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Spinning Sunday or: The Haul RSD Edition 6/12/21

13 Sunday Jun 2021

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I got up and went to eat and then did some immediate grocery shopping for our project for today (even though we have to go do some more this morning) and decided to let the RSD crowd settle down. I love RSD but there just wasn’t any titles this drop that I was interested in enough to camp out and if there had been one or two things I wanted, I could have Venmoed money to one of my friends that were participating. So, the rush had waned and it was cool to just go and look at what was left over. The BCPF had things she wanted and she did get two of those things, but we just purchased a few items and went on our way. Here’s the haul (all are new except the last one):

©Record Store Day

Ella Fitzgerald – Ella In Berlin — The BCPF loves Ella. I wish we would have looked at the track list before purchasing it. It’s a 12″ maxi single. Two versions (1960 & 1962) each of “Mack the Knife” and “Summertime” (I hate that song). Limited Edition only 4000 total pressed.

Black Francis – Abbabubba (Bsides, Etc.) — The BCPF loves her some Pixies (at least the studio albums) and this is Frank Black’s RSD contribution. It was one of the two she was looking for. Limited Edition, Reissue, Black & White Split. Record Store Day 2021, Drop 1 exclusive limited of 1750 copies. 180g.

Joni Mitchell – Archives – Volume 1: The Early Years (1963-1967): Highlights — The other she was looking for. Compilation, Limited Edition, 180g. Many of these recordings were produced informally and on non-studio-grade equipment. There are some occasional, inherent audio anomalies, but we feel the historical significance, the music, and the performances far outweigh any of those audio imperfections. The release – which has been supervised by Joni Mitchell – features rare home recordings, live performances, and radio broadcasts recorded between 1963 and 1967. Pressed on 180gram vinyl, exclusively for RSD Drops 2021. Strictly limited to 15000 copies worldwide.

Echo And The Bunnymen – Live In Liverpool — 2×LP, Reissue, Clear. Record Store Day 2021, Drop 1 Exclusive. 180g. Recorded in 2001 at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Limited of 3500. This was my pickup.

We got the Jeffrey Dean Foster album that was released for yesterday, too, but it’s not in Discogs, yet. I haven’t had time to put it in. JDF is a friend of mine, in fact, I should see him today but if not, Thursday and definitely Friday. RSD was doing regional releases this drop and Jeff’s was one of them.

Orquesta Aragon – Boleros Con Cha Cha Cha — Continuing our fascination of “world music.” This isn’t on their official discography, so I don’t know what it is, per se. VG+.

So, RSD drop 1 is done. Drop 2 is July 17. Check out the RSD website for more info. I may camp for that one. I haven’t decided, yet. There are a couple of King’s X albums that I would love to have, so maybe. Jonathan looked tired but good yesterday. He said it was the longest line he’s ever had and he thinks he did okay on the sales. He will be doing a sale for the unsold RSD inventory as well as a regular sale, I figure. Follow him on social media and go to the Underdog Records website to purchase and peruse. I use Discogs to track my collection and to bring these blog posts to you. You should use it for your collection, too. Even if it’s not on vinyl. They do that.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Under blue moon, I saw you. So soon you’ll take me up in your arms, too late to beg you or cancel it, though I know it must be the killing time. Unwillingly mine. Fate up against your will through the thick and thin. He will wait until you give yourself to him.” – “The Killing Moon” (de Freitas/Pattinson/McCulloch/Sergeant)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/5/21

06 Sunday Jun 2021

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I went to eat first at Cafe Arthur’s which we hadn’t been to in about 18 months. We then went to a drag carwash to get Anabelle washed for the second time in two days. Then, we hopped over to Underdog Records and then home to do some listening. Here’s the haul:

Various – The Original Sound Of Burkina Faso — Mr. Bongo is a world music record label that specializes in reissuing albums from around the world and more recently lost classic films from around the world. We are doing our “Country Spinner” thing and eventually, hopefully, we get to Burkina Faso. I am fascinated with a lot of the African countries because they have lush but troubled histories, what with the European “ownership” of many of the countries for so long. But, beyond that, I have gotten more and more into world music lately. So there’s that.
2×LP, Compilation. New.

©Roadrunner

King Diamond – Abigail — I’m not the biggest King Diamond fan but something about this album I really enjoyed on CD so to have it on vinyl about $10 less expensive than buying new, especially in NM condition? Yeah, I’ll take that. Limited Edition, Reissue, Blue, 180g.

Sting – Live At The Bataclan — Record Store Day 2017 release – 3500 pressed. Recorded at the Bataclan in Paris on 12-11-2016. Sting performed an exclusive concert in Paris for the re-opening of the Bataclan, a year after Islamist militants killed 90 people at the venue. Sting donated the proceeds from the show to two survivors’ charities. NM.

Iron & Wine – The Creek Drank The Cradle — Sam Beam’s debut album from 2002. The BCPF needed it. She got it. New.

Superchunk – Come Pick Me Up — Seventh album from Mac McCaughan and company. I’ve stated before, I’ve seen this band with The BCPF, twice. Hype sticker states the following: “Superchunk’s class album from 1999. Remastered, 180-gram vinyl reissue including new liner notes and bonus tracks. Full download included.” New.

Paul Simon – There Goes Rhymin’ Simon — We have this already but the cover is kind of beat up and I believe it’s an original pressing. This is a Limited Edition, Numbered (#0657), Gatefold. It’s in NM. We will keep both.

KC And The Sunshine Band – Part 3 — This contains three of the band’s biggest hits, “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty”, “I’m Your Boogie Man”, and “Keep It Comin’ Love”. The first two reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 while the third peaked at number two. Two other singles, “I Like to Do It” and “Wrap Your Arms Around Me” found moderate success on the charts. Club Edition (RCA), Gatefold. EX.

Louis Armstrong – Hello, Dolly! — This should be Louis Armstrong and His All Stars, which at the time included Joe Darensbourg, Billy Kyle, Big Chief Russell Moore, Arvell Shaw, and Trummy Young. But, cool, anyway. On the back it does say that. Mono. VG+.

Maurice Larcange – Paris For Lovers — You know we love all things France, especially Paris. The “Country Spinner” currently sits on France and we are excited to start our journey (again) to France. This was there and as we collect anything we see “from” Paris, we had to have this, too. EX.

The haul was good this week. Nothing really high profile but we were happy with it. This coming Saturday is Record Store Day Drop One! So, make sure you go to the RSD website and see what will be coming out. Let me warn you, folks camp out for this so the line will be long. We didn’t get that last year because of the state of the world. Jonathan will be opening the store at 8am and only so many folks will get to go in at a time. But, if you’re not interested in RSD and just want other albums, then you can shop the Underdog Records website 24/7. I use Discogs to track my collection (that’s how I knew the condition of my other Paul Simon copy) and you should, too!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“When I think back on all the crap I learned in high school, it’s a wonder I can think at all. And though my lack of education hasn’t hurt me none. I can read the writing on the wall.” – “Kodachrome” (Simon)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 5/22/21

23 Sunday May 2021

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Salutations™!!

©Track

The BCPF and I took her brother and her mother to eat the night before at Diamondback Grill to celebrate my MIL’s 80th birthday. Her brother came along with us on Saturday to do some record shopping at Underdog Records, eat breakfast/lunch at Clementine’s and we gave a tour of parts of the town that he hadn’t seen yet. Here’s our haul:

Joni Mitchell – Live At Canterbury House – 1967 — The BCPF is a major fan of Joni Mitchell. She didn’t know that this existed and neither did I. 3×LP, Limited Edition, 180g. Packaged in a 6-panel, book-style gatefold sleeve. Hype Sticker: Includes 9 previously unreleased original songs predating Joni’s first album. Limited edition of 10,000. 3 sets of music. Recorded live at Canterbury House, Ann Arbor, MI, October 27, 1967. New/Sealed.

The Who – The Who Sell Out — Reissue. All Media, Deluxe Edition, Remastered, Stereo. 2×LP with bonus tracks. It’s #115 on the RS list that matters and #316 on the RS list that doesn’t. I remember listening to this when I went through the list and thought it was really good. I’ve been looking for this for a while and it was just reissued. New.

Dave Matthews Band – Remember Two Things — the “debut” album from Dave Matthews Band. When this was first released it was The Dave Matthews Band. I have never liked DMB but this wasn’t too bad. Non-Gatefold, Vinyl are housed in two poly lined white paper sleeves and contains a card with a download code. New.

The Mothers Of Invention – Burnt Weeny Sandwich — Reissue, Remastered, 180 Gram. I’ve been enjoying getting to know some Zappa stuff. Gatefold cover. With replica of original black and white poster. New.

Dolly Parton – The Very Best Of Dolly Parton — 2×LP Compilation. New.

The Association – Insight Out — Limited Edition, Reissue, Mono, Red. 2017 Rhino Summer Of Love Series. New/sealed.

Morton Gould And His Orchestra – Latin, Lush And Lovely — I don’t know what this is. The BCPF wanted it. We got it. VG+.

Underdog Records is open Wednesday to Saturday. Things are starting to open back up and Jonathan is bringing people back into the store, mostly without restrictions. Follow Underdog on social media to find out what is new and happening at the store. You can shop 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Record Store Day is coming soon and you should go to the RSD website to find out more. I use Discogs to track my collection. You should, too.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“I know you’ve deceived me, now here’s a surprise. I know that you have, cause there’s magic in my eyes. I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles. Oh yeah. If you think that I don’t know about the little tricks you’ve played. And never see you when deliberately you put things in my way.” – “I Can See For Miles” (Townshend)

Spinning Monday or: The Haul 5/8/21

10 Monday May 2021

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I had a fantastic day on Saturday. The weather was wonderful, dinner and lunch were both wonderful, record buying at Underdog Records and home-listening were wonderful. Here’s the haul:

©Crush Music/Atlantic

Iron And Wine – Archive Series Volume No. 5 — This, according to the hype sticker is the LOST debut album recorded by Sam Beam while he was still in college at Florida St. It’s limited to 1000 copies, I think. It was a good listen. Sounds just like the rest of his stuff. That’s a good thing. New.

Weezer – Van Weezer — Indie Exclusive Pink Vinyl. Hype sticker on shrink: Van Weezer Neon Pink. Track B6 is hidden and is not mentioned in the track listing. This album was supposed to be released last year upon the commencement of their tour but because the world stopped, that was put off. This is heavy, but still very much Weezer. It’s dedicated to Ric Ocasek and Eddie Van Halen. New.

Emmylou Harris – Red Dirt Girl — 2×LP. Grammy Award Winner for best contemporary folk album. Non-gatefold sleeve. Sealed. NM.

Big Star – #1 Record — Wow. #434 on the RS list that matters, #474 on the one that doesn’t. This whole record is amazing. This is what I wrote when I reviewed it in November 2014: My second exposure of Big Star on this countdown. Again, not what I expected. “Feel” is a old-fashioned rock tune that has a great chord progression and dissonance that makes for creative song construction. Really the whole album is ahead of its time. I don’t feel the dissonance was really realized until many years later and here it was as common as a family supper on Sunday. The production was slick as heck, too. The dual lead singers made this a formidable force in music at the time, even though I, admittedly, was shut out from much of that until now. I didn’t know what I was missing and it’s a shame to say so. Harmonies that are tighter than a drum and the excellent musicianship and songwriting over all make this a wonderful album to listen to. I still believe that and double my enthusiasm now. It really is a great record. Limited Edition, Reissue, Repress, Clear White w/Blue Swirl, 180g. Limited to 500. Sealed, but since my belief is “records are to be listened to not looked at,” I opened that bad boy right away. NM.

Tom Waits – Nighthawks At The Diner — 2×LP, Special Pressing; Gatefold from 1975. Records are auto-coupled, meaning record 1 contains sides 1 and 4 while record 2 contains sides 2 and 3. I love Tom Waits songs. I just don’t always love Tom Waits doing them. I don’t know about this one as I’ve not heard it yet, but I can’t wait to. VG+.

Tom Waits – Foreign Affairs — PRC Richmond pressing from 1977. The liner notes include this line: “Forward all my mail to the corner of Pork & Beans.” All the same things I said about Tom Waits above, ditto. VG+.

It was all I could do to not buy a $75 VG+ copy of Rain Dogs from Tom Waits. It’s on the list and that’s the only time I’ve seen it. But, I just couldn’t do it. I really wanted it, though. But, there was plenty to go through, I was just disciplined… somehow. Underdog Records always has great things to find to bring home to have a listening party, either alone or with a group (being socially mindful, that is). Underdog is open Wednesday-Saturday and you can purchased new vinyl 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Record Store Day is in June and July you can see the drops lists by visiting that website. I use Discogs to track my collection. You should, too.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Wondering what are you doing? You’re driving me to ruin. The love that you’ve been stealing has given me the feeling. I feel like I’m dying. I’m never gonna live again. You just ain’t been trying. It’s getting very near the end.” – “Feel” (Bell/Chilton)

Spinning Sunday or: The Hauls 4/17-4/24/21

25 Sunday Apr 2021

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Salutations™!!

This is this week’s and last week’s hauls together as this week was slammed with video projects. I’m jumping out at it because I have several to go through… Here’s the hauls:

©Merge Records

4/17:

Madonna – Ray Of Light — This is #367 on the RS list that matters and #222 on the one that doesn’t. Comes with color printed inner sleeves with lyrics, credits & pictures. Matte cover, not laminated. 2×LP. New.

Depeche Mode – Songs Of Fate And Distortion — Remix import album (unofficial). The title is a play on their album, Songs of Faith and Devotion. New.

Aretha Franklin – I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You — #84 on the RS list that matters and inexplicably #13 on the one that doesn’t. It’s good, yes, but that good? No. No way. Uh-uh. Forget it. From the hype sticker: Soul Queen Aretha Franklin’s 1967 breakthrough studio album – Featuring signature song “Respect” – Original Mono Recording – 180 Gram Vinyl. New.

Wye Oak – Civilian — This duo out of Baltimore are on Merge Records and we know what that means! Merge Records = The BCPF gets it. This man/woman duo is full instrumentation. Jenn Wasner plays guitar/bass/keys/vox and Andy Stack plays drums and keyboards. He plays the drums with his feet and his right hand and plays bass lines and such with his left. New.

U2 – Wide Awake In America — I had this on vinyl, but it’s just a club edition (not that I care about that part) in VG condition (I DO care about that part). This is a remastered, 180g reissue that was in NM condition. I couldn’t pass that up.

4/24:

Yes – Yes — The bands 1969 debut studio album. Two of the members, Jon Anderson (vox) and Chris Squire (bass), would stay with the band for quite a while, well on and off. Anderson would leave and come back, leave and come back. Squire was the bass player until his death in 2015. 2×LP, Reissue, Remastered, 180 GR, Gatefold, Embossed. New.

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Mother’s Milk — This is the first album from RHCP that I ever knew of and still only heard the Stevie Wonder cover, “Higher Ground.” I respect the heck out of RHCP, all the way around, but I just can’t really get into them. The BCPF picked this one out, but I’m glad she did. I am glad to have it in the arsenal. Reissue on 180 gram Vinyl as part of the Capitol From The Vaults Series. New.

Tears For Fears – The Seeds Of Love — This was the 1989 follow-up to 1985’s megahit Songs from the Big Chair. It didn’t quite have the same punch but the title song alone is worth the price of admission. Reissue, Remastered, 180 gram. New.

Genesis – Selling England By The Pound — The penultimate Peter Gabriel Genesis album. I couldn’t tell you a single song from this album without looking it up (I would have guessed “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)” and would have been right, but not for certain). But, I didn’t have it and I wanted it. So, there. Deluxe Edition, Mixed, Reissue, Remastered – Half Speed Mastering. 2008 Mixes by Nick Davis & Genesis. 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl. New.

Peter Murphy – Should The World Fail To Fall Apart — Murphy’s debut solo album from 1986 following his departure from Bauhaus. By the way, the other three members of Bauhaus (Daniel Ash, David J (and his brother), Kevin Haskins) formed Tones on Tail (at least Ash and David J) and subsequently Love and Rockets. Anyway, this sounds great. That deep voice and synth-poppiness are fantastic here. I dug it. Reissue, Gatefold, Blue Vinyl. New.

Bauhaus – The Bela Session — Speaking of Bauhaus, 2018 limited edition colored vinyl (I think, we haven’t opened it yet) 12″ EP. New.

So, that’s the haul from the last two weeks. I think it’s a good haul. Record Store Day is coming in June and July and the list is available if you go to the RSD website. Jonathan has suspended Underdog Records store-to-porch deliveries due to a problem with his vehicle after a car in front of him kicked up a piece of shrapnel and it was hurled at the car like a spear. So, I’ll keep you informed when or if he resumes. Or you can watch the Underdog Records social media for more accurate and timely news about it. You can order new vinyl, anytime, day or night, by visiting the Underdog Records website. I use Discogs to track and document my record collection. You should, too.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“High time we made a stand and shook up the views of the common man. And, the love train rides from coast to coast. D.J.’s the man we love the most. Could you be, could you be squeaky clean and smash any hope of democracy? As the headline says you’re free to choose, there’s egg on your face and mud on your shoes. One of these days they’re gonna call it the blues, yeah, yeah.” – “Sowing the Seeds of Love” (Orzabal/Smith)

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

Posted by in Records, Spinning Sunday, The Less Desirables Network

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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)