So, I’ve got this stack of records, see. It’s a stack of “unlistened” if that were a word. RSD Black Friday did a number on me, and I’m ingesting much faster than I’m listening these past few months, which is a shame for many reasons. Anyway, my goal is to have this stack spun and shelved by Monday 9am. God willing, this dream will become a reality. Happy Friday, kids.
Monthly Archives: December 2015
San Francisco’s Elite
The back sleeve to Ernie Heckscher’s At the Fabulous Fairmont boasts and brags about the social elite swilling it night after night in the coveted Venetian Room of San Francisco’s prominent Fabulous Fairmont high atop Nob Hill. 1960 would have been an interesting year to experience. I’d happily trade say, 2002 for it. Anyway, yet another easy listening treat for you this third Thursday before Christmas. I’ve been in a bit of a vintage mood as of late, if you haven’t noticed. Ernie Heckscher At the Fabulous Fairmont makes for great background music to just about any activity, save maybe for watching The Good Wife on Netflix. Tomorrow is Friday. This makes us happy.
Greatest!
The first compilation / greatest hits album Johnny Cash released (or rather, the label released for him) was 1959’s appropriately titled, Greatest! 12 cuts, all from the Sun Records library, Greatest! is a breath of fresh, country air even 56 years after its initial release. I have no idea what LPs sold for back in 1959, but this one set me back only $3 just last weekend. Inflation be damned, am I right? Anyway, Greatest! contains some classic, early Cash greats such as Get Rhythm, Luther’s Boogie, a few Hank Williams numbers (Hey, Good Lookin’, You Win Again), and some lesser known classics to round out a full, pertinent collection of tragic songs. Greatest! may not be Cash’s greatest, but it’s worth seeking out.
‘S
Former supporting member to significant heads of the 1940’s pop-jazz sound (Bob Crosby, Artie Shaw, and Harry James respectively), singer-composer Ray Conniff follows his first two “‘S” releases with 1958’s ‘S Awful Nice. ‘S Awful Nice is, in fact, awful nice. It’s tame, late 50s swell music for late evening lovers and their romantic cocktails. It’s, what I imagine to be, the last in a flood of easy listening releases that would be properly dammed by the rockabilly and rock n’ roll sound some few short years later. The word “innocence” comes to mind, often, when listening to Mr. Conniff and His Orchestra, and although on any given day of any given week of any given year I’d prefer both rockabilly and early rock to this easy listening bubble, it sure is a pleasant vacation every once in a while. Diversity, kids.
Reminiscing
I knew absolutely nothing about this album when I purchased it (for $0.33.3) on Black Friday, but with a promising cover and an illustrious title like, Reminiscing with the Moms and Dads, the unknown was something certainly well deserving of the nominal asking price. Still sealed, this 43-year-old virgin gets her first spin tonight. I’m both apprehensive, and completely terrified of the results…
CP
This Citizens Patrol 7″ was mysteriously packaged in a recent purchase off Discogs, and I’m not quite sure if it was a “thanks for your order, enjoy this complimentary record,” or if it was some oversight. An email is out to the seller, but I’m curious to see if this guy is in fact “mine” just yet. I’m even more curious to hear what it sounds like, but am hesitant to spin it just in case I fall in love, then have to give it back. Spike Lee says, “Do the Right Thing.” He’s a smart man.
Auto Midnight
The Hot Snakes first album is my favorite, but I fight to call it their best. Suicide Invoice, their second, gets the best reviews online, but if pressed, I’d say Audit in Progress, their third, is the champion. Whichever you prefer, give it, or all, a proper listen sometime this weekend. Your Monday morning will thank you.
Open 24 Hours
This Telegraph, Skolars split is something of legend in my personal circle (of two). Ever since seeing Telegraph opened for Less Than Jake at my buddy’s 18th birthday (way back in 1997), I’ve been a (wherewithal) loyal Telegraph fan. I saw The Skolars here, and then their reincarnation at said 18th bday, LTJ show. I’m ecstatic to own Quit Your Band (97 Demo) and Open 24 Hours on vinyl. It’s a good day when these tracks get spun, and I encourage all quasi-ska-punk lovers to consider both The Skolars and Telegraph to justify your next swing-filled fix.
Exotica
It’s Thursday, which means, it’s hot-damn time for Exotica. Martin Denny and his space-age, late 50s collection of easy listening goodness comes at the perfect, unexpected, stress-relieving moment. The looming stress cloud is swiftly approaching, so let’s ease into flu season with some well earned, Exotica.
400 Copies
It’s not fun being sick, but wanna’ know what IS fun? Andrew Jackson Jihad’s debut LP, People Who Can Eat People are the Luckiest People in the World. This, seemingly purple LP, is “actually” brown wax, limited to 400 copies. Brother to its scarcer sister, the 100 copy black version, these siblings make up the 500 copies in the first (of 10, thus far) pressings. That is all, and have a good evening.
Treasury in Blue
It’s always an amusing and rewarding scene when you go bargain-record hunting with your significant other. We paid $0.33.3 for this Paul Whiteman interpretation of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue 10”, and it was clearly one of the highlights of our voyage. Encourage your SOs to join along in the hunt. A lively and vibrant world is sure to drop square on your platter.
The Prudent Groove 