#44 The Gun Club - Death Party

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 grace.

I don't mean to be dramatic---I recognize that it is highly unlikely that contracting omicron will be my end; but there is something so final in being told by my employer that I must go, and that I will be infected. After two years of avoiding getting sick, I'm being mandated to attend what is essentially a chicken pox party. It's so bizarre.

Since I really have no other recourse, I might as well spin one of my favourite records, have a whiskey, and gather the spirit that's fueled me through other hard and strange days.

Sláinte.

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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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