05 Saturday Jun 2021
Posted in Sounds Like Saturday, Video
Salutations™!!
Today is the 43rd anniversary of The Cars’ self-titled debut album. This album is great from front to back. Just like yesterday, I was lucky enough to do the VSS show that featured the music of The Cars. I had two songs and both were from this album. Here we are from The Ramkat (note: it’s not the full song). Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“Life’s the same, we’re moving in stereo. Life’s the same except for my shoes.” – “Moving in Stereo” (Ocasek/Hawkes)
07 Sunday Feb 2021
Posted in Records, Spinning Sunday
Tags
Arthur Buck, Discogs, Foreigner, Jane Birkin, John Renbourn, Music, Pat Benatar, Records, Serge Gainsbourg, The BCPF, The Cars, The Firm, Triumph, Underdog Records, Warrior
Salutations™!!
Yesterday was Jonathan’s birthday, so The BCPF and I went to a local coffee shop and got him a special coffee and pain au chocolate. He turned 40! Yay, him!! Here’s our haul:
Pat Benatar – Wide Awake In Dreamland — This was her last rock oriented album of the 80s. She went bluesy after that. I didn’t really care for this album after listening yesterday. The hit, “All Fired Up” was okay but meh to the rest of it. EX.
The Firm – The Firm — An 80s supergroup featuring Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Chris Slade who was in several bands including Uriah Heep and AC/DC, and vagabond bassist, Tony Franklin. Their biggest hit was “Radioactive” off of this album. I have always liked that song. EX.
John Renbourn – The Lady And The Unicorn — I know nothing about this. This was The BCPF’s doing. I think he is a folk guitarist who did some solo and ensemble work throughout his career. He passed in 2015. VG+.
Arthur Buck – Arthur Buck — This is a collaboration/side project with Peter Buck from REM fame and singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur in which Buck and Arthur share songwriting duties. This was their eponymous debut album that came out in June 2018. It’s a bit weird, upbeat, eclectic. Not what I expected from Peter Buck. I don’t know who Joseph Arthur is. This was a Barnes & Noble exclusive and is signed (under the cellophane), limited to 500 copies. We opened it because records are for listening. NM.
Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin – Jane Birkin – Serge Gainsbourg — Originally released in 1969. Remastered from the original tapes. Gatefold LP includes insert with new detailed liner notes and English / French lyrics. That part alone should tell you why we got this… French. NM.
The Cars – Door To Door — According to Wikipedia: Door to Door is the sixth studio album by American rock band the Cars, released on August 25, 1987, on Elektra Records. The album was self-produced by band members Ric Ocasek and Greg Hawkes. Three singles were released from the album, though only “You Are the Girl” reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #17. The album was the lowest charting album to date for the band, only peaking at #26 on the Billboard 200, and within a year of its release the band would break up. Door to Door was the group’s last studio album before they disbanded in 1988. It was also the last Cars record to feature Benjamin Orr before his death in 2000. The band would not release another studio album until 2011’s Move Like This. I don’t recognize any of the tunes from this but, we haven’t listened to it, either. NM original pressing.
Warrior – Fighting For The Earth — I got this because it looks like the early- to mid-80s “heavy metal” that I’ve been seeking out lately. I do know that Vinnie Vincent (who was in KISS briefly and Vinnie Vincent Invasion) was in a band called Warrior but they only got to the demo stage. There is a guy that looks like Vinnie on the back cover but he’s not in pink, so I don’t know. Actually, I do know, Vinnie isn’t on this. I also don’t think it’s the same band. That was back in 1981/1982 or so. This is from 1985. I don’t know what to expect, I’ll report back when I listen. VG+.
Triumph – Thunder Seven — Although I know little about Triumph over all, I know that I do like what I have heard. “Follow Your Heart” is on this one. It was worth it for that track alone. I know Triumph gets pushed out of the way as a three-piece rock outfit from Canada for another three-piece rock outfit from Canada, Rush. I’ll let you know how it is. EX.
Foreigner – Inside Information — This is the sixth studio album by Foreigner, released in 1987. The album debuted at 15, on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart and was certified Platinum in the U.S. It was the last album to feature the 80’s core lineup of Gramm, Jones, Wills, and Elliott. “Say You Will,” “I Don’t Want to Live Without You,” “Out of the Blue,” and “Heart Turns to Stone” were on this album. Gramm left to do his solo thing. I’ve seen Foreigner live in Disney World with whomever the singer was in 2013. Wasn’t a bad show. Club Edition (CRC), EX.
Jonathan and his girlfriend, Kerri were taking off after work yesterday to go on a mini-vacation. Good for them. If you go to the website and order something, just know that it may be a few days before he gets back with you. Be patient.
Use Discogs to track your collection.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!
—
“Well, I’m not uptight, not unattractive. Turn me on tonight ’cause I’m radioactive.” – “Radioactive” (Rodgers)
06 Saturday Jun 2020
Posted in Sounds Like Saturday
Salutations™!!
Today is the 42nd anniversary of the Cars self-titled debut. This album is awesome from front to back. And, for the second time in a few days, you get to see me in action, again, albeit a truncated version. This is one of my faves from this album and from the band. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“It’s so easy to blow up your problems. It’s so easy to play up your breakdown. It’s so easy to fly through a window. It’s so easy to fool with the sound.” – “Moving In Stereo” (Ocasek)
24 Sunday May 2020
Posted in KISS, Records, Spinning Sunday
Tags
10cc, ABC, Accept, Adam & the Ants, Angel, Barbra Streisand, Bauhaus, Berlin, Billy Idol, Billy Joel, Blue Oyster Cult, Boston, Discogs, Heart, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Huey Lewis & The News, Jim Steinman, KISS, Megadeth, Music, Patti Smith, Phil Collins, Radiohead, Records, Run-DMC, Rush, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Squirrel Nut Zippers, The BCPF, The Cars, The Clientele, The Mamas and the Papas, The Outlaws, The Rolling Stones, Timbuk3, Underdog Records
Salutations™!!
Another Saturday passes that we didn’t get to darken the door of Underdog Records. That doesn’t mean Underdog isn’t busy. Heck no! Jonathan is running himself ragged to make deliveries and has extended the reach to Greensboro, High Point and other places. So, definitely watch the Underdog Records Facebook and Instagram and watch what he’s releasing. Purchasing is first-come-first-serve so be on the lookout. Also, you can purchase new vinyl anytime day or night on the website. If you’re outside of the delivery area or just don’t want Jonathan to drop stuff off at your door, then he offers “unlimited” LPs (I’m sure it’s a little limited) for a flat rate $4.
This week’s “listens” were abundant. 22 albums I got through from Monday-Friday.
And, per usual, this week’s streaming listens comes from Discogs’ shuffle feature and it has to be an album that I own on vinyl (outside of peripheral things like Beeswax Vinyl & More listens), that way it’s like listening to my vinyl but with headphones from my computer whilst The BCPF works 10 feet away. Here’s the list (this is in order of listens):
Whew! A long listening list indeed! It was spread out, too. The BCPF remarked how I went from Streisand to Megadeth. It worked. I love Streisand and I’m not afraid to admit that. But, I was ready for something heavy after having gone through The Mamas and the Papas and Streisand back to back. It worked, as I said.
Well, yesterday, here’s what The BCPF and I listened to, actually on vinyl:
All-in-all, it was a great listening week. I just hope to get into Underdog Records soon to rummage through the used vinyl.
Again, check out Underdog Records’ social and web stuffs. Buy records. Use Discogs to keep track of your collection and use it’s groovy (see what I did there) shuffle feature.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!
—
“I was seventeen, you were just a dream. I was mesmerized, I felt scared inside. You broke my heart and I still can feel the pain. I’ve been counted out, I’ve had fear and doubt. I’ve been starry-eyed, never satisfied. Because late at night I still need you just the same.” – “Sure Know Something” (Stanley/Poncia)
11 Monday May 2020
Posted in Records, Spinning Sunday
Tags
Chicago, Dire Straits, Discogs, Fleetwood Mac, George Harrison, Iron Maiden, Jackson Browne, Kraftwerk, Laura Branigan, Love, Music, Pretenders, Prince, Records, Rush, Simply Red, Sufjan Stevens, The BCPF, The Cars, The Less Desirables, Timbuk3, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Underdog Records
Salutations™!!
Yep, I am a day behind on this because yesterday was Mother’s Day.
So, Underdog Records is still “closed” and Jonathan says that while he does see reopening in the near future, it will still be several weeks, and procedures within the store will be different. He’s doing a shload of deliveries right now, though. Head over to the Underdog Records website, or follow on Instagram (Jonathan’s preferred method) and Facebook to see what you can purchase.
And, per usual, this week’s streaming listens comes from Discogs’ shuffle feature and it has to be an album that I own on vinyl (outside of peripheral things like Beeswax Vinyl & More listens), that way it’s like listening to my vinyl but with headphones from my computer whilst The BCPF works 10 feet away. Here’s the list:
©record companies/not me
©record companies/not me
That’s a pretty good “listen” list, I think. Not my favorite Prince album and I’m not a huge Springsteen fan, but overall, it was enjoyable.
Then there were the ones that The BCPF and I listened to on Saturday on vinyl:
©record companies/not me
That was a really good listening session, other than I need to find a better copy of Running on Empty because that was clearly a $1 bin find and is in really bad shape. Almost unlistenable at times. So, it’s on my hunt list, I guess.
I cannot wait to flip through the used records again. I want to buy a lot of them! I have an impressive collection now but that’s not enough. I want more! Part of the experience is the ability to collect. We’ll work on it. Patience, old man… patience.
Again, check out Underdog Records’ social and web stuffs. Buy records. Use Discogs to keep track of your collection and use it’s groovy (see what I did there) shuffle feature.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!
—
“You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice. If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill. I will choose a path that’s clear, I will choose freewill.” – “Freewill” (Peart/Lee/Lifeson)
06 Wednesday Nov 2019
Tags
Dr. Dre, Heavens Sake, house, KISS, Music, renovations, Rod Stewart, Supertramp, The Cars
Salutations™!!
Today in the DJ for the Ren-o sessions, I played two albums that had the same exact anniversary. That’s Tonight I’m Yours from Rod Stewart and Shake It Up from The Cars. Both of those were from November 6, 1981.
©A&M
Then came a random grab of Breakfast in America from Supertramp. I played The Chronic from Dr. Dre next for Brian and then I played the debut KISS album.
Then, I played the two Heavens Sake albums (not on vinyl, unfortunately) and reminisced about my time in that band. Those were good musical times. I talked with Bobby, the drummer and David, the guitarist. We talked a little about those times and we may do some stuff in the future. I would like that.
Anyway, tomorrow, we hit it again. I may or may not be here to play DJ. We’ll see.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“Now I believe in what you say, is the undisputed truth. But I have to have things my own way to keep me in my youth. Like a ship without an anchor, like a slave without a chain. Just the thought of those sweet ladies sends a shiver through my veins. And I will go on shining, shining like brand new. I’ll never look behind me, my troubles will be few.” – “Goodbye Stranger” (Davies/Hodgson)
18 Wednesday Sep 2019
Posted in Life as We Know It
Tags
Salutations™!!
I’ve not had a chance to say RIP to the two names in music that we lost this past week. So, I’ve not been a big fan of Eddie Money or his music, but what I did like, I liked a good bit. He tried to join the police force (as his family was wont to do), I mean his name is really Mahoney, that’s a New York Police name if ever there was one. But, he went into music instead. He moved to San Francisco, changed his name to Eddie Money and went on to do some good songs. I’m not saying I didn’t like his stuff, I just didn’t hear more than just the “hits.” He had been battling a lot of things, including drug addiction and cancer, which eventually won that battle.
The other one was a little more sudden, surprising and more impactful to me. I won’t make it out to be a yeah, I have always been a fan situation but I have always liked The Cars. Ben Orr died in 2000 from Pancreatic Cancer. This week we lost the leader of The Cars, Ric Ocasek. He died from natural causes but he had recently had surgery. He suffered from both hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Growing up the most I knew of The Cars was the hits and always thought that Ocasek was the singer of the band. I didn’t find out until “Drive” that Ben Orr was co-lead vocalist. But, even that being what it is, Ocasek was the main songwriter of the band and the driving force behind it.
The not-so-funny thing about his death is it is the latest in the Vagabond Saints Society curse. We have lost a good bit of artists that VSS have covered, in one way or another. We don’t know that that is a real thing but it happens a bit. Anyway, RIP to both Ric and Eddie.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“It’s not the perfume that you wear. It’s not the ribbons in your hair. I don’t mind you comin’ here and wastin’ all my time. I guess you’re just what I needed. I needed someone to feed. I guess you’re just what I needed. I needed someone to bleed.” – “Just What I Needed” (Ocasek)
27 Saturday Jul 2019
Posted in Sounds Like Saturday
Salutations™!!
Last night was a fantastic night. I loved playing with my VSS brothers (and sister) doing the songs of The Cars at The Ramkat. This is one of the two I did and whilst I did look for a good cover… I really must play from the master himself, Ben Orr and the Cars doing their thing.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“Life’s the same. We’re moving in stereo. Life’s the same, except for my shoes. Life’s the same. You’re shaking like tremolo. Life’s the same. It’s all inside you.” – “Moving in Stereo” (Ocasek/Hawkes)
26 Friday Jul 2019
Posted in Life as We Know It
Salutations™!!
If you’re on the fence about what to do tonight, well, start off by heading over to Ember Audio + Design at 5 for their PVD (Public Vinyl Demo) and then walk across the street to see Vagabond Saints Society doing the songs of The Cars. I’m performing two songs tonight. It will be fun. Come on out!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“I don’t care if you use me again. I don’t care if you abuse me again. You can make me I don’t care. And you can fake me I don’t care. And you can love me just about anywhere. It’s alright.” – “You’re All I’ve Got Tonight” (Ocasek)
26 Wednesday Jun 2019
Tags
AFAS, Cheryl Ann Lipstreu, Music, Podcast, Podcasting, Podcasts, The Cars, The Less Desirables, The Less Desirables Network, Vagabond Saints Society
Salutations™!!
It was a weird week for me as far as podcasting goes. Of the five TLD Network shows, only The Less Desirables was recorded, although we may pull off a Fan Interference tomorrow, we’ll see. But, it was a good episode of The Less Desirables. Charyl Ann Lipstreu was in the studio and we talked about art, body painting, life, music, beer and the big show she has coming up at AFAS’ Red Dog Studio starting next Friday. 
Once I was finished with the production of TLD, I ran over to Doug Davis’ studio to run through two Cars songs for the VSS Cars shows this summer. I wasn’t supposed to get over there because, well, Wednesdays are reserved for TLD. We were done early so there you go!
I did pretty good for just learning them today.
Anywhat! Listen to this week’s episode of TLD HERE.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
—
“Life’s the same I’m moving in stereo. Life’s the same except for my shoes. Life’s the same you’re shakin’ like tremolo. Life’s the same it’s all inside you.” – “Moving in Stereo” (Hawkes/Ocasek)
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