5″ records are few and far between (there’s only one that I know of), and limited edition pink marble versions by one’s favorite band from say, 21 years ago, needs prominent due diligence. There is a record the size of a compact disc… it contains two songs, and it’s the newest addition to the family collection. Those aware, know the scarcity of this record. We were able to acquire her for a fairly reasonably sum. The Rocket Pack on the other hand…
Author Archives: The Prudent Groove
Also Available from Telstar
It’s not very often, in fact, this is the first time it’s happened, that one reaches for a Marvin Gaye album, and runs across a back cover ad for a random-ass Michael Jackson comp record. Titled 18 Greatest Hits, this 1983 release featuring 18 mega hits from Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5 can be had for a cool $0.71 on LP, and an acceptable $4.22 on cassette (courtesy of Discogs.com). I was all set and ready to dig into the untimely death of Marvin Gaye when I stumbled across this little 23-year-old gem. Rediscovering my collection by means of this medium has proven to be a hilarious and boisterous experience. I think I’m finally starting to dig it. Also available on cassette.
Give the People What They Want…
This, is how a record should be released. Main album = disc 1. Instrumental version = disc 2. Done and done. Thank you, Delicious Vinyl, Slimkid3 & Nu-Marc, for not only outputting an exceptionally solid listen, but also for, without question, including the beats as their own, adventurous entity. Well, well worth the price of admission, Slimkid3 & Nu-Marc is as essential as modern day hip hop gets, in our humble opinion.
Body Movin’ Over the Pond
The animal friendly cover to 1998’s Body Movin’ by the Beastie Boys is exclusive to the UK market, and can be had for much cheaper these days than what I paid for it in Madison, WI back in 1998. Capitalize on this party favorite three track 12″. Trust me, you won’t miss your $3.
GR-C
Let’s not forget a time when these talented, forward-thinking fools worked together. If anyone knows ANYONE who worked at either of these labels during their lucrative fellowship, hit me up. I’ve got some questions that this restless mind needs answering.
Showbiz
Pitched as the introduction to the great decline, Everybody’s in Show Biz is actually a thoroughly enjoyable album, and as a bonus, and entire live record recording during the Muswell Hillbillies tour only adds to this album’s historical greatness! Face to Face through Muswell Hillbillies era Everybody’s in Show Biz is certainly not, but it’s still damn good Kinky ear candy.
Tell William it’s Over(ture)
(Orangely) Clocking in at roughly 12 minutes, Arturo Toscanini’s interpretation of Gioachino Rossini’s infamous William Tell Overture can easily be downsized onto two, 45rpm records, as with this RCA Victor release from 1949. Now 67 years old, this double red vinyl box set is the perfect “quick fix” vehicle for long, dusty rides with the Lone Ranger, or eye-spying a quick romp with Alex and a few candy-sucking ladies he coerced from the local brick and mortar. Originally premiering in 1829 (!), William Tell has seen many, many iterations, and has dipped its toes in everything from children’s cartoons to ultra-violent, X-rated masterpieces. Surely one of those (mini) overtures prudent of a proper spin on a random Wednesday.
15 Years Ago…
It’s sad, but just over 15 years ago, BS 2000 dropped their 2nd, and last LP, Simply Mortified. Grand Royal Records would, months later, cease to exist, and receptive ears of the world would never again hear the bubblegum grunge of BS 2000. One can only imagine what they’d sound like today, given the almost two decades of maturity (or utter lack there of), but there’s something peaceful about this short-lived outing that demands incessant spins on random Tuesday evenings. Nobody beats BS 2000, kids.
Focus: Little Things
Creedence Country while like, in the country, living in a nylon fort with sprocket-hungry leg-vehicles is, without hesitation, some of the best “get-away” music anyone could possibly ask for. Dirty hands, analogue ear candy, and natural sound machines were the necessary elements for a relaxing and rewarding few days. Focus on the little things, kids.
The Doctor, Walter, and a Rebel’s Yell
When the sun goes down out past Santa Paula on a wonderful Valentine’s Day with the fiancée, the Doctor tends to emerge, and with him, a bottle of cheap whiskey, and Walter Light. Happy Sunday, kids.
Vinyl, Beer, and Camping
Excess has no limits, because Money Mark on vinyl while tent camping for two nights is obviously a requirement.
My, My Such A Sweet Thing
It’s Friday, and it’s getting late. So what better time for some damn fantastic Tommy James & The Shondells? On the list of artists whose discography need completing, I’ll temporarially settle for this Best of comp. Crystal Blue Persuasion and Crimson & Clover… mainly Crimson & Clover. Have a good night, kids.
Teenage Wasteland Blues
When Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues gets a spin at midnight with the fiancee asleep on the couch, it’s fairly evident that whiskey is involved. Here’s to sponge-like subconscious absorption.
Living Mono
Hugo Winterhalter Goes… Latin, and we here are thankful that he did, since, as far as I can recollect, we can all benefit from this throwaway, yet strikingly beautiful 1959 design layout nonchalantly strewn across his majestic cover… or some type shit. You, my friend, exist, within “Living Stereo.” Manufactured in 1958, the Living Stereo logo is both synonymous with quality, and visual brilliance… not to mention it’s 58 years old. Respect the history of graphic design, kids.
World Leader in Recorded Sound
Ask yourself, was Command Records the, quote, unquote, World Leader in Recorded Sound? By 1963, the label certainly had its hands in the modern design pie, and the ink-wealth to produce brilliantly displayed, throwaway inserts for its lavish releases. Featured here is an insert to Dick Hyman’s Electrodynamics, an album I could swear I touched upon in my previous 1111 (days) posts… but apparently not. Anyway, dig this layout, and more importantly, dig Command Records and their proclamation of the World Leader in Recorded Sound.
Fit to Print
Often forgotten in today’s new vinyl purchases is a label’s catalog. So often the printed word is given way to a link to a well polished website with all pertinent information, but as a consumer of the physical, analog medium, it’s comforting to find a catalog every now and again. Kudos to you, Alternative Tentacles!
Getting Ready
2/28 can’t come fast enough!
Sunday, Feb 28
Feb. 28 is gonna be a busy one. Punk Rock BBQ at Liquid Kitty followed by Drive Like Jehu at The Echoplex. Sleep, a secondary notion, may very well be optional. Muddy details notwithstanding, if you’re in the West Los Angels area and you can stomach quality music… LIQUID KITTY.
Music’s Leading Man
Meet Andre Kostelanetz is a fascinating compilation of easy listening classical jazz from 1955. Made up of a handpicked selection of Kostelanetz’s earlier Columbia Records recordings, Meet Andre Kostelanetz features, among others, cuts from Carmen, The Nutcracker Suite, and classic Gershwin, while beautifully offering hi-res (albeit small), full color images of his previous Columbia Records releases. A great companion for early evening ambient noise while prepping for dinner or cleaning out the fishtank, Meet Andre Kostelanetz is a perfect introduction to this brilliant and hard working Russian conductor.
(Less Than) Mystery Sticker
Not much of a mystery after all, especially considering the last track, but the lack of band reference on this promotional sticker is slightly interesting, if at the very least moderately comical. Although this sticker has (clearly) seen better days, the music within this (not-so) cryptic album remains as timeless as hypocrisy itself. Stay angry, my friends.
The Prudent Groove 