My Musical Journey: A Tale of Collecting and Cherishing

My dream net radio set up

If you know anything about me, you know I'm way into collecting music. My journey began with 45s and tapes that filled bins in my room. The first CD I ever received was Michael Jackson's Dangerous back in 1991, which kicked off my CD collection. Today, I have thousands of CDs, along with a substantial collection of LPs.

People often ask if I've listened to all the CDs in my collection. Honestly, the answer is no. Some of them don't really interest me, and apparently, they don't interest others either, as I haven't been able to sell them on eBay or Discogs. Some of these CDs have been used for parties, cross-referencing various projects, or just collecting dust.

Some might call my collection an OCD disorder known as hoarding. However, I prefer to think of myself as a self-professed music historian. My collection isn't just a pile of items; it's a carefully curated archive of musical history—or so I once thought. While I'm known for my extensive collections of show tunes and dance music, I also have a deep knowledge of classic country, disco, pop, Eurodance (aka Gay Disco), and novelty tunes. I love introducing people to new music and watching their disinterest transform into appreciation for something they might never have discovered on their own.

Streaming has made a lot of physical media feel obsolete, but what happens if one can't connect to the internet? This is where my collection truly shines. There's something special about holding a physical album, reading the liner notes, and experiencing music as it was meant to be heard.

At one time, I worked with my best friend in high school on a pirate radio show and later ran my own net radio station. The station had a huge following, but unfortunately, the operating costs didn't align with the revenue, which was non-existent. In hindsight, I probably should have asked my listeners for donations to support the cause. Ultimately, I had to shut it down due to licensing costs, leaving me in the red. Despite this, I don't object to doing it again; I just won't do it the same way. I still have thoughts about one day reuniting with my friend from high school and legally rebooting our radio show. Streaming may be king now, but there's something irreplaceable about the charm of a live radio show.

And if you ever come across any rare CDs or unique music memorabilia, feel free to share them with me. Your recommendations—or even a little gift—would certainly make my day.

What about you? Do you have a music collection or a favorite album that holds a special place in your heart? Have you ever discovered a hidden gem that changed the way you think about music? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Music has the power to bring us together and create lasting memories. If this story resonated with you and you'd like to support my journey in sharing more personal musical memories, your contributions would be greatly appreciated. Let's continue celebrating the music that shapes our lives! 🎶✨

Debra Dejean: A Disco Diva's Journey

Debra Dejean's self titled album cover

Debra Dejean might not be a household name today, but back in the early 80s, she was a disco queen with a flair for catchy dance tracks. Born in New Orleans and raised in Memphis, Dejean made a splash with her debut album "Debra Dejean" in 1981. Her biggest hits, "Goosebumps" and "Are You Lovin' Somebody," climbed the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, making her a staple in the dance clubs of the time. Her music had that perfect mix of infectious beats and soulful vocals that got people moving.

When it came to live shows, Debra Dejean knew how to work the stage. Her performances were all about high energy and connecting with the crowd. Whether she was belting out "Goosebumps" or getting the audience to sing along to "Are You Lovin' Somebody," Dejean had a way of making every show feel personal and electrifying. Fans loved her for her charisma and the way she could bring her disco anthems to life.

Her record, though short-lived, left a lasting impression on the disco scene. The album received positive reviews for its vibrant energy and Dejean's soulful delivery. Critics praised her for bringing a fresh yet authentic sound to the genre, with her unique voice and danceable beats creating a standout listening experience. Even though she only released one album, her impact on the dance music genre was significant. Dejean passed away in 2015, but her music continues to be celebrated by disco enthusiasts and those who appreciate a good dance track.

Buy & Save on this and other great used & NEW records, tapes and CDs on eBay.

Expose Exposure Album Review

Exposé Exposure Album Cover

Exposure, the debut album by American girl group Exposé, was released on March 2, 1987, by Arista Records. I had heard Point of No Return on the radio as well as seen the video on MTV and VH1 and wanted this album badly and my parents were the "tape it off the radio" sort of people, not realizing there was much more to albums than what you hear on the radio. As a kid growing up in the 1980's, if we wanted physical copies of something, we more than likely found ourselves buying it from record stores like Turtles, Peaches and Record Bar or from places like TG&Y, K-Mart and *Zayre or as a lot of us really broke kids discovered, by creating fake names to get 12 free tapes from Columbia House or 6 free ones from RCA/BMG Music Service. Sometimes we had the good fortune of having a friend that has or at least has a sibling with the tape who allowed us to borrow theirs to make a copy of our own on a blank cassette tape, hopefully on brands like Sony, TDK, Maxell or at the very least, Memorex. Unfortunately, I had no friends that had this album and it always slipped my mind while I was creating fake name accounts with Columbia House. This album marked a significant moment in the late 80's dance-pop scene, reaching number 16 on the Billboard 200 and earning a double platinum certification by the RIAA in May 1990. The group, originally formed in 1984, consisted of members Sandra Casañas, Alejandra Lorenzo and Laurie Miller who were later replaced with Ann Curless, Jeanette Jurado, and Gioia Bruno. Exposure's release is sort of an odd one because the original release featured the 1984 version of Point of No Return with Alejandra Lorenzo on lead vocals but later printings and the compact disc featured the 1987 re-recording featuring Jeanette Jurado's vocals on lead. If you own this album, you may or may not realize the track Exposed to Love is the only number that featured the original lineup rather than being re-recorded by Ann, Jeanette and Gioia.

Celebrating my birthday with Gioia Bruno

The album features a mix of high-energy dance tracks and emotive ballads, showcasing the versatility of the three ladies known as Exposé. Among the standout tracks are Point of No Return, Come Go With Me, Seasons Change and my absolute favorite, Let Me Be the One which Gioia absolutely slays with her killer vocals. Each song on the album highlights the group’s ability to deliver catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, making “Exposure” a timeless piece in the pop and dance music genres.

The private concert Gioia did for us

I eventually purchased an actual CD copy of this album, in my late teens and have never parted with it. In 2017, it actually traveled with me from Atlanta to Mexico and Belize along with some of the original Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling and none other than the lady I adored as a kid, Gioia Bruno. Gioia was an absolute sweetheart during the cruise and not only shared a lot of her personal life and struggles but also insight of her solo career as well as her career as a 3rd of one of the most iconic girl groups of the 1980s. She was a riot to party with and also gave 2 epic private concerts for our group, one of which she sang happy birthday to me. I haven't been starstruck too many times in my life but upon meeting Gioia, I felt as if I was in the presence of royalty at first but her humble and genuine demeanor eased my nerves, she was also gracious enough to autograph my CD copy of Exposure, something I will always treasure.

Riding an elevator with Gioia

Exposé’s success with “Exposure” not only solidified their place in music history but also paved the way for future girl groups in the industry. The album’s production, led by Lewis A. Martineé, combined with the trio’s dynamic performances, created a sound that resonated with a wide audience. Whether you’re revisiting the hits or discovering them for the first time, “Exposure” remains a quintessential album that captures the essence of 80s pop music.

I’ve loved this album for ages, so when I found out in 2015 that Cherry Pop, a British indie label, released a deluxe edition, I was thrilled. It not only had all the classic tracks I adored but also an expanded track list and a bonus disc with remixes and dub versions from singles and maxi-singles, some of which had never been on CD before. Plus, it featured songs by the original lineup and versions by Gioia, Jeanette, and Ann. No matter which version you have, you’ll definitely be tapping your foot, singing along, or even dancing your butt off.

Back cover of the Cherry Pop release of Exposure

If you are interested in purchasing your very own NEW or used copy of Expose Exposure click this link to check out great deals on NEW and used records, cassette tapes and CDs at great prices

Madonna Blond Ambition World Tour 1990

Madonna Blond Ambition 1990 LaserDisc

The Blond Ambition World Tour is a gem for any Madonna enthusiast. Various performances were filmed throughout the tour, including the color musical footage used in the movie "Truth or Dare" which was filmed in Paris. The standalone performances that were officially released, filmed in Yokohama, Japan and Nice, France were only ever released on LaserDisc as Pioneer was the main sponsor of the tour. For a short time in the late 1990s, Madonna's fan club did offer a limited release of the Japanese performance on VHS. Rumors have circulated for years that either the Japanese or French shows would get a DVD release but it's never happened. Bootleg releases of performances in Houston, Texas as well as New Jersey have made it into the hands of collectors also. The Barcelona, Spain performance was filmed for Spanish television, in spite of technical issues and the fact that Madonna was miserable the entire time while putting on a top notch show and it has also made it's way into the hands of collectors. The 3 "official" recordings can be identified by Madonna's hairstyle and among fans the shows are known as: The One With the Ponytail (Yokohama) The One With the Poofy Hair (Barcelona) and then there's The One With the Curly Hair, also known as the Nice, France show. This review is drawn from the final show of Madonna's groundbreaking Blond Ambition World Tour in Nice, France, which aired on HBO a few hours after the tour wrapped up. While it's technically only available on LaserDisc, you can find DVD transfers on eBay as well as some brave souls periodically upload it to YouTube. No matter your viewing preference, it as a fun nostalgic trip back to 1990. The concert is a visual and auditory feast, featuring some of Madonna’s biggest hits like “Vogue” “Like a Prayer” “Express Yourself” and “Open Your Heart.” Each musical number is meticulously choreographed, blending provocative themes with high-energy dance routines.

Madonna with the iconic ponytail

Madonna’s costumes, designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, are iconic. The most memorable is undoubtedly the cone bra corset, which has since become a symbol of pop culture. The stage sets are equally impressive, with elaborate backdrops and props that transform with each song, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.

The infamous Barcelona performance

However, the tour wasn’t without its challenges. Madonna faced criticism and controversy, particularly from religious groups, due to the provocative nature of her performances. The Vatican even condemned the tour, calling it blasphemous. Despite this, the tour was a commercial success and is often credited with redefining the modern pop concert.

Madonna during the European leg of the Blond Ambition Tour

Reviews at the time were mixed but leaned towards positive. The New York Times praised Madonna’s ability to blend spectacle with substance, noting that “her concerts are as much about theater as they are about music.” Rolling Stone highlighted the tour’s influence on future pop performances, stating that “Madonna has set a new standard for live shows.”

For years I had watched my VHS copies of The Virgin Tour as well as Ciao Italia aka The Who's That Girl Tour, the Virgin Tour being my favorite, until I saw this concert. This was the concert the brought my already obsessive fandom over the top. From Express Yourself to Open Your Heart, I was hooked. The arrangement of Like A Virgin, while not traditional, was naughty and unbelievable for the time but so very awesome. The arrangement of Like a Prayer was the remixed version found on the Immaculate Collection album which in my opinion is far superior to the original version on the Like A Prayer album. My absolute favorite number in the set list was the song she closed out the show with, Keep It Together, a minor hit from the Like A Prayer album. To this day, I am convinced if the live version, complete with the Family Affair intro, was released as a single in 1990, it would have made it into the top 10.

Overall, the Blond Ambition World Tour is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolution of pop music and performance art. It captures a pivotal moment in Madonna’s career and showcases her as a trailblazer in the music industry.

If you are interested in acquiring your own copy of Blond Ambition on DVD click here to check out the eBay listings but remember, these are transfers from LD to DVD in spite of sellers claiming they are remastered in HD.

Madonna Like a Prayer Original Release Album Review

Release Date: March 21, 1989 Record Label: Sire Records

Madonna Like A Prayer Album Cover

The day this album was released, I was at the Walmart in Milton, Florida bothering the lady in electronics to check in the back to see if the album came in. The lady was super sweet and came back with 2 cassette tapes, one for me and the other to go on the shelf. By the time the Like A Prayer album was released, the song Like A Prayer was already a megahit and was in constant rotation on the radio and MTV, partially due to the Pepsi deal gone wrong.

Among Madonna’s discography, Like a Prayer stands out as her most deliberate artistic endeavor. While it’s clear she aimed to create a “serious” album, the dazzling array of pop styles is truly impressive. From the funk of “Express Yourself” and “Keep It Together” to the haunting melodies of “Oh Father” and the title track “Like a Prayer,” Madonna showcases her exceptional songwriting skills, making this her most cohesive album at the time.

Singles from Like A Prayer

The album opens with the title track, “Like a Prayer,” which blends pop and gospel influences, creating a powerful and emotive anthem. “Express Yourself” follows with its upbeat, empowering message and funky rhythm. “Love Song,” a collaboration with Prince, adds a unique, experimental touch to the album.

“Till Death Do Us Part” delves into the complexities of a troubled marriage, reflecting Madonna’s personal experiences. “Promise to Try” is a poignant ballad about the loss of her mother, showcasing her vulnerability. “Cherish” brings a lighter, more playful tone with its catchy melody and romantic lyrics.

“Dear Jessie” is a whimsical, fairy-tale-like song that adds a touch of fantasy to the album. “Oh Father” is another deeply personal track, addressing her relationship with her father and the impact of her mother’s death. The album closes with “Act of Contrition,” a weird, unique and experimental piece that blends rock and religious themes.

If you were lucky enough to get the first printing of the album, no doubt you will remember the scent of patchouli, included to give the album an immersive church-like experience.

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Adrian singing Back To The Wall

My cover of Back To The Wall originally by the Divinyls.