June 2001
Ten records in my collection...
#1: The Parting Song (From the Time We Say
Goodbye) by Vera Lynn
This is a 78. I have a few of these. This is a classic Vera Lynn
recording. I cannot listen to her and not think of World War II.
It seems that this, and the flip side, Auf Weidersein, was recorded
for closing time in the USO. I love her voice. Her sound lends itself
to group sing-a-longs.
(I cannot find the recording on cdnow.com.)
#2: One of These Nights by the Eagles
This is a pretty good album. I think it is best suited for making
out with your high school girlfriend, but it also works with your
wife. I know, however, that this is not great for The Dude does
not like the Eagles. I cannot understand why exactly. The reason
may be in the difference between the Eagles and the Band. Who knows.
It's a good listen and sounds great with the pops and snaps.
(Album available at CDNow)
#3: Weekend in LA by George Benson
This is a seriously cool double album. Godzilla owns two copies
on vinyl. I listened to this one Saturday morning while cooking
eggs for my special lady. I think I got it when I was 17 or 18.
I have almost always been smart.
(Album available at CDNow)
#4: You Bought It, You Name It by Joe
Walsh
Joe is the most special and talented member of the Eagles. He was
better before them. He was better off without them (remember "Vote
for Me"? I loved that!) The album is priceless if for only
one song, "I.L.B.T.'s" ß I Sure do!
(I could not find this at cdnow.com or amazon.com)
#5: Live and Sleazy by the Village People
What the hell can I say? In high school in the early 1990's, when
I was heavy into disco, this was my favorite album. In many ways,
it still is. It is almost perfect.
(Album available at Amazon.com)
#6: Out of the Blue by the Electric Light
Orchestra
I think that any album with spaceships on the cover is immediately
cool. This is good for Boston and Journey, who, unlike ELO, basically
stink. Sure, this is not the best ELO album, but the rumor is that
they recorded this with the aide of alien space technology, which
is a good thing.
(Album available at Amazon.com)
#7: Partners in Crime by Rupert Holmes
This was the last #1 record of the 1970's. So what? Well, the 70's
opened with "Piece of my Heart" by Janis Joplin at #1,
and that's what. The decade began with raucous, drunken fun, and
ended with a pop album like this. The most well known song is "Escape
(The Pina Colada Song)", but the best is "Answering Machine."
All humans should own this. You can live without Janis, but Rupert
is essential. Actually, you should steal is. Hell, I stole my copy!
(Album is not available at cdnow.com or amazon.com - steal it!)
#8: Close Personal Friend by Robert Johnson
I love the real Robert Johnson. You know, the Mississippi blues
man who sold his soul to the devil. Well, this is not my Robert.
This is a Robert only his mother could love. That is, if he had
a mother.
(This album is not available anywhere.)
#9: Saturday Night Fiedler by the Boston
Pops
This is terrific! If you are not familiar with Arthur Fiedler and
the Boston Pops, you should be. The music is fun and inventive.
This record is, however, not better than the Sesame Street disco
album, but it is just as fun. You should get a hold of this, a party
is not a party without this record!
(This album is not available anywhere in CD form, but you can get
it at LPNow.com)
#10: Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet by
Rick Springfield.
I know that Rick is cute, but I don't understand him as a performer.
This is not because I don't like pop music, but because I don't
know why he would ever dedicate THIS album to his dead father. I
think the better option would have been anything else. If my son
ever did that to me, I would rise from the dead.
(This album is available at Amazon.com)
