The College Crowd Digs Me

"The Blue Things" - The Blue Things  (1966) The album cover reminds me of an early " Twilight Zone" episode where four young strangers dressed in black boots and leather jackets rent a house in a small town and have the whole neighborhood peaking through their curtains.  In 1966, and hailing from the midwestern town of Hays, Kansas,  The Blue Things probably got that a lot.  These boys from the plains with their cool and exotic swag and swagger played garage-tinged folk-rock that was out in front.  The band's lone self-titled album has a bit of Beau Brummels going on and little hints of that folkier jangle-jangle the Beatles were working.  But they had their own walk.  The album is a really enjoyable spin that still holds up today. Favorites are the catchy "High Life" that nudges The Beatles.  The garage " La Do Da Da" is killer stuff and one I imagine they tore up live.  "Doll House" is another hidden gem.  The band al

"Andre The Giant: Life And Legend" by Box Brown First Second (2014) 240 pages (I stumbled upon a good-sized box filled with a variety of graphic novels at an estate sale. No official count as I've just been pulling from the box when I find time to read one.  Afterward, I post the book and go from there.) Andre Roussimoff.  He was born with a very painful disease that caused extreme growth in his body.  He was 7'4" and nearly 600 lbs and we came to know him as Andre the Giant.  Author and artist  Box Brown  presents an interesting overview of Andre's life...starting from his school days until his much too early, but not unexpected, death at 46.  In between, we learn about some of Andre's experiences both inside the professional wrestling ring and out.  As well as being offered a part in the wonderful film, "The Princess Bride" playing (you guessed it) the lovable giant, Fezzik . Brown only scratches the surface, but that is t

"Autosalvage" - Autosalvage (1968) The lone album from Autosalvage is really enjoyable psych-rock.  And an album that's kind of hard to pin down.  Different musical genres show up here.  Garage slips into blues-rock slips into folk-rock with everything dusted in psych.  You would think that an amalgam of musical styles like this would be jarring, but the changes are sneaky and smooth as butter.  And everything works.  There are nice vocals and unique melodies to be found here, too.  Mind-bubble lyrics.  Freaky time changes.  Unusual chord choices.  Noisy, sometimes jangly guitars.  A little fuzz.  A little tape-manipulation.  Unexpected sounds.  There may be a wee smidgen of Byrds or Beatles hiding deep in the shadows, but this is all Autosalvage.  The playing is tight.  Fresh and fearless.  This is a psych album in every way.  Autosalvage ...that little ol' band from New York...recorded a pretty tasty bearclaw.   And one that gets better with every needle dr

"It was nice. We celebrated and then  we had a job to do." ~ John Helliwell ~ In 1973, sax man John Helliwell was invited to join the prog band Supertramp.  Helliwell made his debut on the band's incredible third album, "Crime Of The Century," and has been on every album since.  Make no mistake, Supertramp will always be Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies puppy to pet, but John Helliwell's unmistakeable woodwind savoir-faire always seemed to bring out the best from the two geniuses. Go have another listen to their iconic album "Breakfast In America." (1979)  If you have a record collection, you probably have it.  It is an almost perfect "needle-drop to label" spin that has gone on to sell over 20 million copies.  John Helliwell's blow shines a bright light everywhere.  And not just with Supertramp .  From Thin Lizzy to Pink Floyd , his presence can be heard.  In recent years, he's been touring with the Super Big Tram

"Mothermania The Best Of The Mothers" - The Mothers Of Invention (1969) Generally, I pass over "Best Of" or "Greatest Hits" compilation albums.  Sure, I have a few in my collection, but I rarely play them.  Still, there are always a few really good exceptions.  Frank Zappa's "Mothermania The Best Of The Mothers" is a great example of a comp that reaches the sweet spot.  Most of the tracks on here are alternate versions and mixes of songs taken from their first three albums.  Good versions.  All very much hands-on by Frank himself.  Even the infamous "Mother People" is included in all of its uncensored glory.  Verve quickly axed the offensive lyrics from his "We're Only In It For The Money" album.  I guess no one sitting behind their shiny Verve desk cared or were paying attention this time. Favorite tracks are the familiar  "Brown Shoes..." and "Mother People."    The lesser-known favori