Tag Archives: Spinning Sunday

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 1/30/21

31 Sunday Jan 2021

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Salutations™!!

©Up Records/Warner Bros

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

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

Spinning Monday? or: The Haul 10/6/19

07 Monday Oct 2019

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Salutations™!!

So, yeah, yesterday was a self-care day. So, I’m doing the Spinning thing today. We had a short “haul” list and Underdog Records will be closed this whole week because Jonathan is in dire need of a vacation. He’s taking that. Good for him. Here’s the haul:

uriah

©Mercury Records

  • The Replacements – Tim — The BCPF asked if I got this album because it was called “Tim.” I said I got it because it was on the RS list and I needed it. But, also because it was called “Tim.” Tim is #137 on the RS list and I really don’t remember much about it. We also didn’t have much listening time so we’ll get to it this week. New.
  • Wilco – Ode To Joy — The newest release from Jeff Tweedy and company. It was a bit dragging for me, but I think The BCPF liked it. New.
  • Bikini Kill – Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah — This is one of those things that The BCPF warned me about. “I have to warn you that this is might be pretty awful. But, it’s part of my high school memories.” I’ll give her that. It’s a reissue of the EP but with extra tracks, so it’s full LP length. New.
  • Bad Company  – Rough Diamonds — The last Bad Company album with the original lineup, including the last with Paul Rogers. He went on to do some solo stuff after this. The biggest tune on this is “Electricland.” VG++.
  • Uriah Heep – Look At Yourself — This is one of those albums that I had when I was a kid. I don’t know that I ever listened to it. I just liked the cover. That’s why I got it. It was in VG- condition, too. If I ever find my old records at my parents’ house, I’m sure this is with them.
  • Graham Parker And The Rumour – Stick To Me — The third studio album by Parker/Rumour. The original tapes were destroyed in the recording process by oxidation or something and they had to rush to rerecord everything. They had an 80-piece orchestra and everything. Nick Lowe was the producer and put it together hastily (like in a week’s time) and it is a really lo-fi album, although that’s not what Parker wanted. He said he didn’t like it at all, but now, once they got rid of the 80s-style Phil Collins drums in the 90s it was kind of grungy and that’s appealing to him, but at the time, nah. VG++.

Like I said, Underdog Records is closed this week because Jonathan is on vacation. The “official story” is that he won the lottery and moved to Morocco. That’s not what happened but thought it was funny. Of course, there is no TLD/UR special this week, either. I used Discogs to go through my choices this weekend, making sure we didn’t already have some of the things we got. A great tool.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“God, what a mess, on the ladder of success. Where you take one step and miss the whole first rung. Dreams unfulfilled, graduate unskilled. It beats pickin’ cotton and waitin’ to be forgotten. We are the sons of no one, bastards of young.” – “Bastards of Young” (Westerberg)

Spinning Monday or: The Haul 7/20/19

22 Monday Jul 2019

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Salutations™!!

So, yes, I’m a day late with this because I had to talk about something more important yesterday. But, here we are today. Let’s just get right into it.

Emergency1984

©Island Def Jam/De Lite

  • Alice In Chains – Dirt — One of my top 20 albums of all time. Front-to-back a fantastic album. Heavy and melodic. Deep and full of drug references that I don’t think I realized how intense they were at the time. It was like Layne Staley was asking for help and he probably was. Jerry Cantrell is a great songwriter and guitarist (and vocals). My faves on here are “Them Bones,” “Rooster,” “Down in a Hole,” “Angry Chair,” “Dam that River,” “Would?” New in 180g vinyl – Audiophile edition.
  • Michael Jackson – Bad — #203 on the RS list, it’s my second favorite MJ album. I listened to this one a lot. It was really the last album of his that I was really that interested in. Great songwriting and production! EX/VG++.
  • AC/DC – Let There Be Rock — AC/DC’s fourth studio album and one that brought them from the brink of extinction. I’m not a huge AC/DC fan as I’ve mentioned many times but I feel any real rock fan needs to have a few of their albums, right? The Canadian release of this album. EX/VG++.
  • The Shins – Wincing The Night Away — The Shins is one of those bands that The BCPF really digs. They are “indie rock” through and through. And from New Mexico. How about that? I enjoyed listening to this album. It was really great. VG+.
  • Iron + Wine – Our Endless Numbered Days — The BCPF is reading a book of the same title and the author thanks Sam Beam in the dedication. My favorite tune from this album is “Naked as We Come” which was put on a mix CD when The BCPF and I started talking. We saw him do his thing in McGlohon Theatre in Charlotte and it was a great show. VG+.
  • Jessica Lea Mayfield – Make My Head Sing… — This one confused me a bit. It was a little like Blossom Dearie with an edge. But, it was also some post-punk heaviness. There would be a couple of more laid back songs and then a heavy beater was thrown in from nowhere. I liked it, don’t get me wrong, but it was confusing. NM.
  • Okkervil River – Sleep And Wake-Up Songs — We got an Okkervil River album last week and it was great. We haven’t listened to this one, yet, but I’m betting it’s also a great one. EX/VG++.
  • Meat Loaf – Bat Out Of Hell — #343 on the RS list. Jim Steinman is a weird and wacky dude, but he is a heck of a songwriter and add that to Marvin Aday’s voice and you have a spectacular rock opera that really isn’t a rock opera. The album isn’t a cohesive story but it is epic in scope just based on the songwriting, singing style and orchestration. I believe this may be the Canadian edition. EX/VG++.
  • Eddie Murphy – How Could It Be — I had this on cassette because I still love “Party All the Time.” This is not a great album, but Murphy can actually sing and it’s entertaining. The title track could be my favorite song on the album. VG+.
  • Kool & The Gang – Emergency — I wore the ever-lovin’ crap out of this cassette when it came out. I then played the ever-lovin’ crap out of it on CD. Now I have it on vinyl and I will probably wear it out (at least the first side) here, too. It was my Kool & the Gang album. “Celebration” was a hit and I loved it, even had it on a “45” that had a crack in it that I made sure still lined up and playable. But, it was early for me to grab those albums. This was part of the RCA (eventually BMG) Record Club take I got. I loved it. It’s their biggest selling album with the title track, “Fresh,” “Misled,” “Cherish.” VG+.
  • REO Speedwagon – You Can Tune A Piano, But You Can’t Tuna Fish — I don’t know about album-wise but the title is one of the most iconic (and overused) musical references ever. “Roll with the Changes” and “Time For Me to Fly” are probably the album’s biggest hits. VG+.
  • REO Speedwagon – Wheels Are Turnin’ — I think of this as the “cheesy REO album.” I don’t know if that’s fair. I really don’t have a great knowledge of REO’s history or catalog other than what I have. I just know it has “I Do’ Wanna Know” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” which were both kind of cheesy, even if I do like them. VG++.
  • Stanley Black And His Orchestra – Spain — Orchestral versions of Spanish tunes. It’s a great Sunday listening album. Lots of tremolo style strumming and Spanish guitar with orchestrations overtop. Pretty much what the title says. It’s a fun listen. VG+.
  • Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Pictures At An Exhibition — This is a recording of the band’s arrangement of Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky, performed at Newcastle City Hall on 26 March 1971. According to Wikipedia, “Emerson wished to arrange the piece after seeing an orchestral performance of it several years before. He bought a copy of the score, and pitched the idea to Lake and Palmer, who agreed to adapt it.” I look forward to hearing it. It was a $1 bin find and I’d say it is in VG/VG+.
  • Various – Emotions — Another notch in my K-Tel collection. Dan Hill, Seals & Crofts, Paul Davis, England Dan & John Ford Coley, Crystal Gale, Commodores, Yvonne Elfman, Samantha Sang, Player and more. I didn’t even look at what was on it, I just looked that I didn’t have it. It’s a $1 bin find and I’d say in VG.

It was a great haul that day and we’ve enjoyed listening to what we have and I am happy with the take, really. Underdog Records was getting busy as we left, which we love seeing. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear what the TLD/UR special of the week is. Also, use Discogs to catalog and track your music collection(s)!

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“And all I can do is keep on telling you: I want you. I need you. But, there ain’t no way I’m ever gonna love you. Now don’t be sad ’cause two out of three ain’t bad.” – “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” (Steinman)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul (12/22/18)

23 Sunday Dec 2018

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a pretty big haul, but it was a cheaper haul. I’ll explain more as we go. But, it was fun just being at Underdog Records, as it always is. It’s my candy store. Here’s the haul:

51Kzr-D77vL._SY355_

©Warner Bros.

  • Siouxsie And The Banshees – Peepshow — The BCPF and I had a good long discussion about why she likes the “Dark Wave” stuff so much. I don’t know that we ever got to the bottom of it, but she just digs it. This was a reissue of their 1988 album. New.

So, from here on, all the albums are $1 bin finds and unless otherwise noted, they are all in VG condition (mostly after cleaning them up). So, here we go:

  • Pablo Cruise – A Place In The Sun — I only really knew one song by Pablo Cruise, who I thought was a guy. I didn’t realize that it was a band in which none of them were named Pablo Cruise. They were a quartet and would always joke that Pablo was the one in the middle. There is a story behind the name, at least minimally, that I won’t get into because, well, that’s not why we’re here. This is the one that has “Whatcha Gonna Do?” which was the song that I knew. This was in really good shape, so I would maybe even rate it VG+, but that may be pushing it.
  • Pablo Cruise – Worlds Away — The other Pablo Cruise that I got, this was the follow-up to A Place in the Sun.
  • Sanford And Townsend – Smoke From A Distant Fire — I will admit that I got this album only because either Ed Sanford or Johnny Townsend (I don’t know which is which), on the cover, looks like a young, chubby Clay Howard. The duo were well-known studio musicians (weren’t they all in the 70s?) and songwriters who co-wrote good songs. I haven’t listened to this so I don’t know what they sound like.
  • Atlanta Rhythm Section – A Rock And Roll Alternative — This album has “So Into You” on it and I like that song. That itself was worth the buck.
  • Jim Steinman – Bad For Good  — For those who don’t know, Steinman was the musical mind behind the songs for Meat Loaf. In fact, this was supposed to be the follow-up to Bat Out of Hell but because of Mr. Aday’s vocal problems, Steinman recorded it himself. Meat Loaf did do some of the songs on some of his later albums. The cover is pretty beaten up, but the LP looks to be VG.
  • Jackson Browne – For Everyman — Browne’s sophomore effort. It contains his version of “Take It Easy” which was co-penned by Glenn Frey.
  • Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road — Okay, trying this again. Every time I get this 2xLP album it’s pretty beaten up and I have to continue looking. This one doesn’t seem to be too bad, but I haven’t played it, yet, either. I’ll keep you informed.
  • Bob Dylan / The Band – Before The Flood — The first officially released live album by Dylan, it’s his 15th album overall and the seventh from The Band. I know nothing of it, so we’ll see about it. Also a 2xLP.
  • Todd Rundgren – Todd — The last 2xLP for today, it’s Rundgren’s fifth album. I liked Something/Anything? so I am hoping I like this, too.
  • Steely Dan – Countdown To Ecstasy — I love me some Steely Dan and this has “Bodhisattva” and “My Old School,” which, the latter I love.
  • Stanley Clarke / George Duke – The Clarke / Duke Project — Stanley Clarke. ‘Nuff said.
  • Savoy Brown – Hellbound Train — Jonathan asked if I had ever heard this album and I said no. He then said he wanted me to have it. So he gave it to me. We listened to it. It’s pretty good. It’s a blues-rock band from England. Nothing overly exciting for me. I didn’t dislike it, though. Thanks, J.

For your holiday shopping needs, Underdog Records will be open today, Sunday from 11-4 and Monday (Christmas Eve) from 10-3. And, the big thing now is gift certificates, so make sure you either get yours or tell your loved ones to get you one. Listen to The Less Desirables each week to hear what the TLD/UR special of the week is. And, use Discogs to catalog your music collection, be it vinyl, CD or even cassette.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“So you’re having trouble with your romance? Well, you better check it out before it goes, yeah. ‘Cause you might not be seeing things just the way you should. And you don’t recognize what everybody knows. Whatcha gonna do when she says goodbye? Whatcha gonna do when she is gone?” – “Whatcha Gonna Do?” (Jenkins/Lerios)

Spinning Sunday or: The (very short) Haul 9/29/18

30 Sunday Sep 2018

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Salutations™!!

Anothergreyarea

©Arista

Yesterday was “Parents’ Weekend” at Wake Forest University, so as anticipated, Mary’s Gourmet Diner was 30 folks deep outside the door so we’ll have to wait until next weekend to try the new menu there. The BCPF and I went on to Underdog Records, where we got a very short haul because it’s the end of the month and end of the quarter and that means funds are quite tight. So, here’s the “haul” if you can call it that…

  • Graham Parker – Another Grey Area — Graham Parker is the precursor to Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson and you can definitely hear it in his music. While this album came out after the others showed up, his influence is unmistakable. VG+.
  • The Motels – Little Robbers — Martha Davis has one of the best voices in pop, at least back in the early 80s. I haven’t heard her recently to know otherwise. But, this album is great and was a fun listen.

And, that’s it. Very short. And, we paid with quarters if that tells you how in a pinch we were. We spent the day catching up on other albums that we’ve purchased in the past few months but hadn’t a chance to listen to just yet. I will probably have a “Silent Sunday” next week as Underdog isn’t open this week as Jonathan and his best gal have gone on vacation and won’t be back until next Tuesday (at least at the store). Jonathan is in dire need of a vacation and I’m glad he’s going. We can catch up on back listening, perhaps. And, don’t forget that Underdog Records is THE Official Music Sponsor of The Less Desirables!

But, just because Underdog Records is closed, their website is open and you can order new vinyl 24/7/365. Jonathan said he was going to post some specials, so also continue to watch the Underdog social media for more on those.

And, while we stood in Underdog yesterday, I had my phone out with my Discogs app open. There were a few things that The BCPF found but I assured her we had them and weren’t missing out. But, also, we checked on the Motels album and we didn’t have it. So, keep up with your collection (CDs and cassettes, too) with Discogs. Use the randomizer feature, it’s fun.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“One summer never ends, one summer never began. It keeps me standing still, it takes all my will. And then suddenly last summer. Sometimes I never leave, but sometimes I would. Sometimes I stay too long, sometimes I would. Sometimes it frightens me, sometimes it would. Sometimes I’m all alone and wish that I could.” – “Suddenly Last Summer” (Davis)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 5/19/18

20 Sunday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

R-114636-1320261717.jpeg

©RCA

 

We didn’t walk yesterday because it was misting/drizzling and I hate being wet. I didn’t want to get caught up in the deluge. Anywhat! The BCPF and I still ate at Mary’s Gourmet Diner, went to Underdog Records, did a lot of record listening and met our friends at Willows Bistro last night. Here’s our haul:

  • The Sea And Cake – Any Day – A brand new release from this jazz-infused indie rock band. I had never heard of them but The BCPF is a fan and it was pretty cool. I liked it a good bit. New.
  • The Breeders – Last Splash – The second album from the Breeders, released in 1993. They reissued them this week but we found a VG++ used 2009 reissue and it sounded fantastic. Great album.
  • Pavement – Brighten The Corners – Another fave of The BCPF’s college days. The first side was bright and funny. I didn’t pay any attention to side two. Overall, I didn’t dislike it. VG+.
  • The B-52’s – The B-52’s – This is an original pressing of their 1979 debut album. It’s in VG++ shape. It was ranked on the RS List at #152. That’s impressive. They were game changers in the new wave/classic alternative scene. Great album.
  • Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Rust Never Sleeps – #351 on the RS List. I didn’t really care for it, I don’t think, the first time I heard it. I cared just a little more this time. I think my problem with him is his voice live. He’s always straddling the proper pitch and his voice kind of rakes on my nerves. Still, it was VG+ and I have another marked off the list.
  • Tchaikovsky – Boston Pops / Arthur Fiedler – Swan Lake – NM 1964 pressing.
  • Paul McCartney & Wings – Red Rose Speedway – Someone had just brought this in to sell and I snatched it up. It has one of my top 5 Mac songs on it (“My Love”) and it was in VG condition. The rest of the album is good but I love that one song.
  • Toto – Toto – First album from a talented group of session players. This is no Toto IV but that’s okay. It has “Hold the Line,” “I’ll Supply the Love” and “Georgy Porgy” on it, all of which were released as singles along with “Rockmaker.” VG+.
  • Elvis Costello And The Attractions – Trust – VG copy of Declan Macmanus’ fifth album. I know nothing of the album but The BCPF likes Elvis Costello. We saw him live way back in 2010 or 2011.
  • Taco – After Eight – Yes! That “Puttin’ on the Ritz” guy. The whole album is in that old school standards/pop genre that the Irving Berlin tune is in. I really, really enjoyed listening to it. VG+.
  • Dire Straits – Communiqué – VG copy of Dire Straits’ second album. I know nothing of this album but I know that I have really developed a love for Dire Straits’ music. So, I’m looking forward to listening to it.
  • Blondie – Eat To The Beat – “Dreaming” is probably the best-known tune on this album, but I hear it has some other fantastical wonders on it, as well. It was a $1, so there’s that. VG.
  • Supertramp – Crime Of The Century – I’m trying to find all the Supertramp I can. I dig them and it’s good rock/pop. The two songs I recognize by title only (I haven’t listened to it, yet) are “Dreamer” and “Bloody Well Right.” The cover was beaten up and totally came apart at the glue points. I reglued that with my hot glue gun and cleaned the album up. The vinyl was in VG/VG+ condition, but there is some surface noise. $1 bin find.

Jonathan had a big purchase day from the way he talked so there’s bound to be plenty of freshly stocked used albums coming through. Watch Underdog Records’ Instagram and Facebook for the latest on their new and used acquisitions and for specials. Also, check out the ad on The Less Desirables podcast every week to hear what the TLD/Underdog special is.

Also, I use Discogs to archive my collection. There were two records I had to look up whilst in Underdog Records, yesterday. One I had and the other I didn’t. So, that saved me the guessing game. I love this service.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Keep spinning!

—
“Here comes a stingray. There goes a manta-ray. In walked a jellyfish. There goes a dogfish chased by a catfish. In flew a sea robin. Watch out for that piranha. There goes a narwhal. Here comes a bikini whale!” – “Rock Lobster” (Pierson/Wilson/Schneider/Strickland/Wilson)