November Challenge Thread: All-Stars Edition!

imtheocean

imtheocean

Well-Known Member
Hey, now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play
Hey, now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid
And all that glitters is gold, Only shooting stars break the mold
​

Welcome to the November All Star Challenge thread! Rather than the usual full month, a few of us are going to glitter like gold and break the mold by taking separate chunks of time with mini challenges.

Normal rules apply, try not to play the same thing as someone else for the same day.

Note - Clues will be filled in by the following dates:

@imtheocean November 1-9
@jamieanderson1968 November 10-16
@avecigrec November 17-23
@Nee Lewman November 24-30
 
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To kick off the all star month, I decided to reference back various spin challenges of the last 5 years led by some of our hosts. Fun to look back through them to see how they've evolved and the careful thought thats gone into them. Special All-Star thanks to @TenderLovingKiller® for keeping us all in line and these monthly threads going.

Day 1: When Needles & Grooves was first launched in May 2019, @RenegadeMonster got right into it with a spin challenge that started with the following prompt: "New Beginnings. Post an album that is associated with new beginnings".
  • New Beginnings. Post an album that is associated with new beginnings. Or, look back in your post history to see the first album you posted about on N&G, and play that album.
Day 2: @ranbalam and @gafacaode both gave us Movie related themes in 2023.
  • Play a soundtrack or something featured in a movie.
Day 3: @Kris hosted our November 2021 challenge, focusing “days of the month”. November 3rd is when Daylight Savings time ends.
  • Play an extra-long album to fill in that extra hour of your day.
Day 4: @waruv gave us the June 2022 challenge based on Taylor Swift. Mrs. ImTheOcean is traveling to Vancouver in December to see the last night of Taylors tour.
  • Play an artist that you have traveled (or would travel to, given the opportunity) go see.
Day 5: @D Jilla hosted November 2020 when the US last had a presidential election. I think we’ve learned the last few years that its important to use your voice.
  • Play something pointedly political, or by someone who has used their voice for change.
Day 6: @Hemotep ran last months challenge, (in)famous for its use of Crumhorns and Shwams. I won’t be that cruel, but will take it as a start.
  • Play an album that features an unusual instrument.
Day 7: I ran the November 2021 thread, based on Neil Young lyrics. I gotta go with the day 31 prompt on this for obvious reasons:
  • “I’m The Ocean, I’m the giant undertow” – Play something with a great guitar riff, or involving the ocean
Day 8: @Turbo hosted September 2021 themed on the Talking Heads. Everyone has “that band / artist” for themselves.
  • Play something by "that" band / artist, and let us know why they are so important to you.
Day 9: The May 2022 challenge was ‘6 degrees of Kevin Gray' by @jamieanderson1968 (who takes over tomorrow).
  • Play something linked to your Day 8 album and indicate how it links, bonus internet points if you can tie it to David Bowie.
 
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Was going to post on Sunday but what the heck.

Just go where the prompt wants to take you.

November 10
"What do you mean you want to do a solo album? You’re the drummer!!"

Thinking back to what you played on Day 8, play a side project that involves that days artist.
It could be a solo project or an earlier or future band they were a member of, or just a misstep because they thought the world wanted to hear an entire record of bass solos. Bonus points if it ties into yesterdays play as well.


November 11
In Commonwealth countries, Remembrance Day is celebrated in honour of the end of the First World War.
War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing!


November 12
John Peel died 20 years ago this year. A tastemaker for several generations and famous for inviting artists on to his radio show to record a “Peel Session".

Play a Peel session or a record that somebody here hyped you to that you now absolutely love


November 13
Though November is the 11th month in the Gregorian calendar, the name is derived from the Latin word for 9, novem, since the Romans used a 10 month calendar.

Number 9, Number 9, Number 9…


November 14
David Bowie was released in UK on this date in 1969. The album is actual self titled, just like his first solo album from 1967, but later became known as Space Oddity when re-released in the early 70s

Play an album that is known by a different name than its actual title or a self-titled record


November 15
Retro rocker Suzi Quatro first appears on retro tv show Happy Days as Leather Tuscadero (younger sister of the character Pinkie Tuscadero) in a 2 part story arc on Nov 8 and 15 1977.

Play an album that is closely associated with a tv show or who you discovered by its inclusion in a tv show soundtrack


November 16
We Built This City hits #1 in the Billboard charts today in 1985. This (Jefferson) Starship song is often called (by me at least) the worst #1 in history.

Play the worst you got.
 
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Week 3
TRIPLE PLAY!!!
zJ0BGs.gif​

17. On November 17th, 2009, my good friend Tempest Grace Gale was murdered and dumped in the water of Ford’s Cove, where she lived on her boat. She was a musician, marionette maker, stilt walker, unicyclist, and one of the best road trip companions I’ve ever had. I miss her every day.
  • Play some folk punk, or
  • Play something circus-y, or
  • Play something by somebody who was murdered.
​



18. On the topic of death, one of my favourite characterizations of Death of the Endless from Neil Gaiman’s Sandman Universe comics. An immediate hit from her first appearance in The Sandman #8 she went on to star in two mini-series of her own, among many other appearances. The trade paperback for her first mini-series Death: The High Cost of Living featured an introduction by Tori Amos.
  • Play something connected to Tori Amos, or
  • Play something goth-y, or
  • Play something by somebody who is dead.
25046147._SX540_.jpg​


19. On the topic of comics, there is the sequential art kind, as referenced in yesterday’s prompt, and there is the stand-up kind. But stand-up is not limited to just comedy, as my friend Mighty Mike McGee has spent the last quarter century making a career of being a stand-up poet!
  • Play some comedy, or
  • Play some poetry, or
  • Play some instrumental post-rock that would make a great backdrop for performing spoken word.
​



20. On the topic of spoken word, the genre was a huge gateway to classic American punk for young me, thanks to Henry Rollins and Jello Biafra finding secondary careers in touring and recording spoken word shows. Many years later, I would find myself sharing a stage with Joey Shithead at a spoken word festival in Calgary.
  • Play some punk, or
  • Play some spoken word, or
  • Play something by someone who moved from music into a secondary career.
​



21. On November 21st, 1976, Rocky starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, and Carl Weathers premiered in New York City. Sly’s younger brother Frank features in the film and on the soundtrack (and the soundtracks to many of Sly’s other films.)
  • Play a soundtrack or something featured in a movie, or
  • Play something by somebody with a famous sibling, or
  • Play what you would choose as your entrance music.
​



22. On November 22nd each year, we leave Scorpio behind us and begin our journey through Sagittarius—the centaur archer who is the traveler of the zodiac.
  • Play something about astrology, or
  • Play something about space or the stars, or
  • Play something that comes from somewhere different than you.
1-37-446061_l.jpg​


23. On November 23rd, 1970, A&M and Island Records released Tea for the Tillerman, the 4th, and most well-known, album by Steven Demetre Georgiou, better known as Cat Stevens, and now known as Yusef, Yusef Islam, or Yusef Islam/Cat Stevens.
  • Play something about parenthood, or
  • Play an artist’s best-known album, or
  • Play an artist who has changed their name for stage and/or religious reasons.
​
 
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I’m reserved for some stuff. Shit. I didn’t realize there were All Star expectations. Why am I here?
———————————
Hang onto your fidget spinners! I will do things differently, if you expected otherwise then I truly wonder if you have been paying attention. Tomorrow night, I will post the prompt for Sunday.

It’ll be okay.
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Did you know that we have a record of the month club? Did you know it is curated by you, yes you? Go here to find out details:
avecigrec

Thread 'N&G AOTM Year 5: General Thread & Archive'

Year 5!

The Needles & Grooves Album of the Month is almost old enough to roll out the anniversary pressings...

I am @avecigrec and I'm thrilled and honoured to continue being your host here at AOTM Central. We very recently reached the end of our original list of pickers and have entered a new phase where anything goes! The list is loaded up with second-timers and is still open to any and everybody who wants to give it a go. We welcome you, and look forward to seeing what it is you'd like us to hear!

The game remains unchanged but in case you need a refresher, or any newcomers...
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The final week will take the all-star theme even further by celebrating the all-stars of the forum who have stepped up and put their curation up to the group. As a result we have a very diverse and interesting catalog which we will celebrate this week.

Every night for the rest of the month, I will play an album as a prompt for the next day.
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November 24
Nee Lewman

Post in thread 'November Challenge Thread: All-Stars Edition!'

November 24

@Skalap started us off with Vol. 0

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Mark de Clive-Lowe - Heritage

You can read all about the album in his thread for the album:

Your prompt today is to play an album that represents your musical heritage.
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November 25
Nee Lewman

Post in thread 'November Challenge Thread: All-Stars Edition!'

November 25

@Teeeee hit us with Vol. 3

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Nicole Atkins - Goodnight Rhonda Lee

This album felt like an old favorite instantly. It’s been a minute since we’ve seen @Teeeee , it’s also been a moment since Ms. Atkins released an album.

Today, play an album for some one you miss.

You can read all about the pick here:
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November 26
Nee Lewman

Post in thread 'November Challenge Thread: All-Stars Edition!'

November 26
@Joe Mac gave is this moody masterpiece as Vol. 6:
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The Gloaming - 3

This record is on Real World records. This is Peter Gabriel’s label. It does quite a bit of international, non-western music. When I was in college, I was the World Music director at the campus radio station. The two labels I was most excited about sending me stuff was Real World and David Bryne’s Luka Bop. I became more interested in American roots music after leaving college and stopped paying attention to Real World (which had been a staple of my music buying habits even prior...
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November 27
Nee Lewman

Post in thread 'November Challenge Thread: All-Stars Edition!'

November 27

@Alexander classed up the joint with this pick:
IMG_3810.jpegRecomposed by Max Richter - Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

I got no story today, except this here cat is in my top fifty all time listened artist and is one of a few select artists that I actively seek records of in the classical realm. I don’t mind flipping sides, don’t mind 45 rpm records and changing belts. I do dislike movements/songs being split up. A good record is sequenced so that even the record flip is part of the process, think of that side change to Abbey Road or Dark Side. Classical...
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November 28
Nee Lewman

Post in thread 'November Challenge Thread: All-Stars Edition!'

November 28
@debianlinux brought is vol. 36
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Haley Heynderickx - I Need to Start a Garden

This pick was either sold out at reveal or sold out very quickly after reveal and Deb even picked an alternate. Fortunately, there was a repress.

This is the rare album that I fell in love with before my wife did and that she absolutely adored and just listened to constantly. One day, we’ll be able to buy the excellent new album on vinyl.

Today, play a record you are thankful is in your collection.
Read more about the album here...
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  • Cheers

November 29
Nee Lewman

Post in thread 'November Challenge Thread: All-Stars Edition!'

November 29

@Skalap chose Vol. 46:
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Sissoko, Segal, Parisien, Peirani - Les Égarés

When @Skalap brought us our second release from No Format (@Colonel_Angus had introduced us way back on Vol. 21), he also talked to the label about getting a discount which led a few of us to join their subscription service. I ordered the vinyl of this album but joined the sub for CDs (it’s a long story). Anyhow, so I own this in both formats.

Today, play a record that you have owned multiple copies of, bonus meaningless points if it is in...
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November 30
Nee Lewman

Post in thread 'November Challenge Thread: All-Stars Edition!'

November 30

@Dirtbag Auntie went a little crazy when she brought us the multi-album vol. 54 which included this banger:
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Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - It’s a Holiday Soul Party!

Play a seasonal record. (No it does not have to be Christmas or Late Fall/Winter)
Read about all her picks here:
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  • Like
 
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Nice! Thanks for filling-in guys. This will be fun!

tenor.gif
 
Day 1: When Needles & Grooves was first launched in May 2019, @RenegadeMonstergot right into it with a spin challenge that started with the following prompt: "New Beginnings. Post an album that is associated with new beginnings".
  • New Beginnings. Post an album that is associated with new beginnings. Or, look back in your post history to see the first album you posted about on N&G, and play that album.
My first post on Day One of N&G in honor of @mcherry...

Yer Ol' Uncle D

Post in thread 'What's Spinning'

Let's kick this thing off @mcherry style...

AC6FD7BC-242D-4581-AF2A-659D262B539A.jpeg
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  • On Fire

It's still worthy, as is she...

The Cure - Disintegration
 
Day 1: When Needles & Grooves was first launched in May 2019, @RenegadeMonster got right into it with a spin challenge that started with the following prompt: "New Beginnings. Post an album that is associated with new beginnings".
  • New Beginnings. Post an album that is associated with new beginnings. Or, look back in your post history to see the first album you posted about on N&G, and play that album.

#102 on the What's Spinning thread. Played on the AT-LP60 fed through a car amp that still gets infrequent use in the kids room. And a whole lot less crap in the background. Can be also be considered a new beginning as its the first PJ album with Matt Cameron behind the kit.

imtheocean said:
Happy 19th Birthday to this one! Pearl Jam ~ Binaural

View attachment 291
Click to expand...

Pearl Jam ~ Binaural

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Day 1: When Needles & Grooves was first launched in May 2019, @RenegadeMonster got right into it with a spin challenge that started with the following prompt: "New Beginnings. Post an album that is associated with new beginnings".

A Cure For Pain would be a new beginning for a lot of us. Until then, keep on truckin' my friends with chronically cantankerous bodies and let the music soothe your ills.

Morphine
IMG20241101124045.jpg
 
Day 1: When Needles & Grooves was first launched in May 2019, @RenegadeMonster got right into it with a spin challenge that started with the following prompt: "New Beginnings. Post an album that is associated with new beginnings".
  • New Beginnings. Post an album that is associated with new beginnings. Or, look back in your post history to see the first album you posted about on N&G, and play that album.
Al Green "Call Me" (1973 Hi Records; 2019 club reissue)
My first post about a record on here was about an entire order from VMP. Most of the records were warped according to my post, lol. But I specifically mentioned Al Green, which wasn't warped, and which remains one of the better releases I received from them.
Turbo

Post in thread 'Vinyl Me Please Essentials'

Half my records were warped, but the Al Greens were ok. Haven't gotten to them yet though.
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