Acquired: 2005 - Inherited from Bob Bobala when he moved to California
Keeper: Yes
Usually, I only post a concert ticket stub if it’s from a tour that supported the album I’m discussing. That’s not the case here, but there are some connections to my Ozzfest 2001 ticket stub and this copy of Ozzy Osbourne’s Diary of a Madman. Both were given to me by my friend Bob Bobala.
Bob scored some killer tickets for the show at Nissan Pavilion. They were really close to the stage, in the shade, and not cheap. I bought Bob a shirt at the show, a lot cheaper. It was a long day of metal chaos and social observing. Black Sabbath with all the original members was, of course, the highlight; they blew everyone else away. By the end of the show we were getting pelted with ketchup packs and drink bottles by the jealous riffraff sitting on the grass, but it was worth it to see Sabbath up close.
Then, when Bob moved away he gave me quite a few records. This was one of them. I’ve always been a big fan of Sabbath but I never really followed Osbourne’s solo work. I have to admit I was kind of disappointed with the album as a whole. The big hit “Flying High Again” is excellent, but there is little else that comes close.
This was the last album Randy Rhoads recorded before he died. There’s also some interesting controversy about the credits for bass and drums. Sarzo and Aldridge pictured on the liner below didn’t play on the record.
I’m still a little surprised Bob didn’t keep this record when he moved. I’m going to take good care of it for him.
Long overdue, here’s the latest record: “Telegraph” by Ochestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, better known as simply OMD. I didn’t expect to like this very much despite the fact that I bought an OMD record myself way back when, but I have to say I do. This single is an almost eight minute “extended version” of the song with a variety of cool synth sounds and vocals that remind me of Alvin and the Chipmunks, or maybe 999. My favorite bit is the chime sound prominent in the early part of the song. The flip side is a drum-less instrumental titled “66 and Fading” that sounds like the band’s name.
“Mandinka” is pretty solid pop song, but if I never hear it again that’s OK. I worked at a record store with a friend, Robby Lloyd, when this came out and he played it so much that I think I’m set for life. “Drink Before the War” on the flipside is Sinead’s version of a metal power ballad, but with keyboards. I’m not kidding; this song builds like it was written by The Scorpions or something. One thing for sure, Sinead O’Connor has one good looking head. I’m jealous.
Trust me, this sucks, big time. Having shingles that is, not this record. It’s also my excuse for not posting for so long. At least I got through the weekend and got to see my friends at Chris Hunter’s wedding. Throw in some time with my extended family and a gang trip to Busch Gardens and the long trip was well worth it.
What to say about The Ordinaires? This record, One, is pretty interesting. Since I’m feeling lazy (see above) I’ll just say that if you like Kronos Quartet, Zappa, or any other quirky instrumental music this is the record for you. The front cover is a “computer generated composite photograph” of the nine band members on the back. Read more at Trouser Press.
Acquired: 2000 ? - I think my brother Grayson handed this down to me
The best part of this Orb 12 inch is the sleeve. Though it is a bit mechanical, antiseptic even, in its design. Which matches the four extremely different remixes of “Asylum” that are on this record. I often find mechanical sounds musical in their own way, I rarely listen to music in the car for instance because I like the sounds of the car itself. But music this mechanized can sometimes get a little boring, like today.
My favorite mix is also the least danceable, and the least frenetic, “A.1″ by Thomas Fehlmann. Now dance sucka!
This is pure genius. The nutty video sucked me in, but this song by OK Go rocks. And “Here It Goes Again” is not even my favorite from their new album. While this video is hilarious, what’s equally impressive is that they could do it in one take, although I doubt this was the first take. It’s worth your three minutes. Click the play button.
Acquired: 1987 - Bought it when I worked at Mother’s Records in Hampton, VA.
The main folks in Opal were David Roback from Rain Parade and Kendra Smith of The Dream Syndicate. Kendra eventually left the band and Hope Sandoval joined Roback to create Mazzy Star. Opal was the record for today, and it’s just a coincidence that I was at my brother’s house tonight and he was playing Mazzy Star. That reminded me how boring that recording is compared to this one. Sure, I like the hit “Fade Into You”, but I like everything on Opal’s “Happy Nightmare Baby.” My favorite is the trippy, riffing, T-Rex-ing album opener, “Rocket Machine.”
When you meet a woman who has the same Olympic Sideburns record as you, just marry her. That’s what I did. It’s not like you’re gonna get another chance. Though it’s the same record, we have different versions. Mary’s was released on Epitaph for the US, but made in the UK. My version is on New Rose, and it came with a “Limited Editon FREE 12′ EP.” That’s right, it’s a 12 foot EP. It’s huge! Look at the sticker on the pic below. This one also came with a cool songbook/comic book.
By looking at these guys you might be tempted to think this is just another 1980s band doing the ‘6os garage rock punk thing. Or maybe you’re not that hip. Anyhow, these guys are way deeper than that. I mean, they’re from Australia, so they can’t help but be weird, and cool. They were somewhat of an Aussie underground super-group, with rotating members who were all in other bands. I can’t explain the sound beyond saying that it’s energetic, slightly noisy, and rocked out in the weirdest way. I know they would’ve been great to see live.
Good morning from Fayetteville, NC. We’re spending a couple days with Mary’s parents after spending a couple with mine. Tomorrow morning we finally head to Asheville where we will spend a night or two with Grayson and Kellie while we wait for the movers to show up. Time with family: priceless. Roadtripping after shoulder surgery: painful.
The Ohio Players love their gatefold-pin-up album covers. If you think the cover for “Honey” is spicy-hot you should see the inside. I was going to include it here but I’m Heavy Duty! is a family show. Just picture the woman on the outside cover with honey dripped all over her. Enough about the packaging. The big hit, classic even, on this record is of course “Rollercoaster”, made popular again a few years ago as a cover by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. But my absolute favorite is the riff-heavy, slow-grinding, super-funky “FOPP.” This is another classic by any standard and has also had its share of cover versions. Soundgarden did a great version on an early EP of the same name when they were still with Sub Pop. What does “FOPP” mean? Anything?
Acquired: 1988 - Probably from Mother’s Record in Hampton, VA.
Keeper: Yes
Again, for me Sinead O’Connor falls into the category I call too-earnest-too-often, but “I Want Your (Hands On Me)” is a decent single. The flipside, “Just Call Me Joe”, on the other hand is fantastic. It doesn’t sound like any of her other music that I’m familiar with. That song/recording was from a BBC Radio One session. It sounds almost like The Jesus and Mary Chain, but with pretty vocals.
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