Tag Archives: Queen

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 3/27/21

28 Sunday Mar 2021

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I had a full plate of activities to do yesterday. We went to a farmers market. We ate lunch. We went to Underdog Records. We went to The Butcher’s Block, a new butcher shop in downtown. We listened, we stayed in for dinner. I cooked a fantastic “charcuterie” board of wild boar, elk and rabbit sausages, The BCPF placed several cheeses and apple butter and fig jam and we chowed down after we had a fantastic meal of French-cut rib pork chops rice and veggies and roasted potatoes. A great day indeed, minus all the rain. But, here’s the haul:

©RCA/Roswell

Queen – Jazz — The band’s seventh studio album, this contains both of the songs that I did during opening night of the Ramkat with Vagabond Saints Society, “Fat Bottomed Girls” and “Bicycle Race.” I have it on CD and loved it. I’m sure I’ll love it on vinyl, too. Half Speed vinyl mastering. Includes 3-panel fold-out poster of Bicycle Race on one side and lyrics on the other. Pressed on heavyweight vinyl. 2011 Remaster. 180 Gram. Embossed Gatefold. New.

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers – Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers — Tom and company’s debut album with hits “Breakdown” and “American Girl.” Can you hear “American Girl” without thinking of the scene in Silence of the Lambs, Dear Reader? Yeah, me either. I have never had this in any form. I had those songs on a greatest hits album but I’m glad we got this one. This is the black vinyl version of the RSD release from 2011. New.

Foo Fighters – Medicine At Midnight — The latest release from FF. I haven’t listened yet so I don’t have much to say. I know a lot of people are talking about, so here’s hoping. New.

The Antlers – Green To Gold — I have no idea what this is. I didn’t realize we had gotten it until we got home and I put it in Discogs. It’s apparently something The BCPF is into and wanted. As far as I can tell, it’s an indie band out of Brooklyn. This is their latest release which came out on Friday. Opaque tan vinyl in a gatefold sleeve. New.

The Mountain Goats – Songs For Pierre Chuvin — We know The BCPF loves her some The Mountain Goats. For this album, released on vinyl on Friday, it is the first album since 2002’s All Hail West Texas to feature only the band’s frontman, John Darnielle, as well as the first since then to be recorded entirely on a boombox, something that they were wont and got popular doing. It’s very lo-fi which was the point. New.

Eric’s Trip – Love Tara — So, this was some weird stuff. The BCPF got this album because it either has the second song she ever played on the radio when she was a DJ in college, or just the band was. Either way. I can’t say I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t for me, so good, we have it. NM.

It was a short haul but that’s cool. We don’t have to take in a half ton every time we go into Underdog Records. Underdog Records is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11a-7p. Jonathan does deliveries, weather permitting, on Monday and Tuesday. Watch the Instagram and Facebook pages for Underdog Records to see what he has just gotten in stock and you can send a message and pay for it immediately or you can shop 24/7 for new (unused) vinyl 24/7 at Underdog Records’ website. Record Store Day 2021 is going to happen in June and July this year. They still haven’t released any info on the titles. They’re cutting it close. Keep an eye on their site for more info. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection and is my way of knowing what I do and don’t have when I’m in the record store. You should, too.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Say there ain’t no sense in pretending. Your eyes give you away. Something inside you is feeling like I do. We said all there is to say.” – “Breakdown” (Petty)

Now Normal Chronicles or: Saviour of the Universe

27 Wednesday Jan 2021

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 40th anniversary of the US release of the soundtrack to Flash Gordon from Queen. Now, I understand the film was probably crap to some of you, but to me, I fell in love with it because I am a fantasy/sci fi fan. I dig it. Plus, I love Queen so… this is a great version!

And, I walked almost 3000 steps today. Again, not 6000 that my watch says I should be doing, but a start. That’s three days in a row. And it’s strong walking for that bit. It takes me around 13 minutes or so. And, while I had to steer around some blocks, I think I ate well today, too. Good for me!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“He’s for every one of us. Stand for every one of us. He saves with a mighty hand. Every man, every woman. Every child, it’s the mighty flash.” – “Flash’s Theme” (May)

Sounds Like Saturday or: A Little Self-Serving Jazz

14 Saturday Nov 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 42nd anniversary of Queen’s Jazz. A couple of years back, the Vagabond Saints society did a full on Queen show. I sang lead on two tunes and in the choir for the rest of the show. Both of the songs I sang lead on came from this album, “Fat Bottomed Girls” and this one. I don’t think I did a very good job, but whatever. Nothing says fun like a fat man dancing like a pixie fairy, right? Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“You say black, I say white. You say bark, I say bite. You say shark, I say, hey, man, Jaws was never my scene and I don’t like Star Wars. You say Rolls, I say Royce. You say God, Give me a choice! You say Lord, I say, Christ! I don’t believe in Peter Pan, Frankenstein, or Superman, all I wanna do is… Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle.” – “Bicycle Race” (Mercury)

Now Normal Chronicles or: Live

13 Monday Jul 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 35th anniversary of Live Aid, the (somewhat controversial) fundraising benefit event for Ethiopia. It was held live in Philadelphia and London and broadcast all over the world. It was spearheaded by Bob Geldof from the Boomtown Rats and Midge Ure of Ultravox. There was a shload of acts that participated and actually a good number of those that didn’t.

To me, the biggest todo was Queen reuniting and having to jump in the fray as they almost missed the deadline. The film Bohemian Rhapsody was based on the history of the band leading up to Live Aid. We watched the film on Saturday and was impressed. I watched a “side-by-side” comparison to Rami Malek’s performance to Freddie Mercury’s. It was amazing. So, here’s today’s video, the whole Queen performance. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Here we stand or here we fall. History won’t care at all. Make the bed, light the light. Lady Mercy won’t be home tonight. You don’t waste no time at all. Don’t hear the bell but you answer the call. It comes to you as to us all. Yeah, we’re just waiting for the hammer to fall, yeah.” – “Hammer to Fall” (May)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 7/11/20

12 Sunday Jul 2020

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Salutations™!!

The usual Saturday routine, The BCPF and I got up, ran to Underdog Records, had lunch, listened to records, had dinner, watched a movie (Bohemian Rhapsody, by the way).

GnR--UseYourIllusion1

©Geffen

Here’s the haul:

  • Andrew Bird – My Finest Work Yet — The BCPF and I saw Andrew Bird open for Belle and Sebastian two years ago. He was great. This is, like most of his work, experimental, ethereal and kind of laid back. I dug it. New.
  • Guns N’ Roses – Use Your Illusion I — This album and its twin were overplayed in 1991. Not nearly as much as Appetite for Destruction was and still is, but it was. But, no matter, I loved them then and I love them now. I only got #I (because that’s all that was at Underdog Records) but I’m sure I’ll find #II soon. I was at the infamous Greensboro concert when they were 2-3 hours late and played until 3am. They played these albums, to the best of my knowledge, in their entirety and I was in awe. Then again, I hadn’t been going to concerts that often but this was amazing. The first time I heard their version of “Live and Let Die” was at this show and I nearly cried. I love that tune. Great album. I need to listen to #II again to see which I like better. 2xLP. New.
  • Queen – A Night At The Opera — The Queen album, at least to most. I don’t know that I fit in that category because I have others I like better, but I guess this is like Queen’s Destroyer, considered their quintessential masterpiece, even if it wasn’t really. We watched Bohemian Rhapsody last night and it was amazing. Then when we finish watching, I check my phone and see that the video of me doing “Bicycle Race” was posted yesterday (that song is not on this album). A coinkidink for sure. This album is really fantastic. New.
  • Billy Joel – Streetlife Serenade — Billy’s third album. I really, really, love old Billy Joel. I say old. Isn’t all of it old now? How about earlier BJ? And even with that, I’m good through most of his career. Listening to the recurring Joel channel on SiriusXM opened me up to a lot of cool stuff I hadn’t heard. This has “Root Beer Rag” and “The Entertainer” on it. Those are prominent but the whole album is a great listen. EX.
  • Billy Joel – Songs In The Attic — This was BJ’s first live album. It had a bit from his debut album, which at the time wasn’t readily available. Most importantly to me, on this album is the version of “She’s Got a Way” that I’m most used to hearing. It was a great representation of his early stuff and we loved listening to it. VG+.

Not a huge haul today but fun. And, we did something we don’t always do. We listened to all of our haul on the day we got it. Jonathan was talking with some folks about purchasing some used stuff to resell. I love hearing that. Distribution has been rough because of C-19 but he keeps getting stuff and is still doing deliveries early in the week. Watch Underdog Records’ Instagram and Facebook pages to see what he is getting in, new and used, and even equipment and supplies. You can DM for something (first come first served) you see. Jonathan can try to special order things for you as well. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection and am able to share it with my friends.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“You suck my blood like a leech, you break the law and you breach. Screw my brain till it hurts, you’ve taken all my money. And you want more. Misguided old mule with your pigheaded rules. With your narrow-minded cronies who are fools of the first division.” – “Death on Two Legs” (Mercury)

Now Normal Chronicles or: Skipping Ahead

29 Monday Jun 2020

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Salutations™!!

Tomorrow is the 40th anniversary of one of my favorite albums from Queen, The Game. The first song I ever heard from Queen was “Another One Bites the Dust.” We didn’t have a lot of choices for rock music in 1980, so it was awesome. I hadn’t gotten into being a musician at the time but that bassline was undeniable as it still is. The whole album is groovy. So is this instrumental. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Steve walks warily down the street with the brim pulled way down low. Ain’t no sound but the sound of his feet. Machine guns ready to go.” – “Another One Bite the Dust” (Deacon)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/6/20

07 Sunday Jun 2020

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday, The BCPF and I got to go back to Underdog Records for the second straight week. We also ate inside a restaurant, albeit briefly. So, we tried to get some normalcy. We got another good haul this week and a few imports. I don’t usually go for that kind of thing but, these were things we couldn’t pass up. Anywhat! Here’s the haul:

Greetings_from_Asbury_Park_NJ

©Columbia

  • The Smiths – Absolute Panic! — I know that The Smiths, or more accurately, Morrissey is polarizing to many folks. You either love him or hate him. Don’t feel bad, I think he hates himself. I am actually in the middle. I neither love nor hate him. I enjoy the work, believe it or not. This was an import and is a great quality sounding live show. I don’t know where it was, though. The album comes from Germany, though. It’s notable that obviously there were some folks fighting in the crowd and Morrissey keeps calling them out. New?
  • Bruce Springsteen – Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. — Springsteen’s debut album which has his version of “Blinded By The Light” which makes no sense whatsoever and one of my favorite performances from VSS that I’ve done, “Spirit in the Night.” This is a really good listen and I enjoyed it. New.
  • Morrissey – At The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, UK, December 22nd, 1988 — This is, according to Jonathan, Morrissey’s first solo show after he left The Smiths. It’s right before Christmas 1988. I had just turned 18 a few weeks prior. It’s an import. We’ll hear it soon. New.
  • They Might Be Giants – Flood — A picture disc. I don’t buy picture discs as they usually suck, quality-wise, are noisy, and eat the crap out of your needle. That being said, The BCPF wanted it and I offered little resistance. New.
  • Caleb Caudle – Better Hurry Up — Local WSNC musician. I’d call him a friend. He’s been on The Less Desirables, I believe, more than once. I know he’s at least been played on more than one occasion. This is his new release and Jonathan says it’s the best thing he’s put out, which is saying something. New.
  • The Jesus And Mary Chain – Send Me Away – Early Demos — The BCPF is a fan of the band, it’s an import, it’s “unofficial,” it’s in our collection. Funny thing, I bought it without asking her. I knew better. New.
  • Queen – Sheer Heart Attack — Early Queen, their third album. Released 12 days before my fourth birthday. Dang, this is old. The biggest hits from this album are “Killer Queen,” “Now I’m Here” and “Stone Cold Crazy” although the whole album is, well, “killer.” New.
  • Nicole Atkins – Italian Ice — I have no idea what this is. The BCPF put it in my hand. It’s a pretty red/ruby color vinyl, though. New.
  • The Sisters Of Mercy – Gimme Shelter — Another import with a flimsy cover. I think these are BBC recordings of their tunes. This is also one that I picked up without conferring with The BCPF and I know she digs them and their goth sounds. New.
  • Accept – Midnight Highway — It’s a compilation album from 1983, which is pre-“Balls to the Wall” for the band, that song and album was released in December 1983. I just wanted to check it out. VG+.
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Neville Marriner, Academy Of St. Martin-In-the-Fields – Amadeus (Original Soundtrack Recording) — I loved the movie (which won Best Picture in 1984. I am a big fan of Mozart, too. And, Tom Hulce, who played Wolfgang in the film went to UNCSA. So there. VG+.
  • Servant – Swimming In A Human Ocean — Turns out this is a Canadian Christian Rock band. I don’t know if I’ll like it since my religion is “non-prophet,” but we’ll see. It’s still sealed but I will probably open it. I may or may not keep it, either. I don’t know. As far as I can tell, this is the last album from the band. It’s from 1985. New?
  • Nik Kershaw – The Riddle — All I know from Kershaw is the hit, “Wouldn’t It Be Good?” It’s on this copy of the album but it is really from his debut album called Human Racing. The US version of this album (which this obviously is) had the song listed. I guess they couldn’t release it enough times. I love the original of the song and really dig the Jerry Chapman (yes, that Jerry Chapman) version. The rest of this album is early- to mid-80s pop fare. Mark King from Level 42 does play bass on one track, though, so that’s a plus.

Well, that’s this week’s haul. We got several of these listened to yesterday but not as much as we’d like. But, it’s a start. I believe that Underdog Records will be closed next Saturday as Jonathan is attending a wedding. Jonathan is still doing deliveries during the week and the store is only open on Friday and Saturday (except, of course, for this Saturday coming) for the time being. You should watch his Instagram and Facebook pages for things he’s just gotten in, used and new and you can order from him directly. You can shop new vinyl, anytime, day or night, by visiting the UR website. I use Discogs to track my collection, pick randoms and share my collection with friends. You should too!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Well now Wild young Billy was a crazy cat and he shook some dust out of his coonskin cap. He said, ‘Try some of this it’ll show you where you’re at, or at least it’ll help you really feel it.’ By the time we made it up to Greasy Lake, I had my head out the window and Janey’s fingers were in my cake. I think I really dug her cause I was too loose to fake. I said, ‘I’m hurt,’ she said, ‘Honey, let me heal it.’ And we danced all night to a soul fairy band and she kissed me just right like only a lonely angel can.” – “Spirit in the Night” (Springsteen)

Spinning Sunday or: The Listen 5/2/20

03 Sunday May 2020

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Salutations™!!

I am so longing for the opportunity to get back into Underdog Records and rummage through the used albums, some new albums and just to see Jonathan again. This is getting rougher as the time slips away. We’ve eaten well, though.

This week was a lot shorter in both the headphone/streaming listening and the actual record listening. The BCPF and I only got four albums in yesterday. I would say that we were busy but, other than cutting my hair, grabbing lunch and dinner, we didn’t do much of anything. We always listen from as early as we can to dinner time. Then we catch up on binge-watching, which right now is Roseanne. And, I was in the studio twice this week and was on some video conferences, so my headphone listening was lighter, too. Anywhat! Here’s the “headphone listen” list:

collage50320

That was it for my private listening. Again, to explain what the “private listening” is, I use Discogs to pick an album that I already have on vinyl. That way, I am listening to what I have but not bothering The BCPF in the process, as she tries to work. So, I’m listening to my collection, just under headphones. Now to the record listening, what there is of a list, anyway:

collage150320

There you have it. My/our slim listening lists for the week. Hopefully, this week I get more listening time. Or… hopefully, this week we can get some money coming in! That would be even better.

Underdog is still doing deliveries all over the Triad. He started just in WSNC and has moved to the outlying areas and, to me, is overworking himself. But, he’s a dedicated record store owner. Possibly the most dedicated there is. And, he’s the sweetest dude, too. You really should check out the Instagram (especially) and Facebook pages of Underdog Records. You can order new stuff, anytime, day or night, on the Underdog Records website. He can deliver to your house or ship it to you, unlimited LPs for $4. Get you some rekkids! And, obviously, I use Discogs to track my collection.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Cover me when I sleep. Cover me when I breathe. You throw your pearls before the swine, make the monkey blind. Cover me, darling please…” – “Shock the Monkey” (Gabriel)

Sounds Like Saturday or: Her Majesty (or His)

13 Saturday Jul 2019

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 46th anniversary of the self-titled, debut Queen album. And there was really only one hit on the album, so I am posting a live version from 1981. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I was told a million times of all the troubles in my way. Mind you grow a little wiser little better every day. But if I crossed a million rivers and I rode a million miles, then I’d still be where I started. Bread and butter for a smile. Well, I sold a million mirrors in a shopping alleyway. But I never saw my face in any window any day. Now they say your folks are telling you ‘be a superstar,’ but I tell you just be satisfied. Stay right where you are.” – “Keep Yourself Alive” (May)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 8/18/18

19 Sunday Aug 2018

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Salutations™!!

We changed up our routine yesterday a bit because Mary’s Gourmet Diner was on vacation. We went to Underdog Records first and then went to a new place to eat breakfast/lunch. You’ll need to watch The Man Who Ate the Town blog (and listen to the podcast) to find out more about that experience. I will just say, “WOW!!!!” Okay, here’s the haul:

R-6549215-1421819102-7567.jpeg

©Asthmatic Kitty

  • Lambchop – What Another Man Spills — The BCPF is a huge fan of Lambchop (is a band) and when Jonathan included this in his “flip video” on Friday, she went nuts because she didn’t see it until around 8 hours after he posted it. She figured that was a lost opportunity. It wasn’t. It was still there. This is a remastered 2xLP in a pea green and peacock blue (one each) and the artwork is just a black cover, as opposed to the slightly more colorful original. This was the first time this has ever been on vinyl and it’s a promo copy. NM.
  • Squirrel Nut Zippers – Hot — Another that The BCPF was gaga over. She loves this band and her brother went to high school with someone from SNZ. It was VG+ and a fun listen. Even the production sounded like it was from the swing heyday.
  • Sufjan Stevens – Carrie & Lowell — Yet another for The BCPF. When I think of “her music,” I think of Elliott Smith first, Belle & Sebastian second and Sufjan Stevens third. We have a few albums by him and while I don’t have a wide knowledge of his stuff, I am going to say this is my favorite. There’s a lot of emotion on here and it was therapy for him by the loss of his mother (Carrie) who abandoned him when he was about one. They had connections later, I think, and Lowell (Sufjan’s stepfather) actually co-founded Asthmatic Kitty Records with Sufjan. A funny line in one of the lyrics which was presumably about Lowell and was “Emerald Park, wonders never cease. The man who taught me to swim, he couldn’t quite say my first name. Like a Father, he led community water on my head, and he called me ‘Subaru.'” This was VG++.
  • Paul McCartney – Tug Of War — Not my favorite Macca albums but it does have some good stuff on it. The title track, “Take It Away” and “Ebony and Ivory” were some of my faves. VG+.
  • Bee Gees – 2 Years On —  The only one we didn’t get to listen to yesterday of this haul. We will today. I don’t know much about the album other than it only sold around 375k copies. Which is way more than I’ve sold but still… Robin Gibb had had a spat with his brothers a couple of albums before and had left. He came back for this one. Okay. VG+.
  • Queen – Hot Space — Often considered the “awful” Queen album, I didn’t mind it. It’s not the Queen we were used to at this point but it wasn’t bad. I equate it to KISS’ Music from ‘The Elder.’ Not what you thought it would be but in hindsight? It’s decent. The production is very synth-heavy. On The Game, Queen had “discovered” the OB-X from Oberheim. That kind of turned Freddie on and he led the band in this direction. The other band members have voiced how much they really weren’t happy with it and David Bowie had done some backing vocals for a tune or two and asked that they be removed just before the album went to press. Of course, “Under Pressure” featured Bowie’s vocals, but that was recorded before the album. VG- according to Jonathan, but it was in good listening shape.
  • Crowded House – Temple Of Low Men — As I said on social media, I have never heard a Crowded House song I didn’t like and this is no exception. The band always puts out quality stuff and this is one fantastic album. As our pal, Neil says, “Better Be Home Soon,” “Into Temptation,” “Mansion in the Slums,” “Love This Life,” “Kill Eye,” “Sister Madly,” all great tunes from this album. I agree with him. VG- but again, in really good shape.

So, the haul was small but we got great stuff. Nothing on the RS list but that’s okay. Jonathan had to close the Underdog Records for a few days this past week because he was sick but he’s back and better. We loved our finds (all in the recently used bin) and made it out to do some good listening with good stuff. I didn’t get a good look at what all was in there because we were in a hurry, but you know you can always find cleaning and listening supplies, some new and a lot of used equipment, including a set of Pioneer speakers for $150 for the pair (I think). There’s lots of good stuff there and you already know that by now. Go check him out.

And, you know by now that I use Discogs to catalog my collection and to buy used (and sometimes new) records that Jonathan can’t get.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“In the afterlife, you could be headed for the serious strife. Now you make the scene all day, but tomorrow there’ll be Hell to pay.” – “Hell” (Maxwell)