So you might have noticed a little hiatus has taken place. What happened was nothing short of a failure on my part. I had a good run updating this site daily, then came November. After 77 days of solid turntable spinning and album posting, I was tired of the daily burden and attention this blog required – it wasn’t fun anymore and what was once an entertainment escape now felt like work. Work is something I have no problem with, so long as it’s part of the deal going in. This was something I had brought on myself. So I decided to take a step back from the project in order to regroup and go at it with a fresh [and full] cup of coffee.

Taking a step back from the project, I learned two things:
1. I still loved listening to random albums. New, old, crap, painful, splendid, whatever. I can tolorate it all when I am pulling out an unknown album for the first time. I discovered that I find apprication in just about anything – even if it’s not something I care for. I’m like that, it’s something I enjoy.

2. I also still like to blog. However, I don’t like the constant feeling that I “need” to blog. [I enjoy being able to scratch things off my to-do list.]

This project was started as a vehicle for me to chronicle what I discover while going through a massive amount of unknown albums. As I was blogging everyday, the project shifted from something fun that I was doing for myself to something that I was only doing for the blog. The problem with doing something for the blog is that it’s just that, it’s a blog – an inadament object. Why was I letting an inadament object suck the entertainment and enjoyment out of something that is fun? It’s not like I had the obligation to defend the constitution. I needed to find a way to make this fun for me again so it could be a cool escape. And if I’m able to have fun, then chances are readers, observers and onlookers will enjoy it more as well.

So what was the problem? Well a few months later I’m still listening to albums just about everyday and I’m still regularly blogging on another site. I think in the end my complaints about this blog came about from having to constantly update the site.

So here is what I’ve decided to do for Take 2:
- As time permits I am going to continue updating the blog with the albums which I listen to all the way through. My goal is to have fairly frequent posts, but I’m not holding myself to that.
- Additionally, As much as I love exploring the past, I like living in the present & future – including music. So I am also going to start including posts about the newer music that is on my radar.

How’s that sound? Like a good plan? I hope so, because I’m looking forward to Take 2. And if anyone should ever want to contribute music posts (new, old, opinionated), just let me know and I’ll gladly add you as a poster.

Cheers,
-DJ Drew

Record #77

I think this album could be branded a recovery record. Was easy on the mind and ears after a night of the living dead.

Frankie Laine’s
Golden Hits

I find it quite interesting that Frankie Lain’s career spanned over 75 years! From his concerts in 1930 through his final performances when he died in 2005. I think it really shows the true talent of a musician when they have played and performed for such a long period. He is someone who loved doing what he did best.

This album features one of his most known songs, though not original, “Thats My Desire.”

Frankie Laine's Golden Hits

Frankie Laine's Golden Hits

Record #76

Happy Halloween! This albums clearly came out decorated for the occasion! I have included extra pictures to show the album art. So who was the ButterFly for Halloween? The personal conservatory was!

Barbra Streisand
ButterFly 

Barbra Streisand - ButterFly

Barbra Streisand - ButterFly

Barbra Streisand - ButterFly (back cover)

Barbra Streisand - ButterFly (back cover)

Barbra Streisand - ButterFly (inside cover)

Barbra Streisand - ButterFly (inside cover)

Record #75

The eve of Halloween brought more than devils, it brought the 75th record!

How very inappropriate though, because if anything this album is far from scary.

Presenting the stand-up comedian,

Sam Kinison
Have You Seen Me Lately?

This is certainly an albums that needs discretion exercised when playing. That said, it was pretty damn funny. I’ve included the track listing on this one.

Have You Seen Me Lately (track listing)

Have You Seen Me Lately (track listing)

Sam Kinison - Have You Seen Me Lately?

Sam Kinison - Have You Seen Me Lately?

Record #74

From the time the needle fell into groove till it was bouncing along the label… I was snapping my fingers and tapping the toes!

Diana Ross & The Supremes
Greatest Hits: Volume 3

What is it with these songs getting stuck in your head for the day? 

Diana Ross & The Supremes - Greatest Hits: Volume 3

Diana Ross & The Supremes - Greatest Hits: Volume 3

Record #73

This was a really treat to wake up and toss on the table. This album made for a very relaxing start to a hectic day!

Ronnie Milsap
Greatest Hits: Volume 2

Ronnie may have been blind, but he was quite the superstar when it came to music. By far, I was digging this album when, “Lost In The Fifties Tonight” came on.

Ronnie  Milsap - Greatest Hits: Volume 2

Ronnie Milsap - Greatest Hits: Volume 2

Record #72

This was a pretty good (short) listen…

Simple Minds
Alive & Kicking (Single) 

Side A was the original 45RPM 7″ Mix
Side B was the instrumental. 

I wonder what mash-up I could create with the instrumental…

Simple Minds - Alive & Kicking

Simple Minds - Alive & Kicking

Record #71

So losing internet really throws wrench into the website here. However, no fear… I have set a goal to bring you all back up to speed very soon; which should help stop the several loyal readers who have been calling me almost daily to find out what the day’s album was. So as we start to catch up the site with the pile sitting next to me, there was a great album a little over a week ago by Ray Charles!!

This album is actually Volume Two to the first one we had a little bit ago.

Ray Charles
Modern Sounds In Country
And Western Music
Volume Two

From what I was able to gather, side 1 was recorded on September 5th 1962 with the Ray Charles Big Band and the Raelets featuring Margie Hendrix. Side Two was recorded 2 days later on the 7th and was arranged & Conducted by Marty Paichwith with Strings and the Jack Halloran Singers.

On the back cover Sid Feller who was the recording supervisor for the album mentioned he specifically decided to try something a little different by putting the big band cuts on side 1 and the string arrangements on side 2.

Side 1 Sample
Side 2 Sample

Ray Charles - Modern Sounds Volume 2

Ray Charles - Modern Sounds Volume 2

Record #70

This is something different… almost educational!

Themes Like Old Times
90 of the Most Famous Original Radio Themes

Thats right… it was a record full of old radio themes! Rather than go on about each theme… check out the track listing on the back cover for yourself!

Original Radio Themes

Original Radio Themes

Themes Like Old Times - Track listing side 1

Original Radio Themes - side 1

Original Radio Themes - Side 2

Original Radio Themes - Side 2

Record #69

A great compilation to round off the week!

Our Best To You
Today’s Greatest Hits
Today’s Greatest Stars

This is a great album for a friday night party… hmm, it appears to be friday night!

Our Best To You

Our Best To You

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