spongebob

It may not have peaked in '71, but there's no doubt that it fell flat not too long afterwards. The '76 list itself makes a good point - that many albums, of quality, in a year? I personally couldn't fill a list that long from the last 20, even 30! Good list of albums released across that whole year here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976_in_music#Albums_released Some super soul in there too....and Jaco's debut! Had I not been 2 years old, I would have been seriously broke every month! I don't think it's just rock. Take most years up to the early 80's, and you'll find a treasure of rock, soul, jazz. Maybe things come in waves. There was some great American 'alternative' stuff that came up in the 80's, which led in to the 90's, but since then, most rock music has left me cold.

Cool! Much appreciated - I've got to order more in the next day or so, so will head for SD!

All 100% this! I too have had some various work carried out by Simon, and saw the guitar in the flesh just before he sent it, so I also was filled in on the back story. I couldn't believe it when Prince died....very sad, and also felt for Simon after all his hard work...at least he finally got the instrument.

No, not ever!

A little - I'm not a fan particularly of old BJ, but I'm aware there was some tasty playing by Doug on many of his finest songs. I read a long piece on Talkbass some years back, he's got some big fans over there, and I remember reading how Doug was known as the 'Drill Sargent of the Billy Joel band' - keeping things together in more ways than one! There was also a piece on how BJ dismissed the entire band? I'm not enough of an expert on that. Suffice to say, I know that Doug went on to play with many others, until his sad demise. 'Movin' Out' has got some cool bits, and I also have a soft spot for 'My Life'. Clearly a great player, but not one you see popping up to regularly.

Used to play with a guitarist who was a real stoner. He used to bring his US Les Paul to gigs in a large 'bag for life' -style carrier bag. Enquiring why, it emerged that he had put the guitar (in it's case ) behind his car after a gig, got in car, completely forgot that he'd just put his guitar......well, crunch! Guitar lived, case didn't. Clearly shouldn't have been driving either. I can vouch for the very thin nitro finishes on the AV series Fenders. Had mine about a week, when leaning over and doing something on the laptop, bass literally touched it's edge.....one deep imprint!

No offence taken, I promise! I'm in full agreement with you....I think they've lost their way....making shapes that could come from anyone.

I've always loved 'Summer Night City', although the band could never find a mix they were happy with. Sounds fab to me!

I agree that the much of the current range is a bit, lacking, but I drive a SLK 350 (R171), and that's a modern classic for sure. Rest of their output has definitely joined the 'Euroblob' massive, quite non-descript. Even the R172 SLK lost something from it's predecessor. My input would be Rickenbacker - TVR. Stunning when working right, but at the same time iffy build quality, and prone to issues!

Sure they'll be great - and I'm glad they're sticking to not performing live together. If only more bands learned from that.....

We had some pictures taken by Toyah's 'official' photographer at a gig a few years back. Very accommodating (if a little...er...odd), and sent us copies of what he took. At least that what he called himself....he was very good....he may have well have been her stalker, as I'm not aware that she has an official picture-taker!

Sold Paul a new set of Fender strings. Excellent comms and instant payment. Absolute pleasure to deal with, hope we do again soon. Nice one Paul!

No wraps, same as the ones you've just bought!

That's the new-style packaging. I've got an as-new set which I took off my recently-purchased AV '63 P-bass. Just had a look at they're the same as the OP is describing. This is not a plug for the strings - I've not listed them yet! The strings look totally 100% legit to me. I usually buy my Fender flats off eBay, loads of regular music shops sell them cheaper than through their own websites.

I find it a complete turn-off. 'Why don't you just f-f-f-f-fade away'!

Thanks for that guys. My trouble is I'm too hung up on the 9050L Fender flats! I just find them unbeatable (although I didn't actually try the FB's). As a pick player, they just seem to suit my style so well.