I always enjoy reading other folks ‘this is what I blew all my pocket money on’ posts, so I thought I would do one myself. Most of my new music has come via my uncle’s collection recently, but these are some I have whistled up for myself.
Monster Magnet Test Patterns Vol.1
Early, churning psych MM at their early demo stage. Sounds great, more lo-fi lysergic krautrock churning than glittering space metal. Music to become transfixed by the pattern of cracks in the ceiling to, for hours on end. I love it.
John Coltrane Lush Life & My Favourite Things
Just 2 of the 9 LPs released by him in 1961. I’m blaming my mate Martin for lending me these two a couple of weeks ago. I had ordered Lush Life before I was halfway through the first side, it’s smooth, measured and gorgeous. My Favourite Things starts to show Coltrane decon-reconstructing music to his own advantage. Decidedly saxy.
Municipal Waste Electrified Brain
As hinted at by the LP cover this is a tasteful, acoustic concept LP about lost love and grown-up relationship shit. Honest. Fave tracks so far? ‘Grave Dive’, ‘Paranormal Janitor’ and ‘Ten Cent Beer Night’.
The Damned Machine Gun Etiquette
Some albums you’ve wanted for years weren’t worth the wait.
Bound For Hell: On The Sunset Strip
The ever estimable Numero Group turn their attention to the also-rans, unluckies and neverhadachancers in the hair metal scene of the 80’s. As always this is a beautifully curated thang that comes with a 144 page hardback book that tells you all you could ever want to know about Stormer, Knightmare II and Jaded Lady. Yowza!*
Off! Free LSD
The hardcore apocalypse will contain jazz elements.
All About Eve
Some albums you’ve wanted for years weren’t worth the wait (slight return). This was to replace a cassette of mine that hit landfill circa ’93, my fond memories of it don’t hold up; apart from ‘In The Meadow’.
1158 Down (still)
PS: Just because:
*Can I confess that I haven’t played a note of Bound For Hell: On The Sunset Strip yet? just read the book. I have stroked the cover of it a good few times though. This is normal. Isn’t it?
I bought the OFF! album (of course, I have the whole set so far so it was a must!). But you didn’t like Machine Gun Etiquette? Do tell.
I confess I own none of these!
The Sunset Strip one is great Mike, a real historical document.
Oh yeah. I think Coltrane was a fan of the team in red. Im one of those guys that just want to see a good match but a part of me is pulling for the red guys.
Ahh. I’m boycotting this world cup, much as it hurts me to do so, I’ll get my updates from Coltrane this time around CB.
I fear that if I get enough into my conscience to boycott the World Cup I’ll end up boycotting all sports and be reduced to horseshoes in the park
I had to. It’s tough though and I appreciate it’s a largely futile gesture but fuck it all.
Im so far out of the loop as far as issues go. Just heard Keane give his opinion on the World Cup over there. I take that’s the reason for you. Respect that fella. Someday if we meet up CB can give you his uncensored feelings on certain things and then we can get down to some good old fashioned nonsense.
Coltrane watched Canada today take it to Belgium and still lose. First appearance for Canadians in many moons. They showed well.
Stick to your guns!!
I hear ya. I can’t support or enjoy something happening somewhere where my son would be illegal. It’s a shame but that’s where I draw the line.
I was told a long time ago “to pick my battles”. You have picked one. Since yesterday after opening my eyes and ears Ive had mixed feelings come up and they are getting more mixed. All that stuff goes against my grain. Will have to pull my head out of my rear and do some research. Doesnt sound like i will have to dig to deep. To be continued ……
Thanks
Laughed out loud, as the kids say, at the closing asterisk section.
I think if you have to confirm that it’s normal, surely it must be. Musn’t it?!
Cover stroking is the fourth sign of madness, I’m told.
I saw Julianne Regan singing with Fairport Convention and she was astounding, I shall let the memories frolic in my mind and not tempt fate to destroy the romance of the past
Sometimes grails are tarnished by time, aren’t they? Still, I’m with you on the fun of show-and-tells.
Decidedly Bruce. Any exemplars in your collection?
One was the Ramses LP, Joe. The six-panel fold-out cover (a la Space Ritual) made it hugely desirable… but the music is rather meh.
I think you can justify something that’s aesthetically great, but I totally get your point – esp the idea of shedding the mediocre. I get quite ruthless sometimes.
One of the habits I’m trying desperately to break is hanging onto mediocre albums simply because I have all/most by that artist. EG 2. The debut Flying Lizards (with their hilarious and clever version of ‘Money’) is a fascinating and often challenging experimental record. The follow up was totally pants. It was a wrench, but I culled it. Next decade I aim to repeat the procedure with another album.
Didn’t know about the Monster Magnet one, that looks awesome. And I was going to settle for the Sunset Strip one on CD but that vinyl edition looks way too sexy.
You’re the beast who told me about the Sunset Strip one. It is sexy but it’s a double LP, if you’re not a weirdo like me I’d recommend the CD.
Have you ever wanted an LP for many years only for it to be utter pants?
Probably but I can’t think of any examples off hand. The Damned? I thought that was meant to be a good one.
Nope. Their debut is incredible, this was pants. I’m just pleased I didn’t shell out for a fancy, or original copy.
A few years later Coltrane hooked up with Johnny Hartman and made some “tasteful” sounds. The cut ‘Lush Life’ became a CB favorite from that pairing. The whole album is a favorite. The ones you scored are pretty good also. How many favorite albums is CB allowed to have?
You’re allowed 34 favourite LPs, 49 if you subscribe to the 1537 platinum plan membership scheme.
Sign me up please. You already gave me 86 as the age that I can still whig out with nasty stoner jam music. That gets me out of bed every morning. Man was that ever a load off my mind. Hand on a second. What happens at 87?
You’ve never seen Logan’s Run?!
Yes I did but quite a while ago. They didnt get to live that long. I dont think they listened to Fu Manchu either.
Oh come on the All About Eve album is a charming relic of its time
Keep it that way in your mind, don’t buy it. In The Meadow is a good track though, Tim Bricheno could really play.
I own my original that I think was specifically bought to impress a young lady of the goth persuasion. I admit to not having played it since the 20th century.
Don’t play it Neil, just let it run free and barefoot through the meadows of your mind in a long flowing dress.