SPINNING THIS WEEK.... 4/2/23 - 4/8/23

Thanks all for the patience of a saint………………, tax week is a total drag. So, the primal urge to scream and head-bang in response to the week’s drudgery caused a metaphysical de-evolution of mind to my teenage self…., and the vinyl selections this week represent that. However, my adult self sits listening in wonder to these albums, now, I’m thankful to have been in the presence of greatness when I saw these bands “live”. R.I.P. Ronnie, you are truly missed.

Recorded in 1979 and released in ‘80 this album was (and remains) EPIC. This was the beginning of Black Sabbath, Part 2…., and is easily a “must have” album. With the addition of Ronnie James Dio, replacing Ozzy, the band was in a sense, reborn. Dio was arguably the finest rock vocalist of the time, the power and timbre of his voice was possibly only rivaled today by David Draiman of Disturbed. A timeless classic that has to be spun to be appreciated anew. If you think you remember what this album sounds like, trust me, you don’t. I’ve got an original pressing, maybe 150g at best, this floppy copy is still fantastic. If you can find a copy, any copy, buy it………… the music deserves it.

Oh……….., Hell Yeah! Now I’m starting to wake up. I had this on 8-Track, along with Expect No Mercy, this was a permanent resident (well, at least in heavy rotation) in my car. The vinyl version of this brings back memories of crusin’ with my buds, blowing our eardrums out with this. What a gas! Damn….., “must have” this album too… ;) May the Sunshine bright on YOU.

Holy smokes, on a roll now! For me, this is THE live album that defined my youth. Having been fortunate to have an older sister who tolerated me enough to take me to this show, at the Alpine Valley Music Theater in East Troy, WI. The new venue really wasn’t much at the time…. maybe a few hundred reserved seats and acres of wet, muddy hillside for GA. I mostly remember the grass in the air, the beer underfoot and Richrath’s screaming Stratocaster…………. Yeah, the ‘70’s were a more simple, more awesome time. Alrighty then… “Last song people”……

Yep, I just couldn’t help myself……….., this last album of the week is another “must have”. Rob is at the height of his vocal range on this sophomore album. Victim of Changes is the track that never fails to incite an illicit smile…, wow, what a scream…, almost inhuman. Perfect. If you’re only familiar with what’s played on “Classic Rock Radio” by this band, do yourself a favor and buy this. This version, remastered and repressed on 180g, Repertoire Records REP 2235, is perhaps one of the VERY BEST sounding records I own, in ANY genre. Dead silent noise-floor, dynamic, astonishing. The perfect vehicle for Halford’s sick vocals counterpoint to Downing and Tipton’s duelling guitars. Truly excellent. Buy it.

So tomorrow is RSD, I wanted to wait this week to do the next installment of this blog with the albums I pick up tomorrow…… So stay tuned in, turned up, and turned on.. Peace, out.