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Listening to last year's expanded re-issues of Bob Mould's short-lived second band, Sugar. "Copper Blue" is a solid album, starting off with a heavy punch to the gut but goes out with a bit of a whimper. The second, live disc is where this expanded edition really shines. While the songs on "File Under: Easy Listening" don't pack as much visceral power as the hard rockers on "Copper Blue," I feel that it is overall a more balanced record. Really, the live discs on both of these re-issues make buying the expanded editions worth your money. I snagged 'em both when they were just $5 apiece from Amazon, so I'm missing the re-issue of the E.P. "Beaster" that comes with the CD/LP version of "Copper Blue," but I plan to eventually get both these albums on vinyl. If you're a fan of Bob Mould's work and have never listened to Sugar, get these albums. Like, now.

Happy New Year Vol 1 A compilation of live tracks from 2012. A definite goosebumps moment on "Phoenix Story/Mr Bojangles." I'll not do it justice, it must be heard, but here's the gist: Todd is a big fan of Jerry Jeff Walker. One night in Phoenix the two of them closed down a bar and were wandering back to their hotel. Heard a tune, walked around a corner to investigate, there's a guy on a street corner at 3 am singing Mr Bojangles to nobody. Todd and Jerry Jeff stop and listen, Todd's mind racing ("Should I tell this guy, does he even know who this is?"). Song ends, Jerry Jeff throws some money in the hat and they go on their way. The story segues into the intro to Mr Bojangles, the crowd cheers, and the intro just goes on for a while. The crowd suddenly goes wild, very wild, and the first verse starts...Jerry Jeff singing. Pretty sweet...

In the mood this morning to listen to Paul "H.R." Hudson's other band, H.R. (a.k.a.: Human Rights). A rather big leap away from the thrashing, smashing, and screaming of Bad Brains, I have most but not all of his solo albums. More to the point, I have his SST releases and his most recent album, 'Hey Wella', but don't have any of the early '90s or early '00s records. And since I'm a bit of an O.C.D. stickler when it comes to listen to an artist's complete catalogue, I'm listening to the albums in chronological order:- 'Human Rights' - 'Singin' in the Heart' - 'H.R. Tapes '84-'86: It's About Love/Keep out of Reach' - 'Charge' - 'Hey Wella' plus the album's two singles, "Didn't I Tell You" and "Hey Wella" You can also get a CD of the band's latest tour, which features members of Fishbone and Suicidal Tendencies (if you're into that kind of stuff) as well as a limited edition split 45" with Valient Thorr and some other goodies through the band's Facebook page, "HR Human Rights."

:zoviet*france:

5/13/72 Lille Fairgrounds Lille, France Just listening to Jerry sing the chorus of Loser - with a sweet Suzie for good measure - and marveling at his great voice. And then he rips his all-about-the-nuance solo, flirting with harmonics all the while - so sweet! Sure's good to be alive in the middle of May!!! Ain't it?

I found a used copy of this box (for umm$) but I am loving it. I am currently on the 2nd show and the Dark Star is getting really spooky. This sound quality is amazing too. I absolutely can't get enough of the DaP 6 too. I think the 2/2/70 is a better but its all on fire to my ears...especially the Eleven>New Speedway Boogie. 1st one ever...what a great snapshot in history! I love it. DaP 6 is actually what made me break down and get the FW 69 complete...

Pre-show: 5/11/37 & 5/11/38 "Complete Billie Holiday" 5/11/45 Dizzy Gillespie "Shaw 'Nuff" 5/11/49 J.J.Johnson "Savoy Sessions" 5/11/54 Thelonious Monk Quintet "Monk" 1st Set: 5/11/72 Grote Zaal de Doelen Rotterdam, Holland Intermission: 5/11/56 Miles Davis "Workin'" & "Steamin'" 2nd Set: 5/11/72 Heart of gold band. Post-show: 5/11/57 Curtis Fuller "New Trombone" 5/11/60 Charlie Rouse "Takin' Care of Business"

5/10/72 Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Holland How did they do this? Please, somebody tell me! I'll say it again - I don't believe I own this!!! And then tomorrow? Holy moly!

Land Just released third album from these guys originally from my tiny middle-of-nowhere Maine hometown. Keep it up, guys!