Haul of Records: Death Of Vinyl

Showing posts with label Death Of Vinyl. Show all posts

The Beach Boys - Little Deuce Coupe (1963)

I wrote about The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds album earlier.

Death Of Vinyl record store held a Christmas party a few years ago and I was able to spin there among with other Dansez Chez Vous colleagues including DJ Politics, MattstaxofWax, DJ Expo 67 and DJ 7T’s.

I had an immensely good time. The music played was fantastic and I got some favorable reactions from my selections which is most often the desired effect. One moment in time that night is worth my writing about.

DJ Expo 67 played Little Saint Nick by The Beach Boys at some point during the near 7 hours of music spun that night. I hadn’t heard the song in a long time or simply forgot about it altogether. The song’s harmonies and beat were magical and caused people to dance between the rows of records. I found it to be a wonderful song and was inspired to follow it up with another Beach Boys single.
I ran to the classic rock section of the store and briskly browsed The Beach Boys bunch of records for Little Deuce Coupe. Thankfully there was a copy of an album with the song on it. I ran back to the turntables and told Expo 67 I have an answer.

I cued the cut and a memorable time was had by most that were paying attention to the music played. Those that danced to the Christmas cut continued to groove with Deuce Coupe. The Beach Boys sound was able to linger in the store just a little longer. Expo 67 himself was pleased at my choice. I thanked him for providing me the inspiration. I had forgotten I referred to Little Deuce Coupe in the previous Beach Boys post. It had also been a long time since I heard or thought of the song. Both songs were welcome breaths of fresh air for me.

Had I been one of the patrons and heard two Beach Boys bangers back-to-back, I would have danced in the store isles myself. I took pleasure in seeing the few twist and shimmy nearby.

There is something about The Beach Boys sound that is truly magical. As much as I was not born when they were in the prime of their recording careers, their music reflects what was and is good about the world.

A few minutes of The Beach Boys music can send good vibrations in these troubled economic and sociopolitical climates. One can feel happiness or a ray of sunshine in the darkest hours when listening to their classics.

Ultimately, it is The Beach Boys who are to be thanked for the inspiration.

Waxpoetics

I love Waxpoetics Magazine.

I’ve treasured it from the moment I realized it was the only real music magazine I have left to buy since The Source, Rap Pages & Vibe Magazines’ early–mid 1990s prime.

It is truly a valuable source of musical information.

The latest Waxpoetics issue on the shelves is happening in my life and I rejoice inside a little until the novelty wears off.

I’m even happier to pick up back issues like I did at the WFMU Record Fairs and Dreambeat Conventions, the bi-annual record conventions in Montreal.

One of my most significant memories linked to Waxpoetics magazine happened on Record Store Day 2013.

I looked forward to a 30-minute DJ set at Montreal's Death of Vinyl record store to commemorate the crate-digging celebration day but had to make stops at other stores just to make sure I didn't miss out on anything.

As I packed my record bag, I made a last minute decision to bring a compilation of rock breaks.

When I arrived at the first store and starting browsing through the racks, a couple standing beside me asked about a group with Rotary in the name.

I asked if they were referring to Rotary Connection. The lady said yes and we briefly spoke about Minnie Riperton’s former band. I explained that I was not a fan of the band’s brand of music but acknowledged the songs I did enjoy. The man with her said he loved their orchestral and eclectic vibe.

I reached into my record bag and showed them the compilation containing a Rotary Connection cut called Life Could and told them they should seek it out when possible.

As I prepared for my DJ set at Death of Vinyl record store, I felt it would be ideal to play Life Could at my earliest convenience. A young man approached the turntables apparently enjoying the tune. I asked him if he knew what he was listening to and he stated he hadn’t. I showed him the compilation and told him the band name.

He replied that he remembered the name from Waxpoetics Magazine. When I told him whose vocals were gracing the song, he had a moment of total recall. I can only imagine what he was writing into his phone was a gentle reminder to reach for Rotary Connection.

YouTube doesn't allow me to add a video with Life Could on the blog but allowed me to view vintage footage of my songstress early in her career.

Waxpoetics allows us to read more beyond into the stories behind the albums, songs, and videos that we have access to. I couldn't be happier that we have access to Waxpoetics.

Montreal crate diggers and music connoisseurs were dealt a blow when it was announced that the downtown Chapters bookstore is closing. That unfortunately means there will be one less venue to get Waxpoetics in the city. I'm pretty resourceful and will inquire as to whether the Indigo store blocks away will now carry the magazine.

DJ Solespin & Dubny @ Death of Vinyl (September 26, 2015)

A day spent shopping at Montreal's Death of Vinyl record store can bring you face-to-face with 12” singles, albums, cassettes, magazines, buttons and other miscellaneous music-related relics.

Spending time at Death of Vinyl is a wonderful experience for myself as one that appreciates the art of being a DJ.

The worlds of crate diggers and music lovers unite under one roof.

I have had the privilege of providing some of the soundtrack for plenty patrons that peruse the place browsing record crates and viewing artwork.

At any time there, someone can and will drop a track that can make you stop in your tracks and move to the main DJ area to ask what is playing.

I can attest to it happening to me just as I have mesmerized a person or two with some of my selections. You are more than likely to discover your next favorite song or entry into your records wantlist. That is the beauty of a place like Death of Vinyl.

The weekly Death of Vinyl mix session is part social club and cathartic outlet for musical creativity.

The man in the photo with me below is named Dubny.

While Dubny, DJ Politics and I were DJing a Vernissage at Death of Vinyl, Dubny pulled a vinyl copy of Nas’ Illmatic from his record bag to prepare the next song in the mix.
Upon seeing the album, I laughed because I got further proof of why I respect his good taste in music, was pleasantly surprised Nas would be played that night and because I don’t have Illmatic on vinyl. Of all the hip hop albums for him to carry on his person that night, he had easily one of the greatest albums the genre has produced. After the laughter came the choice of which Nas song would be played. My money was on Memory Lane and from the little DJ Politics knew of the album, Represent was his choice. Dubny listened to both tracks and represented literally and figuratively.

Quench My Thirst is the 3rd mix Dubny & I have made together for the year and it is my crowning jewel. I have never been more proud of a mix I have recorded.

Those are some of the many reasons I have respected and admired Dubny for the last six years or so.

I am looking forward to spinning with him at Death of Vinyl on the afternoon of Saturday, September 26.

DJ Solespin & Dubny. Volume III. Quench My Thirst. Étanche ma soif. by Denis Fourny (Aka Dubny) on Mixcloud

For more Death of Vinyl, visit the store's new website and Facebook group.