Tag Archives: The BCPF

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 9/25/21

26 Sunday Sep 2021

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Salutations™!!

Underdog Records was back open after a respite for Jonathan. Soon after, The BCPF and I were at Papa Lee’s Grill where I emceed their “grand opening.” We then spent the late afternoon/evening at Bailey Park enjoying a pop-up from the soon-to-be restaurant, SixHundredDegrees, that is owned by my friends Travis Myers and Ryan Oberle. There was an event in the park that featured Gov’t Mule which is the band of the former-Allman Brothers Band guitarist Warren Haynes who is a native of Asheville. I am Allman Brothers/Allman Brothers-adjacent averse so I didn’t care about that, but it was great to hang around folks who are fans of Travis and Ryan. But, all that isn’t why we’re here today. We’re here for the haul, which is here:

©Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella

Weezer – Weezer — This, just like the Beatles’ self-titled album is known as The White Album. It’s not just all white, like that more famous version, though. It’s Weezer’s “beach album.” Rivers Cuomo said it was obvious that they should do it. Okay. The BCPF loves Weezer (you’ll see a pattern). This is a NM copy.

José González – Local Valley — The BCPF loves her some José González. He’s an Argentinian-Swede that does indie folk music. This is his new album that was released last week. Limited, Green, “Indie Exclusive” edition. Comes in a gatefold jacket. New.

Elliott Smith – Elliott Smith — 25th anniversary remaster. Remastered from the original source material. We have the 2×LP version, too. New. The BCPF chosen.

Kanye West – Late Registration — #120 on the RS list that matters and #119 on the one that doesn’t. I have said this many times: it’s a shame that Ye is such an a-hole because he’s talented. 2×LP. This is in EX condition.

Sufjan Stevens & Angelo De Augustine – A Beginner’s Mind — The BCPF chosen. I don’t know who Angelo De Augustine is. She loves Sufjan Stevens. Olympus Perseus Shield Gold Colored Vinyl. New.

Sebadoh – Bakesale — A The BCPF choice. Contains 11″x11″ color insert with credits. Black vinyl with full album download code (mp3) + 25 extra tracks. From 2011. New.

Mac McCaughan – The Sound Of Yourself — The BCPF’s choice. Mac McCaughan is the founder of Merge Records, and The BCPF loves almost everything that comes out on that label. He’s also the lead singer of Superchunk and Portistatic. New this week.

Silverhead – 16 And Savaged — Silverhead was a 1970s band that Michael Des Barres (known as Murdoc on TV’s MacGuyver and Robert Palmer’s replacement in Power Station). I don’t know anything else about them. It’s hard rock from the early 70s, it should be good. EX all original.

Gustav Holst, Berliner Philharmoniker · Herbert von Karajan – The Planets — classical. EX.

Peter Townshend – Who Came First — Pete’s debut album. A lot of the album is part of the aborted Lifehouse concept album from The Who, which later was used for Who’s Next. Gatefold sleeve with poster, but I’m not sure it has the poster inside, as I’ve not looked. VG+.

Heavy on The BCPF faves this week. You can follow Underdog Records on social media to see what he’s gotten in and is putting out for purchase. You can order new vinyl, day or night, 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Wear a mask if you go. And, use Discogs to track your collection.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“You say you know what he did but you idiot kid, you don’t have a clue. Sometimes they just get caught in the eye.” – “Needle in the Hay” (Smith)

Silent Sunday or: You Ate What?

19 Sunday Sep 2021

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Salutations™!!

Underdog Records was closed because Jonathan was on a much needed vacation. Here’s what The BCPF and I did instead.

  • Pork Intestine with Chili Pepper – New Sichuan
  • Orange Chicken – New Sichuan
  • Chive, pork, shrimp dumplings – New Sichuan
  • Pork Soup Dumplings
  • Big Winston Breakfast – Sir Winston
  • My first taste of Absenthe
  • Shrimp Po’Boy – Sir Winston
  • Tomato Bisque – Sir Winston

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“The bar has since closed, and the world over will mourn this no-holds-barred gem of a dive, with absinthe on tap and rock ‘n’ roll karaoke on deck.” – Anthony Bourdain

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 9/11/21

12 Sunday Sep 2021

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©Mercury

Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I stopped by Underdog Records first thing before we met with Paul Jones for lunch at West End Cafe. That was all we did until I had to be in Kernersville to come out of retirement and play with my pals in Threadbare Trio. Here’s the haul:

Lord Huron – Strange Trails — I had never heard of this band, but The BCPF listens to Pandora all day long and this shows up on the channels she listens to. This is their album from 2015. It sounds kind of indie country-like to me. New.

Janet Jackson – Rhythm Nation 1814 — Ranked #277 on the RS list that matters, #338 on the one that doesn’t. For this album, Janet  drew inspiration from various tragedies reported through news media, exploring racism, poverty, and substance abuse, in addition to themes of romance. Can you imagine if she released this album today? A lot to draw on on all of those things. New.

The Velvet Underground – The Velvet Underground — I hate this band. I know I’ve said that 99,999 times of more. But, for good measure, I hate this band. It is #316 on the RS list that matters which I think is ridiculous. That’s way too high. If it is supposed to be in the Top 500, at all, it should sit at #500. Inexplicably, it’s ranked the absolutely ludicrous rank of #143 on the list that doesn’t matter. Another reason that version of the list is just stupid. But, the wife wanted it and it is on the list so I have to have it. EX.

Kiss – Crazy Nights — Yes, I already had this but I had it in VG+ condition. This is an original pressing with original inner sleeve and is in EX condition.

Aerosmith – Permanent Vacation — I hate Aerosmith. I have mentioned that ad naseum. However, I do really enjoy, almost to the point of “love” both this album and its follow-up, Pump. “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” “Rag Doll,” and “Angel.” Great tunes. VG+.

Various – Walt Disney’s Merriest Songs — “Chim Chim Cheree,” “Whistle While You Work,” “I Wan’na Be Like You” and others. From 1968. VG+.

Wang Chung – Points On The Curve — In a rare snafu on Discogs part, I typed in Wang Chung to see if I had this album and other albums showed up. So, I bought this. It turns out we did have it already. But, this is a club pressing and the other is a different pressing. It’s in EX condition, so I’m keeping both copies.

Underdog Records will be closed this week because Jonathan is going on vacation. FINALLY!! You can still order things from the website. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection (and most of the time it works perfectly). You should use it, too.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I’m alone. Yeah, I don’t know if I can face the night. I’m in tears, and the cryin’ that I do is for you. I want your love – let’s break the walls between us. Don’t make it tough – I’ll put away my pride. Enough’s enough, I’ve suffered and I’ve seen the light, baby.” – “Angel” (Tyler/Child)

Silent Sunday or: Anniversacation Day Four

05 Sunday Sep 2021

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Salutations™!!

Well, I’m just gonna let these pictures tell the story of yesterday.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“With a prominent position on historic Trade Street, we’re surrounded by a phenomenal community of innovative small businesses–restaurants, bars, music venues, and the downtown Arts District. It’s safe to say that this our kind of neighborhood.” – Broad Branch Distillery

About Last Night or: One for the Ages

03 Friday Sep 2021

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

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Salutations™!!

Last night, Chef Eric Brownlee and his staff at The Katharine Brasserie made The BCPF’s and my anniversary dinner (and experience) one of the most memorable.

Steak Tartare from The Katharine

We had foie gras, locally-sourced chanterelle mushrooms, NC oysters, beef tartare, mussels, NC trout, steak au poirve (with peppercorns), duck breast, and three sorbets (lemon-lime, passionfruit, strawberry (with strawberry-flavored Pop Rocks). There wasn’t a thing that I didn’t like. I’m not usually one for mushrooms but those chanterelles were great.

If I had to pick a favorite, the mussels, the steak, the oysters, heck… really, all of it. I can’t choose. We were treated with a bottle of champagne, compliments of the house, and had a few beverages before dinner. The hotel did a fantastic job, as well. The room was fantastic and the people were so accommodating (including another complimentary bottle of champagne (or sparkling white). We were treated like royalty and I have to say, I liked it.

We got up this morning and headed back down to The Katharine to have breakfast and The BCPF had an omelet and I had the Croque Monsieur but I modified it to make it a Croque Madam (with egg on top). Such a wonderful time.

Today, we’re heading to Blacksburg, Virginia. I’ve never been (never really cared to go) but The BCPF has a high school friend, whom she’s not seen since high school, opened a new used book store up there and we decided to take a day trip. So, off we go…

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I want to make you one just so you’ll take a picture!” – Krista, Kristen, Crystal (we never got her name straight)

The Story of Seven Years or: Comóradh

02 Thursday Sep 2021

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Salutations™!!

Today marks the seventh anniversary of The BCPF’s and my wedding day. Here’s how it happened:

Alright, it’s time for the wedding story. So The BCPF had stuffed her wedding dress into a vacuum bag and sucked the dickens out of the bag until it was a brick of white mess. Of course, I had to take her word for it because I didn’t get to see it. As I mentioned in the last post, I already had the kilt and had to do the “hiring” of the accessories. She unleashed the dress and handed it off to the concierge (or the castle’s equivalent) and they sent it off to have it pressed. So we were set. We got up, had breakfast (more haggis and black pudding), and then went back to the lobby to wait for what-happens-next.

We had hired a wedding planner, Kimmie Brown of Litú, was a treat and a lifesaver for us. Kimmie handled getting all the paperwork put together, she and her husband, George, served as our witnesses, she got the piper, Andrew, hired the photographer, Michaela Waddell, and lined up and directing us through the process of the registrar. Priceless, I tell ya, priceless. Also, we had already pre-selected our vows and ceremonies. So when the time came, we were pretty much prepared. I put on the kilt kit that turned into a much more involved procedure than putting on a tuxedo. The kilt shirt, first. The kilt, next. The waistcoat, the socks, the flashes, the ghillie brogues (shoes) and then the sporran (the man purse of awesomeness), which held it (mostly) in place. The prince Charlie jacket was next to last and then the sgian-dubh (pronounced skee-un-doo) which is a small knife that rounds out the ensemble. I’ve lost a bit of weight since I was originally fitted for the kilt so it was a bit loose. Tradition says that I don’t wear a belt with the prince Charlie jacket, but in the future, I certainly will wear one (I have already purchased one to wear once back home). And the part everyone has asked me… yes, I went unbreeched. Aye, that means I didn’t wear anything under the kilt. If you’re gonna do it, do it Scottish, I say.

I wasn’t allowed anywhere near The BCPF while she got ready, but when it was time for the wedding (noon for us in Edinburgh, 7pm for our friends back home), the piper piped me downstairs to the “gun room.” The gun room doubles as a chapel for the religious ceremonies and we used it as a location for our civil, non-religious, ceremony. The registrar talked with me a few minutes and then Andrew piped The BCPF down to the door and then after making sure she was ready, piped her down to me. She was BEAUTIFUL. I don’t have pics of her at the altar, just yet, so we’ll have to wait until the photographer sends me the collection. I cried, no shame in telling. We exchanged words, vows, and rings. We kissed. We signed the paperwork. Michaela shot us all over the grounds of the castle and that was it. It truly was much more glamorous than I just described but without pictures, I can’t do it justice. It was simple, but wonderful. She was my wife, my bride, my life’s partner – which she already was. Dang, I love that woman!

But, as is the story of our lives, there was no rest for the wicked. We had to jump out of our formal wear and into civilian clothes and run back into town to get our last-minute shopping done. We bought stuff for 3B (my 12-year old son) and my mother. We had reservations at the castle for dinner so we headed back and took our place in the Library Bar, drank some complimentary champagne, talked to a slew of Americans who were also taking holiday, and then went down to the Dungeon Dining Room to have our wedding supper.

We started with an amuse bouche which included a mushroom mousse and bread. The BCPF had a chicken pate and I had a beef carpaccio. Our minds not being still and sound at the time, I forget what the actual dish was, but there is a picture of it. For the main course she had a slab of pork and I had venison with beet sauce. I’ve never been big on venison (or beets for that matter), but man this was delicious. For dessert I had a raspberry flan dish, and of course, Grand Marnier. A truly lovely food experience.

Up early the next morning as we had a train to catch from Edinburgh to our next destination, London.

We had hoped to take a trip to somewhere for our anniversary, but it wasn’t in the cards for several reasons and most of those reasons were not financial. But, we’ll be together today, are spending the night out, having a dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and enjoying each other. That’s what matters, right?

I love you Stephanie! More and more every day. I love our life together, even when things aren’t the brightest, you’re always my shining beacon of happiness. MUAH!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Love grows more tremendously full, swift, poignant, as the years multiply.” Zane Grey

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 8/28/21

29 Sunday Aug 2021

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I both got our do’s did yesterday and we both feel much better. Lunch and records, then dinner with friends. It was a good Saturday! Here’s the haul!

©Varèse Sarabande

Of Monsters And Men – My Head Is An Animal — An Icelandic band that The BCPF digs. This is their debut album from 2011. 2×Vinyl Limited Edition, Reissue, Pink Splatter on White. New.

My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges — Another band that The BCPF likes. We actually saw them in Greensboro sometime after we started dating in the old War Memorial Auditorium. 2 x Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Album, Repress, Cream with Black Blob. New.

Depeche Mode – Catching Up With Depeche Mode — Vinyl, LP, Compilation, Reissue. VG+.

Colin Hay – Going Somewhere — A reissue from the former frontman of Men At Work. We saw Colin in Charlotte on The BCPF’s 35th or 36th birthday. Limited edition of 1000 on white vinyl. New.

Angelo Badalamenti – Blue Velvet (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) — I have only seen the film once and I don’t remember liking it. But it’s Angelo Badalamenti doing the score and such. He also did the Twin Peaks theme. NM.

Estrangers – Gilded Palms — local band with an acquaintance of mine, Philip Pledger is the lead guy. He has been on The Less Desirables before. NM.

Estrangers – Season of 1000 Colors — same as above. NM. (Not in Discogs)

Fine Young Cannibals – The Raw & The Cooked — The album with “Good Thing” and “She Drives Me Crazy.” VG+.

Underdog Records is still on mask wearing and will be for the foreseeable future. It’s air conditioned in there so don’t complain you’ll get to hot or that it’s uncomfortable and all that jazz. None of us like it and if everyone would have done their parts we wouldn’t be in this mess. But, he’s been getting a lot of stuff in, from equipment to freshly used and brand new albums (including reissues). Check out their Instagram and Facebook for “breaking news” from Underdog about what Jonathan has just gotten in. You can order new vinyl 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. I use Discogs for my collection and you should, too.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I can’t stop the way I feel. Things you do don’t seem real. Tell me what you’ve got in mind cause we’re running out of time. Won’t you ever set me free? This waiting ’round’s killing me. She drives me crazy, like no one else. She drives me crazy, and I can’t help myself.” – “She Drives Me Crazy” (Steele/Gift)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 8/21/21

22 Sunday Aug 2021

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a day that I absolutely was in need of. The BCPF and I had a “board meeting” which is where we catch up from the week (or more) of seeing each other for about a total of 5 hours. Then, we went to Underdog Records and got some “candy.” We had brunch at Mozelle’s. We went to a local boutique and then to a local coffee shop for her to get some whole beans. Here’s the candy part:

©Rolling Stones Records

Prince – Welcome 2 America — Gatefold Sleeve with foil-embossed title. This release is black vinyl. Hype Sticker On Shrink: Previously unreleased album from Prince’s legendary vault, featuring 12 studio recordings on 2LPs with etched 4th side. (Love Symbol). Special Welcome 2 America Vinyl Etching on Side D of Double LP (featuring Prince image as in the gatefold): “Welcome 2 America, Welcome 2 The Big Show”, “Everybody’s Lookin’ 4 Something When There Ain’t No Place 2 Go”, “Trans4mation Happens Xcept Inside America That’s The Only Place 👁 [Eye Symbol] Know”, “Deep Within: Yes or No?” New.

Electronic – Electronic — Johnny Marr from The Smiths and Bernard Sumner of Joy Division/New Order from 1991. Reissue, Remastered, Repress. Of course, this was something The BCPF wanted and well, who can tell her no? Not me! New!.

The Rolling Stones – Black And Blue — Jonathan had gotten a few used Rolling Stone albums in and they were in fantastic shape. I had these three but all of them in my collection were anywhere from G to VG. These are all in EX shape. I will forego the any descriptions.

The Rolling Stones – Emotional Rescue

Rolling Stones – Tattoo You

It was a great day. Just so you know, Jonathan is requiring masks to enter the store for right now, no matter your vax status. You can be an arse and complain and boycott and all that stuff, or you can do what is right for him and respect his wishes. Your freedom isn’t infringed upon if you don’t want to wear your mask. You are absolutely free to not go and he’s free to require them. None of us want to wear them, but we are wanting to do what we need to. Use Discogs, too.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Yes, you could be mine, tonight and every night. I will be your knight in shining armor, coming to your emotional rescue.” – “Emotional Rescue” (Jagger/Richards)

A Food Countdown or: Piggybackin’

16 Monday Aug 2021

Posted by in Food, Podcasting, The Less Desirables Network

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Salutations™!!

Today on The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast, Ray made the announcement that he is leaving the podcast at the end of the month. He tells why (and it’s not because he’s unhappy on the podcast) and I talk about a couple of events that The BCPF and I attended. You can listen to that episode here.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“A reception-style culinary walkabout.” – Doc Brownstone’s Sweet Summer Luv Luv Festival

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 8/14/21

15 Sunday Aug 2021

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Salutations™!!

First, let me say, it’s the 52nd anniversary of the start of Woodstock today (you’d have known that if you listened to today’s episode of Beeswax Vinyl Daily). Second let me say that we listened to no records yesterday as we had a food and beverage event and a work event for The BCPF. We did buy a mini stack of records, though. Here’s the haul:

©Mute

Sting – My Songs — This is the second studio album to feature new renditions of previously released material (after 2010’s Symphonicities). It involves both solo and Police stuff. I think I may have listened to this on streaming a while back. It is sealed for now, but we’ll crack that bad boy open in a little bit. New.

Depeche Mode – Angels And Black Swarms — This is on the back cover: “Black Swarm” was the alias which Reprise and Mute Records used for Depeche Mode, on the pre-released promo copies of “Playing The Angel” and “Precious” single, in order to avoid the album leaking out before its release date. Each copy has an individual number and the name of the person it was sent to, printed on it. I am not quite sure what any of that means. I see nothing on this cover, so it must be referring to the original copies. Grey marbled cover. It is an unofficial import and is “new.”

Kiss – Black Diamond (Lafayette Music Room, Memphis, TN. April 18th, 1974 – FM Broadcast) — Pretty much as the title says. It’s an unofficial import but these usually turn out okay. New.

The XX – XX — One of the many, many upsides to doing the Beeswax Vinyl Daily and having Underdog Records as a sponsor, is finding things that I didn’t know that I liked. This celebrated an anniversary this past week and I liked what little I heard. New (and the name should be The xx and the album is xx, but Discogs doesn’t like when every first letter isn’t capitalized).

Depeche Mode – Some Great Reward — The fourth DMode album. This has Master and Servant, Blasphemous Rumors and People Are People on it. I love all of those songs and most everything that DMode does. VG+.

Fleetwood Mac – Never Break The Chain — The legendary broadcast, apparently from The Forum, Inglewood, California 21st october 1982. Limited edition on blue vinyl. VG/VG+. There is a scratch one a side but according to the sales label from Jonathan, he doesn’t hear it affecting the sound.

Billie Holiday – Lady Sings The Blues — This is a Brazilian import of this album. The track listing features no song that is on the American release of the same name. It doesn’t even have the title track on this version. The BCPF wanted it and well, you know how that goes, right? VG+.

Various – Jesus Christ Superstar — Yes, I already have this, but this is the 1980 reissue (the original happened just a month before I was born in 1970). Better yet, this is still sealed, so it will be NM/New. I love this rock opera/musical and can’t get enough of it. So, I’ll keep my older copy, too, but I want the vinyl as clean as possible. New.

I was glad we got to stop in and see Jonathan and buy some groovy vinyl before our day of booze, brews and chews. The store is back to people wearing a mask for the time being, so be aware of that. He had a lot of new stuff in the “Freshly Used” section, too. You can shop the brand new stuff (including reissues and such) by visiting the website. I use Discogs to track my collection and to do this blog. You should, too!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“What’s the buzz, tell me what’s a-happening? Why should you want to know? Don’t you mind about the future? Don’t you try to think ahead? Save tomorrow for tomorrow. Think about today instead. I could give you facts and figures, even give you plans and forecasts, even tell you where I’m going.” – “What’s the Buzz/Strange Thing Mystifying” (Rice/Lloyd-Webber)