When I was in grad school at Case Western, Warren Zanes taught some classes there too (he was the education director at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame then, I think). One semester, he taught right after me in the same room and I got to greet him twice a week. He was a really pleasant guy and I enjoyed talking with him.
Loved this. I've never passed by a solid record because someone wrote on the cover. It just adds to the sense of its personal history.
I have a record I've been working on writing about that has a coffee ring on it. No name or anything, just that. It's a copy of Laura Nyro's Christmas & the Beads of Sweat. I've spent much time (too much) ruminating over that cover wear and wondering about the life (lives?) it had. So reading your piece really resonated.
I like your comment about just now getting into a band that's been around for years--that 'where have I been?'' feel. But there's so much recorded music out there, who could have heard it all? I have to remind myself when writing about records that a lot of readers may not have heard it or paid attention to it earlier.,either.
I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one that does this! I think I answered on Notes instead of here, but even just reading about your record had my mind wandering. It raises a lot of questions, starting with; who puts a cup on a record over?
That aside, I'm looking forward to reading about Nyro when it comes out!
Loved this. I also prefer second-hand, especially when crate digging. The sound is so much better despite the wear and tear. I only buy brand new records of new releases, or reissues of pre-1960 albums where original pressings in good (decent) condition don't abound. I've never written my name on records but it's always fascinated me when people do. For some, it strengthens their connection with the record, this sense of owning something tangible. Interestingly, when buying second-hand online (e.g. Discogs), if the seller says the record contains handwritten notes or names, I tend to avoid. But when I'm crate digging, seeing a handwritten name makes me feel even more attracted to the record in question. Like destiny wanted me to find it. In any case, we should all thank Rollo. He's given us so much to talk about!
Because I can't stand not knowing, maybe this is your Rollo--I'm betting on it, in any case.
"Phillip John Ladwig was born in Wausau, WI on May 12, 1951. He escaped to Madison while still in his teens. There he made his mark on Madison music stages and kitchens, Chef Phil to his food fans and Rollo Steele, guitarist extraordinaire, to his many music fans...."
Not for nothing, The Harmony bar is pretty close to my house. I bike by it relatively often. Might have to stop in and see if anyone still has the recipe (it's not on the online menu).
Just read this piece and went straight to the search engine. Turns out Rollo was lead guitarist in the group Shakedown, which released a single blues album called "Heat It Up" on All Meat! Records in 1981. Now that would be worth finding in a crate dig.
Lol. It'd make a great rock doc. The next step is to stop by the bar he worked at and see if they still have the recipe for his famous chili. Also on a quest to see if I can find any of the records his band made.
This is why I've always enjoyed used book shops. The inscriptions in books tell their own stories of relationships and milestones. I'm curious why someone would let go of a book with a lovingly written inscription, and I hope those folks are doing okay now.
Oh, man. I loved the Del Fuegos. They were the de facto opening act whenever a big name band came to Boston. Otherwise, they were always playing at one of the clubs in Kenmore Square. I think they might have even played a couple of proms. I know the Stompers did.
As for our man Rollo, the joy he has given you in creating backstories for him far outweighs the extra buck and change he may have shaved off the re-sale value. On a related note, my son (who has my sense of humor) went to the same high school as Aly Raisman--four or five years behind her. When he got his textbooks at the beginning of the year, he would always write her name among the names of previous owners on the inside cover. Just so that generations of students down the line would open their texts for the first time and exclaim, "Hey, I got Aly Raisman's history book!!!"
Saw the Del Fuego a couple of times. Reminded me of several bands I enjoyed during that same era in Texas. (And your son is hysterical. Sounds like my kid.)
Jul 13, 2023·edited Jul 13, 2023Liked by Kevin Alexander
Great story. I made the mistake of posting a similar story about a Led Zeppelin record on reddit last month and instead of celebrating the magic of albums and the joy of used record shops, I wound up having to deal with someone in the comments that wanted to argue about what "VG+" means. Instead of talking about a neat story, I ended up exhausted. I'll share it here, amongst people who might appreciate it. https://www.reddit.com/r/vinyl/comments/147b2uk/led_zeppelin_ii_sends_you_love/
New-ish subscriber, Kevin, and I'm really enjoying being here. Thanks!
Welcome! I'm glad you're here. The record community on Reddit revels in misery. I don't get it. I mean, music nerds are already pedantic enough as it is, why make it worse?
When trading in part of the collection my brother inherited from our parents, my mom said it was common practice to initial the corner of your copy of a record if it would be passed around a lot--imagine a late 70s/early 80s college dorm like she went to, or something like Almost Famous, and you can understand why you'd want to mark yours as yours, especially if it was popular, no matter how much soiling its pristinity might sting. The store owner said a small marks don't affect the value too much, but something as prominent as what Rollo did? Then again, I'm sure you've spent plenty of time imagining why Rollo might do what he did, extended life value be damned.
Love all these ruminations...I would never turn down a good record with someone's name on it and I have a few with the same name, which is cool, like rebuilding someone's collection!
When I was in grad school at Case Western, Warren Zanes taught some classes there too (he was the education director at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame then, I think). One semester, he taught right after me in the same room and I got to greet him twice a week. He was a really pleasant guy and I enjoyed talking with him.
Nice! What were you teaching as a grad student? Are you still teaching something similar?
Ah, Rollo!
Loved this. I've never passed by a solid record because someone wrote on the cover. It just adds to the sense of its personal history.
I have a record I've been working on writing about that has a coffee ring on it. No name or anything, just that. It's a copy of Laura Nyro's Christmas & the Beads of Sweat. I've spent much time (too much) ruminating over that cover wear and wondering about the life (lives?) it had. So reading your piece really resonated.
I like your comment about just now getting into a band that's been around for years--that 'where have I been?'' feel. But there's so much recorded music out there, who could have heard it all? I have to remind myself when writing about records that a lot of readers may not have heard it or paid attention to it earlier.,either.
Another great piece, Kevin!
I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one that does this! I think I answered on Notes instead of here, but even just reading about your record had my mind wandering. It raises a lot of questions, starting with; who puts a cup on a record over?
That aside, I'm looking forward to reading about Nyro when it comes out!
Merci beaucoup and gracias, sir on the Springsteen review callout!
Si. C'est magnifique!
It's a strong name! Surely a pseudonym.
Loved this. I also prefer second-hand, especially when crate digging. The sound is so much better despite the wear and tear. I only buy brand new records of new releases, or reissues of pre-1960 albums where original pressings in good (decent) condition don't abound. I've never written my name on records but it's always fascinated me when people do. For some, it strengthens their connection with the record, this sense of owning something tangible. Interestingly, when buying second-hand online (e.g. Discogs), if the seller says the record contains handwritten notes or names, I tend to avoid. But when I'm crate digging, seeing a handwritten name makes me feel even more attracted to the record in question. Like destiny wanted me to find it. In any case, we should all thank Rollo. He's given us so much to talk about!
Indeed! I hope he knows how much fun this has been.
Because I can't stand not knowing, maybe this is your Rollo--I'm betting on it, in any case.
"Phillip John Ladwig was born in Wausau, WI on May 12, 1951. He escaped to Madison while still in his teens. There he made his mark on Madison music stages and kitchens, Chef Phil to his food fans and Rollo Steele, guitarist extraordinaire, to his many music fans...."
https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/11428294/Phillip-Ladwig
LOL I did the same! Here's to Rollo's signature chili recipe!
Rollo lives on!
All morning I've had "King of the Rodeo" by Kings of Leon (from their last good record!) stuck in my head - "go talk to Rollo!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EosX5fqTDSk
Not for nothing, The Harmony bar is pretty close to my house. I bike by it relatively often. Might have to stop in and see if anyone still has the recipe (it's not on the online menu).
Just read this piece and went straight to the search engine. Turns out Rollo was lead guitarist in the group Shakedown, which released a single blues album called "Heat It Up" on All Meat! Records in 1981. Now that would be worth finding in a crate dig.
I love it! I'm not betting against it, either.
Thank you for the photo of the record store stairs. I like it.
I thought you might like that!
I've saved this article to remind me to follow the Rollo Steele Saga, the next great Netflix doc in waiting.
Lol. It'd make a great rock doc. The next step is to stop by the bar he worked at and see if they still have the recipe for his famous chili. Also on a quest to see if I can find any of the records his band made.
This is why I've always enjoyed used book shops. The inscriptions in books tell their own stories of relationships and milestones. I'm curious why someone would let go of a book with a lovingly written inscription, and I hope those folks are doing okay now.
Exactly!
Oh, man. I loved the Del Fuegos. They were the de facto opening act whenever a big name band came to Boston. Otherwise, they were always playing at one of the clubs in Kenmore Square. I think they might have even played a couple of proms. I know the Stompers did.
As for our man Rollo, the joy he has given you in creating backstories for him far outweighs the extra buck and change he may have shaved off the re-sale value. On a related note, my son (who has my sense of humor) went to the same high school as Aly Raisman--four or five years behind her. When he got his textbooks at the beginning of the year, he would always write her name among the names of previous owners on the inside cover. Just so that generations of students down the line would open their texts for the first time and exclaim, "Hey, I got Aly Raisman's history book!!!"
Love that kid.
Saw the Del Fuego a couple of times. Reminded me of several bands I enjoyed during that same era in Texas. (And your son is hysterical. Sounds like my kid.)
Ha! That's awesome. My kinda humor.
Great story. I made the mistake of posting a similar story about a Led Zeppelin record on reddit last month and instead of celebrating the magic of albums and the joy of used record shops, I wound up having to deal with someone in the comments that wanted to argue about what "VG+" means. Instead of talking about a neat story, I ended up exhausted. I'll share it here, amongst people who might appreciate it. https://www.reddit.com/r/vinyl/comments/147b2uk/led_zeppelin_ii_sends_you_love/
New-ish subscriber, Kevin, and I'm really enjoying being here. Thanks!
Welcome! I'm glad you're here. The record community on Reddit revels in misery. I don't get it. I mean, music nerds are already pedantic enough as it is, why make it worse?
When trading in part of the collection my brother inherited from our parents, my mom said it was common practice to initial the corner of your copy of a record if it would be passed around a lot--imagine a late 70s/early 80s college dorm like she went to, or something like Almost Famous, and you can understand why you'd want to mark yours as yours, especially if it was popular, no matter how much soiling its pristinity might sting. The store owner said a small marks don't affect the value too much, but something as prominent as what Rollo did? Then again, I'm sure you've spent plenty of time imagining why Rollo might do what he did, extended life value be damned.
My mom shared something similar. She took it further and put address label stickers on hers, so "she'd always make sure she got them back."
Interesting. I can see the appeal of that but what would stop someone from just peeling it off? If it worked it worked, I guess
Love all these ruminations...I would never turn down a good record with someone's name on it and I have a few with the same name, which is cool, like rebuilding someone's collection!