Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Happy New Year!


Just a quick note, we have a winner in the SpaceLab9 Breaking Bad Picture Disc Contest  

Congratulations to Jeff R. from Los Angeles, CA - your prize is on its way.  A special thank you to SpaceLab9 for the awesome picture discs and thank you to all you entered.  Look for more contest coming in 2014!

Remember, if you drink tonight - DO NOT DRIVE!


Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 30, 2013


DEAR JERRY: Just finished listening to the Friday night (Dec. 13) celebrity guest interview on Sirius XM's Channel 19.

The special guest of the week was Deana Martin and she and the hosts were talking about the mutual admiration between her dad (Dean Martin) and Elvis Presley.

In that vein, Deana mentioned that Dean and Elvis had 22 songs in common. Wow! That's many more than I could name. What are those titles?

The following day on the same channel, the dee jay was talking about "Blueberry Hill," and he said "it was written and originally recorded by Fats Domino."

I believe he was wrong on both counts, but what say you?
—Loretta Wingfield, Phoenix


DEAR LORETTA: Deana was right and so are you.

One thing that jumped out at me about the 22 songs that Dean and Elvis both sang is that none of them are originals by either man, even though they may be far more associated with them than singers of earlier versions.

"Blue Christmas" is a perfect example. No one is more connected to this holiday classic than Presley, and his 1957 release. Yet the first chart hit was in 1949 by Ernest Tubb (Decca 46186). The very first recording, however, was one year earlier, by Doye O'Dell (Exclusive 65).

Alphabetically, here are the titles Deana referenced, but did not have time to individually identify during the interview:

"Blue Christmas"; "Blue Moon"; "Crying Time"; "For the Good Times"; "Gentle on My Mind"; "I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine"; "I'll Be Home for Christmas"; "It Keeps Right on A-Hurtin'"; "Make the World Go Away"; "My Heart Cries for You"; "Release Me"; "Santa Lucia" (Elvis sings this completely in Italian but Dean does the first half in English); "Silent Night" "Silver Bells"; "Take Good Care of Her"; "Take Me in Your Arms (Torna a Surriento)" (a.k.a. "Surrender"); "There's No Tomorrow (O Solo Mio)" (a.k.a. "It's Now Or Never"); "True Love"; "Welcome to My World"; "White Christmas"; "Winter Wonderland"; and "Write to Me from Naples."

Regarding "Blueberry Hill," it is possible the dee jay, knowing that most of Fats Domino's hits were written by him, or in collaboration with Dave Bartholomew, merely assumed Fats wrote or at least co-wrote "Blueberry Hill."

It would be an easy mistake. Of his first 20 chart hits (1950-1956), all but one was written or co-written by Antoine "Fats" Domino. The lone exception is "Thinking of You" (1955), penned by R. Hall.

As for "Blueberry Hill," Al Lewis, Larry Stock, and Vincent Rose authored it in 1940, a little over 16 years before Domino's recording.

By the end of the '40s, several renowned artists had recorded the tune, including Glenn Miller; Kay Kyser; Russ Morgan; Gene Autry; Steve Gibson and His Red Caps; and Louis Armstrong.

On the outside chance the Fats Domino labels mistakenly credited the writers, I checked my 1956 singles, both 45 and 78 (Imperial 5407), and they properly attribute the words and music to "Lewis, Stock & Rose."


DEAR JERRY: Hope you can stand another regional hit inquiry, 'cause that's what I have.

When the English began to dominate the airwaves in early 1964, KSO, our Top 40 station, also played a record by an American singer, one inspired by the old tongue twister, "she sells seashells by the sea shore."

Do you know the one I mean?
—Larry Curtis, Des Moines, Iowa
Jerry Keller

DEAR LARRY: Yes, thanks to your more than adequate clues.

I began flipping through my radio surveys, starting with Jan. 1, 1964, but not a lot of time traveling was required before spotting "Sea Shell Sherry," by Jerry Keller (Coral 62378).

That a song that didn't make the Top 100 on either Billboard or Cash Box still got regional play is not unusual. What is amazing is finding "Sea Shell Sherry" at No. 4 in Des Moines.

The Top 3 that week (Jan. 31) were: 1. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (Beatles); 2. "Hey Little Cobra" (Rip Chords); 3. "Forget Him" (Bobby Rydell).

Keller, whose "Here Comes Summer" was a smash hit in 1959, begins this novelty with the familiar "she sells sea shells down by the sea shore." But with each verse, the pace picks up and another alliterative word is added. He finally works his way up to "swingin', surfin', silly, Sherry sells sea shells down by the sea shore."

Since I did not see this tune on any other surveys, it is possible Des Moines was the only market playing "Sea Shell Sherry," not what you might expect in a location about as far away as possible be from either sea shore, Atlantic or Pacific.


IZ ZAT SO? If seeing "Sea Shell Sherry" in the KSO Top 4 is surprising, add this detail to the mystification:

Of the entire Top 40 that week, only one other record was not what you would call a nationwide hit, and it was nowhere the Top 4. At No. 35 is "My Home Town," by Steve Lawrence.

Maybe Jerry Keller had relatives in Des Moines.


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 2013 Osborne Enterprises - Reprinted By Exclusive Permission

Monday, December 30, 2013

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes



Only 1 more day, get your entry into the  SpaceLab9 Breaking Bad Picture Disc Contest

You can enter by emailing me at rbenson30@wi.rr.com with the words "SpaceLab9 Breaking Bad Picture Disc Contest" in the subject line. Limit one email entry per person. Entries limited to the USA residents only. Contest ends on December 31, 2013. Winner will be chosen at random among the qualifying email entries at noon on December 31, 2013.

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from our friends at SoundStageDirect

Rising (Pre-Order) by Rainbow

Initially perceived as a Ritchie Blackmore solo project, Rainbow had become a permanent fixture in the British rock atmosphere by the time the band was ready to follow-up its breakthrough debut. For Rising, Blackmore had replenished Rainbow with a colorful arsenal of accomplished sidemen and studio musicians; keyboardist Tony Carey, bassist Jimmy Bain and drummer Cozy Powell. But the main event here is Ronnie James Dio, who establishes himself as one of heavy metal’s most influential vocalists.

The presence of the new lineup is immediately felt. The keyboard intro to “Tarot Woman” sets a sorcerous tone for the album. Carey’s dexterous playing paired with Powell’s thunderous drumming provides a cavernous sonic template for Blackmore chugging riffs and sparking leads. Dio’s lyrical trademarks are all here: tales of wizards, magic and kings, as well as foreboding of the darkness that lurks ahead. The epic “Stargazer,” which features a 42-piece orchestra, and the equally ambitious, nine-minute “A Light In the Black”—an indisputably thrilling one-two punch—close out the album.

Rising announced Rainbow’s arrival as a new voice in metal, establishing many elements that would shape the genre for decades to come. Complete with a faithful replication of the original gatefold sleeve and dead-quiet surfaces, this Wax Cathedral reissue is pressed at RTI, America’s best record plant. Even better, it’s on colored vinyl.

Order at SoundStageDirect



Live Undead by Slayer

This seven-song live release features five tracks from Slayer's debut, Show No Mercy which was released a year prior, one cut from the three-song Haunting The Chapel EP and an additional non-album track entitled Aggressive Perfector. The songs on Live Undead fundamentally follow the heavy handed arrangements of their studio counterparts, but are enhanced with an added energy and menace that was vital to Slayer's exciting early period. Available here on Limited Edition Splattered Silver Colored Vinyl!

Order at SoundStageDirect




Hot Rocks 1964-1971 by Rolling Stones

Hot Rocks 1964–1971 is the first compilation album of Rolling Stones music released by former manager Allen Klein's ABKCO Records (who gained control of the band's Decca/London material in 1970) after the band's departure from Decca and Klein. Released in late 1971, it proved to be The Rolling Stones' biggest-selling release of their career and an enduring and popular retrospective.

After reportedly having been duped by Klein to unknowingly sign over the recording copyrights to all of their material from 1963 to 1970, The Rolling Stones left Decca and formed their own label, Rolling Stones Records, with a new distributor. They recorded Sticky Fingers throughout 1970, releasing it the following spring. Although Klein—and now ABKCO—no longer had The Rolling Stones as clients, their fruitful catalogue was ripe for the picking and, thus, Hot Rocks 1964–1971 was quickly compiled as a double album greatest hits package.

While the album carries most of the band's biggest hits during their first decade, it does drop a few of them in order to include standout tracks such as "Play With Fire", "Under My Thumb" and "Gimme Shelter" giving listeners a more well-rounded impression of The Rolling Stones' music in this era. Although "Brown Sugar" and "Wild Horses" are a part of Sticky Fingers, those two songs are co-owned by the band and Allen Klein because The Rolling Stones recorded the songs while they were still under contract to Decca.
  • 180 Gram Clear Vinyl From ABKCO'S Clearly Classic Reissue Series
  • Double Gatefold
  • Re-mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering
  • Cut at Trutone Mastering by Carl Rowatti
  • Pressed at RTI
Order at SoundStageDirect

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colored vinyl (they have many more!) from our friends at PolyVinylRecords

Various Artists - I Need You Bad

I Need You Bad documents the San Francisco garage rock scene (and a little bit beyond) as it exists here and now.

Curated by one of its most vital members, Sonny Smith, the compilation features some bands you already know (Sonny & The Sunsets, The Sandwitches, Warm Soda) and others you'll wish you had discovered sooner.

Featuring artwork by Shannon Shaw (Shannon and the Clams), I Need You Bad is a perfect snapshot into one of the most influential and thriving music scenes in the country, if not the world.

Order at PolyVinylRecords



Wampire - Curiosity

After forming Wampire, Rocky Tinder and Eric Phipps steadily began to make a name for themselves in the same Portland, OR, scene that has produced labelmates STRFKR as well as Unknown Mortal Orchestra.

It makes sense, then, that Wampire came to Polyvinyl's attention when the duo opened for STRFKR at a hometown Portland show and that UMO's bassist Jacob Portrait produced Wampire’s debut full-length, Curiosity.

The choice of Portrait was a natural one, with both Tinder and Phipps believing he'd be able to contribute almost as much to the record as they would.

And so, in mid-August Tinder and Phipps each brought fragments of song ideas into the studio, before deconstructing, re-arranging, and fitting them back together piece by piece -- at times lyrics and melodies were thrown out, brought back from the dead, or improvised on the spot.

This loosely structured approach made the process truly collaborative, with producer Portrait occasionally chipping in ideas for lyrics, arrangements, and instrumentation.

The resulting nine tracks are instantly memorable, while defying easy categorization. Says Phipps, "We realized the record began to stray away from having a 'sound' and gradually became a platter with an assortment of sounds. The record showcases a flavor we haven't quite dug into before."

The album's diverse combination of sounds ultimately helped give birth to its title, Curiosity -- a word that invokes the listener's wonder at what will greet their ears next, while also describing the overall curious tone the record possesses.

First single, "The Hearse" serves as the perfect introduction for those unfamiliar with the band -- its opening notes swelling instantly with electronic organs over a driving drum beat. By the time bass and vocals kick in, you’re already hooked.

Elsewhere, "Orchards" weaves an infectiously breezy melody on the strength of vocal harmonizing, tuneful whistling, and undulating guitar lines.

In some cases, Wampire's unique rhythms are best described by the band members, as with "Trains," a Motown-meets-Strokes track that Tinder perfectly summarizes like so: "It's sexy, sounds huge, and by all means should be blamed for future babies."

The album concludes with the equally sensual "Magic Light," a song centered around a dark seductive bass groove that sets the tone for Phipps’ come-hither lyrics.

It's the kind of track that draws you ever further into the record's beguiling clutches, leaving a lasting impression that remains well after its final notes have faded out.

Order at PolyVinylRecords



Aloha - Here Comes Everyone

Here Comes Everyone launches the retooled Aloha machine with a fury of stick-to-the-ribcage blasts and shimmering ballads. Aloha adds the orchestral pop of the late '60s and the post-prog rock of the '80s to its big-thinking, rhythm-rich repertoire. Engaging yet contemplative, Aloha crosses the experimental/populist divide.

Here Comes Everyone brings the listener on a fevered tour of post-modernity, from the edge cities to the urban enclaves, from buried history to the impending future. What can't be painted with words is told by yearning mellotrons, spikey guitars, and graceful chord changes.

With the help of Don Zientara and Chad Clark at Inner Ear/Silver Sonya Studios (where new Aloha member T.J. Lipple works as an engineer), the band sounds warmer than ever, with all the spirit of a basement-show sensation and the gloss and confidence of an arena rocker.

Order at PolyVinylRecords

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from VictoryRecords


A Day To Remember - For Those Who Have Heart Vinyl (Clear Yellow)











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Camper Van Beethoven Announces Expanded Reissues of 'Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart' and 'Key Lime Pie'

When indie superstars Camper Van Beethoven signed with Virgin Records in the late 1980s, it seemed inconceivable. How could that band move to a major label without “selling out” and sacrificing all that made them great?

The first three tracks on Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart were a pop song, an instrumental and an adaptation of a folk dirge about death. Heck, the release even had a love song for Patty Hearst. No, Camper Van Beethoven didn’t sell out. They just had better distribution now.

Omnivore Recordings is proud to take everyone back to 1988, when musical worlds collided and Camper Van Beethoven helped break the mold and blur the lines between indie rock and “alternative.” Suddenly, it was an even playing field and Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart found itself in the bins next to Chicago and Cinderella. Produced by Dennis Herring (Elvis Costello, Counting Crows), the 25th anniversary of this landmark album finds it reissued on CD with 10 bonus tracks—and on vinyl for the first time since its original issue.

The band returned the following year with what most deem their masterpiece— Key Lime Pie. Once again produced by Dennis Herring, Key Lime Pie continued the journey into the world of CVB, but with higher production value and sound than had been heard before. From a track about Jack Ruby to a cover of Status Quo’s “Pictures Of Matchstick Men”, Key Lime Pie was a slice above the rest and a fitting dessert for the 1980s.

This reissue finds nine bonus tracks on the CD. The nearly hour-long album was originally pressed on one LP, but Omnivore has expanded it to two LPs (for better sound) and added a bonus track to Side 4.

Featuring new liners and photos in the CD and LP, both Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart and Key Lime Pie are being reissued with full cooperation and input from the band themselves. These are the releases CVB fans have been dreaming of.

Pre-Order at OmnivoreRecordings

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from the great state of alabama, collectors get together to share their love of vinyl:

Vinyl Junkies are taking their music out for a spin - Record lovers meet monthly to soak in sounds






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from the great state of pennsylvania!

New vinyl store opens in Robesonia

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KISS Vinyl Reissues On The Way

KISS have recently revealed that a series of vinyl reissues scheduled for release on March 18, 2014.

Set to capitalize on the hype surrounding their April induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, the band will reissue nine albums:

KISS
Hotter Than Hell
Alive!
Destroyer
Dynasty
Unmasked
Lick It Up
Animalize
Revenge
Psycho Circus

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Aska To Release Vinyl Edition Of "Fire Eater" Album











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album cover art of the day:


Angel Vivaldi Reveals "Away With Words Part 1" Album Artwork


Friday, December 27, 2013

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes



Sundazed 12" Vinyl Sale!!!

Why the long face? Were your holiday gifts a little, um, underwhelming? Well, put down that eggnog and take matters into your own hands: For a very limited time, Sundazed Music is taking 20% off all 12" vinyl.

Yup, a 20% savings on every LP in the Sundazed catalog!  Order now and get what you REALLY wanted for the holidays!

Note: Limited to in stock items only (no backorders will be held on sale orders)

Visit Sundazed today!

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out of the uk:

Why Groucho's has stood the test of time - Over the past 40 years many trends have come and gone. But not many shops can make the same claim.





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great way to keep the record customers happy!

Wharton Music Center Launches A Vinyl Listening Lab






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Drake's 'Nothing Was the Same' Gets Bootleg Vinyl Release











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Les Paul’s Recording Innovations








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Why some bands relish the chance to revisit old albums and ‘fix’ wrongs





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from our friends at musicrecordshop

Top Selling Heavy Metal Vinyl Records at MusicRecordShop

1. LYNYRD SKYNYRD - LAST OF A DYIN' BREED
2. Saxon - Denim & Leather (2-LP)
3. Temple Of The Dog - Temple Of The Dog (2-LP)
4. Slayer - Reign In Blood
5. HELMET - BETTY
6. Black Label - Sonic Brew (2-LP)
7. Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats - Blood Lust
8. IRON MAIDEN - POWERSLAVE (VINYL PICTURE DISC)
9. IRON MAIDEN - LIVE AFTER DEATH (2-LP PICTURE DISC)
10. Skid Row - United World Rebellion - Chapter One

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from nashville's grimeys.com

The Best-Selling Vinyl Record Titles of 2013 at Grimey's!

*denotes a Record Store Day or Black Friday release

1. Jason Isbell - Southeastern
2. Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires Of The City
3. Paramore - Holiday Sessions 10"*
4. The National - Trouble Will Find Me
5. Daft Punk - Random Access Memories
6. Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls
7. The Civil Wars - The Civil Wars
8. Dawes - Stories Don't End
9. Jim James - Regions Of Light & Sound Of God
10. Arcade Fire - Reflektor
11. Queens Of The Stone Age - Like Clockwork
12. The Lumineers - The Lumineers
13. Mumford & Sons - Babel
14. Dawes - Stripped Down At Grimey's*
15. Bon Iver - For Emma Forever Ago
16. Father John Misty - Fear Fun
17. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
18. Alt-J - An Awesome Wave
19. Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience
20. Tame Impala - Lonerism
21. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
22. William Tyler - Impossible Truth
23. The White Stripes - Elephant*
24. Dr. Dog - B-Room
25. D. Watusi - Dark Party
26. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
27. The Lone Bellow - The Lone Bellow
28. Kings Of Leon - Mechanical Bull
29. The Features - The Features
30. Lord Huron - Lonesome Dreams
31. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Push The Sky Away
32. Phosphorescent - Muchacho
33. Caitlin Rose - The Stand-In
34. Phoenix - Bankrupt!
35. The Civil Wars - Unplugged On VH-1
36. The Head & The Heart - Let's Be Still
37. Night Beds - Country Sleep
38. Atoms For Peace - AMOK
39. Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
40. Ray Lamontagne - Trouble
41. The Avett Brothers - Magpie & The Dandelion
42. The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow
43. The Avett Brothers - Emotionalism
44. The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
45. Sigur Ros - Kveikur
46. Jack White - Blunderbuss
47. The Beatles - Abbey Road
48. John Mayer - Continuum
49. Foxygen - We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors Of Peace & Magic
50. Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane Over The Sea

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Amazon Top 10 Best Sellers

1. Frozen (Deluxe) ~ Soundtrack
2. Pure Heroine ~ Lorde
3. Wrapped in Red ~ Kelly Clarkson
4. High Hopes (pre-order) ~ Bruce Springsteen
5. Duck the Halls: a Robertson Family Christmas ~ The Robertsons
6. Party Tyme Karaoke: Tween Hits 1 ~ Party Tyme Karaoke
7. Night Visions ~ Imagine Dragons
8. Live At The Cellar Door ~ Neil Young
9. Artpop ~ Lady Gaga
10. Midnight Memories (Deluxe Version) ~ One Direction

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Top 10 Concert Tours from Pollstar

The Top 10 Concert Tours ranks artists by average box office gross per city for shows in North America. The list is based on data provided to the trade publication Pollstar.

1. Bon Jovi; $1,518,974
2. Pink; $1,487,913
3. Pearl Jam; $1,265,566; $69.64.
4. Kanye West; $1,120,289
5. Drake; $913,211
6. Michael Buble; $883,246
7. Zac Brown Band; $690,636
8. Luke Bryan; $687,483
9. Trans-Siberian Orchestra; $678,866
10. Jason Aldean; $667,746  

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes


two vinyl record contests still open and taking entries, see the left margin for details!

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out of the uk, a must read for any vinyl lover

How I taught my son to love vinyl





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Rough Trade Opens Vinyl Records Mega-Store in NYC








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This Record Label Pays Downloaders When Enough Vinyl Sells





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45 Years Ago: Led Zeppelin Play Their First U.S. Show







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Billboard's Top Selling Christmas Albums of All-Time

1. Elvis' Christmas Album - Elvis Presley (10 million)
2. Miracles: The Holiday Album - Kenny G (7.3 million)
3. The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole (6 million)
4. Christmas - Mannheim Steamroller (6 million)
5. A Fresh Aire Christmas - Mannheim Steamroller (6 million)
6. Noel - Josh Groban (5.7 million)
7. Merry Christmas - Mariah Carey (5.3 million)
8. These Are Special Times - Celine Dion (5.2 million)
9. A Christmas Album - Barbra Streisand (5+ million)
10. Merry Christmas - Johnny Mathis (5 million)

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Johnny Cash “Lost” Album Out in March











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NPR Music's 50 Favorite Albums Of 2013






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2014 Album Releases: 20 Rock Albums To Look Forward To






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album cover art of the day:

IRON SAVIOR: 'Rise Of The Hero' Cover Artwork, Track Listing Revealed



Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes



first and foremost, a Happy Holiday Season from the CVR blog. thank you for making my labor of love a success and keep coming back, i have some special things planned for 2014!!










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New Music Releases - December 24, 2013

Alesana - Fatima Rusalka
Boston - Life Love and Hope (vinyl)
Calexico - Spiritoso (vinyl)
CIV - Set Your Goals (reissue) (vinyl)
Joan Baez - Greatest Hits
Joyce Manor - Joyce Manor (reissue) (vinyl)
Lody Kong - No Rules
Slayer - Live: Decade of Aggression (2xLP)
The Flaming Lips - Peace Sword (vinyl)
Various Artists - American Hustle (soundtrack)
Various Artists - Muscle Shoals OST (2xLP)
Yes - The Studio Albums 1969-87 (13xCD)


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AMI Entertainment Releases 2013 List of Most Popular Jukebox Music

Van Morrison, Guns N' Roses, and Blake Shelton top the charts

PHILADELPHIA - AMI Entertainment Network is excited to release its annual list of the year's most popular jukebox music! Featuring classic artists like Van Morrison and Johnny Cash going head-to-head with new up-and-comers like Macklemore and Florida Georgia Line, 2013's list covers a rollicking field of hit songs, classic rock standards, and country anthems. As always, the data for the list was drawn from AMI's network of digital jukeboxes and vast library of millions of songs.

2013 was a year of nostalgia for the AMI audience, as the top five most-played songs of 2013 were all recorded before 1990. Claiming the top spot for 2013 was Van Morrison's soulful jam "Brown Eyed Girl," a legendary 1967 song that kicked off the singer's solo career and continues to make regular appearances on AMI's year-end charts. Guns N' Roses joined perennial favorites The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Janis Joplin to round out the top five. Meanwhile, the most popular song of 2012 — Jason Aldean's "My Kinda Party" — failed to crack the top 50, sinking all the way to #82.

The top albums of 2013 were similarly old-fashioned, with greatest hits albums from Guns N' Roses and Lynyrd Skynyrd placing #1 and #2, respectively. Eric Church's hit 2011 album Chief remained on the charts for yet another year, falling only one spot from the 2012 list to come in at #3. Chief was followed on the charts by a string of greatest hits albums from classic artists like Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Seger.

Meanwhile, the list of the top new songs of 2013 granted a fascinating view into the latest artists captivating jukebox audiences. 2013 proved to be a banner year for country singer Blake Shelton, with his new releases "Boys 'Round Here" and "Sure Be Cool If You Did" topping the charts at #1 and #3, respectively. Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" came in at #2, while new tracks from Florida Georgia Line, Daft Punk, and Drake also placed in the Top 10. New Zealand's teenaged singer-songwriter Lorde also placed highly with her #1 hit song "Royals," which came in at #9.

Every year, AMI's global network of digital jukeboxes connects millions of patrons with their favorite songs from thousands of artists across dozens of different genres. For more information on AMI's products and services, as well as the latest news and updates about the AMI jukebox network, please visit www.amientertainment.com. You can also keep up-to-date on news and promotions by connecting with AMI on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AMIJukeboxes.

SOURCE AMI Entertainment Network 

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from www.hypebot.com (chart provided by SoundExchange)




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Helen Money: Limited vinyl edition of Arriving Angels - To be released via newly-launched Corpse Flower Records









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from the great state of maryland:

What’s Old Is New Again! Vinyl Records Are Taking A Spin This Holiday/





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from the great state of california:

Record store veteran remains jazzed about vinyl






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as a real fan of picture discs, sure would like to get my hands on these:


Dissecting Re-Released LPs from Swedish Death Metal Act Dissection









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Louisville's independent record stores give it another spin as vinyl makes a comeback

 


Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 23, 2013


DEAR JERRY: Every year, for the past 20 or so Decembers, we've enjoyed Merle Haggard's "Goin' Home for Christmas."

I know the song by heart, so you can imagine my surprise when I heard it on the radio this year, and caught the tail end of a spoken introduction by Merle.

Exactly what all does he say? I missed part of it.
—Carolyn Munnick, Milwaukee


DEAR CAROLYN: As you know, "Goin' Home for Christmas" involves persuading grandpa, a white knuckle flyer, to come home for Christmas on a train. Thus, Merle's 25-second prologue goes like this:

"My family called me on the phone and said
Grandpa, would ya come home
We'd love to have you here on Christmas day
We know you won't get on a plane, but you could ride a train
You could see the scenery along the way"

He then launches into "Goin' home for Christmas … comin' on a train."

I'm somewhat surprised Amtrak hasn't incorporated this tune into one of their ads.


DEAR JERRY: I just watched, for the second time, the Biography Channel's feature on the Mamas and the Papas. And, as when I first I saw it a couple of years ago, a red flag went up when something was said about them being the first mixed-gender group to have a No. 1 Hit. At least I think that was the gist of it.

Of course we (the Fleetwoods) were a trio, and the Mamas and the Papas were a quartet, but I don't think that distinction was made.

I started to write to the Biography Channel for clarification, but then remembered your extensive Fleetwoods research in 2006, and decided to let you sort all of this out.
—Gretchen Christopher, Olympia, Wash.


DEAR GRETCHEN: I guess I am a sorter of sorts, but in this case the random element is exactly what they said. I have tried to locate video of that episode, but without success.

Regardless, I'll cover what I think are all of the reasonable possibilities.

Let's begin with "Monday Monday," the only No. 1 hit for the Mamas and the Papas (May 1966), and work backwards.

Clearly they are not the first mixed-gender group, meaning three or more members, to top the charts. Preceding them in this category are the Essex (quintet); Fleetwoods (trio); Pied Pipers (quartet); Platters (quintet); Rooftop Singers (trio); Ruby and the Romantics (quintet); and Weavers (quartet).

This also shows the Mamas and the Papas were not the first mixed-gender quartet atop the charts — unless the list is limited only to hits from 1952 (post Pied Pipers and Weavers) or later. If so, they are, and that could be what the bio implied.

There is another possibility, though somewhat far-fetched. "Monday Monday" was the first No. 1 hit by a quartet consisting of an equal number of males and females: John Phillips; Michelle Phillips; Denny Doherty; and Cass Elliot. All but Michelle are now deceased.

Knowing you have no objections to my reminding readers of some of the distinctions owned by your Fleetwoods, these are my favorites:

For nearly 100 years, from the invention of the phonograph (1877) to April 1973, the Fleetwoods were the only mixed-gender trio with more than one No. 1 hit!

In order, here are the eight No. 1 songs by those six trios, with gender makeup:

1958: Teddy Bears - "To Know Him Is to Love Him" (FMM)
1959: Fleetwoods - "Come Softly to Me" (MFF)
1959: Browns - "The Three Bells" (MFF)
1959: Fleetwoods - "Mr. Blue" (MFF)
1963: Rooftop Singers - "Walk Right In" (FMM)
1969: Peter, Paul & Mary - "Leavin' on a Jet Plane" (FMM)
1971: Tony Orlando & Dawn - "Knock Three Times" (MFF)
1973: Tony Orlando & Dawn - "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" (MFF)

"Come Softly to Me," written by someone named Gretchen Christopher, and "Mr. Blue," were both million-sellers in 1959, making the Fleetwoods the top singles group of that year. They also became the first and second Gold Record award winners for a northwest group and label (Dolton).

Finally, and this is a big one, the Fleetwoods are the only group from late 1956 (Platters: "The Great Pretender" and "My Prayer") to late 1962 (4 Seasons: "Sherry" and "Big Girls Don't Cry"), with two No. 1 hits in the same year, regardless of member demographics.

Congratulations Soft One!


IZ ZAT SO? The 1964 British Invasion changed the American music landscape in many ways, but one of the least known is that for seven consecutive years (1964-1970), at least one group had two or more No. 1 hits in the same year.

Remember, before 1964 this only happened three times in music history (Platters, Fleetwoods, 4 Seasons).

The acts mostly responsible for this transformation are the Beatles; Supremes; Herman's Hermits; Rolling Stones; Monkees; and the Jackson 5.

The peak year for groups and duos is 1965, when they claimed 92% of the chart toppers. Of the 25 No. 1 tunes that year, only two are by solo artists: "Downtown" (Petula Clark) and "Eve of Destruction" (Barry McGuire).


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 2013 Osborne Enterprises - Reprinted By Exclusive Permission

Friday, December 20, 2013

Sundazed Strawberry Alarm Clock Vinyl Vault Contest


through the sleet and snow and a busy christmas season, our friends at Sundazed managed to ship me some records!  So, as with many of the contests here at the CVR blog, you can enter by emailing me at rbenson30@wi.rr.com with the words "Sundazed Strawberry Alarm Clock Vinyl Vault Contest" in the subject line and you will be entered into a random drawing, which will be held on January 24th, 2014.  Limit one email entry per person/email address. Good Luck, this is a special 3 LP treasure from Sundazed !


A Vinyl Vault of Vintage Psychedelia (3-LP Set)

The Strawberry Alarm Clock’s unique sound—full of beautiful, day-glo pop surrounding jagged, fuzzy guitars and organs, among other garage-rock influences—is explored through a number of dreamlike gems contained in these three volumes, all presented as originally issued! Their smash “Incense and Peppermints,” which reached #1 in late 1967 and remained in the Billboard pop chart for 16 weeks, is included on The Best of Strawberry Alarm Clock, and Wake Up...It’s Tomorrow and The World In A Sea Shell contain fan favorites (and ’60s psych gold) like “Love Me Again,” “Sea Shell,” “Barefoot in Baltimore,” “Sit With the Guru,” and many more—all mastered from the stereo UNI reels in definitive 180 gram editions!


Wake Up... It's Tomorrow

Wake Up...It’s Tomorrow, The Strawberry Alarm Clock’s second album, is what many fans consider the most ambitious musical statement of the band’s career. Includes “Tomorrow,” “Sit with the Guru,” and the haunting “Pretty Song from Psych-Out,” theme of the cult-classic film of the same name, on 180 gram vinyl.




The World In A Seashell

More gentle grooves and soaring voices! An adventurous mixture of psychedelia and lush pop, The World In A Sea Shell includes “Love Me Again,” a nod to their earlier, harder sound, plus “Sea Shell,” “Barefoot in Baltimore” and other day-glo psych masterpieces on 180 gram vinyl.






The Best of The Strawberry Alarm Clock

The Best of Strawberry Alarm Clock is a vintage collection from 1970 that includes key tracks from all four of the band’s albums—“Incense and Peppermints” among them—plus the rarely heard non-LP singles “Desiree” and “Starting Out the Day,” now on 180 gram vinyl.




Contest includes all 3 LPs, for a perfect psychedelic experience!



Vinyl Record News & Music Notes


for those who are interested, the SpaceLab9 Breaking Bad Picture Disc Contest, entries are still be taken!





  
amazing story from baltimoresun about some special records!

Back Story: World War II Sun program found, will be rebroadcast - Soldiers, Red Cross personnel spoke to their families back home





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Swans Treat 'The Burning World' to Vinyl Reissue











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Amazon's Best-Selling Music Attracts Different Fans To Different Music



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Domestica release stunning private press new wave and post-punk rarities on vinyl for the first time






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Aztec Camera's 'High Land, Hard Rain' to Receive Expanded 30th Anniversary Vinyl Reissue











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from our friends at relapse


Been waiting for the right time to go on a metal shopping spree? Well that time is almost here!

Relapse Mailorder will be having a MASSIVE YEAR END SUPER SALE from Dec 24th through January 1st. All Relapse Records titles and merch (excluding pre-orders, bundles, and grab bags) will be 35% OFF. Spend $100 and you'll get AN EXTRA 10% off by using the coupon code SANTA666 during checkout.

Check out some of what's available HERE











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from our friends at razorandtie