey, Judy Garland, Led Zeppelin, Marlene Dietrich, Miami Vice, Mott the Hoople, Music, N.W.A., Nat King Cole, Neil Young, Rush, Stevie Wonder, The BCPF, The Human League, The Specials, The Who, Triumph, Underdog Records, Water Music

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

  • N.W.A – Straight Outta Compton (#144 on the RS List; I really got it for another reason that I won’t say right now, but it’s another off the list; new)
  • Belle & Sebastian – How To Solve Our Human Problems (1st of three EPs B&S are releasing, one each year; new)
  • The Specials – The Specials (I’ve gotten into Ska and 2 Tone music lately, not heavily, just a bit; new)
  • Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin III (new on 180g black vinyl)
  • Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin II (#79 on the RS List; NM/VG++ clean copy)
  • The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Axis: Bold As Love (#83 on the RS List; NM copy)
  • Neil Young – On The Beach (NM)
  • Dylan – Dylan (compiled from the record company with no input from Dylan, VG+)
  • Mott The Hoople – Mott (#370 on the RS List; VG++)
  • Triumph – Triumph (VG+)
  • Various – Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack “Fletch” (I love Harold Faltermeyer and the film was great; VG+)
  • Various – Music From The Television Series “Miami Vice” (and I love Jan Hammer and had this on cassette as a kid; VG+)
  • Journey – Raised On Radio (The BCPF’s first concert; VG+)
  • Stevie Wonder – Fulfillingness’ First Finale (VG+)
  • The Who – Live At Leeds (#170 on the RS List; VG+)
  • Marlene Dietrich – Marlene Dietrich At The Cafe De Paris (VG+)
  • Nat King Cole – Unforgettable (VG+)
  • Nat King Cole – Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer ($1 bin find; VG+)
  • Nat “King” Cole* – Love Is The Thing ($1 bin find; G+)
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Hello Love ($1 bin find; VG)
  • The Human League – Dare ($1 bin find; VG)
  • Jackson Browne – The Pretender ($1 bin find; #391 on the RS List; VG)
  • Rush – All The World’s A Stage ($1 bin find; G+)
  • Dave Brubeck Quartet – My Favorite Things ($1 bin find; VG)
  • Handel – Water Music (One of The BCPF’s favorite classical pieces; $1 bin find; VG)
  • Judy Garland – Greatest Performances Original Recordings ($1 bin find; VG)

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

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

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 11/25/17

26 Sunday Nov 2017

Posted by TGBII in Records, Silent Sunday

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Tags

Bob Dylan, Discogs, Franz Schubert, Isaac Hayes, Joan Baez, KISS, Les Baxter, Morrissey, Music, Neil Young, Record Store Day, Records, Silent Sunday, Stevie Wonder, The Autumn Defense, The BCPF, The Minus 5, The Sundays, Twisted Sister, Underdog Records, Wilson Pickett

Salutations™!!Harvest_-_neil_young

This week’s edition is the Record Store Day-Black Friday (RSD) edition. But, it’s also the Small Business Saturday edition. Yes, The BCPF and I went to Underdog Records both days. The haul was less in terms of quantity but more in cost because it was new stuff that we were purchasing. There was one new release that hasn’t found its way onto Discogs, yet, so I’ll put it on here when it becomes available. I have three others that I have to put in myself and I’m hoping that I don’t have to do that with this one. Enough about that, let’s get on with it.

  • The Minus 5 – Dear December (a supergroup side project of several indie musicians, including Peter Buck of REM; RSD special; white vinyl; new)
  • Morrissey – Low In High School (first new Morrissey since 2014; clear green vinyl; new)
  • Isaac Hayes – The Spirit Of Memphis (2xLP; RSD; new)
  • The Autumn Defense – Circles (RSD; new)
  • Twisted Sister – A Twisted Christmas (clear green vinyl; RSD edition; new)
  • The Sundays – Static & Silence (RSD; clear vinyl; new)
  • Neil Young – Harvest Moon (RSD; first time on vinyl; 2xLP only 3 sides; etched fourth side; new)
  • Les Baxter And His Orchestra – Les Baxter’s Jungle Jazz (reissue from 1959; great lounge music; new)
  • Franz Schubert, Maria Stader, Marga Hoeffgen, Ernst Haefliger, Hermann Uhde, Regensburger Domchor – Messe Nr. 5 As-Dur D. 678 (VG+)
  • Wilson Pickett – The Best Of Wilson Pickett ($1 bin find; VG+)
  • Various – Festival Of Light Classical Music (12xLP; VG condition; $1 bin find)
  • Stevie Wonder – Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants ($1 bin find; G+)
  • Joan Baez – David’s Album ($1 bin find; VG)
  • Bob Dylan – Biograph (5xLP; VG++)
  • Kiss – Double Platinum (birthday gift from my buddy Clay; VG+)

There were some really good things in there. We listened to a lot of things and, even the Stevie Wonder album was decent. Jonathan had warned us that it was awful. It wasn’t awful. Wasn’t great, either. But, we really enjoyed our listening time. We love Underdog Records. And, we love Discogs, too. It’s so easy to keep up with what we have that way.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Spent the day in bed. Very happy I did, yes. I spent the day in bed as the workers stay enslaved. I spent the day in bed. I’m not my type, but I love my bed, and I recommend that you Stop watching the news! Because the news contrives to frighten you. To make you feel small and alone. To make you feel that your mind isn’t your own.” – “Spent the Day in Bed” (Manzur, Morrissey)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 9/9/17

10 Sunday Sep 2017

Posted by TGBII in Records, Silent Sunday

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Tags

Art Garfunkel, Casino Lights, Discogs, Haydn, Iggy and the Stooges, Jim Stafford, Jo Basile, Joan Osborne, Neil Young, Ohio Players, Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark, Ringo Starr, Rod Stewart, Stars On, The Church, Underdog Records, Vienna Philharmusica Symphony Orchestra, Willi Boskovsky

Salutations™!!

The BCPF’s and my trip to Underdog Records was a bit of a lighter load than normal, yesterday. That’s okay. It helps with the pocket book. I will include two albums on this that we got previously but not on Discogs because I had to enter them myself; they’re after the line. That’s a long and arduous process. All the credits need to be included individually in each song, person, etc. Again, long. For one album alone it took me almost an hour to do. Anywhat! Here’s the haul:

R-10816311-1504790867-2266.jpeg

©Reprise Music

 

  • The Church – Starfish (great album even beyond the two singles, new)
  • Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark – The Punishment Of Luxury (brand new music from this band and it’s good stuff, new)
  • Neil Young – Hitchhiker (previously unreleased album from 1976, new)
  • Iggy And The Stooges – Raw Power (2xLP set with the original mix by David Bowie and a remastered mix by Iggy Pop, barely used, NM+)
  • Ringo Starr – Ringo
  • Various – Casino Lights
  • Jim Stafford – Jim Stafford (somewhere there is a cassette of me, at about 4 years old, singing “Spiders and Snakes”)
  • Stars On / Long Tall Ernie And The Shakers – Stars On Long Play
  • Ohio Players – Honey
  • Rod Stewart – Every Beat Of My Heart
  • Art Garfunkel – Watermark
  • Jo Basile, His Accordion And Orchestra – Accordion De Paris (again, our love of Parisienne music)
  • J. Haydn, Karl Ristenpart Conducting The Chamber Orchestra Of The Sarre – Symphony No. 6 “Morning” / Symphony No. 7 “Noon” / Symphony No. 8 “Evening”

  • Willi Boskovsky, Vienna Philharmusica Symphony Orchestra – A Thousand And One Nights & Other Viennese Favorites (I got this about six months ago, it wasn’t on Discogs and thought it would take longer to put in, took about 15 minutes)

  • Joan Osborne – Songs Of Bob Dylan (this one took about an hour to put in, not necessarily a lot of credits as much as the listing was wacky)

So, a shorter list this week and that’s okay. If you want to get back into vinyl after a long hiatus or are looking to see what all the buzz about vinyl is, then head over to Underdog Records and talk to Jonathan. He can direct you. The new and used vinyl are all competitively priced and you’ll find deals every day. Listen to The Less Desirables each week to hear what that week’s Underdog/TLD special is. And when you start buying again, archive it all on Discogs and show pride in your collection.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Sometimes when this place gets kind of empty, sound of their breath fades with the light. I think about the loveless fascination under the Milky Way tonight.” – “Under the Milky Way” (Kilbey/Jansson)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 8/26/17

27 Sunday Aug 2017

Posted by TGBII in Records, Silent Sunday

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AC/DC, Accept, Aerosmith, Blue Note, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Buddy Holly, Carly Simon, Chicago, Clay Howard, Club Nouveau, Crosby Stills and Nash, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Discogs, Donovan, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Ghostbusters, Heart, Iron and Wine, Janet Jackson, John Waite, John Williams, KISS, Kris Kristofferson, Led Zeppelin, Lionel Richie, Mannheim Trio, Mozart, Music, Nana Mouskouri, Neil Young, Pedro the Lion, Quiet Riot, Ray Stevens, Rush, Star Wars, Steven Wilson, Superchunk, Survivor, The Beatles, The Cars, The Charlie Daniels Band, The Hollies, The Less Desirables, The Rolling Stones, The Romantics, Underdog Records

Salutations™!!

After a week off from records to absorb deliciously fermented grape juice, we made up for it at Underdog Records on Saturday. I’m sure Jonathan wasn’t complaining. Let’s just do it!

COTN_album_cover

©Casablanca/Island Def Jam/UMe

 

  • Kiss – Creatures Of The Night (the last of the original makeup albums, I had to order this off of Discogs as it was back ordered through distributors, new)
  • Superchunk – Superchunk (their first album finally released on vinyl, they’ve come a long way because this was hard for me to listen to, I have seen them play twice, new)
  • Iron And Wine – Beast Epic (brand new and I’ve seen him once, new)
  • Steven Wilson – To The Bone (really great album once I realized it was to be played at 45RPM, bone colored vinyl, new)
  • John Williams, The London Symphony Orchestra – Star Wars (really great, clean copy, could be an original pressing?)
  • Led Zeppelin – Coda (clean copy)
  • Led Zeppelin – Houses Of The Holy (pretty rough but it was $1)
  • AC/DC – Powerage (not a fan of AC/DC but it was a good copy)
  • The Rolling Stones – Undercover
  • The Rolling Stones – Tattoo You
  • Quiet Riot – Condition Critical
  • The Beatles – Hey Jude (because of what it is, I never had a copy on CD, this is my first copy of this album)
  • Accept – Balls To The Wall
  • Crosby, Stills & Nash – Daylight Again
  • Eagles – One Of These Nights
  • Rush – 2112 (not a big fan of Rush but it was a $2 VG- copy, so…)
  • Ray Stevens – Gitarzan
  • Kris Kristofferson – Me And Bobby McGee
  • The Hollies – He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother
  • Donovan – Open Road
  • Diana Ross And The Supremes – Reflections
  • Chicago – Chicago 18
  • Chicago – Chicago VIII
  • Chicago – Greatest Hits, Volume II
  • Carly Simon – No Secrets
  • Heart – Little Queen (The BCPF found this when in Elkin last week whilst I was tasting wine)
  • Bob Marley & The Wailers – Soul Revolutions Part 2 (ditto)
  • Various – Rockin’ Easy – 24 Laid-Back Hits (2xLP compilation)
  • Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger
  • Buddy Holly / The Crickets – 20 Golden Greats
  • Mannheim Trio Plays Mozart – Seven Trios (Complete)
  • Aerosmith – Toys In The Attic (not a fan of Aerosmith, but it was $1)
  • Neil Young – Harvest (I’m trying to collect the Rolling Stone Top 500 albums of all time, at least most of them, this was on it)
  • The Charlie Daniels Band – A Decade Of Hits (first time I’ve actually bought this even though I had a copy on cassette and CD, they were somehow just “left” with me)
  • Pedro The Lion – It’s Hard To Find A Friend
  • Lionel Richie – Can’t Slow Down
  • Nana Mouskouri – Le Coeur Trop Tendre (we are such suckers for 60s French pop, even though she’s Greek)
  • Fleetwood Mac – Mirage (we got the “alternative” take version of this for Record Store Day)
  • John Waite – No Brakes
  • Various – Blue Note Live At The Roxy
  • The Cars – Greatest Hits
  • Club Nouveau – Life, Love & Pain
  • Various – Ghostbusters (Original Soundtrack) (I wore the cassette out for this when I was a kid)
  • The Romantics – In Heat
  • Janet Jackson – Control

That’s quite the haul. It’s hard to tell what I missed yesterday because we were a little late getting there and I know Clay had already been through. We were quite excited with this haul and it’s already been good listening. If you’re thinking of getting into vinyl, getting back into vinyl or just want to expand your vinyl collection, then you need to get by Underdog Records. They have turntables, receivers, speakers, cleaning accessories and more. Listen to The Less Desirables each week to hear what the Underdog/TLD special is for that week. And use Discogs to archive and log your vinyl collection so you always know what you have.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“The road is long with many a winding turn that leads us to who knows where. Who knows where? But I’m strong. Strong enough to carry him. He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.” – “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” (Russell, Scott)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 4/22 Record Store Day Edition

23 Sunday Apr 2017

Posted by TGBII in Silent Sunday

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Ben Folds, Cheap Trick, Fleetwood Mac, Iron and Wine, Leonard Cohen, Luna, Neil Young, Record Store Day, The Cars, The Sundays, Underdog Records, WASO

Salutations™!!R-10176353-1492902513-1588.jpeg

Whew, Dear Reader, this weekend’s haul was spectaculicious, I must say. It was Record Store Day and that means a lot of limited editions of records (or rekkeds as we say to be silly). Thanks Underdog RecordsUnderdog Records for being our treasure trove. Here’s the loot:

  • Neil Young – Decade
  • Ben Folds and WASO* – Live In Perth
  • Various – Like A Drunk In A Midnight Choir… Record Store Day Celebrates The Music Of Leonard Cohen
  • Cheap Trick – The Epic Archive, Vol. 1 (1975-1979)
  • The Sundays – Blind
  • Fleetwood Mac – Alternate Mirage
  • Luna – Penthouse
  • The Cars – Live At The Agora 1978
  • Iron And Wine – Archive Series Volume No. 3

All of them are limited release and we’ve gone through three of them so far. We love Record Store Day and already can’t wait until next year. Perhaps we’ll camp out… nah…

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I don’t mind you comin’ here, and wastin’ all my time. ‘Cause when you’re standin’ oh so near I kinda lose my mind. It’s not the perfume that you wear. It’s not the ribbons in your hair. And, I don’t mind you comin’ here and wastin’ all my time.” – “Just What I Needed” (Ocasek)

Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes? or: There’s No Possessions (RS Part 43)

07 Monday Nov 2016

Posted by TGBII in Music Review, Uncategorized

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AC/DC, Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, John Lennon, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, Otis Redding, Paul Simon, Prince

Salutations™!!

The last segment of Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums of All Time started great, ended meh but was still a great segment. Again, we’re in the Top 100, more specifically, now, the Top 80 albums, it should be getting good. Per usual, I’ll reserve the right to question not that the albums are on the list but their placement. Okay, here goes:

#80 – Imagine by John Lennon. Probably the greatest call for harmony and peace in modern history, the title song is laid back but somewhat imploring. Lennon wants us to all get along, which is understandable: this is the heart of the Vietnam war and tensions are high, anxiety is amok and life is uncertain. It’s also asking for a departure from the usual religious grip that society allows itself to be bound to. A great song. “Jealous Guy” is fantastic, too. It seems to me much of Lennon’s songwriting is from a personal standpoint and not so much in the way of pure storytelling. So, it tells me that he really messed up in his possessiveness (hey John, imagine there’s no possessions), probably with Yoko and he’s having to swallow the pride and apologize. One thing that I’ve noticed about John’s stuff is that he was absolutely obsessed with reverb. On many occasions he’s standing in the back of a room so deep he’s practically swimming in it; not just this album but on much of his stuff. The last bit of the album, to me, seems like it’s just thrown together. I like “Oh My Love” and “How Do You Sleep?” isn’t bad, but the last two songs, I’m not a big fan of. Lennon wasn’t ever my favorite Beatle, or even my second favorite. I think he was a genius, but I feel he was an experimental genius and there’s something about his1led_zeppelin_-_led_zeppelin_ii solo stuff that, while I like it, I can’t quite get into it. I like this, but, it’s just okay in the long run. I love the title track and a few other songs, though. I’m going with dig!

#79 – Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelin. Powerhouse and masterpiece, this. 9 songs, 6 of which are Zep legacy (at least in my mind) are on here. I mean, “Whole Lotta Love,” “What Is and What Should Never Be,” “Thank You,” “Heartbreaker/Living Loving Maid (She’s a Woman),” “Ramble On,” that’s impressive coming off one album. I call them legacy because it’s among local classic rock radio’s limited repertoire of Zep tunes. I know that many call Zeppelin a “rip off” but I don’t care. This is fantastic stuff. John Paul Jones is one of rock’s royalty when it comes to bass players. Listen to his work, especially, on “What Is and What Should Never Be” and “The Lemon Song.” You’ll hear what I’m talking about. It’s all over the place but so tasteful in doing so. I love listening to his work. And John Bonham? Probably the best rock drummer that ever lived, too bad we lost him like we did. I think “Moby Dick” is a bit of an indulgence but he’s still awesome on it. Once you get through the harmonica-laced crap at the beginning of “Bring It On Home,” the tune kicks in and closes the whole thing out. I love the entire album.

#78 – Otis Blue by Otis Redding. Otis is backed on this album Booker T & the MGs, and after watching the film The Wrecking Crew featuring the large group of musicians that played on countless albums in the 50s, 60s and early-70s, I pay more attention to the personnel credits on albums. I always did that, anyway, but now I really seek out the names I’m familiar with (especially when they are mixed-and-matched). I like Otis just fine, but there’s not a lot about him that excites me. No, I don’t have to be excited by everything I listen to, but, I’d like to; especially something that is in the top 80 albums of all time. Most of these tunes, too, are covers. There’s a couple of Redding originals, like “Respect,” “Ole Man Trouble” and “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long.” The latter, I really like, but the others, not so much. There’s also “Shake,” “Change Gonna Come” and “Wonderful World” by Sam Cooke who had been killed the year prior to this being released. The 1acdc_back_in_blackRolling Stones are also represented with “Satisfaction (I Can’t Get No).” All in all, it’s decent album, I suppose, but I certainly don’t think it belongs in the top 300, much less the top 80. Meh, at best.

#77 – Back in Black by AC/DC. I’ve always had a love hate relationship with AC/DC. I have always disliked the fact that all their songs sound the same, with the exception of which singer they have. The song structure is the same, the chord structures are a lot of the same, the tempo is mostly the same and so on. But, there are certain songs and albums that I have grown fond of over time, all that other stuff be damned. This album was a big transformation for the band. Most of all, I think it was a phoenix rising from the ashes of despair that was Bon Scott’s death. Not only were they back from mourning, they were back in full-force, with new life, new breath. They were back in, well, black. This album has some of my favorite AC/DC songs: “Back in Black,” “Hells Bells” and “Let Me Put My Love Into You.” It also contains my absolute most hated AC/DC song: “You Shook Me All Night Long.” That’s their “Rock and Roll All Nite.” Really, if you take that song off, it’s a near-perfect AC/DC album. With it, it’s a fantastic album. I realize I’m splitting hairs, here. Nothing on this album is groundbreaking, but nothing groundbreaking is expected. Other greats on this album: “Shoot to Thrill,” “Have a Drink on Me” and “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution.” It’s really a fantastic album. I dug it!

#76 – Purple Rain by Prince and the Revolution. Ah, I miss the Purple One. This is my absolute favorite Prince album. I wore out the cassette to the point that some of the music just disappeared from the tape. I’ve played a few of 1princepurplerainthe songs in cover bands, either live or in practice. I had the soundtrack for a while before I saw the film and as cheesy as the film was (or is it just an 80s niche movie, in general?), I could watch it over and over. In fact, the first time I saw it was on HBO and it was with several excited teenaged boys (we ranged from 12-14 years old). Ma Mère had no clue what we were watching. We huddled around the TV in my bedroom eyes and mouth agape when Apollonia disrobed to jump into “not Lake Minnetonka.” Anywhat! Musically, it’s Prince’s genius on parade, well Parade was two albums later, but you know what I mean. The guitar work, which I figure is split with Wendy Melvoin, is great. Lots of noisy guitars and that was throughout. Also prevalent, a good bit of keyboards. It’s funny that the overall album doesn’t really have a lot of discernible melodies (there are some), but each song stands out. I also remember the adolescent elation I experienced when that same 13 year old kid heard the word “masturbating” in “Darling Nikki.” “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” you know… who am I kidding? There’s not a bad song on this album and I love every one of them. Some of it is just Prince (“The Beautiful Ones,” “Darling Nikki” and “When Doves Cry”) and that’s classic Prince. I can’t say anything bad about this. I LOVE this album. I wish it was higher in the list, actually.

#75 – Star Time by James Brown. It’s a four disc box set. An impressive 71-track collection. But, no.

#74 – After the Gold Rush by Neil Young. This was the “solo” album that Young released when all members of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young released them. KISS did that in 1978. I’ve said it before and I’ll reiterate, Neil Young is a horrible singer. His falsetto reminds me of the women characters played by the fellas from Monty Python. It pains me, at times. It’s like I’m expecting there to be a punchline at the end of a joke; it sounds like he’s putting on. Even with that, he’s a good songwriter. I’ve not heard a lot of covers of Neil Young, but I bet I’d like that better than his versions. It’s kind of like Bob Dylan. There’s a lot of country influence in these well-written tunes, but it maintains that crunchy demeanor you expect from Young. As with CSNY, when there’s harmonies, the singing is substantially better. And, there’s the backing band, they’re really good. I know Nils Lofgren is part of the group, as is the CSNY bassist, Greg Reeves. There’s good tunes on 1led_zeppelin_-_physical_graffitihere; the best known is probably “Southern Man,” the other side of the “Sweet Home Alabama” call/response. I also liked “When You Dance I Can Really Love.” All in all, I thought it was decent but I really don’t see where it’s ‘top 80’ material. It’s good and all but I don’t see it this high. Meh, for me on this one.

#73 – Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin. Two Zep albums in one segment. I can dig it. This album is a bit of a departure from the raw energy that Zep II had earlier. There’s a lot of production on this album and I’ve stated before that I’m a sucker for production. I prefer polish and shine over raw energy any day. John Bonham is off the chain on this album. The lyrics, to me, also where in a different place. I can’t really describe it but it, to me anyway, is a bit more story telling than subjective study on this album. There are some epic songs on here, too. Three songs in the collection are over eight and a half minutes. It features a lot of the bluesy stuff that I typically don’t like, but I do dig it here, for whatever reason. I’ve never called myself a Led Zeppelin fan, but the more I listen to them lately, especially with the RS countdown, I find that I really, really enjoy them. Yes, Robert Plant is a bit whiny, as always, and Jimmy Page is bit sloppy, as always, but they’re consistently Led Zeppelin, as always. Forgive me for saying so, but there are few songs that give you a good ‘bedroom groove’ like “Kashmir.” There’s some serious production on that. It’s so full and rich and, yeah, you can ‘dance’ to it. It’s one of my favorite Zep tunes. and really is there any reason to mention, again, the pure unadulterated badarsery that is John Paul Jones? I mean, if it’s not lead vocals, drums or lead guitar (he played some rhythm) on this album, he did it. He even wrote the string arrangements. Again, bad arse! I also enjoy the band exploring some jazzier progressions. It’s good stuff. I LOVE this album.

#72 – Superfly by Curtis Mayfield. Now with more of the (believe it or not) all I know of this album or Curtis Mayfield, at all, is the title track and “Freddie’s Dead” from the TimeLife Sounds of the Seventies collection that I have. And, I’ve not seen the film, either. And, I love Blaxploitation films. Not because they’re Blaxploitation, but usually because they’re set in gritty, dirty New York City in the ’70s and I love that stuff. It would scare the bejeezus out of me to visit it, but it was so intriguing. I’ve never been to NYC and I know it’s a lot different, now, but I still want to go. The whole thing sounds seedy or rough and I really dig that. Curtis Mayfield has a great voice. I love his swing from natural tenor to falsetto at any given moment and still maintain power. “Pusherman” is a great story vehicle. Joseph Lucky Scott is an awesome bass player. It’s power pocket playing and flair without being fancy. The 70s if filled what those kind of player and this is an example of the work of a bass player that has been named in the Top 60 of all time, on numerous occasions. There’s also the jazzy and ethereal elements that make it so good. Craig McMullen’s and “Saint Anthony” Dalcoe’s tag team work on the guitars are the perfect companion pieces to the rhythm section that bassist Scott and drummer Morris Jennings provide. I really enjoyed 1graceland_cover_-_paul_simonthis album from start to finish. My seal of approval is: I’d love to find it on vinyl. And, I will have my good buddy Jonathan at Underdog Records on the hunt. I can’t pick out any faves. If it’s on this album, it’s my favorite. LOVE!!

#71 – Graceland by Paul Simon. Holy smokes! Bakithi Kumalo is amazing! Who is Bakithi Kumalo? Well, he’d be the fella running amok with the flavorful and ingenious bass lines all through out this album. Just listen to the title track and you’ll understand. Or, to make it easier for you, the famous bass lines and that fantastic run in “You Can Call Me Al” is Bakithi Kumalo. ‘Nuff said. A fact about the bass run in “Al” is that only half of it is played. That effect is them copying it and playing it back, backward, on the other end. So it plays halfway through and it’s the same notes in reverse (playing the tape backward). I know that I talked badly about The Indestructible Beat of Soweto album (#388) because I didn’t understand what it was or why the heck it was even on this countdown. My very insightful buddy Eugene set me straight, as he’s wont (and I’m usually in need of) to do, and informed me that without that, at least without the release of it, we may never have gotten this album, which I’d consider a fave of mine and I know it’s a fave of The BCPF; she sighs when someone brings it up and she’s requested that for Vagabond Saints Society. But, it was a major influence on how the album came to be, how it came to be recorded and how it sounded, especially “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” and “Homeless.” Simon got a lot of flak about using South African musicians in the time of apartheid. Even with support from the UN, since he used the musicians and gave nothing in return to the South African government, there was a lot of heat from anti-apartheid groups and the African National Congress that he broke the worldwide boycott against the apartheid regime. Now, I won’t even begin to try and tell you that I have any clue what any of that means. I was out of the loop on that and I still am, really. The whole thing was over when I was around 17-18 (right after this album came out) and I didn’t know and didn’t care. I’m not necessarily proud of that, just a fact that I was ignorant to it, and really still am. I will even honestly say that most of the political commentary in the lyrics are beyond my pay scale and I’ve no clue what he’s talking about. I just know that I like the songs. Guest spots, not only by the South African musicians but Adrian Belew, the Everly Brothers and Linda Ronstadt among others. Again, Bakithi Kumalo. And, I want this on vinyl. And, I love it. And, that’s the end of this segment…

Even with two “meh”s and a compilation, this has been one of my favorite segments overall. Two of my fave Zep albums, my absolute favorite Prince album, my favorite AC/DC album, Superfly and Graceland. I mean, this is fantastic! I had a lot of fun listening to this one. Makes me excited for the next segment. We’re getting into the nitty gritty and I broke my rule about looking ahead. I didn’t study, just skimmed and it’s exciting. Stay tuned as I’m trying to get all of this list finished by the end of the year. I haven’t forgotten about Sign o’the Times, either.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“A man walks down the street. It’s a street in a strange world. Maybe it’s the Third World? Maybe it’s his first time around. He doesn’t speak the language. He holds no currency. He is a foreign man; he is surrounded by the sound, the sound. Cattle in the marketplace, scatterlings and orphanages. He looks around, around. He sees angels in the architecture, spinning in infinity. He says ‘Amen!’ and ‘Hallelujah!‘” – “You Can Call Me Al” (Simon)

A Man Needs a Maid or: Very Superstitious (RS Part 42)

28 Friday Oct 2016

Posted by TGBII in Music Review, Uncategorized

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Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, Dusty Springfield, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder, The Clash, The Man Who Walked the Town

Salutations™!!

The last segment of the Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums of All-Time was fantastic and I’m hoping this one will be, too. I’m not going to waste time talking about it, let’s delve, shall we?

#90 – Talking Book by Stevie Wonder. One thing that I have always loved about Stevie, 1talkingbookother than he’s just awesomely funky-n-groovy? That on many of his albums and tracks, he plays most of the instruments himself. Lots of clavinets happening on this album and other great keyboard spots. He plays the drums, synth basses, a bit of everything. That and guest spots from Ray Parker, Jr., Jeff Beck, Deneice Williams, “Buzz” Feiten make this album even more spectacular. Stevie’s use of melody and orchestration fills the cracks and holes (not in quality, just covers the speakers) with aural splendor. The ultra-powerful and urgent, “Superstition” is there and offset by the sweetness of “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and “You and I” and “You’ve Got It Bad Girl.” There’s range and spread on this album and that’s a great thing. Groove and shuffle, intensity and tenderness, bits of it all. I dug this album and thought it was well composed.

#89 – Dusty in Memphis by Dusty Springfield. Dusty Springfield has such a smooth, silky and sultry voice. It’s standard soul and R&B that breathes sexy life into some serious Carole King and Jerry Goffin music. The couple co-wrote four of the tunes. Randy Newman wrote two. Other writing credits belong to Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Eddie Hinton, Donnie Fritts, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Michel Legrand, Burt Bacharach, Hal David, John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins, the latter two co-wrote what was probably her signature song, “Son of a Preacher Man.” That song is one of the sexiest ever, in my opinion and holy smokes! Tony Cogbill is a heck of a bass player. He’s all over the place and that is a good thing! My favorite songs are, of course, “…Preacher…,” “Don’t Forget About Me,” “The Windmills of Your Mind” which reminds me of something from a James Bond film, sexy and dark. I love the gospel-like choir on “No Easy Way Down,” too. 1johnny_cash_at_folsom_prisonThere’s so much power in her music and in these songs it’s easy to get lost in them. This is a fantastic album. I DUG it!

#88 – At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash. Johnny seems to have fun at this show as do the audience members. He messes up a few times and doesn’t let that stop him or slow him down. He entertains and they love it. Cash speaks to the “less desirables,” the down trodden, the working man and common folk; he always did. Energy unleashed, this is rock and roll goodness that’s honest and genuine; at least in the delivery. He’s not afraid to chuckle at things happening in the audience or at himself. He brings June Carter up to do a few songs with him and she sings backup on out. Now, I had to piece this together as I wanted to hear the original track listing as that’s what I’m listening to on this. There was a bunch of other songs that got rid of so I could keep the original in tact. I may go back and listen to the others soon, as I’m sure they’re worth it. I really liked the album. Dug.

#87 – The Wall by Pink Floyd. My favorite Pink Floyd album. For one, because I’m a sucker for concept albums, even if I don’t get the story the first time around. Another, and more importantly, I’d say, is that it was the first Pink Floyd I ever heard. Yes, we chalk it up as 1thewallyet another check on the “I’m from West Virginia and my parents listened to country music” tally of life. Neither of those, by the way are knocks nor mock on the facts. We didn’t have radio stations that played Pink Floyd, or anything like that until around 1981 or 1982. Ma Mère listened to gospel or older pop stuffs like Leslie Gore or folksy stuff like Peter, Paul & Mary. Ma Père listened to country. Tears-in-beer country. Plus, none of my friends listened to Pink Floyd, so I had no exposure, at all. I do remember walking into a record store on Main Street in Welch, WV, looking for KISS’ Unmasked (1980) album and seeing a cardboard cutout of the album cover and Gerald Scarfe posters that were associated with the album. I moved to WSNC, as I’ve said countless times, in 1986 and there was a reissue of “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2” around 1987-88 or so and I bought it on 45. I had just started listening to the local classic rock station and got more familiar with some other Floyd songs. I decided, sometime later, to buy The Wall, but it was in or after 1990 because I didn’t buy my first CD player until December 27, 1989. I did have Delicate Sound of Thunder on cassette (it was released two days after my 18th birthday) and heard three of the songs that way. Anywhat! All that to say, I love the album and with the exception of a song or so (can we say “Bring the Boys Back Home?”). My faves are (all three) “Another Brick in the Wall,” “Goodbye Blue Sky,” “Young Lust,” “Hey You,” “Comfortably Numb” and “Run Like Hell.” I love the album.

1bornintheusa#86 – Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen. I think this is the first time in a bit, if not the entire list, that I have two albums in a row that I actually own. It may have happened. But, I’m pretty positive that it is the first time that I own two in a row on vinyl. Sadly, I didn’t have time to listen to this on vinyl at home. I’ll try to do a vinyl listen soon, if I have something that is available on it. That’s something that I’ve not done since I’ve started this countdown. It’ll be fun. When I first heard the first single, “Dancing in the Dark,” believe it or not, that was the first time I heard of Bruce Springsteen. Yeah, yeah, I know, but it really was. Chalk it up to my total immersion into KISS and just breaking out of the mold. And, here’s the other thing, I hated it, every bit of it. I don’t know that I heard “Cover Me” (the second single until much later. If I did, I probably turned it off or went out to play or something. I’ve mostly come around to who I used to call Spruce Bedspring over the years. Most of that with the help of my friend Beth who is the biggest Springsteen fan I have ever met or even ever heard of. To me, though, at the time, the title track and to some extent “Dancing…” sounds like he’s just yelling the whole time. I just wanted to shout back “just shut up!” Now, fast forward to now. I don’t know how I feel about “Darlington County” but the rest of the album (if you take into account I like more laid-back and alternative versions of the title track) is fantastic. Of course, my favorite tune (since I asked for it and did it at the VSS Springsteen show) is “I’m on Fire.” It’s a sultry little number. I loved the video, too. “My Hometown” and “Glory Days” are also faves of mine. There are some throwaways, at least to me, such as “Working on the Highway” and the aforementioned “Darlington County.” “Downbound Train” and “I’m Goin’ Down” make up for both of those, though. There were seven singles released on this album. While none of the songs are virtuosity tunes or even particularly intrinsic or complex, that’s not what this album was about it, I don’t think. It was just putting out a good album. This is that. Great even. I really dug it.

#85 – Lady Soul by Aretha Franklin. It’s like being in church, at least what I feel a southern African American church would sound like to be in. It’s almost like heaven (purposely not capitalized) was singing down on its people the whole time you listened to this. There’s some hefty love ambition and ooey-gooeiness, too. That’s good stuff. Now, my question is why does this deserve to be higher than say, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music, Giant Steps, The Bends, At Last! or Stand!? I thought this was a good album, great even, but it’s not better than those. I hear some iconic songs but they’re not so iconic to beat the stuff from those other albums. Top 500? Yes, Top 100? Not to me and just my opinion. Great stuff on this includes: “Chain of Fools,” “People Get Ready,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “Groovin'” even though there’s not a bad song on the album. And, she co-wrote a couple of the tunes, at that. I dug it.

#84 – I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You by Aretha Franklin. Yep, two in a row from the “queen of soul.” Like Lady Soul and I’m figuring a lot of her stuff, she co-wrote some of the tunes on this album, including “Dr. Feelgood (Love is Serious Business) and no, not the Mötley Crüe version. The song that I figure is most associated with Miss Franklin, “Respect” is on this album, as is “I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You)” which I don’t think I ever knew the title of the song, but was well aware of it. It’s in a lot of movies and commercials. One thing I find with her, especially on this album, is how even at this age (she was 24 when she recorded this), she goes between a mighty young thing to sounding like she sounds now at the age of 74. The example of this is “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man.” I like Aretha, I really do. I think she truly is the queen of soul. However, her status and accolades notwithstanding, I just don’t get how this album, like the one before it on 1axisboldaslovethis countdown are any better than most of the albums that were in the top 200-100? Does it deserve to be on this list, absolutely and I dig it, but I still don’t think it’s Top 100 material. Not a knock on the album, I just think some stuff is better. Dug.

#83 – Axis: Bold as Love by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Um… “EXP” was a bit trippy. “Spanish Castle Magic” is heavy and is awesome. “Wait Until Tomorrow” is a fun little ride. I especially like “Little Wing.” I think the bell was a nicely added touch. In “If 6 Was 9” I believe I’m getting a bit of rebellion. Rebellion against the establishment. “White collared conservative flashing down the street. Pointing their plastic finger at me. They’re hoping soon my kind will drop and die. But, I’m gonna wave my freak flag high, high.
Wave on, wave on.” Speak it brother. I really think, though it was more about pushing individualism, not conforming to the status quo. That’s what I get anyway. I find that while some of it is in there, this album is missing a lot of the “Jimi Flair” that I expect with Hendrix albums. That does not mean that there aren’t great songs on the album. It’s just not what I expected. I’ve never been a fan of Hendrix, but was expecting a bit more from it. Now, I like this and think there’s great tunes happening on here. I liked it better than I thought I would. I just think it sounds like they were doing exactly what they set out to do: put something out because they were contractually obligated to do so. I think it was rushed and even though there’s some innovative things on here, it still sounds a bit rushed and the feel fabricated. Still, it was a Hendrix album that I liked. Dug.

#82 – Harvest by Neil Young. Yep. It’s Neil Young. Brilliant songwriter, horrible voice. The orchestrations and instrumentation on this album is out of sight. This was the immediate result after Young left Crosby Stills & Nash. He went country. “A Man Needs a Maid” is the first true bit of genius I get from this album. The first two tunes, “Out on the Weekend” and the title track are fine but “…Maid” is a fantastic song. I could (and did, listen to that a few times). “Heart of Gold” is Neil Young, to me. Crunchy, yet meaty. I like that tune. “Old Man” reminds me of something that CSN would have done but actually sing it better. Not taking away from Young, here. I’m just thinking it could have been done by CSN. There’s more of the fantastic orchestration (performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, by the way) on “There’s a World.” If he had made an album full of stuff like this and “…Maid,” I’d have been searching the world over for the vinyl version. “Alabama” is the precursor (along with “Southern Man” from After the Gold Rush) to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s response in “Sweet Home Alabama.” Even though I don’t really hear the disparaging remarks in the song. I read the lyrics and it seemed there was truth, but I guess no one likes to be told they’re ugly (I know it was more than that, it’s metaphorical). “The Needle and the Damage Done” is a classic, sad and beautiful song, recorded live in January of 1971. All in all, this album is a good one, it’s a good jump from his days in CSN and a good direction for him. I like about 8 of the 10 songs. Good work, Mr. Young. I dug it!

#81 – The Clash by The Clash. This is the UK version of the album. The Clash have a way to make their angst sound fun. There’s 14 songs on this album and I don’t really care anything about any of them. “White Riot” is pretty good, but the rest of it was background as I wrote for The Man Who Walked the Town. It’s just not my bag. I will say, though, that I like The Clash tons more than The Ramones. I will never get that, at all. I really liked The Clash in their later years. The more poppy stuff was, to me, much better than this. Not saying it is bad, just saying it does nothing for me. But, as I said, even through the politics and angst, they have a weird poppy feel and is that reggae I hear in there? A little. Not a bad album, just nothing I care about. Meh.

I got through this segment pretty fast. Still wondering about those Aretha records being this high on the chart, but they are landmark ones for her. Great start of this round and it gradually got me less enthusiastic by the end, but, there’s not a bad album on this segment. Again, we must be in the top 90 with this. Can’t wait to see what the next segment brings.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Sometimes it’s like someone took a knife, baby, edgy and dull and cut a six inch valley
through the middle of my soul.” – “I’m on Fire” (Springsteen)

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