2/28/24

Paul Weller- Fat Pop (Vol. 1)
(It was still on the turntable from last night, and it pulled me in again this morning. I like it more with each spin.)

Dirty Dozen Brass Band- Funeral For A Friend
(Gearing up for a trip and this is a great place to start. More upbeat than the title suggests.)

Joni Mitchell- Blue
(Joni. "Blue.")

Aimee Mann- Bachelor No. 2
(Welcoming this back into my collection after selling my copy and regretting it for months. Her absolute masterpiece.)

Bad Company- Straight Shooter
(Great stuff on the first four albums, but this one is still the best of the lot. I can still see the record in the window of Golden Disc on Bleecker Street when it was first released. I passed it every day after school and finally spent my allowance on it a few days later.)

Television- Marquee Moon (2023 Kevin Gray Master)
(Yes, of course...the guitar playing! BUT...the drumming! Fucking Billy Ficca!)

Paul Weller- Saturns Pattern
(I like the new single. I don't love it. But it's just enough to kickstart a Weller binge. This album? I like it, I don't love it. But like "Fat Pop," I keep going back and it keeps getting better.)

The Replacements- Pleased To Meet Me
(Jim Dickinson!)

2/27/24

Sundance- Natty Majesty
(Prior to last week, I knew nothing about this artist or album. But I listened on a rec, and I loved it. I've since tracked down a copy and still cannot find much info on Earl "Sundance" Sheppard. But I am loving this record. It's a reggae record, for sure, but with sprinkles of 60's psychedelia. Just terrific.)

The Rolling Stones- Essen, 10/7/70
(A+ boot with a solid peformance. "Roll Over Beethoven!" You don't get that one from the Stones too often.)

Cheap Trick- In Another World
(They are due for a new one. This one still kicks my ass.)

Sid Bucknor- Sid's Melodic Vibes
(New collection of old reggae instruments...I think. Meh.)

Led Zeppelin- Physical Graffiti
(Massive. Epic. Never gets old. Tried doing one of my edits, down to a single LP. Couldn't do it. Best I got was a 3 sided record. Might as well leave it be.)

Electric Light Orchestra- A New World Record
("Physical Graffiti" brought me to this record, as both were on heavy rotation at my friend Rob's house. He had 300 albums, but seemed to only play these two. Fun memory. Great album.)

NRBQ- Wild Weekend
(This one is full of pop gems. Then again...every Q album is. But, "Little Floater" and "If I Don't Have You" are just unreal.)

Paul Weller- Fat Pop (Vol. 1)
(Funny thing about this record, and a possible Burning Wood topic-- I don't love it, yet I keep going back to it.)

 

2/26/24

Rush- Power Windows
(This is where I most likely got off the Rush bus until many years later. This bears little resemblance to the band I loved, but that said, if those earlier records didn't exist and this was the first Rush record I had heard, I'd say it is one of the better records of the 80's.)

Pink Floyd- The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn (MONO)
(This came up on Threads. Someone had never heard it before and was gobsmacked...of course. Might as well dig in.)

Jellyfish- Bellybutton (2023 Listener Edition)
(I was so disappointed with the remastering on this new edition, I sold it. Then, I was curious if the new Ortofon cartridge would make a difference, so I bought it again. It's better. Not much better, but it will do. The new remaster is a disaster.)

iPod on Shuffle:

December Rain- John Cale

Seeing It As You Really Are- Hawkwind

Long Long Long- The Beatles

International Feel/Le Feel Internacionale- Todd Rundgren

A Hard Day’s Night- Pat Kelly

All My Stars Aligned- St. Vincent

Saving Grace- Todd Rundgren

Mystery Pacific- Django Reinhardt

Love Of The Common Man- The Lovemongers

Submission- Sex Pistols

Mercy, Sweet Moan- The Black Crowes

Hurtsome Body- Leon Russell

Shake My Tree- Coverdale Page

Honaloochie Boogie- Mott The Hoople

Different Girl- Swag

Pretty Words- Elvis Costello

Private Life- Grace Jones

Is This The World We Created?- Queen

2/25/24

George Martin- Live & Let Die O.S.T (Expanded)
(Always loved this Bond film and this soundtrack, and now it's complete.)

The Clarendonians- A Day Will Come
(Pure joy. Great early sides. One of my favorite reggae/ska acts of all time.)

Elton John- Tumbleweed Connection

801- Live
(One of the greatest live records ever with one of the greatest Beatles covers ever. Songs from this record were played on WNEW-FM in 1976, that's when I first heard it. Brian Eno on rock radio!)

Genesis- A Trick Of The Tail
(The first without Gabriel and their second best overall. I'm reliving 1976!)

Public Enemy- Power To The People & The Beats: Greatest Hits
(This rocks harder than most hard rock. Not a bad track. Everything you want and a few more.)

45s
Bryan Ferry- Limbo
T. Rex- Raw Ramp
The Easybeats- Heaven & Hell
(Really one of the best examples of brilliant record making. Damn!)
Billy Joel- Turn The Lights Back On
Southern Culture On The Skids- Everybody's Talkin'/Can't Seem To Make You Mine
Roxy Music- Pyjamarama

Sex Pistols- Never Mind The Bollocks...
(I usually play this on a Saturday night where it belongs. But I was in the mood.)

 

 

2/24/24

African Head Charge- A Trip To Bolgatanga
(Still loving this. Also, a great opener for a long listening day.)

Stanton Moore- III
(His best solo album, and a record that will be part of my upcoming "15 Essential New Orleans Records" list.)

Bobby Bland- Two Steps From The Blues
(I hadn't heard a note of this record until Elvis Costello wrote about it in 2000. When I did listen, I realized I knew about half of it from other artist's cover versions. Now, it's an all-timer.)

Diana Ross & The Supremes- Number Ones (Side One)
(Great sounding record, and a few of the versions used are extended. Not in a remixed way, just longer than when the original singles fade out. Very cool.)

Judas Priest- Point Of Entry
(A major disappointment after "British Steel," the greatest metal record of all time. But time has been kind. This sounded great today.)

Phil Lynott- Solo In Soho
(A great solo debut! "Dear Miss Lonely Hearts" has some of Phil's finest lyrics. And Mark Nauseef's drumming on "Talk In '79" is to die for.)

Rush- Grace Under Pressure
(I'm up to this record in Geddy's book. I really didn't like all of the synth-heavy, post "Moving Pictures" records at the time, but I am minding them less now. )

Fear- The Record
("New York's Alright If You Like Saxophones.")

Juliana Hatfield- Sings ELO
(I just love how she sings these tunes!)

The Rolling Stones- Let It Bleed (U.K. MONO)
(Stereo might be better. Both have "Midnight Rambler," unfortunately.)

Deep Purple- Burn
(As good as any of the classic DP records. "Might Just Take Your Life!" "Burn!" "You Fool No One!")

Lou Reed- Coney Island Baby
(Always thought the best of this record and the best of "Sally Can't Dance" would have made a Lou Reed record for the ages. But I really enjoyed all of this today.)

Lou Reed- S/T
(One of my Top 3 Lou records, though I know not many care for this debut, for one reason or another. It's got 2/5 of Yes on it!)

2/23/24

Fairport Convention- S/T
(Judy Dyble is no Sandy Denny, still I really like this record, though this new pressing is disappointing. Pops and crackles right out of the seal.)

Cannonball Adderly- Somethin' Else
(Classic BN reissue courtesy of Kevin Gray. Just beautfiul.)

David Torn- Cloud About Mercury
(On a rec from Paul In DK. Nice record. Good companion to, though different than "Upper Extremities." Def a keeper. Thanks Paul!)

Sam Carty & The Astronauts- International Slackness (four songs)
(New to me. 1981 reggae release, suggested by a blog I check occasionally. Generic, upbeat reggae. Meh.) 

Hurray For The Riff- The Past Is Still Alive (five songs)
(A lot of hype surrounding Alynda Segarra. This is album number 6? Or 7? It all sounds the same to me. Your basic type of Americana that never gets anywhere. Yawn.)

Black Sabbath- Mob Rules
("Heaven & Hell" was a tough act to follow, but this record is strong.)

Robyn Hitchcock- Shufflemania!
(Been awhile. Still holds up. Great, great record.)

The Black Crowes- Croweology (Records One & Two)
(Full band, acoustic re-records of hits, deep cuts--"Cold Boy Smile!"-- and covers. Some in their extended live version arrangements. Excellent! Can't wait for the new one.)

Professor Longhair- Rock 'N' Roll Gumbo
(Yea you right! When all else fails...FESS!)

2/22/24

Lalo Schifrin- Music From Mission Impossible
(Had a colored vinyl reissue for sale for a month with no takers. I decided to open it and play it. What a blast! Very trippy and very groovy.)

Bad Brains- S/T
(Hardcore hardcore. The best of its kind!)

John Hiatt- Bring The Family
(Another one I haven't been able to sell in a month. Does everyone in the world own this? Might as well play it, send out some vibes. It is Hiatt's best!)

Steely Dan- Gaucho
(Some Dan conversation happening on a previous post put me in the mood for this.)

Utopia-S/T (1982, Japanese Edtion)
(Their only true power pop record.)

Ace Frehley- 10,000 Volts (four songs)
(This was even worse than expected and I am a Kiss fan. And I loved a few of Ace's solo records, especially his first. Nope. This is dumber than dumb. Now I'm irritable.)

Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen- Pin Your Spin
(Aaah. I'm back.)

 

2/21/24

The Beach Boys- Friends (Stereo)
(Picked up a small collection with a number of Beach Boys originals in excellent shape. Might as well play a few.)

The Beach Boys- Pet Sounds (Original MONO)
(See above.)

Iggy & The Stooges- Raw Power
(There is nothing like it.)

U2- Songs Of Surrender (Record Two)
(Enjoyed this more than Record One. Fewer misses. Nice to hear the harmonies on the stripped down "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses." Good stuff, Record Two.)

Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen- S/T
(Top 5 New Orleans record. Just listened to it a few days ago, but went in again because I sent a copy to a friend, who loved it, so I wanted to remind myself of what he was listening to. Make sense?)

Thin Lizzy- Jailbreak (Kevin Gray Remaster)
(Probably not cool to think the band's most popular record is their best, but I think it is. And the VMP/Kevin Gray master is the way to go. "Running Back," by the way, is a perfect example of Lynott's genius wordplay, emotion and unique ability to break hearts with melody. Hall of Fame!)

Yes- S/T
(My favorite Yes album and I love a lot of Yes albums. This one is for those who don't like Yes, prog and long songs. Unless, you've heard this and don't like it either, then, I can't help you.)

Peter Frampton- I'm In You
(The RnRHoF, the podcast...can't escape Frampton. I really dig this record and had to play it. Skip the title track if you need to, and turn the album cover away if it helps. This is a solid record. "Tried To Love," a failed single featuring Mick Jagger, is my fave PF song. No question. And for you nerds, the single mix turns Mick's vocals way up!)

David Bowie- Scary Monsters
(Not a fave like it is for others, but needed to check if Frampton was a guest. He is not. Enjoyed the record. Still, not a fave.)

 

2/20/24

Nashville Pussy- Say Something Nice
(Good morning!)

Sly & The Family Stone- Dance To The Music (2023, VMP RM)
(I bought this along with the new RM of "Stand," as a two-fer from Vinyl Me, Please. I know I've heard it before, but after listening again, I realized why I'd forgotten it. The records before and after it are all better. This, though a proper album, sounds more like leftovers and outtakes. Not terrible, but not great either. Definitely a transition record.)

Kraftwerk- Autobahn
(Perfect. Needed this.)

Roxy Music- Siren (Original U.K.)
(My favorite Roxy along with "For Your Pleasure." Also, one of the best drum sounds on any record. Also, this pressing blows away the fairly recent half-speed master, which sucks all the life out of it.)

The Replacements- Boink!!
(Never released in the U.S.. It's a compilation with only 8 songs, two not featured on any other album. It runs only 24 minutes and yet it is the 'Mats record I play the most.)

ZZ Top- Goin' 50 (Record One)
(I've been wanting a copy of ZZ's first single for a long time, but it's never less than $100. Buying the five LP box, which includes both the A and B side of said single, not to mention anything else you could want, was cheaper.)

Medicine- On The Bed
(My friend John hipped me to this record, not as a positive recommendation, but as a "someone recommended this to me and I don't get it" type thing. I don't get it either. Noisy, uninspired covers of Beatles and Beatles' solo tracks. Why?)

Jimi Hendrix Experience- Are You Experienced?
(Palate cleanser. See above.)

 

2/19/24

Ian Hunter- Defiance Pt. 1
(Getting ready for Part Two.)

 

Foreigner- Personal Playlist
(Don't know about the RnRHoF, but I sure love a lot of their music.)

Patsy Cline- Sweet Dreams: The Complete Decca Studio Masters 1960-1963 (Sides A, B & C)
(Definitive set from Third Man. Get it while you can.)

 

Paul McCartney & Elvis Costello- Flowers In The Dirt (demos)
(No matter how many times I listen to this, first as a bootleg dozens upon dozens of times, and then, dozens upon dozens of times with the official release, I still can't believe it exists.)

Thomas Dolby- The Flat Earth
(Been ages. Still holds up. Some really beautiful moments.)

Steve Earle & the Dukes (And Duchesses)- The Low Highway
(His best. Really.)

Jefferson Airplane- Surrealistic Pillow (Kevin Gray MONO Cut)
(I play this album a lot. I will never get enough of "Comin' Back To Me.")

 

Faces- Ooh La La (Kevin Gray Remaster)
(The faces camp is threatening new remasters with unheard bonus tracks this year. Gonna be hard to beat the four Kevin Gray remasters for sound, but I'm interested in the "lost" rock and roll version of "Ooh La La." Still my fave faces record, by the way.)

Larry Williams- Dizzy Miss Lizzy
(If you start with The Cavern, and include solo albums, The Beatles have covered 8 of the 16 tracks on this collection. Maybe 9 or 10, I didn't check.)

 

 

 

2/18/24

David Bowie- The Trident Tapes
(A first time official release of this excellent set would have been a much better and smarter choice for Record Store Day than some made up collectible claiming to be a precursor to "Ziggy Stardust," which offers nothing unreleased, just new art, a new title and a few extra b-sides resquenced for the hell of it.)

John Cale- Vintage Violence (Kevin Gray Master)
(This was a happy accident! Bought a collection, this was in it, and noticed the deadwax. Had no idea. Yes, it sounds great!)

Pete Townshend- All The Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes (Abbey Road HSM)
(This caught my eye. Hadn't listened to it with the new cartridge. Always love it whenever I play it.)

The Drifters' Golden Hits (Kevin Gray MONO Cut)
(My grandfather's favorite record and definitely one of mine. This is the version to have.)

The Easybeats- Absolute Anthology: 1965-1969 (Sides Two & Four)
(Sal Maida opened up his first radio show in six months yesterday with The Easybeats, so I immediately got "easy fever.")

The Replacements- Let It Be
(This is a lot of people's favorite 'Mats album. I love it, but I love others more.)

Lenny Kravitz- Let Love Rule
(I just finished trashing the poor guy on a podcast. I had to listen to this record, which I genuinely love, to ease the guilt.)

Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen- S/T
(Needed this tonight. Top 5 New Orleans record. Listen to it.)

The Replacements- Songs For Slim
(Still in that 'Mats Mode. Hey Paul, where the fuck are you?)

2/17/24

Sundance- Natty Majesty
(New to me, on a rec from a friend. Wow! This is as much a psych record as it is a reggae record. Fuzzed out guitars, 60's pop and soul harmonies, Jamaican rhythms. First spin of the day could end up being the best spin of the day.)

Neil Finn- One Nil
(Still got Neil on the brain. Loved his solo debut so much, this felt like a disappointment at the time. Sounding really good today.)

The Beatles- Beatles For Sale (U.K. MONO)
(Why not?)

The Black Crowes- Warpaint
(The new second single killed me! So now I am in the mood.)

Scott Walker- 'Til The Band Comes In
(I've only heard tracks from this before today. Great Side One. Not so great Side Two.)

U2- Songs Of Surrender (Record One)
(I've resisted listening to a note of this, but I found a really cheap copy of the vinyl box, so I grabbed it. What works, works really well--"Out of Control," "Bad," "Walk On"---and what doesn't, really doesn't---"Where the Street Have No Name," "One." Some are interesting---"Beautiful Day," 11 O'Clock Tick Tock," "Pride"---but not as powerful as the originals. Looking forward to Record Two.)

The Replacements- Hootenanny (2023, VMP RM)
(Funny to see this record all dolled up for audiophiles. Sounds damn good, though.)

Earl King- Trick Bag: The Best Of...
(Essential!)

The Soft Boys- A Can Of Bees
(A few tweaks and you get the brilliant "Underwater Moonlight." Still, a great debut.)

2/16/24

Mod Cons- S/T
(Cool new project from Charlie Hunter. You really should check it out.)

Badfinger- Ass
(For years I thought I didn't like this record. There are some truly great tracks here, especially "I Can Love You." A better album than its rep.)

Sparks- The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte
(This record amazes me. 50 years into their career and the Maels continue to put out some of the best records of their lives.)

Joey Ramone- Don't Worry About Me
(Listening to Joey sing "What A Wonderful World" as he is dying of cancer always gets to me. This whole record is a blast.)

JD McPherson- The Warm Covers LP
(Great stuff. This is how you make a covers LP.)

Sly & The Family Stone- Stand (2023 VMP RM)
(One of my favorite records of all time just got an all analog upgrade from Vinyl Me, Please. Sounds pretty damn good, though I wish everyone would stop with the colored vinyl.)

Toots & The Maytals- In The Dark (Jamaican Tracklist)
(Been thinking about "Love Gonna Walk Out On Me" all week. Finally decided to play this.)

Boozoo Chavis & The Majic Sounds- Boozoo, That's Who! (About half)
(Terry Adams produces Boozoo! Good stuff, but I could only do Zydeco in small doses.) 

Blur- Modern Life Is Rubbish
(Been discussing Brit Pop with my friend Carl. Blur, Oasis. Supergrass. We both agree, Oasis has one solid record. The rest is all one giant samey song! Blur & Supergrass, on the other hand...)

Paul McCartney- BBC Sessions At Maida Vale, 10/16/13
(Great set list and great performance.)

45s
Cissy Houston- Be My Baby
Thin Lizzy- The Boys Are Back In Town
Haircut One Hundred- Love Plus One/Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)
The Ronettes- Be My Baby
Melanie- Lay Down/Candles In The Rain
Abba- Waterloo
Karla Bonoff- Personally
The Go-Go's- Our Lips Are Sealed
Jackson Browne- Somebody's Baby
Donna Summer- State Of Independence
The Human League- Don't You Want Me
Neil Sedaka- Laughter In The Rain
Skeeter Davis- I Can't Stay Mad At You
Hale And The Hushabyes- Yes Sir, That's My Baby
Rufus & Chaka Khan- Ain't Nobody

2/15/24

Sun Ra & His Solar Arkestra- Planet Earth
(A fave from his vast catalogue.)

Kraftwerk- Radio-Activity
(This is the record Bowie & Iggy listened to constantly before & during their classic collaborations and man, you can really hear the influence on all of those records.)

Joe Jackson- Presents Max Champion In "What A Racket"
(Still loving this record. A brilliant idea with brilliant execution.)

Golden Earring- Winter Harvest
(A friend asked if I could recommend 5 Golden Earring records. This was the first I mentioned.)

Todd Rundgren- Initiation (Original Japanese Pressing, Side One)
(Been wanting to hear this notoriously compressed LP with the new Ortofon cartridge and yes indeed, it does sound better!)

The Replacements- All Shook Down
(Just barely a 'Mats album. More like a Westerberg solo LP with special guests. John Cale and Terry Reid are on it! Still love it though.)

Steely Dan- The Royal Scam
(This caught my eye as I put The Replacements record away. Underrated record. I think much better than "Katy Lied.")

2/14/24

Prince Buster- The Message Dubwise
(One of the better dub records out there. Also, impossible to find.)

Lou Reed- Live At S.O.B.'s. NYC, '94
(Can't find too much info on this, but it's a terrific, albeit short solo set.)

Lydia Loveless- Nothing's Gonna Stand In My Way Again
(This one's got legs. Still digging it.)

Rush- A Farewell To Kings
(I'm up to this album in Geddy Lee's memoir, so I needed to hear it. It's also where I came in with this band. One of my Top Three.)

Paul McCartney & Wings- Band On The Run (Underdubbed Mixes)
(Fun, but probably don't need to hear it a third time.)

Peter Gabriel- S/T, 1978 (Abbey Road, HSM)
(I like this album more now than I did then. "Indigo!")

Creation Rebel- Close Encounters Of The Third World
(Finally getting reissued along with two other C.R. records. This one has been fetching $200-300 for too long now. Good news!)

Iggy Pop & James Williamson- Kill City
(This 2010 remix is the shit.)

Bettye Swann- Make Me Yours
(Back for more. Still on my mind after this week's BW post.)

2/13/24

Sun Ra- Space Is The Place
(Side One is an endurance test. But Side Two always hits the spot; truly perfect noise.)

Sun Ra- The Soul Vibrations Of Man
(A really strange set, even for Sun Ra. Probably don't need to hear this one a second time.)

Chicago- II (Steven Wilson Remix, Sides One & Two)
(One of my all time favorite Side Twos.)

Snooks Eaglin w/ Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen- The Way It Is (about half)
(Been years since I played this one and now I remember why. This should have been a killer, but it simply falls flat.)

Thomas Dolby- Astronauts & Heretics
(Wardo reviewed "Aliens Ate My Buick" over at his place, 'Everybody's Dummy,' and it reminded me of how much I enjoyed this one.)

Lil' Band O' Gold (And Friends)- Plays Fats
(The Traveling Wilburys of Louisiana with help from Robert Plant, Lucinda Williams, and more. So much fun.)

The Iguanas- Nuevo Boogaloo
(No question, one of my favorite New Orleans' artists. Probably seen them perform as much as anybody. Trying to keep the Mardi Gras vibe going, though some brass band music might be in order.)

The Wild Magnolias- Life Is A Carnival
(Yea, you right!)

2/12/24

Larry Young- Unity
(Never tire of this one. What a quartet.)

Ahmed Abdul-Malik- East Meets West
(I picked this up for a few reasons. One is, you never see it. It's hard to come by. Two, I knew I'd sell it immediately. Three, I don't recall ever hearing it. Abdul-Malik did some time with Monk's band, but on this record of originals, he goes back to his Sudanese descent, and along with some jazz heavies like Lee Morgan and Johnny Griffin, creates a terrific hybrid of traditional and hard bop music. A $75-100 record, and of course I still haven't sold my mint reissue for a measley $20. Where are all the record buyers???)

Izzy Stradlin & The Ju Ju Hounds- S/T
(My favorite Guns N Roses album, and really one of the best rock and roll records ever recorded.)

45s
Rush- New World Man
Abba- S.O.S.
The Ronettes- Walking In The Rain
The Chantels- Look In My Eyes
Talk Talk- It's My Life
Andrew Gold- Lonely Boy
Stevie Nicks & Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers- Stop Draggin' My Heart Around

Badfinger- No Dice
("We're For The Dark!")

Iggy Pop- New Values
(Needed to replace my copy after selling it some time back, and that's how I found out there was a Kevin Gray master! Best this record has ever sounded. How the hell does he (Kevin Gray) do it?)

Cheap Trick- In Color (Kevin Gray remaster)
(Might be Kevin Gray's finest hour.)

Dr. John- In The Right Place (2023 AP 45 RPM RM)
(It's Lundi Gras! And for the 3 people who are reading this who care about shit like vinyl and pressings and mastering, this is one of the best sounding records I have ever heard.)

2/11/24

Sister Carol- Liberation For Africa
(This one will set you back two or three bills. A great vibe throughout, though some of you may prefer her performances in Jonathan Demme's movies over her music.)

V/A- Fire Down Below: Scorchers From Studio One
(Not bad comp of laid back covers and originals. Major appropriation on this set? "Ol' Man River," which Jackie Mittoo calls "Mission Impossible.")

Brittany Howard- What Now
(Bought the vinyl, which sounds great! I'm digging this record.)

Bettye Swann- Make Me Yours
(Most know the hit, "Make Me Yours," but this whole record is a southern soul classic.)

Peter Gabriel- S/T, 1977 (Abbey Road 45RPM, HSM)
(This pressing blows away all others, though I still think the record loses steam on Side Two.)

Todd Rundgren- Runt (Alternate April 1970 Master)
(Been raving about this since it was discovered. Thought it was time to give it an Ortofon spin.)

Sonic Youth- Evol (three and a half songs)
(What a load of crap. I never liked this band, but it's been years since I tried listening. With Thurston and Kim both in the news, I decided to try again. Nope!)

The Finn Brothers- Finn
(Ah, now we're talking.)

The Beatles- Let It Be E.P.
(I love this little E.P.. Good mixes, good songs. Quick and easy.)

The Who- By Numbers (Abbey Road HSM)
(This new half speed master is pretty good, and definitely better than the half-speed of "Who's Next" that came out recently, but I am not overwhelmed by the mastering. This is one helluva record, in any event. So underappreciated.)

Little Feat- Sailin' Shoes
(Because my day is always better when I get to hear "Willin'".)

 

2/10/24

Crowded House- Dreamers Are Waiting
(New single put me in the mood.)

Junior Wells w/Buddy Guy- Hoodoo Man Blues
(Both of these guys' best record!)

Judy Mowatt- Black Woman
(One of the all time great reggae records. Def in my Top 10 and one that may even appeal to the ardent reggae non-supporters. Naaaah!)

Queen- A Night At The Opera (Abbey Road HSM)
(Debut with the new Ortofon cartridge. Very nice, but the original U.K. "Blair's Cut" is still the best press.)

V/A- Nuggets: Volume 2
(Still waiting for the British Nuggets to get a deluxe vinyl release. Rumors say this RSD in April.)

The Who- My Generation (Japanese True Stereo)
(The definitive version of this classic!)

Sweet- Sweet Fanny Adams
(If you only had one Sweet album...and I do only have one...it's this one.)

Jon Cleary- So Swell
(For two years this was an expensive, vinyl only release. It's finally been set free. I beg of you, stream or buy this now!)

 

2/9/24

Donald Byrd- Slow Drag (Kevin Gray Remaster/Tone Poet)
(My favorite Donald Byrd. Side One is perfect. And Side Two is pretty damn good, too.)

Linda Ronstadt- Canciones de mi Padre
(Always surprised by how much I enjoy this record.)

The Walker Brothers- Greatest Hits (Record Two)
(The iPod shuffled up "Just Say Goodbye," which I thought was Scott solo. Felt like hearing it again and discovered it on the Brothers "Hits" double.)

Dwight Twilley- Jungle
(Picked up a few records at Generation on Thompson Street yesterday. This was one of them. A major disappointment after "Scuba Divers" --my fave Twilley--though this sounded pretty good this time around. Side Two is still kinda weak.)

Blue Oyster Cult- Agents Of Fortune
(I love this band and say so twice a year on Burning Wood. My second fave after "Secret Treaties." Whatever you think BOC sounds like, they don't.)

Free- All Right Now : The Best Of
(Picked up a few records at Generation on Thompson Street yesterday. This was one of them. This is a U.K. comp from 1991 with all the right songs, but everything sounds different. Fine print revealed that all songs were remixed by Bob Clearmountain! Ugh! Cowbells, reverb! MTV ready! I think I knew this back when the shop was open, but apparently forgot. Stick with the original albums.)

Wire- Pink Flag
(Essential. Can't recall if it was Creem or Trouser Press...could've been both...who gave this a five star rating 1977. I jumped on it, and admittedly didn't fall head over heels at the time. But it eventually sunk in. One of my Top Ten punk records.)

2/8/24

Sister Nancy- One Two (five songs)
(Been looking for this since my trip to Kingston, JA last october. Finally found it. Bit of a let down. Dancehall is not my thing. Good in small doses. Oh well.)

Brittany Howard- What Now
(Only one pass, but this was pretty damn great. To my ears, it sounds like what a Prince/Radiohead collab might be. Great stuff.)

Brian Eno- My Squelchy Life
(Was discussing this last week, and so it's been on my mind. Really solid, and close to those four 70's classics.)

iPod on Shuffle:
A Face In The Crowd-Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Move On Up- The Jam
Sing The Changes- The Fireman
California Girls- The Beach Boys
String Of Lies- Goo Goo Dolls
You Led Me To The Wrong- Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Just Say Goodbye- The Walker Brothers
Arabesque- Cheap Trick
Golden Hours- Brian Eno
The Death Of Rock & Roll- Todd Rundgren
Relay (Unedited Version)- The Who
Kiss The Children- Gram Parsons
Expressway To Your Heart (Live)- Todd Rundgren & Daryl Hall
Quit Waking Me Up- Cheap Trick
The Other End Of The Telescope- Til Tuesday
Shake My Tree- Coverdale Page
Do You Love Me - Heartbreakers
The Sun’s Gonna Shine Again- Ray Charles
Sister Seagull- Be-Bop Deluxe
Her Father Didn’t Like Me Anyway- Shane MacGowan & The Popes
She Drives The Big Car- David Bowie

 

 

 

 

2/7/24

Bob Dylan- Time Out Of Mind (2022 remix)
(This really is the better mix. Fantastic.)

Pink Floyd- Wish You Were Here
(Second fave after "Piper.)

Todd Rundgren- A Wizard/A True Star (Original Japanese Pressing)
(It was time to test this one out on the new Ortofon. Oh yeah!)

Geese- 3D Country
(Really loving this new Geese record. So much going, not a boring second.)

Willie Nelson- Teatro
(Occasionally, Daniel Lanois gets it right.)

Fats Domino- Swings
(No bad records. Imperial, ABC, WB...every record worth your time.)

Boz Scaggs- Silk Degrees (Kevin Gray Remaster)
(Pulling out some classics to test drive with the Ortofon. This album was the soundtrack of my summer when it was released and it still brings up snapshots when I listen to it. There's nothing like it and this pressing is something else, especially with this new set up.)

The Replacements- Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out The Trash
(Time to cleanse the palate.)

 

2/6/24

Earl King- Street Parade
(Sounded so good yesterday, had to go in again today.)

The Last Dinner Party- Prelude To Ecstasy
(Listening to the vinyl for the first time. Solid, though the hype sticker says "on Midnight Black vinyl." So black isn't black anymore.)

Brute Force- S/T (Side One)
(First time, on a rec from a jazz guy I follow on Instagram. Kind of a hybrid of third rate funk and jazz. Not doing it for me.)

Geese- 3D Country
(Finally got around to this. Loved the debut, but on first pass, I like this more. Little Feat. Television. Nirvana. Savoy Brown! Is this possible? It's what I am hearing.)

Badfinger- Wish You Were Here
(Only a matter of time after discussing it yesterday. A really great record.)

The Replacements- Tim (Ed Stasium Mix)
(Their best? Maybe.)

Nico- Desertshore
(I used to avoid Nico like the plague, but I've been incredibly fascinated by her records lately. This one in particular, though as strange as any, is really hitting the spot...and I can't explain why.)

Roy Harper- Folkjokeopus
(Just felt like hearing it...again.)

Utopia- Oops! Wrong Planet
(RTI pressing with the Ortofon cartridge-best this ever sounded!)

2/5/24

Rush- Clockwork Angels
(Couldn't ask for a better finale.)

African Head Charge- A Trip To Bolgatanga
(The gift that keeps on giving.)

Earl King- Street Parade
(Hot off the presses from the Tipitina's Music Club, and just in time for Mardi Gras. The Meters backing up Mr. King and Allen Toussaint producing the proceedings. It's a no-brainer.)

Badfinger- Straight Up
(I love this record, but I think I love "No Dice" a bit more. And on certain days, "Wish You Were Here" more than either.)

The Beatles- 1962-1966 (2023 Remix: Sides Two, Three, Four & Five)
(What can I say? Just glorious.)

Deep Purple- Fireball
(Ian Paice shines on this record. "In Rock" is my go to, my fave...until I play "Fireball.")

 

 

2/4/24

iPod on Shuffle:
Alcohol- The Kinks
Delta Lady- Leon Russell
She's Got To Know- NRBQ
One Of Us Must Know (Budokan)- Bob Dylan
In Another Time- Lil' Band O'Gold
Zacatecas- The Iguanas
Worlds Apart- The Jam
Annabella- Billy Kinsley

Sade- The Best Of
(Another great "greatest hits.")

Sonny Phillips- Black Magic!
(This record cooks.)

King Crimson- Thrak
(One of my most played records in 1995. Been awhile, so this really hit the spot.)

The Smile- Wall Of Eyes
(A bit of a let down after enjoying the debut as much as I did. This one sounds more like why I got off the Radiohead bus after "OK Computer.")

Genesis- Foxtrot
(If "Supper's Ready" were seven 3 minute songs, you’d have no problem. But one 23 minute song and PROG SUCKS! Guess what? "Supper's Ready," the legendary sidelong epic from Genesis IS seven 3 minute songs and they are all brilliant. So is Side One, by the way.)

Bob Dylan- Shadow Kingdom
(I truly love this record. It's like "The Basement Tapes" arrangements, less reckless, sweeter, older.)

George Harrison- Brainwashed
(An incredibly wonderful parting gift.)

The Soft Boys- Underwater Moonlight
(Sometimes this record feels like ten different bands. Not a boring second on it.)

2/3/24

Janelle Monae- The Age Of Pleasure (Bits and pieces of the first five songs)
(I have no patience for this.)

Paul Chambers- 1st Bassman
(First time. Basically a Yusef Lateef record, with Chambers leading the melodies on bass. Nice record.)

The Smile- A Light For Attracting Attention
(Second time around, just as solid. Really like this record.)

The Black Crowes- By Your Side
(One of their two best!)

Paul McCartney & Wings- Band On The Run (Abbey Road HSM)
(New remaster sounds really great.)

Mott The Hoople- Mott (Kevin Gray Master)
(This pressing already blew away any original domestic pressings, but now with this new Ortofon cartridge, it explodes out of the speakers.)

Tom Petty &The Heartbreakers- The Best Of Everything (Record Three)
(Been on a TP kick, as of late.)

Goo Goo Dolls- A Boy Named Goo
(Forgot how much I loved this band before they sold out and wrote nothing but bland HBO promo ballads. One more solid record after this one and then you can put a fork in'em.)

Judas Priest- Angel of Retribution
(First solid record in years, and also the last time I saw them live. 2005. RAWK!)

Boston- S/T (Kevin Gray Remaster)
(See Mott The Hoople above.)

The Who- Meaty, Beaty, Big & Bouncy (Abbey Road, HSM)
(Comfort food. The greatest collection of singles put to wax.)

Professor Longhair- New Orleans Piano
(Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans? This Atlantic collection is as good as it gets.)

X- Wild Gift
(Had to get one more in before the Knicks/Lakers game. Going out hard and fast. "We're Desperate" kicks ass!)

2/2/24

Big Bill Broonzy- Lonesome Road Blues
(A good morning record.) 

The Philadelphia Experiment- S/T
(Absolutely love their cover of "Philadelphia Freedom.)

The Yardbirds- Heart Full Of Soul: The Best Of...
(A near perfect collection. I would replace "Lost Woman" and "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl" with "Think About It" and "Goodnight Sweet Josephine." Then, it would have been definitive.)

The Last Dinner Party- Prelude To Ecstasy
(Yep. Still loving it on second spin.)

Fiona Apple- When The Pawn...
(The drumming on "Limp" always fires me up.)

Scott Walker- Scott 3
(His best. Or maybe "Scott 4." Both "3" and "4" are excellent.)

Leon Russell- S/T (Kevin Gray Master)
I can't get enough of this record. It's this Kevin Gray PRESSING!)

Stevie Wonder- Talking Book
(My fave Stevie.)

The Plugz- Better Luck
(Both Plugz records are in my punk Top Ten.)

MC5- Back In The USA
(And speaking of punks, R.I.P. Wayne Kramer.)

Supergrass- In It For The Money
(The musical ADD kicks in--discussing Brit Pop, Oasis, Blur and Supergrass with a friend, so I had to hear something. This will do fine.)

Genesis- Spot The Pigeon
(Loved this E.P. for years, and only just read that all three tracks were cut from the "Wind & Wuthering" album.)

2/1/24

The Smile- A Light For Attracting Attention
(First time. Really great. Total surprise after completely giving up on Radiohead.)

Paul McCartney & Wings- Band On The Run (Underdubbed Mixes)
(Well, this was a lot of fun!)

The Last Dinner Party- Prelude To Ecstasy
(Fantastic! Like the brighter side of Siouxsie. And Sparks! And ABBA! Can't wait to go in again.)

Billy Joel- Turn The Lights Back On
(Loved this. Sounds more like Elton than Billy.)

Brasil '65 w/Wanda de Sah- S/T
(First time. Nice record. More traditional than the swingin' Brasil '66. Solid.)

Tin Machine- S/T
(So misunderstood. A bit of editing from 12 songs in 49 minutes, to 9 songs in 34 minutes and this is a four star record.)

The Koala- S/T (Side One)
(Picked this up on this week's record run for the cover. First I've seen or heard it. Typical late 60's garage/psych. Not terrible. Album cover better than the music within. Like a second or third rate cross between the Stones and Love.)

Roy Harper & Jimmy Page- Whatever Happened To Jugula
(Gets better with age, both its and mine.)

Trouble- S/T
(A Rick Rubin classic!)

Billy Joel- Turn The Lights Back On
(Even better the second time around.)

Jimmy McGriff & Junior Parker- Good Things Don't Happen Every Day
(This one never fails. So greasy and trippy. They cover "The Inner Light!")

The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band- Together
(Know it? Listen to it. "Do Your Thing" was the hit. But this is a night out, the Watts Band's live show reproduced in the studio. What a blast.)

 

1/31/24

iPod on Shuffle:

Close To You - Marshall Crenshaw

Clash City Rockers- The Clash

Princess of The Universe- Utopia 

No World Order (Yokohama Morning Version) - Todd Rundgren

Run That Body Down - Paul Simon

Popotitos- Los Straitjackets

Friends- Led Zeppelin 

Honky Tonk Women- The Pogues

Babylon Deh Pon Fire- Truth Fact & Correct

Stone Cold Crazy- Queen & Trent Reznor

Night Fever- Bee Gees

Between The Lies - C.C. Adcock

Stormbringer- Deep Purple

Wild Man- Galactic w/Big Chief Bo Dollis

Going Down- Freddie King

I Didn’t Think So- Margaret Glaspy

It’s A Lie- Rolling Stones

Transmetropolitan- The Pogues

I Am A Pilgrim- The Byrds

Some Sunny Day- The Millennium

Sometimes I Wonder- Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen

Stuck In The Middle With You- Stealers Wheel

 

Small Faces- The Autumn Stone

(One of 66 pieces I picked up today. First one to jump out of the stack and onto the turntable. Such a fun collection.)

 

Richard Hell & The Voidoids- Blank Generation
(Probably the most overrated punk album of its time, but I still play it all the time.)

 

Cannonball Adderly- Somethin' Else
(Might as well be a Miles Davis record. One of my ten favorite jazz records.)

 

Roy Ayers Ubiquity- Everybody Loves The Sunshine
(Found a better pressing today.)

 

Chris Bell- I Am The Cosmos
(Always sublime.)