Other than my Clapton live album, Just One Night, I haven’t been too impressed with my experience with Clapton vinyl. I enjoyed listening to Backless, but don’t have too much desire to play it again and again. On 461 Ocean Boulevard, I really enjoyed myself. I purchased it at Another Part Of The Forest (my first from there?). It’s located on the street behind my apartment in Over The Rhine in Cincinnati. The place is stock piled with old vinyl (literally there is piles everywhere). On this double gatefold with the original album sleeve, I liked listening to Clapton dig deep into the sounds of American sunny beach music. The album has a very relaxing care free feel to it. That’s probably why the best song is his cover of Bob Marley’s “I Shot The Sheriff”. I will have to say that I was still not completely hooked. I either lost interest at times or felt that the songs were as inspired as other songs. For instance, “Let It Grow” sounds a lot like “Stairway To Heaven” and not in a good way. Doesn’t Eric no the rules, NO STAIRWAY! Sometimes I wonder if Clapton was at his best working with other artists. I’ll keep an open mind, but until I’m convinced otherwise this might be my last solo stuff from Mr. Clapton.
Chuck Berry is the realest deal. Sure I’ve heard a couple songs from Chuck. I was so blind to think that was enough. I found this in the newly added used section at Shake-It Records. It peaked my interest because it said he was backed by the Steve Miller Band. I did my research and found out that the first of two LPs of this double gatefold is from a famous performance with (at the time called) Steve Miller Blues Band at the Fillmore. The second LP is a collection of songs from his albums. The whole album sounds like taking a walk in museum of Rock ‘N Roll. I noticed sounds and structures from so many bands throughout history. I never realized how much Chuck could play the blues and still define rock and roll. I feel like I could put this on at anytime and be satisfied. This guy is the roots of everything for me and I’m sorry I didn’t realize it until hearing this. Chuck Berry is more than a moment from Marty McFly in Back To The Future.
BEEEEEEEEEE GEEEEEEEEEEEES!!!!!!! Now this is a Bee Gees record I can stand behind or at least dance behind it. This thing is has some serious legs to it and they can’t help but dance. I ain’t funking around with the Bee Gees. Not after hearing Main Course. I have been looking for this record for sometime, because I heard good things. I found this recently while at Everybody’s Records. I was nearly going to go ahead and submit to purchasing the cop out record aka “the best of”. But at last second I found this gem. Who wants to come dance with me, because dancing to the Bee Gees alone is fun yet extremely creepy.
“This sounds like sexy elevator music” was said by my fiancee upon hearing the opening title track from Still Crazy After All These Years. I don’t know much about Paul Simon but I’m learning. The more I learn the more I’m interested. I was my interest was originally started by Paul Simon’s Paul Simon and my interest grew even more after watching the documentary Under African Skies about his famous album Graceland (which I still need to purchase). Regardless I found this album used at Shake-It Records with the original album sleeve. I couldn’t pass up fun hits like “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover” and the very first reuniting (not that I care) of Simon with long time partner Art Garfunkel on the song “My Little Town”. It’s wild to find out this won a Grammy for Best Album when you think about popular music today. To some people it probably sounds like “sexy elevator music” but in 1976 it was the best music.
Bob Marley & The Wailers came later. First there was just The Wailers. That is exactly how I feel about this record. It’s the last effort with Bob, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer before they went their separate ways. It’s the genius before they knew how good they were. After owning and listening to Live! and Rastaman Vibration, it was cool to listen to the songs like “I Shot The Sheriff” and hear how they have evolved over the years. The studio recordings really focus more in on the instrumentation than other reggae records that focus on the rhythm more. This is a double gatefold that I found cheap and used at Shake-It Records. I promised myself I would slow down on the reggae records, but I can’t help but scour through the bins anyways. This is one of Bob’s best efforts and it only makes since to purchase this one compared to others. It’s a shame these three didn’t make progress in music more together. I think that The Wailers gets overlooked in music history when you talk about famous bands breaking up. Good thing I have all this positive music laying around to cheer me up about it.
After being gifted the very all inclusive early works of Iron & Wine album, Around The Well, I did not think I would ever need to own another one from Sam Beam. I enjoyed this album previously and have loved what I heard of his newest works. I purely purchased this for two reasons.
1. The thought of Iron & Wine growing their sound to an almost experimental pop sound while being heard through vinyl.
2. The cheap used price along with the amazing cover art.
I found this in the used bins of Shake-It Records. It’s a double gatefold. I love the artwork and I feel that it greatly matches the music created on this album. It sounds amazing in large speakers while you are chilling at home. I may have to get another Iron & Wine record.
Frightened Rabbit’s Scott Hutchison is a work horse (no animal confusion meant). Not only does the guy sing, play lots of instruments, produce, photographer and art director for albums, but they guy usually writes all the songs. Pedestrian Verse is the 1st album that Scott has allowed the rest of the band to join in the song writing process while on the road. The result is a contender for their best work to date, which is says something considering their last two records. Pedestrian Verse doesn’t lose what makes the band great for me with songs like “The Woodpile”. It’s the feeling of raw emotion that feels so rare for bands to portray these days. Frightened Rabbit’s sound is large and in charge on the 180 gram vinyl. It was quick decision and easy purchase this double gatefold from Everybody’s Records (I also purchased The Midnight Organ Fight at the same time) because it’s been played constantly since I heard it. I look for great things in the future from this band.
I’ve been searching for this record for sometime. After enjoying their The Winter Of Mixed Drinks, I became began listening more to their sessions from Daytrotter.com. The songs included were from The Midnight Organ Fight. This was not available in stores until Record Store Day 2013. I didn’t find this until a week or two later unfortunately. The album contains new artwork (check some of it out below) and is a double gatefold 2LP. The second LP is a live acoustic performance from Scotland around the original release of the album. The studio and live acoustic performances from the band are remarkable on 180 grams. All the songs are equally as effective in provoking thought, emotion, and even a little dancing with an acoustic guitar as they are with a full band. It’s a true testament to the band’s writing skills with songs like “The Modern Leper”, “The Twist” and “Head Rolls Off”. It’s frontman Scott Hutchison’s earnest and introspective lyrics combined with scottish folk leanings that make this band so interesting. This might be my favorite record from the band. I’m glad to finally have these great songs in my home.
I might have been slightly too harsh on the Bee Gees over time. I laughed and scoffed at their mention. It wasn’t until I heard “Nights On Broadway” (not on this album unfortunately) that I started to rethink my feelings toward the Bee Gees. I’ve been on a look out for a good Bee Gees record for at least a month now. I’m not sure if I’ve gotten their best stuff here. I did enjoyed the lush moments filled with harmonies, but it was the jazz/funk/soul/prog/disco/whatever sounds of the Bee Gees that made this worth the purchase. That and the double gatefold with original album sleeve from Shake-It Records. I need more of this from the Bee Gees. Someone help me!! This won’t be the last we see of the Bee Gees in my collection. I’ll leave you with this image.
I kneel at The Throne to beg for humility and forgiveness. I humbly ask to be spared for cheap ways by the good Kings Jay and Ye. For I am not worthy or rich enough to purchase your expensive over $100 original vinyl release with cross gatefold. I worship and grovel at your feet for blessing the world with Watch The Throne.I can only hope to give you a blog post as deserving as the epic value of this record. This album could be one of the great hip-hop records. It owned my 2011 and even my 2012. You can imagine how far my jaw dropped on Record Store Day 2013 at Everybody’s Records when I saw this non-descript gold embroidered album cover. It has no names or titles but demands attention. I had no idea that this would be receiving an extra more affordable release. Luckily for me I recognized this beautiful cover. I picked it up and have been blasting it’s 2 clear LP’s featuring the artwork below. The label on the vinyl state this is a deluxe edition featuring bonus song “The Joy” featuring Curtis Mayfield. It’s not as great of a quality of a release but it feels great to hear these two kings giving it their all for the good of the people.
