March 9, 2014 Misc 1958, Camay Records, music, Nat King Cole, record collecting, records, vinyl Leave a comment

Kaleidoscopic Wondersound

by The Prudent Groove

I’m as much a fan of Nat King Cole as the next chap, but I can’t for the life of me figure out the fine print to the back alley pact Mr. King Cole made with some powerful and fame-granting deity that would result in such a uniformly, and unmistakably grand record album experience, that it would warrant the need for such a marvelous, and attention grabbing phrase as, Kaleidoscopic Wondersound.

Let’s break this phrase down, shall we? Kaleidoscope is a defined by Merriam-Webster (http://www.merriam-webster.com) as:

: a tube that has mirrors and loose pieces of colored glass

or plastic inside at one end so that you see many different

patterns when you turn the tube while looking in through

the other end

: a changing pattern or scene

Now, I’m not sure this 1958 release on Camay Records, officially titled Nat King Cole’s Golden Hits, resembles anything tube-like, is made of any colored glass, nor is it in any way, shape, or form a conduit with which to change patterns or scenes. What do you think? Does its use carry with it any sort of validity? Ok, moving on…

Again with the help of our friends at Merriam-Webster (we’re not really friends), the word wonder is defined as:

: something or someone that is very surprising, beautiful,

amazing, etc.

: something that is surprising or hard to believe

Mr. King Cole is certainly a sharp dressed gentleman, but I certainly wouldn’t use the word beautiful to describe him. He is, however, somewhat amazing, something that isn’t necessarily “very surprising” or for that matter “hard to believe.”

Last but certainly not least we change pace a bit, and head to Dictionary.com for a breakdown of arguably the most important word in the phrase, sound:

: the sensation produced by stimulation of the organs of

hearing by vibrations transmitted through the air or other

medium.

So, to accurately and definitively explain the rhythmic impact of Nat King Cole’s Golden Hits, one, by definition, could describe it, and it’s implementation of Kaleidoscopic Wondersound, in any or all of the following three ways:

1. Organ stimulating pattern tubes of a surprising nature

2. Beautifully transmitted vibrations through colored glass

3. Sensational and stimulating surprises that change and has mirrors

Sounds logical to me! We hope you enjoyed your weekend and we thank you for making it through today’s nonsense (fyi, don’t look for any hidden meaning to today’s post… it isn’t there)!

March 7, 2014 Misc 45rpm, garage rock, Gluecifer, music, record collecting, records, Seattle, The Murder City Devils, Washington Leave a comment

Burned for Better Playability

by The Prudent Groove

The Murder City Devils, Washington state’s answer to the rum & coke-drinking, bar-closing delinquents of the early 21^st century, have, for me, been labeled the garage rock grandfathers of my eclectic collection. Often inebriated, and always loud, the Murder City Devils ease the angry pain of worried, early mornings, and offer a welcoming, yet nagging soundtrack to the bitterness and uneven temperament of everyday life. (i.e. They’re good; you should check ‘em out!)

This 45, a split with Gluecifer, is uniquely discernible from any other release I’ve ever seen. As you can see, the bottom corner has been torched (not by me, although the picture suggests otherwise), which yes, is a rather over-simplified gimmick, but its design technique is both fitting, and particular to each (burned) release.

Happy Friday to those who have not yet lived it, and remember, whether you’re a resident of Murder City or not, the Devils are just a simple spin away.

March 6, 2014 Misc 1985, Blackouts, California, iHome, Los Angeles, music, Numark, power outage, record collecting, records, turntable, vinyl, Wax Trax! Records 4 Comments

The Blackouts During a Blackout

by The Prudent Groove

When the first one hit, I found myself amongst a cloud of darkness, and a kitchen full of dirty dishes. When the second one hit, I (literally) ran to the office for my portable, and this 1985 release (Wax Trax! Records cat. no. WAX006), Lost Soul’s Club by the Blackouts. I’ve lived in Southern California for over 10 years and have never experienced a blackout, so, quick on my feet, I wasn’t about to miss an opportunity (however brief), to enjoy the Blackouts during an actual blackout. Lucky for me (less so for my SO), this one lasted three hours.

I’m still working on an actual, respect-given write-up about my portable turntable setup (battery operated Numark PT-01 and iBN24 iHome rechargeable speaker, gifted by my thoughtful, music-loving parents), but I will say this: the ability to listen to records literally anywhere and at literally any time is a luxury I’m rapidly becoming accustomed to.

March 5, 2014 Misc 1972, CBS Records, Columbia House, Country, music, record collecting, records, vinyl, wax, Western, Wisconsin 3 Comments

* Electronically Re-recorded to Simulate Stereo

by The Prudent Groove

1972’s Country Winners of the ‘50s is probably my earliest mail-order album offered from the minor-music-loving-money-snatchers, Columbia House. I have a rather unsettling confession to make. Back in Junior High, I was a member of Columbia House (as were the majority of my friends). Sure, I got suckered into 10 CDs for a penny, and nearly wept at the terribly overpriced, mediocre albums I was forced to purchase in order to round out my membership obligation. I believe Aerosmith got heavy play in those days… it was a dark time for sure.

Country Winners of the ‘50s is, in my opinion, a great representation of the “true” country sound. People scoff at my unashamed pride when I admit that I rather enjoy country and western music. What I (nearly always) need to explain is that I don’t listen to anything from either genre past 1980 (save for the Rick Rubin helmed American Recordings releases).

I look at this album cover and fancy the idea of canoeing across the bright, blue lake with my SO, ingesting the open, crisp air and savoring the soft warbling of rural birds making their majestic flight from shore to muddy shore. I doubt I’ll ever leave Southern California, but I often long for the serenity of the simple, calming life I left behind.

March 4, 2014 Misc Beastie Boys, limited edition, music, record collecting, records, Tech Ed, UK, vinyl, wax 1 Comment

Pass the Etch

by The Prudent Groove

I’d seen etched records before… in a collection curated by a friend during my early days as an optimistic and fragile young collector. It blew my mind at the time (a lot did at 19), but other than a displayable novelty, I really didn’t see much of the point. That was until I stumbled across this etched Pass the Mic by the Beastie Boys.

I’ve been a Beasties fan since discovering a beat-up compact disc of Paul’s Boutique in the Junior High Tech Ed. wing at my local middle school. It was scratched to all hell, but for reasons that still keep me up at night, that damn disc played like a champ… fate, or high-end electronics of the compact disc playing nature in early 1992 deserves a lifetime of thanks.

Anywho, this is a single sided, etched UK 12” EP of general limited edition tendencies, and I’ll be damned if I know what the hell to do with it. I can’t for the life of me imagine any sort of framed display that would give this monster its deserving, mic passin’ respect… so, sandwiched between the Jimmy James and Gratitude singles it sits… longing for a better, more appreciated purpose.

March 2, 2014 Misc 33 1/3, Beastie Boys, books, Dead Kennedys, Devo, Guns N' Roses, Led Zeppelin, Minutemen, music, Pink Floyd, reading, record collecting, records, The Beatles, The Kinks, vinyl, wax 6 Comments

Wait… is it a Speed, or is it a Book?

by The Prudent Groove

The 33 1/3 book series by Bloomsbury Publishing is a perfect collection of nerd-focused musical insight into the historical happenings of the development and recording of some of the most essential albums ever released (depending on whom you ask, of course… judge me not by this collection, you will). With 90 books currently published, and many more in the works (including upcoming releases that will warrant almost certain purchasing by yours truly… Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables; Freedom of Choice), my (current) collection of a measly 17 (or 5.29%) books from the series is, I feel, a decent start, and acts as a non-audio musical oasis of printed, historic pleasure.

I’ve finished The Village Green Preservation Society, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, Led Zeppelin IV, Paul’s Boutique (working on my third time through… it’s that good), Use Your Illusion I and II, and Double Nickels on the Dime, and am currently in the wee pages of Let it Be. (Check out the 90 titles here.)

If you’re in the mood for a quick, compact, in-depth analysis of some of the more quintessential albums of modern day rock (generally), look no further than 33 1/3. They’re cheap, and they look majestic all lined up on a bookshelf, or so I tell my significant other.

March 1, 2014 Misc 1961, Airport Lounge, easy listening, Hal Mooney, lounge, Mercury Records, music, record collecting, records, Space Age Pop, vinyl, Xavier Cugat Leave a comment

Viva Cugat!

by The Prudent Groove

While finishing up yet another spin of 1961’s Viva Cugat! by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra, and immediately before launching a Taiwanese bootleg of The Best of Frankie Lane, I felt inclined to gander upon the heavily worded inner sleeve to the vivacious Viva Cugat! For reasons that are not entirely clear, Hal Mooney, Mercury Recording Director, made sure to include diagrams to the band arrangement for the three differing recording sessions (spanning three days) used to create this exciting Airport Lounge album. (I’m now using the term Airport Lounge when referring to late 50s, early 60s easy listening lounge of an international nature.)

I’ve been heavily into the space age pop, easy listening, cool lounge vibe lately. I’m not entirely sure why this particular genre is monopolizing my ear, but Viva Cugat! is certainly a welcoming addition, which has yielded multiple spins within the past week. Stick with what’cha dig, I suppose. On a side note, I just learned that the plural for cello is celli, so, that’s something.

February 26, 2014 Misc id, Jamey Aebersold, Jazz, music, record collecting, records, Sigmond Freud, vinyl 2 Comments

Your Past is Knocking… DO! NOT! ANSWER THAT DOOR!

by The Prudent Groove

Dear Pretentious, emasculated self,

Your inevitable past is popping in for a formal, dish-stealing visit… prep yourself… the steps laid before you are crying for recognition… and those be damned who ignore their past… damned is the fluff that fills my pillows… the elastic that keeps up my socks… we’re cool, damned and I… I mean, what’s the alternative? Damned be damned? Well, that’s just silly.

Written last night amongst a jaunt of medical mist, the above, rather jagged sentence was fingered, somewhat without my knowledge, and quite promptly serves as a morning reminder that I should, apparently, be on the lookout for some inevitable nightmare from my yesteryear. A slight-of-hand message from my id.

All this means nothing as of now since I’m listening to a record I’ve owned, but have never listened to. Uncharted waters crash against my seafaring boat of sickness as I enjoy, rather amateurishly, the blanketed sound of A New Approach to Jazz Improvisation Book & Record Set For All Instruments by Jamey Aebersold Volume 1 – Fourth Edition.

My guard is up, you devilish weapon of past question marks! If and when you knock… I’ll be ready. Until then, I’ll calmly wait… methodically planning your demise.

February 24, 2014 Colored Vinyl, Misc 1982, 1983, bootleg, Chronic Sick, hardcore, music, Mutha Records, New Jersey, punk, record collecting, records, vinyl, wax Leave a comment

Chronic Sick

by The Prudent Groove

Thick, molasses-like sick has infected the otherwise healthy offices of the Prudent Groove this morning. So as not to spread my unhealthy funk, my frail and nauseated digits will shuffle out today’s post in rather brisk fashion (so that I may return to the couch with my tea and abhorrent daytime television). Chronic Sick, the New Jersey hardcore band from the early 80’s struck me by surprise when I discovered them some four or so years back. If there were such a genre as pop-hardcore punk, Chronic Sick would be its chain-smoking grandfathers.

Certainly not something for the whole family (to put it lightly), Chronic Sick are tight, agile, crunchy, hilarious, catchy, and tend to never overstay their welcome. Comprised of the 1982 LP, Cutest Band in Hardcore, the 1983 7”, Chronic Sick, and three unreleased tracks, this 2009 reissue is a perfect discography for those looking to acquire this band’s catalog on the cheap (their 7” sold on discogs for a whopping $892.94!). This particular version happens to be a bootleg, limited to 100 pressings, or so the internet is telling me.

Give the gift of 30-year-old sullen music, and allow Dr. Chronic Sick to cure your senseless ailments.

February 22, 2014 Misc California, love, music, Norman Luboff Choir, Pacific Ocean, record collecting, records, Santa Ynez Mountains, vinyl, wedding Leave a comment

For Ryan, Who Has Found His Joy

by The Prudent Groove

High atop the Santa Ynez Mountains today, a ceremony of love is beginning to unfold. The unification between one of my oldest friends and the love of his life brings with it teary eyes and a heavy, joy-filled heart (no pun intended). As they gaze upon the ceremonious beauty of the great Pacific, they abandon their separate paths, the solitary roads that brought them together, and begin to embark on a new, uncharted trail through life’s unknown terrain, side by loving side.

Songs of the Sea by The Norman Luboff Choir is a fairly decent selection for this monumental occasion, and certainly one that Ryan would appreciate. We here at the Prudent Groove wish Ryan and Joy a jubilant and thrilling life together, and we’re confident that the love they share will continue to infect every soul they touch.

February 21, 2014 Misc 1981, Arlo Guthrie, Doc Brown, Harry Belafonte, Letta Mbulu, Los Angeles, Michelob, music, Pete Seeger, record collecting, records, The Greek Theatre, vinyl Leave a comment

A Summer Full of Superstars!

by The Prudent Groove

Now, I’ll be honest and say I’ve never really pondered the notion, spun the groovy hamster wheel of imagination if you will, of what mainstream acts may have performed at Los Angeles’ legendary Greek Theatre in say, the summer of 1981. Call me old school, or whatever the kids are saying these days, but the idea never really crossed my mind. Thankfully, the previous owner of my copy of Harry Belafonte’s Harry Belafonte preserved this little time capsule-nugget-thing neatly away into the sleeve for me to discover some 30 odd years later. THANK YOU, OH GREAT AND WISE YESTEROWNER OF HARRY BELAFONTE’S HARRY BELAFONTE! THIS LITTLE 21-PAGE MAGAZINE IS NOTHING SHORT OF MYSTIFYING AND PROFOUNDLY ENJOYABLE! (I believe in giving credit where credit is due.)

Anyone want to hit up Doc Brown to see if we can borrow his GMC and head to the Greek to see Pete Seeger & Arlo Guthrie perform? Or how about Harry Belafonte with special guest Letta Mbulu? I know this guy who’s just sitting on a box of plutonium, so no need for gas money. The first round of Michelob is on me!

February 19, 2014 Misc 1964, dreams, Kandinsky, music, record collecting, records, Simon & Garfunkel, vinyl Leave a comment

Rumbles Under the Void of Calm AKA I’m Tired

by The Prudent Groove

This morning at 3am, I had the strangest dream. A dream so profoundly abstract, that it made Kandinsky’s Transverse Line look like a paint by numbers kit. It was so vigorous in its execution, yet so childish in its conception. Fights broke out behind my sunless eyes, as I lay physically immobile, yet emotionally writhing with internal conflict.

“War” can mean many things to many people, but its subtext always reads “permanent and coercive regret.” (Raises coffee mug) Here’s hoping the soldiers fighting your personal “war” return home safely and unscathed.

February 17, 2014 Misc 1997, California, Camp Lo, camping, De La Soul, Digable Planets, Hip-Hop, Jay-Z, Jefferson's Reserve, music, outdoors, record collecting, records, Ski, vinyl 2 Comments

Camp Lo

by The Prudent Groove

Having just returned, unscathed, from an overnight impromptu camping trip, one couldn’t help but spin this 1997 debut by Bronx helmed Camp Lo. Collaborating with both Trugoy from De La Soul and Butterfly from Digable Planets, with the majority of the producing done by the Jay-Z famous Ski, Uptown Saturday Night is unobtrusive, yet no less hard-hitting sophisticated hip hop galvanized from jazz and funk roots. Camping is fun, and so is Camp Lo… makes sense to me.

Also, it’s President’s Day, so drink up… your forefathers certainly did.

February 15, 2014 Misc 8-Track, Jim Croce, London Calling, music, record collecting, records, stereo, The Clash, vinyl Leave a comment

An 8th of Croce

by The Prudent Groove

It’s not often that I fire up the 8-track player quietly sitting under our big screen. The same hi-fi, wood-paneled unit solemnly connected to our living room speakers… and this is a shame for several reasons. The warm, comforting cloud of ecstatic ear food that emits from our otherwise digital spewing speakers is something that cannot be replicated (unless said scowl is shouting from our dining room hi-fi). The issue, above all others, concerning bygone audio formats, is the rapid lack of obtainable cassettes. I recently became aware that The Clash’s London Calling was released on 8-track (with some songs omitted, of course), but that fetches a hefty sum, and I already own this particular album in a few other formats (cassette, digital, LP), so the immediate “need” for such an album somewhat falls into collecting obscurity.

I love every conceivable music-replicating format, and the 8-track is certainly no exception. I just wish there were more punk-like album released… perhaps THEN would I open the expanding door to this already optional format. Instead, I’ll cycle through the disco chart toppers, the Croce hits, and the Star Wars soundtrack, until I stumble across the Mecca of 8-track gold. The burgeoning beginnings of yet another format collection may in fact be eclipsing the horizon… God help us all.

February 14, 2014 Misc music, record collecting, records, Steelheart, Suicidal Tendencies, Valentine's Day, vinyl, wax 2 Comments

Happy V-Day 2014!

by The Prudent Groove

Whether your heart is filled with the love for another, joy from within, or the general badassery of studded steel, The Prudent Groove wishes each of you a safe, and preferably loud 14^th of February.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us here at The Prudent Groove!

P.S. Remember last year when I had more motivation?! Yeah, neither do I.

February 12, 2014 Misc 12", 1996, California, lazy day, park, record collecting, records, sun, The Chemical Brothers Leave a comment

Setting Sun

by The Prudent Groove

Taking the day off today to read under the California sun (I’m enthralled with the 33 1/3 book series… almost finished with Piper at the Gates of Dawn, then will likely head to American Recordings… I’m a huge fan of Johnny Cash’s autobiography, Cash by Johnny Cash… thanks, High Fidelity), and to play a bit of catch (baseball) with the SO… I won’t fault her for being a Phillies fan… or maybe, yeah I will.

Bombastic big beat, baby! This 1996’s single by the Chem Bros from their 1997 full length, Dig Your Own Hole, Setting Sun features Noel Gallagher on vocals (don’t fault the band), and showcases heavy sirens and all the body movin’ dance floor glory that late 90s Chem Bros were known for. So, bump this fool to your iPod, or mobile stereo system, find a good tree, a better book, and enjoy the frills of a sunny afternoon… unless you live where it’s cold, in which case I pity your frozen soul!

February 11, 2014 Misc A.V. Club, cleaning, Fat Wreck Chords, Herman's Head, Herman's Hermits, music, Propagandhi, punk, record collecting, records, vinyl, wax Leave a comment

The Philodendron and the Damage Done

by The Prudent Groove

Inspiration for any given daily post seems to either knock me out cold, or hide in pop obscurity like a poorly fleshed out b-side. Generally coming down to feast or famine, on the days when nothing is slapping me around with flashing lights and a raging chorus (or a cleverly constructed cover), I’ll clean the kitchen spatula (generally used for stir fry the night before), and scrape the inner lining of my skull for any hint of musical interest with which to spend the first few hours of my prolonged day. This morning I woke up with Herman’s Hermits rummaging through my unsettled mind (does anybody out there remember the 90s TV show Herman’s Head?). Wondering what Mrs. Brown’s daughter may look like today, an overwhelming wave of comfort and ease washed over me as I’d, quite early, figured out what today’s topic would be… then I began to overthink… like I do.

I thought, bollocks! I only have Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter on HH’s Greatest Hits album, and risking social (and personal) embarrassment for not owning the “proper” vehicle for this track (1965’s self titled release, or subsequently the 45 of the same name), I reluctantly decided to abandon the whole idea and start from scratch. That’s when the coffee kicked in.

As a daily routine before the “real job,” I fancy a gander at the ol’ Facebook to see which of my friends is the first to post about a recent celebrity death, or whose friendship is at risk of becoming null and void based on any given number of close-minded political rants (something that is both laughable, and painfully serene). So I was gratified to discover that a like-minded idiot (one of my best friends) shared a link to an A.V. Club article about one of my favorite high school bands: Propagandhi.

Politically charged (see the clouds of hypocrisy forming), pop-punk from Manitoba, Propagandhi opened my eyes to gay-positive, anti-meat ideals, with just the right amount of vulgar snarls and crass imagery a growing boy in the rural Midwest desperately needs. The article is a rather lengthy read, but if you were into the pop-punk scene in the late 90s, it’s essential reading material.

On a side note, in preparation for today’s post, I accidentally spilled the potted plant that sits above my record shelves, and was forced to rage through the house for the trusty Hoover. I can honestly say that I’ve never vacuumed my records before today. The irony? Propagandhi’s first album is appropriately titled, How to Clean Everything. I dig my irony, but not with a carpet full of mud.

February 10, 2014 Misc comedy, Herb Alpert, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, music, Pat Cooper, record collecting, records, vinyl 5 Comments

Twin Delights

by The Prudent Groove

It’s been noted… it’s been stated… so, much like how I won’t tackle The Beatles, I’ll leave the simple observations between these two album covers to those who have finished before me. I will say, however, that it took me much longer than I’d like to admit to track down Mr. Cooper’s delightful cover rendition of the classic Whipped Cream & Other Delights. If I were to wear a hat, I would remove it, nod in respectful applause, and say, “Well done Mr. Cooper. Well done indeed, sir.”

(The Prudent Groove: Anti-hat since last Thursday.)

February 9, 2014 Misc 1963, J. R. Cash, Johnny Cash, music, record collecting, records, vinyl 3 Comments

An Open Letter to Previous Ring of Fire – The Best of Johnny Cash Owner, Dick Suman

by The Prudent Groove

Dear Dick Suman,

This is a bit awkward considering we’ve never met, but I can’t help but feel an eternal connection with you through our shared love for Johnny Cash. Like you, I enjoy his baritone voice, his uncanny ability to create timeless soundscapes, and this, a convenient collection of his greatest hits circa: 1963.

I must say Mr. Suman, your overall care for this copy of Ring of Fire – The Best of Johnny Cash has rendered this record in rather adequate condition. The disc has a few scuffs, but doesn’t skip, and the sleeve is in better than average condition considering she was released 51 years ago. No, overall she was an exciting find at a Wisconsin thrift store some years back, and although I own many of these songs on their respective albums, it’s nice every once in a while to spin a collection of someone else’s favorites.

I do, however, have one quick question for you, Mr. Suman. Respectfully, I can’t help but ask, WHY THE HELL DID YOU WRITE YOUR EGG-SUCKIN’ NAME ON THE MOTHER-LOVIN’ COVER… IN PEN?!?!??!1!? Couldn’t you haves scribbled your deteriorating title on the back, or on the inside label? Why did you feel the need to piss your inscription square on the cover like a yippy dog to a low hanging pant leg? I question your judgment, good sir.

51 years ago, you made a poor decision, one that will forever live as a blatant symbol of your irresponsible and shortsighted character. I hope you feel an eternity of shame, that which you justly deserve.

Sincerely, your pal,

The Prudent Groove

February 8, 2014 Misc 1996, Bulk Recordings, Dan the Automator, DJ Q-Bert, Dr. Octagon, Fat Boys, Hip-Hop, Kool Keith, music, PM Dawn, record collecting, records, Vanilla Ice, vinyl, wax 2 Comments

Not Your Mother’s Hip-Hop

by The Prudent Groove

By every conceivable understanding of the phrase, Dr. Octagon is without question NOT your mother’s Hip-Hop. Defined by Google as:

hip-hop

noun

1. a style of popular music of US black and Hispanic origin, featuring rap with an electronic backing.

Dr. Octagon is an X-rated barrel-shot through the grotesque-minded brilliance of the lyrical magician Kool Keith, backed with the autonomous production of the genre-bending (never breaking) Mr. Dan Nakamura (AKA Dan the Automator), mingled with the turntable chemist DJ Q-Bert (as well as a slew of genteel guest stars). In short, Dr. Octagon is the last doctor you’ll ever need, because he’s the last doctor you’ll ever see. Your mother would not approve of this disgusting display of Hip-Hop-ery.

What would qualify as “your mother’s Hip-Hop” you ask?

– Fat Boys

– PM Dawn

– Vanilla Ice (after a sixer of Zima)

The doctor is out… call back after midnight to make an appointment with the receptionist.

(Please note that this is not an album review. This has been explicitly stated so that I may repurpose this album for a future, much less lazy-minded post, you dig?)