Obviously Radiohead Delivers/Miles of Miles Davis

Obviously Radiohead Delivers

It's safe to say that Radiohead's 'The King of Limbs' is ballsy. After their last effort, Hail to the Thief -which broke all conventions and opted for the 'pay what you can marketing model', they have gone back to conventional purchasing methods. It was released in tandem to a series of free newspapers titled The Universal Sigh that were handed out by hand in major city cores.

The music is just so different; you need to give it a listen. Loads of ambient sounds interlaced with Electro-Acoustic percussion. I don't love it yet, but I didn't love Hail to the Thief until listen ten, and it's one of my favourite albums of all time. Radiohead continues to be infectious and fascinating, proving once again that there are no rules when you are on top.

The single LP packaging is sharp, and not elaborate- unlike the double clear 10" album housed in a giant foldout newspaper.

MILES OF MILES DAVIS

MILES OF MILES! Finding early Mono, mint condition fusion-era, or even 80's Miles Davis can be tough- especially in a city where jazz-heads dig everywhere and dig deep. Today I bought my 21st (Blackjack!) Miles album, Sketches of Spain (Now I have the original Stereo and Mono). Miles experiments with Spanish songs under the helm of arranger/conductor Gil Evans and the albums swings! After only 15 years of recording, this marked Davis' 21 studio album as a leader (in 1960), not to mention his countless appearances as a sideman. In Davis' career he reached an unprecedented 67 studio and 58 live albums.

Toronto Downtown Record Show and Record Store Day

Today I listened to around 40 cuts from 40 albums spanning from roughly 40 years of recorded music. This tends to happen just before any selling binge- the best way to price a LP is to refresh yourself of its condition. Tip number 2847743: Always play grade!

This Sunday marks the tenth annual Toronto Downtown Record Show. Aaron and Akim, AKA: The Record Guys, have been in the record swapping biz for ages now- and they know what they are doing. Words can't describe the excitement I have to be apart of this show as a dealer. I have fond memories of hitting up this show when I was just seriously getting into collecting and finding gem after gem from reputable dealers. Saying this show inspired the Toronto Mid-Town Collectibles show I'm hosting in May is an understatement. Come support two of the hardest working dealers in the biz!

The days leading up to a record show is always trying for my ever-so-patient wife. Anyone who hits the 'wall' for space as a collector understands how tough it is to have room to sort through your doubles.Before any show my listening room looks like an aural explosion went off as I have been checking the condition of hundreds of LP's. Tomorrow I will have a slew of Metal, Jazz, Classic Rock, and Obscure. For those after Metallica titles, I should have about 6, ranging from common pressings to rare limited run. I also have a handful of still sealed 180 Gram releases, including several copies of the Genesis boxed set. Feel free to stop by and say hi (I'm the chatty guy with the fedora). - 958 Broadview Ave from 11-4, $5!



Record Store is rapidly approaching and you may be wondering what titles are available. CLICK HERE to download a 6 page PDF of what is being released. Many stores order what they think is going to sell so you may want to contact your local vinyl distributor as the days approach. VORTEX RECORDS has been posting updates on their site and always get in ridiculous titles on the day. More Toronto shops will be posted once they make their plans public.