#35 The Complete Artie Shaw - Volume III, 1939-1940

Bluebird, 1978

Big Band Jazz

Artie Shaw was a revelation for me. I developed a love of Big Band in my tweens, which is also when I started playing the clarinet. I quickly learned about Benny Goodman and Glen Miller, and Jimmy Dorsey, but somehow Artie Shaw eluded me until I was a fair bit older. I now know that I played some Artie Shaw tunes as part of Jazz Band and Wing Band medleys; as such, when I did find these records, they felt like old friends. I bought all three volumes of the complete collection at a thrift store somewhere - I can't remember which one, but I remember the excitement of finding these albums, and for a very decent price. I've been a fan ever since.

All three of these collections are excellent, and suitable to many occasions. They warm you up and make you feel cosy and nostalgic all at once. Solid buy, would buy again.

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#73 Tyrannosaurus Rex - Unicorn

Blue Thumb Records, 1969 Psychedelic Acoustic Folk This album is very important to me. Those who know me, know I am fond of T Rex, but this pre T recording is extra special. I first remember hearing it in grade 8, and I fell in love with it entirely. It resonated with me a on strangley personal level, considering how far out the lyrics are. Warlord of the Royal Crocodiles was my jam. My friends were forced to listen to poorly dubbed cassettes every weekend, because that was the easiest way to copy and share music on the North Mountain in 1998. I had always listened to my dad's record (from whence came the cassette) and didn't have my own copy when I moved out, so I was very excited when I found it at Taz---the old spot on, what was it, Grafton? Two locations ago. It was like finding treasure, though I spose that's always what second-hand vinyl shopping feels like to me. Maybe it was more like finding the Arkenstone. I remember being super excited, and Bob telli...

#3 - John Allan Cameron - Weddings, Wakes and Other Things

Released 1976, Columbia Records. Category: Cape Breton Folk, Country, Canadiana This was the 3rd random pull, and I'm grateful, because this album perfectly reflects why I am doing this complete collection countdown. It's not a record I was super familiar with---it was given to me by my Dad as a Canadian classic. Of course John Allan Cameron is a household name in much of Nova Scotia, but I'm not sure if I've ever sat down and listened to the whole thing before. Of the two records, I liked the second better, as it was a little more traditional and I like that vibe. That said, the first was also very good, in more of a 70s folk / country way. There are some songs I will definitely be humming to myself later. Perhaps the nicest discovery of this album? John Allan Cameron signed the records, autographing one for my father and my mother. It was a sweet little surprise!

Shout Out to Jampy

I got this sweet record stand for Christmas from Stu. Created by Jampy (my excellent birthday twin) and featuring Dartmouth's own Three Sisters (Tuft's Cove smokestacks), it helps me display whatever wicked wax I'm spinning. Very cool.

Complete Collection Countdown

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