Vinyl-O-Matic

Your Old Pal Will takes you on a journey through the peaks and valleys of all recordings vinyl. A through Z, organized alphabetically by artist/compilation title, irregardless of genre. Maybe it’s by title. Maybe it’s by album. Who knows what path we take next. New episode every Wednesday. Get your Vinyl-O-Matic tshirt here! (https://teespring.com/stores/vinylomatic)

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, and some that start with the letter T as in Tengo

Nadja [00:23] "Sievert Pt. 1" Sv Broken Spine Productions BSP015 2023 (original release 2016) Doomy ambient goodness from Aidan and Leah once again. Eurythmics [22:32] "Love Is a Stranger" Sweet Dreams Are Made of This RCA AFL1-4681 1983 Side one, track one from their sophomore album, with a classic video (https://youtu.be/o6f593X6rv8?si=JdUQVqkJ6oVbYuni) to go along for the ride. Plus, high harmonies by Kiki Dee (https://youtu.be/z0qW9P-uYfM?si=y9ywrtnrvrpZvDqI)! Mose Allison [26:15] "Stop This World" Swingin' Machine Atlantic SD 1398 1963 Amen, Mose. Throwing in some horns is not quite the same as the classic trio from the preceding album I Don't Worry About a Thing, but it's still pretty great. Wendy Carlos [29.38] "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major - Third Movement" Switched-On Bach Columbia Masterworks MS 7194 1968 Carlos collaborated with Bob Moog on his nascent synthesizer technology to create this album. Because the Moogs were monophonic, it took 1,000 hours over five months to record. In case you are wondering what a traditional version of this movement sounds like, here is the Netherlands Bach Society performing it (https://youtu.be/qr0f6t2UbOo?si=yiW4DA0AxFSb3sB5&t=370). The Police [34:44] "Miss Gradenko" Synchronicity A&M Records SP-3735 1983 The requisite Stewart Copeland track from final album by The Police. Ultravox [38:18] "Slow Motion" Systems of Romance Antilles AN-7069 1978 Lead track and single from Ultravox's third studio album, which became a large influence on Gary Numan (https://youtu.be/_nt5EH0UYxE?si=pm0h_4YWwXlCKJks). T. Rex [41:44] "20th Century Boy" T. Rextasy: The Best of T. Rex, 1970-1973 Warner Bros. Records 25333-1 1985 As usual, Marc Bolan lays down an undeniable groove (https://youtu.be/9SG65dlho_o?si=4Q8NPlKJc_87trVQ), produced by Tony Visconti. I almost forgot about the sax parts. Can [45:23] "Mushroom" Tago Mago United Artists Records 1971 (2007 "unofficial" repress) Tago Mago was Damo first outing with the band, following Malcolm Mooney's departure. According to guitarist Michael Karoli, the explosion at the end of the song is a slowed-down recording of an exploding firecracker. Zola Jesus [49:41] "Long Way Down" Taiga Mute 9611-1 2014 Zola Jesus' fourth studio album and only outing on Mute (before returning to Sacred Bones). Produced by musician, sound designer, and composer Dean Hurley. The Folk Implosion [54:49] "Had to Find Out" Take a Look Inside...... Communion Label COMM 32 1994 The debut album from Lou Barlow and John Davis... released 30 years ago! Stevie Wonder [56:55] "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" Talking Book Tamla T319L 1972 What?! It's a great song. And it was the single that followed up "Supersition". That's a heckuva gear shift. Number one on the Hot 100, of course. Silver Jews [59:53] "Sometimes a Pony Gets Depressed" Tanglewood Numbers Drag City DC297 2005 A rehabilitated Dave Berman comes back with this album, the fifth studio album. He is joined once again by Bob Nastanovich and Stephen Malkmus, as well as his then-wife Cassie Berman. Cover photo by William Eggleston. Music behind the DJ: "Jackie (https://youtu.be/HqAbaqVBCyo?si=qu8P0gk6OeWL5SeB&t=224)" by Billy May and his Orchestra

12-10
01:05:11

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 14

Babes in Toyland [00:31] "Dust Cake Boy" Sugar and Spice Foxcore Records F9 1992 From a UK bootleg featuring demos and studio outtakes from Babes in Toyland, and Peel Session tracks from Hole. Talk Normal [04:09] "In Every Dream Home a Heartache" Sugarland Rare Book Room Records RBR005 2009 Blistering Roxy Music cover (https://youtu.be/boo5PDjf1Es?si=j-vWw2hnjJrb98DJ) from this Brooklyn duo (https://youtu.be/BgdDDJEzhJA?si=rXvYkftPvYkA8bJ4). Suicidal Tendencies [10:17] "Won't Fall in Love Today" Suicidal Tendencies Frontier Records FLP 1011 1983 This is a 2005 reissue on red-ish transparent vinyl. Produced by Glen E. Friedman, who is better known as a photographer (http://burningflags.com/home/) famous for documenting the nascent punk and skateboard scene. Bonnie 'Prince' Billy [11:13] "Ease Down the Road" Summer in the Southeast Sea Note SN11 2005 Live album recorded while touring Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina. Helping out Will Oldham here are his brother Paul on bass, Peter Townshend on drums, Dave Bird and Matt Sweeney on guitar. Wayne Newton [16:58] "Summer Wind" Summer Wind Capitol Records T 2389 1965 A young Mr. Entertainment taking a pass at this Johnny Mercer number adapted from a German/Danish single by Gerthe Ingmann (https://youtu.be/d_wWy79DV0E?si=tyb8AIlZ0iv0PdJ7). I will forever associate this song with Martin singing this song (https://youtu.be/d_wWy79DV0E?si=tyb8AIlZ0iv0PdJ7) at the end of The Simpsons episode Bart of Darkness (S06E01). Thou [19:33] "Grissecon" Summit Gilead Media relic 31 2018 An excellent reissue of Thou's 2010 album Summit originally released on Southern Lord, along with material from The Archer and The Owle EP released on Robotic Empire. I still think it is amazing that Thou were the first metal band to appear on NPR's Tiny Desk (https://youtu.be/IUVYgCwpv7Y?si=tOq09uk2XAP45o5x) (minus lead vocalist Bryan Funck). Be-Bop Deluxe [27:55] "Heavenly Homes" Sunburst Finish Harvest ST-11478 1976 Some excellent melodic guitar dynamics on this track from Bill Nelson and co's third studio album. Guided by Voices [32:51] "Heavy Metal Country" Sunfish Holy Breakfast Matador OLE 185-1 1996 EP from somewhere around the Alien Lanes/Under the Bushes Under the Stars era. On lovely translucent blue vinyl. Earl-Jean McCrea [36:09] "I'm Into Something Good" Super Girls Lake Shore Music OP 3507 1979 _As seen on TV (https://youtu.be/K2t9Iwl07sA?si=JmonzgyBe6Sr8MuV)! Forty original hits by forty original artists. In mono! Earl-Jean of the Cookies sends this original recording of the Goffin and King hit shortly thereafter by Herman's Hermits. _ 1000 Homo DJs [38:56] "Supernaut" Supernaut Wax Trax! Records WAX 9133 1990 Peak Industrial cover from Al Journgensen and friends. Certainly not as good as the Sabbath orignal (https://youtu.be/nUb0QaDjP78?si=QtuvXBJhZNFU4yFM) but still makes an impact, though it does go on a bit. Matt Sweeney and Bonnie 'Prince' Billy [45:33] "Bed Is for Sleeping" Superwolf Drag City DC179 2005 Excellent collaboration between the two, with some excellent illustrations by Matt and Spencer Sweeney. Produced by Superwolfmen. Jefferson Airplane [49:42] "White Rabbit" Surrealistic Pillow RCA Victor LSP-3766 1967 Normally I would go with "Plastic Fantastic Lover (https://youtu.be/NUc8vkO3oxY?si=OBKbSnjAAEQsJMbK)", but as I've said before, sometimes you gotta go with the hits. Grace was evidently inspired by Miles Davis' Sketches in Spain when coming up with the music from this piece. Survive [52:11] "Sorceror" Survive RR7349 Relapse Records RR7349 2016 Some tasty synthwave from the band behind the Stranger Things sound. Shizuko and Shinichi Suzuki [56:31] "Long, Long Ago (Bayly)" Suzuki Violin School, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 Summy-Birchard Music CSM 1387 1970 I was a child violin prodigy... until I had to read music. Quintron and Miss Pussycat [57:10] "Witch in the Club" Swamp Tech Tigerbeat 6 MEOW119LP 2005 Organ magic from the one and only Quintron and the amazing Miss Pussycat. I'll have to remember this track for next Halloween. Music behind the DJ: "Quinn the Eskimo" by Arthur Greenslade and his Orchestra

11-11
01:05:12

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 13

Disney Chorus and Orchestra [00:20] "Little April Shower" Walter Disney's Story of Bambi Disneyland ST 3903 1960 Plip plop plip. You may recall from the last episode we heard a track from Stay Awake. On that album, "Little April Shower" is performed by Natalie Merchant, Michael Stipe, and the Roches (https://youtu.be/7ObPekx0h0M?si=BWAulm8X4hnsji14). Thelonius Monk [03:35] "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" Straight No Chaser Columbia CS 2651 1967 Monk takes a fine run at this standard originally recorded by Cab Calloway. Helped out here by Charlie Rouse on tenor sax, Larry Gales on bass, and Ben Riley on drums. Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein [11:14] "The Upside Down" Stranger Things - Volume One (A Netflix Series) Lakeshore Records 2016 Ah, the first season (https://youtu.be/b9EkMc79ZSU?si=8SqvgKenleN2NEJ0) was pretty near perfect. Had to go with the iconic title track. Frank Sinatra with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra [12:21] "Call Me" Strangers in the Night Reprise Records FS 1017 1966 Oddly enough, Frank has not one but two (2!) Petula Clark covers on this album including this one. I much prefer the brassy sassy production of Petula's version (https://youtu.be/M_mkSWxN2xk?si=gya-HwLlYCWK093i). Less Art [16:22] "Diana the Huntress" Strangled Light Gilead Media RELIC88 2017 Featuring members of Kowloon Walled City and Thrice. Igor Stravinsky and the Columbia Symphony Orchestra [19:34] "Firebird Ballet Suite (1945): Introduction - Prelude and Dance of the Firebird - Variations" Stravinsky Conducts Firebird Suite/Petrushka Suite Columbia Masterworks MS 7011 1967 This is the 1945 arrangement of The Firebird Suite. Roxy Music [22:44] "Over You" Street Life - 20 Great Hits EG EGTV 1 1986 A single orignally from Roxy Music's Flesh and Blood (https://youtu.be/3TL-Bc1giO8?si=FaZvmtDfdg2K-5uF). Evidently recorded as a way to tes tout Phil Manzanera's recently constructed studio. Made it as high as number 80 on the Hot 100. Death Valley Girls [26:07] "Electric High" Street Venom Suicide Squeeze SSQ181 2021 (originally recorded and released in 2014) Closing track to Death Valley Girl's debut studio album. Psych rock excellence (https://youtu.be/AO8z3AwIIaw?si=JCyzx7zyGK17UD5K). Salem 66 [31:08] "Seven Steps Down" 1984 Great Plains [mm:ss] "When Do You Say Hello" 1983 Strum and Thrum: The American Jangle Underground 1983-1987 Captured Tracks CT-302 2020 If you love jangle, you'll love Strum and Thrum. 28 tracks of jingle jangle goodness. An exceptional compilation that includes a 80 page booklet that dives into the scene. Yo La Tengo [36:39] "My Heart's Not In It" Stuff Like That There Matador OLE-1079-1 2015 It's hard to choose just once song from this album, but the opening track does a great job getting the listener in the mood for the album. It's a lovely rendition of the Gerry Goffin/Russ Titelman single recorded by Darlene McCrea (https://youtu.be/CuetP9wAHnY?si=o9YtuELwMU3C6S0v). New Order [39:25] "Sub-Culture" Sub-Culture Factory fac 133 1985 A remix by John Robie of the band's third single from Low-life (https://youtu.be/Uetuplhan_U?si=Or8I0F30teDUWLOh). The flip side is, of course, Dub-Culture. Ahmed Ben Ali [47:53] "Subhana" Subhana Habibi Funk HABIBI022 2023 That's right... reggae by way of Libya. Evidently reggae arrived right around peak Bob Marley and the Wailers and it took off from there. Barren Harvest [52:46] "Claw and Feather" Subtle Cruelties Handmade Birds HB-071 2014 Some dark and lovely ambient folk metal from Portland featuring Jessica Way of Worm Ourobouros. Nancy Sinatra [58:33] "Sugar Town" Sugar Reprise Records RS-6239 1967 A Lee Hazlewood number (naturally) that he says is an allusion to LSD sugar cubes. Featuring Wrecking Crew members including the great Carol Kaye, Glen Campbell, and Hal Blaine. Music behind the DJ: "These Boots Were Made for Walking" by Les Brown and his Orchestra

10-19
01:04:00

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 12

John Williams, London Symphony Orchstra [00:23] "The Desert and The Robot Auction" Star Wars 20th Century Records 2T-541 1977 Pretty much every aspect of this soundtrack is seared into my Gen X nerd mind. Silver Jews [03:15] "Advice to the Graduate" Starlite Walker Drag City DC55 1994 The debut outing from David Berman and friends, here including partners in crime Steve Malkmus, Bob Nastanovich, and even Steve West. There is also a lovely cover of this song by The Pastels (https://youtu.be/tQ1vuKAGmUo?si=y7G-DZUy094zyJUf) (recorded for a Peel session). Lena Lovich [06:30] "I Think We're Alone Now" Stateless Stiff Records SEEZ 7 1978 (1979 reissue) From the original UK Stiff Records release of Stateless, a very first-wave New Wave version of "I Think We're Alone Now", originally recorded by Tommy James and the Shondells. Also available in Japanese! (https://youtu.be/URPtOAs_eMc?si=zX0h-wST3jcLzadK) Lena Lovich [09:18] "Lucky Number" Stateless Stiff-Epic JE 36102 1979 The US version changes up the track order, and has a number of songs remixed by Roger Bichirian. David Bowie [13:47] "Golden Years" Station to Station RCA Victor AQL1-1327 1976 (1986 reissue) Carlos Alomar and Earl Slick laying down the funky guitars. The cover features a photograph of Bowie by Steve Shapiro from Nicholas Roeg's The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) (https://youtu.be/KarWCgIw3Wk?si=52k2oqnxkEJ2HNah). Sinéad O'Connor [17:46] "Some Day My Prince Will Come" Stay Awake (Various Interpretations of Music from Vintage Disney Films) A&M Records B0029005-01 1988 (2018 reissue) The late great Sinéad O'Connor interpreting Snow White's ballad accompanied by the late great Andy Rourke from the late great Hal Willner. Willner was one of the most imaginative music producers, responsible for so many excellent tribute albums, and one of the most innovative music shows on network television: Night Music (https://youtu.be/ChPPW6NbsFk?si=AusrNnmpxTl4mWUI). Graham Parker and the Shot [18:55] "Wake Up (Next to You)" Steady Nerves Elektra 9 60388-1 1985 Graham gets all romantic in a Motown sorta way. This single made it as high as 39 on the Hot 100. Graham Parker and the Rumour [24:00] "I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down" Stick to Me Mercury SRM-1-3706 1977 Graham and company do a fine rendition of this song that was initally a hit for Ann Peebles (https://youtu.be/cyMsvE8UcbI?si=VqkTZdDF9ubuspVT). The Rolling Stones [29:35] "Dead Flowers" Sticky Fingers Rolling Stones Records COC 59100 1972 The first album the Stones recorded after being freed from their Decca Records obligation. This copy has one of the actual working zippers, as designed by Andy Warhol. Many listeners will also be familiar with Townes van Zandt's acoustic version that appears on his live album Roadsongs, and was subsequently used in The Big Lebowski (Coen, 1998). The Aquadolls [33:40] "Tweaker Kidz" Stoked on You Burger Records BRGR390 2014 Fun track from the debut Aquadolls album. Talking Heads [36:06] "Once in a Lifetime" Stop Making Sense Sire 1-25186 1984 There was a very cute promo (https://youtu.be/R2gVgpHIDz0?si=UfreL9mJCNr_K3iC) for the A24 re-release of the film recently. Nadja [42:03] "The Stone" The Stone Is Not Hit by the Sun, Nor Carved with a Knife Gizeh Records GZH70 2016 As usual, more heavy dreamy goodness from one of my favorite duos. Music behind the DJ: "Gomez" by Vic Mizzy

10-05
54:00

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 11

Thirsty Forest Animals [00:25] "Nape" Southeast of Saturn: Michigan Shoegaze/Dream Pop/Space Rock Third Man Records TMR-629 2020 All of this, yes. When I lived in NYC in the 90s, so many of my friends were from Michigan that it's amazing some stayed around to develop these sounds. Fauna [05:26] "To Ecstasy" Southeast of Saturn, Vol. 2: Midwest Shoegaze/Dream Pop/Space Rock Third Man Records TMR-750 2022 I also knew a lot of folks from Minneapolis, where Fauna hail from. This track is from their 1992 release Everafter. Glen Campbell [09:23] "Southern Nights" Southern Nights Capitol SO-11601 1977 Glen takes an excellent turn with Allen Toussaint's "Southern Nights" (https://youtu.be/mCscZ2tPFmI?si=0lfs02BFzVpS3aIf) originally recorded in 1975. Glen heard that version and was reminded of his childhood in Arkansas. This single made it to number 1 on the charts, and the album made it as high as 22 on the Billboard 200. You can see Glen playing one of his weirdo Ovation electric 12-strings here on The Midnight Special (https://youtu.be/A8VgyiMAJ9k?si=qdJzW9C6zMMHfQ70). Hawkwind [12:24] "Sonic Attack" Space Ritual United Artists Records UA-LA120-H2 1973 Epically epic space jams with interspersed spoken words as exampled here with "Sonic Attack" written by Michael Moorcock and recited by James Calvert. The sleeve art by Barney Bubbles is a thing of majesty. If space jams are your thing and you've never heard this album, seek it out. Amazingly, this album briefly dented the Billboard 200, making it to number 179. The album jacket is quite a work of art. If you'd like to see the full artwork, join me over on Patreon for video liner notes (https://patreon.com/youroldpalwill). Depeche Mode [17:24] "Dreaming of Me" Speak & Spell Sire SRK 3642 1981 What a difference a decade makes (as compared to Hawkwind)? The debut album by the boys from Basildon, and the only one recorded with Vince Clark (before he moved on to Yaz and subsequently Erasure). This album also just cracked the Billboard 200 here in the US, making it to number 192. This single did actually make it into the US Billboard dance charts, going as high as 47. The English Beat [21:01] "Sooner or Later" Special Beat Service I.R.S. Records SP 75069 1982 (1987 reissue) Everyday someone is born who has never heard "Sooner or Later". Perhaps you are one of those people who has never heard "Sooner or Later". If so, enjoy! This guitar sounds (and this video (https://youtu.be/c-7lBq0zuSM?si=18igG60AbOt239Kf)) have been permentantly etched into my musical brain thanks to the early days of MTV. John Zorn [24:36] "Hico Killer - Long Mile to Houston" Spillane Elektra Nonesuch 9-79172-1 1987 Gritty road story from master blues musician Albert Collins, tinged with Zorn & Co's trademark oddballness. Con Funk Shun [29:19] "Juicy" Spirit of Love Mercury SRM-13806 1980 The Bay Area's very own Con Funk Shun. If you've got a funk/soul album with a track called "Juicy" you know you've got to listen to it. Or at least, I do. Written by the band's guitarist and vocalist Michael Vernon Cooper. The Wonderland Singers [34:07] "Bats in the Belfry" Spooky Halloween Wonderland Records LP-293 1974 They just don't make organ music like they used to, and probably for good reason. At least the cover art is cool. Ustalost [35:20] "III" The Spoor of Vipers Gilead Media RELIC82 2017 Some blackened heaviness from this solo project by Will Skarstad of Yellow Eyes. For those of you who appreciate this style of music, seek out A Wandering Path: The Story of Gilead Media (https://youtu.be/gTZ1HcDtW-U?si=_ann3_mOUWXm2pCq) on a streaming service near you. Missing Persons [40:49] "Bad Streets" Spring Session M Capitol Records ST-12228 1982 This album made a strong impression on my when it came out and I still find myself thinking about it. For this episode's selection, I took a look at the track listings and immediately heard this song in my head. The album made it to number 42 on the Hot 100 and generated 4 singles: "Words (https://youtu.be/IasCZL072fQ?si=VO4X1DpThnxhHYup)", "Desitnation Unknown (https://youtu.be/1WDly1Oc_P4?si=5j2wgoC34DdwEtoU)", "Windows (https://youtu.be/v0vdk3YOvMM?si=31AgmgVzkx6cUeou)", and "Walking in L.A. (https://youtu.be/80WyBxo0Hto?si=DjM4k640jKUOTkhV)". Graham Parker and the Rumour [44:30] "Local Girls" Squeezing Out the Sparks Arista AB 4223 1979 Another heavy rotation video (https://youtu.be/taXvBivGcMo?si=wUPJk-7GLYH8XtUu) from the early days of MTV, despite being made in 1979. The album attempts to explore English suburbia. The album cover features some great typography by Gerard Huerta. Amazing Rhythm Aces [49:48] "Third Rate Romance" Stacked Deck ABC Records ABCD-913 1975 Some fun country-inflected rock from these Memphis gents, sounding almost perfectly mid-70s in a good way. The album reached 11 on the country charts and 120 on the Billboard 200. This single also hit 11 on the country charts and 14 on the pop chart. The band even made an appearance on the second season of Austic City Limits (https://youtu.be/pLz6nIvqB2c?si=nFcMK2tAEEfFjI8n). Love Barry "Byrd" Burton's finger pickin on this. Sly and the Family Stone [53:11] "You Can Make It if You Try" Stand! Epic BN 26456 1969 The mighty Sly Stone and family take a funky turn at this song originally recorded by Gene Allison (https://youtu.be/xiPI7d1y2Co?si=bo1XG2515eGJoYnn) and also covered by the Rolling Stones (https://youtu.be/jz4VO_NiY24?si=1OhUnqa0lAa5JEwM). Fans of Primal Scream will also recognize the tail end of the track that precedes this album closer. Jacksons [56:49] "Blame It on the Boogie" Star Fire Ronco R 3200 1980 As seen on TV! 18 original hits by 18 original artists! A compilation of hits, mostly from 1979. In honor of the late Tito Jackson, I had to go with this uptempo Jacksons single from 1978. Wet Willie [01:00:00] "Keep on Smilin'" Star Trackin' '76 Ronco R 1976-2 1976 As seen on TV! 20 original hits by 20 original artists! While 8 year old me would have been extremely excited about the "Theme from S.W.A.T.", I decided to go with Mobile AL's own Wet Willie. I could have also gone with Abba's "Waterloo" but loyal listeners already know how much I love Abba. Music behind the DJ: "Charade" by Charlie Barnet and his Orchestra

09-19
01:05:55

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 10

Pallbearer [00:34] "An Offering of Grief" Sorrow and Extinction 20 Buck Spin SPIN048 2012 Full-length debut from this heavy doomy band from Little Rock AR. Easily one of the best records of 2012. Ray Charles & Milt Jackson [09:06] "Soul Meeting" Soul Meeting Atlantic SD 1360 1962 Two great tastes that vibe great together. Featuring Ray on piano, Milt on vibes, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Percy Heath on bass, and Art Taylor on drums. This one was written by Jackson, with illuminating parts from both Milt Jackson and Kenny Burrell. Curtis Harding [16:08] "Freedom" Soul Power Burger Records BRGR600 2014 Debut outing from this Atlanta musician. Describing his sound as "slop 'n soul", this one track has a definite Arthur Lee feel. Lou Rawls [18:49] "A Whole Lotta Woman" Soulin' Capitol Records T 2566 1966 Not a whole lotta love, not a whole lotta Rosie, but a whole lotta woman. John Coltrane with Red Garland [21:27] "Theme for Ernie" Soultrane Prestige 7142 1958 One of Coltrane's showcases for his distinctive sheets of sound style. Joined here by Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and again Art Taylor on drums. Les and Larry Elgart and their Orchestra [26:24] "You're My Thrill" Sound Ideas Columbia CL 1123 1958 Hailing from Pompton, New Jersey, these brothers developed their "Elgart Sound" in 1952 and released over half a dozen albums before parting after this album to pursue their musical interests. Mary Martin et al [30:02] "The Lonely Goatherd" The Sound of Music (Original Broadway Cast) Columbia Masterworks KOL 5450 1959 Now that's what I call yodeling! Pre-Julie Andrews obviously. Mary Martin was perhaps best known as playing the title role in the Broadway production of Peter Pan. Not sure how I knew this, but maybe it was due to living in New York for 20 years naking Broadway trivia inescapable. The Sinceros [33:23] "Take Me to Your Leader" The Sound of Sunbathing Epic EPC 83632 1979 The sticker on the cover says that this track is their featured single, so that's what I'm going with. Power pop-y new wave-y. Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass [37:10] "Casino Royale" Sounds Like... Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass A&M LP124 1967 You know I love a good shaggy dog of a film, and Casino Royale is definitely that. Well, the Daniel Craig version is too, but I'm talking about the 1967 comedy version with David Niven as Sir James Bond. Ravi Shankar [39:47] "An Introduction to Indian Music" The Sounds of India Columbia CS 9296 1968 (originally released in 1958) Re-released to tap into the growing interest thanks to the Beatles' interest in Indian music (specifically George Harrison). Relax! Simon & Garfunkel [43:56] "We've Got a Groovey Thing Goin'" The Sounds of Silence Columbia CS 9269 1966 Helped out here by The Wrecking Crew, including Glen Campbell and Joe South on guitar, Hal Blaine on drums, and Larry Knechtel on the Ray Charles-esque electric piano. Scott Walker + Sunn O))) [47:22] "Brando (Dweller on the Bluff)" Soused 4AD CAD 3428 2014 On the surface, it's an odd pairing, but as the music that fills this album suggests, it's a perfect pairing. Sunn O)))'s Greg Anderson and Stephen O'Malley had originally reached out to Walker about contributing to their 2009 album Monoliths and Dimensions but were unable to coordinate. Walker subsequently contacted about contributing drones to fill in the silence between his lyrics while working on his epic 2012 release Bish Bosch. Evidently, Sunn O))) brought their full stage equipment to Walker's studio for recording. If you are unfamiliar, it's a wall of Ampeg, Marshall, and HiWatt speakers with Ampeg SVT and Sunn Model T heads. Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass [56:06] "The Girl from Ipanema" South of the Border A&M SP-108 1964 South of the border, down Rio de Janiero way. Music behind the DJ: "If I Fell" by Perry Botkin Jr and his Orchestra

09-05
01:01:22

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 9

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 9 From Something to Shout About (Lulu) to Sophisticated Boom Boom (Dead or Alive) Oh hey, by the way... there is now a Vinyl-O-Matic Patreon (https://patreon.com/youroldpalwill) Lulu with The Luvvers [00:30] "Chocolate Ice" Something to Shout About Decca LK 4719 1965 Hey hey hey! It's Lulu! This is her debut album. Despite what you might guess from her voice, she was 17 when she recorded this album. "Chocolate Ice" is the excellent title song to the very weird Gonks Go Beat (https://youtu.be/XhozBIMplQA?si=ULHH1FdCqSWJPyJ5) (Hartford-Davis, 1964), featuring Lulu and The Luvvers, The Nashville Teens, and the Graham Bond Organisation Todd Rundgren [02:40] "Hello It's Me" Something / Anything? Bearsville 2BX 2066 1972 Rundgren's 3rd solo album, spreading his musical wings a bit more than previous releases. Todd had originally written the song as a very mellow ballad with the Nazz in 1967, and was released as a b-side (https://youtu.be/FmLnDL_pNZQ?si=enMwjWzgNe_iplus) to their psyche rocker "Open My Eyes". Usually I'd go with the power pop progenitor "Couldn't I Just Tell You (https://youtu.be/fosMLTCFKQ8?si=Dgn25DMa61xCFRbJ)", but well, I'm feeling more mid-tempo at the moment. Jimmy Buffett [07:29] "Cheeseburgers in Paradise" Son of a Son of a Sailor ABC Records AA-1046 1976 Let me be perfectly clear: I am not now, nor have I ever been a Parrot Head. However, I do love cheeseburgers. This is the lead single from Buffett's eighth solo album. The single made it to #32 on the Hot 100. There's also a much-watered-down version of "Livingston Saturday Night", which can be heard to greater effect (https://youtu.be/5uizFyDRxso?si=ZfVrun8krTdxzagG) on the Rancho Deluxe (Perry, 1975) soundtrack, see also: Season 5, Episode 76 (https://vinylomatic.com/s05e76). Harry Nilsson [10:20] "It Is He Who Will Be King/Daybreak" Son of Dracula Rapple Records ABL1-0220 1974 The only new Nilsson song on this soundtrack. The less said about the actual film. Count Downe (Nilsson) is invited to take over Count Dracula's throne by Merlin (Ringo Starr). Lots of monsters and lots of rock stars, including Keith Moon and John Bonham, Peter Frampton, Bobby Keys, Klaus Voorman, and Leon Russell. Watch at your own peril (https://youtu.be/IIik_o16sro?si=WvmR54QPJ16Qmd6s). Great packaging for the record though, includine a die-cut gatefold and an iron on transfer for the cover image with "Bite Me" written in goth script below. Julian Bahula's Jazz Africa [16:15] "Molebatsi" Son of the Soil Tsafrika Records TSA 001 1982 A great collective outing composed by this South African by way of Britain drummer/composer/bandleader. I picked this one up at Revolution Records in Amsterdam. If Google Translate isn't lying to me, this title translates to "Smoker" from Swati. And a smoker it is. The Temptations [21:46] "Shakey Ground" A Song for You Gordy G6-969S1 1975 One of several excellent P-Funk-backed tracks on this album. There's a pretty excellent Delbert McClinton version of this song as well (https://youtu.be/w7JCWoxtGLs?si=tLtnwaOT1j24Tgvy). The Exbats [25:47] "Like It Like I Do" Song Machine Goner Records GONE 192 2023 And boy do I like it! Another excellent outing from Bisbee AZ denizens Inez and Kenny and friends (https://youtu.be/l-Onx5zVfMs?si=OSeD0DJHPaOZ4NGW). They pretty much just keep getting awesomer and awesomer. Big Black [28:17] "L Dopa" Songs About Fucking Touch and Go T&G LP #24 1987 Scorching. And sadly, fare thee well, Steve. To anyone interested in recording, Steve and Electric Audio provided (and still provide) a wealth of information, as for instance: Everything you've ever wanted to know about tape alignment but were afraid to ask (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXA7imybaTsFWOFpaeP8wgXNDlZ4Xc8yq&si=ZMsU_ifbEBbmp6Kh). THE FOLLOWING TRACK IS INTENDED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED 🤓 Rusty Warren [31:54] "Songs for Sinners (Part I) (excerpt)" Songs for Sinners Jubilee JGM-2024 1959 Everybody's favorite New England Conservatory of Music-trained raunchy great aunt. If you shake the Youtubes, you can quite likely find Catherine O'Hara portraying a Rusty Warren-inspired character Dusty Towne in an episode of SCTV. Frank Sinatra [33:01] "Pennies from Heaven" Songs for Swingin' Lovers! Capitol Records W653 1956 Frank and Nelson Riddle taking a pass at this classic thirties tune originally recorded by Bing Crosby. I am also reminded of 1978 BBC series Pennies from Heaven performance wtinessed by Bob Hoskins (https://youtu.be/0Xw0da8ZUpo?si=D87vjr4MVidJeWkw) as well as Steve Martin's filmic remake of Pennies from Heaven (https://youtu.be/f3Q11jsN54A?si=nUKyfa9427rV4kI2). Merle Haggard and the Strangers [35:43] "Mama Tried" Songs I'll Always Sing Capitol Records SABB-11531 1977 Wayward Merle's ode to mama. Fun fact: My grandfather claimed to not care for Merle because he was a jailbird, despite being a fan of Johnny Cash. Granted, Cash never served more than a night in jail following a few of his misadventures. Stevie Wonder [37:53] "Sir Duke" Songs in the Key of Life Tamla T13-340C2 1976 This album is the common denominator of almost every record collection I've been gifted. As I'm sure I've mentioned before, whenever I hear this song it reminds me of summer Little League practice, so presumably 1977. Yautja [42:50] "Tar and Blindness" Songs of Descent Forcefield Records FFR039 2014 Heaviness by way of Nashville TN of all places. Echo & the Bunnymen [45:40] "Do It Clean" Songs to Learn & Sing Sire / Korova 1-25360 1985 A solid mid-80s compilation. This is easily one of my favorite Echo & the Bunnymen tunes. The Fresh & Onlys [48:26] "AAA" Soothsayer Mexican Summer MEX170-1 2013 Definitely some great atmoshphere on the EP. Love the vibes and horns on this track. Dead or Alive [52:31] "That's the Way (I Like It)" Sophisticated Boom Boom Epic BFE 39274 1984 A very early-80s take on this 70s classic. Presumably the album is titled after The Shangri-La's single (https://youtu.be/tNDZ5VGgG20?si=rxq46VwfwudqfT0C)? For you aging goths out there: If Wikipedia, there is an uncredited guitar playing by Wayne Hussey who would the move on to Sisters of Mercy, and then of course to The Mission 🤓 Music behind the DJ: "Crystal Blue Persuasion" by David Whitaker and his Orchestra

08-20
59:21

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 8

Aidan Baker with Richard Baker [00:25] "Western Salvia" Smudging Backwards BW06 2012 Remeber kids, friends don't let friends smudge with white sage. Dwarf Chorus [04:19] "Bluddle-Uddle-Um-Dum (The Washing Song)" Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Disneyland 1201 1968 Don't forget behind the ears 🧼🫧 Narrator and Dwarf Chorus [07:12] "A Silly Song" Walt Disney's Story and Songs from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Disneyland Records ST 3906 1969 Very silly, now with narration. Peter Gabriel [10:29] "Big Time" So Geffen Records GHS 24088 1986 Welcome to 1986! Peter is helped out here by Tony Levin, Stewart Copeland, Simon Clark, and Daniel Lanois, among others. The video features work by the excellent Wayne White (https://youtu.be/PBAl9cchQac?si=DZebA9wY7UEXDJ6O). The O'Jays [16:17] "Strokety Stroke" So Full of Love Philadelphia International Records JZ 35355 1978 Some very funky and risqué O'Jays here, penned by Philly Sound originator Bunny Sigler. Frank Sinatra [20:43] "Here's to the Losers" Softly, As I Leave You Reprise Records F 1013 1964 Mono, baby! Frank briefly has sympathy for the losers. Ramsey Lewis [23:48] "Summer Breeze" Solar Wind Columbia KC 32897 1974 Love this album. Check out this excellent live performance on German TV from 1973 (https://youtu.be/u6j6Zk945ZY?si=bpycJSpVTqoN1Cgf). The Kingston Trio [28:42] "Bimini" Sold Out Capitol Records T1352 1960 And we've made it all the way to deeply unfunky. Despite what the title of this album would lead you to believe, this is a studio affair. David Qualey [32:51] "Santa Cruz" Soliloquy Windham Hill Records WHS C-1011 1983 Seems a little jazzy for New Age, but what do I know? Thelonius Monk [35:03] "Ruby, My Dear" Solo Monk Columbia CS 9149 1965 From Monk's fifth studio album, a standout rendition of one of his classic compositions. Fritz Hauser [40:40] "Klangwolke II" Solodrumming hat ART 2023 1985 A preformance recorded live in the glass enclosed atrium of the Martin Gropius Bau, his only accompaniment the seven second long natural reverb. Ian Matthews [42:38] "Tried So Hard" Some Days You Eat the Bear and Some Days the Bear Eats You Elektra EKS 75078 1974 One of the founding members of Fairport Convention, Matthews takes an excellent pass at one of my favorite Gene Clark tunes. This is the last track on side one. When you flip it over, well whaddya know... a cover of Steely Dan's "Dirty Work" (https://youtu.be/ul2DvLYvYhg?si=GK3ozmD1CYDPkf3S). The Rolling Stones [47:18] "Beast of Burden" Some Girls Rolling Stones Records COC 39108 1978 Some mid-tempo goodness from the Stones fourteenth studio album. And of course, who can forget the video for Bette Midler's interpretation of this song (https://youtu.be/zsqf-ORB37Q?si=e4B4siA8VOwjwzPY). Marilyn Monroe with Matty Malneck and his Orchestra [51:41] "Runnin' Wild" Some Like It Hot United Artists Records UAL 4030 1959 Hot stuff from one of my all-time favorite films. Granted there are a lot of Billy Wilder films in my all-time favorite film list, but still... Kid Koala [52:46] "Skanky Panky" Some of My Best Friends Are DJs Ninja Tune ZEN82 2003 Kid Koala cuts it up with some ska-tastic turntablism. Daedelus featuring Busdriver and Pigeon John [56:10] "Something Bells" Something Bells Plug Research PR 52 2004 Daedelus and Busdriver, two great tastes that taste great together for sure. And sounds like a Lambert, Hendricks and Ross sample floating around in the background. Music behind the DJ: "Goin' Out of My Head" by Frank Comstock and his Orchestra

07-13
01:03:24

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 7

6 Fat Dutchmen [00:22] "Minniehaha" 6 Fat Dutchmen RCA Victor LPM-1769 1958 Ooooom-pah! New Ulm's very own 6 Fat Dutchmen blazing up that Midwestern polka scene. Why heck, they played the Nebraska State Fair for 26 straight years, don't ya know. This album has some top-notch cover art by none other than the great Jack Davis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Davis_(cartoonist)). Jo Stafford with Paul Weston and his Music from Hollywood, the Norman Luboff Choir, and the Starlighters [02:42] "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" Ski Trails Columbia CL 910 1956 Jo and co. take a fine pass at this Irving Berlin standard. --- [05:05] Nadja [05:46] "Jaguar" Sky Burial Latitudes GMT 0:22 V 2010 A translucent blue excursion into sonic etherealness. --- [24:42] Slapp Happy [25:04] "The Drum" Slapp Happy Virgin V 2014 1974 This album was originally recorded with Faust as a backing band (https://youtu.be/j2m4_KTg-VA?si=qaDjWw1MxOaPkjFl), but was rejected by their German label. After moving to London, the material was recorded with studio musicians. And of course, I came to this song by way of the excellent interpretation by Bongwater (https://youtu.be/7M8uzljiQcc?si=K1yXFGHRhSG7xkB8). Ambitious Lovers [28:25] "Admit It" Slaves of New York Virgin Movie Music 7 91229-1 1989 From a film that was very much of its time based on a collection of short stories by Tama Janowitz (https://youtu.be/YG-EEdHb6Vk?si=yCNAzeWjeu6_9eem), oddly enough a Merchant and Ivory production. of the same title. At least it introduced me to Arto Lindsay (https://youtu.be/yAVr-fP9Dbk?si=rDW4N2c9JRPLYwKt). Nomeansno [32:10] "Junk" Small Parts Isolated and Destroyed Alternative Tentacles VIRUS 63 1988 The third studio album from these Vancouverian musicians. Space junk perhaps? Jimi Hendrix [35:47] "Can You See Me" Smash Hits Reprise Records MS 2025 1969 Stereo Jimi vox on one of my favorite Experience tunes. ---- [38:21] King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band [39:24] "Dippermouth Blues" (1923) Lionel Hampton [41:43] "When Lights Are Low" (1939) Miles Davis Nonet [43:58] "Boplicity" (1949) Thelonious Monk Quintet [46:58] "Criss Cross" (1951) The Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz Smithsonian Collection P6 11891 1973 blah --- [49:56] Music behind the DJ: "Swinging Safari" by Bert Kaempfert

06-10
52:08

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 6

Heino [00:23] "Heute Singen Wir Mit Heino/Wißt Ihr Was? Heute Hat's Geschneit" Sing Mit Heino Folge 9 und 10 Winterzeit - Kinderzeit - Weihnachtzeit Hör Zu 1 C 066-45 322 1979 Sing along with Heino! And evidently, the old Deustschekrooner is still alive. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the German phenomenon that is Heino, of course, there's a documentary (https://youtu.be/M-39Unh0X2E?si=WlId8Vtympf3n2ob). The Four Roses Society [03:03] "Hand Me Down My Walkin' Cane/Deep in the Heart of Texas" Sing with the Four Roses Society Four Roses K8OP-6582 / 3 Well all right then. During my brief career as a liquor store clerk (one summer during college), Four Roses bourbon was not the esteemed brand it is today. It was easily found on the bottom shelf of the whiskey section. Kitty Wells [05:49] "Country Girl" Singing'em Country Decca DL 75221 1970 One of the contenders to the title of Queen of Country Music reminiscing at the ripe old age of 51. Elvis Presley [08:24] "Santa Bring My Baby Back (to Me)" Sings Christmas Songs - Elvis' Christmas Album RCA Victor LPM-1951 1957 (1964 reissue) An extremely well-worn seasonal classic. I'm surprised it sounds as good as it does, considering the state of the record surface. Odetta [12:45] "Don't Think Twice, It's Allright" Odetta Sings Dylan RCA Victor LSP-3324 An excellent rendition of this transitional Dylan single. To my mind, it is almost as good as the jangling toe-tapper version by Waylon Jennings (https://youtu.be/2GTl6-BJhvc?si=Ofi9FdbmGvJyqCKr). Bob McGrath with the Jimmy Joyce Singers [18:30] "Black and White" Sings for All the Boys and Girls Disneyland 1357 1974 Indeed, that Bob from Sesame Street. Helped out here by some of the Wrecking Crew including Tommy Tedesco and Earl Palmer. Inspired by the Three Dog Night version of this song (https://youtu.be/PEy6968xO-I?si=hNq9IL8tnQ9RCPDd), the song was originally recorded by Pete Seger in 1956 and with lyrics by David I. Arkin, father of Alan Arkin no less. Nat King Cole [22:21] "Autumn Leaves" Sings for Two in Love Capitol Records DT 420 1963 (original release 1953) This monophonic classic album is reinvigorated in beautiful Duophonic sound! Bonnie Prince Billy [25:03] "Ohio River Boat Song" Sings Greatest Palace Music Drag City DC252 / Palace Records PR31 A collection of Nashville-ified reimaginings Will Oldham's earlier work, with a number of Nashville greats, including Hargus "Pig" Robbins. The thing I love about seeing Will Oldham perform live in whatever configuration is that he seemingly never plays a song the same way twice. This pass at the debut single from Palace Music (https://youtu.be/jYVTkUTHENg?si=Iz69YWTah4Kmc4uO) exemplifies that spirit. Wayne Newton [30:00] "More (Theme from 'Mondo Cane')" Sings Hit Songs Capitol Records T 2130 1964 Despite rumblings in Memphis and New Orleans and even Liverpool by this point, the big band sound of the Greatest Generation continues to thrive in popular music. John McCormack [32:37] "The Foggy Dew" Sings Irish Songs Pickwick CAS-407 1975 Evidently, stereo, in this case, means slapping some reverb on the left channel. Despite being partially the result of Irish immigration, I am not sentimental, which is why I chose the shortest track for this collection. Lotte Lehman [34:41] "Ich Liebe Dich (Beethoven)" Sings Lieder, Vol. 1 Camden CAL-378 Pretty sure I grabbed this from the dollar bin because in my haste I thought it was Lotte Lenya. Colin Meloy [37:21] "Bandit Queen" Sings Live! Jealous Butcher Records JB-065 2008 From a solo tour Colin Meloy made in 2006, recorded at various venues, including this one that I happened to attend at the Great American Music Hall. This live album does do one of those things that drives me nuts, which is to put the stage banter for the upcoming song before the track break. Tom Jones [43:05] "In Dreams" Sings She's a Lady Parrot XPAS 71046 1971 Candy colored clown! (https://youtu.be/R7zukRlfzh8?si=110VDkQtE8m4jD52) Nat "King" Cole [46:30] "Blue Gardenia" Ballads of the Day Capitol Records DT 680 1960 (original release 1956) As performed in Fritz Lang's classic noir The Blue Gardenia (https://youtu.be/3bxSn2UMBMY?si=vKu34lBUOQstY3f4). Harry Belafonte [49:29] "A Fool For You" Sings the Blues RCA Victor LSP-1972 1958 A collection of blues standards, including this Ray Charles number. Ella Fitzgerald [53:09] "'S Wonderful" Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Song Book (Volume Two) Verve Records MG V-4025 1959 Helped out here by Nelson Riddle. An excellent cover painting by Bernard Buffet is featured on this album. Music behind the DJ: "Games People Play (https://youtu.be/hIBlCac8_wk?si=KjX6MUoC_zQ0qftn)" by Arthur Greenslade and his Orchesta

05-22
58:52

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 5

The Shirts [mm:ss] "Teenage Crutch" The Shirts Capitol Records SW-11791 1978 (US pressing) (see below) The Shirts [mm:ss] "Reduced to a Whisper" The Shirts Harvest 5C 062-06 717 1978 (Netherlands pressing) That's right, not one but 2 (two!) tracks from The Shirts' debut album. Normally, I am not one to buy 2 copies of the same album, but when I was in Amsterdam a couple of years ago, I came across the Netherlands pressing with a more stylized cover and couldn't resist. They were one of the original CBGB bands that saw more success in Europe. You can also spot lead singer Annie Golden in the film adaptation of Hair (Forman, 1979) (https://youtu.be/VN5zup3b7fw?si=859TcqBo5ArA0iD2). Philharmonic Symphony of New York, Dimitri Mitropoulos [mm:ss] "Second Movement: Allegretto" Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 Op. 47 Columbia Masterworks ML 4739 1962 Composed by the Soviet Russian Shostakovich in 1937, this recording dates to 1953. Robyn Hitchcock [mm:ss] "Socrates in Thin Air" Shufflemania! Tiny Ghost Records TINY GHOST 07 2022 Great outing from Mr. Hitchcock from a couple of years ago. Joined here by Soft Boy cohort Kimberley Rew on guitar. Los Campesinos! [mm:ss] "5 Flucloxacillin" Sick Scenes Wichita WEBB500LP 2017 The wonderful 6th album from these Cardiff folks. Self-financed, no less! There is a supercute video for this song done in the style of the BBC show Flog It! (https://youtu.be/aoqs0PJ12zM?si=rIefWNr2Mwj3F3-d) Thompson Twins [mm:ss] "We Are Detective" Side Kicks Arista AL 6607 1983 So much floppy hair. The trio's third single from their third album. A suitably 80s video was also made for this track. (https://youtu.be/l2SMSoblH3Y?si=jw9yBHEFqSlCRxvH) Raspberries [mm:ss] "Tonight" Side 3 Capitol Records SMAS-11220 1973 Speaking of third albums. This song was the first of three singles from the album and reached number 69 on the Hot 100. Rush [mm:ss] "New World Man" Signals Mercury SRM-1-4063 1982 Rush's only Top 40 single, oddly enough. From the last album produced by Terry Brown. Sure, I could have chosen "Subdivisions" but if you were like me and were a suburban early-teenage male when this album came out, it was pretty inescapable and hence not really necessary to revisit. Boz Scaggs [mm:ss] "Lido Shuffle" Silk Degrees Columbia PC 33920 1976 Speaking of ubiquitous songs from my youth. With Mr. Scaggs himself on the Moog riffs. Sqürl [mm:ss] "John Ashbery Takes a Walk" Silver Haze Sacred Bones Records SBR-316 2023 Jim Jarmusch and Carter Logan, assisted here by Charlotte Gainsbourg in an homage to the poet John Ashbery. There's a nice moody video to accompany this song as well (https://youtu.be/EdlCG4aw7Q4?si=nQisL8r1JTM_vHrk). Klaus Nomi [mm:ss] "Falling in Love Again" Simple Man RCA Victor PL 37702 1982 A contemporary update of the Marlene Dietrich classic (https://youtu.be/8gAo2aR_tUw?si=jpfY2F2guahlnPea) from the iconic Klaus Nomi's second album. Kris Kristofferson [mm:ss] "The Pilgrim - Chapter 33" The Silver Tongued Devil and I Monument Z 30679 1971 If I were Donnie Fritts (which I can only aspire to), I would have definitely had my name legally changed to Funky Donnie Fritts. Nine Inch Nails [mm:ss] "Sin (Short)" Sin TVT Records TVT2617-1 1990 Why it seems like 33 1/3 years ago that this album was released. Frank Sinatra [mm:ss] "When Somebody Loves You" Sinatra '65 Reprise RS-6167 1965 That is some bizarre stereo separation. Frank Sinatra [mm:ss] "Witchcraft" Sinatra's Sinatra Reprise Records R9-1010 1963 Some of Frank's big hits, recompiled here for his own label. Dwight Twilley Band [mm:ss] "I'm on Fire" Sincerely Shelter Records SRL-52001 1976 Some primo power pop kicking off Dwight Twilley Band's debut outing on the already-doomed at the time Shelter Records. Music behind the DJ: "Diamonds Are Forever (Instrumental)" by John Barry

04-11
01:02:51

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 4

The Beatles [00:29] "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Apple Records SMAS-2563 1967 (1971 Los Angeles gatefold pressing) Enjoy the stereo separation! Billy Preston [03:58] "Get Back" Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band RSO RS-2-4100 1978 So yeah. A soundtrack to a movie that is very much of it's time. Not only tdo we have The Bee Gees and Peter Framption as the titular band, we have Earth Wind & Fire doing "Got to Get You into My Life", George Burns doing "Fixing a Hole", Alice Cooper doing "Because", Aerosmith handling "Come Together", and my second favorite track: Steve Martin doing a wild and crazy version of "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" (https://youtu.be/F__uGshlbOo?si=qn4U4_ZIGttfns5E). This version of Get Back by the one and only Billy Preston still seals the deal for me. If you are inclined to check out this film, I can only say that it is very much of its time (https://youtu.be/oioCI1p6Y30?si=34PQo_XspuXmnRPc). Lord only knows how much white powder was used in the production. Love and Rockets [07:01] "Haunted when the Minutes Drag" Seventh Dream of Teenage Heaven Beggars Banquet BEGA66 1985 The debut outing from 3/4 of Bauhaus. Daniel Ash, David J, and Kevin Haskins do an excellent job of building an atmospheric experience to transition away from the darkness of their previous efforts. The Moody Blues [16:29] "You and Me" Seventh Soujourn Threshold THS 7 1972 Maybe it's me, but it seems like the intro could have been 8 bars or so shorter. True story: the first pair of concert tickets that I ever won from listening to the radio was for The Moody Blues on their Long Distance Voyager tour. For some reason my parents didn't think it would be appropriate for a 13 year old to go, so I got to keep the record (long since lost) and gave my tickets to the high school kids across the street. The Cars [20:46] "Since You're Gone" Shake It Up Elektra 5E-567 1981 Classic side one, track one. Dig the Frippian guitar solo. Ornette Coleman [24:18] "Focus on Sanity" The Shape of Jazz to Come Atlantic SD 1317 1959 (2010 Rhino reissue) You and me both, Ornette. The classic quartet rounded out by legends Charlie Haden on bass, Don Cherry on cornet, and Billy Higgins on drums. Hypnodrone Ensemble [32:36] "Eucldian/Dodecahedral" The Shape of Space Calostro Records CR01 2015 Hypnotic? Check. Drone? Check? Motorik? Check? Spaceous? Check? Nailed it. Shaun Cassidy [45:33] "That's Rock 'n' Roll" Shaun Cassidy Warner Bros Records/Curb Records BS 3067 1977 Originally a minor hit for Eric Carmen in Europe, teen idol and Hardy Boy Shaun Cassidy took this dopey number to the top of the US charts. Beastie Boys [48:19] "Slow and Low" She's on It Def Jam/Columbia 44-05292 1985 Flip side to the not-quite ready for primetime "She's on It". Fun fact: I lived in the New York Metropolitan area for twenty years and never understood the appeal of White Castle. Chelsea Wolfe [52:02] "Unseen World" She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She Loma Vista LVR03941 2024 It's not often that I get to play a new release on Vinyl-O-Matic, but Chelsea Wolfe's excellent new album arrived at a synchronous moment. Music behind the DJ: "Professor Fate" by Henry Mancini

03-03
58:18

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 3

Barbra Streisand [00:20] "The Christmas Song" Seasons Greetings from Barbra Streisand... and Friends Columbia Special Products CSS 1075 1969 Babs takes things in a particularly saccharine direction, but I suppose not every version can be the Nat King Cole Trio. Rockpile [04:25] "Heart" Seconds of Pleasure Columbia JC 36886 1980 The iconic album from the band that until this point has backed solo efforts from Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds knock it out of the park on their only release as Rockpile. Guitarist Billy Bremnar steps up to take the lead vocals on this snappy number. Pavement [07:00] "Frontwards" The Secret History, Volume 1 (1990-1992) Matador OLE-1064-1 2015 A compilation from a few years ago of early Pavement material. This one is a live version of one of my favorite Pavement songs, performed at Brixton Academy in London on December 14, 1992. Years later Los Campesinos! would win my musical heart with their version of this song (https://youtu.be/DnEa4ES7ep4?si=WeB_oCdOz73gNL0E). The Fresh & Onlys [10:21] "Do You Believe in Destiny" Secrets Walls Sacred Bones Records SBR-056 2011 Always love that big spacey sound Wymond Miles brings with his guitar. Peter Gabriel [14:53] "Shock the Monkey" Security Geffen Records XGHS 2011 1982 If you ask Peter Gabriel what this album is titled, he will likely say "Peter Gabriel", like his previous 3 solo efforts. If you ask Geffen Records what this album is called, they will say "Security". The more you know. The Seeds [20:16] "Can't Seem to Make You Mine" The Seeds GNP Crescendo GNP 2023 1966 A top notch side 1, track 1 from these garage rock progenitors featuring the one and only Sky Saxon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQWVHvjdfZw). Eigenlicht [23:19] "There Lies Already the Shadow of Annihilation" Self-Annihilating Consciousness Gilead Media Relic94 2018 Blackened metal from up Olympia WA way. A brief intro into this epic album. If it sounds like something that you might be interested in, definitely check out this release. The Who [25:13] "Odorono/Tattoo" Sell Out Decca DL 74950 1967 The third studio album from The Who and easily my favorite Who album. I made this one a twofer to give you, the listener, a better feel for the album. Bernard Gunther [33:08] "Face Slapping" Sensory Awakening: Relaxation Esalen Institute 1968 Evidently there is a follow-up record for this... Sensory Awakening: Couples. Yowza. Mitch Miller and the Gang [35:32] "Singin' in the Rain/All I Do Is Dream of You/Toot, Toot, Tootsie! (Goodbye)" Sentimental Sing Along with Mitch Columbia CS 8251 1960 Not sure about the last part of that medley, but the first two are solid selections from the titular film. Luna [38:57] "(Walkin' Thru' the) Sleepy City" A Sentimental Education Double Feature Records LP-DBL-0013 2017 A fine collection of covers from one of my favorite bands. This Jagger/Richards number orignally appeared on the Stones compilation album Metamorphosis (https://youtu.be/fRDtVsAvM-8?si=wyGkrescNCIU4vWd). The Parting Gifts also do a great Spector-esque cover (https://youtu.be/P903W_tJNi0?si=Fyw8WEIcJidDI4Ga). Frank Sinatra [42:42] "September Song" September of My Years Reprise Records FS 1014 1965 Frank handles this Weill number pretty well. For my money, the Lou Reed version (https://youtu.be/dHVqWRxpqXk?si=Jop71rSbI5jTlzXF) that appears on the Hal Willner project "September Song: The Music of Kurt Weill". Serana-Maneesh [48:22] "Drain Cosmetics" Serena-Maneesh Playlouderecordings PLAYR 4LP 2006 Another great side one, track one. Some mid-aighties shoegaze goodness out of Norway. Saw them perform an amazing at the Bottom of the Hill on this tour. Kermit the Frog [52:03] "Green" The Sesame Street Record Columbia CR 21530 1970 Sing it,œœ Kermie. Rosanne Cash [54:27] "Seven Year Ache" Seven Year Ache Columbia JC 36965 1981 This song has been stuck in my brain since it was first released, due in large part due to the synth lines courtesy of Booker T Jones. This was a number one album on the country charts for Rosanne, and made it to number 26 on the Billboard 200 that year. _Music behind the DJ: "Make the World Go Away" by Lawrence Welk

12-17
59:49

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 2

Sarah Vaughan [00:36] "Hey Naughty Papa" Sassy Mercury Wing MGW 12237 1962 (originally released in 1956) Hey now. Evidently this one was written by Hoagy Carmichael? Here Sarah is backed by Hal Mooney and his Orchestra. Subway [02:51] "Jupiter" Satellites Soul Jazz Records SJR 157-12 2007 Beep boop boop beep. Jerry Byrd [08:27] "Cold Cold Heart" Satin Strings of Steel Monument SLP 8033 1965 Getting very aloha with Hank's classic. Glen Campbell [11:06] "Lonesome Jailhouse Blues" A Satisfied Mind Pickwick SPC-3134 1971 A repackaging of the Glen's Capitol Records 1966 album Big Bluegrass Special. Bee Gees [14:28] "Jive Talkin'" Saturday Night Fever (The Original Movie Sound Track) RSO RS-2-4001 1977 Sometimes you just have to go with the hit. Oh wait, they're all hits. The Hot Dogs [18:13] "Feel Real Fine" Say What You Mean Ardent Records ADS-2805 1973 A great little gem of a Big Star adjacent album. Digging this track by Terry Manning. Tom Jones [21:12] "Come to Me" Say You'll Stay Until Tomorrow Epic PE 34468 1977 That's right, the theme song from The Pink Panther Strikes Again (https://youtu.be/vH4-8qR79WY?si=t1IrFzJuuVfkDknP&t=7) (Edwards, 1976). You know, the one with the castle in Bavaria? My brothers and I went with my mother to see this one in the theaters instead of staying home and watching Super Bowl XI (Raiders v Vikings) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Bowl_XI). Daniel Ocko [24:07] "The Guitar Player" Great Ghost Stories Troll Records 50-002 1973 Oops... right genre, wrong cover. The record is Great Ghost Stories but the sleeve is Scary Spooky Stories. Harry Nilsson [31:27] "Gotta Get Up" Schmilsson RCA LSP 4515 1971 (1979 reissue) Aleatoric glissando. Look it up. Rafael Kubelik conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra [33:51] "Schoenberg: 5 Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 16 - Peripetia" Shoenberg/Bartok - 5 Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 16/Music for Stringed Instruments, Percussion, and Celesta Mercury MG-50026 1953 blah Pete Townshend [36:04] "Squeezebox" Scoop ATCO Records 7 99063-1-F 1983 A pretty solid demo from a compilation full of Who demos. Scott Walker [38:34] "Amsterdam" Scott (Aloner) Smash Records SRS 67099 1967 Alright, so I'm cheating a little on this one too. The US release of Walker's first album, Scott, was titled Aloner. But I didn't have this album when we were running through Albums that begin with the letter A as in Alpha. It's really difficult to pick just one song to play here. My instinct wanted to go with "The Lady Came from Baltimore (https://youtu.be/7gFECZErdBY?si=Pi-CIpL5RRu22aA7)" but the atmosphere of his cover of Brel's "Amsterdam" (https://youtu.be/-Z0UGGvb4sQ?si=2SIFvLXn7CvA80UT) is so good. Siouxsie & the Banshees [43:21] "Mirage" The Scream Polydor POLD 5009 1978 The amazing debut album from Siouxsie and the Banshees. A pretty remarkable effort front to back. The version of "Mirage" that appears on this album gains a little polish but still retains the energy of the Peel Session version the year before (https://youtu.be/0S_vlZg7xBQ?si=1NqDL9OM6OhrSn50). Judas Priest [46:11] "The Hellion/Electric Eye" Screaming for Vengeance Columbia FC 38160 1982 One of the greatest 1-2 punches in album opening history. You know exactly what you are in store for. Fourteen year-old me was completely enthralled with the sound of this album. Hap Palmer [50:31] "Sweetwater Springs" Sea Gulls... Music for Rest and Relaxation Activity Records AR 584 1978 Woof. File under Easy Listening. Why do I feel the sudden urge to make a macrame plant hanger? Will Oldham [52:15] "Sapele" Seafarers Music Drag City DC261 2004 Music to accompany a documentery by. Music behind the DJ: "Cold Cold Heart" by Lawrence Welk and Orchestra

09-28
59:18

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter R as in Romeo and some that begin with the letter S as in Sierra

Fleetwood Mac [01:08] "I Don't Want to Know" Rumours Warner Bros. Records BSK 3010 1977 Funny how the classic rock radio format ruined so much music for me through it's incessant repetition of what it deemed classic, and yet I still thoroughly enjoy Rumours. A fun little number originally from the Buckingham Nicks days. Deerhoof [04:22] "Twin Killers" The Runners Four Children of the Hoof #1 2006 Maybe it's my Gemini nature (certainly not my killer nature) that draws me to this song. Arlo Guthrie [06:41] "Coming in to Los Angeles" Running Down the Road Reprise Records RS 6346 1969 Some solid country rock on this sophomore album from Woody's son. Support musicians include Clarence White, Ry Cooder, Gene Parsons, James Burton, Chris Ethridge and Jim Gordon. Ah the joys of travelling while holding. Neil Young & Crazy Horse [10:48] "Pocahontas" Rust Never Sleeps Reprise Records HS 2295 1979 Neil, I can probably tell you how she felt. The Rutles [14:10] "Cheese and Onions" The Rutles Warner Bros. Records HS 3151 1978 Yes indeed, the Prefab Four: Ron, Dirk, Stig, and Barry (https://youtu.be/sEwySvgfwLE). While my favorite Rutles song is "I Must Be in Love (https://youtu.be/54KBPA20b9Q)", "Cheese and Onions runs a close second, thank in no small part to the Galaxie 500 cover (https://youtu.be/pAzdSeAwKpg) of that song. Boston Pops/Arthur Fiedler w. Hugh Downs, Narrator [16:51] "Britten: The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34 (Theme)" Carnival Of The Animals / The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra, Op. 34 RCA Victor Red Seal LSC-2596 1964 Benjamin Britten's helpful introduction to the orchestra, interestingly used for an documentary film: Intstruments of the Orchestra (https://youtu.be/vkwgihr1hMM) from 1946. The Philadelphia Orchestra [21:26] "Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 78 ("Organ Symphony") - Allegro Moderato; Presto; Maestoso" Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 78 Columbia Masterworks MS 6469 1963 Hopefully you used your recently refreshed knowledge to listen to this piece, with the addition of ORGAN! Lou Reed [36:36] "Sally Can't Dance" Sally Can't Dance RCA CPL1-0611 1974 Another vivid Manhattan story from Lou's best chart performing album. Neko Case with the Pine Valley Cosmonauts [40:43] "Right or Wrong" Salute the Majesty of Bob Wills - The King of the Western Bloodshot Records BS 029 1998 A fine assortment of late-90s Bloodshot Records luminaries headed by Jon Langford give Neko Case a hand on this jazz standard that Bob Wills turned into a Western Swing classic. The Clash [43:57] "The Magnificent Seven" Sandinista! Epic FSLN 1 1980 Track one, side one from this 3 record release from The Clash. It features a pretty dope bass groove performed by the Blockheads' Norman Watt-Roy. Sarah Vaughan [49:29] "Just Squeeze Me" Sarah + 2 Roulette SR 52118 1965 The plus two being Joe Comfort on bass and Barney Kessel on guitar. A fine rendition of this Ellington standard. Music behind the DJ: "Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes" by Terry Baxter and his Orchestra

08-02
56:12

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter R as in Romeo, Part 4

Duran Duran [00:29] "Save a Prayer" Rio Harvest ST-12211 1982 Do you want New Wave or do you want... a ballad? How about both?! The Roland Kirk Quartet featuring Elvin Jones [06:04] "Mystical Dream" Rip, Rig & Panic Limelight LS 86027 1965 Roland Kirk - tenor sax, Jaki Byard - Piano, Richard Davis - Bass, Elvin Jones - Drums. Remember the name of this album when we get to Albums and all that begin with the letter Y as in Yankee. Herb Alpert [08:40] "1980" Rise A&M Records SP-3714 1979 Herb Alpert helps NBC out with a little instrumental for the then upcoming 1980 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Sir Eugene Goossens Conducting The London Symphony [11:06] "Introductio - Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring) L'Adoration de la Terre (Adoration of the Earth)" The Rite of Spring (Le Sacre du Printemps) Everest 3047 1960 blah Manfred Mann's Earth Band [15:54] "Blinded by the Light" The Roaring Silence Warner Bros. Records BS 2965 1976 More popular than The Boss's original (https://youtu.be/eJkkMgM1vIQ?t=20). Could definitely edit out the noodly scoodly guitar solo break if you ask me. This album has probably the most disconcerting cover art in my collection. Robert Gordon with Link Wray [23:03] "Red Hot" Robert Gordon with Link Wray Private Stock PS 2030 1977 Solid cover of Billy "The Kid" Emerson's Sun Records stomper (https://youtu.be/Y0nGvIXp_TM). Gordon's first outing following a stint with the Tuff Darts (https://youtu.be/Yc4dT3YI9H8). Roger Miller [25:26] "Whistle Stop" Story and Songs from Robin Hood Disneyland 3810 1973 Tell 'em Roger... er, Alan-a-Dare. Lou Reed [29:22] "White Light/White Heat" Rock 'n' Roll Animal RCA AYL1-3664 1980 (1974 original release) Lou gets all glam with the rendition of the Velvets' excitable number. P.J. Soles [34:27] "Rock 'n' Roll High School" Rock 'n' Roll High School (Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Sire SRK 6070 1979 Who else but Riff Randell (https://youtu.be/TYrvJynOoS4) (P.J. Soles)? Robert Gordon [36:40] "Black Slacks" Rock Billy Boogie RCA PL 13294 1979 Indeed, more from Mr. Gordon, this time deftly handling the Joe Bennett & the Sparkletones' classic (https://youtu.be/VcDAlATFK94). The Cramps [38:26] "Heartbreak Hotel" Rockinnreelininaucklandnewzeelandxxx Vengeance Records 669 1987 Lux, Poison Ivy, Candy del Mar, and Nick Knox recorded live at the Galaxy in Auckland NZ in 1986. Tim Curry [43:07] "Sweet Transvestite" The Rocky Horror Picture Show Original Cast Ode Records OSV-21653 1978 (1975 original release) None other than Frank N Furter (https://youtu.be/ZCZDWZFtyWY). Cash Pony [46:28] "Moon Mobile" Roughhousing self-released  2018 The Bay Area's very own. Waylon Jennings [50:41] "I've Always Been Crazy" Rowdy Country K-Tel WU 3680 1983 Same Waylon, same. This single went to number one on the Hot Country songs in 1978, despite Waylon getting busted on possession of cocaine charges the previous year. Outlaw indeed. The Beatles [54:56] "I'm Looking Through You" Rubber Soul Capitol Records SW 2442 1983 (1965 original release) Now there's some stereo separation for you. It was a toss-up between this and "Think for Yourself", but I was feeling this track more. In the key of Ab for those of you playing along at home. Music behind the DJ: "That's a Nice Cap" by George Martin & Orchestra

06-15
59:51

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter R as in Romeo, Part 3

The Pogues [00:31] "Transmetropolitan" Red Roses for Me Enigma ST-73225 1984 Side one, track one from the Pogues debut album written by the one and only Shane MacGowan. Quite the entrance! The Police [04:40] "Bring on the Night" Regatta de Blanc A&M SP-4792 1979 Released in the US as the third single from their 1979 classic yet failed to chart. Skinny Puppy [08:56] "Glass Houses" Remission Nettwerk 12 NTWK 12 1984 Debut label release from everyone's favorite Industrial ensemble from Vancouver. the dB's [12:22] "Ask for Jill" Repercussion Albion Records ALB 109 1982 A snappy little number from Chris Stamey. I can neither confirm nor deny that I was once put on hold by a woman named Jill. Buffalo Springfield [16:03] "Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing" Retrospective ATCO SD 33-283 1969 Another debut and another Canadian ensemble. That's right, the first single from Buffalo Springfield. Written by Neil Young. The Chad Mitchell Trio [19:29] "The Ballad of Sigmund Freud" Returns to Carnegie Hall RCA Victor LOC-6007 1960 These fellas might want to look into getting some therapy. A little sample of the show Harry Belafonte put on once more at Carnegie Hall. Deerhoof [21:57] "Hallelujah Chorus" Reveille Global, Buddy! Records, Inc. DIAL 007 2002 The fourth studio release from one of my favorite bands to see live. Recorded by Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu. This copy of Reveille features a silver inked cover and white labels. Liberace [24:42] "El Cumbanchero" Rhapsody in Blue and Other Favorites Harmony HL 7237 1967 Some lively latin bears, composed by Puero Rican songwriter Rafael Hernández Marín and performed in a very lively manor by the bejeweled one himself. Ella Fitzgerald [29:16] "Runnin' Wild" Rhythm Is My Business Verve Records V-4056 1962 Whenever I hear a rendition of "Runnin' Wild" I just automatically hear Sugar Kane's version in Some Like It Hot (https://youtu.be/MPxmvZBFZcs). Rickie Lee Jones [31:56] "Chuck E.'s in Love" Rickie Lee Jones Warner Bros. Records BSK 3296 1979 Hey, a catchy song is a catchy song. Metallica [35:27] "For Whom the Bell Tolls" Ride the Lightning Megaforce Records MRI 769 1984 When I was a lad of sixteen or so, I had a Ride the Lightning shirt that I wore to the point of being teased for seemingly always wearing it. James Gang [41:57] "Funk #49" James Gang Rides Again ABC Records ABCS-711 1970 Funky indeed, even the cowbell. Wanda Jackson [45:40] "Stupid Cupid" Right or Wrong Capitol Records ST 1596 1962 Wanda doing a great job putting her vocal stylings to this Neil Sedaka classic. Fórn [47:54] "Ritual Ascension through a Weeping Soul" Rites of Despair Gilead Media RELIC90 2018 Some quality heavy doomy stuff from the Boston-based band. Music behind the DJ: "Brazil" by Billy Mure

05-08
55:45

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter R as in Romeo, Part 2

Usnea [00:37] "Lying in Ruin" Random Cosmic Violence Relapse Records RR7280 2014 Sophomore outing from this Portland-based death/doom metal band, on lovely bone white & blue splatter vinyl. Disc one, side one, track one. Named after everyone's favorite fruticose lichen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usnea). Stray Cats [13:32] "Something's Wrong with My Radio" Rant n' Rave with the Stray Cats EMI America SO-17102 1983 Whole lotta pickin goin on. The waning days of that particular rockabilly revival. Ray Charles [16:07] "I Got a Woman" The Ray Charles Story Volume One Atlantic 8063 1962 An early 60s Ray Charles comp. "I've Got a Woman" lays the groundwork for "What I'd Say". Ray Charles [19:01] "Rockhouse" The Ray Charles Story Volume Two Atlantic 8064 1962 A fine instrumental demonstrating some excellent r&b chops. Mariyu Takeuchi [23:00] "ドリーム・オブ・ユー~レモンライムの青い風~" Re-Collection RCA RHL-8816 1984 If Google Translate isn't steering me wrong, this track translates to "Dream of You - Lemon Lime Blue Wind". Seems like 7-Up might want to look into a new flavor. Boris Karloff [27:55] "The Princess and the Pea" Reads The Ugly Duckling and other Tales by Hans Christian Andersen. Caedmon Records TC 1109 1959 Delightfully read by Mr. Karloff of course. First published in May of 1835. John Lee Hooker [30:16] "Boom Boom" The Real Blues Tradition Everest TR 2089 1970 Arguably the canonical John Lee Hooker song. Taj Mahal [32:50] "Going Up To The Country And Paint My Mailbox Blue" The Real Thing Columbia G 30619 1971 Recorded live in New York at the Fillmore East on February 13, 1971. Featuring not one not two not three but four... four tubas! Igor Stravinsky [36:07] "Fanfare for Two Trumpets/The Owl and the Pussy-Cat" Recent Stravinsky Conducted by the Composer Columbia Masterworks ML 6454 1967 Featuring a cover illustation of the maestro by one of my favorite artists, Alberto Giacometti. R.E.M. [41:12] "Harborcoat" Reckoning I.R.S. Records SP70044 1984 Please. Find my harborcoat. I can't go outside without it. The bands second full length album and their last with the excellent producer Mitch Easter. The Records [45:06] "Starry Eyes" The Records Virgin VA 13130 1979 _Power pop doesn't get much better than this. Skinny ties and all. (https://youtu.be/8TUepa0yfyw) Originally released in the UK as Shades in Bed, but retitled and reordered as The Records for North America. _ Willie Nelson [49:27] "Time of the Preacher" Red Headed Stranger Columbia KC 33482 1975 (1979 Terre Haute repress) Side one track ones don't get much better than this. New York Dolls [51:54] "Ain't Got No Home/Dizzy Miss Lizzy" Red Patent Leather Earmark 40018 2003 (originally released in 1984 on Fan Club.) The beautiful chaos of the live Dolls. Recorded live at the Little Hippodrome Club in NYC on March 2, 1975. Not only is there a wonderful documentary on bassist Arthur Kane (https://youtu.be/7j89-oIszO0), Martin Scorcese has just released a documentary on David Johansen (https://youtu.be/qu8oFJ-eu2c) which I can't wait to watch. Music behind the DJ: "Hang 'Em High" by Booker T and the MGs

04-26
59:20

Albums and All That, Starting with the letter R as in Romeo

George Jones [00:22] "Time Changes Everything" The Race Is On United Artists UAS 6422 1965 A very George Jones take on this Bob Wills/Tommy Duncan classic. Nadja [03:58] "Now I Am Become Death, Destroyer of Worlds" Radiance of Shadows Conspiracy Records CORE064 2008 My gateway drug for Nadja. I had read a review of this album which mentioned a new concept to me: ambient doom. I ordered the CD and the next thing I knew I was hooked. Fifteen years later I am still enthralled. Big Star [25:39] "O My Soul" Radio City Big Beat Records WIK 54 1986 (original release Ardent ADS-1501 1974) Mono, man! Side one track one from this outstanding follow up to their debut #1 Record. And if you've never seen the documentary Nothing Can Hurt Me (https://youtu.be/gxAbkqRGxqY), I can recommend it if you think you might be interested. Poppa John Gordy [31:15] "Tip Toe through the Tulips with Me" Ragtime Piano RCA Victor LPM-1060 1955 Yup, that's some ragtime piano all right. Made famous by Nick Lucas in an early the early talkie hit movie Gold Diggers of Broadway (https://youtu.be/0-MPTrWJ1uM). John Williams [33:12] "The Map Room: Dawn" Raiders of the Lost Ark - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Columbia JS 37373 1981 My favorite scene from the film, and favorite music cue of the soundtrack. Tom Waits [37:09] "Tango Till They're Sore" Rain Dogs Island Records 90299-1 1985 The album that was my gateway to the world of Tom Waits. B.J. Thomas [41:27] "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head Scepter Records SKAO 93045 1969 Fare thee well, Burt Bacharach. For those of you who prefer streaming music services, you'll find this song under B.J. Thomas, not Burt Bacharach or the Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid soundtrack. The more you know. Nat King Cole [44:31] "Your Cheatin' Heart" Ramblin' Rose Capitol Records ST-1793 1965 (orignal release 1962) Perhaps Nat was taking a cue from Ray Charles' Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music? Jimmy Buffett [46:59] "Rancho Deluxe (End Title)" Rancho Deluxe United Artists Records UA-LA466 1975 I actually dig this soundtrack quite a bit. The film is a neo-western with a script by Tom McGuane. It is very much of its time, but if you can get past that, there are some excellent performances from Harry Dean Stanton, Slim Pickens, and Charlene Dallas. And you can see Jimmy Buffett and band performing in a bar scene that features Jeff Bridges and Harry Dean Stanton playing Pong (https://youtu.be/d_p4NsgH05E). Music behind the DJ: "Tumblin' Tumbleweeds" by Lawrence Welk

02-26
52:11

Albums and All That, Starting with the P as in Papa, and some that beging with the letter Q as in Quebec

Kid606 [00:39] "Let It Rock" Pretty Girls Make Raves Tigerbeat6 meow132 2006 Hello Mid-Aughties Bay Area IDM. Michael Nesmith [05:32] "Some of Shelley's Blues" Pretty Much Your Standard Ranch Stash Pacific Arts/Island Records ILPS 9440 1977 One of my scores from Amsterdam. "Some of Shelley's Blues was going to be part of the Nashville session The Monkees had in 1968. Prior to this version it was also covered by Linda Ronstadt with the Stone Poney's (https://youtu.be/d9cQBGMzigU), as well as the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (https://youtu.be/BXJiqKgl7BI). Willie Nelson [08:52] "Blue Christmas" Pretty Paper Columbia JC 36189 1979 Having yourself a very Willia xmas? Getting some quality assistance from Booker T on the organ. The title track, made famous by Roy Orbison in 1963, is penned by none other than Willie. Prince [11:31] "I Wanna Be Your Lover" Prince Warner Bros. Records BSK 3366 1979 Prince's sophomore effort and what an effort it is! The album made it to number 22 on the Hot 100, and this lead off single (https://youtu.be/Rp8WL621uGM) hit number 11 on the US charts. Linda Ronstadt [18:29] "Hey Mister, That's Me Up on the Jukebox" Prisoner in Disguise Asylum Records 7E-1045 1975 Linda deftly handling this James Taylor number on this multi-platinum album. Emerson Meyers [22:40] "In Memoriam for Soprano & Tape" Provocative Electronics (Electronic Constructions on Traditional Forms) Westminster Gold WGS-8129 1970 Recorded at the Electronic Music Laboratory of the Catholic University of America, of all places, in 1970. Don't worry, I have an insider checking to see whether his laboratory still exists. The Cramps [27:35] "Goo Goo Muck" Psychedlic Jungle I.R.S. Records SP 70016 1981 How timely! The Cramps very well known version of Ronnie Cook and the Gaylads 1962 single. Record fiend friends, let me tell you that I have had a saved eBay search for that original Ronnie Cook single, and it has yet to go for less than three figures. Here's hoping I find it in a random place someday in the future. Thurston Moore [30:40] "Ono Soul" Psychic Hearts Goofin' Records Goo-010 2006 (originally released on DGC in 1995) Thurston hearts the queen of noise. This album features artwork by the excellent Rita Ackermann. Luna [35:53] "Beautiful View" Pup Tent Teenbeat TEENBEAT 232 1997 The fourth studio album from one of my favorite bands. This is one of the few that was released on vinyl at the time. Of course there's also the big beautiful box set (https://www.discogs.com/master/1027116-Luna-Long-Players-92-99). Purple Mountains [39:34] "She's Making Friends, I'm Turning Stranger" Purple Mountains Drag City DC680 2019 Ugh. Sadly, the final David Berman project. A thoroughly engaging album from start to finish.Interested and brave parties can check out this piece on David Berman's final days in the recent issue of Creem (https://www.creem.com/fresh-creem/david-berman-purple-mountains-final-days-feature). Temptations [43:42] "I Can't Get Next to You" Puzzle People Gordy S-949 1969 Such a hot opening track, this copy has been played many times. I tried to salvage it as best as possible. Number one single from a number 5 album. The Who [46:24] "Bell Boy" Quadrophenia (Music from the Soundtrack of The Who Film) Polydor 2625 037 1979 And what a film it is. Who knew that the king of the mods had a day job? Big Blood [51:21] "1000 Times" QuaranTunes Series No.027 Feeding Tube Records FTR634 2021 One of the things that got me through the stay-at-home phase of the pandemic was all of the excellent livestreams from musicians. This particular one from Portland ME's Big Blood was pretty much transcendtal for me. And this particular track featuring Quinissa on vocals scratched an audio itch that I didn't know I had. To really put it over the top for me, they followed it up with a cover of The Clean's "Anything Could Happen" (https://youtu.be/wPGIJdlOkbw?t=2272). Ultravox [55:20] "We Came to Dance" Quartet Chrysalis CDL 1394 1394 The sixth outing from Midge Ure and company. Oddly, produced by George Martin and less oddly cover design by Peter Saville. This track was the fourth and final single from Quartet. Robyn Hitchcock 'n' the Egyptians [59:34] "Madonna of the Wasps" Queen Elvis A&M Records SP 5241 1989 Another musician who had some great livestreams during stay-at-home along with his partner Emma Swift and Tubby and Ringo and Perry the Lobster. This song will forever be one of my favorites of his. Helped out by usual suspect Peter Buck on guitar here. Japan [01:02:39] "Halloween" Quiet Life Fame FA3037 1982 (originally released in 1979) Japan's third album, transitioning into synth pop territory. Music behind the DJ: "Gomez" by Vic Mizzy

01-14
01:08:59

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