Tag Archives: The Cure

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 10/26/19

27 Sunday Oct 2019

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday, The BCPF and I got to go to Underdog Records for the first time in around three weeks. We made up for it by getting a lot of records and listening to a lot of records before we went to have dinner with friends. Jonathan is ramping up for Record Store Day Black Friday so go to the RSD website to find what you’re looking for. Here’s our haul:

51Ytw7QYLML._SY355_

©Casablanca

  • Kiss – Destroyer (Resurrected) — Yes, KISS is my favorite band and no this is not my favorite album by them, as you’d know if you read through my two-part ranking a few months back. This was the Bob Ezrin remix from 2012 and I like some aspects of it and don’t like others. The addition of the extra vocals in “Detroit Rock City” gets on my nerves. I always thought that was a cheesy addition on the Double Platinum version and it is here, too. It doesn’t need it. I like hearing Ace’s solo on “Sweet Pain” over the one that Dick Wagner did on the original. Do I like it better? Nah, but it’s nice to hear it. New.
  • The Cure – Seventeen Seconds — This was the second album from The Cure and Robert Smith wrote these things (and recorded them) when he was just 21 and he sounds so young. It’s a great album and fun to listen to. New.
  • Nine Inch Nails – Pretty Hate Machine — The debut album from Trent Reznor and friends and a direct descendant of the previous album, at least by influence. “Head Like a Hole” was the only thing I had heard from this but the whole album is amazing. It’s hard and coarse yet hauntingly beautiful at the same time. Angst is riddled throughout but I also feel it is a little tongue-in-cheek. I could be wrong. New.
  • The Replacements – Let It Be — #241 on the RS list, it ranks higher than the Beatles album of the same title. When I wrote my first review about this whilst doing the countdown, I was pretty hard on it. Listening back with fresher (and dare I say more mature) ears, I liked it a whole lot better yesterday than I did in September of 2015. That’s four years difference. Wow. A loose cover of KISS’ “Black Diamond” and all, this was fantastic. New.
  • Superchunk – AF (Acoustic Foolish) — Mac McCaughn released Foolish in 1994 and this is the acoustic re-recording of it from, I guess, 2019. The BCPF has always loved Superchunk and we’ve seen them live twice. She really enjoyed this and she doesn’t have the original at all. So, yay us! New.
  • Pavement – Live Europaturnén MCMXCVII — Yep, a live album from Pavement from 1997, although it wasn’t officially released until 2008. I haven’t heard it yet, but I know The BCPF likes Pavement, so that’s why we got it. NM.
  • Ex Hex – Rips — A band consisting of Mary Timony from Sleater-Kinney. The BCPF saw it was on Merge records and had to have it. So, here it is. NM.
  • Marlene Dietrich – Marlene Dietrich’s Berlin (Her Nostalgic Songs About The Grand Old City) — I have enjoyed the other Marlene Dietrich albums we had so I’m sure I’ll enjoy this one, too. VG+.
  • Parliament – GloryHallaStoopid (Pin The Tale On The Funky) — The penultimate album for Parliament on the Casablanca Records label, and is another concept album which tries to explain that Funk was responsible for the creation of the universe. Great artwork. VG-.
  • Joe Cooley – Cooley — Irish accordion drinking music. VG+.

It was so good getting back to Underdog Records. So much enjoyment. This week, Underdog Records will have a Halloween party on Wednesday from 7-9 with Segreto (aka DJ Eighty Four) playing a bunch of darkwave and mood-appropriate tunes with live painting by Dane Walters. There will be free refreshments but folks may also BYOB. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week. Use Discogs to keep track of your music collection.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“God money I’ll do anything for you. God money just tell me what you want me to. God money nail me up against the wall. God money don’t want everything he wants it all.” – “Head Like a Hole” (Reznor)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 4/27/19

28 Sunday Apr 2019

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Salutations™!!

It seems like forever since I’ve done one of these posts. We were still “in the dark” from the power outage and just went on about our day. We had breakfast and then did two stints at Underdog Records. The first was just to go in and get our haul and the second was to see (and participate) in Clay Howard’s LP release show. I was supposed to play bass but scheduling got in the way and couldn’t practice. I did lend my backup vocals, however. It was a good show. Loud and intimate. Anywhat! Here’s the haul:

Chuck_Mangione,_Feels_So_Good_(1977)

©A&M

  • Carole King – Writer: Carole King — This was actually acquired last week but it was our only grab in a truncated visit to Underdog, which actually could have happened on Friday, it’s all a blur now. But, this was her debut album back in 1970. She had written a lot of stuff but this was her first for her versions of the songs. VG++.
  • The Mountain Goats – In League With Dragons — The BCPF loves The Mountain Goats and we try to get anything we can. This is a brand new release that came out on Friday. It’s the “hardcore” 2xLP, double-speed mastered version that is yellow/green marbled. It also contains an exclusive black vinyl 7-inch featuring two non-album tracks. New.
  • The Cure – Pillbox Tales 1977-1979 — This was an import and “unofficial” release. Robert Smith sounds so young and at times didn’t sound like him at all. But, it was and it is. Great sound. VG++.
  • The Fresh & Onlys – Early Years Anthology — This is an American rock band out of San Francisco. The BCPF picked it up, I don’t know much about it. According to the bastion of all correct internet infotainment, Wikipedia: They are a key band in what has been described as San Francisco’s “new garage rock” movement, but their sound is equally aligned with pastoral psychedelia, brooding new wave, western twang, and jangly literate 80’s guitar pop. NM.
  • Kate Bush – The Kick Inside — If you ever know a Kate Bush song, you never forget the voice when you hear it again. That is the case here. I know her best for her work with Peter Gabriel and the tune “Running Up That Hill.” And, you can definitely hear the trademark Kate Bush warbly/high-pitched jangle. I love it, though. VG- due to some pops and skip or two.
  • Dokken – Tooth And Nail — It’s Dokken, it’s hair metal from the late 80s. I like that stuff. Yeah, I’m a sucker. VG/VG- because of the sleeve.
  • Linda Ronstadt – Silk Purse — Her second album and it’s all covers, as she was wont to do. Her thing was her voice. That was her personality and her vibe. She now has Parkinsons Disease and is unable to sing. This and all subsequent entries on this list is from the $1 bin and should be VG unless otherwise noted.
  • Nat King Cole – Top Pops — Nat King Cole. The BCPF. Done.
  • John Denver – John Denver’s Greatest Hits — 3B always plays “Take Me Home, Country Roads” when we’re cooking so, we have to add it, right?
  • Chuck Mangione – Feels So Good — Ol’ Chuck gets Yacht Rock Radio play, especially the title track, so why not have some on vinyl? I love that song.
  • Paris – Paris — This was Bob Welch’s (credited as Robert Welch) first project after leaving Fleetwood Mac. He formed this band with ex-Jethro Tull bassist Glenn Cornick and ex-Nazz (with Todd Rundgren) drummer Thom Mooney. The fact that Bob is on it and the cool neon green cover, are really the reasons I got this.
  • The Lovin’ Spoonful – The Very Best Of The Lovin’ Spoonful — As the name suggests. This is listed as Good condition and the cover sleeve is Poor because it’s falling apart.
  • Abbott & Costello – Who’s On First? — The BCPF found it and wanted it. That’s all we needed to know, right?
  • Europe – The Final Countdown — 7″ Single, not the full album, which I certainly want. People seem to hate this song, the band and the album. Kind of like Nickelback today. However, I love the band, this song and the album. So, I stick my tongue out at all of you.

So, it was a pretty great haul, even though we only got to listen to about two of the records because of the power/Clay situation. We will catch up a little today, I think. Underdog was hopping with people yesterday, partly due to Clay’s performance, but because people were just wanting to be there. Jonathan had hotdogs, too. Yum! Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear about the TLD/UR special of the week. And, use Discogs to catalog your vinyl, CD or even cassette collections.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“I’d like to see you in the morning light. I’d like to feel you when it comes tonight. Now I’m here and I’m all alone. Still, I know how it feels. I’m alone again. Tried so hard to make you see but I couldn’t find the words. Now the tears, they fall like rain. I’m alone again without you.” – “Alone Again” (Dokken/Pilson)

Sounds Like Saturday or: The Cure

26 Saturday May 2018

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 31st anniversary of the release of The Cure’s Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me album. So, let’s play a tune from that. Here’s “Just Like Heaven.” Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“‘Show me, show me, show me how you do that trick. The one that makes me scream,’ she said. ‘The one that makes me laugh,’ she said. Threw her arms around my neck. ‘Show me how you do it and I’ll promise you, I’ll promise that I’ll run away with you, I’ll run away with you.'” – “Just Like Heaven” (Smith/Gallup/Thompson/Tolhurst/Williams)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul – Record Store Edition

22 Sunday Apr 2018

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Salutations™!!

So, the thing I want to say first is this: as much as I don’t mind the cold, sitting outside when the temperature drops to 41° and the wind comes barreling in at 3:45am in the morning and you’re in line for the Super Bowl of Records and Vinyl. That “ish” sucks like a Hoover. But, that’s exactly what we did right outside of Underdog Records. The BCPF and I camped along with a few of our vinyl friends all night Friday night/Saturday morning to be the first four (actually six but two pairs and two individuals) in the door to make sure we get our wants/wishlist filled for Record Store Day.

They'reallgonnalaughatyou

©Warner Bros.

 

We went to eat at Mary’s Gourmet Diner directly after and then we went home and crashed for FIVE hours. We got up and listened a little before heading to Willows Bistro to have dinner with friends of ours, The Johnsons. Anywhat! You came for the list, right? I will say that all of these are brand new/NM (because I’m opening them). I’ll also put down who wanted and/or picked it up (Scorp/The BCPF). Here is the list:

  • Fleetwood Mac – The Alternate Tango In The Night – I love the original Tango in the Night. I was kind of disappointed with this. I mean, it’s good, but I was hoping for true alternate takes of “Big Love” and “Everywhere.” There were cool things on it, but I didn’t get my full satisfaction out of it but that’s okay. I’ll listen over and over anyways. This was my top RSD priority. (Scorp)
  • Living Colour – “Live From CGGB’s” Tuesday 12/19/89 – Actually picked up by The BCPF. She saw them open for the Rolling Stones on this tour and wanted to capture it. I’d think it was a little out of her wheelhouse but I was happy she got it. I have always loved what I’ve heard from Living Colour. 2xLP. (The BCPF)
  • The Cure – Mixed Up – A remastered remix album that came out on my 20th birthday (which, by the way, means 1990) and The BCPF loved it. It’s on a 2xLP picture disc set and it’s pretty awesome. I loved the remixes, too. I hadn’t heard them before.  2xLP. (The BCPF)
  • The Cure – Torn Down: Mixed Up Extras 2018 – A sequel to the 1990 remix album Mixed Up. It is even more remixes, done by Robert Smith. 2xLP. (The BCPF)
  • Adam Sandler – They’re All Gonna Laugh At You! – My favorite Adam Sandler album. I got the only one that Jonathan got in. I don’t know how many he ordered but he only received one. I think it’s Sandler’s best. A mix of really great sketches and really good songs. There may be a clunker here and there but overall, it’s great! I’m glad I was where I was in line because the guy behind us wanted it and he drove all the way from New Bern to do his RSD shopping. Sorry, Jason. Looking at his haul though, I’d say he spent close to if not over $1000 that day, so I figured I saved him a few bucks. 2xLP. (Scorp)
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Ella At Zardi’s – Zardi’s Jazzland was a jazz-focused music venue in Los Angeles in the ’50s. It was world-famous and a lot of top-name jazz folks played there, including, Ella. There were only two of these that Jonathan got and it was a top priority for The BCPF, which because our pal Michael got the other, left our friend Bill out. Sorry, Bill. 2xLP (The BCPF)
  • Wilco – Live At The Troubadour L.A. 1996 – The BCPF is a Wilco fan and this is a 2xLP of the band in their heyday, at their peak. I like Wilco pretty well. It’s not my favorite but it is cool. (The BCPF)
  • The Sundays – Reading, Writing And Arithmetic – The absolute top priority for The BCPF, this completes the Sundays trilogy. It’s a reissue but she had them all on CD when she was younger. I’m glad she got it. (The BCPF)
  • Jeff Buckley – Live At Sin-é – The Sin-é Coffeehouse in Manhattan’s East Village was a jumping in point for a good amount of well-known musicians, including Mr. Buckley. This 4xLP is the complete version of his 4-song EP that was released in 1993. The “Legacy” collection (4xLP) was released in 2003 but only on CD. I could be wrong but I believe this is its first time released on vinyl. (The BCPF)
  • Madonna – The First Album – Picture disc of Madge’s first album with “Borderline,” “Holiday” and “Lucky Star.” It was surprisingly inexpensive. It will be fun listening to it. (The BCPF)
  • Neil Young – Roxy Tonight’s The Night Live – A live concert from Neil Young recorded in 1973, although the official release isn’t until next Saturday. Yay us for getting an early copy. It’s 2xLP but only three sides. The fourth side is etched. (The BCPF)
  • Pink Floyd – The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn – The mono version of the debut Pink Floyd album. I wasn’t going to get it but then I figured, I can’t not get it. I won’t get this chance again unless I am ready to pay 20% markup on them. I’ll admit this isn’t a favorite of mine but it is needed for the RS List (#347) but it’s a limited edition. (Scorp)
  • David Bowie – Welcome To The Blackout (Live London ’78) – As the title suggests, it’s live from 1978. Bowie wasn’t ever “not good” and I loved the late 70s/early 80s stuff. This is a 3xLP set, too. (Scorp)
  • David Bowie – Bowie Now – Compilation rerelease on white vinyl. (The BCPF)
  • Lou Reed – Animal Serenade – A 3xLP live album recorded in Los Angeles at the Wiltern Theatre in 2003 after The Raven. The show features a drummer-less band (including Mike Rathke on guitar/synth, bassist, vocalist Fernando Saunders, and the cello of Jane Scarpantoni). Reed delivers dramatic readings of some of his most compelling work. In addition, Anohni, of Antony and the Johnsons fame, contributes background vocals throughout and sings the lead on “Set The Twilight Reeling” and “Candy Says.” (The BCPF)
  • Duran Duran – Thanksgiving Live – The Ultra Chrome, Latex And Steel Tour – A 2xLP of Duran Duran on tour in 1997. (Scorp)
  • Duran Duran – Budokan – A brief live performance from Duran Duran in Japan. There are only nine songs, but they sound fantastic. Simon’s voice is on point and you can really hear everything coming through. (Scorp)
  • Dylan & The Dead – Dylan & The Dead – Just what it sounds like it would be. You can guess who picked this one up but I’ll give you a hint, it was not me. (The BCPF)
  • The Rolling Stones – Their Satanic Majesties Request – I’m very surprised this wasn’t on the RS List. A cool lenticular cover and gatefold packaging. I like KISS’ version of “2000 Man” better, but this isn’t bad. It’s on blue-splattered vinyl. (The BCPF)
  • Human League – Secrets – Vinyl debut and reissue of their 2001 album. (Scorp)
  • Sufjan Stevens – Mystery Of Love – 10″ transparent vinyl of Sufjan Stevens single from the soundtrack of Call Me By Your Name. (The BCPF)

So, by my count, that’s 13 for The BCPF and 7 for Scorp. Not a contest at all and it just is what it is. We both got what we wanted and that’s cool. The only thing I missed was the reissue of the Whitesnake ’87 album which I’ll find somewhere later. It was just a good haul. If I haven’t already told you how much we paid, privately, you’ll have to just guess. No reason to broadcast that, but I will say it was over $70.

Jonathan was swamped but in a great mood when we left, I hope it stayed that way and I hope he made all his money back and more. I believe he’s open today for a rare Sunday opening. That may have changed but may not have. Check the Underdog Records social media channels.

Surprisingly, Discogs had all of them in by the time I got to them, however, some were just the European versions (which should be about the same), so I’ll go looking for the US versions to make the collection listing more accurate. That’s it, I’m still tired and I’m out!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp is worn out!

—
“Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am home again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am whole again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am young again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am fun again.” – “Lovesong” (Smith/Gallup/Thompson/O’Donnell/Williams/Tolhurst)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 11/18/17

19 Sunday Nov 2017

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Salutations™!!StreetSurvivorsFlames

So this week will be a mixture of the take from Underdog Records and a shload of records that I didn’t know that I owned. Let me explain. About 10 years ago, my ex-wife and my mother went to an auction (they were always going to auctions) and purchased a ton of records. They only wanted to rock records but it was one of those, you take one you have to take the whole thing deals. Well, I didn’t have a record player back then. So they got stored. And, I forgot about them. About 3 weeks ago, my ex-wife asked me if I got the ones out of the cabin. What are you talking about? We didn’t have any in the cabin. She informed me that yes we did. I thought perhaps it was one or two things that I had over time. Well, I had to go in the attic with my mother and she said, there are your records. I was looking through and just like a kid, kept saying these are mine!?!? So, I brought them home and am going through them a little at a time. Many rock albums to add to my collection and a lot of jazz, folk and classical, too. I did the rock ones first. Again, these are mixed here.

This is the Bonus Stack below the line

So, that’s a lot and that’s only the rock and few that The BCPF wanted to listen to. I have at least 50 more to put in that are of all other genres. This coming Friday is Black Friday and Underdog Records will have a ton of awesomeness for Record Store Day – Black Friday Edition. Go to the RSD website to find out what is coming. Jonathan said he’s stocking 90% of that list, so make plans now. And buy a gift certificate for someone, do it now and get an additional 10% added for no additional cost. And as you can see, we do a lot of cataloging with Discogs and we love it!

And RIP not only to Malcolm Young, but Mel Tillis passed away, too. RIP Mel.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Heaven. Heaven is a place. A place where nothing. Nothing ever happens.” – “Heaven” (Byrne)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 7/1/17

02 Sunday Jul 2017

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Salutations™!!

Good day for The BCPF and me at Underdog Records, yesterday. Good stuff. Many $1 bin finds but a few new and fantastic finds, as well. Here’s the haul: R-7786024-1448739666-5969.jpeg

So, yeah, a lot of good additions and some great listening yesterday. Getting started in vinyl? Have a collection you want to part with? Have a collection that you’d like to listen to again? Check out Underdog Records for all your vinyl needs (and wants). And use Discogs to catalog them.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Looking at the world through the sunset in your eyes, trying to make the train. Through clear Moroccan skies, ducks and pigs and chickens call. Animal carpet wall to wall. American ladies five foot tall in blue.” – “Marrakesh Express” (Nash)

Looking at the Barrel of an Armalite or: Like I Am Home Again (RS part 18)

27 Monday Apr 2015

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Salutations™!!

So, the last segment had its share of misses among the few hits, for me.  Like I said in the last post, there will be a lot of questions I ask about why this or why that are making the list and why this far up.  Let’s move on with the next victims section, shall we?

1neilyoung

“Tonight’s the Night” by Neil Young

#330 – Tonight’s the Night by Neil Young. The title song mentions Bruce Berry and Mr. Berry was a roadie for Neil and he had overdosed. This was a tribute to him. I think I read, too that one of the members of his band, Crazy Horse had ODed before these songs were written.  Most of them, anyway.  “Come On Baby Let’s Go Downtown” was recorded live and features, Danny Whitten (the fallen “Horse”) on vocals. This album in whole shows some deep emotion for Mr. Young. I believe it to be difficult for him and there’s not really any joy on this disc.  “Mellow My Mind” seems a cry for help, and a desperate one at that. It’s almost like he’s crying the entire song, and that may be figurative or literal but it’s definitely there.  I hate the circumstances but the events did lead to a powerful and wonderful album. This one definitely belongs on the list. Dug.

#329 – In the Jungle Groove by James Brown. Compilation album. Nope.

1daydream

“Daydream Nation” by Sonic Youth

#328 – Daydream Nation by Sonic Youth. The BCPF loves Sonic Youth. I believe that I can see that to some extent, it is a bit up her alley.  Me, at least on this album, couldn’t figure out what in the wide world of sports was going on.  It sounded great through the studio monitor, rumbling but not too. But, what the heck was it?  Of the first six songs, FOUR of them were at seven minutes or more. The ones that weren’t…?  I don’t know.I was looking forward to hearing this because of my wife’s tales of admiration.  I didn’t get much out of this, I wonder if she did.  I’ll have to ask her about it. And after asking her about it, she said she was probably more into the idea of Sonic Youth more than their music. I haven’t peeked ahead but I’m wondering if John Cage will be on this list? If not, then that’s a rip off.  I’m not a fan of this, although I hoped I would be. Did not dig.

#327 – Exile in Guyville by Liz Phair. This is better. At the end of the last album I was about to put my head through a cement block wall. You hear that? Music. Singing. A relief. We’ve got a long way to go before we get to Exile on Main Street from the Rolling Stones but Phair has said this is a song-by-song response to that album. Main Street has 18 songs, Guyville has 18 songs (the original, anyway).  Supposedly this was meant to be on pace with M.S. even though I don’t think that it’s a direct response. Whatever floats her boat, I guess.  She doesn’t really hold back on this, either.  Girl Power comes through on songs like “6’1″,” “F*ck and Run,” “Girls! Girls! Girls!” and “Divorce Song.” She also lets you know what you’re going to get from her and how it’s gonna either be the best thing you’ve had or that it’s going to be a bit painful in the song “Flower.” And she lays her relationship frustrations out in complete honesty in the final song, “Strange Loop.” Phair is more than fair, I dig it.

1CureDisintegration

“Disintegration” by The Cure

#326 – Disintegration by The Cure. Ok, so I clarified and The BCPF said that this is one of her favorite albums of all time. Her words exactly were “yep. Top 10 definitely. Maybe even Top 5.” She then added, “You better like it!” I notice while looking at it that I see several songs I’m already familiar with and I like those.  Right off the bat I love the grandeur of “Plain Song” the opening cut. It’s massive in sound and poised, which is a great thing.  I think Robert Smith and company get lauded as goth way too much. There are moments in their stuff that he’s a bit dark and I can see why people say that, but for the most part there’s an elegance to his music, especially around this time.  Lots of ambiance in this record, too. My faves are everyone’s faves: “Pictures of You,” “Lovesong,” and “Lullaby.” I’m also a fan of “Disintegration” and “The Same Deep Water As You.” Dug, The BCPF… Dug.

#325 – Slowhand by Eric Clapton. I know I’ve publicly expressed my disinterest in Eric Clapton on many an occasion, and I’m not about to change my tune, necessarily but I will say, there are some good songs on this album.  “Cocaine” is a great tune (even if he didn’t write it). “Lay Down Sally” gives the listener a good bounce and it’s funny, at least to me, when the crazy overdubs come out of nowhere.  It’s a bit heavy on the country side than I expected from “Slowhands” but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.  I have to admit that I feel like gagging when I hear “Wonderful Tonight.” That’s such a sappy song in every way. There are times when I think he sounds like Kenny Rogers singing, too. Or heck, is that Leonard Nimoy? I’m sorry Mr. Spock, didn’t mean to offend you. Now, on “The Core,” I really enjoy Marcy Levy’s vocals in the duet with Clapton. That song rocks. Also, Yvonne Elliman is all over this album with backup vocals and harmonies.  Overall, I dug the album.

1stationtostation

“Station to Station” by David Bowie

#324 – Station to Station by David Bowie. It takes a while but the opening (title) song finally jumps in after a wall of sound effects.  Ten minutes. That’s a long tune, indeed. Bowie referred to himself as the Thin White Duke in the first lines of “Station to Station.” Even though he started using that character prior to the album, the album is where this really took off. “Golden Years” is a “hit” but it has never been one that I hang on, generally skipping over. I’m wondering if REM’s Michael Stipe took the “angel” part in “Golden Years” to use in “Crush with Eyeliner” from their Monster album? No, he doesn’t say ‘angel’ per se, but it is reminiscent of that.  “TVC15” reminds me of Talking Heads, at least in some parts. It heavies up and has some hints of the Soul genre. I love the ’70s almost-disco that plays here on “Stay.” Sounds like something from an action film in that same time period (’76 or so). I’ve always been hit-or-miss with Bowie, leaning more toward the hits both before and post this record. I know it will be odd, but the first thing I ever heard from Bowie was “Blue Jean” which didn’t come until almost 10 years later.  Where I’m from in WV didn’t play this kind of music on the radio and I just wasn’t exposed to it. I’m still hit-or-miss, but this was an alright album. Dug.

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“Ghost in the Machine” by The Police

#323 – Ghost in the Machine by The Police. Ah, The Police… how I love thee. Let me count the ways: “Spirits in the Material World,” “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic,” “Invisible Sun,” “Demolition Man,” “Too Much Information,” “One World (Not Three),” “Omegaman.” It’s Sting. It’s Stewart Copeland (who’s amazing). It’s Andy Summers, who I think is quite underrated. I didn’t listen to this one in order because I listen to the Message in a Box box set about once a quarter, so that’s the caveat of this rating.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE The Police. This is no exception.

#322 – Sail Away by Randy Newman. I’m really happy with the Randy Newman stuff I’ve gotten to hear in this list, so far. I’m sure this isn’t the end of it by any means. I’m trying to get if there’s irony, snark or sarcasm in the title track. It’s one of them and I’m thinking it’s sarcasm with bits of the others. I’m loving the Americana aspects, especially in “Lonely at the Top.”  It goes from the Dixie Jazz to a more gospelesque style with awesome orchestration.  I feel like I should be leaned against a light post on a dirty street corner with “Last Night I Had a Dream.” I love that dirty blues/jazz genre of stuff. Newman’s piano work is masterful, ragtime-laden, quaint and in your face all at the same time. “Political Science” is a bit of political satire telling the listener, “let’s drop the big one and see what happens.” How about we don’t? I love, too, “You Can Leave Your Hat On,” but I think I’m much fonder of the Joe Cocker version that played in 9 1/2 Weeks. But, it’s interesting to hear the original. It’s a sexy song. A darn good album, indeed. Dug!

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“Pink Moon” by Nick Drake

#321 – Pink Moon by Nick Drake. Two 1972 albums in a row. I know this is a favorite of The BCPF. She put the title track on a “mix tape” for me when we were just friends, when it was really ONLY “Friend” that the “F” stood for.  I love the title track, it’s so The BCPF, maybe that’s why I love it so. The songs are all so short I don’t have time to comment on them before they move on. But, that’s not a bad thing.  A graceful guitar and somewhat grim lyrics make for a full-sounding, beautifully written and performed album. The BCPF usually knows the good stuff with just a few misses, this is no such miss. This is amazing. I will say I love listening to it.

Not counting the James Brown comp, there’s only one true miss which was Sonic Youth. There are still some that make me wonder why they’re where they are, either up or down, on the overall list. Some great finds, Liz Phair, Randy Newman and definitely Nick Drake.  It’s been a mostly fun segment.  We’ll start on the next soon.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I saw it written and I saw it say
Pink moon is on its way
And none of you stand so tall
Pink moon gonna get you all” – “Pink Moon” by Nick Drake from Pink Moon

The First 100 is the Deepest or: The Good, The Bad, The Indifferent

12 Friday Dec 2014

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Salutations™!!

So I finished the first 100 of Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Albums of All Time.  I thought maybe I could give a little retrospective of what I liked and didn’t like in that first 100.

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Rolling Stone

I’m going to preface this with a caveat. I am not including albums that I would consider some of my faves.  I own and listen to Synchronicity all the time. Same with Destroyer, Van Halen, Faith, etc.  This list is about discovery, and some revisiting, for me. The reason I’m doing it is to see what I’ve been missing out on, what deliciousness I can unearth.  There were some awesome finds and some huge letdowns.  Some I’d love to have, some I’d love to have on vinyl even, and some I’d love to have destroyed.  Things that I dreaded, often left me feeling pleasantly surprised. While others that I may have been looking forward to disappointed me.  Nothing’s perfect and I know I feel this list is very much flawed. You don’t include compilation albums in top lists.  I don’t care how iconic that greatest hits or anthology may be.  I am a huge KISS fan and I don’t care two shakes about Double Platinum outside of my childhood.  Give me fully packaged studio albums every day.  I allowed the live albums after much debate with myself.  The performances in live albums tend to show some artistic merit and, often, more raw emotion.

I was going to make a Top 5 and Bottom 5, but I couldn’t limit to 5 that I liked.  There were plenty of those that I could have said I didn’t like but they had to really be bad to make the bottom 5.  These were chosen from going back to reread what I had written about in the last 10 installments.  These, also, are in no order. Here we go:

Top Finds #500-401

  • Boys Don’t Cry by The Cure
  • The Smiths by The Smiths
  • Oracular Spectacular by MGMT
  • Tunnel of Love by Bruce Springsteen
  • Mule Variations by Tom Waits
  • Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend
  • Back to Black by Amy Winehouse
  • Sea Change by Beck
  • Maggot Brain by Funkadelic
  • Touch by Eurythmics

And honorable mention goes to Guitar Town by Steve Earle

Bottom “I Can’t Unhear That” #500-401

  • John Prine by John Prine
  • Tha Carter III by Lil Wayne
  • Life After Death by Notorious B.I.G.
  • Only Built for Cuban Linx by Raekwon
  • Voodoo by D’Angelo

Yes, I realize that 4 of that 5 are rap albums. I’m not discriminating against rap albums as you’ll find plenty of them in the #500-401 that I stated my digging of.  So don’t read more into that than necessary.  I just found that I didn’t care about any of these.

Overall, I really enjoyed this segment of the list and I even appreciate the ones that I didn’t like.  I am glad I undertook this task and I look forward to the next 100!  Thank you, Dear Reader, for being interested in my ramblings enough to read through them.  On to listening!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…

Scorp out!

—

“I just wade the tides that turned
Till I learn to leave the past behind” – “Guess I’m Doing Fine” by Beck from Sea Change