The vinyl record collecting blog - with news about new vinyl record releases, vinyl record sales, new music releases, album cover art and weekly features
DEAR JERRY:I have the original 1959 Crystalette single (724-X) of “Pink Shoe Laces,” by Dodie Stevens, but it doesn't answer the question I've had for over 50 years. In fact, there doesn't seem to be any book, blog, or forum anywhere that identifies the man providing the voice of Dooley.
He has only this one line: “Just before the angels come to carry me, I want it down in writin' how to bury me.”
Often, guest voices are credited on the labels, but the only names Crystalette mentions here, besides Dodie Stevens, are Bobby Hammack and Mickie Grant. Might Dooley's line be by one of those two? —Dean McKeag, San Leandro, Calif.
DEAR DEAN: Bobby Hammack and His Orchestra just provide the music, and Mickie Grant is the writer of “Pink Shoe Laces,” so it's neither of those.
Also on the session, but not credited, are the Jack Halloran Singers. More about that in a moment.
Even with my endless reference sources, I too find no mention of who sings the part of Dooley, which makes me even more curious.
But sometimes it's not what you know, but who you know. And I know someone who was in the studio when “Pink Shoe Laces” was recorded: Miss Dodie Stevens.
I figured if anyone would know Dooley, it would be the one who introduces his line in the song, and probably stood next to him as he spoke.
So I sent your question on to Dodie, and here is her prompt reply:
Hi Jerry! I hope you had a Merry Christmas, and I wish you a very Happy New Year.
As for Mr. McKeag's question: It was neither Bobby Hammack nor Mickie Grant (Mickie is a female). Dooley's voice in the song was provided by one of the Jack Halloran Singers. They sang background on the session.
I don't recall the name of exactly who did it, but I would assume it was the bass singer in the group.
I don't even know who's idea it was to add Dooley's part, though I do know it was not mine.
Since I was only 12-years-old when I recorded “Pink Shoe Laces,” I didn't have a lot of session input. I just did what everyone told me to do.
I do remember that the “woo hoo, ooo ooo ooo” I sang at the end of every chorus was the idea of my vocal coach, who also attended the session. That part became the hook of the song.
Have a wonderful day!
—Dodie Stevens, San Diego
Thank you so much, Dodie. Unless he, or someone else from that session, sees this and comes forward, we may never know who verbalized Dooley's dying wish.
Come to think about it, I can't recall a solo artist who received a Gold Record Award for a million-selling single for a song they recorded at a younger age than you (12), for “Pink Shoe Laces.”
DEAR JERRY:One of my faves from the 1960s psychedelic era is “Naturally Stoned,” by the Avant-Garde. I notice Chuck Woolery is credited as the writer. Is this the “Wheel of Fortune” game show host? Did he also sing with the group, or just write the song? —Merilee Norgran, Portland, Maine
DEAR MERILEE: Chuck accounts for one-half of the Avant-Garde, his partner being Elkin “Bubba” Fowler.
Woolery wrote “Naturally Stoned” (the song, not his condition while writing), and sings the lead.
Yes, this same Chuck Woolery hosted numerous game shows. Some of the more memorable ones are: “Wheel of Fortune”; “Love Connection”; “Scrabble”; “The Dating Game”; “Greed”; and currently on the Game Show Network, “Lingo.”
IZ ZAT SO? If asked to name the female singer with the biggest hit single of 1959, one's first pick would likely be Connie Francis.
Makes sense. Connie had eight hit songs that year, four of which were Top 10. Definitely the overall No. 1 female star of 1959.
However, the No. 1 single for a girl in '59 is “Pink Shoe Laces,” by Dodie Stevens, which ranked ever so slightly ahead of Connie's (2) “My Happiness” and (3) “Lipstick on Your Collar.”
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
very impressive article, well worth the read. not sure if everyone who buys vinyl is an audiophile, i don't consider myself one. hey, if you play your 45s on your grandmother's old suitcase-style turntable andyou enjoy your music, that is what it is all about......
A Dead Format?
by Sammi Chichester
For what many may think is a dead format, the fact is that sales of vinyl records are increasing year after year. Nielsen SoundScan projects vinyl in 2011 to have a 25 percent increase in sales from the
previous year. But how much is really sold, who buys it, and why?
For perspective, Nielsen has reported about 1 million vinyl sales every year in the past decade stating in 1995. Then in 2008, sales jumped to 2 million and then another half million the following two years.
The projections show this year to have a total finishing sale of 3.6 million, including many from top-selling artists such as Radiohead, Foo Fighters and Mumford & Sons. While it is true that digital downloads account for more than half of all music sales, the June mid-year report by Nielsen showed 155 million records were sold in all formats. Rock is the most popular genre with 52 million sales and rock’s close partner genre, alternative, makes up another 27 million in sales. “About 93 of the 100 best selling vinyl albums in 2011 fall within the rock or alternative genres,” the report states.
Even if vinyl records only account for about 2 percent of the music industry’s sales, the trend cannot be ignored because of one of the final statements worth noting – “Two out of every three vinyl albums are purchased at an independent music store.”
Oklahoma pair stake out new career as vinyl record producers as medium makes comeback
Vinyl records, declared dead a quarter century ago, are making a comeback. It was enough to prompt friends Rob Vera and Clint McEwen to take a shot on forming their own record company in OklahomaCity, Okie Dope Records.
BY STEVE LACKMEYER
Vinyl records, declared dead a quarter century ago, are making a comeback.
In an age when it's assumed compact discs will join the list of dead media, one-time vinyl record owners like J.D. Merryweather are rebuilding collections. And the surge in interest is prompting music
enthusiasts to recast themselves as record producers.
i've read a lot of this writer Steve Guttenberg's material and always am on the lookout for more - here is poses the question of youngsters buying vinyl, so, if you are under 40 or so, drop him a line and tell himwhy vinyl is so appealing.....
Poll: Why do young people play LPs?
by Steve Guttenberg
I'm over 40 and still play and buy new records, but I'm curious about why younger people are getting into vinyl. Is it the sound, the feel, or the satisfaction of holding a nice hunk of vinyl in your hands?
I'd like to hear from my younger LP playing readers; please tell us in the Comments section why you listen to LPs, and where you buy them.
The garage punk band Screaming Females have recently announced that their fifth studio album, 'UGLY ' will be released on April 3rd via Don Giovanni Records. Preceding the LP release the New Brunswick group will put out a 7" of the LP's first single "It All Means Nothing" on February 11th. The effort was produced by Steve Albini.
Tracklist: 1. It All Means Nothing 2. Rotten Apple 3. Extinction 4. Red Hand 5. 5 High 6. Expire 7. Crow's Nest 8. Tell Me No 9. Leave It All Up to Me 10. Doom 84 11. Help Me 12. Something Ugly 13. Slow Birth 14. It's Nice
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The Mars Volta New Album Due in March
The Mars Volta will release their sixth album, 'Noctourniquet,' on March 27. This is another one of their concept records and the songs will center on a character based on Superman villain Solomon Grundy and the mythical Greek figure Hyacinthus.
Tracklist 1. The Whip Hand 2. Aegis 3. Dyslexicon 4. Empty Vessels Make the Loudest Sound 5. The Malkin Jewel 6. Lapochka 7. 'n Absentia 8. Imago 9. Molochwalker 10. Trinkets Pale of Moon 11. Vedamalady 12. Noctourniquet 13. Zed and Two Naughts
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ENTHRONED 'Obsidium' Cover Artwork Unveiled
Belgian black metallers ENTHRONED recently signed on with Agonia Records and the band's new effort, 'Obsidium' is set for releases in early 2012. The cover artwork, which was created by Olve J. W.l.
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Punch Brothers' New Album Available For Pre-Order
The Punch Brothers new album, 'Who’s Feeling Young Now?,' is due out February 14 via Nonesuch Records and is now available for pre-order in the Nonesuch Store. Pre-orders include an instant download of the album's opening track, "Movement and Location," plus an exclusive set of five custom Punch Brothers paper coasters illustrated by New Yorker cartoonist Matthew Diffee and signed by the band. The vinyl album, also available to pre-order, is due out on March 20. Completed over three weeks at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, 'Who's Feeling Young Now?' was produced by Grammy Award winner Jacquire Kingtic.
Legendary producer T Bone Burnett recently said of Punch Brothers, in an interview with American Songwriter magazine: "That’s one of the most incredible bands this country has ever produced. Chris Thile, their mandolin player, is probably a once in a century musician, like Louis Armstrong was a once in a century musician. Chris is one of those kind of cats."
Here is the cover art for Meshuggah's highly anticipated new album called 'Koloss.' The album is due out on March 27th via Nuclear Blast.
Tracklist 'I Am Colossus' 'The Demon’s Name Is Surveillance' 'Do Not Look Down' 'Behind The Sun' 'The Hurt That Finds You First' 'Marrow' 'Break Those Bones Whose Sinews Gave It Motion' 'Swarm' 'Demiurge' 'The Last Vigil'
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Pre-Order Xiu Xiu Always CD/LP+MP3/T-Shirt+MP3
New album announced! In stores March 6. Pre-orders ship Feb. 24.
LP limited to 500 on 180-gram clear pink vinyl.
At its core, Always symbolizes the mutual camaraderie with and deep dedication to each person who has internalized Xiu Xiu's work, tattooed its name on their skin or soul, and throughout the past ten years made the band a part of their lives.
Produced by Deerhoof's Greg Saunier (who also contributes drums and vocals to the album) and mixed by John Congleton (Antony and the Johnsons, Marylin Manson,the Roots) Always is positively vibrant.
Pre-order the album in a variety of options:
CD
180-gram black vinyl (includes 2-sided 18" x 24" photo collage and lyric poster)
Limited edition 180-gram clear pink vinyl (500 copies, includes 2-sided poster)
T-Shirt + MP3
Package deals with new album + t-shirt or Jamie Stewart's new collection of haikus, A Neo Tropical Companion
All pre-orders include two FREE 1" buttons and ship Feb. 24. In stores March 6.
Meat Loaf promised three new albums to commemorate his 40th anniversary of his career and the first, ‘Hell in a Handbasket,’ is scheduled for a March 13 release.
”‘Hell In A Handbasket’ is the most personal record I’ve ever made,” Meat Loaf stated in a press release. ”It’s really the first record I’ve ever put out about how I feel about life and how I feel about what’s going on at the moment.”
Tracklist 1. All of Me 2. The Giving Tree 3. Live or Die 4. Blue Sky/Mad Mad World/The Good God is a Woman and She Don’t Like Ugly’(feat. Chuck D) 5. California Dreamin feat. Patti Russo 6. Party of One 7. Another Day 8. 40 Days 9. Our Love and Our Souls (feat. Patti Russo) 10. Stand in the Storm (feat. Trace Adkins, Lil Jon and Mark McGrath) 11. Blue Sky 12. Fall From Grace
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Diamond Head, UFO Drummer Robbie France Dead At Age 53
by: Dave Swanson
Former Diamond Head, UFO and Wishbone Ash drummer Robbie France passed away on Saturday (Jan. 14) at age 53. France was only with the UK metal band for a short time, but his work with them was crucial to the development of one of the groups Metallica has frequently cited as an important influence on their music.
France was born in England but moved to Australia at age 11. There he studied at the National Academy of Rudimentary Drummers and eventually became a music teacher at the Australian Academy of Music.
After moving back to the UK in 1982 he joined up with Diamond Head during the famed ‘New Wave Of British Heavy Metal’ era, playing the legendary Monsters Of Rock/Castle Donnington festival alongside Dio, Twisted Sister, Whitesnake and ZZ Top.
Rock Guitar Legend Tommy Bolin Paid Tribute on "Great Gypsy Soul"
CD AND SPECIAL EDITION DOUBLE CD WITH BONUS TRACKS SET FOR RELEASE MARCH 27 ON 429 RECORDS
All Star Lineup Contributes To All New Recordings of "Teaser" Tracks Performing Alongside Bolin
Guests Include Peter Frampton, Warren Haynes, Nels Cline, Steve Morse, Steve Lukather, Brad Whitford, Joe Bonamassa and Others.
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In the annals of rock history, Tommy Bolin occupied a brief, but shining stint as a brilliant guitarist who wowed those in the know with his mastery of many genres—rock, fusion, funk, reggae and heavy metal among others. Along with a much lauded solo career that, pushed the boundaries of rock/jazz fusion, Bolin played with The James Gang and Deep Purple which set him up for major solo guitar stardom which was cut short by his untimely death in 1976. Not to be overlooked, there's been much written about the guitar wunderkind and now a top notch roster of players have signed on to pay tribute to Bolin on GREAT GYPSY SOUL. Produced by Greg Hampton and Warren Haynes, it's a remarkable project that brings together major players who actually perform alongside Tommy Bolin's playing and vocals from the recording outtakes to his solo debut album "Teaser." Peter Frampton, Warren Haynes (a key supporter of the project), Nels Cline, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, Brad Whitford, Joe Bonamassa, John Scofield, Derek Trucks, Glenn Hughes and Myles Kennedy all contribute to this amazing project. GREAT GYPSY SOUL will be released on 429 Records on March 27 in both a single CD format and double CD with bonus tracks. A series of promotional concerts are also in the works.
Tommy Bolin was the quintessential guitar prodigy who focused his talents within the burgeoning rock/metal scenes of the early 70's as well as mastered a highly lauded jazz fusion technique, catching the attention of rock tastemakers and guitar legend peers. It was just a matter of time before Bolin was making a name for himself playing on projects as diverse as Billy Cobham's "Spectrum" project (considered one of the great jazz fusion recordings of all time), replacing Joe Walsh in the James Gang, playing session work on seminal fusion projects by Moxy and Alphonse Mouzon, to replacing Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple. With the release of his second solo album "Private Eyes", what should have been a red letter moment for Bolin, opening up for Jeff Beck in Miami, sadly turned tragic as Bolin was found dead of an overdose shortly after the gig.
Says Warren Haynes: "Many of the guests added after the fact have a close personal connection to Tommy—all share in acknowledging his place in rock history. Watching (and hearing) it all come to fruition some 35 years later was a journey of its own—well worth the travel."
Track Listing: Disc 1 1.The Grind w/ Peter Frampton 2.Teaser w/ Warren Haynes 3.Dreamer w/ Myles Kennedy and Nels Cline 4.Savannah Woman w/ John Scofield 5.Smooth Fandango w/ Derek Trucks 6.People People w/ Big Sugar and Gordie Johnson 7.Wild Dogs w/ Brad Whitford 8.Homeward Strut w/ Steve Lukather 9.Sugar Shack w/ Glenn Hughes and Sonny Landreth 10.Crazed Fandango w/ Steve Morse 11.Lotus w/ Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Huges and Nels Cline
Disc 2 Bonus CD 1.Flying Fingers w/ Oz Noy and Nels Cline 2.Marching Bag –Movement One w/ Nels Cline, Bolin, Greg Hampton, John Scofield, Sonny Landreth 3.Marching Bag—Movement Two w/ Nels Cline, Bolin, Steve Lukather, Derek Trucks, Peter Frampton 4.Marching Bag—Movement Three w/ Gordie Johnson, Bolin, Nels Cline, Oz Noy, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, Joe Bonamassa 5.Marching Bag—Movement Four w/ Nels Cline, Bolin, Warren Haynes, Joe Bonamassa, Oz Noy, Brad Whitford, Peter Frampton
OOP Warning: Blink 182 Neighborhoods First Pressing
It appears as if the first pressing of Blink 182 Neighborhoods is coming down to the last copies! The album was released in late 2011 and is the first new material from Blink in many years! Three variants were pressed, with only a few of two colors left:
Sleigh Bells are set to release, “Reign of Terror” the anticipated album since their 2010 release. The album will be out on wax February 21. It is noted that it will be a gatefold with nine unique insert art pieces!
1. The Black Keys - El Camino
2. The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow
3. Guided By Voices - Let's Go Eat The Factory
4. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
5. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
6. Jellyfish - Bellybutton
7. Alex Chilton - Free Again: The 1970 Sessions
8. Snow Patrol - Fallen Empires
9. Jellyfish - Spilt Milk
10. M83 - Hurry Up We're Dreaming
11. My Morning Jacket - Friends Again 7"
12. Florence + The Machine - Ceremonials
13. The Beach Boys - The SMiLE Sessions
14. Real Estate - Days
15. Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
16. Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire
17. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magic
18. The Civil Wars - Tracks In The Snow 10"
19. Diarrhea Planet - Loose Jewels
20. Harold Grosskopf - Synthesist
21. Radiohead - Kid A 2x10"
22. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
23. Washed Out - Within & Without
24. Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
25. Kaleidoscope - Tangerine Dream
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got a laugh after reading some of the covers, for shits and giggles, check it out
Album covers are a lost art form. These days we actually buy music based on what it sounds like, but if you listen to the guy who works in your local record store, that's a tragedy. We asked you to show us what it might have looked like if the covers of albums had actually been honest about their contents.
In 1944, the first jazz concert was held at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. The performers were Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Artie Shaw, Roy Eldridge and Jack Teagarden.
In 1960, Johnny Preston's Indian love song "Running Bear" reached number one and became the first song to do so after it had fallen off the Billboard chart completely. Penned by J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper), the tune originally entered the chart in October 1959, then quickly vanished, but re-entered in November and slowly climbed to the top. It was also #1 in the UK.
In 1964, the Beatles had their first appearance on the US singles chart with "I Want to Hold Your Hand". The disc entered the Billboard Hot 100 at #45, just ten days after its release, making it the fastest-breaking and the fastest selling single in Capitol Records history. Capitol had earlier turned down "Love Me Do", "Please Please Me", "From Me to You" and "She Loves You", which were then released by Vee Jay Records. After a nasty lawsuit, Capitol Records was granted an injunction, restraining Vee Jay Records from further manufacturing, distributing, advertising or otherwise disposing of recordings by the Beatles. If you have any old Beatles records on Vee Jay, hang on to them, they are now collector's items.
In 1965, at the RCA studios in Los Angeles, Mick Jagger sang and played tambourine, Keith Richards played acoustic guitar, with Phil Spector on bass guitar and Jack Nitzsche on harpsicord, as they recorded the Rolling Stones track "Play With Fire."
In 1967, Jimi Hendrix recorded an appearance on U.K. TV show, Top of the Pops, and also played a show at the Seven and a Half Club in Mayfair, London.
In 1969, Pete Best won his $8 million defamation suit against his former group, the Beatles, but settled for a considerably lesser amount in the judgment.
In 1971, in a move to help promote Canadian musicians in their own country, Canada passes a law known as CanCon, that requires that from 6 am to 12 am, 30% of all music aired on the radio must be by a Canadian artist. They count as Canadian if two of the following four characteristics are met: *Music composed entirely by a Canadian, *Artist is Canadian, *Produced in Canada, *Lyrics written entirely by a Canadian.
In 1973, at the Los Angeles Forum, a Rolling Stones benefit concert raised $200,000 for Nicaraguan earthquake relief. Mick Jagger donated an additional $150,000.
In 1973, at EMI's Abbey Road Studios in London, Pink Floyd completed their recording of the album "Dark Side Of The Moon."
In 1974, former members from Free (Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke), Mott The Hoople (Mick Ralphs) and King Crimson (Boz Burrell) formed Bad Company. The band went on to score a U.S. #1 album with their debut release.
In 1981, in Milwaukee, Wendy O. Williams of the Plasmatics was arrested on stage and charged with simulating a sex act with a sledgehammer and resisting arrest. A jury found Williams not guilty of assaulting a police officer and the other charges were dropped. Williams later filed a multimillion-dollar civil suit against the Milwaukee Police, charging that they sexually assaulted and beat her during the arrest. A jury rejected her claims.
In 1975, Barry Manilow launched his career with the number one smash "Mandy". Originally called "Brandy" when it was recorded in 1972 by Scott English, Manilow changed the title to avoid confusion with the hit of the same name by a group called Looking Glass. It was long rumored that Scott English wrote the song about his dog, but this urban legend had been debunked by English himself who explained that a reporter called him early one morning asking who "Brandy" was, and an irritated English made up the "dog" story to get the reporter off his back.
In 1978, Johnny Paycheck's cover of David Allan Coe's ode to workplace frustrations, "Take This Job and Shove It", reached the top spot on the Billboard Country chart. Although the song failed to crack the Pop chart Top 40, it still seems to be one that we all know and can relate to.
In 1985, Cleveland, Ohio was chosen to be the site of the permanent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 1986, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Gladys Knight saw their recording of "That's What Friends Are For" hit number 1 in the US. The song was originally on the soundtrack to the movie, Night Shift, as performed by Rod Stewart. Warwick suggested doing it as a duet with Stevie Wonder and then Gladys Knight was added to the mix. To finish off the song, Elton John was asked to sing the final chorus. It became the biggest selling song of the year and all proceeds raised were donated to AIDS research.
In 1989, the Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, Otis Redding and Dion were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Wonder was the youngest person ever inducted.
In 1991, during AC/DC’s North American tour, three fans were killed during a crush in a crowd at a gig in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In 1996, Lisa Marie Presley files for divorce from Michael Jackson, citing irreconcilable differences. The marriage had lasted 19 months.
In 1997, songwriter and producer Keith Diamond died of a heart attack. He wrote “Caribbean Queen” and “Suddenly” for Billy Ocean, as well as hits for Donna Summer, James Ingram, Mick Jagger, Sheena Easton and Michael Bolton.
In 2003, HBO aired a live Rolling Stones concert from New York City's Madison Square Garden
In 2000, Spencer Goodman was executed by lethal injection in Huntsville, Texas. Goodman was convicted of kidnapping and murdering the wife of ZZ Top manager Bill Ham in 1991. Ham was present for the execution.
In 2007, rocker Ted Nugent caused a stir at the inaugural ball of Texas Governor Rick Perry when he appeared on stage wearing a T-shirt adorned with the Confederate flag, then started an angry monologue about people who don't speak English. The 58-year-old Nugent also carried a fake machine gun on stage with him.
In 2011, at a new museum in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the largest collection of Beatles memorabilia – more than 8,500 objects – went on display. Items included a box of condoms bearing the names of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, a brick from the Cavern Club, a hunk of the stage from the Star Club in Hamburg, certified copies of the band members' birth certificates, and 64 boxes of chewing gum in the form of Beatles records.
birthdays today include (among others): Bobby Goldsboro (71), Legs Larry Smith (Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band) (68), Jonathan Davis (Korn) (41), Luther Dickinson (Black Crowes) (39)
Hi Jerry! I hope you had a Merry Christmas, and I wish you a very Happy New Year.
