Owen Maercks
@owenmaercks.bsky.social
Record collector, home bartender, reptile promoter. Worshipper of Sun Ra, Jack Webb, The Velvet Underground, Gamera, Captain Beefheart, small dogs, Roxy Music. Former Teenage Sex Therapist, now a backyard bon vivant.
David Bowie “Heroes”
January 30, 2025 at 4:48 PM
David Bowie “Heroes”
James Booker True: Live at Tipitina’s
Almost as eccentric as Professor Longhair, but more versatile and a better technician. All his records are breathtaking, even when he covers some doubtful songs (A Taste of Honey? Something?).
Almost as eccentric as Professor Longhair, but more versatile and a better technician. All his records are breathtaking, even when he covers some doubtful songs (A Taste of Honey? Something?).
January 30, 2025 at 5:37 AM
James Booker True: Live at Tipitina’s
Almost as eccentric as Professor Longhair, but more versatile and a better technician. All his records are breathtaking, even when he covers some doubtful songs (A Taste of Honey? Something?).
Almost as eccentric as Professor Longhair, but more versatile and a better technician. All his records are breathtaking, even when he covers some doubtful songs (A Taste of Honey? Something?).
Pearl Bailey sings for adults only
A great song stylist, doing songs that are risqué, not raunchy. After all, she’s a lady. Material she was born to perform.
A great song stylist, doing songs that are risqué, not raunchy. After all, she’s a lady. Material she was born to perform.
January 30, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Pearl Bailey sings for adults only
A great song stylist, doing songs that are risqué, not raunchy. After all, she’s a lady. Material she was born to perform.
A great song stylist, doing songs that are risqué, not raunchy. After all, she’s a lady. Material she was born to perform.
Chimo!
Fascinating. Canadian band veering into prog/fusion/experimentalism even within the context of being a rock’n’roll band. I could do without the important and earnest singing but the music more than makes up for it. A gem mostly seen amongst the chud.
Fascinating. Canadian band veering into prog/fusion/experimentalism even within the context of being a rock’n’roll band. I could do without the important and earnest singing but the music more than makes up for it. A gem mostly seen amongst the chud.
January 29, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Chimo!
Fascinating. Canadian band veering into prog/fusion/experimentalism even within the context of being a rock’n’roll band. I could do without the important and earnest singing but the music more than makes up for it. A gem mostly seen amongst the chud.
Fascinating. Canadian band veering into prog/fusion/experimentalism even within the context of being a rock’n’roll band. I could do without the important and earnest singing but the music more than makes up for it. A gem mostly seen amongst the chud.
Jane Birkin. “je t’aime moi non plus”
Did the title track always have strings? I didn’t remember that. Funny, as I’ve been obsessed with that song (particularly the way the quartet was recorded; every single note is…visceral) for decades.
Love everything about her right down to her Chiclet teeth.
Did the title track always have strings? I didn’t remember that. Funny, as I’ve been obsessed with that song (particularly the way the quartet was recorded; every single note is…visceral) for decades.
Love everything about her right down to her Chiclet teeth.
January 29, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Jane Birkin. “je t’aime moi non plus”
Did the title track always have strings? I didn’t remember that. Funny, as I’ve been obsessed with that song (particularly the way the quartet was recorded; every single note is…visceral) for decades.
Love everything about her right down to her Chiclet teeth.
Did the title track always have strings? I didn’t remember that. Funny, as I’ve been obsessed with that song (particularly the way the quartet was recorded; every single note is…visceral) for decades.
Love everything about her right down to her Chiclet teeth.
Blondie Autoamerican
There’s a surprising amount of variety and even experimentation on this record. I’m impressed with the playing, and I’ve always enjoyed Harry’s singing. Why Mike Chapman insisted on taking one of rock’s great drummers and reducing him to a machine makes me sad, though.
There’s a surprising amount of variety and even experimentation on this record. I’m impressed with the playing, and I’ve always enjoyed Harry’s singing. Why Mike Chapman insisted on taking one of rock’s great drummers and reducing him to a machine makes me sad, though.
January 29, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Blondie Autoamerican
There’s a surprising amount of variety and even experimentation on this record. I’m impressed with the playing, and I’ve always enjoyed Harry’s singing. Why Mike Chapman insisted on taking one of rock’s great drummers and reducing him to a machine makes me sad, though.
There’s a surprising amount of variety and even experimentation on this record. I’m impressed with the playing, and I’ve always enjoyed Harry’s singing. Why Mike Chapman insisted on taking one of rock’s great drummers and reducing him to a machine makes me sad, though.
The Swe-Danes & Bengt Hallbergs Trio Med Swe-Danes På Berns
Alice Babs was a Swedish pop singer, joined by Danes Ulrik Neumann on guitar and (the reason I have this) Sven Asmussen on violin. Pianist Bengt Hallberg’s trio also on board. Too much Nordic comedy, but the music’s top notch.
Alice Babs was a Swedish pop singer, joined by Danes Ulrik Neumann on guitar and (the reason I have this) Sven Asmussen on violin. Pianist Bengt Hallberg’s trio also on board. Too much Nordic comedy, but the music’s top notch.
January 29, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The Swe-Danes & Bengt Hallbergs Trio Med Swe-Danes På Berns
Alice Babs was a Swedish pop singer, joined by Danes Ulrik Neumann on guitar and (the reason I have this) Sven Asmussen on violin. Pianist Bengt Hallberg’s trio also on board. Too much Nordic comedy, but the music’s top notch.
Alice Babs was a Swedish pop singer, joined by Danes Ulrik Neumann on guitar and (the reason I have this) Sven Asmussen on violin. Pianist Bengt Hallberg’s trio also on board. Too much Nordic comedy, but the music’s top notch.
Michael Bloomfield Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’
I love Bloomfield, but he sure made a lot of sloppy, boring, off the cuff junked out records… This is not one of them. I can only imagine that he cleaned up for this one, because it’s got actual songs, thoughtfully played, with great guitar slinging.
I love Bloomfield, but he sure made a lot of sloppy, boring, off the cuff junked out records… This is not one of them. I can only imagine that he cleaned up for this one, because it’s got actual songs, thoughtfully played, with great guitar slinging.
January 29, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Michael Bloomfield Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’
I love Bloomfield, but he sure made a lot of sloppy, boring, off the cuff junked out records… This is not one of them. I can only imagine that he cleaned up for this one, because it’s got actual songs, thoughtfully played, with great guitar slinging.
I love Bloomfield, but he sure made a lot of sloppy, boring, off the cuff junked out records… This is not one of them. I can only imagine that he cleaned up for this one, because it’s got actual songs, thoughtfully played, with great guitar slinging.
The Bandits The Electric 12
There was a period of about 12 minutes when 12 string exploitation records were a thing. Most of them were terrible, but this one’s the exception. That unmistakable throb and surefootedness of the Wrecking Crew is all over this, but of course the real question is:
There was a period of about 12 minutes when 12 string exploitation records were a thing. Most of them were terrible, but this one’s the exception. That unmistakable throb and surefootedness of the Wrecking Crew is all over this, but of course the real question is:
January 29, 2025 at 12:56 AM
The Bandits The Electric 12
There was a period of about 12 minutes when 12 string exploitation records were a thing. Most of them were terrible, but this one’s the exception. That unmistakable throb and surefootedness of the Wrecking Crew is all over this, but of course the real question is:
There was a period of about 12 minutes when 12 string exploitation records were a thing. Most of them were terrible, but this one’s the exception. That unmistakable throb and surefootedness of the Wrecking Crew is all over this, but of course the real question is:
Between the cover graphics, the remarkable title, and the provocative old sticker on back, I couldn’t resist. The band is hot, the songs good, she’s halfway between raunchy blues and sophisticated jazz, and a vocal trick she does at the end of Candy that will make your medulla extra oblingatta.
January 28, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Between the cover graphics, the remarkable title, and the provocative old sticker on back, I couldn’t resist. The band is hot, the songs good, she’s halfway between raunchy blues and sophisticated jazz, and a vocal trick she does at the end of Candy that will make your medulla extra oblingatta.
Archie Bell and the Drells
“Hi everybody! I’m Archie Bell and the Drells of Houston Texas. We not only sing; we dance just as good as we want.”
You know a record is good when the cover versions are the weakest thing on it. Stick around for A Soldier’s Prayer 1967!
“Hi everybody! I’m Archie Bell and the Drells of Houston Texas. We not only sing; we dance just as good as we want.”
You know a record is good when the cover versions are the weakest thing on it. Stick around for A Soldier’s Prayer 1967!
January 28, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Archie Bell and the Drells
“Hi everybody! I’m Archie Bell and the Drells of Houston Texas. We not only sing; we dance just as good as we want.”
You know a record is good when the cover versions are the weakest thing on it. Stick around for A Soldier’s Prayer 1967!
“Hi everybody! I’m Archie Bell and the Drells of Houston Texas. We not only sing; we dance just as good as we want.”
You know a record is good when the cover versions are the weakest thing on it. Stick around for A Soldier’s Prayer 1967!
Baby Huey The Living Legend
A very odd title as this was cobbled together posthumously. It’s uneven (some random instrumentals are inscrutable) but mostly it’s astonishing stuff. His rep is profoundly evidenced here.
A very odd title as this was cobbled together posthumously. It’s uneven (some random instrumentals are inscrutable) but mostly it’s astonishing stuff. His rep is profoundly evidenced here.
January 28, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Baby Huey The Living Legend
A very odd title as this was cobbled together posthumously. It’s uneven (some random instrumentals are inscrutable) but mostly it’s astonishing stuff. His rep is profoundly evidenced here.
A very odd title as this was cobbled together posthumously. It’s uneven (some random instrumentals are inscrutable) but mostly it’s astonishing stuff. His rep is profoundly evidenced here.
(David) Cassidy Live!
I’m guessing ‘Live’ only in the sense that he wasn’t dead, but I don’t think this was actually recorded in front of an audience. If it was, it was probably the same crowd that was on that Kingsmen LP. I won’t stoop to judge this record; I don’t care if it’s “good”.
I’m guessing ‘Live’ only in the sense that he wasn’t dead, but I don’t think this was actually recorded in front of an audience. If it was, it was probably the same crowd that was on that Kingsmen LP. I won’t stoop to judge this record; I don’t care if it’s “good”.
January 28, 2025 at 12:30 AM
(David) Cassidy Live!
I’m guessing ‘Live’ only in the sense that he wasn’t dead, but I don’t think this was actually recorded in front of an audience. If it was, it was probably the same crowd that was on that Kingsmen LP. I won’t stoop to judge this record; I don’t care if it’s “good”.
I’m guessing ‘Live’ only in the sense that he wasn’t dead, but I don’t think this was actually recorded in front of an audience. If it was, it was probably the same crowd that was on that Kingsmen LP. I won’t stoop to judge this record; I don’t care if it’s “good”.
Peter Appleyard per-cus’-sive JAZZ
One buys this, as one will, for the dramatic cover. One plays it to find its fairly inventive West Coast jazz. One clutches it to one’s breast for the killer version of the Dragnet theme, as one is perversely fixated on all things Jack Webb.
One buys this, as one will, for the dramatic cover. One plays it to find its fairly inventive West Coast jazz. One clutches it to one’s breast for the killer version of the Dragnet theme, as one is perversely fixated on all things Jack Webb.
January 27, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Peter Appleyard per-cus’-sive JAZZ
One buys this, as one will, for the dramatic cover. One plays it to find its fairly inventive West Coast jazz. One clutches it to one’s breast for the killer version of the Dragnet theme, as one is perversely fixated on all things Jack Webb.
One buys this, as one will, for the dramatic cover. One plays it to find its fairly inventive West Coast jazz. One clutches it to one’s breast for the killer version of the Dragnet theme, as one is perversely fixated on all things Jack Webb.
Best John Cage reference ever.
January 27, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Best John Cage reference ever.
Mei Lun Chang Favorable Jazz Songs
Well, to be fair, if I had to sing a bunch of songs phonetically in another language, I’d be nowhere near this good. On the other hand, this isn’t good. It doesn’t even have a single song to which you might apply the term “jazz.” THIS IS VOLUME 4!!!
Well, to be fair, if I had to sing a bunch of songs phonetically in another language, I’d be nowhere near this good. On the other hand, this isn’t good. It doesn’t even have a single song to which you might apply the term “jazz.” THIS IS VOLUME 4!!!
January 27, 2025 at 7:04 AM
Mei Lun Chang Favorable Jazz Songs
Well, to be fair, if I had to sing a bunch of songs phonetically in another language, I’d be nowhere near this good. On the other hand, this isn’t good. It doesn’t even have a single song to which you might apply the term “jazz.” THIS IS VOLUME 4!!!
Well, to be fair, if I had to sing a bunch of songs phonetically in another language, I’d be nowhere near this good. On the other hand, this isn’t good. It doesn’t even have a single song to which you might apply the term “jazz.” THIS IS VOLUME 4!!!
Beaver Harris and Dave Burrell In:Sanity
2LPs. Never been that much of a Burrell fan, but he pulls out all the stops on this one, and Harris is a perpetually underrated drummer. Pretty much solid free jazz until (I swear to dog I am not making this up) they pull out the Steel Pan Band. Amazing
2LPs. Never been that much of a Burrell fan, but he pulls out all the stops on this one, and Harris is a perpetually underrated drummer. Pretty much solid free jazz until (I swear to dog I am not making this up) they pull out the Steel Pan Band. Amazing
January 27, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Beaver Harris and Dave Burrell In:Sanity
2LPs. Never been that much of a Burrell fan, but he pulls out all the stops on this one, and Harris is a perpetually underrated drummer. Pretty much solid free jazz until (I swear to dog I am not making this up) they pull out the Steel Pan Band. Amazing
2LPs. Never been that much of a Burrell fan, but he pulls out all the stops on this one, and Harris is a perpetually underrated drummer. Pretty much solid free jazz until (I swear to dog I am not making this up) they pull out the Steel Pan Band. Amazing
Various Submarine Tracks and Fool’s Gold (Chiswick Chartbusters Volume One)
Pub Rock, a British roots-rock phenomenon whose course ran parallel to Punk, found its foundational label in Chiswick Records. This comp, while it has little in the way of chartbusters, is solid front to back.
Pub Rock, a British roots-rock phenomenon whose course ran parallel to Punk, found its foundational label in Chiswick Records. This comp, while it has little in the way of chartbusters, is solid front to back.
January 27, 2025 at 3:33 AM
Various Submarine Tracks and Fool’s Gold (Chiswick Chartbusters Volume One)
Pub Rock, a British roots-rock phenomenon whose course ran parallel to Punk, found its foundational label in Chiswick Records. This comp, while it has little in the way of chartbusters, is solid front to back.
Pub Rock, a British roots-rock phenomenon whose course ran parallel to Punk, found its foundational label in Chiswick Records. This comp, while it has little in the way of chartbusters, is solid front to back.
Al Caiola and his Orchestra. Give Me the Simple Life
While I wish he would play more flash on this one than he does (he had the capabilities to both shred and rock), it’s a very pleasant instrumental LP with an amusing cover.
While I wish he would play more flash on this one than he does (he had the capabilities to both shred and rock), it’s a very pleasant instrumental LP with an amusing cover.
January 27, 2025 at 12:51 AM
Al Caiola and his Orchestra. Give Me the Simple Life
While I wish he would play more flash on this one than he does (he had the capabilities to both shred and rock), it’s a very pleasant instrumental LP with an amusing cover.
While I wish he would play more flash on this one than he does (he had the capabilities to both shred and rock), it’s a very pleasant instrumental LP with an amusing cover.
Utopia
Amon Düül II side project, released around the time of Wolf City. As good as? Not even close. Worth having? Absofuckinglutely. Sometimes jazzier extrapolation, with plenty of trails and shimmering lights. As it’s not AD2 proper, I’m never certain as to where to file it…
Amon Düül II side project, released around the time of Wolf City. As good as? Not even close. Worth having? Absofuckinglutely. Sometimes jazzier extrapolation, with plenty of trails and shimmering lights. As it’s not AD2 proper, I’m never certain as to where to file it…
January 27, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Utopia
Amon Düül II side project, released around the time of Wolf City. As good as? Not even close. Worth having? Absofuckinglutely. Sometimes jazzier extrapolation, with plenty of trails and shimmering lights. As it’s not AD2 proper, I’m never certain as to where to file it…
Amon Düül II side project, released around the time of Wolf City. As good as? Not even close. Worth having? Absofuckinglutely. Sometimes jazzier extrapolation, with plenty of trails and shimmering lights. As it’s not AD2 proper, I’m never certain as to where to file it…
Various The Stax/Volt Review Live in London vol. 1
The way I see it Barry, this should be a very dynamite show…
The way I see it Barry, this should be a very dynamite show…
January 27, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Various The Stax/Volt Review Live in London vol. 1
The way I see it Barry, this should be a very dynamite show…
The way I see it Barry, this should be a very dynamite show…
From my friend Bruce Kaplan. He says in Jacksonville Florida, but I say another galaxy.
January 26, 2025 at 8:58 PM
From my friend Bruce Kaplan. He says in Jacksonville Florida, but I say another galaxy.
Various The Big Hits of Mid-America volume two
I have a metric shitton of Nuggets/Pebbles/Boulders style comps, and I do love them. But there’s a special thrill in listening to one that’s not after-the-fact but rather smack in the middle of it. This is super groovy.
I have a metric shitton of Nuggets/Pebbles/Boulders style comps, and I do love them. But there’s a special thrill in listening to one that’s not after-the-fact but rather smack in the middle of it. This is super groovy.
January 26, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Various The Big Hits of Mid-America volume two
I have a metric shitton of Nuggets/Pebbles/Boulders style comps, and I do love them. But there’s a special thrill in listening to one that’s not after-the-fact but rather smack in the middle of it. This is super groovy.
I have a metric shitton of Nuggets/Pebbles/Boulders style comps, and I do love them. But there’s a special thrill in listening to one that’s not after-the-fact but rather smack in the middle of it. This is super groovy.
