Category Archives: Musically Inclined

#MODEMAY: Day 1 to Day 16

As promised, here are my pictures from #ModeMay, a photo-a-day challenge on Instagram from DepecheMode.com (original post here). I’m posting just day 1 through 16 first, then the last half afterwards. All items pictured are from my personal collection. Enjoy!

May 1st: Speak & Spell (top picture); May 2nd: A Broken Frame

May 3rd: Construction Time Again

May 4th: Some Great Reward (autographed by Alan Wilder)

May 5th: Black Celebration (selected by DepecheMode.com)

May 6th: Music For The Masses

May 7th: 101

May 8th: Violator

May 9th: Dave Gahan’s Birthday

May 10th: Songs of Faith and Devotion

May 11th: Ultra

May 12th: The Singles (81-85, 86>98)

May 13th: Exciter

May 14th: Playing The Angel

May 15th: Little 15

May 16th: Sounds of The Universe (my CD was stolen, so I substituted Delta Machine)

#MODEMAY: Two @any2ndnow Instagram Images Reposted by Depeche Mode!

Last month, the folks at DepecheMode.com held an Instagram photo-a-day challenge called #ModeMay. Each day, fans were asked to post a picture with the theme of the challenge of the day. Later that night, DepecheMode.com would re-post their favorite fan image. I almost didn’t participate, because I found out about it on Day 2 of the challenge and had to catch up. I will post all of my pictures on two separate posts this week, but here is the exciting news: Two of my images were chosen! Words could not express the excitement I felt to have my simple pictures chosen by DepecheMode.com, especially since all of the images were from my personal collection. Oh, and a very happy belated birthday to Alan Wilder, who turned 55 yesterday. Hope you all had a great weekend!

Here is the first of two images that were chosen. Black Celebration was the theme, and I made the last minute decision to just post all of my records from that album. About two hours later, my picture was reposted!

I floated between creative pictures, and straightforward pictures of my collection. For this day, I recruited my son and my niece to emulate the shadow image on the cover of the single “World In My Eyes”. It ended up being the second of my images to be chosen!

This Is What I Do: Boy George in Concert

In the wake of Culture Club’s UK tour announcement (dates here), I’m finally posting my pictures from the Boy George concert my hubby and I attended last month. With Dominic in Las Vegas at the time, we were able to travel to LA for the concert, which was at The Belasco Theater, right next to The Mayan (Boy George had a concert there the following day). We were lucky we arrived early, not only because the line ended up going around the block, but because the police were in full force due to the Clippers game. In fact, we met a really nice cop while filling up at a gas station, who is a huge 80’s music and Depeche Mode fan, but regretfully didn’t know Boy George was playing that night. Later while in line, we met a lovely couple, with whom we ended up hanging out with for the duration of the evening.

Other than a near altercation between my husband and an overeager and inebriated concert goer during Church of the Poison Mind, the show was absolutely fantastic. Boy George sounded better than ever and his band was wonderful. Hats were the featured accessory, and my husband received recognition from Mr. George from the stage at the start of the concert, complimenting him on his choice of fedora for the evening. I read a lot of reviews to get a feel for what the show would be like. So I was not at all surprised to find that The Boy featured a fabulous mixture of songs from his new album This Is What I Do and crowd pleasing Culture Club songs. Comments from concert goers on different forums criticized the song choice, but I liked the mix of music: this was a Boy George concert, not a Culture Club concert. Although I would have loved to have heard Time (Clock of the Heart) live, I was nearly in tears to at least hear Victims. Deon’s favorite song was Karma Chameleon, and I really enjoyed Nice & Slow from the new album, and Everything I Own, although one obvious omission was The Crying Game. The full set list for The Mayan show can be found below, which was the same as The Belasco show, and I will add Nice & Slow live from the concert, as soon as it uploads. Oh yeah, another exciting part of the evening was hearing that Matt Goss was in the same building (I included a picture from Matt’s Twitter account). I’m so glad we made the trek to LA to see such an incredible show!

(Edited to add: Nice & Slow is now up! See the video below.)

That line went around the block!

The Boy himself!

Matt Goss with Boy George after the concert from his Twitter account *sigh*.

Edit this setlist | More Boy George setlists

The set list from The Mayan concert, which was pretty close to the show at The Belasco.

(Nice & Slow live!)

Record Store Day 2014 Fun & Finds

Another successful Record Store Day has come and gone, and of course, Lou’s Records has come through for me, yet again! This time, my hubby and son came with me, and we all woke up early to make the trek to Encinitas to grab some #RSD2014 exclusives. If you recall, my main goal was to grab the An Ideal for Living EP re-release by Joy Division. I actually ended up getting that and so much more. But I’ll just let the pictures speak for themselves. If you went to Record Store Day this year, what was your most favorite find?

There was quite the line when we arrived. I was number 99 at 9:30 am.

Doing a little record shopping while waiting for our turn. Dominic helped daddy look for something special…and it looks like he found some Depeche Mode for me!

Dominic is so very patient and can keep himself occupied in any situation, as long as he has my iPhone.

Ready to get home with my treasures!

#RSD2014 finds: An Ideal for Living EP re-release by Joy Division; Indie Candy by the Pixies; Ready Boy & Girls? by Tears For Fears (it’s a white vinyl 10 inch).

Awesome #RSD2014 freebies that came with every purchase, and I had two bags worth! The Beatles bag was on the counter, and were free upon request (I got two and gave the other to my niece).

An exclusive #RSD2014 shirt made by the folks at Lou’s Records. LOVE IT!

“Vintage” finds: Pretty Boys and Pretty Girls/Tubular Bells by Book of Love promotional 12 inch; 2×4 by Guadalcanal Diary; 1987 Tour promo of New Order, Echo & The Bunnymen & Gene Loves Jezebel 9 inch flexi-disc (the Lou’s folks said they had two on hand for a long time, and they both sold on RSD); Happy Families by Blancmange; U.K. Squeeze promotional copy; Queen compilation CD; Turn Back The Clock 80’s compilation CD for Pottery Barn (close up below because it’s a great CD).

Randomness: Sold!

Don’t Take My Mind On A Trip

Such a great song by Boy George (although I heard it’s one of his least favorite collaborations). Oh, did I mention my husband are going to see him in a sold out concert in Los Angeles on April 29 at The Belasco Theater?

I’ve included the video to Boy George’s latest single from his new album This Is What I Do called “My God”, and also “Don’t Take My Mind on a Trip”, just because I love it, even if he doesn’t (sorry Mr. George).

Record Store Day 2014

That’s right kids, it’s here again! Record Store Day is on April 19, 2014 and they have got a wonderful selection of exclusives, including gems from R.E.M., The The, Death Cab For Cutie, and Husker Du. The one release that has me the most excited is “An Ideal for Living” by Joy Division on 12″ vinyl. For the full list of RSD releases, click the picture above. To find a participating store in your area, click here. Happy hunting!

Vinyl Junkie

This is my next t-shirt. My name is Cyrillynn, and I am addicted to buying records. Thank you.

(Top image courtesy of BoyGeorgeUK.com. Images 3 & 4 courtesy of RecordStoreDay.com)

Record A Day: February Wrap Up

I know I didn’t really get a chance to post any of my “Record A Day” February pictures, so here is a complete wrap up. Remember to follow me on Instagram if you want to see my day to day posts. The March “Record A Day” list is already up, and it’s never too late to participate (see the last picture below). Hope you had a great weekend!

Day 1: Oldest record I own – My parents got us this when we were toddlers. It’s dated 1963 (but I was born 1970 & my sis was born ’73).

(Photo 1) Day 2: “The Meaning of Love” by Depeche Mode in yellow colored vinyl. I didn’t have time to look thru my hubby’s record collection for marbled vinyl, so I just picked a colored record. (Photo 2) Day 3: Don’t a 2014 release yet, so this is a special Depeche Mode 4 track release from 2011 during Record Store Day. It’s a promo of “Personal Jesus” that accompanied the 3CD Remix album. Details of I almost didn’t get it are in post here!

Day 4: I have a record from a local band, but I’m saving it for another day. But I bought a record from a local San Diego musician who sells records outside of his music career. Who remembers Skid Roper from the band The Beat Farmers (he used to also play with Mojo Nixon)? I bought a 7 inch from him for my mom on Record Store Day last year.

(Top Row – Photo 1) Day 5: A box set – Louis Armstrong from the “Giants of Jazz” series. Another treasure from my hubby’s record collection. (Top Row – Photo 2) Day 6: This is a fantastic Gabriel and Dresden house mix of “Here is the House” by Depeche Mode. Don’t own a record that is a re-press, so I’m posting a favorite remix. I convinced my hubby to get it. The night he first spun it at an event, people were asking where he got it. I should have made him tell people his wife got it for him! (Bottom Row – Photo 1) Day 7: Any 7 inch – “Whistle Down The Wind” by Nick Heyward. Most of the Nick Heyward or Haircut 100 records are owned by my sister. But this lovely song is mine. (Bottom Row – Photo 2) Day 8: “White whale” record. “Leave in Silence” 7 inch by Depeche Mode. Back in the early 80s, I was attempting to collect ALL of DMs 45’s. For whatever reason, this single was THE most difficult to find at the time. I went to every indie record store in San Diego & couldn’t find it. Finally, I went to a DM convention in LA & found it at a vinyl vendor.

(Photo 1) Day 9: Solo album – “Hydrology” by Recoil, Alan Wilder’s solo project. I posted this before, but it’s been awhile. When Alan signed this, he said “Awww, I remember THIS…” (Photo 2) Day 10: Any 10 inch – Strictly limited edition (and numbered) 10″ of “Everything Counts” by Depeche Mode. It came with a window sticker & 2 postcards. I put the sticker on my car back in the 80s (it’s gone now lol).

Day 11: Collection of an artist – A few items from my Duran Duran one. Smaller than my Depeche Mode one, but still a collection. Top are albums & 12″ singles. Bottom are 7 inch singles (original post here).

(Photo 1) Day 12: Artist that starts with L – Lone Justice. “Ways To Be Wicked” is a brilliant song. Can’t believe my hubby had this in his collection! (Photo 2) Day 13: Album from (Jr) high school – “Parade” by Spandau Ballet. Bought this in LA back in 1984. February 13tj was it’s 30th anniversary!

(Photo 1) Day 14: Red or pink record for Valentine’s Day – “Broken Heart” by Red Flag. Saw a free show by them back in the 80s at UCSD. (Photo 2) Day 15: An artists best album (IMHO) – “Reckoning” by REM (from my hubby’s record collection). So many great songs! Glad I saw them in concert in 1989. (Photo 3) Day 16: Dollar bin find – “Quartet” by Ultravox. SO lucky that I got to see Midge Ure perform “Reap The Wild Wind” at the Rewind Festival back in 2012 at Henley On Thames with my BFF Janice.

(Photo 1) Day 17: Acoustic song – “Personal Jesus” by Depeche Mode. This is the 7 inch single with booklet. (Photo 2) Day 18: I don’t own a split EP, so I’m just posting a 4 track 7 inch EP of “Blasphemous Rumours” by Depeche Mode.

Day 19: White colored record – “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division from Cleopatra Records. Recent purchase from eBay. Cool isn’t it?!

(Photo 1) Day 20: Album with an animal on the cover – “Shabooh Shoobah” by INXS. Fantastic record! (Photo 2) Day 21: Favorite Record Friday – “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol. Awesome record & he’s great live.

Day 22: Compilation or soundtrack – “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”. We got buttons & this 7 inch single on opening weekend in 1986. Does anyone do that anymore?

Day 23: Clear or transparent record – Limited Edition Depeche Mode interview disc. I didn’t realize how clear it was until I took this picture & added a filter.

(Photo 1) Day 24: I like all of my own records, so here’s the least liked of the ones in our house – “Hello” by Lionel Richie (my mom’s 7 inch). Quite the sappy love song, no? (Photo 2) Day 25: Album in classic black vinyl – “…In A Chamber” by Wire Train. “I’ll Do You” & “Chamber of Hellos” are 80s classics.

Day 26: I don’t have another splatter record, so here’s an interview picture disc of Depeche Mode.

Day 27: Album to drink to – “Let’s have a Black Celebration/I’ll drink to that” by Depeche Mode. It’s right in the lyrics!

Day 28: Any record – “Complete Madness” by Madness. Such a fun band & fantastic live!

If I Had My Own 80's Radio Show

If you didn’t know, I’m on Spotify. This is my first playlist, because I entered a contest to “Become a Rhino Musicologist“. A lot of my favorite bands are on Rhino like INXS, Depeche Mode and Joy Division, due to anthologies and reissues. My first playlist is rife with my 80’s alternative favorites that I know Richard Blade (former KROQ DJ) or Steve West (current 91X DJ) would be proud of. This won’t be my last playlist, so if you’re on Spotify, please follow me here. Cheers and have a great weekend!

January Record a Day Wrap Up: Days 22 Through 31

It’s time to wrap up the “January Record A Day” Instagram photo project with records 22 through 31. I’m already into week one of the “February Record A Day”, and I’m finding it a little bit tougher than last month’s because I’m having to really dig for items like a re-press or marble colored vinyl, but I’m definitely up for the challenge. Cheers and have a great weekend!

(Top Photo) Day 22: Double LP – “20/20” by Dilated Peoples. Another from the hubby’s collection.

Day 23: Red colored record – German import of “Never Let Me Down” by Depeche Mode.

Day 24: Favorite Record Friday – “All I Need is Everything” by Aztec Camera. Such a wonderful & happy song!

Day 25: Rainy day record – “Rio” by Duran Duran. I can listen to this album during any kind of weather!

Day 26: I don’t own any vinyl that’s split color. So here is my sister’s OMD dual color picture disc in pink & blue for the song “Locomotion”.

Day 27: Album on classic black vinyl – “Mistrial” by Lou Reed. My husband bought a bunch on boxes filled with records, not knowing what was inside. There were a few gems & this was one of them.

Day 28: More than 2 colors – “New Sensation” picture disc by INXS.

Day 29: 1st record I bought – “That’s Rock n Roll” by Shaun Cassidy. I was 7 & my sister was 4 when she drew all over it in red crayon!

Day 30: Any album before the 80s – Mott The Hoople “Greatest Hits”, from my hubby’s collection. I think this is from 1977.

Day 31: Any record you want – “Cookin’ on the Roof” by Roman Holiday. Finally found this at Amoeba Hollywood a couple of years ago. “Don’t Try to Stop it” & “Stand By” are my favorites!

Wanted: The Crosley Radio Executive USB Portable Turntable

With all of the vinyl I’ve been posting from my personal collection lately on Instagram for the “January Record a Day” photo project (and now the “February Record a Day” one), I’ve been trolling the internet for a stand-alone turntable with built-in speakers that doesn’t require a hook up to a receiver, but that can be hooked up to better speakers as necessary. I remembered my mother-in-law’s vintage inspired radio from Crosley Radio, and my husband reminded me that they make turntables as well. After checking out their official site, I found the perfect little record player: meet the Executive USB Portable Turntable (but I’ll most likely get it from Nordstrom here). It comes in three color combinations, but I adore this brown & black one because it looks like a vintage piece of luggage. In addition to the turntable, I’ll be purchasing this cabinet stand, and these shelves to start moving some of our vinyl to our room (our records currently reside on the empty book shelves in our son’s room). My next purchase from Crosley will be the Audiophile Shelf System (most likely from Target here). I know Crosley has full consoles with turntable, radio, CD and USB capability combined, but I just can’t get over how adorable that portable one is. I’ll be sure to post pictures of our mini music area set up once it’s complete!

(Photo courtesy of Vale Vinyl)

January Record a Day: Days 13 Through 21

What I love about this “record a day” photo project on Instagram is that it really allows me to become reacquainted with my collection and to really explore my husband’s collection. Here is a recap of days 13 through 21, enjoy!

(Top photo) Day 13: Splattered – “Stripped” by Depeche Mode. My first colored vinyl (when I was just 16)!

Day 14: Record from the used bin – “Live and Let Dance” by The Untouchables. Got it for a dollar!

Day 15: An album from high school – “The Circus” by Erasure (1987, I was 17). Also saw them in concert in high school, too!

Day 16: Live album – Depeche Mode, Live at Crocs Night Club, recorded 1981.

Day 17: Most recent purchase – Sub Pop 1000. Isn’t it cool?!

Day 18: Record that was a gift – The Police 4 track 12 inch single for “Wrapped Around Your Finger”. It was a Christmas present from my friend back in the 80s.

Day 19: Album from the 90s – “Family Values Fall Tour ’98”. From my husband’s record collection. He’s a deejay, so you can imagine our combined vinyl collection is quite large!

Day 20: Any black artist. Another from my husband’s collection. “1999” by Prince.

Day 21: Artist’s debut album – “Speak & Spell” by Depeche Mode. This is the UK version. I have the US one as well, without “I Sometimes Wish I Was Dead”. Any Second Now trivia: This is the album with the song that became the title of my blog.

Remix this:

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Don’t Take My Mind On A Trip

Record Store Day 2014

Vinyl Junkie

Remix this:

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