Today is the 32nd anniversary of the single release “Arms of Orion” from Prince + Sheena Easton. I love the Batman soundtrack and I love this song. It just has a feel that most ballads don’t have and I am truly disappointed it didn’t do better on the charts. This couple do a great job of it. It should start at the beginning of the song, you can back up and listen to Supermoon if you want. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “Orion’s arms are wide enough to hold us both together. Although we’re worlds apart, I’d cross the stars for you. In the heart of a sleepless moon, I’ll be with you forever. This is my destiny ’til my life is through.” – “The Arms of Orion” (Prince)
The BCPF and I had a fantastic Saturday. We had lunch, records, record listening, dinner, binge watching. It was recharging. Underdog Records had some cool stuff that came in so we grabbed it. Here’s the haul:
Various – French Women — You know by now that The BCPF and I are Francophiles. We love everything French. The country, the people, the food, the music, especially the music from the past. I don’t know much of the modern French pop music. New.
Prince – Prince — The self-titled second album from the Purple One. As with many of his early albums, Prince played all the instruments on this album and produced it. “I Wanna Be Your Lover” was the “hit” on this album. VG+.
The Police – Synchronicity — Yet another variant that I have collected. I have seven different copies of this album. Yeah, I’m a glutton for punishment. This is BRY (blue/red/yellow) Stewart/Andy/Sting Clock on Left. VG+.
Journey – Departure — This is the last album with Greg Rolie on keyboards. He handpicked his replacement, Jonathan Cain. It peaked at #8 on the Billboard 200 and had the singles “Any Way You Want It” (#23), “Walks Like a Lady” (#32) and “Good Morning Girl/Stay Awhile (medley)” (#55). EX condition.
Ringo Starr – Sentimental Journey — This is the debut album from Ringo. It’s a collection of pre-rock ‘n’ roll standards that Starr recalled from his childhood in Liverpool. As a departure from the experimental quality that had characterized solo LPs by George Harrison and John Lennon since 1968, it was the first studio album by an individual Beatle to embrace a popular music form. VG+.
Nu Shooz – Poolside — I love “I Can’t Wait” but I can see why they never did anything beyond that song. The rest of the album is background noise at best. As The BCPF said, it would okay if it were just incidental music in a club or something, but not for listening with intent. EX.
The Alan Parsons Project – Tales Of Mystery And Imagination — This is the debut from Alan Parsons. This seems to be a reissue as it’s on the Casablanca Records imprint but listings have it on the 20th Century Fox label. From what I can tell, this is basically Alan Parsons bringing whole bands like Ambrosia and Pilot to come in and play his songs. Not, the whole album, but some of it. He has Arthur Brown (from The Crazy World of…) on a song, too. The album made it to #38 on the Billboard 200. EX.
The Alan Parsons Project – Ammonia Avenue — This is the seventh album from APP. It was a big hit for them. It is certified as gold and made it to #14 on the Billboard 200. EX.
Kevin Rowland & Dexys Midnight Runners – Too-Rye-Ay — I don’t know when they added Kevin Rowland as the featured artist on this but when the album came out it was just DMR. The hit (and the only song I’ve ever heard from them), “Come On Eileen” is on this album. The cover sleeve is fantastic but Jonathan has it rated at VG.
Pointer Sisters – Black & White — “Slow Hand” and “Should I Do It” were on this album. The sisters’ family, strictly religious folk, were appalled by their move into more secular music and this features “Slow Hand” and that was pretty salacious (for the time). I’m glad they made that move. EX.
Remember folks, if you go to Underdog Records, wear your damned masks. Jonathan had to tell two people in just the time we were there to put one on, including having to give someone a paper mask who took his time putting it on, made snide comments about not having to wear one since last November and when downstairs (out of sight), took it off. Another idiot came in and huffed and puffed when told he had to wear one and pulled it out and put it around his chin without even putting it on his face. Jonathan, who is not a confrontational person had to tell him to pull it up and STILL the guy left his nose uncovered. You can order records 24/7/365 by visiting UR website. I use Discogs to track my collection, including the seven different variants of Synchronicity. You should, too!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “Poor old Johnnie Ray. Sounded sad upon the radio, moved a million hearts in mono. Our mothers cried, sang along, who’d blame them? You’ve grown (You’re grown up!). So grown (So grown up!). Now I must say more than ever. (Come on Eileen) Too-ra-loo-ra, too-ra-loo-rye, ay. And we can sing just like our fathers.” – “Come On Eileen” (Rowland/Paterson/Adams)
Yesterday was a day that I absolutely was in need of. The BCPF and I had a “board meeting” which is where we catch up from the week (or more) of seeing each other for about a total of 5 hours. Then, we went to Underdog Records and got some “candy.” We had brunch at Mozelle’s. We went to a local boutique and then to a local coffee shop for her to get some whole beans. Here’s the candy part:
Prince – Welcome 2 America — Gatefold Sleeve with foil-embossed title. This release is black vinyl. Hype Sticker On Shrink: Previously unreleased album from Prince’s legendary vault, featuring 12 studio recordings on 2LPs with etched 4th side. (Love Symbol). Special Welcome 2 America Vinyl Etching on Side D of Double LP (featuring Prince image as in the gatefold): “Welcome 2 America, Welcome 2 The Big Show”, “Everybody’s Lookin’ 4 Something When There Ain’t No Place 2 Go”, “Trans4mation Happens Xcept Inside America That’s The Only Place 👁 [Eye Symbol] Know”, “Deep Within: Yes or No?” New.
Electronic – Electronic — Johnny Marr from The Smiths and Bernard Sumner of Joy Division/New Order from 1991. Reissue, Remastered, Repress. Of course, this was something The BCPF wanted and well, who can tell her no? Not me! New!.
The Rolling Stones – Black And Blue — Jonathan had gotten a few used Rolling Stone albums in and they were in fantastic shape. I had these three but all of them in my collection were anywhere from G to VG. These are all in EX shape. I will forego the any descriptions.
It was a great day. Just so you know, Jonathan is requiring masks to enter the store for right now, no matter your vax status. You can be an arse and complain and boycott and all that stuff, or you can do what is right for him and respect his wishes. Your freedom isn’t infringed upon if you don’t want to wear your mask. You are absolutely free to not go and he’s free to require them. None of us want to wear them, but we are wanting to do what we need to. Use Discogs, too.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “Yes, you could be mine, tonight and every night. I will be your knight in shining armor, coming to your emotional rescue.” – “Emotional Rescue” (Jagger/Richards)
Happy Earth Day to you, Dear Reader. Also, happy 36th anniversary to Prince’s Around the World in a Day album. Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of the Purple One’s death. I miss him. How about some bluegrass Prince? Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “Built like she was, she had the nerve to ask me if I planned to do her any harm. So, look here, I put her on the back of my bike and-a we went riding down by old man Johnson’s farm. I said now, overcast days never turned me on but something about the clouds and her mixed. She wasn’t too bright but I could tell when she kissed me, she knew how to get her kicks.” – “Raspberry Beret” (Prince)
Today is the 34th anniversary of Prince’s acclaimed double album Sign O’The Times. The album has some lighter moments in the typical Prince style but the title track is a bit profound. I love Jerry Chapman’s (yes THAT Jerry Chapman) cover on his Rumors of My Death album. But, because I like to have (at least insinuated) live performances, I chose this one. Plus, I love to hear Morgan James sing. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “In France a skinny man died of a big disease with a little name. By chance his girlfriend came across a needle and soon she did the same. At home there are seventeen-year-old boys and their idea of fun Is being in a gang called The Disciples, high on crack, totin’ a machine gun. Time. Times.” – “Sign O’The Times” (Prince)
The BCPF and I actually went to Underdog Records on Friday instead of yesterday. Friday was her birthday. It may not seem like much, but I got a special advanced preview of the cheeseburger that will come from Mr. Barbecue with their opening TOMORROW!!! So, she can say she ate there before just about everyone else. I’m used to that. She isn’t. It was cool. Her birthday weekend has been great (according to her) and will culminate in me getting my “FauciOuchie” (C-19 vax) after I write this blog post. So, that means I need to get a move on… Here’s the haul:
Wilco – Being There — This was one of The BCPF’s birthday presents. She is a big Wilco fan. I can handle them in small doses. This is 19 songs, I may have to have a drink or two for it, but, hey! She has it. It gets its name from the 1979 film starring Peter Sellers and Shirley MacLaine. It’s self-produced by the band. 2×LP. New.
Guns N’ Roses – G N’ R Lies — I love “Patience” and I like a few of the other tunes on this “unofficial” release. I don’t know why they call it that. The album is definitely not without its controversy. A lot of homophobic and racial slurs being thrown around. I like this version of “You’re Crazy” better than the Appetite for Destruction version. Cream-colored vinyl. NM.
The Flying Burrito Bros – The Gilded Palace Of Sin — This album was #192 on the RS list that matters and fell to #463 on the one that doesn’t. I went back and looked at my review of it from 2015 and it seems mostly favorable. I don’t remember it, truthfully, but when I saw that Jonathan had a reissue of it, it triggered me to purchase it because I would just overlook it otherwise. So, now I have it. New.
She & Him – Volume One — The first album by M. Ward and the beautiful Zooey Deschanel. We did get to listen to that one on Friday. She sounds great and “young.” I like the classic/old-timey-ness of her voice and the music itself. The tracks were all written by her except for “You Really Got a Hold on Me,” “I Should Have Known Better,” “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” She co-wrote “Sweet Darlin'” with fellow actor/musician Jason Schwartzman. I liked it. New. The BCPF’s birthday present.
She & Him – Volume Two — The second album by M. Ward and Zooey. Again, she wrote all the songs except for two covers. I haven’t heard this one yet, but I can’t imagine me not liking it. New. The BCPF’s birthday present.
The Magnetic Fields – Get Lost — Original 1995 album release was on compact disc only. This is 180g and features an alternate song sequence. I haven’t heard it yet, but I can imagine it’s going to be weird, just like all other Magnetic Fields albums. New. The BCPF’s birthday present.
Calexico – Garden Ruin — This, the fifth studio album by the rock band Calexico, was released in 2006 and was the first Calexico album to feature no instrumental tracks, instead relying on a more direct, pop-style approach. Leaving behind the “indie-mariachi” genre, if you will, the band took their music in a different direction. This is a more straightforward indie rock album. One of The BCPF’s favorite bands, she had only ever had this on CD. New. Her birthday present.
Various – The Many Faces Of Prince (A Journey Through The Inner World Of Prince) — From what I can tell, these are songs that were written by Prince, possibly with the band before he broke big, 94 East, and some by the artists that made them famous, like Sheila E. doing “Glamorous Life” (which I never knew he wrote) or Chaka Khan’s “I Feel For You” which should have probably been “I Feel 4 U.” Also on this is Dead Or Alive’s cover of “Pop Life,” Heaven 17’s “Sign O’The Times”, Gary Numan doing “U Got The Look,” Information Society doing “Controversy” and Sigue Sigue Sputnik doing “I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man,” among others. 2×LP. Purple vinyl (of course). Import (I think).180g. NM.
Neil Young – Trans — I don’t know anything about this album, other than it was a bit weird to long-time fans. The reason I got it, though? Jonathan’s note on the sales sticker: “Neil Young was never afraid to take a chance.” VG+.
Frank Zappa – Sheik Yerbouti — Mostly made up of live material recorded in 1977 and 1978, with later overdubs in the studio. I think it’s also a bit of a parody compared to the contemporaries of the time. I don’t know what to expect but I expect it to be, well… different. 2×LP. VG.
Aerosmith – Classics Live — Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. Yes, I do hate Aerosuck, but I couldn’t resist this when it was sitting there in the “freshly acquired” bin. It’s in VG+ condition and it should be in my collection. Now, it is.
Icehouse – Primitive Man — I love Icehouse’s later stuff, so I’m hoping I love their earlier stuff. This was their second album. So, wish me luck! VG+.
Starbuck – Moonlight Feels Right — The BCPF and I hear this song all the time on our Yacht Rock channels. I don’t know anything from the band other than the title track. Jonathan said there’s a 7″ in the sleeve as well and doesn’t know what the 7″ is or if it was ever part of the original packaging. I haven’t looked inside to know. But, I hope the rest of the album is like the title track. EX.
So, I think that Jonathan and I got a little closer to our podcast launch this week, but we still need a bit more hashing. Underdog Records is open, now, from Wednesday to Saturday 11a-7p and he’s still doing deliveries on Monday and Tuesday. Keep up on the Underdog Instagram account to see what he’s got for purchase. You can shop his entire new inventory day or night, 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Tell him I sent you! I use Discogs to track my collection as well as my friends’ collections. You should, too.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “I sit here on the stairs cause I’d rather be alone. If I can’t have you right now, I’ll wait dear. Sometimes I get so tense but I can’t speed up the time. But you know love there’s one more thing to consider.” – “Patience” (Guns N Roses)
Today is the 37th anniversary of Prince’s first “big” album, 1999. It was no Purple Rain but it was pretty big. He had important albums prior to this, but this was the first I ever hear of him and the biggest charting impact he had ever had. The album reached #5, the title track #12 and this one #6.
The cool thing about this version is that it’s The Revolution doing it. It’s Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Bobby Z, Brown Mark, and Matt Fink, the band that was Prince’s backing band from this album through Around the World in a Day. Wendy wasn’t actually on this album outside of backing vocals. Bobby Z, Brown Mark and Matt Fink were in the videos and on the touring band, but not on the album. In this video is Dez Dickerson who was the guitarist for Prince during this album (and made a showing in Purple Rain) and Andre Cymone who is a childhood friend of Prince and a former band member. Dez does the solo fantastically. AND, it’s done at First Ave 7th St. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “A body like yours oughta be in jail. ‘Cause it’s on the verge of bein’ obscene. Move over, baby, gimme the keys. I’m gonna try to tame your little red love machine.” – “Little Red Corvette” (Prince)
A good but long week for The BCPF and me led to a good weekend, including a fantastic trip to Underdog Records. I don’t have a lot to say about it other than, here’s the haul:
The first two are of the TimeLife – The Story of Great Music collections that I ordered from Discogs and told you about a week ago.
Various – The Opulent Era — Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Wagner, and one of my favorites, Camille Saint-Saëns, and more line this 4xLP collection. NM.
Various – The Music Of Today — Shostakovich, Sir William Walton, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Aaron Copland. NM.
The rest is yesterday’s haul:
Prince – Dirty Mind — #206 on the RS List, this is Prince’s third album and the first one to really get him any recognition. Looking at other albums out in 1980, this cover had to have gotten some desperate housewives hot and flustered. He’s in his leather banana hammock and trench coat and not much else. New.
Marilyn Manson – We Are Chaos — The new Manson album, this is a solid listen front to back. It’s a little odd for the usual Manson fare, but there’s enough of it in there that you know it’s him. I liked it. New.
Violent Femmes – Violent Femmes — The debut album from the folk punk heroes. a lot of popular tunes from this album: “Blister in the Sun,” “Kiss Off,” “Add It Up,” “Gone Daddy Gone” and more. New.
Hootie & The Blowfish – Cracked Rear View — This album, like the band Nickelback and heck, Hootie, too, is chided and I can’t really tell why. The snooty know-it-alls will say because it’s this reason or that reason or whatever and it “sucks.” Well, it was the best selling album of 1995 and is the 19th best selling album of all time. I mean, 21 million copies sold, it couldn’t have sucked that bad. That just means that those same know-it-alls are just blowhards who just want to hear themselves talk (or type). Now, that being said, if you just don’t like it, I can live with that. I think it was just overplayed, but if you’re the artist, isn’t that what you want? I’d give a lot to have a “hit” that was played so much it was considered “overplayed.” I’m indifferent about it one way or the other, I just wanted it in my collection. New.
Marilyn Manson – The Pale Emperor — Manson’s ninth album. I don’t really know much about this one, but it did have three singles: “Third Day of a Seven Day Binge,” “Deep Six,” “Cupid Carries a Gun.” 2xLP. New.
The Head And The Heart – Let’s Be Still — I know nothing about this band. Have never even heard of them. But, it’s indie folk rock. Who do we know that is a fan of that genre? That’s right! And, she is the one who picked this up. 2xLP. New.
Pavement – Crooked Rain Crooked Rain — Straight up indie rock that sits at #212 on the RS list. This is Pavement’s second album, their debut, Slanted and Enchanted is also on that list. The debut was a bit lo-fi where this is more accessible, straight-ahead indie rock. I liked it. New.
Superchunk – Foolish — We bought the acoustic version last year and I have to say I enjoyed that one better. Mac McCaughan’s voice rakes on me sometimes. Overall I like the band, I’ve seen them twice in concert, but this is a bit much. New.
Nirvana – Bleach — When this album came out, I was in a spot where my preferred music was in danger of being dethroned and I was anti- that. I talked badly about Nirvana (and Grunge in general), Cobain, the music, the fans, everything. I thought it sucked. I thought it was awful. I thought it was scourge of the Earth. I said bad things that I regret about Kurt Cobain. Over time, though, I came to respect all that Nirvana was. Nevermind, which was my bane when it arrived, has come to be a great album in my eyes. I had never heard this album (which was their debut) and this thing rocks!!!! I was dumb. I was an idiot. I was blind but now I see. Man, this is even better than Nevermind in my opinion. I loved it. New.
Interpol – Turn On The Bright Lights — I have never heard anything from Interpol that I know of. I asked Jonathan about it and he said they were just a straight rock band with a bit of a darker side. I said, okay. NM.
Joe Jackson – Joe Jackson’s Jumpin’ Jive — 1981 album from Jackson of a lot of swing and jump blues tunes. I like Joe Jackson. I like jump blues and swing. VG+.
We started the music section back on this week’s episode of The Less Desirables which is sponsored by Underdog Records. Don’t forget to register to get in on the lottery for RSD Drop 2 coming September 26. Use Discogs to track your collection and buy albums to add to it.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “When I’m out walking, I strut my stuff and I’m so strung out. I’m high as a kite. I just might stop to check you out.” – “Blister In The Sun” (Gano)
Yep, I am a day behind on this because yesterday was Mother’s Day.
So, Underdog Records is still “closed” and Jonathan says that while he does see reopening in the near future, it will still be several weeks, and procedures within the store will be different. He’s doing a shload of deliveries right now, though. 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:
That was a really good listening session, other than I need to find a better copy of Running on Empty because that was clearly a $1 bin find and is in really bad shape. Almost unlistenable at times. So, it’s on my hunt list, I guess.
I cannot wait to flip through the used records again. I want to buy a lot of them! I have an impressive collection now but that’s not enough. I want more! Part of the experience is the ability to collect. We’ll work on it. Patience, old man… patience.
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!
— “You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice. If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill. I will choose a path that’s clear, I will choose freewill.” – “Freewill” (Peart/Lee/Lifeson)
Today is the 35th anniversary of Prince’s Around the World in a Day. It’s one of my faves from him. I don’t think it’s better than a lot, I just enjoy listening to it. Here’s a decent cover from it. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “The rain sounds so cool when it hits the barn roof and the horses wonder who you are. Thunder drowns out what the lightning sees. You feel like a movie star. Listen, they say the first time ain’t the greatest. But I tell you if I had the chance to do it all again, I wouldn’t change a stroke ’cause baby I’m the most with a girl as fine as she was then.” – “Raspberry Beret” (Prince)
Useless Things Need Love Too 