SUNDAY DROP - SPIN # 126 FROM THE R'NR WITH RYLO RECORD COLLECTION
I know I know, where was the Sunday drop for last week? Well, last week we went away with some family friends for a 4 day holiday to the ACT and we didn't get home in time to spin records. If you haven't driven to Corin Forest snow fields before and wanted to experience a bit of snow in a safe environment for the kids, I highly recommend it for Winter next year. There is an area for toboggan's, free play and even skiing and snowboarding. The kids had an absolute ball building 'Olaf' from Frozen and throwing some snow balls around at the adults. I have to admit, I didn't want the trip to end and I was very proud of our son who had courage to go down the hill on the toboggan alone.
It was a lot of fun and it's so true that holidays when you have children are no longer about the adults. We took them to Questacon and a place called Little Amigos, so they could burn off some energy. The only shame was the wild winds we experienced and the amount of wattle pollen coating our sinuses!! Night Kat Kiz and I struggled with that and were instantly feeling better once we got back home. Let's wish all the father's today a very relaxing Father's Day. (Hopefully my dad gets to spin a few records or sit by the poolside with a nice cold beer). I was hugged and kissed like mad by our little ones and given a very restful day by my lovely wife. They surprised me with blueberry pancakes, bacon and magic tricks. The footy game didn't go our way in the afternoon and the kids became ratty due to being tired - but overall, I am a very lucky man and Father. I'm also enjoying the good weather and sunshine as we leave Winter and enter Spring and was able to give the pool a good clean. I find it relaxing to clean the pool in the early morning sunshine, except when those annoying wasps fly around. I'll have to fix the umbrella that blew down in the wild winds and anything else that didn't survive the strong wind gusts.
The album that we have chosen from the R'nR with Rylo collection is Electric Light Orchestra, or ELO's album - 'Discovery'. It is a pivotal album in the band's discography and is my favourite to listen to from start to finish. Released in 1979, this record marked a significant shift in ELO's sound, incorporating a more pop-oriented approach while still maintaining their signature orchestral rock elements. The album features some of the band's most iconic tracks, such as 'DON'T BRING ME DOWN' and 'SHINE A LITTLE LOVE', which became instant classics and staples of their live performances. 'Discovery' showcases Jeff Lynne's songwriting prowess and production skills, with lush arrangements and catchy hooks that captivate listeners from start to finish. The album's sonic palette is rich and diverse, blending rock guitars, string sections, synthesizers, and vocoder effects to create a unique and futuristic sound that was ahead of its time.
The album's cover art, features a futuristic spaceship resembling a vinyl record, which perfectly shows the blend of science fiction and musical innovation that defines the music within. 'Discovery' stands as a testament to ELO's ability to evolve and adapt their sound while staying true to their core identity, solidifying their status as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the era. A track from the record that I love would have to be, 'THE DIARY OF HORACE WIMP' but my favourite for singing is 'WISHING'. There is a lot to like about this album and I've always loved the vocals of Lynne, ever since hearing him on the 'Concert for George' tribute show for George Harrison or on the Travelling Wilbury albums. I'd like to add those albums to the collection one day but for now we are saving our money or investing it into other things for the family. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of drumming by a guy called Bev Bevan!
I remember listening to this album on my way to Coles when I was night stacking before enrolling into Goulburn. These songs got me through some boring shifts and Lynne's vocals are so underrated. I managed to find an original pressing of this album and for the most part sounds good. Our pressing has had a lot of playtime over the years by the previous owners and I'd like to find a newer pressing. To be honest, there isn't a lot wrong with the pressing or overall package. The clarity of the orchestral arrangements and synthesizer sounds are almost ear-piercingly crisp. They've also included a lyric sheet so I can learn the words and sing along to annoy the kids as they grow older. Talking of growing older, the holiday really had an effect on our 3 year old daughter. She has been talking a lot more since being home and has been saying some very cute things to get laughs. I love it when she will say something and our eldest looks at me with a big grin on his face as he shakes his head.
Since we were away for a week, I've added some images below from our chalk drawing day at home. I've also included some images from the recent family holiday, but for reasons that I've stated before, I wont be showing clear shots of our children's faces. Feel free to flick across the slideshow and hopefully you've enjoyed the sounds of ELO's iconic album, 'Discovery'. I felt that it was suitable to the week away for us because the children probably overwhelmed themselves with the amount of new things discovered. Make sure to mow your lawns, hug your loved ones and prepare for the footy finals coming up in the next few weeks.
Until our next Spin.....
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