Tag Archives: The Carpenters

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 2/23/19

24 Sunday Feb 2019

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Salutations™!!

I saw a meme yesterday, pretty much admonishing John Fogerty that yes, indeed, we have seen the (expletive) rain. Rain is needed but we have had our fill over the last three months. It’s winter, couldn’t it at least be snow or something? Anywhat! We did get around to Underdog Records despite the inclement weather and came home with a modest haul. Good stuff, though. Here it is:

Supertramp_-_Even_in_the_Quietest_Moments

©A&M

  • Supertramp – Even In The Quietest Moments… — As I stated on my Facebook and Instagram posts with this, the rule in our house is if there’s a Supertramp album that isn’t in our Discogs collection, then it must be purchased. This was the album right before their megahit, Breakfast in America. VG+.
  • Todd Rundgren – Initiation — I guess the same rule for Supertramp applies to Rundgren, too because if we see it, we check to see if we have it, we add it if needed. So, there. This was his sixth studio album and on it, he embraced the synth-driven direction he had been toying with. VG+.
  • Carpenters – Horizon — Their sixth album and the first not to be a top 5 hit in the US. This one only reached #13. The following albums continued a downward trend and they never again held the acclaim they did at the beginning of their career. VG++.
  • The Chipmunks – Chipmunk Punk — My sister had this when we were growing up and I listened to it more than she did. I loved it. I realized, though, rather quickly that this isn’t that good. Unlike the Urban Chipmunk album, I can’t tell what the heck they’re saying and knowing this was a kid’s album that they let some of the songs stay on the album. In particular, “Good Girls Don’t” and “My Sharona” from The Knack. I love the songs and yes, they were hits on the radio, but for the time (1980), they were pretty racy to have as “kid” songs. I apologized to The BCPF after listening yesterday for making her sit through that. VG.
  • The Outlaws – Outlaws — The album is known for the rock classic “Green Grass & High Tides,” which is considered by many to be one of the greatest guitar songs, plus the hit single “There Goes Another Love Song.” $1 bin find. VG.
  • Slim Whitman – All My Best — I think I remember seeing the adverts for this on TV as a kid. I couldn’t resist paying $1 for it. It’s in decent shape but the outer sleeve is made of cheap flimsy cardboard, as I think a lot of those “as seen on TV” records probably were. VG.

So, the haul was “modest” but it’s the end of the month and we were running a little low on funds. We had a couple of other things we were wanting but we’ll pick those up (based on availability) next week. I hope, too, that I will get my first “Curated by Underdog” package. I look forward to that. You should visit the Underdog Records website and find out more about that program. If it sounds good to you and you want to sign up, tell Jonathan that I sent you. And, use your Discogs to curate your own collection!

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“She’s your adolescent dream, schoolboy stuff, a sticky sweet romance. And she makes you want to scream, wishing you could get inside her pants. So, you fantasize away. And while you’re squeezing her, you thought you heard her saying… ‘Good girls don’t, Good girls don’t, Good girls don’t, but I do.'” – “Good Girls Don’t” (Fieger)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 1/5/19

06 Sunday Jan 2019

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Salutations™!!

The first Underdog Records purchase of 2019, woot! It’s going to be a good year all around and it’s going to be a good record year, too. I want to continue to fill my RS list wants and discover things that I didn’t know existed. I’m going to attempt to listen to more new music, but it really isn’t my bag. Anywhat! Here’s the haul:

The_Clash_-_Combat_Rock.jpg

©CBS/Epic

  • Pink Floyd – Obscured By Clouds — I had made a post on this blog a few weeks back about this album. How great it was and how I was disappointed that no one had brought it to my attention prior. It was there and I grabbed it. This is the remastered reissue, new. It is a great album!
  • The Clash – Combat Rock — The “Should I Stay or Should I Go” and “Rock the Casbah” album. First pressing in EX/VG++ condition. I couldn’t pass that up.
  • Scorpions – Best Of Scorpions — Jonathan said, “yes and yes” when I brought this album up to the counter. He said that old Scorpions are under-appreciated and I nodded in agreement. The Scorps (no relation to me) have been around in some form or fashion since 1965 and most people don’t know that. So they had stuff that predates the “Rock You Like a Hurricane” era. This is in VG.
  • Mass Gothic – I’ve Tortured You Long Enough — promo copy of this album, it has no official cover but it’s from Sub Pop Records and it’s everything you’d think an album on that label would be. Which means that The BCPF loved it. VG++.
  • Charlie Parker And His Orchestra – Night And Day — The BCPF grabbed this one and I’m not really sure why. She usually avoids the more horn musicians. But, I dig them, so I’m glad she did. VG-.
  • Various – Midnight Cowboy (Original Motion Picture Score) — I like soundtracks and this was from the only X-Rated film to win Best Picture and first gay-related Best Picture. Also, it has Harry Nilsson’s “Everybody’s Talkin’,” which I love. VG+.
  • Black Sabbath – Technical Ecstasy — The penultimate Ozzy Sabbath record. He was blitzed most of the time and spent a lot of that time on the beach in Miami whilst Tommy Iommi was left to produce the album. It was recorded at the same studio as the Eagles’ Hotel California was being recorded at the same time. Geezer Butler said that they’d have to go in and scrape the residual cocaine off the mixing board after the Eagles left. VG-.
  • The Who – Who’s Next — I already have this album, but I believe this is a better copy than what I have. VG.
  • Linda Ronstadt – Hand Sown… Home Grown — Ronstadt’s debut solo album after leaving the Stone Poneys. It flopped but we like her so it was a good one to get. VG+.
  • Tina Turner – Private Dancer — The “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Better Be Good To Me” and “Private Dancer” album. I didn’t know that the title track was written by Mark Knopfler, but it does make sense now that I’ve listened to other Dire Straits albums. Ode to oneself and lamenting about the role that they’re the lot of. Plus, it’s an 80s staple and we know I’m a sucker for that stuff. VG+.

The rest are $1 albums and unless otherwise noted, they’re at least VG.

Jonathan had a lot of “fresh” stuff that he was going through yesterday which only means you’re going to have a lot to choose from. Now, something new for 2019 that Jonathan is doing is called “Curated by Underdog” which is a subscription service that you can have Jonathan (and I’m sure his trusted associates) curate your collection with criteria of your choosing. Like only indie things? Like 80s music? Only want new records? Only want used records? Want a combo of the two? Well, Jonathan and Underdog Records have you covered. You’ll receive your subscription either monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly. The lowest cost package comes in at just $12. I think that’s a pretty good deal. It’s also a way to find things you may not have thought about. For more information visit the Curated by Underdog site. Also, listen to each episode of The Less Desirables to find out what that week’s TLD/UR special is.

Curated by Underdog and I both use Discogs. Underdog to help create and manage your subscription and me to make sure that I don’t get multiples of things. It also has a cool “shuffle” feature that picks a random album (upon your request).

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Welcome back, my friends To the show that never ends. We’re so glad you could attend. Come inside! Come inside! There, behind a glass, stands a real blade of grass. Be careful as you pass. Move along! Move along.” – “Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression, Part 2” (Lake/Emerson)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 11/23/18 & 24

25 Sunday Nov 2018

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Salutations™!!

Note: I wrote most of this on Friday night and had to modify it for today. We’ll leave most of it for today.

Yes, it is for Friday and not Saturday, but that’s because we did our record shopping for this weekend at Underdog Records on Friday (and Saturday) for the Record Store Day Black Friday Edition (and Small Business Saturday). We were there at just before 5am and they opened at 8am. We were tired and after breakfast collapsed in bed for a few hours. We went back Saturday and But, here’s what we got:

Presstheejectandgivemethetape

©Beggars Banquet

All of these were brand new and with the exception of the Calexico, were “Record Store Day” releases.

  • Calexico – The Black Light — The non-RSD album we got and it’s a 20th Anniversary reissue and is a 2xLP on clear vinyl. These guys are great. Laid-back tex-mex/indie/alt-country music at its finest!
  • Cheap Trick – The Epic Archive Vol. 2 (1980-83) — We got the first volume this past RSD in April and I had to get this one. I bought two copies, one for Clay, which he paid me back for. I don’t really care much for this collection but hey, I have it. There are some good tunes on it, though.
  • José González – Veneer — 15th Anniversary reissue for RSD in a marbled-cream color. 2xLP and a very good listen from an Argentinian Swede. The name is very Latin but he’s from Sweden (his family is from Argentina). Good, laid-back indie folk music, this. You know the BCPF was all over this one. It was one of the two “must haves” for her on Friday.
  • The B-52’s – Cosmic Thing — Not quite 30 years but close since the release of this album. And, it’s much more than just “Love Shack,” “Roam” and “Channel Z.” A well-written album and the first after the death of Ricky Wilson in 1985. This is on a rainbow-splatter vinyl record.
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Ella At The Shrine — The only disappointment of the haul was this for me. It’s a “mini-album” so it’s kind of short. Along the lines of an EP, really. It’s a 12″ but it plays at 45 RPM like a 45/7″. I think the reason why I was disappointed is that the only time I don’t like her is when she goes on some scat rampage and this album was full of that. It’s annoying. It’s on cool mustard-colored vinyl, though.
  • Adam Sandler – What The Hell Happened To Me? — My second favorite Adam Sandler album and I got the first (his first and my favorite), They’re All Gonna Laugh At You, this past April at RSD and had to jump on this one, too. My two favorite skits are “Do It for Your Mama” and “The Hypnotist.” I laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh.
  • Bauhaus – Press The Eject And Give Me The Tape — Oddly enough, this is (outside of Adam Sandler) my favorite grab of the day. It’s the other “must-have” for The BCPF and she kept saying I was going to hate it, that I was going to look at her funny, that I was going to complain. None of that was true. Well, except for the looking at her funny part. I do that for sport. This was a great album of live weirdness recorded in London and Liverpool in 1981/1982. Great show and a great recording.

The following were picked up on Saturday and they are all $1 bin finds. The sale was 50% off $1 albums so, we made out good!

  • Carpenters – Carpenters — Their third studio album with “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “Superstar” among others. In an envelope sleeve. VG.
  • George Jones – I Am What I Am — The 1980 album with “He Stopped Loving Her Today” which I wouldn’t have bought without. The BCPF just rolled her eyes the whole time. VG.
  • Stevie Wonder – Music Of My Mind — 1972 album in which Stevie played all the instruments except the trombone and electric guitar (one song each). I haven’t listened to it, yet, so I don’t know what it’s like. VG.
  • Donovan – Barabajagal — Pure Donovan, this. Great stuff with great guests such as Jeff Beck, Ronnie Wood, Aynsley Dunbar, John Paul Jones, Rod Stewart, etc. It came out in 1969. VG+ (with the exception of a gash in the finale).
  • José Iturbi – Music To Remember — 10″ RCA Red Label in really good condition and features music from the life of Chopin. VG+.
  • Unknown Artist – It’s A Small World — Yes, one of the most annoying earworms ever, but you know what? I love it. And, The BCPF found this and put it in our carry-out crate. So, here we have it. It’s pretty beaten up. G+.

So, that’s the haul. There was stuff left over at Underdog Records when we left on Friday morning, and I don’t know what happened yesterday, but it was probably a good day on both days for Jonathan. He puts his heart and soul into the RSD bonanzas and he was in a good mood, that’s always a plus. We love to see him smiling. But, Underdog Records is your place to go buy vinyl. No other store is needed. Listen to the next episode of The Less Desirables (on Wednesday) to hear what the TLD/UDR special of the week is.

Discogs already had these albums loaded up and it didn’t take anything for me to find them. Good job Discogs!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’!
Scorp out!

—
“Crosses all over, heavy on your shoulders. The sirens inside you waiting to step forward, disturbing silence darkens your sight.” – “Crosses” (Gonzalez)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 11/17/18

18 Sunday Nov 2018

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Salutations™!!

It was a regular day for The BCPF and me yesterday. We ate breakfast (crepes, this time), ran by Underdog Records and then came home for a wonderful afternoon of “rekkid listenin’.” Here’s our haul:

Citytocity

©United Artists

  • Mark Knopfler – Down The Road Wherever — The latest effort by the former Dire Straits frontman and ax-wielder, it is quintessential Knopfler. He has a way of telling stories with such honesty and directly from the heart. The tunes on this album range from rocking to jazzy. It’s great stuff. 2xLP and is new.
  • Pearl Jam – Vs. — I always dismissed Pearl Jam, just like I did with Nirvana and many other grunge bands because well, they were grunge bands. I learned after many years that this isn’t awful stuff and it doesn’t bring the same gut-wrenching nausea that it used to. I actually find that I like this stuff more and more, now. This is a 2015 remaster that I found in the clearance bin. This album for less than $13? Yep. New.
  • Indigo Girls – Indigo Girls — The major label debut of the Emory University-born duo of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers. Their biggest hit is “Closer to Fine” and it’s on this album. Side 1 is great. Side 2 is tired and cliche. The BCPF was very excited to find this one. VG++.
  • Paul Simon – One-Trick Pony — She was also very excited about this one and it was a great listen. I didn’t know it was a soundtrack to a film. So, we’ll have to find it and watch it. The soundtrack is great but I hear the film is “just okay.” VG+.
  • Yes – Big Generator — The follow up to the massively successful 90125, this had two singles: “Love Will Find a Way” and “Rhythm of Love.” I have really enjoyed my Yes collection and can’t wait to listen to this. VG+.
  • Gerry Rafferty – City To City — I was most excited by this one. I didn’t know how excited until I got home. I saw it had “Baker Street” which is Rafferty’s biggest solo hit. I didn’t realize that it had “Right Down the Line” on it as well. I love both of these songs although I had never heard either until just a few years ago. Weird, I know, but true. This is a great album all the way through. VG+.
  • Wings  – Wings Greatest — I have this on CD, it was my first foray into the Wings world. I have plenty of other stuff now, but then, this was it. Now, I have it on vinyl, too. VG.
  • Joe Jackson – Look Sharp! — The debut album from Joe Jackson is amazing front-to-back. The album contains such great tunes like “One More Time,” “Sunday Papers,” “Look Sharp!” “Happy Loving Couples,” “Got the Time” and his first hit, “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” We loved listening to this album. EX/VG++.
  • Carpenters – A Song For You — The fourth studio album from the brother/sister duo. The opening title track (and subsequent album closer) was written by Leon Russell. Other songs include tracks written by Carole King, Toni Stern, and more. It was supposed to be some kind of concept album. The funniest part of the record was at the end of side 1 when Richard and Karen sing about “being right back after we go to the bathroom.” Plus, it was a $1 bin find.

This Friday is the Black Friday Record Store Day event and Underdog Records will have a slew of the items for sale. Most of them are limited releases and rarities. Also, it’s a great time to get your gift certificates either for yourself or your loved ones. Jonathan has many 45s to make cool gift certs for you in any denomination. Listen to the latest episode of The Less Desirables to hear what the TLD/UDR special of the week is.

Discogs lets me keep track of what albums I already have. When you have a large number of pieces, it gets harder to keep track of what you already have. Discogs is the answer. It works for CDs as well.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Then I learned to play some lead guitar. I was underage in this funky bar and I stepped outside to smoke myself a “J.” And when I came back to the room everybody just seemed to move and I turned my amp up loud and I began to play. And, it was late in the evening and I blew that room away.” – “Late in the Evening” (Simon)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 12/30/17

31 Sunday Dec 2017

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Salutations™!!

First off, let me wish all of you (all of the Dear Readers) out there a very happy new year from The BCPF, 3B and me. I had a great 2017. It was hard, and there is more to come of that, but for the most part, it was a good year. We had some political mess, some job mess, uncertainty and overall scary things, but we had a decent year, all things considered.

One constant this year has been Underdog Records. We went there just about every Saturday of the year and even some off-days. We love it in there. Our collection is growing and not what football season is coming to a close, we can get back to listening to records, not only on Saturdays (and a few during the week) but on Sundays, too. That and open houses. I miss that. Anywhat! Here is the haul for this week:

220px-PublicEnemyItTakesaNationofMillionstoHoldUsBack

©Def Jam/Columbia

 

Underdog Records may or may not open on Tuesday. Call or check their social media channels to get the skinny. Watch their social media on Facebook and Instagram anyway because they always have specials going on. We also use Discogs to keep track of what our collection looks like.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“When the night has come and the land is dark and the moon is the only light we’ll see. No, I won’t be afraid, no I won’t be afraid just as long as you stand, stand by me.” – “Stand By Me” (King, Leiber, Stoller)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 8/1-5/17

06 Sunday Aug 2017

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Salutations™!!

This week’s haul spans several days as we visited Underdog Records on Tuesday upon our return from Raleigh, seeing Belle and Sebastian. So it’s extra long today. Let’s hit it!

Peter_criss_solo_album_cover

©Casablanca/UMe

 

So, as you can see, that’s a pretty good haul. Some stuff we’re really excited to get, some we just needed for the collection and some “must haves.” It’s always fun to go in Underdog Records. We have a little community that we’ve formed being customers over there. I know Jonathan has a few quality turntables for sale in the store right now and some receivers and speakers, as well. If you’re looking to get into vinyl for the first time, or again, or just want/need to upgrade your setup, then you’ve choices over there. And, we all use Discogs to manage and archive our collection (and to provide you links for this blog).

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“My house! Is out of the ordinary. That’s right! Don’t wanna hurt nobody. Some things sure can sweep me off my feet. Burning down the house.” – “Burning Down the House” (Frantz, Byrne, Harrison, Weymouth)

Paul Williams Still Alive or: The Less Desirables Movie of the Week

06 Saturday Feb 2016

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Salutations™!!

a/perture cinema, the Official Movie Sponsor of The Less Desirables, presents The Less Desirables Movie of the Week, Paul Williams: Still Alive (2012). The film stars, well, you guessed it, Paul Williams.

Filmmaker Stephen Kessler’s documentary about finding out his childhood hero, Paul Williams, the entertainer, songwriter, singer and actor who wrote songs for commercials and films, including Phantom of the Paradise in which he also played the heavy (which is funny considering his 5’2” stature). He also wrote songs commercially that was recorded by other artists such as The Carpenters (“We’ve Only Just Begun” and “Rainy Days and Mondays”), Three Dog Night (“Old Fashioned Love Song”), Helen Reddy (“You and Me against the World”), David Bowie (“Fill Your Heart”) and others. Also, he wrote the supposed childhood hit “Rainbow Connection.” I’ve only heard that song, all the way through, once in my life and I didn’t get the hoopla, wasn’t a fan. That’s not putting it down, just didn’t care for it the first time I heard it. If it was playing right now, I’d not even know what it was. MV5BNDM3ODMzMDU4NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzE3NDM4Nw@@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_One more… he wrote the lyrics to one of my favorite TV show themes ever, “Love Boat Theme.” I would have probably been a fan of Paul had I been about three years older. I just missed out, I think. But, what I didn’t know of Paul Williams is probably more profound in watching this.

The filmmaker was surprised to find out that not only was his idol alive but was 16 years sober (as of the making of this film, 20 as of its release). It recounts the 50+ appearances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson as well other variety/talk shows. Also, the film shows him speaking at addiction support conventions and on small stages performing now and throughout his career. Some of the heaviest part of the doc was when they ended up on a small tour of the Philippines and going through the Mindanao Jungle where a lot of al Qaeda and other terror activities had been happening. There were scares but in the end, it was all good.

As a kid, leading an admittedly sheltered life, I never dealt with or knew anyone or even knew to recognize when someone was on drugs, so I wouldn’t have known any of those demons, which haunted Paul, was the case. I just knew him as the long, blond-haired funny looking guy that was on shows that Ma ‘Rents watched that I usually ignored or left the room for. Man, I really was sheltered. I see that more after watching this.

Kessler grows closer to Williams as the film went on; totally admitting at the end that he didn’t want to stop hanging out with him. Finally, getting what he ultimately wanted as the fan, not the filmmaker: he got to stay at Paul’s house. He got footage of Paul watching some of his old footage and the reactions were apprehensive with Paul getting up and walking away from the screen, worrying about what his daughter will think about how he was (strung out, addicted, etc.), then.

I’ve not really given anything away, here. It’s a documentary, documenting what has happened, not fiction. No matter what I tell you of the contents, the story is still relevant and intriguing. I love stuff like this and seeing the behind the scenes is always some of my most favorite content. With most everything, I am more intrigued by the things you don’t see than what you do. Documentaries like this are generally informational and shows the human side of the subjects as opposed to the glam and glitter. And shows what he does now (2012).

My main concern about the film is the filmmaker, as is most of the reviews that I read. Stephen Kessler is a superfan. He makes no bones about it and becomes a creeperish stalker and completely intruding into the life of Paul Williams. Now, granted, Williams had to agree to the doc, of course, but probably had very little say in how anyone was portrayed or shown in the film. Kessler, at least in the beginning, was background other than narration. Basically, Paul opened the door and allowed him in. Once in, he never left. It was more about how he felt about things than how Paul felt about things. As it could be construed as a documentary about Paul Williams, I think it was more a documentary about Stephen Kessler being a fan of Paul Williams.

Rotten Tomatoes has it at 97% Fresh with an audience score of 80%. IMDb has it at 6.9 stars out of 10. I saw this on Netflix and I rated it 4 stars, and the only reason why it’s not higher is because of Kessler’s injection of himself throughout. Paul Williams, I have a newfound respect for. I would have probably liked a lot of his stuff more if I had been about 3 years older. I just missed the cusp of knowing. So I recommend this if a) you’re a fan of Paul Williams, b) you like docs on past-prime celebrities that are still giving it a go (or those who aren’t) or c) don’t mind gluttonous, gratuitous, arse-kissing filmmakers. Have you seen it? What did you think? Let me know!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Talkin’ to myself and feelin’ old. Sometimes I’d like to quit, nothin’ ever seems to fit. Hangin’ around, nothin’ to do but frown. Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.” – “Rainy Days and Mondays” (Williams/Nichols)

I Saw the Light or: The World is a Toll-free Toilet (RS Part 33)

21 Monday Dec 2015

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Salutations™!!

Man, it’s going to be hard to top the last section, I mean Quicksilver Messenger Service!? Oh, that and some album called, So or something? I don’t know. But, let’s make a move on the next section of Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums of All Time.

#180 – The Rolling Stones, Now! by The Rolling Stones. I know they’re still in their “infancy” here, but I have to say, I don’t like this era of the Stones. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing that excites me. Then again, the Stones aren’t that high on my list 1Rollingstonesnowanyway. Give me the Beatles anyday. Speaking of which, Chuck Berry’s “You Can’t Catch Me” (recorded here) features the lyric, “Here come old flat top” just like “Come Together” from Abbey Road. There was some stink about that but it was settled. Some of why I don’t care for this record is the blues aspect. We know how I am about that. I like the more polished late-60s-through-early-90s Stones, if I’m going to listen to them at all. Another thing, twelve songs and only four are written by them. Again, I know it’s still really, really early in their careers, but that perplexes me. I have to say that I do not mind the RS originals but their covers on this, drives me up the wall. Meh.

#179 – The Definitive Collection by ABBA.

#178 – The Anthology 1961 to 1977 by Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions.

#177 – One Nation Under a Groove by Funkadelic. Had to listen to this one on YouTube because it’s apparently not available any other way, any longer. But, you know what? It’s George Clinton, it’s Funkadelic and it’s funktastic! Back when you could write 1OneNationsongs about dancing and it not only not be cheesy but be relevant and serious. ‘Cause really, who doesn’t just want to funk out? “Groovallegiance” features a very rare bass solo, but I didn’t find clarification if it’s “Bootsy,” “Boogie” or “Skeet” that’s playing said solo. All three as listed as personnel but nothing is necessarily denoted as who does what where. It’s awesome no matter whom it is. “Who Says a Funk Band Can’t Play Rock?!” is truly a rock song. The whole album is about breaking through to something more. This song proves exactly what the title suggests, wrong. “Promentalshitbackwashpsychosis Enema Squad (The Doo-Doo Chasers)” wins the award for the longest song title on the countdown (at least that I can tell). It’s pretty much saying that the world can be a “shite hole” and there are those that perpetuate that assumption. We’ve all gone in the crapper, if you will. A great (almost) 11 minute song, that. I am pretty certain that “Bootsy” is playing the bass on “Cholly (Funk Getting Ready to Roll)” as he’s a co-writer. All in all this is a great funk/rock album. I have really gotten in to most everything in that genre that I’ve heard in this countdown, thus far. Yay, me and dug!

#176 – Rocks by Aerosmith. Ugh. Dear (enter deity here), I hate Aerosmith. Truly. Not unlike the feeling when I listen to 12-bar blues, either. I don’t mind “Rats in the Cellar” and “Combination.” “Nobody’s Fault” is pretty rocking, too. I would even say I really like that one. The chorus to “Lick and a Promise” is good, the rest of that song is only meh. “Home Tonight” wasn’t bad, either. Overall, it’s still just a meh for me. I found myself asking: “how long until it’s over?”

#175 – Close to You by Carpenters. I don’t care how sappy it may be, I’ve enjoyed what I’ve heard from the Carpenters. Karen had a great voice and for that, I’m not going to say anything other than she was lost too soon about her being gone. Okay, that’s done. Her voice is so strong here. It’s very early-70s, too. It’s three months and one day older than me. According to the album credits, it’s all Richard and Karen doing all the vocals, lead and backup. Well-written songs, really, even though most of it is covers of others’ music. There are some originals on here. And, for all the good things to say, I really found nothing exciting about it. I certainly don’t dislike it, but I also like vanilla ice cream. It just doesn’t excite me. I’ll give the benefit of a dug, but it’s barely over a meh.

#174 – Desire by Bob Dylan. Dang! “Hurricane” rocks and there’s cursing and the “N” word that somehow wasn’t offensive, at least to this pasty white boy. This isn’t the 1Bob_Dylan_-_DesireDylan I know and that’s a good thing. “Isis,” “Mozambique” are mesmerizing. They are so easy to listen to but strangely complex. “One More Cup of Coffee” which I believe has Emmylou Harris singing backup is sad and beautiful. Although, the story isn’t bad, I don’t really care much about “Joey.” It drags, it’s whiny and it’s eleven minutes long. It seems that one got some negative attention for glorifying gangsters. Yikes! I do like the Mexican-style of “Romance in Durango.” Reminds me of some stuff Ma Père would listen to when I was a child. He’s not Mexican but liked Marty Robbins and such. “Sara” is an almost pleading, directly personal direction of songwriting as it was about his wife. It wasn’t often, at least that I can figure, that he did that. That’s one of my favorite songs on this album. I’d own this album if I could skip “Joey.” Dug!

#173 – Something/Anything? by Todd Rundgren. Rundgren’s third release and it was a whopper! A double album in which for the first three sides it’s all him: instruments, vocals, everything. It’s quite the pop album. “I Saw the Light” is the first song and was 1Somethinganythingcoverthe first single. I have that on a Time-Life compilation, which I’m sure is Sounds of the 70s. You can hear the imperfections in the drumming and other instruments, but I think that adds to the uniqueness. At the beginning of side two, he gives a small tour of studio sounds like hum and hiss. It was odd hearing it. “Marlene” has xylophones and such on it and at one point sounds just like that new chime that Facebook uses for it’s Instant Messenger and I kept thinking someone was messaging me. Side four is comprised of songs that were done with full ensembles. Musicians include Mark Klingman, Rick Derringer, Vicki Sue Robinson and Edward James Olmos (yes, that Edward James Olmos, vox). The third released single was “Hello It’s Me” which is a side four song. The second was “Couldn’t I Just Tell You” and the fourth was “Wolfman Jack” which is probably the worst song on the album and it was released TWO years after “Hello It’s Me.” There was another album released before “Wolfman Jack” came out. I don’t understand that. Anywhat! Overall I thought the album was fantastic, but really, Rundgren could have cut that down to about eleven songs and left it as an LP. Most of it was filler, some of which sounded very much like other songs on the album and could have been done away with or released two separate albums. It was too much. But, because I liked the material, I’m still going with a “dug” here.

#172 – Every Picture Tells a Story by Rod Stewart. The boogie blues version of Rod Stewart. Some of it I like. Some of it I don’t really care about. I like the title track, pretty well. Although I’m not really a fan of “That’s All Right,” I do like the arrangement of “Amazing Grace” at the end of it. The Dylan song “Tomorrow is a Long Time” is done beautifully here, violins and all. The “Henry” part of “Maggie May” is a nice Celtic-sounding classical guitar piece. And “Maggie May,” while not a bad song, has never been a favorite of mine. I can’t tell you why, either; it seems right up my alley. Now, I do like “(I Know) I’m Losing You.” Something about the dirty sound makes it groovy. That’s my fave on this album. Then, probably, would be “Reason to Believe.” Overall, the hits are good, the Dylan song is a welcome listen but overall, I just don’t see the big deal. Okay, it’s a decent album and perhaps does need to be on here, but why is it this high on the list. I dig it but it’s over listed, in my opinion and hey it’s my countdown, eh?1ByrdBros

#171 – The Notorious Byrd Brothers by The Byrds. I’m putting the daisy behind my ear and I’m going to drop that funny square of paper and dance in the high weeds, barefoot in my bell-bottomed pants, silk shirt and cowhide vest. Dance, dance, dance. Spin. Spin. Spin. Okay, dude, wake up! Sorry about that. Some well-executed tunes on here. I’ve listened to The Byrds more and more lately, I like their stuff. This, however, doesn’t really move me, but, like I said, there’s some well-written stuff here. Very short songs, I have few moments to spare between songs going through. Of the “official” 11 songs on the original release, the longest songs is 3:52 but most are around two and a half. To the point, so I can get behind that. It seems that David Crosby was fired during the production. I wonder why (that’s sarcasm)? Like I said, I liked it okay. I don’t know, though, that I’d really want to listen to this one again. But, it was decent so I will give it a “dug.”

Wow, a very disappointing segment, to me. Even though several of them received a “dug” from me, for the most part, they were barely passing that line. Aerosuck was a true downer and two compilations. The only true shining lights in this segment were Dylan and Funkadelic. Rundgren would have made it had the album been about 6-8 songs shorter. Well, here’s hoping that the next batch is very much better.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Your breath is sweet. Your eyes are like two jewels in the sky. Your back is straight, your hair is smooth on the pillow where you lie. But, I don’t sense affection. No gratitude or love. Your loyalty is not to me but to the stars above. One more cup of coffee for the road. One more cup of coffee ‘fore I go.” – “One More Cup of Coffee (Valley Below)” (Dylan)