Posted on 01/23/2021 5:18:51 PM PST by SamAdams76
Now that recorded music is no longer confined to a 74 minute compact disc, we are seeing a plethora of "deluxe editions" of classic studio albums from the past.
So now you get the original 10-12 tracks ("remastered") as well as a dozens of obscurities, such as live tracks, demo versions of hit songs, b-sides, remixes, or outtakes that never made it out of the recording studio - until now.
Is this a good thing?
For example, the deluxe album of Fleetwood Mac's Rumours features close to 70 tracks - enough to fill 6 compact discs. The "uber Deluxe" version of U2's "Achtung Baby" would spread across 10 compact discs and thrown into the package (if you purchase the box set) are four DVDs of concert footage, a magnetic puzzle, a hardcover book of liner notes, a pair of "Bono" sunglasses and other knick-knacks. Available for $402.71 on Amazon Prime which could be delivered to my house on Monday if I order in the next 3 hours and 28 minutes.
Should I buy it? That is after all my favorite U2 album. However, I would need to take a day or two off from work to listen to it all, by which time I'd be sick of U2 forever (I know many here are sick of U2 already but I digress).
During this silly pandemic season, I mean, seriously, I recently spent the entire day of Jan 6 riding the DC Metro maskless and then spending the day maskless with some 300,000 to 500,000 maskless Trumpers and I'm healthy as an ox, I've been still trying to support the local restaurants in my area because they are really taking a beating.
One restaurant I've really grown to appreciate is the Texas Roadhouse, which I understand is a big national chain, not really a local restaurant. But I'm really impressed with the outfit. The waitstaff are always very friendly and happy to see you (even if they might be faking it, they do appear sincere) and never have a bad experience there. Except when somebody at the next table has a birthday and you get the entire restaurant staff line-dancing, shouting and clapping all around you. That's the one annoying part of the Texas Roadhouse experience.
I've actually gone to Texas Roadhouse on my birthday but I would not dare mention it because I did not want all that ruckus happening on my account.
First thing you see when you walk into a Texas Roadhouse is a waiting area with a big barrel of peanuts. I used to actually look forward to waiting for a table there so I could gorge on the peanuts. But during the Chinese pandemic, they've had that waiting area roped off because there is never a wait for a table anymore. Even on a Friday night, you can walk right in and get immediately seated, with time for only a cursory look at the big steaks in the window as they lead you to your table.
At least they still have pails of peanuts at each table so that's not so shabby. You are even encouraged to THROW THE PEANUT SHELLS TO THE FLOOR. Evidently they have somebody come in after hours to sweep it all up, like they do at a ballpark after a game. Being able to just toss my peanut shells to the floor is one of my favorite reasons for going there. One of these days, I'm going to go in there with a pocketful of pistachios and I will throw my pistachio shells to the floor. I wonder what the night crew will think of that!
Anyway, at Texas Roadhouse, the beer is ice cold (they regulate the temperature of the beer to something like 34 degrees) and the steaks are always cooked to your liking and seared just right. High quality steaks too. But you could order chicken if you really wanted. I've never had chicken at a Texas Roadhouse. Maybe some of you have.
“Silver Springs” should have made the Fleetwood Mac “Rumours” album but the rest of the tracks on that deluxe album are for die-hard fans only.
I also nominate Led Zeppelin’s “Hey, Hey What Can I Do,” which as I recall was originally nothing more than the B side of “Immigrant Song.”
Very expensive, very small, spice so so.
Kroger, Costco or Boston Market roasted chickens are all better tasting and MUCH better value.
Nearest location is Oklahoma ... closet to Los Angeles.
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