Thursday, March 29, 2012

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 26, 2012


DEAR JERRY: Last year, in your detailed history of the first 101 long-playing records, I noticed not a one of them was a various artists compilation.

How long after this introductory batch, from Columbia in 1948, did it take for someone to come up with an LP of hits by several different artists?

My first exposure to this format came in 1959, when a high school classmate brought “Oldies But Goodies” to school and was showing it around.

I was instantly hooked. You got 12 great songs for the price of three singles.

Also, what was the first rock or R&B compilation?
—Ronald Gersdorf, Terre Haute, Ind.


DEAR RONALD: Once Columbia introduced the long-play format, the task was not coming up with records featuring more than just one performer. The labels had been doing that since the mid-'40s, creating multi-disc sets of 78 rpms.

Rather, all they had to do was select which of their previously-issued shellac sets they wanted to reissue on 10-inch vinyl records. Columbia also opened this door in 1948, with “Theme Songs,” their 16th “Long-Playing Microgroove” (CL-6016) album. In what could be dubbed the first ever concept LP, this is a collection of the theme songs of eight of Columbia's big band leaders: Frankie Carle (“Sunrise Serenade”); Claude Thornhill (“Snowfall”); Xavier Cugat (“My Shawl”); Elliot Lawrence (“Heart to Heart”); Gene Krupa (“Starburst”); Les Brown (“Leap Frog”); Dick Jurgens (“Day Dreams Come True at Night”); and Ray Noble (“The Very Thought of You”). And of course it is one of the first 101.

In 1949, Columbia issued their first compilation to include pop vocalists, “Popular Favorites” (CL-6057). Here the featured performers are: Frank Sinatra; Dinah Shore; Doris Day; Arthur Godfrey; Dorothy Shay; and Les Brown.

Columbia must have been quite pleased with this entry's sales, because over the next five years they cranked out nine more volumes in the “Popular Favorites” series. Having 10 volumes (80 tracks) gave Columbia the chance to include most of the big name acts in their stable at the time.

Not one of the “Popular Favorites” series, but also from Columbia in 1949, is “Everybody Polka” (CL-6116), on which everybody does exactly that.

Meanwhile, over at Mercury Records, the first of 15 volumes of Norman Granz' “Jazz at the Philharmonic” went on sale. Newer volumes were later added, but in the 12-inch format.

In 1950, both Capitol (“History of Jazz”) and Decca (“Gems of Jazz”) jumped in with four-volume jazz comps. Two years later, Capitol put together a 10-volume series, “Today's Top Hits by Today's Top Artists,” as did RCA Victor in 1954, “Honor Roll of Hits (1926-1945).”

Among other labels with early 10-inch various artists compilations, and the year of their first, are: (1949) Folkways; Stinson; (1950) Brunswick; MGM; (1951) Modern; Savoy; (1952) Jazztone (1953); Blue Note; Blue Ribbon; Dial; Elektra; and Norgran.

The first 10-inch vinyl R&B comp is a 1951 release, appropriately titled “Rhythm and Blues” (Savoy 15008), and features Paul Williams; Big Jay McNeeley; Bill Moore; Hal Singer; and Milton Buckner.

Unlike most of the others referenced above, generally valued at less than $100, “Rhythm and Blues” can fetch over $200.

The earliest R&R and R&B compilation is “Rock 'n Roll with Rhythm and Blues” (Aladdin LP-710). This 1955 collection, Aladdin's first long-play in the 12-inch format, includes: Charles Brown; Gene & Eunice; Lynn Hope; Helen Humes; Richard Lewis; Amos Milburn; Peppermint Harris; Shirley & Lee; and the Five Keys.

Obviously collectible for multiple reasons, this legendary LP can sell for $600 to $800.


IZ ZAT SO? Art Laboe's first five “Oldies But Goodies” albums all made the Top 20, further ensuring that “oldies but goodies” could signify any memorable tune of the past.

The first various artists compilation to reach No. 1, where it remained for nine weeks in 1961, is in fact a catalog sampler.

Titled “Stars for a Summer Night” (Columbia PM-1), its original intent was to drive non-rock music lovers to record retailers to purchase any of 26 recent Columbia LPs, 13 pop or easy listening, and 13 classical.

Fueled by a low price — $1.98 for two discs in mono, $2.98 in stereo — sales went through the roof. After only 10 weeks, Columbia reported sales of over 500,000 units.


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 2012 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Exclusive Permission

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

not much happening today, although jack white is up to his tricks at ThirdManRecords with in my opinion, a silly release, an unplayable record....and in my never ending search for awesome album cover art, i have found a couple of gems.....

Jack White Releases 3 RPM Record Pitchfork article

i am also posting a new feature on the CVR blog called The Vinyl Pulse, a weekly snapshot of what is selling on the big vinyl machine called eBay. This is a great way to keep your eyes peeled for a specific record and what you might have to pay for it to obtain it.


The Vinyl Pulse

CollectorsFrenzy lists the top 25 real time ended auctions and the selling price for the collectible vinyl and is updated daily.





Top 10 Items for 03/28/2012

1. Beatles PLEASE PLEASE ME 1963 UK 1ST ISSUE BLACK & GOLD PARLOPHONE MONO LP. Sold Price:$2474.89 USD End Time:03/28/2012

2. Beatles:PLEASE PLEASE ME 1st UK BLACK/GOLD MONO**1G 1G**MOTHERS!! EX/EX
Sold Price:$2187.48 USD End Time:03/28/2012

3. Rolling Stones Promotional Album 1969 U.S. London - Beautiful NM - MEGA RARE
Sold Price:$1895.00 USD End Time:03/28/2012

4. Queen"45t vinyle"Bohemian Rhapsody"Original Promo Radio France SP-621 Ultra Rare
Sold Price:$1405.47 USD End Time:03/28/2012

5. LP ITALIAN PROG QUELLA VECCHIA LOCANDA - IL TEMPO DELLA TEMPO GIOIA - ORIGINALE
Sold Price:$1218.96 USD End Time:03/28/2012

6. JUTTA HIPP~BLUE NOTE 5056~FIRST ALBUM~INSANELY RARE ORIG 1954 10-INCH LP~NR MINT
Sold Price:$1125.00 USD End Time:03/28/2012

7. THE ROULETTES STAKES AND CHIPS LP ORIG UK 1965 N.MINT MONO Y/B PARLOPHONE
Sold Price:$1106.51 USD End Time:03/28/2012

8. THE END INTROSPECTION LP ORIG UK 1969 N.MINT MONO DECCA KILLER PSYCH PROG
Sold Price:$1099.41 USD End Time:03/28/2012

9. ZARATHUSTRA SAME LP ORIG 1972 MINT KRAUTROCK PROG MONSTER
Sold Price:$1053.82 USD End Time:03/28/2012

10.  SOUL DYNAMICS Stay in the Groove 45 rpm Original Promo - Mega Rare!
Sold Price:$860.00 USD End Time:03/28/2012


this site MusicPriceGuide lists the Top Ten per dollar sold for, an interesting site with all the bells and whistles






1. SEX PISTOLS.GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.ORIGINAL A&M ams7284.100%genuine.
USD 11.710,08 2012-01-03

2. Elvis Presley Compact 33 Single "Good Luck Charm/Anything That's Part of You" NM
USD 4.995,00 2012-01-02

3. HANK MOBLEY-BLP-1568-ORIG-BLUE NOTE- MONO D.G (LP) - NM!
USD 4.600,00 2012-01-09

4. ASD 429 W/G UK GIOCONDA DE VITO - BACH & MOZART VIOLIN CONCERTOS
USD 4.050,00 2012-01-03

5. RARE* Beatles Brute Force king of Fuh on the APPLE Label
USD 3.536,14 2011-12-29

6. JOHN HEARTSMAN & CIRCLES Music Of My Heart ORIGINAL 2-LP
USD 3.250,00 2011-12-29

7. RARE NORTHERN 45-JIMMY BURNS-I REALLY LOVE YOU-ERICA
USD 3.107,57 2012-01-08

8. HOLY GRAIL ULTRA RARE R&B SOUL 45 RECORD The PEACHEROOS on EXCELLO VINTAGE
USD 3.000,00 2012-01-03

9. U2 Special Collection 1980 -1987 CD Mega Rare Promo Japan TOP RARITY
USD 2.999,99 2012-01-05

10. TY KARIM- ROMARK-113- YOU JUST DON'T KNOW/ALL IN VAIN- NORTHERN SOUL (RARE)
USD 2.749,99 2012-01-03

look for this feature every thursday !!

=============

AEROSMITH: More New Album Details Revealed

Four members of AEROSMITH (everyone but guitarist Brad Whitford who was on the road with the "Experience Hendrix" tour) took part in a press conference at The Grove in Los Angeles on March 28 to announce their new album and upcoming tour. Introduced by Jimmy Kimmel, the musicians — including singer Steven Tyler, bassist Tom Hamilton and guitarist Joe Perry — spoke to the media about their upcoming "The Global Warming" tour with CHEAP TRICK and their long-awaited new studio album, which is due this summer.

"We've been underground for four months, doing what we do the best. We've been known to set the world on fire," Steven said. "We haven't been played any music for the last couple years, at least, so we decided to do 'The Global Warming' tour and come out from under the hood, so to speak. We've got a new album, we've got a new tour."

Read much more at our friends at Blabbermouth









=============

SMILE EMPTY SOUL: New Album Track Listing, Cover Artwork Revealed

Los Angeles-based rock trio SMILE EMPTY SOUL has revealed the album cover and track listing for its upcoming album, "3's", due on May 22 via eOne Music.

Read the rest at Blabbermouth



















=============

Cadaveric Crematorium Reveals Cover Art New LP

Italian grindcore oufit Cadaveric Crematorium have revealed the album cover art for their newest effort called 'One of Them,' which is scheduled for a summer release.

Tracklist:
1. Smiling And Farting ("Alfa")
2. Sun Supercharged ("Alfa")
3. The Protected ("Beta")
4. WWIII ("Gamma")
5. The Mutant ("Gamma")
6. Genetic Corruption ("Gamma")
7. They Back ("Delta")
8. That's Enough ("Delta")
9. Infected Scientist ("Delta")
10. Zombies Will Dominate ("Epsilon")








=============

Earl Scruggs (1924 - 2012)

Country and bluegrass pioneer Earl Scruggs has passed away in a Nashville hospital at the age of 88.

Scruggs was born in Shelby, NC and started playing the banjo at the age of four, an instrument that would fill his days during the depression and after his father died. Originally, he played using two fingers but, by the age of ten, he had evolved to a three-finger style that would eventually revolutionize bluegrass music and become known as "Scruggs Style Picking."

Please read the rest at our friends at VintageVinylNews

=============

and in music history for march 29th:

In 1958, Connie Francis enjoys her first chart success as "Who's Sorry Now?" reached Billboard's #4 spot. Over the next ten years she will place 55 more songs on the Billboard hit parade.

In 1962, Gene Chandler's "Duke of Earl" was certified Gold.

In 1966, Mick Jagger was injured when a fan threw a chair on the stage during a show in Marseilles.

In 1966, two members of the Walker Brothers were given concussions when fans mobbed them in Cheshire, U.K.

"With a Little Help From My Friends" was recorded by the Beatles in 1967. The band started recording the song the day before they posed for the Sgt. Pepper album cover (29 March 1967), wrapping up the session at 5:45 in the morning.

In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Black Sabbath, The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, Curved Air, J.J. Jackson’s Dilemma, Shy Limbs, Spontaneous Music Ensemble, Sunflower Brass Band and Toe Fat all appeared at the London Free Easter Festival in Bethnal Green, London, England.

In 1973, Dr. Hook got its wish and appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone. The group's recording, "The Cover of Rolling Stone," reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to members of the group, they really did buy five copies for their mothers, just like the song said.

In 1975, Led Zeppelin had all six of their albums in the US Top 100.

In 1980, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon had its 303rd week on the Billboard Albums, pushing it past Carole King's Tapestry for the longest run on the chart.

Also in 1980, Ronald Selle, a Chicago antique dealer and part-time musician and songwriter files suit against The Bee Gees, Paramount Pictures and Polygram Records. Selle alleged The Bee Gees' "How Deep is Your Love" plagiarized two sections of a song he wrote called "Let it End". Selle won the case even though the Bee Gees claim they never heard Selle's song and the whole thing was a coincidence. The group would successfully appeal the decision in 1983.

In 1982, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney released their duet single "Ebony and Ivory."

In 1985, Dominican nun/singer (Dominique) Jeanine Deckers, who had a recording career as the Singing Nun, committed suicide at age 51 after the center for autistic children in Belgium that she helped to found closed due to lack of funds. She was unaware that on the day of her suicide, the Belgian association that collects royalties for songwriters awarded her $300,000.

In 1986, Austrian singer Falco started a three-week run at #1 on the US singles chart with “Rock Me Amadeus,” also a #1 in the UK. Falco became the first German-speaking artist to achieve a #1 on the US charts.

In 1986, the Beatles albums become officially available for the first time in Russia.

In 1996, Carol Connors and Marshall Lieb, former members of the Teddy Bears, sued third member Phil Spector and a number of labels saying they had not received royalties for the record To Know Him Is to Love Him.

In 2000, 'N Sync's album 'No Strings Attached' set a new all-time record for first-week sales with 2.4 million copies.

In 2001, a three-hour show honoring Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson was held at New York City's Radio City Music Hall. There were vocal tributes by Paul Simon (Surfer Girl), Elton John (God Only Knows), and Billy Joel (Don't Worry Baby). Wilson himself performed "Barbara Ann," "Fun, Fun, Fun," and "Surfin' U.S.A." Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, the Go-Go's, David Crosby, Carly Simon, Wilson Phillips, Aimee Mann, and songwriter Jimmy Webb also appeared.

In 2001, jazz pianist/composer John Lewis, who spent 45 years as a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet, died of prostate cancer at age 80.

In 2001, Brian Wilson was honored at New York's Radio City Music Hall by Billy Joe, Paul Simon, The Go-Gos, Carly Simon, David Crosby, Jimmy Webb, Ann and Nancy Wilson, Elton John and Aimee Mann.

In 2005, Neil Young was treated for a brain aneurysm at a hospital in New York. Doctors expected the 59-year-old to make a full recovery. The aneurysm was discovered when Young’s vision became blurred after the induction ceremony for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the previous month.

In 2007, U2 singer Bono accepted an honorary knighthood at a ceremony in Dublin. Fellow band members The Edge and Adam Clayton joined the frontman’s wife and four children at the British ambassador David Reddaway’s official residence. The rock star and campaigner, 46, was not entitled to be called “Sir” because he is not a British citizen. The U2 singer’s new title is Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE).

In 2011, Robbie Robertson released 'How to Become Clairvoyant,"'his first CD in 13 years. Eric Clapton co-wrote three of the tracks and played on seven of them.

birthdays today include (among others): Chad Allan (born Allan Kowbel) (Guess Who) (69), Terry Jacks (68), Bobby Kimball (Toto) (65), Barry Goudreau (Boston) (61), Perry Farrell (Jane's Addiction, Porno For Pyros) (53) and John Popper (Blues Traveler) (45)