Jackie Wilson says, enjoy the sound AND variety of Coral Records. (Brunswick Records, a subsidiary, is available where fine quality records are sold.)
Monthly Archives: August 2017
Find Your Buddy
I severely need to up my Buddy Holly game. Tucked inside on of my Stones records was a Coral Records insert featuring, among others, the late, great, Buddy Holly. After a quick scan on Discogs for these Coral releases, I’m quickly finding out that Buddy can be had for relatively cheap. A bit of a surprise to me, but to be honest, I’ve never really looked. Anyway, new obsession starts in three… two… one…
After Math is Finished, You Can Listen to Your Records
The Rolling Stones’ 1966 album, Aftermath (the band’s fourth studio effort in the UK, and their sixth in the US… figure that one out) is the first Stones album to 1) be recorded entirely in the United States, 2) consists of all Jagger-Richards compositions, and 3) was the band’s first “true stereo” release (thank you Wikipedia.org). Though the covers differ depending on your side of the pond, the flip side features (generally) the same layout. None of this matters, of course, because Aftermath features the following, early Stones classics: Under My Thumb, I am Waiting, Lady Jane, and a personal favorite, Paint it Black. (The UK version also includes Mothers Little Helper… the bastards...). If you don’t already own this essential piece of rock history, put it at the top of your list.
Monkey?
A shameful reveal here… I didn’t realize that when I purchased Dan the Automator’s 2002 comp, Wanna Buy A Monkey? that it was, in fact, actually, “selections” from the full CD version of this catch-all release. I mean, honestly, we’re only talking about like, four tracks, but still… I should be happy for the vinyl opportunity, but still feel a bit short-changed. Anyway, ignore me. You have your own problems to worry about.
… of the Ukraine
Chalk this one up to another online order freebie. Can’t say I would have sought out Folk Songs and Dances of the Ukraine, but I won’t say no to a free record.
G, G G o H
Though I’ll admit that Tom Jones isn’t necessarily a consistent go-to, Green, Green Grass of Home was certainly a no-brainer for a cool $1. Released in 1967, G,GGoH features some relatively obscure Tom Jones in Georgia on My Mind and That Old Black Magic. I wouldn’t suggest you run out and find this album, but if you stumble across it, give it solid consideration.
Low Calorie Jello
Santa Ana kicked some solid ass and brought out some heavy, legendary hitters. Featured here is (insane / genius / crazy person) Jello Biafra with his Guantanamo School of Medicine. For only $20, we witnessed not only the best live band of our generation (Rocket from the Crypt), but also a few Dead Kennedys classics. I wasn’t expecting, or remotely prepared for the latter. Good day, indeed.
fab-u-lous
One doesn’t need to dig very deep to find the fabulous in Dick Hyman’s 1963 classic, Fabulous (RS33-862 Command Records). Billed as Dick Hyman at the Lowrey Organ and His Orchestra, this 12-track organ-tastic ensemble covers Danke Schoen to The Best is Yet to Come, and a wide sprinkle of early 60s pop radio in between. Originated and Produced by Enoch Light (owner of said Command Records), Fabulous is yet another phenomenal Dick Hyman release sandwiched between 1960’s Provocative Piano, and 1963’s Electrodynamics, both also on Command Records. If you’ve ever thought to yourself, or out loud, that the organ couldn’t be sexy, get yourself some Fabulous, and you’ll be changing your tune.
Shock of Daylight
Unexpected gifts in the form of records that accompany online purchases are, for some reason, happening more and more frequently. As I scour Discogs for random-ass one-offs and obscure Wax Trax! releases, more frequently now are sellers throwing in additional, random records with my purchases. This has happened a handful of times now, and I’m pleasantly surprised by the results. The Sound and their 1984 EP Shock of Daylight is the newest freebie to cross our threshold. Thank you, random Discogs seller. We’ll now enjoy six tracks of pure, new wave bliss. Free music just, somehow, tastes better, don’tcha think?
Contra!
Leave it to Mondo to release not one, but two colored vinyl versions of the NES classic, Contra. Side one features the NES version, while side two promotes the arcade version. Both sides at glorious 45rpm (for that maximum quality sound), this split red / blue colored vinyl version is the more easily accessible of the two releases (the other being a 2017 Comic Con exclusive). Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, start. Never forget.
GHits
I used to overlook Donovan in the most selfish of ways. That, was then. Now, he’s considered a sun-soaked God. It’s a Greatest Hits kind of overcast and gloomy morning, kids. Pop on some Donovan and wallow in your own self-pity.
The Prudent Groove 