I did some DTA (Dan the Automator) research today, and boy-oh-boy, am I missing a truck-ton of records in THIS discography?! What I dig about this pioneer is his consistency in releasing instrumentals for his notable collaborations. Dr. Octagon, Lovage, and Deltron 3030, to name a tiny few. Deltron 3030, their first album at least (I need to revisit their 2013 follow-up) is classic, early millennial, sophisticated hip hop, and although Del is greatly missing, it’s a refreshing option in rediscovering this classic album.
Author Archives: The Prudent Groove
12 Sides of Glenn Miller
I’ve been in a bit of a pure, uncomplicated mood lately. Yesterday, Simon & Garfunkel got some play, along with Metronomy, and today we’ll celebrate Glenn Miller with this six LP box set titled, The Unforgettable Glenn Miller 70 of His Greatest Original Recordings. Little to nothing is left out on this massive collection, which was released by Reader’s Digest in 1968. All the obvious classics are here, but what I find most interesting is the various collaborators found within. Glenn Miller and The Modernaires, Glenn Miller and the Army Air Force Band, Glenn Miller and Ray Eberle, Glenn Miller and Tex Beneke, Glenn Miller and Marion Hutton, and Glenn Miller and Kay Starr to name a few. Six LPs will most definitely take some time to finish… I just hope I’m not out of my melon collie mood before then.
I’m Down with the Boys Beastie
What’s not to love about a bootleg of the Beastie Boys covering their version of a Beatles song?! This unofficial 7″ from 2013 is as hilarious as it is historical. From the bird on the cover (here) to the Licensed to Ill-era schoolboy lyrics, the Beasties’ version of I’m Down has the classic Def Jam hip hop power guitar you’d expect, and I’m not even joking, their reworked lyrics are gut-bustingly priceless. The quote on the back of the sleeve, however, takes the cake.
“After a long pause, Michael Diamond responds to a question about Michael Jackson, who as owner of the publishing rights to the Beatles’ songs, refused the Beasties permission to put their own customized version of the Fab Four’s ‘I’m Down’ on their album. ‘What would I do if I met him?’ Mike D says. ‘I’d unplug his oxygen tent, rip off his surgical mask and spit in his face.'”
– Los Angeles Times, February 1, 1987
Classic D. This Chinese release is limited to 249 copies on explicative pink vinyl, was a holiday gift from some well-knowing family members, and comes highly recommended.
RIP MCA.
RIP David Robert Jones
I wish I knew you yesterday as much as I’ll know you tomorrow. RIP Bowie.
Mask
I’ve recently exhausted (in a good way, and mainly on trips to and from the office), Bauhaus’ debut masterpiece, 1980’s In the Flat Field. Mask, the band’s second album, waits impatiently on the shelf for the cloud of brilliant indecency to subside. Tracks 1-4 on …Field rival anything released in the past 40 years, and I challenge anyone who says otherwise.
Soulwise
This one was a bit of a challenge to figure out, but after some nervous and speedy research, The Bouncing Souls, and not Pennywise will be performing at the Palladium on March 10. Ticket purchased, and early work exit email draft started. Bring on these East Coast fools!
Mr. Nelson
1978’s Willie and Family Live is a great collection of heartfelt confessions told by one of the last remaining living legends of the country music genre, Willie Hugh Nelson. Kicking off this 28-track double LP (not including the 6-part medley) is the lively classic, Whiskey River (a raging thoroughfare we’ve all battled in one way or another, some more frequently than others). While my soul goes out to Johnny Cash, my heart goes to Willie Nelson. His impartial sincerity is as humbling as it is overwhelming, and as a live act, few standing have as much stage wisdom as Mr. Nelson. It’s going to be a sad day when we lose this one.
Mo Money
I’d always loved this label photo, which also doubles as the cover to Money Mark’s Third Version E.P. from 1996. Former carpenters turned keyboard astronauts always tend to nab my undivided attention, as well they should. If you’re in the mood this new year for some downtempo trip hop, the buck stops with Money Mark Nishita.
As an aside, while prepping for this post, I came across a 20th anniversary free download link on Mr. Mark’s official site, so head on over to http://moneymark.com/, drop your email, and enjoy his first album for free!
101A
The Aristrocrat of Records, this was to be our nightly spin… and then I fell asleep. Sherman Hayes and his Orchestra with vocals by Wyoma performing Say No More will, again, have to wait.
So What…
Record on the right, the 1986 black vinyl (vs yellow or blue… le sigh) Super Seven Records release, So What if We’re on Mystic! EP. The record on the left, one of the 126 Inches of NOFX box set from 2012 of the same name. The original was one of the first records sought after in my early collecting days. You see, Bob Turkee, the dick that he may be, was my favorite song for a good year or so, and I needed to own a copy of its origin. NOFX, or No F-X as it were, have come a long way, but they’ve (arguably) never exceeded their crowning achievement, Bob Turkee.
Sublimed
I saw Sublime’s self-titled album at Barnes & Noble recently and I got to thinking, why the hell don’t I own all of their albums yet? I mean, there are only three of them, and I already own their second offering, 1994’s Robbin’ the Hood (featured here). They seem to reissue all three of these with some kind of color variant every few years or so. I think I’m going to jump on the next round, or at least strongly consider it. Sublime was on heavy rotation during my pizza delivery days which was, unfortunately, after frontman Bradley Nowell had passed. A buddy of mine swears we saw them back in 1995 at a Warped Tour, but I think he’s nuts as I would certainly have remembered seeing them. Anyway, as a general rule of thumb, if a band only releases three albums, and you already own one of them, it’s damn time to round out their discography.Lazy and Unapologetic
I’m taking the day off. Enjoy your family and friends while you can, and listen to good music at every damn opportunity that arrives. Cheers, PG.
Mr. Cottontail
Among the pile of “to be entered into Discogs.com” is this 19?? 78rpm of Peter Cottontail from Capitol Records. Bozo approved, which I imagine was a purified sign of prestigious quality back in the day, Mr. Cottontail’s, well, tale, will be the first spun during tomorrow’s mid-mourning session. Let’s say I didn’t watch Bozo the Clown on WGN in the mornings before school for, oh, let’s say close to 10 years, and let’s say I’m not a strong advocate of Mr. The Clown’s Grand Prize Game on said show. If both of these weren’t painfully obvious, I’d still lean my attention to a Bozo approved 78. Mr. Cottontail certainly had some heavy endorsers in his bushy, stolen carrot-filled pocket, and, well, he just made another. Peter Cottontail by Jimmy Wakely on Capitol Records is Groove approved. Next…
Introducing…
Happy 2016! Introducing… the latest addition to the collection, Introducing…, an original copy owned by my SO’s mother, gifted to me this holiday season. England’s No. 1 Vocal Group just found a welcoming, and respectful home. Dear neighbors, this is your soundtrack tomorrow morning. You’re welcome.
Got 2016 if You Want it
I can’t think of a better way to say goodbye to the end of 2015 than with the beginning of arguably the most prolific force of all British Invasion bands. 30 years of Kinky blues-driven hard rock (1964 – 1994) all started with this album (this copy, an obvious reissue), and as we look forward to a fruitful 2016, let’s not forget the lucrative paths that brought us to today. Goodbye, 2015. You were no 1964.
… Pillow
Home from the outback excursion, and we’re ready to lay our heads on any immobile pillow within arms reach, surrealistic, or otherwise. Happy New Years eve, kids!
Two Ton
First on tomorrow’s platter is this 2x 10″ of silly songs by the Mercury Miniature Playhouse, Two Ton Baker. Non-breakable records as it says, we’ll see if this vibrant cover bleeds through to the silly-song grooves within. Redheaded kids on yule logs thumping on piano-playing backgrounds with nearby red-eyed rabbits sell a damn-good tale of voluptuous entertainment, such that it is. We’ll see if ol’ Two Ton packs a worthy punch on ol’ Wednesday morn.
RV Outing, Day 3
Village Green on the Pacific coast with the fam. Essentials with essential people. Happy holidays from warm, Southern California.
RV Outing, Day 2
Walter Light says, enjoy the good things in life… be them Blue, fire, and / or solid JR Cash.
RV Outing, Day 1
Nothing but the essentials, now that the portable is in full, functioning condition. Thanks to the ol’ man for the electronic resurgence, and for he and my mom for both the opportunity, and the hearty company. Happy holidays, campers!
The Prudent Groove 