My good friend Ricki C. has suggested that the Pencil Storm Saturday Night Specials in December follow a theme; rock and roll related gifts for the musically-inclined people in your life. For my piece in this, I’m going to write about the gifts that I would like to RECEIVE, and to give, I suppose. I know it’s better to give than to receive, but I’m going to break the rules a bit. So, here’s my gift-giving guide for Christmas 2020. This is a guide to the gifts someone should give ME, but I would feel good about giving them, too.
1. THE REPLACEMENTS – PLEASED TO MEET ME DELUXE EDITION
Perhaps it’s not as exciting as the “Dead Man’s Pop” set, but this new deluxe bundle includes:
New remaster of the original album by Justin Perkins, who was also behind the boards for the Dead Man’s Pop release
1986 demo session with Bob Stinson – his last recorded Replacements performance
Additional 1986 demos with the band as a three-piece outfit (sans Bob)
Previously unreleased rough mix of the album with alternate track listing
Studio outtakes from the album recording sessions (Memphis, 1987)
Rare single mixes
It’s The Replacements! I want it. $64.98 AT Rhino.com.
Video: Official Trailer for the package…..
Video: “Alex Chilton” One of my favorites…..
2. MY TOP FIVE FAVORITE LP’S OF 2020 ON VINYL
I have some of these already, but humor me. And the prices are for reference, please buy at your local record shop!
· “The Bastards” by PALAYE ROYALE. Comes in transparent red vinyl. $23.98 at Amazon.
· “Extended Player” by WATERSHED. Spoiler alert, this is one I already have. Search the record stores in Columbus, or order at watershedentral.com!!!
· “Fake Names” by FAKE NAMES. Have to settle for black vinyl. A bargain $14.99 at Amazon.
· “Bish Bash Bosh” by 999. Comes in bright green vinyl. $27.98 at Amazon.
· “Year of the Snake” by WYLDLIFE. Looks like you can get vinyl for $20 on their bandcamp page.
Someone could get all five for under $100. Not bad.
“Bleeding on the Blank Page” by Watershed
Official Trailer for the 999 record
3. AXE HEAVEN GUITAR REPLICAS BY THE FRANKLIN MINT
These things started popping up on my Facebook page. I tried to resist looking, but they are really pretty cool, and there’s a ton of them to choose from. They are about ten inches tall and very detailed. The prices vary, but I’ll tell you that if you begin collecting these you’re gonna go broke, and quickly. The Rick Nielsen is $55.99. These I would actually love to give or receive.
Officially Licensed Rick Nielsen
The Fab Four Set of 3
“Surrender” live from Budokan by Cheap Trick. I could not find a video with Nielsen playing the exact guitar above.
I hope there is something here you might like to give (or get) this year. Happy Holidays to all of our music-loving Pencil Storm readers. Check in again next Saturday night for more gift-giving tips. - JCE