Vinyl-O-Matic

By Will McCollumSociety & Culture Arts Music Personal Journals Music History

Vinyl-O-Matic episodes

December 10, 2024 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, and some that start with the letter T as in Tengo
Nadja [00:23]
"Sievert Pt. 1"
Sv
Broken Spine Productions BSP015 2023 (original release 2016)
Doomy ambient goodness from Aidan and Leah once again.
Eurythmics [22:32]
"Love Is a Stranger"
Sweet Dreams Are Made of This
RCA AFL1-4681 1983
Side one, track one from their sophomore album, with a classic video to go along for the ride. Plus, high harmonies by Kiki Dee!
Mose Allison [26:15]
"Stop This World"
Swingin' Machine
Atlantic SD 1398 1963
Amen, Mose. Throwing in some horns is not quite the same as the classic trio from the preceding album I Don't Worry About a Thing, but it's still pretty great.
Wendy Carlos [29.38]
"Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major - Third Movement"
Switched-On Bach
Columbia Masterworks MS 7194 1968
Carlos collaborated with Bob Moog on his nascent synthesizer technology to create this album. Because the Moogs were monophonic, it took 1,000 hours over five months to record. In case you are wondering what a traditional version of this movement sounds like, here is the Netherlands Bach Society performing it.
The Police [34:44]
"Miss Gradenko"
Synchronicity
A&M Records SP-3735 1983
The requisite Stewart Copeland track from final album by The Police.
Ultravox [38:18]
"Slow Motion"
Systems of Romance
Antilles AN-7069 1978
Lead track and single from Ultravox's third studio album, which became a large influence on Gary Numan.
T. Rex [41:44]
"20th Century Boy"
T. Rextasy: The Best of T. Rex, 1970-1973
Warner Bros. Records 25333-1 1985
As usual, Marc Bolan lays down an undeniable groove, produced by Tony Visconti. I almost forgot about the sax parts.
Can [45:23]
"Mushroom"
Tago Mago
United Artists Records 1971 (2007 "unofficial" repress)
Tago Mago was Damo first outing with the band, following Malcolm Mooney's departure. According to guitarist Michael Karoli, the explosion at the end of the song is a slowed-down recording of an exploding firecracker.
Zola Jesus [49:41]
"Long Way Down"
Taiga
Mute 9611-1 2014
Zola Jesus' fourth studio album and only outing on Mute (before returning to Sacred Bones). Produced by musician, sound designer, and composer Dean Hurley.
The Folk Implosion [54:49]
"Had to Find Out"
Take a Look Inside......
Communion Label COMM 32 1994
The debut album from Lou Barlow and John Davis... released 30 years ago!
Stevie Wonder [56:55]
"You Are the Sunshine of My Life"
Talking Book
Tamla T319L 1972
What?! It's a great song. And it was the single that followed up "Supersition". That's a heckuva gear shift. Number one on the Hot 100, of course.
Silver Jews [59:53]
"Sometimes a Pony Gets Depressed"
Tanglewood Numbers
Drag City DC297 2005
A rehabilitated Dave Berman comes back with this album, the fifth studio album. He is joined once again by Bob Nastanovich and Stephen Malkmus, as well as his then-wife Cassie Berman. Cover photo by William Eggleston.
Music behind the DJ: "Jackie" by Billy May and his Orchestra
1 hr 6 min
November 11, 2024 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 14
Babes in Toyland [00:31]
"Dust Cake Boy"
Sugar and Spice
Foxcore Records F9 1992
From a UK bootleg featuring demos and studio outtakes from Babes in Toyland, and Peel Session tracks from Hole.
Talk Normal [04:09]
"In Every Dream Home a Heartache"
Sugarland
Rare Book Room Records RBR005 2009
Blistering Roxy Music cover from this Brooklyn duo.
Suicidal Tendencies [10:17]
"Won't Fall in Love Today"
Suicidal Tendencies
Frontier Records FLP 1011 1983
This is a 2005 reissue on red-ish transparent vinyl. Produced by Glen E. Friedman, who is better known as a photographer famous for documenting the nascent punk and skateboard scene.
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy [11:13]
"Ease Down the Road"
Summer in the Southeast
Sea Note SN11 2005
Live album recorded while touring Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina. Helping out Will Oldham here are his brother Paul on bass, Peter Townshend on drums, Dave Bird and Matt Sweeney on guitar.
Wayne Newton [16:58]
"Summer Wind"
Summer Wind
Capitol Records T 2389 1965
A young Mr. Entertainment taking a pass at this Johnny Mercer number adapted from a German/Danish single by Gerthe Ingmann. I will forever associate this song with Martin singing this song at the end of The Simpsons episode Bart of Darkness (S06E01).
Thou [19:33]
"Grissecon"
Summit
Gilead Media relic 31 2018
An excellent reissue of Thou's 2010 album Summit originally released on Southern Lord, along with material from The Archer and The Owle EP released on Robotic Empire. I still think it is amazing that Thou were the first metal band to appear on NPR's Tiny Desk (minus lead vocalist Bryan Funck).
Be-Bop Deluxe [27:55]
"Heavenly Homes"
Sunburst Finish
Harvest ST-11478 1976
Some excellent melodic guitar dynamics on this track from Bill Nelson and co's third studio album.
Guided by Voices [32:51]
"Heavy Metal Country"
Sunfish Holy Breakfast
Matador OLE 185-1 1996
EP from somewhere around the Alien Lanes/Under the Bushes Under the Stars era. On lovely translucent blue vinyl.
Earl-Jean McCrea [36:09]
"I'm Into Something Good"
Super Girls
Lake Shore Music OP 3507 1979
_As seen on TV! Forty original hits by forty original artists. In mono! Earl-Jean of the Cookies sends this original recording of the Goffin and King hit shortly thereafter by Herman's Hermits. _
1000 Homo DJs [38:56]
"Supernaut"
Supernaut
Wax Trax! Records WAX 9133 1990
Peak Industrial cover from Al Journgensen and friends. Certainly not as good as the Sabbath orignal but still makes an impact, though it does go on a bit.
Matt Sweeney and Bonnie 'Prince' Billy [45:33]
"Bed Is for Sleeping"
Superwolf
Drag City DC179 2005
Excellent collaboration between the two, with some excellent illustrations by Matt and Spencer Sweeney. Produced by Superwolfmen.
Jefferson Airplane [49:42]
"White Rabbit"
Surrealistic Pillow
RCA Victor LSP-3766 1967
Normally I would go with "Plastic Fantastic Lover", but as I've said before, sometimes you gotta go with the hits. Grace was evidently inspired by Miles Davis' Sketches in Spain when coming up with the music from this piece.
Survive [52:11]
"Sorceror"
Survive RR7349
Relapse Records RR7349 2016
Some tasty synthwave from the band behind the Stranger Things sound.
Shizuko and Shinichi Suzuki [56:31]
"Long, Long Ago (Bayly)"
Suzuki Violin School, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2
Summy-Birchard Music CSM 1387 1970
I was a child violin prodigy... until I had to read music.
Quintron and Miss Pussycat [57:10]
"Witch in the Club"
Swamp Tech
Tigerbeat 6 MEOW119LP 2005
Organ magic from the one and only Quintron and the amazing Miss Pussycat. I'll have to remember this track for next Halloween.
Music behind the DJ: "Quinn the Eskimo" by Arthur Greenslade and his Orchestra
1 hr 6 min
October 19, 2024 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 13
Disney Chorus and Orchestra [00:20]
"Little April Shower"
Walter Disney's Story of Bambi
Disneyland ST 3903 1960
Plip plop plip. You may recall from the last episode we heard a track from Stay Awake. On that album, "Little April Shower" is performed by Natalie Merchant, Michael Stipe, and the Roches.
Thelonius Monk [03:35]
"Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea"
Straight No Chaser
Columbia CS 2651 1967
Monk takes a fine run at this standard originally recorded by Cab Calloway. Helped out here by Charlie Rouse on tenor sax, Larry Gales on bass, and Ben Riley on drums.
Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein [11:14]
"The Upside Down"
Stranger Things - Volume One (A Netflix Series)
Lakeshore Records 2016
Ah, the first season was pretty near perfect. Had to go with the iconic title track.
Frank Sinatra with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra [12:21]
"Call Me"
Strangers in the Night
Reprise Records FS 1017 1966
Oddly enough, Frank has not one but two (2!) Petula Clark covers on this album including this one. I much prefer the brassy sassy production of Petula's version.
Less Art [16:22]
"Diana the Huntress"
Strangled Light
Gilead Media RELIC88 2017
Featuring members of Kowloon Walled City and Thrice.
Igor Stravinsky and the Columbia Symphony Orchestra [19:34]
"Firebird Ballet Suite (1945): Introduction - Prelude and Dance of the Firebird - Variations"
Stravinsky Conducts Firebird Suite/Petrushka Suite
Columbia Masterworks MS 7011 1967
This is the 1945 arrangement of The Firebird Suite.
Roxy Music [22:44]
"Over You"
Street Life - 20 Great Hits
EG EGTV 1 1986
A single orignally from Roxy Music's Flesh and Blood. Evidently recorded as a way to tes tout Phil Manzanera's recently constructed studio. Made it as high as number 80 on the Hot 100.
Death Valley Girls [26:07]
"Electric High"
Street Venom
Suicide Squeeze SSQ181 2021 (originally recorded and released in 2014)
Closing track to Death Valley Girl's debut studio album. Psych rock excellence.
Salem 66 [31:08]
"Seven Steps Down" 1984
Great Plains [mm:ss]
"When Do You Say Hello" 1983
Strum and Thrum: The American Jangle Underground 1983-1987
Captured Tracks CT-302 2020
If you love jangle, you'll love Strum and Thrum. 28 tracks of jingle jangle goodness. An exceptional compilation that includes a 80 page booklet that dives into the scene.
Yo La Tengo [36:39]
"My Heart's Not In It"
Stuff Like That There
Matador OLE-1079-1 2015
It's hard to choose just once song from this album, but the opening track does a great job getting the listener in the mood for the album. It's a lovely rendition of the Gerry Goffin/Russ Titelman single recorded by Darlene McCrea.
New Order [39:25]
"Sub-Culture"
Sub-Culture
Factory fac 133 1985
A remix by John Robie of the band's third single from Low-life. The flip side is, of course, Dub-Culture.
Ahmed Ben Ali [47:53]
"Subhana"
Subhana
Habibi Funk HABIBI022 2023
That's right... reggae by way of Libya. Evidently reggae arrived right around peak Bob Marley and the Wailers and it took off from there.
Barren Harvest [52:46]
"Claw and Feather"
Subtle Cruelties
Handmade Birds HB-071 2014
Some dark and lovely ambient folk metal from Portland featuring Jessica Way of Worm Ourobouros.
Nancy Sinatra [58:33]
"Sugar Town"
Sugar
Reprise Records RS-6239 1967
A Lee Hazlewood number (naturally) that he says is an allusion to LSD sugar cubes. Featuring Wrecking Crew members including the great Carol Kaye, Glen Campbell, and Hal Blaine.
Music behind the DJ: "These Boots Were Made for Walking" by Les Brown and his Orchestra
1 hr 4 min
October 05, 2024 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 12
John Williams, London Symphony Orchstra [00:23]
"The Desert and The Robot Auction"
Star Wars
20th Century Records 2T-541 1977
Pretty much every aspect of this soundtrack is seared into my Gen X nerd mind.
Silver Jews [03:15]
"Advice to the Graduate"
Starlite Walker
Drag City DC55 1994
The debut outing from David Berman and friends, here including partners in crime Steve Malkmus, Bob Nastanovich, and even Steve West. There is also a lovely cover of this song by The Pastels (recorded for a Peel session).
Lena Lovich [06:30]
"I Think We're Alone Now"
Stateless
Stiff Records SEEZ 7 1978 (1979 reissue)
From the original UK Stiff Records release of Stateless, a very first-wave New Wave version of "I Think We're Alone Now", originally recorded by Tommy James and the Shondells. Also available in Japanese!
Lena Lovich [09:18]
"Lucky Number"
Stateless
Stiff-Epic JE 36102 1979
The US version changes up the track order, and has a number of songs remixed by Roger Bichirian.
David Bowie [13:47]
"Golden Years"
Station to Station
RCA Victor AQL1-1327 1976 (1986 reissue)
Carlos Alomar and Earl Slick laying down the funky guitars. The cover features a photograph of Bowie by Steve Shapiro from Nicholas Roeg's The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976).
Sinéad O'Connor [17:46]
"Some Day My Prince Will Come"
Stay Awake (Various Interpretations of Music from Vintage Disney Films)
A&M Records B0029005-01 1988 (2018 reissue)
The late great Sinéad O'Connor interpreting Snow White's ballad accompanied by the late great Andy Rourke from the late great Hal Willner. Willner was one of the most imaginative music producers, responsible for so many excellent tribute albums, and one of the most innovative music shows on network television: Night Music.
Graham Parker and the Shot [18:55]
"Wake Up (Next to You)"
Steady Nerves
Elektra 9 60388-1 1985
Graham gets all romantic in a Motown sorta way. This single made it as high as 39 on the Hot 100.
Graham Parker and the Rumour [24:00]
"I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down"
Stick to Me
Mercury SRM-1-3706 1977
Graham and company do a fine rendition of this song that was initally a hit for Ann Peebles.
The Rolling Stones [29:35]
"Dead Flowers"
Sticky Fingers
Rolling Stones Records COC 59100 1972
The first album the Stones recorded after being freed from their Decca Records obligation. This copy has one of the actual working zippers, as designed by Andy Warhol. Many listeners will also be familiar with Townes van Zandt's acoustic version that appears on his live album Roadsongs, and was subsequently used in The Big Lebowski (Coen, 1998).
The Aquadolls [33:40]
"Tweaker Kidz"
Stoked on You
Burger Records BRGR390 2014
Fun track from the debut Aquadolls album.
Talking Heads [36:06]
"Once in a Lifetime"
Stop Making Sense
Sire 1-25186 1984
There was a very cute promo for the A24 re-release of the film recently.
Nadja [42:03]
"The Stone"
The Stone Is Not Hit by the Sun, Nor Carved with a Knife
Gizeh Records GZH70 2016
As usual, more heavy dreamy goodness from one of my favorite duos.
Music behind the DJ: "Gomez" by Vic Mizzy
54 min
September 19, 2024 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 11
Thirsty Forest Animals [00:25]
"Nape"
Southeast of Saturn: Michigan Shoegaze/Dream Pop/Space Rock
Third Man Records TMR-629 2020
All of this, yes. When I lived in NYC in the 90s, so many of my friends were from Michigan that it's amazing some stayed around to develop these sounds.
Fauna [05:26]
"To Ecstasy"
Southeast of Saturn, Vol. 2: Midwest Shoegaze/Dream Pop/Space Rock
Third Man Records TMR-750 2022
I also knew a lot of folks from Minneapolis, where Fauna hail from. This track is from their 1992 release Everafter.
Glen Campbell [09:23]
"Southern Nights"
Southern Nights
Capitol SO-11601 1977
Glen takes an excellent turn with Allen Toussaint's "Southern Nights" originally recorded in 1975. Glen heard that version and was reminded of his childhood in Arkansas. This single made it to number 1 on the charts, and the album made it as high as 22 on the Billboard 200. You can see Glen playing one of his weirdo Ovation electric 12-strings here on The Midnight Special.
Hawkwind [12:24]
"Sonic Attack"
Space Ritual
United Artists Records UA-LA120-H2 1973
Epically epic space jams with interspersed spoken words as exampled here with "Sonic Attack" written by Michael Moorcock and recited by James Calvert. The sleeve art by Barney Bubbles is a thing of majesty. If space jams are your thing and you've never heard this album, seek it out. Amazingly, this album briefly dented the Billboard 200, making it to number 179. The album jacket is quite a work of art. If you'd like to see the full artwork, join me over on Patreon for video liner notes.
Depeche Mode [17:24]
"Dreaming of Me"
Speak & Spell
Sire SRK 3642 1981
What a difference a decade makes (as compared to Hawkwind)? The debut album by the boys from Basildon, and the only one recorded with Vince Clark (before he moved on to Yaz and subsequently Erasure). This album also just cracked the Billboard 200 here in the US, making it to number 192. This single did actually make it into the US Billboard dance charts, going as high as 47.
The English Beat [21:01]
"Sooner or Later"
Special Beat Service
I.R.S. Records SP 75069 1982 (1987 reissue)
Everyday someone is born who has never heard "Sooner or Later". Perhaps you are one of those people who has never heard "Sooner or Later". If so, enjoy! This guitar sounds (and this video) have been permentantly etched into my musical brain thanks to the early days of MTV.
John Zorn [24:36]
"Hico Killer - Long Mile to Houston"
Spillane
Elektra Nonesuch 9-79172-1 1987
Gritty road story from master blues musician Albert Collins, tinged with Zorn & Co's trademark oddballness.
Con Funk Shun [29:19]
"Juicy"
Spirit of Love
Mercury SRM-13806 1980
The Bay Area's very own Con Funk Shun. If you've got a funk/soul album with a track called "Juicy" you know you've got to listen to it. Or at least, I do. Written by the band's guitarist and vocalist Michael Vernon Cooper.
The Wonderland Singers [34:07]
"Bats in the Belfry"
Spooky Halloween
Wonderland Records LP-293 1974
They just don't make organ music like they used to, and probably for good reason. At least the cover art is cool.
Ustalost [35:20]
"III"
The Spoor of Vipers
Gilead Media RELIC82 2017
Some blackened heaviness from this solo project by Will Skarstad of Yellow Eyes. For those of you who appreciate this style of music, seek out A Wandering Path: The Story of Gilead Media on a streaming service near you.
Missing Persons [40:49]
"Bad Streets"
Spring Session M
Capitol Records ST-12228 1982
This album made a strong impression on my when it came out and I still find myself thinking about it. For this episode's selection, I took a look at the track listings and immediately heard this song in my head. The album made it to number 42 on the Hot 100 and generated 4 singles: "Words", "Desitnation Unknown", "Windows", and "Walking in L.A.".
Graham Parker and the Rumour [44:30]
"Local Girls"
Squeezing Out the Sparks
Arista AB 4223 1979
Another heavy rotation video from the early days of MTV, despite being made in 1979. The album attempts to explore English suburbia. The album cover features some great typography by Gerard Huerta.
Amazing Rhythm Aces [49:48]
"Third Rate Romance"
Stacked Deck
ABC Records ABCD-913 1975
Some fun country-inflected rock from these Memphis gents, sounding almost perfectly mid-70s in a good way. The album reached 11 on the country charts and 120 on the Billboard 200. This single also hit 11 on the country charts and 14 on the pop chart. The band even made an appearance on the second season of Austic City Limits. Love Barry "Byrd" Burton's finger pickin on this.
Sly and the Family Stone [53:11]
"You Can Make It if You Try"
Stand!
Epic BN 26456 1969
The mighty Sly Stone and family take a funky turn at this song originally recorded by Gene Allison and also covered by the Rolling Stones. Fans of Primal Scream will also recognize the tail end of the track that precedes this album closer.
Jacksons [56:49]
"Blame It on the Boogie"
Star Fire
Ronco R 3200 1980
As seen on TV! 18 original hits by 18 original artists! A compilation of hits, mostly from 1979. In honor of the late Tito Jackson, I had to go with this uptempo Jacksons single from 1978.
Wet Willie [01:00:00]
"Keep on Smilin'"
Star Trackin' '76
Ronco R 1976-2 1976
As seen on TV! 20 original hits by 20 original artists! While 8 year old me would have been extremely excited about the "Theme from S.W.A.T.", I decided to go with Mobile AL's own Wet Willie. I could have also gone with Abba's "Waterloo" but loyal listeners already know how much I love Abba.
Music behind the DJ: "Charade" by Charlie Barnet and his Orchestra
1 hr 6 min
September 05, 2024 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 10
Pallbearer [00:34]
"An Offering of Grief"
Sorrow and Extinction
20 Buck Spin SPIN048 2012
Full-length debut from this heavy doomy band from Little Rock AR. Easily one of the best records of 2012.
Ray Charles & Milt Jackson [09:06]
"Soul Meeting"
Soul Meeting
Atlantic SD 1360 1962
Two great tastes that vibe great together. Featuring Ray on piano, Milt on vibes, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Percy Heath on bass, and Art Taylor on drums. This one was written by Jackson, with illuminating parts from both Milt Jackson and Kenny Burrell.
Curtis Harding [16:08]
"Freedom"
Soul Power
Burger Records BRGR600 2014
Debut outing from this Atlanta musician. Describing his sound as "slop 'n soul", this one track has a definite Arthur Lee feel.
Lou Rawls [18:49]
"A Whole Lotta Woman"
Soulin'
Capitol Records T 2566 1966
Not a whole lotta love, not a whole lotta Rosie, but a whole lotta woman.
John Coltrane with Red Garland [21:27]
"Theme for Ernie"
Soultrane
Prestige 7142 1958
One of Coltrane's showcases for his distinctive sheets of sound style. Joined here by Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and again Art Taylor on drums.
Les and Larry Elgart and their Orchestra [26:24]
"You're My Thrill"
Sound Ideas
Columbia CL 1123 1958
Hailing from Pompton, New Jersey, these brothers developed their "Elgart Sound" in 1952 and released over half a dozen albums before parting after this album to pursue their musical interests.
Mary Martin et al [30:02]
"The Lonely Goatherd"
The Sound of Music (Original Broadway Cast)
Columbia Masterworks KOL 5450 1959
Now that's what I call yodeling! Pre-Julie Andrews obviously. Mary Martin was perhaps best known as playing the title role in the Broadway production of Peter Pan. Not sure how I knew this, but maybe it was due to living in New York for 20 years naking Broadway trivia inescapable.
The Sinceros [33:23]
"Take Me to Your Leader"
The Sound of Sunbathing
Epic EPC 83632 1979
The sticker on the cover says that this track is their featured single, so that's what I'm going with. Power pop-y new wave-y.
Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass [37:10]
"Casino Royale"
Sounds Like... Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass
A&M LP124 1967
You know I love a good shaggy dog of a film, and Casino Royale is definitely that. Well, the Daniel Craig version is too, but I'm talking about the 1967 comedy version with David Niven as Sir James Bond.
Ravi Shankar [39:47]
"An Introduction to Indian Music"
The Sounds of India
Columbia CS 9296 1968 (originally released in 1958)
Re-released to tap into the growing interest thanks to the Beatles' interest in Indian music (specifically George Harrison). Relax!
Simon & Garfunkel [43:56]
"We've Got a Groovey Thing Goin'"
The Sounds of Silence
Columbia CS 9269 1966
Helped out here by The Wrecking Crew, including Glen Campbell and Joe South on guitar, Hal Blaine on drums, and Larry Knechtel on the Ray Charles-esque electric piano.
Scott Walker + Sunn O))) [47:22]
"Brando (Dweller on the Bluff)"
Soused
4AD CAD 3428 2014
On the surface, it's an odd pairing, but as the music that fills this album suggests, it's a perfect pairing. Sunn O)))'s Greg Anderson and Stephen O'Malley had originally reached out to Walker about contributing to their 2009 album Monoliths and Dimensions but were unable to coordinate. Walker subsequently contacted about contributing drones to fill in the silence between his lyrics while working on his epic 2012 release Bish Bosch. Evidently, Sunn O))) brought their full stage equipment to Walker's studio for recording. If you are unfamiliar, it's a wall of Ampeg, Marshall, and HiWatt speakers with Ampeg SVT and Sunn Model T heads.
Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass [56:06]
"The Girl from Ipanema"
South of the Border
A&M SP-108 1964
South of the border, down Rio de Janiero way.
Music behind the DJ: "If I Fell" by Perry Botkin Jr and his Orchestra
1 hr 2 min
August 20, 2024 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 9
Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 9
From Something to Shout About (Lulu) to Sophisticated Boom Boom (Dead or Alive)
Oh hey, by the way... there is now a Vinyl-O-Matic Patreon
Lulu with The Luvvers [00:30]
"Chocolate Ice"
Something to Shout About
Decca LK 4719 1965
Hey hey hey! It's Lulu! This is her debut album. Despite what you might guess from her voice, she was 17 when she recorded this album. "Chocolate Ice" is the excellent title song to the very weird Gonks Go Beat (Hartford-Davis, 1964), featuring Lulu and The Luvvers, The Nashville Teens, and the Graham Bond Organisation
Todd Rundgren [02:40]
"Hello It's Me"
Something / Anything?
Bearsville 2BX 2066 1972
Rundgren's 3rd solo album, spreading his musical wings a bit more than previous releases. Todd had originally written the song as a very mellow ballad with the Nazz in 1967, and was released as a b-side to their psyche rocker "Open My Eyes". Usually I'd go with the power pop progenitor "Couldn't I Just Tell You", but well, I'm feeling more mid-tempo at the moment.
Jimmy Buffett [07:29]
"Cheeseburgers in Paradise"
Son of a Son of a Sailor
ABC Records AA-1046 1976
Let me be perfectly clear: I am not now, nor have I ever been a Parrot Head. However, I do love cheeseburgers. This is the lead single from Buffett's eighth solo album. The single made it to #32 on the Hot 100. There's also a much-watered-down version of "Livingston Saturday Night", which can be heard to greater effect on the Rancho Deluxe (Perry, 1975) soundtrack, see also: Season 5, Episode 76.
Harry Nilsson [10:20]
"It Is He Who Will Be King/Daybreak"
Son of Dracula
Rapple Records ABL1-0220 1974
The only new Nilsson song on this soundtrack. The less said about the actual film. Count Downe (Nilsson) is invited to take over Count Dracula's throne by Merlin (Ringo Starr). Lots of monsters and lots of rock stars, including Keith Moon and John Bonham, Peter Frampton, Bobby Keys, Klaus Voorman, and Leon Russell.
Watch at your own peril. Great packaging for the record though, includine a die-cut gatefold and an iron on transfer for the cover image with "Bite Me" written in goth script below.
Julian Bahula's Jazz Africa [16:15]
"Molebatsi"
Son of the Soil
Tsafrika Records TSA 001 1982
A great collective outing composed by this South African by way of Britain drummer/composer/bandleader. I picked this one up at Revolution Records in Amsterdam. If Google Translate isn't lying to me, this title translates to "Smoker" from Swati. And a smoker it is.
The Temptations [21:46]
"Shakey Ground"
A Song for You
Gordy G6-969S1 1975
One of several excellent P-Funk-backed tracks on this album. There's a pretty excellent Delbert McClinton version of this song as well.
The Exbats [25:47]
"Like It Like I Do"
Song Machine
Goner Records GONE 192 2023
And boy do I like it! Another excellent outing from Bisbee AZ denizens Inez and Kenny and friends. They pretty much just keep getting awesomer and awesomer.
Big Black [28:17]
"L Dopa"
Songs About Fucking
Touch and Go T&G LP #24 1987
Scorching. And sadly, fare thee well, Steve. To anyone interested in recording, Steve and Electric Audio provided (and still provide) a wealth of information, as for instance: Everything you've ever wanted to know about tape alignment but were afraid to ask.
THE FOLLOWING TRACK IS INTENDED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED 🤓
Rusty Warren [31:54]
"Songs for Sinners (Part I) (excerpt)"
Songs for Sinners
Jubilee JGM-2024 1959
Everybody's favorite New England Conservatory of Music-trained raunchy great aunt. If you shake the Youtubes, you can quite likely find Catherine O'Hara portraying a Rusty Warren-inspired character Dusty Towne in an episode of SCTV.
Frank Sinatra [33:01]
"Pennies from Heaven"
Songs for Swingin' Lovers!
Capitol Records W653 1956
Frank and Nelson Riddle taking a pass at this classic thirties tune originally recorded by Bing Crosby. I am also reminded of 1978 BBC series Pennies from Heaven performance wtinessed by Bob Hoskins as well as Steve Martin's filmic remake of Pennies from Heaven.
Merle Haggard and the Strangers [35:43]
"Mama Tried"
Songs I'll Always Sing
Capitol Records SABB-11531 1977
Wayward Merle's ode to mama. Fun fact: My grandfather claimed to not care for Merle because he was a jailbird, despite being a fan of Johnny Cash. Granted, Cash never served more than a night in jail following a few of his misadventures.
Stevie Wonder [37:53]
"Sir Duke"
Songs in the Key of Life
Tamla T13-340C2 1976
This album is the common denominator of almost every record collection I've been gifted. As I'm sure I've mentioned before, whenever I hear this song it reminds me of summer Little League practice, so presumably 1977.
Yautja [42:50]
"Tar and Blindness"
Songs of Descent
Forcefield Records FFR039 2014
Heaviness by way of Nashville TN of all places.
Echo & the Bunnymen [45:40]
"Do It Clean"
Songs to Learn & Sing
Sire / Korova 1-25360 1985
A solid mid-80s compilation. This is easily one of my favorite Echo & the Bunnymen tunes.
The Fresh & Onlys [48:26]
"AAA"
Soothsayer
Mexican Summer MEX170-1 2013
Definitely some great atmoshphere on the EP. Love the vibes and horns on this track.
Dead or Alive [52:31]
"That's the Way (I Like It)"
Sophisticated Boom Boom
Epic BFE 39274 1984
A very early-80s take on this 70s classic. Presumably the album is titled after The Shangri-La's single? For you aging goths out there: If Wikipedia, there is an uncredited guitar playing by Wayne Hussey who would the move on to Sisters of Mercy, and then of course to The Mission 🤓
Music behind the DJ: "Crystal Blue Persuasion" by David Whitaker and his Orchestra
1 hr
July 13, 2024 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 8
Aidan Baker with Richard Baker [00:25]
"Western Salvia"
Smudging
Backwards BW06 2012
Remeber kids, friends don't let friends smudge with white sage.
Dwarf Chorus [04:19]
"Bluddle-Uddle-Um-Dum (The Washing Song)"
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Disneyland 1201 1968
Don't forget behind the ears 🧼🫧
Narrator and Dwarf Chorus [07:12]
"A Silly Song"
Walt Disney's Story and Songs from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Disneyland Records ST 3906 1969
Very silly, now with narration.
Peter Gabriel [10:29]
"Big Time"
So
Geffen Records GHS 24088 1986
Welcome to 1986! Peter is helped out here by Tony Levin, Stewart Copeland, Simon Clark, and Daniel Lanois, among others. The video features work by the excellent Wayne White.
The O'Jays [16:17]
"Strokety Stroke"
So Full of Love
Philadelphia International Records JZ 35355 1978
Some very funky and risqué O'Jays here, penned by Philly Sound originator Bunny Sigler.
Frank Sinatra [20:43]
"Here's to the Losers"
Softly, As I Leave You
Reprise Records F 1013 1964
Mono, baby! Frank briefly has sympathy for the losers.
Ramsey Lewis [23:48]
"Summer Breeze"
Solar Wind
Columbia KC 32897 1974
Love this album. Check out this excellent live performance on German TV from 1973.
The Kingston Trio [28:42]
"Bimini"
Sold Out
Capitol Records T1352 1960
And we've made it all the way to deeply unfunky. Despite what the title of this album would lead you to believe, this is a studio affair.
David Qualey [32:51]
"Santa Cruz"
Soliloquy
Windham Hill Records WHS C-1011 1983
Seems a little jazzy for New Age, but what do I know?
Thelonius Monk [35:03]
"Ruby, My Dear"
Solo Monk
Columbia CS 9149 1965
From Monk's fifth studio album, a standout rendition of one of his classic compositions.
Fritz Hauser [40:40]
"Klangwolke II"
Solodrumming
hat ART 2023 1985
A preformance recorded live in the glass enclosed atrium of the Martin Gropius Bau, his only accompaniment the seven second long natural reverb.
Ian Matthews [42:38]
"Tried So Hard"
Some Days You Eat the Bear and Some Days the Bear Eats You
Elektra EKS 75078 1974
One of the founding members of Fairport Convention, Matthews takes an excellent pass at one of my favorite Gene Clark tunes. This is the last track on side one. When you flip it over, well whaddya know... a cover of Steely Dan's "Dirty Work".
The Rolling Stones [47:18]
"Beast of Burden"
Some Girls
Rolling Stones Records COC 39108 1978
Some mid-tempo goodness from the Stones fourteenth studio album. And of course, who can forget the video for Bette Midler's interpretation of this song.
Marilyn Monroe with Matty Malneck and his Orchestra [51:41]
"Runnin' Wild"
Some Like It Hot
United Artists Records UAL 4030 1959
Hot stuff from one of my all-time favorite films. Granted there are a lot of Billy Wilder films in my all-time favorite film list, but still...
Kid Koala [52:46]
"Skanky Panky"
Some of My Best Friends Are DJs
Ninja Tune ZEN82 2003
Kid Koala cuts it up with some ska-tastic turntablism.
Daedelus featuring Busdriver and Pigeon John [56:10]
"Something Bells"
Something Bells
Plug Research PR 52 2004
Daedelus and Busdriver, two great tastes that taste great together for sure. And sounds like a Lambert, Hendricks and Ross sample floating around in the background.
Music behind the DJ: "Goin' Out of My Head" by Frank Comstock and his Orchestra
1 hr 4 min
June 10, 2024 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 7
6 Fat Dutchmen [00:22]
"Minniehaha"
6 Fat Dutchmen
RCA Victor LPM-1769 1958
Ooooom-pah! New Ulm's very own 6 Fat Dutchmen blazing up that Midwestern polka scene. Why heck, they played the Nebraska State Fair for 26 straight years, don't ya know. This album has some top-notch cover art by none other than the great Jack Davis.
Jo Stafford with Paul Weston and his Music from Hollywood, the Norman Luboff Choir, and the Starlighters [02:42]
"I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm"
Ski Trails
Columbia CL 910 1956
Jo and co. take a fine pass at this Irving Berlin standard.
--- [05:05]
Nadja [05:46]
"Jaguar"
Sky Burial
Latitudes GMT 0:22 V 2010
A translucent blue excursion into sonic etherealness.
--- [24:42]
Slapp Happy [25:04]
"The Drum"
Slapp Happy
Virgin V 2014 1974
This album was originally recorded with Faust as a backing band, but was rejected by their German label. After moving to London, the material was recorded with studio musicians. And of course, I came to this song by way of the excellent interpretation by Bongwater.
Ambitious Lovers [28:25]
"Admit It"
Slaves of New York
Virgin Movie Music 7 91229-1 1989
From a film that was very much of its time based on a collection of short stories by Tama Janowitz, oddly enough a Merchant and Ivory production. of the same title. At least it introduced me to Arto Lindsay.
Nomeansno [32:10]
"Junk"
Small Parts Isolated and Destroyed
Alternative Tentacles VIRUS 63 1988
The third studio album from these Vancouverian musicians. Space junk perhaps?
Jimi Hendrix [35:47]
"Can You See Me"
Smash Hits
Reprise Records MS 2025 1969
Stereo Jimi vox on one of my favorite Experience tunes.
---- [38:21]
King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band [39:24]
"Dippermouth Blues" (1923)
Lionel Hampton [41:43]
"When Lights Are Low" (1939)
Miles Davis Nonet [43:58]
"Boplicity" (1949)
Thelonious Monk Quintet [46:58]
"Criss Cross" (1951)
The Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz
Smithsonian Collection P6 11891 1973
blah
--- [49:56]
Music behind the DJ: "Swinging Safari" by Bert Kaempfert
53 min
May 22, 2024 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter S as in Sierra, Part 6
Heino [00:23]
"Heute Singen Wir Mit Heino/Wißt Ihr Was? Heute Hat's Geschneit"
Sing Mit Heino Folge 9 und 10 Winterzeit - Kinderzeit - Weihnachtzeit
Hör Zu 1 C 066-45 322 1979
Sing along with Heino! And evidently, the old Deustschekrooner is still alive. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the German phenomenon that is Heino, of course, there's a documentary.
The Four Roses Society [03:03]
"Hand Me Down My Walkin' Cane/Deep in the Heart of Texas"
Sing with the Four Roses Society
Four Roses K8OP-6582 / 3
Well all right then. During my brief career as a liquor store clerk (one summer during college), Four Roses bourbon was not the esteemed brand it is today. It was easily found on the bottom shelf of the whiskey section.
Kitty Wells [05:49]
"Country Girl"
Singing'em Country
Decca DL 75221 1970
One of the contenders to the title of Queen of Country Music reminiscing at the ripe old age of 51.
Elvis Presley [08:24]
"Santa Bring My Baby Back (to Me)"
Sings Christmas Songs - Elvis' Christmas Album
RCA Victor LPM-1951 1957 (1964 reissue)
An extremely well-worn seasonal classic. I'm surprised it sounds as good as it does, considering the state of the record surface.
Odetta [12:45]
"Don't Think Twice, It's Allright"
Odetta Sings Dylan
RCA Victor LSP-3324
An excellent rendition of this transitional Dylan single. To my mind, it is almost as good as the jangling toe-tapper version by Waylon Jennings.
Bob McGrath with the Jimmy Joyce Singers [18:30]
"Black and White"
Sings for All the Boys and Girls
Disneyland 1357 1974
Indeed, that Bob from Sesame Street. Helped out here by some of the Wrecking Crew including Tommy Tedesco and Earl Palmer. Inspired by the Three Dog Night version of this song, the song was originally recorded by Pete Seger in 1956 and with lyrics by David I. Arkin, father of Alan Arkin no less.
Nat King Cole [22:21]
"Autumn Leaves"
Sings for Two in Love
Capitol Records DT 420 1963 (original release 1953)
This monophonic classic album is reinvigorated in beautiful Duophonic sound!
Bonnie Prince Billy [25:03]
"Ohio River Boat Song"
Sings Greatest Palace Music
Drag City DC252 / Palace Records PR31
A collection of Nashville-ified reimaginings Will Oldham's earlier work, with a number of Nashville greats, including Hargus "Pig" Robbins. The thing I love about seeing Will Oldham perform live in whatever configuration is that he seemingly never plays a song the same way twice. This pass at the debut single from Palace Music exemplifies that spirit.
Wayne Newton [30:00]
"More (Theme from 'Mondo Cane')"
Sings Hit Songs
Capitol Records T 2130 1964
Despite rumblings in Memphis and New Orleans and even Liverpool by this point, the big band sound of the Greatest Generation continues to thrive in popular music.
John McCormack [32:37]
"The Foggy Dew"
Sings Irish Songs
Pickwick CAS-407 1975
Evidently, stereo, in this case, means slapping some reverb on the left channel. Despite being partially the result of Irish immigration, I am not sentimental, which is why I chose the shortest track for this collection.
Lotte Lehman [34:41]
"Ich Liebe Dich (Beethoven)"
Sings Lieder, Vol. 1
Camden CAL-378

Pretty sure I grabbed this from the dollar bin because in my haste I thought it was Lotte Lenya.
Colin Meloy [37:21]
"Bandit Queen"
Sings Live!
Jealous Butcher Records JB-065 2008
From a solo tour Colin Meloy made in 2006, recorded at various venues, including this one that I happened to attend at the Great American Music Hall. This live album does do one of those things that drives me nuts, which is to put the stage banter for the upcoming song before the track break.
Tom Jones [43:05]
"In Dreams"
Sings She's a Lady
Parrot XPAS 71046 1971
Candy colored clown!
Nat "King" Cole [46:30]
"Blue Gardenia"
Ballads of the Day
Capitol Records DT 680 1960 (original release 1956)
As performed in Fritz Lang's classic noir The Blue Gardenia.
Harry Belafonte [49:29]
"A Fool For You"
Sings the Blues
RCA Victor LSP-1972 1958
A collection of blues standards, including this Ray Charles number.
Ella Fitzgerald [53:09]
"'S Wonderful"
Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Song Book (Volume Two)
Verve Records MG V-4025 1959
Helped out here by Nelson Riddle. An excellent cover painting by Bernard Buffet is featured on this album.
Music behind the DJ: "Games People Play" by Arthur Greenslade and his Orchesta
59 min

About Vinyl-O-Matic

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Your Old Pal Will takes you on a journey through the peaks and valleys of all recordings vinyl. A through Z, organized alphabetically by artist/compilation title, irregardless of genre. Maybe it’s by title. Maybe it’s by album. Who knows what path we take next. New episode every Wednesday.

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