Diary of a Melomaniac

Before 11/2020, grades range from 5 to 3.5 stars. After that, grade range is: 10 (A+), 9.5 (high A), 9 (A), 8.5 (high A-), 8 (A-), 7.5 (high B+), and 7 (B+). Ungraded albums are noted as liked :-) (honorable mention), neutral :-|, and disliked :-(. At least 4 listens per graded album and 3 listens per ungraded album. Search "Grade Post" for more info. I sold/shelved ~10,000 albums after at least 3 or 4 listens, respectively, before starting this blog and will add entries for those as they arise.

Friday, October 18, 2024

The Heartbreakers - Live at Max's Kansas City: 8 (A-)

Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers - D.T.K. (Live at the Speakeasy): 8 (A-)

The Heartbreakers - L.A.M.F.: 9 (A)

I have the "Revisited" version of this on vinyl and on import CD from Receiver Records. Not sure why I got the CD since it wasn't remastered or anything. I also have the beautiful "The Found '77 Masters" version, which is like a little CD-sized book and has an extra disc of demos. [Johnny Thunders]

Wenge Musica - Bouger Bouger: 8 (A-)

Liner notes say this was originally released in Zaire with the title Mulolo. I can't find any record of that version anywhere. There are copies called Bouger !! Bouger !! Makinzu !!!, however. The liner notes also mention a follow-up recording of four of these tracks performed live called Wenge Live, but I cannot find any record of that anywhere either.

Monday, October 14, 2024

Various - King Tubbys Presents Soundclash Dubplate Style: 7 (high B+)

# [multi-artist comp] Originally had this as 8 (A-). Part 2 is the instrumentals. Only issuance of this in the CD era is a Japanese import, which is probably a needle drop. [1988]

Jon Langford & The Men of Gwent - President of Wales: 7.5 (high B+)

Apparently, there were a few copies pressed to CD, but they appear to have been snatched up pretty quickly.

Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers - Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers: 8 (A-)

Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers - Jonathan Sings!: 8 (A-)

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Proteje - Ancient Future [honorable mention]

:-) [Might be 7 (B+), but no reasonably-priced used copies available anyway]

Bad Moves - Wearing out the Refrain: 7 (B+)

Outstanding track: "A Lapse in the Emptiness." Ended up buying it because it's a Philly band, even though it's #indiepop.

Bembeya Jazz National - Bembeya Jazz National [Disques Esperance, 1993]: notation

I'm not sure how to grade this. They picked the obvious best songs to put on African Classics/Classic Titles. I have highlighted the tracks that are unique and would say that they are "liked" or perhaps 7 (B+). Obviously not springing for those four tracks.

1 "Telegramme"

2 "Lan Naya"

3 "Moussokoro"

4 "Sukabe"

5 "Gbapie"

6 "Yekeke"

7 "Sabu"

8 "Koumba Tenin"

9 "Yelema Yelemaso"

10 "Yarabi"

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Jon Langford & The Men of Gwent - Lost on Land & Sea: 8.5 (high A-)

Jon Langford & The Men of Gwent: The Legend of LL: 7.5 (high B+)

Vinyl-only

Fontaines D.C. - Skinty Fia: 8.5 (high A-)

Christgau thinks this is their "dullest" album. I think it's their best, and not dull. I do, however, think he's become quite dull himself.

Dim Stars - Dim Stars [Ecstatic Peace!, 1991] [EP]: 7 (B+)

Unusual issuance. Only US version consists of three 7-inches (?). Putting aside that, the 12-inch, and the reissue on Caroline in a clunky jewel box, you're left with the original UK issue on Ecstatic Peace!, but it's nowhere to be found. There does appear to be another UK release on Paperhouse (?), but the prices on that for a 4-song EP at this grade (nothing historic) are ludicrous. So I'll be skipping this.