Time for a new podcast, y’all! Yeah, two in one week. I had stuff to say, I guess. I don’t know if I’ll have stuff to say next week or not. But, it’s the 40th anniversary this week of my favorite KISS album. Hear me talk about it here.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “It’s nothing to me…” – “A World Without Heroes” (Reed/Ezrin/Simmons/Stanley)
I’m not going to lie to you, Dear Reader, it was hard to not post-post the entries this week. But, it feels better now, two days later. I’m also going to be honest and tell you that I spent a lot on records yesterday. More than I wanted to, to be honest, but we got some good (and potentially good) stuff. Jonathan was in an exceptionally good mood since his Atlanta Braves won the World Series. All that, here’s the haul:
Matt Mullins & The Bringdowns – Partly Pandemonium Partly Love — This one wasn’t from Underdog Records. This was from friends of my Kousin Gary from Asylum – Tales from the Devereaux Diaries. We went to see them play at The Ramkat on Friday. Stuart, the guitar player is one of Gary’s best friends and all of us were from West Virginia. I heard a lot of stories on those songs about my home state. Stuart’s mother was my fourth-grade teacher and one of my faves. Someone said they were like outlaw country but I didn’t get that, really. It’s more country-rock but with a lot of harmonies and hard rock riffs. I dug it. They signed the record, too. New.
Ozzy Osbourne – No More Tears — Probably my third or fourth favorite Ozzy record. The Ultimate Sin comes in first, Blizzard of Ozz second, and this one and No Rest for the Wicked and Diary of a Madman jockey for position after that. Not a huge Ozzy fan overall, but I do like him and enjoy the music. This was just rereleased a few weeks back and when Jonathan got the shipment, he was only able to get one copy and it was spoken for. So, I was happy to find this one. I guess the shipment came through. It’s 2×LP, Reissue, Remastered.
U2 – October — The second album from U2. Probably one of my least faves of theirs, but it was canon and I wanted to have it in the collection. Reissue, Remastered, 180gram. Single sleeve. 180g vinyl. No shrinkwrap (hype) sticker. Plus 16-page book in 12″ format and photo inner sleeve in heavy paper (that’s what Discogs said, I haven’t opened it to see if it really has all this). New.
Hiss Golden Messenger – O Come All Ye Faithful — This is some The BCPF stuff here. The first clue is that it’s on Merge Records. That’s always a dead giveaway. We have an album from them already but this is their Christmas album. I hope we wait until after Thanksgiving to listen to it. 2×LP, Limited Edition, Bone/Green/Red tri-color. New.
Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill — I was surprised we didn’t have this already, but we didn’t. I think it was released a little while ago in some special edition that was like $80 or something. Nah, I’ll pass on that. But, The BCPF found this copy and we rejoiced. #69 on the Rolling Stone list that doesn’t matter (as much). Reissue, Remastered, 180g. New.
Destroyer – Destroyer’s Rubies — I asked The BCPF, “what is this?” She replied, “It’s on Merge.” What more do you need to know? I didn’t need any more info. 2×LP, Reissue, Remastered, Gatefold. New.
The Halo Benders – Don’t Tell Me Now — We have one other album from The Halo Benders. Surprisingly, Merge doesn’t have the market cornered on this kind of music. This is on KLP. It’s a repress, as far as I can tell. More The BCPF stuff, of course. New.
Rhiannon Giddens – Tomorrow Is My Turn — Rhiannon was born in Greensboro and part of the folk/old-time group the Carolina Chocolate Drops. This was her debut solo effort. It was produced by T-Bone Burnett. 140-gram audiophile vinyl. The version we got came with a CD but this was used and whoever got it, kept the CD. Booooo! This was still NM and Jonathan said it was “like new.” I wonder if they kept the CD did they even listen to the record? Who knows. NM.
Imperial Teen – Now We Are Timeless — This is a Merge Records artist, but you know what? I picked it out. Really, I showed it to The BCPF and she just shrugged. I said it was on Merge and she said, “really!?” But, then said nothing more. So, I decided to keep it. I don’t know and she doesn’t know anything about it. So… we’ll see. Limited Edition, Blue Ice. NM.
Rank And File – Long Gone Dead — This was some different kind of stuff. It’s basically what is called “cowpunk.” Country punk. I don’t really hear much punk, but it’s not exactly country, either. According to Wikipedia on “cowpunk”: It combines punk rock or new wave with country, folk, and blues in its sound, lyrical subject matter, attitude, and style. That makes sense here. This is from 1984. VG+.
View From The Hill – In Time — I know even less about this band, but I believe they’re British. They look to be an all-Black British band (that’s the term they use). Soul/Funk/R&B. That’s really all I know. VG+.
That’s our haul this week. A lot of new stuff means a lot of $$ spent. Whew! Jonathan got a nice Sony turntable that is really just like my AT60 from Audio Technica but with a Sony label. New needle and belt and have a switchable preamp if you have another preamp configuration you want to doodle around with. Watch the Underdog Records social media for whatever else Jonathan has gotten in and is ready for you to consume. You can shop new vinyl day/night/24/7/365 by visiting the website. I use Discogs to track my collection. You should, too!
Until next time, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “Another day passes as the night closes in. The red light goes on to say it’s time to begin. I see the man around the corner waiting, can he see me? I close my eyes and wait to hear the sound of someone screaming here. No more tears.” – “No More Tears” (Osbourne/Wylde/Inez/Castillo/Purdell)
First, have you figured out what the numbers mean? This is the last time I’ll ask that question. That, I promise. At least about this situation. I also promise that all will be revealed tomorrow. The long confusing wait will be over-ish. So, now on with the regularly scheduled made-up blog post.
Jonathan closed up Underdog Records yesterday because he was heading south. His favorite sports team, bar none, is the Atlanta Braves and he had an opportunity to go to the World Series game last night. Unfortunately for me (I hate the Braves), they won, but I’m glad my pal got to experience that. That meant that The BCPF’s and my day opened up. So, after breakfast at Grandma Ruby’s… What to do? What to do?
We went rummaging and “antiquing.” I didn’t think to look for yard sales or anything like that, but we went to Eclectibles, a used book store, and bought a good bit of books (her just regular books; me musical things and one recipe book).
We then went to a place called V’s Treasures and bought two “windows” that we will convert into something else. I say that. We will have Beth and Jay from Honu Global (I produce their Nailing It with Blue Jean and the Brewer podcast) “reimagine” them.
We then went to the new Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County’s ReStore that opened just a mile or so from our house. The BCPF bought a reading chair for her “StephCave” as she’s calling it. We spent a lot of money. That’s scary. But, we have some stuff to help us with the rejuvenation of this house we live in.
With that, I guess I’m heading off for today. OH! You can still purchase records from Underdog Records by visiting their website. And use Discogs to track your collection!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations.” – Habitat ReStore
Today, I learned some very sad news. Finnigan’s Wake will be closing its doors permanently on October 30. Finnigan’s Wake is THE reason the Arts District in Downtown Winston-Salem exploded in to ’00s. Yes, there were other now-staples such as Sweet Potatoes and 6th & Vine, but none had the impact that Fins did. But, for me, the impact was even more than reinvigorating an area of town.
Practically nothing in my life right now would be like it is if it weren’t for Fins. How, you ask?
Me and My Best Girl
I was able to realize what others may say is ridiculous but something I’m very proud of. I was the second-ever person to join the 90-Day Club. Not only did I do 90 days, I did 1099 days. That got me some recognition and status.
I was “Trivia Tim.” I didn’t start the pub trivia at Fins but I took it over after the first three weeks and I did it for six years after. Again, people got to know me, spend time with me, and my network was greatly and largely expanded because of that.
The Less Desirables was conceived, hatched, and born sitting at the high-top table right next to the hallway. Without that, I probably wouldn’t have started other podcasts after it. No Fan Interference. No Camel City Dispatch/Electric Camel Pod. No Tart & Tangy Triad. No The Beer Dads. No The Man Who Ate the Town. No Sipping NC: The Art of Drinking. No Apartment 5B. No Beeswax Vinyl. No Beeswax Vinyl Daily. No Asylum – Tales from the Devereaux Diaries. No Wheelers Dog. No The Less Desirables Network. No podcast clients. Heck without Fins, there may not be a podcasting community here in WSNC to speak of, at least as it is. I know two or three podcasts in town that are thriving because they were inspired by me doing The Less Desirables (or one of the others) and they’ve told me that. No podcasting would mean no “Podfather.” All that I am and do wouldn’t be if there was no Finnigan’s Wake. In fact, the first place I ever met Brian Attridge who started The Less Desirables with me, was at Finnigan’s Wake.
The revitalization of downtown, in general, may still have happened but it wouldn’t be what it is if Philip “Opie” Kirby and John Cahoon hadn’t opened THE Irish pub in October of 2006.
Me, Brian and Eug, TLD…
The first place I met Jon Lowder, one of the Beer Dads and a partner/friend that I have come to thank for many of my accomplishments was at Fins.
Several of my friends who are in relationships met at Finnigan’s Wake. Which brings me to the BIGGEST link that Fins has for me: I met my wife, The BCPF, Stephanie, at Finnigan’s Wake. If she hadn’t come with her friends to play trivia and get away from her toxic, dead-end marriage, and we hadn’t started having small talk conversations, I would never have had the opportunity to ask her, “Are you married, Steph?” That conversation and the fact that she had a birthday soon around that time and I did a special trivia category for her, led to us having our 11:10p nightly computer conversations, which led to us being great friends, which led to us being more than friends, which led to us being affianced, which led to us being life partners and husband and wife.
Me and My Eug
Finnigan’s Wake is the portal to my survival, to my life, to my being, to my loves. I so appreciate that Opie has kept the pub going for so long. The pandemic was hard for everyone. It led to changes within the business. But, he says it’s not about the pandemic. He said the restaurant was kept alive by the community and patrons. He says this is about him and wanting to start something new. Move in a new direction. Pursue new ideas and thoughts. He has been all over the world. As far as I know, he’s touched every continent. If he’s missing one, I think it’s Australia. He’s bought houses. He’s raised money for charities. He’s made himself better. He’s made the community better. I am glad for my friend that he’s okay and just starting a new chapter.
When I read that this was happening, it felt as if I had lost a friend, or at the very least, been kicked in the teeth or the crotch. The memories and recollections of the last 14 years of my life (with the exception of the last one) have relied heavily on my time in the wooden doors under the green sign with the huge Claddagh, the hallowed halls of Finnigan’s Wake. Slàinte mhath, Finnigan’s Wake. Slàinte mhath.
Until tomorrow, Erin go Bragh… Scorp out!
— “The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you.” – Brendan Behan
Have you figured out the number combo code above? What may it mean? What will it be? Send me a note, let me know your guess. There’s no prize, but there is an “atta-boy” or “atta-girl” in it for you.
On Asylum – Tales of the Devereaux Diaries Podcast this evening, the Kousins talked about my 2021 KISS albums rankings. I did a rating back in 2018 and that was partly the basis of this podcast that I do with my Kousins. We went through all the albums and talked about them. I posted my 2018 (part I) here and (part II) here. I’m not going to post the updated rankings just yet as I want you to listen to the podcast and find out that way. I will post it soon, though. So, in order to hear the episode, you should go here.
You know something, Dear Reader? You wouldn’t know it from looking at me but I love to eat. I love to have a little dessert with my meal. That may or may not actually be true, but I do love me some B&G Pies. B&G Pies have been staples in WSNC for 72 years. They are made right here and like snowflakes or fingerprints, no two are alike.
L-R: Shannon, Scorp, Bethany, Tracy
This week on The Less Desirables, we had Shannon Faircloth who is the owner of B&G Pies. Those little handmade treasures get me excited just thinking about eating them, and we talked about that, the history of the company, her history at that, the pies, how they’re made, and more. Shannon was a blast. Before the show, she didn’t know that she could stay long. She stayed for the whole show. The convo was good. The only thing missing? Pies!
We mentioned, a few times, that we were expecting pies and she totally spaced on us about the pies. But, you can listen to the episode if you visit here. Go have some pies!!! Lemon, peach, cherry, apple and chocolate! Check them out on social media!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “Lots of love and planning go into each and every handmade fried pie at B&G Pies” – B&G Pies
Your weekly reminder, especially if you’re a music lover, a history lover, or best yet, a music history lover! I got you! Head over to hear today’s episode. And, if you go to Spotify, Stitcher, or Apple Podcasts (or ANY podcatcher platform), subscribe, rate, like, endorse, whatever. Help out the cause! Listen here.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “M-E-T-H-O-D-O-F-L-O-V-E” – “Method of Modern Love” (Hall/Oates)
Today on The Man Who Ate the Town, Michael and I talked about the former Dixie Classic Fair, now known as Carolina Classic Fair, how they have a beer garden, now, and Providence’s Farm 2 Fourth event. You can listen to the episode here.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “The big news was, for the first time, the fair has beer!” – Michael
Today was a very laid back Monday. Not on purpose, but it just “was.” Michael and I recorded The Man Who Ate the Town, talked about the Carolina Classic Fair, Farm 2 Fourth, Eat Drink Burger Week, and more. I also had a great conversation with Chef Brian DePaulis from Providence when I visited them last week. You should give it a listen. You can do that here. I’d really appreciate a “subscribe,” a like, a review, and a rating. It would help me tremendously!
This week on The Less Desirables, I was without my work-wives Tracy (illness) and Bethany (vacay) and brought in the fantastic Jax who brought five Scotch Whisky brands for us to taste and try. I love Scotch and these were fantastic. Monkey Shoulder, Jura, Dalmore, Glenfiddich, and Balvenie. Mmmm, listen to Jax and me discuss Scotch, life and more, here.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “The Balvenie DoubleWood is a 12 year old single malt whisky which gains it’s distinctive character from being matured in two wood types.” – The Balvenie
Useless Things Need Love Too 