Tag Archives: Yes

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 7/14/18

15 Sunday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was Bastille Day so happy birthday to our pals in France! Let’s hope they win the World Cup today, oui?

Fragile_(Yes_album)_cover_art

©Atlantic

It was a beautiful day yesterday, too. It was warm but not hot. The humidity was relatively low. Breakfast from Mary’s Gourmet Diner was good and the rekkid buying from Underdog Records was a load of fun. So, here’s what we got:

  • Eric B. & Rakim – Paid In Full — I got this album for a few reasons. One, it’s #228 on the RS List. Two, I used to play the bassline from the title track to impress the ladies when I was in high school; the dudes thought I was cool, too. Three, it’s a good album. This was back when I could listen to hip-hop and rap and think that the artists had something to say and said it to where you can understand it. Yeah, I know I’m sounding like a grandpa so get off my danged lawn! New
  • Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard Of Ozz — Ozzy’s first solo album. This was a reissue from 2011 which was the 30th anniversary of the album. Great sounding 180g black vinyl. New.
  • The Magnetic Fields – Holiday — This was The BCPF’s choice. She is a fan of this band. She likes it a lot. His voice went between cool and really bad, but even when the really bad parts were happening, it worked with the music they were doing. So, I didn’t really mind it. It was a decent album, all things considered. New.
  • Journey – Journey – The debut album from the band from 1975. I knew from having the Time³ Box Set from Journey that their earlier stuff was more “proggy” and bluesier than their more popular mainstream-80s commercial albums. I have never really cared for Greg Rolie’s voice, or him really, but this album wasn’t bad. I enjoyed listening to it. Yeah, I liked it. It was an original pressing from 1975 in VG+ condition.
  • Crosby, Stills & Nash – CSN — The first CSN album without Young other than their debut album. Someone who owned this record before I did must have decided to keep the picture from the cover. Apparently, it was glued on and they removed it. Either that or it just fell off. So instead of a picture of them on a sailboat, there’s a big blank gray rectangle. Okay. It’s a decent album and we enjoyed it. It was in the $1 bin and is in VG shape.
  • Yes – Yesshows — A 2xLP live album from 1980 which consists of recordings from 1976-1978. I have a feeling that this will be a prog rocker’s dream come true because it’s two records and only 8 songs. The entire Side B is “The Gates of Delirium” and comes in at nearly 23 minutes. It was a $1 bin find and I’d rate it at about VG.
  • Yes – Fragile — Along with 90125, this is my favorite Yes album. “Roundabout” and “Long Distance Runaround” are probably two of Yes’ most popular and well-known songs. The bassline in “Roundabout” alone could have gotten them into the Hall of Fame, why did it take so long? Anywhat! Chris Squire was an amazing bassist and I love listening to his lines. I know a few of my bass-playing friends list him as an influence. I found this in the $1 bin but once I cleaned it up, I’d say it was VG+, but that’s my rating. I love this album.
  • Philharmonic Orchestra Of Monte Carlo, Lawrence Foster – Famous Adagios By Barber, Sibelius, Grieg, Rachmaninoff And Others — Because it’s from Monaco, I figure that’s why The BCPF wanted this, but it was in the $1 bin and it was in really good shape. I’ll go with VG+. Most of the deeper classical things like this are generally well-taken care of.
  • Britten, Arnold – The Philharmonia Orchestra Conducted By Robert Irving  – Matinées Musicales – Soirées Musicales / English Dances – Four Scottish Dances — The BCPF loves Benjamin Britten and it was $1. VG+.
  • Various – Flappers, Speakeasies, & Bathtub Gin – The BCPF and I both like the history around the 20s, flappers, speakeasies and the idea of bathtub gin. The BCPF’s grandmother was a flapper, so why not? VG and $1.
  • Michel Legrand And His Orchestra – I Love Paris — Just read the title and you’ll understand why we got it. Exactly. That’s right. Yes. We do. VG+ and $1.
  • Kiss – Crazy Nights — I didn’t get this from Underdog Records but from the Discogs Marketplace. It was in VG++ shape and sounds terrific. I love this album but it gets a lot of flack from many of my fellow KISSheads because it is a bit on the poppier-rock side. It is that hair band cheese of the late 80s, but I still love it.

Jonathan had some great reissues come in this week and he had some great looking equipment, too. You should go in and check out the inventory. And remember to check out Underdog Records’ social media to find out what new superdynawhoppin’ stuff Jonathan is adding.

And, Discogs is where I keep up with my collection and purchase the items that Jonathan doesn’t have or would be too expensive to order.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Here’s a little song for everybody out there…” – “Crazy Crazy Nights” (Stanley/Mitchell)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 3/3/2018

04 Sunday Mar 2018

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Salutations™!!

After a week off, it was back to the routine and that included our return to Underdog Records. My only regret for the trip to Asheville was that I didn’t go to any record stores up there. But, we’re back and here’s what we got!

300_album_1923

©Big Tree

 

  • Jerry Goldsmith – Chinatown (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – I love soundtracks. I love Jerry Goldsmith. This was in the clearance bin for $10. Done! New.
  • Superchunk – What A Time To Be Alive – The BCPF is a big fan of these folks. I’ve even seen them in concert twice with her. It’s good stuff. New on clear/colored vinyl.
  • The Breeders – All Nerve – The Deal twins got the band back together and this is their first release in a number of years. It sounds like they just picked up where they left off. They have a sound and this is it. Orange vinyl. New.
  • Soccer Mommy – Clean – When I was making the commercial for Underdog this week, I included a bit of a tune from this album. I thought it was right up The BCPF’s alley and I was right. She liked it a lot! New on clear vinyl.
  • Van Morrison – Moondance – #66 on the RS list. I really like this one from Van. He’s sometimes hit or miss with me but this is a hit. VG++.
  • Sonic Youth – Dirty – Another favorite of The BCPF. It’s a little heavier than I’m used to with her so it is always odd to hear her play it, but, she enjoys it. VG++.
  • Britny Fox – Britny Fox – Some of the hair stuff that I didn’t really listen to when I was younger and into that genre. I didn’t not like it, I just preferred Cinderella. Does that make this one of the evil stepsisters? I don’t know. VG+.
  • Queen – A Day At The Races – So, the big Queen show is coming this week. I do research for it. I have wanted to collect all the Queen stuff and this was there used and in what I’d call NM condition, about $10 cheaper than new. No brainer.
  • Elvis Presley – From Elvis In Memphis – #190 on the RS list. VG+ original that I can tell. Yes, please!
  • Doctor Hook And The Medicine Show – Doctor Hook – One of my favorite Dr. Hook songs is “Sylvia’s Mother.” That is on this album and I’m happy about it. It was a VG+ copy, so yes.
  • England Dan & John Ford Coley – Nights Are Forever – In what someone called the “most 70s looking cover,” I had to get this because I love the song “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight.” The whole album was pretty righteous. Sappy 70s sugary pop stuffs but still pretty righteous. NM condition, too.
  • Roberta Flack – Killing Me Softly – I have always challenged anyone to find me a singer that delivers with the sexiness of Sade. This comes very close, but not quite there. This is a great album, though. We thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. VG+.
  • Various – Jesus Christ Superstar (The Original Motion Picture Sound Track Album) – I have the original Broadway cast recording with Ian Gillan and Murray Head. I have always maintained that I liked the movie version better. Listening to the Broadway version a little more challenges that. So, now I have both and I can A/B them if I want. VG+.
  • Daryl Hall & John Oates – Along The Red Ledge – I see no titles that I’m familiar with on the track listing. But, it’s adding to the H&O canon. It was just $2 so I figured what the heck. VG.
  • The Hollies – The Very Best Of The Hollies – Funny to Graham Nash that young. VG+.
  • Various – Storytellers – VG+. A 2xLP compilation of several 70s tunes from 1979.
  • Yes – The Yes Album – Even though it was their third album, I think this is where they came into their own as an original band. The first two, from what I understand was a lot of covers. I have my hits and misses with Yes, but I think the band is great. I haven’t listened to this yet. $1 bin find. VG.
  • Firefall – Firefall – I bought this one for $1 for just one song. It turns out the whole album is pretty darned good. VG+.
  • Cheap Trick – Cheap Trick At Budokan – What I figure to be an original recording, I got this for $1. #426 on the RS list. It’s VG.
  • Various – 20 Power Hits Volume 2 – Another K-Tel comp that I found for $1. This one is from 1973. G+.
  • Air Supply – Greatest Hits – I am unashamedly a fan of Air Supply. I had this on cassette and CD (I think) and I have fond memories of my friend Scotty Byrd and I doing this album’s songs, karaoke-style when I lived in WV. $1 bin find. VG.

I told you earlier this week about the albums that Jerry Chapman, yes, that Jerry Chapman had sent me. These are those (thanks, Jerry!!!):

So, it was a great week to be a record collector in our house!

Underdog Records is running a new special for March. Jonathan repriced a lot of the $1 records to $.50. That part isn’t just for March. What is for March is if you pick 5 of those $.50 albums, you’ll get them for $.20 each. So, Five for $1. That’s pretty awesome. Also, make sure you listen to The Less Desirables on Wednesdays for the TLD/UR special of the week. I don’t announce those anywhere else so you could be missing out on stuff.

Also, use Discogs to catalog your collection!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I can dim the lights and sing you songs full of sad things. We can do the tango just for two. I can serenade and gently play on your heart strings, be your Valentino just for you. Ooh love ooh loverboy. What’re you doin’ tonight, hey boy. Set my alarm, turn on my charm. That’s because I’m a good old-fashioned lover boy.” – “Old Fashioned Lover Boy” (Mercury)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 1/27/18

28 Sunday Jan 2018

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Salutations™!!R-3734657-1342257119-1574.jpeg

Yesterday was a typical Saturday with The BCPF. We had our breakfast and then to Underdog Records for our take. Then, we did run to see friends of ours who are moving to Denver (the one in Colorado). Then home to listen to the wonderful sounds we purchased on vinyl and then on to Willows. Here’s what we got from Underdog Records:

  • Calexico – The Thread That Keeps Us – Brand new from Calexico. The BCPF loves this stuff. It’s hard to keep track of what kind of music you’re listening to with them as their styles change quite frequently within the same album. It’s cool but weird. A friend of mine said that you could classify it as “Post-Devotchka acoustic meandering since you asked.” Thanks, Tony. I liked it. So did The BCPF. New.
  • Eno – Here Come The Warm Jets – #432 on the RS List. Brian Eno is a weird dude. Very weird. But, I dug this and the next album. New.
  • Eno – Another Green World – #429 on the RS List. Both of these are very ambient and proggy. I dug them both. New.
  • The Outfield – Play Deep – This actually wasn’t from Underdog. I purchased it from Discogs Marketplace. I had wanted it for a while. I had it on cassette when I first moved to WSNC at the age of 15. I wore that out. I then had it (still do) on CD and that thing is scratched to all hades. I had forgotten how amazing the entire album was until we listened to it yesterday. I love it start to finish and will play it often. It won’t be just thrown in the collection. VG+/NM-.
  • Lou Reed – New Sensations – Yes, I hate Velvet Underground but I can actually listen to Lou. VG.
  • Yes – Drama – A VG+ copy of some proggy goodness.
  • Various – Weird Science – Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack – VG copy just because I wanted it.
  • Devo – Freedom Of Choice – The “Whip It” album. VG.
  • Murray Head – Say It Ain’t So – So, we all know that Murray Head is the “One Night in Bangkok” guy. We also know that he was Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar (the original cast). Did you know that he’s Andrew Head’ brother in real life? Andrew played Rupert Giles on the television series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Anywhat! This was a fantastic album. We really enjoyed it. VG+.
  • Billy Squier – Emotions In Motion – Had to have this gem, especially since it was in the $1 bin.
  • Various – High Voltage – A K-Tel collection. I love these things. I like when they’re in the $1 bin, too. VG.
  • Suzanne Vega – Suzanne Vega – $1 bin find. Vega is a good storyteller. A lot of her stuff sounds the same but you can’t say she doesn’t have a “style” about her. It was a good album to listen to. VG.
  • New Birth, The – Golden Classics – Yeah, once I got the New Birth bug, I still gotta grab them. $1 bin find. VG.

It was a slow day at Underdog Yesterday, but I believe it picked up later. I could just hang out there all the time. I’m sure I’d annoy the dickens out of Jonathan, though. Cheap plug here, listen to The Less Desirables to hear the latest TLD/Underdog special for the week.

I use Discogs to catalog my entire collection. If I’m Underdog and find an album that I (thought) needed, I can check to see if I actually already have it. Plus, there are several versions of many of the recordings, you can use the identifiers to find out which version you have. And, as you can see from me doing so, you can purchase stuff from the Marketplace. I love Discogs.

—
“Say it ain’t so, Joe please, say it ain’t so. That’s not what I want to hear Joe and I’ve got a right to know. Say it ain’t so, Joe, please say it ain’t so. I’m sure they’re telling us lies Joe please tell us it ain’t so.” – “Say It Ain’t So, Joe” (Head)

Yes! or: Wakeman Up Funny

29 Wednesday Nov 2017

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Salutations™!!

I’ve expanded my musical horizons this week. I have always loved the radio-friendly tunes that the band Yes put out, but not much on the long, drawn-out prog stuff. And, that really hasn’t changed, but what has changed is my want of the album. 90125 and Fragile are great but I’d never listened to the album, just the tunes I wanted to hear. As big a proponent of albums as I made myself out to be on the RS Top 500 list I will admit to (prior to that project) that I wasn’t much on listening to full albums. My ADD just wasn’t having it. I will also add (all lowercase) that it is still a struggle for me to listen all the way through stuff, but I pull it off. Since I’ve gotten (back) into vinyl, it has gotten easier and I’ll admit, fun. But, I still struggle with it. But, a friend of mine posted this on his wall today and I thought I’d share it. I never knew how funny Rick Wakeman (keyboards) was but he is hilarious. The whole thing is worth the watch, but Wakeman comes in around the seven-minute mark. It’s their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Enjoy.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Change changing places. Root yourself to the ground. Capitalize on this good fortune. One word can bring you round: Changes.” – “Changes” (Rabin, Anderson, White)

Bonus Record Day or: Just Because

28 Tuesday Nov 2017

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Salutations™!!

I didn’t record The Man Who Ate the Town podcast today because it was a slow day and I would have just talked about Thanksgiving food. I don’t think forcing topics is good for the podcast, so I didn’t. I mean, if you want to read about what I made, check out the upcoming blog post over there about what I did. It should be interesting. R-6033566-1409343720-3911.jpeg

No, Dear Reader, today, I want to talk about records. GASP! I know, right? It seemed like I had a lot of discussion on Facebook today about it and wanted to talk about what I listened to for a sec. First, I was doing some cooking today and usually, I listen to Amazon Prime when I cook (again… GASP…) but I’m trying to get through some of the piled up “to be listened to” stack that is amassing at an alarming rate.

We purchased a new four-cubed shelf for those as to separate them from the main collection. They’re not in any real order and some of them are The BCPF’s and some are mine. So, I did the random grab method with a little prejudice. If it was something that was The BCPF’s, then I put it back and tried again.

The first one up was Tales From Topographic Oceans from Yes. It’s a 2xLP that has four songs on it. Yes, one per side. I really enjoyed listening to 90125 last night and figured I’d go for the older, more proggy Yes for a bit. I can say that it was well done. It was a bit too deep for me, I think. As you may recall from my RS Top 500 list, I am not always a fan of long, drawn-out, tunes. I think that’s why I like pop music so much, four minutes and next. My ADD gets in my way. I didn’t really care for it.

A few weeks ago, I had to admit that I knew nothing from King Crimson. In my “bonus-stack-I-didn’t-know-I-had,” there was the greatest hits comp, The Young Persons’ Guide To King Crimson. So, okay, let’s do that one next. I don’t know if the production was wonky or what, but it was extra quiet in spots and, yes, I know with that kind of music dynamics are important and the breadth is vast, but I don’t know that this is what that was. Anywhat! It was basically “more of the same” as it was with Yes. It was good. Well done, even. I just didn’t get into it. I will admit that I didn’t listen to the second disc. Why? It wasn’t because I was ditching it. A package arrived at my door and it was one that I’ve waited a long time for. Which brings me to the next:

All That Jazz from Breathe. Yes, it’s some very sugary pop music but it’s well written and it’s from my junior-senior years in high school. I sang the songs to an ex-girlfriend. It has eluded me since I started my vinyl journey and was one of my most coveted. I found it in VG+ condition on the Discogs Marketplace (where, like the name suggests, you buy and sell albums to and from all over the world). That and another album showed up together. I sang several of the songs quite disjointedly as I don’t hear them often. I love that album and was so excited to have it.

The next was Hi Infidelity from REO Speedwagon. I had never given it a fair shake and it was cheap from the same seller on Discogs and shipping was free. I sang a good bit of those tunes whilst cooking, as well.

Next was a twofer that is unusual I found out. It’s Nursery Cryme and Foxtrot in the same 2xLP set from Genesis. I love me some Peter Gabriel and I really like Genesis but I don’t like them together, mostly. Nursery Cryme was their third studio album and it was pretty good. I didn’t know what to expect, but I did know I was going to get long songs like the Yes and King Crimson. I wasn’t wrong about that, but I did actually enjoy listening to it. Foxtrot, its follow-up, was good but I didn’t like it as well as I did Nursery Cryme.

I finished off the listening (to this point) with Midnight Madness from Night Ranger. Yes, “Sister Christian.” I love a lot of stuff on this album and that song, in particular, has a special place in my heart. I probably wouldn’t be either the musician I am today or at all if it weren’t for that song. I performed that as an audition to get into this “contemporary music class” in ninth grade. That’s where I was pushed to learn bass guitar and piano. It pushed me to be a good musician. Whether or not I ever accomplished that? I can’t say, but I wouldn’t be anything musical without that, at least not until much later.

That’s my day’s playlist so far, but the reason I wanted to talk about them was the fact that they garnered a lot of talk on Facebook and Instagram. See, I post every album I listen to, twice. Once in the #nowspinning Facebook group from Underdog Records that The BCPF and I, along with many of our friends are part of and then on Instagram copying to Facebook and Twitter. The group is private so only members see that and I’m not necessarily Facebook friends with all the members, but we get good conversations from it. The IG post carries to anyone who is friends with me and follows me.

I know I’m in a good spot when I get Doug Davis, Ed Bumgardner, Lee Wallace, Clay Howard and others in the music community, all of whom I respect as far as their tastes and opinions, to comment and start an hours-long thread about what is “good” or not, or what is a better album or why this may be overrated or this may be underrated. I love musical conversations and when my playlist is at the core of it, I feel all gooey. Okay, that’s probably pushing it, but I really enjoy it. I enjoyed my listening today for all those reasons.

Do you have any comments on any of those albums, or any albums, Dear Reader? Surely, Superfan Damien has some to recommend. I want to hear from any of you, your thoughts or recommendations for albums to listen to. They don’t have to be on vinyl but I prefer them to be. That’s what we’re doing right now. Thanks for indulging me in this long-winded post!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“So raise your hands to heaven and pray that we’ll be back together someday. Tonight, I need your sweet caress. Hold me in the darkness. Tonight, you calm my restlessness. You relieve my sadness.” – “Hands to Heaven” (Glasper/Spice/Delahunty/Lillington)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 9/23/17

24 Sunday Sep 2017

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I were able to get to Underdog Records fairly early, thanks to getting up and walking our butts off ahead of our regular schedule. We saw only one of our regular crowd, but I chalk that up to the earlier time and the fact that Fiesta 2017 was right up the street. The haul was modest but we got some great stuff!Lick_it_up_cover

There’s also an album that we got yesterday that wasn’t in Discogs. It’s all in German so it may take me a bit to put that in. If you’re looking for something and don’t see it in Underdog Records, Jonathan can special order it for you. You can also make purchases online via their website, including preorders. Listen to The Less Desirables to hear the weekly Underdog/TLD special. Obviously, I use Discogs to document, archive and keep track of my collection. You should, too.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Well, I keep on thinking about you, Sister Golden Hair surprise. And I just can’t live without you; can’t you see it in my eyes? I’ve been one poor correspondent, and I’ve been too, too hard to find. But it doesn’t mean you ain’t been on my mind. Will you meet me in the middle, will you meet me in the air? Will you love me just a little, just enough to show you care? Well, I tried to fake it, I don’t mind sayin’, I just can’t make it.” – “Sister Golden Hair” (Beckley)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 5/20/17

21 Sunday May 2017

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Salutations™!!

We had another great haul from Underdog Records yesterday. Barely beating out Clay Howard to grab a few things, we nabbed the following:

1dark_side_of_the_moon

©Harvest Records

 

We’ve already hit the bottom shelves of our new record case, so, we’ll have to go get another one. Yikes. If you’re not using Discogs to catalog your LP collection (or even your CD collection), you should be. You have a record of what you have in case anything ever happens. And, if you’re into LPs and aren’t going to Underdog Records, you’re missing it. Even if you just want to get back into vinyl and don’t feel like looking for a turntable, he has some in stock that are affordable for those jumping back in.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“She calls me home, she says baby it’s a lonely ol’ night. I don’t know, I’m just so scared and lonely all at the same time. Nobody told me she was gonna work out this way no no no no no no. I guess they knew we’d work it out in our own way.” –  “Lonely Ol’ Night” (Mellencamp)