Big Al

I'm listening to this today for the first time in many years, and I forgot how acoustically lush and pastoral it is. Sure, there's a couple of clunkers on it (I've NEVER gotten all the way through "Human Alchemy" in the 18 years I've owned this CD), but the B-sides more than make up for that. And then there's "Funk Pop a Roll," a close cousin to "Life Begins at the Hop" in the hyper-rocker department! "Wonderland" is such a beautiful song. And the video for it (which can be seen on youtube) is just as dreamy. Speaking of XTC videos which can be seen on youtube, you HAVE to watch "Life Begins at the Hop." Colin does a hysterical apeing of Mick Jagger!

And to think that I wanted to hire you as my latex salesman...

After doing some searching, the version I heard was the Cannonball Adderley version from THINGS ARE GETTING BETTER. (Another one I don't have...... ) Still..... not being able to identify "Groovin' High"..... oughta be ashamed of myself!

Maybe Groovin' High with Milt Jackson and Lou Donaldson? YES! That was the tune. Probably the players, too. What album is that from? Gad, I was wrong about the author of the tune AND the alto player. Time to get some Bird in my collection.

You know I love you, bro, but if you got zero Bird in your collection, that thumb would be more properly placed up your ass. You do know I love you, don't cha? Absolutely! Except that my thumb won't fit because my head's already there in the way!

That 89 mil (if it's real) makes those other listings of $4,000 and $5,000 look downright reasonable.

That's a good thought; I'd better check to see if I haven't accidentally bid on it!

Alright, I am now convinced that these are kids on their parents' computer just playing around, and they have no idea what they're doing. At least, I hope that's what it is, as the bidding is now over 50 MILLION!!! And to think I was trying to justify paying $20 for a used Who's Next Deluxe Edition!

20 MILLION DOLLARS?????? That's beyond stupid, that's criminally insane!!! Hell, that could feed a medium-sized nation!!!!

See what I mean? And there's 44 bids on this stupid thing!!!!

That's the reason a friend of mine waited. She hopes to buy it, quickly put it on eBay, and make a profit to have Christmas money. There must be something to this: her son sold his "pre-order" ticket--just the pre-order ticket--for $4,300.00. I certainly can't fault the kid for making a killing, but I want to know who is so stupid and near-sighted that they can't wait (or make their kids wait) another couple of weeks to get this at regular price! Jim nailed this one about the stupidity of the masses.

I'm on hold with Chase Bank right now, and the on-hold music is some nice jazz. All of a sudden, a tune comes on that is instantly recognizable by the alto/vibes front line, and it's a Parker tune, and I don't know the name of the tune!!! (I should add that, by the fidelity of this recording, it sounds like it is from some Blue Note/Verve/Prestige recording, not some smooth-jazz remake) You'd never know I've been listening to jazz for about ten years now. I probably even have this version at home somewhere, and I am drawing a complete blank on it. Unbelievable. That's what I get for not having any Parker in my collection. ( on me)

Hmmm.... might be worth another trip out there this weekend!

What do you mean? Maybe something like: "I received this press release yesterday from Concord: KURT ELLING SIGNS EXCLUSIVE RECORDING AGREEMENT WITH CONCORD RECORDS Concord Records is proud to announce that Grammy-nominated singer Kurt Elling has signed an exclusive recording contract with the company. His Concord debut is scheduled to be released in early 2007." Okay, so this puts them on the same level as Blue Note. Paul, I understand what you mean, but at the same time, seeing what they've been re-releasing has been better than what I expected, which was nothing but countless compilation reissues of the same six or seven Coltrane songs. I know nothing about the record business, and while I won't be surprised if a lot of this stuff falls OOP, I'm cautiously optimistic that a lot of OTHER stuff that might also have gone OOP might not only stay in print, but sonically upgraded as well.

Agree completely. Plus, I thought it was cute to see Jerry Springer dancing with Emmitt's daughter. Did anyone else see the eye-daggers that Mario's partner was shooting after the winner was announced? She looked madder than Mingus on the cover of MONEY JUNGLE!

What do you mean?

OMFGOJ!

HA!!!! That magazine title is hilarious!

Word... Oh I agree; but I figure if you can't beat 'em, beat 'em over the head with something GOOD!!!

Alright, I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but since I'm being inundated with holiday music & commercials everywhere I turn, may as well add some spice to it. Also wanted to bump this up for members who've come on board since last Christmas. Listening to it right now!

Believe it or not, I actually feel sad once some of these stations go back to playing regular music.

I'm excited since, now that I have a record player again, I'm gonna be able to listen to mom's old Christmas LPs again, the ones I grew up with. These were LPs put out by Columbia Special Products that mom got for free at Goodyear (maybe not free, but cheap nonetheless). Some of the songs that were on those LPs I've bought on CD now (a bunch of Andy Williams songs, f'rinstance); but it just seems to sound nicer when placed in the context of the old LPs, complete with pops, scratches, & surface noise. Some of the highlights for me: Andy Williams "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Let it Snow," "Do You Hear What I Hear," and "Sleigh Ride" Johnny Mathis "Silver Bells" and "Marshmallow World" Percy Faith "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Little Drummer Boy," and "Christmas Is" Johnny Smith "Moonlight in Vermont" (actually credited to Stan Getz on the LP) Yank Lawson/Bob Haggart "The Christmas Song" The New Christy Minstrels "Here We Come a-Caroling," "Silent Night" (one of the few songs that moves me to tears), and "We Need a Little Christmas" Jerry Vale "Home for the Holidays" Steve Lawrence "Let Me Be the First to Wish You Merry Christmas" Cleveland Orchestra, George Szell conductor "Patapan" And that's just off the top of my head!

Can't believe Texas lost to KSU. Can't believe Eric isn't jumping for joy over this. Hell, I can't believe aggie87 isn't jumping for joy over this!

I went to the Dallas store last night. Pickin's are still pretty good despite the fact that I only found three things from my wishlist (Miles Prestige Quintet box, Whistle Stop RVG, Let Me Tell You About It RVG). But it did make me long for the days when Tower had everything on my wishlist, none of which is particularly obscure (some OJCs, the Byrd Transition sessions). Still, there are a few items I left on the racks in hopes that they'll still be there when the 50% clearance comes around.

Someone should pick up the Jack Wilson. It is sweet!