So admittedly, it’s been a while, but I went to pull out Viva! La Woman, Cibo Matto’s debut album on Warner Bros. Records from 1996, and to my dismay, I noticed that my copy is sealed! All those years listening to Viva! and Stereo Type A must have been digitally, come to think of it now. I have zero recollection of any hint of reasoning why I would have kept this classic record sealed, but here it lives, suffocating in time. Now, the question is, obviously, whether to keep this virgin record cocooned, or to free it for the celebratory maiden voyage… Where’s my knife?
Tag Archives: music
Mariachis and Tortillas
We made tortillas and salsa over the weekend, so it was, of course, fitting to spin some Mariachi El Bronx. Turns out, this copy of their first album, self-titled, fetches a hefty sum online. As of right now, only 390 people on the Discogs community “Have,” while 338 people “Want.” Oh, yeah! The fruit beer! It was a first for me, and was equal parts “interesting” and quite tasty. As an aside, both the tortillas and the salsa turned out near perfectly, so that’s something.
Chuck
One of my wife’s latest brick & mortar selections, Chuck Mangione’s 1976 album, Main Squeeze. My wife (adorably) confused Mr. Mangione with Herb Alpert, but we’re both more than happy to welcome this modern jazz (well, mid-70’s modern jazz) album to the collection. I’d definitely welcome more spins by Mangione in the near future, and it just hit me that I should probably be listening to a lot more from the A&M Records library. Baja Marimba Band, anyone?
Armed Forces
So happy to finally get this stellar Elvis Costello and the Attractions album from ’79 titled, Armed Forces. Presented here is the US variant cover (UK cover showcases elephants, for those with inquisitive minds). Obviously a much-needed classic, this copy was purchased by my nephews at a South Jersey record shop as a holiday gift. Thanks again, buddies!!
Māori
I love me some groovy world music, but not until today was I aware that the New Zealand national Film Unit produced a video to accompany this snapshot album. If you find yourself with a free 13+ minutes, head on over to the link for a brief history of the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, also known as the Māori.
Pay the Man
Skyscraper Records released this 5-track EP back in 1992, and I can’t for the life of me remember the circumstances surrounding its acquisition. It’s probably one of the first, say, 100 records I’ve obtained, and aside from maybe a Half Price Books deal, it was probably found on one of my many, many, early hunting days, likely at a Goodwill or a St. Vinnie’s. Come to think of it, I haven’t hunted the thrift stores in close to a lifetime (a few years at least), something certainly worth reconsidering, as is relistening to the transparent blue record found beneath Clown Martin, here.
Hooked on Phonic
Full frequency stereophonic sound, like you’ve never heard it reproduced before. Though there’s certainly something nostalgic and simple about the grandfather mono sound, something cleaner, it goes without saying that the technological advances of stereophonic sound changed the audio recording game for the better. Whatever your preference per individually pressed records, we’re all kings and queens of our own destinies, in large part to stereophonic sound.
8 Book
1977’s Book of Dreams was The Steve Miller Band’s 10th studio album, and arguably their most prolific release. 7 of the tracks would appear on the band’s Greatest Hits 1974 – 1978 album, which appeared just a year after Book hit record store shelves. The classic Jet Airliner is the obvious standout (or Jed & Lina, depending on who you ask), but Book also contains the party-favorite Jungle Love. In all, it’s no question, given the outrageous success, that this album would appear on multiple formats. Presented here is a newly acquired 8-track. Same track order as the vinyl release, save for Swingtown which is broken into two parts. No joke, The Steve Miller band hit it huge with Book of Dreams.
Elvis Model 8
Another find from the recent online hunt is (yet) another Elvis Costello release. This time, This Year’s Model on 8-track. Now, I know we’d “recently” touched upon the vinyl version of this seminal album, but let’s be honest, is $12 too much to pay for an essential, recent obsession on an obsolete format? Well, clearly, the answer is an astounding no! Happy New Year, kids!
Sutch
Nun Sutch… I’ve been salivating over this release ever since my father, another record collector, sent me a photo some several months ago. I know little-to-nothing ( read: absolutely nothing) about his “Lord” or his ambitious shenanigans. We look forward to discovering the greatness within… thanks, Big Guy!
Glenn Miller Air Force Band
So, Glenn Miller’s body was never found, eh? Well, isn’t that some shit to ponder…
17 Hits
A Whole Lotta Frankie, as the record title goes, but part of me wonders (hopes, really), that young Jimmy Page and Robert Plant were fancy to the Frankie sound and were keen to this album, so much so that they “adopted” the “Whole Lotta’ part for their own drug-induced, sex-crazed, chart-topping needs. 17 hits had Frankie, Page and Plant got that beat.
Headliners
Yesteryear’s headliners include, but are not limited to, Marty Robbins, Johnny Mathis, The Four Lads, The Dave Brubeck Trio, and Tony Bennett. Limited to “exclusive” member of Columbia (yes… THAT Columbia), circa: 1960, this collection of pop jingles by moguls of yesterday’s legends has its place and time, and is perfect for evenings waiting for your significant other to finish “getting ready.” Love you! 😉
Gala
Press your slacks and hem your skirts, ’cause it’s (hot damn) time for the Gala! That, well, that’s as far as I got… Merry belated Christmas (he said with a wince)?
True 8 (Elvis)
So, and I’m sure this comes as no surprise, but when I get into something, say an artist, say, Elvis Costello, I get head over heels into them! This recent acquisition, on 8-track cassette is of Elvis Costello’s debut, 1977 album, My Aim is True. Lucky for us, the 8-track stereo hi-fi is in full, functioning order, so casual reading sessions on the living room couch will now sound even better, thanks to Declan Patrick MacManus and his late 70s classic.
More Monkees
Hey, hey! More of the Monkees, released back in ’67, as you’re well aware, I’m sure, was recently added to the collection by means of my cold-loving (or, at the very least, cold-tolerating) family. As my wife is the self-proclaimed fifth Monkee (more, much, much more for another time), this record annoys the neighbors in ways that make us happy well beyond our years. Riddle me this, Davy… why the shit were (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone and I’m A Believer saved for this second helping catch-all? A long-lasting question for the ages… and now, Mr. Serling…
Gold Mill
Never one to scoff at anything swing-era related, I thank my thoughtful kin for this greatest hits collection by the comfort-inducing Glenn Miller, simply and adequately titled, Pure Gold. Chattanooga Choo Choo, In the Mood, Little Brown Jug… I can go on and on, and on, and on… I will say, for the record, that Moonlight Serenade (also included on this 12″) may, in fact, be one of the best songs ever written. Comfort food for the ears. You’re welcome.
There… A Patriot’s Tale
An American Heritage Record… need I say more? Yes?! Well, fine, then. This unique collection (titled Over Here Over There) consists of popular WWII songs on both sides of the Atlantic (United States and England, for those of you geographically inclined). An interesting concept compilation album, for sure, the household eagerly looks forward to this historical trip down Popmusic Ln.
Invisible Polkas
This is the last remaining album to be personally entered into Discogs, at least, until the next one comes along. Titled, Polish String Bands Play Polkas, this jovial 12″ is a perfect fit for mid-afternoon beer-battered cheese curd adventures, and, well, the like. Keep an eye out in the (not so) near future for its inclusion into the Discogs universe.
Ranwood Records, Inc.
Ranwood, as it turns out, was co-owned by bandleader, and grandparent-favorite, Lawrence Welk starting back in 1968. Together with Dot Records creator Randy Wood, Ranwood (see where the name comes from?) would enjoy moderate success up until, and surpassing the acquisition by Mr. Lawrence Welk, whose bulk library was released on the label. Any way you spin it, this logo is one that can’t be beat!
The Prudent Groove 