Goodwill Gold: New Finds
And from the deep, dark depths of work and school she returns! I am sorry about my inconsistent posting. I feel like I say this in almost every one of my posts lately, but I really do apologize for being so here and there. I suppose I am like the boy who cried wolf at this point, but I am hoping to be more consistent for you all in the upcoming months.
And the reason I can say that this time around is because I am hoping to take this blog in a little bit of a different direction as I go forward. In the past, this site has been developing with my tastes. Every post was something totally different. Don't get me wrong, diversity of topics is awesome - but when I look back on my posts, I feel like I am missing something. Besides my poor time management skills, I have a sense that my audience at large isn't really investing because they feel it too. I have tried to reach into the over-saturated beauty and style market, but I just don't think that world is totally for me as far as my content goes. I've tried to do some lifestyle advice posts and actually, I enjoyed writing them more. I think they are slightly closer to my wheelhouse. After all, I have absolutely no shortage of strong opinions. But as I reflect on all of my posts, the ones that I am most inspired by are those about my vinyl hobby, vintage finds, and retro geekiness. I find that I am happiest when my fingers are whizzing on the keyboard typing haphazardly about my old-soul fanatics. I have scoured the internet for a blog that shares my tastes and I have yet to find one that is a perfect fit. So, my thinking is, I should just do it myself! I know that this may not be what everyone likes to read about, but I think there is a strong community of folks that, like me, finds this stuff pretty dang interesting. I am hoping to put out a new kind of content which focuses on all things retro or vintage. It may end up as little research projects, vintage hauls, record recommendations, advice posts, or a multitudinous amount of other possibilities. Now, this is not to say that I am cutting out those other kinds of posts completely. I may do them as I am inspired to, but they definitely will not be as common as they have been. It's certainly tempting to chase after the money and recognition that all of those beauty and style guru's get these days, but I have to admit, its just not fulfilling. I think we can both recognize that. So, if you'll stick around to see where I end up on this new journey, I would love to have you as a buddy. After all, memory lane makes a much better stroll when you have a pal to accompany you along the way.
That long and boring rant out of the way, let's get to talking about what you came here for - my newest record haul! Quick caveat: I have been to Goodwill many times the past two months and gathered some really quality stuff, but I am experimenting with a site which is well-known in the VC (vinyl community) called Discogs. If you are looking for something specific or just wanting to keep track of the records that you have, this site is freaking fantastic! I have since become addicted to checking out the cheap used record section and hoping to score big. And guess what... I have! I will definitely flag which of the below are from what source, just in case you also want to pick them up. Going forward, I will also link the Discogs page for every album so you can find it quick and easy. I am also hoping to make my synopsis of the albums much more research-based as I find the backgrounds of the records/artists super vital to listening to the music. So, without further ado, I hope you enjoy my most recent additions!
Ps. If you click on my favorite tune from each album, you can see it being preformed (hopefully) by the artist live! If there is no recording of the performance, I just included them playing a song live anyway.
Released in 1969 by Capitol Records, Galveston is one of those albums you want to play over and over again until it wears out. The 13th album in the discography for Campbell, it was a major hit. The combination of Al De Lory's experienced production style and Campbell's assured vocals make for an absolutely stunning collection of bridge country-folk classics. In fact, the album reached #1 on the country charts and #2 on the Billboard 100 in 1969. An excellent album to honor the country giant who passed away in 2017, I definitely recommend it.
Favorite tune - "Galveston"
Though this album is a re-release and a compilation, I am not mad at all. Pressed in 1967 by RCA Victor, this record shows the immense talent that was Artie Shaw. A magician on the clarinet, Shaw is a jazz legend. Well, technically, he is famous for being a giant in third stream music, so check that out. Anyway, this album shows off all of Artie's best hits. These include era defining songs like his version of"Begin the Beguine" and his own "Moonglow". Surprisingly, Shaw was a dark fellow and wasn't one for people, but he sure knew how to own a clarinet riff. I would definitely advise purchasing this record if you are looking to get out your dancing shoes and sway.
Favorite tune - "Begin the Begiune"
Okay, so I may be biased here, but Perry Como is one of my favorite artists of all time. A performer with the character integrity of Mr. Rogers and the voice quality of Frankie Vale, Como is a 50's classic. This album is the the 7th 12" album from the singer and was released in 1957 on RCA Victor. It is a collection of jazz inspired pop standards from the early 20th century. Interestingly enough, the record is actually a compilation of the songs that were requested most frequently on his famous television show. It is a classic album for those of you that love a voice like smooth sweet cream.
Favorite tune - "South of the Border"
Now, this album gets so much critical guff. I can't say that it is the best album, but there is definitely something classic about it. Released in 1975 by Columbia Records, this is the 2nd album by Garfunkel. Apparently, Simon was the duo's songwriter, as most of the songs on this album are not as emotional as their previous conjoined work. Anyway, this album was produced by Richard Perry, a well-known music industry legend of the 50's, and is Garfunkel's most successful solo work. It is definitely worth listening to in order to understand a different take on 70's sound.
Favorite tune - "Break Away"
Funnily enough, I inherited a Kingston Trio album from my Grandma's collection and loved it so much that I am on the search for all their albums. This one in particular amazed me. The group's intensely skilled use of wide harmony's makes me swoon every single time. Released in 1963 by Capitol Records, this album is the 15th in the groups discography. It reached #4 on the Billboard 100 that year and is an excellent retelling of many folk classics. There is something so polished and lasting about the group. I suggest them and this album whole-heartedly.
Favorite tune - "Road to Freedom"
There you have it! Thanks for sticking with me.
Talk soon.
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