Yesterday (on Cinco de Mayo), we had mother-daughter team, Michelle and Olivia Williams on The Less Desirables. Olivia, with support and help from Michelle, wanted to put on a music festival. We haven’t had many of those in the last year or so, so this is exciting. I don’t want to give it all away here because of course, I want you to listen to the podcast. You may have heard Michelle and Olivia on the show before, Michelle’s son, and Olivia’s brother is Seth Williams half of Whiskey Foxtrot, which if you’ve listened to TLD in the last two years, you’ve heard us either play or have on the show. It was fun. We had Estrella Jalisco beer to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and played a tune from Emily Stewart. You can find the show here:
The Less Desirables, May 5, 2021Olivia Williams, my dumb arse, Tracy, Bethany, Michelle Williams
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “Live music, art, bikes & cars, merch, camping, food trucks…” – The Power & Sound Revival
This week on The Less Desirables, we welcomed my friend Cyrus Bush to the show. Cyrus does Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) which is an alternative treatment for physical pain and emotional distress. It is usually accomplished by “tapping.” In fact, that’s what it is called a lot of the times, tapping. I won’t go into a lot of the details because, well, I want you to listen to the podcast. I will say that we did a hypothetical situation and Cyrus walked me through the techniques. You should listen and talk with him about EFT if you feel it is something that can help you.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “People who use this technique believe tapping the body can create a balance in your energy system and treat pain.” – Healthline.com
I’ve been saying, at least for the last couple of years, that I had around 1300-1400 podcast episodes under my belt. I figured that was being generous to myself. Today, I got a wild hair and went through all my archives of the podcasts I had accumulated and counted through them, worked out some math for ones that I didn’t have in front of me and from my calculations saw how many I had really done. 1300-1400 is, again, a really generous amount. But, last night, I produced Asylum – Tales From The Devereaux Diaries Podcast and that was number 1880. I have produced or co-produced one thousand eight hundred and eighty podcast episodes.
Thanks to Photogninja, Stallone Frazier for the artwork.
It started way back in 2007 when I was doing my first podcast when I owned part of the comic book store. Then came The Less Desirables and that’s when it really set things in motion. Camel City News Hour/Electric Camel Pod, Fan Interference, Tart & Tangy Triad, The Beer Dads, The Man Who Ate the Town, Sipping NC: The Art of Drinking, Apartment 5B, Beeswax Vinyl & More, and Asylum – Tales From The Devereaux Diaries are/were all totally produced by me. Wheeler’s Dog is co-produced by me (I’m associate producer). All of those are/were part of the TLD Network.
I started doing podcasts for other people and produced No Mask No Cape, Rule One Podcast, Open the Blue Door, Ring the Bell, Forsyth Magazines, Go! Launch! Grow!, The Health Geeks Book Club, Thanks But I Didn’t Ask You, Rebranded, Twisted Tulip Podcast, Hoops4LYFE/Lunch Link, Shoveling Smoke, Margaret’s Speak Easy, Center for Private Business, and a few more that I don’t have in front of me, in-house. I hosted and produced Eat Drink Triad Podcast. I have worked on Trellis Supportive Care podcast.
There have been a few like Thrive, Transformative Conversations, Locked In, Unscripted with Briana Conner are recorded off-site and sent to me to do cleanup/final touches/production.
I have the whole list that I counted at my studio, I’m writing this at home. I am probably missing stuff here. But, all of those came out to be 1880. Man… that’s a shload. The BCPF says perhaps I should be called Pod Grandfather instead of Podfather. What do you think, Dear Reader?
Until tomorrow, let’s do a podcast! Scorp out!
— “People are realizing that podcasting is special.” – Karen Kilgariff
This is reprinted from last year with edits made as needed.
Salutations™!!
Today is the 46th 47th anniversary of KISS. The band started in 1973 but this album came out on February 18, 1974. Only eight months older than its successor, Hotter Than Hell which was only five months before its successor, Dressed To Kill. This isn’t my top KISS album but came in at #3 on my rankings (you can read “Part I” or “Part II” of my ranking list by clicking those links). It had the lion’s share of the spots on the first Alive! album, too (7 of the 16 tracks were from this album).
This week we talk about Symphony – Alive IV on Asylum – Tales From the Devereaux Diaries Podcast and next week we talk about The Millenium Concert but the week after that, we will review this album.
Instead of looking out for some half-good cover version, I’m pulling out one of the most famous videos of this song. It was the version featured in the KISS Xposed video and is with Gene doing the blood thing. It rocks! Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, keep KISSin’! Scorp out!
— “And baby, won’t you let me? I think I’m going out of my head. I’m just about to, ooh yeah!” – “100,000 Years” (Stanley/Simmons)
Moving the Haul to today so I could rant yesterday. You know how it is, Dear Reader.
Saturday was a good day. Breakfast, Underdog Records, records listening, dinner, binge watching The Crown and Will & Grace. Here’s the haul, I think we got good stuff:
Nat King Cole – Nat King Cole Golden Treasury “Unforgettable” — Our ever-expanding Nat King Cole collection got six records bigger. This 6×LP collection is in VG++ shape (best I can tell) and is chock-full of Nat’s finest tunes. 60 tunes to be exact. The Canadian version had an extra LP with 10 extra songs. The box is nice and is probably in VG shape. It is an original 1966 edition.
Suicide – Suicide — The 1977 debut album from this eclectic, somewhat weird and groundbreaking American duo. It’s synth punk, early new wave, somewhat minimalist synth pop. It was #441 on the RS list that matters and slipped to #498 on the one that doesn’t. It’s on blood red vinyl. New, remastered, deluxe and limited edition.
Various – Streets Of Fire – Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack — “I Can Dream About You” from Dan Hartman would have been enough to buy this record. Really, that is why I bought the record. That and I didn’t already have it. I thought the film was decent and I just wanted it. It’s a club edition which really makes little difference to me. It is BMG/RCA club which tends to be a little less on quality than the Columbia House versions, but whatever. VG+.
ZZ Top – El Loco — Two Beards with a Beard (what I call ZZ Top) had a classic rock, Texan blues based sound in the 70s and with this album, started a trend that opened them to a whole new audience (like me) and synths started to become part of the process. The hits from this were “Tube Snake Boogie” and “Pearl Necklace.” Both which were innuendo and double entendre. This was the last album before the first time I heard of the band which was the next album, Eliminator. That’s right, I had never even heard of them until then. VG++/EX.
AC/DC – Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap — I’ve never been a huge AC/DC fan but this album, Highway to Hell and Back in Black, I love. Heavens Sake did “Big Balls” and I really enjoy that tune. This is in EX condition.
Buffalo Springfield – Buffalo Springfield — This was the original pressing of this album because it does not have “For What It’s Worth” on it. That song was released as an independent single and did a great job. ATCO (the record company) decided to repress the album with that song on it, so to capitalize. This doesn’t have it, so it’s an original pressing. It’s a decent shape. Jonathan has it listed as VG, and overall I think that’s correct. The cover is VG/VG- to me.
Underdog Records was kicking it when we went in. Few people when we first got there (right after opening) but people started shuffling in. Good for Jonathan! So, we haven’t worked all the details about it yet and I don’t want to mention half details but I can say that Jonathan and I are rebooting the Beeswax Vinyl & More podcast. Some aspects of the old show may stick around while new aspects will be added. When we have things nailed down to format, I’ll write a post about that.
Meanwhile, go to Underdog Records for all your vinyl needs, be it turntables, protective sleeves, dust brushes, or the records themselves. They are opened Thursday-Saturday with store-to-porch deliveries (weather permitting) Monday-Wednesday. You can shop NEW vinyl, anytime, day or night, by visiting the Underdog website.
I use Discogs to track my collection and on occasion add to it from the Marketplace. I’m waiting on a purchase, now, so hopefully by next weekend I can tell you some good news.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “If you’re having trouble with the high school head, he’s giving you the blues. You wanna graduate, but not in his bed, here’s what you gotta do: pick up the phone, I’m always home. Call me anytime. Just ring: 3-6, 2-4, 3-6, hey! I lead a life of crime!” – “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” (Young/Young/Scott)
Today, February 3, 2021, is 11 years, to the day, since the very first episode of The Less Desirables was recorded. I’ve told the story before and if you look back on this blog for this date, I’m sure you’ll find it. But, I am proud of what it has been. I appreciate where it is and I love where I plan to take it. It is the longest, continuously running “pop culture” podcast in NC. Every Wednesday (minus one) since February 3, 2010. Today we recorded #573. It was cool to have my cousins, sorry… “kousins” from Asylum – Tales from the Devereaux Diaries. It was a good show!
So for today, I’m going to repost the very first episode. Give it a listen and then listen to the one recorded today. You will marvel at how much it has changed, even beyond different hosts.
Until tomorrow, happy anniversary TLD!!! Scorp out!
I woke up today with some good news. I got an email from a podcast charting service (that I am not subscribed to) and was told that Asylum – Tales from the Devereaux Diaries podcast, the one I do with my Kousins about KISS; part of The Less Desirables Network, had charted at #100 on Apple Podcasts in Sweden. I know it’s Sweden, but still…
Asylum – Tales from the Devereaux Diaries Podcast
But, that’s not all, we were also charted at #205 on the same chart here in the US! The chart is for Music Commentary. So, I take this as a win. In podcasting, while there are new ways popping up all the time, charts are pretty much the way to measure any kind of success. I am proud of all my podcasts as some of them are ranked on other podcast charts around the country but this is the highest we’ve been on any of them. So to Kousin Marvin and Kousin Gary… congrats to us!!
That is all. Give us a listen anywhere you find podcasts, give us a like, and if you’d be so kind, a rating. That helps us tremendously!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “Advertisers and publishers need accurate audience data to make good decisions about content and advertising.” – Podtrac
From all of us at The Less Desirables Podcast Network, we wish you a…
The Less Desirables Christmas The Man Who Ate the Town Christmas The Beer Dads Christmas Fan Interference Christmas Wheeler’s Dog Christmas Asylum – Tales of the Devereaux Diaries KISSmas Beeswax Vinyl Christmas Apartment 5B Christmas
Until tomorrow, Merry Christmas! Scorp out!
— “Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values.” – Thomas S. Monson
Yesterday was a most typical day for The BCPF and me. Up, breakfast, Underdog Records, a quick stop at City Beverage to grab wine that we ordered 2 weeks ago, home to listen to records, MIL, dinner, movie. We love those kind of days. By the way, today is the last Sunday of my 40s. Wow… Here’s the haul:
Elvis Costello – Hey Clockface — This is Elvis’ newest album. We haven’t listened to it, yet, but I liked the pieces that I used in the Underdog Records commercial this week on The Less Desirables. 2×LP, Limited Edition, Indie Exclusive, Red Transparent. Indie exclusive means that the colored vinyl is only available at independent retailers. You won’t get the transparent red at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and large music chains (if those still exist). New.
Norah Jones – Come Away With Me — This was “used” but maybe played once and it is in NM condition. This has become a big deal for the daughter of Ravi Shankar, and both The BCPF and I love her voice, so we had to get it.
Alice In Chains – Facelift — Alice In Chains’ debut album. I have played two songs on it in bands. “We Die Young” and “Man in the Box.” The latter was the first song I ever sang as the lead singer in a band live. A little trio back when I was 22 called Amorak. The name is a long story for another time. But, this album is amazing and I had forgotten just how much so. I still prefer the follow up Dirt but this is still great. 2×LP remaster on 180g black vinyl. New.
Grateful Dead – American Beauty — #261 on the RS List (that matters) and the 50th anniversary edition at that. I am not a fan of the Dead, really. But, I needed this because I think everyone should have it and it’s on that danged list. This is the collector’s edition on 180g black vinyl. New.
The Dream Syndicate – 50 In A 25 Zone — I really know nothing about this. The BCPF put it in the crate. That’s all I know other than it’s a six-track 12″. VG+.
Commodores – Midnight Magic — The seventh album from Commodores. This album has the Lionel Richie-penned “Still” and “Sail On.” VG+.
It’s a shorter haul this week and my wallet thanked me for that. RSD Black Friday edition is coming, well, on Black Friday, so go to the RSD website and see what is coming out that day. The last three RSD drops (Covid 2020 editions) were by lottery appointments only. This one is back to lining up, waiting your turn and going in with people you may or may not know. I don’t know that I will be going to the Black Friday RSD but I don’t know that I’m not. Underdog Records will be open from 8a-7p that day. You can order new vinyl that Underdog Records has in its current inventory, day or night, 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Also, use Discogs to track your music collection of find those things you just gotta have but can’t find.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “Lady, morning’s just a moment away and I’m without you once again. You laughed at me. You said you never needed me. I wonder if you need me now?” – “Still” (Richie)
Yesterday, The BCPF and I went to Underdog Records, first, then we made a stop at City Beverage who was having a tent sale for wine and such. We got to hang out with our friends the Dyers and then had lunch. We stopped at Publix and got some wine for her along with a few essentials. Then home to listen to rekkids. Here’s the haul:
Queensrÿche – Empire — This is one of my favorite albums from the 90s, which came out in 1990. Queensrÿche is one of my all-time favorite bands, at least through the album after this one. My favorite album from them (and my second fave all time) is Operation:Mindcrime but I didn’t even know anything other than “Gonna Get Close to You” from QR until this album. I didn’t know of Geoff Tate’s range, the band’s intricate progressions, anything. So, this was reissued and I had to have it. It was a bit pricey but I had to have it, nonetheless. 2xLP. New. Green vinyl.
U2 – All That You Can’t Leave Behind — 2×LP, Special Edition, 20th anniversary edition. The album celebrated 20 years on Friday. This was the release of that. I have never had this on vinyl and don’t know that it was even released on vinyl 20 years ago. But, here we are. This album contained “Beautiful Day,” “Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of,” “Walk On” and more. New.
Europe – The Final Countdown — Here it is. One of the most “annoying” hair band albums of the mid-to-late-80s. And, I love it. As overplayed as the title track is, I still love it. I have always loved it and will always love it. “Carrie” is one of the best power ballads of all-time in my opinion. I was so glad to get this album. It was reissued on “clear vinyl with hint of purple” according to its hype sticker. It’s pretty. New.
Devo – Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! — #442 on the (real) RS List. “Golfball-white vinyl” LP in standard sleeve with reproduction inner sleeve. Limited edition of 4,000 copies. Their cover of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is on this. New.
Eels – Earth To Dora — A new release from one of The BCPF’s favorite “bands.” I say it that way because it’s basically Mark O Everett’s show with revolving “band” members. It’s a good listen; I enjoyed it. New.
So, I got a new album from Mipso but it’s not on Discogs yet and I have to put it in myself, I guess. When I do, or if it shows up, I’ll include it on next week’s haul.
I got three of my needed KISS collection items this week from my Kousin Marvin in Pittsburgh. These are the three:
Kiss – Alive III — recorded from the Revenge tour, the album’s “live” tracks were taken from three shows (Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis) that happened a mere 24 days after I saw the tour in Greenville, SC. It’s a beefy live album and I have always loved it. 180g, gatefold. Thanks, Marvin! New.
Kiss – MTV Unplugged — The MTV special debuted on Halloween night, 1995. I watched it at the apartment of the drummer of the new band I was part of, Bobby Richardson of Heavens Sake (although we weren’t named that yet). We knew from some internet leaks that there was going to be a reunion of sorts for this show. We watched and enjoyed it. At least I did. I will say that I think one of Paul Stanley’s greatest vocal performances of all-time came during “I Still Love You” on this program. The album itself was released on The BCPF’s 21st birthday. Thanks, Marvin! 180g. New.
Kiss – Carnival Of Souls: The Final Sessions — So, this was the album that KISS was working on when they did the MTV Unplugged show/album. The popularity of that show/album led to a full-blown KISS reunion with Ace and Peter and put this album on “hold.” I say hold. I think it was going to be full-on abandoned. It’s a grunge album in all its aspects. Nothing that KISS was known for, at all. Do I think it’s their greatest album? Nope. But it’s a great album for what it is. I have had to convince others or even practice what I preach on a few KISS albums and what I preach is, “don’t think of it as a KISS album. Think of it as a (fill in the genre blank) album.” Plenty of good things on this, including Bruce Kulick’s lead vocal debut. Thanks, Marvin! 180g. New.
It was a good, short haul. I almost cried during the listening of Empire and The BCPF actually used her turn to let me hear it first. We almost always start with her on Saturdays. I rewarded her with some (attempted) singing of nearly every tune on the album. Lucky her. Lucky me!!! Jonathan rearranged the store as is customary for post-RSD events. But, he wasn’t thinking about RSD Black Friday (still I think it shouldn’t happen) when he did it. He may or may not switch that before then.
But, Underdog Records is open Thursday-Saturday from 11a to 7p and Jonathan ships/delivers records Monday-Wednesday, weather permitting. Check out their website to order new vinyl 24/7. I use Discogs to track my collection.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “When lights go down, I see no reason for you to cry. We’ve been through this before. In every time, in every season, God knows I’ve tried. So please, don’t ask for more. Can’t you see it in my eyes? Though this might be our last goodbye.” – “Carrie” (Tempest)
