I don’t listen to the Lovin’ Spoonful that much these days, and it’s not because the records are located on the shelf right next to Loverboy. But when I do listen to the Lovin’ Spoonful, I get a hearty dose of The Best of. Now, I’m fully aware that greatest hits albums are for lazy bastards and fascist sympathizers, but every once and a while it’s good to “spin the hits,” especially when you forgot you even owned the record.
Tag Archives: records
Good Groove’s Urge
It’s been a long time coming, 20 years to be exact, and I can honestly say, without a hint of bias or kickback on commission, that Porno for Pyros’ Good God’s Urge is one of the top 5 albums from the 1990s. It’s perfect from start to finish, and still sounds brand-spanking-new to this day. Perry Farrell is a genius.
Pink
So, it’s been a bit cooler here in LA lately, though nothing even remotely close to the subzero temps currently inflicting emotional harm on my home state in the Midwest. So, in honor of the frigid nights ahead, we’ll spin Weezer’s 2nd album, Pinkerton. By far their best offering, Pinkerton was once shunned by lead singer Rivers Cuomo (to the point of public apology, if my memory serves me right), but the album has, in the 20 years since its release, been embraced by critics and Cuomo alike. Anyway, wherever you are, stay warm, and spin your records.
Bustin’ Out
If you’re like me, and randomly find yourself in the mood for some late 70s freaky funk, might I suggest you bust out of L Seven with James Ambrose Johnson, Jr. (aka Rick James) on this, the man’s 2nd studio album, Bustin’ out of L Seven. I mean, the weekend is almost here, so why not let the funk get’cha a head start?
Elv Is
I’m more a fan of rock n’ roll history than I am of Elvis, generally speaking, so this late 70’s reissue of Elvis Presley’s 2nd studio album, Elvis, was a no-brainer at the $5 asking price. Having purchased a dilapidated copy of his debut, Elvis Presley, several years back for a cool $3, my Elvis budget, more or less, mirrors my toleration of the man, but for historical purposes, I was more than willing to fork over my Lincoln in exchange for this 1956 classic. Anyway, Elvis… he spins tonight.
Rocket Queen
Artist: Rocket from the Crypt
Release: Rocket Queen EP aka Rocket Queen EP (Checkered Version)
Label: Speedo’s Classics
Year: 1995
Number of tracks: 4
Authenticity: Bootleg
Run: 300 copies (no. 180 of 300)
Reissue: Yes
Number of personal spins: 0
Necessity percentage: 100
Volume II
Over the weekend I paid $8 for this SST Records comp, The Blasting Concept Volume II, which, adjusted for inflation is only $0.30 more than the original $3.49 suggested retail price, or in this case, the special list price. So, that’s something. Also, as a proud owner of The Blasting Concept Volume I, I can’t wait to spin this Minutemen, Saccharine Trust, Black Flag, Husker Du, Meat Puppets, comp as soon as the day job allows. This minimalist cover is hilarious, when compared to the mildly disturbing Raymond Pettibon cover for Volume 1. I’ll just leave it at that.
Sings of the Caribbean
We’re happy to (finally) bring home, into the collection, Harry Belafonte’s 1957 album of Caribbean lullabies, Belafonte Sings of the Caribbean. She was once the black hole among the early Belafonte releases, the only missing LP from Harry’s first five years, and is arguably one of his all-time greatest records, aside from 1956’s Calypso and 1961’s Jump Up Calypso. Anyway, I was happy to find it for a cool $4 this weekend. Cheers.
Split the Difference
This 2009 reissue of a 1997 bootleg between goth punks the Misfits and garage rock whores Rocket from the Crypt is an odd, yet complimenting split LP. On side A you’ve got a few 1995 live recordings by Hell’s house band, Rocket from the Crypt (I heard that somewhere and never forgot it, though I forget where), and on side B you’ve got 9 live tracks by the Misfits from 1981 (recorded somewhere in Jersey, if you can imagine). Pressed on white vinyl and limited to 300 “unofficial” copies, she marks the latest on the endless, yet essential list that is the Rocket from the Crypt discography. Listen with caution, I seldom say.
DtA
During my “all things Dan the Automator” phase I acquired, among a plethora of others, this 2006 soundtrack to the NBA 2K7 video game. As can be expected, each track is b-ball themed in both lyrics and song title (Baller Blockin’, Fade Away, Don’t Hate the Player, to name just a few), and makes for a perfect companion to the 2K7 Instrumentals album (which I do not yet have). As with (almost) all DtA releases, there is a stripped down instrumental release to accompany the full, words-from-the-silver-tongue version. Kind of an intelligent way to get people to purchase two of (nearly) the same album. I’m game.
I Was Aboot to Say…
Limited to only 218 copies on green vinyl, Oot & Aboot by Honest Don’s The Real McKenzies looks like your typical, run-o-the-mill black record until you shove it up to any given light source. The music is decent pop punk, but the quasi-hidden color makes for a fun, limited release.
Otha Fish
Fresh from the Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde The Singles Collection, this 2012 colored vinyl reissue of the 1993 classic was one of 7 x 7″ 45s that make up this essential Delicious Vinyl release (record 6 of 7 to be exact). The music isn’t all that bad, either. Otha Fish Single Version on side A, and Otha Fish Acapella on side B, for those of you wanting to tickle your hip hop beat production fancy.
Servants of Death
It’s always a good day when a new Refused record is released. Servants of Death was, in fact, the first record I grabbed last Friday (RSD Black Friday). The only record from that day’s haul that came with a download card (thank you Epitaph), this six track EP contains the “single” Servants of Death from last year’s Freedom release, as well as a new, never before released-on-vinyl track Stolen Voices, as well as four live tracks from the band’s 2015 tour. Overall a fantastic little accompaniment to an already stellar discography.
I Can Hear it Now
Every once in a while it’s good to break free from the shackles of prudent grooves and step back into well documented moments of great national history. And who better to lead you by your infant, trembling hand than Columbia Broadcasting System legends, Edward R. Murrow and Fred W. Friendly? Mr. Murrow, with help from producing partner, Fred W. Friendly, cover a shit-ton of ground in the focused years 1933-1945, but let’s face it… there was a lot of shit to cover. An excellent listen, when in the mood. Anyway, not all news is good news, and not all records are spun for their prudent grooves.
Situation Vacant
Another day, another essential, yet overpriced Kinks Record Store Day release. The only one I was unable to acquire from this year’s Black Friday releases was the black and white swirled version of 1977’s Sleepwalker. I mean, Sleepwalker isn’t bad, but they need to start releasing sexy colored versions of Muswell Hillbillies, if you ask me. And since you didn’t, I’d suggest something similar to the 2011 UK rerelease of The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society (green translucent / orange splatter colored vinyl). Well, there’s always next year, I suppose.
Till Death…
There are only two bands whose 7″ Record Store Day overpriced buffoonery I’d throw money at, and one of these bands is The Kinks. Complete with hype sticker (that will never be removed as far as I’m still breathing), this Village Green-era make-shift EP features the classics, Do You Remember Walter? and People Take Pictures of Each Other, both found on the Village Green masterpiece, as well as the brilliant throwaway, Till Death Us Do Part, which was apparently the theme to a film based on a popular British television series. Long story short, one can never go wrong with any Kinks record, and this EP is certainly no exception, regardless of its hefty price tag.
The Bobblymen
Just one of the great Record Store Day Black Friday releases acquired this morning in Los Angeles, Mike Watt + The Bobblymen’s The Bobblymen EP. If three unreleased tracks from over three decades ago originally intended for The Minutemen isn’t enough to persuade you, have a read at what Mr. Watt himself has to say about this historic 7″:
“Here’s three tunes I wrote for The Minutemen thirty-five years ago that never got released (hell, one never ever got play live and the other two only a tiny bit), I recorded them very recently w/guys I regularly play w/but never together in this configuration which was Bob Lee’s idea and hence the name of the proj” – Mike Watt
Dust Club
So, this happened. I really need to steer clear of https://mondotees.com, although, if I did, I’d never had stumbled across this insane double LP. The only selling point you need… wait for it… “Music by The Dust Brothers.” You’re welcome.
Starship
Not much to say about Spitfire other than she’s been a long time coming. She turned 40 this year, and still sounds (and looks) just as good as the day she was released.
I Feel For You
Chaka Khan feels for us, guys. This is, obviously, very exciting news! By the looks of things, she’s been feeling for us since 1984, or so Warner Bros. Records would like us to believe. I for one am both not surprised and pleasantly pleased about this new found observation, and with the holiday coming up, we could all use a little more feelings from Chaka Khan, am I right?
The Prudent Groove 