Tag Archives: Wilco

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul(s) 7/3-4/20

05 Sunday Jul 2020

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I both took Friday off, so we treated it like a “first Saturday.” We did the things we do for Saturday. We had breakfast/brunch/lunch, went to Underdog Records then came home and listened to what we got. We repeated the process on the actual Saturday, too, although that wasn’t the plan. Anywhat! Here’s the two-day haul (and a note that all these releases are “new”):

The_Waterboys_Album_cover

©Chrysalis/Island

  • Nirvana – In Utero (2013 Mix) — I’ve had a tumultuous relationship with Nirvana. But, most of my disdain has passed and I am more on the “appreciate” side of them, now. This is the 20th-anniversary remix of the album from 2013. But, this is also a reissue of that version. 2xLP.
  • Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot — #493 on the RS list, it’s one of The BCPF’s faves. “Heavy Metal Drummer” was put on a mix CD for me when we were both just friends. I like that they mention KISS throughout and that Mediocre Bad Guys covered it. The buildings on the front cover make up Marina City in Chicago. When we were in Chicago last we stayed at the Hotel Chicago which is directly behind Marina City, part of the complex itself. It was something out of Mad Men but elegant. It was definitely a weird stay but we enjoyed it. Not quite as much as we enjoyed the Sofitel but that was one of the nicest hotel rooms we’ve ever had. 2xLP.
  • Tom Waits – Swordfishtrombones — I liked this one better than I liked the other we got from Mr. Waits this weekend. I know it’s his schtick. I know it’s his gimmick. But, I really dislike it when he gets the most grumble for his buck in his voice. He actually sings in a regular tone and timbre for some of the songs. When he does that, his voice actually comes through. He sounds like he’s faking it at times when he grumbles. But, his piano playing is fantastic. I love that part (of both albums).
  • Tom Waits – Heartattack And Vine — Ditto everything I said on the previous entry.
  • The Mothers Of Invention – Weasels Ripped My Flesh — I have been trying to at least understand Zappa better. This credited to The Mothers of Invention but only so because of the live material. The studio stuff was Zappa solo, as the Mothers had disbanded two albums prior. I have tried to take the approach to Zappa as the fact that he was a talented jazz musician that liked take the idea of jazz to the far extreme boundaries of the genre. Sometimes it’s beautiful. Other times it is anything but. This, well it just is.
  • The Waterboys – The Waterboys — The debut album from this Edinburgh-based band. While not on this album, their biggest hit was probably “The Whole of the Moon.” I hear a lot of Doug Davis (yes that Doug Davis) on this. Not that he was on it, but I hear some influence on it. I know that he’s a fan of the band. It was a great listen.
  • The Mountain Goats – We Shall All Be Healed — The brainchild of John Darnielle, the award-winning author and musician, The Mountain Goats, again, is a favorite of The BCPF. He’s funny, witty, and a good musician. I get kind of tired of everything sounding the same but again, the content makes up for that.
  • Nina Simone – My Baby Just Cares For Me — This is the Nina Simone album that I mentioned last week that we got two weeks ago. It finally made it to Discogs so I could include it. It was a great record and we really enjoyed it.
  • Madonna – Madame X — Madge’s latest album, released Summer 2019. A lot of electropop and a mixture of activism/connected and Madonna pop sensibilities. Not a bad record. I got it brand new from the clearance bin. Was regularly $30+ but I got it for $16. Win!
  • Schubert / The Budapest Quartet – The Last Quartets — This is technically “new” because it is still sealed and never opened. Jonathan had it in the “used” bins. It was supposed to be purchased on Friday but we accidentally left it in the bin instead of grabbing it. We got it yesterday. 3xLP of Schubert. Yes.

For the next selections, these are all “imports.” Most are “unofficial” releases which, to me, anyway, could mean “bootleg.” But, they were sold to Jonathan through a distributor, so I don’t know. Anywhat! All are “new.” Here we go.

  • Pink Floyd – Live In NYC 1977 — I love Pink Floyd. They hover around the 5-8 spot on my “all-time favorite” list. This is basically Wish You Were Here live. The sound quality is awful as is the performance, but it’s cool to hear it. I didn’t mind the fact that they didn’t recreate the album, they interpreted their own album. Clear “coke bottle” vinyl.
  • Echo & The Bunnymen – BBC Recordings 1979-1980 — I didn’t know E&BM went back that far, but they did. When I heard these songs yesterday, I thought it was U2, but it’s not. U2 has been around since 1976, I didn’t know that, either. Still, the fact that this album sounded like Boy or October is a good thing, as I like everything U2 up until Zooropa. Not my fave by any means. This was a great listen and makes me love that era of the “first wave” even more. We need more of this.
  • Pixies – Into The White- BBC Recordings From 1988 And 1989 — Everything that I said about Mothers of Invention earlier? Well, multiply that by about 20. I like Pixies in the studio. Live, they get weird. I have a hard time taking them seriously, but I try.
  • Brian Eno – The BBC Sessions — I am a fan of Brian Eno. At least I think I am. One thing the BBC Sessions always tell me is that people get weird (or weirder in Eno’s case) when they step into the BBC Studios. Now, to be fair, we haven’t listened to this one, yet. So, it may not be weird. I am just preparing for it to be.

A big haul, for sure. Bigger than most, recently. Good stuff. A lot of listening time. Jonathan has Underdog Records, the brick-and-mortar, open Thursday through Saturday 11-7, and doing deliveries on Mondays, Tuesday, and Wednesday as long as weather permits. Watch Instagram and Facebook for what he’s putting out, be it new or used. You can shop for new vinyl anytime, day or night, by visiting the website. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection and you should, too!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Well, the eggs chase the bacon round the fryin’ pan and the whinin’ dog pidgeons by the steeple bell-rope. And the dogs tipped the garbage pails over last night. And there’s always construction work bothering you. In the neighborhood.” – “In the Neighborhood” (Waits)

Now Normal Chronicles or: Gettin’ Sticky

23 Thursday Apr 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today is the anniversary of a few albums. The Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers (49th) and Black and Blue (44th), The Ramones’ self-titled debut (44th), Too Old to Rock ‘n’ Roll: Too Young to Die! from Jethro Tull (44th), Bob Dylan at Budokan (41st), Men At Work’s Two Hearts (35th), Two Hearts, the Dave Mason album (33rd), Joe Walsh’s Ordinary Average Guy (29th), Hootie and the Blowfish’s Fairweather Johnson (24th), Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (18th), Elvis Costello’s When I Was Cruel (18th), Supertramp’s final album Slow Motion (18th), and Peter Gabriel’s Live Blood (8th). That’s a wide field. And, I find it odd that there are two completely different albums with the same name on the same anniversary. I’ll go with this cover, though. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Let’s forget about the tongue-tied lightning. Let’s undress just like cross-eyed strangers. This is not a joke, so please stop smiling. What was I thinking when I said it didn’t hurt?” – “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart” (Tweedy)

Spinning Monday? or: The Haul 10/6/19

07 Monday Oct 2019

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Salutations™!!

So, yeah, yesterday was a self-care day. So, I’m doing the Spinning thing today. We had a short “haul” list and Underdog Records will be closed this whole week because Jonathan is in dire need of a vacation. He’s taking that. Good for him. Here’s the haul:

uriah

©Mercury Records

  • The Replacements – Tim — The BCPF asked if I got this album because it was called “Tim.” I said I got it because it was on the RS list and I needed it. But, also because it was called “Tim.” Tim is #137 on the RS list and I really don’t remember much about it. We also didn’t have much listening time so we’ll get to it this week. New.
  • Wilco – Ode To Joy — The newest release from Jeff Tweedy and company. It was a bit dragging for me, but I think The BCPF liked it. New.
  • Bikini Kill – Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah — This is one of those things that The BCPF warned me about. “I have to warn you that this is might be pretty awful. But, it’s part of my high school memories.” I’ll give her that. It’s a reissue of the EP but with extra tracks, so it’s full LP length. New.
  • Bad Company  – Rough Diamonds — The last Bad Company album with the original lineup, including the last with Paul Rogers. He went on to do some solo stuff after this. The biggest tune on this is “Electricland.” VG++.
  • Uriah Heep – Look At Yourself — This is one of those albums that I had when I was a kid. I don’t know that I ever listened to it. I just liked the cover. That’s why I got it. It was in VG- condition, too. If I ever find my old records at my parents’ house, I’m sure this is with them.
  • Graham Parker And The Rumour – Stick To Me — The third studio album by Parker/Rumour. The original tapes were destroyed in the recording process by oxidation or something and they had to rush to rerecord everything. They had an 80-piece orchestra and everything. Nick Lowe was the producer and put it together hastily (like in a week’s time) and it is a really lo-fi album, although that’s not what Parker wanted. He said he didn’t like it at all, but now, once they got rid of the 80s-style Phil Collins drums in the 90s it was kind of grungy and that’s appealing to him, but at the time, nah. VG++.

Like I said, Underdog Records is closed this week because Jonathan is on vacation. The “official story” is that he won the lottery and moved to Morocco. That’s not what happened but thought it was funny. Of course, there is no TLD/UR special this week, either. I used Discogs to go through my choices this weekend, making sure we didn’t already have some of the things we got. A great tool.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“God, what a mess, on the ladder of success. Where you take one step and miss the whole first rung. Dreams unfulfilled, graduate unskilled. It beats pickin’ cotton and waitin’ to be forgotten. We are the sons of no one, bastards of young.” – “Bastards of Young” (Westerberg)

Sounds Like Saturday or: The Haul 7/13/19

14 Sunday Jul 2019

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a good day. The BCPF and I got up “early” and went to breakfast, then we ran to get a replacement battery for her phone and then headed to Underdog Records for some wax delights. We got some good stuff. It seems that the haul was slanted slightly toward The BCPF and that’s how most of it goes. That’s cool with me. “Happy wife” and all that. Here’s the haul:

Off_the_wall

©Epic Records

  • Drab Majesty – Modern Mirror — 2x45LP meaning they’re played at 45 RPM instead of the usual 33 1/3. Nowhere on that record can I find it conspicuously saying that it is 45. Oh well. Drab Majesty sounds a lot like old Depeche Mode or even New Order in spots. But, it has a modern feel to it as well. I hear songs from this when I was making the commercial for Underdog on TLD this week. It’s in an awesome clear blue vinyl (also available in clear red). New.
  • Versus – On The Ones And Threes — One of the first albums that I bought for The BCPF when we started “talking” was this album on CD. It had just come out and she made a big deal about “Versus is getting back together.” They had been apart for a while and got back together and did this album. It’s a good one. 2xLP. New.
  • Depeche Mode – When Love Is Enough (Early Demos) — She found this in the “Imports” section. It’s not an official release but is an awesome release. To hear the early demos of songs I’ve been listening to for a while was pretty awesome. At times Dave Gahan/Martin Gore sounded like some singer from the 40s on a phonograph or crank record player. Not great production but so fun to listen to. VG++.
  • Bob Dylan – Bob Dylan At Budokan — Seems like in the 70s everyone was doing an “At Budokan” album. This is Dylan’s. I skipped it because I really don’t like Dylan live, especially in this time period. It’s just gonna be some swooping and yelling, I’m sure. But, The BCPF didn’t skip it (I knew she wouldn’t) and here it is. VG++.
  • Various – A Very Special Christmas — This album was a big deal back in 1987 and it is sealed, so I had to get it. The album has been certified quadruple platinum and has raised millions of dollars for the Special Olympics. Like I said, “sealed” so technically it’s “new.”
  • Jeff Tweedy – Together At Last (Loft Acoustic Session I) — This is basically in NM condition and the only reason it wasn’t $20 is that the jacket spine has some damage. Tweedy is the lead singer for Wilco and this is some solo stuff. In fact, it’s considered his first “solo record.” NM.
  • Jeff Tweedy – Warm — This is his second solo record. NM.
  • Michael Jackson – Off The Wall — #68 on the RS List, it’s MJ and Quincy Jones doing their thing in 1979. Features the songs “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You” and a plethora of A-List songwriters including Jackson himself, Rod Temperton, Carole Bayer Sager, David Foster and Sir Paul McCartney among others. VG+.
  • Fleet Foxes – The Electric Lady Session — I generally stay away from 7″ and 10″ singles/45s but it’s Fleet Foxes and my girl love Fleet Foxes so I made sure to get it for her. VG+.
  • John Cougar – John Cougar — The third (technically fourth) album by John Mellencamp and the first that he wasn’t called “Johnny Cougar” and the first on Riva Records. I have to say that the big hit on this album, “I Need a Lover,” annoys me. Really, the only thing that annoys me is that the intro goes on forever, for no reason. The rest of the song is great. And, I have to say, this is probably one of my favorite Mellencamp albums. I loved every song on it and really enjoyed listening. I’m glad I have it. VG++.
  • Graham Nash – Songs For Beginners — I got this for The BCPF. She didn’t even know I had it until we got home. Yay me! VG.
  • Mantovani And His Orchestra – Italia Mia — $1 bin find. You know we scour the $1 bin (as well as the regular bins) to find music from different countries. We’re suckers for that, as I’ve stated ad nauseam. Even though most of the records in the $1 bin aren’t in the most pristine shape, this one didn’t even need to be cleaned. Jonathan doesn’t rate $1 albums but I’m stepping out and saying this is VG+.

Had a great visit at Underdog Records yesterday. Got to talk with Jonathan. Got to be around records, which I absolutely love. Got to talk about a-holes that park incorrectly in the parking lot across the street and how it messes up the symmetry of the rest of the day. Saw a friend whose name I can’t really remember right now, but she was buying records and I love when new collectors come and browse. Just a good day. Then the Cobras had a game and won 72-0 and Ma ‘Rents, and Aunt and Uncle and My Sis and Bro-in-Law got to hear me in action. Great day all around. Oh, listen to the newest The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/UR special of the week.

I also use Discogs to track my collection. I am not ashamed (nor sorry) that I held up the “freshly used” section to look at my Discogs to see if I had stuff. This is what I do, dang it! Just kidding-ish.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Well, Shakespeare threw down his pencil. Said, I think I’m gonna start layin’ brick. Too much of this Romeo stuff enough to make anybody sick. ‘To be or not to be,’ I mean, what’s that supposed to mean? I’m changin’ my image tomorrow. Be a groupie, make the scene.” – “Pray for Me” (Mellencamp/Bec Var)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul – Record Store Edition

22 Sunday Apr 2018

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Salutations™!!

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

They'reallgonnalaughatyou

©Warner Bros.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 5/6/17

07 Sunday May 2017

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a really great day for “rekkeds.” The BCPF and I met up with our buddy
Clay Howard at Underdog Records for some Saturday morning candy shopping. After we finished there, The BCPF and I went to Mary’s Gourmet Diner. While we were there, Clay sent a picture of something he purchased from the

Alive_2_cover

©Island Def Jam/UME

Rescue Mission store. That’s basically across the street from Mary’s and we walked down there when we finished eating. I bought 17 rekkeds there (at $.50 per). So, I’ve split the haul between Underdog Records (the official vinyl sponsor of The Less Desirables) and what we grabbed at the RM. Here ya go:

From Underdog Records:

From Rescue Mission:

So, there you go! A great haul as far as music goes. I have washed them all in my handy dandy system that The BCPF calls me washing my “rekked dishes.” Hopefully, some of those 50¢ albums will be worth listening to. Thanks for reading.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“What’s your name? Who’s your daddy? (He rich) Is he rich like me? Has he taken, any time (any time), (to show) to show you what you need to live? Tell it to me slowly (tell me what). I really want to know. It’s the time of the season for loving.” – “Time of the Season” (Argent)

Good Morning, Mr. Draper or: You Did What at Saks?

07 Friday Aug 2015

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Rant, Travel

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Salutations™!!

I’m going to start by saying I’m not at all putting down or taking away from people that have money or people that spend said money. I may only talk bad about the things that they buy and who sells it to them.

So The BCPF finally got a reprieve from her work duties and we started our weekend “early,” yesterday. So we moved hotels. I will say I miss that view, as I knew I would and the new hotel, Hotel Chicago, is a bit “unique.” It’s in the same parking lot as the original House of Blues. The lobby is a little old-styled. Lots of lines and just a few places to sit with the obligatory backlit bar. We went to the elevators and there was a lot of wood paneling there; 1960s-early 70s style. The lift itself was also heavy with dark wood and lush. We then got off the lift there is metallic silver wallpaper lining the hallways with dark wood trim. There is a room called the Millennium Club which more closely resembles the 1960s view of the Jetsons version of the Millennium. It only has a few block sofas with a coffee table (I believe it was wooden) but it does have a huge flatscreen TV (like when George would talk to Mr. Spacely, right? Right). But, as far as I can tell, there is NOTHING else in that room. It’s behind a glass door that is locked so we could only look in.

We get to our room and there is a lot of straight lines with grey wallpaper on one wall with a large, light brown desk “system” with a glass top and glass ball handle upon a door that reads “Honor Bar.” When you open said door, there is a fridge lined with slotted space for bottles of alcoholic, and presumably, non-alcoholic items. The problem? While it is on, there is nothing in it. I guess they don’t trust me. There is also a large wooden piece on the wall that houses a Samsung flatscreen. It’s obviously the newest thing in here. The trim around the door is three inch crown molding that is painted either black or dark grey. The carpet seems to be kind of new but it’s also dark grey or black with speckles. Another, very large “wardrobe” styled closet with ’60s-styled silver handles is in the “hallway.” It wraps around to the side and displays a large beveled mirror that has been overlaid with some artsy pictures of Marina City (think the cover of Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot album); very bizarre. The end tables are both also the light 20150807_080236brown wood. The left of the bed has one shaped like a trapazoid. The right of the bed has one that is somewhat bulbous on four curved legs and a hollowed out section on the top with some strange black marbles covered by glass. The weirdest (yes it gets better) part of the main room is the off-white, somewhat dirty looking background with darker olive green or even brown designs of which I can’t even begin to describe the shapes. For that, I’m including a pic (that’s it –> ). It’s not easy on the eyes. And the “headboard” of the bed is a paisley-laden and buttoned grey leather.

The bathroom’s floor is black and white squared tile. The wallpaper is avocado green, not quite 70s but not quite not. The tub looks to be from at least the early 1980s and they have squirt bottles in the tub that are labeled “gel douche” (shower gel in French), “après-shampoo” (after shampoo) and “shampoo”. The vanity is (of course) dark grey or black and the mirror is framed with a more modern black matte. So they tried to get some modern in there, I guess.  And the view? I must have used all the mojo for the Swisshôtel view because now I get a rooftop with a big watertower. I get some of the city, yay me. This is a hotel that would make Don Draper feel very at home. In fact it is like the apartment that he and Megan shared in NYC. I’m not knocking it, I just find it bizarre. The staff have all been wonderful. I think I need to go get an old fashioned (incidentally my and Don’s favorite drink) just because.

So, we walked about and looked at stores and shops. For fun, we walked into both Tiffany & Co. and Saks Fifth Avenue. The selection in this Tiffany seemed very slim and limited. I’m sure the one in NYC would have more. But, it was ridiculous at how expensive things were. Stuff that I really don’t see people wearing much. But, that wasn’t offensive. We moved to Saks right across the street. First we had to walk through a wall of perfume and let me tell you holding your breath after you’ve been walking several miles, and you’re fat… is very difficult. So we made it to the back to where their jewelery was, it was funny how you saw (nearly) no price tags. They want you to look closer and touch it, I get it. There was an escalator which turns out there are about six floors in this store. We went up and the first three upper floors were women’s clothing. We decided to walk about the floors and look. The clothing was elegant and I can see people wearing this everyday. What I can’t see is people paying this kind of money for them. There was a ladies’ tank top that was made of very thin material (you could see through it) and it was $120! You can buy an identical piece of clothing, of the same quality but without the “brand” at JCPenny or Sears or Walmart for $25 or less. We stood beside a “business” top that cost $1495. I was starting to get really bothered by this. We made it to the men’s section and the prices on jeans were around $220. Nope. The top floor was more “urban” wear with pixelated urban camouflage shirts and a long sleeved sweatshirt with rubber flames that were each $750. A shirt. $750. There was a show that looked like “boots with the fur” and had spikes on the back spine that was $1300. The top floor also has a bar called “Sohpie’s.” I didn’t even go over there because I figured a beer would have be $35 at least and a cocktail would have been around $80. I don’t know, just a guess. At this time I told The BCPF that my level of disgust was to its tipping point and we had to leave. We made our descent.

Again, I don’t have a problem with people having money or how they spend their money. However, the fact that this stuff was the cost it was for what you were actually buying, that is quite offensive to me and I truly was disgusted. If I had money, I’d not spend that kind of money on a shirt or stupid shoes with fur and spikes. I may buy the stuff but not at that cost. It’s ridiculous and the fact that the stores flaunt it like that is, frankly, gross. I can say that I went in Saks Fifth Avenue and never have to go back. But, Dear Reader, let me say, (and here is a warning for TMI and something that I normally wouldn’t say) that there is nothing and I mean NOTHING as satisfying as passing a little gas right by a women’s business jacket that costs $1495. That made the whole trip inside worth it. Then there was the rush through the perfume to get out.

I have more to talk about from yesterday but I’m already approaching 1300 words. Another time. Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“The saddest thing I can imagine is to get used to luxury.” – Charles Chaplin