Phoenix, Arizona

2-9-10 Phoenix, AZ

I just returned from my first real visit to Arizona. My friend Joe & I went to 18 record stores in 2.25 days. I liked Arizona (and Phoenix, in general) real well – despite the “Big Brother” cameras on the (sometimes confusing) freeways.

Sorry to see “Circles” (on Central Ave.) going out of business. I understand that they had been in business since ’72. I was told that they had two storefronts, at one point. I was also told that they were closing at the end of the month (Feb. ’10). I got a lot of very inexpensive CD’s there (3 for $1 type stuff). I photographed a ball made exclusively of “Topper” strips from CD’s over a 5 year period. It was most impressive.

We knew the 4 x Zia Records stores from the 2 x Zia stores we have visited in Las Vegas, NV. Yes, we went through all 4 x Phoenix area Zia stores – each one was different. We would’ve liked to have gone to the 2 x Zia stores in Tucson – but that was over a hundred miles away from Phoenix – and we had already driven enough! It was purely “luck of the draw” and both Joe and I each found lots of stuff in the Zia stores in Phoenix.

Near Zia in Tempe was a neat vinyl-heavy store called Eastside Records; at first, we weren’t even going to look! I added 2 x Yello titles to my collection there, and got a great Chris Spedding 45! (“Get Out Of My Pagoda” French RAK picture sleeve).

Really enjoyed our visit to Revolver Records, near downtown – very unusual vinyl selection; I found delightful stuff, adding to key collections (Mike Oldfield, George Melly, Suzi Quatro, Level 42 and more). When I visit Phoenix again, I will definitely be going there! (I hope they stay in business!).

Joe & I went to “Alice Cooper’s Town” (sometimes spelled as one word) – a sports bar, some good draft beers, burgers & BBQ. Wish we had ordered a “Big Unit” (something like a 22” hot dog!), it would’ve made a great photo. There was Alice Cooper ephemera all over the place, and the wait-staff all wore Alice Cooper face make-up. I’m not kidding.

I would’ve liked to have seen some of the assorted Frank Lloyd Wright architecture around Phoenix, but…busy using the G.P.S. unit finding record stores…and Bookman’s. Primarily a used book store, I don’t think there’s anything that Bookman’s doesn’t sell. Long story short: an interesting place that we didn’t buy much stuff at.

Yes, there were even more record stores – but we didn’t buy stuff at each and every store we hit. Nothing for me at Stinkweed’s, an indie store – but I could see that they may be useful, if searching for a non-major label CD. We also went to lots of F.Y.E. stores, at Joe’s request. One never knows what will turn up in those places! (I got a Peter Gabriel SACD for $7.99 at one, “Up”).

It took us about 6 hours driving from Long Beach to Scottsdale (where we stayed).

- Ron

Playlist

Playlist #124 2/3/10 – 2/4/10 vinyl & CD mix

SYLVESTER, VICTOR / ORCH. – Lambeth Walk

XTC – Funk Pop A Roll

DEE, DAVE / DBM+T – Still Life

SPEAR, ROGER RUSKIN – My Goodness How

BARRETT, WILD WILLY – Bus Shelter Reggae

DICKSON, BARBARA – January – February

FOUNDATIONS, THE – Any Old Time (You’re Lonely and Sad)

STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK – (You Put Me On) Stand-By

B-MOVIE – Nowhere Girl (Long Vers.)

JONES, JOHN PAUL – Tidal

NELSON, BILL – Flaming Desire

PROCOL HARUM – Toujours L’Amour

CREAM – Outside Woman Blues

IRON BUTTERFLY – Field Of Sun

BARRETT, SYD – Dominoes

MOVE, THE – When Alice Comes Back To The Farm

JETHRO TULL – Hymn 43

MOTT THE HOOOPLE – Thunderbuck Ram

HENDRIX, JIMI – Can You See Me

WHO, THE – Run, Run, Run

HARPER, ROY – Referendum (Legend)

FAMILY – It’s Only A Movie

Sue Thompson

2-5-10 Sue Thompson

I last wrote about singer Sue Thompson in 2002. I know of her because I inherited a 45 of “Norman” from my older sister, and I found the “Meet Sue Thompson” LP in New Zealand in the 80’s.

Hickory LPM-104 “Meet Sue Thompson” [1962] mono LP only

Hickory LPS-107 “Two of a Kind” [1962] mono LP only?

Hickory LPM-111 “Golden Hits” [1963] mono LP only

Hickory LPS-121 “Paper Tiger” [1965]

Hickory LPS-130 “Sue Thompson with Strings Attached” [1966]

Hickory LPS-148 “This Is Sue Thompson Country” [1969]

Hickory LPS-168 “The Two of Us Together” – Don Gibson & Sue Thompson [1973]

These latter day MGM / Hickory LP’s feature some songs from her earlier albums in stereo…some in stereo for the first time:

MGM / Hickory HR-4503 “Warm Love” – Don Gibson & Sue Thompson [1973]

(re-issue of LPS-168 “The Two Of Us Together”, with a new cover)

MGM / Hickory H3F-4511 “Sweet Memories” [1974]

MGM / Hickory H3G-4515 “...And Love Me” [1974]

MGM / Hickory H3G-4520 “Oh How Love Changes” – Don Gibson & Sue Thompson [1975]

MGM / Hickory H3G-4523 “Big Mable Murphy” [1975]

Mercury / Wing SRW-16317-W This is where some of her 1950’s Mercury 45’s / 78’s turn up! “The Country Side of Sue Thompson” [1966, 50’s recordings; stereo is electronically reprocessed]

Hickory LPS-154 “Treasure Album”

Various Artists [1970] This is where these Sue Thompson tracks appear in true stereo for the first time: Sad Movies (Make Me Cry) / Paper Tiger / Have A Good Time / Norman / James (Hold The Ladder Steady)

Happily, there are several Sue Thompson CD’s available:

GOLDEN CLASSICS COLLECTABLES US COL-5661

1995 18 TRK Collection

GREATEST HITS CURB US D2 77462

1991 12 TRK Collection

SUZIE – HICKORY ANTHOLOGY '61 - '65 ACE UK CDCHD 991

2003 26 TRK Collection, stereo

Go for the Ace UK CD! It has the most songs, and the most stereo!

I am still finding US Hickory 45’s by Sue Thompson – and I have yet to determine which of ‘em are non-LP. There are dozens of ‘em! And as far as I know, Ms. Sue Thompson is still alive ‘n’ kickin’.

Rusty & Doug Kershaw

2-4-10 Rusty & Doug Kershaw

LP KERSHAW, DOUG ALIVE & PICKIN' WARNER US

BS 2851 1975 11 TRKS Live

7" KERSHAW, DOUG AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN THE ORAL TRADITION promo WARNER US

PRO 346 1970? 2 TRKS no pic sleeve, promo-only

CD KERSHAW, DOUG BEST OF WARNER US

25964.2 1989 10 TRK Collection (70's recordings?)

LP KERSHAW, DOUG CAJUN WAY, THE WARNER US

WS 1820 1969 12 TRKS

LP KERSHAW, DOUG DEVIL'S ELBOW WARNER US

BS 2649 1972 12 TRKS

LP KERSHAW, DOUG DOUG KERSHAW WARNER US

WS 1906 1971 11 TRKS promo

LP KERSHAW, DOUG DOUGLAS JAMES KERSHAW WARNER US

BS 2725 1973 10 TRKS

LP KERSHAW, DOUG FLIP, FLOP & FLY WARNER US

BS 3025 1977 11 TRKS

LP KERSHAW, DOUG INSTANT HERO SCOTTI

FZ 37428 1981 9 TRKS

LP KERSHAW, DOUG LOUISIANA MAN, THE WARNER US

BSK 3166 1978 11 TRKS

LP KERSHAW, DOUG MAMA KERSHAW'S BOY WARNER US

BS 2793 1974 11 TRKS

LP KERSHAW, DOUG RAGIN' CAJUN WARNER US

BS 2910 1976 12 TRKS

LP KERSHAW, DOUG SPANISH MOSS WARNER US

WS 1861 1970 11 TRKS

LP KERSHAW, DOUG SWAMP GRASS WARNER US

BS 2581 1972 11 TRKS promo

LP KERSHAW, RUSTY RUSTY…CAJUN IN THE BLUES COUNTRY COTILLION US SD 9030 1970 12 TRKS Doug Kershaw, prod.

LPx2 KERSHAW, RUSTY & DOUG KERSHAW (GENUS CAMBARUS) HICKORY US LPS 163 1969? 21 TRK Collection

LP KERSHAW, RUSTY & DOUG LOUISIANA MAN HICKORY US LPM 103 1962? 12 TRKS mono, re-issue 2nd cover

LP KERSHAW, RUSTY & DOUG LOUISIANA MAN HICKORY/MGM US HR-4506 1974 12 TRK Collection (50's/60's recordings)

CDx2 KERSHAW, RUSTY & DOUG LOUISIANA MEN ACE UK

CDCH2 992 2004 56 TRK Collection (50's recordings)

7" KERSHAW, RUSTY & DOUG PIROGUE / MY UNCLE ABEL RCA US

47-8182 1962? 2 TRKS no pic sleeve

Interesting that It was Rusty & Doug and not the other way around. R.I.P., Rusty. Doug Kershaw still plays live, and I presume he still releases records / CD’s. The Rusty & Doug Hickory label sides are wonderful – the ’04 “Louisiana Men” collection is everything you’d ever want to hear…well, almost. I got a CD of Doug’s Warner Brothers “Best of”!

The Hickory label has always been sort of an interesting US label for me. I am a big fan of Rusty & Doug, as well as Sue Thompson, The Newbeats…Roy Acuff etc. I have a couple of Hickory label various artist CD’s that have artists like Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Bob Luman etc. – on addition to the aforementioned artists.

Strawberry Alarm Clock

2-3-10 Strawberry Alarm Clock

7" BAREFOOT IN BALTIMORE / AN ANGRY YOUNG MAN UNI US 55076

1967? 2 TRKS no pic sleeve

7" GIRL FROM THE CITY / THREE UNI US 55241

1971 2 TRKS no pic sleeve

7" INCENSE & PEPPERMINTS UNI US 55018

1967 2 TRKS no pic sleeve

CD INCENSE & PEPPERMINTS MCA US MCAD-22015

1990 10 TRKS 60's recordings

CD STRAWBERRIES MEAN LOVE BIG BEAT UK CDWIKD 56

1986 21 TRKS (8 x bonus tracks) (60's recordings) (’91 issue)

7" TOMORROW / BIRDS IN MY TREE UNI US 55046

1968 2 TRKS no pic sleeve

Easy to dismiss the Strawberry Alarm Clock as a one-hit-wonder, with “Incense and Peppermints”, but I do like them as a band. Trainspotters note: “Incense and Peppermints” only exists in mono, folks – doesn’t matter if it’s on a 7”, LP or CD – it’s mono or nothin’ at all! And it’s still a great single, 40+ years later…

Several years ago, I found some SAC singles that were not “Incense and Peppermints”: “Girl From The City” and “Tomorrow” (which would’ve been a great follow-up to “I&P”, but I didn’t hear it until 2007 or so). I even have an easy listening orchestra version of “Tomorrow”, believe it or not!

There are 4 x proper SAC LP’s, all of which have been re-issued on CD by Collector’s Choice. I recently found the UK collection CD “Strawberries Mean Love”, and it’s excellent. 21 tracks, mostly in stereo. Gets me where I want to go. Obscure 60’s in digital!

For years, I read that the SAC were from San Jose, but I read in the booklet for “Strawberries Mean Love” that they were originally from Santa Barbara. Tarred and feather for their genius “Incense and Peppermints”, I guess if the hippies couldn’t take them seriously…who could? And I don’t know of an easy listening orchestra version of “Incense and Peppermints”…too difficult to arrange for a big band?

So get yourself some hippie thrills and chill to the non-hit tunes of the Strawberry Alarm Clock on a CD today (oh, and have a nice clean mono listen to “Incense and Peppermints”).

p.s. Happy Joe Meek Day!

Rick Wakeman

2-2-10 Rick Wakeman

I’ve never been a big fan of Rick Wakeman, but I will confess to several occasions of interest.

LP 1984 CHARISMA UK CDS 4022

1981 10 TRKS orig. UK issue

LP COST OF LIVING CHARISMA UK CAS 1163

1983 9 TRKS Robert Powell etc.

CD CRIMES OF PASSION (O.S.T.) EDEL EDS 5404.2

1984 10 TRKS V.A., O.S.T.

LP GOLE (O.S.T.) CHARISMA UK CAS 1162

1983 12 TRKS O.S.T. (811295.1)

7" I'M SO STRAIGHT I'M A WEIRDO A&M UK AMS 7510

1980 2 TRKS no pic sleeve, promo

CD JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH A&M US CD 3156

1974 2 TRKS ('91 issue) with L.S.O.

LP JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH A&M UK AMLH 63621

1974 4 TRKS booklet, with L.S.O.

CD MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF KING ARTHUR… A&M US CD 3230

1975 7 TRKS ('88 issue)

LP NO EARTHLY CONNECTION A&M US SP-4583

1976 8 TRKS with mylar sheet

LPx2 RHAPSODIES A&M US SP-6501

1979 17 TRKS

7" ROBOT MAN / 1984 OVERTURE (Part 1) CHARISMA UK CB 392

1981 2 TRKS no pic sleeve

LP ROCK 'N ROLL PROPHET MOON UK LUNA LP 1

1982 8 TRKS orig. UK issue

CD ROCK 'N ROLL PROPHET…PLUS PRESIDENT UK RWCD 12

1982 12 TRKS ('93 issue) (4 x bonus tracks)

CD SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII, THE A&M US CD 3229

1973 6 TRKS

LP SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII, THE A&M UK AMLH 64361

1972 6 TRKS

LP WHITE ROCK (O.S.T.) A&M US SP-4614

1977 8 TRKS O.S.T.

I was a Yes fan in the early 70’s. I had heard “All Good People” on the FM radio and was ready for “The Yes Album” and “Fragile”. A big part of what was interesting about “Fragile” were the keyboards – by Mr. Rick Wakeman. It was lost on me that he had been active in Strawbs (or that he had played for David Bowie).

During the 80’s, while airchecking music videos off of satellite TV, I got a video for “I’m So Straight I’m A Weirdo”; I really like the song and the video is a good, typical English music video – very eccentric. I was also very fond of Wakeman’s work on the “Crimes Of Passion” original soundtrack (notably “It’s A Lovely Life”).

Very recently, I finally got a CD of “The Six Wives of Henry VIII”. I should’ve got the LP as soon as it came out, but there were too many other things on my plate in 1972. It’s a pretty strong album, his debut solo album – nearly 40 years hence. Probably my favorite A&M album of his. Also still working on (listening to for the first time) his Charisma LP’s, some have sounded rather good to me. But he sure does have a lot of CD’s, doesn’t he? I am sure I’ll never get through them all!

Earth & Fire / Jerney Kaagman

2-1-10 Earth & Fire / Jerney Kaagman

7" 78th AVENUE / DIZZY RAPTURES POLYDOR NL 2050 498

1977 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

CD ANDROMEDA GIRL POLYDOR NL 835084.2

1981 9 TRKS

LP ANDROMEDA GIRL VERTIGO NL 6399 271

1981 9 TRKS

LP ATLANTIS POLYDOR NL 2925 013

1973 6 TRKS

7" DREAM / JERNEY'S DAY OFF VERTIGO NL 6198 490

1981 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

CD EARTH AND FIRE (1st) REPERTOIRE DE REP 4348-WY

1970 18 TRKS (9 x bonus tracks)

LP EARTH AND FIRE (1st) RED CANADA PRBLP-3000

1971? 9 TRKS

7" FIRE OF LOVE / SEASON OF THE FALLING LEAVES VERTIGO NL 6012 971

1979 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

CD FRAMES (as EARTH AND FIRE ORCHESTRA) LANKO CD 4711

1988 8 TRKS

CD5 FRENCH WORD FOR LOVE CNR NL S/CD 860019

1989 4 TRK CD Single CD5

7" FRENCH WORD FOR LOVE / GEMINI CNR NL CNR 7860019

1989 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

LP GATE TO INFINITY POLYDOR NL 2925 065

1977 10 TRKS

LP IN A STATE OF FLUX DURECO NL 88.05

1982 10 TRKS

7" INVITATION / SONG OF THE MARCHING CHILDREN POLYDOR NL 2050 084

1972 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" JACK IS BACK / HIDE AWAY DURECO NL 47.09

1982 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

CD5 KEEP ON MISSING YOU CNR NL S/CD 860019/2

1989 3 TRK CD Single CD5

12" LOVE IS AN OCEAN / (Instrumental) VERTIGO NL 6840 181

1982 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" LOVE IS AN OCEAN / YOU VERTIGO NL 6198 529

1981 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" LOVE OF LIFE / TUFFY THE CAT POLYDOR NL 2050 322

1974 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" MAYBE TOMORROW MAYBE TONIGHT POLYDOR NL 2050 242

1973 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" MEMORIES / FROM THE END TILL THE BEGINNING POLYDOR NL 2050 179

1972 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" ONLY TIME WILL TELL / FUN POLYDOR NL 2050 359

1975 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

CD PHOENIX CNR NL CD 86O019

1989 12 TRKS

CD REALITY FILLS FANTASY POLYDOR NL 835083.2

1979 8 TRKS

LP REALITY FILLS FANTASY VERTIGO NL 6413 509

1979 8 TRKS

7" RUBY IS THE ONE / MECHANICAL LOVER POLYDOR NL 2050 019

1970 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" SEASONS (Long) / (Short) ATCO US 45-6744

1970 2 TRKS no pic sleeve, promo

7" SEASONS / HAZY PARADISE POLYDOR NL S 1335

1969 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

LP SONG OF THE MARCHING CHILDREN POLYDOR NL 2925 003

1971? 5 TRKS

CD SONG OF THE MARCHING CHILDREN / ATLANTIS POLYDOR NL 831641.2

1971/3 11 TRKS 2 on 1

7" STORM AND THUNDER / LOST FOREVER POLYDOR NL 2050 133

1972 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" TELL ME WHY / WHAT MORE COULD YOU DESIRE? VERTIGO NL 6198 517

1981 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" THANKS FOR THE LOVE POLYDOR NL 2050 376

1975 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

CD TO THE WORLD OF THE FUTURE POLYDOR JPN ERC-29245

1975 7 TRKS

LP TO THE WORLD OF THE FUTURE POLYDOR NL 2925 033

1975 7 TRKS

7" TWENTY FOUR HOURS / STRANGE TOWN DURECO NL 46.63

1982 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" TWO OF US (Remix) / LOVE IS TO GIVE AWAY DURECO NL 47.47

1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" WEEKEND / ANSWER ME VERTIGO DE 6147 024

1979 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE / (Instrumental) POLYDOR NL 2050 411

1976 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" WILD AND EXCITING / VIVID SHADY LAND POLYDOR NL 2050 044

1970 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

Jerney Kaagman solo:

7" ALL RIGHT HERE I AM / (IN A SHADE OF A) WILLOW TREE DURECO NL 48.86

1984 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

LP MADE ON EARTH DURECO NL 88082

1984 11 TRKS

7" MY MYSTERY MAN / MISERY DURECO NL 49.54

1984 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

CD RUN POLYDOR JPN ERC-29247

1987 10 TRKS

7" VICTIM OF THE NIGHT / THEME FROM V.O.N. POLYDOR NL 885342.7

1986 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

Dutch band Earth and Fire were always interesting for me. I followed them in real time, from about ’75 until ’88 or so. They were like a Dutch version of Jefferson Airplane, a rock band with a female lead vocalist – all of E&F’s stuff is in English, too. By the time of “Reality Fills Fantasy” (1979), their sound was a lot more pop than rock – but it was still interesting stuff.

“To The World Of The Future” (1975) is my favorite album by them. The single from that album, “Love Of Life” is my favorite single by them. I always tried to find all the E&F singles that I could, as the singles usually had cool non-LP B-sides.

As far as I know, there were only ever 2 x Jerney Kaagman solo albums. Both of which were sung in English (and in the style of latter day E&F). She was the lead vocalist of E&F.

“Please Kill Me” (book)

1-29-10 “Please Kill Me” (book)

I have been reading the book “Please Kill Me” by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain. It is billed “The Uncensored Oral History of Punk” – which is from a New York City perspective. It is entertaining reading, despite my not being terribly interested in some of t music / musicians being discussed.

The book starts with a bunch of stuff about The Velvet Underground. I am not a fan. I tried those records in the early 70’s, and couldn’t get the message. I also eventually tried some Lou Reed records, because of the apparent connection to David Bowie, and I couldn’t get that through my head either. I don’t mind David Bowie from the early 70’s, but…no go on Lou or the V.U.

Next comes Iggy Pop. I am not an Iggy & The Stooges fan. I once lived in an apartment in Hermosa Beach, CA – and a neighbor across the way used “I Wanna Be Your Dog” to cover up the sound of her arguing with her boyfriend. “Ugh, and I have to get up and go to work in the morning with this crap blaring at 2:30am?” – I don’t mind “The Idiot”, “Lust For Life” and even “New Values” – but I haven’t got that far in this book just yet. I always chuckle when I think of the song “Lust For Life” being sung by Tom Jones – or being used to sell cruise ships to…yuppie punks?

Also not much of an MC5 fan. Heard ‘em when I was a kid – but the pull of Krautrock was much stronger. It didn’t even matter to me about the “m. f.” stuff – that kind of language was all over records by The Fugs – years earlier!

Television and The Ramones – two groups that have never much troubled me. I own the debut album by each artist, however – the result of prowling inexpensive used CD bins. I heard both artists at the time they were ‘new’, as I was working in a hippie record store, and there were always a few punks around – Hi, Mott!

And not much more patience for Blondie or the Talking Heads. At least T.H. used Toshio Nakanishi artwork! I have “Best Of” CD’s for both these artists, which will likely suffice. I remember seeing the members of Blondie walking around The Whisky in Hollywood, desperate to be noticed. I think we were all there seeing The Screamers, a really good band.

I don’t do and have never done Patti Smith. It wasn’t enough that John Cale produced her debut album. It just didn’t say anything to me. And I would’ve been all of 17 or 18 when I first heard her. “Please Kill Me” paints a fairly ‘accurate’ picture of her – highly motivated, but majorly derivative. Not so interested in Jim Carroll either.

I still enjoy reading about all of this stuff, even if they don’t make my playlists. R.I.P., Jim Carroll and all deceased members of The Ramones, V.U., MC5, Stooges etc. It is a tale to be told.

Would a book about L.A.’s punks be better? Well, only in that I met / knew some of ‘em.

Santana

1-28-10 Santana

LP ABRAXIS COLUMBIA US KC 30130

1970? 9 TRKS poster

MD ABRAXIS COLUMBIA US CM 30130

1970? 9 TRKS

LP AMIGOS COLUMBIA US PC 33576

1976 7 TRKS Tadanori Yokoo artwork

CD BEST OF COLUMBIA US CK 65561

1998 16 TRK Collection

CD CARAVANSERAI COLUMBIA US CK 31610

1972 10 TRKS

LP CARAVANSERAI COLUMBIA US KC 31610

1972 10 TRKS

LP FESTIVAL COLUMBIA US PC 34423

1977 11 TRKS

CD GREATEST HITS COLUMBIA US CK 33050

1974 10 TRK Collection

MD GREATEST HITS COLUMBIA US CM 33050

1974 10 TRK Collection

LP LIVE! (with Buddy Miles) COLUMBIA US PC 31308

1972 6 TRKS Live, re-issue

LPx3 LOTUS CBS/SONY JPN SOPZ 7-8-9

1974 23 TRKS Live, inserts, posters; Tadanori Yokoo artwork

CDx3 LOTUS CBS/SONY JPN MHCP 1002-4

1974 23 TRKS ('06 issue) Live, inserts; kami sleeve

LPx2 MOONFLOWER CBS/SONY JPN 40AP 787/8

1977 20 TRKS Live, inserts

CDx2 MOONFLOWER COLUMBIA US C2K 63594

1977 19 TRKS Live ('03 issue)(3 x bonus tracks)

LP SANTANA (1st album) COLUMBIA US CS 9781

1969 9 TRKS 1st

CDx2 SANTANA (1st album) COLUMBIA US C2K 90272

1969 25 TRKS 1st ('04 issue) Deluxe edition

LP SANTANA (3rd album) COLUMBIA US KC 30595

1971 9 TRKS 3rd

CD WELCOME SONY JPN MHCP 1001

1973 9 TRKS ('06 master) kami sleeve

My brother liked Santana a lot, so that’s basically how I first encountered them. They were also real good in the “Woodstock’ movie. Lately, I’ve been trying to push forward (into the 70’s) with the band, and I’m all the way up to “Festival” or “Moonflower”, whichever came last. And I recently found a 1998 nicely re-mastered “Best Of” Columbia US CD, with lots of tracks. And as you can see by my list, I have 2 x Santana Sony Minidiscs.

I would probably be happy having all of the Columbia releases, but I am still working on all titles after the debut album, actually. I really should get re-mastered CD’s of “Abraxis” and “Santana (3^rd Album)”. The packaging of “Lotus” is amazing, easily the most elaborate packaging of any LP set – Tadanori Yokoo artwork, even! It has been masterfully reproduced as a little paper album cover (kami sleeve) CD, with all original inserts.

Not so sure about any titles after the Columbia era. I suppose it was always a question of “Who is the vocalist?” – ‘cause you always know who the guitarist is!

Catharsis / Roland Bocquet

1-27-10 Catharsis / Roland Bocquet

Catharsis:

LP BEST OF STERNE FR STE 26507

1975? 11 TRKS

LP CATHARSIS (Collection) SOLEIL FR SMA 33004

1974? 11 TRKS promo-only

7" LES CHEVRONS / SOLSTICE SARAVAH FR SH 40.042

1973? 2 TRKS with pic sleeve, autographed

CD MASQ / LES CHEVRONS / 32 MARS GRIFFE/CBS FR GRI 19009.2

1971/2/3 13 TRKS 2 on 1 (3 on 1?)

LP Vol. 1 - MASQ SARAVAH FR SH 10025

1971 4 TRKS

LP Vol. 2 - LES CHEVRONS FESTIVAL FR FLD 651

1972 4 TRKS

LP Vol. 3 - 32 MARS FESTIVAL FR FLD 652

1972? 4 TRK Collection

LP Vol. 4 - ILLUMINATIONS FESTIVAL FR FLD 655

1973 9 TRKS

CD Vol. 5 - BOLERO DU VEAU DES DAMES, LE SPALAX FR 14203

1975 6 TRKS

LP Vol. 5 - BOLERO DU VEAU DES DAMES, LE FESTIVAL FR FLD 676

1975 6 TRKS

CD Vol. 6 - ET S'AIMER...ET MOURIR SPALAX FR 14280

1976 6 TRKS ('94 issue)

LP Vol. 6 - ET S'AIMER...ET MOURIR FESTIVAL FR FLD 678

1976 6 TRKS autographed

Roland Bocquet:

LP LA BALANCE (O.S.T.) MILAN FR A 188

1982 8 TRKS V.A.

7" LA MARCHE DES CANARDS / L'ABEILLE COBRA FR COB 47.003

1977 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" LE FLIPPER AMOUREUX / (Instrumental) RCA FR RGB 707

1981 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" LE REPONDEUR AUTOMATIQUE / 5 SUR 5 RCA FR PB 8737

1981 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

LP PARADIA COBRA FR COB 37008

1978? 10 TRKS autographed

7" PETITES CANAILLES / BEBE CANAILLE CARRERE FR 13.365

1984 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

LP ROBOT BLEU RCA MEDIA RCM 17

1983 13 TRKS promo-only LP

LP ROBOT ROSE RCA MEDIA RCM 2

1982 12 TRKS promo-only LP

7" TCHAOU ET GRODO / (Instrumental) CARRERE FR 13.31

1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" X-OR / (Instrumental) CARRERE FR 13.266

1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

I’ve been a fan since the 70’s of French band Catharsis and their keyboard master Roland Bocquet. I’ve met him a number of times, usually in Paris. It’s weird how Catharsis aren’t more famous. My good friend Yael finally found me the CD of “Vol. 6” recently. Great stuff, mostly instrumental. Both “Paradia” and “Robot Rose” are amazing solo albums.

Kahimi Karie

1-26-10 Kahimi Karie

7" DO ME DO ME / ELASTIC GIRL TRATTORIA JP RI-2046

1995 2 TRKS no pic sleeve, promo-only

CD5 GIRLY CRUE-L JPN KYTHMAK 011D

1994 4 TRK CD Single CD5

CD3 GOOD MORNING WORLD TRATTORIA JP PSDR-5237

1995 2 TRK CD Single CD3; Menu 70

CD3 HUMMING GA KIKOEROU TRATTORIA JP PSDR-5257

1996 2 TRK CD Single CD3; Menu 95

CD5 I AM A KITTEN CRUE-L JPN KYTHMAK 015D

1995 5 TRK CD EP CD5

CD5 JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF ME POLYDOR JPN POCH-1927

2000 5 TRK CD EP CD5

CD K.K.K.K. LE GRAND M 60012.2

1998 15 TRKS U.S. pressing

LP K.K.K.K. CRUE-L JPN KYTHMAK 044A

1998 15 TRKS U.S. pressing, LP+12"

CD L'ARME DE CROCODILE CRUE-L JPN KYTHMAK 031D

1997 10 TRKS kami sleeve

LP L'ARME DE CROCODILE CRUE-L JPN KYTHMAK 031A

1997 10 TRKS clear vinyl, U.S. pressing

CD5 LE ROI SOLEIL TRATTORIA JP PSCR-5500

1996 6 TRK CD EP; Menu 99

CD5 LEUR L'EXISTENCE TRATTORIA JP PSCR-9102

1995 6 TRK EP CD5 + CD3; Menu 62

CD5 MIKE ALWAY'S DIARY CRUE-L JPN KYTHMAK 003D

1992 4 TRK CD Single CD5

CD5 MY FIRST KARIE TRATTORIA JP PSCR-5348

1995 6 TRK CD EP; Menu 56

CD5 ONCE UPON A TIME POLYDOR JPN POCH-1913

2000 5 TRK CD EP CD5

CD5 ONE THOUSAND 20th CENTURY CHAIRS POLYDOR JPN POCP-7297

1998 3 TRK CD Single CD5

CD TILT POLYDOR JPN POCH-1949

2000 13 TRKS

12" TINY KING KONG CRUE-L JPN KYTHMAK 029A

1997 4 TRKS with pic sleeve, U.S. pressing

CD5 TINY KING KONG CRUE-L JPN KYTHMAK 029D

1997 4 TRK CD Single CD5

Kahimi Karie is a Japanese female vocalist who used to hang around with Cornelius (Keigo Oyamada); some of her more interesting records were created by Momus (Nick Currie). I’ve seen her play live, I’ve met her. Her voice isn’t much, and I have tried to collect all of her Trattoria label recordings, but I have not succeeded 100% in this endeavor.

I was always a bit baffled that she seemed to be signed to two different companies at the same time in Japan (Crue-L and Trattoria). I never got past her “Tilt” album, either. It just seemed like I didn’t see her stuff anymore, when I visited Japan last.

“Good Morning World” is a great place to start – it’s a Momus song that utilizes Soft Machine samples! How can you go wrong with that combination? I am also quite fond of her EP “Le Roi Soleil”, which has a nice set of Momus and Cornelius tunes.

p.s. pictured 1996 CD EP is for sale, 6 tracks, looks to be factory sealed - easily her most consistent work: 1. Le Roi Soleil 2. Take It Easy My Brother Charlie 3. Ma Langue Au Chat 4. Son Of A Gun 5. A Fantastic Moment 6. Humming Ga Kikoeru - $10 postpaid in the US/Canada, $15 outside of the US.

John Foxx

1-25-10 John Foxx

12" BURNING CAR VIRGIN JPN VIP-5903

1980 6 TRK EP; picture labels, insert

7" BURNING CAR / 20th CENTURY VIRGIN UK VS 360

1980 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" BURNING CAR / 20th CENTURY pic disc VIRGIN UK VSY 360

1980 2 TRKS no pic sleeve, pic disc

12" DANCING LIKE A GUN / SWIMMER I + II VIRGIN UK VS 459-12

1981 3 TRKS with pic sleeve

12" ENDLESSLY / A KIND OF WAVE VIRGIN UK VS 543-12

1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" ENDLESSLY / DANCE WITH ME VIRGIN JPN VIPX-1722

1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" ENDLESSLY / YOUNG MAN VIRGIN UK VS 513

1982 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" ENDLESSLY / YOUNG MAN pic disc VIRGIN UK VSY 513

1982 2 TRKS no pic sleeve, pic disc

12" EUROPE AFTER THE RAIN VIRGIN UK VS 393-12

1981 3 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" EUROPE AFTER THE RAIN / PATER NOSTER VIRGIN JPN VIPX-1618

1981 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" EUROPE AFTER THE RAIN / THIS JUNGLE VIRGIN UK VS 393

1981 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

CD GARDEN, THE VIRGIN UK CDV 2194

1981 16 TRKS (6 x bonus tracks)

LP GARDEN, THE VIRGIN UK V 2194

1981 10 TRKS 2nd album, large booklet

CD GOLDEN SECTION, THE EDSEL UK EDCD 704

1983 16 TRKS (6 x bonus tracks) ('01 issue)

LP GOLDEN SECTION, THE VIRGIN UK V 2233

1983 10 TRKS 3rd album

CD IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS VIRGIN UK CDV 2355

1985 10 TRKS 4th album

LP IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS VIRGIN UK V 2355

1985 10 TRKS 4th album

LP JOHN FOXX (Collection) VIRGIN CAN META 1101

1981 10 TRK Collection

12" LIKE A MIRACLE VIRGIN UK VS 645-12

1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" LIKE A MIRACLE / WINGS AND A WIND VIRGIN UK VS 645

1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

CD METAMATIC VIRGIN UK CDV 2146

1980 16 TRKS 6 x bonus tracks

LP METAMATIC VIRGIN UK V 2146

1980 10 TRKS 1st album, Ultravox

7" MILES AWAY / A LONG TIME VIRGIN UK VS 382

1980 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" MY FACE (Flexidisc) SMASH HITS 198082

1980 1 TRK flexi-disc

7" NO-ONE DRIVING (7" x 2) VIRGIN UK VS 338

1980 4 TRK EP; with pic sleeve, 7"x2

7" STARS ON FIRE (7" x 2) VIRGIN UK VS 771

1985 4 TRK EP; with pic sleeve, 7"x2

7" UNDERPASS / FILM 1 VIRGIN UK VS 318

1980 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

12" YOUR DRESS VIRGIN UK VS 615-12

1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" YOUR DRESS (7" x 2) VIRGIN UK VS 615

1983 4 TRK EP; with pic sleeve, 7"x2

I saw Ultravox with John Foxx live a couple of times in 1978 or so. They were already playing “Touch and Go”. I was the natural intended audience for “Metamatic”, when it was released in 1980. I ate it up. Mr. Foxx never came back to L.A. as a live on stage solo act, unfortunately.

I only recently completed by 80’s CD collection of Mr. Foxx’s first 4 solo albums. It took forever for me to find the right version of “The Golden Section” (with the right bonus tracks). The only CD that has the same tracks as the LP is album #4, “In Mysterious Ways”. All the others are healthy with bonus tracks.

I wonder why “Young Love” wasn’t released as the debut John Foxx solo 45? It exists only as a bonus track on the “Metamatic” CD. There’s no 45 of it that I am aware of.

And “Metamatic” is, of course, the most interesting for me. Real tight sound, perfect for serious young insects in 1980. “Metal Beat” was even the name of his record company. Kraftwerk already said “Metal On Metal” – and we’re not talking heavy here! I remember getting the early John Foxx music videos off of “Music Box”, the forerunner of MTV Europe, but I forget if it was “Underpass” or “No One Driving”. We eventually got a PAL VHS video of some of the early Foxx solo music clips.

There were also unique couplings in Japan, Canada – plenty to keep the obsessive fans busy. I remember that I absolutely loved the “Miles Away” b/w “A Long Time” 45. Just loved it, wished that there were whole albums that sounded like that – when they’re weren’t, really. And I felt like I was “in on the joke” with the “Endlessly” 45 – John Foxx plays psychedelic hits.

I probably don’t have every 45 / 12” of his in my original collection – I sort of lost interest at the time of “The Golden Section”, so I didn’t keep up. I was very focused on Australia and New Zealand, as some of you will recall. There wasn’t much going on in England in 1985 that interested me, actually (apart from old UK favorites such as Scritti Politti and A Certain Ratio).

But in 2010, I am OK with the first 4 solo albums by John Foxx. As with the usual law of diminishing averages, I like the first one best.