I ran across a stack of concert tickets last week while digging for non-music related fall decorations (such a thing should not exist in my humble opinion), and I thought that this would be a nice change of pace from the standard peak, pull, and photograph post. Cleverly dubbed the NINJA Tour (combining NIN and Jane’s Addiction… see what they did there?), 5/20/09 would mark the first time I’d ever see Jane’s Addiction perform, and as I’d been listening to them since early Jr. High, I jumped at the opportunity (by driving to the venue) to see this historically prominent act. I all but completely ignored NIN, but Jane’s were nothing short of astonishing, and with no hint of anticipatory letdown. Jane Says… you listen.
Category Archives: Misc
Hard
It’s a few weeks early, but let’s flashback to Halloween of 2008. The Shrine Expo Hall, good friends, and Simian Mobile Disco. Justice’s DJ set left us a bit unfulfilled, but Perry Ferrell (and the 7 people that showed up) gave the night an interesting, yet unforgettable twist. Hard Fest, kids… circa: 2008.
Entertainment Bliss
(Still in shock…) Rocket from the Crypt… Mystery Science Theater 3000, AND… The Kids in the Hall… one evening, one euphoric, eye-piercing glimpse into perfection. Cancel all my subscriptions… expectations have been tainted… deal with it…
No More Cocoons, or at Least, Half of It
One endures several lessons throughout his or her record collecting education. Some of these lessons fall into the “That’s interesting… I never knew that!” category, while others fall within the “Are you #?*!@%^ kidding me? Well, I’m clearly an idiot!” lines. This is a post on the latter.
While visiting a friend in the Twin Cities some 15 or so years ago, I stupidly purchased Jello Biafra’s debut spoken word album for a very reasonable sum. Something like $4. What wasn’t called out, but what was painfully obvious in hindsight was that Jello Biafra’s debut spoken word album is a double LP, and I cluelessly walked away with only one record. The back sleeve CLEARLY indicates four sides of material, and I have no excuse for my blatant disregard for detail. To this day, I’ve only ever heard half of this album, and I’ve not sought out a full album version just so I could remind myself of my wayward ways. Lesson achingly learned.
Read What You Listen To
I’m excited for these newly (ish) released 33 1/3 titles from Bloomsbury Publishing! Adding to the handpicked selects from this amazing series that already includes The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society, Paul’s Boutique, Double Nickels on the Dime, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, and 20 Jazz Funk Greats (to name a few), is Dead Kennedys’ debut, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables, and Koji Kondo’s Super Mario Bros. Soundtrack. I can honestly say, I’m not sure which title I’m more excited for. These books are quick and entertaining reads, and with over 108 titles on albums by a diverse collection of bands (from Serge Gainsbourg to Joy Division), you’re certainly bound to find something that tickles your learning fancy. Here’s the checklist. Have a look, and get reading!
Shake it Up
“Your love is like bad medicine, bad medicine is what I need, woah-oh-oh!”
Chapters
There are certain milestones, chapters in a man’s life (obvious statement), and these chapters can be traced to the discovery and overabundant submersion into specific pop artists… for me, anyway. Phases may be a better term for it. When I was young I went through my Bon Jovi phase (ended), followed by my Def Leppard phase (ended). In Junior High it was the hip-hop (mainly ended) and Jane’s Addiction phases (on-going), before graduating to the punk, industrial, and metal phases (never-ending, never-ending, and mainly ended, respectfully). I’ll spare you the long line of personal music phases (as well as their lengths), and cut directly to the now, decade-long Jim Croce phase. First discovered from classic rock radio as a lad, my Croce chapter started with a 2-disc compilation titled, The 50th Anniversary Collection. Acquired during my brief tenure as a music coordinator, the digital version of this album opened a new and exciting door to some of the most profound, and emotional songwriting I’d ever hear. While some chapters conclude, I pray my Croce chapter has no ending.
Vintage Tunes
“Take this, brother, may it serve you well.”
Endless Summer
Summer of 2015 in Los Angeles, aka the Summer that would not end! As we “officially” move into Autumn, let’s, at least internally, put a proper end to the scorching heat and horrid traffic, and make way for cooling, soft breezes, roaring fireplaces, and plenty of Sounds of Silence and The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society (enter your favorite Autumn-themed music here). Beach Boys, you’ve “officially” outstayed your welcome. It’s now time for you to go home. Happy Autumn Day!
A Sleeve for a Ghost
At some point throughout my collecting tenure I acquired just the sleeve to Led Zeppelins’ self titled 4th album. Although the history is (remotely) unknown, I still feel the need to blanket this “envelope of nothing” with the standard protectant sleeve all my other albums receive. Call it habit, call it stupidity, call it what you will.
Let it Bleed Belafonte
With such a spectral range to choose from, it’s a wonder not everyone is a Calypso nut thanks to the pop genius of Harry Belafonte. The luxury of reality admits that, to all, there is still time. Embrace Mr. Belafonte… your Calypsoul demands it.
Notwithstanding
Ray Davies and the Button Down Brass does not, in any way, represent the melodic brilliance of The Kinks’ frontman, and creative rep, Raymond Douglas Davies. I learned this lesson, as you would say, the hard way, but Volume Two of Stereo Sound Stage isn’t necessarily a venture with which to walk away from, Kinks-less notions notwithstanding. I was duped, but in a pleasing manner, if in any way that makes sense.
Funky Cold Sangria
In Los Angeles and craving some badass pizza with a little local hip hop flair (and let’s be honest, aren’t we all in one way or another)? Then why not make the most of your cheat day with some of the best pizza the area has to offer with the Delicious Vinyl influenced Delicious Pizza? From a Soulflower to a Rick Ross, your LA-based beat-palate will be satisfied with enough room for some Funky Cold Sangria. Seriously, this is the best place on Earth!
Improvements
With improvements to day job facilities comes improvements in day job workstations. I am, along with my team, very excited to now have a turntable in the office. The Numark PT-01 with iHome speaker have been in full swing since our team (temporarily) moved into a new facility. We’ve been spinning The Sun Ra Arkestra, The Kinks (obviously, and often), Chicago, Dylan, Madonna, Tim Hardin, Cibo Matto, Duran Duran, Devo, Santogold, Ratatat, The Police, and of course, Belle & Sebastian featured here. File under “simple pleasures of spinning vinyl on the go.”
Another Saturday Night…
We’re taking a break tonight, so whatever you’ve got right infront of you, make it happen… Todd Terje, The Blackouts, your mother’s kitchen jingles… whatever tickles your fancy, we’re in on it. Happy Saturday!
Dyn-O-Mite Guitar
Q: What do James Bond, Captain Kirk, Bruce from Jaws, and the team from The Rockford Files all have in common? A: Billy Strange’s thematic interpretation found throughout the party-favorite, Dyn-O-Mite Guitar. When drama, science fiction, and scantly clad axe-wielders collide, there’s Billy Strange.
Hardin’s Greatest Feat
Goodbye, Hank Williams, my friend... – Tim Hardin, circa: 1967
Gorilla Ghost in the Groove
I caught a glimpse of my Rocket from the Crypt tee when photographing records for Discogs.com submission and had to snap this shot. Nothing profound here, just a fun little moment I felt worth preserving. Giving personality to inanimate objects… it’s the little things in life, kids.
#907
I’m tired… I’m salty… (KITH), but seriously, I’m giving up on the day and saying, hey, let’s tackle the doldrums of the future another day, today, we’re dog-walking and Irish pub-dwelling. Happy Sunday, kids!
To HELL With ‘Merica
I very much wanted to rant and rave about the current state of affairs, but chose to post this cover of Canada’s finest, the uncompromising Propagandhi’s 2nd album, instead. Even within our own walls we find restriction… anyway, GO CANADA!
The Prudent Groove 