Today is the 44th anniversary of the release of The Police’s “Fall Out” single. It’s their first and Andy Summers wasn’t in the band, yet. He was by the time the first album was released in November of 1978. This is a live version of the song from 1980 where Andy Summers was very much a part of the band. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “I never followed leaders. I got no machine. And I’ve paid my dues all along. Always set to break it when I mix with other people ’cause I knew that I was really alone.” – “Fall Out” (Copeland)
Yesterday was a fairly routine, laid-back day. That was good because the night before was full of great food and good times with my best girl, The BCPF. Of course, some time at Underdog Records and “rekkid” listening. Here’s the haul:
Dolly Parton – New Harvest … First Gathering — Dolly’s eighteenth studio album. I have to say I love her stuff and this was good, but mostly unremarkable. A couple of covers, “My Girl (My Love)” and “(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher,” that are decent, but overall, I was kind of disappointed. VG+.
Judas Priest – Hero, Hero — This is a compilation album of early Judas Priest recordings, released in between British Steel (1980) and Point of Entry (1981) by Gull Records. It consists of all ten tracks from the Rocka Rolla album, six tracks from the Sad Wings of Destiny album, and an alternate version of “Diamonds And Rust”. The tracks from Rocka Rolla and “Diamonds And Rust” were remixed by Rodger Bain in 1981. The tracks from Sad Wings of Destiny were not remixed. I have both Rocka Rolla and two versions of Sad Wings of Destiny but I wanted to add to my Priest repertoire. 2×LP, Gatefold, VG+.
Leonard Cohen – The Best Of — According to Ira Nadel’s 1996 Cohen memoir Various Positions, Cohen agreed to the project because there was a new generation of listeners and he was given complete artistic control; he picked the songs, designed the package, and insisted that the lyrics be included. The album was not a hit in the United States but did well in Europe. I like Cohen. Generally, though, he falls in the same category of Tom Waits, Lou Reed, even Bob Dylan, I love their songs, but would rather hear someone else sing them. EX.
The Mothers Of Invention – Freak Out! — 2×LP, Reissue, Stereo, Hot Spot Ad, 180g. This is #246 on the RS list that matters and is not on the RS list that doesn’t. Boo to that. Not that I love this album, but c’mon… This copy is NM for the LPs but this is what is on the description label from Jonathan: “The cover went on a bender and woke up on a park bench, but both albums (LPs) are in near mint condition. Had the cover been in the same condition as the vinyl, I would have probably paid $20+ for this. With the cover, I paid $6. I’ll take it. Plus, it’s another notch on my RS lists and, well, another tick in the quantity column. 2013 reissue, with “Freak Out – Hot Spots” map/poster insert. Side D is delineated as noted in Tracklist on inner gatefold; on label, a single track is listed as “The Return Of The Son Of Monster Magnet (12:17)” Side 1 and Side 3: Barking Pumpkin Records, Purple Label Side 2 and Side 4: Zappa Records, Green Type on Red Label.
Ella Fitzgerald / Duke Ellington – Ella & Duke At The Côte D’Azur — 1967 live album by Ella Fitzgerald, accompanied by the big band of Duke Ellington. It’s really mostly Duke with some Ella sprinkled in. I don’t know if that was normal for then or what, but that’s how it happened. I don’t mind Ella’s scatting which is something she’s known for, but I’d prefer to just hear her sing without all of that. She did it a lot on here. And Duke’s band was nuts with the squealing high pitches of the trumpets. It was kind of difficult to listen to and enjoy it. This is 2×LP and, as far as I can tell, is an original pressing. It was sealed, oddly enough, and of course we promptly opened that sucker up. NM/New.
Paper Lace – Paper Lace — I can’t tell if this is an official studio release or a compilation. Discogs doesn’t put any details on this album. It doesn’t line up with what Wikipedia says about the first Paper Lace album. So… I don’t know. But, it has “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” and “The Night Chicago Died” on it. I know their version of “Billy…” (which they wrote) wasn’t the hit. That was from Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods. VG+.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Shaka Zulu — Best known to us Americans as the backing singers on Paul Simon’s fantastic Graceland album, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been around for a long time. From Wikipedia: Following the collaboration on Paul Simon’s 1986 album Graceland which brought the group to international prominence, Shaka Zulu (produced by Simon) marked the band’s first genuine international hit, securing them an American audience which would be built upon by the successes of Journey of Dreams (1988) and Two Worlds, One Heart (1990). Shaka Zulu was a collection of newly recorded versions of older Mambazo hits, such as “Unomathemba”, “Hello My Baby” and “Lomhlaba Kawunoni”. Shaka Zulu won a Grammy in 1988 for Best Traditional Folk Recording. VG+.
Exposé – Exposure — I remember being in the 10th grade and getting tutored by my Geometry teacher and this song being played over and over and over again by the Dixie Debs (a horrible name for the all-female dance/pep team of the school) out in the hallway. I liked it, I still like it when I hear the hits on 80s on 8 on SiriusXM. So, yeah. EX.
The Police – Synchronicity — Yep, another one added to the long list of variant covers of this album. This one is denoted as Yellow, Blue, Red (YBR) Andy/Sting/Stewart – Andy Tub Right. That’s six of the variants that I have now. VG.
Jonathan has increased a day on the schedule. Underdog Records is now open Wednesday-Saturday 11a-7p with deliveries happening on Monday and Tuesday. Closed Sunday. You can get in on the delivery action by watching his social media where he posts, new, restock, freshly acquired and more. You can buy NEW (meaning unopened unused) vinyl 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. I used Discogs to keep track of what I have, what some of my friends have, to pick a random record and to occasionally buy things from the Discogs Marketplace.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “Some dreams are in the night time and some seem like yesterday. But leaves turn brown and fade, ships sail away. You long to say a thousand words but seasons change.” – “Seasons Change” (Martineé)
Yesterday was a good day for The BCPF and me. A very cold but very yummy brunch at a local bistro, Underdog Records, listening, filing away, and so on. We had around 40 albums or so to file in our shelving system and we did that. When we do that we have to shift and shuffle to accommodate it. Turns out, we will definitely need a sixth and possibly seventh shelf. We have a problem. I like, nay love, this problem. Here’s the haul:
Various – Christmas Cocktails Part Two — I really don’t like a lot of Christmas music, but I love Ultra Lounge. I play the first volume of their Christmas album at least twice a Christmas season. The BCPF bought this for me as an early Christmas present and it will definitely be in the rotation! Thanks, baby! New.
XTC – Drums And Wires — Many people think that this is XTC’s best album. I like it, but it’s no Skylarking. “Making Plans for Nigel” has always been a fave of mine and I did it back in 2015 with VSS. In fact, the next day we went and bought a new car and I named it Nigel. It’s a great album, yes. Again, no Skylarking. From the hype sticker: “XTC Drums and Wires, The 1979 Classic Album Newly Cut From Masters Approved by Andy Partridge. Pressed on 200G Super-Heavyweight Vinyl. Includes bonus “Chain of Command / Limelight” 7″ replicating original UK release. New.
Patsy Cline – Greatest Hits — The BCPF picked this one up. It’s “used” but sealed. It was a Walmart exclusive and is on pink vinyl.
Various – I Wanna Be Sedated: From The Underground – Celebrating 60 Years Of Warner Bros. Records — Another sealed “used” album. The notes from Discogs says: “‘PRINTED IN U.S.A’. on back cover. ‘Manufactured in EU’ on labels.” I find that funny. It’s perfectly possible and plausible that it happened that way, it just seems weird. It celebrates 60 years of Warner Bros. records and has many “underground” or “alternative” tunes from the likes of Ramones, Talking Heads, Jane’s Addiction, Ministry, New Order, Replacements, Jesus and Mary Chain, B52s, Flaming Lips, Wilco, Elvis Costello, and more!
The Police – Synchronicity — I found another variant on the cover. As you may recall, I have talked about the 90+ (supposedly) variants of the cover of this album. I am tracking 30 of them. These are the ones that I can confirm exist. I own 5 of them. This one is BRY (blue/red/yellow) mixed member pics (meaning that each “color band” has all three members in the stripe) with nude girl to the left (a topless woman with her right breast showing). It’s not in the greatest of conditions, Jonathan has it at VG, but it looks good to me. But, I have a 2019 reissue if I want to listen to it. I still hate that the LP versions leave off “Murder by Numbers.”
That’s it. A short but lovely haul. Go by and see Jonathan. He has lots of vinyl goodness for you to submerge yourself in. “But I don’t have a turntable,” you say? Fear not! He has a couple of new ones and used ones that are waiting for you to start your vinyl journey. And, it’s never too late to start said journey. He’s open Thursday-Saturday from 11a to 7p and does store-to-porch deliveries Monday through Wednesday. You can shop new vinyl, day or night, 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Watch the Underdog Records Facebook and (especially) Instagram to see what he may have just gotten used and is cleaning it and putting it out. Use Discogs to track your collection, especially if you’re a nerd like me and collect multiples of stuff.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “We’re only making plans for Nigel. He has his future in a British Steel. We’re only making plans for Nigel. Nigel’s whole future is as good as sealed, yeah.” – “Making Plans for Nigel” (Moulding)
Today is the 42nd anniversary of the debut album from The Police, Oultandos d’Amour. I love all the Police albums and this is no exception. This is probably the best-known tune from the album, although there are plenty of deeper cuts to choose from. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “I loved you since I knew you. I wouldn’t talk down to ya. I have to tell you just how I feel, I won’t share you with another boy. I know my mind is made up, so put away your make up. Told you once, I won’t tell you again it’s a bad way.” – “Roxanne” (Sting)
Today is the 41st anniversary of The Police’s Regatta de Blanc album. I love The Police and this is one of my favorite songs, not only by The Police but for all time. It contains one of my favorite lyrics, ever… “Seems I’m not alone at being alone.” Genius! Pay close attention to the bouncy keyboard player with his flip phone clipped to his stone washed jeans pocket. Classic. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “Just a castaway, an island lost at sea, oh. Another lonely day with no one here but me, oh. More loneliness than any man could bear. Rescue me before I fall into despair.” – “Message in a Bottle” (Sting)
Today is the 39th anniversary of Ghost In The Machine from The Police. I love this album. Actually, I love all The Police’s albums. When I was a kid I didn’t care much for them but now, they’d be top 5, I think in my all-time faves. I love this song and I love this version. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “Our so-called leaders speak. With words they try to jail you. They subjugate the meek but it’s the rhetoric of failure. We are spirits in the material world.” – “Spirits in the Material World” (Sting)
Dear sweet baby [enter deity here], please let this be over soon. If for no other reason, I want to get back to Underdog Records, see Jonathan and buy vinyl goodness. Amen.
You know my religion is “non-Prophet” so that was really just symbolic. However, the sentiment is exact and true. I want to get back to Underdog. The good news is Jonathan is doing a lot of deliveries and is still getting in new stock. I don’t buy a lot of new stuff so that throws me behind. I am more about the used stuff and, well, I figured it’s just not as feasible for him to rifle through the used stuff. That’s okay. I have plenty to keep me company here, but there’s nothing like the thrill of bin diving. I love it. Anywhat!
This week, I was home more than usual (usual for the lockdown) and The BCPF had work and conferences via Zoom, so I was under headphones a lot this week. I listened to 23 albums. I should probably try to listen to some podcasts during this downtime but I really want to listen to music. I suppose this is the equivalent of being a chef and having to cook at home, or being a truck driver and having to drive the family to Florida for vacation or per my old job working with the family sand business, why would I go to the beach when I can see sand anytime I want? So, I’m just not in the mood to listen to podcasts on my “downtime.” That’s cleared up.
The criteria for my streaming listening (for this list, anyway) is this: I have to own it on vinyl. I can’t listen to it on vinyl because of the situation, but I want to act like I am. So, I use the Discogs shuffle feature and see what pops up. Oddly enough, on the same day, I had two from The Who and even odder, I had two Yes albums right in a row; one I wish I had drawn after the other started. That worked out for me. Here’s my headphone “haul:”
That was a good listen haul, I think. I enjoyed most of it a lot. I didn’t have that I didn’t like, I just would have preferred something else, I guess.
Then yesterday, The BCPF and I had our listening time and we shuffled through these albums:
That’s what we listened to. Follow Underdog Records on Facebook and Instagram, you’ll see what he’s got going on and you can get into the delivery thing and have him bring you some records. Also, visit the website to order new vinyl. Obviously, I use Discogs and even more so this week. There are no TLD/UR specials right now but I still hope you listen to the episodes. Okay, that’s all I have. Have a great week, stay home if you can, wash your damn hands and stay safe!
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!
— “Walked out this morning, don’t believe what I saw. A hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore. Seems I’m not alone at being alone. A hundred billion castaways looking for a home.” – “Message in a Bottle” (Sting)
A fun Saturday that was a little late starting (just like today) but we had breakfast (or lunch) and then went by to see Jonathan at Underdog Records. Good listening, too. Here’s the haul:
The Police – Synchronicity — Yep, I found another. This was one of the 2019 reissues, but it had a variant cover that I didn’t have, so I bought it. Someone got it for Christmas and decided they didn’t like it and sold it to Jonathan. One listen through so it’s NM.
Touré Kunda – Casamance Au Clair De Lune — According to Wikipedia: “Touré Kunda is a Senegalese band noted for their musical versatility and political activism. Their 40-year career encompasses recordings in over six languages and collaborations with well-known musicians such as Carlos Santana and Talking Heads. They have had considerable success in Africa and Europe and are active in social causes such as Children’s rights and advocates for the homeless.” It’s good stuff. We enjoyed listening to it as we are fans of the world music genres and we have a few. This was a really good listen. VG+.
Squeeze – Babylon And On — There were five singles released on this album and I’m not sure if I know any of them. I don’t know if any of them get played on 1st Wave on SiriusXM much. I’m indifferent to Squeeze. I like them, but I really don’t pay a lot of attention to them. The singles are “Hourglass,” “Trust Me to Open My Mouth,” “The Waiting Game,” “853-5937” and “Footprints.” VG+.
Graham Parker And The Rumour – The Parkerilla — I think I’ve said this before but Parker reminds me of a mix of the new wavy side of Elvis Costello and the punk aspects of Joe Jackson. This is a live album and it’s actually pretty good, for a live album. VG+.
Heaven – Bent — I believe this album has been known as three different things, Heaven, Twilight of Mischief and Bent. The band, as far as I can tell, is Australian and the guitarist, Bradford Kelly, designed the “Kelly” guitar for Jackson, which was probably most famous as being the guitar of choice of Marty Friedman in his Megadeth days. I always loved the design. I don’t know what it sounds like but it sure looks like something that my pal Bobby Richardson, the drummer from Heavens Sake (how coincidental) would love. We always joked that he would go through records (or CDs) just to find some band with a lot of hair. That was his thing. VG.
Yep, a good time in the record shop, snotty weather and all. I wish I had the money but he has a beautiful Kenwood receiver in the store that looks beautiful and he says it sounds beautiful. It’s probably mid-80s and is in pristine condition. Good stuff. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special. Use Discogs to track your music collection, no matter the medium.
Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!
— “The hourglass has no more grains of sand. My watch has stopped, no more turning hands. The crew have abandoned the ship. The lights are on but no one is in.” – “Hourglass” (Difford/Tilbrook)
Yesterday was the “Dining Area” phase of Beeman Remodel 2019 in advance of Operation: Beeman Hosts 2020. More on that in another blog down the line. But, that meant that we had to get into Underdog Records and get out so we could start working on stuff. So with that said, here’s the haul:
The Police – Regatta de Blanc — They finally got this in Discogs and I got it a few weeks back, so I’m just now getting it in. I included it in that week’s “haul” list. Just to get that out of the way. New.
Beck – Hyperspace — We love Beck and every album is righteous. This one took a few steps back to the era of Sea Change, which besides being on the RS list, was a great album. So, Beck is a winner again! New.
Steps Ahead – N.Y.C. — Jazz Fusion and that’s really all I know about it. I try to step out of what I already know and this was that opportunity. I haven’t listened to it yet, but I look forward to it. It was still sealed but the cellophane was torn a little so I released it into the wild! Just kidding, I unsealed it. Records are meant to be heard, not shown. New/NM/VG+ (for the cover)
Ray Charles – The Genius Of Ray Charles — #263 on the RS list, it is Charles’ sixth album and was released in 1959. It contains 10 selections from the Great American Songbook (a canon of popular songs and American jazz standards of prominent 20th-century tunes). Good stuff. VG++.
The Byrds – The Byrds’ Greatest Hits — Their first greatest hits album and the best-selling album from their catalog. A fine collection, indeed. VG+.
The New Dixie Zing Kings – The New Dixie Zing Kings — It’s a jazz record, we believe and I can’t find any info about them outside of this album. I don’t know who is part of the ensemble or anything. VG++.
Bread – Lost Without Your Love — I love yacht rock and this is that, as I mentioned above with the K-Tel entry. VG+.
Various – Original Cast Album Chicago A Musical Vaudeville — The original cast album from the musical Chicago. It was released in 1975 and featured Dirty Dancing, Beauty and the Beast and Law & Order’s Jerry Orbach as Roxie Hart’s lawyer, Billy Flynn. $1 bin find. VG.
The Babys – Union Jacks — The fourth album by John Waite, Jonathan Cain, Ricky Philips and crew which had the single “Back on My Feet Again.” $1 bin find. VG+.
Various – A Very Merry Christmas Vol. 5 — Perry Como, Robert Shaw Chorale, Arthur Fiedler, Henry Mancini, Harry Belafonte, Mario Lanza. Yeah, good stuff. $1 bin find. VG.
Jonathan is preparing for Record Store Day – Black Friday Edition that is happening this Friday (of course), so check out recordstoreday.com to see what is coming out. But, he also has a lot of used audio equipment including some high dollar items on consignment for pennies on the dollar. Lexicon, Carver, etc. Turntables, amps, etc. It’s also gift certificate season and at Underdog Records, those come on old 45s. That’s pretty cool. Get it in any amount you like. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables for the TLD/UR special of the week. Use Discogs to track your music collection.
Until tomorrow, keep spinning!
Scorp out!
— “Walked out this morning, don’t believe what I saw. A hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore. Seems I’m not alone at being alone. A hundred billion castaways looking for a home.” – “Message In A Bottle” (Sting)
We did get to go to Underdog Records yesterday but we didn’t get to listen to any of the loot. We were shopping for fixtures for the upgrades to the house and going to a housewarming party for a friend. We had a great day but it involved little music. Here’s the haul:
First, there is Regatta de Blanc from the Police but no one has put this reissue on Discogs yet and I don’t want to be the one that does, so I’m holding out for that. Anyway, A&M or someone is reissuing the whole Police catalog, but only Regatta and the next entry were released this week. Regatta is #New.
Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman — #263 on the RS list. This album is an amazing piece of work. There is much more to the album than just “Fast Car.” Some have called it a bit political but I think she passes that off as being subjective. Great album, again. VG+.
Y & T – Black Tiger — This was featured in the Eugeology series from 2017. It was entry #21. You can read my then commentary here. I haven’t listened since but I like to have things that could be musically important. This is the Japanese release and is in immaculate condition. NM.
David Bowie – Never Let Me Down — Released in 1987, this was the last solo album from Bowie until 1993. In between, he formed Tin Machine and still toured although he retired his back catalog. I don’t know what he was thinking there, really. I think he just wanted to recharge and reinvent. I don’t really know much about this album, but it was there and I grabbed it. VG++.
John Lennon – Walls And Bridges — Original cover with die-cut flaps. This was Lennon’s fifth solo record and had the hits “Whatever Gets You Through the Night” and “#9 Dream.” VG++.
Jethro Tull – Stand Up — I’ve never been a big fan of Tull, outside of a few songs here and there. I don’t know how I feel about this album, either, but I do like “A New Day Yesterday,” which I performed with Vagabond Saints Society when they did a night of Jethro Tull. EX/VG++.
George Harrison – Extra Texture (Read All About It) — Harrison’s sixth solo album, it was his final album under his contract with Apple Records and EMI, and the last studio album issued by Apple. There were a lot of superstar guest musicians and the album didn’t do very well. But, it is what it is. EX/VG++.
Faces – A Nod Is As Good As A Wink…To A Blind Horse — Faces’ third album and probably their defining moment. They were riding a high from Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May” solo hit and were ready to go. They shuffled up some of the lead vocal duties and that made some of the members frustrated, especially bassist Ronnie Lane. Found this is the $1 bin and there are two more $1 albums that for whatever reason didn’t get into my Discogs collection. Well, one I know was because it wasn’t in Discogs and the other I must have just skipped. G+.
A good day and I hope to listen to these things soon. Jonathan was in a good mood and we had a few minutes to laugh and talk. I always love that. He has some new-to-the-store electronics for sale and he’s always adding new stock to the “freshly new” bins. Listen to the latest episode of The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection and bring this “haul” to you.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “Poets, priests, and politicians have words to thank for their positions. Words that scream for your submission. And no one’s jamming their transmission. Because when their eloquence escapes you, their logic ties you up and rapes you.” – “De Do Do Do De Da Da Da” (Sting)
