Baseball Toaster was unplugged on February 4, 2009.
I don't have as many records as I once did. It's what happens when you live in a small space and have a life long habit of collecting more stuff. In with the baseball books, out with the records, you know how it goes. I've sold some vinyl, and put the majority of them my collection storage, leaving me with just a couple of hundred at the crib. I don't know if there is a story behind every record I own, at least not a good story, but there usually is a fond memory, so I figure I'd start a new series, highlighting a piece of wax each week.
First up is the classic Bam Bam, performed by Sister Nancy. It's been sampled to death, but my favorite treatment is "Just Hangin' Out," *off Main Source's debut album. Back before re-issues flooded the market about a decade ago, you actually had to hunt around for records. This one wasn't that hard to find but it took me a minute. When I found it, the store clerk, a Dub afficiando, sniffed at me. "That isn't even the best track on the record." Maybe not. There are a few other good joints. But none as memorable as "Bam, Bam." Least not for my money.
For a great look at a production pioneer, do yourself a favor and read Dave Tompkins' thorough look at Paul C.
When I moved to Portland, OR, it was like, ohh... this is how you do it.
My favorite 33 in my collection is a first pressing of The Who's 'Live at Leeds.' My dad bought it the first day it was released, but for some reason he neer opened it. Still in the wrapping. I also have a copy of 'Strictly Business' signed by Wesley Willis. That's a weird story.
Hey man, check your stuff in storage. I lost a bunch of vinyl and signed poetry books because nobody noticed there was water in 3 units. The albums and books wicked it up. Now, I will ALWAYS box them in plastic garbage bags. I cried. Partly because some of the books were signed by folks I spent time with that are gone.
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