The Day The Music Died

written by Robert Benson

The day is immortalized in the legendary Don McLean song “American Pie.” It was a day that saddened music lovers all over the world and shocked the music industry. It was the day the music died.

We are of course referring to the plane crash in Clear Lake, Iowa, that claimed the lives of rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. The crash, which occurred on February 3, 1959, is now over fifty years old. Let’s explore some of the details of “the day the music died.”

The Winter Dance Party began at the Eagles Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 23, 1959. It featured the aforementioned stars, Dion Deuce as well as an aspiring teen idol named Frankie Sardou. The tour was set to cover twenty-four Midwestern cities in a span of three weeks. The tour was a logistical nightmare with the amount of travel that was required. Adding to this problem was a tour bus that was ill-equipped to deal with the weather conditions in that part of the country; its heating system broke down shortly after the tour began. In fact, one musician, drummer Carl Bunch, developed a severe case of frostbite to his feet that required hospitalization (Holly and Valens took turns on the drums). It got so cold on the bus that the musicians started burning newspapers in the aisle in a desperate attempt to keep warm.

What’s interesting is that the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake was not intended to be a stop on the tour, but the promoters, hoping to fill an open date, contacted the manager of the establishment and offered him the show. He accepted and the date was set for February 2nd.

However, Holly was so frustrated and tired of the malfunctioning tour bus that he told his fellow musicians that, once the show was over, they should attempt to charter a plane to get to the next stop on the tour; which was Moorhead, Minnesota. So flight arrangements were made with Roger Peterson, who was a local pilot employed at Dwyer Flying Service, based in Mason City, Iowa. The fee was $36 per passenger and the single-engine plane could seat three musicians in addition to the pilot.

But there was a dilemma, who would fly and who would get to the next destination via the tour bus? Obviously, Holly and the pilot were aboard which left two seats open. Dion was approached to buy a seat, but he thought that the price of $36 was way too much. He recalled his parents arguing about the rent, which coincidently was $36 per month and he could not bring himself to pay an entire month’s rent for a short plane ride.

J.P. Richardson had come down with a bout of the flu and asked one of Holly’s band mates, Waylon Jennings, for his seat on the plane and Jennings gave up his seat. Ritchie Valens, who was also feeling the effects of the freezing tour bus, asked Holly’s other band mate Tommy All sup for his seat. Allsup replied that he would flip a coin, with the winner getting the last seat on the plane. Now, contrary to what has been depicted in the biographical movies, the coin toss was not done by Holly; nor did it occur at the airport. The coin toss occurred at the Ballroom shortly before they departed for the airport and was actually done by a DJ who was working the concert that night.

The plane took off at 1 a.m. on February 3, 1959 from Mason City Municipal Airport. Approximately 1:05 a.m., Jerry Dwyer, owner of Dwyer Flying Service could see the lights of the plane start to descend from the sky to the ground. The pilot was supposed to file his flight plan once airborne, but he never contacted the tower. By 3:30 a.m., after multiple attempts to contact his pilot and the fact that the airport in Fargo, Minnesota had not heard from Peterson, Dwyer contacted the authorities to report the plane missing.

The doomed aircraft had just made it a few miles from the airport. The pilot (who was not certified to fly at night) may have been confused by the darkness and the light snow that was falling. The plane hit the ground nose first at an estimated 150mph killing all four men instantly.

crash site

Interesting Facts:

In 1976, when the first Buddy Holly Week was held, Paul McCartney was presented with the cuff links Buddy Holly wore the night of the crash. McCartney purchased the rights to Holly’s song publishing and began organizing the annual celebration five years later.

On February 29, 1980, an old police file containing Buddy Holly’s horn rimmed glasses and a watch owned by J. P. Richardson were located by the Mason City Sheriff. The items were recovered at the crash site.

In the 2000 film Almost Famous, the band's plane is caught in bad weather, at which point one of the band members begins to sing the Buddy Holly song "Peggy Sue.”

Deciding that the show must go on at the next stop, Moorhead, MN, they looked for local talent to fill in. Just across the state line from Moorhead, in Fargo ND, they found a 15 year old talent named Bobby Vee.

The crash that ended the lives of Holly, Valens, and Richardson was the break that began the career of Vee.

Tommy Allsup would one day open a club named "The Head's Up Saloon," a tribute to the coin toss that saved his life.

Waylon Jennings would become a hugely popular Country singer.

Dion DiMucci would enjoy a long lived solo career.


Ritchie Valens:

Inscribed on Ritchie Valens' grave are the words, "Come On, Let's Go."

Valens was a pioneer of Chicano rock, Latin rock and was an inspiration to many musicians of Latino heritage. He influenced the likes of Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys, and Carlos Santana among countless others at a time when there were very few Latinos in American rock and pop music. He is considered the first Latino to ever successfully cross over into Rock mainstream.

"La Bamba" would prove to be his most influential recording; not only by becoming a pop chart hit sung entirely in Spanish but also because of its successful blending of traditional Latin American music with rock. He was a pioneer and was an inspiration for many after his tragic death. Valens was the first to capitalize on this formula which would later be adopted by such varied artists as Selena, Caifanes, Cafe Tacuba, Circo, El Gran Silencio, Aterciopelados, Gustavo Santaolalla, and many others in the Latin Alternative scene. Ironically, the Valenzuela family spoke only English at home, and Ritchie knew very little Spanish. Ritchie learned the lyrics of "La Bamba" phonetically in order to record the song in Spanish.

"Come on Let's Go" has been covered by Los Lobos, The Ramones and "The Paley Brothers”; (jointly, The Ramones on guitar, bass, and drums and The Paley Brothers on vocals), Tommy Steele, The Huntingtons and The McCoys.

"Donna" has been covered by artists as diverse as MxPx, Cliff Richard, The Youngbloods, Clem Snide, Cappadonna, and The Misfits among many others.

Robert Quine has cited Valens' guitar playing as an early influence on his style.

Donna Ludwig, Ritchie's girlfriend, is today still recognized as "Ritchie's Donna.” Her personalized license plate reads "ODONNA.”

Ritchie's nephew, Ernie Valens, has toured worldwide playing his uncle's songs, including a new version of the "Winter Dance Party" tour with Buddy Holly impersonator John Mueller. This tour has taken place at many of the original 1959 venues in the Midwest.

Valens also appeared in biopic films. Valens was depicted in the 1987 biopic film La Bamba, which was about his life. The film's time period was from 1957 to 1959, in which his age was 16 to 17. It introduced Lou Diamond Phillips as Valens and co-starred Esai Morales as his older half-brother, Bob Morales. Los Lobos performed most of the music in the film.

Valens was portrayed by Gilbert Melgar in the final scene of The Buddy Holly Story and Valens will also be depicted in the upcoming 2009 film The Day the Music Died. Valens will be portrayed by Joseph Thornhillas in the 2009 film Lives and Deaths of the Poet.




Big Bopper:

Richardson's son, Jay Richardson, took up a musical career and is known professionally as "The Big Bopper, Jr." He has performed all around the world.

Notably, he has toured on the "Winter Dance Party" tour with Buddy Holly impersonator John Mueller on some of the same stages as his father performed.

In January 2007, Richardson's son Jay requested that his father's body be exhumed and an autopsy be performed to settle the rumors that a gun was fired or that Richardson initially survived the crash. The autopsy was performed by Dr. Bill Bass, a forensic anthropologist at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Jay was present with Dr. Bass throughout the entire autopsy and observed as the casket was opened; both men were surprised to find the remains well enough preserved to be recognizable as those of the late rock star. "Dad still amazes me 48 years after his death, that he was in remarkable shape," Richardson told the Associated Press. "I surprised myself. I handled it better than I thought I would."

Dr. Bass' findings indicated there were no signs of foul play. He was quoted as saying "There are fractures from head to toe. Massive fractures. ... (Richardson) died immediately. He didn't crawl away. He didn't walk away from the plane."

After the autopsy, Richardson's body was placed in a new casket made by the same company as the original, then was reburied next to his wife in Beaumont's Forest Lawn Cemetery. Jay then allowed the old casket to be put on display at the Texas Musician's Museum.


Buddy Holly:

Contrary to popular belief, teenagers John Lennon and Paul McCartney did not attend a Holly concert, although they watched his TV appearance on "Sunday Night at the London Palladium"; Tony Bramwell, a school friend of McCartney and George Harrison, did. Keith Richards attended one of the gigs, where he heard "Not Fade Away" for the first time. Bramwell met Holly, and freely shared his records with all three. Lennon and McCartney later cited Holly as a primary influence. (Their band's name, The Beatles, was chosen partly in homage to Holly's Crickets.) The Beatles did a cover version of "Words of Love" that was a close reproduction of Holly's version.

McCartney owns the publishing rights to Holly's song catalogue.

A young Bob Dylan attended the January 31, 1959 show, two nights before Holly's death. Dylan referred to this in his 1998 Grammy acceptance speech for his 1997 Time out of Mind winning Album of the Year.

Various rock and roll histories have asserted that the singing group The Hollies were named in homage to Buddy Holly. According to the band's website, although the group admired Holly (and years later produced an album covering some of his songs), their name was inspired primarily by the sprigs of holly in evidence around Christmas of 1962.

After the death of Buddy he would leave a trail of followers from Bob Dylan, to Elvis Costello, Paul Simon, and The Beatles. Also, one of The Rolling Stones early hits was a cover of "Not Fade Away.”

Eddie Cochran, good friend and fellow rock 'n' roll pioneer was so distraught by the deaths of Holly, Valens, and The Big Bopper that he recorded the song "Three Stars" as a tribute. The song was not released until after Cochran's own premature death, because he was too upset to allow it to be issued in his lifetime.

The Smithereens' song "Maria Elena" is a Buddy Holly tribute as sung to his widow.

Blink-182 has a song named "Peggy Sue" which is a tribute to Holly.

Buddy Holly on the Arthur Murray Dance Party 12/29/57



Phil Ochs famously sang a long tribute to Buddy Holly on the infamous Gunfight at Carnegie Hall album.

Mike Berry released a 1961 single called "Tribute to Buddy Holly.” It was written by Geoff Goddard and produced by Joe Meek, who was a great Buddy Holly fan. In the USA, it was released on Coral, Buddy Holly's label.

Weezer's self-titled debut album features the band's popular single "Buddy Holly.”

Musician Albert Hammond, Jr. has a cover of "Well... Alright" on his 2007 album Yours To Keep.

Don McLean's popular 1971 ballad "American Pie" is inspired by the day of the plane crash.




THE ANNOTATED AMERICAN PIE
(What the song is talkin' about!)

By Rich Kulawiec

The entire song is a tribute to Buddy Holly and a commentary on how rock and roll changed in the years since his death. McLean seems to be lamenting the lack of "danceable" music in rock and roll and (in part) attributing that lack to the absence of Buddy Holly et. al. (Verse 1)

A long, long time ago...

"American Pie" reached #1 in the US in 1972, but the album containing it was released in 1971. Buddy Holly died in 1959.

I can still remember how
That music used to make me smile.
And I knew if I had my chance,
That I could make those people dance,
And maybe they'd be happy for a while

One of early rock and roll's functions was to provide dance music for various social events. McLean recalls his desire to become a musician playing that sort of music.

But February made me shiver,

Buddy Holly died on February 3, 1959 in a plane crash in Iowa during a snowstorm. The news came to most of the world on the morning of February 3, which is why it's known as The Day The Music Died.

With every paper I'd deliver,

Don McLean's only job besides being a full-time singer-songwriter was being a paperboy.

Bad news on the doorstep...
I couldn't take one more step.
I can't remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride

Holly's recent bride, Maria Elena, was pregnant when the crash took place; she had a miscarriage shortly afterward.

But something touched me deep inside,
The day the music died.

The same plane crash that killed Buddy Holly also took the lives of Richie Valens ("La Bamba") and The Big Bopper ("Chantilly Lace"). Since all three were so prominent at the time, February 3, 1959 became known as "The Day The Music dies”.

So... (Refrain)
Bye bye Miss American Pie,

Miss American Pie *is* rock and roll music. Don McLean dated a Miss America candidate during the pageant. (unconfirmed)

Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
Singing "This'll be the day that I die,
This'll be the day that I die."

One of Holly's hits was "That'll be the Day"; the chorus contains the line "That'll be the day that I die"

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

great article from the student newspaper at Marquette University in my neck of the woods, well worth the read....

Vinyl record sales settle into good groove

By Heather Ronaldson

When statistics showed that vinyl record sales reached a new high since 1991, the music business began to buzz. According to Nielsen SoundScan, an information and sales tracking system, 3.9 million units were sold in 2011, a 36.3 percent change since 2010.

Media outlets like Rolling Stone, The New York Times and USA Today swarmed over the report. Some, like the Chicago Tribune and the Shepherd Express, started taking it to the streets, asking independent record stores how vinyl sales have impacted their business.

The Shepherd Express said store owners started noticing the trend in 2004 and saw an increase in vinyl sales in 2009.

“I thought (vinyl sales) would peak out, but they haven’t,” said Terry Hackbarth, store manager at The Exclusive Company, an independent record store with locations throughout Wisconsin. The Exclusive Company in Milwaukee, located at 1669 N. Farwell Ave., has “made the switch,” Hackbarth said, meaning less CDs for sale and more vinyl records.

So what accounts for the switch to vinyl records?

Read the rest at marquettetribune.org

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interesting perspective from the UK print industry:

For the record: printing your art on your sleeve

By Jenny Roper

Florence & the Machine

A few years back, notions like RPM, the B-side and the 12-inch would have got a blank response, at best a snigger, from anyone below the age of 25. In 2012, though, to the astonishment of many in the 'older generation', the youth have become rather fluent in the lexicon of vinyl.

And it has seemingly come from nowhere. Vinyl sales were dying off with the people that used them first time around and a revival seemed about as likely as the original line up of The Beatles reuniting. Yet in 2011, sales of vinyl jumped up 40% compared with 2010 against a backdrop of a massive reduction in the overall market for music sales. Reasons for the leap are as diverse as a reaction against the disposability of modern culture, the retro fads of the latest youth generation and the hunt for profits by the record companies. Whatever the reason, you’d think it would be good news for UK print, but unfortunately that’s not necessarily the case.

Of course, vinyl never disappeared completely – much like many of the artists that first found fame on the medium, it has diligently plugged away out of the glare of the public attention and without the large sales numbers it once commanded. The release of tape, CD and then digital music tore chunks from its share of the sector, but as Gennaro Castaldo, head of press at music retailer HMV, explains, the new media could not kill it off completely.

"Vinyl has never entirely gone away," he explains. "It has long been part of the culture of rock and roll, so for guitar bands in particular it was cool to bring a single or album out on vinyl along with the CD and more recently digital formats. This was replicated among fans – students and ‘bedroom DJs’ like buying and collecting vinyl almost as a badge of honour, they are true music fans."

What changed last year was that interest in the medium exploded beyond the collectors and the few DJs still opting for vinyl and moved into the mainstream.

Read the rest at printweek.com

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JOHN 5's New Solo Album To Feature Cover Art By ROB ZOMBIE

ROB ZOMBIE/ex-MARILYN MANSON guitarist John 5's sixth solo studio instrumental album, "God Told Me To", will be released on April 10. The cover art, which features a painting of John 5 by Rob Zombie, can be seen below.

According to John 5, "God Told Me To"will be "half acoustic and half metal and feature music that will blow you away." He has already whetted the fans' appetite by releasing four digital singles from the album: "Beat It" (MICHAEL JACKSON cover), "Welcome To Violence", "Noche Acosador" and "The Castle".

Read more at Blabbermouth









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NAGLFAR: 'Téras' Cover Artwork, Track Listing Revealed

The cover artwork for "Téras", the sixth album from Swedish black metallers NAGLFAR, can be seen below. Responsible for the artwork is Niklas Sundin of DARK TRANQUILLITY, who has previously worked with such bands as IN FLAMES, ARCH ENEMY and AT THE GATES. The album cover only shows a part of the overall motif, which is going to be shown in its entirety with the release of the new CD.

Read the rest at Blabbermouth















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Jealous Sound Limited Edition Vinyl Release:

The Jealous Sound have a new record out called "A Gentle Reminder" on the Music Is Subjective record label.

A Gentle Reminder LP

Pre-Order Now, will be shipped on or Before March 31st.

Pick from Baby Blue or Pink Vinyl!

Limited Editions.
$15.00

Pre-order







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Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band Set to Perform on the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards®

Jack Black, Fergie, ?uestlove, and Ringo Starr To Present at the Music Industry's Premier Event

Music's Biggest Night® — Hosted by Rapper/Actor LL COOL J — Airs Live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 12, 8 ET/PT

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty-time GRAMMY® winner Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band have been added to the stellar lineup for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® (www.grammy.com). Actor/recording artist Jack Black, six-time GRAMMY winner and current three-time nominee Fergie, three-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Amir "?uestlove" Thompson (The Roots), and nine-time GRAMMY winner Ringo Starr will appear as presenters. Music's Biggest Night® — hosted by two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J — takes place live on Sunday, Feb. 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio worldwide via Dial Global, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/thegrammys. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy®'s social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys.

Previously announced performers for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards include Adele (in her first live performance since undergoing vocal cord surgery last fall); Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson; Glen Campbell with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton; Coldplay and Rihanna; Foo Fighters; Bruno Mars; Paul McCartney; Nicki Minaj; Katy Perry; and Taylor Swift. Aldean, The Band Perry, Minaj, and Shelton will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time. Previously announced presenters are Dierks Bentley, Drake, Miranda Lambert, and Gwyneth Paltrow. LL COOL J has hosted "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" since its inception in December 2008, and this is his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.

SOURCE The Recording Academy

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and in music history for today, february 3rd:

In 1956, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash record together at Memphis' Sun Studios in what would become known as the Million Dollar Quartet sessions.

In 1958, the Royal Teens' biggest hit, "Short Shorts" enters the US record charts on its way to number 3. The song was originally an instrumental warm up number that the group added silly lyrics to. The tune was recorded in about twenty minutes of left over studio time and released after a record label executive took a liking to it.

In 1960, Frank Sinatra formed Reprise Records.

In 1961, at the East Orange, New Jersey home of friends Sid and Bob Gleason, Bob Dylan made his first recordings, "San Francisco Bay Blues" and "Jesus Met The Woman At The Well."

In 1962, Gene Chandler's "The Duke Of Earl" tops the Cashbox Best Sellers chart for the first of a five week stay.

On this day in 1963, "Hey Paula" by Paul & Paula was the #1 song.

CVR Blog 45rpm Singles Spotlight:

In 1964, the Beach Boys released "Fun, Fun, Fun." The single was released on the band's album 'Shut Down Volume 2.' The single peaked at the number 5 spot on the Billboard chart.

The song was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love about Shirley England, the daughter of the owner of radio station KNAK in Salt Lake City, Utah where she worked as a teenager. She borrowed her father's Ford Thunderbird to study at the library. Instead of driving to the library, she ended up at a hamburger stand. When her father found out, he took the car away. The next day she was at the radio station complaining about it to the staff while the Beach Boys were visiting and they were inspired to write this song.

The song, backed by a single-only mix of a cover version of Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers' "Why Do Fools Fall In Love", became a top-five hit.


The opening electric guitar introduction of the original version of the song was based on Chuck Berry's Johnny B. Goode


The stereo and mono mixes stem from the same recording but have a significant difference: the fadeout on the stereo mix fades out early into the song's outro, with the instruments fading away before the vocals (and an overdubbed drum part). The mono mix, as heard on the 45 as well as mono copies of Shut Down Volume 2 has an extended outro.



In 1967, Joe Meek, a British Pop and Rock producer, kills his landlady before shooting himself in the head. He is best remembered for the instrumental hit, "Telstar", which he wrote for the Tornadoes.

In 1968, the Beatles began recording "Lady Madonna." They finished the track on February 6. This single was the last release by the band on Parlophone in the UK and Capitol Records in the US. All subsequent releases, starting with "Hey Jude" in August 1968, were released on their own Apple Records label.

Also in 1968, an Oxford, Ohio group called the Lemon Pipers saw their only Billboard chart-maker, "Green Tambourine", reach #1 in the US. It made #7 in the UK.

In 1969, against the wishes of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr hired Allen Klein to be the Beatles' new manager. McCartney wanted his father-in-law, Lee Eastman, for the role.

In 1978, Gerry Rafferty released the single "Baker Street."

In 1979, a sold-out concert at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, is held commemorating the 20th anniversary of the crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. Wolfman Jack hosted the show which featured performances by Del Shannon, Jimmy Clanton and The Drifters.

In 2003, legendary music producer Phil Spector was arrested for investigation of murder after police found a woman shot to death at his Los Angeles mansion. The 62 year old Spector, whose Wall Of Sound technique transformed 1960s Pop music, was freed after posting $1 million bond. The body of 40-year-old Lana Clarkson, a TV and film actress, was found in a pool of blood with a gunshot to the face at the marble entrance to Spector's home.

In 2004, Gene Hughes, who sang lead vocal on The Casinos' "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" in 1967, died in Nashville at the age of 67. He had been injured in an car crash and suffered several setbacks during his recovery.



Also in 2004, 58 year old saxophonist, Cornelius Bumpus, formerly of the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, suffered a fatal heart attack while on a commercial flight from New York.

In 2007, Wayne Fontana, of "Game Of Love" fame, was arrested at his home in Glossop, Derbyshire, England and charged with arson with intent to endanger life. The 61 year-old, who was already set to appear in court in March on traffic offenses, was accused of pouring gasoline over a bailiff's car and setting it on fire. The following November, he would be sentenced to 11 months in jail, but was allowed to walk free from court immediately after already serving the equivalent of his term while held under the Mental Heath Act.

birthdays today include (among others): Angelo D'Aleo (Belmonts) (72), Chuck Tharp (Fireballs) (71), Eric Haydock (Hollies) (70), Dennis Edwards (Temptations) (69), Melanie (65), Dave Davies (Kinks) (65), Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) (56), Lee Crystal (Joan Jett & the Blackhearts) (54) and Lol Tolhurst (Cure) (53)

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

for those who carry ipads, ipods, iphones, cell phones, blueberries and blackberries, this would be a very handy tool!

Vinyl Wolf - The New Record Collectors App for iPhone

Cirencester, United Kingdom - Tessera Designs announces Vinyl Wolf 1.0, a brand new app for iPhone has been released allowing users to harness the power of crowd sourcing to locate rare and out of print vinyl.

The app allows sellers to instantly connect with buyers whilst out and about - at car boot sales, record fairs, charity shops etc. - if a record is found anywhere in the world, Vinyl Wolf can be checked to see if people are actively looking for it.

"This has huge benefits for the seller" Says Jonathan Ellis of Revival Records, "Normally you speculatively buy a record from these places, hoping it's worth something, hoping there are people who want it, and you list it on ebay or other auction sites. Only when you get home do you find out. With Vinyl Wolf you not only see if anybody is actively looking for the record, you see how much they are willing to pay and you can match it up straight away."

For the 'wanter' or buyer, the benefits are also obvious. You can add a want in just a minute or so, complete with image, and just sit back and wait for it to be found. "It's like being in every car boot sale in the country, in the world even!"

With record collecting ever popular, and vinyl sales increasing, this app offers a unique and fun way to source the rare or hard to find items you need to complete your collection. As Ellis says, "It's like having your own pack of wolves, hunting down your vinyl!"

Device Requirements:
* iOS 3.0 or later
* iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad
* 3.8 MB

Pricing and Availability:
Vinyl Wolf 1.0 is only $0.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Music category.

For more information go HERE

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fantastic music article out of missouri:

They're playing my song

Richard Irby

I have been a news reporter for 40 years, but am a lifelong music fan.

My first memory of music was as a tiny kid, as I recognized something strange in my house. A weird, uneasy feeling that I came to realize was this black round thing that my mother kept picking up and turning over (a vinyl record for those born in the CD and MP3 ages).

It turned out to be the mournful wail of Luke the Drifter, Hank William's alter-ego, singing and talking his way through a record of sad songs and warnings to stay on the right path. An admonition Hank, himself, had trouble following.

The first artist I remember hearing also taught me at an early age that musicians, who can bring so much happiness, are often the saddest, most self-abusive people there are.

As I got older, and continued to grow up with Hank, I found he had plenty of uplifting songs like "Hey, Good Lookin'," "Jambalaya," and "I Saw the Light." I was shocked to discover he had died at age 27. A heart attack victim in the back of a car, my mother explained, leaving out Hank's history of back pain, a broken heart and rivers of alcohol and mountains of drugs.

I tell you all that to finally get to the point: the past month or so has been tough for me, as some more of my music heroes have passed on.

Please read the rest at areawidenews.com

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long, but impressive list of artists to perform:

More Stars To Come Together For Paul McCartney

An impressive star-studded cast will come together to honor 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree Paul McCartney during a sold-out gala on Feb. 10 in Los Angeles, two days prior to the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

Hosted by actor/comedian Eddie Izzard, artists set to perform are current GRAMMY nominees Tony Bennett, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, and Katy Perry; GRAMMY-winning artists Duane Eddy, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Diana Krall, James Taylor, and Neil Young with Crazy Horse; two-time Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Sergio Mendes; and the cast of Cirque du Soleil's "Love" Beatles tribute show. The evening will also feature a special performance by McCartney.

The 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year gala, which will celebrate McCartney's exceptional artistic achievements and philanthropic work, will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction sponsored by the Starkey Hearing Foundation that will offer an exclusive selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The auction will be followed by a gala dinner sponsored by AEG Live, and a star-studded tribute concert sponsored by Acura/ELS. This year's red-carpet press arrivals will be sponsored by Kinect for Xbox 360 and Dance Central 2. Other event supporters include CenterStaging — A SoundCheck LA Company, Classic Wines of California, Delta Airlines, Double Platinum, Gibson, Global Art, Heineken, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Jackson Limo, Korbel, Patron Spirits Company, Pepsi, and Sweetwater.

The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. Proceeds from the dinner and concert will provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Past MusiCares Person of the Year honorees include: Bennett, Bono, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, David Crosby, Neil Diamond, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Luciano Pavarotti, Bonnie Raitt, Paul Simon, Sting, Barbra Streisand, Taylor, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, and Young.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place live on Sunday, Feb. 12 at Staples Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network from 8–11:30 p.m. ET/PT.

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this from our friends at vinylcollective.com

Top 10 Albums – January 31, 2012

Here are the Top 10 Albums at Shop Radio Cast for the week of January 24 – January 31, 2012:

1. Say Anything – Anarchy, My Dear LP
2. Blink 182 – They Came To Conquer Uranus 7″
3. Lucero – Women & Work LP
4. The Menzingers – A Lesson In The Abuse Of Information Technology LP
5. Brand New – Your Favorite Weapon LP
6. Sharks – No Gods LP
7. Mock Orange – Nines & Sixes LP
8. Hit The Lights – Invicta LP
9. The Methadones – Not Economically Viable LP
10. La Dispute – Somewhere At The Bottom Of The River Between Vega And Altair 2XLP

Buy these releases at shopradiocast.com

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album cover art for the day:

ANATHEMA: New Album Details Revealed

U.K. atmospheric rock band ANATHEMA will release its new album, "Weather Systems", on April 24 via The End Records. The follow-up to 2010's "We're Here Because We're Here" was recorded in Liverpool, North Wales and Oslo, each place significant to ANATHEMA past, present and future. The record was produced and mastered by Christer-André Cederberg (ANIMAL ALPHA, IN THE WOODS..., DRAWN), whom ANATHEMA's Daniel Cavanagh has described as "a revelation. His calmness and brilliance has helped to bring about the greatest inter-band chemistry that ANATHEMA have experienced together in their career."

Read the rest at Blabbermouth












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the anti album cover art of the day:

Kreator Reveal New Album Title, 7" Collector's Single

German thrash vets Kreator have announced that the band's new LP will be called 'Phantom Antichrist." The album will be released on June 1, 2012 (EU) and June 5, 2012 (North America) via Nuclear Blast Records. The band will also release an exclusive 7“ single of the title track on April 20, 2012. The collector's item will be available in coloured red vinyl (limited to 250 pieces) as well as in clear vinyl (limited to 250 pieces, exclusively available at the Nuclear Blast Mailorder

Here is the cover artwork for the 7“ single.














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Bryan Adams Announces First Canadian Tour in 20 Years

It's hard to believe, but Bryan Adams has not toured his native Canada in twenty years; however, that run will come to an end this summer when he hits 20 cities for 20 shows. His last Canadian trek was the Straight From the Heart tour of 1992.

The tour begins on April 11 in St. John's, Newfoundland and moves across the country to a closer on June 22 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Read more at our friends at vintagevinylnews.com

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Lee Perry and the Upsetters Double Vinyl LP

Reggae and Dub Specialists Pressure Sounds have announced that they are releasing a new CD and Double Vinyl LP from Lee Perry and the Upsetters showcasing previously undocumented singles and a dub plate. These musical gems come from some the Upsetter's most creative years.

The album is called "High Plains Drifter - Lee Perry and the Upsetters: Jamaican 45s 1968-73" and is released by Pressure Sounds (PSCD73 - 2012)

All the tunes are from Jamaican releases and most tracks were never released in the UK.

Special Limited SILKSCREEN PRINTED Edition (only 150 - all numbered) of the Double Vinyl album!

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and in music history for february 2nd:

In 1932, Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, featuring vocalist Ivie Anderson and solos by Johnny Hodges and Joe Nanton, recorded "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)."

In 1956, the Coasters sign with Atlantic Records, where they will record ten US Top 40 hits.

In 1957, Fats Domino sang "Blueberry Hill" and "Blue Monday" on the "Perry Como Show" on television.

Also in 1957, Tab Hunter topped the Cashbox Best Sellers chart with "Young Love."

In 1957, Dale Hawkins recorded "Susie-Q." Hawkins cut "Susie Q" at the KWKH Radio station in Shreveport, Louisiana. "Susie Q" was a late rockabilly song which captured the spirit of Louisiana and featured guitar work by James Burton, who also worked with Ricky Nelson, among others. Sometime after the recording, the master tape of "Susie Q" was sold to Checker Records in Chicago, which released it as a 45 RPM single in May 1957. The single peaked at numbers 7 and 27 on Billboard magazine's Hot R&B Sides and Hot 100 charts, respectively. Hawkins' original version is also included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll

In 1959, at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper played their final show. Admission was $1.25. The last song of the night was the Big Bopper's "Chantilly Lace."

In 1959, Frankie Avalon released his biggest hit, "Venus", which will reach number one in the US and number sixteen in the UK.

Also in 1959, former Mouseketeer Annette Funicello sees her first hit, "Tall Paul" enter the Billboard Pop chart, where it will reach #7.

In 1963, the Beatles began their first British tour at the Gaumont Cinema in Bradford, England, opening for Helen Shapiro. The Fab Four were at the bottom of the six-act bill and split wages of £80 (about $225 US) a week.

In 1964, Billy J. Kramer With The Dakotas recorded "Little Children," produced by George Martin.

In 1964, in response to a storm of controversy, Max Firetag, the publisher of The Kingsmen's hit, "Louie Louie", offers $1,000 to anyone who can find suggestive lyrics in the song. The reward is small change considering that the disc cost less than $50 to record and has sold millions of copies.

In 1968, Simon and Garfunkel record "Mrs. Robinson", which will become their second US number one and win a Grammy Award for Record Of The Year. The song earned the duo a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1969. Top session drummer Hal Blaine played on the record, and considers it one of his favorites.

In 1973, "The Midnight Special" premieres on NBC-TV with Helen Reddy as host. Wolfman Jack would later take over for an eight-and-a-half-year run.

In 1973, Keith Emerson injures his hands when a rigged piano prematurely explodes during a concert in San Francisco.

Also in 1973, boxer Muhammed Ali met Elvis Presley in Las Vegas and presented him with boxing gloves inscribed "You're the greatest" (on the left glove) and "To Elvis, my main man, from Muhammad Ali" (on the right). Ali later recalled: "I felt sorry for him because he didn't enjoy life the way he should. He stayed indoors all the time. I told him he should go out and see people."

In 1974, Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were" topped the Billboard hit parade, becoming her first number one.

On this day in 1976, "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" by Paul Simon was the #1 song.

Also in 1976, 'A Trick of the Tail', the seventh studio album by Genesis and the first to feature drummer Phil Collins as full-time lead vocalist following the departure of original vocalist Peter Gabriel, was released on this date in the UK (Feb 20th in the US).

In 1978, Van Halen signed with Warner Brothers Records.

In 1979, while celebrating his freedom after serving seven weeks in jail for assault, Sid Vicious (born Simon Ritchie) died of a drug overdose after injecting heroin that his mother had bought for him. The 21 year old had been the bass player for one of Britain's most influential Punk-Rock bands, The Sex Pistols, which had broken up a year earlier.

In 1993, Willie Nelson and the IRS settle their longstanding tax feud. The U.S. government kept $3.6 million in assets it had already seized and Nelson would have to pay $5.4 million of the $13.1 million balance.

In 1995, Celine Dion's album "The Color Of My Love" was certified Triple Platinum.

In 2004, CBS apologized for the previous night's Super Bowl broadcast and the infamous Janet Jackson “wardrobe malfunction.”

In 2007, 67 year old Billy Henderson of The Spinners passed away from complications of diabetes. The group placed 18 songs on Billboard's Top 40, including 7 Top 10 hits.

Also in 2007, Joe Hunter of the Funk Brothers was found dead in his Detroit apartment. The 79 year old pianist had just returned five days earlier from a European tour with fellow band member Jack Ashford.

In 2009, fifty years after Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper played their final gig at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, the Day the Music Died became the Day the Music Went On and On. A tribute concert at the original Surf raved on for six hours with a line-up of Rock acts that included Graham Nash, Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys, Wanda Jackson, Delbert McClinton, Joe Ely, Peter And Gordon, Dave Mason, Bobby Vee and Holly's original band mates, The Crickets.

birthdays today include (among others): Robert Deleo (Stone Temple Pilots) (46), Ben Mize (Counting Crows) (41), Peter Macbeth (Foundations) (69), Peter Lucia (Tommy James & the Shondells) (65), Alan McKay (Earth, Wind & Fire) (64), Tony DeMeur (Fabulous Poodles) (64), Ross Valory (Steve Miller Band, Journey) (63) and the peerless Graham Nash (Hollies, Crosby Stills & Nash (& Young)) (70)

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 30, 2012


DEAR JERRY: When you identified Ray Charles' “Just for a Thrill” for someone who heard it on “Damages,” I knew you would be the one to ask about a song played on “Mad Men.”

At the end of one of last season's episodes, a girl sings about her guy climbing the corporate ladder to success. I don't know the singer, but she admits to “having to let him go.”

Since it fits the mid-'60s period and storyline so well, it may have been written especially for the show. Or maybe it's an oldie that I don't remember.
—Karen Fields, Evansville, Ind.


DEAR KAREN: Neither is the case.

By Skeeter Davis, “Ladder of Success” is an LP cut only. By not being issued as a single it is extremely unlikely you would have heard it in the '60s.

How the “Mad Men” producers ever discovered it is absolutely mind-boggling. Regardless, they did and then found the perfect spot for it in the Season 4 episode, “Waldorf Stories.”

“Ladder of Success” is on Skeeter's “Let Me Get Close to You” (RCA Victor 2980) album, released in October 1964.

Another tune with a similar message is Elvis' “Love Coming Down,” a Jerry Chestnut composition found on the 1976 LP, “From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee” (about “a man so busy going up in the world that he couldn't see love coming down”). It too is a perfect fit for “Mad Men.”


DEAR JERRY: I have two very different copies of “Matchbox,” both backed with “Slow Down,” by the Beatles. One of them seems to be the result of either printing or production errors.

Both are definitely first pressings from the summer of 1964, but here are the differences:

On the right side of the “Matchbox” label, normal copies show the song's publishing company (Knox Music, Inc.) and collection affiliate (BMI); the running time (1:37); Capitol's selection and identification numbers (5255, 45-X45052); and that the music was “Recorded in England.”

On the oddball copy, none of that information appears anywhere. They failed to print all of the text on the right side.

They also made another omission. It involves only one letter, but the result is hilarious.

Instead of crediting “The Beatles,” the variant label shows the artist as THE BEATLE, as if it were just one of the four.

There are no mistakes or differences on the “Slow Down” side.

How do such discrepancies affect value?
—Archie Wilcox, Louisville, Ky.


DEAR ARCHIE: In this case, less is more.

The rare copy with all the “Matchbox” text on the right side missing, and the laughable “Beatle” credit line, is valued at $400 to $500, more than double the standard, error-free issue.

Worth noting is that “Matchbox,” a Carl Perkins original, is pretty much a solo vocal by Ringo Starr. Thus the singular “Beatle” credit is more appropriate here than for most of their other recordings.


IZ ZAT SO? Though it can't top the screwy “Beatle” acknowledgment on “Matchbox,” there is another recently discovered Beatles-related misprint.

At least one copy exists of “Helen Wheels,” by Paul McCartney & Wings (Apple 1869), where the A-side (exterior of the apple) is missing nearly all of the intended text.

Except for "Mfd. by Apple Records, Inc." in tiny print at the very bottom, there is no text whatsoever on this 1973 original.

As with “Slow Down,” the flip side of “Matchbox,” this B-side, “Country Dreamer” (sliced apple), is also a properly printed label.

The current value of the funky, unprinted version of “Helen Wheels” is $350, about 35 times as much as ones without Helen's missing text.

Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column. Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368 E-mail: jpo@olympus.net   Visit his Web site: www.jerryosborne.com.

All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.

Copyright 2011 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Exclusive Permission

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

always loved Neil Young's music, he knows great sound when he hears it!

Vinyl is still best! Even Steve Jobs preferred it, says rocker Neil Young

by Noel Young

Legendary rocker Neil Young hit out yesterday at the poor quality of music audio. You got better listening in 1978 than you do today, he said.

The sound quality of today’s digital music files was so low that it undermined the artistic intent of musicians like himself, he declared.

Young was giving an onstage interview at The Wall Street Journal’s D: Dive Into Media conference in California. And he said even Apple's Steve Jobs was on his side.

Jobs was such a music fan that he didn't use his iPod and its digitally compressed files at home, said Young. Instead he listened to vinyl albums.

Read what else Young says at thedrum.co.uk

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Soul Train Host Don Cornelius Dead

Don Cornelius, creator of the TV dance show "Soul Train," is dead at 75 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Los Angeles police department. Cornelius' death was discovered early Wednesday morning at his Sherman Oaks, Calif. home.

"Soul Train" began in 1970 in Chicago and aired in syndication from 1971 to March 2006. It was one of the first shows to show case African-Americans prominently, although the dance group was racially mixed. Cornelius was the first host and executive producer. The show began each episode by welcoming viewers to "the hippest trip in America" and closed by wishing them "love, peace and soul."

"I am shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing of my friend, colleague, and business partner Don Cornelius," said Quincy Jones. "Don was a visionary pioneer and a giant in our business. Before MTV there was 'Soul Train,' that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius. His contributions to television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched. My heart goes out to Don's family and loved ones."

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this in my email box....

Five Three Dial Tone Limted Vinyl Release

Minuscule Detroit based record label Five Three Dial Tone is set to kick off a short run vinyl series of split 7" records featuring covers of some of their most favoritest bands entitled 'Disarm The Settlers.' The inaugural release will pay tribute to Dayton Ohio's Guided By Voices, pressed onto the finest green wax that money will buy, and featuring two fantastic Detroit bands who we are ecstatic to have agreed to such a silly project.

1. Ryan Allen & His Extra Arms tackle "I Am A Scientist" and "Motor Away." Led by Mr. Ryan Allen himself, formerly of Thunderbirds Are Now!, Friendly Foes, & Red Shirt Brigade, these versions of the classics still get a throwback nod. Joined on Motor Away by Arun Bali (guitarist of Saves The Day), Ryan breaks out the synth and goes a little more '97 than '95.

2. The Kickstand Band are adorable. They take "Non-Absorbing" and "Game Of Pricks" and ratchet up the cuteness. Boy/Girl vocals, young innocence, the whole nine-yards really. Allison (bass/vocals) of The Kickstand Band toured with The Von Bondies for a minute, while Gordon (guitar/vocals) was also a member of The Sights who were signed to James Iha's Scratchie imprint. None of that really applies to anything here but it gives me a lot of stuff to put into bold.

The 7" was released with 50 special editions featuring hand collaged center labels and alternate artwork. 25 were available in Dayton Ohio, and the other 25 were available at a Detroit area release party. All of the special editions sold out and everyone lived happily ever after. The remaining vinyl is available for purchase.

For more info visit
fivethreedialtone.com

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Toro Y Moi To Release Early Recordings On Vinyl

The five platter vinyl set is called 'June 2009' and will feature early Toro Y Moi recordings. The vinyl release is scheduled for April 23rd via Carpark Records.

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i love this cover and respect her career

Madonna’s New Album Art Revealed

The great one has just released the cover art for her upcoming album 'MDNA,' which is set for release on March 26th.

 

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UNISONIC Featuring MICHAEL KISKE, KAI HANSEN: Debut Album Artwork, Release Date Revealed

The self-titled debut album from UNISONIC — the band featuring former HELLOWEEN vocalist Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen (GAMMA RAY, ex-HELLOWEEN) alongside Dennis Ward (bass) and Kosta Zafiriou (drums) of Germany's PINK CREAM 69 and Swiss guitarist Mandy Meyer (who has previously played with ASIA, GOTTHARD and KROKUS) — will be released on March 30 (nine days earlier in Japan) via earMUSIC/Edel. The effort will be made available in the following configurations:

Europe & rest of the world:
* CD jewel case
* CD limited edition Mediabook format with and extended booklet plus bonus track
* Vinyl and CD package limited edition

Japan:
* CD jewel case
* CD limited-edition digipack plus bonus track (exclusive for Japan)

The cover artwork was created by graphic artist Martin Häusler.

Get all the information at our friends at Blabbermouth



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Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson to Release 'Thick As A Brick 2'

Anderson Announces 40th Anniversary Sequel to the Hugely Successful, Groundbreaking 1972 Album

LONDON, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the recent announcement of a 19-date tour to commemorate the 40th anniversary of 'Thick As A Brick,' on April 2nd (April 3rd in North America) Ian Anderson will release a sequel to the original album.

In 1972, Ian Anderson wrote and recorded the Jethro Tull Progressive Rock classic album 'Thick As A Brick.' The lyrics were credited at the time to the fictitious child character, Gerald Bostock, whose parents supposedly lied about his age. The record instantly became a number one Billboard Chart album and enjoyed considerable success in many countries of the world.

So, forty years on, what would Gerald Bostock – aged fifty in 2012 – be doing today? What might have befallen him? The anniversary "part two" album will examine the possible different paths that the precocious young schoolboy, Gerald Bostock, might have taken later in life through alter-ego characters with song-section identities illustrating the hugely varied potential twists and turns of fate and opportunity. Not just for Gerald but to echo how our own lives develop, change direction and ultimately conclude through chance encounters and interventions, however tiny and insignificant they might seem at the time.

Ian Anderson says of the album, "As we baby-boomers look back on our own lives, we must often feel an occasional 'what-if' moment. Might we, like Gerald, have become instead preacher, soldier, down-and-out, shopkeeper or finance tycoon?" Adding, "And those of more tender years - the social media and internet generation - may choose to ponder well the myriad of chance possibilities ahead of them at every turn ....."

To coincide with this groundbreaking release, for the first time since 1972, Anderson and fellow musicians John O'Hara (keyboards), David Goodier (bass), Florian Opahle (guitar) and Scott Hammond (drums) - as well as some guest performers - will take to the road to perform the album in its entirety and, it can now exclusively be revealed that, in addition, there will be a second part to the show where Anderson and the band will also perform the sequel.

Thick As A Brick 2 ('TAAB2') tracklist [CD, digital]
1. From A Pebble Thrown
2. Pebbles Instrumental
3. Might-have-beens
4. Upper Sixth Loan Shark
5. Banker Bets, Banker Wins
6. Swing It Far
7. Adrift And Dumfounded
8.Old School Song
9. Wootton Bassett Town
10. Power And Spirit
11. Give Till It Hurts
12. Cosy Corner
13. Shunt And Shuffle
14. A Change Of Horses
15. Confessional
16. Kismet In Suburbia
17. What-ifs, Maybes And Might-have-beens

'Thick As A Brick 2' will be released as a standard jewel case CD and digital download, and in a Special Edition 2-disc package with DVD featuring 5.1 stereo mixes, 24-bit stereo mix, video of the making of the album, interviews with the musicians and Ian Anderson reading the lyrics in various locations.

The official Jethro Tull website: www.jethrotull.com

SOURCE EMI Music

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always liked willie....

Willie Nelson Signs Historic New Deal With Legacy Recordings

Artist Comes Home To Sony Music Entertainment With Upcoming Releases to Include New Recorded Material & New Archival Titles Personally Curated By Willie Nelson

NEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, has entered into a historic new record deal with American legend and innovator Willie Nelson. The deal marks a label homecoming for Nelson, who, from 1975-1993, cut a phenomenal string of top-selling singles and albums for Columbia Records, beginning with 1975's seminal smash Red Headed Stranger.

Forthcoming Willie Nelson titles under the Legacy imprint will include newly recorded songs and performances as well as archival releases, personally curated by the artist, drawn from all phases of his career including his recordings for RCA Records and others.

As curator of his catalog, Willie will work with label archivists to select recordings, including previously released and previously unreleased tracks, for release in newly compiled collections and as bonus material on new editions of existing titles. The newly curated Willie Nelson titles will provide fresh perspective and context to the artist's profoundly influential and successful career.

Under the new agreement, fans can look forward to five brand-new Willie Nelson albums, with the first slated for release in spring 2012.

"I'm really happy to be back home with Sony Music. We have been partners for many years; all the way back to Pamper Music and Tree Music. We share a great history, and I'm looking forward to many more years together," said Willie Nelson.

"We couldn't be more excited to have the opportunity to work with Willie on this landmark partnership," said Adam Block, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Legacy Recordings. "There's a natural and organic relationship between new recording projects and catalog activity that promises to ensure the lasting importance of Willie and his music."

With a six-decade career and a catalog of more than 200 albums to his credit, the iconic Texas singer-songwriter Willie Nelson has earned a permanent position in pop music's pantheon with songs that combine the sophistication of Tin Pan Alley with the rough-and-tumble grit and emotional honesty of country music. He brought pop and country together on the radio in the early 1960s with unforgettable songs like "Crazy" (Patsy Cline), "Hello Walls" (Faron Young), "Funny How Time Slips Away" (Billy Walker), "Night Life" (Ray Price) and others and, by the mid-1970s, had become a superstar in his own right as a prime mover of a revolutionary and thriving outlaw country music scene. The Red Headed Stranger, Willie's first album for Columbia Records in 1975, catapulted the artist to the front ranks of popularity, making his a familiar name in country and city households across America and around-the-world.

A seven-time Grammy Award winner, Willie Nelson has received numerous accolades including American Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music Association Awards and others. He is a co-founder of Farm Aid, an annual series of fundraising events which began as an all-star benefit concert in 1985 to raise money for American family farmers. He continues to lobby against horse slaughter and produces his own blend of biodiesel fuel. An old-school road-dog troubadour with new school wheels, Willie plays concerts year-round, tirelessly touring on Honeysuckle Rose III (he rode his first two buses into the ground), taking his music and fans to places that are always worth the ride.

SOURCE Legacy Recordings

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GRIMEY'S BEST SELLERS 1/23 - 1/29, 2012

Vinyl Top 25:

1. The Black Keys - El Camino
2. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
3. The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow
4. JEFF The Brotherhood - Brotherhood Of Light
5. Mazzy Star - Common Burn 7"
6. First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar
7. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
8. Craig Finn - Clear Heart Full Eyes
9. Jessie Baylin - Little Spark
10. Guided By Voices - Chocolate Boy 7"
11. Nada Surf - The Stars Are Indifferent To Astrology
12. The Big Pink - Future This
13. M83 - Hurry Up We're Dreaming
14. Ray Lamontagne - Trouble
15. Kathleen Edwards - Voyageur
16. Cloud Nothings - Attack On Memory
17. The Louvin Brothers - Satan Is Real
18. Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
19. Antlers - Hospice
20. Atomic Forest - Obession
21. My Morning Jacket - Circuital
22. Yuck - Yuck
23. Townes Van Zandt - Delta Momma Blues
24. Radiohead - Kid A
25. Natural Child - 1971

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and in music history for february 1st:

In 1954, backed by his Jazz ensemble, Big Joe Turner records the original version of "Shake, Rattle and Roll". The tune will top the Billboard R&B chart next June, but did not cross over to the Pop chart. Some of the original lyrics, that would have been considered highly sexual at the time, were changed when Bill Haley recorded the song five months later.

In 1957, 20-year-old Don Everly and his 2-year-younger brother Phil sign a recording contract with Cadence Records. During their career, The Everly Brothers will have 35 Billboard Hot 100 singles.

In 1958, in West Hollywood, Elvis Presley recorded "Doncha' Think It's Time" and "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck."

In 1963, 17-year-old Neil Young performed his first professional date at a country club in Winnipeg.

In 1964, Beatlemania comes to America when "I Want To Hold Your Hand" becomes the first of twenty Billboard number one hits for Fab Four. It would stay on top for seven weeks, with world wide sales of fifteen million copies.

Also in 1964, Matthew Walsh, the Governor of Indiana declares the song "Louie Louie" by the Kingsmen ( which was currently #6 on the Hot 100) to be pornographic. He asks the Indiana Broadcasters Association to ban the record, although stations claim it's impossible to accurately figure out the lyrics from "the unintelligible rendition as performed by the Kingsmen." Although much has been written about the controversy, Indiana was the only state to actually ban the record from radio play.

In 1965, at the Arthur Smith Studios in Charlotte, North Carolina, James Brown records "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag", which will reach #8 on the Billboard Pop chart and #1 on the R&B chart the following August and later win a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording.

In 1966, in New York, the Young Rascals recorded "Good Lovin.'"

In 1967, at EMI's Abbey Road Studios in London, the Beatles began recording the title song for their album, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." After three more sessions, the track was completed on March 6. The reprise of the song that appears near the end of the album was recorded on April 1, 1967.

In 1968, the Who started their third U.S. tour in San Jose, CA.

In 1968, the Doors announced that Universal International had offered the group $500,000 to star in a feature film. An ABC-TV special, a group "humor book," and a book of poetry by Jim Morrison were also announced as being in the planning stages. Only the poetry book became reality.

In 1972, Chuck Berry had his first UK #1 single with a live recording of a song he’d been playing live for more than 20 years: “My Ding-a-Ling.” U.K. public morality campaigner Mary Whitehouse attempted to have the song banned due to its innuendo-laden lyrics.

In 1975, Elvis Presley arranges for daughter Lisa Marie to meet her favorite singer, Elton John, for her seventh birthday.

In 1979, Blondie's "Heart Of Glass" is certified Platinum in the UK, where it tops the Pop chart. The song will also rise to number one in the US the following April.

In 1985, the Eagles' Glenn Frey makes his acting debut on an episode of US TV's Miami Vice that was based on his song, "Smuggler's Blues."



In 1987, after the United Nations and the African National Congress removed him from their blacklist, Paul Simon kicks off his "Graceland" tour in Rotterdam. He had been banned after he broke the cultural boycott on recording in South Africa.

In 1988, the Cars, who had placed 15 songs on the Hot 100 between 1978 and 1987, announce their break up.

In 1989, singer Paul Robi, a member of the Platters (1954-1965), died of cancer at the age of 57.

In 1992, Elton John and George Michael teamed up to score a US number one with a song recorded live at Wembley Stadium the previous March, "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me". Elton had originally released the song on his "Caribou" album in 1974.

In 2004, Justin Timberlake caused a huge uproar when he tugged at Janet Jackson's outfit and revealed her left breast live on US TV during the half-time show of Superbowl XXXVIII (38). Four days later, that scene would become the most searched for image in the history of the internet.

In 2007, Mike Clark, owner / manager of Atlanta's Southern Tracks Recording Studio, died after an 8 month illness. He was 63. For many years he played drums with such popular 1960's artists as Tommy Roe, Billy Joe Royal, Joe South, Ray Stevens and Roy Orbison and was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

In 2008, Paul McCartney said recent media reports that he had heart surgery last year are "entirely untrue". The 65-year-old former Beatle says that during a routine medical examination over a year ago, "there was a minor irregularity which I needed to have tests for and which I have now been assured is completely fine."

In 2010, more than 80 artists gathered to record a remake of "We Are The World." The next day Janet Jackson laid down her version of Michael Jackson's part. The song was premiered at the opening of the Winter Olympics on February 12.

celebrating birthdays today (among others) are: Lisa Marie Presley (44), Patrick Wilson (Weezer) (43), Ron Welty (Offspring) (41), Bob Shane (Kingston Trio) (78), Don Everly (Everly Brothers) (75), Ray Sawyer (Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show) (75) and Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) (58)

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

this from the atlantic city area, vinyl lives!

Vinyl holds nostalgic value for area audiophiles

By ROB SPAHR Staff Writer

NORTHFIELD — Anthony Tedeschi used to be able to rattle off the competitors of the five Tunes music stores he owns with high school friend, Chip Heuisler.

But now the 43-year-old Marlton resident — who opened his first record store, Tunes on the Dunes in Ocean City in 1989 — has to think hard to name a competitor that can match his inventory.

“It’s tough,” said Tedeschi, while trying to think of the nearest competitor to his Route 9 location, besides the four other stores he owns in Marlton, Hoboken, Turnersville and Vorhees. “Princeton maybe?”

What used to be a rite of passage for youngsters — going to a record store for the latest release or exploring stacks of compact discs has been lost to the instant gratification of a few mouse clicks and express shipping.

Read the rest of the article at pressofatlanticcity.com

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Jack White To Release Solo LP

Jack White has just released the details of his debut solo album. Despite recording with the White Stripes, the Raconteurs and Dead Weather and many other musicians, White has never released a solo record under his own name. The album, called 'Blunderbuss,' is set for release will on April 24th via White's own Third Man Records.

"Love Interruption" is the first taste of Jack White's debut album. You can pre-order your copy of the 7" single that also features the B-side "Machine Gun Silhouette" HERE

White says via a press release: "[Blunderbuss is] an album I couldn't have released until now. I've put off making records under my own name for a long time but these songs feel like they could only be presented under my name. These songs were written from scratch, had nothing to do with anyone or anything else but my own expression, my own colors on my own canvas."



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Cult Releasing New LP

The Cult has wrapped up recording the group’s first studio album in five years. It's called ‘Choice of Weapon’ and will be released on May 21st on their new UK label Cooking Vinyl. The 10 tracks reveal the band at its rawest and most visceral, encapsulating cinematic visions and themes of love, revolt, and redemption.

The record was written by Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy, recorded in New York City, Los Angeles, the California high desert, and the band’s Witch Mountain studios in the Hollywood Hills between July and December 2011. The new release features founding members Astbury on vocals and Duffy on guitars, with drummer John Tempesta and bassist Chris Wyse. “We have had the opportunity to work with two of the most influential and talented producers in the world today,” said Astbury. “They pushed us beyond our comfort zone, and helped us craft ‘Choice of Weapon.’”

The album is set to be released as a special edition fan pack on May 14th, followed by digital and double vinyl on May 21st and the CD and deluxe CD’s on June 4th.

Tracklist:
1. Honey from a Knife
2. Elemental Light
3. The Wolf
4. Life > Death
5. For The Animals
6. Amnesia
7. Wilderness Now
8. Lucifer
9. A Pale Horse
10. This Night In The City Forever

Bonus CD tracks:
1. Every Man And Woman Is A Star
2. Embers
3. Until The Light Takes Us
4. Siberia

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the folks at Vinyl Record Talk bring us this info:

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Records Sales - Week Ending 01/28/2012

The record that launched a million bands tops the list this week. It's said of the 1000 or so people who bought the first Velvet Underground record when it came out that every one of them went out and started a band. Well that is certainly true even up to today of just about everyone who bought a reissue. The copy that sold this week and topped the list actually came in a very low price, considering the seller described it as flawless. A near mint copy has sold for twice the price in better times. The vinyl market doesn't seem depressed as just all over the place. Some weeks prices break records, others, like this one, disappoint. The Combinations 45 is a killer Northern that has gone for $6k in the past.

The next three spots (including a tie for #3) are taken by German violin 78s, and a 60s private Psych LP out of Duluth MN finds it way onto the list.

1. LP - The Velvet Underground "The Velvet Underground And Nico" Verve Mono Banana Peel Cover - $3,144.37

2. 45 - The Combinations "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" / "The Goddess Of Love" Kimtone 1001 - $2,646.00

3. 78 - Professor Adolf Busch "Gavotte" / "Schero" Berlin DG 62470 - $2,500.00

3. 78 - Professor Adolf Busch "Dvorak: Slavonic Dance No.7" / "Tartini: Vartationen Uber Ein Thema Von Corelli" Berlin DG 65980

4. 78 - Freddie Keppard's Jazz Cardinals "Strut 1" / "Salty Dog" Paramount 12399 - $2,225.00

5. LP - The Sound Of The Reign "Reigned Out" Private Press - $2,000.00



Top 5 eBay Vinyl Records Sales - Week Ending 01/21/2012

Probably the second most sought after Stones vinyl collectible (after the pulled "Street Fighting Man" 45 pic sleeve) this UK promotional record that made the #1 spot was sent by Decca to the music press and other VIPs in the UK in 1969. In hindsight its hard to imagine, but after the death of Brian Jones, the future of the Rolling Stones was uncertain in terms of continued popularity, and up until "Exile On Main Street" the financial viability of the band was in question. Decca obviously thought they needed a boost.

Several original Blue Note LPs show up this week, and the return of Northern Soul continues.

1. LP - The Rolling Stones "promotional album" Decca UK Promo 1969 - $5,640.12

2. 45 - Nabay "Believe It Or Not" / "Believe It Or Not instr" Impact 1032 - $3,005.00

3. LP - Lee Morgan "Candy" Blue Note 1590 - $2,111.00

4. LP - Kenny Burrell "self-titled" Blue Note 1543 (Warhol Cover) - $2,025.00

5. 10" - Rose Batiste & San Remo Strings "Hit & Run" / "They're For You?" Acetate - $2,024.00



Vinyl Record Talk is Live Today at 8pm ET / 5pm PT at Radio Dentata

We'll be back live on Radio Dentata this Tuesday, and we're also going to have video on BlogTV. So join us for an experimental broadcast as a couple of old farts try and grasp a new and strange world.

But we'll be bringing along the comfort of warm vinyl, with some private press Prog from the bowels of the 1970s, and some sweet soul 45s.

We'll have the Top 5 for the past few weeks, plus Rolling Stones urinals in the news.

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these types of collaborations sell by the millions....

'NOW That's What I Call Music! Vol. 41' to be Released February 7

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's best-selling, multi-artist album series, NOW That's What I Call Music!, will release NOW That's What I Call Music! Vol. 41 on February 7.

NOW 41 will be available on CD and for download purchase from all major digital service providers.

NOW That's What I Call Music! Vol. 41 features 16 current major chart hits from today's hottest artists, including LMFAO, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Adele, Gym Class Heroes feat. Adam Levine, Coldplay, Toby Keith, and more, plus four free up-and-coming "NOW What's Next" New Music Preview tracks.

The "NOW What's Next" bonus track program featured on each numeric NOW release continues to preview hot new artists with tomorrow's biggest hits. NOW 41 showcases up and coming tracks from Sammy Adams, Hunter Hayes, Susan Justice, and The Wanted.

The NOW That's What I Call Music! series is a joint venture from EMI Music North America, Sony Music Entertainment, and Universal Music Group. NOW That's What I Call Music! Vol. 41 will be distributed by EMI Music North America. NOW and NOW That's What I Call Music! are registered trademarks of EMI (IP) Limited.

The NOW That's What I Call Music! series debuted in the U.S. in 1998, after the brand had been a multi-platinum international success for 15 years. The series has generated sales exceeding 200 million albums worldwide, including more than 83 million copies in the U.S. Every album in the numeric U.S. series has reached Billboard's Top 10, and 15 NOW releases have reached #1, second only to The Beatles in chart history.

www.nowthatsmusic.com

NOW That's What I Call Music! Vol. 41 [CD; digital]

1. LMFAO - Sexy And I Know It
2. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
3. Lady Gaga - Marry The Night
4. Jessie J - Domino
5. Gym Class Heroes featuring Adam Levine - Stereo Hearts
6. T-Pain featuring Lily Allen - 5 O'Clock
7. J. Cole - Work Out
8. Pitbull featuring Chris Brown - International Love
9. Breathe Carolina - Blackout
10. Selena Gomez and the Scene - Love You Like A Love Song
11. Gavin DeGraw - Not Over You
12. Coldplay - Paradise
13. Adele - Someone Like You
14. Nickelback - Lullaby
15. Luke Bryan - I Don't Want This Night To End
16. Toby Keith - Red Solo Cup

BONUS TRACKS: "NOW What's Next" New Music Preview

17. Sammy Adams - Blow Up
18. Hunter Hayes - Somebody's Heartbreak
19. Susan Justice - Eat Dirt
20. The Wanted - Glad You Came

SOURCE EMI Music / Sony Music Entertainment / Universal Music Group

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i like the band, but this is a pretty bold leading line.....certainly could be debated...

"Best New Band in the Last Decade" to Release Live Double CD

Black Country Communion to Release Rip-Roaring Double Concert CD "Live Over Europe" on February 28, 2012

BCC to go back into the studio for third record this Summer

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Country Communion, the English-American rock band featuring the talents of bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Sabbath), blues rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa, drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater), will release their first concert CD Live Over Europe on February 28, 2012 on the J&R Adventures imprint. This 2-disc CD follows up the October 2011 release of the 2-disc DVD by the same name. The album is available for pre-order at: www.bccommunion.com. Get your free download of the single "Cold" from the live album at: http://bitly.com/BCCPRERORDER.

Recently named by Eddie Trunk and co-hosts as "Best New Band of the Last 10 Years" on VH1 Classic's That Metal Show, BCC taped Live Over Europe during its debut tour in the summer of 2011. On the album, the band blazes through 17 tracks, recorded in surround over three nights, playing to packed venues in Hamburg, Munich and Berlin. The set list includes songs from both of BCC's albums – 2010's self-titled debut and 2011's sophomore release 2 - including "Black Country," "One Last Soul," "Save Me," "Man In The Middle," "Cold," and "Song of Yesterday." Also included in the mix is "The Ballad Of John Henry," from Bonamassa's 2009 solo album and the Deep Purple classic "Burn."

Producer Kevin Shirley explains, "We saw that this live act could be an awesome force of nature to behold; one that promised legendary performances like those of our heroes of Classic Rock. The plan was to get them out there for the entire world to hear. Records allow a certain musical finesse, but live performance promises so much in the very transient nature of a gig; chances are taken, boundaries are crossed and the most exciting performances explode. Two studio albums built a repertoire big enough for a full concert which allowed us to unleash the monster for all the world to see and feel."

Guitar World named BCC's 2 as #12 in their Top 50 Albums of 2011. In November, BCC scooped up the Breakthrough Award at the Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards. ClassicRockRevisited.com called BCC the "Great Last Hope for Classic Hard Rock."

BCC debut tour took the band around the world, playing to cities in North America and Europe. On June 10, at Anaheim, CA's Grove of Anaheim, The Orange County Register exclaimed, "The four members of BCC truly recast the heavy rock of the '60s and '70s and yank it into the 21st century as well as anyone in recent memory."

Tracklist:
Disc 1
1. Revolution of the Machine
2. Black Country
3. One Last Soul
4. Crossfire
5. Save Me
6. The Battle For Hadrian's Wall
7. Beggarman
8. Faithless
9. Song of Yesterday
10. I Can See Your Spirit

Disc 2
11. Cold
12. The Ballad of John Henry
13. The Outsider
14. The Great Divide
15. Sista Jane
16. Man In The Middle
17. Burn

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All Four Small Faces Albums Getting Multi-Disk Reissues

They are about to go into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and, on May 7, Universal Music will release deluxe edition of all four albums released by the Small Faces.

The albums in question: Small Faces (April 1966) From the Beginning (June 1967); Small Faces (June 1967) and Ogden's Nut Gone Flake (June 1968) will each be released as deluxe two-disc editions with the notable exception of Ogden's which has now been expanded to three discs.

All newly re-mastered, these definitive editions carry both the mono and stereo versions of the albums, plus related non-album singles and alternate versions many of which are previously unreleased or released for the first time on CD.

Read more at our friends at vintagevinylnews

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in music history for january 31st:

In 1957, Decca Records announced that Bill Haley And His Comets' "Rock Around The Clock" had sold over a million copies in the UK, mostly on 10 inch 78's.

In 1959, Bob Dylan is said to have been in the audience as Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper played Duluth, Minnesota less than three days before their fatal plane crash.

In 1961, at 24 years old, Bobby Darin becomes the youngest performer at that time to headline a TV special as Bobby Darin & Friends airs on NBC.

In 1963, the Beach Boys record "Surfin' USA", which will climb to number three in the US by mid-April. Although it was credited as being composed by Brian Wilson, the tune was a note-for-note cover of Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen". Following a lawsuit, Berry was granted writing credit and royalties from the record.

In 1967, the Beatles spent a second day at Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent, England to complete filming for the “Strawberry Fields Forever” promotional video. The film was shot in color for the benefit of the US market since UK television was still broadcasting only in black and white. Taking time out from filming, John Lennon bought an 1843 poster from an antiques shop in Surrey, which provided him with most of the lyrics for the song “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite.”



In 1969, singer/songwriter/keyboardist Billy Preston signed with Apple Records.

Also in 1969, the Beatles recorded the master take of the song "Let It Be." Paul McCartney played piano, John Lennon played bass, newly signed Billy Preston played organ, with George Harrison on guitar and Ringo Starr on drums. Harrison overdubbed new guitar solos, one in late April 1969, another in early January 1970. The first overdub solo was used for the original single release, produced and mixed by George Martin, and the "more stinging" second overdub solo was used for the Phil Spector-mixed original album release.

Also in 1969, Crow recorded "Evil Woman Don't Play Your Games With Me."

In 1970, the Jackson 5 score the first of four straight Billboard number one hits with "I Want You Back". The song reached #2 in the UK.

In 1970, in New Orleans, members of the Grateful Dead were arrested for possession of LSD and barbiturates. Reportedly the band had clashed with mob interests in Texas who alerted the New Orleans Police Department. The incident is alleged to be the inspiration for their song "Truckin,'" with lines in the song such as "Houston, too close to New Orleans" and "set up like a bowling pin."

Creedence Clearwater Revial (CCR) filmed a television special in 1970.

In 1970, Slim Harpo, who had a US Top 40 hit with "Baby Scratch My Back", died of a heart attack while recording in London. He was 46.

In 1972, less than a day after an incident now known as "Bloody Sunday" in which British soldiers killed twelve Irish civil rights demonstrators, Paul McCartney writes and records "Give Ireland Back To The Irish". After some resistance from EMI, the song will finally be released on February 25th, but was immediately banned by the BBC, Radio Luxembourg and the Independent Television Authority. Despite the lack of air-play, the song would reach #1 on the singles charts in the Republic of Ireland and Spain, also climbing to #16 on the UK singles chart and #21 in the US.

In 1978, Blood Sweat & Tears saxophone player Greg Herbert died of an accidental drug overdose in Amsterdam during the band's European tour. He was just 30 years old.

In 1979, the Clash began their first US tour with Bo Diddley as their opening act.

In 1981, Jazz drummer Cozy Cole, who had a US #3 hit with "Topsy, Part II" in 1958, died of cancer at age 73.

Also in 1981, Blondie tops the Cashbox Best Sellers list and The Billboard Hot 100 with "The Tide Is High", a song written and recorded in 1967 by John Holt and his Kingston, Jamaica band, The Paragons.

In 1985, the mother of the group The Cowsills, Barbara Cowsill, passes away at the age of 56. She and her family were the real life inspiration for The Partridge Family TV show.

Also in 1985, at the Chaplin Stage in Hollywood, California, former Creedence Clearwater Revival leader John Fogerty gave his first live performance in 14 years.

On this day in 1985, "I Want to Know What Love Is" by Foreigner was the #1 song.

In 1987, Paul Simon's "Graceland" went to number 1 on the UK album chart. The LP would stay on the list for 101 weeks.

In 1997, David Bowie released part of his holdings in intellectual property for sale on the stock market, becoming the first Rock star to offer Wall Street stock options on his career.

In 1998, at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey, Bruce Springsteen, members of the E Street Band, Jon Bon Jovi, and Southside Johnny performed at the "Come Together" benefit concert for the family of Sgt. Patrick King, a New Jersey police officer who had been killed in the line of duty.

In 2001, it was announced that Peter Criss was leaving KISS and that he would be replaced by Eric Singer for the remainder of dates of the farewell tour. Criss' last show was on October 7, 2000.

In 2008, Natasha Bedingfield entered the U.S. charts at #3 for her album Pocketful of Sunshine, equaling the record set by soul singer Sade with the highest-ever U.S. chart debut for a U.K.-signed female. Bedingfield sold 50,000 copies of the record in its first week of release.

In 2009, Dewy Martin, drummer and backing vocalist for Buffalo Springfield on their 1967 hit "For What It's Worth", died from hardening of the arteries at the age of 68.

In 2010, Beyoncé set a Grammy record for females when she won six. The six awards were Song Of The Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song, and Best Contemporary R&B Album.

birthdays today include (among others): Marcus Mumford (Muford & Sons) (25), Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music) (61), Henry Wayne Casey (K.C. & the Sunshine Band) (61), Curly Smith (Jo Jo Gunne) (60), Adrian Vandenberg (Whitesnake) (58), John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) (Sex Pistols, Public Image Ltd.) (56), Scott Ian (born Scott Rosenfeld) (Anthrax) (49), Jeff Hanneman (Slayer) (48), Chad Channing (Nirvana) (45) and Jason Cooper (Cure) (45)