Tag Archives: Ozzy Osborne

Sounds Like Saturday or: That Shot

22 Saturday Feb 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 34th anniversary of my favorite Ozzy album, The Ultimate Sin. I understand that Ozzy purists will slam that album as polished and over-produced and yeah, it may have been. Or, it may not have been. The biggest complaint the Oz-man himself had was the production. Ron Nevison is revered as a producer but something about it, Ozzy just doesn’t dig. Oddly enough, too, is that this is the only classic Ozzy album that has yet to be remastered. Ozzy said if he had the opportunity, he’d love to remix and remaster it.

The reason it’s my favorite is that it was my Ozzy introduction. I’ve talked about the perils of growing up in rural WV with teetotalling parents and not having access to all the musics in “wild and wonderful.” That was in addition to the onset of the PMRC and the religious zealots who wanted to control our rebellious rock and raunch tendencies. So, I was taught to fear what Ozzy was and could be. I mean, “OMG! He sings about suicide and bites heads off of doves and bats and stuff…” Give me a break.

Anywhat! I got to play in my first band and one of the first things I learned was “Shot in the Dark” from this album. When I moved here to NC, I bought it on cassette along with the tablature sheet music for it and I was taken in. The videos were cool for their time, too, at least to me. I had to go back and hear Ozzy’s previous solo stuff after the fact. Heck, I didn’t even know any Black Sabbath stuff except for “Iron Man” and that was because I was a wrestling fan and the Road Warriors used it as their entrance music. I was so sheltered.

But in looking for a proper cover, I realized people suck at this so I am going with the OG Oz-Man doing it in 1989 with Zakk Wylde and Geezer Butler instead of Jake E. Lee and Phil Soussan from the album. Randy Castillo (RIP) is playing drums and did on the album. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Out on the streets, I’m stalking the night. I can hear my heavy breathing. Paid for the kill, but it doesn’t seem right. Something there I can’t believe in. Voices are calling from inside my head. I can hear them, I can hear them. Vanishing memories of things that were said. They can’t try to hurt me now.” – “Shot in the Dark” (Osbourne/Soussan)

Honor the Sabbath and Keep It Holy or: Half a Century

13 Thursday Feb 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 50th! Yes, the 50th anniversary of Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut. Hailed by many to be the first “heavy metal” album, and the title track (which means that it’s a song called “Black Sabbath” on an album titled Black Sabbath by a band named Black Sabbath) is considered, again by many, to be the first doom metal song. I have no clue what “doom metal” actually is, but hey, some think it’s what it is. Another intriguing aspect is the song “N.I.B” which over the years people have tried to call “Nativity in Black” but really, Bill Ward had a goatee that was shaped like a pen nib and when it came time to name the piece, Geezer Butler couldn’t come up with a title. So, he called it “Nib” but added the periods to add “intrigue.” It worked. This is one of the few covers I could find and it was released today in honor of the 50th. Woot. She hits some notes, for sure. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Big black shape with eyes of fire telling people their desire. Satan’s sitting there, he’s smiling. Watches those flames get higher and higher. Oh, no, no, please, God, help me!” – “Black Sabbath” (Iommi/Butler/Ward/Osbourne)

The Blizzard or: Solo For The First Time

20 Friday Sep 2019

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 39th anniversary of Ozzy’s first solo record, The Blizzard of Oz. I love this record even if it isn’t my fave of his. Randy Rhodes was a master of his instrument and it’s too bad he was talked into being on the plane with that idiot. Anyway, happy 39th birthday, Oz! (The video has some dropout and is warped a bit)

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Crazy, but that’s how it goes. Millions of people living as foes. Maybe it’s not too late to learn how to love and forget how to hate.” – “Crazy Train” (Osbourne/Rhoads/Daisley)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 12/15/18

16 Sunday Dec 2018

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I were out in a drenched wasteland of slush and deluge what with the snow melting and the constant, steady rain. But, we had our crêpes and headed on over to Underdog Records. Here’s the haul:

Tribute_crop

©Epic/CBS

  • Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads – Tribute — I had this on cassette first, and then on CD and now on vinyl. I love this album. As I said in my Instagram post, Randy Rhoads was on fire, Ozzy was sober and energetic and Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge were tight and heavy. It’s Ozzy at his finest live. It always got me, too, to hear Randy’s outtakes while recording “Dee” for his mother. 2xLP. VG+.
  • Stan Getz – Joao Gilberto – Getz / Gilberto #2 — A live, mono pressing of these greats doing their thing. I love the stuff from them that I have and this is going to be a great listen. VG+.
  • Heart – Bebe Le Strange — Not my favorite album by them, but it is solid. It’s bluesy and rocking. Also, they have the Tower of Power horns on “Even It Up.” The cover isn’t bad to look at, either. VG+.
  • pranava-om-ios-7-interface-symbol_318-35432George Harrison – Thirty Three & 1/3 — The BCPF loves her some George Harrison and this was a great album. The album actually has the 33 1/3 stylized like the “om” symbol (see to the right). This album was in EX/VG++ condition.
  • Leonard Bernstein, André Watts, Eugene Ormandy, Ivan Davis – Liszt’s Greatest Hits — I have listened to a lot of classical in my life, but I never paid much attent to Franz Liszt. I don’t know why because he does stuff that I like, such as, bombastic pieces and compositions that sound like movie scores. I dig that. This was in the $1 bin, but it is in pristine condition. EX/VG++.
  • Anita Baker – Rapture — Some R&B from the 80s. I like that stuff. $1 bin find in VG.
  • Stravinsky/ Tchaikovsky/Mussorgsky: Stokowski, London Symphony Orchestra – Firebird Suite: Marche Slave / Night On Bald Mountain — I got this specifically because of “Night on Bald Mountain.” That is the theme to one of the most famous scenes from Fantasia with the devil Chernabog, a large “black god” that is the embodiment of Satan or something like that. You know I’m a sucker for Disney stuff and that was something I couldn’t pass up. $1 bin find. VG+ (after I washed it and relieved it of the mold growing on it).
  • England Dan & John Ford Coley – Dowdy Ferry Road — I am a sucker, not only for Disney but for Yacht Rock as well. This is squarely in that realm but I have to admit that this album is a little cheesy. Don’t get me wrong, I do like it, but it kind of smells of K-R-A-F-T. $1 bin find in VG.
  • Yes – Close To The Edge — My quest for Yes albums continues and this only has three songs but still comes in at 37:51. It starts out with some seriously weird tape loops but it works its way out into a great tune, which happens to be the title track. It takes up the whole first side at just over 18 minutes. Side 2 has one eight-minute song and one 10-minute song. Still, even with my indifference to long songs, it worked here. $1 bin find. VG.
  • Modern English – After The Snow — The album from the post-punk/new-wave band that pretty much got them their recognition. It has the song “I Melt With You.” We haven’t listened to it, yet, but we will. $1 bin find in VG.
  • “Annie” Original Cast – Annie (Original Cast Recording) — Yep, the one that led to the film. But, this was from the Broadway version. Quadraphonic sound, no less. All that in a $1 bin find, VG.

Underdog Records had some great things this week. The holidays, oddly enough, are when the record companies wind down their releases because they want enough time to get some publicity behind the releases. You’ll still find new releases but they’re usually pretty light. Still, this week Jonathan was running a cool special as the TLD/UR special of the week. It was especially useful in the gift card area. Listen to The Less Desirables each week to hear what the special of the week is.

And, I stood (in the way) at the “fresh used” bins and used Discogs to confirm that I did or did not have certain records that I found. It’s a great tool and resource. We are especially fond of the “shuffle” feature. We love Discogs.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Moving forward using all my breath. Making love to you was never second best. I saw the world crashing all around your face. Never really knowing it was always mesh and lace. I’ll stop the world and melt with you. You’ve seen the difference and it’s getting better all the time. There’s nothing you and I won’t do. I’ll stop the world and melt with you.” – “I Melt With You” (Brown/Conroy/Grey/McDowell/Walker)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 11/3/18

04 Sunday Nov 2018

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Salutations™!!

Started out yesterday with some crépes and headed on over to Underdog Records, one of The BCPF’s and my favorite places! Here’s what we got!

ELODiscoveryalbumcover

©Jet/Columbia

  • Siouxsie & The Banshees – Superstition — The BCPF loves Siouxsie and the Banshees. It fits her once goth modus operandi. I like them pretty good, too, but she’s the true fan. This is from 1991 but is a reissue from 2018, It has “Kiss Them For Me.” New. In fact…
  • Siouxsie & The Banshees – Tinderbox — This is a little older, from around 1986 with “Cities in Dust.” It’s the 2018 reissue and is new.
  • Nirvana – MTV Unplugged In New York — I actually picked this up on Thursday, but didn’t enter it into Discogs until yesterday. Some disagree with me, but I think this is a fantastic album! It’s raw and you can almost hear Cobain’s pain but at times you can hear him sounding relaxed and chipper. Still, it’s great. #313 on the RS List. New.
  • Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath — #243 on the RS List, this album was heavy, dark and awesome! It’s a great debut album. Possibly the birth of doom metal or heavy metal, this. New.
  • Ozzy Osbourne – Diary Of A Madman — So, if we go with Black Sabbath, why not go with its former singer? Yep. This is a great album. I don’t like it as much as Blizzard of Ozz or The Ultimate Sin, but I do like it a lot! New.
  • Nicole Atkins – Goodnight Rhonda Lee — I discovered Nicole Atkins last week whilst finding something by someone playing locally and found a song that I liked on the first try and once I grabbed what I needed, I didn’t stop the album from playing. I then listened to it again. I felt it was something that The BCPF would like and I knew that I liked it, so I had Jonathan order it for me. She loved it. It’s like Dusty Springfield mixed with some Stevie Nicks with swing and jazz stylings that rocked. This is a must-listen, Dear Reader! New.
  • Warsaw – Warsaw — When Joy Division did their first demo, they were still going by Warsaw. So, this is that demo. The BCPF said she had it when it was actually Joy Division and the album was called Warsaw but this is an “unofficial release” and it sounded pretty good, albeit bass heavy. Not the gloom-and-doom Joy Division we came to know. New.
  • John Ralston – Shadows Of The Summertime — John played at Underdog Records on Friday night and we purchased this. Haven’t listened to it, yet, but we enjoyed him. New.
  • Earth, Wind & Fire – Raise! — The one with “Let’s Groove” on it. I love that song; probably my favorite EWF song. VG+.
  • Prince – Controversy – I found this in VG- condition but I still couldn’t pass it up. I mean, it’s Prince and I didn’t have it already. So, now I do.
  • Smokey Robinson – Blame It On Love & All The Great Hits — I’ve never been a huge fan of Smokey. He’s got a great voice but I just don’t like most of the songs. The BCPF wanted it. She got it. VG+.
  • Lionel Richie – Great Love Songs With The Commodores & Diana Ross — I had this on CD, one of the first 100 or so that I got. I got it (on CD) exclusively for the song “Endless Love” but all the songs are great tunes. VG++.
  • Don McLean – American Pie — Let me go on record and say that I absolutely LOATHE the song “American Pie.” It ranks up there with “Freebird” as the worst song ever. But, The BCPF said we should have it in our collection. Okay… It was in the $1 bin so there’s that. VG.
  • Billy Joel – Turnstiles — Billy Joel for $1? Yep. I’ll take it. And, it looks to be in fairly good condition. I’m calling it VG+. This album has “New York State of Mind,”  “Say Goodbye to Hollywood,”  “Prelude/Angry Young Man” and “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway).”
  • The London Symphony Orchestra – Tommy — 2xLP box set with Daltrey, Townshend, Rod Stewart, Ringo Starr and a plethora of guests with the London Symphony Orchestra. A $1 bin find it’s in VG+ shape.
  • Electric Light Orchestra – Discovery — “Shine a Little Love,” “Don’t Bring Me Down,” “Last Train to London,” “Confusion” and “The Diary of Horace Wimp.” I love ELO and didn’t really realize how much until I was researching for the VSS stuff last year. A $1 bin find. VG+.
  • Rockwell – Somebody’s Watching Me — This was sitting on the counter in front of Jonathan and I asked about it. It’s Berry Gordy’s son and has that one catchy tune with Michael Jackson. $1. VG+.
  • Foreigner – Double Vision — I had this (their sophomore effort) already but it was the 2nd pressing cover. This is the original cover. Including “Hot Blooded,” “Blue Morning, Blue Day” and the title track. I found it in the $1 bin and it is VG+.
  • Foreigner – Foreigner — The debut album with “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold as Ice” and “Long, Long Way from Home.” It was in the $1 bin and it’s also VG+.
  • Various – Peter And The Wolf / The Sorcerer’s Apprentice — Side 1 is Peter, Side 2 is Apprentice. $1 bin find. Not in the greatest of shape. Good at best. Fair most likely.

This haul was the biggest we’ve had in a while. Underdog Records was celebrating their fifth anniversary and there were sales happening. Remember that Underdog Records is THE Official Music Sponsor of The Less Desirables. Make sure you listen to the latest episode each week (on Wednesday night) to hear the weekly TLD/UDR special.

Discogs is where I keep my collection in check. It’s a great app and tool.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“All that I have left is the sound of my own breath and then darkness falls so quiet. Here’s a feeling I’ve had many times before. Every time you leave it’s your arms that I bereave then the next time to leave’s yours. I watch the ghosts of your footsteps by our door.” – “Darkness Falls So Quiet” (Atkins)

Crazy Licks or: Many Kisses (Part 3)

18 Tuesday Sep 2018

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Salutations™!!

Here’s the second post today! And yes, this is verbose as was the last.

The month of September is a huge month for KISS fans, even if they don’t know it. Why you may ask? Because the month of September is the anniversary month for the releases of TEN KISS albums. I’ve talked about Alive!, Animalize and Asylum. But, like I said in the last post, September 18 is a doozie and talked about the four solo albums that were released 40 years ago, today.

Lick_it_up_cover

©Mercury Records

In 1983, Lick It Up was released on this day and also that night Gene, Paul, Eric and Vinnie Vincent showed up on MTV and showed their faces publicly, at least as KISS, without the makeup. It was a weird transition for them, even if they say it wasn’t. Look at that interview and tell me that Gene doesn’t look uncomfortable as he says through his big white grill that it feels good… Uh huh. I think Vinnie looks uncomfortable all the time. Paul seemed the most natural. Eric was just there. Then look at the video for “Lick It Up” and tell me they look comfortable. Gene can’t figure out how to act. His professional career had always been under some kind of disguise. He’s not the most handsome man, truthfully, but really, were any of them? Nah.

Lick It Up, though, was a big breakthrough for the band. It was their chance to bring the people back into the KISS Army coming off the heels of Creatures of the Night, which saw the departure of Ace, even though he was on the cover, he played nary a note on the album. Several guitarists played in his stead on that album and one of those was Vinnie Vincent. Creatures was the rebirth KISS was looking for. It wasn’t quite KISS, but a harder rock version of KISS. I think Creatures is one of their heaviest albums in the entire KISS Katalog. But, they did that under the hidden comfort of their makeup-laden personas.

Truly, the band incognito had run its course. It was time for a new approach. Gene said in his book Kiss and Make-Up that Paul had talked him into unmasking. He was still apprehensive but Paul explained that the makeup had become a stigma and more people knew the characters than they did the musicians and the music, whether people want to admit it or not, was judged more on the makeup than on the merits of the music and songs. I was only 12 when this came out and I was aware of that fact. And, I’m ALL about the show. So, what to do? New direction with the music on the album before, let’s try a new direction in image, as well. I think it worked.

This album was pretty heavy and at times, mean. From the harmonics-driven intro of “Exciter” on to the fade of “And on the Eighth Day,” the album was a non-stop auditory assault. Paul also showed a whole new vocal style starting with this album. He started singing a little different on Creatures but from Lick It Up on, he sang higher, as did Gene, with more power and with more confidence. In fact, I think this album has Paul’s most powerful tone and timbre.

Gene really changed up his singing from just gruff to high and gruff. I can’t sing most of his non-makeup songs and I sing pretty high. The band also started aiming for the “metal” crowd instead of the “kids and rock-n-rollers.” Eric’s drumming was more volatile as well. He pounded the crap out of the drums. I found I was at the same time longing for and also glad they dismissed the drum sound employed on Creatures. It was an awesome sound but it was also overpowering.

Much of what made this album heavier was Vinnie’s playing. He was all about flash and speed and less about feel. But, I think that bled over onto Paul’s style, as well. Paul’s parts were heavier than the KISS we knew. There were no ballads or slower songs on this album. Speaking of songwriting, this marked the first time that there were no outside writers on a KISS album.  People have a hard time believing that, but from the first album (which had a cover – and yes I know the original didn’t have that cover), the second and third rehashed Wicked Lester songs, and so on. Plus, people forget that Vinnie was “in the band” at one time.

This is one of my favorite KISS albums, although it didn’t start that way. I never really noticed it being a “different KISS” until much later. KISS was KISS was KISS to me. I get it now, but I was blinded at the time. As tired of the title track I am, I still love it. We used to do it in Busted Uncle. It was fun. The only song I really don’t care for is “Gimme More” and even that is a pretty good song. The one that all my friends hate is one of my favorites on this album, “Dance All Over Your Face.” I don’t know why but I just dig the heck out of it.

This was the first album that I got on cassette and not on vinyl. So, the copy I have now (180g brand new) is the first time I’ve ever had it on vinyl.

Crazy_nights_album_cover

©Mercury Records

Now, 31 years ago today KISS released Crazy Nights. It is perhaps the most polarizing of the 80s-era KISS albums. I know a lot of critics, fans and even my friends have labeled it as poppy sugary drivel but I am not one of those. Yes, it is poppier. It’s not quite “hair band” material, but not far from it. Their heavy sound had softened a bit, even though they were on their second album with one of their best guitarists, Bruce Kulick who showed up on the tour for Animalize and played on Asylum. I don’t mind sugary pop, though, as you have read me talking about often, Dear Reader.

I believe part of the deal with the overall tone was that Paul and Gene gave up production duties and just recorded music. But, they were also using outside writers and not the likes of ex-Plasmatics members but with genuine pop music writing heavyweights, Adam Mitchell, Desmond Child, Bruce Turgon, Davitt Sigerson and legend Dianne Warren. On top of that it was produced by Ron Nevison who took over duties from David Foster on Chicago albums, Heart’s Heart and Bad Animals, Europe, Damn Yankees, Survivor and my favorite Ozzy Osbourne album, The Ultimate Sin. What absolutely didn’t help was the incorporation of keyboards (played by Phil Ashley).

I remember buying this album on cassette at Peaches. I knew it was coming out but hadn’t heard anything from it. I put it in the car stereo (in my ’74 Chevelle Malibu Classic’s Craig audio system) and waited. It seemed the leader tape was a bit long, so I turned it up thinking it was low. The opening notes of “whew!” for “Crazy Crazy Nights” scared the bejeezus out of me and I nearly wrecked my car. I loved it, though. That followed by “I’ll Fight Hell to Hold You” and “Bang Bang You,” gave Paul a good three-song start. Nice and poppy.

Then Bruce got to do his thing. He schools us on tapping techniques flawlessly and  Eric joins in with a little double-bass flash. This is “No No No” from Gene. The whole thing is a little hard to follow on the beat because it’s about being fast, I think. The only song that I don’t care for is “My Way” which I think single-handedly shows off the overly-poppy nature that many people see the entire album for. Also, as with Lick It Up, one of my faves on there is the one my friends say they dislike the most on the album, which is “Thief in the Night.” It was covered by Wendy O. Williams (also of Plasmatics fame) on an album that Gene produced which could have actually have been a KISS album.

Is this their best album 80s-era or otherwise? No. It is, however, the 80s-era KISS album that I listened to the most. It was the last original studio album that I actually had a love for and enjoyed without bias. The next album, Hot in the Shade, had plenty of letdowns for me. I don’t mean that I don’t love post-Crazy Nights albums, but up to this point, they could do no wrong. I realized on HITS that they could. Between the two came Smashes, Thrashes & Hits, a greatest hits album. I liked it.

This album also had a lot of unreleased things make it to other artists and box sets and such. The original title of the album was Who Dares Wins. I’m glad they changed that.

What are your thoughts on these two albums, Dear Reader? Are they up your alley or not? If you’re not familiar, why not give them a shot? Let me know what you think.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Baby, now that you’ve made up your mind, I’m gonna let you go, if that’s what it takes to show love is blind. I gave you the best love you ever had, but it wasn’t enough. So, if you think you’re so smart, go and play with your heart. When you walk out the door, you’ll realize what you never did before. A million to one – that’s what it will be. A million to one – there’s someone better than me. A million to one – no, you never will find. A million to one – another love like mine.” – “A Million to One” (Stanley/Vincent)

 

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 7/14/18

15 Sunday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was Bastille Day so happy birthday to our pals in France! Let’s hope they win the World Cup today, oui?

Fragile_(Yes_album)_cover_art

©Atlantic

It was a beautiful day yesterday, too. It was warm but not hot. The humidity was relatively low. Breakfast from Mary’s Gourmet Diner was good and the rekkid buying from Underdog Records was a load of fun. So, here’s what we got:

  • Eric B. & Rakim – Paid In Full — I got this album for a few reasons. One, it’s #228 on the RS List. Two, I used to play the bassline from the title track to impress the ladies when I was in high school; the dudes thought I was cool, too. Three, it’s a good album. This was back when I could listen to hip-hop and rap and think that the artists had something to say and said it to where you can understand it. Yeah, I know I’m sounding like a grandpa so get off my danged lawn! New
  • Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard Of Ozz — Ozzy’s first solo album. This was a reissue from 2011 which was the 30th anniversary of the album. Great sounding 180g black vinyl. New.
  • The Magnetic Fields – Holiday — This was The BCPF’s choice. She is a fan of this band. She likes it a lot. His voice went between cool and really bad, but even when the really bad parts were happening, it worked with the music they were doing. So, I didn’t really mind it. It was a decent album, all things considered. New.
  • Journey – Journey – The debut album from the band from 1975. I knew from having the Time³ Box Set from Journey that their earlier stuff was more “proggy” and bluesier than their more popular mainstream-80s commercial albums. I have never really cared for Greg Rolie’s voice, or him really, but this album wasn’t bad. I enjoyed listening to it. Yeah, I liked it. It was an original pressing from 1975 in VG+ condition.
  • Crosby, Stills & Nash – CSN — The first CSN album without Young other than their debut album. Someone who owned this record before I did must have decided to keep the picture from the cover. Apparently, it was glued on and they removed it. Either that or it just fell off. So instead of a picture of them on a sailboat, there’s a big blank gray rectangle. Okay. It’s a decent album and we enjoyed it. It was in the $1 bin and is in VG shape.
  • Yes – Yesshows — A 2xLP live album from 1980 which consists of recordings from 1976-1978. I have a feeling that this will be a prog rocker’s dream come true because it’s two records and only 8 songs. The entire Side B is “The Gates of Delirium” and comes in at nearly 23 minutes. It was a $1 bin find and I’d rate it at about VG.
  • Yes – Fragile — Along with 90125, this is my favorite Yes album. “Roundabout” and “Long Distance Runaround” are probably two of Yes’ most popular and well-known songs. The bassline in “Roundabout” alone could have gotten them into the Hall of Fame, why did it take so long? Anywhat! Chris Squire was an amazing bassist and I love listening to his lines. I know a few of my bass-playing friends list him as an influence. I found this in the $1 bin but once I cleaned it up, I’d say it was VG+, but that’s my rating. I love this album.
  • Philharmonic Orchestra Of Monte Carlo, Lawrence Foster – Famous Adagios By Barber, Sibelius, Grieg, Rachmaninoff And Others — Because it’s from Monaco, I figure that’s why The BCPF wanted this, but it was in the $1 bin and it was in really good shape. I’ll go with VG+. Most of the deeper classical things like this are generally well-taken care of.
  • Britten, Arnold – The Philharmonia Orchestra Conducted By Robert Irving  – Matinées Musicales – Soirées Musicales / English Dances – Four Scottish Dances — The BCPF loves Benjamin Britten and it was $1. VG+.
  • Various – Flappers, Speakeasies, & Bathtub Gin – The BCPF and I both like the history around the 20s, flappers, speakeasies and the idea of bathtub gin. The BCPF’s grandmother was a flapper, so why not? VG and $1.
  • Michel Legrand And His Orchestra – I Love Paris — Just read the title and you’ll understand why we got it. Exactly. That’s right. Yes. We do. VG+ and $1.
  • Kiss – Crazy Nights — I didn’t get this from Underdog Records but from the Discogs Marketplace. It was in VG++ shape and sounds terrific. I love this album but it gets a lot of flack from many of my fellow KISSheads because it is a bit on the poppier-rock side. It is that hair band cheese of the late 80s, but I still love it.

Jonathan had some great reissues come in this week and he had some great looking equipment, too. You should go in and check out the inventory. And remember to check out Underdog Records’ social media to find out what new superdynawhoppin’ stuff Jonathan is adding.

And, Discogs is where I keep up with my collection and purchase the items that Jonathan doesn’t have or would be too expensive to order.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Here’s a little song for everybody out there…” – “Crazy Crazy Nights” (Stanley/Mitchell)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/23/18

24 Sunday Jun 2018

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Salutations™!!

_music1

©Swan Song

The BCPF and I were working to get the new studio ready to function for a good part of yesterday, but we did at least get by Mary’s Gourmet Diner and Underdog Records and were able to listen to several records before heading to Willows Bistro. Here’s the very short haul:

  • The New Year – Snow – I don’t know anything about this band but The BCPF digs them and that’s all I really need to know, right? Right. It was VG++.
  • Faster Pussycat – Faster Pussycat – I played “Bathroom Wall” in the first major band I was in that had any real recognition, The Blue. Not my favorite band but I couldn’t resist getting it. VG.
  • Bob Dylan – The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan – This is #97 on the RS List, which I think is asinine. I think it’s his best work. Certainly, it’s better than Blonde on Blonde. I hate that album. I would have been one of those folks upset that Dylan went electric because I think he wasn’t as good. The acoustic stuff with him, his guitar and his harmonica, is the best Dylan. It’s rated at VG- but I think it’s in pretty good shape.
  • Eurythmics – 1984 (For The Love Of Big Brother) – I love the Eurythmics and I love the story of 1984, although it’s scary as heck (kind of like today’s world). There weren’t any real hits on here, just the soundtrack of the film. VG.
  • Hoodoo Gurus – 1000 Miles Away – This is just a 12″ single on a picture disc. I am not a fan of picture discs as they tear the needle up, but The BCPF says it’s her favorite Hoodoo Gurus song and you don’t argue with her. It was in the $1 bin and it’s in VG shape.
  • Led Zeppelin – Presence – This completes my Zeppelin studio collection. However, several of the albums, including this one that I got in the $1 bin, are in pretty terrible shape. They were “well loved.” I will be finding replacements for those, eventually. The album is in “good” shape and the cover is in “fair” shape.

Short list this week; end of the month and all. Jonathan was pretty busy yesterday, which is good. He had Ozzy Osbourne’s first album, Blizzard of Oz which I was really hoping to get my hands on but, that didn’t work out. Oh well. I’ll keep looking for that one. Keep an eye on Underdog Records’ social media as there are always new things kicking in there. And, I’ll be doing something with Jonathan for The Less Desirables, too.

Discogs is my go-to for collection documentation. Every album I own is on my Discogs list (except the three that I will have to enter myself) and I can watch my friends’ lists as well.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Keep spinnin’!

—
“Well, it ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe. Ifin’ you don’t know by now. An’ it ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe. It’ll never do somehow. When your rooster crows at the break a dawn. Look out your window and I’ll be gone. You’re the reason I’m trav’lin’ on. Don’t think twice, it’s all right.” – “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” (Dylan)

Spinning Sunday Plus One or: The Haul 6/2/18

04 Monday Jun 2018

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Salutations™!!

So, I promised that I’d make up for making Spinning Sunday “silent.” Here’s the haul from Underdog Records:

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©EWorks

  • Eels – The Deconstruction – 2×10″ LP in yellow. The BCPF is a fan of Eels and this was the newest thing. So, we got it! New.
  • Priest – New Flesh – I have become a fan of the band Ghost but have, oddly enough, never pulled the trigger on purchasing an album, on vinyl or otherwise. Ghost is a Swedish “Heavy Metal” band. Apparently, at least one of Papa Emeritus’ former “Nameless Ghouls” is in this band. But, it doesn’t necessarily sound metal. It sounds like a grinding Depeche Mode. I liked what I heard when Jonathan played it in the store and we got it. New.
  • Elvis Costello – My Aim Is True – #168 on the RS List. My dear pal Patrick Ferguson had it in his hands and allowed me to have it so I could add it to my collection and mark it off the list. VG++.
  • Ozzy Osbourne – Bark At The Moon – I know a lot of people are Randy Rhoades folk when it comes to Ozzy. I liked Randy, but I loved Jake E. Lee, too. In fact, my favorite album he was on (and my favorite Ozzy album altogether) is The Ultimate Sin. I have played the title cut of this album in a past band and it was always one of my favorites to play. VG.
  • Small Faces – 78 In The Shade – Okay, I’ll admit that I know little-to-nothing about Small Faces. I know that Steve Mariott was the vox. But, because I figure I need to have some, this was there, and just “why not?” VG++.
  • Wang Chung – Mosaic – Yeah, I love my cheesy 80s stuff and here are some of the biggest culprits. “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” and “Let’s Go” were the big hits on this, I believe. Near immaculate vinyl and plays great, according to Jonathan. VG++.
  • Bob Dylan – Hard Rain – A live album from Dylan. The BCPF loves him, we collect him. That’s how it is. VG+.
  • Corey Hart – First Offense – “Sunglasses at Night.” Yes, that one. I did mention the 80s cheese, right? Yeah, here’s my backup on that.

Though it was a short week, we had fun with it, had fun hanging around our friends, and drank a good bit of wine and beer. But, Underdog Records allowed us to keep our purchase with them while we walked to the festival.

Discogs helps me keep my collection organized and I love its random album ability. You should try it.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Screams break the silence waking from the dead of night. Vengeance is boiling, he’s returned to kill the light. Then when he’s found who he’s looking for
Listen in awe and you’ll hear him bark at the moon.” – “Bark at the Moon” (Osbourne/Lee/Daisley)

Going Back to Belfast or: All Hell Breaks Loose(Eugeology Entry 6)

16 Thursday Feb 2017

Posted by in Music Review

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Salutations™!!

The last album in the Eugeology series was so neutral to me it was Switzerland. Jon dug it and, of course, so did Eug since it’s his list. We get back to being able to pick a side this week. So, let’s do it!

#6 – All Hell Breaks Loose by Black Star Riders.

bsrallhellbreaksloose

©Nuclear Blast

Admittedly, I was never big into Thin Lizzy. This was much to Eugene’s chagrin. I know he wanted to slap me on numerous occasions and several times for this fact, alone. I’m not saying I didn’t like them, I just didn’t get into them. There was nothing wrong with them, just not something I got into.

Thin Lizzy certainly had their own sound and style for sure. Phil Lynott had a voice that stood out and you never wondered if it was him or not. Phil, sadly, passed away in 1986 after battling drug and alcohol dependency. The band officially broke up a few years prior, in 1984. Without Phil they couldn’t carry on, right? Well, long-time Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorman reincarnated the band using the likes of John Sykes and several other contributors. In fact, the band still tours as Thin Lizzy sometimes. However, the band thought it was time to record a new album and tour with that, but something just wasn’t right for Thin Lizzy to do so without Phil. So, Gorman announced that the new album was going to be released under a new name and was going to be called Black Star Riders.

So, new material was released and this, All Hell Breaks Loose, is the debut album for that incarnation of the band. While the name is new and the songs are new, there’s no mistaking who these fine musicians are writing for and who they’re channeling in their writing: Thin Lizzy’s fans and Phil Lynott. It is so modern Thin Lizzy. And for that, I commend them. They did right by changing the name and I think they definitely did right by not changing what buttered their bread. Ricky Warwick, also an Irishman, just like Lynott, sounds remarkably like the original voice of the band.

Not every song sounds like Lizzy, though. The title (and opening track) song, to me, is a bit more modern and rocking. The same for “Valley of the Stones.” Great riffs throughout the album. The harmonies are impeccable and are slightly left of center when it comes to the interval. It’s not always the same harmonious recipe, they switch it up, but again, just like Lizzy. Now, don’t get me wrong, even the songs that I don’t get a full dose of Lizzy, I get sprinkles here and there. I’m not harping on that and I apologize if I am repetitive, but I find it quite enjoyable, regardless.

The phrasings of the vocals, the timbre, the melody lines, it’s familiar yet fresh. You suspect you’ve heard this style before and if you’re heard this album, of course you have heard that style. But, it will bring their roots through. The lyrics of the songs are bright and hopeful, yet still quite rock and roll. There’s hints of other genres, too, though. I thought “Before the War” was The Clash when I first heard it. Of course that didn’t last long. It got rocked up. I can’t really pick a favorite song on this, I think they’re all fantastic, and for different reasons. There’s a lot of hair-bandish riffs and solos, which are always okay with me. They’re tasteful and that’s what matters.

The band (on this album), really, is a supergroup. Each member has experience with other big names. Scott Gorham, of course, is the backbone being he has been with Lizzy from very early on. Ricky Warwick sang for The Almighty for a while and has done backing vocals with Def Leppard because he and Lep’s frontman, Joe Elliott, are chums. Guitarist Damon Johnson was co-founder of the 90s hard rock band, Brother Cane and later played with Alice Cooper. Drummer Jimmy DeGrasso has played with David Lee Roth, Ozzy, White Lion, Suicidal Tendencies and Megadeth. Bass player Marco Mendoza has played with Whitesnake and I saw him live when he was playing with Ted Nugent (yeah, I can’t stand the Nug, but Marco was great) when he opened for KISS. Their performances on this album was raw, yet near-flawless.

I recommend you pick this up, stream it, download it, purchase it, everything shy of stealing it, as it’s a fantastic rock record and it’s a very fitting tribute to Phil Lynott and the legacy of Thin Lizzy. I really want to read Eug’s assessment and Jon’s will be interesting, as well. He’s always the wild card; just the way it should be.What about you, Dear Reader, are you familiar with this? Once you hear it, I’d like to hear/read your thoughts on it.

Thank you Eugene for introducing it to us.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the fools. When all hell breaks loose.  All hell breaks loose. I walk a murder mile wearing deadman’s shoes. When all hells breaks loose. All hell breaks loose.” – “All Hell Breaks Loose” (Warwick, Johnson, Gorham, Mendoza, Wharton)