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)
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:
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)
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
The BCPF and I were back to Underdog Records yesterday after our trip to Beantown last week. It was good to be back and not only did we get a good haul this week, we actually got about six hours of record listening as well! Other than going through some head cold or sinus thing, yesterday was a wonderful day. I love my girl and spending the day with her. Here’s the haul:
The Psychedelic Furs – Talk Talk Talk — When I was younger, say when this stuff was new, I always got PFurs mixed up with The Fixx and Naked Eyes. They were close enough to the first wave stuff that it was only on my radar when they had a mega hit. I just didn’t have access to it. I have (obviously) come to know the difference and this was a great record. VG++.
Dire Straits – Love Over Gold — I have, on several occasions, mentioned my newfound love of Dire Straits. I am now only one album from having all of their studio albums on vinyl. I’m not sure it was even released on vinyl or not. If not, since they are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, perhaps they’ll get a reissue of it? And, if they could figure out a way to get side one of Brothers in Arms back to its full-length self, that would be great. This was a great record. VG+.
Aerosmith – Aerosmith — No, I still don’t like Aerosmith, but there are some songs that I like and this was their debut album. This is the second pressing reissue from 1976 where “Walkin’ the Dog” is spelled correctly and they only used the photo of the band instead of the full sky pic. VG+.
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – I Love Rock ‘N Roll — I know the song is way played out by now, but when this came out, I always felt it was a matter of “oh you have that!?” with covetous intent. I never had it, though. As a kid, for some things, albums and such, ordinary releases felt like the Holy Grail and I either felt special for having something or jealous someone else did. Music is just that big a deal to me. Anywhat! This was there and The BCPF couldn’t resist getting it. VG.
Pretenders – Pretenders — This completes our 79-89 Pretenders full-length album collection. They have stuff later but this was their heyday, so this is what we want. It has some great tunes including “Precious” and “Brass in Pocket.” VG++.
Squeeze – Argybargy — We got two Squeeze albums yesterday and we’ve only gotten to listen to the “Singles” one so far. But, I had forgotten how many awesome songs this band had. Both of them were VG++.
The Cars – Candy-O — Just like Dire Straits, I have come to realize that I just downright love The Cars. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. This album, their second, has a lot of great stuff including “Let’s Go,” “It’s All I Can Do,” and “Dangerous Type.” VG++.
Robert Plant – Now And Zen — If I’m not mistaken, it’s the second time I’ve bought this album but the first time owning it. I believe this is the one that I purchased and immediately gave to my pal and bandmate, Clay Howard. I may be wrong, sure, but I believe that’s what happened. It has “Ship of Fools,” “Tall Cool One” and “Heaven Knows” and has a really cool feel and groove about the whole album. I dig it. VG++.
The Guess Who – The Best Of The Guess Who — I had this album on CD and didn’t realize how much I missed by just going after the “sexy” Rock 92 staples. Songs like “Laughing” and “Undun” are really good. I do wish (as annoying as it is) that they would have included the album version of “American Woman” but the meat of the song is here. Great listen. VG+.
Aldo Nova – Aldo Nova — I have passed over this about 20 times. It was a good price and I finally pulled the trigger on it. VG++.
Jackson Browne – Lives In The Balance — I say I am a “fan” of Jackson Browne. However, I am usually more hit-or-miss with his stuff than I am full-on excited. These are two 80s albums. We will see if they’re hits or misses with me. VG+.
Billy Squier – Don’t Say No — This album was two before the one with “Rock Me Tonite” on it so he was still rockin’ and rollin’ at this point. Really, I don’t know why people flipped out over that video other than it was just awful. People are dumb. But, this has the hits “In the Dark,” “The Stroke,” “My Kind of Lover” and “Lonely is the Night.” But, there are so many other good songs on the album as well. You should get it or stream it or something if you’ve not heard it. VG++.
Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass – Christmas Album — The BCPF loves her Christmas albums, we both dig Herb Alpert and it was a $1 bin find. Why not jump on it!? Even for a $1 bin find it was in VG shape.
There you go, Dear Reader. Not only did we get awesome albums in this haul, many of them were VG++ and all of them were priced nicely. That’s what we missed being in Boston. We loved Boston but we missed our Saturday routine at Underdog Records. Deals like this week’s haul are what Underdog Records is all about. Plus, Jonathan is very helpful with finding the right equipment, old titles, he knows his inventory and is just the sweetest guy. Just yesterday a couple came in looking for cleaning supplies to be able to listen to some old records they had in storage. He helped them pick out the right stuff for what they needed and even gave away his “secret formula” recipe for the solution that I and several of the Underdog Records community use for cleaning records. He could have upsold some other stuff but he didn’t. He cares about your records. Watch the Instagram and Facebook feeds for the newest finds Jonathan has come across at Underdog Records. Also, listen to The Less Desirables every Wednesday night/Thursday morning (or anytime really) to hear the weekly TLD-exclusive deal.
Also, I stood in Underdog Records yesterday with my phone in my hand and every time I came across the titles above, I first checked on Discogs to make sure I didn’t already have it. Discogs is a great resource for all record, CD and even cassette collectors. The Marketplace is pretty awesome, too.
Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!
— “Caroline laughs, and it’s raining all day, loves to be one of the girls. She lives in the place in the side of our lives where nothing is ever put straight. She turns herself ’round and she smiles and she says, ‘This is it, that’s the end of the joke.’ And loses herself in her dreaming and sleep, and her lovers walk through in their coats. Pretty in pink, isn’t she?” – “Pretty in Pink” (Ashton/Butler/Butler/Ely/Kilburn/Morris)
So, I know the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is at times controversial, sometimes political and always polarizing subject. Some think it’s contrived, others a complete waste of time. I have been critical of their inability to nominate qualified artists over some that have been sketchy at best.
Now, I know opinion is a major boiling point in things like this. I don’t like this band so they shouldn’t be in there. How can they say that’s rock and roll!? Where’s KISS!? They let N.W.A. in? Those are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the HOF. I was guilty of that, as I’ve said (and said above). But, I have to look beyond my personal tastes (because there’s not account for that I’ve always been told) and look to the importance of the artist.
First off, what constitutes Rock and Roll? Is it just a genre of music that includes predetermined instruments with or without vocals? Or, does it go beyond that and stretch into attitudes as well? My admitted idol, Gene Simmons, sparked a bit of controversy last year over the inclusion of N.W.A. in the HOF. According to Rolling Stone, Gene said this to Ice Cube: “Respectfully, let me know when Jimi Hendrix gets into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. Then you’ll have a point.” Ice Cube shot back about Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Chubby Checker inventing rock and roll and, from what I can understand, Cube made it about race (but… wasn’t Jimi black?). Gene said in response: “You’ve got Grandmaster Flash in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Run-D.M.C. in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? You’re killing me. That doesn’t mean those aren’t good artists. But they don’t play guitar. They sample and they talk. Not even sing.” I don’t know that I agree with him on that part. Yeah, rap is a different animal altogether but I believe what Cube said in response to that part was all telling: “I respect Gene Simmons, but I think he’s wrong on this because rock & roll is not an instrument and it’s not singing. Rock & roll is a spirit. N.W.A is probably more rock & roll than a lot of the people that he thinks belong there over hip-hop. We had the same spirit as punk rock, the same as the blues.”
I want to focus on six words in that last part. Rock & roll is a spirit.
It took me a long time to realize that. It wasn’t something that I liked, therefore it wasn’t something that needed to be in the Hall of Fame. Well, bullstein on that! Anyone can look at my music reviews on this blog in particular and tell that I am no expert on anything other than my opinion. My backstory and history and the music industry’s backstory and history don’t necessarily run in the same circles. I like what I like and I’m pretty staunch in those things, right or wrong, I’m there. What I like compared to what most others like is hit or miss (usually leaning more toward the “miss”) and certainly my ideas on what something should be is just a personal incantation. It’s not gospel or even informed a lot of the time. That’s one reason why with the Eugeology list, I have tried to pay very close attention, do some research and craft the proper responses and or thoughts for each entry. Rock and roll is a state of mind, or, well, spirit.
This brings us back to the HOF and the inductees for 2018 have been announced. First, let’s see who was actually nominated this year: The Meters, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, J. Geils Band, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, Link Wray, Moody Blues, Dire Straits, Eurythmics, Judas Priest, Kate Bush, Rage Against the Machine, Depeche Mode, The Zombies, The MC5, The Cars, LL Cool J, Bon Jovi, Nina Simone and Radiohead.
I voted many times (you were allowed one per IP addy, per day) and my votes were always the same with one alternating. I voted for The Cars, Depeche Mode, Radiohead, Nina Simone, Dire Straits, and Eurythmics. I guess my newfound love for first wave/new wave was showing. However, three of those actually made it in. I wasn’t not for Judas Priest, The Zombies, Kate Bush or MC5 to get in, I would have been fine with them, as well. But, not who I was voting for this time. The final list was as such: Bon Jovi, Nina Simone, Dire Straits, Moody Blues, The Cars and listed as “an early influencer,” Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe. I hate that title for her, “early influencer.” I’m not a fan of blues and I’ve made no bones about that, but man this lady could wail some serious blues guitar and she sang like nobody’s business. She belted her tunes with major conviction and regardless of whether she was relevant mostly in the 1940s or not, I believe if she’s worthy of being in, she’s worthy of being in. It doesn’t need a special category. At least not in that direction. She deserves to be here because she was influential to many of the top blues musicians, either directly or indirectly. I wanted a few YouTube vids to get myself more acquainted with her style and man, it was pretty great. Yeah, I just said that.
Nina Simone, it’s about danged time. She stood out. There was none like her. She was scary, too. She thought nothing of pointing out someone in the audience that was being an idiot or disruptive and she’d tear you a “new one” anytime she thought you were wronging her. Great musician and great raspy, yet smooth vocals. My first introduction to her was in the film Point of No Return (the Americanized La Femme Nikita) which wasn’t that great of a film but whatever. I also loved her version of “Black is the Color of My True Love’s Hair” (the Jaffa Remix). And, she’s a North Carolina girl! She’s from Tryon, NC.
The Cars were never known for their dynamic stage presence, but they wrote some catchy-arsed tunes. Their first album is darn near perfect start to finish and I really dug Heartbeat City, as well. They were the inspiration for a good many new wave and mainstream artists alike. One of my votes, I am glad they’re getting in. I hate Ben Orr won’t be here to see it.
Dire Straits. I was never a “fan” per se, but they have some serious moments. Brothers in Arms is a fantastic and powerful album from end-to-end, even if you leave in “Money for Nothin'” and “Walk of Life.” As overplayed as those songs were, they were well written and what guitarist isn’t at least a little bit jealous they didn’t write the opening riff of “Money?” I have to admit I didn’t know what that song was about until about two years ago. It snapped and I was like… wait! It’s about that!? I don’t know what I thought it was about, really. But, it’s a little twinge of jealousy from two working joes that they have to do all this heavy lifting and these “yoyos” playing their guitars get paid for nothing. Not true of course, but we all choose our “work.” Of course, their career is far beyond that album forward and backward. Mark Knopfler is a great guitarist and his work onthe soundtrack for The Princess Bride was quite awesome. I’m glad they got in.
I really know very little of Moody Blues other than that sappy arsed “Nights in White Satin,” “I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)” and 1986’s “Your Wildest Dreams.” I know I should know more. I will probably get educated on my lack of knowledge by those who read this blog. I would go as far as saying that I want to know more. I do have The Other Side of Life on vinyl (with the aforementioned “Your Wildest Dreams”). Perhaps that will go on soon. I know it’s a pale representation of the band’s collective work but you gotta start with what you’ve got, right? I guess.
Bon Jovi. Bon Jovi. Hmmm… Okay, I’ll admit it. I like Bon Jovi from New Jersey back. My favorite album from them is the first one, cleverly called Bon Jovi. It was piano/keyboard driven rock and I liked that. “Love Lies” and “Shot Through the Heart” are great. On CD the only one of those in the range I mentioned that I don’t have is 7800° Fahrenheit. I don’t know why, either. I know they get a bad rap when it comes to rock and roll. It was cheesy and hair bandy, sure. But, they sold records and they put on a good show. The songs, as juvenile and over-polished as they sometimes were, were well-written. I can’t complain about them, really. Plus, they outright beat the pants off the other nominees in the fan votes. I mean it wasn’t even close. The fan vote was easily twice as many as the next closest nominee if not three times. It was crazy. I knew they’d not have a problem getting in, so I never voted for them.
Well, that’s my thoughts on this. I will probably get wrung for it, but hey, it’s the way it is. What are your thoughts, Dear Reader? Who do you feel should be in the HOF that isn’t? Of what are your thoughts on the HOF in general? What could be done to make it a more legitimate accolade? Is it already legit? Answer me those things. Thanks in advance.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “I don’t mind you coming here and wasting all my time. Cause when you’re standing oh so near I kinda lose my mind. It’s not the perfume that you wear. It’s not the ribbons in your hair. And I don’t mind you coming here and wasting all my time.” – “Just What I Needed” (Ocasek)
After a week off from records to absorb deliciously fermented grape juice, we made up for it at Underdog Records on Saturday. I’m sure Jonathan wasn’t complaining. Let’s just do it!
Kiss – Creatures Of The Night (the last of the original makeup albums, I had to order this off of Discogs as it was back ordered through distributors, new)
Superchunk – Superchunk (their first album finally released on vinyl, they’ve come a long way because this was hard for me to listen to, I have seen them play twice, new)
Neil Young – Harvest (I’m trying to collect the Rolling Stone Top 500 albums of all time, at least most of them, this was on it)
The Charlie Daniels Band – A Decade Of Hits (first time I’ve actually bought this even though I had a copy on cassette and CD, they were somehow just “left” with me)
That’s quite the haul. It’s hard to tell what I missed yesterday because we were a little late getting there and I know Clay had already been through. We were quite excited with this haul and it’s already been good listening. If you’re thinking of getting into vinyl, getting back into vinyl or just want to expand your vinyl collection, then you need to get by Underdog Records. They have turntables, receivers, speakers, cleaning accessories and more. Listen to The Less Desirables each week to hear what the Underdog/TLD special is for that week. And use Discogs to archive and log your vinyl collection so you always know what you have.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “The road is long with many a winding turn that leads us to who knows where. Who knows where? But I’m strong. Strong enough to carry him. He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.” – “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” (Russell, Scott)
