Complete Collection Countdown

Matador Records, 1995 Genre: Indie  Fun story. I got to see Guided by Voices at Reading Festival, outside London, England, when I was 17. I had heard of them at that point, but wasn't really tuned in to how awesome they were, or how significant they would become in my future listening repertoire. Instead of being front row centre, I hung back and chatted with this British fellow, who flirted shamelessly, and kept trying to get me to go back to his tent. He was to be disappointed.  I like reflecting on the moment, but I do regret not fully engaging with GBV. I have not had a chance to see them play again. Alien Lanes became a pillar of my listening during university, and all of my best pals loved (or should I say "love", as this is ongoing) them as well. Some even did GBV cover bands. Game of Pricks is more than a song --- it's an indie nerd identification code. I loved when the IT Crowd called this out, some years later. "Have you heard Guided by Voic...

Warner Music UK, 1985 Genre: Celtic Folk Punk This is another new acquisition, though I have loved this album for years. Stu knows how to pick 'em!  I have many memories of this album. Growing up on the North Mountain, "Dirty Old Town" was a standard of bonfire jam sessions. Later, Cara and I  would sing along to "A Man You Don't Meet Every Day" on the regular.  As a fiddle player, many of these tunes surface when playing with other musicians. The whole thing is steeped in experience.  That aside, it's just a great record. 10/10 would recommend. 

Waxtime Records, 2013 (original recording released 1963) Genre: Jazz Stu got me this one for Christmas, and it was an excellent choice. I didn't know this album existed until I unwrapped the gift---somehow it had flown below my radar.  As you can imagine, given the musicians, this record delivers. Ellington's classic melodies and Coltrane's innovative style make this satisfying on many levels. A+ addition to my collection. 

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. 

Nonesuch Records, 2012 Genre: Louisiana Bayou Psychedelic  This is another record I got for Stu for Christmas. He introduced me to it (he has the cd, but wanted the lp as well) and got me listening to Dr. John in general. And man, it is an amazing album. These tunes capture darkness and reflection, and pair them with groove and funk. It has a big, beautiful sound --- intense and encompassing. That I first heard this record at the beginning of the first Covid lock down is an interesting element of synchronicity, and adds personal significance of the album. Stu and I moved in together just before the first lock down  happened. We had a great soundtrack!

Sympathy Records, 2004 (reissue - original Animal Records, 1983) Genre: Alternative, Gothic Folk Punk  I chose this one special tonight. Technically it's out of order, because I have listened to other records that I still need to update on, but I wanted to write about this one in real time. Listening to this record tonight is scratching multiple itches. I'm feeling really anxious about going back to in person learning tomorrow (on a cart, no less) amid the madness of omicron outbreak, so there is an element of macabre humour in listening to "Death Party". On a more practical level, though, I find this record soothing. It reminds me of departed friends---outsiders who lived large and didn't blend in, but with whom I resonated on a spiritual level. Thinking of them, I feel reinforced, like I can handle anything. I am reminded that life is strange and absurd, and we all find our way to some end or other, so we might as well move with poetry and act with g...

Blue Note, 2017 New Orleans Jazz / Funk / Soul Okay, so technically this is Stu's record, not mine, but I bought it for him and our collections are pretty much blended, so... Stu loves New Orleans jazz, and has introduced me to some new artists, including Trombone Shorty. After hearing him stream it on his phone, I knew he needed the real thing so we could listen to it properly. We've played this album numerous times in the few weeks since Christmas, when he unwrapped it - almost every day. It's groovy and funky and melodic, fun for entertaining, and stimulating for individual listening. It's an awesome addition to our jazz section. I highly recommend. 

Elektra/Asylum Records, 1989 New Wave, Alternative Rock This record hardly needs an introduction. It's probably the most famous Cure album, and I'm pretty sure it's the only one I own.  I really like this record, and it's been a mainstay of my collection for a long time, in part because it's one of those records that folks like to put on the turntable late at night when the party's winding down and there's just a few of you left, clinging the final threads of consciousness and companionship remaining in the night. In my minds eye, I picture sitting around the table at Lawrence Street with Alfred and Peter and Martin and Melissa - it was a good year for that kind of listening.  For me at least, this record is a mood, so I have to be in the right headspace to really enjoy it. When I put this on, it was a little preemptive, so I didn't listen to the whole thing. It will make another appearance at the proper time. 

Back Vinyl Records, 1977 PowerPoint I first heard Shoes on a Powerpop compilation record that I found on Soulseek called Power Pearls. There is a whole series of these comps, with some real hidden gems, and for a young gal with a love of garage-y, melodic, off-radar rock n' roll, it was a veritable treasure trove. Shoes was one of the bands that had released a whole album that I could actually find, so naturally, I bought it. I am very glad that I did. Not only is it a wicked power pop record that I continue to enjoy today, but it came with a Shoes iron-on t-shirt transfer - a rare and entertaining surprise.  If you enjoy bands like Big Star or Cheap Trick, you'll almost certainly like Shoes, so give it a spin! 

Latent Recordings, 1988 Folk Rock  This album always makes me think of Cara. We used to listed to it together fairly often when we lived together on Roger's Drive. Even though I knew the band was good, and had picked this album up somewhere, it was Cara's love for the band that made me realize what a great album this is. Thanks, gal! One of the many wonderful gifts of our friendship ❤