Monday, June 28, 2010

TVD: Bonzai!


Right, the tree (via the exclamation.)

It's said that the bonsai tree will on average outlive us all—to the point in its existence where it may have a handful of meticulous caretakers over the course of its lifetime—which lead me to thinking this weekend...do we care for it, or it for us?

Despite the resurgence in enthusiasm for vinyl and the plethora of acts again releasing music in the format, 95% of my vinyl purchases are pre-owned. Of the 26 LPs I bought this weekend up at Joe's Record Paradise, all of them had previous owners who unfortunately left several of their names scrawled is less than desirable locations. (Kitty Jones, I'm looking at you.)

I spent some time afterward at home scraping off price stickers, replacing inner sleeves when needed, and rebagging the LPs with new clear, Mylar sleeves. It might sound like a chore, but it's an oddly centering endeavor.



This week, for whatever reason, tracks from a few LPs that have tended to me and remain a constant over the years.

The Vapors - Spring Collection (Mp3)
The Vapors - Sixty Second Interval (Mp3)
The Vapors - Waiting for the Weekend (Mp3)
The Vapors - Letter from Hiro (Mp3)
The Vapors - Here Comes the Judge (live) (Mp3)

TVD Summer Vinyl Giveaway | Electric Tickle Machine "Blew it Again"


...in which we relive the spontaneity of a record purchased on a whim with, "I dunno...I just liked the cover."



Right, transparent me.

But NYC's Electric Tickle Machine are not just the sum of an eye-catching LP cover but a combo with an inspired rock and roll wallop who this past Friday appeared at Shea Stadium as part of the Northside Festival.

Their debut LP 'Blew it Again' is out tomorrow on vinyl but we have two today to offer on a delightful and sticky NSFW Monday.



Enter to win in the comments to this post with a tale of a record purchased on a lark on the strength of the cover alone and we'll choose two winners for a copy of the LP. Remember to leave us a contact email address and we'll close this one on Friday, 7/2. On a whim.

Electric Tickle Machine - Part of Me (Mp3)
Electric Tickle Machine - Honest Injun (Mp3)
Authorized for download!