Honey, I'm Home

I'm back! Did you miss me? Probably not...

For those that did, I should probably explain that I've had a pretty hectic week or so, packing my life into a couple of boxes and moving out of my parents' house home. In amongst the unpacking, I've been squeezing in going to work and haven't had a spare minute with a decent internet connection until now.

As a little housewarming gift to myself (and my record player), I've picked up a few new records to play in my new set up. Conveniently, I've moved in just across the road from Sifters (the record shop referenced in Oasis's 'Shakermaker'), so my Saturday mornings are now sorted! With car boot sale season edging towards a close as well, I popped into a local one that I'd yet to visit.

First up, an oldie but a goodie: The George Benson Collection, including 'Never Give up on a Good Thing', 'Turn Your Love Around' (new at time of release) and my personal favourite, 'Give Me The Night'. Sifters' records are always in great condition, are extremely well priced (for retail) and usually come with any original extras. This double disc version came with the accompanying biography, still in top nick. Superb.

Also ticked of the shopping list is Roberta Flack's 'Killing Me Softly'. Like most people my age, I first heard this track via The Fugees. The original is just as good. One time, one time...

'Freebird' is another track I love, simply because it's on the Forrest Gump soundtrack. With 'Sweet Home Alabama' thrown in as well, I can safely say there are far worse ways to spend a pound.

A lot of the albums I buy are quite often based on one or two tracks. This was the case here, but I'm looking forward to giving these two a proper listen-through. I picked out a Jim Croce's greatest hits collection on the back of Quentin Tarantino's use of 'I Got a Name' in Django Unchained and I've been looking out for a copy of 'Wonderful World' by Sam Cooke after hearing it on a TV advert a month or two ago.

 And sometimes, you find those singles you want on their very own 45s. I picked up this copy of Anita Ward's 'Ring My Bell' for 50p from a couple who were clearing out their house.

And from the same box I picked out Miami Sound Machine's 'Dr. Beat'. 8am Sunday morning gold.

From what I've seen so far, Jackie Wilson does not do a good record sleeve. I've now added 'Reet Petite' and 'I Get the Sweetest Feeling' to my collection, which are both equally as offensive to the eye as my copy of 'Higher and Higher'.

Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life. Reasoning not required.

The man, the voice, the beard: Michael McDonald. Michael McDonald is another artist that reminds of driving round in my dad's car when I was little, listening to his greatest hits. I should probably add that my dad was the one doing the driving - I was attentive but not a badass. If you've not heard of Michael McDonald or the Doobie Brothers before, you can thank them for the sample of 'I Keep Forgettin'' on Warren G's 'Regulate'.

And finally, not one that I bought but actually a surprise flatwarming gift from my brother. As I've mentioned before, Jamie Woon's Mirrorwriting is one of my favourite albums of the last few years, so it was an awesome gift to get the single of 'Lady Luck'. The artwork isn't too bad either. Jackie Wilson, take note...