Why not some Harry Belafonte, live At the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles in August of ’63? WHY NOT, I ASK YOU! I mean, after all, it IS a double LP, and though it may not surpass 1959’s Belafonte at Carnegie Hall, Belafonte at the Greek is certainly a worthwhile spin on this, or any evening. Cheers and enjoy.
Monthly Archives: April 2017
Frozen Metal Head
This EP has eluded me for long enough. A UK only release, 1992’s Frozen Metal Head features two versions of Jimmy James (the Single Version and the Original Original Version), a remix of the single So What’ Chat Want, and the instrumental, Drinkin’ Wine. Though the pressing info isn’t known, she’s housed within a solid white vinyl casing, and sounds perfect to virgin ears. This EP comes highly recommended.
The Personality SOUND of the SIXTIES!
The Personality SOUND of the SIXTIES! Let me know if you agree with Liberty Records, here. The Fleetwoods, The Ventures, Bud and Travis, Martin Denny, and David Seville and the Chipmunks. Now, doesn’t that sound EXACTLY like the Personality SOUND of the SIXTIES?! Of course it does. Carry on.
S, M, and A
Up today is a newly acquired masterwork, a bootleg and unofficial rerelease of the Beastie Boys’ 1989 single, An Exciting Evening at Home with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. This UK reissue was released 13 years after her official, and much older brother, and houses a sleeker, more modern cover. All the lovable classics are present in this newly packaged version, which include, but are not limited to Your Sister’s Def, Caught in the Middle of a 3-Way Mix, and the sleeper, Some Dumb Cop Gave Me Two Tickets Already, in addition to the title track, Shadrach. The last one, of course, from the album Paul’s Boutique, the sophomore effort from the Beastie Boys. I was going to delve into a difficult-to-abandon-or-ignore story starring me, this bootleg album, and a know-it-all-wanna-be record-store-clerk from Madison, WI… but I’ll save that for a time when I feel like throwing fuel onto the anger fire. Today, let’s enjoy this 6-track gem, and wonder aloud, “what the hell happened to the last 28 years?”
Have I the Right?
I know I’ve asked this before, but is a multi-skip record worth $1? I’m of the party that wholeheartedly screams “yes” to this question, especially when said $1 record is The Honeycombs’ debut album, Here are The Honeycombs from 1964. Like many things of the time, this US version houses a different cover and different title (UK / original version simply titled, The Honeycombs), though maintains the same track order as the UK original, which is interesting. Moving on, Have I the Right? was the first and highest charting single by the band, a group that would only release two studio albums throughout their lightning career. Although the popular British songwriting duo Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley are credited as having written Have I the Right? (and they did), it was this riveting pop group led by their talented female drummer that forced the selling of over a million copies. If you’ve forgotten the track, have a listen.
Alcoa Presents: One Step Beyond
Alcoa (which is short for Aluminum Company of America), backed the ABC show One Step Beyond from 1959 – 1961. These are facts. This, is the soundtrack to that show. Another fact. Acquired simply for the “far-out” cover, (and although she skips like a rock), she’s a great example of “zither music” (the genre, not the actual instrument) for this place and time. Remember, kids, The Twilight Zone was popular during these years, so the idea of supernatural and impossibly imaginative adventures were all the prime time craze. Symphony Orchestra conducted by Harry Lubin… So, there you have it.4 Altos
Let’s jazz it up with a bit of Zoot Sims and his 1957 record, Zoot Sims Plays 4 Altos. A little jazz now and then never (really) hurt anyone, so don’t be afraid. Embrace the smooth, vibrant, horny, saxy sounds of jazz. Your children will thank you.
Gimme Rest
If a Greatest Hits album means the beginning of the end for an audio entertainment troupe, then RIP Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.
RSD 2017
Record Store Days are always good days. Spend quality time with friends in line, arm wrestle other local collectors, and (usually) emerge with a good quantity of selects from that year’s list. All but one 7″ was obtained this year, The Zombie’s Rose for Emily. Following the circus, we spent the day spinning everything from The Hustle to pre-Kinks – The Ravens, to The Music Machine, to Young M.C., to Esquivel, to The Claypool Lennon Delirium. Like I said, Record Store Days are always good days.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHECK YOUR HEAD!
Check Your Head was released 25 years ago today. Crazy. Below is a copy and paste from the newsletter email from earlier today. Had to order the Brooklyn Dust Music hoodie. Had to.
Today is the 25th anniversary of the release of “Check Your Head”! To celebrate the iconic release we’ve got some classic apparel from that era. Check out the new tees and hoodie available and order yours in bundles with the Remastered Double-LP version of Check Your Head. We also also have a few copies of the Limited Collectors Edition Hardcover 4xLP but once those are gone, they’re gone! You don’t want to miss out on this 8-panel gatefold package with foil cover inlay, packaged in a fabric-wrapped, black foil-stamped hardcover “coffee table book” case. Both the Double-LP and 4xLP are pressed on 180-gram vinyl.
As an added bonus, the first 500 orders will get a free Beastie Boys Classic Logo Enamel Pin (US addresses only).
Check it all out at the Official Beastie Boys Online Store today!
Please contact support@kingsroadmerch.com with any questions you may have.
Cheers,
Beastie Boys
Kings Road Merch
support@kingsroadmerch.com
Platter Matter
Got a lovely letter from my Mom the other day. Thanks, Mom! Don’t forget, kids. 10th annual Record Store Day is on Saturday. Set your alarms! Also, if you’re so inclined, have a read at the article about Michael Kurtz and how he started Record Store Day. The photo should be heavy enough quality to zoom in. Good reading!
Dance it Out
Tucked inside The True Blues Traveling Dance Band’s album, With Outstanding Vocals lies this jaunty little couple dancing up a fever storm and reminding us that we should all take the time to smile and dance it out… with some prudent grooves, of course. Dance it out, fools!
Over the Rainbow
Little is known (by me) about theater organist Jesse Crawford. Big in the 1920s and 1930s, he received the “Decca treatment” on this 195? mono release of Over the Rainbow. Though I generally steer clear of organ-based wobblers, I couldn’t pass up the amazing cover art, depicting a sensationally colorful, and spectrum-spanning pipe organ. This copy is also signed by Mr. Crawford, so that helped matters.
Stereo and Regular
Regular = mono, apparently and according to Decca Records. Found inside Jesse Crawford’s 195? album, Over the Rainbow, this New World of Stereo Sound insert has something for even the seasoned listener, such as your esteemed self.
Gypsy
I’d not heard of Yoska Gabor and his Gypsy Orchestra until the day I nabbed the Time Records Series 2000 album, Gypsy. She must be a reissue as she’s not housed in her usual, Time Records Series 2000 gatefold cover, but that doesn’t subtract from how mesmerizing the music is. I’m much more a fan of the horn than I am of the string, but with the fury and passion displaying within Gypsy, I’ll let the horn rest for a double-sided spin. Check it out if you’re feeling adventurous. She’s labeled as jazz-folk-pop, but I’m sure you’re clever enough to come up with your own label for it.
Animalization
Though she may have a few blemishes, I’ll gladly nab The Animals’ Animalization for a cool $0.92. G’wan have to spin this fool first chance we get. The Animals were my first introduction to the British Invasion, so although I’ve moved on to brighter, Kinkier horizons, I’ll always have a special place in my heart for my first.
Nasty
Upon its 1998 release, I grew to hold some nasty resentment towards my (then) favorite band’s Hello Nasty release (their fifth). For me, 1992’s Check Your Head and 1994’s Ill Communication were the perfect, bratty blend of aggressive punk and conscious hip hop that defined an era (my high school years). That era ended in 1998 with Nasty. She was released in the summer, and by the fall I’d already moved on to the likes of Crass and Anal Cunt (thank you Ear Wax Records in Madison, WI). I’d kept up with the boys Beastie through the end of their career (2011’s Hot Sauce Committee Part Two), but they’d certainly fallen from the pedestal I’d made for them. Now listening to the 4x LP box set from 2009, and I must admit that my stupid, younger self may have been a bit too harsh on Hello Nasty. It’s certainly one of my least favorite of their albums, but it certainly makes for an enjoyable spin.
For Whom the Cowbell Tolls
I’ve stopped spinning and decided to read about spinning these past few weeks. Couldn’t tell you the last record I spun, to be completely honest. Just finding out of this 2014 book’s existence the other day, she arrived at my stoop late last night. 36 pages in and I’m already blocking several hours to continue over the weekend. If you’re read Dan LeRoy’s 33 1/3 book on Paul’s Boutique, this is part 2 titled, For Whom the Cowbell Tolls – 25 Years of Paul’s Boutique. Along with several circa: 1988 production photos, this book touches upon two more books in the making. One, a complete and official history of Delicious Vinyl by coauthor Peter Relic, and the other an authorized autobiography by the remaining Beastie Boys. Both of which will be sought out and thoroughly analyzed. If you’re a fan of Paul’s Boutique, and you haven’t already, check out the 33 1/3 book. If you’ve read that and love it, For Whom the Cowbell Tolls is a must-read sequel.
The best in men’s clothing
Call Paul’s Boutique, ask for Janice
The number is 718-498-1043
That’s Paul’s Boutique and they’re in Brooklyn
Days
I am now officially two months behind on my Vinyl Me, Please spins. Someone needs to get their shit together.
Happy National 8-Track Tape Day!
Yes, it’s a real thing. Look it up, fools! Also, happy National 8-track Tape Day!
Love, The Prudent Groove
The Prudent Groove 