Complete Collection Countdown

Virgin, 1983 Pop, New Wave On the lighter end of my collection, we have some classic new wave pop! This album has some bangers on it. Karma Chameleon is the most famous by far, but the whole record is good when you're in the mood for a lighter vibe. I threw this record  on the other day when we had a guest who digs this particular kind of sound, and I quite enjoyed listening to it.  On a personal level there is some nostaligia, too. I remember listening to Karma Chameleon growing up, as it was on some of my Mum's mix tapes. I also have a vivid memory of my brother's high school band, The Young Offenders, playing a cover of it at a talent show! It was a hit then, as well. I need to have the record if only to remind myself of that.

Warner Bros, 1971 Heavy Metal This album is worn for a reason. It's seen a lot of play! This isn't the first Black Sabbath album I ever owned, but it's the only one I have ever acquired on vinyl. It was a regular feature on the turntable at Lawrence Street, and still features when I'm in the mood for that trippy metal vibe. It's also a frequent choice for guests, pulling a choice for shared listening. That's how it got its place on the #completecollectioncontdown tonight!  I find it unlikely that I need to explain what Black Sabbath sounds like to anyone, so I'll skip that part. If you don't know - buddy, give 'er a spin.

Epic, 1982 Garage Punk, dub punk The Clash have been one of my favs since high school. I have many fine memories related to this album, though I don't recall precisely when I picked up the actual record. I used to sing "Rock the Casbah" and "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" at Bearly's karaoke, back when that was a thing my pals and I did every week. Bearly's karaoke was (and probably still is) the best. I also used to play this album loudly to drown out the sounds of an enthusiastic roommate's love-making hehe. It's a great record. Not the one that made me fall in love with the band (London Calling takes that cake), but a fine album nonetheless. 

Virgin Polygram, 1982 Synth Indie Pop It's hard to apply a genre title to XTC; at least for me. By times they're dance, pop, experimental rock... but they're always great.  I threw this album on when I was tidying up the other day, waiting for guests to arrive. As a 12" single, it was the perfect length---if the guests arrived while it was still on, it would only be a few minutes before it would end and we could put on something in line with our guest's tastes! Really, though, this record should be pretty in line with anyone's tastes. It's fun, and melodic, and engaging, and not more than ordinarily challenging to the senses. Is good.

Celebration, 1975 Quebeqois folk-prog I had to include the full gatefold for this album, because it's so enticing. One thing I love about vinyl is how many ways a record can function as an art piece. The visual art is so much more satisfying than on a cd. This record was given to me by my dad. It's groovy, and interesting from a compositional standpoint. It's a record that I always enjoy while I'm listening to it, but which doesn't stick in my mind the way some others do. It's a solid piece, and worth many more words than I am offering right now. I also love having some representation for La Belle Provence in my collection, so it will definitely be staying. 

Steiner, 1981 Icelandic powerpop, garage rock  I consider this to be one of the gems of my collection. It's short, and it's sweet, and it is one of the first second hand records I ever ordered. I first heard Utangardsman on the Power Pearls compilation, where they are identified as "The Outsiders", which I gather is the English translation of the Icelandic. Their song on the comp was "Phantom Bitch", and I LOVE that song. It's a sweet little number that perfectly captures the essence of having a hopeless crush on someone, so emotionally it's engaging; but beyond that, it has great vocal harmonies, an engaging sound profile, and a catchy melody.  The other songs on this album are different in nature, but each delivers in its own way. I highly recommend.

United, 1974 Psych Art Rock, Comedic Parody I grew up with my dad playing this record, and I loved it, so when I found my own copy in the antiques shop that was briefly in the brick building on the corner of Windsor and Almon, I was pumped.  This album is wacky. Tragically, it is also unplayable due to dirtbike gas-leak damage. It will be gracefully retired to become someone's junior high art project. 

Reissue on Bang! Records, 2012 (Originally Creeping Ritual, 1990) Psychobilly  This is the most produced Gun Club record, and also my least favourite. It is still a decent album, but it lacks the "fire in the belly" that I love so much in their other albums. I got this very recently at Taz, to replace an old burned cd I had; at the time I made it, you couldn't find the album except through ripped mp3s on Soulseek, so there is still a feeling of having found a treasure. Buying this one was more about having a complete collection than about being enthralled, but I'm happy to include it nonetheless. 

Arbutus, 2011 Synth Pop, Electropop I bought this record directly from my pal D'eon, who was back in the 'fax for a tour after moving to Montreal. Both D'eon and Grimes were relatively unknown at the time when they produced this little gem of a record. It's been in fairly regular rotation in my collection ever since.  I've lost touch with D'eon, but we were in uni together and were pretty tight for a while, so this record brings back good memories. I still have the harmonica and compilation of lute music that D'eon gave me at the Murder House Secret Santa party! 

Saved By Vinyl, 2012 Psych Pop, Canadiana Garage This was a show purchase, when Cousins played the Marquee. I saw them a couple times, but I think I was too broke to buy anything the first time. I'll tell ya, I don't miss having to rummage for change to make the cost of cover and a beer or two. This is a really great album, from a musical duo with a big, unique sound. It's melodious, harmonious, and somehow simultaneously rock-y. The vocals are kinda ethereal, but the vibe is somehow nostalgic. This is an album I will gladly spin at any time.

Columbia, 1981 Pop Rock  I find it hard to "classify" Elvis Costello - he blends so many styles, and creates a sound that really is unique to him. This album isn't particularly meaningful to me, but it's a solid record, and one I am happy to own. I picked it up second hand, somewhere or other. It's staying. 

Mint Records, 2011 Canadiana Klezmer Punk I bought this record, along with Berner's book "Festival Man", when he played at the Company House (RIP) on Gottingen Street. That's another show/artist I was made aware of thanks to Peter, so thanks pal!  This show was wicked awesome, and "Victory Party" is equally so. It's barely contained, but perfectly contained, klezmer infused chaos; each song a story that pulls your strings like a puppet. Geoff Berner is a Canadian gem.  Oh, and Festival Man is a great read.

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.

Triple Crown, 2013 Folk Country, Psych Country, Canadiana I picked up this record when Fiver was at the Marquee on tour. Peter introduced me to 100 Dollars, the previous band fronted by Simone Schmidt, who fronts Fiver, and I was into it. The show was excellent, and I came away with this Candiana prize. Simone's vocals are earthy and sonorous; the mood of the album captures life's beauty and mystery and sadness. It's a unique and intriguing record. Definitely a keeper.

Warner Records, 1977 Pop rock  This record hardly needs an introduction, so I'll skip the part where I talk about the music and go right to the condition of the record. It's not good! This is one of the records that was damaged in the infamous dirtbike gas leak incident that is troubling my collection. It's RIGHT on the edge of being listenable. I put it back in the stacks that are awaiting cleaning in the hopes that one more spin through will be enough to salvage it. It's definitely an ALBUM worth keeping; the record itself may not make the cut. 

Epic, 1977 Power Pop  This the album that started my love affair with power pop. I picked it up when I lived on Lawrence Street (probably at the $1 Record Shop on Almon, RIP) and it was a regular feature on the turntable, along with "Heaven Tonight".  "In Color" is a great album for hangouts. It's upbeat, melodic, and still rocks. It's quirky and cool at the same time. It'll power-pop-your-socks-off! 

Arista, 1982 Prog Rock I went on a bit of a prog rock bender a few years back, and acquired this at that time. It's not an everyday kinda vibe, but I like to spin it once in a while, especially when  puttering about the house. I try not to think too much about the Google Home speakers throughout the house while I'm listening to it ;)

Columbia, 1982 Americana  I have a special relationship with Springsteen. I had to grow into his music, but once I did, we connected. Every now and then, I have a dream where he gives me advice. It's pretty cool. I don't listen to this record a lot, because it's a mood, but I appreciate that it's there when I need it. I put it on a couple weeks ago, after learning of the death of one of my best friend's fathers, Joe - a literal and figurative giant of a man. He was a presence throughout most of my life (he and Connie took us all to Woodstock '99!), and I cared for him very much, so it was hard not to be able to say goodbye. I put on this record, which is itself very much about mourning, and I thought about Joe, and cried a little, laughed a little, and really just sat with my feelings and said goodbye my own way. It was the right record for that. This one is for Joe and Connie ❤️

Reissue on Munster Records, 2003 (Original on Ruby Records, 1981) Psychedelic punk Of you have been following along with the #CompleteCollectionCountdown you already know how I feel about The Gun Club.  I feel very positively about The Gun Club. I feel very positively about this record. It's one of their best.  Obviously, it makes the cut.

GRT, 1973 50s and 60s rock, funk, souk This soundtrack compilation is a crowd pleaser. Whenever folks can't agree on what to listen to, I put this on, and peace reigns for the length of two LPS. It's fun, it's familiar, it's family friendly. It's a keeper. 

Sire Records, 1980 New Wave  I am way behind with my Countdown updates, so I'll try to be brief, but this record is worth a few words. I LOVE this album. It's one of my Desert Island Disks top 10.  I'm pretty sure I got this record when I was living on Lawrence Street, at some second hand shop. It's trippy, high energy vibes stole my musical heart right away. I've probably played it at every party I have hosted since (and that's a lot of parties). I nearly had this record stolen by a roommate who was moving out. When he packed up his records from the living room, he included any records he liked, regardless of whether or not they were actually his. I went to play my record and couldn't find it, so I checked the box he still had waiting to move, and lo and behold, there it was, along with a few others that belonged to me! I'm grateful that I got it back, but I'm pretty sure he did get away with my Sadies - Good Flying Day, as it vanished a