My first “official” introduction to Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor (outside a small font credit to a sample used on the Beastie Boys’ Ill Communication), was this $4 purchase from good ol’ Half Price Books, 1977’s Richard Pryor’s Greatest Hits. I knew little to nothing of the man prior (or should I say Pryor… no) to this album, forgetting completely that this was the same Wonder Wheel-wielding genius from the slightly racist The Toy film (1982), so let me put it lightly by stating that my feeble mind was completely blown into some previously unknown realm of human consciousness upon first spin. Everyone I knew who cared to listen heard this album, with a slightly obnoxious and giddy introduction by me, and to this day, Richard Pryor’s Greatest Hits is still, by far, one of my all-time favorite records. It doesn’t hurt that it was probably one of my first 20 records purchased, but the content certainly (and quite vulgarly… let’s say “honestly”) speaks for itself.
Monthly Archives: February 2018
Donde?
I could have sworn that this Gossip / Har Mar Superstar show was in Madison, but alas, good times were had in Milwaukee. Circa: 2000? That would be my educated guess. Anyway, it’s fun to revisit these old fliers from time to time. Carry on.
3000
As the self proclaimed “extraterrestrial surgeon from Jupiter,” Dr. Octagon broke into the mid 90’s hardcore hip-hip scene with a few unforgettable singles. 1995’s Earth People, and this, 1996’s 3000. The third single (in no particular order) is Blue Flowers. All tracks were played the other night in downtown Los Angeles, and the event was something of interplanetary amazement.
Trashed
Broke into some much-needed Lagwagon this weekend. Still in the hunt for the reissued Coke bottle clear pressing, but the marble and blue transparent versions work just fine.
35
Now, this is what I’m talking about when I go on and on (and on) about a successful, yet casual dinner party. Guests bring albums to explore (in addition to genuine Cuban rum and cigars), and the house is filled to the brim with the love that only a social family can muster. T’was a good evening. Anyway, Calibro 35… I’m about to hunt you down…
Freebee for Me, B
I’m looking forward to spinning the freebee record I acquired via means of a recent bunked Discogs order. 2015’s Tough Love, Hard Feelings by Loud Boyz is “labeled” as punk, but I’ve never heard of them. Apparently, this blank vinyl pressing is limited to only 400 copies. Groovy. Free music, however, should never be scoffed at… unless it’s modern country… or anything Madonna related. Send that shit straight back!
Time to Forget
It’s rather interesting, and a bit scary, how well time can erase memories. This flier is to the Metro in Chicago, circa: 2001, and it was preserved because our music-hoarding clan jotted down to the windy city to attend the August 23rd Please for Peace tour featuring Hot Water Music and Alkaline Trio, among others. Chicago was only a hop, skip, and a jump away from our humble dwellings off Lake Michigan in brew city, Milwaukee. I can’t say as that I remember much (anything) from this show, but it must have been good enough to keep the flyer. Other notable additions to the Metro in the summer of 2001 include Jimmy Eat World, Pedro the Lion, Good Riddance w/ Death by Stereo, and Rilo Kiley. Sometimes, and they’re not often, I miss the Midwest.
74/82-3
Pre-orders of the latest single from Lead Into Gold (aka Paul Ion Barker) came with this numbered and signed screen printing. It’s good to see the 30+ year old logo is prominently showcased front and center. According to my online sources (Paul Barker’s Facebook page), there are three sets of 82 prints. Mine reads 74/82-3, which means it’s 74 of 82 from the third set. Little pleases me more than to see a 59-year-old Industrial rock icon rehashing an obscure handle which now spans three decades. I look forward to more from this legendary musician.
Lumps
Finally got a whole lotta Lumps. The Discogs seller though he’d shipped it last month… but it just arrived yesterday. No matter, another Rocket record acquired, and a good one at that.
Punk Rock Bottom Prices
$6 for a PBR tall boy and a shot of whiskey… in Santa Monica?! Oh, wait, you say there are six bands playing? How much is the cover? Free?! And what’s that I hear about hot dogs? Also, free?! The bloody hell?! Lawndale is always a big draw, but Atomic Sherpas killed it yesterday! That MAY have been the three Low Lifes talking, but I doubt it.
Tonight, Handsome Boy Modeling School and Dr. Octagon. How’s that for a damned one-two punch?!
Also, if you ask nicely, Damien will make you a Liquid Kitty, sans the Lucky Strike, of course.
Returning to Form: Punk Rock BBQ 2018
I would have loved to elaborate on “yesterday’s” 2001 trip into the treacherous bowels of Illinois to see my favorite band, but I’m getting ready to go to this… Liquid Kitty’s Punk Rock BBQ. Quick story, oh, and you should most definitely come out if you’re in the Santa Monica area, but the mainstay bartender from Liquid Kitty partnered up with another dude and they now own Harvelle’s. Damn bastards not renewing Liquid Kitty’s lease, but this is the next best thing! I’m going to ask for a Liquid Kitty (signature recipe martini) and see if they’ll make it. I doubt it’ll come with a non filtered Lucky Strike. Free hot dogs, y’all!
Fresh from 2001
Fresh from October, 2001 is this flyer for Champaign Illinois’ Highdive. A buddy and I drove from Milwaukee to Champaign to see these guys (Rocket from the Crypt)… some 226 miles with a CD boombox and a fresh package of batteries. I had the next day off, but my buddy had to work. We didn’t get home until 6:30am the next day. Gotta love Chicago rush hour. Anyway, the show was (obviously) well worth it, and I even got the chance to shake Speedo’s hand… something I’ve held in high regard for the past 16+ years. I just happened to stumble across this flyer while digging through the Jenga closet. Happy I hand the foresight to tuck it away.
A Rainbow of Fidelity
Nothing says, “hey, check out our rainbow of color” quite like fine, black and white type. ABC-Paramount’s Full Color Fidelity doesn’t mess around with “sound for sound’s sake,” so don’t even bother with them. Their no-nonsense approach to hi-fidelity is stamped on the backs of their coveted releases (this one from Candido in ’57), so have a quick read at the photo to the left and, oh, hey! Produced by Creed Taylor. Listen with confidence, kids.
Ol’ Sammy
I’ve always held ol’ Sammy Davis Jr. in high regard. It may stem from my early love for The Cannonball Run, but mainly I just dug this guy’s personality. Energetic and instantly likable. I don’t listen to near as much Sammy as I, or anyone really should, but as it is all good crooner groove music, anything by this Candy Man is solid ear noise.
Custom Hi-Fi
Gone are the days of moderate sized record label pioneers, what, with your damned custom hi-fi and all. The coveted Mercury Records is now a well-behaved sheep under the Universal Music Group umbrella… anyone for a game of Monopoly?
RIP Vic Damone
With an astounding career spanning 1947 – 2001, big band crooner Vic Damone quietly left the stage this past Sunday. He was 89. RIP Vic Damone (6/12/28 – 2/11/18).
No Cut
The 2011 white vinyl release of Beastie Boys’ Hot Sauce Committee Part Two contained a bonus, two-track 7″ with the tracks, B-Boys in the Cut b/w Pop Your Balloon. The 2017 reissue on black vinyl however, does not. That is all. Enjoy your day and please, spin responsibly.
(Insert Joke Here)
1987 called… they want their insert back. So, I haven’t spun a record in like, four days, and for some reason, out jumps Belinda Carlisle’s Heaven on Earth. Baby, I was afraid before, but I’m not afraid anymore… This was the best I could do to erase the awful Bagel Bites jingle out from beneath my skull… like Belinda Carlisle, something I’d not heard in several years.
Ion Makes Nice
Happy to report that Ion Audio’s customer service received 5 out of 5 stars with their handling of my recent hinge issue. I emailed them about purchasing a dust cover hinge replacement and they responded, the next day, saying that a new hinge was already on its way. I received it three days later. Thanks for making nice, Ion! #dustitoff
Don’t Forget
Next week Sunday… don’t forget!
The Prudent Groove 