Archival Thursdays: The Smiths - Hatful of Hollow (1984)

Every once and a while I go through another one of my Smiths phases and right now I'm smack-dab in the middle of one. There is something about the moping of Morrissey that I tend to crave from time to time, but whatever it is I always find sanctuary when listening to The Smiths. 'Hatful of Hollow' is always the first release I grab out of my collection whenever I'm in that mental state and it always satisfies, especially since it's a compilation album featuring their best compositions. I can listen to "Handsome Devil" probably everyday of my life as it's my favorite Smiths track ever along with "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" which is another standard single from these boys...too bad they can't get along anymore!

I found this LP several years ago at Kim's video in NYC.

Archival Thursdays: Limp Bizkit - Three Dollar Bill Yall$ (1997)

I don't care what anyone says about Limp Bizkit, when they first started they we're on top of their game and their first release 'Three Dollar Bill Yall$' was a total banger filled with all the right recipes. This was before the money and fame, when they were still doing local shows throughout their hometown in Jacksonville, FL. I first heard of this album after watching the video for their smash hit "Counterfeit" on MTV. But my true favorite track on this bad boy is definitely "Sour" with it's slow rhythmic flow, lagging guitars and cuts provided by the one & only DJ Lethal. A true timeless classic debut!

I purchased this LP online through Gemm since it's availability has always been scarce.

Archival Thursdays: Diplo - Florida (2004)

'Florida' is the first full length for Philly based DJ Diplo. Originally from the south, he came up with the title due to his interest in the local culture, and was highly praised by the electronic/dubstep crowd with the release of this album. If there's any way to break through to the mainstream, it's done proper on this debut. My favorite Diplo song "Summer's gonna hurt you", is beyond amazing and highly addictive, while the title track "Florida" sounds like a fusion between the lost tapes of Led Zeppelin and DJ Shadow. Released on UK based Big Dada records, which is part of the legendary Ninja Tune label, this is a timeless release.

I purchased this back in 2004 when it dropped at Sweat Records here in Miami. Now that I think of it, I haven't stepped foot in that store for over 3 years...time to pay them a visit!

Archival Thursdays: Common Sense - Resurrection (1994)

Before Common, there was Common Sense. Coming live and direct from Chicago, not only did his name change but so did his style. 'Resurrection' was his second full length and was released during a time when hip-hop was still real and innovative, the album was selected as one of The Source Magazine's 100 Best Rap Albums of all time. I remember thinking how intelligent his lyrics were and how bad I wanted to hear more of his music, especially after seeing the video for "I used to love her". Then I heard the album's title track "Resurrection" and was completely blown away by the way samples were looped in that song. Conscious hip-hop the way it should be delivered...definitely a must listen.

I bought this release at the now defunct Blue Note Records in North Miami Beach back in 2000. It was old as hell but still shrink-wrapped! That's how Blue Note was, you never know what you'll find in that place. I miss it dearly.

Archival Thursdays: Metallica - Live @ Grimey's (2010)

On June 12, 2008 Metallica held a secret, intimate show just for friends and fan club members at the basement of Grimey's record store in Nashville, TN. Mic's were placed throughout the cozy venue which held about 150 people, and the end result was a fun filled set which exceeded expectations on all ends. Bomb tracks like "Welcome home (Sanitarium)" and "Sad but true" were played with brute force and they mingled with the crowd, jammed out extensively and made history in process.

I purchased this double LP 10" gatefold at South Beach's Uncle Sams music. Since I haven't been there in about 10 years I decided to stop by last weekend and yes, they're still there and so is Ariel and Irving. Thanks for the extra goodies guys!

Archival Thursdays: Datathief - Bandwidth (2001)

If you're having a craving for some low down dirty analog electro, seek no further cause UK's Datathief are here. Brian Flanagan and Mike Hopkins create some serious beats, but also create video games as well on the side. Brian also lived in Miami for a short while, doing shows and working with labels such as Beta Bodega. 'Bandwidth' is their only full length/EP released and was supposedly so scarce during that time that not even Datathief themselves had a copy from what I understand. The entire release is solid all throughout, however be sure to check out the grimey goodness that is "Fall of the silicon empire".

I picked up this gem from the online shop Bent Crayon back in 2001 when it was released.

Archival Thursdays: Secret Frequency Crew - The Underwater Adventure Hop Secret Treasure (2001)

Back in early 2000 there were a ton of great artists, music, and labels coming out of Miami and one of those creations were the Secret Frequency Crew. Consisting of three friends, Matt Brown, Matt Friedman and well known NYC DJ Adrian Michna, their sound was filled with creativity and distinctiveness. Their first ever EP titled "The Underwater Adventure Hop Secret Treasure" is probably their best work and is definitely one of my favorites from the fine Counterflow label. I personally think each and every song is excellent, therefore I urge you to listen to it in it's entirety from front to back. Oh yea, it's also one of my favorite album covers which was designed by Miami's Arnold Steiner, sorry for the blurry pic.

I picked this up back in 2001 when it was released at South Beach's Uncle Sam's music.

Archival Thursdays: Motörhead - Overkill (1979)

Motörhead's first album to break into the top 40's was the one and only 'Overkill'. Recorded in 1979, it was the second studio album ever released by the band. 'Overkill' had a huge impact on british punk culture and to this day remains one of their highest selling releases. From the swift precision of "No class" to the raging title track "Overkill" this album retains it's oomph from start to finish with pure rock metal, the way it's supposed to be played. Be sure to also check out some eight-bar chord progression on the classic "Limb from limb". That Lemmy is pure genius! Turn it up, drink a cheap beer and ftmfw...it's Motörhead!

I bought this LP at Miami's Yesterday & Today records a few years ago. It is the triple bonus LP green vinyl version.

Archival Thursdays: Bogdan Raczynski - Samurai Math Beats (1999)

Ah yes, the great Bogdan Raczynski. Straight from the slums of Poland, this producer is just plain crazy. If you don't believe me try listening to his music. Personally, there's always a time and place for the madness that is 'Samurai Math Beats', an exquisite journey into drill n' bass and just plain electronic badassery. The opening track "Samurai masu bitsu" brings that old dirty laptop sound Bogdan is known for, while "Kimi wa tsumannai, boku o iranai" chimes in with cruchy IDM beats and choppy production making this one of his best releases of all time, not to mention it's released on the fine Rephlex label aka Aphex Twin and crew.

I was lucky enough to find this at the now defunct Osiel store in South Beach, Miami. For some reason, no offense to the artist, Bogdan's records are scarce and have always fetched high prices online. Maybe I'll sell it, NOT!

Archival Thursdays: Midnight Express - Soundtrack (1978)

Giorgio Moroder's original score for 70's cult classic film Midnight Express won him his first Academy Award for best film score and there's plenty of reason why. It was produced during a time when Giorgio was releasing his best work, dropping album's like 'E=MC²' and 'From Here To Eternity', so you know it's a fine piece of work with excellent compositions throughout. The film fits perfectly with the score, and basically made Midnight Express a timeless classic. I can't imagine this movie without Giorgio's music. "The Chase" is by far my favorite Giorgio track ever, and the dope as fuck groove that is the "(Theme from) Midnight Express", perfection!

I was lucky enough to obtain this release from my older brother's record collection, thanks broski! :)

Archival Thursdays: Alphaville - Big In Japan 12" (1984)

German synthpop legends Alphaville were one of those unique 80's bands that never gained much attention in the U.S. as they did in Europe, but within time credibility set in with their smash hit "Big In Japan", plus the timeless classic that is "Forever Young" which became something of a pop standard and has been covered by numerous artists. I first heard their music at Miami's Kitchen club back when I first started going, and always wondered why their great music never really graced the radio-waves of the 80's. I tell you, unfortunately one really has to search for good music, even back then.

I found this 12" at the Blue Note Records annex in North Miami which was located a few miles north of the original store, too bad it's gone.

Archival Thursdays: Alek Stark - Highway To Disko (2002)

Spanish producer Alek Stark serves up an analog dream with 'Highway To Disko', his first full length and without a doubt his best work. Filled with electronic wizardry and bottom heavy beats, it seems as if each track gets progressively better with each listen. Almost all the music on this release was created using a vintage Linn-Drum sampler/drum machine, one of the very first of it's kind to use digital samples. It was also recorded during a time when vocoders we're still cool and not heard in every pop song. Be sure to check out the electro goodness that is "Mi computadora" and what about "In the night", another sure-fire banger. The entire record is amazing, especially since it's released on the great Disko-B label!

I found this gem at the now defunct Osiel record store on South Beach back when it was released in 2002.

Archival Thursdays: Megadeth - Peace sells but who's buying (1986)

The very first Megadeth song I ever heard in my life was the title track off this album. 'Peace sells but who's buying' is Dave Mustaine's 2nd full length after leaving Metallica and is probably one of the bands best releases to date as it's surely a metal classic. The concept of this album revolves around the cold war era and it's politics, delivering a final result of hammering thrash and kick ass riffs. The opening song "Wake up dead" sets the theme for things to come, and after listening to the title track "Peace sells but who's buying", I was immediately sold and became a Megadeth fan por vida!

I found this record years ago in a used bin at the old Yesterday & Today records in Miami before they moved to their current location.

Archival Thursdays: Air - Modular Mix 12" (1996)

Air's music has always provided a counterbalance to the driving rhythms of most electronic music. The french duo started releasing quality compositions over 10 years ago with 'Modular Mix' being the start of a long, successful career as it was their very first record. Released on James Lavelle's legendary Mo'Wax label, this was where it all began. Laced with polished beats, sleazy samples and spaced out jazz, this 12" is a must have for any fan of Air, or the great Mo'Wax label for that matter. The title track "Modular Mix" is a perfect example of the depth these boys had even back then. And what about that Source Direct remix? Smooth shit eh?

I bought this record from gemm.com back in 2003 since I couldn't find it anywhere else.

Archival Thursdays: The Other People Place - Lifestyles Of The Laptop Café (2001)

Of all the many projects the late James Marcel Stinson created during his time such as Drexciya and Elecktroids, The Other People Place holds a special place in my heart. "Lifestyles Of The Laptop Café" is a perfect blend of warm fuzzy electronics, pure minimalism, and that detroit techno sound we've all grown to know and love. Gifted tracks such as "Let me be" are perfect for those long winter nights, and my personal favorite "Moonlight rendezvous" touches all emotional angles. Unfortunately, Mr. Stinson passed one year after the release of this LP and was his last recorded work documented.

I was lucky enough to find this release at NYC's Other Music back in 2001.

Archival Thursdays: Monster Magnet - Mastermind (2010)

When stoner rock legends Monster Magnet stated they were working on a new album after 3 years I knew this project would either make them or break them. After the failure of both of their previous releases, '4-Way Diablo' and 'Monolithic Baby', the Jersey boys definitely required a much different approach. They were in dire need of a proper restructure, so they went back a few years, stuck to their older sound, kept it simple and in the process created a sonic masterpiece which is incredibly compelling in its own fashion. The opening track "Hallucination Bomb"goes straight for the jugular right from the start and keeps building momentum, track after track, especially after listening to "100 Miles Away", you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Very solid release from Dave Wyndorf and the boys.

Monster Magnet vinyl is hard to acquire therefore I had to get this release off eBay about 7 months ago.

Archival Thursdays: The Soft Pink Truth - Do You Party? (2003)

To end the year, it's only right that my final Archival Thursday of 2010 concludes with some proper downright dirty party music. The Soft Pink Truth is the alter-ego of Drew Daniel, who is one half of the San Francisco experimental electronic duo Matmos. The genius sound Drew created with this project is pure and full of funk. Righteous samples and cut up vocals, beats layered with deep bass, and clicks, clips and cuts that will leave you shaking your ass and wanting more! This New Years Eve, jam out to some bangers like "Gender studies" or "Big booty bitches" for a sure-fire way to get the party started.

I purchased this double LP version at the now defunct Virgin Megastore in South Miami. Happy New Year everyone!

Archival Thursdays: Tool - Undertow (1993)

Tool are the benchmark of progressive metal...there, I said it! Mostly every band within the genre have been influenced one form or another by this outfit, and there's no denying that. 'Undertow' is their first full length album, which expressed more diverse dynamics than their previous EP's and singles, and shaped the future of the band. Shortly after 'Undertow' was released, Tool's identity was formed and what followed was a chaotic beauty that will probably never duplicated by anyone else. Besides, lead singer Maynard Kennan is a creative genius, definitely not of this earth. Some of my favorite tracks off this wonderful LP are "Sober" and "Swamp song". School yourselves!

I grabbed this release about a year ago off eBay. This particular copy is the 1996 re-press.

Archival Thursdays: Bob James - Touchdown (1978)

Bob James is a master jazzman. His sound has been sampled by almost every prominent hip-hop artist and his influence on smooth-jazz musicians is never ending. I recommend anyone that wants to delve into some Bob James to try his sixth studio album, "Touchdown". It includes the timeless classic 'Angela' which became the theme song for 70's TV show, Taxi. 'Caribbean nights' is another one of my favorites from this LP, with smooth arrangements and an excellent groove. Touchdown is an outstanding example of the late-70s/early-80s fusion sound and features input from legends David Sanborn and Earl Klugh. A must listen!

I found this release at a thrift shop on Steinway Street in Astoria, Queens back in 2000 when I lived there.

Archival Thursdays: Lootpack - Soundpieces-The Antidote (1999)

Lootpack picks up where hip-hop left off, plain and simple. These guys are on a mental-plane like no other and make hip-hop sound fun & worth listening to again! Battle-style rhymes with static filled beats are the recipe here and when it comes to production, no-one does it better than Madlib. Tracks such as "Whenimondamic" or "Crate diggin" are perfect examples of the attributes this album has to offer. Released on the wonderful Stones Throw label, guests on the album include Quasimoto, Dilated Peoples and The Alkaholics.

I found this release at the now defunct Blue Note Records back in 2001.