Monday, October 19, 2009

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales-Week Ending 10/17/2009

1. LP - Minor Threat "Out Of Step" test pressing silkscreened - $5,899.99

2. LP - Leonid Kogan "Beethoven Violin Concerto" Columbia SAX 2386 UK Pressing - $4,610.00

3. LP - David Bowie "Ziggy Stardust" Acetate - $4,001.00

4. LP - Georges Enesco Bach Sonatas Continental - $3,300.00

5. LP - Devy Erlih "Bach Sonatas and Partitas for solo Violin" ADES France - $3,281.56

As always, a special thank you to Norm at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com for this great data. Stop in and listen to their unique radio show Accidental Nostalgia with Norm & Jane On Radio Dentata - 60 minutes of rare records and nugatory narration. Every Tuesday 4PM PT/7PM ET, Sunday 9AM PT/12PM ET & Monday 12AM PT/3AM ET

Music News & Notes

Abigail Williams deluxe reissue set for release

Candlelight Records today confirms two limited edition versions of Abigail Williams' popular debut album, "In the Shadow of a Thousand Suns." Set for release January 12, the special formats will kick off the band's first tour of 2010, their fifth in support of the album. The deluxe edition will feature a bonus disc containing five previously unavailable tracks plus the band's video for the song "Into the Ashes." Limited to 1000 copies, the vinyl pressing has been a request of fans since the album's late-2008 release.

Discussing the deluxe edition, vocalist/guitarist Sorceron reveals, "the first song, 'I Am (God)' is a new song that signifies the first collaboration between new keyboard player Alana and myself. 'In Death Comes the Great Silence' reveals a new direction that the band has been working towards over the last year while 'Infernal Divide' is another new song that once again redefines that Abigail Williams sound. This track was recorded quite raw and has a strong black metal influence. 'Waiting for the Rain' is a somber interlude we have been using a bit during live shows and the last track is the demo version of 'Floods.' I felt it was important to include this track because it captures the vibe of the song better than the album track; perhaps due to the work of original drummer Zack Gibson."

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Official Cover Art for John Mayer's 'Battle Studies'


John Mayer posts the cover art of his November 17 release 'Battle Studies' on Twitter.

An artwork which is set to be featured on the front cover of John Mayer's upcoming fourth studio album "Battle Studies" has been put forward on the singer's Twitter account. The picture shows a close-up look at him wearing dark-colored coat.

Previously, John stated about his interest to shoot the cover art while the album is still on the recording process. "I'd even like to have album artwork concepts while we're still recording. Why wait? Why not blow the album cover up to 8'x8' and record with it hung up on the wall?," he said.

"Battle Studies" is slated to come out across United States on November 17. Led by single "Who Says", the effort is described as "observations and a little bit of advice on relationships ... kind of like a heartbreak handbook". The album's release day will be marked by John's performance at Beacon Theatre in New York City.

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a-ha Call It Quits, Announcing Final World Tour

Reuniting in 1998 after 4 years in hiatus, a-ha confirm that they will split after finishing one last world tour in 2010. "As a consequence, a-ha will not be releasing any further albums in the future," it was announced on the band's official website.

"We've literally lived the ultimate boy's adventure tale, through a longer, more rewarding career than anyone could hope for," they said in a statement. "Doing this now will give us a chance to get more involved in other meaningful aspects of life, be it humanitarian work, politics, or whatever else - and of course through new constellations in the field of art and music."

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CAKE Goes Solar for New Album

CAKE, already regarded as one of the most principled, enduring, self-reliant and best-selling artists in post-alternative rock, are currently working on recording their sixth studio album, with an eco-twist: the new project is being written, rehearsed and recorded entirely with solar power. During the recording process, CAKE is sharing the results with their fans via a set of free ring tones--each based on a song from the upcoming album--released via the band’s mailing list.

CAKE teamed with Borrego Solar to convert their entire Sacramento recording studio into solar power. Their decision to record the new album entirely with solar power was made for both artistic and environmental reasons:

“It just seemed like the right thing to do,” says McCREA. “I believe in science, and science is telling us that we need to make adjustments. Living in California, it seemed like a waste not to take advantage of all the free electricity.” DIFIORE added; “We work in the spirit of cooperation, and when there is something like solar energy above your head, there is a little bit more levity added.”

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NEW YORK DOLLS' Steve Conte Releases New Solo Effort

New York Dolls' guitarist, Steve Conte, will be releasing a solo album timed with the New York Dolls' upcoming UK tour, which kicks off on December 2nd at the Cambridge Junction. The new album's "Steve Conte and the Crazy Truth" will be out on the Varese Sarabande label October 20 (November 30th in the UK) and features a guest appearance from Dolls' vocalist David Johansen on harmonica. Also on board, Catherine Russell (David Bowie), Nicki Richards (Madonna) on backing vocals, plus Danny Ray (Sylvain Sylvain, Johnny Thunder), Kiku Collins (Beyonce), Tom Timko (Stevie Wonder) on horns.

Says producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones), "There is very little genuine rock and roll out there at the moment, but Steve Conte has hit the nail on the head with this one."

Steve Conte joined the New York Dolls when Morrissey reunited the band at Meltdown Festival back in 2004 and Steve's continued play guitar on the New York Dolls' studio albums, "One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This (2006) and the Todd Rundgren recently produced "'Cause I Sez So" (2009).

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Elvis Presley's hair sells for $15,000

Elvis Presley's trimmed hair has sold for $15,000 at an auction of items related to the star.

The clump of hair, believed to have been shorn when the singer entered the US army in 1958, went under the hammer in Chicago.

Other items sold included a set of handkerchiefs used in live shows by Presley, which sold for $732 and one of his shirts, which went for $52,000, according to BBC News.

Also among the 200 lots, all of which were originally collected by late fan Gary Pepper, were wedding photos of Presley's marriage – these were auctioned for $6,000.

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Billy Corgan to give away new Smashing Pumpkings songs for free

The 44 tracks which make up 'Teargarden By Kaleidyscope' will released one by one

Billy Corgan has announced that he will be releasing the next Smashing Pumpkins LP, 'Teargarden by Kaleidyscope', a track at a time.

The collection of 44 songs will be given away for free, with the first song being made available around the end of October.

The songs will eventually be physically released but this will not be in album form, but in the shape of 11 EPs of four songs each.

"I want no limitations on what I can, and will do," said Corgan by way of explanation. "I think the size and shape of the traditional album is just morphing into something much more in the moment. Four songs at a time will mean I can give my heart over to the music fully without giving away my now happy life."

Corgan has not revealed the titles of any of the tracks on the album, but has revealed that "the first four songs are speaking a new language to me, rooted in the psychedelic music I love but still sounding quite modern and like the Pumpkins I long to hear".

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Buddy Holly - Not Fade Away: The Complete Studio Recordings And More

Release Date: October 30, 2009 (Through Hip-O site only)

Hip-O Select has done it again. They have assembled 203 tracks from the career of Buddy Holly into their new 6-CD set, providing every one of the tracks he recorded in the studio and a few extras. The music ranges from the earliest tracks he recorded between the ages of 12 and 15 through his work on Decca, Coral and Brunswick and his apartment tapes. Six of the tracks are from an August 1955 session and have never been released. An additional eleven have never been on any album in the U.S.

Also in the package is a yearbook size 80-page book with rare recording, session-by-session recording information and liner notes by Billy Altman and Bill Dahl.

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The Prodigy To Release Three-Disc Version Of 'Invaders Must Die'

The Prodigy have announced full details of a three-disc special-edition version of their latest album 'Invaders Must Die'.

Released on November 9th, the two CDs feature the original album plus live tracks, rarities and a plethora of remixes from the likes of Josh Homme, Benga, Chase & Status, Herve and Bang Gang.

The accompanying DVD is a mix of official promo videos and live footage from the Braintree outfit's sprawling world tour. As well as all this you get a 48-page booklet.

This Date In Music History-October 19

Birthdays:

George McCrae (1944)
Jeannie C Riley (1945)
Patrick Simmons - Doobie Brothers (1945)
Keith Reid - Procol Harum (1946)
Wilbert Hart - Delfonics (1947)
Nino DeFranco - DeFranco Family (1956)
Karl Wallinger - Waterboys (1957)
Dan Woodgate - Madness (1960)
Texan soul singer Jennifer Holliday (1960)
Todd Park Mohr - Big Head Todd and the Monsters (1965)
Michel, Pras - The Fugees (1972)
Pete Loeffler - Chevelle (1976)


They Are Missed:

Moses Asch, founder of the Folkways record label, died in 1986 (age 80). The legendary label released records by Woody Guthrie, John Cage, and even the Fugs.

Blues great Son House (real name Eddie James House, Jr.) died in Detroit, MI in 1988.

Born today in 1944, Peter Tosh, guitar, vocals, The Wailers. Tosh was murdered by burglars at his home on September 11, 1987.

Alan Murphy, guitarist with Level 42, died of pneumonia related to aids in 1989. Murphy also worked with Kate Bush, Go West and Mike & the Mechanics.

African-American jazz trumpeter Don Cherry died of liver failure in 1995 (age 58). Developed the genre of world fusion music, incorporating influences of Middle Eastern, traditional African, and Indian music into his playing. Is the stepfather to singer’s musicians Neneh Cherry and Eagle-Eye Cherry.

Guitarist Glen Buxton died from pneumonia in 1997 (age 49). Member of the Alice Cooper Band, he co-wrote their hits "School's Out" and "Elected."


History:

A sixteen-year-old Ritchie Valens made his performing debut in 1957 with a nine-piece group called the Silhouettes.

Brenda Lee cuts the seasonal standard “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” in 1958. It failed to chart upon its initial release but does make the charts as a re-release in three subsequent Decembers: 1960 (#14), 1961 (#50) and 1962 (#59).

The Beatles recorded "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" in 1963.

The Yardbirds arrived in New York for their first US tour in 1966, with Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page on lead guitars. Two days later, Beck left the tour and the band, and went on to form a new group with Rod Stewart and Ron Wood.

Tamla-Motown released Smokey Robinson & the Miracles "I Second That Emotion" in 1967. The record climbs to #4 on the pop chart and #1 on the R&B, making it their biggest hit since "Shop Around" in 1960.

In 1967, the Beatles finished guitar and vocal parts for their next single "Hello Goodbye" at Abbey Road studio’s London.

In 1968, at the invitation of Small Faces singer/guitarist Steve Marriott, singer/guitarist Peter Frampton of the Herd joins the Small Faces during a performance in London. This sets the stage for Humble Pie, the group Marriott and Frampton leave their respective groups to form.

Led Zeppelin II was released in 1969.

David Bowie released "Pin Ups" in 1973, a collection of mid-Sixties song covers. Posing next to Bowie on the cover is model Twiggy.

Bachman Turner Overdrive went to #1 on the US album chart in 1974 with "Not Fragile."

Billy Preston went to #1 in 1974 with "Nothing From Nothing," the singers second and last #1.



Damn the Torpedoes, the long-awaited third album by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, was released in 1979. A rock and roll milestone, it yields two hit singles – “Don’t Do Me Like That” (#10) and “Refugee” (#15) – and the classic-rock tracks “Here Comes My Girl” and “Even the Losers.”

Prince's second album "Prince" was released in 1979.

A-Ha went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1985 with "Take On Me," making them the first Norwegian group to score a US #1.

Pearl Jam released their second album Vs. in 1993, it topped the chart the following week.

Nirvana were at #1 on the US album chart in 1995 with "The Muddy Banks Of The Wishkah."

Ludacris was at #1 on the US album chart in 2003 with "Chicken and Beer’ the rappers first US #1.

“Words & Music: John Mellenccamp’s Greatest Hits” was released in 2004. The set covers Mellencamp’s career from 1979 - 2004, with two new songs, "Walk Tall" and "Thank You" (both produced by Mellencamp and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds).

In 2004, Artemis Records issued a tribute to the late Warren Zevon, "Enjoy Every Sandwich: The Songs of Warren Zevon." The album features Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Don Henley and The Pixies. "Studebaker" is performed by Zevon`s son, Jordan and Jakob Dylan.