Tag Archives: The BCPF

Mercury Go Away or: Piggybacking the Retrograde

15 Monday Jul 2019

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Salutations™!!

What_When_Mercury_Retrograde

©Farmers Almanac

I have never taken much stock in this whole “Mercury in Retrograde” stuff that people talk about all the danged time. “It doesn’t affect me,” I said to The BCPF probably not a whole week ago. Today is a full immersion into the Mercurial retrograde experience. I lost files that I once thought I had found. The internet in The Lab at Industry Hill kept going out, my Mac is in dire need of repairs and/or replacement (who can afford that?) and the list goes on. But in all that, I did have a burger on the “Summer of Burgers” tour and produced three podcasts.

The Man Who Ate the Town welcomed back Daniel Butner from Carrabba’s to talk about the wine dinner for the next two weeks and other food news. It was a good show. Listen HERE.

On Fan Interference (yeah, it’s on a Monday for now) we had Logan Harvey, a former WFU baseball catcher join TC and Hailey Brooke to talk about his new app to help people find parking at events easier. You can listen HERE.

And, on The Beer Dads, Dad Paul found out he had to cut out caffeine, something that he said he’d give up beer before giving up. We all talk about how getting older forces you to change your habits. You can listen HERE.

So, while the day started off sucking the big one, it wasn’t too bad after all. Then again, the night is still young. Here’s hoping this retrograde thing fades away.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Mercury Retrograde is blamed for sowing complication and confusion in our everyday lives” – The Daily Express

Sounds Like Saturday or: The Haul 7/13/19

14 Sunday Jul 2019

Posted by in Records, Spinning Sunday

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a good day. The BCPF and I got up “early” and went to breakfast, then we ran to get a replacement battery for her phone and then headed to Underdog Records for some wax delights. We got some good stuff. It seems that the haul was slanted slightly toward The BCPF and that’s how most of it goes. That’s cool with me. “Happy wife” and all that. Here’s the haul:

Off_the_wall

©Epic Records

  • Drab Majesty – Modern Mirror — 2x45LP meaning they’re played at 45 RPM instead of the usual 33 1/3. Nowhere on that record can I find it conspicuously saying that it is 45. Oh well. Drab Majesty sounds a lot like old Depeche Mode or even New Order in spots. But, it has a modern feel to it as well. I hear songs from this when I was making the commercial for Underdog on TLD this week. It’s in an awesome clear blue vinyl (also available in clear red). New.
  • Versus – On The Ones And Threes — One of the first albums that I bought for The BCPF when we started “talking” was this album on CD. It had just come out and she made a big deal about “Versus is getting back together.” They had been apart for a while and got back together and did this album. It’s a good one. 2xLP. New.
  • Depeche Mode – When Love Is Enough (Early Demos) — She found this in the “Imports” section. It’s not an official release but is an awesome release. To hear the early demos of songs I’ve been listening to for a while was pretty awesome. At times Dave Gahan/Martin Gore sounded like some singer from the 40s on a phonograph or crank record player. Not great production but so fun to listen to. VG++.
  • Bob Dylan – Bob Dylan At Budokan — Seems like in the 70s everyone was doing an “At Budokan” album. This is Dylan’s. I skipped it because I really don’t like Dylan live, especially in this time period. It’s just gonna be some swooping and yelling, I’m sure. But, The BCPF didn’t skip it (I knew she wouldn’t) and here it is. VG++.
  • Various – A Very Special Christmas — This album was a big deal back in 1987 and it is sealed, so I had to get it. The album has been certified quadruple platinum and has raised millions of dollars for the Special Olympics. Like I said, “sealed” so technically it’s “new.”
  • Jeff Tweedy – Together At Last (Loft Acoustic Session I) — This is basically in NM condition and the only reason it wasn’t $20 is that the jacket spine has some damage. Tweedy is the lead singer for Wilco and this is some solo stuff. In fact, it’s considered his first “solo record.” NM.
  • Jeff Tweedy – Warm — This is his second solo record. NM.
  • Michael Jackson – Off The Wall — #68 on the RS List, it’s MJ and Quincy Jones doing their thing in 1979. Features the songs “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You” and a plethora of A-List songwriters including Jackson himself, Rod Temperton, Carole Bayer Sager, David Foster and Sir Paul McCartney among others. VG+.
  • Fleet Foxes – The Electric Lady Session — I generally stay away from 7″ and 10″ singles/45s but it’s Fleet Foxes and my girl love Fleet Foxes so I made sure to get it for her. VG+.
  • John Cougar – John Cougar — The third (technically fourth) album by John Mellencamp and the first that he wasn’t called “Johnny Cougar” and the first on Riva Records. I have to say that the big hit on this album, “I Need a Lover,” annoys me. Really, the only thing that annoys me is that the intro goes on forever, for no reason. The rest of the song is great. And, I have to say, this is probably one of my favorite Mellencamp albums. I loved every song on it and really enjoyed listening. I’m glad I have it. VG++.
  • Graham Nash – Songs For Beginners — I got this for The BCPF. She didn’t even know I had it until we got home. Yay me! VG.
  • Mantovani And His Orchestra – Italia Mia — $1 bin find. You know we scour the $1 bin (as well as the regular bins) to find music from different countries. We’re suckers for that, as I’ve stated ad nauseam. Even though most of the records in the $1 bin aren’t in the most pristine shape, this one didn’t even need to be cleaned. Jonathan doesn’t rate $1 albums but I’m stepping out and saying this is VG+.

Had a great visit at Underdog Records yesterday. Got to talk with Jonathan. Got to be around records, which I absolutely love. Got to talk about a-holes that park incorrectly in the parking lot across the street and how it messes up the symmetry of the rest of the day. Saw a friend whose name I can’t really remember right now, but she was buying records and I love when new collectors come and browse. Just a good day. Then the Cobras had a game and won 72-0 and Ma ‘Rents, and Aunt and Uncle and My Sis and Bro-in-Law got to hear me in action. Great day all around. Oh, listen to the newest The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week.

I also use Discogs to track my collection. I am not ashamed (nor sorry) that I held up the “freshly used” section to look at my Discogs to see if I had stuff. This is what I do, dang it! Just kidding-ish.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Well, Shakespeare threw down his pencil. Said, I think I’m gonna start layin’ brick. Too much of this Romeo stuff enough to make anybody sick. ‘To be or not to be,’ I mean, what’s that supposed to mean? I’m changin’ my image tomorrow. Be a groupie, make the scene.” – “Pray for Me” (Mellencamp/Bec Var)

Sparking the Ember or: Vinyltastic

28 Friday Jun 2019

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Salutations™!!

After a few too many years of being gone from WSNC, Ember Audio + Design is back and tonight was their first PVD night in the new space. PVD means Public Vinyl Demo and it’s basically a listening party.

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Ember Audio + Design

I never got to go to any of the ones they did when they were on Trade Street. I say didn’t get to go, but what I mean is, I just never got around to it. I didn’t know what to expect, really.

So, we just sat in on the listening party because we didn’t bring something to be played.  The cool thing about this listening party is that you get to hear your own or other people’s favorite or interesting musical finds on an audio system that chances are you are never going to own. That’s not a bad thing, high-end hi-fi systems are super expensive, sure, but man, there’s something about hearing vinyl (which already sounds better than other media) on a system that probably costs in the 10s of thousands of dollars (I’m guessing here). Deep booming lows. Crisp and clear highs. Lush and rich strings and choirs. It’s like a blanket covering you with aural comfort, warming the cockles of your heart.

But, the store isn’t only about high-end audio equipment. Ember Audio + Design’s Facebook page says they are also: “Modern Furniture and Accessory retailer, featuring work from local and national designers, and audio gear from all over the world. We seek brands that offer the highest performance for the value – companies that have their own design teams in-house, and more often than not, manufacture everything themselves.”

The BCPF and I had a great time listening to this PVD and are already contemplating what we are taking to the next PVD session at the new store.

To Chris and Jamie Livengood, you guys have a great new place and I’m so glad to be part of Industry Hill with you and I look forward to a lot of PVD sessions, too. You should check them out, Dear Reader!! Also, keep an ear out for when Jamie and Chris come on The Less Desirables to talk with us more about the store and give you more info about what Ember Audio + Design is all about!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“In an effort to bring the best sound quality, ease of use, and design elements together, we’ve brought on the very best options at every price point – so, whether you’re just buying your first turntable, or finishing your journey off with the perfect listening chair, we’ve got you covered.” – EMBER Audio + Design.

Unchain the Chain or: Dat’s Good

04 Tuesday Jun 2019

Posted by in Food, Life as We Know It, The Less Desirables Network

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Salutations™!!

Tonight, The BCPF, Beer Dad Paul, his wife Susan, Ray from TMWATT and his wife Whitney all went to hang out at Carrabba’s Italian Grill with my pal, the Proprietario Daniel Butner. You’ll read more about this later this week on the food blog.

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Daniel Butner

I want to say that yes, I have a problem with restaurant chains. I have for the last 10-15 years. There are many reasons why. Inferior food. Usually crappy service. The money is generally part of some corporate entity that ships a great chunk of the revenue the restaurant makes to someplace in the midwest, removing most of it from the local economy. And, probably the biggest problem is that the restaurant is only about money and not about the community.

I can tell you that while Carrabba’s is a chain, Daniel is all about the community. I know what you’re saying, sure, Sure he is. Well, let’s go with this, then. His last name Butner and his 3-4x grandfather was one of the Butners that moved from Pennsylvania to Bethabra and then on to form Salem. He was the founder of the bakery in Salem and his great-great-great something uncles were Butner’s Hat Shoppe owners. So, fast forward these many years and he is owning a franchise in the town that his family helped to found. And, he does a lot of charity work for non-profits and other community needs. He’s a remarkable man. And, he has a beard that even I am envious of.

I’ve not really touched on the food because I’m saving that for the food blog, as I said. I just wanted to talk about how this “chain” changed my mind on what a chain is, or in Daniel’s words, “what a responsible chain looks like.” I will be back at Carrabba’s soon. I recommend you try it, too. Let me tell you one thing, the filet is to die for!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Carrabba’s Italian Grill was founded in Houston, TX by Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola in December of 1986, who set out to create a restaurant experience where people felt like guests in their home.” – Carrabba’s

Cheers to a Dynasty or: Endings

23 Thursday May 2019

Posted by in KISS, Music Review, Records

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Salutations™!!

Note: HERE THERE BE SPOILERS!!!

Last night, The BCPF and I finished Cheers (finally). So these spoilers are for a show that ended 27 years ago, so I think we’re safe.

Cheers_intro_logo.jpg

©NBC

We have been at it for around a year. I don’t know if it is over or under. I’m figuring over. But, while I think the ending was good, the reasons I thought it was good, is even better. First off, they did bring back a major character, Diane for a little closure of that chapter. I loved a line by Woody around 6 episodes from the end, while Cliff, Norm, Woody and Frasier were watching a Godzilla film at a drive-in that was going to close. He said he couldn’t understand why an actress would leave a successful series in the middle. A shot or homage, take your pick, I think a bit of both. Anywhat, Diane came back and then left again. That’s good.

Another reason I liked it is what I wish shows this day would employ as when it ends. They didn’t kill everyone off, they didn’t have them all moving away to places they won’t see each other again (I’m talking to you Friends), they simply had each person walk out of the bar to go home to their lives. Sam walked into the darkness to the pool room, and it was done. You felt like tomorrow, Norm, Cliff, Carla, Woody, Frasier, Paul, Phil and maybe even Rebecca would be right back, even though Becs did get married to Tom Berenger’s plumber character, Don. I just thought it was simple and unassuming. I really liked it.

The other thing to talk about, really quickly, is that KISS’ Dynasy turned 40 today. I’ve told the story about it and me before. Go search that in the search bar above. I’m not going into a lot of detail about it. It was their “disco emergence” and the album that threw a lot of people off the KISS train. I like it a lot but like the follow-up, Unmasked, even better. The transition KISS album turned 40. Wow, I’m getting old.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“And in the night, in the crowd, she’ll be there as she prances by your watch, while your dreams fade away.” – “Magic Touch” (Stanley)

I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry or: The First

21 Tuesday May 2019

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Salutations™!!

For the first time in almost nine years, I’ll sleep in my bed alone. The BCPF is out of town on her first trip for work. She’ll be back tomorrow, but still…

Dark_Side_of_the_Moon

©Harvest

I have been out of town once, for three days I think when Eugene and I went to Richmond to spend the weekend with Brian. But, this is the first time I’ve been without her overnight. I have gotten used to her being at her mom’s house on Thursdays, but she comes home. I’ve already taken my pills, something she usually makes sure I do. She and I did get to do a little video chat but I already miss her. I’ll quit sulking now.

I am getting to listen to Pink Floyd out loud, something I don’t get to do with her home for reasons that are part of a long story. She likes Floyd but doesn’t like to listen to some of it. So, I’m revisiting Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here. I love those albums. Anywhat! I have a weird day tomorrow, but I’ll talk to you then.

Until then, same blog channel…
Scorp’s alone.

—
“Forward he cried from the rear and the front rank died and the general sat nd the lines on the map moved from side to side.” – “Us and Them” (Waters/Wright)

A Change of Plans or: Happy Mother’s Day

12 Sunday May 2019

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Salutations™!!

I’ll do my “haul” post tomorrow. Today is about honoring the mothers in the world.

My own mother, who on here I call Ma Mère is one of my best friends. Yeah, she carried me for 9 months. Yeah, she always made sure I was cared for. Yeah, she has always been there for me. She always taught me to be the best me I could. She taught me I can do anything I set out to do. She said I was her superhero. Yeah, I love that woman. I worked with her for 26 years and I still only live less than two football fields away from her. I need to spend more time with her. I can’t be this close and not be there more. 000mothers day

To my wife, The BCPF, just because you didn’t birth 3B doesn’t mean you’re not a mother, parent, carer, provider and you deserve major kudos and celebration today… and, every day. You have gone above and beyond what many stepparents have. You’re a great wife, a great partner, a great Steph-mom and I love you dearly. My kid does, too, even if he doesn’t always show it.

To my sister, we have always had a lot of fights and arguments and man, sometimes you can be a pain in the arse, but you’re my favorite pain in the arse. You’re a good mom to my nephews and a good wife to my bro-in-law (bless him). You do so much and I love you for it.

To my mother-in-law, thank you for giving me the work of art that is your daughter. She is the only reason I’m alive to this day and I thank and love you for it.

To my ex-wife. Yes, my ex-wife, the mother of my only child. You’re a great mom to my boy and he loves you immeasurably. He hates that he doesn’t get to see you as much as he’d like but you know he loves you. Thank you for being his rock and for giving him to me.

To all my friends who are mothers, to all my friends who have lost their mothers (she’s still there with you), to all my friends who have been called “mutha,” I love ya and hope today is a great day.

Until tomorrow, happy Mother’s Day…
Scorp out!

—
“I got to grow up with a mother who taught me to believe in me.” – Antonio Villaraigosa

The True End of an Era or: Truly Trivial

07 Tuesday May 2019

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Salutations™!!

Tonight we had the very last trivia night at Finnigan’s Wake. Attendance has been waning for the last few years and for the last 9 months or so we have had two regular teams, Daphne’s Free Kittens (ours) and Silverware Burrito (aka Cicada/Monkee Voodoo/Macaque Magic/Simian Sorcery) the team that has also been around for a long time. Finnigans_Wake_Logo_2

Trivia Night at Fins started in the spring of 2007 and Opie did it the first night, but kept getting called away to take care of stuff. The next week, a friend of mine, Stephanie H. did the questions but didn’t really want to continue to do it all the time, so I said I’d do it. I changed some rules, changed the structure, made it into three separate 10-question categories, the second always “Random Acts of Trivia.” History, music, movies, food, geography, science, religion, television, and so on. I was the quizmaster from 2007 until 2011 when I was finishing up my degree. I came back early 2012 for about 3 weeks before I had my heart scare and was out until mid-to-late 2012. We came back as players and I realized I didn’t want to do the questions regularly but did do them a few times when needed. I did probably close to 7800 trivia questions. We at Fins along with Foothills had the first pub trivia nights in WSNC.

In late 2009/early 2010, I met this beautiful woman at trivia and she and I would hang out after trivia every Tuesday and many of those would be until Fins closed. I would do what I could to keep this woman at Fins into the night. I enjoyed our time. We ended up having a “standing date” every night at 11:10pm on Facebook. That woman was The BCPF. So, yeah, we met at Finnigan’s Wake at trivia. We even got married on a Tuesday because that’s the day we met.

Opie has been doing the trivia with a few guest-quizmasters here and there (The BCPF did last week’s trivia) but has kept everything going as long as he could. However, with the waning attendance for so long, it’s just not feasible to keep it going. Opie said they’d been debating this for a while.

The truth of the matter is, Jim, The BCPF and I had only been going so we could hang out together. Add that with the other team and our funning ribbing back and forth and, of course, getting to hang with Opie a bit because he’s a cool dude. So, we have discussed and plan on still getting DFK together regularly and having a trivia Rendez-Vous or game night or dinner or bevvies once a month or so. I hope we keep this up.

So, to all our past opponents, past competitors, friends and more, thank you for lots of great memories over the years and thank you Finnigan’s Wake for having a place for us to do our fun. You will be missed.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Why is it trivia? People call it trivia because they know nothing and they are embarrassed about it.” – Robbie Coltrane

Not-Silent Sunday or: 10000

05 Sunday May 2019

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF’s and my usual Saturday routine was disrupted by work. Now, by work, I really mean, that I got to run my mouth talking for the Carolina Cobras last night. They won a very sloppy but fun game. There were some awkward moments but for the most part, very fun.

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My second-best girl turned 10000.

This also means we didn’t get to Underdog Records, mostly because there was a street festival and we would have had to park half a mile away. Not that I don’t need the exercise, but Nah. We wouldn’t have had time to listen to much of what we got anyway, as I had to be in GSO early in the day.

What we did do, though, I felt good about. My friend Margaret who is in the TBD group with me had mentioned a youth fundraiser for the kids at her church. Yes, I know, “church” isn’t for me, but I like getting to help my friends’ causes when I can. And, it’s for the kids. Also “and…” it was a car wash. Annabelle hasn’t had a good washing since she was serviced last and we won’t really call that a washing.

It was a big day for Annabelle, too. On the way to the Coliseum, she turned 10000 miles. So, she turned a milestone and got dussied-up. I love my car.

My car, my ability to help the youth and my friend, a Cobras hard-fought victory over the only other undefeated team in the league, spending time with my best girl. A win for the Scorpster yesterday. I’ll take it!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“At the end of the day, if I can say I had fun, it was a good day.” – Simone Biles

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 4/27/19

28 Sunday Apr 2019

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Salutations™!!

It seems like forever since I’ve done one of these posts. We were still “in the dark” from the power outage and just went on about our day. We had breakfast and then did two stints at Underdog Records. The first was just to go in and get our haul and the second was to see (and participate) in Clay Howard’s LP release show. I was supposed to play bass but scheduling got in the way and couldn’t practice. I did lend my backup vocals, however. It was a good show. Loud and intimate. Anywhat! Here’s the haul:

Chuck_Mangione,_Feels_So_Good_(1977)

©A&M

  • Carole King – Writer: Carole King — This was actually acquired last week but it was our only grab in a truncated visit to Underdog, which actually could have happened on Friday, it’s all a blur now. But, this was her debut album back in 1970. She had written a lot of stuff but this was her first for her versions of the songs. VG++.
  • The Mountain Goats – In League With Dragons — The BCPF loves The Mountain Goats and we try to get anything we can. This is a brand new release that came out on Friday. It’s the “hardcore” 2xLP, double-speed mastered version that is yellow/green marbled. It also contains an exclusive black vinyl 7-inch featuring two non-album tracks. New.
  • The Cure – Pillbox Tales 1977-1979 — This was an import and “unofficial” release. Robert Smith sounds so young and at times didn’t sound like him at all. But, it was and it is. Great sound. VG++.
  • The Fresh & Onlys – Early Years Anthology — This is an American rock band out of San Francisco. The BCPF picked it up, I don’t know much about it. According to the bastion of all correct internet infotainment, Wikipedia: They are a key band in what has been described as San Francisco’s “new garage rock” movement, but their sound is equally aligned with pastoral psychedelia, brooding new wave, western twang, and jangly literate 80’s guitar pop. NM.
  • Kate Bush – The Kick Inside — If you ever know a Kate Bush song, you never forget the voice when you hear it again. That is the case here. I know her best for her work with Peter Gabriel and the tune “Running Up That Hill.” And, you can definitely hear the trademark Kate Bush warbly/high-pitched jangle. I love it, though. VG- due to some pops and skip or two.
  • Dokken – Tooth And Nail — It’s Dokken, it’s hair metal from the late 80s. I like that stuff. Yeah, I’m a sucker. VG/VG- because of the sleeve.
  • Linda Ronstadt – Silk Purse — Her second album and it’s all covers, as she was wont to do. Her thing was her voice. That was her personality and her vibe. She now has Parkinsons Disease and is unable to sing. This and all subsequent entries on this list is from the $1 bin and should be VG unless otherwise noted.
  • Nat King Cole – Top Pops — Nat King Cole. The BCPF. Done.
  • John Denver – John Denver’s Greatest Hits — 3B always plays “Take Me Home, Country Roads” when we’re cooking so, we have to add it, right?
  • Chuck Mangione – Feels So Good — Ol’ Chuck gets Yacht Rock Radio play, especially the title track, so why not have some on vinyl? I love that song.
  • Paris – Paris — This was Bob Welch’s (credited as Robert Welch) first project after leaving Fleetwood Mac. He formed this band with ex-Jethro Tull bassist Glenn Cornick and ex-Nazz (with Todd Rundgren) drummer Thom Mooney. The fact that Bob is on it and the cool neon green cover, are really the reasons I got this.
  • The Lovin’ Spoonful – The Very Best Of The Lovin’ Spoonful — As the name suggests. This is listed as Good condition and the cover sleeve is Poor because it’s falling apart.
  • Abbott & Costello – Who’s On First? — The BCPF found it and wanted it. That’s all we needed to know, right?
  • Europe – The Final Countdown — 7″ Single, not the full album, which I certainly want. People seem to hate this song, the band and the album. Kind of like Nickelback today. However, I love the band, this song and the album. So, I stick my tongue out at all of you.

So, it was a pretty great haul, even though we only got to listen to about two of the records because of the power/Clay situation. We will catch up a little today, I think. Underdog was hopping with people yesterday, partly due to Clay’s performance, but because people were just wanting to be there. Jonathan had hotdogs, too. Yum! Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear about the TLD/UR special of the week. And, use Discogs to catalog your vinyl, CD or even cassette collections.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“I’d like to see you in the morning light. I’d like to feel you when it comes tonight. Now I’m here and I’m all alone. Still, I know how it feels. I’m alone again. Tried so hard to make you see but I couldn’t find the words. Now the tears, they fall like rain. I’m alone again without you.” – “Alone Again” (Dokken/Pilson)