scottcallen

[scottcallen]

There are albums you like and there are albums that change your world view of music completely. Released on August 23, 1988, “Nothing’s Shocking” by @janesaddiction (@warnermusic, 1988) is one of those latter records for me. A record that opened my eyes to lyrical content, song structure, vocals and more. A record that is as edgy, cool and taboo today as it was then. Last weekend, I was lucky to find an absolutely pristine promotional copy of the record that seems like it’s never been played or perhaps only played a few times. A treasure for me for sure. #vinyl #records #LP #recordcollector #alternative #classic #janesaddiction #music #WarnerBros #WEA https://www.instagram.com/p/B2FAB-TDCkUhLcJlGKd7PHNK3r_8YkerEhALnk0/?igshid=8w24ymfb6m1v

[scottcallen]

‪In honor of the new song from @NeilYoung today, I decided to spin the self titled solo album by @nilslofgren (A&M Records, 1975) today. Recorded at Sound City Studios in L.A., this album retains a fresh, timeless feel.‬ Stop listening to the same old tired music and go explore your local record store. There’s treasures to be had. ‪#NowPlaying #recordcollector #vinyl #Garrard #vintagehifi‬ #turntable #LP https://www.instagram.com/p/B1zVNQiDrNb4YANTx1aWWW9EFw61UiJatMbL400/?igshid=1f7n9e8thtxh7

[scottcallen]

St. Louis Globe-Democrat, Missouri, August 18, 1919

[scottcallen]

Get up early. Stay focused. Watch less TV. Read more books. Avoid time wasters. Invest in your health. Take calculated risks. Write down your goals. Work smarter, not harder. Do something you believe in. Foster meaningful relationships.

[scottcallen]

Sixty years ago today, August 17, 1959, @columbiarecords released one of the most important and influential jazz albums ever, “Kind of Blue” by trumpeter, @milesdavis. Over two recording sessions on March 2 (side one) and April 22, 1959 (side two), at Columbia’s 30th Street Studio in New York City, Davis led his stellar group of players including pianist Bill Evans, bassist Paul Chambers, drummer Jimmy Cobb, and two supreme saxophonists, Julian “Cannonball” Adderly on alto saxophone and John Coltrane on tenor saxophone. Pianist Wynton Kelly also appears on one track. This album appeared during a high watermark year in jazz. Other seminal records were released: “Time Out” by the Dave Brubeck Quartet, “Mingus Ah Um” by Charles Mingus, “Giant Steps” by John Coltrane and at the end of year Bill Evans recorded his classic, “Portrait in Jazz” to be released in 1960. The modal jazz structure built on scales allowed the musicians further freedom and changed jazz. While the album became a landmark record for Davis and the jazz genre and a best seller, things were not completely rosy. In keeping with the title, eight days after the release of the album during the end of a two week run promoting the new album and between sets at Birdland in New York City, Davis was beaten by police and jailed. He had stepped outside the club, escorted a white woman to a taxi and lit a cigarette. When asked to move along by a uniformed officer, Davis pointed to the marquee and angrily said, “I work here. That’s my name up there.” He was knocked over the head by a plainclothes officer with a blackjack, causing five stitches, arrested and posted a $1000 bail. The music world heralded him as a rousing success, but two cops knocked him down for his uppity behavior. This is the first post with my new vintage turntable, a mid-1960s Garrard Lab 80. I’ll post more on this table soon! #milesdavis #jazz #modaljazz #album #LP #record #recordcollector #columbiarecords #vinyl https://www.instagram.com/p/B1R62Q9jTMYT7x8RIsQw2cHdyt7SRI98UryXjo0/?igshid=jqw35ci4m1lp

[scottcallen]

Vintage High Fidelity Stereo

Tonight,after work, I picked up a pair of vintage Fisher XP-66 speakers at a local antique mall for a mere $55. I am one step closer to a full vintage high fidelity stereo system circa 1967 or 1968.

These Fisher XP-66 speakers were introduced in late 1968 and ran through 1969. Subsequent models XP-66B and XP-66C followed. Advertised specs for the XP-66: 30 to 19,000 Hz.; 8 ohms; 14" x 24½" x 12" deep; 40 lbs. Significantly heavier than later versions, much of the weight difference was in the driver magnets (5 lb woofer/2 lb mid). The woofers used butyl-impregnated half-roll surrounds. The grill appears to be cloth. The surrounds are covered in an attractive walnut veneer that is in quite good shape.

This continues a theme as earlier this year I acquired a Fisher 700t solid state stereo receiver for $150 locally. This model was introduced in 1967 as advertised in the March 1967 issue of High Fidelity magazine.

To complete this vintage system, I am adding a Garrard Lab 80 turntable sourced from @eBay for $180 + shipping. Complete with original paperwork, dust cover, and spindles for multiple record, automated play on 33 1/3 and 45 rpm.

[scottcallen]

Today, for lunch, I cruised in for a triple cheeseburger with mayonnaise, mustard and pickle, fries and a Dr. Pepper. The great conversation with Brenda, who’s worked here as a waitress since 1980, was an added bonus. #since1957 #carhop #drivein #stl #northcounty (at Chuck-A-Burger Drive-In Restaurant) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzJJtcPjMaM-Pg1qPmn289ZsrhdPlwt9r0pbvU0/?igshid=1egwbjfqlxi6g

[scottcallen]

Last night at @twangfest night 1 in St. Louis, @steadycraig and the Uptown Controllers played their first show of the tour and first ever show together. Finn seemed loose and relaxed and ready to go before the show and the performance did not disappoint. He’s put together quite the band that allowed him to focus on his lyrics. Anytime you get a chance to get a multi-instrumentalist that plays saxophone, clarinet, flute, and harmonica you do it! If you can catch him on this run I encourage you to do so. #tipofthecap #twangfest #live #music #goseeashow #stl #staypositive (at OFF BROADWAY MUSIC VENUE) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByYQ30qjNSBWrgOVzKiMQ2EOXtVznRzqgiLPa80/?igshid=19je288ji4g9i

[scottcallen]

One of the best parts of any collection is the search. The gratification of finding something is intoxicating. Not knowing what you’ll find until you stumble upon it and it’s staring you in the face. If you have enough money, it’s yours to take home. On a whim I went to a flea market with my older daughter today and found a few gems. While there are always records at these places, I didn’t go there specifically looking for records, but just anything cool. In 1975, someone bought a copy of “Zuma” by Neil Young and Crazy Horse at Venture, the defunct department store, for $3.98 plus tax. Today, I stumbled onto that copy. This particular copy was pressed at the Columbia Plant in Terre Haute, IN. The sleeve, with its white, non-glossy cover and hard to find in nice condition, was still encased in original shrink wrap and in outstanding shape. Inside I found the lyric sheet, original paper sleeve and vinyl to be just as nice. If I had to attach a grade it’d be very good plus to near mint. The asking price: $3.00. Uh... for an original pressing one of my favorite records by Neil Young? Yes, please! For good measure I found the fourth Peter Gabriel solo album, an album by a power pop band from Detroit called Sky, produced in England by Jimmy Miller and Andy Johns, that falls somewhere between Big Star and The Raspberries with a teenage Doug Fieger on bass guitar, and, finally, a classic solo record by Graham Nash. The best part was they were having a sale today so all of these were marked down 10%. #neilyoung #petergabriel #sky #grahamnash #recordcollector #records #vinyl #music #phonograph #fleamarket #sale https://www.instagram.com/p/ByOKswWDt3Hff8wV5zGxYNVmDJHtSlrPoVQa2Y0/?igshid=xeljwsmoyfru

[scottcallen]

My dad’s cousins dropped by to visit my parents while I was at work today. His cousin, Sky, messaged me beforehand to say he was bringing me some records he had with water damaged sleeves. Later, I dug through the box to find mostly ‘70s and ‘80s classic rock and some new wave with a few odds and ends. Amongst the stack of wax I found these records by my favorite artist, the one and only Bruce @springsteen. After some quick cleaning, the album played well considering the circumstances! There’s some slight residual mold remediation necessary, however, most are in decent shape. However, I think this copy of ‘Born to Run’ might just go to a record frame on the wall. ‘Cause now, it’s also a tramp, like us. #brucespringsteen #recordcollector #album #vinyl #LP #damaged #classicrock #music #family https://www.instagram.com/p/BxgU46Djdi6aztHK9JeYYkxKxtcMcfjwgTNJdk0/?igshid=1lbqgtu9trcil

[scottcallen]

Last night at @maysplace_stl Vinyl Market at the @thereadyroomstl, I dug through the crates of wax. I didn’t have a list or anything; I usually never do. I just wanted to find something interesting, if possible. The guys from @deadwaxrecords had great stuff, but nothing was calling to me. Searching a while more I still hadn’t found anything. I thought I may go home empty handed. Continuing on, I made it down to the booth of @oldschoolcrate. Looking through the table of hip hop 12” jams, LPs, and Jamaican reggae singles didn’t do it either. Finally, I spied two boxes of 45s behind him. I asked if I could browse and he obliged. I dug in, but saw no any prices. I asked what he’d need for these and he said, “I’ll work with you.” I continued flipping through the boxes. Most were hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s - a sweet spot if you know me. These were mint records - pristine. Most had likely never been played, slated for radio stations as there were dates, but never made it. I set aside “All Along the Watchtower” by Jimi Hendrix, “Sunny Afternoon” by the Kinks, “I Want You to Want Me” (live) by Cheap Trick (promo copy), “Domino” by Van Morrison and more. Three quarters of the way through the box I saw it. I was in disbelief, but didn’t show it. A mint copy of “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” b/w “She’s the One” in the original generic paper sleeve. This was it. I found what I came here for, and I was elated. I ALWAYS look for ‘70s @Springsteen singles only to come up empty. I found a well-worn copy of “Born to Run” years ago in Madison, WI. I’m sure they aren’t rare, but I only find his ‘80s singles. I asked, “What’s the damage,” and he settled on $2 each except $5 for the Hendrix. SOLD! You bet I dropped the needle on this slab when I got home, and it was so quiet and perfect. Don’t ever tell me that $2 doesn’t buy happiness. #brucespringsteen #theboss #single #45rpm #ColumbiaRecords #recordcollector #vinyl #records #stl #everydayisrecordstoreday (at St. Louis) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxU2qESDLN1vcQ3HKSjy0qmYKhov4uITOBfO8c0/?igshid=1txg56poznyox

[scottcallen]

Incandescence (at OFF BROADWAY MUSIC VENUE) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxOSfumDiTE3lzk2qq4qZw4t4YBw-212N3SYLM0/?igshid=okhr2od4oi4k

[scottcallen]

American folk music gained a huge champion on this day 100 years ago - Pete Seeger. Seeger was the keeper of the flame for American folk music for nearly eight decades. From protest songs to labor movement songs to civil rights anthems to environmental activism, Seeger kept the traditions of folk music alive while pushing the genre forward with his banjo and 12-string guitar. He was a social activist, storyteller, father figure, mentor, idol to many artists in folk, rock ‘n roll and other genres. Seeger played everywhere and anywhere to bring his message to people of all ages in clubs, concert halls, festivals, radio, television, political rallies, flat bed trucks, and even, as shown here, the prestigious Carnegie Hall. While a member of the Weavers in the 1950s he had hits only to be blacklisted for several years like other entertainers after being called-out by the House on Un-American Activities. Seeger survived this to become a huge force in the folk revival in the 1960s which continued until the end of his life in 2014. #happybirthday #peteseeger #peteseeger100 #folkmusic #artist #LP #record #album #vinyl #ColumbiaRecords #socialactivism #singer https://www.instagram.com/p/BxBGMNDD6DGJt1XOqsHaU4PW75qN8wvsgLfd3E0/?igshid=1nyumdmxg69rm

[scottcallen]

Dug around in the bargain bins at @euclidrecords recently and found this original mono copy of “Blue Gene” (Prestige 7146, mono, 1958) by saxophonist, Gene Ammons. While it has some surface noise, the record still plays well. I fixed a couple of skips on side one, but side two had no issues. This album is no classic, but contains solid playing by Ammons and his septet. Also, it was released during one of the best eras of jazz. Finally, this recording celebrates an anniversary today, as these tracks were recorded at Van Gelder Studios in Hackensack, NJ on May 2, 1958. #CurrentMood #jazz #LP #tenorsax #geneammons #anniversary #mono #vinyl #record #pickedup #foradollar https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw-heRbD5f8_xfcqkakl9hc9DthgZ8ei88GSDA0/?igshid=1pkmaj52bjj9z

[scottcallen]

Browned Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies

[scottcallen]

Many of you know that I collect records. Last month, I was at a local record store and found two records by Floyd Cramer in perfect condition for one dollar each. Cramer is one of my grandmother’s favorite musicians. She listens to a CD of his music nightly before bed. Naturally, I simply had to buy these. Cramer, a piano player, was predominantly a studio musician in Nashville and quite in-demand, but he also released records under his own name. He played on several hit records for Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, Roy Orbison, the Everly Brothers, and many more. He recorded frequently at RCA STudio B and was instrumental in the Nashville sound. In 1960, he released this album and the single for the hit instrumental, “Last Date,” went to number two. The song was only held out of the top spot on the Billboard top 100 pop chart by another song he played piano on - “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” by Elvis Presley. He’s a member of both the Country Music and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I brought the records back to my grandmother and just as I knew she would be, she was excited! But, when I went to play them on her inexpensive, vintage Emerson player, the turntable would not spin. I diagnosed and found it needed a belt. Then, she told me there were issues with the cassette players, I decided to have it repaired at Alpha Tech in Richmond Heights, MO. The shop is only open 8-5, Monday through Friday, so I took the player there during my lunch break. While it was gone my mom said she talked about playing the records every day to her. She had even gone through her other records she had while she waited. After a week or so the player was ready, and I picked it up and returned it to her on Sunday. I hooked up the speakers and we played the Floyd Cramer records. They sounded great! The excitement was palatable and I enjoyed seeing her smile. She had her record player back and I had another memory to cherish with her. #recordcollector #family #floydcramer #grandmother #music #recordplayer https://www.instagram.com/p/BwDece7jMnV2X7mAVbmdQjKFI6UsywOnUQSHko0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=q3q9aowkp4xn

[scottcallen]

Sixty years ago today, March 2, 1959, the Miles Davis Sextet walked into Columbia Records 30th Street Studios in New York City and recorded what became side one of arguably the best jazz albums ever made and one of the best records ever. “Kind of Blue,” featuring a modal jazz style, exudes a late night cool while the space the musicians leave each other as they transition from theme to solo allows the listener a theatrical sense of noir imagery - dark alleys and shadows mixed with the brightness of neon signs and streetlights. Davis employed this modal style on his previous two albums, but had far greater effect here as he moved farther away from bebop. Davis, as was his practice, gave rough sketches of scales and melody lines for the songs to the musicians, and with basically no rehearsal and only brief instructions, these tracks were recorded with improvisation on full display. Besides one complete alternate take, only the five master takes of the compositions survive as full takes. This album embodies the art of jazz music at one of its highest peaks. Of the record, the session’s drummer, Jimmy Cobb, said, “It must have been made in heaven.” #MilesDavis #jazz #vinyl #record #album #LP #sixeye #earlypressing #ColumbiaRecords #trumpet #kingofcool #modal #nochords #influential #1959 https://www.instagram.com/p/BuhcpfvDN4GZzFGiitUbXAi1xMfex-YAzOUm8I0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=psq5mt3c2jde