This week’s haul is a short one, just like last week’s. Yesterday was Record Store Day and I didn’t really want much. I had a friend who was #1 in line and got me two King’s X records that I’ll put in next week, when I get to them. I don’t have them in hand, yet. Here’s the haul:
Rush – Rush — An EX condition “ORIGINAL PRESSING” copy of the debut Rush album. The cover is a little worn but the vinyl is immaculate. The only Rush album that didn’t have Neil Peart on drums and it’s still an excellent album. Can you imagine the joy for Mercury when they realized they signed Rush based on the strength of this album and as a bonus you have one of the most prominent, talented and well-known drummers in prog music history, heck just music history? Win win for them.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Déjà Vu ♦ Alternates — I guess we got out of the Fleetwood Mac “alternates” and have moved into CSNY for the Record Store Day exclusives. You get a lot of “demos,” “early versions,” “alternate mixes,” andmore on these. I really enjoyed the Fleetwood Mac ones and this was pretty cool, too. New.
Underdog Records will be going back to normal now, I think. RSD always push Jonathan to his limits but I think the one in June and this one came out well for him. That’s cool. What RSD stuff he didn’t sell yesterday will be on the website probably today and you can get what you want along with any other new vinyl he has by visiting the website. I use Discogs to make sure I don’t already have something in my collection when I’m buying. I also use it to just keep up with what I have and use the handy randomize feature. You should use it, too.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “It seems to me I could live my life a lot better than I think I am. I guess that’s why they call me, they call me the workin’ man.” – “Working Man” (Lifeson/Lee)
Yesterday, The BCPF and I went and did a couple of errands and then went to Underdog Records. Even after sustaining a swollen appendage because of yellowjackets, Jonathan was all smiles and joking around. We had a good time. We didn’t spend a lot of money, though. Every once in a while I’ll have a shopping day when nothing moves me. I didn’t really find anything I wanted, but The BCPF got these two titles…
Calexico – Hot Rail — From 2000. We have established The BCPF’s fandom of Calexico. Here you go. New.
Buffalo Springfield – Buffalo Springfield Again — Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Mono, 180 Gram. Limited edition of 5000 copies, per Rhino website article. #188 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time,[9] maintaining the rating in a 2012 revised list (that’s the one that matters). It fell off the list that doesn’t matter. We got it used, even though it was still sealed, so new.
Record Store Day is coming this Saturday. Visit the official RSD website for more info. Watch Underdog Records’ Instagram and Facebook for posts about Jonathan’s latest acquisitions and what you can pick up. You can order new records, day or night, 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. And use Discogs to track your collection. That’s one reason my list was so short today. I found some things and then realized upon looking them up, I already had those.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “Oh, hello Mr. Soul. I dropped by to pick up a reason. For the thought that I caught that my head is the event of the season. Why in crowds just a trace of my face could seem so pleasin’. I’ll cop out to the change but a stranger is putting the tease on.” – “Mr. Soul” (Young)
I hope you all recovered from the holiday nicely. The BCPF and I went back to Underdog Records after a week off. We got good stuff. We enjoyed our day. ‘Nuff said! Here’s the haul:
Kiss – Off The Soundboard Tokyo 2001 — Supposedly, this is truly “off the soundboard” but there are parts that make me question that. It’s too good and slick. There’s no way a KISS show is going to be that good and slick. They’re sloppy. It was 20 years ago, so Paul’s voice was still hanging on pretty well. But, also, Paul is in his “old Jewish woman” mode here and that didn’t start happening until just about 8-10 years ago. So, I question whether it really is live. But, it’s a good listen nonetheless. 3×LP, Special Edition, Triple vinyl album with cardboard sleeve housing each vinyl in its own sleeve with tracklisting. New.
The Mountain Goats – Dark In Here — The BCPF loves The Mountain Goats and this was his newest album. I like him, okay, but he’s kind of a one-trick pony. He sings most of the songs the exact same way with the same cadences, rhythms, and notes, it seems. I dunno. 1 1/2 sides. Side 4 is etched, Blue. “High Noon Somewhere Blue” vinyl. Side 4 has an etching of the Kola Superdeep Borehole Tower. Gatefold jacket with full lyrics. Includes digital download card. New.
Fleet Foxes – Shore — Shore was recorded before and during quarantine in Hudson (NY), Paris, Los Angeles, Long Island City and New York City from September 2019 until September 2020. As with Mountain Goats, side 4 is etched, Stereo, Black Vinyl.
Lambchop – Showtunes — It seems to be a The BCPF-heavy haul. That’s okay. My KISS album was almost $60. Lambchop was one of the first bands that I remember her putting songs from on a Mix Tape (CD). Merge “Peak Vinyl” Edition New.
Jonathan had a fairly large crowd when we left Underdog Records. It was good to see that, especially with a big festival happening downtown. Watch the Instagram of Underdog to see what Jonathan has gotten in and putting out for purchase. You can shop new records, day or night, by visiting the Underdog Records website. RSD #2 is coming in two weeks! See the available list here. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection and The BCPF was just remarking this morning how it has saved us more than once from getting an unintentional duplicate. Or, it has allowed us to see that the copy of something we have is shite and this better version needs to be put in our collection. You should use it for that, too.
No, Dear Reader, you’re not reading that incorrectly, the date is for last Saturday. The BCPF and I didn’t go to Underdog Records yesterday as we had some errands to run that kept us from our favorite candy store. But, because last Sunday was Father’s Day and Monday was my ‘Rents’ anniversary and Tuesday was making up for that and blah blah blah… I didn’t post last week’s haul at all. So, I’ll do that this week instead. So here we go:
Of Montreal – Aureate Gloom — Neither of us knew anything about this band other than 1) they were from Athens, Georgia, like R.E.M. and 2) they were of relevance to other bands that she likes and 3) part of the Elephant 6 Collective (in company with Neutral Milk Hotel, Circulatory System, Beulah, and more. These are things that she likes and wants to get to know more about. Blue Marble. Packaged in a gatefold sleeve. Includes an 18″ x 24″ poster and a code to download an mp3 version of the album. Blue/white marketing sticker on jacket. New.
Crowded House – Dreamers Are Waiting — This didn’t sound like Crowded House of old, but that’s okay. It’s still pretty righteous. In this band, Neil Finn’s kids, Liam (guitar) and Elroy (drums) join him and original Crowded House bassist, Nick Seymour. I believe Liam and Elroy’s mum, Neil’s wife Sharon sings a little on here, too. It’s a family affair! New.
Yes – Time And A Word — The second album from Yes. I’m trying to get my Yes discography collection up and as complete as possible. Reissue, 180gr. New.
Jeffrey Dean Foster – I’m Starting To Bleed — My pal and stage sharer, Jeff Foster for the Record Store Day “regional” selections that they put out. I haven’t opened it yet. Proceeds go to Shalom Project which is a local non-profit running several programs to assist our neighbors in need. New.
I also got My Attention Span (my friend Tony Dagnall)’s long-awaited album, …There Abouts but it isn’t in Discogs, yet. I haven’t had time to put it in and it’s a limited run, I believe. So, I will get to it soon. Perhaps I’ll write a blog post about it soon. It is a truly wonderful album. New.
Madonna – True Blue — This album was big the year I moved to WSNC. A lot of great tunes on this and I’m not afraid or ashamed to say that. “Live to Tell,” “Papa Don’t Preach,” the title track, “Open Your Heart,” “La Isla Bonita,” and so on. This is a club version in VG+ condition.
So, I don’t like missing weeks at Underdog Records, so, hopefully next week we get back to where we love to be! RSD drop 2 is coming in a couple of weeks, so check out the website to find what you may want from that. Watch the Underdog Records social media to see what Jonathan has just gotten in and is putting up for purchase. That could be new or used stuff. It could also be stereo equipment. Don’t forget about that. You can purchase new vinyl 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website.
I use Discogs to track my collection and you should, too!
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “Tropical the island breeze, all of nature wild and free. This is where I long to be, La Isla Bonita. And when the samba played, the sun would set so high. Ring through my ears and sting my eyes, your Spanish lullaby.” – “La Isla Bonita” (Madonna/Leonard/Gaitsch)
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):
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)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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)
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:
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)
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:
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.
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)
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:
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)
