Monday, November 2, 2009

Catalog Your Vinyl Record Collection With Easy To Use Software

Written By Robert Benson


We love our music. Some prefer the historic audio medium of vinyl records; some enjoy the digital music that surrounds us everyday. No matter what medium you prefer, if you have a collection it is very important to document it. Not only for insurance purposes, but to also keep track of exactly what you have or may be looking for.

There are many software applications available today that claim to be the best for cataloging and documenting a record collection, some may even use an Excel spreadsheet. But, I have found the ultimate application, one that is very user friendly and accomplishes the difficult task of cataloging a record collection.

I recently spoke with Matt Trush, who operates the website http://analogapartment.com. Analog Apartment is a place for people who love collecting and experiencing their music on vinyl and is a site that is designed to help you mange your record collection. Now you can keep track of what you have and what you want in a simple, elegant web application.

Let’s learn more about the program and how it can help you:

What made you design the program, had you tried others on the market?

I just wanted something that was simpler, cleaner and more personal than keeping a list in a spreadsheet. I have seen and tried several other programs but most of them seemed to have more features than I needed and looked more like a business application.

What kind of computer background do you have?

My grandfather introduced me to computers and programming when I was 9 and I've been hooked on building products ever since. When I went to university, I initially majored in Computer Science but switched to the MIS / Business after a late night battle with code. Overall, I wanted to design products and experiences much more than I wanted code.

Tibi Ballai, a good friend of mine and the other half of Analog Apartment, is the real genius behind the technology. I design the front-end experience in Flex and he makes it work.

I signed up for the product and fell in love with it in a matter of minutes. I didn’t really see any directions – yet it is put together so well, there are really none needed, just click a few buttons and then you can see what you can do with it. Was this purposely done, can you elaborate on the design functions and ideas behind them?

That's the goal of any product we design. Great products have a way of walking you through the product and keeping it as intuitive as possible. We wanted to keep everything simple and clean - more like a personalized collection kiosk than a spreadsheet or database.

The grading system that you incorporated into the program, is this the standard Goldmine system? Do you have any plans to change that?

It is and yes, we do have plans to make the interface more flexible to the different types of information people want to collect about their records. Some people want to track catalog numbers, genres, labels, sizes, condition, and value whereas others just want the basics.

The fields we have in there today are there because they help capture what is unique about your particular copy.

You have a column for ‘purchased at’ and the date purchased, why as a collector do you think this is important?

For some it's important and for others it's not. I used to be really good at remembering where I got my records. As my collection grew, I wanted to keep track of where and when I got my records to give me an idea of how my collection has evolved and what places helped me get there.

It is so easy to navigate around the program with the + and = signs, any plans to incorporate new buttons or functions?

Absolutely, but we never want to add features just for the sake of saying we have them. Our goal is to enhance the collecting experience and not weigh people down with a clunky piece of software.

We recently launched wishlists, album cover art view, and a filter feature so you can easily find records based on the information you've entered. Next, we'll be looking to add features that allow you to share your collections and wishlists with others.

I love the notes section, will you incorporate and vinyl cover art into the program? Regarding the notes section, what can that be used for?

Personally, I use the notes section to keep track of favorite tracks, lyrics, and information about my experiences with the album and artist.

It is also great for capturing information about an album where we do not have a dedicated field. With the new filter feature, one can locate records based on anything that is entered in notes. It's really flexible.

With respect to cover art, we will look to expand this functionality down the line. Right now, we just wanted to make it easy for people to add an image to associate with an album.

We just launched some updates to our record collecting app, my.analogapartment.com.

In this update, we focused on making it easy to keep track of the records you have AND the records you want. We even added a handy print feature so you can take your wishlist with you to the local stores, record fairs, and garage/stoop sales.

Is there any way to take the data that I enter and copy it to another program like Excel or Word? (A copy and paste feature?)

Right now, we don't have a feature to pull the data into Excel or Word but I have received requests to do this. We will probably build it into the program. If anyone wants an Excel or Word file with their collection information in it, they can shoot me an email and I'll be happy to export their data from the database.

The flipside, we also want people to be able to upload a list of albums into Analog Apartment. For people that already keep track of their collection in Excel or another program, we don't want them to have to enter each album individually. Just like exporting, we're happy to import a collection from a spreadsheet into My Analog Apartment on behalf of the user.

Right now, the program is available as a free download. You will be amazed at just how easy it is to document and catalog your record collection using this simple software. It was developed by record collectors- for record collectors and is the best one available on the market today and I highly recommend stopping by and giving it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Beatles Vinyl Remasters On The Way!

I'd like to thank friend Norm at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com and Counter Clock Records for bringing this to my attention. I would guess we were all wondering not if, but when, this blessed event would happen. Now, in my opinion, I would hope that they just leave everything alone, no changing the cuts, leave them as is. Any thoughts?


The Beatles' back catalogue will be reissued on vinyl, says Jeff Jones, Chief Executive of Apple Corps.

Speaking exclusively to MOJO, Jones revealed that work on the next stage of the Beatles Remastered campaign is currently underway:

"We're working on them now," said Jones, "I don't have a release date. To put a release date next to them forces us into a situation where we're releasing something that might not be ready. "

The vinyl remasters will follow this year's stunning Mono and Stereo CD reissues, with the engineers at Abbey Road and Apple already hard at work:

"They are incredibly complicated in terms of getting the masters right and getting the packages right," added Jones. "How do you assemble them? How do you put them in a box? How much do they cost? We want to make sure we're doing it right and that people get real value from it."

Recordheads - you may officially begin salivating now. The Beatles vinyl remasters are on the way. No wait...Beatles vinyl remasters BOXSETS are on the way!


SOURCE: http://www.mojo4music.com

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales

Week Ending 10/31/2009

1. 45 - Soul Brothers Inc "Tear Drops" / "Don't Wait Too Long" Salem - $3,500.00

2. 45 - Frankie Beverly & The Butlers "Because Of My Heart" / "I Want To Feel I'm Wanted" Fairmount - $3,200.00

3. LP - Minor Threat "Out Of Step" test pressing silkscreened - $3,050.00

4. LP - Sonny Clark "Cool Struttin'" Blue Note Mono original - $3,002.00

5. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone UK Gold Black label 1st Stereo - $2,571.43

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

This Date In Music History-November 2

Birthdays:

Earl "Speedo" Carroll - Cadillacs/Coasters (1937)
David "Jay" Black - Jay and the Americans (1938)
Brian Poole - Tremeloes (1941)
Bruce Welch - Shadows (1941)
Keith Emerson - Emerson Lake and Palmer (1944)
John David Souther - Souther, Hillman, Furay Band (1945)
Dave Pegg - Fairport Convention (1947)
Maxine Nightingale (1952)
Chris Fairbrass - Right Said Fred (1956)
Carter Beauford - Dave Matthews Band (1957)
Matt Sorum - Guns n' Roses (1960)
k.d. lang (1961)
Dobby Dall - Poison (1965)
Reginald Arvizu - Korn (1969)
Chris Walla - Death Cab For Cutie (1975)
Nelly (Cornell Haynes Jr) (1979)


They Are Missed:

Influential bluesman Mississippi John Hurt died in 1966 (age 73). It was Hurt who wrote "Coffee Blues," the song that includes the phrase "lovin' spoonful."

Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz (better known as Ricky Ricardo) died in 1986.

Singer/songwriter Mort Shuman died in 1991 (age 52). He wrote songs for Elvis Presley and Janis Joplin, among others.


History:

Tennessee Ernie Ford's "Sixteen Tons" first appeared on the charts in 1955. It will become one of the biggest selling singles of its time.

In 1956, police used tear gas to break up a riot that broke out during a Fats Domino concert in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Fats and three of his sidemen suffer minor injuries.

The Elvis Presley film "Girls! Girls! Girls!" premiered in 1962.

After complaining, to no avail, that the go-go dancers surrounding him on stage were distracting him, Dion walked off stage during a live taping of his performance for the British television show "Ready, Steady, Go" in London in 1963. Prima Donna.

The Beach Boys' "Be True To Your School" was released in 1963.

Peter Paul and Mary started a five week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1963 with "In The Wind" the group's second #1.

In 1967, the Beatles completed recording their next single "Hello Goodbye" at Abbey Road studios London with a second Paul McCartney bass line. The McCartney song had been selected for the A-side for The Beatles next single, the flip side to be Lennon’s "I Am the Walrus."

Stevie Wonder's "For Once In My Life" was released in 1968.

The avant-garde film "Sympathy for the Devil" premiered in San Francisco in 1969. It showed, among other things, the Rolling Stones in the studio recording the title song.

Columbia released Bob Dylan's "Greatest Hits Volume 2" in 1971.

Ringo Starr released his star-studded album "Ringo" in 1973. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison all performed on the record.

In 1974, George Harrison opened his North American tour in Vancouver, the first-ever solo tour by a Beatle and the first time Harrison himself had hit the road since 1966.

Crosby Stills Nash & Young went to #1 on the US album chart in 1974 with "So Far," the group's third US #1.

Stevie Wonder went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1974 with "You Haven't Done Nothin," the singers fourth US #1. It featured The Jackson Five on backing vocals.

The movie version of the Who's Quadrophenia, which features Sting, opened in 1979.

Stevie Wonder went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1985 with "Part-time Lover," his 9th US #1 hit.

The TV soundtrack from Miami Vice went to #1 on the US album chart in 1985. It spent a total of 11 weeks at #1.

"The Yellow Shark," an album of Frank Zappa conducting the Ensemble Modern, who perform 19 of his compositions, was released in 1993. It is the last album by Zappa released in his lifetime.

The Counting Crows went to #1 on the US album chart in 1996 with "Recovering From Satellites."

In 2002, armed police arrested an international gang who were planning to kidnap former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and her two young children. The gang had planned to ransom Victoria for £5m.

John Lennon's 17-track "Acoustic," album was released in 2004. The set featured "Working Class Hero" and "Watching The Wheels."



Led Zeppelin's eagerly-awaited reunion concert in London in 2007 was postponed for two weeks after guitarist Jimmy Page broke a finger. The tribute concert in honour of late Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun scheduled for November 26 would now take place on December 10. More than a million fans applied for the 20,000 tickets available, which cost £125 each. Profits from the show would go towards scholarships in Ertegun's name in the UK, USA and the country of his birth Turkey.

In 2007, Ozzy Osbourne claimed his reputation had been tarnished after a party supposedly involving him was organised by US police officers to round up missing criminal suspects. Over 500 people in North Dakota with outstanding arrest warrants were sent invitations and more than 30 suspects turned up. Osbourne said it was "insulting" that his name had been used but police argued it was a "creative" way to fight crime. Ozzy had been selected because he was due to play a gig in a nearby arena, which was used to explain why he would supposedly have attending the party.

Music News & Notes

Them Crooked Vultures Reveals New, Self-Titled Album Details

Them Crooked Vultures, feathring Dave Grohl, Joshua Homme and John Paul Jones, has confirmed November 17 as the release date of their eponymous debut album in the United States and Canada on DGC/Interscope Records. The self-produced 13-song record will feature first single "New Fang" as well as the debut of the studio versions of the material Them Crooked Vultures unveiled at their August 9 debut at Chicago's Cabaret Metro and played on a first series of shows throughout a handful of UK and European cities and portions of the eastern U.S.

A string of teaser videos have also been released by the band in anticipation for the November 17 release. Through their YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/themcrookedvultures fans have had the chance to preview "Scumbag Blues," "No One Loves Me & Neither Do I" (studio / animated), "Elephants" as well as the full version of "New Fang."

The band have also announced the first ever shows in California and the Pacific Northwest: November 17 at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, November 19 at the Fox Theater in Oakland, November 21 at the Paramount Theater in Seattle, and November 22 at the Roseland Theater in Portland.

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Slayer Postpones Canadian Carnage, Jimmy Kimmel Appearance Due To Vocalist's Back Injury

Slayer has announced the postponement of its "Canadian Carnage" tour with Megadeth, which was due to begin on November 8. In addition, the band announces the postponement of its appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," which had been set for this Wednesday, November 4. More information will be released shortly regarding the rescheduling of the Canadian dates, as well as the 'Kimmel' appearance.

Slayer's Tom Araya is currently under the care of a specialist for a back injury, thought to be related to his on-stage activity, and the physician has ordered an immediate surgical procedure to take place in Texas tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

"What is foremost in our minds right now is that Tom do whatever he needs to to get this taken care of," said Slayer's Kerry King. "While all four of us are disappointed that we won't be able to see through all of our commitments set for the next few weeks, the most important thing is Tom's health. We thank the fans in Canada and here in L.A., the Megadeth camp, and everyone associated with 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' for their understanding. We look forward to seeing you all soon."

Slayer's Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman and Dave Lombardo are looking forward to meeting their fans at a previously announced in-store appearance this Wednesday, November 4 at 3:30PM at the Hot Topic store located at the Hollywood and Highland complex. Slayer's "World Painted Blood" is released tomorrow, November 3.

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Hall Honors Rap

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is putting the focus on the song that brought rap to the mainstream from January 29 to 31 as they present The 30th Anniversary of Rapper's Delight - The Past, Present and Future of Hip-Hop Tribute Concert. The Hall has already announced that Wonder Mike and Master Gee of the Sugarhill Gang will be performing and they are expecting other icons of the genre to also participate.

Although rap music had been around for many years, it was Rapper's Delight by the Sugarhill Gang that gave the genre it's first international exposure. The record went to number 36 on the U.S. Singles, number 4 on the R&B and number 3 on the U.K. Singles charts.

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AGNOSTIC FRONT: More 'Victim In Pain' Reissue Details Revealed

One of the greatest genre-defining hardcore bands of all time, AGNOSTIC FRONT has changed the face of music throughout their 25 year long career. The two records that started it all, "United Blood" and "Victim in Pain", are legendary New York hardcore releases and some of the most sought-after pieces of vinyl for record collectors. Finally, these two releases are coming back to life via Bridge Nine Records.

On November 17, 2009, Bridge Nine will release a CD version with both albums combined, and additionally will re-release "United Blood" on 7" and "Victim in Pain" on 12" LP. "Victim In Pain" has been given extra special treatment, with a gatefold LP cover, complete with a dirty gold metallic ink and embossed logo and title. The gatefold opens up to the original handwritten layout of the first pressing, and the original cover — which was subsequently censored — is printed full size on the front and back of the dust sleeve. "United Blood" has a similar metallic ink and embossed logo front cover, and also has the original cover design printed in black and white on the enclosed dust jacket. Gold vinyl is the limited color, and comes first-come-first-served with each package deal. Packages include a 12"x18" poster and a limited edition "Victim In Pain" t-shirt. Both are also available to the first few people who elect to grab the "all three" or "all six" vinyl package deals. Orders will ship prior to street date. Want it on CD? Get the 21-track disc featuring both recordings.

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Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' Tops US Box Office After taking $21million...

Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' has topped the box office in the US after its first week of release.

The film has grossed an impressive $21million in its first five days of release since it premièred last Wednesday (October 28), knocking low budget horror movie 'Paranormal Activity' from number one.

It has now notched up sales of $101million globally since its release.

Thanks to its huge success, Sony Pictures have extended 'This Is It's original two week run to a whole month. It's now scheduled to finish at cinemas on November 29.

Sony Pictures also confirmed last Thursday that it planned to submit the movie in the Best Picture category.

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The Stooges plot full reunion tour for 2010

We already know that The Stooges (sans guitarist Ron Asheton) will be reuniting in 2010. We already know that this reunion will include two performances at London’s Hammersmith Apollo in May as well as an appearance at ATP New York. What we didn’t know, until today (courtesy of a newly published interview with BBC 6), is that Iggy Pop and Co. will make their reunion quite the extensive affair.

According to the frontman, the band, which recently began rehearsing together, will launch its comeback at yet-to-be-announced date in Brazil in the “coming weeks.” Then, what is being described as a “full tour” will follow next year.

No word on what exactly this “full tour” will include, but we’re guessing they’ll be plenty of opportunities to spend your money in the year ahead.

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Aggronautix To Release Limited Edition Figures Of Descendents' Milo, GG Allin "Extra Filthy Bloody"


Aggronautix is releasing a limited-edition figure of everyone's favorite pop punker, Milo of the Descendents (1000 numbered). This replica of the charismatic frontman stands at 7 inches tall, and is made of a lightweight polyresin. Displayed in a a black and blue tri-windowed box, Milo is portrayed in action and comes complete with his trademark nerd glasses and bitchin' stage stance.

"Wow, I can't believe it's happening," said Milo. "This is like the pinnacle of success for me; it's up there with the Playboy interview and Vans shoe!"

The figure will be distributed by MVD Entertainment Group - a company specializing in music-related distribution since 1986 - and DKE Toys - a wholesale distributor of urban/vinyl/designer art/objects/toys/figurines.

Milo is the fourth punk personality to be polyresinated by Aggronautix. In May of 2009, the company launched with a highly popular GG Allin "1991" figure, which was limited to 2000 numbered units. That figure has since sold out, making way for the ultra-limited "Extra Filthy Bloody" Edition.

The "Extra Filthy Bloody" Edition is a striking representation of GG Allin circa 1991 with added crud, blood, and cuts. The figure, limited to 500 numbered units, stands at 7 inches tall and is made of a lightweight polyresin. Loaded into a full color "splatter" box, here GG is accurately sculpted right down to the tattoos, and copious amounts of blood and filth.

Both figures will sell for $16.95 and are currently available for pre-order on the Aggronautix website. http://www.aggronautix.com/