The Rolling Stones’ 1966 album, Aftermath (the band’s fourth studio effort in the UK, and their sixth in the US… figure that one out) is the first Stones album to 1) be recorded entirely in the United States, 2) consists of all Jagger-Richards compositions, and 3) was the band’s first “true stereo” release (thank you Wikipedia.org). Though the covers differ depending on your side of the pond, the flip side features (generally) the same layout. None of this matters, of course, because Aftermath features the following, early Stones classics: Under My Thumb, I am Waiting, Lady Jane, and a personal favorite, Paint it Black. (The UK version also includes Mothers Little Helper… the bastards...). If you don’t already own this essential piece of rock history, put it at the top of your list.
Tag Archives: records
Monkey?
A shameful reveal here… I didn’t realize that when I purchased Dan the Automator’s 2002 comp, Wanna Buy A Monkey? that it was, in fact, actually, “selections” from the full CD version of this catch-all release. I mean, honestly, we’re only talking about like, four tracks, but still… I should be happy for the vinyl opportunity, but still feel a bit short-changed. Anyway, ignore me. You have your own problems to worry about.
… of the Ukraine
Chalk this one up to another online order freebie. Can’t say I would have sought out Folk Songs and Dances of the Ukraine, but I won’t say no to a free record.
G, G G o H
Though I’ll admit that Tom Jones isn’t necessarily a consistent go-to, Green, Green Grass of Home was certainly a no-brainer for a cool $1. Released in 1967, G,GGoH features some relatively obscure Tom Jones in Georgia on My Mind and That Old Black Magic. I wouldn’t suggest you run out and find this album, but if you stumble across it, give it solid consideration.
Low Calorie Jello
Santa Ana kicked some solid ass and brought out some heavy, legendary hitters. Featured here is (insane / genius / crazy person) Jello Biafra with his Guantanamo School of Medicine. For only $20, we witnessed not only the best live band of our generation (Rocket from the Crypt), but also a few Dead Kennedys classics. I wasn’t expecting, or remotely prepared for the latter. Good day, indeed.
fab-u-lous
One doesn’t need to dig very deep to find the fabulous in Dick Hyman’s 1963 classic, Fabulous (RS33-862 Command Records). Billed as Dick Hyman at the Lowrey Organ and His Orchestra, this 12-track organ-tastic ensemble covers Danke Schoen to The Best is Yet to Come, and a wide sprinkle of early 60s pop radio in between. Originated and Produced by Enoch Light (owner of said Command Records), Fabulous is yet another phenomenal Dick Hyman release sandwiched between 1960’s Provocative Piano, and 1963’s Electrodynamics, both also on Command Records. If you’ve ever thought to yourself, or out loud, that the organ couldn’t be sexy, get yourself some Fabulous, and you’ll be changing your tune.
Shock of Daylight
Unexpected gifts in the form of records that accompany online purchases are, for some reason, happening more and more frequently. As I scour Discogs for random-ass one-offs and obscure Wax Trax! releases, more frequently now are sellers throwing in additional, random records with my purchases. This has happened a handful of times now, and I’m pleasantly surprised by the results. The Sound and their 1984 EP Shock of Daylight is the newest freebie to cross our threshold. Thank you, random Discogs seller. We’ll now enjoy six tracks of pure, new wave bliss. Free music just, somehow, tastes better, don’tcha think?
Contra!
Leave it to Mondo to release not one, but two colored vinyl versions of the NES classic, Contra. Side one features the NES version, while side two promotes the arcade version. Both sides at glorious 45rpm (for that maximum quality sound), this split red / blue colored vinyl version is the more easily accessible of the two releases (the other being a 2017 Comic Con exclusive). Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, start. Never forget.
GHits
I used to overlook Donovan in the most selfish of ways. That, was then. Now, he’s considered a sun-soaked God. It’s a Greatest Hits kind of overcast and gloomy morning, kids. Pop on some Donovan and wallow in your own self-pity.
Keep it Up
At one point in my record collecting life I found it necessary to procure Loverboy’s 1983 album, Keep It Up. Though it was a huge success and produced three, radio-friendly singles (Strike Zone, Hot Girls in Love, and Queen of the Broken Hearts), I can’t tell you that I’ve ever listened to it. Perhaps one, lonely, initial spin upon its $0.99 thrift store purchase, but I can’t say for absolute certainty. Time to give her a shot.
Shut Y-Aur Shades
Have an intimate gaze into the inter sleeve / die-cut backdrop to Led Zeppelin’s 1975 classic, Physical Graffiti. Somewhat stunning and presentable in its own right, wouldn’t ‘ya say? Anyway, if you don’t know Physical Graffiti, you don’t know rock n’ roll. Just called you out, there.
Roads Unknown
Unknown Road is / was Pennywise’s second studio album. These punk brats released ‘er way back in 1993 and she was one of my first ventures into the genre. More importantly, though, its opening track, Unknown Road, was the intro song to our Junior Varsity basketball warmup mix tape. The things you remember, eh?
Ground
A Good Ground was released in 2005 and, as far as I can tell, was the first studio album released on vinyl by Brooklyn indie Gods, Oxford Collapse. Though not as pleasing to the ear as 2006’s Remember the Night Parties (my first introduction to the band), Ground is solid angst music, heavy on rhythmic glee. These guys were really good. It’s just too bad the rest of the world didn’t think so.
When the Going Gets Tough… Well…
If you don’t remember Billy Ocean, the 80’s, or the sequel to Romancing the Stone (The Jewel of the Nile), then you don’t remember your history. That’s right, I said it. Bring back your white socks, slacks, high tops, and sports coat, and let’s everyone just get our shit back together.
The Lag
My copy of Putting Music in its Place box set doubles as a “catch-all” for all my Lagwagon schwag. Well, to be honest, the only element NOT from the 519 releases of the colored, 10x vinyl box set that IS “personally” original is the printed ticket from the only Lagwagon show I’ve ever witnessed (January 17, 2015 at The Fonda here in LA). Anyway, for a band with so much personal history, and the perfect release to reflect that, it’s always fun to trip down Memory Ln.
Mystic Records Wants Your Money
In randomly admiring the back cover to the 1984 Mystic Records comp, Mystic Sampler #1, I noticed a few key things. I present them in no particular or chronological order. 1) Discogs doesn’t have an entry for Slamulation, the comp album on which the original Suicidal Tendencies line-up released their early track, I Saw Your Mommy (also featured here). 2) There is a red vinyl version of Mystic Sampler #1 (Wantlisted). 3) The cover art to the Mystic Records cover compilation is the only advertised record NOT featured on this back sleeve. The only cover without a cover, is an album about covers.
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.
The Two
I’ve been going back and forth between these two albums over the past few days. They couldn’t be any more different in style, but they both hold important positions in my personal history. One one hand, you’ve got White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean (not the original title… this is the PG version) which takes me back to my high school years, and The Best of the Statler Brothers, which takes me back even further to my adolescent years. “Going back” is the theme, I suppose, and both are adequate vehicles by which to travel. It’s good to have options, I suppose.
Process 70’s France
Hop an intercontinental flight with Bob & Susan and journey through the provocative streets of Paris on this Process 70 Series 2000 easy listening day-trip from Gorden Jenkins and His Orchestra. Simply titled France, this Time Records stereo release is courageous in its approach to bringing the listener “in” to the French experience. Complete with between-song sound effects and comical dialogue (circa: 1962), you, the listener, can piggyback through the wondrous sounds (no sights, kids… this is a record, remember) of an actual French vacation… given that the vacation isn’t yours and you’re subject to the predestined locations that strategically complement the next song to spill from your living room speakers (or kitchen, I don’t know where you keep your stereo set-up… no judgements here). Check it out. It’s certainly not an everyday listen, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun.
Have a Laugh
Go ahead. Have a laugh. It’s Friday! Enjoy some Richard Pryor, some Steve Martin, some Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, or even some Marx Brothers (featured here). In fact, listen to whatever makes you laugh out loud, be it the latest Kid Rock album, or maybe some goofy They Might Be Giants (The Prudent Groove does not actually suggest you listen to Kid Rock). Happy Friday, and don’t forget to laugh!
The Prudent Groove 