So, as the title suggests—I was recently on the prowl in Seattle.  Although there were plenty of delectable singles and while I am single—this wasn’t my area of focus this past weekend.  Perhaps you might suspect I’m referring to Cameron Crowe’s 1992 drama Singles—a tale of Seattle’s grunge-era twenty something’s search for love— but I am not.  You may be thinking “But that soundtrack spawned our favorite Alice in Chains song “Would”, not to mention the equally nostalgic and heart warming “Drown” by Smashing Pumpkins!”  They both had their fair share of radio play and are great singles from the movie Singles (therefore, point taken), but alas—as you may know by now—my love is in the form of vinyl recordings.  Sorry ladies and sorry Bill Corgan, you whiny bitch—I was in pursuit of singles in the 7” format.

While people like to refer to these units of brief sonic pleasure as 45’s—that’s not entirely accurate.  If the 7” requires a speed of 45rpm (rounds or revolutions per minute) then—and in most cases—one would be correct.  If the record requires a 33rpm experience—and they sometimes do, depending on length of single—then calling it a 45 would be asinine.  Speed (meth included) and size aside; vinyl singles usually offer an album cut and a non-album cut (b-side) or a remix (most often found on rap/hip-hip/electro 12” singles).

Below is the list of 7” singles (along with the motivation behind the purchase) I snagged while browsing a couple record stores in Seattle this past weekend:

Nine Inch Nails – “Survivalism”

• Ok, right out of the gate I’m a liar.  This one’s a 10” (the only one of the bunch) and automatically wins points on that rare merit alone.  Why? Because I’m a fucking nerd, that’s why.  The Saul Williams produced/infused B-side “Survivalism_Opalheartclinic_niggy_tardust!(escaped…” was the kicker.

House of Pain – “Shamrocks and Shenanigans” (In The Dirt Mix)

• Only days before I set sail (via Greyhound) for our U.S sister city I relived House of Pain’s 1992 self-titled debut and thought it was as badass (if not more) than when I fell in love with it the first and every subsequent time around.  Two days later I find a rare single from the album (which I’ve yet to see/find but am now on the lookout).  Clear green vinyl.  B/w (backed with) “Shamrocks and Shenanigans” (Buds & Brew Mix).

Modest Mouse – “Float On”

• Probably the only record I’d buy from these guys.  It holds some sentimental value as it’s an old friend’s favorite song—the title appears tattooed on her wrist—that was released when we lived together.  There were two copies in-store.  One’s mine, the other’s in the mail, on its way to Calgary.  B/w “I’ve Got It All (Most).”

Prince – “Batdance”

• I remember the day my Mom bought me this cassette.  I believe I later acted like a real temperamental asshole.  Embarrassment aside I did go on to play this song on my cassette up to 6 or 7 times a day using my hockey stick as a guitar. B/w “200 Balloons.”  TRIVIA: What does Prince want to stick in the computer?  (comment below)

The Misfits – “London Dungeon” / “20 Eyes In My Head”

• There’s not a shitload of affordable Misfits singles in circulation, which is one reason this bootleg on baby blue vinyl was cool nonetheless. B/w “I Turned Into A Martian” / “Horror Business”

Madonna – “I’ll Remember” b/w “Secret Garden”
Madonna – “This Used To Be My Playgound” (album ver.) b/w (long ver.)

• Both of these were purchased for the same reason: two of my favorite Madonna songs (or so I thought) from original soundtracks.  While they reappear on her Something to Remember ballads collection they do not appear on any albums or her two greatest hits packages.  “Playground” did not however appear on the OST album, unlike “Remember You.”

Roxy Music – “Dance Away”

• I recently met a woman who listed these guys as one of her all-time faves.  I’d maybe heard of them but was rather unfamiliar and took it as a recommendation when I saw it.  B/w the mono version of the A-side, which is rather odd, and probably the only single I have of its sort.  Presumably for jukebox mono/stereo compatibility purposes.

So there you have it: the singles.  Additonally—on my bus ride back—I was awoken by two deliciously dirty hippy gals, Jen and Tyna with whom chocolate was shared (an addiction Jen and I confirmed we share), tales of past drug use, the Olympics back home as well as our love of almond milk.  We talked about my past interview with Propagandhi and my upcoming one with Against Me! (with whom Jen partied with in Richmond, VA three years ago).  These spunky, dreaded ladies and their spicy tofu cuisine made excellent company for the ride home.  I told these hipster-hating dolls that if they ever get sick of illegal train hopping, stop in Vancouver, and our weather doesn’t further permit sleeping under bridges—they are truly welcome at Chateau Steve.  I suppose I did find a couple appealing, non-synthetic singles afterall.

Steve “Weasel” Roland

Speaking of hipsters: the Hipster Hamster explains why those who missed out on Wilco’s free Olympic performance missed an unforgettable evening here or at www.westcoastweasel.com.