Complete Collection Countdown

Atlantic, 1973 Jazz, Bop I wish I could remember how I came by this one. I was absolutely delighted to find it in my collection, if a little unsettled that I could forget such an acquisition.  This is a solid offering, if a little frenetic. I have to be in the right mood, but then I am enthralled. 

Tamla Motown, 1973 Soul This album is really above my judgement, and I don't have special memories attached, so I will keep this short. When I listen to this record, I feel simultaneously happy and sad. It tugs at the heart strings, and makes me feel both hope and melancholy. It's a work of art. It's staying.

Philips, 1965-69 (release country uncertain) Peruvian Folk I picked up this album at Rainbow's End in Wolfville for $2.99, and it was money well spent. Traveling in Peru, I became fond of Peruvian rhythms and songs. They're not easy to find here, and this is an excellent example. Also, having been recorded in the 60s, it's a very straight interpretation, which is a plus in my books. I'm certainly open to modern interpretations, but there's something very invigorating about hearing folk in its traditional modes.  A+ purchase. 

Reader's Digest, year of issue unknown  Various Genres I don't know how I came by this box set, and I'll admit, I didn't have high hopes. It sat on the shelf, waiting for me to judge it. One night when I was going through the collection, I put it on, figuring it wouldn't sound great and I'd have a good excuse to put it on the discard pile. I was wrong.  Not only is the sound quality good on these records, there is also a very diverse blend of genres and artists. Each record has a theme, and some of the themes reflect genres where my own collection is weak (like Latin music, for example). After spinning a couple, Stu and I unanimously decided it had to stay. It's a keeper  - good job, Reader's Digest!

Warner Brothers, 1977 Folk, Folk Rock I got this record from a giveaway box at some apartment on Agricola Street. Pretty sure someone was moving and this was their scratch box. Well you know what they say: one person's trash is another person's treasure. And so this was for me. I didn't know much about this before I grabbed it, but I recognized the names. It was a delightful surprise to hear the excellent vocal harmonies and engaging range of tunes that this album offers. I do like Folk, so this is perhaps particularly suited to me, but I am happy to have it in my collection. 

Virgin, 1980 New Wave Pop Rock I have waxed nostalgic about XTC before, so I won't go too in depth with this one, but I will mention a few details.  Black Sea is the first XTC record I ever heard. Andrew G played it for me when I was hanging at he and Brad Luk's apartment in Quinpool Court on Monastery Lane circa 2004. Megan and I lived upstairs in the same building, and there was much coming and going. I was immediately hooked by the whistling and the tempo of "Generals and Majors" in particular, and it would remain a party staple for me.  This album is super fun and really solid, and I always enjoy spinning it. 

Polydor, 1969 Blues Rock I never listened to John Mayall growing up, but Dad has always sung his praises. He recently gave me this album, along with a few others. And let me tell you, Dad was right. This is wicked good. I enjoyed the whole thing, and will definitely be spinning it again. I don't have a tonne to say about it now, except thumbs up.

Originally on Geffen Records, 1994;  Mine: UMe 2019 reissue So I was pretty young when Nirvana was the biggest thing in the universe, but I still felt the magic. My siblings and I had goldfish named Nirvana and Greenday. I loved "Smells Like Teen Spirit". We learned Nirvana's version of "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" around the bonfire at camp Wapomeo. I remember being at the Greenwood Mall and hearing on the radio that Kurt Cobain was dead. I was upset, but still figuring out exactly what death really means. I listened to all the Nirvana albums, but this one always resonated with me pretty intensely. I listened to the cassette many times in junior high and high school, and then didn't hear it again for a long time. When I saw this Reissue in 2019, I decided I had to have it. Good decision. When I listen to it, I still feel the magic. I also want to knit that green sweater. ♡

Telephone Explosion Records, 2009 Surf, Psych-Garage I picked up this split at a Teenanger show (at Tribeca, if memory serves), and was super pumped. I don't think I really knew much about Ty Segall at the time, though I would come to love his stuff later, and it was very cool when I realized he was involved with this record. Even more cool was my great enjoyment of the Charlie and the Moonhearts side of this split. Though I bought it for Teenanger, I would ultimately fall for Charlie and the Moonhearts!  This record is loud and energetic and intense, and at the same time light and fun and surfy. I wouldn't play it for folks who don't like distortion, but it's a great piece of my collection. 

Electra, 1969 Garage Power Rock I know I'm tired now, because I'm sitting here having lots of thoughts and feelings about this album, but I can't seem to put them into words. How do I capture the wild energy? How can I convey the impact of an album that isn't tied to a particular memory, but more to many collective moments? Those who know, know. Those who don't should check it out.

MGM, 1965 60s Pop Rock Every now and then when I have a guest over, I pull out Herman's Hermits. It's a safe pull---a classic band that's fun and easy.  I always enjoy spinning this record, and "For Your Love" is a friccing amazing track. I don't have much to say, really, but it's staying in the collection. 

RCA Victor, 1970 Rock I have a real soft spot for the Guess Who. My dad took me to see them at the Metro Centre when I turned 16, and it was so much fun! Also, Juele's dad Joe grew up in Winnepeg when they were coming up and used to tell us stories about dancing to them at his high school dances, which I have always loved imagining.  On an objective level, these tunes are catchy, melodic, and foot tapping fun. This is "classic" rock for a reason! 

Black Mountain Records, 2008 Halifax Indie  Dog Day. What can I say? I love Dog Day, and I love this album. It feels magical whenever I put it on the turntable. I don't want to wax too poetic in case any band members read this and think I'm a weirdo, but there is a mood - a sound - of haunted human beauty created by this group that resonates very intensely with me. There's really no other band like them.  A+. Not just in the collection, but a prized piece.

Everest, 1978 Medieval Chamber Music I have had this record for years. I'm pretty sure it was in a collection of classical records I essentially inherited from my Grandad. He had excellent taste!  This record immediately captured my attention because of all the medieval instruments on the cover, which are conveniently labeled on the back. The record is recorded on instruments that would have been played at the time, which really impacts the acoustic experience. And some of these tunes are bangers! Estampie Royale has always been a particular favourite.  If you're into niche genres or musical time travel, I highly recommend this album.

Columbia, 1970 Jazz Fusion This record may not be for everyone, but I love it. It's intense and weird and wonderful, and can be appreciated on so many levels. My friends and I discovered this album in high school, courtesy of Mr. B's excellent teaching. Juele managed to rip a cassette somewhere, and we'd tour around in her parent's van. Listening to this record late at night driving rural roads is pretty surreal. Complimenting our own night  travels, the music seems to encapsulate thousands of years of history. There is beauty and strength and pride and sorrow and anger. This album is an experience.  I taught African Canadian Studies a couple of times in recent years, and I feel like that experience (an incredible experience) has added a new dimension to my listening when I play this record. I felt like I knew a fair amount of history beforehand, but I learned so, so much more; and when I listen to this album, I feel some of that same thrill of discovery and...

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.

Columbia, 1979 Folk Rock/Blues This one Stu brought to the collection. While I listened to a lot of Dylan in my younger days, it was mostly from his acoustic and early electric period, so this album was not familiar to me. It's great! That probably doesn't come as a surprise to you, readers, but that was my thought when I played it, so true to form I record it here.  This album is a mood; it has a hard spirit and an attitude, and a feeling of reflection. Like all Dylan's stuff, it has great lyrics that pull you in, and an excellent sound profile. I will definitely be returning to this album in the near future. 

Decca, 1968 Irish folk So, I loves me some Irish folk music. I used to play in an Irish folk band, and grew up in a place where folk and celtic tunes were an everyday thing. As such, it was natural for me to pick this up when I found it on one of my second hand bin forays. Admittedly, this record is not my favourite in the genre. The sillier songs are great for kids or for saucy campfires, but not my typical daily listening choice. That said, there are some great tracks on this album, and it's definitely staying the the collection. You never know when you'll need a rousing round of Liverpool Lou!

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...

Epic, 1977 Psychedelic Blues Rock I came to the Yardbirds fairly late in my life, considering how famous this band and its members are. I knew more songs than I realized when I initially picked it up. Pretty sure this one came from the $1 Record Store on Almon.   The band hardly needs an introduction from me, so I will simply say that this record is predictably awesome, and will remain in my collection.