A selection of what has recently been on the Vinyl Connection turntable.
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Bowie’s 2003 release is a strong album. Really enjoyed it during a recent re-visit.
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“The Hermit” (Transatlantic 1976)
John Renbourn was one of two brilliant guitarists in Pentangle. He also had a rich solo career, including this excellent album.
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Bo Hansson “Magician’s Hat” (1973)
Superb instrumental progressive rock from Swedish composer Bo Hansson.
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There’s no way I’d call myself a serious Neil Young fan. I have barely 30 records and CDs by the Canadian songwriter/icon. But amongst those albums are some that have been with me for decades.
One of my most loved albums—by anyone, not just Neil— is one rejected by Young himself, “Time Fades Away”. (I’ve written about it here). The story is intense and riveting and sad. So is the music: a combination of fragility and fury that is potent and timeless.
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Allman Brothers Band “Eat A Peach” [1972]
Both tribute and celebration, this part live / part studio double album was the first release after Duane died.
It is a rambling delight, including the gorgeous “Melissa” (3:56) and their epic jam on Donovan’s “First there is a mountain“ (33:40). Wonderful.
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Pentangle’s second album (1968) was a double, a delicious blend of folk and jazz, with touches of folk-rock. The playing and singing is fabulous. Jacquie McShea is in great voice. Guitarists John Renbourn and Bert Jansch (born 3 November) are brilliant, and brilliantly supported by the peerless rhythm section of Danny Thompson and Terry Cox.
The gorgeous cover was designed by Peter Blake (of Sgt. Pepper fame).
A five star sixties album worth investigating.
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vinylconnection.com.au 
Some great albums and covers here. “Time Fades Away” is one of my favorites, with a clutch of fans hoping for another encore (and the continuation of the Sixties dream?) while most people file out. Totally evokes the mood of the LP, brilliant. I was recently gifted “Magician’s Hat” by a friend who had it back when we were both in high school. Classic 70s stuff, both music and artwork.
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That’s a lovely story about the Bo Hansson album. I really love all his work, but this is my particular favourite. Keyboard based prog, but with a distinctly Scandi flavour.
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Yeah, re that Neil album…”greetings from the ditch.” Nice post there from 2013, with Sarah…funny to say “not really a fan but have about 30 of his albums! Ha!”
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Hi Bill. Lovely to read ya. Yeah, about half Neil’s catalogue. 🙄
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Don’t be denied is one of my favs of his, all time. Good mantra, that. Kind of sticks with you.
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Spot on.
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That Bowie blue vinyl is awesome looking. Actually the cover as well. Very cool!
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Believe it or not, deKE, it’s a special pressing made for Urban Outfitters (whoever they are/were!). Nice, but. 😊
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Amazing album. Perhaps one day I will obtain a physical copy.
And if you are going to lose an album and a girl in one shot, this may be the album to enable that experience.
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After that Bowie opener, I thought you were establishing a fantasy theme, but then Neil ambled on stage! Urban Outfitters is a funky chain store that sells clothing, housewares, etc; I used to shop there quite regularly when I was 30 years younger! One of my favorite purchases was four picture frames that were the exact size of album covers; I used them to frame four favorite Beatles albums…
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Ah! Thanks for the intel, JDB. Sounds like my kinda funky place. 🙄 Still, it’s a nice slice of vinyl! (IKEA make a frame that holds LPs, just in case you get the urge 😊)
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I love the cover for the Renbourn. Plus that Bowie is a bit of a sparkler isn’t it?
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Id throw a couple of those on the old turner.
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A fella who likes variety is always welcome here, CB.
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Love these photos, though I’m guessing the turntable’s not on, just the needle gently set on the LP. Otherwise you’d be there all day trying to get shots of the label exactly facing us!
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There’s no pulling the vinyl over your eyes, Aaron! 😊
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Just proof I’m paying attention, I guess lol.
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