Music Life

Join me over on Wordpress

2010-08-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

It's official!

"Music Life" is moving over to Wordpress as "The Ron Kane Files"!

It'll be just like starting over...

http://ronkanefiles.wordpress.com/

As of 8/12/10, "Music Life" is finished and "The Ron Kane Files" over at Wordpress has begun!

My thanks to regular readers Jim Donato, Brian Ware and Dana Madore!

Bye, y'all!

- Ron

We might be moving...

2010-08-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

The Ron Kane Files may be moving shortly...

Thinking about:

http://ronkanefiles.wordpress.com

My thanks to Jim Donato for suggesting Wordpress.

- RK

Byg - Rock Generation

2010-08-12T07:08:00.000-07:00

8-12-10

Byg: Rock Generation series

I recently completed the Byg Records “Rock Generation series!

LP BYG: ROCK GENERATION Vol. 01 BYG FR

529 701 8 TRKS Animals (Live, Newcastle, 12/63) / Yardbirds (Live, Marquee, London, 3/64)

LP BYG: ROCK GENERATION Vol. 02 BYG FR

529 702 9 TRKS Animals / Yardbirds (as Vol. 1)

LP BYG: ROCK GENERATION Vol. 03 BYG FR

529 703 8 TRKS Graham Bond Organization (Live, Klook’s Kleek, 10/64)/ Sonny Boy Williamson (w/ The Animals) (Live, Newcastle, 12/63)

LP BYG: ROCK GENERATION Vol. 04 BYG FR

529 704 8 TRKS Graham Bond Organization / Sonny Boy Williamson (as Vol. 3)

LP BYG: ROCK GENERATION Vol. 05 BYG FR

529 705 8 TRKS Spencer Davis Group, Rod Stewart, Long John Baldry, Yardbirds etc. (Live, 2/64)

LP BYG: ROCK GENERATION Vol. 06 BYG FR

529 706 9 TRKS Long John Baldry, Rod Stewart, Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger etc. (Live as “Steampacket”, 12/65)

LP BYG: ROCK GENERATION Vol. 07 BYG FR

529 707 10 TRKS Soft Machine (4/67) / Gary Farr & The T-Bones (Live. 9/64 – 3/65)

LP BYG: ROCK GENERATION Vol. 08 BYG FR

529 708 8 TRKS Soft Machine (4/67) / Mark Leeman 5 (Live, 5/65) & Davy Graham (Live, 12/67)

LP BYG: ROCK GENERATION Vol. 09 BYG FR

529 709 8 TRKS Brian Auger (rec. between ’64 & ’67) / Sonny Boy Williamson & Jimmy Page (4/65)

LP BYG: ROCK GENERATION Vol. 10 BYG FR

529 710 10 TRKS Julie Driscoll, Jimmy Page etc. (as Vol. 9)

For years, all I had were the 2 volumes that featured the Soft Machine – until the CD age, it was the only way you could get to hear the original demos of the original Soft Machine. What all the tracks in this series have in common were that most were recorded and / or produced by Giorgio Gomelsky, a man closely associated with the Yardbirds, in the 1960’s.

I think this series was released in France in the early 1970’s – but I am not exactly certain just when. I got the Soft Machine volumes about ’74 or so. The one that took some time – for some reason, was Vol. 4: the Graham Bond Organization on one side and Sonny Boy Williamson on the other.

I hasten to add that some of these recordings are live and not exactly what one would call ‘top drawer’. I am relatively certain that the Soft Machine tracks are ‘demos’. And the Graham Bond Organization, the Animals and the Yardbirds are somewhat crude live recordings (lots of over-loading, some distortion etc.)

This is the 2^nd set of stuff I have completed this year, the other being the Track Record UK “Backtrack” series, another early 70’s various artists LP set.

P.S. I recently discovered that this series was available on CD since 1997! I just found Vol. 1 in San Francisco last weekend!

On the road to...My Ultimate Collection

2010-08-11T06:42:00.000-07:00

8-11-10

On the road…to My Ultimate Collection

Towards the end of July, I actually began assembling what I will refer to as “My Ultimate Collection” – titles that I will have the time to listen to again before I die, titles I would like to discuss with my friends, titles that I feel are essential to who I am. I got some nice boxes with lids given to me by a former co-worker, so: The Project has Begun!

First off, the title that represents me above all others is the third LP by Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention called “We’re Only In It For The Money” (1968) (#1). I first got this LP when I was about 10 years old – 40+ years ago. I played it to death, memorized the lyrics and liner notes, and spent the next four decades finding every possible variant edition of this title. The recent “Lumpy Money” Zappa Family Trust mail-order 3CD set is excellent, too – as it is the CD debut of the mono version of this glorious title, which is a very nifty remix of the stereo version. I have chosen the Mobile Fidelity gold disc edition to represent the beginning of “My Ultimate Collection” – it’s a nicely mastered stereo copy of the slightly-less-censored version of the U.S. stereo version of this album. I’ll probably eventually add the mono promo LP to “My Ultimate Collection”, but for now – this gets us going. This title would still be my first choice, even if I decided to only have a collection of 10 or 100 or 1,000 titles. For me, this is it. It is what I learned about music made on Earth during my lifetime that I will want to immortalize. If you are not familiar with this album, I would love to send you a copy of it, so that we can discuss it in greater detail. I have approx. 17 different versions of this title – and that’s not enough, there must be a few more that I haven’t encountered.

After placing #1 into “My Ultimate Collection” box, I opened a different box of recent purchases where I had collected the Folkways / Smithsonian CD’s that I own, and spotted my somewhat obvious #2 title for “My Ultimate Collection”: John Cage and David Tudor “Indeterminacy” (1959) (#2). This title has been contiguously available ever since it’s original release in 1959, per the directive of Moses Asch of Folkways Records – eventually the lovely 2LP boxed set (with ‘libretto’) gave way to the world’s only CD edition (a 2CD!) in 1992. Always only ever a mono record / CD, I first encountered this in the early 70’s – at a Thrifty Drug Store, probably for $1.97 – I had already been reading about John Cage, but had never heard any up to that point in my young life. It wiped away the crud from my young mind – the recent 60’s, all the ‘rock music’, all the crap on TV…it made my life interesting. I can’t even begin to imagine the job of annotating this tremendous spoken word album – who are all the people he talks about? Where are the places he lived, that he went to? Illumination occurred when I found his book “Silence” (1961) in the mid-70’s, where some of the “Indeterminacy’ stories turned up in print – with even more appearing in another Cage book, “A Year From Monday” (1967). Cage’s voice is appealing and the often cacophonous noise is manipulated by David Tudor from Cage’s works “Concert for Piano and Orchestra” (1957-58) and “Fontana Mix” (1950-59). “Indeterminacy’ was for me the most impressive introduction to the avant-garde music world. After it, I listened to everything differently.

So, to start “My Ultimate Collection” – two American masters: Frank Zappa (1940 – 1993) and John Cage (1912 – 1992). My Project has begun.

Last Night's Playlist

2010-08-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

Some vinyl I played last night:

LEVEL 42 – Sun Goes Down, The (Living It Up) (12”)

After seeing them last week

KING CURTIS – I Was Made To Love Her

I wish my LP of this was in better shape

ROLLING STONES – Rip This Joint

From an original US LP, after hearing about the recent expensive re-issues

BEATLES – I Need You (’77 “Love Songs” remix)

I guess it did all get totally remixed in the 70's

WHO, THE – Happy Jack (mono)

From an 80's "Greatest Hits" LP, but why was it in mono?

CREAM – Politician

From an original UK LP, best sound available with this LP

JONES, GRACE – Cry Now, Laugh Later (12” remix)

Amazed that there is still 12" stuff not on CD from dear Grace

STRANGLERS – Choosey Susie

The give-away 45 from the first album

SPEDDING, CHRIS – Box Number

Album track from "I'm Not Like Everybody Else"

DEAF SCHOOL – Capaldi’s Café

Album track from "Don't Stop The World"

PROCOL HARUM – Lime Street Blues

From the "Best Of" LP, yet still in mono

JUICY LUCY – Who Do You Love

From a re-issue of their debut LP

DEPARTMENT S – Going Left Right (12”)

Slightly extended version, still excellent, as always...

My July 2010 List

2010-08-02T17:57:00.000-07:00

8-2-10

My July 2010 List

In July 2010, I bought / obtained:

ADAMS, JOHN – FEARFUL SYMMETRIES – WOUND DRESSER, NONESUCH US CD

AQUARIANS – JUNGLE GRASS, UNI US 7" promo

ARBUCKLE, BOB / V. MIKKELSON etc. – OLD TIME COUPLE DANCES, FOLKWAYS US LP

AYERS, KEVIN – RAINBOW TAKEAWAY, BGO UK CD

BASIL, TONI – MICKEY, CHRYSALIS US 7” W/PS

BEATLES, THE – BEATLES IN MONO, TOSHIBA JPN CD13 boxed set

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA – ATOM BOMB, REALWORLD US CD

BLIND FAITH – s/t, POLYDOR US CD re-mastered

BLONDIE / DEBORAH HARRY – COMPLETE PICTURE, CHRYSALIS UK CD

BROWN, JUNIOR – GUIT WITH IT, CURB US CD

CHEAP TRICK – I WANT YOU TO WANT ME (Live), EPIC US 7” W/PS

DAMNED, THE – LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL, MCA US CD Disc #1 only

DAMNED, THE – PHANTASMAGORIA, UNIVERSAL JPN CD kami sleeve

DIBANGO, MANU – JOUE SIDNEY BECHET, CRISTAL FR CD + DVD

EDMUNDS, DAVE – I KNEW THE BRIDE, SWAN SONG UK 7"

ELECTRIC FLAG – A LONG TIME COMIN', COLUMBIA US CD

FAME, GEORGIE / BLUE FLAMES – YEAH YEAH, EMI/COLUMBIA UK 7"

FINN, TIM – CRESCENDO, CAPITOL US 12" promo

FRITH, FRED – CHEAP AT HALF THE PRICE, ESD US CD

GIANT CRAB – COOL IT, UNI US 7" promo

GOODBODY, SLIM – INSIDE STORY, CAEDMON US LP w/ poster

HIROTA, JOJI – GATE, REALWORLD US CD

HODGE, CHRIS – WE'RE ON OUR WAY, APPLE US 7”

HUBBELL, FRANK / STOMPERS – PENNY CANDY, ATCO US LP dixieland

JETHRO TULL – LIVING IN THE PAST, CHRYSALIS US 7" promo

JONES, HOWARD – THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER, ELEKTRA US 7” W/PS

KINKS, THE – YOU REALLY GOT ME, REPRISE US 7"

LIBERACE – BRAND NEW ME, CCM US CD Easy Listening

LOVICH, LENE – NEW TOY, STIFF UK 12" W/PS

MILLER, PHIL – SPLIT SECONDS, RECKLESS UK LP

MOVE, THE – SOMETHING ELSE FROM THE MOVE, CUBE FR LP collection

NOBLES & CO., CLIFF – HORSE FEVER, PHIL-L.A. OF US 7"

NOBLES & CO., CLIFF – HORSE, DIRECTION UK 7"

NORDINE, KEN – FOUR CLASSIC ALBUMS ON A 2CD SET, REAL GONE UK 2CD

NORDINE, KEN – THREE CLASSIC ALBUMS Vol. 2, REAL GONE UK 2CD

O.S.T. – STRAIGHT TO HELL, REPERTOIRE DE CD Joe Strummer etc.

ORQUESTA REVE – LA EXPLOSION DEL MOMENTO!, REALWORLD US CD

POLNAREFF, MICHEL – s/t (aka Fame a la Mode), ATLANTIC FR LP

ROSA LUXEMBURG – ROSA LUXEMBORG II, MIDI/SCHOOL JPN CD

ROTA, NINO – TUTTI I FILM DI FELLINI, CAM IT LP

SEEGER, PETE – DARLING COREY – GOOFING-OFF SUITE, FOLKWAYS US CD

SIMPLE MINDS – ALIVE AND KICKING, A&M US 7” W/PS

SIMPLE MINDS – SANCTIFY YOURSELF, A&M US 7” W/PS

SOUND FX – SOUNDS OF NORTH AMERICAN FROGS, FOLKWAYS US CD

SOUND FX – WEEK IN HAWAII – ISLAND JUNGLE, RYKODISC US CD

T. REX – RIDE A WHITE SWAN, REPRISE US 7" promo

TROPICANOS, LOS – OH QUE DELICIA Vol. 2, PARLOPHONE BR LP Easy Listening

TURTLES – GOLDEN HITS, WHITE WHALE US LP

V.A. – DISCOVER INDONESIA, FOLKWAYS US CD

V.A. – ENDANGERED MUSIC – THE SPIRIT CRIES, RYKODISC US CD

V.A. – ENFANTS, LES #2, POLYDOR JPN CD

V.A. – GARDEN OF DELIGHTS, ELEKTRA UK 2LP

V.A. – HEART OF CAPE BRETON, FOLKWAYS US CD

V.A. – MUSIC OF INDONESIA – INDONESIA GUITARS, FOLKWAYS US CD

V.A. – ROCK GENERATION Vol. 04, BYG FR LP Graham Bond Organization

V.A. – TOP OF THE STAX – 20 GREATEST HITS Vol. 2, STAX US CD

V.A. – VOICE OF TOTALLY WIRED Vol. 4, ACID JAZZ UK CD

V.A. – VOICE OF TOTALLY WIRED Vol. 6, ACID JAZZ UK CD

WHO, THE – I CAN'T EXPLAIN, MCA US 7" re-issue

WINCHELL, PAUL / JERRY MAHONEY – CHIPS OF WISDOM, AAMCO US LP

WOOLEY, SHEB – IT'S A BIG LAND, MGM US LP

XTC – MUMMER, TOSHIBA JPN CD kami sleeve

XTC – NONSUCH, TOSHIBA JPN CD kami sleeve

YOSHIDA, NAOYA / APO – SHORT PIECE, 247 / DEL GIFU JPN SACD classical

ZAPPA, FRANK – ABSOLUTELY FREE, RYKODISC US CD re-mastered

ZAPPA, FRANK – FRANCESCO ZAPPA, RYKODISC US CD re-mastered

ZAPPA, FRANK – THING-FISH, EMI UK 2CD original edition

ZAPPA, FRANK – THING-FISH, RYKODISC US 2CD re-mastered

It was during July, 2010 that my collection hit 25,000 pieces / titles.

Blogging Anniversary

2010-07-30T06:43:00.001-07:00

7-30-10

Blogging Anniversary

I began blogging approx. July 30, 2002. That means I have now finished 8 full years of blogging. This blog is in it’s 3^rd incarnation. I think I’ll be keeping the Ronkanefiles for a while. During these eight years, I have only taken a small amount of time off from blogging.

The big differences between 2002 and now re: blogging: I can now post photos; you can tick a little box saying if you found the blog amusing, informative or pleasing; I can add ‘tags’ to my blogs, making them easier to find. Astonishingly enough, Blogger is still free-of-charge!

I may try to update my profile one day soon; I think the info on there is a few years old. Don’t worry, I’ll check it before I make any changes.

In the past, I have joked that I should change my blog to become a restaurant review or travel blog – but I’ll stick to music. Now that I am winding down my collecting, I may have some interesting new views on the music I love.

For me, the best part of the blogging experience has been the people who read my blog. Thanks for reading my stuff! Any requests? Anything special you want me to write about? Is there anything you’d like to see me re-run (or write anew about)?

Regular readers Chas & Jim have their own music blogs – I urge you to check ‘em out! (See the profile page, I think!)

When I started blogging, I think my first blog was me being somewhat dismissive about The Monkees. I have 3 x Monkees CD’s now, the first album, the soundtrack to “Head” and a latter-day “Best Of” (on Rhino). If you are not familiar with it, the original soundtrack for “Head” is an amazing piece of singer / songwriter genius meets commercial paid-for psychedelia. And you all know the hits!

I try to stay away from writing ‘bad reviews’ of artists I don’t particularly deal in. Something along the lines of “If I don’t have something intelligent to say…keep mouth shut”. It’s worked for me / us so far.

I went and saw Level 42 last night, with Joe. They were pretty darned good. The T-shirt was $25. It wasn’t ‘too loud’ of a show. The venue (“The Grove of Anaheim”) was OK – $10 to park my car, but at least it wasn’t ‘valet parking’. It was the first time I ever saw a parking stub for a venue printed with a band’s name on it!

So, on to “Year #9” for the Ronkanefiles!

I shall return on 8/11/10 – the day after my 52^nd birthday (and a visit to San Francisco). Thanks for reading my stuff!

- Ron Kane

Listening to Phonograph Records

2010-07-29T06:28:00.000-07:00

7-29-10

Listening to Phonograph Records

The illustration I have posted today should be called “Child listening to phonograph Records” – the child in the illustration could be me. If I was young enough, I desperately wanted long hair. More than once, when I was a young person, I was mistaken for being a ‘girl’ – because of my (clean) long hair. (Illustration is credited to Ron King, Art Director, Academy of Sciences – from the book “Introducing Our Western Birds – California State Series”, 1967). Odd, I used to sometimes use “Ron King” as a pseudonym!

And I certainly listened to phonograph records when I was a child! I had a few that were ‘mine’, but I also wandered through both my parents and siblings record collections. In fact, I think each and every member of my family had a phonograph record collection (in the 1960’s). Yes, it was groovy back then – but it was the only real way to go! And I have had a life-long fascination with recordable formats – cassette, 8-track, reel-to-reel, mini-disc, CD-R etc.

What would the person in the illustration be listening to? Per the book, you’re supposed to “Listen to recordings of the songs of Western birds”. I was listening to Bob Dylan, Country Joe & The Fish, the Jefferson Airplane, Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention, The Fugs etc. in 1967. Sure, I didn’t get all the jokes…but the music really etched itself into my fertile young mind. I still enjoy psychedelic music!

Recorded music on phonograph records was really my window to the world-at-large. It seemed that there was nothing I needed to know that wasn’t on phonograph records, when I was young. What would I have done, if not for phonograph records?

“Beware a man who is not moved by sound”

= = =

Tonight, Joe & I will be going to see Level 42 play a live concert. They haven't toured here lately...

Too Much Stuff

2010-07-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

7-28-10

Too Much Stuff

A short while ago, I actually got to the point where I don’t want to add any more titles to my music collection. I want to try to keep my collection at (or less than) 25,000 titles. Yes, I have over-collected and there are numerous titles that I have variants on. But I also went down a lot of dead end streets in my collecting – in some cases, entire genres that I don’t need to collect (US 50’s/60’s country & western, for instance; easy listening titles that don’t meet my criteria of having enough ‘funny’ cover versions; R&B – guess I’d better stick to the artists I actually like and want to collect a bit etc.)

While on vacation in San Luis Obispo, I saw a TLC (“The Learning Channel”) show about people who hoard stuff – “Buried Alive: Hoarding” or thereabouts. My home isn’t as bad as some of those people, but I can tell that if it’s left unattended, my home might well become a real mess.

So, I’ve been outside in the back yard, watering. I have a covered patio where I can store boxes on pallets. Very soon, I am going to empty my storage unit onto a pallet, on this patio. I bet I don’t need any of what I have been paying to store.

I guess I have hoarded a lot of music, including some stuff I am not particularly interested in. And then there’s all the paper / print…how to extract the info off of paper onto my computer? I suppose I could scan everything…or re-type it, if it wasn’t much.

The idea behind all the paper hoarding is to have all the information I ever read about (my place in) the world of music. Record label catalogues, distributor catalogues, tons of magazines – they all have info that I think I will eventually find useful. 50+ years of stuff! I still need to get to the clothes in my closets, but recently – boxes of CD’s have gotten in the way of one closet. I must clear a path!

I also want to buy a new bed (or futon – see upper left in photo). Been sleeping on the one I have for 12+ years now. In addition to getting rid of the old futon, I will have to move some CD’s (in boxes) to make way for a new bed / frame in my room. Yeah!

I could always clear out the garage and make room for more boxes to be stored out there. Dang, I really want to get rid of some of that ½ videotape! Anybody want any VHS or Betas?

But I think no tears will be shed by my getting rid of some of the titles in my music collection. I am selling at the next Claremont swap meet, in September – if you’re in California, stop on by – you may be surprised! (Email me for details)

The Deviants / Mick Farren

2010-07-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

7-27-10

The Deviants / Mick Farren

British ‘social conscience’ band, tempered with lots of drugs (psychedelic and otherwise), primitive recorded sound, varying levels of enthusiasm, performance ability etc. Lead vocalist Mick Farren lives in Los Angeles these days, and even has a blog:

http://doc40.blogspot.com/

As a young impressionable individual, I happened across the vinyl phonograph records of The Deviants in the late 1960’s. The one I found first was “Ptoof!” – and I can’t conclusively state this is their 1^st or 2^nd album! It has some charming late 60’s anti-social rock ‘n’ roll nonsense about it – “Nothing Man”, anyone? (UK: Underground Impresarios, US: Sire)

The next one I got was definitely album #3, appropriately titled “Deviants 3” – seemed to have a bit more going on the music – again, late 60’s UK blues-based rock ‘n’ roll. Love the “nun cover”, eh? (UK: Transatlantic, US: Sire)

And at some point, I found what is likely their 1^st album, but could just as likely be their 2^nd album, ”Disposable” – on this 1967/8 LP, their association to rock music would seem to be on par with, say, The Fugs (which is a compliment!) – obscenity (actual or inferred) seemed to be the order of the day. I actually chased after this LP for a number of years, as I heard that Cream lyricist Pete Brown was on it! (He is!!) (UK: Stable, US: Sire)

These three albums, together with a Mick Farren solo album (“Mona – The Carnivorous Circus”, UK: Transatlantic, no US issue) were all I ever knew about these guys for years and years. Somehow, they got ‘popular’ in Japan, and there are now way more Deviants albums on CD than there ever were on vinyl! Yes, all three of their original albums are on CD.

A cousin band to The Deviants was the Pink Fairies – who, like The Deviants, always incorporated humor into their hard rockin’ music. A little further down the line, we can also say that the original Motorhead was a cousin band to The Deviants (Larry Wallis!)

Not as mainstream as The Who or The Stones – I always felt that one shouldn’t be ignorant of The Deviants just because their albums were obscure in the USA. It’s funny stuff, but not Zappa or Bonzo Dog Band funny. Sort of an ‘evil funny’, if you will. Take a look at Farren’s blog – with a hefty dose of tolerance and humor, lots of counter-culture rhetoric, with Farren’s oddball sexism and graphic flare.

So, smoke ‘em if you got ‘em – take out and play Side 1 of “Deviants 3” and consider that there isn’t yet a movement to re-christen it “The great lost 60’s UK LP!” that, say, The Pretty Things “S.F. Sorrow” or The Zombies “Odyssey & Oracle” transmogrified into. It could happen!

Y.M.O.

2010-07-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

7-26-10

Y.M.O. (Yellow Magic Orchestra)

I believe I was standing in the Kinokuniya bookstore in San Francisco’s Japantown Mall when I first heard Y.M.O. – circa ’80. I do not remember if I’d read about them yet or not. By ’81, I was working at an importer / exporter – and regularly ‘reading’; Japanese music magazines (notably “Music Life”, “Ongaku Senka” etc). Y.M.O. were already generating tons of releases, with their numerous solo albums. I think one time I toted up the number of YMO & YMO solo (& related) releases, and the total number was over 250!

I have many more collections, singles etc., but the ‘core’ of my Y.M.O. collection is:

LPx2 AFTER SERVICE YEN/ALFA JPN YLR-40001/2

1984 20 TRKS red vinyl, promo

CDx2 AFTER SERVICE ALFA JPN ALCA-5225/6

1984 19 TRKS ('98 issue) kami sleeve

LP BGM ALFA JPN ALR-28015

1981 10 TRKS insert

CD BGM ALFA JPN ALCA-5220

1981 10 TRKS '98 re-mastered; kami sleeve

CD LIVE AT BUDOKAN 1980 ALFA JPN ALCA-9051

1980 15 TRKS Live ('93 issue)

CD LIVE AT KINOKUNI-YA HALL 1978 ALFA JPN ALCA-9052

1978 9 TRKS Live ('93 issue)

LP NAUGHTY BOYS YEN/ALFA JPN YLR-28008

1983 10 TRKS insert

CD NAUGHTY BOYS ALFA JPN ALCA-5222

1983 10 TRKS '98 re-mastered; kami sleeve

LP NAUGHTY BOYS (Instrumental) YEN/ALFA JPN YLR-20002

1983 10 TRKS insert

CD NAUGHTY BOYS (Instrumental) ALFA JPN ALCA-5223

1983 10 TRKS '98 re-mastered; kami sleeve

CD PUBLIC PRESSURE ALFA JPN ALCA-5217

1980 9 TRKS '98 re-mastered; kami sleeve

LP PUBLIC PRESSURE clear vinyl promo ALFA JPN ALR-6033

1980 8 TRKS Live, insert; clear vinyl, promo

LPx4 SEALED (4LP boxed set) YEN/ALFA JPN YLR-80001-4

1984 35 TRK Collection, boxed set

LP SERVICE YEN/ALFA JPN YLR-28013

1983 14 TRKS Yellow vinyl promo, insert

CD SERVICE ALFA JPN ALCA-5224

1983 14 TRKS '98 re-mastered; kami sleeve

LP SOLID STATE SURVIVOR ALFA JPN ALR-6022

1979 8 TRKS insert

CD SOLID STATE SURVIVOR ALFA JPN ALCA-5216

1979 8 TRKS 1998 re-mastered; kami sleeve

LP TECHNODELIC ALFA JPN ALR-28030

1981 10 TRKS 1st cover, booklet

CD TECHNODELIC ALFA JPN ALCA-5221

1981 10 TRKS '98 re-master

CD TECHNODON EASTWORLD JPN TOCT-8010

1993 12 TRKS gimmix cover, original issue

10" X INFINITY MULTIPLIES (10" vers.) ALFA JPN YMO-1

1980 12 TRK EP; Snakeman Show

CD X INFINITY MULTIPLIES (10" vers.) ALFA JPN ALCA-5218

1980 12 TRKS '98 re-mastered; kami sleeve

LP YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA ALFA JPN ALR-6012

1978 10 TRKS insert

CD YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA ALFA JPN ALCA-5214

1978 10 TRKS '98 re-mastered; kami sleeve

LP YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA (US vers.) A&M US SP-736

1979 9 TRKS Yellow vinyl, U.S. mix

CD YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA (US vers.) ALFA JPN ALCA-5215

1979 9 TRKS '98 re-mastered; kami sleeve

Y.M.O. are Haruomi Hosono, Yukihiro Takahashi and Ryuichi Sakamoto. My favorite album is still “Technodelic”. I never had the opportunity to see them live. But I did buy plenty of live shows by them on legit videotape, laserdisc and DVD! And I am a huge fan of the Osaka comedy group Snakeman Show who grace a number of YMO releases. I even got to meet Moichi Kuwahara of Snakeman Show in Tokyo! (In fact, Moichi and I both have liner notes in the 2^nd Watermelon CD, “Out Of Body Experience”! Another story…)

These days, YMO sometimes get called “the Japanese Kraftwerk”, but I don’t think that’s 100% correct. And I hear they’re playing live again…as “Hasymo”.

Their solo works deserve their own pages, but I’m not going to write that now. My friend in NY, Nick, has a wonderful webpage about YMO:

http://artcontext.com/artskool/jem/ymo1.html

Paul McCartney

2010-07-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

7-23-10

Paul McCartney – The 70’s

CD McCARTNEY CAPITOL US CDP 746611.2

1970 13 TRKS

LP McCARTNEY APPLE UK PCS 7102

1970 14 TRKS UK original issue

CD RAM TOSHIBA JPN TOCP-65501

1971 12 TRKS kami sleeve ('99 issue)

LP RAM APPLE UK PAS 10003

1971 12 TRKS UK original issue

CD WILD LIFE re EMI UK CDPMCOL 3

1971 14 TRKS 6 x bonus tracks, '93 re-master

LP WILD LIFE APPLE UK PCS 7142

1971 8 TRKS UK original issue

CDx2 BAND ON THE RUN - 25th ANNIVERSARY EDITION (2CD) CAPITOL US 99176.2

1973 10 TRKS ('99 issue) 25th Annv.; inserts, bonus disc etc.

LPx2 BAND ON THE RUN - 25th ANNIVERSARY EDITION CAPITOL US 99176.1

1973 10 TRKS 25th Annv.; inserts etc.

CD RED ROSE SPEEDWAY CAPITOL US CDM 752026.2

1973 12 TRKS 3 x bonus tracks

LP RED ROSE SPEEDWAY APPLE DE 1C062-05311 D

1973 9 TRKS booklet

LP VENUS AND MARS CAPITOL US SMAS-11419

1975 13 TRKS poster, stickers

CD VENUS AND MARS CAPITOL US CDP 746984.2

1975 16 TRKS 3 x bonus tracks (1st US CD issue)

LP AT THE SPEED OF SOUND CAPITOL US SW-11525

1976 11 TRKS

CD AT THE SPEED OF SOUND re CAPITOL CAN 789140.2

1976 14 TRKS ('93 issue) 3 x bonus tracks

CDx2 WINGS OVER AMERICA TOSHIBA JPN TOCP-5986/7

1976 28 TRKS Live ('90 issue)

LPx3 WINGS OVER AMERICA CAPITOL US SWCO-11593

1976 28 TRKS Live, poster

LP LONDON TOWN CAPITOL US SW-11777

1978 14 TRKS

CD LONDON TOWN re EMI NL 89265.2

1978 16 TRKS ('93 re-master, 2 x bonus tracks)

LP BACK TO THE EGG COLUMBIA US FC 36057

1979 14 TRKS

CD BACK TO THE EGG re EMI UK CDPMCOL 10

1979 17 TRKS 3 x bonus tracks, '93 re-master

I can pretty comfortable with the 1970’s works of Paul McCartney. I was a big Beatles’ fan – still am. Paul’s 70’s output is pop music. I didn’t go and see Wings play live, but I sure remember it like it was yesterday. My late sister was particularly fond of Paul’s guitarist, Jimmy McCulloch.

I think “Tomorrow” on “Wild Life” is as good as anything Paul ever did with The Beatles. “Band On The Run” is a very solid 1973 pop album – no bad tracks. I think the kettle was dry for “At The Speed Of Sound”, never particularly fond of “Silly Love Songs” – even if I did chase the picture sleeve of the 45!

I still paid attention to some of Paul’s 80’s work – “Tug Of War” wasn’t bad, and the stuff he did with Elvis Costello was fairly good work for either man. I still try Paul’s new stuff, but I expect a lot less these days. And it took Paul years to get around to experimental albums, unlike the rest of The Beatles (Harrison’s “Electronic Sound”, anyone?).

New Trolls

2010-07-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

7-22-10

New Trolls

An Italian progressive band, the New Trolls formed towards the end of the 60’s and made their best stuff from ’72 – ’76.

CD ATOMIC SYSTEM ARCANGELO JPN ARC-7023

1973 7 TRKS ('96 issue) (kami sleeve) (Italy CD)

CD CONCERTO GROSSO NO. 2 NEXUS JPN K32Y-2116

1976 9 TRKS

LP CONCERTO GROSSO NO. 2 MAGMA IT MAL 02

1976 9 TRKS

CD CONCERTO GROSSO PER UNO NEXUS JPN K32Y-2056

1971 7 TRKS

LP CONCERTO GROSSO PER UNO CETRA IT LPX 8

1971 7 TRKS orange label

LP F.S. KING JPN K28P-214

1981 9 TRKS insert

LP L.I.V.E.N.T. KING JPN K22P-327

1976 10 TRKS Live, insert

LPx2 NEW TROLLS CETRA IT DPU 4

1975 21 TRK Collection

LPx2 SEARCHING FOR A LAND CETRA IT LPX 12/13

1972 11 TRKS

LP SENZA ORARIO SENZA BANDIERA CETRA IT LPX 3

1968 10 TRKS re-issue

LP TOUR CETRA IT LPX 141

1985 9 TRKS

CD U.T. NEXUS JPN K32Y-2118

1972 9 TRKS

LP U.T. KING JPN GXF 2050

1972 9 TRKS re-issue, insert

The first thing I ever heard was the opening cut of “Concerto Grosso Per Uno” on the FM radio – it sounded like Jethro Tull – but with an orchestra! Their best album is easily “Atomic System”, where they seemed to really gel. “U.T. has some (almost) heavy metal a la Black Sabbath on one track – totally heavy guitar, whereas “Atomic System” is undoubtedly a keyboard album. It’s always so hard to talk about Italian bands without comparing them to British bands – but in the case of the New Trolls..they were their own thing – but would definitely appeal to fans of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis or King Crimson. Somewhat obviously, all of the singing is in Italian.

“Concerto Grosso No. 2” was their last album in the progressive rock style. By the early 80’s, they had become pretty much a pop band. I’ve kept all the Japanese CD’s I was able to find, but I haven’t really chased any of the post-Concerto No. 2 albums on CD. I should probably roll out “F.S. and “Live N.T.” and see if they’re worth th vinyl they’re pressed on.

There are other more impressive Italian 70’s progressive bands – Cervello, Il Ballettio Di Bronzo, Museo Rosenbach…but New Trolls were solid rock music at a time when solid rock music wasn’t past it’s sell-by date. The Concerto albums are for fans of “rock band with orchestra”, “U.T.” is for the hard rock fans – “Atomic System” is for anyone who can appreciate 70’s rock music, played by real people on real instruments.

Dance Exponents

2010-07-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

7-21-10

Dance Exponents

I last wrote about Dance Exponents from New Zealand in my first year of blogging, in 2002. So, to redress that issue…

12" AIRWAY SPIES MUSHROOM NZ X 13097

1982 3 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" ALL I CAN DO / EMPTY BUNK IN THE BUNKHOUSE MUSHROOM NZ K 9044

1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

CD AMPLIFIER ZULU AUS ZCD 001

1986 11 TRKS (2 x bonus tracks)

LP AMPLIFIER ZULU NZ ZLP 001

1986 9 TRKS

7" BRAND NEW DOLL / ONE SAD RIVER ZULU NZ Z 007

1987 2 TRKS no pic sleeve

7" CAROLINE SKIES / HALCYON RAIN ZULU NZ Z 001

1986 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

12" CHRISTCHURCH MUSHROOM AUS X 14205

1985 3 TRKS with pic sleeve

CD EXPECTATIONS MUSHROOM NZ MUSH 33216.2

1985 14 TRKS ('99 issue) (3 x bonus tracks)

LP EXPECTATIONS MUSHROOM NZ RML 53163

1985 11 TRKS

7" I'LL SAY GOODBYE MUSHROOM NZ K 9051

1984 2 TRKS no pic sleeve

7" KNOW YOUR OWN HEART / JUST ME AND YOU MUSHROOM NZ K 9250

1983 2 TRKS no pic sleeve

LP LIVE AT MAINSTREET MUSHROOM NZ L 38017

1983 10 TRKS Live, split LP with The Legionnaires (Graham Brazier)

7" MY LOVE FOR YOU MUSHROOM NZ K 9711

1985 2 TRKS with pic sleeve, poster sleeve

CD PRAYERS BE ANSWERED MUSHROOM AUS D 19589

1983 12 TRKS ('92 issue)

LP PRAYERS BE ANSWERED MUSHROOM NZ L 38077

1983 12 TRKS Aussie & Kiwi versions of the LP had different songs

12" SEX AND AGRICULTURE MUSHROOM NZ X 14083

1984 3 TRKS with pic sleeve

CDx2 SEX AND AGRICULTURE: VERY BEST OF UNIVERSAL NZ 987542.2

2005 38 TRK Collection

12" VICTORIA MUSHROOM NZ X 13083

1982 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" YOUR BEST FRIEND LOVES ME TOO / AIRWAY SPIES MUSHROOM NZ K 9053

1984 3 TRKS no pic sleeve

I believe they were a rather young band, when signed to Mushroom NZ. I really love their debut LP “Prayers Be Answered”. My favorite single is easily “Sex & Agriculture”, even if it does sound a bit like “Big On Love by Models. After their first 3 albums, there was a hiatus, then they came back as merely “Exponents” – and had a great single with “One In A Lifetime” (’97). Kiwi pop music was really good in the early 80’s, and Dance Exponents were one of the better bands; I believe they were originally from Christchurch. They did pretty well in the digital age, as all three of their original LP’s made it to CD – are they still in print, I wonder? The recent 2CD “Best Of” is a fairly charming release, even has good sound!

Good thing this band didn’t go to England…

The Fugs

2010-07-20T06:28:00.000-07:00

7-20-10

The Fugs

With the recent death of Tuli Kupferberg, I checked and saw that I have never properly written about The Fugs. Ed Sanders, Tuli Kupferberg and Ken Weaver. Yes, there are sidemen, but these are the important 3 members.

New York City, profanity, social consciousness, smut, irreverence…a wonderful combination of elements to make up this ‘comedy’ band. Happily, I think just about everything has made it to CD! (I wish I owned the British CD boxed set!)

Selected Fugs’ Discography:

LP BELLE OF AVENUE A, THE REPRISE US RS 6359

1969 10 TRKS US original

CDx3 ELECTROMAGNETIC STEAMBOAT RHINO HANDMADE RHM2 7759

2001 65 TRK Collection, Reprise 60's material

7" FRENZY / I WANT TO KNOW ESP DISK US 4507

1966 2 TRKS no pic sleeve

LP FUGS 4, ROUNDERS SCORE (Collection) ESP DISK US ESP 2018

1975 15 TRK Collection, US original

CD FUGS FINAL CD (Part 1) ARTEMIS US ATM-CD-51170

2003 18 TRKS

CD FUGS FIRST ALBUM, THE FUGS UK CDWIKD 119

1965 21 TRKS ('93 issue) (11 x bonus tracks)

LP FUGS FIRST ALBUM, THE ESP DISK US ESP 1018

1965 10 TRKS B&W or color cover

CD FUGS, THE FUGS UK CDWIKD 121

1966 15 TRKS ('93 issue) (5 x bonus tracks) (2nd Album)

LP FUGS, THE ESP DISK US ESP 1028

1966 10 TRKS US original (2nd Album)

LP GOLDEN FILTH (US) REPRISE US RS 6396

1970 9 TRKS LIVE, JUNE 1968, US original

LP IT CRAWLED INTO MY HAND, HONEST REPRISE US RS 6305

1968 21 TRKS US original

CD LIVE FROM THE 60's FUGS UK CDWIKD 125

1994 11 TRKS Live (60's recordings)

CD SONGS FROM A PORTABLE FOREST GAZELL US GPCD 2003

1990 12 TRK Collection ('84 - '89 recordings)

LP TENDERNESS JUNCTION REPRISE US RS 6280

1967 10 TRKS US original

LP VILLAGE FUGS SING...CONTEMPORARY PROTEST BROADSIDE 304

1965 10 TRKS US original, same as ESP 1018

CD VIRGIN FUGS ESP DISK US ESP 1038

1968? 11 TRKS ('05 issue)

LP VIRGIN FUGS ESP DISK US ESP 1038

1968? 11 TRKS US original, with flip book

There are also solo albums by both Ed Sanders and Tuli Kupferberg, but that subject almost seems like it deserves it’s own dedicated blog! Fortunately, “Electromagnetic Steamboat” collects on CD “Tenderness Junction”, “It Crawled Into My Hand, Honest”, “The Belle of Avenue A” and “Golden Filth”. The above titles are what I like best.

When I had the opportunity to meet Ed Sanders in the 80’s, I had him sign my ESP 45 – it’s the smallest, tiniest autograph in my entire collection! Support your local Fug!

It's Summer

2010-07-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

Dorothy & I at the Rose Gardens in Portland, a few weeks ago!

Wire

2010-07-16T06:17:00.000-07:00

7-16-10

Wire – Singles

I recently recommended Wire to a friend who lives in Washington state. He liked my recommendation! I told him their best stuff were their “punk singles”. I recommended he buy a collection CD of their older material…

DOT DASH / OPTIONS R

HARVEST UK HAR 5161, 1978 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

I AM THE FLY / EX LION TAMER

HARVEST UK HAR 5151, 1978 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

MANNEQUIN / FEELING CALLED LOVE / 12XU

HARVEST UK HAR 5144, 1977 3 TRKS with pic sleeve

MAP REF. 41N 93W / GO AHEAD

HARVEST UK HAR 5192, 1979 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

OUR SWIMMER / MIDNIGHT BAHNHOF CAFE

ROUGH TR UK RTO 79, 1979 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

OUTDOOR MINER / PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

HARVEST UK HAR 5172, 1978 2 TRKS with pic sleeve, white vinyl

QUESTION OF DEGREE, A / FORMER AIRLINE

HARVEST UK HAR 5187, 1979 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

If hard pressed, I think I like “A Question Of Degree” and “Our Swimmer” the best. I think “Our Swimmer” is about their most commercial singles ever released – yet, it’s what got them off of EMI (and onto Rough Trade).

Wire were certainly popular with the artsy crowd in 1978/9. Some people “got it” immediately – others didn’t know what to make of their punk minimalism. I think I finally got the message about the time of “154”, which I still think is their strongest album. I never saw them play live.

I tried to follow Colin Newman through a solo career – but only got as far as his first few solo releases. I never got very many of the re-formed Wire albums / singles – though I understand they are popular with the post-new wave crowd.

I don’t think there were ever music videos made for any of the above listed singles – well, I certainly never saw any! Another friend eventually gave me some Wire videos, but I think they were live shows, not ‘produced’ music videos.

So, all hail Wire! But I do still enjoy other UK early new wave bands more: Magazine, XTC, Ultravox (Mk. I) etc.

The Beatles in Mono

2010-07-15T06:31:00.000-07:00

7-15-10

“The Beatles In Mono”

I recently found the 13CD boxed set “The Beatles In Mono” used, for right around $100. Thankfully, it still had it’s booklet and all 13 discs; manufactured by Toshiba in Japan. I am fortunate in that I do have original US and UK LP’s in mono, for most everything. The mono CD’s sound great, as is no surprise.

A small bit of stuff was tinkered with, however. As the sleeves for the box were printed in Japan, they look really good. The box does not feature “Abbey Road” or “Let It Be” albums, as they were never mixed for mono. “Past Masters” is now known as “The Beatles Mono Masters” – it includes real mono mixes of the ‘new’ songs found on the “Yellow Submarine” original soundtrack (“Only A Northern Song”, “All Together Now”, “Hey Bulldog” and “It’s All Too Much”). All discs clearly state “Digital Remaster, 2009”.

And in my box, there was no insert in “Sgt. Pepper” or the double white album, yet “Magical Mystery Tour” had it’s booklet. Odd that they used the template of the US version of MMT, albeit in mono – all other albums used the UK templates. The disc faces are that of the original labels of the British (or US) LP’s, all stating “Made In Japan” clearly. The CD sleeves – in little album cover format – are absolutely luscious. All that’s missing is the obi! I wonder aloud, “Did the $600 version come with obis?”

So, I guess really the only stuff I am sad to not see in the mono CD box are some songs that were never mixed to mono: “Old Brown Shoe”, for example. So, the stereo CD box is still on my shopping list, I guess. But the US manufactured digipaks don’t really look so good, I’m afraid. I have toyed with the idea of just buying “Abbey Road” and “Let It Be”…but I guess I have to include the stereo “Past Masters”, ostensibly to get “Old Brown Shoe” etc.

After getting all the Rolling Stones’ Decca UK albums as SA-CD’s, I guess it was time for me to go with the 2009 remasters of The Beatles. I think at some point, I managed to get all of the original CD releases by The Beatles, together with some of the more recent things that EMI issued – such as the Anthology sets, “Live at the BBC”, “Let It Be…Naked” etc.

And boy do I have a ton of Beatles LP’s, 45’s…I seriously doubt that I will be needing ANY new editions of the LP’s, when they come along shortly. After all, I bet they’re either manufactured in Europe or the US…and Japanese LP pressings will be surprisingly expensive, I bet.

So, what else can EMI do to get us to buy this stuff yet again? The mind boggles…

I’ve read that there were apparently bootlegged (Chinese?) versions being sold on the internet. The one I got looks to be 100% “Made In Japan”, the covers, disc faces all super clear, all with the ‘right’ IFPI numbers etc.

Bastille Day

2010-07-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

7-14-10

Bastille Day

A holiday that doesn’t carry much weight here in the U.S. – but I have definitely paid more attention to, since the late 80’s! I first went to France in 1979. Despite everything that I’d heard at school, France was a neat place and the food and people were really nice to me. My French language skills were approaching minimal, but I somehow managed to charm and be charmed by Paris – with it’s tiny record stores and large restaurants.

While I might not have been a Francophone as yet, I headed into Crocodisc and FNAC – and took a look around. First thing I noticed was a huge section for The Doors – when you would’ve been hard-pressed to find anything more than a “Best of” still stocked in the US – every album, in stock! I wasn’t blind – the new albums by French artists looked interesting to me, too.

I visited France again in both 1980 and 1981 – I think my first foray into French pop music was buying “Pochette Surprise” (1981) by Charlelie Couture – it was on Island Records, and had a great ‘new wave’ cover. I had no idea that there was an Island Records label in France that released their own records! I also noticed (while looking around) that there was a Virgin Records label in France releasing their own albums – I tried Etienne Daho “Mythomane” (1981) – and some records by Elli & Jacno and Mathematiques Moderne. This stuff just looked good!

In France in ‘79, I got to meet the keyboard player of Catharsis, Roland Bocquet and Gilbert Artman of Lard Free / Urban Sax. Extremely nice folks – and I’m still friendly with Gilbert’s manager, Gilles Yepremian.

On subsequent visits to Paris, I saw new albums by Charlelie Couture etc. Next batch of stuff I tried was Indochine, Axel Bauer, Chagrin D’Amour and Les Rita Mitsouko. The next wave had begun!

I went back to Paris in 1985 and got to see Jacques Higelin play at Bercy, supporting his double LP “Ai” – just amazing! Yet another batch was either just ahead or already there – Niagara, Caroline Loeb, Alain Chamfort, Louis Bertignac, Jil Caplan et al.

With the release of “You’re Under Arrest” (1987), I got in step with Serge Gainsbourg – and there’s no looking back after that. I have done several waves of “Chanson” since then, but I will never forget how I was enthralled with “Marcia Baila” by Les Rita Mitsouko and “Tombe Pour La France” by Etienne Daho etc.

There was more to come, of course – Bob G. turned me onto L’Affaire Louis’ Trio (“Chic Planete”, 1987) – and they were one of my favorite groups in the world – until they broke up.

On and on it goes. I am sure there’s probably more new music for me to love in France right now – but I don’t know what it is! Happy Bastille Day!

Split Enz

2010-07-13T06:05:00.001-07:00

7-13-10

Split Enz

Having helmed several music blogs since 2002, I have never particularly written about the artists to whom I have had a special affinity (the notable exception would be Frank Zappa). Most anyone reading this knows that I expended a fair bit of effort in a pre-internet world on Split Enz.

I saw them live a number of times from roughly 1977 (Golden Bear, Huntington Beach, CA) to 1984 (“Enz With A Bang”, Auckland, NZ). I’ve met most of them, I have a literal ‘score’ of records and videos. I recently worked on generating a DVD-R of some of my Split Enz music videos – “Maybe”, “Spellbound”, “Late Last Night”, “Lovey Dovey”, “Sweet Dreams”, “Bold As Brass” etc. An entire 1982 MTV live show (66 minutes) from Hamilton, Canada (when it got released as a Sony video Album, it was edited to 54 minutes); a plethora of US TV appearances – being interviewed by Tom Snyder, Dick Clark…

So, for me – Split Enz represent my ascent into the (music) video age. When I went to New Zealand, there were only a few 45’s I had to turn up – but I didn’t have ANY of their music videos! I borrowed a ¾” U-matic videocassette from Mike Chunn that I took to a video post-production house somewhere in Auckland and had converted from PAL ¾” to NTSC Beta (BII) – unfortunately, it was so early on – it wasn’t “hi-fi” (as I painfully noticed while the low-fi audio transferred effortlessly to DVD-R last month).

It would be pointless for me to post even a partial discography for Split Enz – I can just say that if you do not already own a copy, I recommend “Mental Notes”, their original NZ / Australian full-length album – on either LP or CD. The one that’s best that’s somewhat easy to find in the US is also called “Mental Notes”, but it has a pink border on the cover and is on Chrysalis Records, that one is known as “Second Thoughts” in Australasia. It’s good, too.

If the progressive rock of 1975 Enz isn’t quite your kettle of fish – try the more new wave-y “True Colours” or “Waiata” (also known as “Coroboree”) – but be careful on which CD version you get – the Australian WEA re-master CD of “Waiata” / “Coroboree” has indeed been remixed – more than just a little.

I never really warmed to Neil Finn – much less any of his post-Enz activities. It was always so unusual – his attitude towards enthusiastic fans – he was so derisive and dismissive at times. Why would anyone creating art in public generate so much disdain towards the people who love and support what you do?

A final shout out to Phil Judd, the man who wrote a lot of material for the original Split Enz. I did my best to follow his work from afar – it was hard work being a Swingers fan in Los Angeles, where nobody cared. Somehow Schnell Fenster got a US release (well, their first album) – but his work essentially remains obscure in the US. I wish him the best of luck navigating the Australian press / fans through his recent troubles.

Tuli Kupferberg

2010-07-12T16:30:00.000-07:00

Goodbye, Tuli Kupferberg (of The Fugs)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuli_Kupferberg

...you all know how I feel about The Fugs...

- RK

A Certain Ratio – “Mind Made Up”

2010-07-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

7-12-10

A Certain Ratio – “Mind Made Up”

As you probably already know, there aren’t many “new” releases that I pay attention to. Three of my favorite English acts are still somewhat ‘active’ – Scritti Politti, The Monochrome Set and A Certain Ratio. This year we got a new CD from A Certain Ratio – “Mind Made Up” (LTM Records France CD: LTMCD 2531, 2010). It’s true that it took quite a while for me to find a copy of this album. Not released in England? Hmmm…

Their previous ‘new’ album “Change The Station” was released in 1996 – since then, all we’ve had are collections or re-issues of other ‘old’ albums. There was a CD Single for “Starlight” in 2002 – this song appears on “Mind Made Up”.

13 tracks of Brit-funk in 2010. ACR never had the popularity of Level 42, but they’re also still in business in 2010. Britfunk. I also like Freeez, Shakatak…but A Certain Ratio holds a special place in my 80’s music fandom. I was lucky enough to have seen them play live, and I have bought all of their albums and singles in ‘real time’ as they were released. Not all of their 12” singles have made it to CD format, unfortunately.

My friend Bob told me that he thought “Mind Made Up” sounded like “A C R’s greatest hits – except that it was all new songs”. I kind of agree – it’s pretty good. I know those guys are my age (or a little older) – but they still essentially “sound the same” as they always did. Nice ‘n’ tight.

The highlight of this album for me is a rather short (under 3 minutes) instrumental track called “Skunk” – the very essence of ACR, as far as I am concerned.

I missed them when they came to L.A. last year as one of the “Part Time Punks” festival – I don’t even remember why I missed them, but I did. Who knows? Maybe they’ll come back one day? Will we have to wait another 14 years for another album of new material?

To me it seems like such an event to get a new album from a group that I’ve known and loved for nearly 30+ years. It’s almost like they have survived the total destruction of the music business. They remain in Manchester, UK.

http://acrmcr.com/

Today

2010-07-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

This is what I looked like on July 9th, 2010.

Ron Kane, Long Beach, California, USA.

I was born in Long Beach, CA in 1958. I went to school here (Burroughs Elementary School, Hughes Junior High and Polytechnic High School; I did not attend CSULB or LBCC, though I tried!). I worked at Licorice Pizza Records in Bellflower, West Covina and Huntington Beach - I was hired by Mike McG in July, 1976). I also worked at Pizza's distributorship "Superior Music" in Glendale, CA. In the 1980's, I worked for Tony Harrington at USS&M in Studio City, CA - I ran Tony's "Mail-Order" company, ANZ Imports. I moved to England in 1990. After that, I lived in Amsterdam, Netherlands for the winters of 1991 and 1992. Upon returning to Los Angeles, I worked at both Bay Cities Disc and Poo Bah Record Shop (when it was on Walnut, in Pasadena).

Since 1979, I have traveled to England, Holland, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Finalnd and several other European countries. I started going to New Zealand in 1981. I started going to japan in 1994. I started going to Toronto, Ont. Canada in 2005. I started going to Portland, OR in 2006. I went to Phoenix, AZ for the first time this year, 2010. What did I do in all these places? I looked for records (music on LP or CD).

I have been patronizing Los Angeles area record stores for over 40 years. Wenzel's Music Town in Downey, Wallach's Music City in Lakewood, Licorice Pizza in downtown Long Beach, Platterpuss in Long Beach, Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica etc., Phineas on Anaheim in Long Beach, Mundae on the pier in Long Beach, Revolver Records on 4th St. in Long Beach, Larry's Records on 7th St. in Long Beach...Aron's Records on both Melrose and Highland, Rhino Records on both Westwood Blvd and Santa Monica Blvd., numerous Tower Records locations, Moby Disc on both Victory Blvd. and Ventura Blvd. in Van Nuys / Sherman Oaks, all 3 x Amoeba Records locations, starting with Berkeley, then S.F. then Hollywood - Streetlight Records on Bascom in San Jose...the list is nearly endless!

I had a band called The Decayes that was active from 1978 to 1983. We exist again in 2010, and I am busily looking for somebody to release our new album in the US. It's all done, I can deliver a 1630 master - you just have to pay for it.

I almost feel like I should shout out to all my friends - but - talk about a truly endless list. I don't want to feel like I left anyone out. Please feel welcome to deposit your presence in the comments section. And I don't really want to list all my ex-girlfriends (or ex-wife). You know who you are!

How did this end up being a 2010 C.V. for myself? I dunno...I started this all by taking a photo of myself to post in contrast to the 1978 portrait depicted below.

1978

2010-07-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

7-9-10

1978

In 1978, I would’ve been 19 years old, going on 20 years old. I believe that’s when this photo was taken – I am dating it by the Ultravox “Systems Of Romance” poster on the wall. I was working at a record distributor; I wouldn’t leave the country for the first time until the fall of 1979. My band was active at this time – recording, not necessarily playing live much. The young man in the photo is probably slightly conflicted as to his progressive rock interests / influences, and the pervasive sway of “new wave” music, such as Magazine, XTC & Ultravox (with John Foxx). I saw Ultravox first, followed by Magazine in the spring of 1979 and XTC a short time thereafter. The truth is, I was changed after my first trip to England / Europe in ’79.

As little new progressive rock of any merit was being created in 1978 / 9, I gradually shifted towards “new wave” music. On my debut trip to England, I first heard The Slits, Madness, Spizzenergi etc. I never got to see The Slits play live, but I saw both Madness and Spizzenergi (as “Athletico Spizz 80” in 1980).

Let’s do my roll call of 1978:

10cc – Dreadlock Holiday (45) on the radio

Althea & Donna – Uptown Top Ranking (45) on KROQ

The B-52’s – Rock Lobster (45) on KROQ

Lucio Battisti – Una Donna Per Amico (LP) I was buying all of his stuff I could find

Black Randy / The Metro Squad – Idi Amin (45) I saw him live

Black Sabbath – Never Say Die (LP) I was given this LP by the pressing plant where my first record was pressed (KM in Burbank, CA)

Roland Bocquet – Paradia (LP) this was recommended to me by a mail-order catalog, I got to meet Mr. Bocquet in 1979

Herman Brood & His Wild Romance – Saturday Night (45) on the radio

Kate Bush – The Kick Inside (LP) a ‘rep’ from Capitol recommended this to me

John Cooper Clarke – Disguise In Love (LP) it came in as an import LP, looked good

The Deadbeats – Kill The Hippies (45) I saw them live

Ian Dury & The Blockheads – Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick (45) I was buying Dury’s stuff by this time, peaked with the “Do It Yourself” LP

Godley & Crème – L (LP) I heard it in a record store

The Group – The Group (Pekka Pohjola) (LP) this was recommended to me by a mail-order catalog

Gruppo Sportivo – Back To 78 (LP) I had loved their debut album “10 Mistakes”

Peter Hammill – The Future Now (LP) I had been following him for some years, he played live in L.A., too

The Hawklords – 25 Years On (LP) I had really liked “Quark Strangeness & Charm”

Kraftwerk – Die Mensch Maschine (LP) I was a huge fan of Kraftwerk

Nick Lowe – The Jesus of Cool (LP) it came in as an import LP, looked good

Magazine – Real Life (LP) it came in as an import LP, looked good

Magma – Attahk (LP) I was a Magma fan at this point; this was the last one I was really in touch with

Phil Manzanera – K-Scope (LP) I had liked “Diamond Head” and “Listen Now”

The Normal – T.V.O.D. (45) on KROQ

Annette Peacock – X-Dreams (LP) it came in as an import LP, looked good

Steve Reich – Music for 18 Musicians (LP) I had his DG box and loved it

The Rolling Stones – Some Girls (LP) I saw them live around this time

The Rutles – The Rutles (LP) I saw it on TV

Sad Café – Fanx Ta’ra (LP) it came in as an import LP, looked good

Vivian Stanshall – Sir Henry At Rawlinson End (LP) I liked this better than the Bonzo Dog Band material

The Stranglers – Black & White (LP) I peaked with “The Raven” in ‘79

Tanx Der Youth – I’m Sorry I’m Sorry (45) it came in as an import 45, looked good

Ultravox – Systems Of Romance (LP) it came in as an import LP, looked good

Various Artists – Blub Krad (L.A.F.M.S.) I knew some of the Pasadena crowd, and I really liked the band “Paul Is Dead”, who sort of became Human Hands

Verto – Reel 19.36 (LP) this was recommended to me by a mail-order catalog

The Who – Who Are You? (LP) I remember seeing the videos on TV, I was sort of ‘in shock’ when Keith Moon died

XTC – Go 2 (with Go Plus EP) (LP) it came in as an import LP, looked good – I especially liked the “Go Plus” EP

Frank Zappa – Studio Tan (LP) I had been following Mr. Zappa for over a decade, at this point; “Greggery Peccary” still amuses…

These are the titles that were genuinely important to me in 1978 – and that remain important to me in 2010 – likely not 100% of everything from ’78, because – as always – I was listening to a lot of different years!

Some of these were records that were being played on the radio, or were being talked about by friends / peers. Some were more reluctant to break with their progressive rock pasts than others. I really didn’t like some of the “punk” music that I was hearing – Generation X, The Sex Pistols, The Jam etc. At least XTC, Magazine and Ultravox had keyboard players!

So, the above listed titles is what the man / boy in the photo was listening to, and understanding.

Machinations

2010-07-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

7-8-10

Machinations

I haven’t written about Machinations, the Australian rock band since 2003! As far as I know, nothing ‘new’ has been released lately…my collection remains:

7" AVERAGE INADEQUACY / ARABIA (PS) PHANTOM AUS PH 12

1981? 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

CD BIG MUSIC WHITE AUS D 19468

1985 10 TRKS 2^nd album

LP BIG MUSIC EPIC US BFE 403365

1986 10 TRKS U.S. version

LP BIG MUSIC WHITE AUS RML 53172

1985 10 TRKS Aussie version

12" CARS & PLANES WHITE AUS X 13358

1989 4 TRKS with pic sleeve

12" DO IT TO ME WHITE AUS X 13338

1988 3 TRKS with pic sleeve

12" DO TO YOU (Remix) WHITE AUS X 14530

1987 3 TRKS with pic sleeve

12" DO TO YOU / DONE / LOOKING OUT FOR YOU WHITE AUS X 14506

1987 3 TRKS with pic sleeve

CD ESTEEM WHITE AUS D 19469

1982 7 TRKS 1^st album

LP ESTEEM A&M US SP-12505

1983 6 TRKS

LP ESTEEM WHITE AUS L 37946

1983 7 TRKS

12" EXECUTION OF LOVE WHITE AUS X 14263

1985 3 TRKS with pic sleeve

12" INTIMACY / HIT BY A MISSILE WHITE AUS X 14601

1988 4 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" JACK / BE DUBLE (PS) WHITE AUS K 8928

1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

12" JETS / ARABIA / JOHN WAYNE / EDGE PHANTOM AUS PH 13

1980 4 TRKS no pic sleeve

7" JUMPING THE GAP / TERMINAL WHARF WHITE AUS K 9219

1983 2 TRKS no pic sleeve

CD5 MACHINATIONS ALMACANTAR US PHCD1213-AR

1980 5 TRKS CD EP ('07 issue)

7" NO SAY IN IT / (same) (PS) EPIC US 34-05887

1986 2 TRKS with pic sleeve, promo

12" NO SAY IN IT / 5 MINUTES BLACK EPIC US EAS 2348

1986 2 TRKS no pic sleeve, promo

7" NO SAY IN IT / MAN OVERBOARD (PS) WHITE AUS K 9489

1984 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

12" PRESSURE SWAY WHITE AUS X 12026

1983 3 TRKS with pic sleeve

7" PRESSURE SWAY / PUSH BIKE (PS) WHITE NZ K 9074

1983 2 TRKS with pic sleeve

CD UPTOWN WHITE AUS CD 38925

1988 11 TRKS 3^rd album

LP UPTOWN WHITE AUS L 38925

1988 11 TRKS

12" YOU GOT ME GOING AGAIN (DANCE MIX) / (Same) EPIC US EAS 2397

1985 2 TRKS no pic sleeve, promo

For some reason, a small US indie label ‘licensed’ their Phantom label works for a CD EP in 2006/7. Was the Mushroom / White stuff too expensive to license, I wonder?

Their somewhat famous song in the 80’s was “Pressure Sway” – a good new wave track. It got a US release on A&M records.

I remember that there used to be a big catalogue of CD titles, towards the end of the 80’s – and it listed a US issue of their 2^nd album, “Big Music” – complete was a US serial number on Epic Records. Never saw it. I doubt it ever happened. It would be cool, as there was a track on the US album that wasn’t on the Aussie original album!

I guess their 3 albums went out of print on CD in Australia. I was once offered a lot of money for my Aussie CD of “Big Music”, but I declined to sell it. I think my favorite album is their 3^rd and final album, “Uptown” – really excellent songs.

I guess they re-formed in 1997 for some live shows – but didn’t do any recording of new material. I also remember hearing that singer Fred Loneragan had been injured in a car accident at the end of the 80’s. I hope he’s allright!

They don’t make ‘em like this anymore. All hail Machinations!

Time Machine 1970 #5

2010-07-07T06:26:00.000-07:00

7-7-10

Time Machine 1970 #5

Strange Days magazine in Japan is keeping up with it’s “Time Machine” series, which I find quite interesting.

Strange Days 2010.07 lists “May 1970 Albums” as: The Beatles – Let It Be (Apple UK LP PCS 7096); King Crimson – In The Wake Of Poseidon (Island UK LP ILPS 9127); The Who – Live At Leeds (Track Record UK LP 2406 001); The Bee Gees – Cucumber Castle (Polydor UK LP 2383 010); Liverpool Scene – St. Adrian Co. Broadway and 3^rd (RCA UK LP SF 8100); Medicine Head – New Battles Old Medicine (Dandelion UK LP S 63757); The Can – Monster Movie (United Artists UK LP UAS 29094 – in Germany, this LP was Liberty LBS 83342 I); Love – Out Here (Harvest UK 2LP SHDW ¾ - on Blue Thumb Records in the US); and Carole King – Writer: Carole King (Ode US LP SP 77006).

I wish I owned the Liverpool Scene LP – I’ve never seen a copy!

But I do own The Beatles LP, in a boxed set version with a large booklet which insists the LP is called “Get Back”. I got the King Crimson LP almost as soon as it was released in the US on Atlantic Records – and an Island UK LP of it shortly thereafter. Also got a UK Polydor Bee Gees LP right after getting an Atco US LP of it. I do not own the aforementioned Liverpool Scene LP or Medicine Head LP (or anything else by Medicine Head). I have a German Can LP, not a UK one. I got a US pressing of the double LP by Love on Blue Thumb – and was not impressed with it – so off it went. I think I went back and got this Carole King LP after being charmed by “Tapestry” – though it took me nearly 40 years to find an A&M copy of it.

By May of 1970 – I was 100% paying attention to record collecting and the music business, as represented in Billboard, Melody Maker etc. I was seeing LP’s advertised, and the advertising made me curious.

There was a lot of interest in The Beatles at that time – the boxed set of “Let It Be” from England was $9 or $10 (when a regular new LP in the US was $3 at a hippie record store). And we had already bought a bootleg LP version of “Let It Be”: “Homogenized Beatles” as well as another version called “Get Back”. I think only “For You Blue” was new to us at that point. I also remember taking a cassette recorder into a movie theatre, trying to record the audio track from the “Let It Be” movie.

I had noticed the cover of the first King Crimson album at Wallach’s Music City, probably early in 1970 – my 12-year-old ears enthralled with “21^st Century schizoid Man”. When “In The Wake Of Poseidon” first appeared, I spent my allowance on it immediately – and was mightily amused with “Pictures Of A City” and “Cat Food”. And have been ever since. “Live At Leeds” was also very important – it being the first Who LP released after “Tommy” – all those great inserts and that poster! Took a while for me to get around to Can (maybe ’74 or so?)…

Portland, Oregon

2010-07-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

7-6-10

Portland, Oregon

I recently visited Portland, OR for a week or so. I didn’t want to buy a lot of stuff, as it would all have to be carried back home on an airplane. The list:

BAILTER SPACE – SOLAR 3, TURNBUCKLE US CD

BONZO DOG BAND – SLUSH, U.A. US 7" promo

BRAND X – MACROCOSM – INTRODUCING…, VIRGIN UK CD collection

BRUCE, JACK – CITIES OF THE HEART, CMP DE 2CD Live

COUNTY, WAYNE / ELECTRIC CHAIRS – ROCK 'N ROLL CLEOPATRA, RPM UK CD collection

DICKIES – PUNK SINGLES COLLECTION, UNIVERSAL UK CD collection

FOCUS – SYLVIA, SIRE US 7"

FOX, VIRGIL – HEAVY ORGAN, MCA US LP re-issue

FRITH, FRED – GRAVITY, ESD US CD bonus tracks

FRITH, FRED – GUITAR SOLOS, ESD US CD bonus tracks

GOLDEN EARRING – MILLBROOK U.S.A., UNIVERSAL NL CD + DVD

GROUNDHOGS – HOGGIN' THE STAGE, TALKING ELEPHANT UK 2CD Live

HARVEY BAND, Sensational ALEX – IMPOSSIBLE DREAM, VERTIGO DE LP

HAYWARD, CHARLES – SWITCH ON WAR, SUB ROSA BE CD

HOPKIN, MARY – WATER PAPER & CLAY, APPLE US 7"

JO JO GUNNE – RUN RUN RUN, ASYLUM US 7" promo

KEBNEKAISE – s/t, SILENCE SW CD 1973 bonus track

M.F.S.B. – s/t, EPIC US CD bonus track

MANZANERA, PHIL – GUITARISSIMO, EG US CD collection, bonus track

MASSACRE – KILLING TIME, ReR US CD bonus tracks

MASSACRE – LONELY HEART, TZADIK US CD

MITCHELL, JONI – COURT AND SPARK, ASYLUM JPN LP

NILSSON, HARRY – SON OF SCHMILSSON, RCA US CD

O.S.T. – RULING CLASS, AVCO US LP

OLDFIELD, MIKE – HERGEST RIDGE, MERCURY UK CD re (’10 issue) bonus tracks

OLDFIELD, MIKE – OMMADAWN, MERCURY UK CD re (’10 issue) bonus tracks

QUATRE GUITARISTES DE L'APOCALYPSO-BAR – TOURNEE MONDIALE – ETE '89, AMBIENCES CAN LP

REVILLOS – TOTALLY ALIVE IN LONDON, SYMPATHY US CD

SEEMON & MARIJKE – VEGETABLE STEW, A&M US 7" promo aka “The Fool”

SHANGHAI – FALLEN HEROES, THUNDERBIRD UK LP Cliff Bennett

SOEURS WINCHESTER – s/t, ROSEBUD FR CD Philippe Katerine, prod.

UNDERSCORE ORKESTRA – NO MONEY NO HONEY ALL WE GOT IS US, U.O. US CD Portland, OR band

V.A. – BYG DEAL, B-MUSIC US CD Gong etc.

V.A. – LISTEN HERE, TRANSATLANTIC UK LP ‘68

V.A. – PUNK YOU Vol. 1, EMI US CD

V.A. – TOP OF THE STAX – 20 G.H., STAX US CD

VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR – TRISECTOR, VIRGIN UK CD ‘08

WAKEMAN, RICK – SILENT NIGHTS, TBG / PRESIDENT UK LP ‘85

WATERSON, NORMA – s/t, HANNIBAL US CD

WHO, THE – 5:15, TRACK UK 7"

WILLIAMSON, ROBIN – CELTIC HARP & DANCE TUNES, GREEN TRAX UK CD

ZAPPA, FRANK – KILL UGLY RADIO SOME MORE, RYKODISC US CD promo

ZAPPA, FRANK – WEASEL'S RIPPED MY FLESH, VIDEOARTS JPN CD kami sleeve

I bought a few more titles than this – some inexpensive duplicates, a 45 that was cracked (a T.Y.A. 45 I’d never seen before, on US Columbia) etc. A good haul…

Short Blog Hiatus

2010-06-25T06:49:00.001-07:00

6-25-10

Short Blog Hiatus

My “Music Life” blog will now be taking a short hiatus. This will be my last posting until Tues. 7/6/10. Time for a little ‘vacation’. Dorothy & I will be going to Portland, OR for a few days; a nice city to visit.

We have been to Portland, OR on two previous occasions – in 2006 and again in 2008, for my 50^th birthday – were you one of the people who attended “Ron-Kon”? RK50PDX808! If you were, you know that there are a plethora of record stores in the greater Portland area (“Everyday Music”, “Crossroads”, “Music Millennium” anybody?).

And I will get to catch up with old friends Ken H and Mark M – Mark lives near Portland in Vancouver, WA – and Ken will catch the train down from Seattle. Willamette River boat trip (Coast Guard approved!), Rose Garden, shopping / record stores, artisan pizza, $2 Tuesday @ The Mash Tun, Kennedy School etc. (I heard that the $2 Tuesdays are no more - but that they have a $2.50 happy hour most days)...

The first time we visited Portland, it was extremely hot – 100 degrees or more – so Portland remains a ‘hot’ place to visit, as far as I am concerned. In ’08, we ran into some August rainstorms, but – I kept expecting it to get hot. I’ve had my eye on the weather in Portland for a while now – it doesn’t look like we’re headed for a heat-wave this time!

I have really been a record collecting tourist in 2010 – with visits to Phoenix and the San Francisco bay area – specifically for record store shopping – let’s add San Diego and Portland to that list! My only other regular haunt that I’ve missed this year (so far) is Las Vegas!

On all of our visits, we have stayed at the Kennedy School, which is a property owned & operated by the McMenamin folks – there is a brewery in the hotel! We like the neighborhood around there – officially called “Concordia”, we have spent a lot of time wandering up and down Alberta Street – and enjoying coffee at Extracto on Killingsworth. I plan on introducing Dorothy to Stanich’s on this trip – I went there with 95% of my record collecting friends in 2008, and I think Dorothy will enjoy it’s burger & fries – and atmosphere!

Etienne Daho

2010-06-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

6-24-10

Etienne Daho

CD PARIS AILLEURS VIRGIN FR 30895

1991 11 TRKS

CD5 SAUDADE VIRGIN FR 35071

1991 3 TRK CD Single CD5

CD5 DES ATTRACTIONS DESASTRE VIRGIN FR 35096

1992 6 TRK CD EP CD5

CD DAHOLYMPIA VIRGIN FR 39279.2

1993 16 TRKS LIVE

12" COMME UN IGLOO VIRGIN FR VISA 8026

1993 3 TRKS with pic sleeve, promo

CD5 COMME UN IGLOO VIRGIN FR 35167

1993 4 TRK CD Single CD5

CD5 JUNGLE PULSE VIRGIN FR 893120.2

1995 2 TRK CD Single CD5 with Saint Etienne

CD5 RESERECTION VIRGIN JPN VJCP-20028

1995 6 TRK CD EP CD5 with Saint Etienne

CD EDEN VIRGIN JPN VJCP-25279

1996 12 TRKS CD Extra

CD5 NEW WORLD, A VIRGIN UK DINSD 166

1997 4 TRK CD Single CD5

CD5 IDEAL VIRGIN FR 95468.2

1998 2 TRK CD Single CD5, promo

CD DAHO SINGLES VIRGIN FR 846685.2

1998 20 TRK Collection

LP CORPS & ARMES VIRGIN FR 849201.1

2000 11 TRKS

CD CORPS & ARMES VIRGIN FR 849201.2

2000 11 TRKS (with 'hidden' extra track)

CD DAHO LIVE VIRGIN FR 2044.2

2001 15 TRKS Live (CD Extra)

CD5 ELECTRAVEDRA VIRGIN FR 897378.2

2001 8 TRK CD EP CD5

CD REEVOLUTION VIRGIN FR 920862.6

2003 12 TRKS

CD L'INVITATION CAPITOL FR 5039300

2007 11 TRKS

Today, I’m just going to write about the last 20 years of Etienne Daho’s work. In addition to the titles above, he also produced some neat stuff for Lio, Francoise Hardy, Bill Pritchard etc. In the new century, we’re already into his 3^rd new album – and there may even be more than I have listed here – but an album approx. every 3 years is an OK schedule.

I think “L’invitation” and “Reevolution” are both copy-guarded, so maybe that’s why I haven’t played them much? Can’t dub to play in the car? A friend got me the LP of “Corps & Armes”, so I played that one a bit more than the others?

I got onto Mr. Daho’s work in the early 80’s – I did my best to advise all my friends that there was pop music being made in France that shouldn’t be ignored – often using the music of Etienne Daho as a case in point.

He never played live in the U.S., did he?