Tag Archives: XTC

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 12/5/20

06 Sunday Dec 2020

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was a good day for The BCPF and me. A very cold but very yummy brunch at a local bistro, Underdog Records, listening, filing away, and so on. We had around 40 albums or so to file in our shelving system and we did that. When we do that we have to shift and shuffle to accommodate it. Turns out, we will definitely need a sixth and possibly seventh shelf. We have a problem. I like, nay love, this problem. Here’s the haul:

©A&M

Various – Christmas Cocktails Part Two — I really don’t like a lot of Christmas music, but I love Ultra Lounge. I play the first volume of their Christmas album at least twice a Christmas season. The BCPF bought this for me as an early Christmas present and it will definitely be in the rotation! Thanks, baby! New.

XTC – Drums And Wires — Many people think that this is XTC’s best album. I like it, but it’s no Skylarking. “Making Plans for Nigel” has always been a fave of mine and I did it back in 2015 with VSS. In fact, the next day we went and bought a new car and I named it Nigel. It’s a great album, yes. Again, no Skylarking. From the hype sticker: “XTC Drums and Wires, The 1979 Classic Album Newly Cut From Masters Approved by Andy Partridge. Pressed on 200G Super-Heavyweight Vinyl. Includes bonus “Chain of Command / Limelight” 7″ replicating original UK release. New.

Patsy Cline – Greatest Hits — The BCPF picked this one up. It’s “used” but sealed. It was a Walmart exclusive and is on pink vinyl.

Various – I Wanna Be Sedated: From The Underground – Celebrating 60 Years Of Warner Bros. Records — Another sealed “used” album. The notes from Discogs says: “‘PRINTED IN U.S.A’. on back cover. ‘Manufactured in EU’ on labels.” I find that funny. It’s perfectly possible and plausible that it happened that way, it just seems weird. It celebrates 60 years of Warner Bros. records and has many “underground” or “alternative” tunes from the likes of Ramones, Talking Heads, Jane’s Addiction, Ministry, New Order, Replacements, Jesus and Mary Chain, B52s, Flaming Lips, Wilco, Elvis Costello, and more!

The Police – Synchronicity — I found another variant on the cover. As you may recall, I have talked about the 90+ (supposedly) variants of the cover of this album. I am tracking 30 of them. These are the ones that I can confirm exist. I own 5 of them. This one is BRY (blue/red/yellow) mixed member pics (meaning that each “color band” has all three members in the stripe) with nude girl to the left (a topless woman with her right breast showing). It’s not in the greatest of conditions, Jonathan has it at VG, but it looks good to me. But, I have a 2019 reissue if I want to listen to it. I still hate that the LP versions leave off “Murder by Numbers.”

That’s it. A short but lovely haul. Go by and see Jonathan. He has lots of vinyl goodness for you to submerge yourself in. “But I don’t have a turntable,” you say? Fear not! He has a couple of new ones and used ones that are waiting for you to start your vinyl journey. And, it’s never too late to start said journey. He’s open Thursday-Saturday from 11a to 7p and does store-to-porch deliveries Monday through Wednesday. You can shop new vinyl, day or night, 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website. Watch the Underdog Records Facebook and (especially) Instagram to see what he may have just gotten used and is cleaning it and putting it out. Use Discogs to track your collection, especially if you’re a nerd like me and collect multiples of stuff.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“We’re only making plans for Nigel. He has his future in a British Steel. We’re only making plans for Nigel. Nigel’s whole future is as good as sealed, yeah.” – “Making Plans for Nigel” (Moulding)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 2/10/19

10 Sunday Feb 2019

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF hasn’t been feeling well and it’s just another hit to our 2019 plans. Not her fault, of course, but we had wanted to start a big cleaning/purge project through this year to just get more organized. But, she’s not felt up to it because of all the crud going around. Plus, this will enable us to have more room for records!

Nothing's_Shocking_(Jane's_Addiction_album_-_cover_art)

©Warner Bros.

She was able to get out of the house for the first time in three days yesterday and that helped her out a lot. We got to go by Underdog Records and grab a haul and I signed up for the Curated by Underdog program because I’m interested in what Jonathan will put together for me. Anywhat! Here’s the haul:

  • XTC – Skylarking — Yes, I had this already but it was in really sad shape and while I don’t want to get into the rabbit hole of replacing things with better versions (as that can get expensive) there are a few that I just can’t not get better copies of. This was a brand new remastered reissue that was in the clearance bin. Again, new.
  • Jane’s Addiction – Nothing’s Shocking — As someone put it on my Facebook post about this, this was the “Appetite for Destruction” for the alternative scene. The BCPF said that for her high school days, everyone had this. The heavy metal folk, the indie folk, the college radio folk, anyone who listened to anything remotely rocking, had this, she said. It was a little behind my time and it was the leading edge of what I didn’t like or want to hear. That being said, with time comes appreciation and I really do appreciate and yes, like, this album, now. And, it’s #312 on the RS list! New.
  • Roger Waters – The Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking — I don’t know what my aversion to Roger Waters was, but when I was 20-21 or so, someone tried to get me to listen to this. I listened for about four minutes and ejected the tape. Nah said I. But, I like Pink Floyd. What is wrong with me? This is basically his extension of The Wall which is my favorite Floyd album. This is Radio KAOS are fantastic albums that I, regrettably, realized way too late. VG+.
  • Blossom Dearie – Blossom Time — Blossom Dearie. The first time I ever heard that name was when the Schoolhouse Rock nostalgic craze showed back up in the 90s and the internet allowed me to look up info. She sang “Figure Eight,” “Unpack Your Adjectives” and part of the “Mother Necessity” ensemble. She has a very unique child-like quality in her voice. But, I saw an album by her at Underdog a while back and it was expensive. Someone else posted on our “Now Spinning” group that they were playing her and they loved her. I had Alexa play her tunes and I listened for hours. I love her. This was a great find and I couldn’t pass it up. It’s an original from 1966 and is in VG+.
  • Nazareth – Hair Of The Dog — Now you’re messing with what? VG+.
  • Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Tarkus — My recent ELP undertaking lately means when I see them, if I don’t have them, I get them. This is in VG++!
  • Hank Williams, Jr. – Hank Williams, Jr.’s Greatest Hits — I mean, why not? VG+.
  • Christine McVie – Christine McVie — This is a fantastic record. It’s her second solo effort released in 1984. Lindsay Buckingham (who just went through open-heart surgery and has damaged vocal cords) plays some guitar and sings some backup on the album. Mick Fleetwood shows up for a bit. Eric Clapton, too. And, Steve Winwood sings a duet with Christine and co-wrote another tune on the album. A great listen, this. VG++.
  • The Escape Club – Wild Wild West — What is a Saturday haul without some 80s cheese (my favorite)? I don’t know what anything past the title song sounds like, I guess I’ll find out soon. VG.
  • Mott The Hoople – The Hoople —”Roll Away the Stone” and “The Golden Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Should be all we need to know. It was a $1 bin find and is probably in VG.
  • Various – Arthur (The Album) — I liked the film and loved the soundtrack because I love cheesy yacht rock. There ya go. $1 bin find. VG+.

Also, we picked up a better copy of Bridge Over Troubled Water from Simon & Garfunkel. This was VG/VG- but it sure beats the F+/G- version we have.

So, yeah, back to the Curated by Underdog thing. According to the Underdog Records website, “This is a flexible subscription service with multiple options to best tailor it to your desires while still giving Underdog Records the flexibility to creatively influence your collection with albums we know you’ll enjoy.”

I decided to go with the “Novice Monthly Package” with a New/Used Mix. I’m really no novice, but the Expert package is $50 per month and I’m not quite ready to spend that, yet. The Novice package is $35 per month. You can choose to do it bi-monthly or quarterly, too. So, I will get two used and one new album that, combined, would add up to around $35 for the combo. I’m excited because as Jonathan said, my tastes are all over the place. I’m just ready to see what he puts together for me. You know I’m going to share it with you, Dear Reader!

In order to do this, he has to have access to my Discogs. Discogs, if you’re not familiar, is a free website on which you can catalog your collection, including specific pressings and the condition of your albums, in order to keep up with what you already have, what’s on your want list, what lesser grade albums in your collection need upgrading, and much more. (that last part was from Underdog’s website, thanks Jonathan).

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“I won’t believe in heaven and hell. No saints, no sinners, no devil as well. No pearly gates, no thorny crown. You’re always letting us humans down. The wars you bring, the babes you drown. Those lost at sea and never found. And it’s the same the whole world ’round. The hurt I see helps to compound that Father, Son and Holy Ghost is just somebody’s unholy hoax. And if you’re up there you perceive that my heart’s here upon my sleeve. If there’s one thing I don’t believe in it’s you… Dear God.” – “Dear God” (Partridge)

A Birthday of Sorts or: Hamster Car Indeed

27 Monday Mar 2017

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Salutations™!!

Well, my “other” kid has a “birthday” today. I got Nigel 2 years ago today. Nigel, if you don’t know, is my Alien II Green Kia Soul. And, I really dig this car.

Anyone who knows me knows that I hate driving. I don’t like driving from the side door of my house to my mail box which isn’t really that far away. But, I don’t mind driving places with Nigel. I go even further and say, and maintain, that that little Soul is the most fun I’ve ever had driving a car. I truly love it. I don’t know what we’ll do next year when the lease is up. Get a new one or pay this one off… hmmm.

So, I now that Nigel doesn’t sound very Korean, which is where Kia is based. But, for those who don’t know there’s a reason that I named it that. I bought him on March 27, 2015. On March 26, 2015, I performed with the Vagabond Saints Society when they did their XTC show. One of the tunes I did was called “Making Plans for Nigel.” The BCPF had just had a conversation the week before that there weren’t enough American kids (or grownups) that were named Nigel or Alistair. We like both of those names, and since we’re not planning on having any kids and I had just done that song, then I picked Nigel for his name. So, no, it doesn’t sound Korean, but like Angelina Jolie and her 18 kids, I adopted Nigel from another country, and his name is now Nigel. And there you have it.

He’s in dire need of a bath, but I have done my best to keep him mostly clean and not clutter him up with a bunch of mess. His sound system is pretty fantastic and he is awesome with the navigation when we are house hunting. I’ve never had a car of my own that had a sunroof and really never wanted one. But, Nigel is pretty awesome with his open. A little noisy, yes, but the windbreaker makes it less loud. And, here we are two years in and he only has about 14,400 miles. I don’t think we have to worry about any overages when the end of the lease comes. I drive him from my house to downtown and back home again. That’s about it.

DSC_0124Again, he’s a great car. Thanks Nigel for being with me. I do really, really dig you. Here’s to much more time together. At least another year.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Totally transformed.” – Kia

Soundtrack of a New Planet or: a Vagabond Bowie Union

29 Friday Jan 2016

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Salutations™!!

Well, it’s that time again. Time to invite you to the latest edition of the “Vagabond Saints Society Rocks Your Face Off Chronicles.” A refresher on the VSS real quick: a core band of musicians, consisting of Doug Davis, Jerry Chapman, Randall Johnson and Corky McClellan, decide on a “musical theme” (past shows have been a tribute to John Lennon on the 25th anniversary of his death, Tom Petty, two shows about R.E.M., KISS, Woodstock, Springsteen, XTC, Hall & Oates, even a collection of “Manc Sound” artists and many more) and invite, usually, a collection of local musicians to either play or sing with them in this theme. I have been a proud “card-carrying Vagabond Socialite” since around 2007-08 with the second of the R.E.M. shows and have become a regular having only ZiggyStardustmissed two shows in that time (Nick Cave and Emmylou Harris).

This latest show is really a bonus that just sort-of happened. VSS usually does three themes a year: one in spring, a summer mini-tour and a fall show. This one is a show honoring the musical genius of the very recently-lost David Bowie. We try not to use the work “tribute” because that gives the false-impression of us trying to mimic the artist(s) instead of what the truest sense of the word is: an act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration. So, generally, there is a rule that says that no outside use of bands or instruments that aren’t part of the core band’s inclusion is allowed. But, for this show, that’s being waived and there will be several bands playing a one-off song (presumably) for the show, spanning Bowie’s entire, vast career. I know there are a couple of impromptu gatherings happening for that and some reunions of old bands that will do the same.

In addition to all of that, the core band will be doing his (in my opinion) magnum opus, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. That’s where I come in. I didn’t want to have to find people to play with and I didn’t feel comfortable enough to do an acoustic version of anything so I went with the comfortable surrounding of the core group and do a song that has meaning to me and The BCPF, “Starman.” I’ve known the song for a while because The BCPF put it on a mixtape for me when we weren’t even dating, yet. That being said, I’ve never really paid enough attention to know the workings of the song, so I’ve been cramming to learn the lyrics, including putting it on repeat and just doing the lyrics over and over again. So much so that my 13-year old made fun of me and asked if I was getting tired of it, yet, because he was (after two times through). It’s really a short-lyriced song, and they’re not the problem. The verbage is what gets me the most. I know what he’s saying, it’s how he says them that throws me. Danged Brit! I have them, though, I’m pretty sure. I had to skip on the one practice they had for the show because they did it on Wednesday which combined with the time frame was exactly the time that I record The Less Desirables. So, Doug is trusting me to get it right and he says he has faith in me. I’m glad he feels that way, even if it is extra pressure. But, yeah, I got this.

So, to the sales pitch. The show is being held at our “home” (and Official Music Sponsor of The Less Desirables), The Garage. The show will start at 9pm and go until we get it all in. Usually, there is a cover to get in, but for this show, it’s only a $1 donation to gain admission. That dollar goes to cancer research, which if you don’t know, is what took Bowie from this plane and into the Great Wherever. Surely, that’s worth it to come out. It will be crowded and it will sell out, so you’ll want to get there early. Come have a good time and listen to great music with talented folks.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Ziggy played guitar, Jamming good with Weird and Gilly and the Spiders from Mars. He played it left hand but made it too far; became the special man. Then we were Ziggy’s band.” – “Ziggy Stardust” (Bowie)

Silent Sunday or: A Return to XTC

06 Sunday Sep 2015

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Salutations™!!

I was asked to make a return to do the XTC’s Skylarking album for the Vagabond Saints Society’s first journey to Cat’s Cradle in Carborro. I was honored to be asked to join. The girl is Bella Lambert, she did great. I’ll just leave you with this:


Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!!

—
“Did you make mankind after we made you?” – “Dear God” by XTC (Partridge)

Silent Sunday or: The Last in Line

30 Sunday Aug 2015

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Salutations™!!

Today, we went to Round Peak Vineyard/Skull Camp Brewery to do the last of the four Bruce Springsteen shows with Vagabond Saints Society. I can now purge those things from my mind. It’s time to move on to the next thing, which in this case, is a revisiting.

I’m actually performing next Saturday in Carrboro, NC at Cat’s Cradle playing with VSS doing a re-imagined XTC’s Skylarking show like I performed in this part March. I won’t be doing “Making Plans for Nigel” but I’ll be doing “Dear God” again. A different youngster will be singing with me this time. To my knowledge this will be the first time they’ve done this. Usually, once they complete a cycle, they purge and move on. There was a lot of demand for this one, though. Especially in Carrboro, where this kind of music was/is definitely a lifestyle more than a musical genre. Well, hey! I’ll get to say that I performed at the legendary Cat’s Cradle. I gotta reacquaint myself with that song, now!

1Roundpeak

Doing “I’m on Fire” at Round Peak (photo ©Clay Howard)

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“By the time we made it up to Greasy Lake
I had my head out the window and Janey’s fingers were in the cake
I think I really dug her ’cause I was too loose to fake
I said, ‘I’m hurt.’ She said, ‘Honey, let me heal it'” – “Spirit in the Night” by Bruce Springsteen

All the World is Football Shaped or: Pushing the Pedals on the VSS

27 Friday Mar 2015

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Salutations™!!

So I told you yesterday about the woes of trying to learn a song, a difficult song at that, without the use of a regular rehearsal space (read: car stereo). I’m happy to report that step one: getting through the grueling rehearsal, full band, is over.  The two songs I’m doing for the Vagabond Saints Society‘s Skylarking by XTC, which I’m not giving up right now, actually were easier than I thought they would be.

That’s not to say that I think it will be a breeze this evening for the show. Au contraire, mes amis! It will be just as difficult. In fact, I feel it will be even more difficult than performing during rehearsal, but at least I’m more at home on stage than anywhere else, so that part will be fine.  I still have to remember all the lines and for one of those songs, the one with the non-stop, long-winded and other hyphenated-adjective-laden-words rant, at the end, putting those words in the right spot will be the trick.  I’m not at all concerned with the other song, that one is fairly straight forward and I think it will go marvelously. And I think I’ve mentioned VSS before.  Here is me doing Joe Cocker’s “With a Little Help from My Friends” during the Woodstock Summer show a few years back.

So, the question to you, Dear Reader, is what are you doing tonight?  Fancy a bit of XTC nuttiness with a side of locally grown talent driving the mix?  Did I mention the guest singers list?  Note that this is subject to change at any moment but what I know as of now, the list is as follows: Adam Bennett, Mike Chamis, Ken Mohan, Patrick Ferguson, Richard Boyd, Clay Howard, Susan Snow, Tony & Amanda Dagnall, Lauren Myers, Doug Davis (yes THAT Doug Davis), Drew Hoffman, Michael Slawter, Lee Terry, Johnny McLemore, Brian McCuiston, Snüzz, Chris Stamey of The dBs and Mitch Easter. Chris Stamey and Mitch Easter are all big names around here. Worldwide names, if you will. There’s also, a young girl named Jessie Simpson, violinist/fiddle player and part of The Dan River Girls will sing the opening of “Dear God.”  I heard her in practice yesterday and she’s fantastic. I met her last season of SSO4 as the Dan River Girls played the festival.  So, I’ll ask again, what are you doing tonight?  This should tickle any fan of XTC’s fancy and I guarantee the show will blow you away, especially if you’ve never seen a VSS show.  It is certainly something to behold.  Come on out, imbibe, mingle, hear a kick-butt performance and have fun! Make plans, now!!  It starts around 9pm at The Less Desirables Official Music Sponsor, The Garage in Winston-Salem’s Arts District.

Until tomorrow (when I’ll be hoarse), same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“We’re only making plans for Nigel.  We only want what’s best for him. We’re only making plans for Nigel. Nigel just needs this helping hand. And if young Nigel says he’s happy, he must be happy.  He must be happy.  He must be happy in his work.” – XTC (Moulding)

Skylarking or: Making Plans for Rehearsal

26 Thursday Mar 2015

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Salutations™!!

So, the Vagabond Saints Society has this big gig coming up tomorrow night, XTC’s Skylarking from front to back and a second (actually the first) set of other XTC songs. I’m in the show and doing a couple of songs.  XTC is difficult because of Andy Partridge’s vocal stylings.  There’s extra pressure on this particular show because 1) it’s one of the main influences and faves of our fearless leader, Mr. Doug Davis; yes, THAT Doug Davis and 2) there are some big names performing in this show like Mitch Easter and Chris Stamey.

220px-Xtcsl2

“Skylarking” by XTC

Usually, I do my “rehearsals” in Monte, my 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport.  However, for the last 3 weeks, the stereo/radio/mp3 player in Monte has been out.  O.U.T. Luckily, I don’t really drive long distances. It’s about 10-20, depending on traffic, from the homestead to the studio or other areas downtown, so that’s not so bad, but I hate being without a stereo.  I can’t figure out what happened, either.  The fuse isn’t blown.  It’s aftermarket and one of the ones that has a DVD player and Sirius ready with touchscreens that were out there before touchscreens were the norm.

Anywhat! The fact that the tunes don’t roll means that it’s awfully difficult to rehearse. Usually, as I’ve said, I’m belting out stuff whilst driving. Not anymore. I listen in the studio, but I don’t like belting out stuff because I’m somewhat subconscious about people hearing me sing before I have something nailed down.  If they’re going to hear me, I want them to hear it already done, not the “working out of kinks.”  At home, all I have is a computer with earbuds and the buds throw me off because I’m not actually hearing me sing as much as a lot of muffling. Without the buds it’s computer’s speakers and all its distorted splendor and I can’t hear it over me singing (I sing loud).

Practices for this were this past Sunday, which I opted out of because I just didn’t feel I was ready, today (Thursday) and tomorrow afternoon, pre-show.  I always hate the rehearsal part. The performance is great, but rehearsal sucks. And this is no better, especially since it’s very difficult and practice has been hindered.  One song I’m doing isn’t so hard, it’s more about the arrangement, but the other, it’s kind of their iconic song so we’ll see how badly I screw it up.  Whilst I actually have great confidence in my abilities, it’s always the starting that messes with me.  After tonight when I do the rehearsal, I’ll be fine for tomorrow. It always happens that way.  So come out to The Garage, which happens to be the Official Music Sponsor of The Less Desirables, and see the Vagabond Saints Society do XTC’s Skylarking and other XTC tunage on Friday, March 27, at 9pm.  The Garage is located at 110 W. 7th Street and is a great venue.

Wish me luck!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Well I don’t know how to tell the weight of the sun,
And of mathematics well I want none,
And I may be the Mayor of Simpleton,
But I know one thing,
And that’s I love you.” – “Mayor of Simpleton” by XTC (Partridge)