New start to a new year!

I hope everybody had a great Christmas and an awesome New Years. I have been slacking at the blog a bit lately I know, but these two young kids of mine sure are fun to spend time with during all this time off.  I also decided to stop the web-store portion of Maritime Vinyl and spend my time concentrating on my real passion which is the blog. While selling vinyl was successful and fun, it just wasn’t fitting with my current lifestyle so I decided to put it on the back burner for the time being. Anyways, enough said on that.

I had a blast going through all of the top 5 lists this year that people submitted to my blog, as well with all the other year end lists around the web. I enjoy seeing what albums I enjoyed making people’s lists, but it also gives me an opportunity see what I’ve been missing. Last week I picked up the new Arctic Monkeys, Jake Bugg and Billy Joe and Norah CD’s.  I’m trying to catch up on some of these new releases and luckily I love all three of these. As I usually concentrate on vinyl, I tend to live in the past often when it comes to music. So once in a while I go on a spurt like this to get a bit caught up on what’s out there.

 

 

I have also been revisiting heavy metal a little bit which may come as a surprise to some. When I was younger I used to listen to a lot of metal bands and it’s safe to say that I haven’t played a Metallica or Motorhead album in at least 15 years. That is until this holiday season. I figured I would, revisit my youth if you will, and picked up a few live albums. I picked up Motorhead’s The World is Ours Vol. 1 (2LP 180 gram) and Metallica’s Through the Never (nice 3 LP coloured vinyl box that came in November). I still haven’t opened the Metallica yet but I enjoyed the hell out of the Motorhead LP. I think it would have been a bit better had I initially been familiar with more of the songs, but still, it was fun. My passion is directed more towards classic rock, folk and punk… but I think there is still room for a bit of metal in my life.

It’s funny; I can picture some of my friends reading me say that I tried some metal. I know a few who will be patting me on the back while other friends will be rolling their eyes. I have never judged my music taste on other people’s opinions before and won’t be starting now, but I know deep down none of them care. The fun is all in the argument. Also, I know diehard metal guys are probably laughing at my choices of Motorhead and Metallica. I have no idea what is trendy or cool in the metal world, this is just what I listened to growing up so it’s a safe start.  

I also had an opportunity to catch up on some documentaries this holiday season. I watched all three of the following yesterday and can’t recommend them enough. It would be impossible to pick a favorite:

1- Beware of Mr. Baker – Documentary of Ginger Baker, former drummer for Cream, Blind Faith, Ginger’s Air Force, etc. He is probably one of the most hateful people that I have ever seen. Stories included: kicking Cream bassist Jack Bruce in the head repeatedly on stage because he played bass during his drum solo; leaving the United States before he got deported for some remarks towards the country on a radio program; even hitting the documentary maker Jay Bulger in the nose with his cane over a disagreement. Very entertaining.

 

2- Good Ol’ Freda – Documentary of the Beatles secretary Freda Kelly. She was with the Beatles throughout their 10 year existence (she was there for 11.. for the beginning and the end). Her tasks included running the fan club and answering all of the fan mail. A very lovable person who took the time and effort to respond to every letter and tried to fulfill all the crazy requests, whether it being sending a lock of Beatle hair, a piece of their shirt, or getting Ringo to sleep on a pillow case, signing it, and then return it to the fan. Very fun watch for any Beatles fan.

3- Muscle Shoals – Documentary about the recording studios in Muscle Shoals Alabama. Beginning with the Fame Studio’s run by Rick Hall. His house band, The Swampers, is considered some of the best session musicians ever (appeared on more than 75 gold and platinum hits). Some of the band members left to start their own studio across town called Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.  The music that was recorded in this small town is absolutely amazing. Artists include: Wilson Pickett, Percy Sledge, Etta James, Clarence Carter, The Rolling Stones, Duane Allman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, etc.. amazing story.

So I hope everybody had a great holiday and here’s to another great year ahead. I am excited for some new releases coming this month alone including the new Bruce Springsteen LP. I can’t wait to see what new and exciting comes out this year with high hopes for some nice deluxe packages on all of the 90’s music I grew up on that turns 20 this year.

Happy New Year Everyone!!

-B