Recent Acquisitions: 6-22-09 (Old Music)

Beastie Boys, License to Ill (Def Jam/Columbia, 2nd pressing, $2). This album confirms what I suspected all along: I missed out on a lot of fun in the 80's. I can't remember the un-fun things I was doing during the 80s when I should've been partying to the Beastie Boys.

Neil Young, Journey Through the Past (Reprise, UK pressing, 2-LP, $2). Rule No. 296 of Rocky's Record Club: Never pass up a Neil Young album from the 60s or 70s if it's in good condition and priced right. Rule No. 297: Don't pick up any Neil Young albums from the 80s no matter the price.

Pink Floyd, Wish You Were Here (Columbia, Holland pressing, $2). I have my reasons for picking up a third copy of this album. Don't look at me like I'm crazy.

David Bowie, Lodger (RCA, $5). This is his last great album before he went all "Let's Dance" on us. If Eno were a true friend, he would've called for an intervention.

Selecter, Too Much Pressure (Chrysalis, $5). One of the best ways to relieve pressure is to listen to ska. Skinny black tie and goofy rubber-legged dancing are optional.

John Coltrane, Crescent (Impulse!, orange-and-black label, original stereo pressing, Van Gelder in deadwax, $12). This is probably Coltrane's most underrated album, probably because it's over-shadowed by his next album, A Love Supreme. Crescent is beautiful and spiritual in its own right.

Ornette Coleman, The Empty Foxhole (Blue Note, Division of Liberty Records label, 2nd pressing, $10). Coleman is backed on this album by his 10 year old son Ornette Deron on drums and Charlie Haden on bass. A random thought: This recording session could've started a trend of giving drummers a time-out for bad behavior. If it had caught on, it may have saved lives.

Cruel Frederick, The Birth of the Cruel (SST, $3). This is another unexpected free jazz album on the SST label. Frederick probably wasn't cruel until he started listening to the sadomasochistic wailings of free jazz. SST albums usually have messages inscribed in the deadwax. Husker Du messages are the best. This album has "Angels Sing" on one side and "The Saints Come Marching In" on the other.

And more reissues of classic jazz albums on 45rpm vinyl:

Sonny Rollins, The Sound of Sonny (Prestige/Analogue Productions). The album delivers what the title promises.

Freddie Redd, Shades of Redd (Blue Note/Music Matters). Features Tina Brooks on tenor and Jackie McLean on alto.

Tina Brooks, Back to the Tracks (Blue Note/Music Matters). My favorite Tina Brooks album on Blue Note.