Tag Archives: The Rolling Stones

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 8/17/19

18 Sunday Aug 2019

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Salutations™!!

Well, the Carolina Cobras lost the championship game with only 11 seconds left on the clock. Phooey on that. But, other than that, and a screwy day chasing dreams, we did get some great records and some great listening in. Underdog Records was jumping and I love to see that. Here’s the haul:

The_Icicle_Works_Debut_Album_Cover-_USA_Version

©Beggar’s Banquet

  • Sleater-Kinney – The Center Won’t Hold — I have liked most things I have heard from this riot grrrl group and what I heard whilst making the Underdog Records advert for The Less Desirables, I liked, as well. Jonathan did say that this was unlike anything they have ever recorded and it was produced by St. Vincent (Anne Clark) and is a little more electronic and modern, but that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it still had the “balls” that they are known for, just not as aggressive, I guess. We really enjoyed listening to this. New.
  • José González – In Our Nature — I’ve said before that The BCPF is a huge fan of José’s and when she has the opportunity to get stuff that she doesn’t already have, she jumps at it. He’s a great talent with a great voice. Oddly enough, he’s Argentinian but born in Sweden. But, that’s neither here nor there, I guess. Great album. New.
  • Rolling Stones – More Hot Rocks (Big Hits & Fazed Cookies) — We had this already but it was only in “Good” condition and the cover was in “Poor” condition. I really don’t know why I counted it at all. Anywhat! We got a better copy. This one is VG+.
  • Yes – Relayer — I love collecting Yes albums. I mostly like listening to Yes albums. I don’t know how I’ll feel about this one. With my prog-rock, I am hit or miss. The first side of this album is a 22-minute song called “The Gates of Delirium” which is Jon Anderson’s take on Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Side two is just two songs. So, I’ll let you know how I feel. I am very glad to have it, though. VG+.
  • Iron And Wine and Ben Bridwell – Sing Into My Mouth — The look on The BCPF’s face when I showed her this was priceless. It was a combination of her head rolling almost off the side, her eyes bulging out and her chin dropping to the floor. It’s actually a covers album by two of her favorite artists, Sam Beam and Ben Bridwell (well, he is with Band of Horses). Her eyes rolled back in her head in ecstasy when she heard it. She didn’t even know this existed. A win for me! VG++.
  • ldo Parisot – Zoltán Kodály, Johann Sebastian Bach – Kodaly Sonata For Cello Alone / Bach Suite #5 For Cello Alone — What we’re listening to as I write this. I love the cello and I love solo cello and I like this but it’s not my favorite. I think I am spoiled by so Yo-Yo Ma. VG+.
  • Icicle Works – Icicle Works — This may be my favorite pickup in a long, long time. I knew the ‘hit’ from the album, “Whisper to a Scream (Birds Fly)” and nothing else. In the UK the song was actually titled “Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream).” What is the practice of using parentheses anyway? Why? Just name the song. Parentheticals aren’t necessary! Anywhat, I digress! While I can’t say it’s my least favorite song on the album, I definitely can’t say it’s my favorite. While I can list off names of songs, that would be cheating. I just enjoyed listening to the whole album. From the initial leader space on side one to the last runout on side two, it is a fantastic album and it brought elation and joy. VG++.
  • Exile – Mixed Emotions — Before moving to the world of cringe-worthy country music, Exile had minor success as a rock band. They were formed in Kentucky. Everyone has heard the song “Kiss You All Over” and it’s on this album. It came back to prominence in the late 90s thanks to Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore. VG++.
  • Glass Tiger – The Thin Red Line —They only had three albums and I figure this is the only one that really matters. The tunes “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)” and “Someday” are on this. Again with a parenthetical title… The BCPF saw them open for Journey (her first concert). VG+.
  • ABC – The Lexicon Of Love — A very important album in the lexicon of early- to mid-80s Britpop. This has the singles “Tears Are Not Enough”, “Poison Arrow”, “The Look of Love” and “All of My Heart.” Some of their biggest hits. I dismissed them as “that band who does ‘As Smokey Sings,'” and now I even like that song. They are a great pop band and I love listening to them. It was a $1 bin find but it was in great shape. VG+, I’d say.
  • Der Bielefelder Kinderchor – Das Weihnachtskonzert Des Bielefelder Kinderchores — Another $1 bin find and The BCPF loves grabbing German stuff that she finds. We actually got two German records but the other one isn’t in Discogs, which isn’t unusual. It was in really crummy shape, too. I’ll try to put it in later. Those are really hard because I don’t speak German and don’t know what half of this stuff even means, so… This isn’t in great shape either, so I’m only going with G/F.

Jonathan has been putting out a lot of great used vinyl and it’s always fun to go in. I love it when I see friends from outside of the store show up when I’m there. My pal Brad from TBD Referral Group came in to trade some stuff for credit. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear what the TLD/UR special of the week is. Use Discogs to keep track of your collection, how much it is potentially worth and the cool shuffle feature.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“You can see it in my eyes, I can feel it in your touch. You don’t have to say a thing just let me show how much I love you; I need you, yeah. I wanna kiss you all over. And over again. I wanna kiss you all over. Till the night closes in.” – “Kiss You All Over” (Chinn/Chapman)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 8/10/19

11 Sunday Aug 2019

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a great day! The BCPF and I got started a little early, went to breakfast, went to our favorite music store (possibly our favorite store of any ilk), we listened to great music, we went to Willows early and then we hung out with The Beer Dads’ extended family. Great times indeed. Here’s the haul:

Lone_Justice_-_Lone_Justice

©Geffen Records

  • R.E.M. – Green — The BCPF’s new addition, she said this was the first R.E.M. album that she bought new. I wasn’t into the band at the time, but “Stand” from this album is part of two stories that I tell. One is in my senior year in high school when I drew circles around the classroom (mimicking the video) and my teacher getting onto me. The other is that it was the first song I ever sang with the Vagabond Saints Society. New.
  • The Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers — #64 on the RS list, it has always been a good album to me, even though I’ve never been a huge fan of the Stones. Big tunes are “Brown Sugar,” “Wild Horses,” “Sister Morphine” and “Bitch” which, by the way, Gene Simmons always said that “Deuce” was actually “Bitch” backward (the riff, that is). New.
  • Florence + The Machine – Ceremonials — We both had heard of F+Machine but didn’t really know much about them. This was there and is a fantastic 2xLP set. It’s like a lot of what The BCPF (especially) and I listen to, but the more modern version of it. Alternative-esque rock with electronic bite. I liked it. We both liked it, actually. VG++.
  • She & Him – Volume 3 — Who isn’t in love with Zooey Deschanel? Male or female. She’s just amazing. Plus, she can sing. I think Ma Mère would enjoy this album. She’s channeling all of her Leslie Gore/Dusty Springfield that she can muster. NM.
  • Rare Earth – Rarearth — Rare Earth was the first big hit-making act signed by Motown that consisted only of white members. This album came out in 1977. I’m not really familiar with the band outside of a couple of songs like “I Just Want to Celebrate” and “Hey Big Brother.” The latter I only know because it was our closing song on Apartment 5B this past week. VG++.
  • Joe Cocker – Joe Cocker! — Cocker’s second studio album, this album features numerous covers of songs originally performed by Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, John Sebastian, and Leon Russell. I liked Joe Cocker, although he could get on my nerves. It was a good listen, though.  VG+.
  • Bob Seger And The Silver Bullet Band – Night Moves — I have always maintained that there would be world peace without Bob Seger songs. But, Clay Howard has done a little work in trying to convert me and so, I am giving him another try with matured ears and I have to say it was a good album. However, I think I pinpointed the culprit of my dislike of him (well, outside of “Old Time Rock and Roll”). “Sunspot Baby” is that song. I hate that song and it is his screaming it the whole time that makes me despise hearing his voice (with the aforementioned OTRnR). But, the rest of the album is actually quite good, and dare I say it… enjoyable. VG+.
  • David Crosby / Graham Nash – Wind On The Water — Yet another of the many incarnations of the CSNY family tree. Yet another that we have, too. VG++.
  • Lone Justice – Lone Justice — I had never heard of Lone Justice but it was from 1985, had a Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ feel to the look and I decided to give it a spin. So, the band is a “cowpunk” band. They’re American (from Los Angeles), but cowpunk started in the UK. I had to look cowpunk up and here’s what I found: a subgenre of punk rock that began in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s and California in the early 1980s. It combines punk rock or new wave with country, folk, and blues in sound, subject matter, attitude, and style. Many of the musicians in this scene have now become associated with alternative country or roots rock. From the first tune, we picked up on the Dolly Parton influence which oddly enough was paired with Punk-styled music. There was definitely a twang that goes with the country genre but it was still rocking. It’s an interesting, heck I’ll say “good” listen. VG+.
  • Mason Jones, The Philarte Quartet – Mason Jones And The Philarte Quartet — “Quintet In E Flat Major, K. 407 for French Horn, Violin, 2 Violas and Cello” by Mozart and “Quartet For French Horn and String Quartet” by Bernhard Heiden. VG++.
  • Firefall – Luna Sea — We’re listening to this one as I write this. “Just Remember I Love You” is probably the biggest hit on this one. We have gotten more and more into Firefall since we’ve started listening to Yacht Rock Radio on SiriusXM. Also, Ma Père’s ringtone when Ma Mère calls him is “You Are the Woman” (not on this album). $1 bin find, but the record is in great shape. I’m going to go with VG/VG+.
  • Ella Fitzgerald And The Nelson Riddle Orchestra – The George And Ira Gershwin Songbook — 2xLP of Ella and Riddle doing Gershwin songs. $1 bin find. VG.

Again, a great day yesterday. Sunny, a good record-buying crowd coming in and just overall goodness of Saturday-ness. We had a great day. Jonathan had a few receivers and turntables that are in really great shape, you should check them out. Also, listen to each new episode The Less Desirables to hear what the TLD/UR special of the week is. And, I use Discogs to keep track of this vinyl madness that I bring to you.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Your feet are going to be on the ground. Your head is there to move you around. If wishes were trees the trees would be falling. Listen to reason, season is calling.” – “Stand” (Berry/Buck/Mills/Stipe)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/8/19

09 Sunday Jun 2019

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday The BCPF and I got to have a very rare Saturday to ourselves. We were supposed to work the TLD Network booth at Mixxer’s Industry Hill Block Party but that was rained out and I’m so glad I didn’t have to sit or move in that rain. Next year, hopefully, it will be better. I was looking forward to participating, just not dealing with the weather. But, we went to Penny Path and had breakfast and then got to spend time at Underdog Records and came home to a full day’s worth of rekkid listening and enjoyment of each other’s company. Here’s the haul:

R-13438328-1554217482-4692.jpeg

©Cleopatra Records

  • Pink Floyd – The Division Bell — The second album after Roger Waters left, it has some great songs on it. A lot of critics panned it as not being Gilmour’s best work and that it was like he phoned it in. I think the album is great and is a fun listen. This is a 2xLP remastered set with the vinyl being an amazing clear deep blue. New.
  • Anton LaVey – Satan Takes A Holiday — Yep, the big evil himself. Ish. It’s definitely him but I think people gave him a bad name because of the “Satanic Church” thing. He no more believed or worshiped the devil than he did God. He didn’t see a need in either. His version of Satanism is basically skeptical atheists. Anyway, you get a vision in your head about how “evil” this guy was supposed to be and yet here he is performing love songs. The best and funniest thing on here, though, has to be “Honolulu Baby” which had The BCPF and me both laughing so hard we were crying. It’s on clear blood red vinyl and only 500 were made. New.
  • Sebadoh – Act Surprised — The BCPF loves Lou Barlow and anything he does. As I mentioned, you can ask her about smelling his hair in Chapel Hill/Carrboro a few years back. This is Sebadoh’s latest album released within the last few weeks. This is the limited edition orange vinyl. New.
  • Bright Eyes – I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning — Nebraska-based indie rock band mainly consisting of Conor Oberst, a multi-instrumentalist and a couple of other folks and pulling from Omaha’s indie scene. The BCPF loves them and this was a good album. NM.
  • Sleater-Kinney – No Cities To Love — The band’s eighth album and the first after a decade-long hiatus in 2015. Influenced by the riot grrrl movement, they are legends in girl-punk. Again, The BCPF is a fan. NM.
  • The Monkees – Then & Now… The Best Of The Monkees — In 1986, when the Monkees were making some resurgent comeback on MTV and Nick At Night, you could find Monkee-mania happening all over again. I had this album, from Arista records, somehow I just remembered that, on cassette (all of Arista’s stuff came in red cassette cases). I believe, too I may have gotten it from one of the “clubs” either Columbia House or RCA/BMG. This, too, is a club version and it is in VG++.
  • Donovan – 25 Years In Concert — Donovan. We love Donovan. Live and in VG++.
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Fitzgerald Sings Songs From Let No Man Write My Epitaph — We love us some Ella and we were a little bit wary of purchasing this as it is only in Fine condition, but it was still about $5 which means it is probably a rarity or hard to find. Anywhat. We’ll treasure it, for sure. F.
  • Graham Nash – Innocent Eyes — A little reggae-influenced Nash. It was his fourth solo album. VG++.
  • The Rolling Stones – Out Of Our Heads — So, this is on the RS List, but I’ve not yet decided if I’m going to count this as “having it.” It was $1 but it’s pretty beaten up. I know there are skips on it. I’d like to have a better copy and will probably look for it eventually. This is the original British mono pressing. Rating reserved.
  • Gran Orquesta De Profesores Solistas – Honeymoon In Spain — Spanish music. We are suckers for that internationally-flavored music. It was a $1 bin find and is in VG.

It was so nice to have a Saturday back. I love all that I do and how busy it keeps me but sometimes you just need a day off. We got that. I feel good about it. Underdog Records was busy when we were there. A lot of people buying a lot of records. You gotta love that. Listen each week to hear the TLD/UR special. And use Discogs to catalog and track your music collection, no matter what format it’s in.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“I think I should speak now. Why won’t you talk to me? I can’t seem to speak now. You never talk to me. My words won’t come out right. What are you thinking? I feel like I’m drowning. What are you feeling?” – “Keep Talking” (Gilmour/Samson/Wright)

Spinning Sunday or: The Return of the Haul 6/1/19

02 Sunday Jun 2019

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Salutations™!!

First, I want to say happy Pride Month! I’m an ally and not at all ashamed to say so.

TheRebelsNotIn

©K Records

Now, the day was indeed packed with wine and such as I mentioned yesterday, but before that craziness, and after, we were at Underdog Records trying to get back into our record groove (pun most certainly intended). Here’s what we got:

  • Rush – Hemispheres — This is the 200g Audiophile version. It’s not my favorite Rush album, but it’s still good. I prefer “hits” to the long, drawn-out, progressive “suites” they had on this. New.
  • The Halo Benders – The Rebels Not In — The BCPF learned of and got into this band when she was a DJ in college. It’s weird and kooky but it’s fun. This is the 2014 reissue and it also is out of print. So, she did well. NM.
  • Death Cab For Cutie – The Photo Album — I don’t know much about Death Cab except that Ben Gibbard was Zooey Deschanel’s first husband. The BCPF, however, is a big fan. NM.
  • Tortoise – The Catastrophist — I know absolutely nothing about this. Again, this is a The BCPF pick. VG+.
  • Heart – Brigade —  The follow up to their album Bad Animals and has “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You,” which I always liked. It’s probably an over-polished bunch of mess, but I’m willing to test that. VG+.
  • Crosby, Stills & Nash – Replay — A compilation of CSN hits. VG+
  • Small Talk  – Small Talk — Another album from a band that I nothing about. It seemed early 80s rock and was only $3 so I took a chance. Sounds like Rick Springfield smashed together with .38 Special to me. Not great but not bad. VG++.
  • The Rolling Stones – Got Live If You Want It! — The BCPF is the Stones fan in the fam, I don’t care one way or another. They’re not The Beatles and that’s all that matters. But, why not grab a live album when you can? VG-.
  • Various – The London Sampler — A compilation “sampler” of London Records artists from 1985. They were pushing their current acts at the time. The BCPF grabbed it. VG+.
  • The Hollies – Dear Eloise / King Midas In Reverse — This is the seventh U.S. studio album by the band, the last album to feature Graham Nash until 1983’s What Goes Around, as well as the last to feature songs written solely by members Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, and Tony Hicks. $1 bin find. VG/VG+.
  • Saint-Saëns – Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra*, Michael Murray  – Symphony No. 3 “Organ” — I love Camille Saint-Saëns and couldn’t pass this one up, especially when it’s a $1 bin find. The cover is slightly worn but the vinyl is NM. VG++ at minimum.
  • The Brothers Johnson – Light Up The Night — “Stomp” is on this album and I love that song. It was a $1 bin find so why not? VG+.

Underdog Records was jumping yesterday. I love seeing that. Lots of people, a bit cozy and crowded, a lot of awesomeness. Loved it. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear what the TLD/UR special of the week is. I use Discogs to keep up with my stuff and to share it with you!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“So we found this hotel, it was a place I knew well. We made magic that night. Oh, he did everything right. He brought the woman out of me, so many times, easily. And in the morning when he woke all I left him was a note. I told him, ‘I am the flower you are the seed. We walked in the garden we planted a tree. Don’t try to find me, please don’t you dare. Just live in my memory, you’ll always be there. All I want to do is make love to you.'” – “All I Want to Do is Make Love to You” (Lange)

Break Time or: Hot Rocks!

19 Wednesday Dec 2018

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Sounds Like Saturday

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Salutations™!!

As I said in the commercial for Underdog Records tonight, the time of the year lends to little in the way of releases. That’s traditionally been true, as well. So, in looking for something to write about, and with it being the last work night until next Wednesday, I wanted to do a video from an album, but little was there. I did find Hot Rocks 1964-1971, which was released on December 20, 1971. One year and one month after I was born. What I keep seeing when I see the cover is it looks like Trump’s silhouette. Does anyone else see that? Oh well, sorry if that ruins it for you. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“And I was ’round when Jesus Christ had his moment of doubt and pain. Made damn sure that Pilate washed his hands and sealed his fate. Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name. But, what’s puzzling you is the nature of my game.” – “Sympathy for the Devil” (Richards/Jagger)

Sounds Like Saturday or: 2000 Man

08 Saturday Dec 2018

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Salutations™!!

With today being the 51st anniversary of Their Satanic Majesties Request by the Rolling Stones, I had to play this and it’s probably a bit cliche by now, or predictable on my part, but here it is, anyway. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Oh, daddy, proud of your planet. Oh, mommy. proud of your sun. Oh, daddy, your brain’s still flashin’ like they did when you were young. Or did they come down crashin’ seeing all the things you’d done? Spacin’ out and havin’ fun?” – “2000 Man” (Jagger/Richards)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 11/10/18

11 Sunday Nov 2018

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I were up and out early yesterday, but, we got to Underdog Records and purchased a pretty good-sized haul. Here’s what we got:

220px-RattInvasion

©Atlantic  Records

  • Various – The Wall (Redux) — So, this is quite interesting. It’s Pink Floyd’s The Wall reimagined by a number of stoner/doom rock bands. It’s heavy, jazzy, light, dark, it’s a bit of everything. The Wall is my favorite Floyd album and it was cool to hear. New.
  • The Grateful Dead – Workingman’s Dead — #264 on the RS list. I haven’t ever been a fan of the Dead but this album is pretty good. The Dead were friends with CSN and those guys taught the Dead harmonies. Good stuff. New.
  • Eric Bachmann – No Recover — Our second album from the former frontman for Archers of Loaf. Laid back indie rock at its finest. This was an easy listen. Bachmann has a great voice. New.
  • Ratt – Invasion Of Your Privacy — One of my favorite hard rock albums of the 80s and has what I consider the best song intro ever, “Lay It Down.” I reviewed this album on the Eugeology list last year. It is in VG condition but plays quite nicely.
  • Mozart, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire Dir. Hans Rosbaud – Don Giovanni (Excerpts-Extraits-Auszüge) — VG++.
  • The Marshall Tucker Band – Carolina Dreams — I’m not a fan of southern rock but I’ve liked a few MTB songs that I’ve heard and they’re from South Carolina. The rest of the albums (along with this one) that I’m going to list were $1 bin finds. VG.
  • Seals & Crofts – Summer Breeze — I got three Seals & Crofts albums. All were at least VG but could actually be slightly better.
  • Seals & Crofts – Diamond Girl — Ditto.
  • Seals & Crofts – Get Closer — Ditto again.
  • Emmylou Harris – Quarter Moon In A Ten Cent Town — Emmylou Harris has such an amazing voice. I’m not much on the country aspect but her voice makes up for the twangy country overtones. VG.
  • The Rolling Stones – Black And Blue — The funky/disco vibe on this album is weird for the Stones, at least at this time. Some Girls which came out after this (and my favorite Stones album) was firmly in that mode. But, at the time this was freaking some folks out. I didn’t really care for it, but it is a notch in my collection. That’s a plus. VG.
  • Boz Scaggs – Silk Degrees — I like Boz Scaggs more than I thought I would. I haven’t heard this yet, but I know I like “Lido Shuffle” which is on here. VG.
  • Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road — I love EJ and this album is one of my faves. I thought I was getting it from a Discogs Marketplace seller but I kind of got screwed on that. It wasn’t Discogs’ fault, though. The whole transaction was screwed up because it was supposed to be for another album but after I paid for it, he didn’t have it so I picked this one. He says he shipped it and it never showed up. I had accidentally rated this before I got it (I found the one I ordered through another seller) and now I can’t complain about it. The seller says there’s nothing either of us can do, as it’s a shipping thing. Oh well, this was $1. But, we have to try to find another copy as this is very scratchy. It’s listenable but it could be cleaner. VG.
  • Paul Young – The Secret Of Association — His breakout album, it’s the one that had Daryl Hall’s “Everytime You Go Away” on it. The rest of the album is pretty good. Not great, but good. VG.

So, it was a big haul yesterday. We got to listen to a lot of it during our listening session, but we have more to hear. Some folks don’t get the vinyl thing, but that’s okay. I just find I can immerse myself in the medium and I don’t mind changing sides. Underdog Records recovered from their anniversary. Jonathan is gearing up for the Black Friday Record Store Day event on the day after Thanksgiving. PLUS!!! If you have loved ones that are either looking for something to get their favorite record collector, or you know someone that is a record collector, Jonathan is doing gift “certificates” right now for the holidays. Be sure to listen to The Less Desirables every week because you’ll get the exclusive TLD/UDR special of the week. It’s good savings for you. But, you have to mention hearing that ad (and know what it is!)…

I use Discogs for cataloging and purchasing.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“Driving that train, high on cocaine, Casey Jones you better watch your speed. Trouble ahead, trouble behind. And you know that notion just crossed my mind.” – “Casey Jones” (Garcia/Hunter)

Gone Solo or: Many Kisses (Part 2)

18 Tuesday Sep 2018

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Salutations™!!

The month of September is a huge month for KISS fans, even if they don’t know it. Why you may ask? Because the month of September is the anniversary month for the releases of TEN KISS albums. I’ve talked about Alive!, Animalize and Asylum.

20090517004510!Solo_inner_sleeve

©Casablanca Records

Now, today, September 18th is a doozie. In 1978, all four solo albums were released on this day. Three other KISS albums were released on this day as well, we’ll get to those.

Today is the 40th anniversary of the release of all four KISS solo albums. When I got into KISS, I was 7 going on 8 and that’s about when the whole Love Gun, Alive II, Double Platinum era was going on and then these were just coming out. Because of my newness to the band, I didn’t understand what was going on. I thought it was just 4 albums, one featuring songs by each member. I thought that was cool. And, in a way, it was. In other ways, it wasn’t. In many ways, actually.

While I pride myself on knowing my KISStory, at that time I had no such knowledge. I didn’t realize that Peter and Ace were both becoming victims of their own demons and weren’t pulling their own weight. They were constantly being pitted against Gene and Paul and were coming out on the losing side. As would be the case in any partnership/band/biz, that led to dissension. Ace and Peter were becoming more and more disillusioned with the “other side.” Gene and Paul were becoming less and less patient with Ace and Peter. Ace and Peter, whether right or wrong, felt that Gene and Paul were abusing their power and not allowing the others their creative freedom. Peter was threatening to quit as was Ace.  This is not just Gene’s and Paul’s long-heard version of the story, Sean Delaney backed this up when I talked with him several years ago. More on Sean later.

To keep the semblance of the band together, Gene and Paul, along with manager Bill Aucoin proposed that the individual members release their own album under the KISS moniker and let each showcase their influences, skills, desires, etc. Eraldo Carugati did the cover art of each and they looked cohesive, as they were supposed to. To the fans, including the newbies like me, it was to look like a cool thing they did in the name of creativity. I guess it was in some strange instances. They each dedicated their individual albums to each other, except Peter who added a dedication to Michael Benvenga who was in Chelsea and Lips with him, pre-KISS.

Ace’s album was all about the rock. Not, any pop or fluff really, even in the Russ Ballard tune, “New York Groove.” His guest list was not really extensive when you look at the other members’ tracks. He did recruit Anton Fig and Will Lee to play on his album, both of which would go on to be part of The World’s Most Dangerous Band from David Letterman. Fig would go on to be the drummer on the next two KISS studio albums (Dynasty and Unmasked) and when Ace finally blew the joint, he was part of Frehley’s Comet. Ace, being Ace decided he would do most of the other instruments himself, including most of the bass duties (Lee played on “Ozone,” “I’m in Need of Love” and “Wiped-Out”). There’s nothing wrong with that, he did it for the next few KISS albums, at least on his songs. Ace had Eddie Kramer produce his album (Ace co-produced it). Kramer was associated with Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, Beatles, and the list goes on. He also produced Alive! and Alive II. “New York Groove” was the only tune from this album that charted (#13). Ace’s was the only album to chart (#26) and was the highest selling.

Peter’s album was about soul, R&B, jazz, and rock and roll. kind of stuff. Peter’s background was in jazz drumming, not necessarily the hard rock that he was known for. His influences were older. Diverse. Most of the tracks on this record were written by Stan Penridge. The credits go to Penridge and Peter, but I’m suspicious of how much Peter actually wrote. He may have done some lyrics, I guess. Peter’s cover of Bobby Lewis’ “Tossin’ and Turnin'” was pretty good. KISS did it on the Dynasty tour, at least for a few shows. It was pretty awful from what I’ve heard of it. But, Sean Delaney wrote two songs on the album (“Rock Me Baby” and “I Can’t Stop the Rain”). What is remarkable about this is Sean actually produced Gene’s solo album but was asked to write for Peter. He did both. Peter had many guest musicians including Steve Lukather of Toto fame, Neil Jason (who also played all the bass on Gene’s album), Penridge, Allan Schwartzberg (who also played on Gene’s album and was credited as “additional drum overdubs” on several of the 80s-era KISS albums) and more. The album was produced by Vini Poncia who produced Dynasty and Unmasked. Incidentally, it’s the only one of the four that had a “credits insert” and the only one that released two singles, even though neither song charted.

Paul’s album has been touted as the “most KISS-like” and I disagree. I think that would be Ace’s (which could be one reason why I like it less). Now, Paul’s has KISS qualities but it sounds like Paul’s KISS songs. The addition of outside musicians changes the feel than that of a KISS album. I think Paul’s has the best-written tunes. A little bit of “Starchild” and a little bit of the “lover” is how I’d describe the album. Ballads, power-ballads, hard rocking tunes and some pop aspects. There’s not a song on this album that I don’t dig. While there are three songs (“Move On,” “Ain’t Quite Right” and “Take Me Away (Together as One)”) that were co-written by Mikel Japp, this is the only one of the four solo albums not to feature a cover tune. Paul had some notable guests on this album. Carmine Appice and Craig Krampf (co-writer of “Oh Sherrie” and session drummer for many big-named artists) on drums, and of course, Bob Kulick on guitar. Steve Buslowe played bass on side one and Eric Nelson on side two. I wonder if that was by design? I find it odd. The album was produced by Jeff Glixman who has worked with Kansas, Yngwie Malmsteen, Black Sabbath and more.

Gene’s album seems, to me, like a huge party. It’s like he gathered all of his friends, girlfriends, a previously-released KISS tune, bits of horror, hard rock, The Beatles and his favorite Disney films and threw himself a shindig. If I knew he wasn’t so straight-edged, that could be the case, but other than a few impromptu orgies, I don’t see the party happening. The album opens with something that reminds one of The Omen and is hellish before hitting the hard rock “Radioactive” which has a very cool (complete with choreographed dissonant passing notes) classical guitar interlude into “Burning Up With Fever” which on the original CD versions put both of those songs together and you had to either just listen through or fast forward to get to the latter. This is the only one of the four that re-recorded a KISS song (“See You In Your Dreams”) because he wasn’t happy with the original that was on Rock and Roll Over. Gene has always maintained that he learned English from watching Disney films. So, while it sticks out like a sore thumb on the album, it makes perfect sense that he’d cover “When You Wish Upon a Star” because hey, it gives him an extra tune and you love what you love, especially when it fits your story. Now, his guest list is incredible. He plays no bass on this album, just acoustic and electric guitar. He leaves the bass work to Neil Jason, who along with Allan Schwartzberg on drums, also played on Peter’s album. Elliot Randall, who is probably best known for his guitar solo on “Reelin’ in the Years” from Steely Dan handles most of the main guitar work but also, Rick Neilsen, Joe Perry, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter and Richie Ranno of Starz do guest spots. And back up singers? Bob Seger, Helen Reddy, Donna Summer, Cher, Janis Ian, Michael Des Barres and a then-unknown young lady by the name of Kate Sagal (yes, Peggy Bundy) all lent their voices. Sean Delaney, as I said, produced the album. Sean claimed, to me, that he never got paid for that job and that Gene cheated him. Again, that’s an allegation and not necessarily a fact. But, the fact that he and Gene had a falling out about this time and as far as I know never really reconciled, I can see it. It wasn’t my business and I hope they talked before Sean passed away in 2003.

You’ll notice the order in which I talked about the albums. This order is important because it is in reverse order my favorite/preferred list. Gene, Paul, Peter and Ace. I get looks and furrowed brows when I say Ace’s is my least favorite. There are several reasons for this. One, I just am not a huge fan of Ace’s. I feel he squandered an opportunity and let KISS fans down in general. Yes, Peter flaked first and was a little byotch about it. But, I felt we got the better deal because Eric Carr was a much better drummer and a rock drummer at that. Ace’s also is just boring to me. Don’t get me wrong, I like it, it’s just my least favorite. I felt the reason for the solo projects was to show a bit of freedom and influence and step out of the KISS box. If you’re going to sound like KISS, record a KISS album and don’t be a byotch. Peter, Paul and Gene all got experimental and showed range, for better or for worse. Don’t argue, you have your favorites and I have mine!

All four had cool posters that you pieced together and the ones I have on 180g vinyl (from Underdog Records, of course) are pretty good. I had to buy my Paul Stanley used and it is missing the poster. I never had all the posters as a kid, either, so I’m looking for a replacement. I talked earlier about the good and bad of the solo albums. I love them for what they are, in varying degrees. The bad, however, was that no matter how crappy Peter’s performed, he still thought he was better and needed more from KISS. They showed him the door. Ace, on the other hand, got bolder as his album did the best and it proved, at least in his head, that he was more important. I feel he was, but disagree with how he dealt with it. Plus, he and Peter’s demons really got in their way beyond “just ego.” What are your thoughts on the solo albums, Dear Reader? I know you’ll disagree on the Ace placement but it is how I see it.

This got a lot more overly verbose than I expected, so I’ll continue the others either in a separate post for today or just do it tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Until tomorrow (or later today), stay in the Useless Things Groove!
Scorp out!

—
“You were standin’ and I was thinkin’ ff all the time that I spend hangin’ around. Situation could only get better. I got closer to see what I found. In the mornin’, movin’ easy. Everything seems so right. But when the night comes, I’ve been dreamin’… Dreamin’ ’bout leavin’ you one more time. Girl, you gave me good love but it ain’t quite right.” – “Ain’t Quite Right” (Stanley/Japp)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 4/28/18

29 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by in Records, Silent Sunday

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was such a beautiful day and it was really relaxed since The BCPF and I didn’t have to camp out for the hectic scene that was Record Store Day. We walked, ate at Mary’s Gourmet Diner, bought records at Underdog Records, listened to records, and ate at Willows Bistro before getting home before 10:20p. A good day. Here’s our haul:

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©A&M

 

  • Okkervil River – In The Rainbow Rain – When I make the commercials for Underdog Records on Wednesdays, I try to incorporate some of the music that is being released in said commercial to give a little taste (observing ‘fair use’ rules, of course) and this was one that I used. I liked it and it sounded like something The BCPF would like. I’m always on the lookout for new stuff she may like. New.
  • The Rolling Stones – Get Yer Ya Ya’s Out – A live Rolling Stones album that was released originally about two and a half months before I was born. This, however, is the 1986 reissue. It was considered to be an audiophile copy at that time. This is in NM condition.
  • Weezer – Pacific Daydream – The latest album by Weezer that was released around Halloween last year. This is a really good album. It was fun to listen to. NM.
  • Tim Curry – Simplicity – The last of Tim Curry’s solo albums, this one from 1981. I liked listening to the other one I have, Fearless, even if it wasn’t great it was fun. I hope this one is. VG++.
  • A Flock Of Seagulls – A Flock Of Seagulls – The eponymous debut album featuring what is probably their most famous song “I Ran (So Far Away)” as well as “Space Age Love Song.” It was in great shape and I can’t wait to listen to it. VG++.
  • Frank Sinatra – Strangers In The Night – $1 bin find that we just couldn’t pass on. I love me some “Ol’ Blue Eyes” and here it was in VG shape.
  • Sinatra – Basie – Sinatra-Basie (An Historic Musical First) – Another $1 bin find for the same reasons above. Plus, it was the first time Frankie and Count Basie recorded together. VG.
  • Mungo Jerry – Mungo Jerry – The listing on Wikipedia shows no trace of “In the Summertime” but the copy I have does. I know it was released as a single the same year as this, so I am thinking that it was an album-independent single that did well and any subsequent releases of the album included it. That’s what I have, I think. It’s in VG condition and was a $1 bin find.

So, here, I have to say when I played in GSO on Friday, we went to another record store, CFBG Records. Jonathan says we weren’t cheating on him but I feel like we were. But, we got some cool stuff, even if the prices were crazy expensive for used stuff. I guess we’re just spoiled by Jonathan. Here’s that haul:

  • The Byrds – Younger Than Yesterday – #127 on the RS List and containing one of my favorite Byrds (well, Dylan) songs, “My Back Pages.” It’s in VG++ condition.
  • The Fixx – Phantoms – I have grown to love The Fixx and I was excited to find this here (well, The BCPF found it). VG+.
  • Bob Dylan – Blood On The Tracks – #16 on the RS List (I need five to finish the top 25). From what I remember I didn’t much care for it, but The BCPF is a sucker for Dylan. Plus, I needed it for the list. VG+.
  • INXS – Listen Like Thieves – The INXS album with “What You Need,” the title tune and “This Time.” Very excited about it. VG+.
  • Midnight Oil – Diesel And Dust – The one with “Beds Are Burning” on it. We got that one for free. There is a long scratch all the way across the first side but I’m hoping it will still play. If not, I will use it as the first of my vinyl repair experiment that I plan on doing. I’ll say VG, but that may not be true.

So, a pretty good haul and we’re excited about it. Lots of good stuff in there. Jonathan is back in the saddle after getting caught up from Record Store Day. So, follow Underdog Records on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and you’ll see what he is putting out each day. They’re open Tuesday to Saturday, 11a to 7p. Also, you can shop during off-hours by visiting their website.

Discogs lets me keep up with my collection so I don’t buy a lot of multiples and its Marketplace lets me find those hard-to-get items that Jonathan just never sees come through. It’s fun.

Until tomorrow, happy listening…
Scorp out!

—
“Crimson flames tied through my ears, rollin’ high and mighty traps pounced with fire on flaming roads using ideas as my maps. “We’ll meet on edges, soon, ” said I, proud ‘neath heated brow. Ah, but I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now.” – “My Back Pages” (Dylan)

How, Where, When, Condition, Reason? or: 94 is a Magic Number

24 Tuesday Apr 2018

Posted by in Life as We Know It

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Salutations™!!

Usually, Tuesdays are for piggybacking The Man Who Ate the Town, but we didn’t do a podcast today so we’re not piggybackin’. bob_dorough

But, yesterday, a very important figure in my childhood passed away. Bob Dorough, the main songwriter behind the very popular 70s/80s children’s interstitial program, Schoolhouse Rock passed at the age of 94. He was also the musical director for the series. Some of his most famous tunes for this was “Conjunction Junction,” “Three is a Magic Number,” “My Hero, Zero,” “Lolly, Lolly, Lolly, Get Your Adverbs Here,” “The Shot Heard Round the World” and “Rufus Xavier Sarsaparilla.”

But, Dorough wasn’t just about Schoolhouse Rock. He was a darned fine jazz musician that wrote for and played with Miles Davis, Sugar Ray Robinson (when he got into music) and Blossom Dearie, with whom he worked a few times on the Schoolhouse Rock. He was very accomplished by the time that advertiser David McCall called him in to help his kids learn their multiplication tables. They couldn’t remember the tables but knew the lyrics to every song by the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix by heart. So, then according to a TedX video from 2016, Dorough wrote “Three is a Magic Number.” That led to 11 more tunes about multiplication, including one for zero.

I have been collecting Schoolhouse Rock items for a long time. I had all of them on VHS when they first came out in the 90s and then, in the 00s I purchased the special edition DVD. But, I also have a four-disc box set of the songs on CD and I have a lyrics book as well as sheet music for selected songs from the series. I still watch them now and I still listen to them now.

Even the songs that he didn’t write were made possible because of his initial run of math-driven tunes. I know quite a few people who in ninth grade civics class had to recite the Preamble of the Constitution and the only way they got through it was by singing the song (“Preamble”) written by Lynn Ahrens. She was still under the direction of Dorough when she wrote that.

He sang a lot of the tunes that he wrote and even a few that he didn’t. He did the grandfather, father, and son, all three, for “Lolly, Lolly, Lolly, Get Your Adverbs Here.”

He was active very late in life and did functions for schools, groups and fundraisers. He did TedX Talks and public appearances. He loved what he did and we loved him for it, at least we children of the late 70s/80s. Rest well, Old Friend and thank you for bringing so much joy to my life.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“And the shot heard ’round the world was the start of the Revolution. The Minute Men were ready, on the move. Take your blanket, and take your son. Report to General Washington. We’ve got our rights and now it’s time to prove.” – “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World” (Dorough)