I did listen to and buy a lot of music this year. How memorable was any of it though? Even my counting was off I was so uninspired. I liked the Mattiel and Andrew Bird, my son likes Tinariwen. The Divine Comedy was a huge disappointment. There was a lot of downloading legally or buying new vinyl and a few cds.
Listed up the used vinyl purchases this year for the first time, and it's about the same amount as new. Need to be a bit more discriminating as to what I buy used next year as I do not want the collection to become too unwieldy. Still going to purchase new every week to try and take care of the artists.
01) Dean Ford - Feel My Heartbeat
02) Mighty Sam McClain - Give it up to Love
04) Youth of America - YOA Rising
05) Bob Stanley & Pete Wiggs Present: Paris in the Spring (Ace compliation CD)
06) The Twilight Sad - It Won/t Be Like This All the Time
07) Sharon Van Etten - Remind Me Tomorrow
08) Bobby Rush - The Essential Recordings, Volume Two
09) Lisa Brigantino - I’ll Waltz Before I Go
10) Emmylou Harris - Wrecking Ball (3 LP set)
11) Dusty Springfield - Dusty in Memphis (Vinyl)
12) Bob Mould - Sunshine Rock
13) Bis - Slight Disconnects
14) Gary Clark Jr. - This Land
15) Joe Jackson - Fool
16) Stella Donnelly - Beware of the Dogs
17) Plastic Device - E. Pluribus Plastic
18) Ex Hex - It’s Real
19) The Zombies - Greatest Hits (vinyl)
20) Timi Turo - Best of (vinyl)
21) Kate Bush - The Other Sides (4CD)
22) Edwyn Collins - Badbea
23) Charles Mingus - Mingus Mingus Mingus (Vinyl)
24) Jenny Lewis - On the Line
25) Amy Rigby - Diary of a Mod Housewife (Vinyl)
26) Andrew Bird - My Finest Work Yet
27) Ese and the Vooduu People - Dynamite (EP)
28) Mdou Moctar - Ilana (The Creator)
29) Frightened Rabbit - Midnight Organ Fight (Vinyl)
30) Christone Ingram - Kingfish
31) Patience - Dizzy Spells
32) Wreckless Eric - Transience (Download first then vinyl)
33) Psyche France 1960-70 Volume 5 (vinyl)
34) Serge Gainsbourg - Initials B.B. (vinyl)
35) Divine Comedy - Office Politics
36) Toujours Chic! (vinyl)
37) Prince - Originals
38) The Murder Capital - When I Have Fears
37) Mattiel - Satis Factory
38) Isley Brothers - The Ultimate Isley Brothers
39) Merry Clayton (vinyl)
40) Tiny Changes: A Celebration of Frightened Rabbit’s The Midnight Organ Fight (CD)
41) Berlin - Trancendance
42) Harmonium
43) Rhett Miller - The Messenger
44) Maria McKee
45) The Highwomen
46) Tinariwen - Amadjar
47) Brittany Howard - Jaime
48) Angel Olsen - All Mirrors
49) Kim Gordon - No Home Record
50) Belle & Sebastian - Days of the Bagnold Summer soundtrack (vinyl)
51) Stan Smith - Silent Memory (CD)
52) Stan Smith - Moments [of a journey] (CD)
53) Amy Rigby - A One Way Ticket To My Life (CD)
54) The Jam - Sound Affects (vinyl)
55) The Muffs - No Holiday
56) Rhett Miller - The Believer
57) Soda Blonde - Terrible Hands (EP)
58) Michael Kiwanuka - Kiwanuka
59) Joe Henry - The Gospel According to Water
60) Leonard Cohen - Thanks For the Dance
61) Wussy - What Heaven is Like (vinyl)
62) The Who - WHO
63) Basement Beehive - The Girl Group Underground (2LP)
64 Parliament - Mothershp Connection
Used Vinyl:
Graham Parker and the Rumor - Squeezing Out Sparks
Be Our Guest - Highlights From 12 GNP Albums
Abba - The Visitors
Greatest Folksingers of the ‘Sixties - [Vanguard Records compilation]
Yaz - Upstairs At Eric’s
Isley Brothers - 3+3
Clarence Carter - Dr. C.C.
Lone Justice
Nina Simone - At the Village Gate
Billie Holiday’s Greatest Hits
Stevie Wonder - Talking Book
Corneilius Brothers and Sister Rose
Tee Set - Ma Belle Amie
R. Dean Taylor - I Think Therefore I
The Versatile Martin Denny Plays Theme From Mondo Cane and Suyiyaki
Night Shift Soundtrack
Absolute Beginners Soundtrack
Joe Jackson - Night and Day
George Duke - I Love the Blues, She Heard My Cry
Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run
Barbara - l’agile noir
France Gall - Dancing Disco
Psyche France 1970-80 Volume 4
Plastic Bertrand - Chat (45)
The Grass Roots - Move Along
Lesley Gore - Love Me By Name
Marrs - Pump up the Volume (12” single)
The Girls Next Door
The Essex - Easier Said Than Done (45)
Jenny Mae - There’s a Bar Around the Corner, Asshole
Les Baxter’s Wild Guitars
Elvis Presley - The Sun Sessions
Michael Nesmith & the First National Band - Magnetic South
Ry Cooder - Show Time
Marshall Crenshaw
George Jones - Sings His Greatest Hits
Suzanne Vega
Phoebe Snow - The Best Of
Four Tops - Reach Out
Temptations - Psychedelic Shack
George Jones - Salues Hank Williams
George Jones - I’ll Share the World With You
Yellow Pills: Prefill - Numero 004
Tony Mottola’s Guitar Factory
The Best of the James Gang
Suzi Quatro - Your Mother Won’t Like Me
The Cuff Links - Tracy
Haircut One Hundred - Pelican West
Sweet Pea Atkinson - Don’t Walk Away
Leon Redbone - Double Time
Isaac Hayes - Chocolate Chip
Funkadelic - One Nation Under A Groove
Gerry Mulligan and the Concert Jazz Band - At the Village Vanguard
Bronski Beat - The Age of Concent
Murray The K’s Gassers For Submarine Race Watchers
Showing posts with label vinyl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vinyl. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Saturday, January 26, 2019
When the hunt eats you
Went to my off the beaten patch record store today to do some digging. And dig I did. For a change, I went in with a list of four records and ended up finding three of them. Purchased two since one of them was not in decent condition.
I’ve written about and told others about Memory Lane Records before and how it is so quirky. The owner is a fair man who today was in the rum and cokes. We were talking about a singer/songwriter who neither of us knew or could find out any information about. He somehow scored a single side of a five disc collection on VJ Records. It could have been a misspelling on the label, because I found a Wikipedia entry about this dude, Bobby Jameson. But the cataloger in me cannot find a true connection between the songs on the record and the songs he wrote. So be it.
Found five records to buy, and here is where the fun lies in this place - none of the records are priced. One of the records was a copy of Los Bravos’ Black Is Black in very good condition.
“Where did you find this?” Al asked as he marveled at its condition while turning the pages of his price book.
It had a book value of $75, he was going to charge me $50 and I passed on that. Al said he was probably going to take it home with him. He did play a couple of songs from it and may be still. It’s a very good record in excellent condition. I would have been thrilled to own it.
When I left I thanked him and said I was glad I could find that record for him. I’ll be back, but damn.
I’ve written about and told others about Memory Lane Records before and how it is so quirky. The owner is a fair man who today was in the rum and cokes. We were talking about a singer/songwriter who neither of us knew or could find out any information about. He somehow scored a single side of a five disc collection on VJ Records. It could have been a misspelling on the label, because I found a Wikipedia entry about this dude, Bobby Jameson. But the cataloger in me cannot find a true connection between the songs on the record and the songs he wrote. So be it.
Found five records to buy, and here is where the fun lies in this place - none of the records are priced. One of the records was a copy of Los Bravos’ Black Is Black in very good condition.
“Where did you find this?” Al asked as he marveled at its condition while turning the pages of his price book.
It had a book value of $75, he was going to charge me $50 and I passed on that. Al said he was probably going to take it home with him. He did play a couple of songs from it and may be still. It’s a very good record in excellent condition. I would have been thrilled to own it.
When I left I thanked him and said I was glad I could find that record for him. I’ll be back, but damn.
Monday, September 10, 2018
The tone I've been looking for
When people are looking through over 40 years of your life on one side of the room, and you are on the other - holding forth and making gin cocktails, it can get a bit stressful.
The Westgate Cavern was festive on Saturday night. We had a very nice party and everyone hung out in the basement this time out. People were looking through my record collection without me hovering over them, judging my life's work. I'm sure all the cool stuff they liked was added by my wife. In the end, it all worked out. The worst thing was one record being misfiled - I hope a librarian did not do that. Got to add some new vinyl as my brother's partner came to the party, gifting me of his record collection. I spent some time yesterday weeding out the duplicates and what will move along and added some cool stuff and things he had that I lost in the flood to Discogs. That Lloyd Cole Rattlesnakes record is damn good.
There's a new member of the family also. Finally bit the bullet and got a new amp. The Supro Comet is a little tube dynamo. A ten inch speaker powered by six or fourteen watts of power, and it cranks at both. Good reverb and a smooth tremolo makes it what will be the last amp I ever need.
It was a bit of adventure getting the amp. I had bought from the company before and thought I put in my new address. I did not. Saw that it was shipped to the old address and races over there right away. When I got there, the guy had his laptop open and said, "You work for Ohio State." He was googling me to find some contact info as he suspected I'd need this, and he was right. And he is an honest man, this renter of my old house. Also, apologies to all the people I spoke with at UPS over the past week. My tone was not appropriate.
So it is good, a solid party turn out despite steady rain that ranged from a hard drizzle to near biblical. The puddle in the downstairs bathroom held off forming until after everyone left.
The Westgate Cavern was festive on Saturday night. We had a very nice party and everyone hung out in the basement this time out. People were looking through my record collection without me hovering over them, judging my life's work. I'm sure all the cool stuff they liked was added by my wife. In the end, it all worked out. The worst thing was one record being misfiled - I hope a librarian did not do that. Got to add some new vinyl as my brother's partner came to the party, gifting me of his record collection. I spent some time yesterday weeding out the duplicates and what will move along and added some cool stuff and things he had that I lost in the flood to Discogs. That Lloyd Cole Rattlesnakes record is damn good.
There's a new member of the family also. Finally bit the bullet and got a new amp. The Supro Comet is a little tube dynamo. A ten inch speaker powered by six or fourteen watts of power, and it cranks at both. Good reverb and a smooth tremolo makes it what will be the last amp I ever need.
It was a bit of adventure getting the amp. I had bought from the company before and thought I put in my new address. I did not. Saw that it was shipped to the old address and races over there right away. When I got there, the guy had his laptop open and said, "You work for Ohio State." He was googling me to find some contact info as he suspected I'd need this, and he was right. And he is an honest man, this renter of my old house. Also, apologies to all the people I spoke with at UPS over the past week. My tone was not appropriate.
So it is good, a solid party turn out despite steady rain that ranged from a hard drizzle to near biblical. The puddle in the downstairs bathroom held off forming until after everyone left.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
When I'm not attempting to burn the house down
Went to see a friend spin some records last night. Yes, it was real vinyl, playing on two turntables. None of this digital laptop deejaying. We brought in our own records, carried them into the bar and we liked it! Made me nostalgic for the old days, as such events tend to do. I miss the slip-cue, it was a lot of drunken fun.
In line at the grocery, a guy mentioned my Guitar House Workshop t-shirt. He asked my what guitars I had. Mentioned my Ibanez first, then he asked me if I played jazz. Told him I was taking lessons. Did not mention that I sucked so that's a positive.
We're having a party in two weeks, today may have been the last time I try cooking burgers in cast iron, as the house has a good amount of smoke. It should clear out in time.
In line at the grocery, a guy mentioned my Guitar House Workshop t-shirt. He asked my what guitars I had. Mentioned my Ibanez first, then he asked me if I played jazz. Told him I was taking lessons. Did not mention that I sucked so that's a positive.
We're having a party in two weeks, today may have been the last time I try cooking burgers in cast iron, as the house has a good amount of smoke. It should clear out in time.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Working at home
Took on the unenviable task of cataloging my record collection this past week. A lot of dust. A lot of memories. Lost a lot through downsizing and a basement flood. Kept a few records that show flood damage, should probably replace them at some point. The work involved a lot of bending and peering at serial numbers. Put it all onto the Discogs online database, which is fairly simple to use. Most of my collection was already in there so all I had to do was punch up the serial number. Many of my Beatles bootlegs are on file, as were my weird Uruguayan imports.
Discogs is also a place you can sell your records, but I have no plans on doing that. A lot of the vinyl does have an assigned value based on previous sales, if there have been any. The prices do seem to fluctuate quite a bit so I can't take their value too seriously. It is good to have a tangible file of my collection available that gives forty years of my life more context than simply putting it all on a spreadsheet.
When I finished the records my wife asked if they took CDs as well, so I ended up putting them all in too. This was a bit easier as most of what we have had a bar code, so searching was very easy.
She brought over a lot of interesting discs from the olde country. I do believe we now have the largest collection of records from The Pastels in the United States.
If we catalog the books, she gets to do that, it's too close to work for me.
Discogs is also a place you can sell your records, but I have no plans on doing that. A lot of the vinyl does have an assigned value based on previous sales, if there have been any. The prices do seem to fluctuate quite a bit so I can't take their value too seriously. It is good to have a tangible file of my collection available that gives forty years of my life more context than simply putting it all on a spreadsheet.
When I finished the records my wife asked if they took CDs as well, so I ended up putting them all in too. This was a bit easier as most of what we have had a bar code, so searching was very easy.
She brought over a lot of interesting discs from the olde country. I do believe we now have the largest collection of records from The Pastels in the United States.
If we catalog the books, she gets to do that, it's too close to work for me.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
A sound system journey
After many attempts and configurations the Back Room of the house is finally set up as my little Man Cave. At the very least the audio components are finally in place.
About a year ago I replaced an old pioneer belt drive turntable with an Audio Technica AT-LP60. There have been no problems with it at all. It delivers solid performance. For the price, it's probably the best turntable you can get.
My thirty year old Onkyo receiver was losing a channel frequently. I still have it and if anyone can fix it, come on over, I will pay you in beverages. I picked up a Lepei LP2020A amplifier. This amp about the size of my hand, has a jack to plug in my computer or iPad. I could not be happier with the sound. Obviously it's not a high quality amplifier, look at the price. But for my needs, in a mud room of the house that is only used 2-3 seasons of the year, it's perfect and fills the room with good noises.
This left the speakers. I have shelves up high in the room that are perfect for bookshelf speakers. It may not be the best placement for sound quality but it's a good use of the spacial limitations of the room. I jettisoned a pair of basement warped 30 year old speakers that were the kings of mid-range. Scoured thrift stores for decent speakers. Thought I found some nice old Radio Shack Omnibus speakers but it turned out they were old and messed up. Pro tip: check under the grill for torn and blown speakers before purchasing. Also, check the heights of the speakers. After paying about the same amount in thrift stores for speakers, I finally bit the bullet and bought new Dayton Audio B652s.
These are the speakers I should have had all along. They fit perfectly in the space, deliver very good sound. I tested them with Queen's A Night at the Opera and was very pleased with the separation and depth of sound. They pack a good punch and again, these are not three or four figure speakers. For my purposes though, I love them. Finally, after twelve years of fits and starts, I have built a sound system I'm happy with.
About a year ago I replaced an old pioneer belt drive turntable with an Audio Technica AT-LP60. There have been no problems with it at all. It delivers solid performance. For the price, it's probably the best turntable you can get.
My thirty year old Onkyo receiver was losing a channel frequently. I still have it and if anyone can fix it, come on over, I will pay you in beverages. I picked up a Lepei LP2020A amplifier. This amp about the size of my hand, has a jack to plug in my computer or iPad. I could not be happier with the sound. Obviously it's not a high quality amplifier, look at the price. But for my needs, in a mud room of the house that is only used 2-3 seasons of the year, it's perfect and fills the room with good noises.
This left the speakers. I have shelves up high in the room that are perfect for bookshelf speakers. It may not be the best placement for sound quality but it's a good use of the spacial limitations of the room. I jettisoned a pair of basement warped 30 year old speakers that were the kings of mid-range. Scoured thrift stores for decent speakers. Thought I found some nice old Radio Shack Omnibus speakers but it turned out they were old and messed up. Pro tip: check under the grill for torn and blown speakers before purchasing. Also, check the heights of the speakers. After paying about the same amount in thrift stores for speakers, I finally bit the bullet and bought new Dayton Audio B652s.
These are the speakers I should have had all along. They fit perfectly in the space, deliver very good sound. I tested them with Queen's A Night at the Opera and was very pleased with the separation and depth of sound. They pack a good punch and again, these are not three or four figure speakers. For my purposes though, I love them. Finally, after twelve years of fits and starts, I have built a sound system I'm happy with.
Monday, August 25, 2014
One day at a time, is all we do
My Stepfather came to town for an all too brief visit over the weekend. He brought a few of my old records with him, and an old case of 45's. Despite the short visit, we had a good time. We bought each other dinner (what, City Barbecue is also in Grove City?!?), took my son swimming in the pool of the hotel he stayed at. He really wanted to see the casino where he lost money while I had a free soda while watching Everton draw Arsenal on a very large screen. He's doing ok, as well as he can about the loss. His legs are not in great shape.
Still not sure when I'm going to be able to get east. Airfare remains permanently ridiculous and driving that distance with my son and his needs is difficult.
My son's sleeping remains very inconsistent. The melotonin is putting him to sleep a bit faster but he is not able to stay asleep through the night. Last night he was in bed at ten, then woke up around 12:30 and did not fall back asleep. I was so wiped out I called off work. I'm still wiped out. Somehow he got through school, but fell asleep about 4:30. We let him sleep about an hour. He was not happy being woken up for dinner.
May that hour of sleep he did get not process into four extra hours he can draw energy from.
Still not sure when I'm going to be able to get east. Airfare remains permanently ridiculous and driving that distance with my son and his needs is difficult.
My son's sleeping remains very inconsistent. The melotonin is putting him to sleep a bit faster but he is not able to stay asleep through the night. Last night he was in bed at ten, then woke up around 12:30 and did not fall back asleep. I was so wiped out I called off work. I'm still wiped out. Somehow he got through school, but fell asleep about 4:30. We let him sleep about an hour. He was not happy being woken up for dinner.
May that hour of sleep he did get not process into four extra hours he can draw energy from.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
He is faster than anyone
Been in the back room for a bit tonight working on Arts Fest stuff, and dug out the George Harrison release from 1979. Had no idea there was a video for this song. Fascinating. I also have a picture disc single of the tune in the basement.
The sound from one of the speakers was messed up. Took off the grill and found a large hole in the woofer. The foam was dried up and it was all brittle. Went to a thrift store today and found a bookshelf speaker for six bucks that works. Yes I know, mismatched speakers. A temporary solution that works back here.
The sound from one of the speakers was messed up. Took off the grill and found a large hole in the woofer. The foam was dried up and it was all brittle. Went to a thrift store today and found a bookshelf speaker for six bucks that works. Yes I know, mismatched speakers. A temporary solution that works back here.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Breaking out the old technology
Spring as arrived in Central Ohio. The family took an Easter walk in Blacklick Park and hit Graeter's for milkshakes after. I'm ignoring the lawn on this beautiful day so I can sit in the Back Room and play records.
Yesterday was Record Store Day. I did my main shopping at my local on Thursday by getting a new turntable. Easy to set up, it works perfectly. It's an automatic turntable which means I do not have to interrupt my daydreaming or important writing to get up and change records.
Crowds and I do not get along so I did not wait in line on Saturday morning, but waited until later in the day. I then headed back to my local shop. There was one record I really wanted and a couple of 45s I may be interested in. There was still a crowd when I got there so I went to the first milk crate of new records and started looking.
The second record was the exact record I was looking for! Figured I'd call it a day then and there, but I did ask about the 45s. They were sold out.
Yesterday was Record Store Day. I did my main shopping at my local on Thursday by getting a new turntable. Easy to set up, it works perfectly. It's an automatic turntable which means I do not have to interrupt my daydreaming or important writing to get up and change records.
Crowds and I do not get along so I did not wait in line on Saturday morning, but waited until later in the day. I then headed back to my local shop. There was one record I really wanted and a couple of 45s I may be interested in. There was still a crowd when I got there so I went to the first milk crate of new records and started looking.
The second record was the exact record I was looking for! Figured I'd call it a day then and there, but I did ask about the 45s. They were sold out.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Stuff is happening
We've been away. In New York for a family event. On Sunday there was a dedication of a bench in the park my Mom worked. The day was beautiful and a good number of family turned out. The bench had some special engravings of daffodils and shamrocks that were done by a former co-worker of Mom's.
We all had turns sitting on the bench during a solemn but pleasant day. The bench is located by the hatchery in the park. I was walking around and found that my Mom's picture is used as part of the guided tour.
My wife and I also had time to hit a hidden winery. Loughlin Vineyards is in Sayville and is run by a very friendly 88 year old man named Barney. I did not really talk wine with him, but we talked about World War 2 as there were several old signs and maps in the tasting room. He went on, "The Germans and the Americans all had one thing in common, when they were dying, they all cried for their mothers - Let's try the merlot!"
The wine is quite good, we liked the chardonnay. There was also time to hit the beach. It was quite the shock seeing the damage that remains after Hurricane Sandy.
Used to be a gentle slope that led you to the water, not an eight foot sudden drop. That's the power this storm had.
We got lucky with the weather when we went into Manhattan. It seems the people were all released after a harsh winter. I have been going to the city for years and have never seen the streets so crowded.
Had some very good pizza at Juliana's then took on the bridge. Which led us, after a lengthy walk to McSorley's. Experienced a subway delay before goofing off with a drink in Times Square.
It was a good and necessary visit. If you're going to Long Island I recommend the Hilton Garden Inn in Ronkonkoma, which was a good base to plan from. I was upgraded to a Prius by the effervescent Shannon of Enterprise at the Islip Airport, an interesting car to drive around town in, but not one I would be comfortable in for long trips despite it's exceptional fuel economy.
Lots of other plans and items are coming, thanks to my Mom. Looking into a new heating and cooling unit for the house, and we got the new roof already. I bought a new turntable today so the Back Room is turning into a bit of a man cave and next week I'll be upgrading my old Macbook. The flights were ok. Came home to a piece of siding hanging from the house, thank you wind, so that is being addressed as well.
We all had turns sitting on the bench during a solemn but pleasant day. The bench is located by the hatchery in the park. I was walking around and found that my Mom's picture is used as part of the guided tour.
My wife and I also had time to hit a hidden winery. Loughlin Vineyards is in Sayville and is run by a very friendly 88 year old man named Barney. I did not really talk wine with him, but we talked about World War 2 as there were several old signs and maps in the tasting room. He went on, "The Germans and the Americans all had one thing in common, when they were dying, they all cried for their mothers - Let's try the merlot!"
The wine is quite good, we liked the chardonnay. There was also time to hit the beach. It was quite the shock seeing the damage that remains after Hurricane Sandy.
Used to be a gentle slope that led you to the water, not an eight foot sudden drop. That's the power this storm had.
We got lucky with the weather when we went into Manhattan. It seems the people were all released after a harsh winter. I have been going to the city for years and have never seen the streets so crowded.
Had some very good pizza at Juliana's then took on the bridge. Which led us, after a lengthy walk to McSorley's. Experienced a subway delay before goofing off with a drink in Times Square.
It was a good and necessary visit. If you're going to Long Island I recommend the Hilton Garden Inn in Ronkonkoma, which was a good base to plan from. I was upgraded to a Prius by the effervescent Shannon of Enterprise at the Islip Airport, an interesting car to drive around town in, but not one I would be comfortable in for long trips despite it's exceptional fuel economy.
Lots of other plans and items are coming, thanks to my Mom. Looking into a new heating and cooling unit for the house, and we got the new roof already. I bought a new turntable today so the Back Room is turning into a bit of a man cave and next week I'll be upgrading my old Macbook. The flights were ok. Came home to a piece of siding hanging from the house, thank you wind, so that is being addressed as well.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
This city has secrets
My use of my turntable comes and goes with the warm weather and my motivation. The Back Room of the house is where I keep the stereo now days. In cleaning out the basement, my wife brought up all my records. We've cleaned out the space so it's becoming a pleasant little man cave for me. All the records on one one side of the room now, and alphabetized.
There are several fine records shops in this city. I rarely have the time to go to them but I enjoy going to Spoonful Records on Long Street. Brett's a fine owner who is very helpful in getting you what you're looking for, if it's not already there. When I'm in the campus area I like to hit Used Kids, which has a large selection of new and old in a larger, unorganized space.
There are a couple of others north of campus that I've been to, but have no real experience with as a buyer, so I can't really judge either way.
Today, thanks to a short sentence on the Columbus Underground message board, my interest was piqued. There was a sentence noting there was a record store on West Broad that was one of the best in the city.
I've lived in Columbus for 22 years and on the west side for a decade and no knowledge. So I did a little googling and vowed to stop in after completing a few errands this afternoon.
When I walked in, I saw this.
And on the other side of this wall of records was this.
There is more to this place. Much, much more. It's run by Al, a older, friendly, guy who knows his stock. It's said there are about 200,000 records here. And they're organized, but if you can't find it ask Al, he probably knows where it is.
While browsing, I muttered under my breath, "Where do you start?"
A woman crate digging said, "Pick a letter."
As good advice as any.
Now the catches.
It's only open on Saturday, from about 11-6.
There are no prices on the records, so I think it's based on the owner's whim and his reliance on a record pricing book. I bought Warren Zevon and Procol Harum records, I have to say the condition of the discs are excellent. He charged me ten bucks. He prefers cash. I'm not sure if haggling over prices will get you anywhere. I was not in there long enough to find out.
So. Where is it? Memory Lane Records is at 2338 West Broad Street, at Oakley. Happy hunting!
There are several fine records shops in this city. I rarely have the time to go to them but I enjoy going to Spoonful Records on Long Street. Brett's a fine owner who is very helpful in getting you what you're looking for, if it's not already there. When I'm in the campus area I like to hit Used Kids, which has a large selection of new and old in a larger, unorganized space.
There are a couple of others north of campus that I've been to, but have no real experience with as a buyer, so I can't really judge either way.
Today, thanks to a short sentence on the Columbus Underground message board, my interest was piqued. There was a sentence noting there was a record store on West Broad that was one of the best in the city.
I've lived in Columbus for 22 years and on the west side for a decade and no knowledge. So I did a little googling and vowed to stop in after completing a few errands this afternoon.
When I walked in, I saw this.
And on the other side of this wall of records was this.
There is more to this place. Much, much more. It's run by Al, a older, friendly, guy who knows his stock. It's said there are about 200,000 records here. And they're organized, but if you can't find it ask Al, he probably knows where it is.
While browsing, I muttered under my breath, "Where do you start?"
A woman crate digging said, "Pick a letter."
As good advice as any.
Now the catches.
It's only open on Saturday, from about 11-6.
There are no prices on the records, so I think it's based on the owner's whim and his reliance on a record pricing book. I bought Warren Zevon and Procol Harum records, I have to say the condition of the discs are excellent. He charged me ten bucks. He prefers cash. I'm not sure if haggling over prices will get you anywhere. I was not in there long enough to find out.
So. Where is it? Memory Lane Records is at 2338 West Broad Street, at Oakley. Happy hunting!
Monday, April 22, 2013
I am not an avian landlord
In a frenzy on Saturday, I organized my record albums for the first time in well over a decade. Mostly in alphabetical order, spread out among some wood, plastic and cardboard crates in the back room. I counted them yesterday. 473. There used to be more, but I got rid of some to goodwill, sold some others and lost quite a few in a basement flood about six years ago. I was looking for some yesterday. Where's my copy of U2's War? Where Procol Harum's Greatest Hits? What was Born to Laugh at Tornadoes by Was (Not Was)?
All gone. I do not think I had the opportunity to mourn the loss.
We all got together and met the young women who will be my son's caregiver this summer. She's a junior at OSU, a special education student who came recommended by my son's teacher. I think this is going to work out for everyone, she promised not to bite him. He was bitten, twice, last year at day camp.
Tonight I got the lawn mower back from the shop. It needed servicing, a blade sharpening and other fixes. After I wrote the check and handed it to the guy I mowed the back lawn and will finish the front tomorrow.
There may be birds living in the underside of the gutter on the back of the house. Not cool with this. They knock out the siding under the gutter and set up shop. I cleared out some nesting materials out of there earlier and sealed it up (though they keep opening it) and noticed some birds looking a bit stressed out. God, I hope there are no eggs in there.
All gone. I do not think I had the opportunity to mourn the loss.
We all got together and met the young women who will be my son's caregiver this summer. She's a junior at OSU, a special education student who came recommended by my son's teacher. I think this is going to work out for everyone, she promised not to bite him. He was bitten, twice, last year at day camp.
Tonight I got the lawn mower back from the shop. It needed servicing, a blade sharpening and other fixes. After I wrote the check and handed it to the guy I mowed the back lawn and will finish the front tomorrow.
There may be birds living in the underside of the gutter on the back of the house. Not cool with this. They knock out the siding under the gutter and set up shop. I cleared out some nesting materials out of there earlier and sealed it up (though they keep opening it) and noticed some birds looking a bit stressed out. God, I hope there are no eggs in there.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
I can't commit
Been an odd week to get back into the flow of things. Things blew up naturally and unnaturally and we're doing what we can to remain intact here.
Am I a bad person for not listening to that Brad Paisley/L.L. Cool J. duet? Or am I the only one who has not clicked on a listen to the latest from Daft Punk?
My wife is a good person, she's shopping for others on Record Store Day. Heck, I even asked if she'd pick something up for me if she came across it. Am I too old to be waiting in line with dudes with beards? My son is here this weekend. Yes, that's my excuse. Did break out the vinyl on Thursday night for awhile, and cleaned up the Back Room a little bit so it's functional.
Switching from French Press to pour over coffee, maybe I'm more of a hipster than I want to be?
Meeting with the woman who is most likely going to be my son's caretaker this summer. Neither his mother or I thought he liked day camp last year, and neither she nor I did either. This girl's a student at the university and worked with his teacher as an aide, so she comes recommended and she knows my son.
Things I did not do in Scotland this time that I want to do something about next time: attend another open mic, see a concert, Kelvingrove, back to the Horseshoe, Cathkin Park, Partick Thistle, who may be in the top league next season!
Am I a bad person for not listening to that Brad Paisley/L.L. Cool J. duet? Or am I the only one who has not clicked on a listen to the latest from Daft Punk?
My wife is a good person, she's shopping for others on Record Store Day. Heck, I even asked if she'd pick something up for me if she came across it. Am I too old to be waiting in line with dudes with beards? My son is here this weekend. Yes, that's my excuse. Did break out the vinyl on Thursday night for awhile, and cleaned up the Back Room a little bit so it's functional.
Switching from French Press to pour over coffee, maybe I'm more of a hipster than I want to be?
Meeting with the woman who is most likely going to be my son's caretaker this summer. Neither his mother or I thought he liked day camp last year, and neither she nor I did either. This girl's a student at the university and worked with his teacher as an aide, so she comes recommended and she knows my son.
Things I did not do in Scotland this time that I want to do something about next time: attend another open mic, see a concert, Kelvingrove, back to the Horseshoe, Cathkin Park, Partick Thistle, who may be in the top league next season!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Normalcy advances
Coming back from a vacation in which there was little rest has been a tough adjustment. There's been a lot to do at work, which has resulted in slug like behavior at home. My wife did some more work on the back porch last night and I moved some record albums around while ditching some useless shelving.
Trying to get prepped for Wednesday's Grand Slam too.
My son started school this week and his bus has been extremely late in picking him up. So late we've had to take him to school. The bus home was an hour late the first day and 48 minutes late on the second. I do not consider that an improvement. Cannot get through to the transportation department, wonder why? Out of his first two days we spent about three and a half hours waiting for a bus.
Maybe they'll get it right by November.
Trying to get prepped for Wednesday's Grand Slam too.
My son started school this week and his bus has been extremely late in picking him up. So late we've had to take him to school. The bus home was an hour late the first day and 48 minutes late on the second. I do not consider that an improvement. Cannot get through to the transportation department, wonder why? Out of his first two days we spent about three and a half hours waiting for a bus.
Maybe they'll get it right by November.
Friday, November 12, 2010
A Movement in 180 Grams
Plans sometimes have a good way of falling together. Yesterday we're trying to figure out what to do on our day off when Scott Woods issues a Facebook blast suggesting it would be awesome if we met at Spoonful Records then head to lunch.
Which is exactly what we did.
I went downstairs and found a few records I wanted to trade. They've been sitting down there for eight years and have not been played in longer. Time to find some music that I could use.
Got a fair trade and my Scottish Wife and I picked out a few records. Found some Bowie, Ray Charles, Roxy Music, Queen, Steve Winwood, and more. We were joined by Scott and a few others. Played a bad game of pinball. Besides those that Scott brought to the shop, the place was rather busy on a day off for a lot of state employees. Brett's got a good thing going in that location and I hope he can sustain it.
Lunch was great. I'd never been to J. Gumbo's as it's only open during the week. Cajun food similar to what Da Levee's doing, and just as good. I knew J. Gumbo's used to be a place called Skambo's, and Writers' Block used it as a venue, many years ago. Also had a good conversation about where to get pants for our skinny sons.
Really great idea by Scott and I hope we can do this again sooner than later. We must go through all the eateries in Pearl Alley.
Got a few errands done yesterday, but after lunch ended up taking a nap then played vinyl the rest of the afternoon.
Which is exactly what we did.
I went downstairs and found a few records I wanted to trade. They've been sitting down there for eight years and have not been played in longer. Time to find some music that I could use.
Got a fair trade and my Scottish Wife and I picked out a few records. Found some Bowie, Ray Charles, Roxy Music, Queen, Steve Winwood, and more. We were joined by Scott and a few others. Played a bad game of pinball. Besides those that Scott brought to the shop, the place was rather busy on a day off for a lot of state employees. Brett's got a good thing going in that location and I hope he can sustain it.
Lunch was great. I'd never been to J. Gumbo's as it's only open during the week. Cajun food similar to what Da Levee's doing, and just as good. I knew J. Gumbo's used to be a place called Skambo's, and Writers' Block used it as a venue, many years ago. Also had a good conversation about where to get pants for our skinny sons.
Really great idea by Scott and I hope we can do this again sooner than later. We must go through all the eateries in Pearl Alley.
Got a few errands done yesterday, but after lunch ended up taking a nap then played vinyl the rest of the afternoon.
Friday, September 17, 2010
The New Retail God
Spoonful Records came through again, without even asking. The owner posted that he had some new vinyl in, including Mumford & Sons "Sigh No More."
I immediately asked what he was asking for it. He told me, and I said I'd be there in less than an hour.
This is excellent customer service in the age of social media. Odd that the next time I would have been there I was going to ask him if he could get this for me. Knowing a customer needs without asking, that's amazing!
Now I'm on my second spin of this record, and it sounds so much better than on the laptop. The vinyl is thick! The sleeve was shrink wrapped! I think it's the second new vinyl I've purchased in years, the last being Mossy Liquor by Robyn Hitchcock - that would have been 1996,
Going on a bit of a road trip after a half day of work. You kids have a good weekend.
I immediately asked what he was asking for it. He told me, and I said I'd be there in less than an hour.
This is excellent customer service in the age of social media. Odd that the next time I would have been there I was going to ask him if he could get this for me. Knowing a customer needs without asking, that's amazing!
Now I'm on my second spin of this record, and it sounds so much better than on the laptop. The vinyl is thick! The sleeve was shrink wrapped! I think it's the second new vinyl I've purchased in years, the last being Mossy Liquor by Robyn Hitchcock - that would have been 1996,
Going on a bit of a road trip after a half day of work. You kids have a good weekend.
Monday, September 13, 2010
I'd sooner put some joy back
I'm still not sure why any of Paul Weller's efforts, The Jam or Style Council never caught on in the U.S. Maybe he was took political, or too powerful of a songwriter for American audiences and radio to grasp. When The Jam broke up, the first album of the Style Council caused a lot of banter and discussion at my college radio station about how Weller had sold out rock for smooth jazz. I was not among them, I thought it was a clever new sound, and loved the energy, but what I know about jazz you can put on the head of a pin.
I've been going back to my vinyl and playing the few records I have of them over and over. It's a great sound of rock trio strongly influenced by The Who to impressive pop with underlayings of soul. I have to say I prefer The Jam of all his material, which should not come as a surprise. Weller still has the passion to this day.
While Weller is viewed as a cantankerous legend in his native country he's a cult musician over here. I have a couple of his solo records but have never really connected with them, but what I've heard from his new record is pretty darn good. At least the music is easy to find.
I've been going back to my vinyl and playing the few records I have of them over and over. It's a great sound of rock trio strongly influenced by The Who to impressive pop with underlayings of soul. I have to say I prefer The Jam of all his material, which should not come as a surprise. Weller still has the passion to this day.
While Weller is viewed as a cantankerous legend in his native country he's a cult musician over here. I have a couple of his solo records but have never really connected with them, but what I've heard from his new record is pretty darn good. At least the music is easy to find.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
No One Sleeps On the Yellow Lines, No One's That Alone
After the flood hit the basement, out of the vinyl that was damaged and had to be thrown away there were two records that I really missed.
One was George Harrison's 33 1/3, the other was Warren Zevon's The Envoy.
A few weeks back I went to the new downtown record store, Spoonful Records. I found 33 1/3 within minutes. After speaking with Brett, the owner, I felt confident that he'd find The Envoy for me.
Yesterday I got a Facebook message that he found it, and asked if I still wanted it.
This morning, I'm sitting in the back room, drinking juice with the sun rising to my right and The Envoy is playing on my turntable. All is right in the world for the moment.
That's what I call great customer service. He's won my loyalty. These are not valuable records, nor are they the greatest music ever made, but they both have some meaning to me and having them on vinyl again is such a thrill - and that's what being a music fan and record collector is all about.
Next time I go there, I'm playing a couple of games of pinball!
I did some other shopping in the recent past. After winning IWPS we always talked about having a green jacket to pass on to the champion. That could cause logistical problems regarding the size of the jacket. There's no one size fits all here and I do not think a green snuggie is going to fly.
So I went looking for an object, a Stanley Cup of poetry if I may say so. After looking in no less than five thrift shops one Saturday afternoon, the object came to me, in the last place I looked, in the last store I was to look in before giving up the quest.
I sent a picture of the object to my friend Beverly and asked her if she would be able to bedazzle it for Writers' Block. Happily, she agreed and did an amazing job adorning it. Really. I did not see it clearly until I opened it up in the bathroom at Kafe Kerouac. It's an amazing piece of craftsmanship.
Last night I got to present Vernell with the hardware, that is now called The Uni. I think she likes it.
There are rules and responsibilities to owning The Uni, the main one being that it must be handed down from Writers' Block IWPS Champion to the next. There is only one Uni.
No pictures yet, if you have not seen it I want you to imagine what it looks like, but they are coming soon.
One was George Harrison's 33 1/3, the other was Warren Zevon's The Envoy.
A few weeks back I went to the new downtown record store, Spoonful Records. I found 33 1/3 within minutes. After speaking with Brett, the owner, I felt confident that he'd find The Envoy for me.
Yesterday I got a Facebook message that he found it, and asked if I still wanted it.
This morning, I'm sitting in the back room, drinking juice with the sun rising to my right and The Envoy is playing on my turntable. All is right in the world for the moment.
That's what I call great customer service. He's won my loyalty. These are not valuable records, nor are they the greatest music ever made, but they both have some meaning to me and having them on vinyl again is such a thrill - and that's what being a music fan and record collector is all about.
Next time I go there, I'm playing a couple of games of pinball!
I did some other shopping in the recent past. After winning IWPS we always talked about having a green jacket to pass on to the champion. That could cause logistical problems regarding the size of the jacket. There's no one size fits all here and I do not think a green snuggie is going to fly.
So I went looking for an object, a Stanley Cup of poetry if I may say so. After looking in no less than five thrift shops one Saturday afternoon, the object came to me, in the last place I looked, in the last store I was to look in before giving up the quest.
I sent a picture of the object to my friend Beverly and asked her if she would be able to bedazzle it for Writers' Block. Happily, she agreed and did an amazing job adorning it. Really. I did not see it clearly until I opened it up in the bathroom at Kafe Kerouac. It's an amazing piece of craftsmanship.
Last night I got to present Vernell with the hardware, that is now called The Uni. I think she likes it.
There are rules and responsibilities to owning The Uni, the main one being that it must be handed down from Writers' Block IWPS Champion to the next. There is only one Uni.
No pictures yet, if you have not seen it I want you to imagine what it looks like, but they are coming soon.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Title Defense
Finally got downtown to check out the new record store. Spoonful Records has been open for about a month and has a very good selection of vinyl. There are also a couple of old pinball machines to play, (for free!) as well as other vinyl related items. The journals that have an old vinyl label as its cover are quite cool.
Brett, the owner, is quite friendly and knowledgeable. He's selling a lot of his personal collection and I hope his stock rotates.
I went in there looking for two records, both of which were lost in basement flood damage. I found George Harrison's 33 1/3 within two minutes. Could not find Warren Zevon's "The Envoy" but I have hope it's going to turn up sooner or later.
He's taking a risk opening in a location that has not been conducive to retail. They guy's a pioneer along with the bike shop next door. I wish them all luck, it's hard doing a niche start up at any time, let alone this economy.
When did movie tickets go up to $9.50? I know it's more expensive in other cities, but that was some sticker shock. We went to see Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World. I'm not a video gamer, and I had not read the graphic novels, but I really enjoyed this movie. Very entertaining with some very sly wit and visuals. I was all set to write off Michael Cera as the Andrew McCarthy of his generation but he earned a reprieve. I really liked Kieran Culkin in this film, he may be the most talented of the Culkin clan.
Wednesday night is the Writers' Block Grand Slam. Eight poets are going up for the right to represent WB at the IWPS slam in Charlotte in December. It's going to be a tough battle. Seven of the poets have national competition experience. All are hungry. It starts at eight at Kafe Kerouac.
Brett, the owner, is quite friendly and knowledgeable. He's selling a lot of his personal collection and I hope his stock rotates.
I went in there looking for two records, both of which were lost in basement flood damage. I found George Harrison's 33 1/3 within two minutes. Could not find Warren Zevon's "The Envoy" but I have hope it's going to turn up sooner or later.
He's taking a risk opening in a location that has not been conducive to retail. They guy's a pioneer along with the bike shop next door. I wish them all luck, it's hard doing a niche start up at any time, let alone this economy.
When did movie tickets go up to $9.50? I know it's more expensive in other cities, but that was some sticker shock. We went to see Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World. I'm not a video gamer, and I had not read the graphic novels, but I really enjoyed this movie. Very entertaining with some very sly wit and visuals. I was all set to write off Michael Cera as the Andrew McCarthy of his generation but he earned a reprieve. I really liked Kieran Culkin in this film, he may be the most talented of the Culkin clan.
Wednesday night is the Writers' Block Grand Slam. Eight poets are going up for the right to represent WB at the IWPS slam in Charlotte in December. It's going to be a tough battle. Seven of the poets have national competition experience. All are hungry. It starts at eight at Kafe Kerouac.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
What it is ain't Exactly Clear
Summer's winding up already. The last week of day camp is here, and school starts on the 25th. Got his bus schedule yesterday.
We're prepping for the cabin in Nowhere, Ohio and road trip in early October.
Still working on IWPS season. One slam left before the Grand Slam. The big news is that IWPS has been moved from Philadelphia in October to Charlotte sometime in December. Better to be organized than not I'd guess.
The less I say about the Crew, the better. They looked poor against Real Salt Lake last night. A lot of players are not on the same page.
As for Everton losing to Blackburn on a major flub by Tim Howard, it's only the first game.
When the heat clears, it gets me into the back room to play some vinyl. Sadly, some flood damage has caused many records to be pitched.
Luckily this record survived. I have it on the Smash Label, in glorious mono. Did not realized that Scott Walker is from Hamilton, Ohio. A case where the band became big in the UK, but never really broke in the U.S. Scott Walker had an impressive solo career in late 60's England, even had his own television show.
We're prepping for the cabin in Nowhere, Ohio and road trip in early October.
Still working on IWPS season. One slam left before the Grand Slam. The big news is that IWPS has been moved from Philadelphia in October to Charlotte sometime in December. Better to be organized than not I'd guess.
The less I say about the Crew, the better. They looked poor against Real Salt Lake last night. A lot of players are not on the same page.
As for Everton losing to Blackburn on a major flub by Tim Howard, it's only the first game.
When the heat clears, it gets me into the back room to play some vinyl. Sadly, some flood damage has caused many records to be pitched.
Luckily this record survived. I have it on the Smash Label, in glorious mono. Did not realized that Scott Walker is from Hamilton, Ohio. A case where the band became big in the UK, but never really broke in the U.S. Scott Walker had an impressive solo career in late 60's England, even had his own television show.
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