A few recent purchases...

[Jeff H]

I had about a hour to browse through the best used record store in Pittsburgh on Sunday. Since time was limited, I went through the Soul/R&B section artist by artist and into the always surprising "Misc. A," "Misc. B," etc. sections, but made only quick passes through the alternative/'80s, rock and easy listening sections.

Anyway, here's what I found:

Munich Machine LP (with "Get on the Funk Train")
Roberta Kelly Troublemaker LP
Lightning LP (on Casablanca; this one still sells for big bucks on eBay)
The Raes LP (already owned it, but this copy was sealed!)

and some 12-inch singles:

Debbie Harry "I Want That Man"
Hazell Dean "Who's Leaving Who"
Belinda Carlisle "I Get Weak"
Olivia Newton-John "Soul Kiss" (ONJ at her sluttiest: "I get down on my knees and thank you, baby..." indeed! )

All for only $22! :D

[Bernie]

Jeff,

I'm drawing a blank on "Lightning." Is that the name of the group? Otherwise nice find.

[BrunoRepublic]

Originally Posted by Bernie

Jeff,

I'm drawing a blank on "Lightning." Is that the name of the group? Otherwise nice find.

Lightning (self-titled) was a one-off Casablanca release. This is the one that Paul Caravello (aka Eric Carr), the one-time drummer from KISS played on, which is why it goes for the big bucks. The LP was released right around the time that the group split up, the backlash began, and Casablanca's empire began to collapse, so relatively few copies were pressed. There are still web pages out there that claim only "5 or 6" or "about 50" exist, but it is not that rare. The real number is probably in the mid hundreds, although most of them are promo copies that were given out to some of the DJ pools. Non-promo copies are indeed scarce, but are identical aside from the "DJ" suffix on the catalog number.

The album itself is actually quite good, although the rock-styled vocals seem out of place in parts. The cover is excellent too, *very* disco. Definitely worth picking up if you can find it for a reasonable price. And I know where you can get a very nice copy on CD-R...

[Jeff H]

Oops, sorry about that, Bernie. We'd discussed this supposedly rare Lightning LP once before, so I mistakenly assumed that everyone else would remember the record I was referring to.

Luckily, Graham came to the rescue. He seems to be the authority on this subject.

Regarding that Kiss connection: The last time I saw this LP listed on eBay, the bidders included "gene simmons," as well as "giorgio moroder." Not the real ones, I'd guess, just some very dedicated fans...

[Bernie]

Graham,

Alright this old brain is starting to get it. I seem to recall now that you were talking about this once before. Sounds like an interesting LP that I'd love to get my hands on whether it be vinyl or CD-R. Thanks for the info.

[keefelc]

Well Jeff, was I right about the "Troublemaker" LP? Couldn't it have been one of Donna's early sessions with Giorgio? I do, however, have to say I love Roberta's vocals on Love Power!

[markydefad]

I too love several of the cuts on Roberta Kelly's "Troublemaker LP. Others have dismissed this LP here as subpar, but I disagree.

My fave is the nearly forgotten "Think I'm Gonna Break Someone's Heart Tonight" ("I'm feeling really nasty inside")--I LOVE THIS TRACK!!! (wonder why???) :roll:

Then there is "Love Power" that Luther Vandross covered in his "Power of Love/Love Power" hit. I played this for someone and they thought it was weak. Again, I think it's excellent.

And lastly "Innocent" works for me. It is a nice mix from "Could It Be Magic" by HRH Miss Summer.

With the exception of "Love Power" (written by Vann) all the tracks were co-written & produced by Moroder & Bellotte; accompanied by The Munich Machine.

Even HRH Miss Summer is thanked. Did she sing back-up???

[Jeff H]

Yikes! :o I have to admit that I haven't played Troublemaker yet! Sounds like I'd better give it a listen ASAP!

And hey, Keefe: I sure could have used a Wash 'n' Dry when I was done shopping! :D

[SandraDee]

I have to admit that Roberta Kelly's Troublmaker LP is better than I initially thought but where is Roberta on the title track? It sounds more like Silver Convention to moi!

BTW, Jeff, I love that Hazell Dean track. I know its from '87 but it holds special memories for me as this was my clubbing era & I actually saw Ms.Dean 4 times! I got her autograph on the 4th occasion & when I told her I'd seen her perform 4 times she said 'darling, you poor thing'! She's one lovely & hilarious lesbian for sure.

[markydefad]

So Steely,

You're telling us that Hazell wasn't really "Searchin" for a man, eh? That's news to me.