Back in 1968, record producer and conductor Dominick P. Costa (Don) released a 10-track album of instrumental Simon and Garfunkel songs titled, Don Costa’s Instrumental Versions of Simon and Garfunkel. All the hits are here (Feelin’ Groovy, Mrs. Robinson, I Am A Rock, etc.), and as a whole, Don Costa’s Instrumental Versions of Simon and Garfunkel is a welcoming and approachable take on these unforgettable 1960s classics. Certainly not one for a frequent spin, these 10-tracks come in handy when the subtle weight of S&G have hit their limits.
Monthly Archives: May 2018
Business as Usual
Men at Work debuted in 1981 with Business as Usual. With the help of two, knockout singles (Who Can it Be Now? and Down Under), it’s (fairly) easy to see how BaU spent 15 weeks at the No. 1 spot on the US Billboard 200. One of the (if not the) most successful Australian-released pop albums, Business as Usual would serve as the band’s high water mark, and would be one of only three studio albums released (1983’s Cargo, and 1985’s Two Hearts). If in the mood, she still holds up, some 37 years later.
Protector for Life
Good records (and to a certain extent, the bad ones too) need comfortable, protective, and in this case, relatively dapper sleeves. Pfantone, it appears, deals more in the preamp world these days, but back in the day, they were successful manufacturers of long wear, no tear, poly record sleeves. Pimping a lifetime product is always a ballsy move, but Pfantone has certainly, and without question, pulled off this ambitious claim. For quality, and yes, stylish record care, keep Pfantone in mind.
Melting the Ice Queen
I was heavy into Oxford Collapse for a solid, yet brief five-or-so years. This now defunct Brooklyn indie rock trio released only a few handfuls of records during their brief existence, including this, 2004’s Melting the Ice Queen. Presented here is The Workshop Edit of the title track, which is also featured on the band’s debut EP from 2002 (compact disc only), Oxford Collapse, and their first studio effort, 2004’s Some Wilderness. As their debut was the only studio full-length NOT fortunate of a vinyl release, the only way you can get this queen on wax is right here.
Harvelle’s Presents…
Another successful Punk Rock BBQ over this past weekend. Special thanks to Harvelle’s for the great show, cheap drinks, and snappy hot dogs. See you text round!
Just One Fits
Ministry’s 2001 greatest hits album (appropriately titled Greatest Fits) received its first vinyl release via means of Run Out Groove last month. Double, colored, 180g vinyl, this 13-track monster is considered the only vinyl pressing to include the band’s contribution to Steven Spielberg’s A.I. film, What About Us?. Over the past several months we’ve seen Ministry do a fantastic job of releasing limited, and very often first-time albums on vinyl. Certainly, nobody is complaining here.
The Exciting Way to Enjoy the Music You Want
Full color insert from RCA Records, circa: 1970-ish. Stereo 8 cartridge tapes were all the rave (and still are in some corners), so it’s good to see the LP / 8-track love split on this beautiful insert… and with an illustrated stereo 8 catalog for only a quarter, how could anyone go wrong?
The Other Side
The Other Side of Abbey Road is a delightful little interpretation by legendary jazz guitarist George Benson of 1969’s famed Beatles album, Abbey Road. Released via CTI Records just a year after the original, The Other Side of Abbey Road features just five tracks, but takes careful consideration to combine up to three individual Beatles tracks into one Benson montage (take Something / Octopus’s Garden / The End, for example). George Benson’s guitar work is second to maybe Harrison himself, and as a whole The Other Side offers a fresh take on a classic, overheard album. Certainly not one to pass up.
Spring into Punk Rock BBQ
If you’re free this Sunday, and you know, happen to find yourself in the Santa Monica area, get yer ass over to Harvelle’s for Liquid Kitty’s Punk Rock BBQ (Spring edition). Free! Free! Free!
Tigers
After about 10 minutes of (deep) internet searching, I discovered that my copy of Simon & Garfunkel’s Sounds of Silence is a second pressing (of the three initial pressings). My copy is the last to feature the Tiger Beat magazine in Art’s jacket pocket. This would be airbrushed out on the third and subsequent pressings. Mine is also a German release, acquired at a storewide going-out-of-business sale some 15 years ago. Copyright states a release date of 1972, some 7 years after the album’s initial release. This doesn’t mean too much, other than now I want to bury myself in Bookends, my personal favorite.
Windy
The words Christopher Guest are synonymous with hilarity. Don’t believe me? Think Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show were, as the kids say, just a fluke? Well, then you’re in for a fatty treat with 2003’s A Mighty Wind. Presented here is A Mighty Wind The Album, which contains all the classic artists from the film (Mitch & Mickey, The New Main Street Singers, and of course, The Folksmen). Considering that each of these tracks were written specifically for the film, and by-and-large, the actors played their own instruments (including vocals), A Mighty Wind The Album is a perfect addition to the already vibrant voice of Guest and friends. If you can find it, and are a fan of, you know, laughing, you’re certain to enjoy it.
The Prudent Groove 