#vinylfinds — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #vinylfinds, aggregated by home.social.
-
The Blow Monkeys, Wicked Ways, 1986 on RCA
The Blow Monkeys were a really interesting UK pop / new-wave band in the 80s, and "Digging Your Scene" was their big hit in the US. This single was also from the Animal Magic LP that hit was from. Fronted by the self-titled Dr. Robert (Bruce Howard), the band included Mick Anker (bass), Neville Henry (sax), and Tony Kiley (drums) plus many guests. The cover on the b-side ("It's Not Unusual") was recorded in 1984 at the Hammersmith Palais in Paris. My copy—via Lifebridge thrift shop in […]https://goatless.org/2026/09/13/the-blow-monkeys-wicked-ways-1986-on-rca
-
The Blow Monkeys, Wicked Ways, 1986 on RCA
The Blow Monkeys were a really interesting UK pop / new-wave band in the 80s, and "Digging Your Scene" was their big hit in the US. This single was also from the Animal Magic LP that hit was from. Fronted by the self-titled Dr. Robert (Bruce Howard), the band included Mick Anker (bass), Neville Henry (sax), and Tony Kiley (drums) plus many guests. The cover on the b-side ("It's Not Unusual") was recorded in 1984 at the Hammersmith Palais in Paris. My copy—via Lifebridge thrift shop in […]https://goatless.org/2026/09/13/the-blow-monkeys-wicked-ways-1986-on-rca
-
John Prine, Aimless Love, 1984 on Oh Boy
Prine's eighth album and his first on Oh Boy, which Prine formed with manager Al Bunetta and friend Dan Einstein. Some classic Prine songs here: "Unwed Fathers," "The Oldest Baby In the World," and "People Puttin' People Down" among them. Co-writers here include Spooner Oldham, Shel Silverstein, Bobby and Linda Whitlock, and Bobby Braddock - reflecting the time Prine spent writing for others in Nashville in the early 80s. My copy—direct from Oh Boy Records—is the 2022 reissue on […]https://goatless.org/2026/09/12/john-prine-aimless-love-1984-on-oh-boy
-
John Prine, Aimless Love, 1984 on Oh Boy
Prine's eighth album and his first on Oh Boy, which Prine formed with manager Al Bunetta and friend Dan Einstein. Some classic Prine songs here: "Unwed Fathers," "The Oldest Baby In the World," and "People Puttin' People Down" among them. Co-writers here include Spooner Oldham, Shel Silverstein, Bobby and Linda Whitlock, and Bobby Braddock - reflecting the time Prine spent writing for others in Nashville in the early 80s. My copy—direct from Oh Boy Records—is the 2022 reissue on […]https://goatless.org/2026/09/12/john-prine-aimless-love-1984-on-oh-boy
-
Pet Shop Boys, Actually, 1987 on Gong / Parlophone
Secodn studio LP from Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant aka Pet Shop Boys, released in 1987 on Parlophone in the UK and EMI America in the US. Wonderful collection of songs, including "Shopping" and "What Have I Done To Deserve This" as well as "It's a Sin" which was a hit single. Production duties split between Julian Mendelsohn, Steven Hague, David Jacob, Shep Pettibone, and Pet Shop Boys across different tracks. My copy—via Wave Music in Budapest Hungary—is a Hungarian pressing on orange […]https://goatless.org/2026/09/11/pet-shop-boys-actually-1987-on-gong-parlophone
-
Pet Shop Boys, Actually, 1987 on Gong / Parlophone
Secodn studio LP from Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant aka Pet Shop Boys, released in 1987 on Parlophone in the UK and EMI America in the US. Wonderful collection of songs, including "Shopping" and "What Have I Done To Deserve This" as well as "It's a Sin" which was a hit single. Production duties split between Julian Mendelsohn, Steven Hague, David Jacob, Shep Pettibone, and Pet Shop Boys across different tracks. My copy—via Wave Music in Budapest Hungary—is a Hungarian pressing on orange […]https://goatless.org/2026/09/11/pet-shop-boys-actually-1987-on-gong-parlophone
-
Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Reactor, 1981 on Reprise
This was the last album for Young & Crazy Horse on Reprise before the five album run on Geffin. Some would consider this a kind of punk or even post-punk (is 1981 too early for post-punk?) version of Neil Young & Crazy Horse. It sometimes gets listed as one of their least successful records—the lyrics to T-Bone, for example—but I think it's got a certain rough charm. "Surfer Joe and Moe the Sleaze" is widely reputed to be about the Reprise records team, specifically Mo Ostin and Joe […]https://goatless.org/2026/08/27/neil-young-crazy-horse-reactor-1981-on-reprise
-
Various Artists, Miami Vice (Music From The Television Series), 1985 on MCA
Though I can't say I actually remember any episodes of the series—I'm sure I watched it—I certainly remember the theme song, which was inescapable. There were multiple soundtrack releases (foreshadowing later franchises like The OC?) from Miami Vice but this was the first and most impactful. The main theme is maybe most memorable, but also Glenn Frey, Phil Collins, Chaka Khan, Melle Mel, and Tina Turner make appearances. My copy—via private sale—is an MCA Gloversville pressing […] -
Bonnie Raitt, Nick of Time, 1989 on Capitol
Although this was Bonnie Raitt's big commercial breakthrough—and maybe where I first heard her?—it was actually her tenth studio album. (Later I'd find her back catalogue which has much to recommend in it). It was also her first on Capitol, having been dropped by Warner Bros. It was produced by Don Was (future Blue Note president), with whom she'd collaborated on Stay Awake. Includes John Hiatt's "Thing Called Love" as well as the title track Raitt wrote. "Cry On My Shoulder" has David […]https://goatless.org/2026/08/09/bonnie-raitt-nick-of-time-1989-on-capitol
-
Sonny Rollins, Sonny Rollins On Impulse!, 1965 on Impulse
Classic album, featuring Rollins with Walter Booker (bass), Mickey Roker (drums), and Ray Bryant (piano). Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder in the summer of 1965. Sadly Rollins passed this May (2026) in Woodstock NY. My copy—via Mystery Train Records in Gloucester MA—is the 2021 Acoustic Sounds Series reissue, supervised by Chad Kassem, cut by Ryan Smith, and pressed at Quality Record Pressing (QRP). Sounds fantastic!https://goatless.org/2026/06/10/sonny-rollins-sonny-rollins-on-impulse-1965-on-impulse
-
The Cars, Panorama, 1980 on Elektra
This was the third studio LP from Boston band The Cars, situated between Candy-O and Shake It Up. Includes "Touch and Go." An underappreciated album in The Cars' discography: seen by critics as a let down and not as commercial successful as the one before or after. I like it though - more experimental, more ambitious - trying on different sounds. Sort of an alternate universe in which they went more alternative. Not the first Cars LP you should buy, but worth being in your collection if […]https://goatless.org/2026/05/13/the-cars-panorama-1980-on-elektra
-
Art Pepper, Gettin’ Together, 1960 on Contemporary Records
Pepper joined here by Paul Chambers (bass), Jimmy Cobb (drums), Wynton Kelly (piano) and Conte Candoli (trumpet, on three tracks). That makes this another LP with Miles Davis' rhythm section, as the earlier Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section was. Rounding out for now my recent Art Pepper pickups (say Art Pepper Pickups five times fast), my copy—direct from Craft Recordings—is the 2024 Acoustic Sounds Series reissue mastered by Bernie Grundman and pressed at QRP.https://goatless.org/2026/05/09/art-pepper-gettin-together-1960-on-contemporary-records
-
Art Pepper, Intensity, 1963 on Contemporary Records
Recorded in 1960 but released in 1963, this has Pepper joined by Dolo Coker (piano), Jimmy Bond (bass), and Frank Butler (drums). A critical part of any west coast jazz library. That cover photo makes me think of the moment in Lost in Translation where the translator turns a series of long directions in Japanese from the director to Bill Murray as an actor into just this: "more intensity." Part of a series of recent pickups from Pepper on reissues, my copy—direct from Craft […]https://goatless.org/2026/05/07/art-pepper-intensity-1963-on-contemporary-records
-
Art Pepper + Eleven, “Modern Jazz Classics,” 1960 on Contemporary Records
Classic west coast jazz from Contemporary Records - sometimes just gets call Art Pepper + Eleven, sometimes Modern Jazz Classics. Not sure if 12 people counts as a big band - Wikipedia says "a small big band." Marty Paich did the arranging. Songs composed by Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Charlie Parker, Gerry Mulligan, and Sonny Rollins among others. A must have for people (like me) who are fans of the west coast "cool jazz" and the late big band era. My copy—via private sale—is the […]https://goatless.org/2026/05/03/art-pepper-eleven-modern-jazz-classics-1960-on-contemporary-records
-
Bill Evans, Behind the Dikes: The 1969 Netherlands Recordings, 2021 on Elemental Music
Zev Feldman of Resonance Records teamed up (as Producer, Liner Notes, and Researcher) with Elemental Music for yet another Bill Evans live set from the 1960s. These were often bootlegged but get official high quality treatment here.
The recordings were made at KRO Studio I in Hilversum March 26th, 1969 and RAI Congrescentrum Amsterdam November 26th, 1969. Evans is joined by Eddie Gomez and Marty Morell. The release was mastered by Bernie Grundman and pressed by Standard Vinyl, with an insert booklet with photos, essays, and interviews. It’s a great package.
My copy—via private sale—is the 3xLP 2021 deluxe edition, numbered, on 180 gram vinyl, which was issued for Record Store Day 2021.
#Amsterdam #BernieGrundman #BillEvans #BillEvansTrio #EddieGomez #ElementalMusic #Hilversum #MartyMorell #ResonanceRecords #StandardVinyl #TheNetherlands #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds #ZevFeldman -
Bill Evans Trio, Bill Evans at Town Hall Volume One, 1967 on Verve
Recorded at Town Hall on February 21st, 1966. The trio here includes Chuck Isreals and Arnold Wise – this being the only commercial recording with Wise on drums.
The second side includes the 13 minute “Solo -In Memory of His Father, Harry L. Evans” who had died in 1966.
My copy—via private sale—is the 2022 Acoustic Sounds Series reissue supervised by Chad Kassem from Analogue Productions.
#1960s #1966 #1967 #2022 #AcousticSounds #ArnoldWise #BillEvans #BillEvansTrio #ChadKassem #ChuckIsraels #jazz #Reissue #Verve #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds -
Clifford Brown and Max Roach, Study in Brown, 1955 on EmArcy
Brown and Roach are joined by Harold Land (tenor), Richie Powell (piano), and George Morrow (bass). Recorded Feb 23rd and 25th of 1955. Fantastic album.
My copy—via private sale—is the 2021 Acoustic Sounds Series reissue on 180g vinyl, supervised by Chad Kassem, cut by Ryan Smith, and pressed at Quality Record Pressing. As you’d expect, a flawless pressing.
#1950s #1955 #2021 #AcousticSounds #ChadKassem #CliffordBrown #Emarcy #GeorgeMorrow #HaroldLand #jazz #MaxRoach #QualityRecordPressing #Reissue #RichiePowell #RyanSmith #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds -
Sarah Vaughan, Sarah Vaughan, 1955 on EmArcy
Later reissued as Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown, this was Vaughan’s second self-titled LP, and her second studio album. The band also includes Paul Quinichette on tenor sax, Roy Haynes on drums, Herbie Mann on flute, and Jimmy Jones on piano.
It was originally recorded December 18th, 1954, and released in 1955. What a masterful set of recordings.
My copy—via private sale—is the Acoustic Sounds Series reissue from 2021, on 180 gram vinyl, with a gatefold cover and an inner liner about the series and the role of Quality Record Pressing and Chad Kassem.
#1950s #1955 #AcousticSounds #ChadKassem #CliffordBrown #Emarcy #HerbieMann #jazz #JimmyJones #PaulQuinichette #QualityRecordPressing #RoyHaynes #SarahVaughan #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds -
Bud Powell, Time Waits (The Amazing Bud Powell, Volume 4), 1958 on Blue Note
Powell joined by Sam Jones and Philly Joe Jones, recorded by Rudy Van Gelder in Hackensack NJ, and produced by Alfred Lion. Sleeve notes by Leonard Feather.
My copy is the 2022 Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series reissue, pressed at Optimal GmbH and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent – wonderful pressing.
#1950s #1958 #2022 #BlueNote #BlueNoteClassicVinylSeries #BudPowell #CohearentAudio #jazz #KevinGray #OptimalGmbH #PhillyJoeJones #Reissue #SamJones #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds -
Stan Getz & Bill Evans, Previously Unreleased Recordings, 1974 on Verve
Sometimes just referred to as Stan Getz & Bill Evans, this was recorded in 1964 but not released until 1974. Ron Carter (A side) and Richard Davis (B side) on bass, with Elvin Jones on drums. Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio in Englewood Cliffs NJ and produced by Creed Taylor.
There’s a whole series of “Previously Unreleased Recordings” advertised on the rear jacket. Beautiful sounding LP well packaged.
My copy—via Worcester Record Riot—is of the 2024 UMG/UMe reissue, overseen by Chad Kassem from Acoustic Sounds.
#1960s #1974 #BillEvans #ChadKassem #CreedTaylor #ElvinJones #EnglewoodCliffsNJ #Reissue #RichardDavis #RonCarter #RudyVanGelder #StanGetz #UMe #UMG #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds #WorcesterRecordRiot
-
Michelle Shocked, Captain Swing, 1989 on Mercury
This was Shocked’s third LP and the follow up to the massively successful Short Sharp Shocked which came out in 1988. It’s (deliberately) all over the place in genre but wonderful.
The “hidden” track is also present on the vinyl – “Russian Roulette” is not listed on the labels but plays after “Must Be Luff.”
My copy—via the Worcester Record Riot—is a Specialty Records pressing on Mercury labels.
#1980s #1989 #mercury #michelleShocked #specialtyRecordPressing #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds #worcesterMa #worcesterRecordRiot
-
Echo And The Bunnymen, Heaven Up Here, 1981 on Sire/Korova
Second album from Echo & the Bunnymen, produced by Hugh Jones (and the band) and recorded in Wales. It was put out by Korova in the UK and Sire in the US.
While Crocodiles didn’t chart in the US this one did. The photo on the cover – taken on the shore in Wales – is such an iconic image for the era.
My copy—via a record fair at Mill No. 5—is a US Jacksonville pressing from Allied metalwork.
#1980s #1981 #Allied #EchoAndTheBunnymen #Jacksonville #Korova #LowellMA #MillNo5 #Sire #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
Joy Division, Substance, 1988 on Factory
Posthumous collection of Joy Division singles put out in 1988 as a 1xLP and reissued in 2015 as a 2xLP by Rhino (a digital remaster). Substance was also used at the title for the New Order singles collection that came out in 1987 (with “1987” added).
Still looking for a good clean copy of Unknown Pleasures but I was glad to find this copy of Substance. The 2xLP version includes the “Pennine Version” of “Love Will Tear Us Apart” which was the b-side of the original single.
My copy—via a record fair at Mill No. 5—is the 2015 Rhino US edition pressed at Optimal GmbH on 180g vinyl.
#1980s #1988 #2010s #2015 #compilation #FactoryRecords #JoyDivision #LowellMA #MillNo5 #Rhino #Singles #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
Modern English, Mesh & Lace, 1981 on 4AD
Debut album from Modern English on the 4AD label. This wasn’t released in the US formally until the 2012 CD reissue and then 2016 on vinyl.
The debut is a bit darker and more derivative of Joy Division than some of the later work but still a really strong collection of songs.
I always loved the lyric from “I Melt With You”: “never realizing it was always mesh & lace” but didn’t recognize at the time it was something of a reference to their debut.
My copy—via a record fair at Mill No. 5—is a UK pressing by WEA in West Drayton, with the original inner sleeve.
#1980s #1981 #4AD #LowellMA #MillNo5 #ModernEnglish #UK #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds #WEAWestDrayton
-
Bauhaus, 4AD, 1983 on 4AD
Yes, I did save this one for halloween. This was a compilation EP of the singles versions of “Dark Entries,” “Telegram Sam,” and “Terror Couple Kill Colonel.” Love that back cover photo.
I was today years old when I realized that John Cale wrote “Rosegarden Funeral of Sores,” the opening triplet of which is burned into my adolescent brain so much it still comes up whenever I am tired of dealing with people:
Virgin Mary was tired so tired / Tired of listening to gossip / Gossip and complaints
My copy—via a record fair at Mill No. 5 in Lowell MA—is a UK pressing with a white b-side label, pressed by Damont. I don’t believe this was ever issued in the US.
#1980s #1983 #4AD #Bauhaus #DanielAsh #DavidJay #Goth #JohnCale #KevinHaskins #LowellMA #MillNo5 #PeterMurphy #UK #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
Bob Dylan, Street-Legal, 1978 on Columbia
This was Dylan’s 18th studio LP, made with a band that included Jerry Scheff, Ian Wallace, Alan Pasqua, Billy Cross, Steven Soles, Steve Douglas, and David Mansfield – many of whom were in the Rolling Thunder Revue. (David Mansfield also went on to be part of The Range).
Not as many absolutely central Dylan songs here, but I do love “Is Your Love In Vain?” and “Señor (Tales of Yankee Power).”
My copy—via a record fair at Mill No 5 in Lowell MA—is a 1978 pressing from Columbia’s Santa Maria plant. It’s written as “Street Legal” (no hyphen) on the labels but “Street-Legal” on the cover and spine.
#1970s #1978 #AlanPasqua #BillyCross #BobDylan #Columbia #DavidMansfield #IanWallace #JerryScheff #LowellMA #MillNo5 #SantaMaria #SteveDouglas #StevenSoles #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
The Smiths, The World Won’t Listen, 1987 on Rough Trade
This is a compilation album—the second of three—including singles and b-sides from 1985-1987. Most of these tracks also appear on Louder Than Bombs (a 2xLP), but two are different versions and two are edits.
Fantastic collection of songs, including “Panic,” “Ask,” “Bigmouth Strikes Again,” “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out,” “That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore,” and “You Just Haven’t Earned It Yet, Baby.”
What teenager hasn’t felt “And I’ve got no right to take my place in the human race . . . “?
My copy—via a record fair at Mill No. 5 in Lowell MA—is a UK issue from 1987, pressed by MPO. (Louder than Bombs was released in the US in lieu of this record, which was not released on vinyl in the US until the 2011 reissue series).
#1980s #1987 #AndyRourke #JohnnyMarr #LowellMA #MikeJoyce #MillNo5 #morrissey #RoughTrade #TheSmiths #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
ZZ Top, Fandango!, 1975 on London Records
Fourth release from Texas blues band ZZ Top, Fandango! included an A side with live songs (from The Warehouse, in New Orleans) and a B side of new studio recordings.
A Fandango is a dance originating in Spain and Portugal – which wikipedia tells me “is used as a synonym for ‘a quarrel’, ‘a big fuss’ or ‘a foolish or pretentious act'” – not sure which one ZZ Top were after here.
I think their first eight albums (yes, I include Eliminator) are fantastic though I’d argue after that it is downhill – but the live releases that have continued to come out from earlier days are great.
My copy—via a record fair at Mill No. 5 in Lowell, MA—is a later 1979 Winchester Pressing on Warner Bros. labels.
#1970s #1975 #LondonRecords #LowellMA #MillNo5 #NewOrleans #TheWarehouse #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds #ZZTop
-
Cyndi Lauper, She’s So Unusual, 1983 on Portrait
Lauper’s debut solo album, She’s So Unusual had four top-five singles: “Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” “She Bop,” and “All Through The Night.”
A number of the songs were covers – “Money Changes Everything” by The Brains, “When You Were Mine” by Prince, “All Through The Night” by Jules Shear, and even “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” which was written by Robert Hazard who had performed it with multiple bands and made a demo recording.
Truly a must-have album for an 80s music fan.
My copy—via a record fair at Mill No. 5 in Lowell MA—is a 1984 pressing with the original inner liner and Portrait label.
#1980s #1983 #CyndiLauper #JulesShear #LowellMA #MillNo5 #Portrait #prince #RobertHazard #TheBrains #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
Randy Newman, Little Criminals, 1977 on Warner Bros
Randy Newman’s fifth studio LP and his highest charting, in part due to “Short People,” which was also a hit single. Produced by Lenny Waronker and Russ Titelman, with supporting players including Waddy Wachtel, Joe Walsh, Glen Frey, J.D. Souther, Tim Schmit, Klaus Voorman, Jim Keltner, Willie Weeks, and even Ry Cooder on mandola on “Kathleen.”
My copy—via a record fair at Mill No. 5 in Lowell MA—is a Bestway pressing, with some price sticker damage on the front from a previous owner.
#1970s #1977 #GlenFrey #JDSouther #JimKeltner #JoeWalsh #KlausVoorman #LarryWaronker #LowellMA #MillNo5 #RandyNewman #RussTitelman #RyCooder #TimSchmit #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds #WaddyWachtel #WarnerBrothers
-
The Fun Boy Three, The Fun Boy Three, 1982 on Chrysalis
The Fun Boy Three (Terry Hall, Neville Staple, and Lynval Golding) were a spin-off / outgrowth of The Specials. This was their debut, self-titled album with guests Bananarama on four tracks, including a cover of “It Ain’t What You Do (It’s The Way That You Do it),”
Also features “The Lunatics (Have Taken Over The Asylum)” which I love. The album cover back side presents the credits like a movie poster for a film shot in glorious stereo FunboyScope: “Gasp, Wonder, and Thrill to the Sound of the 80s.”
There’s a great BBC documentary—2 Tone The Sound of Coventry—which features lots of interviews with Hall and Staples, though it is more focused on The Specials.
My copy—via A1 records in NYC—is an early 80s Terre Haute pressing which was sealed, with the original hype sticker.
#1980s #1982 #Bananarama #Chrysalis #FunBoyThree #LynvalGolding #NevilleStaple #Specials #TerryHall #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
Pat MacDonald and The Essentials, Essentialist Propaganda, 1983 on Counter-Pop
Pat MacDonald would go on to be one half of Timbuk 3 with his wife Barbara Kooyman, listed here as Barbara K. MacDonald. “Too Much Sex (Not Enough Affection” from this EP also was later on Eden Alley in 1988.
Pat MacDonald and The Essentials put out one full length album and this EP, which was recorded in Chicago. (The MacDonalds formed Timbuk 3 in Madison Wisconsin before relocating to Austin).
I was super excited to find my copy at Antone’s Records in Austin TX – so far as I know (or discogs knows) there’s only been one pressing.
#1980s #1983 #AntoneSRecords #AustinTX #CounterPop #CounterPopProductions #MadisonWI #PatMacDonald #PatMacDonaldAndTheEssentials #TheEssentials #Timbuk3 #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, He’s the DJ, I’m The Rapper, 1988 on Jive
Second album from the duo of Jeffrey Townes (aka DJ Jazzy Jeff) and Will Smith (aka The Fresh Prince), including “Parents Just Don’t Understand” which won the first Best Rap Performance Grammy in 1989.
Not sure I even realized this at the time, but their first two albums came out before The Fresh Prince of Bel Aire, which didn’t air until 1990.
My copy—via Antone’s Records in Austin TX—is an 80s pressing complete with inner sleeves and hype sticker. It’s a double LP but not a gatefold.
#1980s #1988 #AntoneSRecords #AustinTX #DJJazzyJeffTheFreshPrince #FreshPrince #HipHop #JazzyJeff #JiveRecords #Rap #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
The Special AKA, Nelson Mandela, 1984 on Two Tone
Extended version 12″ single from The Specials (Special AKA), produced by Elvis Costello. One of my favorite early 80s ska protest songs. Now dated in its reference but hey – never forget: Mandela was in prison for 27 years but would go on to be the president of South Africa. It’s an amazing story in which the song is just a footnote, but was very compelling, real, and timely in 1984.
My copy—a UK pressing on 2 Tone labels with Chrysalis copyright and marketing and a picture sleeve—via Antone’s Records in Austin TX.
#1984 #2Tone #AntoneSRecords #AustinTX #ElvisCostello #ska #Specials #TheSpecialAKA #TwoTone #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
U2, Give Me One Last Chance, 2023 on Dear Boss.
Bootleg of U2 live in Glen Helen Regional Park, San Bernadino CA, on May 30th 1983.
Dear Boss. (apparently the period is part of the label name) is a new label reissuing things that were broadcast, which means under EU law are out of copyright at this point. Not sure if this was technically an FM broadcast or not (it was released multiple times on video), but it is the set U2 played (on “Rock Day”) at the US Festival in 1983.
There’s a great video of it on YouTube (but can’t be embedded here): U2 War Tour US Festival 1983 remastered Devore, CA.
My copy via Mill No. 5 in Lowell MA
#1980s #1983 #Bootleg #DearBoss_ #LowellMA #MillNo5 #U2 #USFestival #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers, Modern Lovers ’88, 1987 on Rounder
Although the Modern Lovers formed in Natick MA, this incarnation formed in California and recorded this album in Grass Valley CA. This became the final album for Richman with the Modern Lovers, as a trio, with Brennan Totten and Johnny Avila.
My copy—via Electric Fetus in Minneapolis MN—is the Craft Recordings’ 2022 Record Store Day 35th Anniversary Edition on blue vinyl. This reissue itself charted (a first for a Modern Lovers release) at 77 on the US album charts.
#1980s #1987 #BrennanTotten #craftRecordings #ElectricFetus #JohnnyAvila #JonathanRichman #JonathanRichmanAndTheModernLovers #MinneapolisMN #ModernLovers #NatickMA #rounder #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
Bauhaus, In The Flat Field, 1980 on 4AD
Debut album from Peter Murphy, Daniel Ash, David Jay, and Kevin Haskins aka Bauhaus. Bauhaus and its many spinoffs (Tones on Tail, Love and Rockets, Dali’s Car) are among my favorite musical lineages.
They’d released “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” as a single in 1979 on Small Wonder records, but this debut came out on 4AD which itself was new in 1980 under the Beggars Banquet umbrella.
The cover is a photograph called Homage to Purvis de Chavannes by American photographer Duane Michals – hopefully it doesn’t get my account flagged as naughty.
My copy – as so many in the last few weeks via Slipped Disc at a Mill No 5 record fair – is a 2013 reissue.
#1980 #1980s #4AD #Bauhaus #DanielAsh #DavidJay #Goth #KevinHaskins #LowellMA #MillNo5 #PeterMurphy #SlippedDisc #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
The Police, Zenyatta Mondatta, 1980 on A&M
Third album in the brilliant opening set of LPs from Sting, Stewart Copeland, and Andy Summers. Side one opens with “Don’t Stand So Close To Me,” “Driven To Tears,” and “When The World is Running Down, You Make The Best of What’s Still Around” – what a sequence!
There’s such a tight and interesting rhythm to these early Police albums – obviously a trio of brilliant musicians taking basic rock structures and expanding on them in interesting and challenging ways.
Before I starting bringing discogs (on my phone) when record shopping, I bought 2 or 3 copies of each of the first 5 Police LPs – now I know better and only pick one up if it is an upgrade of quality.
My copy—via Slipped Disc at a vinyl fair at Mill No. 5 in Lowell MA—looks to be a 1981 pressing from Pittman, perhaps with stampers from Terre Haute.
#1980 #1980s #AM #AnySummers #LowellMA #MillNo5 #SlippedDisc #StewartCopeland #ThePolice #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
The Modern Lovers, The Modern Lovers, 1976 on Beserkley
Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers are part of the indie rock canon, especially here in greater Boston. They formed in Natick MA in 1970, and were active from 1970 to 1974, but most of their records came out later – this one in 1976.
Jerry Harrison (of Talking Heads) gets credit for piano, organ, and backing vocals, with Ernie Brooks playing bass, and David Robinson drums. John Cale produced six of the songs. That’s a gig poster for Gloucester High School auditorium on the rear cover.
Some legendary songs here – “Roadrunner” (which you may know via the Sex Pistol’s cover and after which a local venue is now named) and “Pablo Picasso” which has been covered by many people including David Bowie and Jack White.
My copy—via A1 records in NYC—is a later reissue (2009) by 4 Men With Beards on 180g vinyl.
#1970s #1976 #4MenWithBears #A1Records #Beserkley #DavidRobinson #ErnieBrooks #JerryHarrison #JohnCale #JonathanRichman #ModernLovers #NYC #Reissue #Roadrunner #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
Oscar Peterson & Dizzy Gillespie, 1975 on Pablo
Pablo records, with a logo and name inspired by Picasso, was started by Norman Granz (who also produced this record) in the early seventies. There’s a ton of great Pablo jazz records—I generally pick them up whenever I see them.
Recorded in 1974 in London, this release brings together two greats but it is not a “legacy” album – their playing is still super vibrant here. (Gillespie won a Best Jazz Performance Grammy for this recording).
My copy via Antone’s Records in Austin TX
#1970s #1975 #AntoneSRecords #AustinTX #DizzyGillespie #NormanGranz #OscarPeterson #PabloRecords #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
David Bowie, The Next Day, 2013 on ISO Records / Columbia
Bowie’s penultimate release, coming three years before Blackstar and a decade after Reality. Produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, and recorded at The Magic Shop in New York City in 2011-2012.
Musicians include Earl Slick, Gerry Leonard, Sterling Campbell, Zack Alford, and Gail Ann Dorsey.
I love the cover, which starts with the cover of Heroes as though someone just put a post-it note over an existing cover.
My copy via Crossroads Records in Portland OR, was released as a 2xLP with a CD included containing the same 17 tracks.
#2010s #2013 #Columbia #CrossroadsRecords #DavidBowie #EarlSlick #GailAnnDorsey #GerryLeonard #ISORecords #SterlingCampbell #TonyVisconti #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds #ZackAlford
-
Chet Baker, Chet, 1959 on Riverside
The labels carry a subtitle of “Ballads by Chet Baker,” and the rear cover suggests “The lyrical trumpet of Chet Baker” but most people just call it Chet. Riverside RLP 12-299 (mono) and RLP 1135 (stereo).
He’s joined here by Pepper Adams, Paul Chambers, Herbie Mann, Bill Evans, and Philly Joe Jones / Connie Kay splitting drums duty, plus Kenny Burrell on two tracks. The liner notes (by Orrin Keepnews) say “Pianist Bill Evans . . . is just beginning to attract real public attention, but has for some time been the object of extreme praise from fellow musicians.”
My copy is a 2021 reissue by Craft Recordings (CR 00359) pressed at RTI with lacquers cut by Kevin Grey – via Beatnick Records in Montreal QC – which sounds fantastic.
#1950s #1959 #BeatnickRecords #BillEvans #ChetBaker #ConnieKay #craftRecordings #HerbieMann #jazz #KennyBurrell #MontrealQC #PaulChambers #PepperAdams #PhillyJoeJones #Riverside #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
Mose Allison, Down Home Piano, 1966 on Prestige
This 1966 release collects instrumental performances from six albums he released on Prestige in the late 50s and early 60s. There’s a similar Mose Allison Sings which collects “the vocal side of his talents.”
The performers include Allison, Addison Farmer (Art Farmer’s twin brother) on bass, and Ronnie Free / Nick Stabulas on drums. Liner notes by Jack McKinney, recordings by Rudy Van Gelder.
My copy, via La Fin Du Vinyle in Montreal QC, is an early 70s reissue “Remastered for Stereo.”
#1966 #AddisonFarmer #JackMcKinney #jazz #LaFinDuVinyle #MontrealQC #MoseAllison #NickStabulas #Prestige #RonnieFree #RudyVanGelder #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
Gerry Mulligan Tentette & Quartet, Walking Shoes, 1953 on Capitol
This LP was a reissue of what had been a 10″ record – Gerry Mulligan And His Ten-Tette – with two tracks from Gene Norman Presents The Gerry Mulligan Quartet added. Just as labels created bonus tracks when reissuing LPs on CD, these were bonus tracks added when the 10″ became a 12″ LP.
The sessions were held January 29th, January 31st, and May 7th in Los Angeles. The quartet includes Chet Baker, Carson Smith and Larry Bunker. The Tentette includes Chet Baker, Pete Candoli, Bob Enevoldsen, John Graas, Ray Siegal, Bud Shank, Don Davidson, Joe Mondragon and Chico Hamilton or Larry Bunker (in two different sessions).
My copy, via Cheap Thrills in Montreal QC, is actually a Canadian pressing of a 70s reissue as part of the Quintessence Jazz Series (a budget label from the late 70s – part of the Pickwick International family).
#1950s #1953 #1979 #BobEnevoldson #BudShank #Capitol #CarsonSmith #CheapThrills #ChetBaker #ChicoHamilton #DonDavidson #GerryMulligan #GerryMulliganQuartet #GerryMulliganTentette #JoeMondragon #JohnGraas #LarryBunker #MontrealQC #PeteCandoli #Quebec #QuintessenceJazzSeries #Reissue #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington, Ella at Duke’s Place, 1966 on Verve
The album is divided between “The Pretty, The Lovely, The Tender, The Hold-Me-Close Side” and “The Finger-Snapping, Head-Shaking, Toe-Tapping, Go-For-Yourself Side.” Recorded by Val Valentin and produced by Norman Granz (those are his black & white photos), this is Verve at its mid-60s best.
In addition to Ellington and Fitzgerald, personnel included Louis Bellson on drums; John Lamb on […]
#1960s #1966 #BusterCooper #CatAnderson #ChuckConners #CootieWilliams #DukeEllington #EllaFitzgerald #HarryCarney #HerbJones #jazz #JimmyHamilton #JimmyJones #JohnnyHodges #LawrenceBrown #LeonardFeather #LouisBellson #MercerEllington #NormanGranz #PaulGonsalves #RusselProcope #ValValentin #Verve #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds #WorcesterMA #WorcesterRecordRiot
-
Art Farmer, Portrait of Art Farmer, 1958 on Stereo Records
“Stereo Records” was a jazz label made by Contemporary Records in 1958 to push records made with the new-fangled stereo technology:
Stereophonic two-channel disc recording utilizing Westrex 45-45 “StereoDisc” cutting system. To be reproduced only with stereophonic cartridge. Warning: use of conventional monaural cartridge without sufficient vertical compliance may well result in damage to […]
#1950s #1958 #2023 #AddisonFarmer #ArtFarmer #BernieGrundman #ContemporaryRecords #craftRecordings #HankJones #jazz #NatHentoff #QualityRecordPressing #Reissue #RoyHaynes #Stereo #StereoRecords #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds #WorcesterMA #WorcesterRecordRiot
-
Joe Henderson, Mode for Joe, 1966 on Blue Note
This was Henderson’s fifth studio album (as a band leader), joined by: Lee Morgan (trumpet), Chris Fuller (trombone), Bobby Hutcherson (vibes), Cedar Walton (piano), Ron Carter (bass), and Joe Chambers (drums). Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder. Really wonderful Blue Note 60s jazz.
My copy is a 2024 reissue in the Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series – all-analog 180g vinyl pressings mastered […]
#1960s #1966 #BlueNote #BlueNoteClassicVinylSeries #BobbyHutcherson #CedarWalton #ChrisFuller #jazz #JoeChambers #JoeHenderson #KevinGray #LeeMorgan #OptimalGmBH #RonCarter #RudyVanGelder #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
David Bowie, Blackstar, 2016 on ISO Records / Columbia
Wow, what a final album. So much to say about Blackstar, recorded more or less in secret in New York with Tony Visconti and some local jazz musicians, and released two days before his death.
My copy, like many I’ve seen in the used market, has a tear in the die cut cover which is in the shape of a star, with the b-side label (all black) showing through. The rear jacket tracklist and the […]
#2010s #2016 #Columbia #DavidBowie #ISORecords #Rock #TonyVisconti #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
David Bowie, Blackstar, 2016 on ISO Records / Columbia
Wow, what a final album. So much to say about Blackstar, recorded more or less in secret in New York with Tony Visconti and some local jazz musicians, and released two days before his death.
My copy, like many I’ve seen in the used market, has a tear in the die cut cover which is in the shape of a star, with the b-side label (all black) showing through. The rear jacket tracklist and the […]
#2010s #2016 #Columbia #DavidBowie #ISORecords #Rock #TonyVisconti #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds
-
David Bowie, Blackstar, 2016 on ISO Records / Columbia
Wow, what a final album. So much to say about Blackstar, recorded more or less in secret in New York with Tony Visconti and some local jazz musicians, and released two days before his death.
My copy, like many I’ve seen in the used market, has a tear in the die cut cover which is in the shape of a star, with the b-side label (all black) showing through. The rear jacket tracklist and the […]
#2010s #2016 #Columbia #DavidBowie #ISORecords #Rock #TonyVisconti #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylfinds