Ramones – Ramones

Ramones - Self-titled cover front

Pretty cool picture. This image was from an issue of Punk magazine. I like the minimalist layout and typography, sort of a prototype for some of the album art that Sub-Pop records would have years later. And speaking of minimalist, and cool, 14 songs in less than 30 minutes, and a solid hook in every number? That’s the brilliant self-titled record Ramones (1976). I was never that deep into the band back then, despite buying all the records and seeing them a dozen times, but lately I can’t stop playing the early stuff.

More great, great minimalist art on the back. This one is from Arturo Vega. He eventually did a lot of the Ramones’ artwork. Recognize the eagle? This is perfect.

Ramones - Self-titled cover back

More about this Ramones album at Wikipedia

Led Zeppelin — Presence

I typically play what I’m posting, but today I’m posting what I’ve been playing: Led Zeppelin’s Presence (1976). I had a hankering to hear “Nobody’s Fault but Mine,” but once this record started spinning I rediscovered some other gems like “Hots on for Nowhere” and “Royal Orleans.” There are only seven songs, but I was still surprised to read this album was recorded and mixed in only 17 days. I believe I bought Presence in the mid ’80s when I worked at a chain record store. I was late to the Zeppelin party due to acute punkrockitis.

More about Presence and the cover artwork at Wikipedia.

AC/DC — Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

• Artist: AC/DC
• Title: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
• Year: 1976
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 7
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: ? Bought it used, a long time ago.
• Keeper: Yes

It’s tragic. My Bon Scott era AC/DC collection is incomplete. And I like the early stuff the best. Brian Johnson is fine, but the early sound was much more garage rock, punk rock, and traditional rock and roll. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” is full of silly songs that you never need to hear more than once, but there are also some classics. My favorite is definitely “Problem Child.” Of course, the title track is also excellent, and so are “Ain’t No Fun Waiting Round to be a Millionaire” and “Ride On.”

The John Handy III Quintet/Quartet — In The Vernacular

• Artist: The John Handy III Quintet/Quartet
• Title: In The Vernacular
• Year: 1976
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 7
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 2005 – Inherited from Bob Bobala when he decided to book it to Cali.
• Keeper: Yes

My friend Bob Bobala gave me a nice stash of records when he moved. I think he even inherited some of these from an uncle. This double album is one of the good ones. It appears to be part of a series of jazz “best-of” records that were issued or re-released in ’70s.

It starts out sounding like some typical restaurant jazz, but as it goes on and you start to pay better attention you realize this is quality. Swinging and weird enough to keep me interested, but not too spazzed out that I can’t play it when the in-laws are visiting. Thanks Bob.

KC & The Sunshine Band — Part 3

• Artist: KC & The Sunshine Band
• Title: Part 3
• Year: 1976
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 8
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 1998 ? Used. I think I got it at Record Mart in Alexandria, VA.
• Keeper: Yes

“1-2-3… I’m Your Boogie Man, That’s What I Am, Make You Feel Good, Anyway I Can”

Oh, HELL yes! You’ll be a Boogie Man, Woman, Child, Cat, or Dog too after hearing this record. I’m first and foremost a “Metallist” and if I can admit this record is great, hell, I celebrate its greatness, then anyone can.

There are only eight tracks on this record. They all sound similar, and all are at the offical Disco tempo of 120/bpm. Which is good because they are all perfect. At least half of them were major hits, including “Keep it Comin’ Love”, “Shake Your Booty”, and of course “I’m Your Boogie Man.”

If you don’t find some body part(s) moving when this record is playing you probably should see your doctor. ‘Cuz somethin’s broke!