02.25.11 thrift digs
I don’t know how you like to celebrate your birthday, but for me almost nothing could be better than digging through scuzzy record albums. Here are a few obtained this weekend for $.99 each. Who knows, a couple of them might even be worth $.49 …
Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes - Reaching for the World
Some bicentennial Philly soul. That’s not Teddy Pendergrass (or Harold Melvin) on lead vocals, though you couldn’t prove it by me; it’s David Ebbo replacing the recently exited TP.
Maggie Bell - Queen of the Night
Maggie Bell was touted as a Scottish Janis Joplin. I can certainly see the similarities, though Bell seems far less fractured vocally and personally. Check it: She was in various bands with Leslie Harvey, younger brother of Alex, including Stone the Crows until he was accidentally electrocuted. Sheesh. This is her debut solo album from ’74.
The Very Best of Conway Twitty
Conway Twitty had a really strong voice, as shown on cuts like “It’s Only Make Believe” and “Lonely Boy Blue.” He co-wrote the former and a bunch of other stuff here such as his signature tune, “Hello Darlin’.” I had no idea. Serious helmet hair.
Planet P Project - Pink World
I forgot this thing was a two record set. This album is a whole lot of Tony Carey; he does almost everything on this sprawling concept album. I’ve been sort of a follower of the guy for a long time. He was in Rainbow (on the incredible Rising LP, among others) and his solo song, “A Fine, Fine Day,” from 1984′s Some Tough City, (anyone remember that one?) is a great lost track from my high school days. Carey was a very busy guy around that time; Pink World dates to the same year.
Stravinsky Conducts His Choral Music
Igor Stravinsky is one of the composers whose time intersected with that of recorded music. There can be little question as to the the author’s vision of the piece when he himself is at the podium.
