#23 Cinnamon Toast Records - Trim Crusts if Desired

Cinnamon Toast, 1995

Genre: Halifax Alternative

This album was gifted to me by the most excellent Shawn Duggan in the fall of 2015, following a summer playing softball together on the Gus's Pub Patties. I didn't bring a lot of skill to the team (and was very memorably struck in the face by a softball as a result), however I did have fun and make friends, which is really the point.

In one of our discussions about music, it came up that Shawn had some extra copies of this record in storage, as he was instrumental in running the label. He brought it by Roger's Drive, where I was living at the time, and it was so awesome! These bands all have that Halifax sound that permeated my formative experiences with the music scene. I was too young to see most of them play shows (I narrowly missed the Cafe Ole years) but I was old enough to hear them played by my older, cooler friends and sibling. I wasn't able to find these records in the shops, so relied on hearing them at friend's places. I briefly volunteered at CKDU and got to hear some there, too, but it wasn't the same as being able to slap it on the stereo myself.

Aside from the nostalgia factor and the plain good music, I also love this record (and this label!) because of how many awesome women I get to listen to. As a young person in the alternative music scene, it meant a lot to me to see women writing songs, playing songs, rocking out, and having their art appreciated. It still means a lot.

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#58 The Monks - Black Time

Reissue on International Polydor, 2011 60s Garage Rock, Psych Garage I picked up this album in Toronto - maybe on 2013? Around then, anyway. I was doing a deep dive into early Psychedelic Garage bands and this one came up on some archive, with a fascinating story. Apparently (and I have not done any kind of updated fact check, so I'm going on what I read back then) these guys were American GIs in Vietnam who defected and ended up in Germany, where they shaved their pates and started this rock n roll band. As far as albums go, it's an interesting piece, but not my favourite record in the genre. I like all the bass and rolling beats, but some of the lyrics rub me the wrong way. I recognize, of course, that it is a product of a time and place. Regardless, I like to spin it now and again, so it makes the cut.

#76 The Count Basie Trio - For the First Time

Pablo Records, 1975 Jazz This record has become a staple in our household. Stu and I both love jazz, so we play it often. I had forgotten I owned this, believe it or not --- it must have been gifted to me by Dad with a few other records. As such, it was a delightful surprise when I pulled out and gave it a spin. This record is banger right from the beginning. High energy, great sound, interesting variety of tunes. Count Basie is a piano master, and this album really showcases that skill. Sometimes I think trios are the best, because everyone has a chance to really shine. If you are a jazz fan, make sure to give this record a listen.

#26 Boney M. - Nightflight to Venus

Hansa, 1978 Genre: Disco This is another party classic, and made its appearance on Halloween. Who doesn't love a good dance to "Rasputin"? I think this record is remarkable in many ways, not the least of which is the catchy tunes. The situational background is also interesting: A German musician brings together a group of Carribean performers to tour Europe, make a video in the Societ Union, sing in English, and record a record that will be a huge hit in the UK and North America. There's lots of fascinating layers of culture and history there.

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