Album of the Day

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Album of the Day: Book of Dreams - The Steve Miller Band

Album: Book of Dreams Artist: The Steve Miller Band Year Released: 1977 How Obtained: the Sandell Home for Wayward Boys Summary: In retrospect, I wish I had changed the order of my albums for this project.  In my life I tend to have my movies, cds and albums filed alphabetically. This is great when you are trying to find an album by The Police.  It sucks when you are stuck listening to a band that doesn’t quite make your heart leap with joy for four days in a row. Like I said in the previous review, I don’t dislike this band but I don’t find them enthralling either. “Jungle Love” is no “Space Cowboy” so even if I were a huge fan of the band, this album would pale in comparison to Anthology. Side 1:

1. Threshold
2. Jet Airliner
3. Winter Time
4. Swingtown
5. True Fine Love
6. Wish Upon A Star

Side 2:

1. Jungle Love
2. Electro Lux Imbroglio
3. Sacrifice
4. The Stake
5. My Own Space
6. Babes In The Wood

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Album of the Day: Anthology - Steve Miller Band

Album: Anthology Artist: Steve Miller Band Year Released: 1972 How obtained: Sandell Memorial collection Summary: Another well packaged double album with pages and pages of information sandwiched between the album covers. The entire motif is in black and white with the exception of the marbled endpapers, just like on a classic hardbound novel.  I’ve always been fairly neutral on the Steve Miller Band.  No song strikes a strong emotional response within me so that I’ve felt compelled to run out and purchase an album.  Yet, I don’t find the music distasteful enough to turn the radio station if I happen to hear one of their songs. This album covers the band’s top hits between ‘68 and ‘72 Side One:

1. I Love You
2. Going To The Country
3. Baby’s House
4. Kow Kow Calqulator

Side Two:

1. Your Saving Grace
2. Going to Mexico
3. Space Cowboy
4. Living In The U.S.A.

Side Three:

1. Journey From Eden
2. Seasons
3. Motherless Children
4. Never Kill Another Man

Side Four:

1. Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around
2. Little Girl
3. Celebration
4. My Dark Hour

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Album of the Day: The Glenn Miller Carnegie Hall Concert- Glenn Miller and His Orchestra

  Album: The Glenn Miller Carnegie Hall Concert Artist: Glenn Miller and His Orchestra Year Released: 1958 How obtained: From the melted record donations Summary: A remarkable recording from Glenn Miller’s Carnegie Hall Concert back in 1939 on October 6.  It is amazing to me how listening to a recording of the Glenn Miller orchestra one is able to recognize the band. Despite the fact that so many have covered the same music time and again, even to the untrained ear there is something hauntingly familiar about his work.  Before the days of electronic musical manipulation, Mr. Miller was still able to put his own unique stamp on the music without the need to do something outrageous in the name of “art.” Side 1:

1. Moonlight Serenade
2. Running Wild
3. Sunrise Serenade
4. Little Brown Jug
5. Stairway To The Stars
6. To You
7. One O’clock Jump

Side 2:

1. Londonderry Air
2. Jim Jam Jump
3. FDR Jones
4. Hold Tight
5. In The Mood
6. Bugle Call Rag
7. Moonlight Serenade

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Album of the Day: Miss Piggy's Aerobique Exercise Workout Album

Album: Miss Piggy’s Aerobique Exercise Workout Album Artist: Miss Piggy Year Released: 1982 How obtained: This was either a Christmas or birthday gift.  Among my personal role models: Dorothy Parker, Auntie Mame, Elvira and Miss Piggy. Summary: In olden times, before Blu-Ray, before DVD, even back before VHS and VCR tapes, there were still ways to market at home workouts.  For decades this was done via the vinyl album and generally included a booklet, pamphlet or poster of what exercise moves to perform.  The instructor would give clues during various songs on the album while the home listener tried to follow along. During the Jane Fonda work out craze, the Muppet factory released this album.  The original songs are ridiculous and seem like the slickly produced Disney machine that they later joined up with.  This album includes a cameo by Kermit during the “Lift the One You Love” routine. Side 1:

1. Stereau Warmup
2. Snackercercise
3. Lift The One You Love
4. Exercise Your Rights
5. Dream Dancin’

Side 2:

1. La Vie Aerobique
2. Sit Down
3. Breathe Easy
4. A Little Chin Music
5. Hairobiques Made Simple
6. Au Revoir

 

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Album of the Day: Missing Persons Mini LP

Album: Missing Persons Mini LP/ 4 songs Artist: Missing Persons Year Released: 1982 How Obtained: I purchased this with my babysitting money at the JCPenney outlet store on Chapman Avenue in Garden Grove.   Summary:  It is interesting that there is no standard as to what constitutes an LP versus an EP versus an expanded 12 inch single.  I have many bits of vinyl with 4-5 songs on them and they are all labeled differently. After my earlier purchase of the J. Geils Band album, I found myself turning away from Top 40 music and pop.  This was probably fueled in part with my acquisition of a ghetto blaster complete with tape deck and decent AM/FM reception; a significant upgrade from my previous radio- a white, hand-held transistor radio which only transmitted AM stations.  This relegated me to listening to the Mighty 690 a large majority of the time.  With the acquisition of the AM/FM radio I was able to explore the dial. Before listening to KROQ I used to listen to a station on the very far right of the dial, I have no recollection of the station call letters, and that’s where I first heard Missing Persons.  The DJ was very excited because it was a side project from Frank Zappa’s drummer, Terry Bozzio. One day while perusing the racks at JCPenney, I saw the album and had to have it.  Musically, it’s held up fairly well. Side 1:

1. Words
2. Destination Unknown

Side 2:

1. I Like Boys

Mental Hopscotch

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Album of the Day: Tesla Girls - O.M.D.

Album: Tesla Girls

Artist: O.M.D. Year Released: 1984 How obtained: Purchased at Licorice Pizza Summary: After an embarrassing two month hiatus, the album of the day is back. Partly born out of a desire to complete the project and party due to the massive guilt trip my sister has given me, I’m jumping back into the project.  It didn’t seem like a huge priority given the amount of family members visiting the hospital in the past 3 months, myself included. However, I’ve come so far that I’d like to see the project completed. For today’s album we are going with the 12” extended remix of Tesla Girls.  This version includes a remix, the instrumental version and the video version. While I still enjoy the song, it sounds like a musical version of an encapsulated 80’s soundtrack.  What I mean is that, the song very much belongs in the 80’s, a movie about the 80’s, or a reunion for a group that matriculated in the 80’s.  There is nothing modern about this song. That’s not entirely true.  The song was written about Tesla Girls, which was a term that the band had coined about girls that relied on electronic devices: curling wands, hair dryers, microwaves, telephone and modern devices.  I wonder if they had any idea how much more dependent people would become on electronic gizmos?

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Album of the Day: Crush - O.M.D.

Album: Crush Artist: O.M.D. Year Released: 1985 How obtained: Purchased at Licorice Pizza Summary: Another O.M.D. record that has resided in the space in my mind where it likely belongs: the 80’s. Nothing wrong with the album, but there is a reason that I haven’t listened to it in roughly 25 years.  I just listen to it and think “Ah, yes. Synthesizers were big in the 80’s, weren’t they?”  The lyrics that seemed so intellectual and insightful in my youth now inspire a curmudgeonly bout of eye rolling for me.  For example, I thought any song that mentioned Elvis, James Joyce, Man Ray and martini cocktails was the living end, the bee’s knees, the cat’s pajamas.  Now, it seems like some young guys writing pretentious song lyrics in an attempt to lay art school girls. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.) As I listen to the songs on this album, there are three clear subjects: breaking up with someone the songwriter can’t believe he dated, dating/using a woman who would do anything for him that he is just biding time with and speculating on the lives of women he knows wondering if they are happy with their present circumstances and/or realize that he is secretly in love with them. That sums it up. No longer writing lyrics of a non-romantic nature like they did with “Tesla Girls”, “Electricity” or “Enola Gay”, this album is all failed romance, unbalanced romance and unrequited romance.  Perhaps the album is tarnished because the idea of unrequited love doesn’t hold the same appeal that it did in my youth. Eventually, the novelty will wear off and it won’t seem like a terribly romantic notion to pine away for someone that has no interest in the protagonist of the song.

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Album of the Day: Spring Session M- Missing Persons

Album: Spring Session M Artist: Missing Persons Year Released: 1982 How obtained: My roommate had an extra copy lying around so he passed one on to me.   Summary: Despite my admiration for Missing Persons, I have to admit that this album did not age particularly well. The songs you recognize are still peppy, but the non- hit songs were not released as singles for a reason.  Some of the synthesizer music from the 80’s survived despite the gimmicks; other songs have not fared as well.  There were times when I was listening to this album when I actually glanced at the clock to see how much longer I had to listen to the album.  That’s never a good sign. This is perhaps an album best listened to on CD or MP3, a format that affords the listener the opportunity to skip songs if they are so inclined. Side 1:

1. Noticeable One
2. Windows
3. It Ain’t None of Your Business
4. Destination Unknown
5. Walking in L.A.
6. U.S. Drag

Side 2:

1. Tears
2. Hear and Now
3. Words
4. Bad Streets
5. Rock and Roll Suspension
6. No Way Out

 

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Album of the Day: Fillmore East- June 1971 - The Mothers

Album: Fillmore East- June 1971 Artist: The Mothers Year Released: 1971 How obtained: Gift from brother Bob   Summary: Is it mere coincidence that today’s album of the day is the live concert recording of the Mothers?  The thing I love about Frank Zappa is that some people see him as a humorist, others as an experimental musician.  Personally, I always viewed him as more of a con man, which is by no means a derogatory statement.  I’ve always felt that he kind of mocked the pretentious members of his audience for his own amusement.  I relate to that kind of arrogance at times, so I can appreciate it. I enjoyed this album more than I expected to, yet I felt something was missing.  This album would have been greatly enhanced with the proper home remedies and an era appropriate bit of mood lighting.  Alas, it was not to be so the album could only reach 7.5 out of 10 stars. Side 1:

1. Little House I Used To Live In
2. The Mud Shark
3. What Kind of Girl Do You Think We Are?
4. Bwana Dik
5. Latex Solar Beef
6. Willie the Pimp

Side 2:

1. Willie the Pimp (Part Two)
2. Do You Like My New Car?
3. Happy Together
4. Lonesome Electric
5. Peaches En Regalia
6. Tears Began to Fall

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Album of the Day: My Fair Lady Soundtrack- My Fair Lady cast

Album: My Fair Lady Soundtrack Artist: My Fair Lady cast Year Released: 1956 How Obtained: donation for the melted record project   Summary: The previous owner of this album must have suffered from some type of undiagnosed OCD since they had six copies of this album and four or five copies of the Dr. Zhivago soundtrack.  As I’m mentioned previously, unless I’m a fan of the film or play, the soundtrack doesn’t hold much interest for me. This is the soundtrack from the Broadway production with Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison, not to be confused with the Audrey Hepburn version. I’m sure if I watched the film a few times, then the soundtrack would hold more meaning for me, but at this point, it’s fallen on indifferent ears. Side 1:

1. Overture “Why Can’t the English?
2. “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?”
3. “With A Little Bit of Luck”
4. “I’m Just An Ordinary Man”
5. “Just the Wait”
6. “The Rain In Spain”
7. “I Could Have Danced All Night”

Side 2:

1. “Ascot Gavotte”
2. “On The Street Where You Live”
3. “You Did It”
4. “Show Me”
5. “Get Me To The Church On Time”
6. “A Hymn to Him”
7. “Without You”
8. “I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face”

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Album of the Day: The Muppet Movie Soundtrack- The Muppets

Album: The Muppet Movie Soundtrack Artist: The Muppets Year Released: 1979 How Obtained: This was either a Christmas or birthday present from my youth   Summary: When I was young, I adored the Muppets.  I watched “Sesame Street”, progressed to “The Muppet Show” in the 70’s and have seen virtually every Muppet movie released, except for the last one but I’m sure I’ll rent it soon.  I had Miss Piggy knick-knacks, books, pajamas and various toys. During my college years when I hand painted my car with quotes and illustrations, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem were proudly displayed on the hood. I always thought of this album as somewhat of a novelty record, some cheerful little songs sung by puppeteers in weird voices.  If you listen to the lyrics the words are not as superficial as one may suspect.  Actually, some of them really represent that 70’s hippie shtick that was so popular at the time.  If I were to discover that the songwriters were pot smokers dabbling in Eastern religions and ancient philosophies I would not be the least bit surprised. Suffice it to say that the record has aged much better than I expected it to do.  It also reinforces my belief that the Muppets, like the Simpsons, extend beyond age groups and appeal to all ages. Side 1:

1. Rainbow Connection
2. Movin’ Right Along
3. Never Before, Never Again
4. Never Before, Never Again (Instrumental)
5. I Hope That Somethin’ Better Comes Along

Side 2:

1. Can You Picture That
2. I Hope That Somethin’ Better Comes Along
3. I’m Going To Go Back There Someday
4. America
5. Animal…Come Back Animal
6. Finale: The Magic Store

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Album of the Day: Me & Paul - Willie Nelson

Album: Me & Paul Artist: Willie Nelson Year Released: 1985 How obtained: From the Sandell collection Summary: What would compel someone to name an album “Me & Paul” and have it not be about a relative or lover?  Who knows the answer to this question: Willie Nelson?  For some reason he wrote a song back in 1971 entitled “Me and Paul”, but must have felt it wasn’t quite enough of a statement to honor his friend and longtime drummer, Paul English.  So, Willie titled an entire album “Me & Paul” but didn’t offer any explanation as to its meaning in liner notes.  For some reason, only Willie is shown on the front cover, but there are three photos of Willie and Paul on the back cover.  Paul is still alive and kicking, so it wasn’t an album to honor the dearly departed. Side 1:

1. I Been To Georgia On A Fast Train
2. Forgiving You Was Easy
3. I Let My Mind Wander
4. I’m A Memory
5. She’s Gone
6. Old Five & Dimers Like Me

Side 2:

1. I Never Cared For You
2. You Wouldn’t Cross the Street (To Say Goodbye)
3. Me and Paul
4. One Day At A Time
5. Pretend I Never Happened
6. Black Rose

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Album of the Day: In the Jailhouse Now - Willie Nelson & Webb Pierce

Album: In the Jailhouse Now Artist: Willie Nelson & Webb Pierce Year Released: 1962 How obtained: Sandell Home for Wayward Boys Summary: So the legend goes that Webb Pierce, country & western singing sensation from the 50’s & 60’s had retired from the entertainment business due to his heavy drinking.  Sometime in 1981, Willie managed to coax him out of retirement and they spent a couple of days putting together this album.  We don’t know what Willie did or said to convince Webb to step back into the spotlight, but it worked. I’m not generally a fan of country, but there are certain people that you make an exception for, like Willie Nelson. Side 1:

1. There Stands the Glass
2. Wondering
3. In the Jailhouse Now
4. You’re Not Here Anymore
5. Heebie Jeebie Blues

Side 2:

1. Slowly
2. I Don’t Care
3. Backstreet Affair
4. Let Me Be the First to Know
5. More and More

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Album of the Day: Olivia Newton John's Greatest Hits- Olivia Newton John

Album: Olivia Newton John’s Greatest Hits Artist: Olivia Newton John Year released: 1977 How obtained: Birthday present from my childhood Summary:  After seeing the movie “Grease” several times in the summer of ’77, I became a bit obsessed with Olivia Newton-John.  “Bad Sandy’s” black eyeliner, red lipstick, curled hair combo may have been a style influence.  I remember making a list of items I wanted for my birthday for my aunt and she bought me this album and Olivia’s “Totally Hot” album which my mother threw away after I owned it for two years because she didn’t think the songs were totally hot.  I tried to explain that “Totally Hot” was the name of a song on the album, it wasn’t a description.  As we all know, parents don’t like to be questioned especially when their children are, well, still children.  Logic is something they greatly resent. I haven’t listened to this album for at least 20 years; I just don’t find myself drawn to female singers that often.  Somehow I remember the lyrics to the songs, but forgot how many of her songs had a country twang to them. The only thing I question: why were the songs “Please Mr. Please” and “Sam” my favorite songs off of this album during my youth?  One is essentially about someone drinking away the pain of their break up in a bar, begging a stranger to not select B17 from the jukebox and the other was a coy attempt at a booty call.  Look up the lyrics if you doubt me. Side 1:

1. If Not For You
2. Changes
3. Let Me Be There
4. If You Love Me (Let Me Know)
5. I Honestly Love You
6. Have You Never Been Mellow

Side 2:

1. Please Mr. Please
2. Something Better to Do
3. Let It Shine
4. Come On Over
5. Don’t Stop Believin’
6. Sam

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Album of the Day: Tragic Kingdom- No Doubt

Album: Tragic Kingdom Artist: No Doubt Year Released: 1995 How obtained: The Sandell Memorial collection   Summary: I feel guilty about the oddest things.  I feel like I should support No Doubt because they are the hometown favorites and there aren’t that many female lead bands these days.  I liked the first album when it came out but I got so tired of hearing the music everywhere I turned. There are only two albums that I willingly have given up since I acquired my first records when I was 2 or 3 years old*: Howard Jones and No Doubt’s “Tragic Kingdom.”  Howard Jones I gave up because a girl in my English class talked about him non-stop to the point where I couldn’t even listen to his music without hearing her voice in my head.  No Doubt was so overplayed that I gave my copy to my sister.  Hearing their music was akin to eating a food that you had ingested just before a bout of stomach flu: not anything you would willingly put yourself through. Still, the album was one of those left in Rich’s music collection so I kept it.  I just listened to it for the first time in about 10 years. It’s still incredibly pop-py, I’m still not quite ready for a helping of it.   Side 1:

1. Spiderwebs
2. Excuse Me Mr.
3. Just A Girl
4. Happy Now?
5. Different People
6. Hey You
7. The Climb

Side 2:

1. Sixteen
2. Sunday Morning
3. Don’t Speak
4. You Can Do It
5. World Go ‘Round
6. End It On This
7. Tragic Kingdom

  *That doesn’t mean I still own them all, I did have someone who would “spring clean” my belongings while I was at school on trash day.  I lost some gems, too.

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Album of the Day: Boi-ngo - Oingo Boingo

Album: Boi-ngo Artist: Oingo Boingo Year Released: 1986 How obtained: I remember that I bought myself this record, but I can’t remember if it was at the Wherehouse or Sam Goody.   Summary: Before Danny Elfman was known for writing the theme song for “The Simpsons” and soundtracks for countless Tim Burton movies, he was the front man for Oingo Boingo.  For those of us who grew up in Southern California in the ‘80’s, this was THE band.  They were prolific, terrific, spastic and fantastic; they appealed to the outcast in all of us from the too cool jock, to the D & D players meeting in undisclosed locations.  I own their albums on cassette, vinyl and CD.  During nervous times I would play “Nothing to Fear” on my stereo as I drove off to get me in the proper frame of mind.  It’s hard to believe today, but in my younger days I was too shy to talk to strangers or those I didn’t know very well.  During new experiences, such as job interviews, first dates, going to parties, the first day of school, I would become so nervous I almost threw up. Up until my 40’s I carried chewable Pepto-Bismol in my purse at all times- just in case.  As cliché as it is to say, Oingo Boingo was one of those bands that got me through some tough times. While “Boi-ngo” isn’t my favorite album, it’s like saying a cheeseburger with American cheese isn’t the best burger I’ve ever had; its still a burger and it still tastes better than a lot of things.  “Not My Slave” is still a great song even though I know a lot of people who still don’t seem to understand it. Side 1:

1. Home Again
2. Where Do All My Friends Go
3. Elevator Man
4. New Generation

Side 2:

1. We Close Our Eyes
2. Not My Slave
3. My Life
4. Outrageous
5. Pain

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Album of the Day: Boingo Alive - Oingo Boingo

Album: Boingo Alive Artist: Oingo Boingo Year Released: 1988 How obtained: Sam Goody Summary: As a way to celebrate their 10 year anniversary as a band, Oingo Boingo released their album.  They polished their hits, dusted off some forgotten tracks and played them all live in the studio.  To celebrate both their songwriting techniques and their legendary performances they wanted to try to capture a live performance without the headaches of recording during a concert. This album was the result.  Twenty one tracks on two records spanning the first ten years as a band.  (There on bonus tracks on the CD version, including a ‘country’ version of “Sweat”.) This is the perfect starter kit for a new Oingo Boingo fan. It provides enough of the hits to satisfy your cravings for the familiar, yet has enough obscure tracks to convince you to explore some of their other albums. From personal experience I can attest that it’s [perfect for road trips! Side 1:

1. Dead Man’s Party
2. Dead or Alive
3. No Spill Blood
4. Stay
5. Cinderella Undercover

Side 2:

1. Just Another Day
2. Only Makes Me Laugh
3. My Life
4. Nothing to Fear (But Fear Itself)
5. Not My Slave

Side 3:

1. Winning Side
2. Wild Sex (In The Working Class)
3. Grey Matter
4. Private Life
5. Gratitude

Side 4:

1. Who Do You Want To Be
2. Sweat
3. Violent Love
4. On The Outside
5. Only A Lad
6. Good-bye Goodbye

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Album of the Day: Dead Man's Party- Oingo Boingo

Album: Dead Man’s Party Artist: Oingo Boingo Year Released: 1985 How obtained: Purchase at good old Licorice Pizza where I enjoyed a 20% off retail price discount for many, many years.   Summary: This is the album that put Boingo on the map for a great many people.  Because they did that one song for that one John Hughes movie about two nerds playing Frankenstein and creating Kelly LeBrock I almost had to put my love for the band on the back burner until things cooled off.  Luckily I never made good on my threat as the heat flares up every Halloween when every idiot disc jockey in the world plays “Weird Science.”  In reality, they should be playing “Dead Man’s Party” or “No One Lives Forever” but this is a music battle I should have waged over 25 years ago, not now. One thing I’ve always been grateful about is that the band always included song lyrics with their albums which made it so much easier to memorize the lyrics and analyze them for deeper meaning. Side 1:

1. Just Another Day
2. Dead Man’s Party
3. Heard Somebody Cry
4. No One Lives Forever

Side 2:

1. Stay
2. Fool’s Paradise
3. Help Me
4. Same Man I Was Before
5. Weird Science

 

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Album of the Day: Good For Your Soul - Oingo Boingo

Album: Good For Your Soul Artist: Oingo Boingo Year Released: 1983 How obtained: Purchased at Licorice Pizza   Summary: Do you get the idea that I own a lot of Oingo Boingo albums yet?  None of these were obtained from any outside sources, they were all mine.  They were definitely one of my favorite ‘80’s bands that I still actually listen to at the present time.  I liked the music, I liked the lyrics and I liked the evil glint in Danny Elfman’s eyes. It was nice to see a male redhead that didn’t have that goofy, Richie Cunningham sweetness.  I used to listen to “Good For Your Soul” endlessly.  I would have to say, that this record still gets high marks from me. Side 1:

1. Who Do You Want To Be?
2. Good For Your Soul?
3. No Spill Blood
4. Cry of the Vatos
5. Fill The Void
6. Sweat

Side 2:

1. Nothing Bad Ever Happens
2. Wake Up (It’s 1984)
3. Dead or  Alive
4. Pictures of You
5. Little Guns

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Album of the Day: Oingo Boingo- Oingo Boingo

Album: Oingo Boingo Artist: Oingo Boingo Year Released: 1980 How obtained: Purchased at Licorice Pizza   Summary: I think I’ve mentioned before that I’ve struggled with the notion of submitting 12” singles and EPs to the “Album of the Day”. However, since I never wrote up any ‘rules’ on what should constitute an album, I’m still going to include them.  The idea was to listen to all of the vinyl that I own, and those do qualify as vinyl that I own. This is an EP from the early days of Oingo Boingo.  While there are only four songs on this album, they all pack quite a punch.  “Only A Lad” was destined for an LP named after it.  “Violent Love” is one of those songs that I’ve always loved, at times against my better judgment. “Ain’t This the Life” kicks total ass and “I’m So Bad” is the weakest link on the album. Side One

1. Only A Lad
2. Violent Love

Side Two

1. Ain’t This The Life
2. I’m So Bad

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Album of The Day: The Essential Count Basie Volume 1- Count Basie

Album: The Essential Count Basie Volume 1 Artist: Count Basie Year Released: 1987 How Obtained: GFB Summary: In retrospect, I'm really glad that Bob's pretentious "I'm going to be a bass player in a jazz band" phase collided with his "I'm going to shun the corporate world/ save the earth/ and shop at thrift stores" period because it resulted in his picking up some stellar albums. Luckily for my sister and me, this period of his life was later followed by his falling in love with a hippie-dippie/ New Age chick and moving to San Francisco period in a place too small to store all of his cool stuff. Since his actual siblings live in Pennsylvania his fake sisters (that would be us) got his record collection and art supplies. Anyhow, this album truly is the essential Count Basie recordings. The album was released after the original analog tapes had been digitally remastered. There's something intrinsically satisfying listening to jazz recordings on vinyl on a stereo that's a reproduction of a 30's era Art Deco design. I've enjoyed this album immensely. Side One Oh, Lady Be Good Goin' to Chicago Blues Live and Love Tonight Love Me or Leave Me Rock-A-Bye Basie Baby, Don't Tell On Me If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight Taxi War Dance Side Two Jump For Me Twelfth Street Rag Miss Thing (Parts 1 and 2) Lonesome Miss Pretty Nobody Knows Pound Cake

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Album of the Day: Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys

Album: Pet Sounds Artist: The Beach Boys Year Released: 1966 How obtained: G.F.B. (Except for the fact that we've lost touch with him, Bob really was the perfect substitute older brother. Sure, he teased me to the brink of tears at times but he also exposed us to all kinds of music, told us how to do things without our parents finding out, and he had really hot friends, all the traits you want an older brother to possess.) Summary: The thing that is consistent with most art forms is that what was once considered ground breaking and revolutionary looks obvious in retrospect. When Mondrian created his works, they were mind-blowing in their simplicity. Looking back at the works one may think 'I could do that with some construction paper and electrical tape.' My art history teacher said, "It doesn't matter if anyone can produce a specific type of art. What matters is who did it first and who got it noticed." This notion applies to "Pet Sounds". Listening to it as an adult, it sounds like a nice little 60's pop album with sappy romantic songs and some interesting sound bytes of railroads, dogs barking, etc. While we take the idea of a layered pop song for granted now, it was ground breaking at the time. Pick any publication's list of the top 100 albums of all time as decided by critics, fans and famous musicians and "Pet Sounds" is always on the list, ALWAYS. It was written in response to the Beatles' "Rubber Soul." When Brian Wilson heard "Rubber Soul" it inspired him to make a great rock album and helped push the Beach Boys out of the realm of Jan and Dean/ surf music. Even if you dislike pop music, it's highly likely that you've heard these songs at some point in your life and will find yourself singing along. Side 1: Wouldn't It Be Nice You Still Believe in Me That's Not Me Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder) I'm Waiting For the Day Let's Go Away For Awhile Sloop John B Side 2: God Only Knows I Know There's An Answer Here Today I Just Wasn't Made For These Times Pet Sounds Caroline No

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Album of the Day: Magical Mystery Tour- The Beatles

Album: Magical Mystery Tour Artist: The Beatles Year Released: 1967 How obtained: Inherited from The Sandell Home for Wayward Boys Summary: My first memory of this album had nothing to do with the songs on it. I remember visiting my grandmother and seeing this album at her house in Huntington Beach, which means I was probably under the age of four years old. It belonged to one of my aunts or uncles and it scared the beejezus out of me. I thought the rainbows and stars were pretty but the Beatles in their furry costumes really freaked me out for some reason. I mean, really freaked me out. If the album cover was sitting in the "being played" rack (as it often was) and I saw it, I left the room until someone put it away. When Tory and I were going through Rich's records after he passed away and dividing them between us, I told her the story. She said I had to have the record since I had a history with it already. I loved the songs on this album for many years. By the time I was 16, I gave up on buying Beatles' records because my mother always swiped them from me and insisted that they were hers and that she'd had them for years. I tried pointing out that the price tag showed it was purchased at Licorice Pizza but she would tell me she must have replaced her copy, so I gave up on the Beatles. When I started hanging out at the Sandell home, my interest was renewed. Those boys introduced me to albums that nobody else I knew owned. (This obviously isn't one of them. They were a good influence on me, just the same.) Songs include Side 1: Magical Mystery Tour The Fool On the Hill Flying Blue Jay Way Your Mother Should Know I Am the Walrus Side 2: Hello Goodbye Strawberry Fields Forever Penny Lane Baby You're A Rich Man All You Need Is Love Whenever I heard that line from the Beatles, I thought of Opus from "Bloom County". This image was painted on the trunk of the car but I cannot find a picture of the complete portrait. Essentially, this was a concept album the idea being that the band gathered friends and family on to a bus and had magical adventures throughout the English countryside. After reading Tom Wolfe's "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test", I was kind of irritated with the Beatles and felt that they ripped off Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters. Now, I haven't read the book in many years so the details are a bit fuzzy and I'm too lazy to look it up. Basically, Kesey and the Merry Pranksters made a pilgrimage on Furthur to a Beatles' show in late '66/ early '67and invited the Beatles to join them for a ride. The Beatles said not interested, why go on an adventure via bus through the countryside? What a preposterous idea. Months later, the Beatles made the album and a snazzy little television special to go with it. The liner notes include a comic telling of their fantastic adventure that they had on the bus. To my young mind, it felt like intellectual theft and it made me gravely irritated. As I have grown older and have been plagiarized often by Germans (one in particular) the whole scenario still rankles my hide. Give credit where it's due. If someone inspired you to do or say something VERY similar, acknowledge it.

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Album of the Day: So Far - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Album: So Far Artist: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Year Released: 1974 How Obtained: from the Sandell collection Summary: It is amazing what the difference the addition or subtraction of one band member can have on a group's music. While I'm still not a fan of Crosby, Stills & Nash, the addition of Young made the album listening experience much more pleasant than yesterday's album was, speaking in the most general of terms. I'm not overly familiar with the band, but from what I can gather, this was the fourth album to include Crosby, Stills & Nash and the third to be released with the addition of Young. It seems that Neil Young left the band and they released the boring album that I listened to yesterday without him. This album is a compilation of CSNY's first two albums, released to capitalize on the return of Neil Young to the fold and the subsequent tour that was going to happen. If you were going to actually recognize any of their songs, it would like happen while listening to this album. I wouldn't classify myself as a Neil Young fan, but I must say he is the spice the band needs to be palatable.   Side 1: Déjà Vu Helplessly Hoping Wooden Ships Teach Your Children Ohio Find the Cost of Freedom Side 2: Woodstock Our House Helpless Guinnevere Suite: Judy Blue Eyes

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Album of the Day: Crosby, Stills & Nash - self titled

Album: Crosby, Stills & Nash Artist: Crosby, Stills & Nash Year Released: 1969 How obtained: Sandell collection Summary: I don’t mean to sound like a total a-hole, but I really don’t like Crosby, Stills & Nash.  In my mind, they aren’t even interesting enough to hate their music.  It’s just sort of complacent and non-descript or perhaps they had so many imitators, that it just sounds like they sound like a hundred other bands.  That’s the problem with listening to something from another generation, sometimes the bands style was so successfully duplicated by others that it seems boring and commonplace to successive generations.  I’ve given this album a few listening attempts, and I just cannot get into it.  My apologies to anyone who is a big C, S & N fan but nothing about this resonates within my soul.  It’s not even distracting, it’s just…there.  The bad news is that I have to listen to another of their albums tomorrow.  I hope it’s more interesting to me than their debut album has been. Side 1:

1. Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
2. Marrakesh Express
3. Guinnevere
4. You Don’t Have to Cry
5. Pre-Road Downs

Side 2:

1. Wooden Ships
2. Lady of the Island
3. Helplessly Hoping
4. Long Time Gone
5. 49 Bye-Byes

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Album of the Day: Bayou Country - Creedence Clearwater Revival

Album: Bayou Country Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival Year Released: 1969 How Obtained: From the Sandell collection Summary:  For people of a certain age, that would be under 40 years old, we sometimes forgotten about Creedence Clearwater Revival.  I know that I forget about them from time to time.  They are a great band. Their songs are enjoyable but I’ve never had the connection with CCR that I’ve had with other bands.  Perhaps this has nothing to do with the band and more to do with the fact that my parents liked them.  It takes a rare band to transcend the parent/ child rebellion separation of pop culture. This album contains just seven tracks, but they packed a lot into those seven tracks. Side 1:

1. Born On The Bayou
2. Bootleg
3. Graveyard Train

Side 2:

1. Good Golly Miss Molly
2. Penthouse Pauper
3. Proud Mary
4. Keep On Chooglin’

  My copy of this album is rather old, it’s an original pressing.  The cover was so faded that I really couldn’t tell what it was supposed to be.  I could make out a guitar player on the left, but thought it was odd to only have one band member on the cover.  When I was looking for images of the album cover I was surprised to discover the whole band was actually featured.  Not this has anything to do with the album, really except that I’m just writing my impressions of the album and what pops into my head as I listen to it.

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Album of the Day: The Best of Blondie

Album: The Best of Blondie Artist: Blondie Year Released: 1981 How Obtained: Years back when I was giving away baskets of cookies for Christmas I decided to put them in bowls made of records and boxes made out of album covers. For instructions on how to do this go to http://www.slamscene.com/?do=cat&id=2&view=159&type=comment&list=82 There are step by step directions on how to do the project. Obviously I wasn't going to sacrifice my records, so I asked people to give me any records that they owned that were damaged, warped, unplayable or that they no longer had a need for keeping. I received many donations but the phrase "One man's trash is another man's treasure" was certainly true in this case. There were some records that I couldn't melt, that I had to keep for myself. This was one of those records. Summary: Generally I don't buy greatest hits albums on vinyl. If I'm going to get greatest hits collection my plan is usually to listen to it on a road trip or on vacation so I buy it to save packing a bunch of music. IPods have eliminated the need for this practice, but that was my theory. I own many of the CDs that have the songs on this record, but sometimes you just want the hits at a fast and furious pace. This album will give you that. Side 1: Heart of Glass Dreaming The Tide is High In the Flesh Sunday Girl Hanging On The Telephone Side 2: Rapture One Way or Another (I'm Always Touched by Your) Presence Dear Call Me Atomic Rip Her To Shreds I don't own a lot of music by female vocalists. Not to sound sexist, but so often songs that women tend to sing are of the "My man done me wrong" variety or "I'll Always Love You". Not that there's anything wrong with that, but instead of feeling like a heartfelt love song, they usually come across as kind of whiny and co-dependent. I never felt like Debbie Harry was whiny or co-dependent which is probably why I've always been a fan. For crying out loud, you can be in love or lust or infatuated or whatever and still have a backbone and your own identity. Hasn't anyone let songwriters for women know about this development yet?

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Album of the Day: Trapped In The Body of A White Girl- Julie Brown

Album: Trapped In The Body of A White Girl Artist: Julie Brown Year Released: 1987 How Obtained: I bought this one myself, at the Wherehouse in Garden Grove on Chapman Ave. Summary: Let's bring the lights down for a moment and silence the room, I have a confession. In 1984 Julie Brown released a song that I instantly identified with the very second I heard it on Dr. Demento's radio show. The song was "I Like 'Em Big and Stupid." I thought it was hilarious and kind of true, for me at least. Moments after meeting anyone I was interested in, my parent's would inevitably reference this song. "What kind of man does a lot for me? Superman with a lobotomy. My father's out of Harvard, my brother's out of Yale. Well, the guy I took home last night, just got out of jail." I did eventually grow out of my 'big and stupid' addiction, but it lasted far longer than it should have. This is a fun album in spots, but it didn't age that well. It's part humor songs "Trapped In the Body of a White Girl", "I Like 'Em Big and Stupid", "Girl Fight Tonight" and "The Homecoming Queen's Got A Gun" but the rest are 80's pop songs about boys, falling in love with boys, lusting after boys and getting your heart broken by boys. It's still a fun album to listen to, even if you have to skip past some of the sappy pop songs. Side 1: Trapped In The Body of A White Girl I Like 'Em Big and Stupid Shut Up and Kiss Me Inside Every Girl Time Slips Away Side 2: Callin' Your Heart Boys 'R a Drug Girl Fight Tonight! Every Boy's Got One The Homecoming Queen's God a Gun

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Album of the Day: Bye-Bye Birdie Original Broadway Cast

Album: Bye-Bye Birdie Original Broadway Cast Artist: Various. Includes: Chita Rivera, Dick Van Dyke, Paul Lynde, Dick Gautier, Michael J. Pollard, Susan Watson and Kay Medford. Year Released: 1960 How Obtained: Someone gave me this in a stack of records to be melted. It came from a collection that had 4 different versions of this album and four different versions of the Dr. Zhivago soundtrack. Someone was a bit obsessive with their musical choices to put it mildly. Summary: For those that don't know the back story, this musical was inspired by the madness that surrounded Elvis Presley when he went into the army. Someone saw the media circus and thought, 'that would make a good musical.' It's upbeat and entertaining. It's not one of those musicals where every song became a hit. The only songs that I was really familiar with prior to seeing the move were "Put On A Happy Face" and "Got A Lot of Living To Do." While I enjoy watching musicals, there really aren't a lot of musical soundtracks that I have felt the need to purchase besides "Grease" and "Guys and Dolls." Unless the music is running through your head and you need to perform an exorcism to flush it out, I rarely relate enough to the music in musicals to feel the need to own it.

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Album of the Day: Big Bambu - Cheech and Chong

Album: Big Bambu Artist: Cheech and Chong Year Released: 1972 How obtained: Sandell collection

Summary: The thing to remember about Cheech and Chong is that they are not for everyone. You either get them, or you don't. While many people dismiss them as stoner comedians, there is a lot more going on with their routines than a simple "Dude, we're so high." That's not to say that there aren't a lot of drug references in their work, generally speaking. You probably shouldn't let your children listen to a large majority of their work. Do I laugh like a 14 year old boy when I listen to Cheech and Chong? Absolutely. Is this something I try to keep a secret? Obviously not. I accept that some of my taste in entertainment, clothing, decor, music, every aspect of my life, is not to everyone's liking. One of my first memories of Cheech and Chong was the "Sleeping Beauty" record. It was a rare splurge for my dad. I remember the album cover was a giant red pill, but I didn't know why it said "Sleeping Beauty" because that was a fairy tale. My mom told me that "Sleeping Beauty" was a slang term for a medicine for grown ups. My dad only listened to that album on headphones because we were too young to listen to it. I asked if I could borrow the album a few years back but my mom said no, I was still too young even though I was over 40 at the time. Jokes on her though, I own this album and could listen to the whole thing and I didn't have to wear headphones.

Side 1

1. Sister Mary Elephant - 3:38
2. Ralph And Herbie - 3:24
3. Streets Of New York Or Los Angeles Or San Francisco Or... - 2:34
4. Rebuttal: Speaker Ashley Roachclip - 1:56
5. The Continuing Adventures Of Pedro De Pacas And Man - 6:22

Side 2

1. The Bust - 2:02
2. Television Medley - 14:18
3. Tortured Old Man - 3:08
4.  Empire Hancock - 1:08
5.  Let's Make A Dope Deal - 3:57
6.  Un-American Bandstand - 6:05

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Album of the Day: Black Celebration- Depeche Mode

Album: Black Celebration

Artist: Depeche Mode Year Released: 1986 How obtained: I purchased this at Licorice Pizza long after my crush left his position there and joined the army.  However, I was still given the 20% friends and family discount from a red-headed guy named Alan.  I don’t know if he gave me the discount because he saw Keith give me the discount so often that he thought I was supposed to get it or if it was some kind of redhead solidarity thing.  Either way, I was happy that I had a discount. Summary:  Depeche Mode.  How many of you survived the Depeche Mode riot of 1990?  If you didn’t live through the reign of Depeche Mode, you might not understand just how far-reaching their influence was to many fans. It’s easy to dismiss Depeche Mode as just another new wave/ synth-pop/ alternative band that started in the 80’s; just three keyboard players and a lead singer.  How could they possibly endure for over twenty years?  Simple. They did it best.  When most synth bands were using rudimentary tape machines, Depeche Mode was recording percussion noises everywhere and using them on their recordings.  That was their original niche.  Slapping each other in the studio, hitting a fence with a stick, throwing pebbles at a tin roof, nothing was off limits.  The other element that propelled them to such heights of popularity and earned the devotion of many fans were Martin Gore’s lyrics.  What seemed terribly clever, deep and fraught with meaning while a teenager is still bearable today.  The cynic in me isn’t rolling my eyes at the lyrics in retrospect which is somewhat surprising. “Black Celebration” is the first of their albums that I bought on vinyl.  Every Depeche Mode album purchased prior to this one was on cassette tape.  It’s one of my favorite Depeche Mode albums.  I couldn’t listen to the band for a few years because an annoying acquaintance became obsessed with them like a depressed 15 year old girl.  Time and distance has removed her tarnish from the band and this New Year’s resolution of mine has forced me to re-listen to the band.  I have a newfound appreciation for them.  So much so that I dug out my old cassette tapes from twenty five + years ago and am listening to them right now. Side 1:

1. Black Celebration
2. Fly on the Windscreen- Final
3. A Question of Lust
4. Sometimes
5. It Doesn’t Matter Two

Side 2

1. A Question of Time (my personal favorite)
2. Stripped
3. Here Is the House
4. World Full of Nothing
5. Dressed in Black
6. New Dress
7. But Not Tonight

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Album of the Day: Funk & Wagnall’s Family Library of Great Music, Album 5: Chopin. A treasury of the world's great composers, their lives, music and times. Chopin: Polonaises, Nocturen, Etudes, Mazurka- Chopin

Album: Funk & Wagnall’s Family Library of Great Music, Album 5: Chopin. A treasury of the world's great composers, their lives, music and times. Chopin: Polonaises, Nocturen, Etudes, Mazurkas" Artist: Chopin How obtained: Someone donated it for the melting record project Summary: You can think whatever you want about me, but this album made literally no impression. I've listened to it three times in the last 24 hours. I know, I know, why listen to it so much if it did nothing for me. I was trying to see if it produced some sort of reaction, stirred up some kind of emotion that would render the inspiration to write something of value. I've got nothing. I know as a former violin player I'm expected to enjoy classical music. I'm kind of annoyed by this assumption. It's like assuming because someone plays saxophone, they must only like jazz. Musical instruments can be utilized for a variety of musical genres; musicians (and former musicians) should be pigeon-holed by the instrument that they play. This stereotyping doesn't happen to guitar players or drummers, it's a tad unfair. Anyhow, this album was part of a 22 record series that included a record and a book about the composer's life which explained what he was going through when he wrote the music. I really wish the book was included with this album, but alas it was not. Perhaps I'm just completely lost without having access to the other 21 albums in the series. I didn't hate the music, but I didn't love it either. It was strictly background music for me, even though I really tried to listen to it.

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Album of the Day: The Clash- The Clash

Album: The Clash Artist: The Clash Year Released: UK Version 77, US version 78 (this is the U.S. version) How obtained: I bought this version used when I was in high school at Pepperland Records Summary: (Disclaimer: I'm tired and my allergies are killing me today. My eyes are watering so much that I have blurry vision and my sinuses are so congested that wearing my glasses is too painful to actually do. Therefore, this is a stream of consciousness ramble chock full of typos, grammar errors and spelling mistakes because I'm too tired and lazy to do anything but write it and post it.) There are some things in life that simply cannot be explained adequately unless one has superb writing skills, the audience has a rich imagination, or a lesser combination of these two elements applies. However, since I didn't sleep well last night and I worked a really long day today my vocabulary has diminished of all color and I don't think I can fully describe the Clash's contribution to modern music to those that didn't live through it the first time. I don't mean to sound like a middle aged music snob. I've had people tell me that I couldn't appreciate the Monkeys because by the time I heard them the secret was out that they were a manufactured band. Just because you may have access to a different perspective on a band than the original audience did doesn't mean that you had a lesser experience, just a different one. When the Clash came on to the punk scene they were one of the few acts that wrote songs about politics that went beyond "F*ck you" to the people in charge. They were one of the few acts that was able to meld punk, early rock-n roll influences and reggae into a new sound. These days people mix musical genres all the time, but it actually used to be a rare thing. Back in the '70's before most of you were born, The Police became popular because they blended reggae and rock. It used to be a rare thing to mix two divergent types of music into a new sound. When I listen to the Clash, I tend to get nostalgic and it reminds me of events from my youth. For example, the very first time I saw an actual punk rocker in person and not just on a 20/20 expose on the news. I have a lot of vivid memories from growing up, but this is one of the few where I actually remember the month and year. December 1977, the family was waiting in line at Sear to see Santa Claus at the Westminster Mall. I was standing there waiting, bored out of my mind, daydreaming and generally spacing out like disenchanted youngsters do, when I happened to glance up. Coming down the escalator were four punks: two boys and two girls who appeared to be in high school. The girls were the early punkish prototypes, short hair, heavy make up, kind of looked like the girls in the Human League. One of the boys had a brown buzz cut and leather jacket, but the other one was the coolest guy I had ever seen in my life. Bleached blond hair with brown roots about 3 to 4 inches long and sticking out randomly in every direction, like a haystack. He had a black leather motorcycle jacket on with chains and graffiti. It was a killer outfit and his hair fascinated me at the time. He was also wearing a Sex Pistols shirt. None of that experience really has anything to do with the album, though. Songs on the U.S. version of the album include: Side 1

1. Clash City Rockers
2. I'm So Bored With the USA
3. Remote Control
4. Complete Control
5. White Riot
6. White Man in Hammersmith Palais
7. I Fought the Law

Side 2

1. Janie Jones
2. What's My Name
3. Hate & War
4. Police & Thieves
5. Jail Guitar Doors
6. Garageland

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Album of the Day: Sandinista- The Clash

Album: Sandinista Artist: The Clash Year Released: 1980 How obtained: Purchased at Licorice Pizza while in my teens. I had a crush on Keith N. Bauer and used to leave him notes on his car, because that's what teenage girls do, leave notes either in lockers or on cars or I guess these days they send emails and texts. Summary: It's a pretty ballsy move for a band to release their fourth album and decide it's going to be a 3 disc, that's right 3 disc record with 36 tracks on it. Even if you aren't a fan of the Clash, if you listened to KROQ at all in the 80's, you are familiar with at least one song per side of this album, which means 6 songs. The band has a little bit of everything on the album, including a couple of rap songs before rap was embraced by the musical community in general. Legend has it that the band did a 3 record album because of a friendly competition with Bruce Springsteen who had recently released a 2 record album. I enjoy this record but haven't listened to it as much as I've gotten older. It isn't that my love of the Clash has diminished. It's just that I have a weird quirk where I feel like I have to listen to an entire record when I select if for playing on the old hi-fi. I don't always have the time to dedicate to listening to the entire album so I don't listen as often as I'd like to do. Songs on the album include: Side 1

1. Magnificent Seven
2. Hitsville U.K.
3. Junco Partner
4. Ivan Meets G.I. Joe
5. The Leader
6. Something About England

Side 2

1. Rebel Waltz
2. Look Here
3. The Crooked Beat
4. Somebody Got Murdered
5. One More Time
6. One More Dub

Side 3

1. Lightning Strikes (Not Once But Twice)
2. Up In Heaven (Not Only Here)
3. Corner Soul
4. Let's Go Crazy
5. If Music Could Talk
6. The Sound of the Sinners

Side 4

1. Police On My Back
2. Midnight Log
3. The Equaliser
4. The Call Up
5. Washington Bullets
6. Broadway

Side 5

1. Lose This Skin
2. Charlie Don't Surf
3. Mensforth Hill
4. Junkie Slip
5. Kingston Advice
6. The Street Parade
7. Side 6
8. Version City
9. Living in Fame
10. Silicone on Sapphire
11. Version Pardner
12. Career Opportunities

Shepherd's Delight

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Album of the Day: Cut the Crap- The Clash

Album: Cut the Crap Artist: The Clash Year Released: 1985 How Obtained: Purchased by me at Licorice Pizza Summary: Without a doubt, this is the worst Clash album recorded. I have no one but myself to blame for buying this. The worst part is I actually read a review in Rolling Stone that methodically went through and listed why it was a horrible record. They stated words to the effect that "the only high point of the album is 'We Are the Clash' which can best be described as a modern day version of the Monkees Theme Song." Not exactly what one would call high praise. The album isn't the worst album ever recorded and it's certainly not even the worst album that I own, it's just not even in the same ball park as their other music. Do I ever look at the album and think "What a waste of money."? No. The only reason is because my shallow teenage self took much joy from looking at the picture of the band on the back cover, every member of the line up at the time had phenomenally high cheekbones. Other than the back cover photo, I really can't recommend the album.

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Album of the Day: Only A Lad - Oingo Boingo

Album: Only A Lad Artist: Oingo Boingo Year Released: 1981 How obtained: Purchased at Licorice Pizza Summary: The last in the Oingo Boingo series, but not the last in my collection.  This was just my run on vinyl.  I still have selections on cassette tape that I used to crank on my car stereo when I cruised around in the ever glorious 1973 Ford Gran Torino.  A while back, I posted a line from the song “Capitalism” as my quote of the day on my Twitter account.  Some that I don’t even know accused the group of ripping off his band, because the ‘ideals were the same.” I pointed out that the song was released in 1981; two years before his posted birth date and asked for an explanation on how they could have ripped off his philosophy before he was even born.  I never heard back from that guy.  It was weird, because he wasn’t one of my followers, so I have no knowledge of how he discovered me or anything I posted. Weird. You kind of have to love this album if you are the least bit twisted and a fan of the genre that used to be called New Wave.  Not politically correct in the slightest way as evidenced by the song “Little Girls” and “Only A Lad.”  The lyrics almost, almost have a satirical Jonathan Swift style to them. Any group that covers a Kinks song has my vote as a nomination in the cool club. Side One:

1. Little Girls
2. Perfect System
3. On The Outside
4. Capitalism
5. You Really Got Me

Side Two:

1. Only A Lad
2. What You See
3. Controller
4. Imposter
5. Nasty Habits

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Album of the day: Camper Van Beethoven- Camper Van Beethoven

Album: Camper Van Beethoven Artist: Camper Van Beethoven Year Released: 1986 How Obtained: G.F.B. Summary: I'm not going to make a judgment call about this album or the musicians who recorded it. When I listened to this album the thought that continually went to the forefront of my mind was "These guys have got to be pot smokers." I listened to the album; read the cover, looked at the song lyrics online and still, I couldn't get the thought out of my mind. Don't get me wrong, it's a good album. They fuse a lot of different styles, the lyrics are entertaining and sometimes humorous. However, once a thought plants itself in my head it takes root and grows. I did some research and found out that the band formed in Redlands, then moved to Santa Cruz and later San Francisco. It all made sense to me after that. Not to stereotype people or regions, but based on my own personal experiences with people, I might have been correct on this one.

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Album of the Day: Station to Station- David Bowie

Album: "Station to Station" Artist: David Bowie Year Released: 1976 How Obtained: G.F.B. Summary: This is the original issue, not the 80's re-issue with the expanded song selection. You really can't go wrong with Bowie. Sadly, this is only a 6 song album so after you have achieved full Bowie mindset, it's over. I didn't give this album the proper attention that it deserved because I was preparing for a day and had it on as background music. I wasn't fully focused. Side A: Station to Station Golden Years Word On A Wing Side B: TVC 15 Stay Wild Is The Wind

Album of the Day: The Sound of Johnny Cash- Johnny Cash

Album: The Sound of Johnny Cash Artist: Johnny Cash How obtained: GFB Year Released: 1962 Summary: This takes me back to a time when pop music was just what was popular and sometimes those songs were sad. It seems like in modern times all the pop songs are bouncy, bubblegum pop or overly sentimental love songs fresh from a movie soundtrack. Thank God Johnny Cash did not succumb to the current trend back in '62. Again, there are no words to describe Johnny that haven't been uttered/ written before. I don't have the time this morning to delve deep to come up with something original and I don't want to write something trite, so this is very brief. This is another album that I am happy to own. The back cover is pretty interesting, advertising on the bottom and a narrative weaving the songs together to tell a story. Side 1: Lost on the Desert Accidentally on Purpose In the Jailhouse Now Mr. Lonesome You Won't Have Far To Go In Them Old Cottonfields Back Home Side 2: Delia's Gone I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Now You Remembered Me I'm Free From the Chain Gang Now Let Me Down Easy Sing It Pretty, Sue

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Album of the Day: Original Sun Sound of Johnny Cash- Johnny Cash

Album: Original Sun Sound of Johnny Cash Artist: Johnny Cash Year Released: 1965 How Obtained: G.F.B. Summary: This album is kind of the leftover Johnny Cash songs that Sun Records had in the vault after Johnny headed to Columbia records. What can I say about Johnny Cash that hasn't been said a million times? Am I a fan? Yes. I've enjoyed pretty much any song that Johnny Cash has recorded and this album was no different. I can't really write anything particularly expansive or expressive on the topic at this moment in time because I've had 3 1/2 hours of sleep in the last 38 hours. I spent my entire work day on my feet in the copy room/ kitchen at work. It's a room that smells like someone hid a fish somewhere that is slowly decaying, a room with plenty of foot traffic in close proximity to a department full of older gentleman who felt it was their duty to come in at 15 minute intervals and say "Still at it, huh?" I'm tired, my back hurts and I can still smell that rancid odor in my memory. Side 1: Always Alone Country Boy Goodnight Irene Wide Open Road Thanks A Lot Big River Side 2: Belshazzar Born To Lose New Mexico I Forgot To Remember To Forget Two Timin' Woman Story of a Broken Heart

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Album of the Day: This Year's Model - Elvis Costello

Album: This Year’s Model Artist: Elvis Costello Year Released: 1978 How obtained: GFB Summary: Oh, Elvis Costello.  Despite your sometimes snarky and pretentious demeanor, I do admire you in a way.  I appreciate the sense of humor displayed by your cameo appearance in “200 Cigarettes”.  I was happy to come home after a long day at the hospital while my dad had surgery and listen to an album I was already familiar with from my youth.  At the time of Mr. Costello’s rise to popularity, he was classified as New Wave.  (Punk Rock and New Wave were two totally different heads, totally.) He was an ironic hipster with his Buddy Hollyesque appearance before most of today’s hipsters were even a defective condom on their daddy’s—well, you get the idea.  Consistently good music and catchy lyrics.  Elvis Costello is one of those artists I forget that I like.  He’s not flashy, he’s not involved in scandals, and he just shows up and does his job.  I wish more entertainers lived up to his example. Side 1

1. No Action
2. This Year’s Girl
3. The Beat
4. Pump It Up
5. Little Triggers
6. You Belong To Me

  Side 2

1. Hand In Hand
2. Lip Service
3. Living In Paradise
4. Lipstick Vogue
5. Radio, Radio

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Album of the Day: Spike- Elvis Costello

Album: Spike Artist: Elvis Costello Year Released: 1989 How Obtained: This was my mother’s record until she decided to do some spring cleaning and gave me her record. Summary:  While not as edgy as his earlier work, this is still a remarkable album.  It’s the kind of record where you lie on the bed listening to while reading the lyric sheet and think “whoa, that’s a good line.”  While some of the songs are not immediately catchy, the song lyrics read like poetry.  You could have some lively discussions trying to determine the symbolism of each line.  You don’t have to believe me, grab a copy for yourself and listen to the lyrics.  A definite thumbs up.  Trivia regarding this album: a few songs were co-written with Paul McCartney including “Veronica.” Side 1: …This Town… Let Him Dangle Deep Dark Truthful Mirror Veronica God’s Comic Chewing Gum Tramp the Dirt Down Side 2: Stalin Malone Satellite Pads, Paws and Claws Baby Plays Around Miss Macbeth Any King’s Shilling Last Boat Leaving