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:
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)
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…
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)
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:
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+.
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)
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:
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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)
The BCPF and I were up “early” to prepare for Record Store Day Drop #2. We were selected for the 930a spot and it was a perfect spot for us. We got everything on our list with the exception of one title but one of our friends and part of the RSD Crüe had found that one at another store after his slot. Things were calm and easy going for Jonathan, I believe. So, we did one non-RSD release but all the releases were brand new. I also included identifiers and attributes, where/when applicable, including how limited the run is. Here’s the haul:
Surfer Blood – Carefree Theatre — This is the non-RSD release. I heard just one song from this as I was making the commercial for Underdog Records for The Less Desirables. I sent Jonathan a message and had him hold me one. I thought it was be great for The BCPF. She loved it. Straight indie rock.
The rest are RSD releases.
The Replacements – The Complete Inconcerated Live — Limited to 8500 copies. Comes in tri-gatefold packaging. 3xLP and it was a great show. Paul Westerberg had a rough night with his voice and some feedback but I love how raw this show is. They may have done some overdubs but I don’t think so, I think this is how it was. I dug it.
The Feminine Complex – Livin’ Love — 2 × Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo, Pink. Gatefold sleeve, two pink LPs in white polylined inner sleeves. This was the one our friend got for us at a different store. The Feminine Complex was an all-girl garage band from the 60s and this is their only album.
Various – I Saved Latin! A Tribute To Wes Anderson — 2 × Vinyl, LP, Compilation, Limited Edition, Pink, Blue. Exclusive Ltd. Edition Run of 1,000 copies. The BCPF really loves her Wes Anderson movies and I like them, too. This is a compilation of songs from his films. It’s 2xLP record 1 is “Margot Tenenbaum pink” (like The Royal Tenenbaums) and record 2 is “Life Aquatic blue” (like The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou).
Various – Wilcovered — According to Discogs: “Wilcovered 19 covers of Wilco songs performed by renowned artists and friends of the band.” 2 × Vinyl, LP, Compilation, Limited Edition. It was an interesting listen. The BCPF is a big fan of Wilco, I’m pretty indifferent. She liked it a lot more than I did.
McCartney – McCartney — Record Store Day release September 26, 2020. Limited pressing: 7000 copies. After cancelling the April 18, 2020 RSD, this release was rescheduled for the second RSD Drop on September 26, 2020. However in some countries (e.g. Canada and France) it was accidentally distributed for the first RSD Drop on August 29, 2020. Comes in a Gatefold sleeve with a Red ‘Obi’ strip and an (A5-size) ‘Half-speed Mastering’ Certificate. Vinyl cut by Miles Showell using original 1970 master tapes at Abbey Road Studios, London, 5th November 2019. This half-speed master closely references the 2011 remaster by Steve Rooke and Guy Massey. It was made as a vinyl specific transfer in high resolution and without digital peak limiting for the best possible reproduction.
Son Volt – Live At The Orange Peel — 2 × Vinyl, LP, Limited Edition. RSD 2020 – September 26. On transparent orange vinyl. Quantity: 1500. Recorded live at The Orange Peel in Asheville, NC on September 23, 2005, these songs were part of the 6 String Belief DVD, but have never before been released on vinyl. The BCPF knew nothing about this band, but I believe it will be things she digs. Again, she loves Wilco and Jeff Tweedy was in Uncle Tupelo with Jay Farrar. Uncle Tupelo broke up and Farrar started Son Volt. This was done in a venue that I’ve stood outside of (and was supposed to see Steven Wilson there two years ago, darn snow).
Fleetwood Mac – The Alternate Rumours — Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Remastered. Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release, part of the September 26th drops. Limited edition of 16,000 copies. I was looking forward to this one the most, I think. I have really loved the Fleetwood Mac “Alternate” albums over the last few years. There was Alternate Mirage, Alternate Fleetwood Mac, Alternate Tango in the Night. This is perhaps their biggest of them all. I loved all the alternate takes on this album, save one. It’s my least favorite song on the album and I liked “I Don’t Want to Know (Early Take)” even less.
Roger Waters – The Wall (Live In Berlin 1990) — 2 × Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Clear, 180 Gram. Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release, part of the September 26th drops. 30th Anniversary limited edition, pressed on Clear 180 gram vinyl, gatefold cover in a total of 8.000 copies. When I first saw this concert (I think I own it on DVD), I was enthralled in the spectacle of it. I have always said that The Wall is my favorite Pink Floyd album and while I still prefer the Pink Floyd version, this was amazing.
The Doors – The Soft Parade: Stripped — Vinyl, 12″, Limited Edition, Numbered, Clear. Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release, part of the September 26th drops. Limited to 12,000 units. Eight tracks (some repeats) some with new Robbie Krieger overdubs.
Various – Psyché France 1960-70 Volume 6 — The BCPF and I are suckers for French pop music. This is French pop music from the 1960s. It sounds new and it could be but supposedly it’s from back then. It was a great listen.
Tegan and Sara – Tonight We’re In The Dark Seeing Colors — Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Purple splatter. Recorded live from their ‘Hey, I’m Just Like You’ Tour. Includes exclusive versions of Tegan and Sara favorites on limited edition purple splatter vinyl. Limited to 500 copies.
Squirrel Nut Zippers – The Inevitable — Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue. Record Store Day 2020 first release, part of the September 26th drops. Limited to 1500 copies. The BCPF says this is her college days. I love the swing style and this is a great album.
Primus – Suck On This — Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Blue. Limited to a quantity of 5000. Release has 3D artwork, and nothing written on the spine. Live album from 1989.
The Alarm – Celtic Folklore Live — Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition. Record Store Day 2020 release in a total of 1.000 copies. Side-A recorded at Hammersmith Odeon London – February 9th 1988. Side-B recorded at Cabaret, San Jose, California – March 17th 1988.
Lenny Bruce – Is Out Again — A rare recording of Lenny Bruce, fully authorized by Lenny’s daughter Kitty Bruce, unlike the majority of the bootleg material that has been released in the past. This release was only ever sold in limited copies at clubs, directly by Lenny to fans. I haven’t heard this yet, but my favorite part of it is the letter on the back from a reverend. He basically says he feels that Bruce is grossly misunderstood.
It was a great day for us. Jonathan said at our scheduled time that everything was going very smooth. I haven’t sent him a message yet, as I normally do after each RSD. He’s probably relaxing today. You can check out any unsold RSD stock by visiting the Underdog Records website. He does contactless deliveries in the early part of the week and is open Thursday through Saturday 11a-7p. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection and share it with you!
I also want to wish The BCPF a happy sixth reception-versary. It’s our fourth and final “public” anniversary of every year.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “Broadway hasn’t been the same since we found lover’s lane. Standing on the corner of fourth and main. Dreaming of you way downtown in lover’s lane. Sun is down, moon is bright. Lover’s gonna stroll all night. Way downtown in lover’s lane.” – “Lover’s Lane” (Mathus)
Yesterday was a pretty routine day. Well, maybe not. We got a late start. The BCPF finished her biggest project of the year, I was up way too late, yadda yadda yadda. We really only got to listen to a few records yesterday but we bought a few at Underdog Records. Here’s the haul:
Pink Floyd – A Dark Side Of The Moon — This is a European import of a live concert recorded at London Wembley Empire Pool on November 16, 1974. I’m assuming that it is VG+. I bought it “new” but a lot of these imports come unsealed, so I don’t know what the rating/grading is and if they are new or not. This is the gray sleeved version.
Bad Brains – Live ’79 Soundboard — I know nothing about Bad Brains, just that I’ve heard the name for years. This is another import and unofficial release, this one from Finland. I’ve seen a review or two that says it’s not worth money because while it is a “soundboard” recording it’s dubbed from some old wonky cassette or something. We’ll see. VG+?
John Prine – Sweet Revenge — I’ve only heard John Prine like three times outside of his comedy-ish song, “Let’s Talk Dirty in Hawaiian.” One was when I did the RS list and another a few months back when he passed away. I don’t necessarily care for him. I feel we already had a Bob Dylan, we didn’t need a cheap knock-off. I realize that he’s much more than that, now. But, while I have to say I enjoyed a good bit of this album, it’s still mostly “meh” for me. New.
Alexander Courage – Star Trek, From The Original Pilots: The Cage & Where No Man Has Gone Before (Original Television Soundtrack) — “The Cage” was the original pilot of STOS and instead of Captain Kirk, “Bones” and the like, it had “Number One” and Captain Christopher Pike. NBC thought it had out kicked the coverage of its viewing audience and refused it, ordering instead a second pilot. This is where “Where No Man Has Gone Before” comes in. It was the first episode America saw, with Kirk and Bones. “The Cage” was mostly recycled into one of the most famous STOS episodes, “The Menagerie.” This comes in one of three colors: Red Shirt Red, Science Officer Blue or Command Gold. But, you don’t know which color you get until you open it. This is sealed. Hold on, I’ll open it… Science Officer Blue!!
Beck – Kaos Radio Session – Olympia, WA. January 13, 1994 — So, another import/bootleg/unofficial release from Europe. The cover says January 26, 1994, but the back says January 13, 1994. Also, the Discogs entry has a red cover with yellow border, but mine is blue with a pink border. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a crappy copy but The BCPF is a huge Beck fan, so… VG+?
Nirvana – Damage, Mon Amour — An Italian unofficial release. A Collection of live and radio recordings from 1989 through 1994. On blue viny VG+?
Nirvana – At The End Of Lonely Street — Another Italian unofficial release. A collection of bedroom, garage and studio demos from 1989 through 1992. VG+?
Bob Marley – The Best Of Bob Marley — German import. This is a rerecording of Bob Marley songs by Marley, not your typical compilation. As one reviewer said on Discogs: A great copy in term of musical quality. Not a lot of the greatest hits but some interesting takes on some well-known songs. Refreshing. VG+?
Jonathan was gearing up for RSD Drop 2 that happens next Saturday. You have until midnight tonight to register for the lottery for this weekend. Same deal as before except another half hour added, so that means six more people get to have a turn in-store. It starts at 8a and three people (and a possible +1) get 15 minutes to shop the store, including the RSD booty. When the 15 minutes are up, they have to check out and leave. 815a folks get to come in and the process repeats. Last month he cut it off at 11a. This month it goes until 1130a. He promptly closes the store and then takes inventory. Then, at 1p the website goes live with leftover stock from RSD. Remember, in the past, this hasn’t been allowed by the official RSD brass. This year, the are allowing it. Visit the Underdog Records website to register for your chance to be one of the lucky 42. Then come home and use Discogs to keep track of your loot.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “I like the way you cross the street ’cause your precious. Moving through the Cleveland heat, how precious. Taking rides and all the kicks was so precious. But you know I was sh***in’ bricks ’cause I’m precious. Made me want to, made me want to, you made me make it. Oh, you’re so mean.” – “Precious” (Hynde)
A good but long week for The BCPF and me led to a good weekend, including a fantastic trip to Underdog Records. I don’t have a lot to say about it other than, here’s the haul:
The first two are of the TimeLife – The Story of Great Music collections that I ordered from Discogs and told you about a week ago.
Various – The Opulent Era — Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Wagner, and one of my favorites, Camille Saint-Saëns, and more line this 4xLP collection. NM.
Various – The Music Of Today — Shostakovich, Sir William Walton, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Aaron Copland. NM.
The rest is yesterday’s haul:
Prince – Dirty Mind — #206 on the RS List, this is Prince’s third album and the first one to really get him any recognition. Looking at other albums out in 1980, this cover had to have gotten some desperate housewives hot and flustered. He’s in his leather banana hammock and trench coat and not much else. New.
Marilyn Manson – We Are Chaos — The new Manson album, this is a solid listen front to back. It’s a little odd for the usual Manson fare, but there’s enough of it in there that you know it’s him. I liked it. New.
Violent Femmes – Violent Femmes — The debut album from the folk punk heroes. a lot of popular tunes from this album: “Blister in the Sun,” “Kiss Off,” “Add It Up,” “Gone Daddy Gone” and more. New.
Hootie & The Blowfish – Cracked Rear View — This album, like the band Nickelback and heck, Hootie, too, is chided and I can’t really tell why. The snooty know-it-alls will say because it’s this reason or that reason or whatever and it “sucks.” Well, it was the best selling album of 1995 and is the 19th best selling album of all time. I mean, 21 million copies sold, it couldn’t have sucked that bad. That just means that those same know-it-alls are just blowhards who just want to hear themselves talk (or type). Now, that being said, if you just don’t like it, I can live with that. I think it was just overplayed, but if you’re the artist, isn’t that what you want? I’d give a lot to have a “hit” that was played so much it was considered “overplayed.” I’m indifferent about it one way or the other, I just wanted it in my collection. New.
Marilyn Manson – The Pale Emperor — Manson’s ninth album. I don’t really know much about this one, but it did have three singles: “Third Day of a Seven Day Binge,” “Deep Six,” “Cupid Carries a Gun.” 2xLP. New.
The Head And The Heart – Let’s Be Still — I know nothing about this band. Have never even heard of them. But, it’s indie folk rock. Who do we know that is a fan of that genre? That’s right! And, she is the one who picked this up. 2xLP. New.
Pavement – Crooked Rain Crooked Rain — Straight up indie rock that sits at #212 on the RS list. This is Pavement’s second album, their debut, Slanted and Enchanted is also on that list. The debut was a bit lo-fi where this is more accessible, straight-ahead indie rock. I liked it. New.
Superchunk – Foolish — We bought the acoustic version last year and I have to say I enjoyed that one better. Mac McCaughan’s voice rakes on me sometimes. Overall I like the band, I’ve seen them twice in concert, but this is a bit much. New.
Nirvana – Bleach — When this album came out, I was in a spot where my preferred music was in danger of being dethroned and I was anti- that. I talked badly about Nirvana (and Grunge in general), Cobain, the music, the fans, everything. I thought it sucked. I thought it was awful. I thought it was scourge of the Earth. I said bad things that I regret about Kurt Cobain. Over time, though, I came to respect all that Nirvana was. Nevermind, which was my bane when it arrived, has come to be a great album in my eyes. I had never heard this album (which was their debut) and this thing rocks!!!! I was dumb. I was an idiot. I was blind but now I see. Man, this is even better than Nevermind in my opinion. I loved it. New.
Interpol – Turn On The Bright Lights — I have never heard anything from Interpol that I know of. I asked Jonathan about it and he said they were just a straight rock band with a bit of a darker side. I said, okay. NM.
Joe Jackson – Joe Jackson’s Jumpin’ Jive — 1981 album from Jackson of a lot of swing and jump blues tunes. I like Joe Jackson. I like jump blues and swing. VG+.
We started the music section back on this week’s episode of The Less Desirables which is sponsored by Underdog Records. Don’t forget to register to get in on the lottery for RSD Drop 2 coming September 26. Use Discogs to track your collection and buy albums to add to it.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “When I’m out walking, I strut my stuff and I’m so strung out. I’m high as a kite. I just might stop to check you out.” – “Blister In The Sun” (Gano)
Yesterday was a good day. The weather was perfect, the day was perfect. The BCPF and I got up and enjoyed a “Staycation” day, going to Underdog Records, eating lunch at The Porch, listening to records all afternoon. It was fantastic. We got some good stuff. Here’s the haul:
Elliott Smith – Elliott Smith — A hardcover book of Elliott Smith’s second (self-titled) album with 2xLP and handwritten lyrics and a lot of cool stuff. The BCPF is a Elliott Smith fanatic. New.
Mad Season – Above — Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, lead singer Layne Staley of Alice in Chains, drummer Barrett Martin of Screaming Trees and bassist John Baker Saunders. They only released one album and this is it. Two of those guys (Staley and Saunders) died of heroin overdoses in 2002 and 1999 respectively. 2xLP, gatefold. New.
The Rolling Stones – Goats Head Soup — The follow-up to my least favorite (yet somehow most critically acclaimed) Stones album, Exile on Main Street. This is much better. I mean, I actually like this one and it doesn’t make my skin crawl. This past Monday was the album’s 47th anniversary and this is the 2xLP version that has the original album plus outtakes and alternative versions. The album sounds great, too. New.
EOB – Earth — EOB is Ed O’Brien, guitarist for Radiohead. This is his debut solo album and we haven’t heard it yet, but people have been saying good things about it. New.
The Cure – The Head On The Door — The sixth album from The Cure, this celebrated it’s 35th anniversary last week. This is a great album. It has the singles “InBetween Days” and “Close To Me” but the whole thing is worth it and the deeper cuts are just as good as the “hits.” New.
Various – The Great Big Band Vocalists — The release year for this is unknown, not only to me but to Discogs as well. It features Les Brown with Doris Day, Guy Lombardo with Bing Crosby, and much more. I’m going to say this is NM because, while it’s old (definitely from the mid-to-late 60s to early-70s), it’s still sealed and even the cover is in great shape if you don’t count slight discoloration. So I’m going with New/NM.
So, that’s the haul. Not as much as last week but last week was a ridiculously special day. Jonathan did a fantastic job with the RSD things last week and we had a great discussion about it at the store. He’s still doing deliveries during the early parts of the week and open Thursday-Saturday in the store. He’ll do curbside, too, if you call him. The lottery for RSD Drop 2 is coming next weekend. Follow Underdog Records on social media or drop by the store to find out more about RSD Drop 2. And use Discogs to track your collection, or as I did before (and did this week), use it to purchase hard-to-find items you need in your collection.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “I’ve waited hours for this. I’ve made myself so sick, I wish I’d stayed asleep today. I never thought this day would end. I never thought tonight could ever be this close to me.” – “Close To Me” (Smith)
Yesterday was a national holiday for record collectors, although it didn’t feel like it. In recent years, I would have camped out overnight in front of Underdog Records in anticipation of Record Store Day. And, it would have been mid- to late-April. But, all that went out the window with C-19. RSD was postponed and then they decided to do it in three drops. One each in August, September, and October. Jonathan did the right thing and set it up in a lottery system where interested parties registered to enter. There were over 100 entries, maybe close to 200. Only 36 slots were available: 3 people every 15 minutes from 8am (the normal start time for RSD) and 11am. Underdog then closed and Jonathan took an inventory of the leftovers and, also for the first time, he was able to sell RSD titles online the day of.
I was lucky enough to draw one of the spots. I was a 1015am slot. No overnight camping was allowed, which I don’t mind missing at all, I just missed hanging with my friends. And, no mad scramble for records, although with our crew (or Crüe as we call it), it was fun to do that together. All of these are new and I include (where applicable) the limited issue. So, with that in mind, here’s the haul:
Ace Frehley – Trouble Walkin’ — Record Store Day 2020 first release, limited to 2,400. 2XLP, 45 RPM, Yellow/Orange splatter. First time on vinyl since 1989. I only owned it on CD, much later.
The Cure – Bloodflowers — Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release, limited to 7,500 copies. 2xLP, Limited Edition, Picture Disc, Reissue. I don’t usually do picture discs because a) they sound atrocious and b) they tear the poop out of my needle. But, this album isn’t available on vinyl right now unless you find an old copy.
Judas Priest – British Steel — Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release, limited to 3,500. 2xLP, Single Sided, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue. Side A is on Record 1, and Side B is on Side A of Record 2. Sides B & D are printed on creating the illusion of a picture disc. Tracklisting on the packaging differs from what is listed on RSD’s website. I’m not sure how this works, I haven’t opened the albums. I got this mainly for the collectability of it.
Throwing Muses – Purgatory Paradise — Record Store Day 2020 first release, limited to 950 copies. 2xLP, Reissue. I don’t know that this album (released in 2013) was released on vinyl originally. I think that’s what the first release means. This was a pick from The BCPF.
k.d. lang – Drag — Record Store Day Aug 2020 edition. Smoky grey vinyl. 2xLP, 3 sides recorded, side 4 etched “drag.” Special Edition. k.d. lang (I love the lowercase styling) has an amazing voice.
Fight – A Small Deadly Space — Record Store Day 29 Aug 2020 exclusive. First-ever vinyl reissue. Limited Edition, Red & Black Marble. For those who don’t know, Fight was the band that Rob Halford started after he left Judas Priest in 1992. This is their second album.
Martin Denny – Exotic Moog — Limited Edition, Reissue, Orange. Record Store Day 2020 exclusive, limited to 1,500 copies. Originally released in 1969.
Tones On Tail – Pop — Limited Edition, Reissue. RSD 2020 Release. Limited to 1500 copies. We didn’t get this from Underdog Records. I had talked to someone from the Crüe that I knew had an earlier time slot and I knew that this was on his list. Another part of RSD is you’re only allowed to buy one of each title. I also didn’t know how many copies Jonathan got in, so another member of the Crüe had to go to another store (he didn’t get drawn) and was first in line (that store did allow people to gather) and picked it up for me. This was The BCPF’s “must-have” from the list.
Al Green – Green Is Blues — Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Green/Blue Split, 180g. First released for Record Store Day 2020 with an initial pressing of 3,000 copies, of which 500 were sold in the UK. Housed in a tip-on jacket. This means the pictures are glued onto the card stock.
The Pale Fountains – Longshot For Your Love — Compilation, Limited Edition, Reissue. RSD 2020 release reissue limited to 900 Copies. Black vinyl disc issued in a gatefold sleeve. With inner sleeve featuring liner notes & lots of photographs. This was confusing. Musically it is amazing. Vocally it was awful. The music wins.
Roxy Music – Roxy Music — Reissue, Clear, 180 Gram, Gatefold. Record Store Day 2020 exclusive release, limited to 4,000, gatefold cover. This release is listed as “Roxy Music – The Steven Wilson Stereo Mix“ on RSD’s website, but that title does not appear on the front cover or spine. So, I don’t know if it really is the Steven Wilson stereo mix or not. Some copies with “Made in the Czech Republic” sticker on the back. Mine had that. The debut album from the band in 1972.
Gorillaz – G Sides — Compilation, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, 180g. Limited to 15,000 worldwide copies according to Record Store Day. Printed inner sleeve. I don’t have any Gorillaz and I don’t know a single tune by them. I figured now is a good time to listen to some of it.
Pretenders – Live! At The Paradise Theater, Boston, 1980 — Limited Edition, Reissue, Clear / Red. RSD Drop, August 29, 2020 release. Limited edition of 6500 copies. It’s in a vinyl plastic sleeve that smells like pool floats and beach balls. I dug it. The record is awesome, too.
Tom Tom Club – Genius of Live 2020 — Compilation. Record Store Day 2020. Exclusive limited to only 1200 pressed on yellow vinyl.
Dio – Annica — 12″. Picture Disc. Officially released on August 29th, 2020 for Record Store Day. The sticker still lists the date for RSD as April 18, 2020, which was postponed. Limited to 3000 copies. Again, this is more for the collectibility of it than to listen to. I’m not a fan of 12″ single nor picture discs (as I stated).
Def Leppard – Rock N Roll Hall of Fame — Limited Edition, Special Edition. Released for the first Record Store Day “Drops” 2020. Limited to 4000 copies. Includes a hype sticker. Recorded last year in the Barclay Center during their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
Ultravox – Sleepwalk — 12″, 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Clear. Record Store Day 2020 edition: first time on UK 12″. Cover sticker states Ultravox. 40th Anniversary. 12″ Clear Vinyl Exclusive Sleepwalk. Limited Edition Record Store Day. Rear Cover states: Taken from the 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of VIENNA. Note: only one pressing of this has been manufactured for worldwide distribution and there are no separate releases for any specific country. 1,200 copies only.
New Riders Of The Purple Sage – Field Trip — Limited Edition, Black. Recorded live at Temple Meadow – Veneta, Oregon August 27, 1972. Taken directly from the original 16-track analog master reel-to-reel tapes running at 15 I.P.S. Previously released as “Veneta, Oregon August 27, 1972” (KUFALA Recordings- KUF 0088) in 2004. Record Store Day Release limited to 1500 copies. I know this is probably a blasphemous statement, but I have never heard of NRPS other than some passing something here and there. I don’t know that if I ever had heard it or anything from them, I wouldn’t know it was them. So, why not check it out?
Various – Girls In The Garage Volume 8 — Compilation, Limited Edition, Numbered, Special Edition. Some of the artists on this are Claire Lane, The Beas, The Liverbirds, Marilyn Mattson, Shammy And The Famous Ruis Family, Die Sweetles, What Four and Judy Came, just to name a few.
The next two were not part of the RSD releases but we picked them up while we were in the store:
Fantastic Negrito – Have You Lost Your Mind Yet? — My Kousin Gary turned me on to this during the recording of Asylum: The Tales from the Devereaux Diaries podcast last week. It’s hard to put him in a genre but you can include, blues, R&B, and some roots stuff. It’s a great listen and The BCPF loved it as well. New.
Rolling Blackouts C.F. – Hope Downs — The BCPF really liked the first album we got from Rolling Blackouts C.F. (which was their second album) so she wanted this one (their first), too. New.
I know this was all long and I won’t go into any long-winded diatribe things. Checkout Underdog Records’ website, listen to Asylum: Tales from the Devereaux Diaries podcast (and The Less Desirables and The Man Who Ate the Town and… well, the whole TLD Network) and use Discogs for cataloging and collecting!
Until tomorrow, whew! Keep spininn’!
Scorp out!
— “Have you lost your mind yet? To get free tonight, ah. To all of your friends that come over, uh. And get free tonight, uh. Clap your hands in time. Get free tonight, yeah. Now the whole world is watching. Get free tonight. It’s your mind, body and soul food tonight. Let your mind, body and soul feel it tonight.” – “Chocolate Samurai” (Dphrepaulezz)
