Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Vinyl is Back: Records Rise in Popularity, Staples Students On Board

Melanie Mignucci ‘12
Video Editor


A display of the many records Sally’s Place offers to audiophiles. Located in downtown Westport, Sally’s Place caters to a wide variety of different genres of music. Sales for vinyl records have increased in recent years. Photo By Melanie Mignucci '12


Vinyl records, the dinosaur of the music industry, may instead be the next big thing—again.

Records have enjoyed a substantial jump in sales in recent years. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), 2.9 million units were shipped in 2008.

Official statistics from the RIAA show that the share of the market dominated by vinyl LPs jumped from .7 percent to 1 percent in 2008, while CD sales suffered a decrease of 4.8 percent.

This data suggests that more people are slowly embracing the older but higher quality technology.

Records have been around since the 1920s, but were made obsolete in the late 1980s by the rise of digital media—cheaper, smaller and faster, but of much lesser quality.

Even with the pops and crackles, the imperfections of vinyl records make them sound perfect to the human ear. For this reason, the high sound quality of records makes them highly desirable among audiophiles.

Vinyl “feels more valuable,” according to everyday listener Grace McGovern ’11. “You don’t sit down and listen to one song on a record, but an entire record. It’s an experience.”

The experience of listening to vinyl has an anachronistic appeal, especially for younger generations obsessed with what McGovern calls “vintage technology.”

A Dec. 2008 article in “New York Magazine” described the experience of record shopping and listening as “the thrill of discovery,” another appeal for would–be record collectors.

Mikey Holmes ’10 was originally attracted to records because of “the ability to go to record stores and find obscure, independently released music that was most likely heard by a fairly small audience.”

Like a cult film, vinyl’s rise in popularity can be attributed to the relatively small audience and niche factor. McGovern said that records attract independent music supporters because “more independent bands have been producing on vinyl.”

Indie bands may be producing their own records, but even mainstream hits can be found on vinyl. The novelty and the thrill of discovery is not all that is propelling its success.

Elizabeth Rubel ’10 has been listening to vinyl for her entire life. She attributed this to her father’s love of vinyl.

“My father always had a turntable in our stereo system,” Rubel said. “I got into classic rock from listening to his records. A few years back I started collecting myself.”

Rubel’s collection includes albums like Elvis Costello and The Smiths, or “newer albums, like the Shins or Phoenix.” She estimates her collection of records to be around 150, with more boxes of them in the attic.

Records are easily available from boxes in the attic, online, thrift stores, and even downtown Westport.

Sally’s Place, located just beyond the far end of Main Street, has been in business for “hundreds of years,” in owner Sally White’s words.

When asked to identify the reason behind the current trend in vinyl sales, White had a singular opinion as to what allows vinyl to make a comeback.

“The sound. Absolutely the sound,” White said. “Everyone thinks digital is going to make it

big but the analog sound is what the kids want.”

Clearly, the convenience of digital music does not make up for the high sound quality and the whole experience of listening to vinyl.

The data and the testimonies of listeners point towards the future; people are looking at vinyl records as a serious music source, and not a hip throwback. Consumers in the future will be making more purchases based upon quality and lasting value, as opposed to novelty, if this trend continues.

Vinyl’s rise in popularity shows that consumers are slowly rediscovering the benefits of better quality music and experiential listening.

Record-Mendations
Petey Menz ‘11
News Editor

Best Album To Get On Vinyl

Let’s be honest—there are really only two reasons you buy vinyl. You want to look cool, or you like the sound better. Serge Gainsbourg’s classic LP Histoire de Melody Nelson will fulfill both of those goals; it’s smooth, it’s funky, it’s menacing, and it’s got the finest bass sound ever heard in France.

Great Places to Get Vinyl

Sally’s Place, Westport, Conn.
Goodwill, Westport, Conn.
Hospital Productions, NYC

But if that’s what you groove to, this place is your paradise, with a wide selection of LPs featuring everything from Brooklyn sonic adventurers Black Dice to New Zealand improvisational group the Dead C.

If you’re not into noise music- not noise pop, not noisy rock and roll, but straight up noise music- you’ll probably want to stay away from this place, where the clerk blasts Japanese ambient noise and modified guitars hang on the walls. – Again, convenient for Stapleites and cheaper than anything else. And if you can stand sifting through a million Olivia Newton-John records, you’ll reap great rewards; I’ve picked up some great Sly & the Family Stone records here, as well as a few novelty LPs that were too great to pass up- Mickey Mouse Disco, anyone? – Convenient for Stapleites, modestly priced, and has a varied and surprising selection. I’ve gotten everything from old Who LPs to bizarre funk soundtracks there.

SOURCE: http://www.inklingsnews.com/archives/4571#bookmarks

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 22, 2010


DEAR JERRY: I learned much from your column on Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphony, “Pathetique,” and all the songs based on his composition.

Which leads me to ask if any of Elvis Presley's songs are also based on classical pieces created by the masters? Some sound like they might.

I know some of his hits have European origins but may be too recent to be considered classical in the Tchaikovsky and Bach sense. But which ones?
—Caroline Cammareri, York, Pa.


DEAR CAROLINE: Many music lovers recognize an Elvis tune here and there as being either classical or European, or both (European classics). Still, not many can name them all.

Now you'll be among the few who can.

Elvis' first revival of the classics came during an April 28, 1960 Hollywood session, when he recorded “Tonight Is So Right for Love,” one of 11 tracks for the “G.I. Blues” soundtrack album.

The music behind Sid Wayne and Abner Silver's newly-written lyrics is Jacques Offenbach's “Barcarolle (Night of Stars),” also known as “A Venetian Boat Song.”

Then, in a surprising development for all concerned, a dispute over using “Barcarolle” in some European countries resulted in RCA asking Elvis and his band to return to the studio. They did on May 6th and, using pretty much the same lyrics as “Tonight Is So Right for Love,” replaced the Offenbach accompaniment with completely different orchestration.

Specifically for Europe, on records as well as in the “G.I. Blues” film, the replacement melody chosen is “Tales from Vienna Woods,” a renowned waltz by Johann Strauss.

To somewhat distinguish these two similar recordings, the Strauss version is titled “Tonight's All Right for Love.”

This oddity remained commercially unavailable in the U.S. until 1974, but is now easily found.

Presley's next classical endeavor is based on Franz Liszt's “Liebestraum.” With lyrics by Bill Giant, Bernie Baum, and Florence Kaye, this July '63 track came out as “Today, Tomorrow, and Forever,” and is on the “Viva Las Vegas” soundtrack.

One of songs recorded (June 1966) for the “Double Trouble” soundtrack is “I Love Only One Girl,” with words by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett. The bouncy melody, however, is “Au Prés De Ma Blonde,” courtesy of R.E.J. Milne.

The last one is based on Johannes Brahms' very familiar, self-titled “Brahms Lullaby.” In June '67, with words by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, this number became “Five Sleepyheads,” a lullaby on the “Speedway” soundtrack.

Now for the Presley tunes with European roots:

“It's Now Or Never”: Italian “O Solo Mio” (literally: “Oh My Sun”)
“Surrender”: Italian “Torna a Surriento” (literally: “Come Back to Sorrento”)
“Ask Me”: Italian “Io” (literally: “Me”)
“You Don't Have to Say You Love Me”: Italian “Io Che Non Vivo Senza Té” (literally: “I Who Don't Live Without You”)
“Softly, As I Leave You”: Italian “Piano” (literally: “Softly”)
“Santa Lucia”: Sung entirely in Italian (for “Viva Las Vegas” film)
“Can't Help Falling in Love” French “Plaisir d'Amour” (literally: “Pleasure of Love”)
“Almost Always True”: French “Alouette.”
“Let It Be Me”: French “Je t'Appartiens” (literally: “I Belong to You”)
“My Way”: French “Comme d'Habitude” (literally: “Like Usual”)
“What Now My Love”: French “Et Maintenamt” (literally: “And Now”)
“My Boy”: French “Parce Que Je t'aime Mon Enfant” (literally: “Because I Love You My Child”)
“No More”: Spanish “La Paloma” (literally: “The Dove”)
“Guadalajara”: Sung entirely in Spanish (about the capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco)
“Wooden Heart”: Sung partly in German, “Muss I denn” (literally: “Must I Then”)


IZ ZAT SO? Even RCA Victor at times found it difficult to make the distinction between “Tonight Is So Right for Love” (Offenbach) and “Tonight is All Right for Love” (Strauss).

Their first issue of “G.I. Blues” on CD (RCA/BMG 3735-2-R) came out with “Tonight is All Right for Love” mistakenly shown as “Tonight Is So Right for Love (Alternative Version)”.

Neither is an alternative take of the other. They are two completely different pieces of music, having only lyrics in common.

RCA's proofreader may have taken the day off, as this same CD incorrectly identifies “What's She Really Like” as “She's All Mine.”

Those three words exist in the lyrics but are not the title of this or any song by Elvis.


Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column.  Jerry's Question page: Ask your question here.   Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368


E-mail: jpo@olympus.net


Visit his Web site: http://www.jerryosborne.com/.

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


Copyright 2010 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Permission

Music News & Notes

DEFTONES Prepare to Release "DIAMOND EYES" This Spring

One of the most respected and enduring forces in modern rock music, DEFTONES are proud to announce the release of their long-awaited new album entitled DIAMOND EYES, scheduled for release May 18, 2010. The Grammy Award-winning, Platinum-certified band's 6th full-length, was produced and mixed by Nick Raskulinecz (Alice in Chains, Coheed & Cambria, Foo Fighters), and recorded and engineered by Paul "Fig" Figueroa (Alice in Chains, Bad Religion). As expected, DIAMOND EYES is a powerful combination of muscular impact and expansive and atmospheric clarity that propels DEFTONES through their ever-evolving new sonic terrain.

Beginning today, one brand new song from the album, "Rocket Skates," will become available online only for FREE via www.deftones.com. To accompany the track, a new lyric video will be available and viewable the same day at: youtube.com/deftones.

Then on April 17, "Rocket Skates" will be available for sale as an exclusive, limited edition 7" vinyl single pressing complete with picture sleeve in support of National Record Store Day. These will go fast so don't hesitate.

DEFTONES are also pleased to confirm a string of live shows scheduled for this spring as follows:

Sat April 24 Vive Latino Festival 2010 Mexico City, MEX
Sat May 22 Rock on The Range Fest Columbus, OH
Sat June 12 Download Fest Donnington Park, UK

More dates to be announced soon.

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Abbey Road studios win preservation order

LONDON (Reuters) - Abbey Road, the recording studios made famous by the Beatles, was designated a historic site by the government on Tuesday to protect the pop music shrine against any plans to radically alter it.

Reports last week that owners EMI were to sell the studios attracted worldwide interest and sparked fears the site might be converted into a residential development.

Culture Minister Margaret Hodge declared the iconic venue a Grade II listed building -- the second-highest category -- on the advice of national preservation body English Heritage.

In a statement she said the listing had been granted "overwhelmingly on the historic merit of the studios" and because of its "huge cultural importance."

The new status means that although changes to its interior can be made, any proposed alterations must respect the character and preservation of the site.

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Sting to Do World Tour With the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra

Live Nation has announced that Sting will embark on a world tour starting June 2, performing his most celebrated songs with the accompaniment of The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra conducted by Maestro Steven Mercurio.

Orchestrations are currently being created for the tour with today's press release confirming that the following songs will be included in the show:

•Roxanne
•Next To You
•Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
•Every Breath You Take
•Englishman in New York
•Fragile
•Russians
•If I Ever Lose My Faith in You,
•Fields of Gold
•Desert Rose

The tour kicks off June 2 in Vancouver, as did the Police reunion, and will visit Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Portland, Seattle, Washington, Toronto and Montreal along with more cities to be announced. The U.K. and Europe will follow.

Sting's interest in collaborating with an orchestra began in 2008 following an invitation to perform with the legendary Chicago Symphony Orchestra. After reworking selections from his expansive catalog, he and several members of his longtime band joined the orchestra in a performance that left an indelible mark on Sting. Eager to explore the possibilities of further symphonic collaboration, Sting was excited when the Philadelphia Orchestra asked him to join them in commemoration of the 153rd anniversary of the Academy of Music.

"Performing with both the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Philadelphia Orchestra was truly a highlight of my career. I'm delighted by this new opportunity to tour with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and reinterpret the songs I've been playing for many years," commented Sting.

Along with the Royal Philharmonic, Sting will also bring along Dominic Miller (guitar), David Cousin (percussionist), Jo Lawry (vocals) and Ira Coleman (bass).

So far, the following five dates have been announced:

•6/2/10 - Vancouver - Centre for the Performing Arts (on sale 3/8)
•6/9/10 - Denver - Red Rocks Amphitheatre (on sale 3/8)
•6/15/10 - Los Angeles - Hollywood Bowl (on sale 3/8)
•7/17 & 18/10 - Chicago - Ravinia Festival (on sale 4/22)

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MANTRIC: Debut Album Title, Artwork, Release Date Revealed
MANTRIC, the Norwegian metal band featuring former members of metal visionaries EXTOL, will release its debut album, "The Descent", on april 27 (one day earlier interntationally via Prosthetic Records. The CD was recorded in Norway, with Danish producer Tue Madsen (HALFORD, BEHEMOTH, KATAKLYSM, THE HAUNTED) handling mixing and mastering duties at his Antfarm facility in Århus, Denmark.

According to a press release, "The Descent" "fuses a unique, distinctly Scandinavian take on rich, challenging metal and modern punk with a powerful progressive edge."








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Ghostface/Raekwon/Method Man Album Actually Coming Out

Wu-Massacre, the collaborative album between Wu-Tang Clan members Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and Method Man, has seen its release date pushed back a ton of times since last year, and it was starting to seem like we'd never get to hear the thing, especially with Meth facing tax-evasion charges.

The album is set for a March 30 release from Def Jam. Wu guys RZA and Mathematics contribute production. Wu-Tang members Inspectah Deck and Cappadonna make appearances, as do associates like Streetlife, Solomon Childs, Trife, and Sun God. The live band Rhythm Roots Allstars plays on a few tracks, and Ghostface buddy Tracy Morgan shows up on a skit.

This Date In Music History - Febraury 24

Birthdays:

Paul Jones - Manfred Mann (1942)

Rupert Holmes - (1980 US #1 single "Escape, (The Pina Colada Song)" (1947)

Lonnie Turner - Steve Miller Band (1947)

George Thorogood (1950)

Bob Abrams - Buckinghams (1955)

Colin Farley - Cutting Crew (1959)

Michelle Shocked (1962)

Noah "Wuv" Bernardo Jr - P.O.D. (1974)


They Are Missed:

The late George Harrison ("My Sweet Lord") was born in 1943. Though he found fame and fortune as The Beatles' guitarist, Harrison (on his own) is best remembered for his "All Things Must Pass" album and his work with the Traveling Wilburys.



Singer, songwriter, pianist Johnnie Ray died of liver failure at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles in 1990. He scored over 20 Top 40 singles between 1952 & 1960.

Born on this day in 1944, Nicky Hopkins, session piano player who worked with The Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, The Beatles, John Lennon, The Who and Small Faces. Hopkins died on September 6, 1994.

Estelle Axton, who helped create the legendary soul music label Stax, died in hospital in Memphis in 2004 (age 85). Stax was home to Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, Isaac Hayes and Booker T and the MG's and the Stax studio, 'Soulsville USA', was second only to Motown in its production of soul hits during its 1960s heyday.


History:

In 1956, in Cleveland, OH, police invoked a 1931 ordinance barring people under the age of 18 from dancing in public unless accompanied by an adult.

In 1957, Buddy Holly recorded a new version of "That'll Be The Day," the title being taken from a phrase used by John Wayne in the film 'The Searchers.'

Today in 1958 the song "Get a Job" by the Silhouettes topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.


The Rolling Stones started a Sunday night residency at The Station Hotel, Richmond, Surrey in 1963. The Stones were paid $41 for the gig and played on the first night to 66 people.

The Beach Boys recorded "Help Me Rhonda" in 1965.

In 1965, the first full day of filming took place for The Beatles movie ‘Help!’ with the group riding bicycles on location near London Airport, England.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience played their last ever-British performance when they appeared at the Royal Albert Hall in 1969.

Roberta Flack had her second #1 hit when "Killing Me Softly With His Song," started a five-week run at the top in 1973. The song was written about singer songwriter Don McLean.

The Byrds made their final live appearance when they played at The Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey in 1973.

In 1976, The Eagles 'Greatest Hits' became the first album to be certified platinum by the RIAA. New certification's represented sales of 1 million copies for albums and two million for singles.

"Roxanne" was released by The Police in 1979.



The Sex Pistols released the album "The Great Rock N' Roll Swindle" in 1979.

Winners at the 1982 Grammy Awards included John & Yoko Album of the year with 'Double Fantasy, Kim Carnes for Song of the year with "Bette Davis Eyes," Quincy Jones won producer of the year and Sheena Easton best new act.

"Higher Love" earns Steve Winwood Record of the Year and Best Pop Performance trophies at the 29th Grammy Awards in L.A. in 1987.

In 1988, Alice Cooper ran for governor of Arizona (and lost).

In 1990, Bob Dylan joined Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman and David Crosby to sing "Mr. Tambourine Man" at a Los Angeles tribute to the late Roy Orbison.

The U.S. Postal Service unveils two designs for an Elvis Presley stamp in 1992 ("Young Elvis" defeats "Vegas Elvis" in subsequent voting).

Eric Clapton’s touching “Tears In Heaven” was a big winner at the Grammy Awards in 1993 (Song of the Year, Best Pop Vocal, Male, etc.). The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ "Give It Away" earns a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Song. The band also performs. Melissa Etheridge’s "Ain’t It Heavy" takes Best Rock Performance, Female. Peter Gabriel opened the L.A. show.

Lauryn Hill won five Grammy awards in 1999 for her debut solo album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."

In 2000, Carlos Santana won eight awards at this year Grammy Awards. Before the 'Supernatural' album, the guitarist had not had a Top 10 album since 1981. Sting won two awards, one for best pop album and another for best male pop vocalist. Sir Elton John won the legend award and Phil Collins the best soundtrack award for 'Tarzan'.

In 2006, U2's Bono was one of a 191 nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize. The singer's efforts to cancel Third World debt make him a contender for the $1.3 million honor which is awarded later in the year. No, he doesn't win - but it's an honor just to be nominated.

In 2009, the United States Mint launched a new coin featuring American composer, pianist and bandleader Duke Ellington, making him the first African-American to appear by himself on a US coin.

Also in 2009 - “The War Child Presents Heroes” compilation is out with songs by Paul McCartney, David Bowie, The Kinks, Bruce Springsteen and other Classic Rock acts re-recorded by a younger generation - Beck, Franz Ferdinand and Yeah Yeah Yeahs (to name a few). The collection benefits the War Child organization's campaign to aid young people in war-stricken areas. "It's great that so many talented people gave their time, energy and support to this initiative," says McCartney.

The vinyl album is getting its groove back

by Glenn Gamboa

NEW YORK - Don't bury the album just yet.

Yes, it's struggling, with album sales down by half since the historical high it set in 2000 - sales dropped another 8.5 percent in 2009 to 489.8 million, even as overall music sales climbed 2.1 percent, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Album-buying havens, such as the Virgin Megastores and the Tower Records chains, vanished, and music industry and technology leaders have been trumpeting what they see as the more attractive profit margins of single sales and $1.29-a-pop downloading for years.

That death knell sure is getting pretty loud. Or maybe it's just a wake-up call.

Britt Daniel - whose band, the indie-rockers Spoon, recently enjoyed commercial success with its first Top 5 album "Transference" - says, regardless of industry hype, the album will continue to validate both artists and music fans.

"It's certainly the test of a band's mettle," says Daniel, whose critical success was cemented when Spoon was named Artist of the Decade by Metacritic for the Austin, Texas, band's consistently praised albums in the 2000s. "It's hard to make an album's worth of songs and do it well. The ones that do occupy a higher place in mind and in psyche. ... Live shows can be wild and fun, life-changing if done really well. But a great album has always meant the most to me.

"Albums are what fans get into when they really get serious about a band," Daniel continues. "That's when they are finding something that means something to them, something that they feel is worth spending time with, that they will get to know what an album really is by listening the whole way through. Until they do that, they're just a casual listener, not the most passionate fan."

Daniel isn't alone in his vocal defense of the album. More and more artists and fans are banding together to support the album as an art form and as a way to distribute music. Independent record stores around the country have united to create Record Store Day, which takes place April 17, to "celebrate the art of music." Digital retailer eMusic has launched an "Embrace the Album" campaign on Facebook and Twitter, as a "place to highlight records that are best consumed whole."

"I do think there's still value in 11 great songs packaged together, flowing from start to finish," says J. Edward Keyes, eMusic's editor-in-chief (and an occasional Newsday contributor). "I think that's a testament to an artist's time and vision, and those are the kinds of things that will be a longer relationship. Marvin Gaye had a string of great pop singles, but What's Goin' On,' the album, is what people respond to. The Beach Boys had a string of unbeatable pop singles, but Pet Sounds' is what set them apart."

These campaigns may be having some effect. Though it's still a small fraction of the overall market, vinyl album sales were up 33 percent last year, to 2.5 million, the highest sales level since SoundScan started keeping records in 1991. And eMusic reports that about 72 percent of its sales are now full albums.

For more concrete proof, look no further than Long Island Vinyl Exchange in East Northport, N.Y. There under one roof, in all their touchable vinyl glory, are 250,000 albums - some vintage and some freshly pressed last week. Owner John DeSimone happily gives newcomers a tour of the store, which opened in November, and its treasures, before pointing out the recent shift in the album's fortunes.

"This is something I haven't been able to do for 20 years," says DeSimone, who is planning to open three more record stores this year. "Things are really changing."

Among the old standbys - Beatles classics, Michael Jackson's "Thriller," a shelf-full of Billy Joel albums - are the newcomers, Lady Gaga picture discs, and new releases from Grizzly Bear and Animal Collective. "I can't keep enough Animal Collective albums in the store," he says. "I order all I can, and they're gone just as fast."

All those Animal Collective sales are a sign that a new generation has "embraced the album," especially now that turntables are once again easy to find, including stand-alone models that will convert vinyl albums to MP3s that can be played on iPods and computers. "What the kids know today is that they get a piece of art when they buy an album - it's a tangible thing, it sounds better, it's different than downloading something," DeSimone says. "They own a piece of music."

Spoon's Daniel says artists get energized by crafting albums for that kind of audience. Even after completing the recording, artists are once again taking a great deal of care in sequencing, deciding what order works best for the songs. "Sequencing is always open for vigorous debate," Daniel says. "A song or two generally stands out as a good opener or a good closer. For Gimme Fiction,' The Beast and the Dragon, Adored' was a pretty obvious opener. On the last record, 'Black Like Me' was a pretty obvious closer."

All of it was in mind when Daniel was working on "Transference." "I just wanted it to feel like something like all of our records and have it take some left turns that you weren't expecting," he says. "What I hope you will find is that it hangs together."

Keyes says that kind of care is a road to long-term success. "How many people are going to keep going to see a band live if they only have three good songs?" he says. "Especially with indie bands, I feel like it's about a whole body of work that they are now selling out shows, that they are so in-demand."

Not everyone is sold, though.

Parts of the music industry are experimenting with configurations that are somewhere between the single track and the full-fledged 17-track album. In March, instead of releasing a full album, Blake Shelton will release a "six pak" on Warner Music Nashville, a six-song collection called "Hillbilly Bone" that will be followed by another six-song grouping scheduled for August.

"I talk to my fans every day, and the first question they ask me is, When are you going to release a new record?' " Shelton said in a statement. "I want to give my fans new music more often, and at a lower price. The fact that people will be able to get the new music for less money is a gift to my fans who have been behind me every step of the way."

Though much of the industry will always be focused on building flashy new acts like Ke$ha or Justin Bieber, Keyes says music fans may stop trying to follow all those twists and turns.

"I have to believe there is a point at which people are going to get tired of having to keep up with a new artist every 15 minutes," Keyes says. "I think they're going to want someone who's going to be around a little bit longer, with a little more substance to it."

"I think you can still make new music fans, who want albums," Keyes continues. "I think a big part of the industry's problem is people aren't hearing music that resonates with them."

Tracking The Top 10 Albums And Artists Of 09

According to Nielsen SoundScan, 2009 was the biggest year for vinyl album sales since they started keeping records in 1991.

Here are the vinyl albums and artists that topped their charts last year:

Top Albums

1. "Abbey Road," The Beatles
2. "Thriller," Michael Jackson
3. "Merriweather Post Pavilion," Animal Collective
4. "Wilco," Wilco
5. "Fleet Foxes," Fleet Foxes
6. "Backspacer," Pearl Jam
7. "Veckatimest," Grizzly Bear
8. "Appetite for Destruction," Guns N' Roses
9. "Big Whiskey & the GrooGrux King," Dave Matthews Band
10. "In Rainbows," Radiohead

Top Artists

1. Radiohead
2. The Beatles
3. Michael Jackson
4. Metallica
5. Wilco
6. Bob Dylan
7. Animal Collective
8. Pearl Jam
9. Bon Iver
10. Iron & Wine


SOURCE:  http://www.azcentral.com/