Today is the 49th anniversary of one of my favorite Pink Floyd albums, Obscured by Clouds. I like it so much because it’s unlike any other Pink Floyd album; before or after it. It’s not the psychedelic prog stuff before it and certainly not the mind rock prog stuff that came after. This was like an experiment for them. The songs are straight-forward rock things with some Floyd aspects thrown in. I really enjoy it. Here’s one of my faves from the album done composite-like.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “The memories of a man in his old age are the deeds of a man in his prime. You shuffle in gloom of the sickroom and talk to yourself as you die.” – “Free Four” (Water)
Third verse same as the first. A week’s worth at once. That’s how I roll these days, I guess. “Today” is the 41st anniversary of my favorite Pink Floyd album, one that people either love or hate. Generally, there’s not a lot of in-between. Of course, I’m talking about The Wall. I love concept albums and this isn’t just a concept album but basically a soundtrack to a film (that didn’t come until later). I wish they’d do that for Operation:Mindcrime.
Also, today is the 38th anniversary of the second-best-selling album of all time, Thriller from Michael Jackson. I did perform the Vincent Price part with The Plaids (funny, both VSS and The Plaids are headed by Doug Davis, yes, THAT Doug Davis). Both albums are very important pop culture icons. I just decided to go with Floyd today.
VSS did The Wall last summer and I wanted so badly to be part of it but I was working the Carolina Cobras game and couldn’t be there. This is what I wanted to sing and chances are, I would have gotten it.
So both are Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “What shall we use to fill the empty spaces where we used to talk? How shall I fill the final places? How should I complete the wall?” – “Empty Spaces” (Waters)
The BCPF and I went to Underdog on Friday instead of Saturday. Friday was my birthday and that’s one thing we did! You can backtrack and read the previous two days’ worth of blog posts to read more about that. Here’s the haul:
Pink Floyd – Delicate Sound Of Thunder — Die cut outer box, remixed from the original master tapes, heavyweight 180g vinyl, 24-Page booklet, brand new remix. 3×LP remaster, new!
The War On Drugs – Live Drugs — 2×LP, Limited Edition, Transparent Purple Vinyl. The BCPF love The War on Drugs, it’s a new live album. We had to have it. She had to have it. New.
Lambchop – Trip — Limited Edition, Coke-Bottle Clear & Yellow Swirl. Another of The BCPF’s faves. It’s covers of Weezer, Stevie Wonder and more. Includes 7.5″ Square Blotter Paper Print and A Small Poster. Printed Inner Sleeve (what appears to be for LSD or something; I have never done anything like that) and Download Code Card. New.
That’s all. We were there, really, to pick up things I had preordered. We are trying to save up some credit for this coming Friday which is Record Store Day Black Friday Edition. I don’t think I’ll be getting up before dawn to stand in line for this one, but we will probably go to see what is left. You can look at the offerings at the RSD website. Underdog Records will be open at 8a and this is a “queue and wait” affair, unlike the last few RSD events. You can shop Underdog Records day or night 24/7 by visiting their website. Jonathan does direct-to-porch deliveries Monday-Wednesday and the store is open 11a-7p Thursday-Saturday (except this Friday, which again, is 8a). Use Discogs to track your collection!
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “One of these days, I’m going to cut you into little pieces.” – “One of These Days” (Wright, Mason, Gilmour, Waters)
The BCPF and I started our Saturday a little different this week. We went to breakfast at Bib’s Downtown and had some delicious biscuits and gravy and a great BLT. Then, we went to Underdog Records and, came home to listen! Also, just throwing this out there… if you get a chance to go to Mojito Latin Soul Food, you will not be sorry! Here’s the haul:
Buckingham Nicks – Buckingham Nicks — The official release of this album was on Polydor but this is on Anthem. There is an Anthem records that is also distributed by Polydor. It started so Rush could have their own label. Queensrÿche’s Q2K was on that label, as well. I can’t find evidence that supports or denies that this is the same Anthem label. New.
My Bloody Valentine – Loveless — The second album from the Irish band, My Bloody Valentine. This is an import of that. I don’t know anything about the band, but I believe The BCPF does. New.
Radiohead – Other Colors — Live BBC recordings. Unofficial. Black vinyl, and plain white inner sleeve.
The Smiths – The Old Guard BBC Sessions — 2xLP, Compilation, Reissue, Unofficial Release. This was originally a Vol 1/Vol 2 kind of thing. They combined them, and I mean really combined. LP 1 is pink. LP 2 is transparent orange.
That’s all of the imports. Here’s what else we got.
Andrew Bird – Noble Beast — Bird’s 2009 release. We saw him open for Belle and Sebastian a few years back. The BCPF snuck this one in on me. New.
Man Or Astro-Man? – Experiment Zero — I personally know very little about Man or Astro-Man? The BCPF, however, is very familiar and this was an exciting find for her. It’s from 1996, so definitely a college memory thing. New.
We went kind of crazy on the imports. I have to slow down on those. Jonathan and I are talking about a new venture but I can only tease you with that at this point. Underdog Records is open Thursday-Saturday from 11a to 7p. Jonathan does make store-to-porch deliveries Monday-Wednesday. Of course, Underdog Records is the Official Music Sponsor of The Less Desirables. Also, I use Discogs to track my collection.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “I am the son and the heir of a shyness that is criminally vulgar. I am the son and heir of nothing in particular. You shut your mouth, how can you say I go about things the wrong way? I am human and I need to be loved, just like everybody else does.” – “How Soon is Now?” (Marr/Morrissey)
Yesterday was a pretty routine day. Well, maybe not. We got a late start. The BCPF finished her biggest project of the year, I was up way too late, yadda yadda yadda. We really only got to listen to a few records yesterday but we bought a few at Underdog Records. Here’s the haul:
Pink Floyd – A Dark Side Of The Moon — This is a European import of a live concert recorded at London Wembley Empire Pool on November 16, 1974. I’m assuming that it is VG+. I bought it “new” but a lot of these imports come unsealed, so I don’t know what the rating/grading is and if they are new or not. This is the gray sleeved version.
Bad Brains – Live ’79 Soundboard — I know nothing about Bad Brains, just that I’ve heard the name for years. This is another import and unofficial release, this one from Finland. I’ve seen a review or two that says it’s not worth money because while it is a “soundboard” recording it’s dubbed from some old wonky cassette or something. We’ll see. VG+?
John Prine – Sweet Revenge — I’ve only heard John Prine like three times outside of his comedy-ish song, “Let’s Talk Dirty in Hawaiian.” One was when I did the RS list and another a few months back when he passed away. I don’t necessarily care for him. I feel we already had a Bob Dylan, we didn’t need a cheap knock-off. I realize that he’s much more than that, now. But, while I have to say I enjoyed a good bit of this album, it’s still mostly “meh” for me. New.
Alexander Courage – Star Trek, From The Original Pilots: The Cage & Where No Man Has Gone Before (Original Television Soundtrack) — “The Cage” was the original pilot of STOS and instead of Captain Kirk, “Bones” and the like, it had “Number One” and Captain Christopher Pike. NBC thought it had out kicked the coverage of its viewing audience and refused it, ordering instead a second pilot. This is where “Where No Man Has Gone Before” comes in. It was the first episode America saw, with Kirk and Bones. “The Cage” was mostly recycled into one of the most famous STOS episodes, “The Menagerie.” This comes in one of three colors: Red Shirt Red, Science Officer Blue or Command Gold. But, you don’t know which color you get until you open it. This is sealed. Hold on, I’ll open it… Science Officer Blue!!
Beck – Kaos Radio Session – Olympia, WA. January 13, 1994 — So, another import/bootleg/unofficial release from Europe. The cover says January 26, 1994, but the back says January 13, 1994. Also, the Discogs entry has a red cover with yellow border, but mine is blue with a pink border. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a crappy copy but The BCPF is a huge Beck fan, so… VG+?
Nirvana – Damage, Mon Amour — An Italian unofficial release. A Collection of live and radio recordings from 1989 through 1994. On blue viny VG+?
Nirvana – At The End Of Lonely Street — Another Italian unofficial release. A collection of bedroom, garage and studio demos from 1989 through 1992. VG+?
Bob Marley – The Best Of Bob Marley — German import. This is a rerecording of Bob Marley songs by Marley, not your typical compilation. As one reviewer said on Discogs: A great copy in term of musical quality. Not a lot of the greatest hits but some interesting takes on some well-known songs. Refreshing. VG+?
Jonathan was gearing up for RSD Drop 2 that happens next Saturday. You have until midnight tonight to register for the lottery for this weekend. Same deal as before except another half hour added, so that means six more people get to have a turn in-store. It starts at 8a and three people (and a possible +1) get 15 minutes to shop the store, including the RSD booty. When the 15 minutes are up, they have to check out and leave. 815a folks get to come in and the process repeats. Last month he cut it off at 11a. This month it goes until 1130a. He promptly closes the store and then takes inventory. Then, at 1p the website goes live with leftover stock from RSD. Remember, in the past, this hasn’t been allowed by the official RSD brass. This year, the are allowing it. Visit the Underdog Records website to register for your chance to be one of the lucky 42. Then come home and use Discogs to keep track of your loot.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “I like the way you cross the street ’cause your precious. Moving through the Cleveland heat, how precious. Taking rides and all the kicks was so precious. But you know I was sh***in’ bricks ’cause I’m precious. Made me want to, made me want to, you made me make it. Oh, you’re so mean.” – “Precious” (Hynde)
Today is the 45th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here. I love this album and I couldn’t leave a tune off of it. I could possibly shorten “Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1-157)” but not eliminate the song altogether. However, my favorite tune on this album would have to be this one. I always loved the way the Charlotte-based band GreenLight did it and I didn’t find a video of them so I tried another approach. I think this is a fantastic version.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out! — “I’ve always had a deep respect and I mean that most sincere; the band is just fantastic, that is really what I think, oh, by the way, which one’s Pink?And did we tell you the name of the game, boy? We call it ‘Riding The Gravy Train’.” – “Have a Cigar” (Waters)
The BCPF and I both took Friday off, so we treated it like a “first Saturday.” We did the things we do for Saturday. We had breakfast/brunch/lunch, went to Underdog Records then came home and listened to what we got. We repeated the process on the actual Saturday, too, although that wasn’t the plan. Anywhat! Here’s the two-day haul (and a note that all these releases are “new”):
Nirvana – In Utero (2013 Mix) — I’ve had a tumultuous relationship with Nirvana. But, most of my disdain has passed and I am more on the “appreciate” side of them, now. This is the 20th-anniversary remix of the album from 2013. But, this is also a reissue of that version. 2xLP.
Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot — #493 on the RS list, it’s one of The BCPF’s faves. “Heavy Metal Drummer” was put on a mix CD for me when we were both just friends. I like that they mention KISS throughout and that Mediocre Bad Guys covered it. The buildings on the front cover make up Marina City in Chicago. When we were in Chicago last we stayed at the Hotel Chicago which is directly behind Marina City, part of the complex itself. It was something out of Mad Men but elegant. It was definitely a weird stay but we enjoyed it. Not quite as much as we enjoyed the Sofitel but that was one of the nicest hotel rooms we’ve ever had. 2xLP.
Tom Waits – Swordfishtrombones — I liked this one better than I liked the other we got from Mr. Waits this weekend. I know it’s his schtick. I know it’s his gimmick. But, I really dislike it when he gets the most grumble for his buck in his voice. He actually sings in a regular tone and timbre for some of the songs. When he does that, his voice actually comes through. He sounds like he’s faking it at times when he grumbles. But, his piano playing is fantastic. I love that part (of both albums).
The Mothers Of Invention – Weasels Ripped My Flesh — I have been trying to at least understand Zappa better. This credited to The Mothers of Invention but only so because of the live material. The studio stuff was Zappa solo, as the Mothers had disbanded two albums prior. I have tried to take the approach to Zappa as the fact that he was a talented jazz musician that liked take the idea of jazz to the far extreme boundaries of the genre. Sometimes it’s beautiful. Other times it is anything but. This, well it just is.
The Waterboys – The Waterboys — The debut album from this Edinburgh-based band. While not on this album, their biggest hit was probably “The Whole of the Moon.” I hear a lot of Doug Davis (yes that Doug Davis) on this. Not that he was on it, but I hear some influence on it. I know that he’s a fan of the band. It was a great listen.
The Mountain Goats – We Shall All Be Healed — The brainchild of John Darnielle, the award-winning author and musician, The Mountain Goats, again, is a favorite of The BCPF. He’s funny, witty, and a good musician. I get kind of tired of everything sounding the same but again, the content makes up for that.
Nina Simone – My Baby Just Cares For Me — This is the Nina Simone album that I mentioned last week that we got two weeks ago. It finally made it to Discogs so I could include it. It was a great record and we really enjoyed it.
Madonna – Madame X — Madge’s latest album, released Summer 2019. A lot of electropop and a mixture of activism/connected and Madonna pop sensibilities. Not a bad record. I got it brand new from the clearance bin. Was regularly $30+ but I got it for $16. Win!
Schubert / The Budapest Quartet – The Last Quartets — This is technically “new” because it is still sealed and never opened. Jonathan had it in the “used” bins. It was supposed to be purchased on Friday but we accidentally left it in the bin instead of grabbing it. We got it yesterday. 3xLP of Schubert. Yes.
For the next selections, these are all “imports.” Most are “unofficial” releases which, to me, anyway, could mean “bootleg.” But, they were sold to Jonathan through a distributor, so I don’t know. Anywhat! All are “new.” Here we go.
Pink Floyd – Live In NYC 1977 — I love Pink Floyd. They hover around the 5-8 spot on my “all-time favorite” list. This is basically Wish You Were Herelive. The sound quality is awful as is the performance, but it’s cool to hear it. I didn’t mind the fact that they didn’t recreate the album, they interpreted their own album. Clear “coke bottle” vinyl.
Echo & The Bunnymen – BBC Recordings 1979-1980 — I didn’t know E&BM went back that far, but they did. When I heard these songs yesterday, I thought it was U2, but it’s not. U2 has been around since 1976, I didn’t know that, either. Still, the fact that this album sounded like Boy or October is a good thing, as I like everything U2 up until Zooropa. Not my fave by any means. This was a great listen and makes me love that era of the “first wave” even more. We need more of this.
Pixies – Into The White- BBC Recordings From 1988 And 1989 — Everything that I said about Mothers of Invention earlier? Well, multiply that by about 20. I like Pixies in the studio. Live, they get weird. I have a hard time taking them seriously, but I try.
Brian Eno – The BBC Sessions — I am a fan of Brian Eno. At least I think I am. One thing the BBC Sessions always tell me is that people get weird (or weirder in Eno’s case) when they step into the BBC Studios. Now, to be fair, we haven’t listened to this one, yet. So, it may not be weird. I am just preparing for it to be.
A big haul, for sure. Bigger than most, recently. Good stuff. A lot of listening time. Jonathan has Underdog Records, the brick-and-mortar, open Thursday through Saturday 11-7, and doing deliveries on Mondays, Tuesday, and Wednesday as long as weather permits. Watch Instagram and Facebook for what he’s putting out, be it new or used. You can shop for new vinyl anytime, day or night, by visiting the website. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection and you should, too!
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!
— “Well, the eggs chase the bacon round the fryin’ pan and the whinin’ dog pidgeons by the steeple bell-rope. And the dogs tipped the garbage pails over last night. And there’s always construction work bothering you. In the neighborhood.” – “In the Neighborhood” (Waits)
So, as I said yesterday, I’m going to attempt to write my Monday blog post about the week of “my” listening. Per usual, this week’s streaming listens comes from Discogs’ shuffle feature and it has to be an album that I own on vinyl (outside of peripheral things like Beeswax Vinyl & More listens), that way it’s like listening to my vinyl but with headphones from my computer whilst The BCPF works 10 feet away. Here’s the list (this is in order of listens):
Peter Gabriel – So — Yes it is my favorite album of all time and I was elated that it showed up!
So, all the records that I had in Discogs for this, I believe they all came from Underdog Records. 99% of my records came from there.
Again, check out Underdog Records’ social and web stuffs. Buy records. Use Discogs to keep track of your collection and use it’s groovy (see what I did there) shuffle feature.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!
— “I am standing up at the water’s edge in my dream. I cannot make a single sound as you scream. It can’t be that cold, the ground is still warm to touch. We touch, this place is so quiet, sensing that storm.” – “Red Rain” (Gabriel)
I feel we’re getting closer to being able to rummage through some used vinyl in the next month or so, but until then Jonathan is still delivering vinyl from Underdog Records all during the week. I think sales have been okay for him but I’m sure he could use some more. Head over to the Underdog Records website, or follow on Instagram (Jonathan’s preferred method) and Facebook to see what you can purchase.
And, per usual, this week’s streaming listens comes from Discogs’ shuffle feature and it has to be an album that I own on vinyl (outside of peripheral things like Beeswax Vinyl & More listens), that way it’s like listening to my vinyl but with headphones from my computer whilst The BCPF works 10 feet away. Here’s the list (this is in order of listens):
Again, check out Underdog Records’ social and web stuffs. Buy records. Use Discogs to keep track of your collection and use it’s groovy (see what I did there) shuffle feature.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!
— “Father, father, we don’t need to escalate. You see, war is not the answer. For only love can conquer hate. You know we’ve got to find a way to bring some loving here today.” – “What’s Going On” (Gaye/Cleveland/Benson)
Today is the anniversary of several albums. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere from Neil Young & Crazy Horse (#210 on the RS list) celebrates 51 years today. The Carpenters’ self-titled third album is 49. Relics: A Bizarre Collection of Antiques & Curios, a compilation album from Pink Floyd is also 49. Little Queen, the second album from Heart is 43 today. Breaking All the Rules from Peter Frampton is 39. Combat Rock from The Clash is 38. Chicago 17, my personal favorite Chicago album is 36. Spellbound, the second album from Paula Abdul is 29. Slang, the sixth studio album from Def Leppard is 24 as is Long Line from Peter Wolf and All This Useless Beauty from Elvis Costello & the Attractions. Maladroit from Weezer and Down the Road from Van Morrison and Vapor Trails from Rush are all 18 today. That’s a lot of albums. The last three were released the day before my son was born. I guess you can figure what tomorrow’s post will be about, huh? Anywhat! This is what I decided to play today. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “Loneliness is such a sad affair. And I can hardly wait to be with you again. What to say to make you come again? Come back to me again and play your sad guitar.” – “Superstar” (Bramlett/Russell)
Useless Things Need Love Too 