Here are some (very) last minute party hints for your spooky social soirée, courtesy of 1973 and Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House. The bat invitation is pretty nifty, though the decorations may be a bit dated, 44 years to be exact. Regardless, HAPPY HALLOWEEN, KIDS!
Monthly Archives: October 2017
Exotica No More
The last in the Exotica series, Vol. III, released in 1959 on Liberty Records, closes out a decade of fantastic space age pop excitement. Sure, Mr. Denny would go on to release other “Exotica” flavored releases with Exotica Today (1966), Exotica Classica (1967), and Exotica ’90 (1990), but Vol. III closed the book on this must-have, three LP series.
What A Day
Not sure I need to own this, Doris Day’s Greatest Hits, but here it sits… unplayed, and mocking me while it takes up precious shelf space. Doris Day’s Greatest Hits was released in 1958 on Columbia Records. That’s all you get, you magical goat.
4
Minneapolis’ Dillinger Four recorded and released their debut masterpiece back in 1998. Titled Midwestern Songs of the Americas, this 13-track attack received a limited rerelease on, notice the quotes, “Doublewhiskeycokenoice” colored vinyl. Limited to only 300 copies, this subtle touch makes an already feverish listen all the more enjoyable, if you’re into that sort of thing. Great mood music for any mood, so long as that mood is on the spectrum of anger.
Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
Though a band using the Revolting Cocks handle released albums after a 13 year “Revolting Cocks” hiatus, 1993 and the album, Linger Ficken’ Good… and Other Barnyard Oddities marked the last era that the core group would record together under that name. Reasons why may stem from the Al Jourgensen documentary Fix (I’ll leave you to discover that one), but nevertheless, a strong and fruitful run (1986 – 1993) had inevitably come to a screeching halt. The last single from LFG…aOBO was released in 1994, but was comprised of alt versions of previously released tracks. This, the first single from the album, features the Cocks’ take on the Rod Stewart hit, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?, and is clearly the better of the two versions.
Quiet Tracks
If these tracks won’t convince you that Martin Denny’s Quiet Village is worthy of owning, then this off-handed, lazy review will: It’s good. Buy it.
Need-le
Still on the haystack hunt for a replacement needle for the hi-fi. The day job busyness is clouding my ability to fully dedicate the needed time to properly research the specific needle model number, but I have hope, and fortunately, several other working turntables in the house. (Photo taken from 1966 Philco hi-fi owners manual.)
Album Ass: Enoch Light and His Orchestra’s Far Away Places Volume 2
Nothing too exciting here except for the backside of Enoch Light and His Orchestra’s Far Away Places Volume 2. The layout is a bit wonky, what, with 90 degree angles being thrown out the window, but Command Records did a pretty decent job of offering a ton of info while not seeming any bit overwhelming. That Stereo 35mm logo, though…
Dunhill
Dunhill Records, best known for its Steppenwolf releases in the late 60s, started as an outlet for Johnny Rivers recordings in 1964 / 1965. Cofounded by legendary Hollywood mogul Lou Adler, Dunhill was sold to ABC in 1966, and ABC / Dunhill was formed. Here’s a peaceful insert featuring Mickie Finn, Barry McGuire, and The Grassroots.
Carryin’ On!
Back to the basics with Lou Rawls and his 1966 album, Carryin’ On! Mr. Rawls would release four albums in 1966; Soulin’, Live!, and a gospel album with The Pilgrim Travelers. This Chicago blues legend is perfect for any occasion, up to and including painting a door in between loads of laundry.
A Study in Hypocrisy
Just found my casual weekend reading material. U.S. Foreign Policy: A Study in Hypocrisy, courtesy of Canadian punks, Propagandhi and their 2000 album from Fat Wreck Chords, Today’s Empires, Tomorrow’s Ashes.
Mad
I really can’t stand Madonna. Never did care for her arrogant lack of talent. Here’s my one word review for anything she’s ever done: Rotten. That doesn’t stop me from owning five of her records, however… there is something truly wrong with me. Enjoy your Friday, kids!
& I
Oh, The Plan. Once a single album obsession, followed by near decade of (stupidly) swearing them off, to another decade plus of pure, adolescent giddiness. That pretty much sums up my relationship with this iconic DC band. Easily one of my top five all-timers (possibly top three). Meh, you should check ’em out.
October Ghost
I’m a bit perplexed by the fact that I can’t find the Vinyl Me, Please store exclusive to Willie Nelson’s The Words Don’t Fit the Picture. Nothing appears in the search bar for “Willie Nelson” so my first thought is that it’s sold out, which is odd because VMP usually keeps the title online but notes its unavailability. The second clue to this great October ghost is that no 2017 reissue appears within tWDFtP album entry on Discogs. This could have been an premature advertisement, or it could very well be false advertising. Whichever carries more weight, I suppose is the valid answer.
The Streets
We’re takin’ it to the streets today with The Doobies and their 1976 album, Takin’ It to the Streets. This was the first Doobies album to feature prominent singer / songwriter Michael McDonald, and would mark a subtle turning point in the direction of the band’s new sound. Mr. McD would continue performing with the band, penning some of their most critically successful tracks, until their initial breakup in 1982. Several “reunions” have come to light over the 30+ plus years since “The Doobie Brothers broke up” but it’s always good to start at the beginning, such as this album. I’m an advocate for absorbing a band’s full musical spectrum, and encourage both wave 1 Doobies, and this wave 2.
Summer Vacation
Ironically, it was after How I Spent My Summer Vacation that I actually took a vacation from these New Jersey mooches. Looking back, I think it was my palette that shifted and not the band’s, because when I spin HISMSV now, it really doesn’t anger me that much. It’s certainly not as good as Maniacal Laughter or their self titled album, but now that I’m older, and presumably wiser, I’m happy it is a part of my collection.
Tape it or Leave It
One of the few essential tapes I kept after the great cassette breakup of 2011, is this 1993 soundtrack to the motion picture, Judgment Night. One of those rare moments where the soundtrack far exceeds the movie’s potential, this one, in any format, is an obvious essential.
Songs…
One can’t have too much of a good thing, especially when it’s 1996’s Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent by Sweden’s Refused. Whatever your passion, stick to it, and disregard the naysayers.
Elephant
I wish that when I’d gotten the soundtrack to the 1980 film, The Elephant Man, that my 18-year-old self would have realized how amazing the cast was (John Hurt, Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins), and that it was, in fact, a very early David Lynch classic. My memory of this film is spotty, but I’ll never forget the ominous, yet somewhat soothing soundtrack. I really want to watch this film now.
White Russian
The soundtrack to Jeffrey Lebowski’s one hour and 57 minute life (aka the 1998 Coen Brothers’ film, The Big Lebowski) received a few color variants when it was finally release on vinyl back in 2014. There’s the “red bowling ball finish” the “gold translucent and black split” (presumably to match the tone of the cover art), and this, the “White Russian” version. Whatever your flavor, this soundtrack is an absolute must, as is the movie. If you haven’t already, check it out.
The Prudent Groove 