etsy
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Kops 2
Kops Records in Toronto has a new second location at 592 Bloor Street West and they are having a special grand opening showcase this Saturday, September 28th, featuring plenty of bands and DJs. They will also be offering $5 off purchases over $30. Go show your support for the bands and find some great vinyl.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Space Opera - st
Space Opera - st
Columbia ES 90116, Canada, 1972
With a name like Space Opera you'd be forgiven for expecting some tripped out cosmic space rock somewhere between Pink Floyd and Hawkwind, but that, of course, would be far too obvious. What Space Opera play is a high quality country rock full of jangly 12-string, vocal harmonies and excellent twin lead guitar. Progressive movements elevate the music, as does some accomplished fuzz guitar, buzzing like a swarm of angry bees on "Holy River", feverish and frantic on the 7 and a half minute instrumental "Guitar Suite". Elsewhere the band utilise flute, harmonica, cello and harpsichord to good effect. The album sits well alongside Grateful Dead, CSN and the like and it is too bad they didn't get wider recognition which may have led to further albums. Both tracks on their sole single (Epic 10971) are taken from the album.
Many collectors believe that Space Opera were a Canadian band (as did I), but they actually formed in Texas in 1969. They later moved to Canada in the early 70s, recording the album at Manta Sound in Toronto. The American pressing was released on Epic (32117).
Side 1 - 1. Country Max (3:20) 2. Holy River (5:26) 3. Outlines (4:10) 4. Guitar Suite (7:36)
Side 2 - 1. My Telephone Artist (3:46) 2. Riddle (3:05) 3. Prelude #4 (3:52) 4. Lookout (2:46)
5. Blue Ridge Mountains (2:11) 6. Over And Over (5:56)
Brett Wilson-drums/percussion;
Philip White-bass/guitar/keyboards/vocals;
Scott Fraser-guitar/keyboards/vocals;
David Bullock-guitar/flute/harmonica/vocals.
Recorded at Manta Sound, Toronto.
Columbia ES 90116, Canada, 1972
With a name like Space Opera you'd be forgiven for expecting some tripped out cosmic space rock somewhere between Pink Floyd and Hawkwind, but that, of course, would be far too obvious. What Space Opera play is a high quality country rock full of jangly 12-string, vocal harmonies and excellent twin lead guitar. Progressive movements elevate the music, as does some accomplished fuzz guitar, buzzing like a swarm of angry bees on "Holy River", feverish and frantic on the 7 and a half minute instrumental "Guitar Suite". Elsewhere the band utilise flute, harmonica, cello and harpsichord to good effect. The album sits well alongside Grateful Dead, CSN and the like and it is too bad they didn't get wider recognition which may have led to further albums. Both tracks on their sole single (Epic 10971) are taken from the album.
Many collectors believe that Space Opera were a Canadian band (as did I), but they actually formed in Texas in 1969. They later moved to Canada in the early 70s, recording the album at Manta Sound in Toronto. The American pressing was released on Epic (32117).
Side 1 - 1. Country Max (3:20) 2. Holy River (5:26) 3. Outlines (4:10) 4. Guitar Suite (7:36)
Side 2 - 1. My Telephone Artist (3:46) 2. Riddle (3:05) 3. Prelude #4 (3:52) 4. Lookout (2:46)
5. Blue Ridge Mountains (2:11) 6. Over And Over (5:56)
Brett Wilson-drums/percussion;
Philip White-bass/guitar/keyboards/vocals;
Scott Fraser-guitar/keyboards/vocals;
David Bullock-guitar/flute/harmonica/vocals.
Recorded at Manta Sound, Toronto.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Terence - An Eye For An Ear
Terence - An Eye For An Ear
Decca DL 75137, USA, 1969
The Terence of this album is Canadian 60s pop icon Terry Black from British Columbia. Black had his first hit in 1965, at the age of 15, with his second A-side "Unless You Care" (Arc 1074) which charted at #2 in Canada and #99 in the USA. This was quickly followed by several other charting singles and a "Best Male Vocalist" award in the same year. A brief move to the US followed where this album was conceived, though recorded in both New York and Toronto. An Eye For An Ear generally does not appear in Terry Black discographies and it is believed that this album is a "studio project" rather than an outright release by the artist.
While certainly not bad, this is also not a great album to my ears. Too much pop balladry, orchestration and blasts of brass. Black's deep, soulful vocals remind me of other late 60s psych-crooners like Damon and Beauregarde and quite frankly lack the depth or nuance to keep me inspired. That said, this is still an album of its time with decent fuzz guitar licks and hip organ flourishes to be heard throughout. The standout track for fans of psych is the side two opener "Fool Amid The Traffic" featuring a hypnotic organ and drum backing to a healthy spread of wah-wahed and fuzzy guitar. This track would be a great addition to any psych compilation. For fans of the weird and experimental the non-song "The Emperor" offers sound effects, wordless female vocals and Terry Black's spoken retelling of the emperor's new clothes tale.
I don't believe there was a Canadian pressing, this American issue covering both markets. There was, however, a 1969 German pressing on MCA (MAPS 1884) with different cover art. The Museum of Canadian Music website values originals at $45.00, though I consider this to be high. Indeed, friends in England have told me that over the last decade or so An Eye For An Ear has been a common charity shop find at a few quid (this may refer to the German press).
Side 1 - 1. An Eye For An Ear 2. Rap 3. Second City Song 4. Power 5. Exiles
Side 2 - 1. Fool Amid The Traffic 2. Priscilla 3. Lighting Frederick's Fire 4. The Emperor 5. Does It Feel Better Now?
Decca DL 75137, USA, 1969
The Terence of this album is Canadian 60s pop icon Terry Black from British Columbia. Black had his first hit in 1965, at the age of 15, with his second A-side "Unless You Care" (Arc 1074) which charted at #2 in Canada and #99 in the USA. This was quickly followed by several other charting singles and a "Best Male Vocalist" award in the same year. A brief move to the US followed where this album was conceived, though recorded in both New York and Toronto. An Eye For An Ear generally does not appear in Terry Black discographies and it is believed that this album is a "studio project" rather than an outright release by the artist.
While certainly not bad, this is also not a great album to my ears. Too much pop balladry, orchestration and blasts of brass. Black's deep, soulful vocals remind me of other late 60s psych-crooners like Damon and Beauregarde and quite frankly lack the depth or nuance to keep me inspired. That said, this is still an album of its time with decent fuzz guitar licks and hip organ flourishes to be heard throughout. The standout track for fans of psych is the side two opener "Fool Amid The Traffic" featuring a hypnotic organ and drum backing to a healthy spread of wah-wahed and fuzzy guitar. This track would be a great addition to any psych compilation. For fans of the weird and experimental the non-song "The Emperor" offers sound effects, wordless female vocals and Terry Black's spoken retelling of the emperor's new clothes tale.
I don't believe there was a Canadian pressing, this American issue covering both markets. There was, however, a 1969 German pressing on MCA (MAPS 1884) with different cover art. The Museum of Canadian Music website values originals at $45.00, though I consider this to be high. Indeed, friends in England have told me that over the last decade or so An Eye For An Ear has been a common charity shop find at a few quid (this may refer to the German press).
German issue.
Side 1 - 1. An Eye For An Ear 2. Rap 3. Second City Song 4. Power 5. Exiles
Side 2 - 1. Fool Amid The Traffic 2. Priscilla 3. Lighting Frederick's Fire 4. The Emperor 5. Does It Feel Better Now?
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Jeff White - Grey Lord
Jeff White - Grey Lord
Stovepipe ST0001, Canada, 1976
Originally from Cornerbrook, Newfoundland, Jeff White relocated to Ontario in 1974 and recorded this rare private pressing at Eastern Sound Studios in the Yorkville area of Toronto a couple of years later. A very enjoyable folk album, I found the tracks to be full of pleasant surprises. Subtle psych, progressive and pop elements rise and fall. An effected electric violin raises its head, elsewhere a pulsating and somewhat warped bass, the occasional electronic sound, and some nice electric guitar.
Vocally White has a mellow and soothing voice with a decent range that fits the music well. Lyrical inspiration comes from his following of the Baha'i faith at the time. Completely unknown to me when I bought this a few months back, I consider Grey Lord to be one of the choice albums in the Canadian section of my collection (despite the waterstains and scratches on the front cover). The tracks on this album were all written in the early 70s (1970-1974) and the album was issued with an inner lyric sleeve.
Other releases by Jeff White include "While Dylan Grew Whiskers" (a compilation), "Red Arrow" and "Ol' Crazy Half Moon Wheel". I have no information regarding these other than that they are CD releases. In 2005 he formed a duo with vocalist Kati Durst called Young & Foolish.
Side 1 - 1. Charlie (It Was September) (4:44) 2. Jubal (4:12) 3. Happy (A Song For Susan) (2:56) 4. Buffalo Boy (4:46) 5. The Ugly Truth (5:17)
Side 2 - 1. The Merchant Of Shiraz (5:13) 2. Tahirih (5:10) 3. Funeral (3:50) 4. Grey Lord (5:37)
Stovepipe ST0001, Canada, 1976
Originally from Cornerbrook, Newfoundland, Jeff White relocated to Ontario in 1974 and recorded this rare private pressing at Eastern Sound Studios in the Yorkville area of Toronto a couple of years later. A very enjoyable folk album, I found the tracks to be full of pleasant surprises. Subtle psych, progressive and pop elements rise and fall. An effected electric violin raises its head, elsewhere a pulsating and somewhat warped bass, the occasional electronic sound, and some nice electric guitar.
Vocally White has a mellow and soothing voice with a decent range that fits the music well. Lyrical inspiration comes from his following of the Baha'i faith at the time. Completely unknown to me when I bought this a few months back, I consider Grey Lord to be one of the choice albums in the Canadian section of my collection (despite the waterstains and scratches on the front cover). The tracks on this album were all written in the early 70s (1970-1974) and the album was issued with an inner lyric sleeve.
Other releases by Jeff White include "While Dylan Grew Whiskers" (a compilation), "Red Arrow" and "Ol' Crazy Half Moon Wheel". I have no information regarding these other than that they are CD releases. In 2005 he formed a duo with vocalist Kati Durst called Young & Foolish.
Side 1 - 1. Charlie (It Was September) (4:44) 2. Jubal (4:12) 3. Happy (A Song For Susan) (2:56) 4. Buffalo Boy (4:46) 5. The Ugly Truth (5:17)
Side 2 - 1. The Merchant Of Shiraz (5:13) 2. Tahirih (5:10) 3. Funeral (3:50) 4. Grey Lord (5:37)
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Carp - st
Carp - st
Epic E 30212, Canada, 1970
The main reason I bought this album is because of the inclusion of Gary Busey as drummer, singer and chief song writer (and the shop in question was selling it pretty cheap in good condition). I didn't expect alot musically and upon listening I didn't get a hell of alot, but it was better than I was expecting. Offered up is half decent country rock with some honky tonk piano and Busey's X-tian lyrics. There are some nice lead guitar passages here and there and the song writing is a tad better than some albums of the same style. Occasionally the band even rocks out, in their own fashion. Perhaps as a statement of warning, the notes on the back cover advise that this isn't the typical 60s rock album, going so far as to mention Jefferson Airplane by name. I have seen some criticism of the sleeve design and, like many others, I initially thought that the front was the back until I turned it over. While somewhat unique, this is definitely not a sleeve I would display in a frame.
I have read somewhere that throughout Gary Busey's acting career he has not once mentioned Carp in an interview, though I can't verify this nor the reasoning. I must wonder, though, if during Busey's recent stint on reality show Celebrity Apprentice, was there possibly an impromptu behind the scenes jam session with fellow contestant (and country music star) Trace Adkins?
IMDb mentions that Gary Busey played in several backing bands (including those of Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson) before appearing in his first film in 1971, but does not mention Carp. It does state that he was in an Oklahoma band called The Rubber Band, and while this may have been an earlier name for Carp, sleeve notes state that Carp was formed in spring 1966 and so it is likely the Rubber Band reference is an error. Busey would later perform guitar and vocals for his portrayal of Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story (1978).
The original American issue is of the same year and catalogue number.
Side 1 - 1. Drink To The Queen Of May (2:15) 2. Circuit Preacher Brown (2:30) 3. He's Comin' Back To Check On What You've Done (3:10) 4. Pine Creek Bridge (2:00) 5. Rosabelle Bovine (2:00) 6. Page 258 (2:30)
Side 2 - 1. Jotham Clay, Mississippi (2:46) 2. The Great Kansas Hymn (4:10) 3. Mammoth Mountain Blues (2:50) 4. There Goes The Band (2:00) 5. Jesus Is The Mountain (3:45) 6. Firehouse Dog (0:30)
Gary Busey-drums/vocals; John Crowder-bass; Ron Getman-guitar; Glen Mitchell-piano
Epic E 30212, Canada, 1970
The main reason I bought this album is because of the inclusion of Gary Busey as drummer, singer and chief song writer (and the shop in question was selling it pretty cheap in good condition). I didn't expect alot musically and upon listening I didn't get a hell of alot, but it was better than I was expecting. Offered up is half decent country rock with some honky tonk piano and Busey's X-tian lyrics. There are some nice lead guitar passages here and there and the song writing is a tad better than some albums of the same style. Occasionally the band even rocks out, in their own fashion. Perhaps as a statement of warning, the notes on the back cover advise that this isn't the typical 60s rock album, going so far as to mention Jefferson Airplane by name. I have seen some criticism of the sleeve design and, like many others, I initially thought that the front was the back until I turned it over. While somewhat unique, this is definitely not a sleeve I would display in a frame.
I have read somewhere that throughout Gary Busey's acting career he has not once mentioned Carp in an interview, though I can't verify this nor the reasoning. I must wonder, though, if during Busey's recent stint on reality show Celebrity Apprentice, was there possibly an impromptu behind the scenes jam session with fellow contestant (and country music star) Trace Adkins?
IMDb mentions that Gary Busey played in several backing bands (including those of Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson) before appearing in his first film in 1971, but does not mention Carp. It does state that he was in an Oklahoma band called The Rubber Band, and while this may have been an earlier name for Carp, sleeve notes state that Carp was formed in spring 1966 and so it is likely the Rubber Band reference is an error. Busey would later perform guitar and vocals for his portrayal of Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story (1978).
The original American issue is of the same year and catalogue number.
Side 1 - 1. Drink To The Queen Of May (2:15) 2. Circuit Preacher Brown (2:30) 3. He's Comin' Back To Check On What You've Done (3:10) 4. Pine Creek Bridge (2:00) 5. Rosabelle Bovine (2:00) 6. Page 258 (2:30)
Side 2 - 1. Jotham Clay, Mississippi (2:46) 2. The Great Kansas Hymn (4:10) 3. Mammoth Mountain Blues (2:50) 4. There Goes The Band (2:00) 5. Jesus Is The Mountain (3:45) 6. Firehouse Dog (0:30)
Gary Busey-drums/vocals; John Crowder-bass; Ron Getman-guitar; Glen Mitchell-piano
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Vortex Records - Annual Summer Sale
From Lincoln at Vortex Records -
"Thursday, 20 June - 25% off***
Friday, 21 June - 30% offSaturday, 22 June - 35% offSunday, 23 June - 40% off
We're open 10 - 10 all days except Sunday which'll be 11 - 6.
All USED items will be on sale: CDs, DVDs, Vinyl, Blu-rays. New vinyl will not be on sale.
*** On Thursday, June 20, if you spend more than $100 (before tax), we'll give you an extra 10% off everything, making your discount 35%. This is a great way to avoid lines and get a bigger discount.
Note: We almost didn't have a summer sale because the sales are generally brutal on the staff, with the final day of our last sale being the busiest day in Vortex's history. None of us wanted to go through it again so soon, but we are heavy on stock and low on space so it's happening.
HOWEVER, please realize that by waiting an extra day or two, the extra discount is not that big. Some of you waited in line last sale for very long periods of time and saved, literally, $2 more than you would have the previous day when there was barely any line at all. We've been questioning your sanity ever since. This summer sale, redeem yourself. Shop smart!
Note 2: We PREFER not to buy stock during our sales so please don't bring things to sell us as we will probably turn you away.
Note 3: You should get to the store early. Last sale we had to lock the door an hour before closing time. If we hadn't, we'd still be serving some of you. We reserve the right to do it again this year. Come early.
Note 4: When the staff tell you it's time to get in line, IT'S TIME TO GET IN LINE. Seriously. If not, we reserve the right to refuse your service all together, which means you'll get nothing.
Thanks. And it would be AWESOME if you could forward this email to your fiends or share the sale news on your Facebook page so your lovely friends can save cash to.
Pretty please.
Thanks!
Lincoln"
Vortex Records is located at 2309 Yonge Street, Toronto. Tel: 416 483 7437. Website link in column at right.
"Thursday, 20 June - 25% off***
Friday, 21 June - 30% offSaturday, 22 June - 35% offSunday, 23 June - 40% off
We're open 10 - 10 all days except Sunday which'll be 11 - 6.
All USED items will be on sale: CDs, DVDs, Vinyl, Blu-rays. New vinyl will not be on sale.
*** On Thursday, June 20, if you spend more than $100 (before tax), we'll give you an extra 10% off everything, making your discount 35%. This is a great way to avoid lines and get a bigger discount.
Note: We almost didn't have a summer sale because the sales are generally brutal on the staff, with the final day of our last sale being the busiest day in Vortex's history. None of us wanted to go through it again so soon, but we are heavy on stock and low on space so it's happening.
HOWEVER, please realize that by waiting an extra day or two, the extra discount is not that big. Some of you waited in line last sale for very long periods of time and saved, literally, $2 more than you would have the previous day when there was barely any line at all. We've been questioning your sanity ever since. This summer sale, redeem yourself. Shop smart!
Note 2: We PREFER not to buy stock during our sales so please don't bring things to sell us as we will probably turn you away.
Note 3: You should get to the store early. Last sale we had to lock the door an hour before closing time. If we hadn't, we'd still be serving some of you. We reserve the right to do it again this year. Come early.
Note 4: When the staff tell you it's time to get in line, IT'S TIME TO GET IN LINE. Seriously. If not, we reserve the right to refuse your service all together, which means you'll get nothing.
Thanks. And it would be AWESOME if you could forward this email to your fiends or share the sale news on your Facebook page so your lovely friends can save cash to.
Pretty please.
Thanks!
Lincoln"
Vortex Records is located at 2309 Yonge Street, Toronto. Tel: 416 483 7437. Website link in column at right.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Michael Waite and Eyes - Cosmic Wave
Michael Waite and Eyes - Cosmic Wave
Eye-To-Ear DZD 555, Canada, 1982 (coloured vinyl / ltd edition of 1000)
An eclectic mix of new wave, Super Tramp/Klaatu-ish commercial radio-prog, hard rock and electronica sounds. "Magic" on side two is a sub-standard ballad to these ears, yet somehow reminds me of Terry Brooks and Strange in its ambience (though the music is actually miles apart). Guest appearances come courtesy of Nash The Slash and Kim Mitchell, among others.
The album was originally realeased in 1982 on the small Eye-To-Ear indie label as a limited edition of 1000 on light pink vinyl (usually decsribed as white for some reason). In 1983 it was picked up by A&M and re-issued on standard black vinyl. It is interesting to note that the original issue is credited to Michael Gregtheodeg Waite & Eyes, while the A&M issue omits the Gregtheodeg. Both issues include an inner lyric sleeve.
Eye-To-Ear DZD 555, Canada, 1982 (coloured vinyl / ltd edition of 1000)
An eclectic mix of new wave, Super Tramp/Klaatu-ish commercial radio-prog, hard rock and electronica sounds. "Magic" on side two is a sub-standard ballad to these ears, yet somehow reminds me of Terry Brooks and Strange in its ambience (though the music is actually miles apart). Guest appearances come courtesy of Nash The Slash and Kim Mitchell, among others.
The album was originally realeased in 1982 on the small Eye-To-Ear indie label as a limited edition of 1000 on light pink vinyl (usually decsribed as white for some reason). In 1983 it was picked up by A&M and re-issued on standard black vinyl. It is interesting to note that the original issue is credited to Michael Gregtheodeg Waite & Eyes, while the A&M issue omits the Gregtheodeg. Both issues include an inner lyric sleeve.
A&M SP 9092, Canada, 1983
I rate this album highly but must warn that it is not for psych, prog or hard rock specialists as this really is a mixed bag.
1982 issue on pink vinyl.
In the early 70s Waite was in a band called Breathless with Nash The Slash. It appears they only recorded one song, "Slasher", which appeared on a promotional compilation titled 'Concept', but was never officially released. Throughout the 80s Waite made appearances and received producer credits on several albums by Canadian progressive rock band FM, as well as on Nash The Slash's 1984 album 'American Band-ages'.
Side 1 - 1a. Electric Violence 1b. Electric Violinse 2. The Prisoner 3. Time 4. Me And The Silver Surfer
5. You Won't Believe Your Eyes!
Side 2 - 1. The Machine Stops! 2. Without A Doubt 3. Magic 4. No Brains; No Pains 5. See-Behind Glasses (An American In New York)
Michael Waite-vocals/bass/piano/guitars/synthesizers/Roland drum computer/percussion/tubular bells/flute;
Martian Wars-electric 5-string violins/electric violcello/mando-guitar/Roland guitar synthesizer;
Mike O'Brien-drums & percussion
Recorded at Integrated Sound.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)