Bad News...

Last week I found out my turntable was busted (ie. it stopped recording). I don't have an audiophile rig I just used a USB flash drive turntable which audiophiles turn their nose up at. After learning about vinyl and sound over these past couple of years I understand why.

So I read reviews about this particular model that I have and people have had worse problems, but for me a dead USB is a dealbreaker. I went back to the store where I got it yesterday and the guy WHO SOLD IT to me still works there and he's a manager now. I say that he sold it because if it weren't for his testimony against the model I really wanted (a vintage expensive looking lame duck model) I wouldn't have gotten this one instead. He made a generous offer as to what he could do to fix the situation as my model is discontinued (ie. trade for the current model). The newer one(s) don't even have the features mine has (USB, SD card, radio, speakers).

They're really cheapin out on these! He told me it's like that across the board (1-year warranties). Stuff isn't made to last. I know people have the same turntable for like 20 years so... I've learned a lesson. I passed on his offer. He was disappointed that he couldn't make things right, but I respect that he tried and we negotiated. It is a business after all and there are rules.

So when I do get a new turntable I know how to go about it and what to get this time. Forget that flash drive stuff. I read about a cool converter that can make any analog table digital. That's the route I'll go.

Xihong Library Finale: The Eagle Epitaph

Finally! Right? It's been over a year since the last update and I'm ready to hang it up... ready to sell my records... ready to pack away these DVDs. I've solved some of the great mysteries of Shaw Bros music. I've reached many milestones as to what I was looking for. Out of the 100's I've found there's literally a handful I still care about finding, but they're not out there (at this moment).

These tracks mean different things to different people. I know that "WOW" feeling. It can be addictive. It's gotten to the point where I'm pretty much sick of looking. My brain is scrambled. Everything sounds the same. Stuff I've never even heard before sounds like I heard it already.

Aside from some of the rarest hardcore Shaw Bros music, I've also included some re-rips of previous tracks in better quality. I didn't quite meet my goal of 100 tracks but you have to admit, I tried damn hard.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

And now for my longest list of thanks yet...

Qwerzz - shares rare movies
Mr. T - provided helpful hints
H2O - for Akutagawa
Brianiac - for Camille 2000
NRC - for Patchwork No5
Mr. Wong - provided helpful hints
Double-O-Soul - for Sun High
Dorian - cleared up a troublesome misunderstanding
Fraykerbreaks - for Zenith
Kungfu Cinema Forums - also provided many tips

And a special thanks to...

Jacques - Edouard Michael expert! We teamed up on tracking down a MOST ELUSIVE record. The Edouard Michael sound was picked up by Derek Laren and Spencer Nakin and we've covered all bases. Nakin was the missing link all this time. Anything else sounding similar is pure coincidence. Thanks for going above and beyond the extra mile my French friend.

Andrea - The most righteous trader I've had the pleasure of dealing with. It was like the laws of attraction at work. The tracks I was looking for all along ended up falling right into my lap. Your timing could not have been any better. Thanks for putting my mind at ease. I still owe you my Italian friend.

Requests...

I don't ask for much. I understand that some of these records out here have quite a bounty on them so I don't believe in going around just asking for all the best stuff out. I got killed by an auction sniper this morning. I'm not mad. It's all in the game. That's my plight of bidding USD against GBP. I've CRUSHED many a bidder, but I go back to school this week (today actually) and can't afford to gamble those necessary funds like I normally would.

A record that I'm sure has some good Shaw Bros sounds has fallen by the way side. I've been looking for it about a year and even before that I'd never seen it listed. I'm talking about...


DWLP3022

AND (more recently)


DWLP3036

I'm iffy about the second one. I've passed it up 2 or 3 times, but it wasn't until recently that I saw a back cover. Otherwise, I'm waiting for one more record to come in the mail and then the Xihong finale goes up. If you'd like to help me out please do so... ASAP! Should you come along later it's still appreciated. Thank you.

Hrangue@gmail Hit me up.

Embargo - 1968

RS | MF

Actually, I Lovembargo. "Accidrame" especially.

Philosophale - 1968

RS | MF

If I had to rename this one I'd call it "Fodder for Witchdoctors." When I listen I picture everything from cooking bodies, to creepy sideshows, to torture devices, to long and grimy haunted hallways. I love it! A xylophone never sounded so good. Almost exactly a year ago I used one of these tracks (my favorite... Geant) on a past comp... Intrigue Betrayal and Espionage.

Overall, Philospohale belongs to what I consider "the alternate group" on the Sylvester label. Just like how DW had composers who always worked together (Tilsley, Trombey, Papworth, Reno, Arvay, Laren, Towren, Slaney, etc.) during the golden age Sylvester had theirs too (Vladimir Cosma, Robert Hermel, Patrice Sciortino, Claude Vasori and more ...all of which switched between these 2 labels and Musique Pour L'image. It's a shame I don't have more like it... or do I?