Tag Archives: The Beatles

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 8/4/18

05 Sunday Aug 2018

Posted by in Records, Spinning Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

At Underdog Records yesterday, I was able to finally, once and for all, tackle a certain Beatles problem that I have had over the last few years. You’ll find out about it in this haul:

BruceWillis_-_ReturnOfBruno

©Motown

  • The Beatles – Rubber Soul — So, I have been burned (by my own self) over and over finding this on vinyl. Either it’s just a really sucky copy (usually with tape around the sleeve to keep it from falling apart and really scratchy vinyl) or I find a really good copy and it turns out to be the American version. And, to be honest, I hate the American versions of Beatles albums. Mainly, it’s just not what I’m used to. I have the entire Beatles catalog on CD in a box set and that’s the UK versions, to me, the real versions. So, I bought it brand new to finally kill the frustration. Now, the caveat here is that this is in mono. I don’t know how I feel about that, yet. I know the general consensus of folks when comparing the two, agree that the mono versions are probably more in tune with what they were trying to do. I will reserve judgment on that until I listen. All that being said, I finally have finished the Top 10 of the RS list as this sits at #5. Now, I only have 4 more to before the Top 25 is finished. I am sitting at 199 of the 500 on vinyl, right now.
  • The Clientele – Suburban Light — The BCPF loved the other album by The Clientele so she wanted to give this one a try. Sure enough, she loved it, too. I dug it also. New.
  • Coldplay – X&Y — Not my favorite Coldplay album (we know that’s Parachutes) but this 2xLP was there in “like new” condition for about half the cost so I couldn’t pass it up. This is where they started to lose me but I find that when I revisit, usually I can change my mind. We’ll see. NM+.
  • Pavement – Wowee Zowee — It’s weird that Pavement is a The BCPF band. It seems, all at once, to be totally against everything you’d think she’d like and totally everything she likes in one package. I don’t know how I feel about them, and there is another Pavement album we have to get because of the RS list, but this wasn’t on it. VG+.
  • The Autumn Defense – The Green Hour — Another that The BCPF really wanted. This was a past “Record Store Day” selection and one of only 500 pressed in the world, so it’s rare. We couldn’t pass it up. VG++.
  • Emmylou Harris – Blue Kentucky Girl — Not my favorite from Ms. Harris. I did get a little nostalgia because it reminded me of Ma Père listening to his records, even though he didn’t do that a lot. He didn’t play Emmylou but definitely this style. But, The BCPF wanted it and well, she gets what she wants (when I can help it). VG+.
  • Supertramp – Paris — A 2xLP live album from Supertramp’s Breakfast in America tour with minimal overdubs – or so they say. I hate they left off “Give a Little Bit” and “Goodbye Stranger” but it seems like the rest of the set is pretty sound. The reason for “Give a Little Bit” was that all the versions over several shows were awful. It was re-released in the CD/DVD anniversary edition of Breakfast… This was in VG+ condition.
  • Randy Newman – Good Old Boys — #394 on the RS list. This means that I have all of the RS entries for Randy Newman. I like him a lot. I always thought of him as a novelty act because a lot of his stuff is novelty-type songs, at least what I had always heard. But, he really digs in. I couldn’t get over the audacity of the song “Rednecks” but realized pretty quickly that it was not sensationalizing racism but actually mocking it. Still… even Newman felt weird performing it. VG+.
  • Bruce Willis – The Return Of Bruno — Yes, Bruce Willis, who I think has a decent voice and can play a mean harmonica. As I stated on social media with several people agreeing with me, it’s not a great album, it’s not a classic, it’s not a masterpiece. But, it is a decent album and it’s very entertaining. I know I had it on cassette when it came out, following the “mockumentary” that it accompanied, I may have it on CD, but I’m not certain. But, I enjoyed it and saw it and couldn’t pass it up.
  • INXS – INXS — INXS’ debut album and it’s not at all what I expected. It’s very new wavey and poppy and I loved it. At times Michael Hutchence’s voiced sounded like Tim Curry, but I also dig Tim Curry, so that’s great. It was more synth-driven and I had never heard any of the songs, that I knew of. It was a record company promo with a sticker on the front cover with checkboxes for “recommended selections.” Nothing had been checked. I found this in the $1 bin, but I’d still rate it around VG+ because it was in really good condition.
  • Eddie Cantor, Bert Williams, Van And Schenck, John Steel, Irving Berlin – Ziegfeld Follies Of 1919 —  A very entertaining recording (and accompanying booklet) of the famous Ziegfeld Follies vaudeville-like theatrical revue put on by Florenz Ziegfeld. And, did you know that Ziegfeld was married to Billie Burke? That’s right, he was married to Glinda, the Good Witch. This was a really great listen and it was a $1 bin find. VG/VG+.
  • The Melachrino Orchestra – Paris, The Sounds, The Sights — Another $1 bin find in which there is an accompanying booklet. This is about our beloved city of Paris and includes a guide to the sights and attractions of the City of Light, from 1956. We can’t wait to listen. VG.
  • Franz Schubert, Karl Böhm, Berliner Philharmoniker – Symphonies — A 5xLP collection of Schubert symphonies including Symphonie Nrs. 1-6, 8, 9 and “Rosamunde” which was written for the play Rosamunde, Fürstin von Zypern, by Helmina von Chézy. It was a $1 bin find but I believe the vinyl is VG+.

A decent haul this week, I think. Jonathan had just returned from a short sabbatical to Atlanta with his dad and he seemed a bit more recharged. A happy Jonathan means a happy Underdog Records. Speaking of Underdog and Atlanta… even though I hate the Atlanta Braves, it’s Jonathan’s favorite team. When the Braves complete a sweep of a series (which hasn’t happened a lot this year), there’s a “sweep sale” at Underdog Records. That can mean a variety of things so I recommend you watch their social media to see what that may be. Plus, the social media platforms is the best place to keep track of new arrivals to the store. Be the first to know and try to “Beat Beeman.” That is apparently a thing. Also, listen to The Less Desirables each week to hear the TLD/UDR special of the week.

And, when I’m there since my collection has grown, I can always cross-reference my collection to make sure I’m not doubling up on anything by using Discogs. I keep better track of my collection, my purchases and as was the case this week, let others track my collection to see if there’s anything to trade. Now, for the record, I don’t get rid of much but if it’s something I absolutely need, I may consider it.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“She’s a rounder I can tell you that. She can sing ’em all night, too. She’ll raise hell about the sleep she lost, but even cowgirls get the blues.” – “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues” (Crowell)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 7/21/18

22 Sunday Jul 2018

Posted by in Records, Spinning Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

It was a big week from Underdog Records this time around. Not just yesterday but Friday as well. Jonathan had purchased a large number of records and immediately went in and pulled all the $1 records to go ahead and get those out for sale. I happened across them and snatched about 13 $1 records that I couldn’t let get past me. Here’s what we got:

Eat_Em_And_Smile_Cover

©Warner Bros.

  • Beastie Boys – Paul’s Boutique — #156 on the RS list. 3B is really into rap/hip-hop so I’m going to show him the stuff that happened before the current trend of mumbling that’s going on. New
  • Joy Division – Unknown Pleasures — The BCPF is a Joy Division fan. She wanted it and, by golly, I like giving her things she wants. Although I am somewhat familiar with Joy Division, I’d say this was like a cross between The Doors and Talking Heads with dark sprinkles on top. It was a great album, though. New.
  • Black Sabbath – Paranoid — #131 on the RS list. I never really cared for Black Sabbath, as a whole, but the more I listen, the more I like. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t dislike them, I just didn’t care one way or the other. I liked Ozzy’s solo stuff. I also liked the Sabbath “hits,” just not the album stuff. Or at least I thought that was the case. It wasn’t, ultimately. “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” “Planet Caravan” and “War Pigs.” ‘Nuff said! New.
  • Talking Heads – More Songs About Buildings And Food — #383 on the RS List. I filled quite a few slots on that list this week. This isn’t my favorite Heads album but it’s not bad. I think my only frown on this is that it has the much-overplayed “Take Me to the River.” And, even that isn’t too awful. New.
  • The Beatles – Yellow Submarine — Trying to build up my Beatles collection, too. I also bought a copy of Rubber Soul but I’m going to take that back because it’s the crappy US version and I want the far superior UK version. The songs on this album are great, of course, because it’s the Beatles on drugs. That was the best period or at least my favorite period. I really think George Martin’s orchestrations on the second side are beautiful. VG+
  • Patti Smith – Horses — #44 on the RS list. I caught this one being graded by Jonathan and snatched it right away. It was a great album and we enjoyed listening to it. VG.
  • Cheap Trick – Heaven Tonight — Trying to get caught up on my Cheap Trick needs and this a step in the right direction. It doesn’t make up for my missing In Color both because it’s my favorite CT album but also because it’s on the RS list. But, that being said, this is a fantastic album. VG+.
  • Alice Cooper – Flush The Fashion — I always run my Alice acquisitions by Eugene because he’s my “Alice Guru.” I sent him a picture of this (and the next) and he sent back his approval. I told him that I’m upping my “Alice Game.” He was a happy camper. VG.
  • Alice Cooper – Alice Cooper Goes To Hell — As with the last one, Eug was happy, although less enthused about this as Flush. But, it’s another notch in my Alice collection. VG+.
  • After The Fire – ATF — You know I’m not afraid to buy an entire album for one song, especially when it’s $1 or $2. I did for this one. “Der Kommissar” is on this album and I love their version. It was VG.
  • Elton John – Greatest Hits — #136 on the RS List. Being as it’s a compilation, I didn’t listen when I did the list, but, I didn’t have to, I have had it on CD for many, many, many years. It’s jammed-packed with “hits” and darn good ones, too. VG/VG+.
  • Styx – Crystal Ball — I know Styx gets crapped on all the time, but you know what? I’m unashamedly a fan. Rabid fan? Nah. But, I dig their stuff. It was Tommy Shaw’s debut with the band and he sang the album’s only Top 40 hit, “Mademoiselle.” It was a $1 bin find and in fairly good shape. I’ll go with VG.
  • U2 – Boy — I believe this was one of my two favorite $1 bin finds of the weekend. It’s #417 on the RS list and is, of course, U2’s debut album from 1980. Even though it was in the $1 bin, it’s in really good shape. VG/VG+.
  • Starz  – Starz — Another one that I ran by Eug because he’s also my “Starz Guru.” He sent back “Excellent! Every Starz album is awesome.” So, I’m taking that as it is a win! $1 bin find and VG.
  • Greg Kihn Band – Rockihnroll — Another that I purchased for one song, “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em).” Again, it was only $1 so why not? VG.
  • Berlin – Pleasure Victim — I love Terri Nunn’s voice. That, plus this being a $1 pulled me to purchase the album, but it also has “Sex (I’m A…),” “Masquerade” and “The Metro” and you just can’t go wrong with those tunes. VG.
  • Chic – C’est Chic —  “Le Freak” for $1. Okay. VG.
  • Paul Revere & The Raiders – Paul Revere & The Raiders’ Greatest Hits — $1 bin find. VG.
  • The Raiders – Indian Reservation — $1 bin find. VG.
  • John Cougar – Nothin’ Matters And What If It Did — I don’t recognize any of the song titles on this 1980 album but it was $1 and it had Edith Massey on the cover which makes it something I can’t pass up. Massey played Edie the woman obsessed with eggs and the “Egg Man” in John Waters’ film Pink Flamingos. The BCPF considers this her favorite most hated film, ever. It’s in G+ condition.
  • Tom T. Hall – We All Got Together And… — I have really gotten into the country “crap” that I had to listen to from Ma Père growing up. Tom T. Hall was one of those. $1 and G+.
  • Tom T. Hall – For The People In The Last Hard Town – Same as the previous, it’s Tom T. Hall and it has “I Love” on it, so that helps. $1 and VG.
  • The Call – Reconciled — I’m familiar with the name The Call but not the music, at least that I know of. I do know they’re one of those mid- to late-80s pop bands that I like so much, so let’s try it out. It’s only $1 and in VG.
  • The Call – Into The Woods — As is the case with the last one, $1 and VG.
  • The Who – Meaty Beaty Big And Bouncy — Compilation album in which the outer sleeve is in dreadful condition. It looks like it had lain in the snow for an entire winter, all puffed and bubbly. The vinyl looks to be in decent condition but I’m rating it at about G+ and it was $1.
  • David Lee Roth – Eat ‘Em And Smile — The other that I am very excited about. I loved this album from the first time I ever heard it and when I moved to WSNC, it was the first time that I had MTV at my disposal and the video for “Yankee Rose” was one of my favorites! The whole thing was awesome and fun to listen to. It was in the $1 bin but I’m going with VG/VG+, even, because I think it is great shape.
  • Miles Davis – In Person, Friday Night At The Blackhawk, San Francisco, Volume I — Remember from many months back when I came across that bonus stack of records that I didn’t even know I had had for? This was part of that. There is still a huge stack of jazz and classical albums I haven’t even gone through, yet, but I am (very) slowly getting through that and this was one that I dug out for this week. I know nothing of it. I’m going with VG.

Whew! That was a large addition week. Jonathan is taking on some hired help to get Underdog Records up to the next level. He says he probably has tons of sellable inventory that he can’t get to because he’s stuck behind the counter and already works a shload of hours that he just can’t keep up with it all. I can’t wait to see what comes from his findings because I’ve gone through all the used stuff that he’s had for the last bit. But, it should bring in new customers when he (and I because I do a lot of advertising for him) starts advertising the stuff on Underdog Records’ social media platforms. So, be on the lookout!!

I didn’t add any Discogs Marketplace acquisitions this week but I did do some dealings with them. You’ll find out more about those when I get them. It will be good stuff. But, use it to keep track of your collection; it’s a great tool.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning!
Scorp out!

—
“I was on the outside when you said you said you needed me. I was looking at myself, I was blind, I could not see. A boy tries hard to be a man. His mother takes him by the hand. If he stops to think, he starts to cry. Oh, why? If you walk away, walk away, I walk away, walk away. I will follow.” – “I Will Follow” (Hewson/Evans/Mullen/Clayton)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 5/4-5/18

06 Sunday May 2018

Posted by in Records, Silent Sunday, Spinning Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

First off, notice I changed the title of this one. It seems my Sunday posts are a bit verbose at times, and they’re usually about records. Neither of which really lends to the “silent” aspect of Silent Sunday. So, I think I’m changing the “haul” posts up a bit. I’ll still do Silent Sunday for non-record posts.

500x500

©A&M

 

Well, this is a little different in the record category, as well. I went to Underdog Records, three different times from Friday to Saturday. I went on Friday because I didn’t think I’d get there Saturday because of a party we were having with a dear friend of ours. That included a bus and beer. Yep. Bus. Beer. And, also, on Friday, I was given a few records by a friend of mine. She said, here you can have these. Some of them ended up crossing off a few entries off the RS List. So, here’s what we got:

  • Poison – Open Up and Say…Ahh! – Yeah, I know it’s cheesy “hair metal” but I don’t care. I love this album. I think Bret Michaels sings perfectly well for what they were. Still, when people talk hair metal, I’d say 17 out of 20 would say Poison first. This was a reissue, so new.
  • Dr. Dog – Critical Equation – A new album from a band that, to me, sounds like a mixture between Robert Smith of the Cure and Bob Dylan. It’s right up The BCPF’s alley and that’s why I picked it. New.
  • Liz Phair – Exile In Guyville – #327 on the RS List, this was a reissue on 180g vinyl to celebrate its 25th anniversary. It’s a great album. She’s ballsy for a chick. That’s a good thing. New.
  • Bob Dylan – Desire – #174 on the RS List. It was there in the used bin and in VG condition.
  • Frankie Goes To Hollywood – Welcome To The Pleasuredome – Yep, this is the “Relax” album, which is all most people know about. My second favorite song from the band is also on this album, “Two Tribes (For the Victims of Ravishment).” VG
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Johnny Mercer Song Book – Ella. ‘Nuff said. VG+.
  • Crosby-Nash – Live – Another rendition/combination involving any or all members of CSNY. Jonathan said it’s great so well see. VG+.
  • Stephen Stills – Stephen Stills 2 – Another in the CSNY shuffle.
  • The Motels – All Four One – “Only the Lonely” is on this one. I love that song and I want to hear more from them. VG+.
  • Bruce Springsteen – Nebraska – #226 on the RS List, it was a little more on the subdued side. That’s okay. I think I gave it a neutral review on the list. VG+.
  • Journey – Infinity – The first with Steve Perry singing and the last with Aynsley Dunbar on drums. I’d say “Wheel in the Sky” was the big hit on this one. VG+.
  • Stan Getz – Stan Getz I hope this is as good as the other Stan Getz things I have. I love his stuff. VG.
  • Squeeze  – Cosi Fan Tutti Frutti – I like Squeeze. It was there. I grabbed it. Done. VG+.
  • Fleetwood Mac – Heroes Are Hard To Find – Pre-Buckingham/Nicks Mac with Bob Welch still in the band. I like Bob Welch. Let’s see what we got. VG+.
  • The Alan Parsons Project – Eve – Another in the Alan Parsons Project cannon! VG++.
  • 10cc – Bloody Tourists – I love the song “Dreadlock Holiday” which is about reggae. I think it’s a great song. We’ll see what the rest of it sounds like. VG++.
  • Supertramp – “…Famous Last Words…” – I see a few of my friends talk about this album as something special. I like Supertramp, let’s see. NM.

These are the ones that were “gifted” to me:

So, a pretty big haul there. Thanks, Lori for the gifts. And thank you Underdog Records for providing me a “candy store” to be proud of. And thanks to Discogs for providing such a great place for me to catalog my stuff!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Winter is here again oh lord. Haven’t been home in a year or more. I hope she holds on a little longer. Sent a letter on a long summer day. Made of silver, not of clay. I’ve been runnin’ down this dusty road.” – “Wheel in the Sky” (Schon/Fleischman/Valory)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 3/24/18

25 Sunday Mar 2018

Posted by in Records, Silent Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

The_Scorpions_LatFS

@Mercury

 

Yesterday was a cold, snotty, sleety, crappy-weathered day. But, I had my best gal and we had each other to keep warm and enjoy some record listening. That means, of course, that we went by Underdog Records! And, here is what we got:

So, a pretty good haul. I was especially excited about the Dire Straits album even with the truncated first side. That and the Rickie Lee Jones were worth the whole thing. Good stuff.

New to vinyl? Want to get into vinyl? Returning to vinyl? Don’t go spend a ton of money on brand new equipment when you can get quality used stuff from Jonathan at Underdog Records. If you decide you want to get deeper into the “lifestyle” then you can go spend big bucks. But, don’t just jump in. My two cents.

Discogs is also a great way to catalog your collection, see your friends’ collections and even purchase used and new vinyl in the marketplace. It’s a great site and a great resource.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Is that her? What’s her name? Oh, it’s never going to be same. But that’s not her. I know what’s wrong – Chuck E’s in love with the little girl who’s singing this song.” – “Chuck E’s in Love” (Jones)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 2/10/18

11 Sunday Feb 2018

Posted by in Records, Silent Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

R-1107963-1192591186.jpeg

©A&M

Last night there was a shindig at Finnigans for the anniversary of The Less Desirables. However, that’s a post for tomorrow. Yesterday, before the “gala,” we did our usual “Saturday Thang” which included, of course, Underdog Records. It was a rainy and miserable day (much of like today’s forecast), but we got some good records. Like…

  • George Harrison – The Best Of George Harrison – Side 1 is his Beatles greatest hits and Side 2 is his solo stuff. VG+.
  • Stan Getz / Eddie Sauter – Focus – Original mono pressing in VG condition. I love Stan Getz.
  • Rush – Exit…Stage Left – 2xLP live album, mostly recorded during their Moving Pictures tour (some of it was on the tour prior), in which I love the track listing but I thought some of the Side 1 was muddy. It seemed to clear up, or I just got used to it. VG+.
  • The Alan Parsons Project – Pyramid – I have really loved getting into the Alan Parsons Project. Everything is a little ethereal, a little rocking and a little pop. It’s difficult to explain but I dig it. Great album. VG/VG+.
  • Stray Cats – Built For Speed – This album rocked. Two of their biggest hits, “Stray Cat Strut” and “Rock This Town,” are on here. The whole album is pretty cool. I have to say that I get tired of the “rockabilly” thing after a bit but what I liked, I really liked. VG+.
  • Isaac Hayes – Truck Turner (Original Soundtrack) – The copy of this once belonged to WFDD here in WSNC. There’s a big orange sticker that says so and I can’t get that off, I don’t think. Even with Goo Gone. I’m not going to try. It adds to its charm. Wh doesn’t dig some Isaac Hayes, right Chef? VG+.
  • Tim Curry – Fearless – So, I saw this and I know that I love Tim Curry. I figured I have to have it, right? So, we got it. VG+ condition. It is not bad… but it is some weird stuff. Not weird in the songs. Some are ballads and some are heavy rockers. But, if you can imagine Frank-N-Furter standing in the studio recording an album. This is that.
  • The Beatles – The Beatles’ Second Album – So, this is technically their third US album because Capital released some after Vee-Jay Records did which coincided with the EMI stuff in the UK and… if you could see me right now, I’d be waving my hand and saying, you know what, that’s not important. It’s in Fair condition but it is The Beatles and it is an amalgamation of several of their UK albums, which, to me, is the better discography. But, this is mono and yadda yadda yadda.
  • Emmylou Harris – Pieces Of The Sky – VG+ copy of this Emmylou classic. The BCPF is really getting into her and I’ll admit, I don’t mind it.
  • The Moravian Festival Chorus And Orchestra, Thor Johnson – Music Of The American Moravians – The BCPF worked at Old Salem for eight years. She loves her some Moravian history and culture and all that mess. I don’t know what this will be but she certainly wanted it and well, that means she gets it. VG+.
  • Simon & Garfunkel – Sounds Of Silence – As far as I can tell, this is an original pressing. It’s in VG shape and we have to have anything that says S&G on it, or just Simon or just Garfunkel.
  • Frank Loesser – Guys & Dolls: A Musical Fable Of Broadway – I love musicals and I loved the film version of this, so let’s hear the original cast do it. This was an NM copy.
  • Various – 50 Years Of Film – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Recordings Of The Great Scenes And Stars From The Warner Bros. Classics, 1923 To 1973 – I love soundtracks and film scores. This is 50 years of it from the Warner Bros classics. It’s 3xLP in VG/VG+ condition.
  • Various – Music Machine – Another K-Tel compilation. It’s pretty beat up but from 1977/78 or so. G? I dunno.
  • Santana – Abraxas – #207 on the RS list. This is pretty beat up. I’m going to give it a listen and see if it’s worth keeping. If not, I’ll look for a better copy. It was in the $1 bin and is in F+/G shape, at least before I play it.
  • Luciano Pavarotti – Pavarotti On Pavarotti – Tony DiLisio calls me Pavarotti because I’m fat and I sing to him. Also, I love his voice, so when I come across stuff by him, especially the $1 bin stuff. I grab it. VG.
  • Loggins And Messina – The Best Of Friends – I have this on CD and it has the songs I care about from them. I’m not a huge fan, but I do love the two or three songs that I bought both the CD and this for. $1 bin find. VG.
  • Herb Alpert – Wild Romance – $1 bin find and it’s Herb Alpert. His 80s stuff may not be the same classics as his earlier stuff, but it’s Herb Alpert. ‘Nuff said! VG.

So, a decent haul. We also purchased a new album that we totally didn’t know we already had. We’ll have to turn that back in, trade it for something else. Jonathan is usually good with that. You need to follow the Underdog Records social media pages because Jonathan is always posting what’s just arrived in the store, both new and used. Sometimes that is several times a day. Usually, though, it’s maybe once a day, twice a day. Not too inundating. But, trust me, it’s worth it if you’re into vinyl (or just want to be into it).

Also, use Discogs to catalog your collection. They have a great marketplace, too. I have been really happy with my buying experiences on there.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Hello, darkness, my old friend. I’ve come to talk with you again. Because a vision softly creeping left its seeds while I was sleeping, and the vision that was planted in my brain still remains, within the sound of silence.” – “The Sound of Silence” (Simon)

Dear John or: Silver in the Snow

08 Friday Dec 2017

Posted by in Life as We Know It

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

Today is December 8, 2017. It was December 8, 1980, when the world lost one of its most celebrated and controversial celebrities and brilliant minds. I’ve talked about this before but when this happened, I was 10. I had just gotten into some hard rock music, namely KISS a few years earlier and The Beatles and its various members were “old folk music,” to me; stuff my parents listened to. Well, at least Ma Mère.

John-Lennon-006

©The Guardian

 

I remember watching Monday Night Football and Howard Cosell coming on to tell the world that John Lennon had died. Shot twice in the back (according to Cosell) and rushed to the hospital where he was DOA. Now, a little bit later, Ted Koppel said on Nightline that he had been shot three times and died after arriving at the hospital. Most of the supported reports, now, state that he was shot at five times, hit four and was pretty much gone, pronounced DOA, upon getting to the hospital. It was surreal, to be sure, but it was also probably the first time I ever felt remorse.

For whatever reason, Ma Mère wasn’t home when we heard the news. She came home and I said in a mocking manner that someone of her “old music” had been murdered. I don’t know why I felt proud of that, but upon reflection of it, I felt really stupid and sad that I had said it and that I had felt the need to do so. That’s awful and I’ve never forgotten or let myself off the hook for it. I have since, obviously, discovered the genius that Lennon was, what he meant to the music world, what he meant to my musical heroes and what a loss it was.

So, 37 years later, people are still talking about him, much of his compositions are still relevant and still hold up in today’s musical realms. My favorite Beatle has always been and will always be Paul who was the heart, but John was the mind (George the soul, Ringo the body). RIP, Mr. Lennon.

So, on to happier things, if we don’t get snowed out, I’ll be playing with the Silver Alerts in Greensboro tonight. We’re playing the Crown of Carolina Theatre. The show starts at 7pm with Joshua West. Then, at 8ish, Doug Davis’ new band Gasket Hawkins goes on and then Doug joins Clay, Chad Huskey, Corky McClellan and me as a Silver Alert. I don’t know the cost of admission but we hope to see you there.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Yes, we have to say it. Remember this is just a football game, no matter who wins or loses. An unspeakable tragedy confirmed to us by ABC News in New York City: John Lennon, outside of his apartment building on the West Side of New York City, the most famous perhaps, of all of the Beatles, shot twice in the back, rushed to Roosevelt Hospital, dead on arrival. Hard to go back to the game after that news flash, which, in duty bound, we have to take.” – Howard Cosell

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 11/4/17

05 Sunday Nov 2017

Posted by in Silent Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

First off, Happy Guy Fawkes Day.

Yesterday, The BCPF and I got to see our buddies Tony Dagnall and Clay Howard in the same day, at the same time! That was cool. Clay and I sang Happy Birthday to Underdog Records because it was their anniversary weekend. Wednesday, November 1 was their FOURTH anniversary! Woot! Here’s what we walked out with:R-5219787-1387843222-4514.jpeg

As I said, it was the anniversary weekend of Underdog Records. For four years Jonathan has brought vinyl goodness to Winston-Salem. Plus, the holiday season is coming and he’ll offer gift “certificates” for your gift-giving needs. Also, he has several turntables in store for sale if you’re looking for a good one and he said he had some turntables coming soon. The holiday season is the perfect time to get into/back into vinyl. Then use Discogs to catalog your collection.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Cheesecake. Gobble, gobble. Cheesecake. Gobble, gobble. Cheesecake. Cheesecake! 
My girl, she’s crazy, over cheesecake all the time, so I’ll bring her cheesecake, and she’ll treat me mighty fine!” – “Cheesecake” (Fields/Armstrong)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 10/7/17

08 Sunday Oct 2017

Posted by in Records, Silent Sunday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I had a great day yesterday and that included a great haul from Underdog Records. The quantity was lower than normal but the quality was dyn-o-mite! So, let’s not even wait:

MI0001521238

©Virgin Records

 

So, as you can see, it’s not a long list today but we really enjoyed the haul. Jonathan is always getting in, cleaning and putting out new used inventory and every day is a new adventure in Underdog Records. Records have become one of my new passions (along with cooking) and I love listening to them. I hear things on albums I’ve owned on CD for years that I never even knew existed. Good stuff, indeed. Also, not to throw in a shameless plug for The Less Desirables, but there is a weekly Underdog Records/TLD special, every week. To hear what that special is, you have to listen to TLD to find out. Sneaky, I know, but hey, it’s my job (literally). I also keep all my personal collection logged into Discogs.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been. Lives in a dream. Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door. Who is it for? All the lonely people. Where do they all come from? All the lonely people. Where do they all belong?” – “Eleanor Rigby” (Lennon/McCartney)

People Think We Fake It or: Desolation Boulevard (Eugeology Entry 36)

14 Thursday Sep 2017

Posted by in Music Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

The selection last week was a good one. Again, not my favorite of Cheap Trick’s catalog, but still a good one. I talked with both Eugene and Jon about it this week. They’re going to try to catch up by the end of the year. I think they can do it! Listening isn’t the problem. Writing takes the most time. Oh well, speaking of writing, how about I just get on with it?

#36 – Desolation Boulevard by The Sweet.

Desolation_Boulevard_US_Cover

©Capitol Records

 

Are you ready, Steve? Andy? Mick? Dear Reader? Well, alright, fellas… Let’s go!!! I have known, really, four songs from (The) Sweet: “Ballroom Blitz,” “Fox on the Run,” “Little Willy,” and “Love Is Like Oxygen.” Two of those tunes are on this album. The drummer from Heavens Sake was a big fan of the band and I have a greatest hits album by them because of him. So, yeah, I know of other songs, but those were the ones I listened to without skipping.

The caveat here is that this wasn’t what Eugene wanted to include in the list. It just so happened that this is really the only thing that is readily available on streaming services by the band. He felt like the band needed to be represented on the list and this is what we get. I tell you, Dear Reader, I couldn’t be happier with it. If this isn’t their best, then I have to hear the “best.”

I had never heard of “Ballroom Blitz” before Wayne’s World in 1992. Yeah, I was sheltered, I guess. I loved Tia Carrere’s version and when I first heard the Sweet version, I thought it was silly. Brian Connolly’s intro was weak and so “glam.” But, now, it’s not weak, nor is it silly. It’s very timely for when it was released and fits the entire image of that band. Because they were “glam.” They glammed pretty darn hard, actually. And, here’s the thing, “Ballroom Blitz” wasn’t really supposed to be on this album.

There were two versions of the album. There was the UK/European release on RCA Records (1974) and the US/Canada/Japan version on Capitol Records (1975), which is what we’re talking about today. The “original” UK/Euro version, considered by many as the version, didn’t have “Ballroom” and included the original version of “Fox on the Run” as well as most of the songs being written by the band. The Capital version, however, was comprised of five of the ten tunes written by the songwriting team of Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn (who also co-produced the album) in addition to some of the material brought from the previous Sweet album, Sweet Fanny Adams (where the song “Sweet F.A. comes from). Now, what does that mean? Not much, but I just found it interesting. Chapman and Chinn, by the way, wrote a slew of hit songs that you’d be familiar with (“Mickey” from Tony Basil, “Kiss You All Over” by Exile, “Better Be Good to Me” from Tina Turner, etc.) either together or separately. Looking through the early Sweet catalog, the whole thing is a bit confusing as to what they were actually doing. Just like The Beatles with their UK vs US albums. Confusing, I say. But, I digress…

The musicianship on this album is amazing. Brian Connolly’s vocals are the “sound” of Sweet. His range is pretty wide and he’s powerful. Reminds me of Robin Zander in a lot of places. Or should I say it reminds me of what Robin Zander sounded like a few years after this? Not just his vocals but the awesome harmonies that riddle each song from all four members. That is the Sweet sound.

Andy Scott is a riff-mastering axe slinger. This use of the whammy bar, the speedy licks, the power chord madness and boxy tone is classic Sweet. I’m surprised more people don’t talk about his playing. He is also the lead singer of “Into the Night,” which he also was the lone songwriting credit.

Drummer Mick Tucker is dynamic and makes it sound effortless. Whether he’s pounding the skins or lying low with a subtle but effective march beat, he’s throwing it down and you may not even realize you’re being pelted with drumming excellence. He switches back and forth between double time and standard with very little effort.

Steve Priest’s bass work is anything shy of rudimentary and is driving. His runs are amazing and I can hear an influence, perhaps, on Steve Harris from Iron Maiden here. Not necessarily the galloping aspects of Harris’ playing but the mindset. This is especially true on “Sweet F.A.” And, Priest is the lead vocals for my absolute favorite song on the album, “No You Don’t.” I just love the tone of his voice and the melody line. It’s great!

The album is almost 44 minutes long but it goes by much quicker than that. Even with two songs coming in at five minutes plus, it zings right through. I listened to this album 12 times from last Thursday through today (three times today) and I love it. I’ll look for it on LP. To say I’m a fan of it would be a massive understatement.

Whilst I believe all the songs are great, my top faves are: “The Six Teens,” “A.C.D.C.,” “I Wanna Be Committed,” “Solid Gold Brass” and my aforementioned absolute favorite, “No You Don’t.”

Eugene, I loved this album and thank you for introducing us. I can’t wait to hear your review of this, and I really, really want to hear Jon’s. I am thinking this may be a good one for him, but then again, he’s hard to read. To you, Dear Reader, you need to hear this album. You need to own this album.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“She got girls, girls all over the world. She got men every now and then. But she can’t make up her mind on just how to fill her time. But the only way she can unwind: A. C. D. C. – She’s got some other lover as well as me. A. C. D. C. – She’s got some other woman as well as me.” – “A.C.D.C.” (Chapman/Chinn)

I’m Dirty But My Body is Clean or: Cheap Trick (Eugeology Entry 35)

07 Thursday Sep 2017

Posted by in Music Review, Records

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salutations™!!

I surprised even myself with how much I liked last week’s selection. I think others who know me may have even been disappointed in me. Eugene liked my review. Still waiting on him and Jon to catch up. Next…

Cheaptrickalbum1977

©Epic Records

 

#35 – Cheap Trick (1977) by Cheap Trick.

I will start off by saying that this is not my favorite Cheap Trick album. It’s not my second, third or even fourth favorite Cheap Trick album. But, it did pave the way for the ones that I consider my faves.

It certainly has some grimy rock on it and that’s okay. Cheap Trick, to me, always flashed between gritty, nasty rock and clean cut, preppy rock. Sometimes on the same album. Not necessarily on this one. It’s much rawer than a lot of their later stuff. It’s their debut and I’m sure that contributed to some of it.

However, the most idiosyncratic elements that the whole “Cheap Trick Sound” was to become is definitely here: arpeggiated chords, distorted-but-bright 12-string bass, witty lyrics and Robin Zander’s over-exaggerated word enunciation and vocal scoops with sweeping, ethereal harmonies. All of it from the get-go; out of the gate, if you will. I’ll start with what I don’t like about it first.

I’ll start with what I don’t like about it first.

I’m not a fan of that “boogie rock” as I’ve stated numerous times. For the musicians out there, it’s the unnecessary use of the 5th to 6th interval. For the non-musicians, think of the “Keep Your Hands to Yourself” intro. It’s been used for decades prior to this and is really a blues technique. That’s fine, I just don’t like it. Luckily, it’s not over used on this album. I know KISS used it a bit and I didn’t like it then, either.

Also, I just feel this was just more of the raw than I wanted. A little is fine but it’s more than I’d like. I also feel that the overall track listing isn’t as strong as the follow-up Cheap Trick album, In Color (which is my favorite CT album) or even as strong as the next two studio releases, Heaven Tonight and Dream Police. That’s not to say there aren’t good songs on here. That’s really all I can think of the bad side. Let’s do the positives.

The band shows the talent they have. The songs are well-written, but I prefer later albums. Zander’s gritty-yet-smooth voice (with Nielsen and Petersson’s harmonies) is/are amazing. He has amazing range and has great swoops. Tom Petersson’s 12-string bass (which supposedly he invented) is strong and fills what little gaps they have in the sound. He uses slight distortion on it, too, which makes the sound even fuller. The bass has always been a central instrument in Cheap Trick, not just a background/rhythmic tool like some other bands treat their bass players (can’t you tell I am one?) and Tom crushes it and it sounds like he crushes it a few times. That’s really the “pretty boy aspect of the band.”

Cheap Trick was always a duality within itself. The pretty boys on one side and the nerds/geeks on the other. Neither Rick Nielsen nor Brad Carlson (or as may know him, Bun E. Carlos) looked “rock and roll,” or even musician-like in the early days. Oh, they looked like band folk, for sure, but more like high school band. But, man, those cats can play. Nielsen is a guitar legend. If not just for his playing – which he is known for – but for his amazing and extensive collection of custom made guitars, most of them from Hamer, including a double neck in his likeness (the headstocks are his feet)  – I believe it’s called “Uncle Dick” – and a massive five-neck guitar.  But, it’s not just flash and balls, the man can play. He can blaze, although he doesn’t much. He can be melodic and his rhythms are also pretty far out. Also, with the exception of two tunes, he’s the sole songwriter on the album. Bun E. looks like a Magic the Gathering geek that played trumpet in high school (not that there’s anything wrong with that) that grew up, smoked a lot of cigs and worked as an accountant. He didn’t, of course, and that’s a great thing. He is world-renown for his drumming, his style, and his cool presence. His chops are well on display here.

The album is the first that I’ve gotten to actually listen to on vinyl for this list. It’s unique because the label reads Side A and the other side is Side 1. The joke being they didn’t feel there was any “B” material on the album. Some of my favorite tunes are  “The Ballad of TV Violence (I’m Not the Only Boy),” “Daddy Should Have Stayed in High School” (featuring that 12-string bass),  “Taxman, Mr. Thief” (an homage to “Taxman” from The Beatles) and darkly-themed and veiled “Oh Candy.” My absolute fave, though, is “Mandocello.” It’s melodic in all ways and I love the vocal melody.

Like I said, not my favorite CT album but it is solid. Much better than the Red Ant Records self-titled Cheap Trick album from 1997. I didn’t like that at all. Thanks Eug for including it. I can’t wait to hear your take. Jon, hope you catch up soon. I bet I even hear from Clay Howard on this one. He’s probably upset with me. Incidentally, my top five CT albums in order? In Color, Dream Police, Lap of Luxury, Heaven Tonight and their version of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Oh Candy, why did you do it? You should’ve called me on the telephone. I didn’t expect for you call me ’cause I didn’t think that you were alone. So alone.” – “Oh Candy” (Nielsen)