Tag Archives: Sufjan Stevens

Spinning Monday or: The Haul 6/20/20

22 Monday Jun 2020

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Salutations™!!

Saturday took The BCPF to my happy place, Underdog Records. This week’s haul is short but just being there is enough to make me giddy. Thank you, Jonathan, for making it a great visit every time. Okay, so I’m a day behind because of the holiday yesterday so let’s get to it!

Sufjan_Stevens_-_Illinois

©Asthmatic Kitty

  • Sufjan Stevens – Illinois — The BCPF introduced me to Sufjan when we were just friends. She put “Casimir Pulaski Day” on a mix CD for me. I like that song. Sufjan is an odd bird, quirky, kooky and very talented. This is a concept album all about Illinois-ish. Great album. New.
  • Yo La Tengo – Stuff Like That There — From the Matador Records website: “On this album, the band revisits the original concept of their 1990 album Fakebook with a mix of cover songs, “covers” of Yo La Tengo songs and brand new originals.” Another that I was introduced to before The BCPF and I dated. New.
  • Band Of Horses – Everything All The Time — I know I say this every time I post a new-to-us Band of Horses album. They’re so wispy and airy. Another favorite of The BCPF and yet another that I got to know before we dated. I see a pattern that I didn’t know about on Saturday. Hmmm… VG++/EX
  • Art Tatum – More Of The Greatest Piano Of Them All — Art Tatum was a popular jazz pianist that has been dead more years that I have been alive. But, I love jazz piano so we’ll love this, I’m sure. VG/VG+.
  • Deodato – Prelude — Deodato is more than a composer and performer, he’s an arranger and producer, too. This album contains his pop-inspired cover of Richard Strauss’ “Also Sprach Zarathustra” which we all know as the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey. But, did you know that his daughter is married to Stephen Baldwin and his granddaughter is married to Justin Bieber? You do now. Really, I bought this album because I got tired of seeing it at Underdog Records. I enjoyed the listen, so I’m glad I got it! VG+.
  • The Northern Pikes – Big Blue Sky — The only thing I’d ever heard from The Northern Pikes was their song “She Ain’t Pretty.” I loved the song and the video. That song isn’t on this album but that’s okay. This was a fantastic listen. Straight-forward power-pop and I dug it. I’m glad I found it. VG+.

Jonathan is back to Thursday-Saturday regular hours, now. He is still doing deliveries Mondays through Wednesday as long as it’s not raining, which over the last few weeks… meh. But, you should watch his Instagram and Facebook pages (Underdog Records’ pages, that is) to see what he’s getting in, has gotten in and taking out! Buy new vinyl day or night at the Underdog Records website. We will get back to a special of the week when things settle down at TLD. I use Discogs to curate my collection and you should too, no matter the format.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Hear that lonesome whippoorwill, he sounds too blue to fly. The midnight train is whining low. I’m so lonesome I could cry.” – “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (Williams)

Spinning Monday or: The Listen 5/9/20

11 Monday May 2020

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Salutations™!!

Yep, I am a day behind on this because yesterday was Mother’s Day.

So, Underdog Records is still “closed” and Jonathan says that while he does see reopening in the near future, it will still be several weeks, and procedures within the store will be different. He’s doing a shload of deliveries right now, though. Head over to the Underdog Records website, or follow on Instagram (Jonathan’s preferred method) and Facebook to see what you can purchase.

And, per usual, this week’s streaming listens comes from Discogs’ shuffle feature and it has to be an album that I own on vinyl (outside of peripheral things like Beeswax Vinyl & More listens), that way it’s like listening to my vinyl but with headphones from my computer whilst The BCPF works 10 feet away. Here’s the list:

collageA51020

©record companies/not me

That’s a pretty good “listen” list, I think. Not my favorite Prince album and I’m not a huge Springsteen fan, but overall, it was enjoyable.

Then there were the ones that The BCPF and I listened to on Saturday on vinyl:

CollageC51020

©record companies/not me

That was a really good listening session, other than I need to find a better copy of Running on Empty because that was clearly a $1 bin find and is in really bad shape. Almost unlistenable at times. So, it’s on my hunt list, I guess.

I cannot wait to flip through the used records again. I want to buy a lot of them! I have an impressive collection now but that’s not enough. I want more! Part of the experience is the ability to collect. We’ll work on it. Patience, old man… patience.

Again, check out Underdog Records’ social and web stuffs. Buy records. Use Discogs to keep track of your collection and use it’s groovy (see what I did there) shuffle feature.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice. If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill. I will choose a path that’s clear, I will choose freewill.” – “Freewill” (Peart/Lee/Lifeson)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 8/18/18

19 Sunday Aug 2018

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Salutations™!!

We changed up our routine yesterday a bit because Mary’s Gourmet Diner was on vacation. We went to Underdog Records first and then went to a new place to eat breakfast/lunch. You’ll need to watch The Man Who Ate the Town blog (and listen to the podcast) to find out more about that experience. I will just say, “WOW!!!!” Okay, here’s the haul:

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©Asthmatic Kitty

  • Lambchop – What Another Man Spills — The BCPF is a huge fan of Lambchop (is a band) and when Jonathan included this in his “flip video” on Friday, she went nuts because she didn’t see it until around 8 hours after he posted it. She figured that was a lost opportunity. It wasn’t. It was still there. This is a remastered 2xLP in a pea green and peacock blue (one each) and the artwork is just a black cover, as opposed to the slightly more colorful original. This was the first time this has ever been on vinyl and it’s a promo copy. NM.
  • Squirrel Nut Zippers – Hot — Another that The BCPF was gaga over. She loves this band and her brother went to high school with someone from SNZ. It was VG+ and a fun listen. Even the production sounded like it was from the swing heyday.
  • Sufjan Stevens – Carrie & Lowell — Yet another for The BCPF. When I think of “her music,” I think of Elliott Smith first, Belle & Sebastian second and Sufjan Stevens third. We have a few albums by him and while I don’t have a wide knowledge of his stuff, I am going to say this is my favorite. There’s a lot of emotion on here and it was therapy for him by the loss of his mother (Carrie) who abandoned him when he was about one. They had connections later, I think, and Lowell (Sufjan’s stepfather) actually co-founded Asthmatic Kitty Records with Sufjan. A funny line in one of the lyrics which was presumably about Lowell and was “Emerald Park, wonders never cease. The man who taught me to swim, he couldn’t quite say my first name. Like a Father, he led community water on my head, and he called me ‘Subaru.'” This was VG++.
  • Paul McCartney – Tug Of War — Not my favorite Macca albums but it does have some good stuff on it. The title track, “Take It Away” and “Ebony and Ivory” were some of my faves. VG+.
  • Bee Gees – 2 Years On —  The only one we didn’t get to listen to yesterday of this haul. We will today. I don’t know much about the album other than it only sold around 375k copies. Which is way more than I’ve sold but still… Robin Gibb had had a spat with his brothers a couple of albums before and had left. He came back for this one. Okay. VG+.
  • Queen – Hot Space — Often considered the “awful” Queen album, I didn’t mind it. It’s not the Queen we were used to at this point but it wasn’t bad. I equate it to KISS’ Music from ‘The Elder.’ Not what you thought it would be but in hindsight? It’s decent. The production is very synth-heavy. On The Game, Queen had “discovered” the OB-X from Oberheim. That kind of turned Freddie on and he led the band in this direction. The other band members have voiced how much they really weren’t happy with it and David Bowie had done some backing vocals for a tune or two and asked that they be removed just before the album went to press. Of course, “Under Pressure” featured Bowie’s vocals, but that was recorded before the album. VG- according to Jonathan, but it was in good listening shape.
  • Crowded House – Temple Of Low Men — As I said on social media, I have never heard a Crowded House song I didn’t like and this is no exception. The band always puts out quality stuff and this is one fantastic album. As our pal, Neil says, “Better Be Home Soon,” “Into Temptation,” “Mansion in the Slums,” “Love This Life,” “Kill Eye,” “Sister Madly,” all great tunes from this album. I agree with him. VG- but again, in really good shape.

So, the haul was small but we got great stuff. Nothing on the RS list but that’s okay. Jonathan had to close the Underdog Records for a few days this past week because he was sick but he’s back and better. We loved our finds (all in the recently used bin) and made it out to do some good listening with good stuff. I didn’t get a good look at what all was in there because we were in a hurry, but you know you can always find cleaning and listening supplies, some new and a lot of used equipment, including a set of Pioneer speakers for $150 for the pair (I think). There’s lots of good stuff there and you already know that by now. Go check him out.

And, you know by now that I use Discogs to catalog my collection and to buy used (and sometimes new) records that Jonathan can’t get.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“In the afterlife, you could be headed for the serious strife. Now you make the scene all day, but tomorrow there’ll be Hell to pay.” – “Hell” (Maxwell)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul – Record Store Edition

22 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by in Records, Silent Sunday

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Salutations™!!

So, the thing I want to say first is this: as much as I don’t mind the cold, sitting outside when the temperature drops to 41° and the wind comes barreling in at 3:45am in the morning and you’re in line for the Super Bowl of Records and Vinyl. That “ish” sucks like a Hoover. But, that’s exactly what we did right outside of Underdog Records. The BCPF and I camped along with a few of our vinyl friends all night Friday night/Saturday morning to be the first four (actually six but two pairs and two individuals) in the door to make sure we get our wants/wishlist filled for Record Store Day.

They'reallgonnalaughatyou

©Warner Bros.

 

We went to eat at Mary’s Gourmet Diner directly after and then we went home and crashed for FIVE hours. We got up and listened a little before heading to Willows Bistro to have dinner with friends of ours, The Johnsons. Anywhat! You came for the list, right? I will say that all of these are brand new/NM (because I’m opening them). I’ll also put down who wanted and/or picked it up (Scorp/The BCPF). Here is the list:

  • Fleetwood Mac – The Alternate Tango In The Night – I love the original Tango in the Night. I was kind of disappointed with this. I mean, it’s good, but I was hoping for true alternate takes of “Big Love” and “Everywhere.” There were cool things on it, but I didn’t get my full satisfaction out of it but that’s okay. I’ll listen over and over anyways. This was my top RSD priority. (Scorp)
  • Living Colour – “Live From CGGB’s” Tuesday 12/19/89 – Actually picked up by The BCPF. She saw them open for the Rolling Stones on this tour and wanted to capture it. I’d think it was a little out of her wheelhouse but I was happy she got it. I have always loved what I’ve heard from Living Colour. 2xLP. (The BCPF)
  • The Cure – Mixed Up – A remastered remix album that came out on my 20th birthday (which, by the way, means 1990) and The BCPF loved it. It’s on a 2xLP picture disc set and it’s pretty awesome. I loved the remixes, too. I hadn’t heard them before.  2xLP. (The BCPF)
  • The Cure – Torn Down: Mixed Up Extras 2018 – A sequel to the 1990 remix album Mixed Up. It is even more remixes, done by Robert Smith. 2xLP. (The BCPF)
  • Adam Sandler – They’re All Gonna Laugh At You! – My favorite Adam Sandler album. I got the only one that Jonathan got in. I don’t know how many he ordered but he only received one. I think it’s Sandler’s best. A mix of really great sketches and really good songs. There may be a clunker here and there but overall, it’s great! I’m glad I was where I was in line because the guy behind us wanted it and he drove all the way from New Bern to do his RSD shopping. Sorry, Jason. Looking at his haul though, I’d say he spent close to if not over $1000 that day, so I figured I saved him a few bucks. 2xLP. (Scorp)
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Ella At Zardi’s – Zardi’s Jazzland was a jazz-focused music venue in Los Angeles in the ’50s. It was world-famous and a lot of top-name jazz folks played there, including, Ella. There were only two of these that Jonathan got and it was a top priority for The BCPF, which because our pal Michael got the other, left our friend Bill out. Sorry, Bill. 2xLP (The BCPF)
  • Wilco – Live At The Troubadour L.A. 1996 – The BCPF is a Wilco fan and this is a 2xLP of the band in their heyday, at their peak. I like Wilco pretty well. It’s not my favorite but it is cool. (The BCPF)
  • The Sundays – Reading, Writing And Arithmetic – The absolute top priority for The BCPF, this completes the Sundays trilogy. It’s a reissue but she had them all on CD when she was younger. I’m glad she got it. (The BCPF)
  • Jeff Buckley – Live At Sin-é – The Sin-é Coffeehouse in Manhattan’s East Village was a jumping in point for a good amount of well-known musicians, including Mr. Buckley. This 4xLP is the complete version of his 4-song EP that was released in 1993. The “Legacy” collection (4xLP) was released in 2003 but only on CD. I could be wrong but I believe this is its first time released on vinyl. (The BCPF)
  • Madonna – The First Album – Picture disc of Madge’s first album with “Borderline,” “Holiday” and “Lucky Star.” It was surprisingly inexpensive. It will be fun listening to it. (The BCPF)
  • Neil Young – Roxy Tonight’s The Night Live – A live concert from Neil Young recorded in 1973, although the official release isn’t until next Saturday. Yay us for getting an early copy. It’s 2xLP but only three sides. The fourth side is etched. (The BCPF)
  • Pink Floyd – The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn – The mono version of the debut Pink Floyd album. I wasn’t going to get it but then I figured, I can’t not get it. I won’t get this chance again unless I am ready to pay 20% markup on them. I’ll admit this isn’t a favorite of mine but it is needed for the RS List (#347) but it’s a limited edition. (Scorp)
  • David Bowie – Welcome To The Blackout (Live London ’78) – As the title suggests, it’s live from 1978. Bowie wasn’t ever “not good” and I loved the late 70s/early 80s stuff. This is a 3xLP set, too. (Scorp)
  • David Bowie – Bowie Now – Compilation rerelease on white vinyl. (The BCPF)
  • Lou Reed – Animal Serenade – A 3xLP live album recorded in Los Angeles at the Wiltern Theatre in 2003 after The Raven. The show features a drummer-less band (including Mike Rathke on guitar/synth, bassist, vocalist Fernando Saunders, and the cello of Jane Scarpantoni). Reed delivers dramatic readings of some of his most compelling work. In addition, Anohni, of Antony and the Johnsons fame, contributes background vocals throughout and sings the lead on “Set The Twilight Reeling” and “Candy Says.” (The BCPF)
  • Duran Duran – Thanksgiving Live – The Ultra Chrome, Latex And Steel Tour – A 2xLP of Duran Duran on tour in 1997. (Scorp)
  • Duran Duran – Budokan – A brief live performance from Duran Duran in Japan. There are only nine songs, but they sound fantastic. Simon’s voice is on point and you can really hear everything coming through. (Scorp)
  • Dylan & The Dead – Dylan & The Dead – Just what it sounds like it would be. You can guess who picked this one up but I’ll give you a hint, it was not me. (The BCPF)
  • The Rolling Stones – Their Satanic Majesties Request – I’m very surprised this wasn’t on the RS List. A cool lenticular cover and gatefold packaging. I like KISS’ version of “2000 Man” better, but this isn’t bad. It’s on blue-splattered vinyl. (The BCPF)
  • Human League – Secrets – Vinyl debut and reissue of their 2001 album. (Scorp)
  • Sufjan Stevens – Mystery Of Love – 10″ transparent vinyl of Sufjan Stevens single from the soundtrack of Call Me By Your Name. (The BCPF)

So, by my count, that’s 13 for The BCPF and 7 for Scorp. Not a contest at all and it just is what it is. We both got what we wanted and that’s cool. The only thing I missed was the reissue of the Whitesnake ’87 album which I’ll find somewhere later. It was just a good haul. If I haven’t already told you how much we paid, privately, you’ll have to just guess. No reason to broadcast that, but I will say it was over $70.

Jonathan was swamped but in a great mood when we left, I hope it stayed that way and I hope he made all his money back and more. I believe he’s open today for a rare Sunday opening. That may have changed but may not have. Check the Underdog Records social media channels.

Surprisingly, Discogs had all of them in by the time I got to them, however, some were just the European versions (which should be about the same), so I’ll go looking for the US versions to make the collection listing more accurate. That’s it, I’m still tired and I’m out!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp is worn out!

—
“Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am home again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am whole again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am young again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am fun again.” – “Lovesong” (Smith/Gallup/Thompson/O’Donnell/Williams/Tolhurst)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 6/10/17

11 Sunday Jun 2017

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF’s and my journey to Underdog Records yesterday was a successful and fruitful one. We got some good stuff and since you’re reading, let’s just jump to it, eh?

Gene_Simmons_(album)_cover

©Casablanca Records/Universal Music Group

 

We listened to several of them yesterday and excluding the Gene Simmons album – because it’s Gene Simmons – and the Queen album, I was really, really impressed and happy with the Michael McDonald album. Great musicianship and production. But, Underdog was jumping yesterday and we had fun. If you’re into vinyl and haven’t been to Underdog Records, then shame on you. “I don’t have a turntable,” you say? Well, Underdog has you covered. They have turntables, receivers, and speakers for sale. Pick one and find a whole new joy in music. And, if you’re not using Discogs to curate your LP collection, then you’re also missing out. If (goodness forbid) something happens, you need to know what you had to turn in to insurance and to recollect if you are so inclined.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Happy listening!

—
“I keep forgettin’ we’re not in love anymore. I keep forgettin’ things will never be the same again. I keep forgettin’ how you made that so clear. I keep forgettin’.” – “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” (McDonald, Sanford, Leiber, Stoller)