Salutations™!!

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)