Lonelobo

I didn't know we had a King. I thought we were an autonomous collective. You can't expect to wield supreme executive power just because some watery tart threw a sword at you. LONG LIVE THE AUTONOMOUS COLLECTIVE!!!!

http://hub.audiogon.com/2013/08/rest-in-vinyl/

Yes, I have 2 of their t-shirts. I like Good Records in Dallas and a couple of really great used and new vinyl stores in Denton. Doc's in Fort Worth is great for Jazz. And of course, there's Bill's in Dallas. Bill is a legend in his own right...I shot an interview for an Scottish documentary on the Dixie Chicks with him by mistake. Turns out, the producers mistook him for someone that they were supposed to meet at the Record Store. So we did 2 interviews and Bill never knew his interview was a mistake. That was quite an experience as the entire documentary was in Gaelic.

This saturday I stood/sat in line for 2 hours BEHIND 150 other mostly much younger people waiting to get into Record Store Day. Good news is that young people are buying vinyl. Bad news is Cactus Records allowed no browsing and kept all the records behind a table manned by staffers. A most unsatisfying way to shop for any record and I believe counter productive to sales. I got the creme colored Box Set of Cream at the Royal Albert Hall, The Last Waltz (the band), Miles Davis Sketches of Spain and Round Midnight in Mono, 1960's demo tape sessions of Willie Nelson, a Joan Jett reissue, 45 rpms of The Small Faces, Chet Atkins, and the Shangri-las. Only thing I missed that I wanted was the Jail recordings of Big Mama Thornton. The one I passed on but will probably regret is a 4 record box set by The Flaming Lips meant to be played simultaneously on 4 turntables. Got a call the day after to be told that I had won 2 tickets to a May 15 concert by Toad The Wet Sprocket.

If you like the Meyerson I suggest you go here. http://music.unt.edu/mpac/ Much more intimate and more pleasurable in my mind. And I love the Meyerson.

http://hub.audiogon.com/2013/02/musician-spotlight-jack-white-vinyl-proponent/

http://www.esotericsound.com/CartStyli.htm check out the cd of recordings with different cartridges ... wha...duh....huh...

http://recordsmith.com/audio-equipment.html

http://recordsmith.com/record-auctions.html

That list is incomplete without Trombone Shorty. PS. He isn't short

Stanley Clarke will be there, and Bueno Vista Social Club, and Fleetwood Mac, and, and, and, and, NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE PLANS!!!

http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/email/newsletter/1411617843

Really sorry I missed this one. Ended up on mercy mission to Austin to pick up new speakers for a friend.

I'm good for the next weekend, ie.12/13

Well, I've downloaded every flac that this sites houses and I must say there's some awesome live performance stuff in the mix of sessions, festivals, and old archival recordings. So far, I've only nixed one group. The rest are more than listenable and you get the distinct impression of being at the venue as there's not a lot of editing done. By far, the best free music I've come across...it reminds me of listening to my old raw recordings...and that's a lot of fun. If you don't like folk and bluegrass, stay away and have another Bud Light.

Just found these guys on the web. Folk and Bluegrass live recordings given away for free in flac and mp3 format. Haven't listened in depth to any of them but they appear to be a mix of Festival recordings and genuine sound checks and jam sessions. Should be interesting to explore. FTP to get the files. Login info at the bottom of the music page. Good fun for those in the nose.\ Happy audiophilia friends and neighbors!!!

On Saturday I went to hear Brian Setzer's orchestra playing their Christmas show at Arena Theatre in Houston. The Arena Theatre is "in the round" with a stage that rotates 360 degrees so you only have to watch the back of the band 2/3rds of the time. The good part is that no seat is very far from the stage. But the bad part is that when the band is not facing you, you are listening to the band's floor monitors in addition to the house mix. Some of the band appeared to be wearing in ear monitors as well. Each and every instrument was individually mic'd which also introduces some sonic issues. Long story short is that the big band sound was more of a big mush sound which made it difficult to pick out Setzer's guitar and the horns lost all their edge. If the 6 trombones, 6 trumpets, and 6 saxes had different parts, most of it was lost in the mellange. Every once in a while the bari sax would stand out but that's about it. None of the horns or winds did much to impress me,even during their solos. My tenure at UNT has ruined my patience for less than stellar playing. My friend who I went with thought the band was tight. If my pants were that tight, everyone would see me undies. When the band left a rockabilly trio on stage, the entire concert changed for the better and they rocked out righteously and cleanly. They played a very long time, which is a tribute to Setzer's generosity on stage. He played a handfull of Stray Cat standards that really got the girls dancin. If any of you get a chance to hear his orchestra in a better venue I would love to hear your impressions. Merry Christmas!!!

I am humbled by you all. Though I only know a few of you personally, you all feel like family now. More powerful than genetic family, chosen family is rooted in something stronger than expectation, bound by more than bloodline, and celebrated with intertwined spirits dancing to some internally shared song. Thank you for keeping the dance going throughout my brief absence. In the past I have often felt like the dance was mine alone to keep alive, but now I realize what utter folly a notion like that is. My journey has been a simple trail of miracles from the time I hit the asphault. My first memory is of a woman telling me to lie still, that she was 2 cars behind me and was a trauma nurse. Turns out she was the wife of my trauma team doctor in Denton. You could attribute that to coincidence, but then how would you explain the string of such experiences that was non stop. Kind of like a spiritual fireworks display. About the time I thought it was over, another miracle burst would go off. Angels came and went with such regularity that I was looking for them in everyone I came into contact with. And they are there if you just look... Latest example was this Wednesday when I went to see my orthopedic surgeon superhero for a checkup. I had just thrown on a t-shirt without much attention while getting dressed for my first outdoor adventure. After waiting and x-raying and more waiting, the doc finally knocked on the door and entered. The very first thing he said after looking at me was, "Do you collect vinyl?" I was kind of taken aback but said "yes" and looked down to find I was wearing a Record Store Day T-shirt. We talked vinyl for a good 45 minutes while his nurses kept restarting the x-ray viewing software that kept timing out. They were a bit annoyed but we had a great time and really got to know each other. What are the odds that one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Texas at arguably the best trauma hospital in the country would take over an hour on one patient when his schedule is just suicidal. He took another 45 minutes with me to make sure I had no problems or questions. Coincidence? Perhaps, but line up 1500 or so of these coincidences and you have to consider other possibilities. I'm starting to run out of energy so I better end this. I am at home now, though I can't drive. I have some home health care coming in through next week, at which point my health insurance runs out (miracle or coincidence at the timing?) I can't put any weight on my left leg till September which is a lesson in patience. But I have been cleared to use crutches as long as I can tolerate the broken clavicle. Piece of cake after the last month... Again, I can never repay all your prayers. Please know they were absolutely instrumental in my continued existence in this dimension. Thank you, my brothers and sisters. You are all in MY prayers now.

Last night in between sets you could spin a wheel for prizes at the KNTU (student run jazz station) and I won a CD Titled "Circa 1960" by a Record Company dear to my heart, 90th Floor Records. The 90th Floor Club was a famous short lived jazz club in Dallas that was frequented by all the greats of the time when they flew cross country and had layovers in Dallas. It was run by Dick and Liz Harp who had a small jazz group. Liz sang and they were quite good. So good that they recorded a couple of performances. This was a real jazz club, if you talked during a set you were asked to leave. Then Liz was struck by a brain hemorage and died suddenly. If I remember correctly, she was in her 30's. 90th Floor Records released the recordings as 2 lp's, then the club closed and the 90th Floor became just a legend. But 90th Floor Records was resurrected ny one of Dicks family and they reissued the lp's. However, the masters had been destroyed in a fire so at least one of the albums was remastered from the best lp copy they could find. This CD was a great surprise then for me, since I didn't know if they were still actively releasing music. I'm listening to it right now and it's awesome. The very first University of North Texas lab bands were called Lab Dance Bands. The first 5 cuts are from Gene Hall's last concert as director of the program in 1959(he was the first director). Stunning big band performances that are very musical. Essentially the predecessor of the Grammy award winning One O'clock Lab Band, they were known then as "Lab Band A" Cut 6 isDick Harp's 90th Floor Quartet which I assume is after Liz passed, but not sure. It includes a jazz cello...remarkable. Next cuts are from the 90th Floor sessions and feature the Paul Guerrero Quintet and Jane Ames. Then more with the Harvey Anderson Quartet. Then a live performance in the club by Harvey Anderson "Gig Qartet" And finally, 4 cuts from Ann Richards and Trio that are breathtaking and I've never heard of her. Anyway, the reason I posted this is to encourage everyone to look for regional recordings that never get press. There's some great stuff out there that just gets passed over by the general public and the media machine that deserves serious listening. I'm assuming you can go to www.90thfloorrecords.com and still get this. Someday, I will try to find the original address just for kicks.

Los Lonely Boys at 9. Just finished putting carbs back on motorcycle and will reward myself with beer and tunes. Life is good!

Ritenauer was fanfukintastic, but he brought some 2 bit piano player named Dave Grusin. Oh well, at least it was free.

Gettng ready to go to the Denton Jazz Fest. Remember, it's absolutely free. Today's lineup on the main stage: 2:30 pm Lynn Seaton 4:00 pm Mike Drake Quartet 5:30 pm Keith Anderson 7:00 pm UNT One O'Clock Lab Band 9:00 pm Lee Ritenour Tomorrow's headliner at 9pm is Los Lonely Boys. Sunday's headliner is Brave Combo. Weather is awesome. Come join me.

Ok. This was my first Record Store Day and I, for one had an absolute blast. This was at Good Records in Dallas. I called last night to find out when people started showing up and was told 4am. I got up at 3:30am and drove to Dallas to arrive at 5am. I was 4th in line. 1st guy and his girlfriend had been there since 1:30am. Had an absolutely great time with the front of the line guys--basically we talked for almost 3 hours as the line formed....BEHIND us. All of these guys were just fans. No flippers among the first 20 or so in line as far as I could see. Guys in the store were working frantically getting all RDS merchandise out AND merchandise for all the local bands that were playing today--are still playing as I type this. The store was supposed to open at 8am but the manager came out and said they were ready and the first 15 of us went in at 7:30am. All the store employees and volunteers were great. Can't recommend Good Records enough as they had most, but not all, of the RSD list. Only 1 Wilco (limited to 250 nationwide). Only 3 Ralph Stanley. And of course they only had a few of some of the smaller limited runs and yes, I did miss out on some that I wanted. But then, someone else missed out because of what I got. I have to say that I found that there were a lot of young "fans" there who stood in line for hours for 1 or 2 7" or 10" records and who left absolutely excited about getting home to listen to their treasure. I'm just glad to see young people excited about vinyl and independent artists. It actually restored my faith in the latest crop of pierced pirates. And there was a good mix of ages while I was there. Old farts and young squats...we all like vinyl. So I guess it's time to see what followed me home... Oh, by the way, all the Record Store Day Bags had a gift vinyl and sampler CD's from a lot of small record companys. Even a book of matches. Here's a list of the free stuff: New West Records "On Air at World Cafe", compilation of their artists. Death Row Records , Compilation CD Anti Fall Sampler CD Decca Records compilation for Record Store Day CD Southern Ground Artists Volume 2 Compilation CD Selecto-O-Hits Limited Edition Sampler CD LOW CD New West Records All-Stars and Rookies 2011 CD 7" Vinyl KNaan, Dylan Cover "With God on Our Side" and "Waiting is a Drug" on B side\ Here's what I had to pay for. These are all limited editions for RECORD STORE DAY 2012 release: THE CLASH, 7" "London Calling", 4900 pressed, Coumbia Records BOB DYLAN, 7" Box Set Inidivdually Numbered Mono titled, "Can you Please crawl out your window. Legacy Records JOEY RAMONE, 7" "Rock N Roll is the Answer", 2500 pressed, BMG Records RUN-DMC & CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS, 7" Coke Bottle Green Vinyl, "You Be Illin", original version and cover. Series called Side by Side. 3000 pressed, Warner Bros. JAMES BROWN, Unreleased Live at the Apollo,"There it Is/Pass the Peas", 3000 pressed, Universal Music BLACK PRAIRIE SINGERS, 7" vinyl, vol. 1: Portland, 1000 pressed, Sugar Hill Records STAX, 7" Box Set, "Never to be Forgotten, The flip side of Stax 1968-1974" 4000 pressed, Light in the Attic Records (this is a cool label) THE BEATLES, 7" Box Set, Numbered with poster. Capital/Apple RALPH STANLEY10" 78 RPMVinyl, "Single Girl/Little Birdie", 500 pressed, Tompkins Square Records THE FLAMING LIPS AND HEADY FWENDS, 2xLP, Custom Jacket and Psych Colored Vinyl, 10000 pressed, Warner Bros. (support your local weird band!) Rumor has it all the members of the band gave blood and it was mixed with the vinyl at the pressing. Fact or Fiction? MILES DAVIS, 12" vinyl "Forever Miles", unreleased on vinyl till now, 4900 pressed, Columbia DAVE BRUBECK OCTET, 10" red vinyl, "distinctive rhythm instrumentals", 2000 pressed, Fantasy Records JANIS JOPLIN, Double 10" Vinyl, "Highlights from the Pearl Sessions" (w/Parental advisory sticker) 4800 pressed, Columbia JANIS JOPLIN, RTI Pressing of "Pearl" PHISH, "Junta Deluxe, Pollock Edition" 3xLP w/Signed & Numbered Limited Edition Hand Carved Hand Printed Linoleum Block Poster by Jim Pollock. 2500 pressed (first Phish Vinyl), Jemp Records LEE HAZLEWOOD, "The LHI Years", 12" Vinyl, pressed, Light in the Attic Records SKIP JAMES, LP, "Devil Got my Woman" , 1000 pressed, Vanguard Records LEONARD COHEN, EP, "Live in Frederiction" Columbia Records THE KNACK, 10" vinyl red & yellow splatter, "Live in Los Angeles, 1978" ,1500 pressed, Omnivore Records DEVO, 2XLP, "New Traditionalists, Live in Seattle 1981", 2000 pressed, Booji Boy Records plus, the manager gave me a DEVO poster announcing this LP for Recrod STore Day. LOU REED, "Transformer" RCA ALAN TOUSSAINT, LP, "Life, Love and Faith", Four Men with Beards Records TOWNES VAN ZANDT, LP, "At My Window", 1000 pressed, Sugar Hill Records I missed a lot of things in the fray but everyone was very helpful, even the other shoppers. Everyone was trying to find titles for people when they couldn't find them and lots of polite grabbing and jostling. I have no idea if it degraded into a riot after I left, but I had a good time and was driving home by 8am. I missed out on some of the important blues on my list but got most of the jazz list checked off. Not all, but most. Now for a thrift store shopper, the prices were NOT discounted in any way. You DO pay a premium for RSD releases. But, hey, it's once a year. AND it's a great way to support your local record store...and believe me, THEY NEED YOUR SUPPORT or they will disappear. Looking back on it, my first Record Store Day was about as much fun as you can have with your pants on. I'm sure it's very "store" dependent but in Dallas RSD was mellow. I never did make it over to Bills Records as I had work to do later. Though I did go to Denton and get a couple of vinyls of local Denton artists for a 15% discount. Can't wait till next year!

Considering I'm on a run of bad luck, I find myself in a unusual but appreciated situation. My craigslist RB250 deal is going to come thru. So, I'll be getting a brand new in the box P5 (with a backwards logo) and a used RB250 for a grand total of $400. Mind you, that's the most I've spent on new gear besides my Frazier Model 11's. On the other hand a new P5 (w/a RB700 arm and a normal logo) was around $1300. Plus, with the older RB250 I won't have to screw into the plinth to install the new Rega 3 point base. Wish me luck....even with this deal, I'm in the serious red...

Which brings up another point. I have at my disposal the following carts: Stanton 681EEE Shure V15-III ADC ZLM Who likes what and be aware that I'm running out of budget quickly. I'm trying to sell a pair of Alon II's to finance some of this, but I don't know if I'll be successful. I've found a Rega RB250 arm on craigslist in East Duluth for $125 but the party hasn't responded to my query to ship to Texas. Any forum members up there in Minnesota willing to grab it for me and ship it down?