Category: Pop Music

Gen X – “Dancing With Myself” 12″ Single – Bonus Edition (The Billy Idol Series)

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In my crate digging back in June, I found this beauty.  It is a Gen X 12″ single of the song “Dancing with Myself”.  This was off the band’s third album called “Kiss Me Deadly” and was a little before the song became famous by the Gen X singer, Billy Idol, on his first solo outing. Since I have all the band’s stuff (with minor exceptions), I look for the Singles and oddball items now and this fit the bill nicely.

For me it is both a Single and an oddball, because what is the deal with the frightening little girl on the cover.  She’s scary, right?  The album is still wrapped in the original plastic wrap which has seen better days, but this has kept the album in pretty dang good shape.

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“Dancing with Myself” failed to chart upon its release and didn’t really do much.  It wasn’t until Billy released it as one of his solo songs, but that is for another discussion.  The song was inspired by what the band saw while on tour in Tokyo.  They noticed that at the dance clubs, the people were dancing more with their own reflections in the mirrored walls than they were with other people.  That somehow inspired the song.

The song has has always been one of my favorite songs by the band and Billy’s solo work.  The song is pure New Wave dance music with a slight punk edge…classic Billy Idol solo.  It is so melodic, catchy and so much energy you can’t help but move.  The guitars are a little louder on this version and the bass toned down ever so slightly, but other than that it is the song you know.  Being the 12″ Single, it is extended out to just over 4 minutes which is about 20 seconds longer than the album version and 20 more seconds to be on the dance floor.

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The prize on this is not just “Dancing With Myself” as I have several versions on other releases, but it is the B-Sides.  Okay, I have the other two songs as well,  but only digitally, not physically.  Now that has changed.  The two tracks are called “Loopy Dub” and “Ugly Dub” and honestly, they aren’t that great.  So the prize really is “Dancing With Myself”.

“Loopy Dub” doesn’t really go fast enough for a dance track.  It is kinda slow and drags on with no real purpose.  I would’ve liked something more upbeat that you could dance too because this just depresses me.  “Ugly Dub” isn’t any better.  There is a strong case to be made why these didn’t end up on the album.  Honestly, not sure there was ever any reason to release them period.

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And there you have it.  Another nugget in the world of Billy Idol.  The collection is coming along nicely and I love adding new stuff especially when it comes to the Gen X era of his career.

Now, if you want to check out the full reviews and the entire Billy Idol Series, click on any and all of the links below…

  1. Generation X – ‘Generation X’
  2. Generation X – ‘Valley of the Dolls’
  3. Gen X – ‘Kiss Me Deadly’
  4. Gen X – “Dancing With Myself” 12″ Single (Bonus Edition)
  5. Generation X – ‘The BBC Transcription Disc Series No. 126 1978’ (Bootleg)
  6. Billy Idol – Don’t Stop E.P.
  7. Billy Idol – Billy Idol
  8. Billy Idol – Rebel Yell
  9. Billy Idol – Whiplash Smile
  10. Billy Idol – To Be A Lover – Single Review
  11. Billy Idol – Vital Idol
  12. Billy Idol – Charmed Life
  13. Billy Idol – Cyberpunk
  14. Billy Idol – “Speed” (song from the Speed Soundtrack)
  15. Generation X – K.M.D. Sweet Revenge
  16. Billy Idol – VH1 Storytellers (Live)
  17. Billy Idol – Devil’s Playground
  18. Billy Idol – Happy Holidays
  19. Billy Idol – The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself
  20. Billy Idol – Kings & Queens of the Underground
  21. Billy Idol – BFI Live (#RSD 2019)
  22. Billy Idol – Revitalized
  23. Generation X – Your Generation (7″ Record Store Day Release)
  24. Generation X – Generation X Deluxe Edition
  25. Billy Idol – Rebel Waltz: Live (Bootleg)
  26. Billy Idol – Rebel Calling: Live (Bootleg)
  27. Billy Idol – The Albums Ranked From Worst to First

My Sunday Song – “Run” by Matt Nathanson

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For My Sunday Song #211, we are tackling the first in our 10 song set of Matt Nathanson songs. I’m starting the series out with my favorite track and that is “Run”.  The song features Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland. The song is off his 2011 album, ‘Modern Love’ and was released as single, but only reached #53 on the Billboard Hot 100 which baffles me.

The song is not a country song even though Sugarland are on it.  No!  This is a sensual, oh so sexy, love song.  The lyrics are dirty with lines like “You come in waves” and “Then Swallow me whole” as well as “And I watch it explode”.  At the same time they are sexy with lines like “You pull me in close / And buckle my knees” and “You trace my lines / Stirring my soul”.  And then they are heartwarming with a line like “I’m amazing when you’re beside me / I am so much more”.  This song speaks to me and reminds me of my lovely bride and when I hear this song, I think of only her!  Each and every time.

Now here is the problem.  The song I think is more about an affair than love.  The lyrics talk about running back to this person.  The man says he knows that it’s wrong but he can’t help it and he always goes back to her.  Personally, I ignore that part and think of it more as a passionate love affair with my wife.  Either way, you can’t help but love the song.

Continue reading “My Sunday Song – “Run” by Matt Nathanson” →

Friday New Release – August 28, 2020

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We are ending August with a BANG!! There are an abundance of releases this week and there has to be something for you to grab hold of and listen to all weekend. I am listing 18 different releases and you know I don’t ever have all of them so that is a boatload of stuff. I have a bunch I am eager to hear and 2 on order. My choices are highlighted in Blue and I can tell you right now, I doubt I will get to all of them this week as there are so many. Let me know which ones you are interested in hearing and which ones I may have a missed. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!!

  • 81Rz9estbVL._SS500_  Needtobreathe – Out of Body – (Elektra): Is there any doubt this one would be tops for me. I am a huge fan, but a worried fan as guitarist and a very creative mind behind the band, Bo Rinehart has left the band. I don’t know how much he put in to this album, if anything, but that has me a little concerned as direction and what to expect. The one thing they did that I don’t particularly don’t care for is they released like 5 songs already. I am not a fan of bands doing that.
  • A1aBMRfQkrL._SS500_  Metallica – S&M 2 (Live) – (Blackened Recording): I actually enjoyed the original S&M so I am curious to hear this one as well. Metallica and classical music I think are a good match. And the song they released already was pretty great.
Continue reading “Friday New Release – August 28, 2020” →

Heart – “What About Love” – The 45 Single

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I haven’t done one of these in awhile where I highlight a 45 Single in my collection so I went through and pulled out “What About Love” from the band Heart.  The song is from what is considered their comeback album ‘Heart’ that was released in 1985 and the single was the first off the album and released on June 1, 1985.

The song is a cover song actually and was originally performed by the band Toronto.  It was written by Brian Allen. Sheron Alton and Jim Vallance.  You know Jim as he is the writing partner for some guy named Bryan Adams.  Brian & Sheron were in Toronto, however, Jim wasn’t although he did play drums on the song.  Enough about them, let’s get to Heart.

IMG_2351 Continue reading “Heart – “What About Love” – The 45 Single” →

Friday New Releases – August 21, 2020

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Another Friday is upon us and I am glad you made it through another week.  I am sure my kids are glad it is Friday as well since they started school this past week.  It is a different type of school for them now thanks to COVID.  But one thing that hasn’t changed is Friday is new release day.  There is a lot here this week, but there isn’t at the same time.  There is one I am looking forward to and one I will give a spin as it looks interesting and they are both marked in Blue. Let me know what you are excited about and what I may have missed.  Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous weekend!!

  • 71EA1ClpcdL._SX522_  The Lemon Twigs – Songs for the General Public – (4AD Ltd):  I know nothing about this band, but the album cover with them dressed very glam like has made me interested in spinning this one.  I need something new, so hopefully this will satisfy that craving.

  • 91-dFqF+lTL._SX522_  The Killers – Imploding the Mirage – (Island Records):  This album got bounced around so much due to Covid, I lost track of the release date and missed having it as a featured cover on the header.  However, this is the main one I would want to hear this week.  Sorry this was added late, but it has been added.

Continue reading “Friday New Releases – August 21, 2020” →

Robbie Williams – ‘Sexed Up – Forever Texas’ (2003) – Album Review

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There is nothing better than going through racks of CDs and finding something you’ve never seen before.  I was at 2nd & Charles in Mathews, NC with my wife (she was looking at books) and I started digging through the used CDs. I started in the “A” section and within 30 seconds I stumbled across this album…Robbie Williams “Sexed Up”.  Yes, in the “A” section as naturally that is where it would be instead of the “R” or “W” section.  Makes total sense.  It had Japanese or some Asian lettering on it so I snatched it up especially knowing that the price was only $3.50.

I did some research once I got home and all I could find out is that the CD is referred to as Robbie Williams – “Sexed Up/Forever Texas” and is an unofficial release.  As a result, Discogs won’t sell it.  I did see a copy on eBay for about $36 and Discogs had a single cd version on sale for over $100.  Either way, my $3.50 is looking like a pretty great deal.

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The packaging is great as the plastic CD case comes in this nice cardboard housing with a flap to open and remove your CD case.  The disc is also labeled as an HDCD whatever the hell that is supposed to mean.  I figured it was going to sound better, but it is CD, it already sounds good as a CD should. Continue reading “Robbie Williams – ‘Sexed Up – Forever Texas’ (2003) – Album Review” →

Friday New Releases – August 14, 2020

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It is Hot! Hot! Hot! I’m talking about the weather though and not the new releases. There are a bunch this week, but nothing I am “hot” over.  Maybe lukewarm.  My choices are highlighted in Blue.  Hopefully there is something here that will get you hot and excited about.  If so, let me know what it is and let me know what I may have missed on the list so other people can see.  Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  Stay Cool!!

  • 91fueI6vNPL._SS500_  Adelitas Way – Shine On – (Vegas Syn / The Fuel Music):  Adelitas Way isn’t an exciting rock band, but they are consistent.  They have decent songs and there is always a few good songs worth grabbing and throwing in to a playlist. For that fact, I will give them a spin.

  • 910MrctHG9L._SS500_  Biffy Clyro – A Celebration of Endings – (14th Floor Records / Warner Music);  This band came on my radar some years back when my brother-in-law engineered one of their albums.  They a pretty interesting as they don’t settle on one thing, they like to try new things.  These boys from Scotland always bring something worth while to the table and here is hoping for something new and awesome to digest!

Continue reading “Friday New Releases – August 14, 2020” →

Friday New Releases – August 7, 2020

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Welcome to the first Friday of August and there a bunch of new releases this week.  Not many I’m interested in, but hopefully enough for you to find something.  My choices are highlighted in Blue. Let me know which ones you are interested and what I might’ve missed so all our readers can see what is there for their choosing. Thanks for stopping by and I hope everyone has a great weekend.

  • 81D-lblLCrL._SX522_  Deep Purple – Whoosh! – (earMusic):  I will admit, I haven’t listened to Deep Purple in years until their last release ‘Infinity’ which was pretty good. I’m hoping they have still upped their game here for another solid release.  The old guys still have a little left in the tank…thankfully!!

  • 81oKbQY-WFL._SS500_  Seventh Day Slumber – Unseen: The Lion E.P. – (Rockfest Records):  A hard rock Christian band.  That is good enough for me.  Not all of their releases have stuck a chord with me, but there has been enough meat on the bone to keep me coming back.  Sadly this is only an E.P., but I will take what I can get.  This time around it is some worship music which is fine by me.

Continue reading “Friday New Releases – August 7, 2020” →

Friday New Releases – July 31, 2020

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I learned a new phrase today.  I learned that Friday’s are also called “POETS” Day. A British slang I believe for “Piss Off Early, Tomorrow’s Saturday”.  So why don’t we all celebrate “POETS” Day every Friday and treat ourselves to some music.  There are a good amount of releases today and my choice is highlighted in Blue.  Let me know what you are interested in hearing and what I missed on the list as I only usually put stuff on here for bands that I actually know something about so I miss a lot.  Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful weekend…now Piss Off!!

  • 8100gpzX9lL._SS500_  Dee Snider – For the Love of Metal (Live) – (Napalm Records):  Speaking of live albums, we have a new one from Dee Snider from this tour of his latest album, For the Love of Metal.  Looking forward to hearing this as that was a great album.

And here are the rest…some good stuff that might get checked out in the near future…

  • 91l829R5KWL._AC_UL115_  The Psychedelic Furs – Made of Rain – (Cooking Vinyl)

Continue reading “Friday New Releases – July 31, 2020” →

July 2020 Purchases – Vinyl & CD

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Another month gone by and a lot more purchases.  I don’t know if you’ve noticed but my CD purchases have skyrocketed over the last few months.  I have been to a bunch of shops that have CDs and have them cheap so I can’t help myself.  However, this first batch of CDs is not from a shop. They are mostly from Amazon as my kids gave me an Amazon gift card for Father’s Day as they weren’t sure what I didn’t have (which is a valid point).  So with these cards I continued my Jeff Scott Soto Collection and picked up 6 more discs (okay, one was from ebay).

I picked up Jeff Scott Soto – “Essential Ballads”; Soul Sirkus – “World Play”, W.E.T. – “W.E.T.” and “Earthrage”, SOTO – “Orgami” which is the last of the SOTO collection, and Talisman – “Talisman”.  This brings me up to over 20+ now in the JSS collection and still about 20+ more to go.

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Next up, my wife wanted to run back to 2nd & Charles as she needed  some books and I of course wanted to tag along as they have a great used CD collection and I always find something interesting and this time was no different.  I picked up a Bootleg Robbie Williams 2 CD compilation from Japan.  It is called Sexed Up and it has been outlawed for sale by Discogs, but I saw one an eBay for about $30+.  I payed about $3.  It is an HDCD, whatever that means.

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But that wasn’t the only thing I bought from there as they had a sale where you buy 2, get one free.  I picked up 8 more discs including 2 more Robbie Williams CDs, 3 Oasis CDs, Ozzy’s Just Say Ozzy E.P., Candlebox’s “Lucy” and Jude Cole’s “I Don’t Know Why I Act This Way”.  Not a bad haul.

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And on the way home, my wife saw Noble Records and asked if I wanted to stop in, and of course I said yes.  She is so awesome!!  I did a little damage there as well. I picked up 2 more CDs – Cheap Trick’s “At Budokon: The Complete Concert” CD set and Thriving Ivory’s “Through Yourself & Back Again”.

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I did get vinyl while I was there as well. I picked up Deep Purple’s ‘Machine Head’ and ZZ Top’s “La Futura” because I saw the documentary on Netflix and needed this album as I didn’t have it as I’m now on a ZZ Top kick.

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The next thing that was purchased was neither vinyl nor CD.  I have started my new obsession, Kiss Tour Books and first up is this one…not going to talk about it as I already have a post coming in August going in full detail…

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And that is it…until next month