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DEAR JERRY:My memory may not be completely accurate about this, but I think I once heard on American Top 40 that the longest note held by a solo female is found in “Woman in Love,” by Barbra Streisand.
Of course that would include only Top 40 hits up to the time of that broadcast, most likely in the 1980s.
Is this true, and, if so, is Barbra still the note-holding champ? —Trudy Styles, Milwaukee
DEAR TRUDY: If what you heard pertained only to No. 1 solo hits, then Barbra's “Woman in Love” wins in the take-a-deep-breath-and-hold-it category. This she does about 2:25 into the song, holding the word “all” for about 14 seconds.
What you may not know is that Streisand's world-class long notes are found on her albums, not singles. Eliminating 45s and chart hits from the equation opens the door for “On My Way to You,” from the 1988 “Till I Loved You” collection.
Barbra takes a quick breath, then delivers the final 25 seconds (“to you”) without pause or quiver, and just four seconds shy of the world record at the time (29.03).
The album's title track, “Till I Loved You,” a duet with her then-current love interest, Don Johnson, became a Top 25 hit.
If your parameters are widened by even one notch, anywhere from Top 2 to Top 100, a new long-winded champ would be crowned.
Include the entire Top 100 and the winner is Bill Withers. In “Lovely Day,” Bill repeatedly holds the word “day” for at least 10 seconds. But the lovely “day” at 3:05 runs for approximately 19 seconds.
“Lovely Day” reached No. 30 in early 1978.
As for the ladies, the nod goes to Donna Summer. Her 1979 “Dim All the Lights,” which peaked at No. 2 nationally, includes a note held for 16 seconds.
At 0:46, just as the tempo shifts into high gear, Donna sustains the word “up” until the 1:02 mark.
Ironically, the follow-up to Summer's summer hit, “Dim All the Lights,” is a duet with, of all people, Barbra Streisand: “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough).”
As one might expect from these two, this disco classic includes a long note. Streisand provides it with a 16-second “tear,” at 1:44 as the disco beat begins.
During live shows, many of the world's great vocalists carry a note to extremes not found on their recordings. I have watched Nana Mouskouri sustain notes for 40-plus seconds, and Whitney Houston has done the same during “I Will Always Love You.”
Now let's expand the competition to other continents. In 2005, Dean Frenkel, an Australian overtone singer, nearly doubled the previous record (29.03 seconds) for the longest continuous vocal note. On live TV, with Guinness World Record adjudicators on hand, Dean held on for 57 seconds.
But, as you know, records were made to be broken.
On September 8, 2009, in New York, Richard Fink IV shattered Frenkel's effort, with an official GWR time of 1:43.19. As of this writing, Fink's amazing record still stands.
Speaking of standing, the Guinness longest note rules require the person to stand. Apparently, one can sustain a note much longer if sitting.
Whether those aspiring for GWR notoriety choose to sing a note in their normal or falsetto register doesn't matter, as long as there is no break in the vocal. Richard Fink IV opted for falsetto, saying higher notes require less air.
The clock also stops if there is more than a half step (semitone) deviation from the chosen note, or an amplitude drop that exceeds 10 decibels.
IZ ZAT SO? Barbra Streisand may not be a Guinness World Record holder, but she has more than enough awards to fill the mantle and the walls. Foremost among those are: Grammy Awards (8); AGVA Georgie Awards (4); Academy Awards (2); Emmy Awards (4); Golden Globe Awards (7); People's Choice Awards (3); Gold Albums (51); Platinum Albums (30); Multi-Platinum albums (13); Gold Singles (3); and Platinum Singles (5).
Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column. Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368 E-mail: jpo@olympus.net Visit his Web site: www.jerryosborne.com
All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.
Copyright 2011 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Exclusive Permission
Polyvinyl Records to Release Compilation for Japan
In an effort to help raise money for the devastation in Japan from the March tsunami and earthquake, Polyvinyl is releasing a compilation featuring numerous artists on their roster. The album's title is Japan 3.11.11 and has 23 tracks and is available now for digital download. If you are a collector (and we are!), a red vinyl will be available for purchase on September 27. All the tracks are artist rarities, ranging from live recordings to B-sides to remixes.
This star-studded LP has something for everyone:
Tracklist:
01 Deerhoof: “Giga Dance (Live)”
02 Love Is All: “Pappas Tant”
03 Efterklang: “Alike (Opiate Remix)”
04 Birthmark: “Big Man”
05 Kit: “Brass Palms”
06 Shugo Tokumaru: “Video Killed the Radio Star”
07 Asobi Seksu: “Vicious Bears”
08 Caithlin De Marrais: “Sorry”
09 Alright: “Moving”
10 Owen: “Guest List”
11 Pele: “Pequod”
12 Take Care: “Living Forever”
13 Toe: “Ordinary Day”
14 Xiu Xiu: “Hyunhye’s Theme (Acoustic)”
15 David Bazan: “American Flags”
16 XBXRX: “Want”
17 Midstress: “Too Many Shoes, Not Enough Feet”
18 Starfucker: “The Wisdom of Insecurity”
19 of Montreal: “Sex Karma (St. Vincent Remix)”
20 Casiokids: “London Zoo”
21 Lizard Police: “Same Socks”
22 Joan of Arc: “Steady (Demo)”
23 Common Loon: “A Moment in Energy Transfers”
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vinyl doing well in the desert!
Amid industry challenges, downtown Phoenix record stores find success
By Taylor Brooks
Downtown Phoenix record stores have been battling a changing music industry, a recession and a dying culture of passionate music listeners during the past few years, but those that have been fortunate enough to hang on pinpoint vinyl records and exceptional customer service as major roles in business survival.
“We have been fortunate enough to build a strong customer base for vinyl LPs that has sustained us through not only the recession, but the through the difficulties the music industry is currently experiencing,” said co-owner TJ Jordan of Revolver Records, located on the southwest corner of Roosevelt and Second streets.
The long-awaited 'Worship Music' is the first album in eight years from the legendary metal-heads Anthrax, who are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. This record is the first to feature vocalist Joey Belladonna since the release of 'Persistence of Time' back in 1990.
"Fight 'Em 'Til You Can't," the title of which refers to a zombie apocalypse, is complimented by a superb painting from comic artist Alex Ross – whose credits include The Marvels, Kingdom Come and Astro City. Ross's work also graces the new album cover, as well as the band's previous releases 'We've Come For You All' and 'Music of Mass Destruction.'
"Fight 'Em 'Til You Can't" is now available on iTunes, and Worship Music is slated for release on September 13th.
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found this interesting, swing by and see some great album cover art!
Fantastically Ghoulish Album Covers by Mike Bukowski
i didn't know vh1 could declare a holiday, but according to noisecreep they can and did!
VH1 Classic Declares 11-11-11 as 'National Metal Day'
Metal has its own holiday, thanks to VH1 Classic, which has declared November 11th, 2011 AKA 11-11-11, as 'National Metal Day.' While NMD, as we'll call it, will be a celebration of all things metal for an entire day, the channel will launch copious amounts of metal programming beginning November 1st for the '11 Days of Metal" countdown. The countdown programming for the headbanger's holiday will feature metal concerts, specials movies and videos, all of which will pave the way for the grand finale on 11-11-11
1. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
2. Radiohead - Little By Little remix 12"
3. Fitz & The Tantrums - Pickin' Up The Pieces
4. Paperhead - Focus In On The Looking Glass
5. JEFF The Brotherhood - We Are The Champions
6. The Black Keys - Brothers
7. My Morning Jacket - Circuital
8. Alison Krauss & Union Station - Paper Airplane
9. Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Unknown Mortal Orchestra
10. Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi - Rome
11. Pylon - Cover & Remix 7"
12. Beirut - East Harlem 7"
13. Sugar - Copper Blue
14. Deerhoof - Milk Man
15. King Crimson - In The Court Of The Crimson King
16. Dawes - Nothing Is Wrong
17. Be Good Tanyas - Blue Horse
18. Radiohead - Supercollider
19. Junior Kimbrough - Do The Rump
20. Fred McDowell - Amazing Grace
21. Gardens & Villa - Gardens & Villa
22. Ryan Adams - Gold
23. New Pleasure - Riobot! 7"
24. Jeff Buckley - Grace
25. Wilco - A Ghost Is Born
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noticed this site a while ago (whatsellsbest.com), thought i'd share it. interesting to look at what people will pay for collectibles, especially vinyl. Here is their latestTop Ten Records Sold on eBay:
Best Selling eBay Record Auctions (updates monthly)
10.) SOLD... $3,050 - Nirvana 'Love Buzz' Sub Pop
This Nirvana 'Love Buzz', Sub Pop Single #28 of 1000 (SP23), received 23 bids before it sold on eBay, on May 9, 2010.
9.) SOLD... $4,173 - Gioconda de Vito
This Mozart Bach Violin Concertos Gioconda de Vito, (UK HMV ASD 429) received 16 bids before it sold on eBay, on April 20, 2010.
8.) SOLD... $5,801 - Black Out/New Sounds of 70
This Black Out - New Sounds of 70, received 15 bids before it sold on eBay, on March 29, 2010.
7.) SOLD... $6,766 - Original Northern Soul 45
This Northern Soul 45 (stock copy) of Larry Clinton's "She's Wanted", received 14 bids before it sold on eBay, on May 20, 2010.
6.) SOLD... $7,099 - Margaret Little Record
This Genebro Records (#230) Margaret Little “Love Finds A Way” (45), received 35 bids before it sold on eBay, on April 5, 2010.
5.) SOLD... $9,000 - Rare Queen "Red Vinyl" Album
This Rare Queen "The Works" Record with rare Red Vinyl received 26 bids, before it sold on eBay, on March 31, 2010.
4.) SOLD... $9,700 - Billy Nichols 1968 Album
This 1968 Billy Nichols "Would You Believe" LP, (UK psych pop album) received 17 bids, before it sold on eBay, on March 7, 2010.
3.) SOLD... $10,000 - Elvis Presley - That's All Right
This unplayed 45 of Elvis Presley's 1954 debut record "That's All Right", received 45 bids, before it sold on eBay, on March 22, 2010.
2.) SOLD...$23,805 - Sex Pistols - Save the Queen
This rare Sex Pistols record the song "God Save the Queen" (1977 A&M), received 37 bids, before it sold on eBay, April 15, 2011.
1.) SOLD... $26,099 - Sealed Beatles 'Butcher'
This unopened (Sealed) 1966 Beatles "Butcher" album, received 43 bids before it sold on eBay, on January 12th, 2010.
Check out more auction results for collectibles at whatsellsbest.com
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and, if you have any money left over from buying vinyl, you can pick up some great collectibles at gottahaverockandroll.com
THE ROCK & ROLL AUCTION
Online July 13 – July 22, 2011
An outstanding offering of over 700 lots including stage worn and movie worn costumes, personal clothing, jewelry and accessories, handwritten lyrics, set lists and letters, signed and inscribed guitars and album covers, signed contracts, never-before-seen photographs, rare concert posters, gold album awards, rare album cover artwork, tour memorabilia – including rare handbills and tickets, and much, much more!
Highlights include: Jimi Hendrix’s Monterey Pop stage worn and used guitar strap and 1968 arrest papers, Kurt Cobain’s smashed guitar played at the 1993 New Year’s Eve show and hand annotated set list, Elvis Presley’s first album back cover worn 1950's Lansky Bros. outfit, Rihanna’s “S&M” video worn dress, Katy Perry’s “I Kissed A Girl” video worn dress, U2 “Where The Streets Have No Name” Grammy Award, and more!
This vintage Rolling Stones Concert Poster fetched a winning bid of $14,101, in a seven day auction on eBay, on June 28, 2011.
According to the seller's listing, the 14x22 inch poster was received (by the seller) directly from the concerts promoter Martin Cohn, after it was removed from a display case at Memorial Auditorium in Louisville, Kentucky. The Louisville concert (November 14, 1964) was the 3rd stop of a tour, which also happened to be the Rolling Stones first US tour.
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and in music history for today, July 13th:
In 1939, Frank Sinatra made his recording debut with the Harry James band with the songs "Melancholy Mood" and "From the Bottom of My Heart."
In 1959, Paul Anka's "Lonely Boy" was the number one song on the Billboard Hot 100. Paul would also sing the song in the movie Girls Town, in which he starred with Mamie Van Doren and Mel Torme.
The Shirelles' "Dedicated To The One I Love" was released in 1959.
The Supremes made the studio recording of "Come See About Me" in 1964.
In 1967, Herman's Hermits started their North American tour in Calgary with opening act The Who.
Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild" was released in the US in 1968, where it will reach #2. A line from the song which includes the words "heavy metal thunder" is often credited with popularizing a new term for loud, guitar dominated music.
Also in 1968, Black Sabbath played their first gig at a small backstreet Blues club in Birmingham, England. The group would develop into one of the biggest Heavy Metal bands of the 1970's with such albums as "Paranoid", "Masters of Reality" and "Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath".
In 1969, "The Ballad of John and Yoko" by the Beatles proved to be too much for over 100 U.S. radio stations who banned the song over the lyrics "Christ, you know it ain't easy."
In 1973, the Everly Brothers broke up while on stage at Knott's Berry Farm in California.
Eric Clapton's version of Bob Marley's "I Shot The Sheriff" is released in America in 1974 where it will become his only US #1. Clapton would later say "I tried to ask him (Marley) what the song was all about, but couldn't understand much of his reply. I was just relieved that he liked what we had done
In 1978, Britain's BBC announces a ban on The Sex Pistols' latest single "No One Is Innocent", which features vocals performed by Ronnie Biggs, a British criminal notorious for his part in the Great Train Robbery of 1963. At the time of the recording, Biggs was living in Brazil, still wanted by the British authorities but immune from extradition. Despite the lack of radio play, the song would still reach number seven on the UK chart.
In 1985, the first Live Aid concerts were held at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia and at Wembley Stadium in London. Producer Bob Geldof headed the effort by attracting big name artists such as Paul McCartney, The Who, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Queen, Tina Turner, The Cars, Bryan Adams, Hall and Oates, Lionel Richie and Phil Collins. The performances were shown live via satellite for 18 consecutive hours and helped raise millions of dollars for starving people in Ethiopia.
In 1987, representatives of fifty of America's largest record retailers are guests at Michael Jackson's home in Encino, California to preview his new album, "Bad". The LP, which includes the singles, "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", "Bad", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Man in the Mirror" and "Dirty Diana", would go on to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 200 chart and sell over 30 million copies worldwide.
In 1992, Sony announces that it has accepted a $40 million buyout of George Michael's contract, following the singer's request. The company would retain the rights to his back catalog, a greatest hits album and would receive 3% of retail sales of his next two albums.
In 1996, Over 2,000 guitar players, including Chet Atkins and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, set a new world record for the largest jam session ever when they played "Heartbreak Hotel" for 75 straight minutes at Nashville's Riverfront Park. The previous record was set in Vancouver, Canada on May 7th, 1994, when Randy Bachman led 1,322 mostly-amateur guitarists in a performance that lasted 68 minutes.
In 2000, in Japan, Yoko Ono filed a lawsuit against Teito Rapid Transit Authority for copyright infringement for their unauthorized use of a ticket showing the portrait of John Lennon.
In 2002, 250,000 people showed up for a free Fatboy Slim concert in Brighton, England, three-times original estimates.
In 2004, Arthur Kane, best known as the bassist for the pioneering Glam Punk band The New York Dolls, died of leukemia at the age of 55.
birthdays today include (to name a few) Stephen Jo Bladd (J. Geils Band) (69), Mark "Animal" Mendoza (Dictators, Twisted Sister) (56) and the peerless Roger McGuinn (69)
