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Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 4/11/21

11 Sunday Apr 2021

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a “business-as-usual” kind of day for The BCPF and me. Underdog Records, lunch, record listening, dinner. But there are two exceptions to the “as usual” part. One, we got to see Clay Howard, who brought his two kids still at home over to go fishing in our pond. That was cool. And two, we got to have dinner with Paul Jones and we went someplace we’ve not been in a while, Meridian. I have missed the antelope and it was delicious!! Anywhat! Here’s the haul:

©This Is American Music

Margot & The Nuclear So And So’s – Not Animal — Now, this is a used copy that is NM. It is 2­×LP and limited to 1500 copies on 180-Gram opaque pink vinyl. The BCPF hears “As Tall As Cliffs” on her Pandora playlists. So, that, Dear Reader, is why I paid $50 for this record. It was a good listen.

Tori Amos – Under The Pink — Tori’s second album, I don’t know if I like it better than the first but it was a good listen. NM.

Caleb Caudle – Carolina Ghost — Local musician Caleb Caudle and I have talked several times. He’s been on The Less Desirables once live and I’ve played his stuff more than once. This is not generally my kind of music but he is really good at what he does. I can’t figure the best way to describe him. It’s country. It’s not necessarily classic country and it certainly isn’t that crapola twangy new pseudo country. The BCPF described this as country & western without the western. That’s sounds about right. How about Country & Eastern? I like that better. This was an amazing record. NM.

Matt Berninger – Serpentine Prison — Matt Berninger is the singer for The National. The BCPF wanted it. We now have it. It was a really good listen, too. Really indie and really singer-songwriter-ish. Good stuff. NM.

The Waterboys – Fisherman’s Blues — This is the best-selling album by The Waterboys which has them reverting back to their Irish roots and stepping away from the rocker style stuff they had been doing. I have three Waterboys albums, but, I want the album that came before this one, This is the Sea because I want “The Whole of the Moon.” I really like that song. This is good, but I prefer the more rock stuff. NM.

Randy Newman – Born Again — I love Randy Newman. This, supposedly was a flop, both commercially and critically. The cover has Newman in a suit and tie, sitting behind an executive desk with white makeup and green dollar signs, which I figure is supposed to be either a shot at or homage to KISS. I think it’s the former. Newman was surprised at the lack of public and critical interest. This is sealed (cutout) so I’m going to say it’s NM.

Huey Lewis And The News – Sports — I have this already but the copy that I have is crap. VG for the media and G for the sleeve. This VG+ on both. VG sounds like it would be “very good” but a lot of times it has pops, crackles and surface noise. I think this will be better.

A decent haul. I know that the Record Store Day list has been released. I’m not overly impressed with the list and don’t know how much I’ll be clamoring for. I think there are a couple of King’s X albums that I would love to have but I’m probably not going to camp out for that. You can see the list by visiting the RSD website. Underdog Records will most likely have just about everything on the list. At least Jonathan will be ordering it, whether he gets it or not is hit or miss and not because of him. RSD is always a crap shoot for the store owners. They don’t usually know what they’re getting until they open the boxes. He will be posting social media previews the week prior. The first one is June 12. The next is July 17.

Underdog Records is open Wednesday-Saturday from 11a-7p and Jonathan does deliveries on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check out the social media (Facebook/Instagram) of the store to see what he got in and has up for sale. You can shop unused, new items 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. I use Discogs to catalog and track my collection.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Never was a cornflake girl. Thought that was a good solution.” – “Cornflake Girl” (Amos)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 3/6/21

07 Sunday Mar 2021

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a fairly routine, laid-back day. That was good because the night before was full of great food and good times with my best girl, The BCPF. Of course, some time at Underdog Records and “rekkid” listening. Here’s the haul:

Dolly Parton – New Harvest … First Gathering — Dolly’s eighteenth studio album. I have to say I love her stuff and this was good, but mostly unremarkable. A couple of covers, “My Girl (My Love)” and “(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher,” that are decent, but overall, I was kind of disappointed. VG+.

©Verve

Judas Priest – Hero, Hero — This is a compilation album of early Judas Priest recordings, released in between British Steel (1980) and Point of Entry (1981) by Gull Records. It consists of all ten tracks from the Rocka Rolla album, six tracks from the Sad Wings of Destiny album, and an alternate version of “Diamonds And Rust”. The tracks from Rocka Rolla and “Diamonds And Rust” were remixed by Rodger Bain in 1981. The tracks from Sad Wings of Destiny were not remixed. I have both Rocka Rolla and two versions of Sad Wings of Destiny but I wanted to add to my Priest repertoire. 2×LP, Gatefold, VG+.

Leonard Cohen – The Best Of — According to Ira Nadel’s 1996 Cohen memoir Various Positions, Cohen agreed to the project because there was a new generation of listeners and he was given complete artistic control; he picked the songs, designed the package, and insisted that the lyrics be included. The album was not a hit in the United States but did well in Europe. I like Cohen. Generally, though, he falls in the same category of Tom Waits, Lou Reed, even Bob Dylan, I love their songs, but would rather hear someone else sing them. EX.

The Mothers Of Invention – Freak Out! — 2×LP, Reissue, Stereo, Hot Spot Ad, 180g. This is #246 on the RS list that matters and is not on the RS list that doesn’t. Boo to that. Not that I love this album, but c’mon… This copy is NM for the LPs but this is what is on the description label from Jonathan: “The cover went on a bender and woke up on a park bench, but both albums (LPs) are in near mint condition. Had the cover been in the same condition as the vinyl, I would have probably paid $20+ for this. With the cover, I paid $6. I’ll take it. Plus, it’s another notch on my RS lists and, well, another tick in the quantity column. 2013 reissue, with “Freak Out – Hot Spots” map/poster insert. Side D is delineated as noted in Tracklist on inner gatefold; on label, a single track is listed as “The Return Of The Son Of Monster Magnet (12:17)” Side 1 and Side 3: Barking Pumpkin Records, Purple Label
Side 2 and Side 4: Zappa Records, Green Type on Red Label.

Ella Fitzgerald / Duke Ellington – Ella & Duke At The Côte D’Azur — 1967 live album by Ella Fitzgerald, accompanied by the big band of Duke Ellington. It’s really mostly Duke with some Ella sprinkled in. I don’t know if that was normal for then or what, but that’s how it happened. I don’t mind Ella’s scatting which is something she’s known for, but I’d prefer to just hear her sing without all of that. She did it a lot on here. And Duke’s band was nuts with the squealing high pitches of the trumpets. It was kind of difficult to listen to and enjoy it. This is 2×LP and, as far as I can tell, is an original pressing. It was sealed, oddly enough, and of course we promptly opened that sucker up. NM/New.

Paper Lace – Paper Lace — I can’t tell if this is an official studio release or a compilation. Discogs doesn’t put any details on this album. It doesn’t line up with what Wikipedia says about the first Paper Lace album. So… I don’t know. But, it has “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” and “The Night Chicago Died” on it. I know their version of “Billy…” (which they wrote) wasn’t the hit. That was from Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods. VG+.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Shaka Zulu — Best known to us Americans as the backing singers on Paul Simon’s fantastic Graceland album, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been around for a long time. From Wikipedia: Following the collaboration on Paul Simon’s 1986 album Graceland which brought the group to international prominence, Shaka Zulu (produced by Simon) marked the band’s first genuine international hit, securing them an American audience which would be built upon by the successes of Journey of Dreams (1988) and Two Worlds, One Heart (1990). Shaka Zulu was a collection of newly recorded versions of older Mambazo hits, such as “Unomathemba”, “Hello My Baby” and “Lomhlaba Kawunoni”. Shaka Zulu won a Grammy in 1988 for Best Traditional Folk Recording. VG+.

Exposé – Exposure — I remember being in the 10th grade and getting tutored by my Geometry teacher and this song being played over and over and over again by the Dixie Debs (a horrible name for the all-female dance/pep team of the school) out in the hallway. I liked it, I still like it when I hear the hits on 80s on 8 on SiriusXM. So, yeah. EX.

The Police – Synchronicity — Yep, another one added to the long list of variant covers of this album. This one is denoted as Yellow, Blue, Red (YBR) Andy/Sting/Stewart – Andy Tub Right. That’s six of the variants that I have now. VG.

Jonathan has increased a day on the schedule. Underdog Records is now open Wednesday-Saturday 11a-7p with deliveries happening on Monday and Tuesday. Closed Sunday. You can get in on the delivery action by watching his social media where he posts, new, restock, freshly acquired and more. You can buy NEW (meaning unopened unused) vinyl 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. I used Discogs to keep track of what I have, what some of my friends have, to pick a random record and to occasionally buy things from the Discogs Marketplace.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Some dreams are in the night time and some seem like yesterday. But leaves turn brown and fade, ships sail away. You long to say a thousand words but seasons change.” – “Seasons Change” (Martineé)

Spinning Monday or: The Haul 2/13/21

15 Monday Feb 2021

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Salutations™!!

Moving the Haul to today so I could rant yesterday. You know how it is, Dear Reader.

Saturday was a good day. Breakfast, Underdog Records, records listening, dinner, binge watching The Crown and Will & Grace. Here’s the haul, I think we got good stuff:

©Red Star/BMG

Nat King Cole – Nat King Cole Golden Treasury “Unforgettable” — Our ever-expanding Nat King Cole collection got six records bigger. This 6×LP collection is in VG++ shape (best I can tell) and is chock-full of Nat’s finest tunes. 60 tunes to be exact. The Canadian version had an extra LP with 10 extra songs. The box is nice and is probably in VG shape. It is an original 1966 edition.

Suicide – Suicide — The 1977 debut album from this eclectic, somewhat weird and groundbreaking American duo. It’s synth punk, early new wave, somewhat minimalist synth pop. It was #441 on the RS list that matters and slipped to #498 on the one that doesn’t. It’s on blood red vinyl. New, remastered, deluxe and limited edition.

Various – Streets Of Fire – Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack — “I Can Dream About You” from Dan Hartman would have been enough to buy this record. Really, that is why I bought the record. That and I didn’t already have it. I thought the film was decent and I just wanted it. It’s a club edition which really makes little difference to me. It is BMG/RCA club which tends to be a little less on quality than the Columbia House versions, but whatever. VG+.

ZZ Top – El Loco — Two Beards with a Beard (what I call ZZ Top) had a classic rock, Texan blues based sound in the 70s and with this album, started a trend that opened them to a whole new audience (like me) and synths started to become part of the process. The hits from this were “Tube Snake Boogie” and “Pearl Necklace.” Both which were innuendo and double entendre. This was the last album before the first time I heard of the band which was the next album, Eliminator. That’s right, I had never even heard of them until then. VG++/EX.

AC/DC – Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap — I’ve never been a huge AC/DC fan but this album, Highway to Hell and Back in Black, I love. Heavens Sake did “Big Balls” and I really enjoy that tune. This is in EX condition.

Buffalo Springfield – Buffalo Springfield — This was the original pressing of this album because it does not have “For What It’s Worth” on it. That song was released as an independent single and did a great job. ATCO (the record company) decided to repress the album with that song on it, so to capitalize. This doesn’t have it, so it’s an original pressing. It’s a decent shape. Jonathan has it listed as VG, and overall I think that’s correct. The cover is VG/VG- to me.

Underdog Records was kicking it when we went in. Few people when we first got there (right after opening) but people started shuffling in. Good for Jonathan! So, we haven’t worked all the details about it yet and I don’t want to mention half details but I can say that Jonathan and I are rebooting the Beeswax Vinyl & More podcast. Some aspects of the old show may stick around while new aspects will be added. When we have things nailed down to format, I’ll write a post about that.

Meanwhile, go to Underdog Records for all your vinyl needs, be it turntables, protective sleeves, dust brushes, or the records themselves. They are opened Thursday-Saturday with store-to-porch deliveries (weather permitting) Monday-Wednesday. You can shop NEW vinyl, anytime, day or night, by visiting the Underdog website.

I use Discogs to track my collection and on occasion add to it from the Marketplace. I’m waiting on a purchase, now, so hopefully by next weekend I can tell you some good news.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“If you’re having trouble with the high school head, he’s giving you the blues. You wanna graduate, but not in his bed, here’s what you gotta do: pick up the phone, I’m always home. Call me anytime. Just ring: 3-6, 2-4, 3-6, hey! I lead a life of crime!” – “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” (Young/Young/Scott)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 2/6/21

07 Sunday Feb 2021

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was Jonathan’s birthday, so The BCPF and I went to a local coffee shop and got him a special coffee and pain au chocolate. He turned 40! Yay, him!! Here’s our haul:

©Atlantic

Pat Benatar – Wide Awake In Dreamland — This was her last rock oriented album of the 80s. She went bluesy after that. I didn’t really care for this album after listening yesterday. The hit, “All Fired Up” was okay but meh to the rest of it. EX.

The Firm – The Firm — An 80s supergroup featuring Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Chris Slade who was in several bands including Uriah Heep and AC/DC, and vagabond bassist, Tony Franklin. Their biggest hit was “Radioactive” off of this album. I have always liked that song. EX.

John Renbourn – The Lady And The Unicorn — I know nothing about this. This was The BCPF’s doing. I think he is a folk guitarist who did some solo and ensemble work throughout his career. He passed in 2015. VG+.

Arthur Buck – Arthur Buck — This is a collaboration/side project with Peter Buck from REM fame and singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur in which Buck and Arthur share songwriting duties. This was their eponymous debut album that came out in June 2018. It’s a bit weird, upbeat, eclectic. Not what I expected from Peter Buck. I don’t know who Joseph Arthur is. This was a Barnes & Noble exclusive and is signed (under the cellophane), limited to 500 copies. We opened it because records are for listening. NM.

Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin – Jane Birkin – Serge Gainsbourg — Originally released in 1969. Remastered from the original tapes. Gatefold LP includes insert with new detailed liner notes and English / French lyrics. That part alone should tell you why we got this… French. NM.

The Cars – Door To Door — According to Wikipedia: Door to Door is the sixth studio album by American rock band the Cars, released on August 25, 1987, on Elektra Records. The album was self-produced by band members Ric Ocasek and Greg Hawkes. Three singles were released from the album, though only “You Are the Girl” reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #17. The album was the lowest charting album to date for the band, only peaking at #26 on the Billboard 200, and within a year of its release the band would break up. Door to Door was the group’s last studio album before they disbanded in 1988. It was also the last Cars record to feature Benjamin Orr before his death in 2000. The band would not release another studio album until 2011’s Move Like This. I don’t recognize any of the tunes from this but, we haven’t listened to it, either. NM original pressing.

Warrior – Fighting For The Earth — I got this because it looks like the early- to mid-80s “heavy metal” that I’ve been seeking out lately. I do know that Vinnie Vincent (who was in KISS briefly and Vinnie Vincent Invasion) was in a band called Warrior but they only got to the demo stage. There is a guy that looks like Vinnie on the back cover but he’s not in pink, so I don’t know. Actually, I do know, Vinnie isn’t on this. I also don’t think it’s the same band. That was back in 1981/1982 or so. This is from 1985. I don’t know what to expect, I’ll report back when I listen. VG+.

Triumph – Thunder Seven — Although I know little about Triumph over all, I know that I do like what I have heard. “Follow Your Heart” is on this one. It was worth it for that track alone. I know Triumph gets pushed out of the way as a three-piece rock outfit from Canada for another three-piece rock outfit from Canada, Rush. I’ll let you know how it is. EX.

Foreigner – Inside Information — This is the sixth studio album by Foreigner, released in 1987. The album debuted at 15, on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart and was certified Platinum in the U.S. It was the last album to feature the 80’s core lineup of Gramm, Jones, Wills, and Elliott. “Say You Will,” “I Don’t Want to Live Without You,” “Out of the Blue,” and “Heart Turns to Stone” were on this album. Gramm left to do his solo thing. I’ve seen Foreigner live in Disney World with whomever the singer was in 2013. Wasn’t a bad show. Club Edition (CRC), EX.

Jonathan and his girlfriend, Kerri were taking off after work yesterday to go on a mini-vacation. Good for them. If you go to the website and order something, just know that it may be a few days before he gets back with you. Be patient.

Use Discogs to track your collection.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Well, I’m not uptight, not unattractive. Turn me on tonight ’cause I’m radioactive.” – “Radioactive” (Rodgers)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 1/30/21

31 Sunday Jan 2021

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Salutations™!!

©Up Records/Warner Bros

The BCPF and I started our day at Clementine’s to have some fantastic breakfast. We then headed over to Underdog Records, found some good stuff and came home for some listening. Here’s the haul:

Poison – Look What The Cat Dragged In — Yeah, I know it’s cheesy and truth be known it doesn’t hold up well. I know a lot of people hate Bret Michael’s voice. Some hate the glam aspect, because let’s face it, when you think of glam metal/hair bands, who do you think of first? Probably Poison. But, here’s the thing. It came out at a time where I was just getting introduced to a whole different world of music, thanks to me finally getting MTV. So, it was new to me. Here’s the thing. I thought it was and I still think it is fun. It’s not a masterpiece and it didn’t or doesn’t have to be. I just enjoyed listening to it. And, that’s all that matters. It’s a “club edition” but in EX. It was well taken care of.

The Love Language – Ruby Red — This is The BCPF’s jam. Well, maybe not this band per se, but they’re signed to Merge Records and just about everything Merge puts out is her jam. This band is basically Stuart McLamb and is from Raleigh, NC. To me, it sounds like Superchunk but with a singer that can stay on key. No offense Mac McCaughan. It’s a good listen. New.

Julie London – Around Midnight — Jazz standards from the singer/actress. Julie London was married to Jack Webb of Dragnet fame. She also had a recurring role on the medical drama Emergency! She sometimes smoked three packs of cigs a day. I haven’t heard this yet but it’s bound to fantastic! No sarcasm there, either. This is original pressing of the stereo mix. It was released the same year (but after) as the mono mix. VG.

George Harrison – Brainwashed — This is the twelfth and final studio album by the ex-Beatle. It was released posthumously in 2002, almost a year after his death at age 58 (just eight years older than I am right now, wow…), and 15 years after his previous studio album, Cloud Nine. Recordings began over a decade before Harrison’s death but were repeatedly delayed. The album’s overdubs were completed by his son Dhani, session drummer Jim Keltner, and longtime friend and collaborator Jeff Lynne, according to Wikipedia. It was a great listen and “Marwa Blues” is a great instrumental track. It was nominated for Grammys. NM.

Built To Spill – Keep It Like A Secret — The BCPF and I have seen this band live together. She swears there’s something different about this than her CD copy. I believe her, but I find no evidence of that online anywhere. The one difference I see is that there is a bonus track on this vinyl version, which is a reissue and split to 2×LP to enhance the audible experience. I liked it. It’s good stuff. New.

Jonathan had a steady stream of customers yesterday. Things look to be picking up. Only 6 people are allowed in the store at one time, and while we didn’t see that yesterday, we have seen people waiting to get in over the last few weeks. I love that rock/hard rock/heavy metal folks are selling their collections to Jonathan. Most of it is black/death metal, which I’m certainly not into, some of it is just good straight-ahead rock! I love it. Underdog Records is open Thursday-Saturday from 11a-7p and Jonathan does deliveries and store pickups by appointment only Monday-Wednesday. You can shop for new vinyl, day or night, 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Follow him on social media, especially Instagram, to see what he had just acquired and is putting out for purchase! Use Discogs to keep track of your collection. You won’t be sorry!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“You know I call you, I call you on the telephone. I’m only hoping that you’re home. So I can hear you when you say those words to me and whisper so softly.” – “Talk Dirty to Me” (Michaels/DeVille/Dall/Rockett)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 12/5/20

06 Sunday Dec 2020

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a good day for The BCPF and me. A very cold but very yummy brunch at a local bistro, Underdog Records, listening, filing away, and so on. We had around 40 albums or so to file in our shelving system and we did that. When we do that we have to shift and shuffle to accommodate it. Turns out, we will definitely need a sixth and possibly seventh shelf. We have a problem. I like, nay love, this problem. Here’s the haul:

©A&M

Various – Christmas Cocktails Part Two — I really don’t like a lot of Christmas music, but I love Ultra Lounge. I play the first volume of their Christmas album at least twice a Christmas season. The BCPF bought this for me as an early Christmas present and it will definitely be in the rotation! Thanks, baby! New.

XTC – Drums And Wires — Many people think that this is XTC’s best album. I like it, but it’s no Skylarking. “Making Plans for Nigel” has always been a fave of mine and I did it back in 2015 with VSS. In fact, the next day we went and bought a new car and I named it Nigel. It’s a great album, yes. Again, no Skylarking. From the hype sticker: “XTC Drums and Wires, The 1979 Classic Album Newly Cut From Masters Approved by Andy Partridge. Pressed on 200G Super-Heavyweight Vinyl. Includes bonus “Chain of Command / Limelight” 7″ replicating original UK release. New.

Patsy Cline – Greatest Hits — The BCPF picked this one up. It’s “used” but sealed. It was a Walmart exclusive and is on pink vinyl.

Various – I Wanna Be Sedated: From The Underground – Celebrating 60 Years Of Warner Bros. Records — Another sealed “used” album. The notes from Discogs says: “‘PRINTED IN U.S.A’. on back cover. ‘Manufactured in EU’ on labels.” I find that funny. It’s perfectly possible and plausible that it happened that way, it just seems weird. It celebrates 60 years of Warner Bros. records and has many “underground” or “alternative” tunes from the likes of Ramones, Talking Heads, Jane’s Addiction, Ministry, New Order, Replacements, Jesus and Mary Chain, B52s, Flaming Lips, Wilco, Elvis Costello, and more!

The Police – Synchronicity — I found another variant on the cover. As you may recall, I have talked about the 90+ (supposedly) variants of the cover of this album. I am tracking 30 of them. These are the ones that I can confirm exist. I own 5 of them. This one is BRY (blue/red/yellow) mixed member pics (meaning that each “color band” has all three members in the stripe) with nude girl to the left (a topless woman with her right breast showing). It’s not in the greatest of conditions, Jonathan has it at VG, but it looks good to me. But, I have a 2019 reissue if I want to listen to it. I still hate that the LP versions leave off “Murder by Numbers.”

That’s it. A short but lovely haul. Go by and see Jonathan. He has lots of vinyl goodness for you to submerge yourself in. “But I don’t have a turntable,” you say? Fear not! He has a couple of new ones and used ones that are waiting for you to start your vinyl journey. And, it’s never too late to start said journey. He’s open Thursday-Saturday from 11a to 7p and does store-to-porch deliveries Monday through Wednesday. You can shop new vinyl, day or night, 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Watch the Underdog Records Facebook and (especially) Instagram to see what he may have just gotten used and is cleaning it and putting it out. Use Discogs to track your collection, especially if you’re a nerd like me and collect multiples of stuff.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“We’re only making plans for Nigel. He has his future in a British Steel. We’re only making plans for Nigel. Nigel’s whole future is as good as sealed, yeah.” – “Making Plans for Nigel” (Moulding)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 11/27/20

29 Sunday Nov 2020

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Salutations™!!

Friday was Record Store Day Black Friday and again, I was mostly ticked that it happened. It’s a money grab and sure I could have skipped it, but that’s not the spirit of the event nor the point. It happened and although I didn’t camp out and wait, I got some good stuff. There was very little that I cared about and maybe just a bit more that The BCPF did. We got to Underdog Records around 930a and the place was empty. There had been a mad rush with people camping out when the doors opened at 8a. But, here’s what we did get…

©Island

Garth Brooks – Legacy – Remixed / Remastered — This was not part of the RSDBF event. This was a 7­×LP/7×CD box set. Most of Garth’s stuff is not available on vinyl and I really with it had the debut album, Ropin the Wind and a few others but it does have No Fences, The Chase, In Pieces, Fresh Horses and a 3×LP live album. I would have gladly traded the two albums missing for all the CDs. I have most of those CDs already. But, these are remastered, so… New.

Big Star – In Space — Also not in the RSDBF piece. Pressed on Translucent Blue Vinyl. Includes Liner Notes From the Band & Other Contributors. It is a reissue of Big Star’s fourth and final album in 2005. This was just 5 years prior to Alex Chilton’s death on St. Patrick’s Day, 2010. It was a good listen. I’m not the biggest Big Star fan but I certainly appreciate them. New.

Andrew Bird – Hark! — The third and final un-RSDBF piece. This is Andrew Bird’s October 2020 release. Packaged in a gatefold jacket with three paper sheet inserts, each with four perforated birds to hang as ornaments. I believe it is also red vinyl. New.

Lou Reed – Live At Alice Tully Hall (January 27, 1973 – 2nd Show) — Record Store Day Black Friday 2020 “RSD First” release. Limited to 5,000 copies.
Limited edition burgundy color vinyl. Issued in gatefold sleeve. Lou’s first solo show in New York City (I believe this is the second of that day). First time ever (officially) released with essay and rare pics & memorabilia. Recorded during Lou’s 1973 Transformer tour. Mixed from restored original multitrack tapes by Matt Ross-Spang. On limited edition burgundy color vinyl. New.

Lou Reed – Magic And Loss — Limited Edition, Reissue, 180 Gram. 2×LP/3-sided with etched side 4. Record Store Day Black Friday 2020 “RSD First” release, limited to 7,000 copies. Issued in non-gatefold jacket with single-page insert with lyrics and credits. The critically acclaimed concept album
First time on vinyl since an original limited release. Pressed on 2 LPs for the first time ever. 180-gram vinyl with side 4 etching. New.

U2 – Boy — Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, White, 40th Anniversary Edition. Record Store Day release for Black Friday 2020. Limited to 10,000 copies. Double-sided poster and lyrics / credit insert included. We have this on vinyl but only an older VG copy. This was special edition and we wanted it. New.

Best Coast – Crazy For You — This version is stamped on standard weight black vinyl. Pressing limited to 4000 copies. 1,000 Seafoam Green
3,000 Standard Weight Black . “All hand numbered xxxx/4000 in the lower right corner of the back cover.” That’s from the Discogs entry. I see no hand numbering. We do have one of the 1000 Seafoam Green ones as we listened to it yesterday. New.

That concludes our 2020 Record Store Day broadcast day. I got some good stuff, but it was anticlimactic now that it’s all said and done. I guess they’ll go back to the regularly scheduled way of doing it in 2021. That is, if we are back to normal at that point. Go visit Jonathan at Underdog Records. He’s open 11a-7p Thursday-Saturday and does deliveries and pickups Monday-Wednesday. Use Discogs to keep track of your collection.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Three thirty in the mornin’, not a soul in sight. The city’s lookin’ like a ghost town on a moonless summer night. Raindrops on the windshield, there’s a storm movin’ in. He’s headin’ back from somewhere that he never should have been, and the thunder rolls.” – “The Thunder Rolls” (Alger /Brooks)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 11/14/20

15 Sunday Nov 2020

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a most typical day for The BCPF and me. Up, breakfast, Underdog Records, a quick stop at City Beverage to grab wine that we ordered 2 weeks ago, home to listen to records, MIL, dinner, movie. We love those kind of days. By the way, today is the last Sunday of my 40s. Wow… Here’s the haul:

©Columbia

Elvis Costello – Hey Clockface — This is Elvis’ newest album. We haven’t listened to it, yet, but I liked the pieces that I used in the Underdog Records commercial this week on The Less Desirables. 2×LP, Limited Edition, Indie Exclusive, Red Transparent. Indie exclusive means that the colored vinyl is only available at independent retailers. You won’t get the transparent red at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and large music chains (if those still exist). New.

Norah Jones – Come Away With Me — This was “used” but maybe played once and it is in NM condition. This has become a big deal for the daughter of Ravi Shankar, and both The BCPF and I love her voice, so we had to get it.

Alice In Chains – Facelift — Alice In Chains’ debut album. I have played two songs on it in bands. “We Die Young” and “Man in the Box.” The latter was the first song I ever sang as the lead singer in a band live. A little trio back when I was 22 called Amorak. The name is a long story for another time. But, this album is amazing and I had forgotten just how much so. I still prefer the follow up Dirt but this is still great. 2×LP remaster on 180g black vinyl. New.

Grateful Dead – American Beauty — #261 on the RS List (that matters) and the 50th anniversary edition at that. I am not a fan of the Dead, really. But, I needed this because I think everyone should have it and it’s on that danged list. This is the collector’s edition on 180g black vinyl. New.

The Dream Syndicate – 50 In A 25 Zone — I really know nothing about this. The BCPF put it in the crate. That’s all I know other than it’s a six-track 12″. VG+.

Steve Winwood – Chronicles — A compilation of Winwood tunes. VG+.

Elvis Presley – Elvis Sings The Wonderful World Of Christmas — It’s almost Christmas time and The BCPF loves her some Christmas music. I mostly can’t stand Christmas music, but I love my wife and love her happy. VG+.

Commodores – Midnight Magic — The seventh album from Commodores. This album has the Lionel Richie-penned “Still” and “Sail On.” VG+.

It’s a shorter haul this week and my wallet thanked me for that. RSD Black Friday edition is coming, well, on Black Friday, so go to the RSD website and see what is coming out that day. The last three RSD drops (Covid 2020 editions) were by lottery appointments only. This one is back to lining up, waiting your turn and going in with people you may or may not know. I don’t know that I will be going to the Black Friday RSD but I don’t know that I’m not. Underdog Records will be open from 8a-7p that day. You can order new vinyl that Underdog Records has in its current inventory, day or night, 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Also, use Discogs to track your music collection of find those things you just gotta have but can’t find.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Lady, morning’s just a moment away and I’m without you once again. You laughed at me. You said you never needed me. I wonder if you need me now?” – “Still” (Richie)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 11/7/20

08 Sunday Nov 2020

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I did a lot of nothing yesterday. Records, lunch at The Porch, record listening, dinner at A Slice of Napoli. The big news is we have a new President-Elect. Here’s the haul:

©Def American

Danzig – Soul On Fire: Live At The Hollywood Palace, 1989 FM Broadcast — My Kousins talk a lot about Danzig, but I have a limited knowledge of them. This is an import. 2×LP, Limited Edition, Unofficial Release. Limited to 500 copies. New.

Danzig – Danzig III: How The Gods Kill — What I said in the entry above…? This is the first half of the two things I know about this band. The song “Dirty Black Summer” is something I know. A band I joined in 1992 did this song. It’s simple and sounds like a decent Doors cover. But, it’s on here. So, yay. New.

Joy Division – Live At The Paradiso Club Amsterdam, January 11, 1980 — Limited Edition, Unofficial Release. Manufactured in the EU. Limited to 500 copies. The BCPF is a fan of Joy Division but she says they were pretty horrible live. She turned down picking this up. I didn’t. Let’s see how horrible it can be. New.

Van Halen – Women And Children First Sessions — Unofficial Release, Red. A lot of demos and instrumentals and things from VH’s third album. New.

Bon Iver – Bon Iver, Bon Iver — The BCPF has been putting off getting this album. When she did go to get it, Jonathan was sold out. It was there yesterday, so she picked it up. It’s good ethereal music but I can’t understand a single thing he’s saying. I can almost understand Sigor Rós more than him. With them, I have an excuse. They’re Icelandic. Bon Iver, more specifically, Justin Vernon is American; from Wisconsin. New.

Ralph Vaughan Williams – Sir Adrian Boult – Fantasia On ‘Greensleeves’ / English Folk Song Suite / Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis — I have no clue what this is. The BCPF put it in the crate. VG+.

We had fun and it seemed like there was a weight lifted from our shoulders. I’m not going to get into politics but the election went our way. Jonathan had a slew of new imports come in and I picked up a few. If you’re into oddball, weird things, check those out. The store is open Thursday-Saturday 11a-7p. He does store-to-porch deliveries Monday-Wednesday. You can purchase via the website 24/7. Use Discogs to track your collection.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“You cry out in your sleep, all my failings exposed. There’s a taste in my mouth as desperation takes hold. Just that something so good, just can’t function no more. Then love, love will tear us apart.” – “Love Will Tear Us Apart” (Sumner/Morris/Hook/Curtis)

Spinning Sunday or: The RSD Drop 3 Haul

25 Sunday Oct 2020

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was the third edition of RSD 2020 (the April version that got spread over three months). There will be an RSD Black Friday edition which I think is ridiculous and shows a money-grab. That doesn’t mean I won’t participate. I just think this year, dragging us through what will be four months straight is crazy. They should have reset next year. I’m not complaining about the cost or the organization, I’m just saying for 2020 they should have let the Black Friday version lie.

©E-one

Anywhat! Here’s the haul, and as the last few have been, when applicable, I will include why these are special from Discogs and they’re all “new.”

Judas Priest – Sad Wings Of Destiny — Record Store Day 2020 first release, part of the October 24th drops. Limited to 2,700 copies. Comes in a gatefold jacket. 2×LP, 45 RPM, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Color In Color, Embossed, 180 Gram vinyl. I have this in its original form, single LP, but only in VG condition. We didn’t get this from Underdog Records, the gentleman in front of me picked up the last one. We had to go somewhere else and we felt dirty doing that.

Alice Cooper – Live At The Apollo Theatre, Glasgow // 19.02.82 — 2×LP, Limited Edition. Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release. Limited to 7,000 copies. Sticker: Classic live show from Alice Cooper’s “Special Forces Tour”. First time on vinyl. The Very Last Show on the Legendary Special Forces Tour! Recorded live at Apollo Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland – February 19, 1982. FM / Soundboard recording – Original broadcast by Radio Clyde. This was a great show!

Frumpies – Frumpie One Piece — LP+7″, Limited Edition, Limited to 1500 Copies. LP on White Vinyl. 7″ is on black vinyl. Featuring: Tobi, Kathi, Billy (BIKINI KILL), Molly (BRATMOBILE), and Michelle (THE MAKE UP). Hype sticker reads: Collecting their six seven inches recorded in the 90s across and LP and 7″. Includes a lyric zine.

The Rolling Stones – Metamorphosis — Compilation, Limited Edition, Reissue, Stereo, Green, 180 gram. Special Edition Hunter Green Vinyl. Full Color Exclusive Iron On Cover Art. The iron-on transfer is cool, but of course, I wouldn’t actually use it.

Skid Row – Slave To The Grind — 2×LP, Limited Edition, Red. Gatefold Version, comes with Lyric Sheet. Limited to 4000 Copies Worldwide. So good to hear this album on vinyl. Sebastian Bach’s vocals were on fire then. Sonically rich and fantastic.

The Church – Gold Afternoon Fix — Limited Edition, Reissue, Gold. First-ever LP reissue of the 1990 classic from the legendary Australian indie band. Gold Vinyl Pressing. Limited to 1750 copies! This was a great listen.

Cheap Trick – Out To Get You! (Live 1977) — 2×LP, Limited Edition. Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release. Limited to 4,700 copies. Comes in a gatefold jacket. Recorded from four shows over two days, an early and late show, each, on June 3 & 4, 1977 at Whiskey A Go-Go.

Various – Double Whammy! A 1960’s Garage Rock Rave-Up — Compilation, Limited Edition, Mono. Limited to 2000 copies.

Toto – Live In Tokyo — Limited Edition, Red Vinyl. First stand-alone release on red vinyl for Record Store Day. Limited to 2750 copies. It’s five songs recorded in 1980.

Mark Knopfler – Music And Songs From The Film Metroland — Compilation, Clear. Limited to 3,000 copies. I haven’t heard this yet, but I love Mark Knopfler’s soundtrack stuff. So, I can’t wait to hear it.

Warren Zevon – Warren Zevon’s Greatest Hits (According To Judd Apatow) — Limited to 4,500 copies. A portion of proceeds from this album will og to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), an independent nonprofit organization, for which Jordan Zevon has served as the National Spokesperson for 15 years.

Modern English – I Melt With You — 12″, Single, Reissue. I don’t usually do 12″ singles, but The BCPF wanted it. We didn’t get that at Underdog Records. They were sold out so we had to go somewhere else.

Beck – Uneventful Days (St. Vincent Remix) — “No Distraction (Khruangbin Remix)” is marked “A” on the label. St. Vincent not credited as the other main artist on the release. We also don’t usually do the 7″ either but, again… The BCPF wanted it.

We also got three selections that were NOT part of the RSD haul. We just decided we wanted them. They are:

The Mountain Goats – Getting Into Knives — This is NOT a RSD release. 2×LP, Limited Edition, Gold Metallic. One thing cool about this was the Matrix etching on each side: MRG 716 SIDE A TALES FROM THE BEFORE-TIME J POWELL; MRG 716 SIDE B WHALES VISIBLE FROM THE SHORE-TIME J POWELL; MRG 716 SIDE C ALL HANDS TO THE FACTORY FLOOR-TIME J POWELL; MRG 716 SIDE D REFORGING THE HAMMER OF THOR-TIME J POWELL.

INXS – Kick — Limited Edition, Reissue, Green. I had this on CD and never on vinyl. I love this album and it was so fun to listen to it on vinyl. It’s a not-quite mint green.

Mercyful Fate – Mercyful Fate — 12″, 45 RPM, Mini-Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Clear With Black Smoke. Mercyful (yeah, spelled right) Fate, if you don’t know is the band helmed by Kim Bendix Petersen, which may be more recognizable as his stage name, King Diamond. Four songs.

It was a great day and a great haul. I look at what I got through three RSD drops and if this had been all on one day, I either wouldn’t have gotten all that I did or I would have lost my arse on spending. Another reason, I think I’m a bit miffed about the Black Friday, thing. Jonathan was in good spirits yesterday, during what I know was a stressful time. He did say that for RSD Black Friday, he was going to allow people to lineup and rake through like normal. Some people have complained about the lottery format and griping about stupid stuff. I think Jonathan did the best he could as, hello!!! We are still in a fricken pandemic!!!!!! Okay, I’m done with that. Jonathan put all remaining RSD inventory on the Underdog Records website, at 1pm on the dot yesterday. I haven’t looked so I don’t know what is left but check it out. He does touchless deliveries, curbside, in-store pickups Monday-Wednesday and the store is open Thursday-Saturday. I also use Discogs to track my collection.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“We could live for a thousand years. But if I hurt you I’d make wine from your tears. I told you that we could fly, ’cause we all have wings but some of us don’t know why. I was standing. You were there. Two worlds collided and they could never ever tear us apart.” – “Never Tear Us Apart” (Farriss/Hutchence)