Today is the 50th anniversary of Fragile, Yes’ fourth album. Some of the most bad-arsed songs in the whole Yes catalog are on this album. This includes my favorite Yes tune, “Roundabout.” That bass line is amazing, but Chris Squire was NOT a clean player, and that’s okay. He had a distorted tone and was kind of free in his playing. Not sloppy, really, but “free.” If you’re not familiar with the album, I really, highly, recommend that you give it a listen but especially give the first tune, “Roundabout” a listen. What I’m posting here is the isolated bass part from Chris Squire. There will be long periods of silence, so don’t think the video has stopped or something’s wrong. That’s the way the song is. Those silent spaces are filled with atmospheric goodness on the record. So, enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “In and around the lake, mountains come out of the sky and they stand there. One mile over we’ll be there and we’ll see you. Ten true summers we’ll be there and laughing too. Twenty-four before my love you’ll see, I’ll be there with you.” – “Roundabout” (Howe/Anderson)
No, Dear Reader, you’re not reading that incorrectly, the date is for last Saturday. The BCPF and I didn’t go to Underdog Records yesterday as we had some errands to run that kept us from our favorite candy store. But, because last Sunday was Father’s Day and Monday was my ‘Rents’ anniversary and Tuesday was making up for that and blah blah blah… I didn’t post last week’s haul at all. So, I’ll do that this week instead. So here we go:
Of Montreal – Aureate Gloom — Neither of us knew anything about this band other than 1) they were from Athens, Georgia, like R.E.M. and 2) they were of relevance to other bands that she likes and 3) part of the Elephant 6 Collective (in company with Neutral Milk Hotel, Circulatory System, Beulah, and more. These are things that she likes and wants to get to know more about. Blue Marble. Packaged in a gatefold sleeve. Includes an 18″ x 24″ poster and a code to download an mp3 version of the album. Blue/white marketing sticker on jacket. New.
Crowded House – Dreamers Are Waiting — This didn’t sound like Crowded House of old, but that’s okay. It’s still pretty righteous. In this band, Neil Finn’s kids, Liam (guitar) and Elroy (drums) join him and original Crowded House bassist, Nick Seymour. I believe Liam and Elroy’s mum, Neil’s wife Sharon sings a little on here, too. It’s a family affair! New.
Yes – Time And A Word — The second album from Yes. I’m trying to get my Yes discography collection up and as complete as possible. Reissue, 180gr. New.
Jeffrey Dean Foster – I’m Starting To Bleed — My pal and stage sharer, Jeff Foster for the Record Store Day “regional” selections that they put out. I haven’t opened it yet. Proceeds go to Shalom Project which is a local non-profit running several programs to assist our neighbors in need. New.
I also got My Attention Span (my friend Tony Dagnall)’s long-awaited album, …There Abouts but it isn’t in Discogs, yet. I haven’t had time to put it in and it’s a limited run, I believe. So, I will get to it soon. Perhaps I’ll write a blog post about it soon. It is a truly wonderful album. New.
Madonna – True Blue — This album was big the year I moved to WSNC. A lot of great tunes on this and I’m not afraid or ashamed to say that. “Live to Tell,” “Papa Don’t Preach,” the title track, “Open Your Heart,” “La Isla Bonita,” and so on. This is a club version in VG+ condition.
So, I don’t like missing weeks at Underdog Records, so, hopefully next week we get back to where we love to be! RSD drop 2 is coming in a couple of weeks, so check out the website to find what you may want from that. Watch the Underdog Records social media to see what Jonathan has just gotten in and is putting up for purchase. That could be new or used stuff. It could also be stereo equipment. Don’t forget about that. You can purchase new vinyl 24/7 by visiting the Underdog Records website.
I use Discogs to track my collection and you should, too!
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “Tropical the island breeze, all of nature wild and free. This is where I long to be, La Isla Bonita. And when the samba played, the sun would set so high. Ring through my ears and sting my eyes, your Spanish lullaby.” – “La Isla Bonita” (Madonna/Leonard/Gaitsch)
This is this week’s and last week’s hauls together as this week was slammed with video projects. I’m jumping out at it because I have several to go through… Here’s the hauls:
Madonna – Ray Of Light — This is #367 on the RS list that matters and #222 on the one that doesn’t. Comes with color printed inner sleeves with lyrics, credits & pictures. Matte cover, not laminated. 2×LP. New.
Aretha Franklin – I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You — #84 on the RS list that matters and inexplicably #13 on the one that doesn’t. It’s good, yes, but that good? No. No way. Uh-uh. Forget it. From the hype sticker: Soul Queen Aretha Franklin’s 1967 breakthrough studio album – Featuring signature song “Respect” – Original Mono Recording – 180 Gram Vinyl. New.
Wye Oak – Civilian — This duo out of Baltimore are on Merge Records and we know what that means! Merge Records = The BCPF gets it. This man/woman duo is full instrumentation. Jenn Wasner plays guitar/bass/keys/vox and Andy Stack plays drums and keyboards. He plays the drums with his feet and his right hand and plays bass lines and such with his left. New.
U2 – Wide Awake In America — I had this on vinyl, but it’s just a club edition (not that I care about that part) in VG condition (I DO care about that part). This is a remastered, 180g reissue that was in NM condition. I couldn’t pass that up.
4/24:
Yes – Yes — The bands 1969 debut studio album. Two of the members, Jon Anderson (vox) and Chris Squire (bass), would stay with the band for quite a while, well on and off. Anderson would leave and come back, leave and come back. Squire was the bass player until his death in 2015. 2×LP, Reissue, Remastered, 180 GR, Gatefold, Embossed. New.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Mother’s Milk — This is the first album from RHCP that I ever knew of and still only heard the Stevie Wonder cover, “Higher Ground.” I respect the heck out of RHCP, all the way around, but I just can’t really get into them. The BCPF picked this one out, but I’m glad she did. I am glad to have it in the arsenal. Reissue on 180 gram Vinyl as part of the Capitol From The Vaults Series. New.
Tears For Fears – The Seeds Of Love — This was the 1989 follow-up to 1985’s megahit Songs from the Big Chair. It didn’t quite have the same punch but the title song alone is worth the price of admission. Reissue, Remastered, 180 gram. New.
Genesis – Selling England By The Pound — The penultimate Peter Gabriel Genesis album. I couldn’t tell you a single song from this album without looking it up (I would have guessed “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)” and would have been right, but not for certain). But, I didn’t have it and I wanted it. So, there. Deluxe Edition, Mixed, Reissue, Remastered – Half Speed Mastering. 2008 Mixes by Nick Davis & Genesis. 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl. New.
Peter Murphy – Should The World Fail To Fall Apart — Murphy’s debut solo album from 1986 following his departure from Bauhaus. By the way, the other three members of Bauhaus (Daniel Ash, David J (and his brother), Kevin Haskins) formed Tones on Tail (at least Ash and David J) and subsequently Love and Rockets. Anyway, this sounds great. That deep voice and synth-poppiness are fantastic here. I dug it. Reissue, Gatefold, Blue Vinyl. New.
Bauhaus – The Bela Session — Speaking of Bauhaus, 2018 limited edition colored vinyl (I think, we haven’t opened it yet) 12″ EP. New.
So, that’s the haul from the last two weeks. I think it’s a good haul. Record Store Day is coming in June and July and the list is available if you go to the RSD website. Jonathan has suspended Underdog Records store-to-porch deliveries due to a problem with his vehicle after a car in front of him kicked up a piece of shrapnel and it was hurled at the car like a spear. So, I’ll keep you informed when or if he resumes. Or you can watch the Underdog Records social media for more accurate and timely news about it. You can order new vinyl, anytime, day or night, by visiting the Underdog Records website. I use Discogs to track and document my record collection. You should, too.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’… Scorp out!
— “High time we made a stand and shook up the views of the common man. And, the love train rides from coast to coast. D.J.’s the man we love the most. Could you be, could you be squeaky clean and smash any hope of democracy? As the headline says you’re free to choose, there’s egg on your face and mud on your shoes. One of these days they’re gonna call it the blues, yeah, yeah.” – “Sowing the Seeds of Love” (Orzabal/Smith)
Today is the 50th anniversary of Yes’ third album, The Yes Album. Prog rock at its finest. If you like long-arsed songs, you will like this. This is a composite video and they do a great job of it. Enjoy!
I got 3301 steps today.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “Take a straight and stronger course to the corner of your life. Make the white queen run so fast. She hasn’t got time to make you a wife. Cause it’s time, it’s time in time with your time and its news is captured for the queen to use.” – “I’ve Seen All Good People” (Anderson/Squire)
I wish that the title of this post meant that I was actually changing something. And, I guess that the point to change anything would be up to me. Perhaps I want change but not know what changes I want. Hmmm… Anywhat! Today is the 37th anniversary of Yes’ 90125 album. The big hit, of course, was “Owner of a Lonely Heart” and I love that song, but wanted something different for today. This is a fantastic tune, too. Her voice is amazing. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel… Scorp out!
— “I look into the mirror. I see no happiness. All the warmth that I gave you has turned to emptiness. The love we had has fallen, the love we used to share. You’ve left me here believing in love that wasn’t there.” – “Changes” (Rabin/Anderson/White)
Today is the anniversary of several albums. Drama from Yes turns 40 today. Dark Continentfrom Wall of Voodoo turns 39. Slippery When Wet from Bon Jovi is 34. Kicking Against The Pricksfrom Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds does, too. Out Of The Blue from Debbie Gibson and Permanent Vacation from Aerosmith are both 33. Patty Smyth’s self-titled album is 28. All would be great choices (yeah, even the Debbie Gibson one) and two of those on the above list would have been a choice before this one, but I think I just needed to do it. It’s also the 42nd anniversary of The Who’s Who Are You. So, take it away, Dave…
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “I woke up in a Soho doorway, a policeman knew my name. He said, “You can go sleep at home tonight if you can get up and walk away.” I staggered back to the underground and the breeze blew back my hair. I remember throwing punches around and preaching from my chair. Well, who are you?” – “Who Are You” (Townshend)
Yep, missed the boat on this yesterday so, I’m getting it for you today. Per usual, this week’s streaming listens comes from Discogs’ shuffle feature and it has to be an album that I own on vinyl (outside of peripheral things like Beeswax Vinyl & More listens), that way it’s like listening to my vinyl but with headphones from my computer whilst The BCPF works 10 feet away. Here’s the list (this is in order of listens):
So, all the records that I had in Discogs for this, I believe they all came from Underdog Records. 99% of my records came from there.
Again, check out Underdog Records’ social and web stuffs. Buy records. Use Discogs to keep track of your collection and use it’s groovy (see what I did there) shuffle feature.
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!
— “Although the things you’ve done I wouldn’t criticize. I guess you had your way. You see I gotta make you understand. I know it sounds a foolish thing to say. But it don’t matter baby ‘cos’ today’s another day. You shine a little love on my life.” – “Shine a Little Love” (Lynne)
Dear sweet baby [enter deity here], please let this be over soon. If for no other reason, I want to get back to Underdog Records, see Jonathan and buy vinyl goodness. Amen.
You know my religion is “non-Prophet” so that was really just symbolic. However, the sentiment is exact and true. I want to get back to Underdog. The good news is Jonathan is doing a lot of deliveries and is still getting in new stock. I don’t buy a lot of new stuff so that throws me behind. I am more about the used stuff and, well, I figured it’s just not as feasible for him to rifle through the used stuff. That’s okay. I have plenty to keep me company here, but there’s nothing like the thrill of bin diving. I love it. Anywhat!
This week, I was home more than usual (usual for the lockdown) and The BCPF had work and conferences via Zoom, so I was under headphones a lot this week. I listened to 23 albums. I should probably try to listen to some podcasts during this downtime but I really want to listen to music. I suppose this is the equivalent of being a chef and having to cook at home, or being a truck driver and having to drive the family to Florida for vacation or per my old job working with the family sand business, why would I go to the beach when I can see sand anytime I want? So, I’m just not in the mood to listen to podcasts on my “downtime.” That’s cleared up.
The criteria for my streaming listening (for this list, anyway) is this: I have to own it on vinyl. I can’t listen to it on vinyl because of the situation, but I want to act like I am. So, I use the Discogs shuffle feature and see what pops up. Oddly enough, on the same day, I had two from The Who and even odder, I had two Yes albums right in a row; one I wish I had drawn after the other started. That worked out for me. Here’s my headphone “haul:”
That was a good listen haul, I think. I enjoyed most of it a lot. I didn’t have that I didn’t like, I just would have preferred something else, I guess.
Then yesterday, The BCPF and I had our listening time and we shuffled through these albums:
That’s what we listened to. Follow Underdog Records on Facebook and Instagram, you’ll see what he’s got going on and you can get into the delivery thing and have him bring you some records. Also, visit the website to order new vinyl. Obviously, I use Discogs and even more so this week. There are no TLD/UR specials right now but I still hope you listen to the episodes. Okay, that’s all I have. Have a great week, stay home if you can, wash your damn hands and stay safe!
Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!
— “Walked out this morning, don’t believe what I saw. A hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore. Seems I’m not alone at being alone. A hundred billion castaways looking for a home.” – “Message in a Bottle” (Sting)
I’m going to be honest with you here, Dear Reader. That’s what I always try to do. Full transparency, I’m writing this post for Thursday on Sunday after. The week got away from me. The good news was it was stuff that was important or events that were paying gigs, or whatever. Can’t be helped, really. Especially now that it has happened. Anywhat!
Today (November 7) is the 36th anniversary of Yes’ biggest album of the 80s, 90125. This wasn’t the biggest hit on the album but I enjoy the whole album so why not pick something else? The band doing this are great musicians and are Spanish from what I can tell. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
— “I’m moving through some changes. I’ll never be the same. Something you did touched me. There’s no one else to blame. The love we had has fallen. The love we used to share. We’ve given up pretending, as if you didn’t care.” – “Changes” (Rabin/Anderson/White)
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:
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++.
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)
Useless Things Need Love Too 