Vinyl-O-Matic

By Will McCollumSociety & Culture Arts Music Personal Journals Music History

Vinyl-O-Matic episodes

December 23, 2022 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter P as in Papa, Part 4
Berlin [00:24]
"Masquerade"
Pleasure Victim
Geffen Records GHS 2036 1983
Some classic nouvelle vague, very LA style.
Merle Haggard & Willie Nelson [04:33]
"Pancho & Lefty"
Pancho & Lefty
Epic FE 37958 1982
What the hell is up with the intro?! Anywho, pretty decent pass at the Townes Van Zandt classic. And these gentlemen let Townes appear as a federale in the accompanying video.
The Knitters [09:18]
"The New World"
Poor Little Critter on the Road
Slash 25310-1 1985
Well, since there was an election just recently, this seems like the one to go with.
Margaret Whiting [12:15]
"Gentle on My Mind"
Pop Country
London Records PS-527 1967
A snappy rendition of this John Hartford-penned number made popular by Glen Campbell.
False [16:23]
"A Victual for Our Dead Selves"
Portent
Gilead Media relic110 2019
Some blackened metal from this former Minneapolis combo.
Ahmad Jamal [27:13]
"Ahmad's Blues"
Portfolion of Ahmad Jamal
Argo LP 2638 1959
Recorded live at the Spotlite Club in Washington DC in September of 1958, featuring Ahmad on keys, Israel Crosby on bass, and Vernel Fournier on drums. Fun fact: Argo was a subsidiary of Chess Records.
The Undertones [32:11]
"It's Going to Happen"
Positive Touch
Harvest ST-12159 / Ardeck ST-12159 1981
A bit of a change in direction for the Northern Ireland lads. And I would say in a good way. It's always interesting when bands progress their sound. Feargal still sounds as distinctive as ever. During their appearance on Top of the Pops for this single, guitarist Damian O'Neill wore a black armband to mark the recent passing of Bobby Sands.
Bongwater [35:47]
"Bedazzled"
The Power of Pussy
Shimmy Disc shimmy 040 1990
Originally recorded by Dremble Wedge and the Vegetation. Just kidding, it's a Dudley Moore tune performed by Peter Cook in the 1967 Stanley Donen film Bedazzled. Deftly handled by Ann Magnuson, Kramer, Dave Rick, and David Licht.
Earth Wind & Fire [38:32]
"Fall in Love with Me"
Powerlight
Columbia TC 38367 1983
Track one, side one solid dancer with a heckuva guitar solo. Powerlight was the bands 12th studio album and certified gold. This song was released as single and made it to number 17 on the Hot 100.
Iron Maiden [45:32]
"Flash of the Blade"
Powerslave
Capitol Records SJ-12321 1984
The epicly epic album from my favorite band when I was a teenager. I caught them at Radio City Music Hall on this tour, with opening act Queensryche. You've never seen so much spandex and leather and hair. And then there was my nerdy self. Anywho, evidently this song made it into Dario Argento's Phenomena.
Krallice [49:37]
"Conflagration"
Prelapsarian
Gilead Media relic92 2017
Blackened goodness straight outta Queens.
Pretenders [57:22]
"Talk of the Town"
Pretenders II
Sire SRK 3572 1981
Got this one for my 13th birthday. This is an edited version of the 1980 single purportedly about Chrissie and Ray Davies.
Music behind the DJ: "Slow Poke" by Lawrence Welk
1 hr 3 min
September 27, 2022 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter P as in Papa, Part 3
The Photos [mm:ss]
"Do You Have Fun"
The Photos
Epic NJE 36515 1980
Well, do you? Interested parties can spot Wendy Wu in this BBC doc on The New Romantics.
Aldo Ciccolini [mm:ss]
"Trois Valses Distinguées Du Précieux Dégoûté"
Piano Music of Erik Satie, Vol. 1
Angel Records S-36482 1968
Some modern waltzes of Erik Satie as performed by Mssr. Ciccolini.
The Decemberists [mm:ss]
"The Sporting Life"
Picaresque
Kill Rock Stars/Jealous Butcher Records JB-053 2005
A great packaging of this album, including some lovely extra bits on side 4 such as a cover of Joanna Newsome's "Bridges and Balloons". This tour also featured Petra Haden helping out on violin and tambo. If I recall correctly, she also performed a rendition of "Wuthering Heights".
Spinners [mm:ss]
"Games People Play"
Pick of the Litter
Atlantic SD 18141 1975
A mighty fine album featuring this track which got them to number one on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles in 1975.
Iron Maiden [mm:ss]
"Die with Your Boots On"
Piece of Mind
EMI 1A 064-07724 1983
I was all in on this album when I was 15 and played the cassette version of this album to dust. Fortunately I was able to pick up the Benelux pressing when I was in Amsterdam a few months ago. And in case you're wondering, this album made it to number 9 on the Dutch charts.
Kowloon Walled City [mm:ss]
"Oxygen Tent"
Piecework
Neurot Recordings/Gilead Media NR119/RELIC111 2021
Majestic and heavy album from this Bay Area band. One of my favorites from 2021, on milky white vinyl.
Pinchas Zukerman/Daniel Barenboim/London Philharmonic Orchestra [mm:ss]
"Elgar: Violin Concerto, II-Andante"
Pinchas Zukerman, Violiin/Daniel Barenboim, Conductor Elgar: Violin Concerto, Op. 61
Columbia Masterworks M 34517 1976
Molto relaxo, molto romantico.
Henry Mancini [mm:ss]
"The Pink Panther Theme"
The Pink Panther
RCA Victor LSP-2795 1963
Every day someone is born who has never heard the Pink Panther theme. If you are one of those people, enjoy!
The Monkees [mm:ss]
"What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round?"
Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.
Colgems COS-104 1967
In case you were wondering, Mickey is an Pisces, Peter is an Aquarius, and both Michael and Davy are Capricorns.
Boston Spaceships [mm:ss]
"Canned Food Demons"
The Planets Are Blasted
Guided By Voices Inc. GBVI-5 2009
Robert Pollard, Chris Slusarenko, and John Moen.
Mick Ronson [mm:ss]
"White Light/White Hear"
Play Don't Worry
RCA APL1-0681 1975
Ok, we get it... you can play guitar. Evidently, Mick salvaged the backing track for this VU number from Bowie's Pin Ups session.
George Martin and his Orchestra [mm:ss]
"Help!"
Play Help!
United Artists Records UAS 6448 1965
A very layered jazzy rendtion of the my favorite Beatles' film theme song from the lads' arranger.
The Melachrino Strings [mm:ss]
"It's Not Unusual"
Play the Tom Jones Hits!
Pickwick/33 Records SPC-3242 1970
From the label that famously produced inexpensive soundalike compilations of hit songs comes some easy listening renditions of The Welshman.
L.A. Witch [mm:ss]
"Gen-Z"
Play with Fire
Suicide Squeeze SSQ173 2020
One of the bright spots of peak Covid was this gem by the excellent LA Witch in August of 2020. Not that you can see it, but this record is on beautiful popsicle red and orange vinyl. Delicious!
Xiu Xiu [mm:ss]
"Audrey's Dance"
Plays the Music of Twin Peaks
Polyvinyl Record Company PRC-312 2016
I can neither confirm nor deny that I had a thing for Audrey Horne.
Music behind the DJ: "The Tiber Twist" by Henry Mancini
1 hr 11 min
August 24, 2022 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter P as in Papa, Part 2
Peach Kelli Pop [mm:ss]
"Panchito Blues II"
Peach Kelli Pop
Burger Records BRGR293 2013
A quick bit of garagey fun.
Peach Kelli Pop [mm:ss]
"Princess Castle 1987"
Peach Kelli Pop
Burger Records BRGR925 2015
Another ripping opener.
Pearl Charles [mm:ss]
"Night and Day"
Pearl Charles
Kanine Records KR148 2016
Great lead-off to Pearl's debut album, on some lovely yellow vinyl.
Cocteau Twins [mm:ss]
"Hazel"
Peppermint Pig
4AD BAD 303 1983
Evidently Robin Guthrie felt this release was rubbish. And yet, here we are listening to it.
Al Caiolo [mm:ss]
"Jazz Pizzacato"
Percussion and Guitars
Time Records S/2000 1960
Guitars! Percussion! Stereo separation! And liner notes by Nat Hentoff!
Rudi Bohn and His Band [mm:ss]
"Mack the Knife"
Percussive Oompah
London Records SP 44009 1961
Mack the Knife meets Bridge Over the River Kwai? In separated stereo of course. If you're going to go with some Brecht/Weill martial music, why not the "Cannon Song"?
Half Japanese [mm:ss]
"Listen to Your Heart"
Perfect
Joyful Noise Recordings JNR183 2016
Love does indeed call. Jad Fair's fifteenth studio album as Half Japanese, featuring some assistance from Deerhoof's John Dieterich helping out with guitar as well as handling the mixing and mastering.
The Command All-Stars [mm:ss]
"Perdido"
Persuasive Percussion Volume 3
Command RS 817 SD 1960
What's that you want more stereo separation demonstrations? You got it, with this fun standard. Astute viewers of Only Murders in the Building may notice that Charles (Steve Martin) has all four volumes of Persuasuve Percussion framed in his kitchen. Odd you say? Well no, Charles is clearly an astute art collector (as is Steve Martin) and the covers for that series are designed by non other than Josef Albers. That would also explain the Ed Ruscha in the kitchen.
Nadja & Vampillia [mm:ss]
"Aurora"
The Perfect World
Important Records IMPREC385 2013
Side one, track one of the ethereal collaboration between Nadja and Vampillia.
Tones on Tail [mm:ss]
"Performance"
Performance
Beggars Banquet BEG 106T 1984
A fine dark wave outing from this Bauhaus off-shoot featuring Daniel Ash, Kevin Haskins, and Glenn Camping.
Sterling Holloway [mm:ss]
"Peter and the Wolf (Intro)"
Peter and the Wolf/The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Disneyland 1242 1958 (originally)
A nice introduction to the orchestra.
Kiss [mm:ss]
"You Matter to Me"
Peter Criss
Casablanca NBLP 7122 1978
Listener, you matter to me which is why I chose one of the shorter tracks from this not very good album. Peter Criss may be a kitty cat but this album is pretty much a dog. In case you're wondering Peter is the only member of Kiss performing on this record.
The Pirates [mm:ss]
"A Pirate's Life"
Walt Disney's Peter Pan
Disneyland 1206 1976
Never shoot a man in the middle of his cadenza.
Petra Haden [mm:ss]
"Goldfinger Main Title"
Petra Goes to the Movies
Anti- 87219-1 2013
All vocals, all awesome as per usual with Petra. And remember kids, before there was Glee, there was Petra Haden's version of "Don't Stop Believin'" on the Engine Rooms Recordings compilation Guilt by Association.
New England Conservatory Chorus [mm:ss]
"Barkin: Two Emily Dickinson Choruses (Second Chorus)"
Peyton: The Blessed Virgin, Ceely: Flee Floret Florens, Monod: Cantus Contra Cantum III, Barkin: Two Emily Dickinson Choruses, Davidson: Along the Edge
Composers Recordings Inc. CRI SD 482 1982
Well, there's something you don't hear every day.
Phoebe Snow [mm:ss]
"San Francisco Bay Blues"
Phoebe Snow
Shelter Records SRL 52017 1974
The distinctive stylings of Ms. Snow taking a pass at this standard.
Music behind the DJ: "Professor Fate" by Henry Mancini and his Orchestra
51 min
July 05, 2022 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter P as in Papa
Prince and the Revolution [00:51]
"Kiss"
Parade
Paisley Park 9 25395-1 1986
Everyday someone is born who has never heard Prince's "Kiss" (or seen the video). If that person is you, enjoy!
Nadja [04:27]
"Dark Circles"
Paradox Incubate 15.09.14
Consouling Sounds SOULXXXXIV 2014
Live ambient doom by my favorite duo recorded live at Incubate Festival in Amsterdam circa 2014.
Blondie [14:34]
"Hanging on the Telephone"
Parallel Lines
Chrysalis CHR 1192 1978
Check out the original Nerves version if you ever have the chance.
Witch [16:56]
"1000 MPH"
Paralyzed
Tee Pee Records TPE-085-1 2008
Taking off in a silver machine on this track from the band's follow up album.
Black Sabbath [20:18]
"Children of the Grave"
We Sold Our Soul for Rock 'n' Roll
Warner Bros. Records 2BS 2923 1976
What the...?! This isn't Paranoid. This isn't even Masters of Reality! Why no, someone slipped the second disc of We Sold Our Soul for Rock 'n' Roll into their Paranoid jacked. Ah well. Always check the contents of those dollar bin records, kids.
KC and the Sunshine Band [25:31]
"I'm You Boogie Man"
Part 3
T.K. Records 605 1976
Can't deny the classics. Number one on the Hot 100 way back in 1977.
The B-52's [31:15]
"Private Idaho"
Party Mix!
Warner Bros. Records MINI 3596 1981
The band's debut single remixed for your own private party. You can tell it's a party remix because of the stereo-panned-n-flanged roto-toms.
Joe King Carrasco & the Crowns [35:19]
"Party Weekend"
Party Weekend
MCA Records MCA-5404 1983
For all you early MTV fans out there, yes this is what became "Party Christmas". Party party!
Grass Widow [38:22]
"11 of Diamonds"
Past Time
Kill Rock Stars KRS533 2010
Some Bay Area goodness from Hannah Lew, Raven Mahon, and Lillian Maring.
Bob Dylan [41:16]
"Billy 4"
Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid
Columbia KC 32460 1973
I have a particular soft spot for this Dylan album. The film and soundtrack came into my life at a time when I was becoming increasingly interested in film and aspect ratios like Cinemascope. And also at a time when I was making art that was making art exploring the myth of the American West and native American folklore, especially Old Man Coyote the trickster. In this film and soundtrack we get both the myth of the American West (Billy the Kid) and the trickster (Dylan is nothing if not a trickster). The film itself is a bit of a Peckinpah shaggy dog, but worth the early 70s antihero hubris. I prefer Newman's confused teen Left Handed Gun (another aspect of the myth Billy the kid itself: the infamous daguerrotype in question has reality preserved in reverse) to Kristofferson's avenger. But with Peckinpah's film you get bonus James Coburn, Slim Pickens, Harry Dean Stanton, and even Rita Coolidge.
Bobbie Gentry [47:55]
"Billy the Kid"
Patchwork
Capitol Records ST-494 1971
Speaking of coincidences. From Bobbie's final studio album. Definitely environmental circumstances.
The Modern Jazz Quartet [49:57]
"A Social Call"
Patterns
United Artists Records UAL 4072 1960
And now for something completely different from Billy the Kid. Music derived from film cues.
Falls of Rauros [54:25]
"New Inertia"
Patterns in Mythology
Gilead Media relic119 2019
Some melodic black metal from this Tolkien-esque band from Portland ME.
Music behind the DJ: "Spinning Wheel" by Terry Baxter and his Orchestra
1 hr 7 min
April 29, 2022 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter O as in Oscar, and Some That Begin with the letter P as in Papa
The Oscar Peterson Trio [00:31]
"I've Never Been in Love Before"
The Trio
Verve Records V6-8420 1961
Surprise! It might be the jacket for Oscar Peterson Trio + One (1964) but the record is actually The Trio (1961). Nevertheless, Oscar and the gents take a fine crack at the Guys and Dolls standard.
Magic Trick [06:10]
"Forest of Kates"
Other Man's Blues
Empty Cellar Records EMP029 2016
Excellent outing from Tim Cohen and friends, featuring cover art by Kevin Earl Taylor.
Henry Mancini and his Orchestra [09:40]
"Walk on the Wild Side"
Our Man in Hollywood
RCA Victor LSP-2604 1963
No not that "Walk on the Wild Side"... the one from Otto Preminger's The Man with the Golden Arm. You know the one with Frank Sinatra as a junkie drummer player? Anywho, it features a sax solo by Plas Johnson, who you may know as from The Pink Panther theme saxophonist.
The Sandwitches [13:09]
"Wickerman Mambo"
Our Toast
Empty Cellar Records EMP023 2015
A lively one from The Sandwitches from their bitchin' 3rd studio album on "oxblood" colored vinyl.
The Rolling Stones [21:37]
"The Under Assistant West Coast Promotion Man"
Out of Our Heads
London Records PS 429 1965 (1969 repressing)
Poor promo man... how could you win? Recorded at Chess Studios.
Pandiscordian Necrogenesis [24:45]
"Throne Ascension"
Outer Supernal
Gilead Media relic98 2018
Some Bay Area experimental black metal self-recorded by one Ephemeral Domignostika.
The Police [29:01]
"So Lonely"
Outlandos D'Amour
A&M SP-4753 1978
Not to shabby for a debut album. This track is partially derived from "No Woman No Cry", nevertheless Andy Summers keeps things interesting to be sure. Copy that?
Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter [33:50]
"Suspicious Minds"
Wanted! The Outlaws
RCA Victor APL1-1321 1976
Ok, look I see "Wanted!" as part of the wanted poster artwork and The Outlaws as the actual title. So here it is, in Albums with Titles that Begin with the Letter O as in Oscar. Loving the shuffle breakdown in the middle eight.
The Tubes [39:36]
"The Monkey Time"
Outside Inside
Capitol Records ST-12260 1983
Loyal listeners will know that I am a big fan of monkey songs, especially ones written by Curtis Mayfield. The Tubes joined by Motels frontwoman Martha Davis here.
Half Japanese [43:27]
"Shining Star"
Overjoyed
Joyful Noise Recordings JNR151 2014
The first record from Half Japanese since their 2001 release Hello, mixed and mastered by Deerhoof's John Dieterich.
Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen [47:28]
"Wine Do Yer Stuff"
Lost in the Ozone
Paramount Records PAS 6017 1971
Between Bill Kirchen and a pedal steel guitar player who goes by West Virginia Creeper, what more do you need? Of course their cover of "Hot Rod Lincoln" on this album was their smash hit, this one just spoke to me.
Dennis Wilson [50:34]
"You and I"
Pacific Ocean Blue
Caribou Records PZ 34354 1977
Currently I'm a sucker for anything electric piano oriented.
Chelsea Wolfe [55:15]
"House of Metal"
Pain Is Beauty
Sargent House SH 106 2013
Wonderfully moody number from Chelsea Wolfe's third studio album. If you ever get the chance to see her live, you should.
B/B/S [01:00:14]
"Linber"
Palace
Miasmah MIALP033 2016
Canadian Aidan Baker, Italian Andrea Belfi, Norwegian Erik Skodvin. Wonderfully moody improvisations captured at Berlin's Retriever Studios.
Coil [01:04:45]
"Tainted Love"
Panic/Tainted Love
Wax Trax! Records WAX 013 1985
A grim reminder of love in the time of acquired immune deficency syndrome from these Psychic TV vets.
DJ Donna Summer [01:10:39]
"Ratpack"
Panther Tracks Vol. 1
Cock Rock Disco Vrock010 2007
For all your jumpstyle needs. Or are you more starstyle?
Music behind the DJ: "Bachelor in Paradise" by Henry Mancini and his Orchestra
1 hr 18 min
April 06, 2022 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter O as in Oscar
James White and the Blacks [00:24]
"Contort Yourself"
Off White
4 Men with Beards 4M 504 2002 (original released in 1979)
A little something for all your No Wave Funk needs.
DEVO [03:30]
"Peek-A-Boo"
Oh, No! It's DEVO
Warner Bros. Records 9 23741-1 1982
One of the more memorable videos from the early MTV era. And certainly relevant today.
Zola Jesus [06:27]
"Exhumed"
Okovi
Sacred Bones Records SBR-184 2017
Killer track from one of my favorite albums of 2017. If you've never seen Zola Jesus live, I highly recommend it. Niki Danilova is a helluva performer.
Fritzi Bielmeier [10:09]
"Fairgrounds, Fair Organ, Brewery Horses and Wagaon pass by/Holzhacker Baum"
Oktoberfest: The Music and Sounds of the Biggest Beer Party in the World
Decca DL 4332 1959
Why, it's just like being there, apart from the vomit and sawdust.
Tennessee Ernie Ford with Dorothy Gill [16:01]
"Ain't Nobody's but My Own"
Ol' Rockin' Ern
Capitol Records T888 1957
Ol' Ern rocks out, no doubt to impress a Wicked City Woman.
Guy Clark [17:57]
"To Live Is to Fly"
Old Friends
Sugar Hill Records SH 1025 1988
Guy taking this excellent Townes Van Zandt song for a nice trip with the help of Emmylou Harris on harmony vocals.
The Madrid Festival de Matadors Orchestra [21:11]
"Gallito"
"Olé" Music of the Bull Ring
Bravo! Records K 125 ?
If are curious about the origins of bullfighting in Spain, the intros to a good number of Cocaine and Rhinestones Season 2 episodes will satisfy your needs (as well as any George Jones and Tammy Wynnette needs you may have).
Donna Summers [23:35]
"I Feel Love"
On the Radio - Greatest Hits Vol. 1 & 2
Casablanca NBLP-2-7191 1979
The sadly too-short 7" edit of this epic Giorgio Moroder classic, second only in my mind to Sparks' "Number One Song in Heaven".
Siouxsie and the Banshees [29:05]
"Christine"
Once Upon a Time/The Singles
PVC Records PVC 8906 1981
The second single from their 1980 album Kaleidoscope, marked by the addition of John McGeoch on guitar.
Cheap Trick [32:04]
"Saturday at Midnight"
One on One
Epic FE 38021 1982
Cheap Trick try on Sparks? Produced by the legendary Roy Thomas Baker.
Shannon & the Clams [35:02]
"Onion"
Onion
Easy Eye Sound EES-004 2018
Recorded at Dan Auerbach's Easy Eye Sound Studio. So much goodness on this album, so I opted for my favorite track.
Red Fang [37:49]
"Flies"
Only Ghosts
Relapse Records RR 7347 2016
Hot track one, side one from the fourth studio effort by Portland's very own Red Fang.
St. Etienne [42:52]
"Stoned to Say the Least (Album Version)"
Only Love Can Break Your Heart
Warner Bros. Records 0-40196 1991
As heard on the wonderful Foxbase Alpha.
The Dirtbombs [50:35]
"Hey! Cookie"
Ooey Gooey Chewy Ka-Blooey
In the Red Recordings ITR-248 2013
The Dirtbombs! Bubblegum pop! What more could you ask for?!
Jerry Lee Lewis [53:23]
"Money"
Original Golden Hits - Volume 2
Sun SUN 103 1969
The Killer slays this Bradford/Gordy classic.
The Ink Spots [55:37]
"We'll Meet Again"
Original Ink Spots Vol. 1
Coronet Records CX-101 1959
It's true, we will meet again. Hopefully sooner rather than later!
Music behind the DJ: "Alfie" by Christopher Scott
1 hr 2 min
March 18, 2022 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter N as in November, and some that start with the letter O as in Oscar
Faces [00:33]
"Miss Judy's Farm"
A Nod Is as Good as a Wink... to a Blind Horse
Warner Bros. Records BS 2574 1971
The lads at peak form, produced by none other than Glyn Johns.
Soft Cell [04:09]
"Say Hello, Wave Goodbye"
Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
Sire SRK 3647 1981
Excellent low-key groove from these Leeds lads. There's fun cover of this by Japanese duo Salon Music and Russell Mael of Sparks.
Aidan Baker & Karen Williams [09:37]
"Meeting in the Dark"
Nonland
Gizeh Records GZH74 2017
Guitarscapes by Aidan Baker and percussion by Karen Willems.
Atari Teenage Riot [15:03]
"Atari Teenage Riot"
Not Your Business EP 1996
Grand Royal GR039/Digital Hardcore Recordings DHR US 12.1
Yup, digital hardcore was a thing.
The Partridge Family presentado a Shirly Jones y David Cassidy [20:26]
"Nadie Desea Ser Amada (Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted)"
Al Dia (Up to Date)
Bell Records 2308 004 1971
Jeez leweez, never trust a kid to refile records correctly. Why is there a copy of The Partridge Family's Up to Date in the sleeve for The Partridge Family Notebook? And why is the label in Spanish but none of the songs are in Spanish. Oh well.
Herb Ellis [23:07]
"Big Red's Boogie Woogie"
Nothing but the Blues
Verve Records MG V-8252 1957
Hot! Featuring Stan Levey on drums, Ray Brown on bass, Stan Getz on tenor sax, and Roy Eldridge on trumpet.
Big Star [28:46]
"When My Baby's Beside Me"
No. 1 Record
Big Beat Records WIK 53 1986 (original release: Ardent Records DS-2083 1972)
Every day someone is born who has never heard Big Star. If you are one of those people, enjoy!
The Number Ones [32:09]
"Sharon Shouldn't"
The Numbers
Static Shock Records SSR024 2014
Hot mid-teens power pop punk from Dublin.
Iron Maiden [35:56]
"The Prisoner"
The Number of the Beast
Harvest ST-12202 1982
Bruce Dickinson's debut outing with Maiden. This album loomed large in my adolescence. Evidently Mr. Dickinson is touring with a spoken word show?
TacocaT [41:59]
"Psychedlic Quinceañera"
NVM
Hardly Art HAR-079 2014
So many awesome songs on this album that it's hard to pick just one, but really... This Is the One! From the lyrics to the trumpets, what's not to love?
Romeo Void [44:10]
"Never Say Never"
Never Say Never
Columbia/415 Records 5C 38178 1981
Every day someone is born who has never heard "Never Say Never". If one of those people is you, enjoy! Thank goodness for the early days of MTV otherwise I would have had no idea this sound existed.
Alan Price [50:16]
"O Lucky Man!"
O Lucky Man! Original Sountrack
Warner Bros. Records BS 2710 1973
I've been obsessed with this Alan Price soundtrack since I first heard it in this over-long shaggy dog of a film by Lindsay Anderson.
L.A. Witch [54:44]
"Heart of Darkness"
Octubre
Suicide Squeeze SSQ166 2019
Mellow down spooky.
Bobbie Gentry [57:12]
"Mississippi Delta"
Ode to Billie Joe
Captiol Records ST-2830 1967
One of the hottest track one side ones you could ask for.
Mulatu Astatke [01:00:22]
"Munaye"
Mulatu of Ethiopia
Worthy Records W-1020 1972 (2003 reissue)
Putting the funk in Ethiopian jazz.
The Cramps [01:03:54]
"I Can't Hardly Stand It"
...Off the Bone
Illegal Records ILPIC 012 1985
The Cramps give this Charlie Feathers number a fine take. There's some great local television footage of Alex Chilton helping The Cramps record at Sun Studios if you shake the internet.
Music behind the DJ: "Goldfinger" by Mantovani
1 hr 10 min
February 19, 2022 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter N as in November, Part 3
Nick Lowe [00:28]
"My Heart Hurts"
Nick the Knife
Columbia FC 37932 1982
Nick's first outing after the dissolution of Rockpile. Another catchy tune, co-written with Carlene Carter. Such a great duo.
Nicolette Larson [03:07]
"Lotta Love"
Nicolette
Warner Bros. Records BSK 3243 1978
Fresh off assisting Neil Young with American Stars 'n Bars, Nicolette unleashes some peak 70s adult-oriented rock with this side one, track one Young cover for her debut album.
Shana Cleveland [06:14]
"Face of the Sun"
Night of the Worm Moon
Hardly Art HAR 111 2019
Some excellent cinematic Western feels for sure. Besides being an excellent musician, Shana makes my very favorite calendar.
The Oscar Peterson Trio [09:44]
"I Got It Bad (and That Ain't Good)"
Night Train
Verve Records V6-8538 1963
An album of excellently curated standards, with this being no exception.
Tom Waits [16:20]
"Eggs and Sausage (in a Cadillac with Susan Michelson)"
Nighthawks at the Diner
Asylum Records 7E-2008 1975
Dining with everyone's favorite dive bar maestro.
Billy Oskay and Mīcheãl Ō Domhaill [22:31]
"The 19A"
Nightnoise
Windham Hill Records WH-1031 1984
Guitars, and violas, and whistles, and harmoniums. What? I tried to pick one of the short tracks.
The Beatles [25:42]
"Paperback Writer"
1962-1966
Apple Records SKBO 3403 1973
One of my favorite non-album singles from the lads.
The Beatles [27:57]
"Don't Let Me Down"
1967-1970
Apple Records SKBO 3404 1973
What? Just because many of the folks who listen to Vinyl-O-Matic have watched all 7 hours and 48 minutes of Get Back doesn't mean we can't still enjoy this song. I mean really, how awesome was Billy Preston?
Hillsboro High School Eagle Band [33:20]
"Streets of Laredo"
1973-1974 Sweepstakes
Reelsound Recording Company RSF-7417 1974
Ah the classic rake's lament. Fun fact: Hillsboro, Texas was used in the filming of Wes Anderson's 1996 film "Bottle Rocket".
Eurythmics [34:49]
"Sexcrime (1984)"
1984 (For the Love of Big Brother)
RCA ABL1-5349 1984
A doubleplusgood track from this soundtrack scored by Dave Stewart.
Prince [38:49]
"Little Red Corvette"
1999
Warner Bros. Records 9 23720-1 1982
Perhaps one of the best first sides of any double album out there. Hard to choose just one track from the album, but "Little Red Corvette" will always be my fave. Fun fact: "Little Red Corvette" was partially the inspiration for Stevie Nick's 1983 hit "Stand Back", and in fact His Pupleness can be heard playing synth on the choruses.
Los Campesinos! [43:46]
"What Death Leaves Behind"
No Blues
Turnstile TS007LP 2013
The lead single from Los Campesinos! excellent 2013 album, on lovely hot pink vinyl. Here's an appearance that they made at the time on New York's WFUV.
Motörhead [49:10]
"Ace of Spades"
No Remorse
Bronze 7 90233-1-H 1984
Every day someone is born who has never heard Motörhead's "Ace of Spades". Perhaps one of those people is you. If so, enjoy! I bet you couldn't tell that Lemmy was a fan of slot machines. Fun fact: This album was leather scented when I bought it a very long time ago. A little travelling music please.
Carly Simon [51:56]
"You're So Vain"
No Secrets
Elektra EKS-75049 1972
Every day someone is born who has never heard Carly Simon's smash hit "You're So Vain". Perhaps one of those people is you. Enjoy. Very interesting opening bass lick from Klaus Voorman.
The Exbats [56:13]
"Ghost in the Record Store"
Now Where Were We
Goner Records 173GONE 2021
One of the best albums of 2021. Can't get enough of Exbats! This song made it's first appearance for 2020's Record Store Day (back in the dark days).
Taurus [58:57]
"No/Thing Longing, Human Impermanence"
No/Thing
Self-Released 2013
Some excellent experimental heaviness from this Portland duo. Was lucky enough to catch them opening for Agalloch a couple of years ago.
Music behind the DJ: "Slow Poke" by Lawrence Welk
1 hr 7 min
February 02, 2022 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter N as in November, Part 2
Gladys Knight & the Pips [00:22]
"Who Is She (and What Is She to You)"
Neither One of Us
Soul S 737L 1973
Gladys and the gents turning the tables on the Bill Withers groove from the year before, and deftly covered by Meshell Ndegecello.
Redd Kross [04:28]
"Peach Kelli Pop"
Neurotica
Five Foot Two Records FF2-003-LP/Sympathy for the Record Industry STFRI 709 2002
Side 2, Track 1 of Neurotica is this killer riff rocker that hooked me when it was first released in 1987.
Neutral Milk Hotel [08:29]
"Song Against Sex"
Neutral Milk Hotel
NMH Records NMH001 2011
All the Neutral Milk Hotel you could possibly want tucked away into this amazing box set. Naturally it's hard to pick just one song, but this one always gets the old brain juice flowing.
Spinners with Dionne Warwick [12:14]
"Then Came You"
New and Improved
Atlantic SD 18118 1974
This is one of those songs that lies dormant in my memory until I hear it and then I get a flood of childhood memories. Funny how music can work like that.
Deafheaven [17:24]
"Baby Blue"
New Bermuda
Anti- 87431-1SC5 2016
Some dreamy doomy goodness from the Bay Area band's third studio album.
The Apples in Stereo [27:34]
"Can You Feel It?"
New Magnetic Wonder
Yep Roc Records/Simian Records LP-YEP-2132 2007
Well, can you? Killer opening track from Apples in Stereo's 6th studio album co-penned by the late greate Bill Doss. Also, their first album not on spinART, and their last with drummer Hilarie Sidney.
Pete Fountain [35:01]
"Basin Street Blues"
New Orleans
Coral CRL 757282 1959
One-time Lawrence Welk clarinetist Pete Fountain takes for a trip down to the Big Easy.
New Riders of the Purple Sage [31:45]
"I Don't Know You"
New Riders of the Purple Sage
Columbia C 30888 1971
Side one, track one of the eponymous debut album from the New Riders of the Purple Sage, featuring Jer Bear on pedal steel.
DEVO [37:09]
"Through Be Cool"
New Traditionalists
Warner Bros. Records BSK 3595 1981
Side one, track one from DEVO's fourth studio album. Fun fact: this song will always remind of a small supermarket chain in the Omaha area called Hinky Dinky. Pretty sure it no longer exists. And of course, an early MTV heavy rotation classic. Oh those evil spuds.
Iggy Pop [40:20]
"Five Foot One"
New Values
Arista AB 4237 1979
Iggy's third solo album with help from former Stooges James Williamson and Scott Thurston. And yes there's a video.
U2 [46:23]
"New Year's Day (Long Version)"
New Year's Day (Long Version)
Island Records 12WIP 6848 1983
Everyday someone is born who has never heard U2's "New Year's Day". Maybe one of those someone's is you. Solidarność!
The Toasters [51:58]
"Shocker!"
N.Y. Beat! Hit & Run
Moon Records TOAST-09-10 1986
A prime examples of early 3rd wave ska from the NYC vets, which would later show up on their debut album Skaboom!.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet [55:58]
"Perdido"
Newport 1958
Columbia CS 8082 1959
Brubeck and Paul Desmond take one of my favorite standards for quite the spin.
Music behind the DJ: "Brazil" by Billy Mure's Supersonic Guitars
1 hr 11 min
January 21, 2022 Albums and All That, Starting with the letter N as in November
Little Dragon [00:20]
"Klapp Klapp"
Nabuma Rubberband
Seven Four/Republic B0020210-01 2014
Little Dragon's fourth studio album and a fine one at that. Why, the even performed this track on Letterman.
22 Sparkling Smiles [03:57]
"Every Day"
Nailed to the Stars
Jealous Butcher Records JB-010 1996
Nice little 90s indie comp from the Portland label.
KMFDM [06:44]
"Naïve (Re-Mix by TKK)"
Naïve/The Days of Swing + Roses
Wax Trax! Records WAX 9160 1990
From the halcyon days of electro-industrial.
Talking Heads [18:02]
"(Nothing But) Flowers"
Naked
Sire 1-25654 1988
Just can't get enough of the high life sound. Great guitar interplay between guests Johnny Marr and Yves N'Djock.
Talking Heads [23:17]
"Pulled Up"
The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads
Sire 2SR 3590 1982
A double album of live Talking Heads. The first record is the talking heads in their original quartet form recorded between 1977 and 1979, heard here with this great rendition of "Pulled Up". The second record features the band as a 10 musician group recorded between 1980-81, with the addition of Adrian Belew on guitar, Nona Hendrix on backing vocals, Busta Jones on bass, Dolette McDonald on percussion, Steve Scales on congas, and the inimitable Bernie Worrell on keys.
Nancy Sinatra [27:21]
"Son of a Preacher Man"
Nancy
Reprise Records RS 6333 1969
Nancy and the Wrecking Crew keeping it downtempo with this version.
Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood [30:12]
"Greenwich Village Folk Song Salesman"
Nancy & Lee
Reprise Records RS 6273 1968
Kinda corny kinda fun take on this tune by the great Tom T. Hall. For those who want to learn more about Tom T. Hall, check out this episode of Cocaine & Rhinestones (although really you should start with this episode and make your way forward).
Nancy Wilson with the Cannonball Adderley Quintet [34:48]
"A Sleepin' Bee"
Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley
Capitol Records ST 1657 1962
A great pairing of talents doing a nice turn on this Truman Capote-penned number.
Karen Black [37:23]
"Memphis"
Nashville Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
ABC Records ABCD-893 1975
The voluptuous delight of Karen Black singing.
Bob Dylan [39:31]
"To Be Alone with You"
Nashville Skyline
Columbia KCS 9825 1969
Snappy number from Bob, with some great drum work by Kenny Buttrey.
Silver Jews [41:37]
"How to Rent a Room"
The Natural Bridge
Drag City DC101 1996
Track one, side one of the second Silver Jews album. The late great David Berman locks in the Silver Jews sound for good.
Commodores [45:52]
"Flying High"
Natural High
Motown M7-902R1 1978
What, you thought I was going to stick you with "Three Times a Lady"? This album made it to the top of the R&B Albums chart, and number three on the Top LPSs & Tapes chart.
Jacques Brel [51:03]
"Les Flamandes"
Ne Me Quitte Pas
Barclay 90 268 1972 (1978 reissue)
The Flemish! Like Brel himself.
Lead Belly [53:39]
"John Henry"
Negro Folk Songs for Young People
Folkways Records FC 7533 1960
Master of the 12-string Lead Belly fills the kids in on John Henry.
Neil [57:49]
"Golf Girl"
Neil's Heavy Concept Album
WEA WX12 1984
The Young Ones' very own Neil aka Nigel Planer takes us on a very heavy golf trip with the help of Dawn French. In case you're curious about the orignal Caravan version of this song, dig their 1971 appearance on Beat-Club.
Music behind the DJ: "A Swingin' Safari" by Bert Kaempfert
1 hr 5 min

About Vinyl-O-Matic

From the publisher's feed

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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