Saturday, October 3, 2009

Audiophile Audition Review

I want to thank John over at www.audaud.com/index.php for the exclusive rights to reprint this great article. Look for more reviews here at CollectingVinylRecords Blog very soon!



AUDIOPHILE AUDITION focuses on recordings of interest to audiophiles and collectors, with an accent on surround sound for music, and on all hi-res disc formats. Over 100SACD, DVD Video/Audio and standard CD reviews are published during each month, and our archives go back to January 2001.



Vinyl Accessories and Useful Tools for LP Playback – Part II

Concentrating on a bunch of analog accessories and record care products.

Published on September 22, 2009

The first part of our vinyl survey covered tools needed to set up a turntable and begin playing LPs. If you missed it, Go Here Part II covers analog accessory and care products (minus clamps, mats, furniture and tweaks).

45 rpm Adapters. So you just bought a new turntable and go to put on a great 45 rpm 7” record you have been dying to hear only to realize you don't have an adapter so that the large hole will fit on the smaller spindle. Some turntables come with a plastic (or nicer metal) adapter, while others (Rega for instance) do not. The two main options are: put a ring onto every record that has a larger shaped hole or use an adapter disc/puck that fits on top of the platter and lets the record fit around it.















[above image courtesy www.glenmullaly.com]

The AVID Level 45 is...a level and a 45 adapter that weighs exactly 180 grams. It sells for $100. Clearaudio makes a heavy duty stainless steel model for $45. Rega makes a model that sells for $25. Technics has a replacement 45 adapter that is silver finish but most likely made out of aluminum, so it won't add much weight to the platter. $15. A spin on the flat cylinder is a cone shaped item that comes in metal or plastic. $6 for metal, $1.50 for plastic. If you go the insert route, you buy a package and put them in all your records, so no need to put on and take off a 45 adapter. Typically about $ .25 per adapter.















Strobe Discs and Strobe Lights. In the old days lots of turntables offered pitch control. In order to properly set the pitch there were markings on the platter and a strobe light with a plastic viewer that you could look through to adjust the speed until the lines moved as little as possible was included. These days if you want to check speed then you need a strobe disc (a record-shaped mat made out of paper or something else) that has lines spaced apart corresponding to various speeds. You'll also need a separate strobe light to shine on the mat to visually see the speed errors, and, if possible, correct them.1) Online there are free strobe discs that can be printed out and cut to shape. By using a conventional lamp plugged into the wall you can adjust speed fairly accurately. However, if the frequency from the wall is not exactly correct then there is no way to tell how off your pitch/speed will be.

2) A SOTA strobe disc is available for only $5 for those who don't want to try and properly size, print and cut their own.

3) Many other companies make the mats for $30-60 but I can't see spending that much and when the cheaper options are just as good. Make sure the discs offer the speeds that are important. 45 and 33 1/3 are standard, but if you want 78, 16, or speeds slightly off of 78 you'll need to check to make sure the disc has them. Also, make sure that the disc has 60 Hz or 50 Hz depending on your electrical requirements.

4) To really get the most accurate reading you'll need a separate strobe light that runs off of batteries, so it won't vary if the frequency from the wall is slightly off or varies. Digistrobo is $160, but works without the need of a strobe disc. It relies on reflective tape. I haven't used this method, but it might be a good option.

5) Clearaudio makes a model that works specifically with their strobe disc. $180.

6) My favorite is the KAB Speedstrobe Digital Readout. $100. It comes with a hand-held strobe light and an easy to use disc. Accuracy can be measured to .03%. Compatible speeds are: 33, 45, 70, 72, 73, 75, 76, 78, 80, 81, 83, 85, 87, 90. You can compensate for needle drag by laying a 45 record on and playing it while making the reading. Instead of using bars, there are actual numbers on the platter (corresponding to speed) making getting good readings a piece of cake!



Dust Covers. With the many odd-shaped and oversized tables available these days a lid is not always an inclusion. If the manufacturer doesn't offer a model specific option, there is always Gingko Audio who makes covers for all sorts of audio components. Another option is a company called TAP Plastics. They can fabricate whatever sort of plastic lid you might need.

Static Gun. Static guns used to be fairly common items at audio stores, but these days you have to look pretty hard to find one. I contacted Milty to get a sample, but they didn't even reply to my email. Luckily, I mentioned my situation while talking to Leland, a representative from Music Hall Audio, (at the time I was reviewing the Whest phono preamp) and he had one sent to me. Apparently, Music Hall dealers are able to get these as accessories. The newest model is the Milty Zerostat 3. $100. If a record is electrostatically charged it will attract dust. The Zerostat releases positive ions with a squeeze and puts out negative ions with a release of the trigger. This device has other uses in darkrooms where keeping dust away is critical. The gun can last for about 10,000 cycles. There is a test piece to verify the gun is functional (you can see a flickering light/spark). Don't push it against your skin though because it will shock you! [I prefer MapleShade's Ionoclast Ion Generator, which is more powerful and only $38.50. They also have a number of other useful vinyl accessories...Ed.]



Speed Control Boxes. Some turntables have the option of an outboard speed controller to improve accuracy, allow quick switching between speeds without having to change a belt, and possibly improved sound due to an improved power supply, etc. Almost all of these boxes are turntable specific, so you need to check with the manufacturer to see if it is offered for your particular turntable. Some of the ones available are from Rega, Pro-Ject, and VPI. $160-1200. Clearaudio makes the Syncro at $1500. This device works with any turntable that utilizes a synchronous motor.














Stylus Cleaners. There are few different types of styli cleaners available. The first options are liquid in form and usually come with a small applicator brush. Companies like Mobile Fidelity, LAST, Lyra, Clearaudio, Disc Doctor, Groovy, Stanton, etc. all make this type of product and they range from $10 to upwards of $200. All the standalone brush options (like the Discwasher SC-2) are no longer available. One of the newest choices is a gel or polymer based solution. You dip the needle in the jelly-like substance and quickly pull it out. Zerodust makes one for $70 while the Extreme Phono (for $30) is one I was sent for review. After using it I can't imagine going back to any other type of stylus cleaner.

Record Cleaners. Record cleaners come in all shapes and sizes. You can opt for basic manual solutions or much higher-priced vacuum machines. There are many different liquid formulations available as well. Covering all the options would be an idea for an entirely separate article, so we'll stick to the basics.




















1) Record Cleaning Machines are not only for enthusiasts, but anyone who has a large collection, acquires lots of used records or just wants an easy way to thoroughly clean an LP. The big advantage is the ability to put a cleaning fluid over the entire playing surface of an LP and then vacuum it off (supposedly taking all the grungy particles along with it). At the lower end there are some good options from VPI starting at $550. They also improved models that go up to $2000 and do both sides at once. SOTA turntables has a new record cleaning machine. Clearaudio has some nice offerings starting at around $1000 up to $3500. Hannl makes machines overseas starting around $2300 and also makes them for Acoustic Sounds under the Acoustech name up to around $4200. These machines look particularly well-engineering and attractive. Keith Monk machines are considered by some to be the holy grail of recording cleaning machines. I only see them listed on UK sites for the most part and the one site I found (in the U.S.) listed the unit at $5000 with a 4 week wait. Loricraft is a good alternative option and is available from Smart Devices. The machines start at $2500 and go up to $5000, but are similar to the Monk designs. If you are adventurous there are several DIY designs online, but I can't vouch for any them. [There is also the $350 manual Nitty Gritty record cleaner, along with their many other powered models...Ed.]



2) A good investment for anyone is an anti static graphite brush—many companies put their name on these and vary in price. Sleeve City sells one for $9. Even the older Discwasher felt brushes work well for dry cleaning. I'd stay away from the fluid with these. The brushes can remove dust like a charm. For more rigorous cleanings a machine or wet solutions should be investigated.

3) There are far too many different fluid options for record cleaning for any sort of recommendation. Some are multi-part solutions that require application of one, then the other and then a cleaning rinse. Others are designed for vacuum machines and most will work with manual application and then removal via a specialized brush. If what you are using seems to work, then keep using it! A fellow audiophile has used the Disc Doctor Solution with excellent results, but listening to him describe the process made me wish I had a machine. He even admitted that maybe only 20% of his collection had been “cleaned.”



Vinyl Flattener. Furutech makes a device called the DF-2 that can flatten most warped records and sells for $2065. Obviously having a record that is flat is desirable, but many of the home-brewed methods designed to eliminate warped discs (including cooking them in an oven at low temperatures) always seemed risky, time-consuming and troublesome. No personal experience with this one, but looks like a well-designed piece. Just make sure to follow the restrictions regarding certain types of records it won't work on. [It requires 20 minutes or more per LP to flatten...Ed.]

Sleeves. I recommend the Sleeve City (www.sleevetown.com) Ultimate Record Sleeve Outer 2.5. For inner sleeves I recommend the Sleeve City Diskeeper Ultimate Audiophile Inner Sleeve.

That's it for the time being. Look for some more turntable and phono preamp reviews soon! - Brian Bloom

Music News & Notes



HELLBILLY DELUXE 2 TOUR - BEGINNING OCTOBER 29TH

ZOMBIE CURRENTLY GEARING UP FOR HIS RECORD RELEASE

HOLLYWOOD - (September 14, 2009) – The Hellbilly Returns! The Master of monster mayhem Rob Zombie will be destroying a city near you beginning this October 29th on The HELLBILLY DELUXE 2 TOUR. Not since 1998’s super smash triple platinum HELLBILLY DELUXE has Zombie hit the road under that moniker. So get ready to scream!

This will be Zombie's first headline tour since 2007 and will have other ghoulish delights in tow including openers Nekromantix and Captain Clegg & the Night Creatures last seen rocking Haddonfield and Michael Myers in Zombie’s new film HALLOWEEN 2. The tour will usher in Zombie's forthcoming album HELLBILLY DELUXE 2 – Noble Jackals, Penny Dreadfuls and the Systematic Dehumanization of Cool (Geffen), a companion to 1998 original.

The tour will blasts off with Phoenix, AZ on October 29th, Las Vegas, NV on the 30th, and a very special Halloween event on the 31st in Hollywood, CA hosted by Uncle Seymour Coffins also seen recently in HALLOWEEN 2. Zombie will be accompanied by his longtime band mates -- guitarist John 5, bassist Piggy D, and drummer Tommy Clufetos.

The HELLBILLY DELUXE 2 TOUR will mark Zombie's return to the road after much box office success as the writer and director of HALLOWEEN 2 (Dimension). His R-rated, animated feature, THE HAUNTED WORLD OF EL SUPERBEASTO, will also be available everywhere on DVD and Blu-ray September 22nd.

“I am bouncing off the walls like a mental patient”, says Zombie “ that tells me it’s time to take it to the stage and let the demons loose.”

Selling over fifteen million albums worldwide, Zombie is one of Geffen Record's top selling and the longest running artists on the label. He has written and directed five feature length films, directed dozens of high profile music videos, contributed recordings to multiple soundtracks, and authored several comic books. HALLOWEEN 2 (2009) took hold of the box office recently, following-up his record breaking blockbuster re-imagining of HALLOWEEN in 2007. In 2005, Zombie assaulted the film world with the critically-acclaimed THE DEVIL'S REJECTS (Lionsgate), the follow-up to his already cult classic HOUSE OF 1,000 CORPSES (Lionsgate 2004).

TOUR DATES:
Date / City / State / Venue
10/29/09 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
10/30/09 Las Vegas, NV The Pearl
10/31/09 Hollywood, CA Hollywood Palladium
11/3/09 San Jose, CA San Jose Event Center
11/5/09 Salt Lake City, UT Great Salt Air
11/6/09 Denver, CO The Fillmore
11/8/09 Tulsa, OK Brady Theater
11/11/09 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theater
11/17/09 Akron, OH Civic Theatre
11/20/09 Minneapolis, MN Roy Wilkins Auditorium
11/21/09 Des Moines, IL Val Air Ballroom
11/22/09 Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom
11/24/09 Louisville, KY Broadbent Arena
11/27/09 Detroit, MI The Fillmore
12/1/09 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
12/2/09 Boston, MA House of Blues
12/3/09 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
12/4/09 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory
12/5/09 Washington, DC 9:30 Club

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Iron Lamb Inks Record Deal With Pulverized Records

Swedish metallers Iron Lamb have signed to Pulverized Records for the release of their debut full-length album. Pulverized Records issued the following statement about the record deal:

"One of Sweden’s newest, scruffiest and back-to-the-roots Punk rock band IRON LAMB, consisting of some of Extreme Metal’s most prominent figures in the scene, is now officially a part of the Pulverised Records family! Fronted by singer Grga Lindström (ex-Repugnant), this all-star line-up also consists of Johan Wallin of General Surgery on guitars, Thomas Daun of Dismember on drums and 'Swedish Death Metal Book' author Daniel Ekeroth, also of Tyrant and ex-Insision fame on bass. IRON LAMB is slated to record their debut untitled full-length and should see the light of day in the first quarter of 2010. IRON LAMB is probably one of the most unlikely kind of band to be on our roster, but their infectious brand of filthrock and the straight-up Motorhead-esque riffs is absolutely something that we missed and loved from the old days. So naturally, there was definitely no question about it when the band approached us to work with them on the debut full-length album!”

Iron Lamb guitarist Johan Wallin also issued the following statement: "Iron Lamb are stoked on doing our first full-length on Pulverised Records! We are currently working on the songs and preparing for the first shows, and will be ready to record during the first few months of 2010. Expect a whole lot of dubious preaching scumbag rock n roll!

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Killswitch Engage Postpones South American Tour Dates

Killswitch Engage has issued the following announcement about postponing their South American tour dates:

"Killswitch Engage will unfortunately have to postpone their upcoming South America tour due to the illness of lead singer Howard Jones. Howard is currently bed-ridden with a gall stone issue and has been told by his doctor that he should not leave his bed until further notice. He is currently getting proper medical care and hopes to be on his feet and in less pain by the end of the week, at which time we will determine how soon we can reschedule these South America dates. Killswitch would like to apologize to their fans in South America for this set back and want to assure them that the band has every intention to make up these dates in the near future."

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Armored Saint Begins Recording New Studio Album

Los Angeles, California based heavy metal veterans Armored Saint has announced that they will shortly be entering Tranzformer Studios in Burbank, CA to begin recording their sixth studio album. Tranzformer Studios is owned by Dave Jerdan, who previously worked with the band on their 1991 effort, "Symbol Of Salvation." Some of the song titles set to appear on the next record include, "Blues," "Black Feet," "Left Hook From The Right Field," "La Raza," "Chilled," "Loose Cannon" and "Get Off The Fence."

Vocalist John Bush says about the record, "About a year and a half or so ago Joey asked me if I'd be interested in writing some songs. I was in the right mind finally, so I said send me something. To be quite honest, I wasn't thinking in terms of Armored Saint but more like just writing rock music. I felt pretty free with that mentality and the ideas felt very organic. With every passing song things improved and next thing we knew we had about eight songs demoed. Although the idea of sparking something completely new was appealing it became clear that if it was Joey and I the reality was, let's not kid ourselves; this is Armored Saint.

"So here it comes. Embracing my inner R&B singer and coupling that with our influence of the great seventy's hard rock band's we grew up on.?"

Bass player Joey Vera adds: "John and I began writing over 14 months ago and in the beginning we had only a general musical direction in which we were going. Once we decided to keep writing and with more of an intention of turning it into an Armored Saint project, we were faced with a few questions. One was, how does this new music we're writing fit into the current musical styles of today? And should we care? We quickly answered the latter. We realized we should do what we always did and that is to write good songs. And for ourselves first. We are not unaware of our parameters in which we have created over the past 25 years, but we are also not afraid to take chances and simply do what we do best. The idea of trying to continue where we left off over 10 years ago since our last release is not very appealing to me. I have to let go of what I did in 1991 and in 2000. Nothing at all against what we've recorded in the past but my head is in a different place now. Trust me; I still want to kill your senses with music, but just in a different way?"

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Alice In Chains Posts Making Of Video For "Check My Brain" Online

Alice In Chains has posted a "Making of" video talking about their first single and music video for "Check My Brain," off their just-released new album, "Black Gives Way To Blue." Go behind the scenes with Jerry Cantrell and co. as they try and visually recreate the "Seasick" feeling of the "Check My Brain" riff with director Alex Courtes (U2 and White Stripes).



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Official Cover Art for 50 Cent's 'Before I Self Destruct'

Half of 50 Cent's face is burnt as captured in the official cover art for his November 17 release.

50 Cent's forthcoming studio album entitled "Before I Self Destruct" finally gets an official cover art. Obtained via the rap mogul's twitter, the artwork features a headshot of him with half of his face damaged from fire wound.

After several puchbacks, "Before I Self Destruct" is confirmed to be put out for purchase in U.S. stores on November 17. One of the producers involved in the making of the effort is Dr. Dre. The album will also be adapted into a movie, which marks Fiddy's directorial debut and will be included in the album's packaging.

"Because I had additional time, I wrote, produced and directed my own film, 'Before I Self Destruct' and it'll actually be within the album's packaging," Fiddy explained. "So when you buy the record, you'll get the film that I wrote."

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John Henry & The Engine To Release Vinyl 'I Don't Wanna Know' EP

Fans of St. Louis-based John Henry and The Engine are dusting off their phonographs in anticipation of the Oct. 9 release of the band's new EP - and first vinyl record -I Don't Wanna Know EP. The release, which is the third for the band, reflects the river city outfit's soulful style, blurring the lines between rock, classic country and vintage Americana.

I Don't Wanna Know EP will be available on 7-inch vinyl at a special release show in St. Louis on Friday, Oct. 9, at Off Broadway, sponsored by KDHX-FM 88.1 and O'Fallon Beer.

The band will also be performing tracks from the new album and signing advance copies of the record on Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. at Vintage Vinyl.

Steeped in American roots, I Don't Wanna Know EP feels right at home on the turntable. Side A's energetic title track features rolling piano, brisk violin work and warm harmonies, while Side B offers the cautionary 'Never Lie,' with remorseful melody and rich vocals.

Fans who buy the 7-inch record - which features individually painted cover art - get a free digital download of the EP, including the track 'Lonely the Dark,' not featured on the vinyl album.

'Rock & Roll with a tinge of blues and soul, John Henry and The Engine don't rush the music and that quality control is evident on their brand new release,' writes Vintage Vinyl. 'Don't be shy about being one of the first to pick up their amazing new EP.'

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Integrity Music /Columbia Records Set To Re-Release Sight & Sound: Alive In South Africa And A Timeless Christmas

Contemporary gospel sensation Israel & New Breed is set to re-release his Grammy award winning album Sight & Sound Series: Alive In South Africa as well as the holiday gem, A Timeless Christmas on Tuesday, October 6. on Integrity Music/Columbia Records.

Originally released as separate items in 2005 and 2006, the RIAA Certified Gold, Alive In South Africa, double CD and Alive In South Africa DVD will be together in one package for the release. Sight & Sound Series: Alive In South Africa will feature the Grammy award winning song, "Not Forgotten," the African inspired anthem "Alpha and Omega" in addition to popular tracks "Friend of God," "Again," "I Say Rejoice," and "Turn It Around." The DVD will contain the entire concert from the double audio discs in addition to an extended version of "Alpha and Omega."

Houghton's A Timeless Christmas album which was originally released in 2006 will have a new cover, new packaging and will include one new song for the holiday season, "With Us." Special guest appearances on A Timeless Christmas include gospel greats, Marvin & Cece Winans and Gerald Albright & Lalah Hathaway among others.

In 1995, Israel and Meleasa Houghton founded New Breed Ministries, an organization they continue to run and that is comprised of noted musicians and singers who serve within their respective churches and together serve the Church at large. Since then, Israel has amassed a legion of followers that bridges generational lines with popularity across cultural listener lines. While blasting down barriers, he has been fittingly graced with two Gold-selling albums, six Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award and two GRAMMY Awards, one for "Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album" for A Deeper Level and one for "Best Traditional Gospel Album" for Alive In South Africa.

Houghton's latest album, The Power Of One, was released on March 24 and debuted at No.1 on the Christian Album and Gospel Album charts. The new single "Every Prayer" (featuring Mary Mary) is impacting Gospel radio now.

Israel Houghton is signed to Integrity Music, distributed to Christian retail by Provident-Integrity Distribution and to the general market by Columbia Records/Sony Distribution.

Visit www.israelhoughton.net.

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U2 Speak About Plans To Release Spider-Man Album

U2 have hinted that they may feature on the album for the musical adaptation of Spider-Man.

Singer Bono and guitarist The Edge have recorded lyrics and music for the production, which is due to open next February on Broadway.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, The Edge said an album would definitely accompany the musical, but admitted it was unclear as to whether U2 would feature on it.

“It's hard to say [about a U2 Spider-Man album],” he said.

“There will be a Spider-Man album, but whether it's us or the cast, that's the sort of thing we're not sure about. There are some amazing tunes.”

Bono said that if the group were to make another rock record, “I want to do Spider-Man.”

But he admitted: “I just haven't talked Adam [Clayton, bassist] and Larry [Mullen, drummer] into that.”

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Jermaine Jackson To Judge Michael Jackson Talent Show
For the BBC...



Jermaine Jackson is to judge the new BBC Three talent show Move like Michael Jackson.

Auditions are to be held across the UK to find contestants who can dance like the late singer.

In a statement, Jermaine paid tribute to his brother's dance moves and said he was looking forward to finding “talented and inspiring dancers” in the UK.

Commissioning executive editor Karl Warner said the programme wanted to hear from anyone who had been inspired by the star's famous routines.

The auditions, which will take place in October, are open to anyone aged 16 and over.

The six-part series is due to air later this year.

This Date In Music History-October 3

Birthdays:

Chubby Checker (real name Ernest Evans) (1941)

Antonio Martinez - Los Bravos (1945)

Lindsay Buckingham - Fleetwood Mac (1947)

Ronnie Laws - Earth Wind and Fire (1950)

Blues singer/guitarist, Keb' Mo' (1951)

Tommy Lee - Motley Crue (1961)

Gwen Stefani - No Doubt (1969)

Kevin Richardson - Backstreet Boys (1971)

India Arie Simpson (1975)

Jake Shears - Scissor Sisters (1978)

Ashlee Simpson (1984)


They Are Missed:

Singer, songwriter Woody Guthrie died in 1967 after suffering from Huntington's Chorea disease. Guthrie was a major influence on Bob Dylan and American folk music. The 70's film 'Bound For Glory' is based on his life.

Born on this day in 1938, rockabilly pioneer Eddie Cochran. Killed in a car crash on April 17, 1960 (age 21).



Born today in 1954, Stevie Ray Vaughan, guitarist. He was killed in a helicopter crash on August 27th 1990. His family successfully sued the operators of the company for allowing an unqualified pilot to fly in fog and were awarded $2 million.

Mississippi acoustic bluesman Skip James died in 1969 (age 67). He was best known for his song "I'm So Glad," which was covered by Cream.

Benjamin Orr, singer and bassist for the Cars, died of cancer in 2000. He was 53.

Original guitarist, vocalist Darryl DeLoach from the psychedelic rock band Iron Butterfly died of liver cancer in 2002 (age 56).

Brazilian singer Emilinha Borba died from a heart attack in 2005 (age 82). From the 1930s to 1960s, Borba sang carnival anthems and was dubbed "the queen of Brazil's golden age of radio."

In 2008, singer, producer and songwriter Johnny J (Johnny Jackson) died after jumping from a tier in a Los Angeles jail while serving a sentence for driving under the influence. He produced Tupac Shakur's albums "All Eyez on Me" and "Me Against the World," as well as many of Shakur's subsequent posthumous albums.


History:

The Victor Talking Machine Company was incorporated in 1901, after a merger with Radio Corporation of America the company became RCA-Victor.

A ten-year old Elvis Presley made his first public appearance in a talent show at the Mississippi-Alabama Dairy Show in 1945, singing "Old Shep." He won 2nd place and 5 dollars.

The first "Adventures Of Ozzie & Harriet" TV show (with son Ricky Nelson) began a 14-year run on ABC in 1952.

The Biggest Show Of Stars 1958 Tour kicked off at the Worcester Auditorium in Worcester, Massachusetts. This edition featured Buddy Holly, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Darin, The Olympics, Dion & The Belmonts, Bobby Freeman, The Elegants, Jimmy Clanton, The Danleers, Duane Eddy, Clyde McPhatter and The Coasters.

In 1961, Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose, and Hank Williams became the first to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The Animals' self-titled album entered the LP chart in 1964. It contained their #1 hit, "House Of The Rising Sun."

The Supremes' "Baby Love" entered the Hot 100 in 1964. It stayed on the charts for thirteen weeks, becoming their second #1 release in a row.

In 1968, working at Trident Studios in London, the Beatles recorded the new George Harrison song "Savoy Truffle." George, Paul, and Ringo recorded just one take of the basic track (drums, bass, and lead guitar). The song was inspired by Eric Clapton's love of chocolates, particularly Mackintosh's Good News.

In 1970, former Cream bassist Jack Bruce joins ex-Miles Davis sidemen John McLaughlin, Larry Young and Tony Williams to form one of the first jazz-rock fusion groups, Lifetime.

Ann-Margret hosts the posthumous "Elvis In Concert" TV special that aired on CBS in 1977.

In 1978, the members of Aerosmith bailed thirty fans out of jail after they were arrested for smoking pot during an Aerosmith concert at Fort Wayne Coliseum. Where were they when I got busted at one of their concerts?

Aerosmith's 'Greatest Hits' collection was released in 1980. It remains their best-selling album to date, having sold 10 million copies.

Bruce Springsteen launched his US tour in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1980. He forgot the words to his opening number "Born To Run."

In 1987, Aerosmith's comeback LP, Permanent Vacation enters the chart. The LP contains the hits "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)," "Rag Doll" and "Angel."

Pink Floyd's first album without Roger Waters, A Momentary Lapse Of Reason, entered the LP chart in 1987.

The posthumous John Lennon documentary film, "Imagine" premiered in Hollywood in 1988.

David Bowie's Sound + Vision box set was released in 1989.

In 1990, a storeowner in Florida was found guilty of distributing obscene material. The material in question was 2 Live Crew's "As Nasty As They Wanna Be" album. The man was later fined $1,000.

In 1992, Sinead O'Connor ripped up a photograph of Pope John Paul II, on the US TV show 'Saturday Night Live', in a protest at abortion laws. The incident happened as Sinead ended her live performance and out of nowhere, produced a photograph of Pope John Paul II, which she ripped into pieces. There was stunned silence in the studio and the station went to a commercial. NBC was fined $2.5 million dollars by the Federal Communications Commission.

With classic songs “Wonderwall” and “Champagne Supernova,” Oasis released their “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory” album in 1995.

In 1996, Van Halen fired David Lee Roth again. The band and Roth had gotten back together in June after an 11 year separation to record a couple of songs for the group's greatest hits package. Roth faxed an open letter to the press saying his appearance on MTV with the band was a publicity stunt orchestrated by the band, and that the other members had no intentions of letting him back in.

In 1997, a court battle started between Garth Brooks and Warren G over the trademark of the letter 'G' which both artists used. The dispute was settled out of court the following year.

Eve was at #1 on the US album chart in 1999 with ‘Let There Be...Eve.’

In 2000, Mark David Chapman was denied parole by the New York State Board of Parole. Chapman had been sentenced to life for the murder of John Lennon on December 8, 1980. Good, let him rot and die there.

School of Rock, starring Tenacious D's Jack Black, opened in theatres around the country in 2003. Black plays a would-be rock god who tries to make a living as a substitute teacher.

In 2003, complaining about how sex is marketed to teens at a conference on domestic violence, the wife of Maryland's Governor Robert Ehrlich says, "if I had an opportunity to shoot Britney Spears, I think I would." Oops he did it again (foot in mouth)

Vinyl Collective Top 40 Sales for September 2009

Stop by www.vinylcollective.com and pick up some great vinyl!

1 WHATEVER 666 copies
2 Suburban Home Chad Price Fall/Winter Sampler DIGITAL ALBUM (mp3) 226 copies (After just one day)
3 FRANK TURNER “The First Three Years” dbl LP red w/ white splatter vinyl 100 copies
4 CHUCK RAGAN “Gold Country” LP black vinyl 56 copies
5 AUSTIN LUCAS “Somebody Loves You” LP silkscreened tour-edition black vinyl 53 copies
6 THE SWELLERS “Welcome Back Riders” 7″ black vinyl 50 copies
7 Suburban Home Pick 5 for $25 Sale + 5 FREE CDs (CDs, Vinyl, Pint Glasses) 38 copies
8 LIZZIE HUFFMAN AND HER BROTHER BAND “S/T” 10″ red/burgandy vinyl 36 copies
9 CHUCK RAGAN “Break Our Bread” 7 34 copies
10 HEAVY HEAVY LOW LOW “Turtle Nipple…” LP brown/pink 33 copies
11 CHAD PRICE “Smile Sweet Face” CD 30 copies
11 MURDER BY DEATH “Finch: Instrumental Album” 10″green vinyl 30 copies
13 CHUCK RAGAN/ BRIAN FALLON “Gospel Songs” 7″ white vinyl 29 copies
14 CHUCK RAGAN/ BRIAN FALLON “Gospel Songs” 7″ brown vinyl VC exclusive color 27 copies
14 EVERY TIME I DIE “Hot Damn” LP silver/black 27 copies
16 EVERY TIME I DIE Big Dirty LP purple w/ black splatter 26 copies
16 HEAVY HEARTED “S/T” 7″ mixed color vinyl 26 copies
18 ANDREW JACKSON JIHAD “Can’t Maintain” LP pink vinyl 25 copies
18 A WILHELM SCREAM “Mute Print” LP mustard yellow vinyl 25 copies
20 TEENAGE BOTTLEROCKET “They Came From The Shadows” LP 24 copies
21 EVERY TIME I DIE “Gutter Phenomenon” LP pink/black 23 copies
21 NINJA GUN/ FAKE PROBLEMS split 7″ clear vinyl 23 copies
23 I Celebrate Their Entire Catalog SH sale (CDs, T-shirt) 22 copies
23 THE GET UP KIDS “Something To Write Home About” LP pink vinyl 22 copies
25 EVERY TIME I DIE “New Junk Aesthetic” LP 21 copies
25 TIM BARRY/ FRANK TURNER split 7″ black vinyl 21 copies
25 12” Record Jacket Sleeve. Fits over album jacket. 21 copies
25 PULLEY “Time Insensitive Material” LP space green vinyl 21 copies
29 CITY AND COLOUR “Sleeping Sickness” 7″ 20 copies
29 7” Record Jacket Sleeves (20) 7-1/4″ x 7-1/4 20 copies
29 POLAR BEAR CLUB “Chasing Hamburg” LP color vinyl 20 copies
29 THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM/ MURDER BY DEATH “The Offical US Tour Fall 2009″ POSTER 20 copies
29 RYAN’S HOPE “Apocalypse In Increments” LP red vinyl 20 copies
34 THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM “The 59 Sound” 7″ (RE-RELEASE)19copies
34 CHAD PRICE “Smile Sweet Face? LP Transparent Brown vinyl 19 copies
36 FRANK TURNER “Campfire Punkrock” 10″ yellow vinyl 18 copies
36 THE SWELLERS “Welcome Back Riders” 7″ pink w/ blue splatter vinyl 18 copies
38 NINJA GUN/ FAKE PROBLEMS split 7″ white vinyl 17 copies
38 AUSTIN LUCAS/ THE TAKERS split 7″ frosty blue vinyl 17 copies
40 THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM “The 59 Sound” LP black vinyl 16 copies
40 APPLESEED CAST “Two Conversations” LP monster electric green vinyl 16 copies
40 GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV “This Empty Northern Hemisphere” LP brown vinyl 16 copies
43 AUSTIN LUCAS “Putting The Hammer Down” LP black vinyl 15 copies
43 DRAG THE RIVER “Get Drunk” Pint Glass 15 copies
43 JOSH SMALL “Tall by Josh Small” double LP frosty green vinyl 15 copies
43 POISON THE WELL “The Tropic Rot” dbl LP tan vinyl 15 copies