Lockdowns suck! But the silver lining is that I’ve had more time to listen to records. I thought it would be fun to feature an A to Z selection of my current record collection. My collection is sorted alphabetically (same as the A-Z sort on Discogs), this method sorts by artists first name, which admittedly throws me out from time to time but as it lines up with my records as they appear on Discogs, it is the best way to quickly find an album, particularly when friends are over.
As I was listening to these records it brought back some good memories and I was surprised by a few that have spent a little too long on the shelf. Aside from selecting records in alphabetical order I simply choose ones I felt like listening to at the time. It was actually a lot of fun!
Alex Harvey – Roman Wall Blues
I first came across Alex Harvey when I borrowed Original Seeds – songs that inspired Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, from a friend. The compilation album features ‘Hammer Song’ by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. I love that track and used to play it all the time. When I started looking into Alex Harvey I came across a plethora of albums including Roman Wall Blues. Alex Harvey isn’t always easy to listen too, his songs can be a little bizarre and his band is very theatrical but he is a poet at heart and a truly great song writer. Overall this is a great album and features early versions of ‘Midnight Moses’ and ‘Hammer Song’. By far my favourite track on the album is ‘Hello L.A Bye Bye Birmingham’, interestingly enough though it wasn’t written by Alex Harvey but was first released on this record
The pressing of this album is Fontana – STL 5534 and you can find it on Discogs for around AU $115-$150. Must listen and definitely a great addition to any record collection
Bones and Jones – Ginger Gold (Farm Singles)
Speaking of Covid lockdowns, this album was recorded last year during the first lockdown on a farm in Wallington, Victoria in 2020. They also managed to squeeze in a few live shows between lockdowns which I was lucky enough to attend (Northcote Social Club). These guys really know how to write good songs! I would describe them as a mix of pop and blues rock and remind of the Beatles (sort of). This album is best paired with a few lazy beers on a sunny afternoon as you kick back and light up the barbie!
Ginger Gold (Farm Singles) was released on Bonsai Records – BON 003 and you can buy it directly from their bandcamp page here. Honestly this is a great record and I highly recommend it
Church of the Cosmic Skull – Is Satan Real?
If you have’t heard of Church of the Cosmic Skull I highly recommend you check them out. Spiritual organisation? religious movement? a cult? no matter, these guys rock, and if your willing to embark on a spiritual journey you can join their inner sanctum here.
These guys have a heavy 70’s prog rock/prog pop feel about them, drenched in Hammond organ and fuzz lead guitar solos. The first track ‘Mountain Heart’ is a wild and epic opening and should get you hooked straight away!
My copy is a first pressing Bilocation Records– BILOCATION 44, limited numbered pink/black marbled edition signed by the band. I really got into Church of the Cosmic Skull and all of their later records including Brother Bill’s solo albums.
Don Nix – Living By The Days
Finding this album led me down a wonderful path of musical discovery! Freddie King, Leon Russell, Moloch just to name a few! Don Nix has had an incredible music career and been a massive influence for tons of artists! His song ‘Going Down’ has been covered by just about every blues guitarist ever, as well as producing countless albums, he seems to pop up in the musical credits everywhere.
The only thing that sucks about this album is the pressing itself. For some reason most pressings of this album are pressed off centre which makes a slight scratching noise. It’s only noticeable during quieter parts of the album but still knowing it’s there is enough to bug me. A friend of mine was able to find a copy of this album that doesn’t have this defect but I haven’t been so lucky.
Never the less this is a great album and I highly recommend getting into some early Don Nix. This album is gospel blues rock at its best!
My copy is pressed by Elektra– EKS-74101, US 1971, the cover is gatefold and has a nice felt feel to the picture of Don on the front cover
Easy Browns – Trash!
A found these guys on Bandcamp, they are a 4-piece garage rock band hailing from Melbourne who play whacked out psych pop! A standard track goes through stages of slow groove pop through to full freak out and somehow smoothly transitions into well rounded catchy pop hooks. I love these guys as they are very much a DIY garage rock band and their sound is really raw and original. They have played warm-up for King Gizz and have a similar vibe to most bands on the Flightless record label (Easy Browns aren’t on Flightless).
Easy Browns have since released Down on the Farm which is another great album. Another thing I really appreciated about these guys was the personalised note they wrote for me (and continue to write for anyone who buys their record). Apparently I share the same name as his Dad which he thought was pretty rockin’. It was a really nice touch and made me like them even more!
Felt – Felt
Felt as in ‘..I really felt that music man’, these guys are a self proclaimed ‘free hippie’ band who recorded a pure blues/rock psychedelic album with some cool hammond piano and jazzy improvised blues solos! This was Felt’s first and only album and blends in very much with the sound of the time – 1971. I picked this up a few years ago as the cover stood out, I was pleasantly surprised. On doing some research, Myke Jackson the guitarist, lead singer and arranger said he hates the album cover to this very day. Apparently it was described to them as a naked chick on the front but once it was all said and done he was horrified to find out later it was some ‘scar looking monster chick’ (K Breznikar, 2011)
My copy is a repress by Akarma– AK 127, Italy 2000, it lists on Discogs around $60
Klemen Breznikar “Felt Interview“, June 19 2011, accessed September 3rd 2021, https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2011/06/felt-interview-with-mychael-john-thomas.html
Ghostface Killah – Ironman
Ironman is an iconic album and the last solo album produced by RZA as part of his 5-year plan. I don’t proclaim to be the biggest Clan fan or really know that much about them (other than gaining some interesting insights watching Wu-Tang: An American Saga and subsequent documentary Wu-Tang Clan: of Mics and Men). I do however really dig this album and recently got into listening to the Clan and other solo albums. Im a big fan of Ol’ Dirty Bastard, but Ghostface Killah, RZA and Raekwon come in pretty close.
This album is fast and funky and features tracks with Raekwon and Cappadonna. A must listen! My copy of Ironman is an original 1996 US pressing from Razor Sharp Records/Epic Street E2 67729. I was lucky enough to snag a copy from The Searchers Records in Fitzroy. I picked up this copy for $60 which is a pretty sweet deal. A copy in the same condition on Discogs can go $80-$160
Honeybus – Story
I came across this gem of a band just before Hanky Panky and Mapache records reissued it almost 40 years later! Think Kinks meets Beatles produced with a few string arrangements and acoustic driven warm hearted, feel-good pop. Luckily I was still on the fence about forking out money for this album at the time and was able to purchase the reissue at a much more reasonable price.
I personally really like this album, the tracks are really catchy and fun. The first track especially is really cool with its orchestral string arrangement and lead guitar solo. I played this album for a few friends and they loved it too.
My copy is on Mapache Records : Hanky Panky Records MAPA0012LP – HPR 036
Iron Maiden – The Number Of The Beast
While I may have picked this record as its the only artist I own starting with ‘I’, it is in my collection for a reason! This album is a cult classic and Iron Maiden’s appearance on Guitar Hero 3 with The Number of the Beast, has meant many more generations have been exposed to one of the greatest heavy metal bands ever. There is nothing like nailing the solo in ‘The Number of the Beast’, drunk at 3am.
My copy is the EMI – EMC 3400, 1982 Australian pressing. It not in the greatest shape and I have been tempted to get a nicer copy but its been a much loved album
Jeff Beck – Blow By Blow
This was one of the first albums I ever owned. I picked it up from Dixons in Melbourne, as you can see by the grading sticker and the ring wear. It isn’t in the best condition, but the vinyl is not to bad (VG) and it is a great album. Jeff Beck, formally from the Yardbirds, shows off his musical prowess on this instrumental album. I guess you could describe the album as jazz rock but its really quite funky and blues driven too. My favourite track is ‘She’s a Women’, the lead guitar sings a melody and it would be great for an opening movie soundtrack. The track was actually written by Lennon and McCartney
My copy is the Australian 1975 Epic ELPS 3727 pressing. I probably paid under $10 and it was an absolute bargain !
Kelley Stoltz – Below The Branches
As far as feel-good, upbeat, piano and acoustic-driven pop goes this album is just about perfect! I discovered Kelley Stoltz a few years ago and was so happy when I did. This album sums up good times with friends, discovering hidden gems and a reminder why I continue to dig for new records. I actually reached out to Kelley when I was tracking down another record of his. He personally responded back (at length) and was very grateful about the comments I made about how much I was enjoying his music. I feel that really connects me more to his music in a personal way.
Kelley Stoltz draws upon many pop influences throughout this album, ‘Little Lords’ reminds me of Jack White’s ‘We’re Going To Be Friends’, ‘Ever Thought Of Coming Home’ clearly Beach Boys vibes, ‘Memory Collector’ (also my favourite track on this album) has a Kinks feel about it. Overall this is the sort of album you would expect Paul McCartney to release. I love it!
All I can say is ‘pack your worries in a suitcase and wave goodbye’ as you sit down and enjoy this absolute joy of an album!
This (one and only) pressing is on Sub Pop – SP 674, US 2006. Thank me later
Leon Russell – Leon Russell
Leon Russell is the man! This guy was an unbelievably talented musician, song writer and incredibly well connected man on the music scene. You wouldn’t know it, but he started in a band with J.J Cale, has played on a number of hits for artists like Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Beach Boys, Delaney and Bonnie and Friends, Eric Clapton, Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Joe Cocker (he wrote Delta Lady, which actually has his own version on this album).
On this album alone he has George Harrison and Ringo Starr (Beatles), Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman (Rolling Stones), Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Klaus Voorman (Manfred Mann), B.J Wilson (Procol Harum), Alan Spenner (Spooky Tooth), Jim Gordon (Derek and the Dominos), Jim Horn and Joe Cocker all playing on one track or another. For a debut album that is very impressive!
Leon Russell has a unique voice and while not everyone is a fan, I really like it and feel he brings his own style, personality and energy to every song he performs. The whole album is amazing, however I personally love the opening ballad ‘A Song For You’. It is a perfect opening track introducing Leon to his listeners in an intimate way, before he lets loose and picks up the energy with the rest of his friends throughout the album.
This copy is an Australian 1975 pressing, Shelter Records L 35610
The Murlocs – Old Locomotive
The Murlocs slot nicely into the Flightless Record labels bill with their lo-fi garage rock style. They of course share members of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard and other Flightless bands, so makes sense. These guys do have a cool sound and I really like the distorted harmonica and the whole feel of the album which is very 60’s psychedelia. ‘Noble Soldier’ is a stand out track for me but the whole album is pretty cool.
This one is the Flightless – FLT034 edition on Black and Gold vinyl. At the time of purchasing this album up until King Gizz moved their album releases to Gizzverse, I was in the habit of buying up anything and everything put out on the Flightless label (not a healthy habit). I will admit though, I did enjoy waiting for the first minute of release, constantly refreshing the webpage and frantically adding every colour variant on offer to my cart. Most releases would often sell out in a matter of minutes. What a thrill!
Neil Young – On The Beach
On the Beach is probably my favourite Neil Young album. I don’t own every single one (the guy has released an absurd amount of music) but this one is just so laid-back and perfect for a late night or rainy day. What I love most about Neil is his ability to strip down songs to just a few chords but his story telling and guitar work are just so good and full of emotion.
Stand out tracks for me are ‘Revolution Blues’ which references Charles Manson and a harrowing vision of a guy doing what he loves (massacring people, “I see bloody fountains”) yet still sad inside. I also like ‘Vampire Blues’ as a cool blues track with the lyrics “Im a Vampire babe, sucking blood from the earth”, its low-key organ in the background, and classic guitar solo reminiscent of ‘Down By The River’. I do pretty much like every track on this album though! it doesn’t disappoint.
My copy is a US 1974 pressing, Reprise Records – R 2180
Ornament – … As is
Aside from a rocky start with this band (I may have had to request a refund via Bandcamp after radio silence from the band when my record never showed up) I do really like this album! This kind of reminds of Dr. Dog, the songs are stripped down and kept simple yet each track is full of catchy hooks, bouncing piano and neat little orchestral arrangements that keep your foot tapping away.
I had intended to gift this album to a friend of mine as part of regular ‘record vault swap’ we do a few times a year. After feeling like this album was out of reach I mentioned it to him and he was able to snag a copy for me.
Ornament – As Is, pressed by Official Memorabilia – ORM006. You can pick this album for next to nothing if you live in the US (shipping to Australia is ridiculous)
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets – High Visceral (Part One)
What a name! These guys are a psych rock band hailing from Perth, WA. I first listened to this album while I was going to bed. As I lay there closing my eyes I fell into a trance as each reverb and fuzz soaked track blended into one another. Each song builds on a melodic hook and while they depart into slow jams and heavy fast erupting breaks each song comes back to the melodic riff and builds layers each time in a dreamy hazed landscape. It may just be the headspace I was in at the time as these guys definitely rock out live shows but when really listening to the album (eye’s closed) there is so much complexity within each song its amazing.
My copy is the limited edition orange transparent and blue pressed by What Reality? Records – WR?RPPC001. I was lucky to the pick this album up when I did as copies now go for upward of $250
Queen – A Night At The Opera
I don’t need to tell anyone who Queen is or why this album is amazing and a must own! I love the opening track ‘Death On Two Legs’ with the opening piano and the guitar riff that come in! ‘Im in Love With My Car’, ‘Your My Best Friend’, ’39’, and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ are all classic Queen tracks all packed into one album. What I love most about Queen aside from their ability to write and perform amazing songs, Freddie Mercury’s voice, or their vocal harmonies, butis Brian May’s guitar work and the unique tone of his guitar solo’s. Brian May is one of my favourites guitarists of all time and this album is well placed in anyones record collection.
My copy is the 1975 Australian pressing by Elecktra – 7E-1053. Im sure I could find a better pressing but this one plays nicely
The Routes – Mesmerised
A mate of mine first introduced me to The Routes with the album In this Perfect Hell. I really enjoyed that record and have since picked up a few more albums (including this one) over the years. Their influence is very 60’s surf rock and for a 3 piece band (usually) they make a fair bit of noise. The band line on this album is different from In this Perfect Hell, but Chris Jack seems to be the main man and has had a few different band members, some long standing.
Mesmerised is a fairly solid album with ‘Broken Goods’, ‘I’m Sorry’ and ‘Mesmerised’ the standout tracks (for me). My copy is the Limited Edition,Red Translucent on Action Weekend Records and Bickerton Records AW032/BR043.
Skyway Man – Seen Comin’ From A Mighty Eye
Self proclaimed ‘folk futurism’, Skyway Man’s sound is best described as folk pop with some emotive horn and string arrangements. This album plays out like a soundtrack to an obscure sci-fi movie or musical, told in the first person which is really enjoyable to listen through start to finish. This is not the sort of music you just listen to in the car on your way to work but is best digested by dimming the lights and kicking back in the wee hours of the night. The album has a slow and steady pace but is quite intricate and straps you in its warm embrace as your beamed through the stratosphere and drift into space.
I also highly recommend Skyway Man’s second album The World Only Ends When You Die, which has a similar but more bluesy feel.
My copy of this album is the limited edition sea foam green and midnight blue, pressed my YK Records- YK043.
Taj Mahal – Taj Mahal
This album (in my opinion) is a quintessential blues album. Taj Mahal brings a real energy to every track and is the perfect blend of old and new blues (for 1968). As is common with most blues albums, these tracks are mostly covers of old blues songs but Taj makes them his own. My favourite track by far is ‘Leaving Trunk’, Taj’s opening riff on the harp and his lead vocals really set the tone for the whole album and it is really cool!
I picked this album up from a cool little record store in Brooklyn, NY. I remember I was with my wife and we were on a holiday in the States. We were checking out Brooklyn and found a cool little food/music festival in a park looking over to New York. As I usually do, I checked my phone to see what record stores were in the area. A fair few popped up and a convinced my wife I would be back in an hour or so. I remember coming back more than a few hours to a not so happy wife! It was totally worth it though as a picked up some great records that day, including this one. I highly recommend this album!
My copy is a US 1968 Terre Haute Pressing on Columbia– CS 9579
The Uplifting Bell Ends – Super Giant III
Super Giant III is the third album in presumably a trilogy of albums The Uplifting Bell Ends have released under the same name. That or they just couldn’t be bothered making up new album titles. In any case I love this album not just for the songs but the fact they seem to have so much fun recording it, which in turn gives off a really great vibe. At the very start and throughout the album you can hear the guys kicking back at the pub as they weave in and out of each track. I’d describe this record as folk, country rock with plenty of catchy melodies and tasty jams along the way. This is the sort of album I can image making with my friends, staying up all night drinking and recording at home. By 3am in the morning you have lost all inhibitions and each take keeps getting better and better. They clearly don’t care about getting a perfect take and I think that makes it even better as all the imperfections and raw feel of the solos almost makes it ‘perfect’. Im not saying this is the best album ever made, I just appreciate it for what it is, a band making music for themselves and it shows on this album.
The Uplifting Bell Ends is a fitting addition to Third Eye Stimuli Records label as it is lo-fi and bedroom recorded.
My copy is the limited purple coloured edition on Third Eye Stimuli – TES010
Vulfpeck – The Beautiful Game
These guys bring their own flare to jamming old school funk and really know how to get the party feels going. The attention to detail on every beat and every note is amazing, they are very accomplished musicians and nail the perfect mix of jamming out but keeping the listener engaged in songs short enough to easily digest.
The Beautiful Game opens with a mournful clarinet solo then bursts into a funky and happy go-free ‘Animal Spirit’, which really sets the tone for the rest of the album. I’ll usually pick this out when I’m not sure what to play as its a crowd pleaser and my kids will bounce around dancing to every song. I have hopped on the Vulfpeck bandwagon for a while now and will continue to pick up every release on offer.
My copy is the limited edition, remastered, repress,Gold on Vulf Records – VULF2016.G. They fetch a pretty penny now so my not disappointed
Ween – Chocolate and Cheese
I love Ween! They are one of the best bands if not a front runner for THE best band in the world. I was first introduced to them by my friend back in high school. I remember lying in the dark listening to Chocolate and Cheese on repeat and being physically shaken by the creepy child-like lyrics on ‘Spinal Meningitis’. There really is no shortage of classic songs on this album from ‘Take Me Away’ to ‘Freedom of 76’, ‘I Can’t Put My Finger On It’, ‘Roses Are Free’, ‘Baby Bitch’, ‘Buenas Tardes Amigo’, ‘The HIV Song’, and ‘Don’t Shit Where You Eat’. I should just name every track on this record as they are all unbelievably great.
I think what I love most about this album is the memories I have listening to this record with friends, singing at the top of our lungs at 2am, playing ‘Buenas Tardes Amigo’ on repeat, learning how to play ‘Don’t Shit Where You Eat’ on guitar and of course being able to see Ween play live TWICE! I have even met the self proclaimed ‘number ween fan’ who I have encountered many times at the ‘Hallo-ween’ tribute shows. I also once spoke to Dean Ween in passing when the Dean Ween Group played in Melbourne. It was actually very embarrassing as I caught his attention and I had nothing cool to say.
For me Chocolate and Cheese holds a special place dear to my heart as it was the first Ween album I really listened too. I then gorged on albums like The Mollusk, 12 Country Golden Hits, The Pod and God Ween Satan. It is also the first album they recorded that ditched the 4-track, drum machine/ lo-fi recordings for more production value which perhaps makes it bit more inviting for first time listeners.
Honestly I couldn’t recommend this album any more highly, Ween has a little something for everyone and in fact their whole discography deserves your time.
My copy is the 2009 reissue on Plain Recordings, plain141
Warren Zevon – Excitable Boy
Using ‘X’ from E’x’citable Boy, or at the very least an honourable mention for ‘W’
So this may be cheating but I don’t own an album beginning with ‘x’ so this counts right? Who doesn’t love a little Warren Zevon though and I believe at the very least he deserves an honourable mention! ‘Johnny Strikes Up The Band’, ‘Roland The Headless Thomson Gunner’, ‘Werewolves of London’, ‘Nighttime In The Switching Yard’ and ‘Lawyers Guns And Money’ are all classic Zevon tracks and very much crowd pleasers. In all honesty I may not have given Warren second look if it wasn’t for one of my best mates who is one of the biggest Warren Zevon fans going around. He will always throw in a track anytime we are putting together a random playlist. If you dare to take a deep dive into Warren’s back catalogue you won’t be disappointed.
My copy is a US 1978 specilty pressing on Asylum Records – 6E-118. Not a fancy pressing and you can grab this record anywhere for as little as $10
Yamasuki–Le Monde Fabuleux Des Yamasuki
I think I first heard The Yamasuki Singers when they featured the song Yama Yama on an episode of Fargo season 2. Yama Yama has also been sampled on The Dash by Lane-Harry x Ike Campbell, All 2gether now by Statik Selektah and of course Sage Francis on House of Bees. Their songs make for really good samples!
My friend gifted me this album as part of our regular vault swap. I do really like this album although I don’t really listen to it very often.
My copy is an unofficial 2017 reissue on The Great Thunder – TGT433
Zuider Zee – Zeenith
Its amazing songs like these have been left sitting in a dusty old basement alone for so long! Despite a self titled debut album in 1975, in which Zuider Zee were proclaimed to be the next ‘big thing’, they somehow managed to miss the mark and fell off the face of the earth. Lucky for us, in 2018, essentially a full album of previously unreleased tracks made its way to our ears thanks to Light in Attic Records. Having been compared to Big Star and Cheap Trick, I feel they sound more like The Beatles (particularly the track ‘Old’, which directly references them) or Badfinger maybe even throw in a little Argent.
I discovered these guys around the same time I found Honeybus’s album Story which also led me to Kinda Lost Records, Pete Dello and Friends’s album Into Your Ears (another lost gem that has been dusted off and brought to a new audience).
With tracks like ‘Haunter Of The Darkness’, ‘Lancelot’s Theme’, ‘Miami’, ‘Ackbar Diedar’ and ‘Old’ I I can’t wrap my head around how these guys never made it. In any case they are here now and it is high time you get yourself a copy and enjoy them!
My copy is 2018 US release on Light in the Attic – LITA 166
