Yesterday was 3B’s birthday and I got to text with him but not talk with him. But, he was working. The BCPF and I went to Underdog Records, to eat, the grocery store and to eat. But in between all that we listened to a few records, too. Here’s our haul”
New Order – Education Entertainment Recreation — 3×LP, 180 gram Box Set. Recorded live at Alexandra Palace, London, November 9, 2018. Their only UK show of 2018. 3LP on 180 gram heavyweight vinyl. Housed in outer, side-pocket cover. Each vinyl issued in record cover (bearing “new order live at alexandra palace”) with slip sleeve, and includes a tri-fold insert. It was pricey but I wanted it, so… I got it. New.
Paul & Linda McCartney – Ram — Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo, 180g, Gatefold. It really only had one single in the US and that was “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey.” Mastered At Abbey Road Studios – Half Speed Mastering. 50th anniversary release (that anniversary is tomorrow). New.
Simon & Garfunkel – Sounds Of Silence — Somehow we didn’t have this. We have overlooked it often just because we thought we had it. We didn’t. We do now. New.
Crosby, Stills & Nash – CSN — This we did have, twice but neither were in great shape. This is a then-still-sealed copy that we promptly opened and listened. Reissue, Remastered, Repress, 180 Gram from 2018. New/NM.
Walt Disney Records – Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection Sampler — You know I love me some Disney. From Discogs: Walt Disney Records: The Legacy Collection is an exclusive line of musical releases that celebrates the milestone anniversaries of twelve of Disney’s most beloved original soundtracks. Each elegantly packaged title contains beautiful artwork and liner notes that tell the story behind the music. This sampler includes a small taste of the musical treasures that have made these soundtracks some of the most cherished of all time. Make sure to add all of the Legacy Collection titles to your Disney collection of music! NM.
Emo Philips – E=MO² — I have no clue what this is. I just know I like Emo Philips. We’ll see. EX.
Tina Turner – Private Dancer — The newly named Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Tina Turner’s biggest album and somehow I didn’t have it. Earlier this week we had the Brothers In Arms anniversary from Dire Straits and from that I played a cover of “Your Latest Trick” which was about a prostitute (or at least people who prostitute themselves). On this album, there’s “Private Dancer,” the title track that was also written by Mark Knopfler. I just find that interesting. EX.
Underdog Records always has great things to find to bring home to have a listening party, either alone or with a group (being socially mindful, that is). Underdog is open Wednesday-Saturday and you can purchased new vinyl 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Record Store Day is in June and July you can see the drops lists by visiting that website. I use Discogs to track my collection. You should, too.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “And the people bowed and prayed to the neon god they made. And the sign flashed out its warning in the words that it was forming. And the sign said, “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls. And whispered in the sound of silence” – “The Sound of Silence” (Simon)
Today is the 47th anniversary of Paul McCartney & Wings’ Band on the Run. I think this is their best one. There, I said it. The title track, “Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five,” “Jet” “Helen Wheels” (in the US) and this track. I love this song. Nancy does a great job with it. I just wish Ann would have looked more enthused, but she had nothing to do but some backup vox, I guess. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “You gave me something, I understand. You gave me loving in the palm of my hand. I can’t tell you how I feel. My heart is like a wheel. Let me roll it. Let me roll it to you.” – “Let Me Roll It” (McCartney/McCartney)
The BCPF and I were up “early” to prepare for Record Store Day Drop #2. We were selected for the 930a spot and it was a perfect spot for us. We got everything on our list with the exception of one title but one of our friends and part of the RSD Crüe had found that one at another store after his slot. Things were calm and easy going for Jonathan, I believe. So, we did one non-RSD release but all the releases were brand new. I also included identifiers and attributes, where/when applicable, including how limited the run is. Here’s the haul:
Surfer Blood – Carefree Theatre — This is the non-RSD release. I heard just one song from this as I was making the commercial for Underdog Records for The Less Desirables. I sent Jonathan a message and had him hold me one. I thought it was be great for The BCPF. She loved it. Straight indie rock.
The rest are RSD releases.
The Replacements – The Complete Inconcerated Live — Limited to 8500 copies. Comes in tri-gatefold packaging. 3xLP and it was a great show. Paul Westerberg had a rough night with his voice and some feedback but I love how raw this show is. They may have done some overdubs but I don’t think so, I think this is how it was. I dug it.
The Feminine Complex – Livin’ Love — 2 × Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo, Pink. Gatefold sleeve, two pink LPs in white polylined inner sleeves. This was the one our friend got for us at a different store. The Feminine Complex was an all-girl garage band from the 60s and this is their only album.
Various – I Saved Latin! A Tribute To Wes Anderson — 2 × Vinyl, LP, Compilation, Limited Edition, Pink, Blue. Exclusive Ltd. Edition Run of 1,000 copies. The BCPF really loves her Wes Anderson movies and I like them, too. This is a compilation of songs from his films. It’s 2xLP record 1 is “Margot Tenenbaum pink” (like The Royal Tenenbaums) and record 2 is “Life Aquatic blue” (like The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou).
Various – Wilcovered — According to Discogs: “Wilcovered 19 covers of Wilco songs performed by renowned artists and friends of the band.” 2 × Vinyl, LP, Compilation, Limited Edition. It was an interesting listen. The BCPF is a big fan of Wilco, I’m pretty indifferent. She liked it a lot more than I did.
McCartney – McCartney — Record Store Day release September 26, 2020. Limited pressing: 7000 copies. After cancelling the April 18, 2020 RSD, this release was rescheduled for the second RSD Drop on September 26, 2020. However in some countries (e.g. Canada and France) it was accidentally distributed for the first RSD Drop on August 29, 2020. Comes in a Gatefold sleeve with a Red ‘Obi’ strip and an (A5-size) ‘Half-speed Mastering’ Certificate. Vinyl cut by Miles Showell using original 1970 master tapes at Abbey Road Studios, London, 5th November 2019. This half-speed master closely references the 2011 remaster by Steve Rooke and Guy Massey. It was made as a vinyl specific transfer in high resolution and without digital peak limiting for the best possible reproduction.
Son Volt – Live At The Orange Peel — 2 × Vinyl, LP, Limited Edition. RSD 2020 – September 26. On transparent orange vinyl. Quantity: 1500. Recorded live at The Orange Peel in Asheville, NC on September 23, 2005, these songs were part of the 6 String Belief DVD, but have never before been released on vinyl. The BCPF knew nothing about this band, but I believe it will be things she digs. Again, she loves Wilco and Jeff Tweedy was in Uncle Tupelo with Jay Farrar. Uncle Tupelo broke up and Farrar started Son Volt. This was done in a venue that I’ve stood outside of (and was supposed to see Steven Wilson there two years ago, darn snow).
Fleetwood Mac – The Alternate Rumours — Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Remastered. Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release, part of the September 26th drops. Limited edition of 16,000 copies. I was looking forward to this one the most, I think. I have really loved the Fleetwood Mac “Alternate” albums over the last few years. There was Alternate Mirage, Alternate Fleetwood Mac, Alternate Tango in the Night. This is perhaps their biggest of them all. I loved all the alternate takes on this album, save one. It’s my least favorite song on the album and I liked “I Don’t Want to Know (Early Take)” even less.
Roger Waters – The Wall (Live In Berlin 1990) — 2 × Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Clear, 180 Gram. Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release, part of the September 26th drops. 30th Anniversary limited edition, pressed on Clear 180 gram vinyl, gatefold cover in a total of 8.000 copies. When I first saw this concert (I think I own it on DVD), I was enthralled in the spectacle of it. I have always said that The Wall is my favorite Pink Floyd album and while I still prefer the Pink Floyd version, this was amazing.
The Doors – The Soft Parade: Stripped — Vinyl, 12″, Limited Edition, Numbered, Clear. Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release, part of the September 26th drops. Limited to 12,000 units. Eight tracks (some repeats) some with new Robbie Krieger overdubs.
Various – Psyché France 1960-70 Volume 6 — The BCPF and I are suckers for French pop music. This is French pop music from the 1960s. It sounds new and it could be but supposedly it’s from back then. It was a great listen.
Tegan and Sara – Tonight We’re In The Dark Seeing Colors — Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Purple splatter. Recorded live from their ‘Hey, I’m Just Like You’ Tour. Includes exclusive versions of Tegan and Sara favorites on limited edition purple splatter vinyl. Limited to 500 copies.
Squirrel Nut Zippers – The Inevitable — Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue. Record Store Day 2020 first release, part of the September 26th drops. Limited to 1500 copies. The BCPF says this is her college days. I love the swing style and this is a great album.
Primus – Suck On This — Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Blue. Limited to a quantity of 5000. Release has 3D artwork, and nothing written on the spine. Live album from 1989.
The Alarm – Celtic Folklore Live — Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition. Record Store Day 2020 release in a total of 1.000 copies. Side-A recorded at Hammersmith Odeon London – February 9th 1988. Side-B recorded at Cabaret, San Jose, California – March 17th 1988.
Lenny Bruce – Is Out Again — A rare recording of Lenny Bruce, fully authorized by Lenny’s daughter Kitty Bruce, unlike the majority of the bootleg material that has been released in the past. This release was only ever sold in limited copies at clubs, directly by Lenny to fans. I haven’t heard this yet, but my favorite part of it is the letter on the back from a reverend. He basically says he feels that Bruce is grossly misunderstood.
It was a great day for us. Jonathan said at our scheduled time that everything was going very smooth. I haven’t sent him a message yet, as I normally do after each RSD. He’s probably relaxing today. You can check out any unsold RSD stock by visiting the Underdog Records website. He does contactless deliveries in the early part of the week and is open Thursday through Saturday 11a-7p. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection and share it with you!
I also want to wish The BCPF a happy sixth reception-versary. It’s our fourth and final “public” anniversary of every year.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “Broadway hasn’t been the same since we found lover’s lane. Standing on the corner of fourth and main. Dreaming of you way downtown in lover’s lane. Sun is down, moon is bright. Lover’s gonna stroll all night. Way downtown in lover’s lane.” – “Lover’s Lane” (Mathus)
Johnny Cash’s At San Quentin is 51 today. The Kinks’ One For The Road is 40. Motörhead’s Another Perfect Day is 37. Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A. is 36 (exactly one month before July 4). Squirrel Nut Zippers’ Hot and Bryan Adams’ 18 til I Die and Metallica’s Load are 24. Paul McCartney’s Memory Almost Full is 13.
So, one of my favorite tunes from the Springsteen album is “I’m on Fire.” I was lucky enough to get to do that one in 2015 when the Vagabond Saints Society did a night of Bruce Springsteen songs. I was one of only a handful of people that got to do tunes. So, in this video, you get to hear me rattle off three of the four songs I did that night, “I’m on Fire,” “Spirit in the Night” and “If I Should Fall Behind.” The fourth was “Because the Night.” I don’t know what happened to that one. And, ignore the wind sound, I’m pretty sure that was either coming through the windows or from the Big Ass Fan. I miss The Garage. Enjoy!
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. At night, I wake up with the sheets soakin’ wet and a freight train runnin’ through the middle of my head. Only you can cool my desire. Oh oh oh I’m on fire.” – “I’m on Fire” (Springsteen)
Today is the anniversary of a few albums. Mike Oldfield’s Crises (37), Neil Young’s American Stars ‘N Bars and Dixie Dregs’s Free Fall (both 43), Paul McCartney & Wings’s Venus And Mars (45), and perhaps, at least to me, Bob Dylan’s The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, which is 57 today. I’ve stated many, many times that Dylan is not usually my cup of tea, but I really like this album. Mostly because of one song. One that meant so much to The BCPF in her exodus from her first marriage. It’s the song I chose for today. I like the harmonies here. It’s a good rendition. I could have probably found a better version but I liked the execution of this one. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “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 All Right” (Dylan)
There are a lot of albums that are celebrating anniversaries today: Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On (49), Paul & Linda McCartney’s Ram (also 49), Blue Öyster Cult’s Agents Of Fortune (44), Saxon’s debut s/t (41 which may or may not be a good thing), Cinderella’s Long Cold Winter and Poison’s Open Up andSay…Ahh! (both 32), Soul II Soul’s Vol. II: 1990 – A New Beginning (30), Scorpions’ Pure Instinct and Soundgarden’s Down On The Upside (24), Poison’s Hollyweird (18). Some good things and some not so great things.
But, you know of all those and yeah, I know that one of the greatest albums of all time (#6 on the RS list), I cannot resist playing this. You knew it was coming when you read the list and you knew it was coming because the preview said so. But, dangit! I think it’s hilarious (btw, Bruce Dickinson had nothing to do with the album and no one named Gene played on it either)… Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “I got a fever! And the only prescription… is more cowbell!” – Bruce Dickinson
Today is the 56th anniversary of Dusty Springfield’s A Girl Called Dusty. I love her voice. She was great. Today is the 50th anniversary of McCartney from Sir Paul. Not my fave of his, album wise, but I love “Maybe I’m Amazed.” I always have and I especially love it when Clay sings it. It is the 47th anniversary of my favorite album from the Eagles, Desperado. And, it’s the 38th anniversary of Motörhead’s Iron Fist. I don’t care anything about Motörhead so that’s out. So, Eagles it is…
I have very fond memories of learning how to play the title track on the piano, even performing it live in Heavens Sake. I would do an original I wrote called “RainTree” and then do “Desperado.” Then the whole band would do the “Theme from Cheers” followed by an HS original, “Second Time Around.” I love a lot of this album. I could do without “Twenty-One” but other than that, I really like the rest of it. Especially this tune… Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “Go down, Bill Dalton, it must be God’s will. Two brothers lying dead in Coffeyville. Two voices call to you from where they stood. Lay down your law books now, they’re no damn good.” – “Doolin-Dalton” (Henley/Frey/Souther/Browne)
Today is the 43rd anniversary of Paul McCartney & Wings’ Wings at the Speed of Sound album. It has a slew of great songs on it. Most people play this tune off as, well… “silly.” I like it, maybe in spite of that fact. I don’t know. But, here is a cover by a band called The Record Covers that do a pretty good rendition. The impressive part is this is the recording of their first rehearsal of the song. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “Love doesn’t come in a minute. Sometimes it doesn’t come at all. I only know that when I’m in it, it isn’t silly, love isn’t silly, love isn’t silly at all.” – “Silly Love Songs” (P. McCartney/L. McCartney/Laine)
We had a brief encounter with warmer, sunnier weather yesterday. That was nice and it made it harder for us to stay indoors and listen to records, but hey, we were listening to records and that’s one of our favorite pastimes. So, it worked out. But, we pulled a lot of stuff home yesterday from Underdog Records. Here’s the haul:
The Japanese House – Good At Falling — I had heard of The Japanese House (who is really just a pseudonym for Amber Bain) whilst watching something else. It was a showcase or something, I don’t remember. But, I liked what I heard. She’s ethereal, atmospheric and even though she uses Auto-Tune, she uses it for effect, not necessarily for patching shoddy vocals. I liked it. It’s a 2xLP and is in limited white vinyl. I usually don’t read the labels (my eyesight isn’t that good), but it says on this one that it’s to be played at 45RPM. I was a quarter through the first track before I realized something was amiss. New.
Van Morrison – Astral Weeks — #19 on the RS list, this is not my favorite VM album, nor do I like it all that much. It has some beautiful moments, but mostly, he warbles on a bit much for me. And, in one song he sounds like Porky Pig. I don’t know, I just don’t understand it, I guess. It’s on the list, it needs to be in my collection. New.
The Beatles – Abbey Road — #14 on the RS list. This album, along with The Beatles (#10) – also known as “the white album” – and Sgt. Pepper’s (#1) rotate being my favorite Beatles album, and now I have all three. I have had a couple of versions of this album but they have all been really crappy and I didn’t want my collection to reflect crappy versions. Especially on such an important album. 180g black vinyl remaster. New.
Band Of Horses – Acoustic At The Ryman — The Ryman is the theater that housed the Grand Ol’ Opry for many, many years. It has been refurbished and is now a legit music venue again (it has been for many years, this is not new). Band of Horses was one of the first bands I learned of from The BCPF, she calls them one of her faves. When we were doing mix CDs, she put a few tunes on there. I love “No One’s Gonna Love You” and that’s on here. New.
The Beat – The Beat — It is this band, who happened to release their album first, that prompted Dave Wakeling and his band The Beat to go by The English Beat in the US. In Europe this The Beat is known as Paul Collins’ Beat. It’s a long and confusing story, lawsuits happened (but not between bands but record labels and bands, hmmm). This is a promo copy of their debut from 1979 and is in really great shape. VG+.
Iron And Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog — I actually purchased this on Friday. Knowing that The BCPF also loves this band and we have seen him in concert, together, I sent a picture of it to her at work and her reply was “pant pant pant.” I didn’t know if that was a reference to the dog or what. I guess she was really happy. She told me later that it was the album that introduced her to Sam Beam’s (single person named as a band) work. So, she was excited. VG++.
Rose Royce – Strikes Again — The official title is Rose Royce III: Strikes Again. I’m going to be completely honest and say the only reason I bought this is because I had it as a kid. I loved the look of it, the embossed raised rose, the purple and silver motif, I just dug it. I can’t tell you one single song off the album without looking it up, but I wanted it because it reminded me of my childhood. It is probably stashed away somewhere at Ma ‘Rents’ and if I find it one day, it will probably be in pretty torn up shape but I had it and that’s all that matters. VG+.
Walter Egan – Fundamental Roll — It’s Egan’s debut album. I like “Magnet and Steel” from his second album. This was there, in good shape, why not? VG+.
Robert Palmer – Clues — Palmer had played percussion on Talking Heads Remain in Light and Chris Frantz, the drummer from Talking Heads, returned that favor and played on this. I’m not familiar with any of the songs, but there are a couple co-written by Gary Numan (“Cars”) and one Lennon/McCartney song, “Not a Second Time.” It was found by The BCPF in the $1 bin. VG.
Roger Daltrey – One Of The Boys — Critic William Ruhlmann said in AllMusic that “Roger Daltrey called on a wider circle of friends for his third album and came up with a more varied collection of songs … But Daltrey was never in danger of getting lost in the all-star session. Nevertheless, the album was not treated as a major release and found only modest commercial success.” This album has songs written by Colin Blunstone (Zombies), Paul McCartney, Murray Head. Eric Clapton, John Entwistle, Keith Moon, Alvin Lee, Rod Argent and more played on it. Yet, I hear it’s mediocre. But, it was $1 and is in VG/VG+.
Book Of Love – Book Of Love — American synth-pop band in the vein of Depeche Mode with a majority of female members. It was $1 and The BCPF said it was in her wheelhouse so there you go. It’s in VG.
Underdog Records was rockin’ when we were there and it was getting crowded. That’s a good thing. Jonathan has just gone through a bunch of $1 albums and put them out for purchase. Listen to The Less Desirables newest episode on Wednesday night/Thursday mornings and hear what that week’s TLD/UR special is. Discogs helps me keep track of all this stuff.
Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!
— “He bad production. He got walrus gumboot. He got Ono sideboard. He one spinal cracker. He got feet down below his knee. Hold you in his armchair you can feel his disease. Come together, right now. Over me.” – “Come Together” (Lennon/McCartney)
Finally, after a break of several weeks, I have a haul to write about. Yay, me! It was good to get back in Underdog Records, see Jonathan, bin dive and then actually getting some good record listening time in. Here’s what we got:
New Order – Movement — The debut album from New Order after the death of Ian Curtis and thus ending Joy Division. The BCPF says “this is my jam.” Needless to say, she likes it. I didn’t mind it. It was decent. New.
Nirvana – Nevermind — In September when the anniversary of this album came around, I went to play it in honor of the milestone. I looked and looked and looked. I couldn’t find it. I looked on Discogs and it wasn’t there, either. I keep a list of the RS list to see what I have collected from it. It wasn’t marked there, either. I was flabbergasted. How did I not have it? Well, I didn’t and now, I can’t say that anymore. I got it yesterday. I hated it when it came out. I hated the idea of grunge taking over the hair band scene. I’ve talked about that ad nauseum, so I’ll leave it be. This was new.
Pixies – Surfer Rosa — I actually got this last week when I couldn’t stay away from Underdog. It’s one of The BCPF’s faves and we know I want her to get what she wants, even when she didn’t know it was there to want. The record that is, she knew about the album. VG++.
Stan Getz – Captain Marvel — This album is great! Not only do you get the lyrical sexy saxy stylings of Stan Getz but you get Chick Corea on electric piano, Stanley Clarke on bass, Airto Moreira on percussion and drum hall of fame member (and drummer for Miles Davis) Tony Williams. Such great stuff. VG+.
Wings – Wings Over America — a 3xLP live album from Sir Paul (before he was Sir) and company. It is heavy, for sure. It feels like it weighs about 10 pounds, but really it is only about one. Haven’t listened yet. VG+.
George Harrison – Dark Horse — Not my favorite George album, but it has some great spots. The BCPF was excited to get it. VG+.
Randy Newman – Trouble In Paradise — I love Randy Newman and when I see something from him that I don’t already have, I need to get it. This has the hit “I Love LA” and a tune called “The Blues” which is a duet with Paul Simon. VG+.
Yes – Going For The One — The eighth studio album from Yes, which marked the return of Rick Wakeman who had left to do other things two albums prior. It’s only 5 songs but it is full-length. A lot of proggy goodness here. VG+.
The Who – Face Dances — The 1981 follow-up to the Quadrophenia album in 1979. It has the song “You Better You Bet” and is pretty fine. VG.
Atlantic Starr – All In The Name Of Love — I will admit that I purchased this (for $2) just because of one song. That song is “Always.” I have always loved it. It serves my R&B Slow Jam sensibilities. VG.
The Chipmunks – Urban Chipmunk — Yeah, you read that correctly. I’ve had more comments (positive ones) about this album than most any other recently. I even had someone offer to buy it from me already. Why? Because it’s a memory from our childhood. I wanted this when I was a kid and never got it. I had a cousin who had it. My sister had Chipmunk Punk which was a better album, but I wanted both of them. I haven’t found the Punk one and loved finding this one. And, yes, it is as awful as you’d think it would be, but that’s a glorious thing! Even though it was a $1 bin find, it was in VG+ condition.
Underdog Records is THE Official Music Sponsor of The Less Desirables. They have fantastic vinyl choices and players. There are also a few cassettes because apparently, that’s a thing again? Listen to the weekly episode of TLD to hear what the TLD/Underdog Special of the week is. Watch the social media channels for Underdog Records to see what is going freshly onto the sales floor.
I use Discogs to keep track of my collection. I spent a lot of time bin diving with my app on the phone open so I could check that I did or didn’t have the great stuff I was finding.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “I call you on the telephone my voice too rough with cigarettes. I sometimes feel I should just go home. But I’m dealing with a memory that never forgets. I love to hear you say my name especially when you say yes. I got your body right now on my mind and I drunk myself blind. To the sound of old T-Rex. To the sound of old T-Rex, who’s next?” – “You Better You Bet” (Townshend)
Useless Things Need Love Too 