Chicago Slickers jumped into my arms faster than a wet dog desperate for warmth and unhinged affection. (Not sure exactly why we had to go down that road, but here we are.) Patiently waiting in the “need to listen to pile,” Chicago Slickers is a monstrous collection of Chicago blues dating back between the years 1948 and 1953. Though this copy is a 2017 reissue, the original was released in 1976 on Nighthawk Records, a Missouri-based indie label owned by parent Omnivore Recordings. I cheated and previewed a handful of tracks on allmusic.com, and I’m ecstatic with the results. This comp is going to be on heavy rotation for the foreseeable future.
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Discreet Pete
Peter Cetera’s first solo album after leaving Chicago (the band, not the city) was an enormous commercial success. It housed two #1 Billboard 200 hits (featuring the vocals of Amy Grant on The Next Time I Fall), was home to the Theme to The Karate Kid Part II, and even included the guitar work of Ray Parker Jr. on Wake Up to Love. If you’re looking for an immediate flashback to 1986, look no further than Solitude / Solitaire. You will not (likely) be disappointed.
Broke into the Glenn Miller collection over the weekend. Presented here is a 1974 double LP of previously unreleased performances spanning 1939 – 1942. This particular release happens to be my first Glenn Miller album. I must have been 18 when I acquired it. Not a bad place to start at all.
Release Date Taboo
It never really dawned on me how damn similar these two album covers were. On the left, Arthur Lyman’s, Taboo, and on the right, The Legend of Pele. Now, what’s interesting, is that the internet can’t get its release dates straight. Some reputable sources are saying Taboo is Lyman’s debut album, released in 1958, while Pele was a 1959 release (with a few additional albums separating the year gap). Other sources are saying Pele was also released in 1958, and that Leis of Jazz (originally thought to have been released in 1959) is actually Lyman’s debut album, being released in 1957. Unfortunately, there is no clear source for this valuable information… give me some time.
Contra Band
My 8-year-old self is adamantly denying this, but my 38-year-old self prefers the Arcade Version of Konami’s Contra than the (much more heard) NES Version. Thanks to Mondo, both versions are as easily accessible as a simple flip of a record. Necessary, 8-bit listening material.
The BBC Radio Sessions
The Zombies and the BBC. That’s all that needs knowing to justify this double LP purchase. Frosting on the cake is Record Store Day exclusivity. 38 vintage tracks spanning from 1964 – 1968. Worth. Every. Penny.
Let’s Be
… it could be worse!
The Magic Beat
AUDITION RECORD (iPhone Photoshop app wouldn’t allow a savable crop) #itisjustmylegs
Todd 2.0
Nothing with the moniker of Todd Terje ever yields a negative listening experience. So was the case with 2014’s It’s Album Time, and so now is the majestic brilliance of 2016’s The Big Cover Up. The mark of brilliance has a name, and said name is Todd.
Greatest Hits? Nope… Just Green River
I know I said it before, but have a quick look at the tracklist for CCR’s 1969 album, Green River. The 2nd of three “best of” albums released that year (January’s Bayou Country, this, August’s Green River, and November’s Willy and the Poor Boys), Green River is absolutely essential listening material for any casual fan of Bad Moon Rising.
Count the Evening Stars…
I’ll say, against popular belief, that I’m not at all surprised that HBO’s Vinyl won’t be picked up for a 2nd season. What are big names when content is second rate? And I love Scorsese, but just couldn’t get behind Vinyl. To each their own, I suppose.
D.Y.
No ABC Family Special here, just good-ol, quality, down-home, Dwight Yoakam. Tally-ho!
RIP
RIP John Berry.
Goldrush
In Switzerland, millionaire industrialists join electro-pop, synth-jazz bands and release inspirational 80’s masterpieces. Case in point, 1987’s One Second from Yello. While the album may be most notable for its inclusion of the 1985 romp Oh Yeah, it’s Goldrush that’s really a chief standout. For a good, non-Ferris Bueller examples of Yello, have a watch at the below video for Goldrush. Remember, this is 1987 Switzerland, and mainstream pop for Mercury Records circa: 1987. Oh yeah, enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_ITf7u4XRA&list=RDG_ITf7u4XRA
So, This Looks Fun
A recently discovered, record related work beer. 🙂
Last Night
So, Swami John Reis and the Blind Shake last night… there are no words. Saturday night band from here on out, PLEASE!
With Love
8-track obsession!
Pharwalk
Need to digitize this one ASAP!
Life…
Yesterday was a laborious day of (regular work) and tickle-fixing the1966 Philco. She’s fully functional, speed-accurate, and bass-nasty (as she always was). This, for those keeping count, is the 3rd time I’ve opened her up to correct the speed issue, and six albums / 38 hours later, she’s running smooth and strong as ever. 50 motha’ flippin’ years old (1966 -2016), this tired ol’ bitch, and she still sounds absolutely amazing!
The Prudent Groove 