Stories

While surfing a few weeks ago, I came across another Phase VII album I hadn't heard of, Windjammer. At first, I thought it read "Phase VIII". Maybe it was a spin-off/new lineup of the original Phase 7? Hmm. The cover art wasn't as intriguing Playtime either, so I gave it little attention and passed on. Last night, I looked again and realized it really was Phase 7, not 8! (I must need glasses). Windjammer was their 2nd album, apparently. But what's a "Windjammer"? Google hadn't helped me a few weeks back... but as luck would have it, just last week...

I'll say without a doubt that Japanese record collectors are probably the most diligent collectors in the world. Not only do they have deep knowledge of what's good, but they've got the good stuff in great condition: Nothing goes "uncollected". At least in my opinion. I still remember reading this post years ago and thinking two things: 1 Thankfully, many stores in the USA still price their rock (Led Zep, The Who, Beatles) high and the funky stuff low. 2 Record stores in Japan are nothing like America's, with plenty of specialty shops that carry specific kinds of music. Need...

When you live in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, you wake up everyday and it's beautiful outside. When you live in the Pacific Northwest, summer stops by for two months or so. The rest of the year you wake up and it's gray, dreary and rainy outside. That's why I like Babadu. His music is sunny (do I use that term too much?), and it's reminiscent of the happy, heavenly sound of Stevie Wonder, whose songs are always full of joy (or joyous sorrow). Babadu even grunts and shouts, just like Stevie. One listen and I feel like smiling—even...

Google "Tony Tam Sing" and you'll come across the blog Asita Recordings. I did, at least. Didn't find any info on the elusive TONY psych-folk LP, but I did learn that Lightsleepers recently started one of Hawaii's only record sale/swaps. There's been a few other big record shows in Hawaii, but BRB is the only one giving "Hawaii's diggers, vinyl junkies and collectors" a chance to meet in one place. The first BRB went down in early 2010. The next BRB? Coming up real soon. September 11th, 2010 831 Queen St. @ Fresh Café 9am - 3pm :: FREE beatrootbodega@gmail.com...

The Hawaiian version of Tatsuro Yamashita's "Sparkle" was recorded by disco-soul group Greenwood in 1985. Greenwood started in 1972 as a group of 9th graders at Kaimuki High School. The guys are alive and performing today in Hawaii. Their main gig? Probably the 70s Night Club Reunion, a popular concert series that reunites well-known bands from Oahu's disco days. The next reunion is August 14, 2010. And there's definitely more in the future. (Check out the flyer and see who's performing). The 70s Night Club Reunion website is full of history on local bands, plus a jukebox with "Sparkle", tracks...