Friday, August 15, 2014

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes


from our friends at Insound

Spoon - They Want My Soul

Comes on white vinyl! Spoon’s most straight-up, direct and concise rock album ever; A certain “return to form” as a straight up American rock band, a restoration of Spoon’s trademark authority, confidence and swagger; Music runs a gamut from AC/DC-esque guitar-driven songs like the opener “Rent I Pay” to stunning cosmic space disco tracks like “Outlier” to delicately pensive album standout “Inside Out”. After six years of incessant recording and touring, band took a four and a half year break between albums. Spoon returns more invigorated and energized than at any point in their career; Core audience will love the return to Spoon-y form via future greatest hits.

Buy at Insound


Creedence Clearwater Revival - Green River

The newly re-issued vinyl edition of the third album by one of the world’s all-time greatest rock bands, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Green River remains a top-selling album in the CCR catalog with over 1.5 million copies sold to date. The album contains the ubiquitous international chart-topping hit, “Bad Moon Rising” which reached #2 in the Billboard top 200 in the US and #1 in the UK upon its release in 1969 and continues to be a mainstay on classic rock radio. A “must-have” for any serious classic rock fan, Green River represents both a true high point in songwriting creativity and the point at which the band’s classic sound fully bloomed into the CCR that fans recognize and love today.

Buy at Insound


Grateful Dead | John Oswald - Grayfolded

Here it is, Deadheads, the ultimate "Dark Star" is now on vinyl. Deluxe audiophile pressing cut in Toronto under the watchful ears of John Oswald. Heavy-duty triple gatefold jacket includes liner-notes by musicologist Rob Bowman featuring interviews with Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, and Robert Hunter, plus two "time maps" which chart the source concerts of "Dark Star." Music performed by The Grateful Dead (c) Grateful Dead Productions Inc. & Ice Nine Publishing Inc. Taken from over 100 performances of "Dark Star" recorded between 1968 and 1993. Built, layered and "folded" to produce one large, new re-composed "Dark Star." Original recordings of the Grateful Dead in performance have been processed using Plunderphonic techniques.

Buy at Insound


AT-LP120USB Turntable - Audio-Technica

This professional stereo turntable features a high-torque direct-drive motor for quick start-ups and a USB output that connects directly to your computer. Other features include: forward and reverse play capability; cast aluminum platter with slip mat and a start/stop button; three speeds 33/45/78; selectable high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock and pitch change slider control with +/-10% or +/-20% adjustment ranges; and removable hinged dust cover. A selectable internal stereo phono pre-amplifier allows the turntable to plug directly to components with no dedicated turntable input. A USB cable and adapter cables are included along with Mac and PC-compatible Audacity software to digitize your LPs.

Includes:
 -Direct Drive Professional Stereo USB turntable
 -Mac and PC-compatible Audacity software
 -USB cable
 -Adapter cables

 System requirements:
 -PC or Mac with an available USB port (USB1.1 or higher)
 -CD-R or CD-RW writer for burning CDs & installation
 -Includes Audacity software for PC & Mac users (Audacity requires Mac running OS X 10.1 or later or PC running Windows (98 and above))

Buy at Insound

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upcoming releases from our friends at MusicOnVinyl

ELVIS PRESLEY - THAT'S THE WAY IT IS

Originally released in November 1970, Elvis: That's The Way It Is combined eight studio tracks, recorded in Nashville, and four live concert performances recorded in Las Vegas during Presley's 1970 'Summer Festival' season at The International Hotel in Las Vegas. Elvis played dozens of times at The International Hotel in 1969 and 1970 over several number of weeks. Elvis was on a roll and making big plans - including a feature film and studio time in Nashville.

When Elvis arrived at RCA's Studio B in Nashville on June 4, 1970, producer Felton Jarvis had assembled a hot new session band featuring Elvis' on-stage guitar legend James Burton. Five nights of recording generated material for no less than three future albums and four singles, including Elvis: That's The Way It Is.

This brand new 4LP version, That's The Way It Is (Expanded Edition) centers on one show at The International which was recorded and partially filmed by MGM. These show recordings are released for the first time in their entirety. The original RCA album is expanded with four single sides from the period, and a selection of "fly-on-the-wall" outtakes from the June Nashville sessions that produced the majority of tracks for the album.

With remastered audio and packed in a triple gatefold sleeve, this 4LP set includes a 16 page booklet with rare pictures and new liner notes.
  • 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl
  • 3-Fold Gatefold Sleeve      
  • Expanded Edition                  
  • 16-Page Booklet    
  • 13 Tracks Previously Unreleased
  • Remastered Audio
  • LP 1 & 2 = The Original Album (Plus Singles And Outtakes)
  • LP 3 & 4 = August 12 – Dinner Show


ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK - HERCULES

Hercules (2014) is a riveting adventure blockbuster directed by Brett Ratner and starring Dwayne Johnson (aka The Rock), Joseph Fiennes, John Hurt and more. It is based on the graphic novel Hercules: The Thracian Wars.

The film was a pleasant surprise to critics. The chief film critic for Variety wrote: "it's a grandly staged, solidly entertaining, old-fashioned adventure movie that does something no other Hercules movie has quite done before: it cuts the mythical son of Zeus down to human size (or as human as you can get while still being played by Dwayne Johnson)" and further added that "[Hercules's] strongest asset is surely Johnson, who continues to foster one of the most affable, guileless screen personas in movies today."

The music epic, driving, classic and cool. All of these adjectives were used to describe the music desired by the creative team making Hercules. Composer Fernando Velázquez rose to the occasion and delivered a fantastic score. The recording sessions took place at Air Studios and Abbey Road Studios in London, with Fernando conducting the tremendous London Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • 180 gram audiophile vinyl
  • Insert
  • First pressing of 2000 numbered copies on clear blue/black vinyl


ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK - COMING HOME

Zhang Yimou's movie Coming Home (original title "Gui lai") is adapted from the novel The Criminal Lu Yanshi by American-based novelist Yan Geling. The film chronicles the journey of a Chinese dissident from the 1920's to the 1990's, and world premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May of 2014. Filmmaking doesn't get more timeless than this heartbreaking historical romance, a family drama of guilt, love and reconciliation set during the aftermath of China's Cultural Revolution.

The original soundtrack has been composed by Qigang Chen, who worked as Music Director of the Opening Ceremony at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. In 2013 he was voted, along with Mo Yan (Nobel Laureate, Literature) and Lang Lang, "Most Influential Chinese in the World of Culture and the Arts" by a consortium of major Chinese media.

Chen Qigang's score, drawn from vintage Chinese revolutionary symphonies performed by legendary pianist Lang Lang, is a sentimental one. Piano is the main "voice" of this score, with cello, violin and female voices in supporting roles. In order to make it work with the story, the music of Coming Home features simple tunes and forms. Anything excessively rousing is avoided, with the soundtrack largely providing an understated aural backdrop, coming up to the foreground only when the occasion calls for it.
  • 180 gram audiophile vinyl
  • Insert
  • Original soundtrack of the motion picture by Zhang Yimou
  • Music by Qigang Chen, featuring Lang Lang on piano & The China Philharmonic Orchestra
  • First pressing of 1000 numbered copies on transparent vinyl


Original Soundtrack - FARGO

'This is a true story…'

Not. Fargo is a fantastic dark comedy-crime drama television series created and written by Noah Hawley and inspired by Joel & Ethan Coen's feature of the same title from 1996. Both Coen brothers serve as executive producers on the series. The show stars Martin Freeman (The Hobbit trilogy), Billy Bob Thornton, Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad) and more.

The soundtrack features selections from the show's original music composed by Jeff Russo (Power, Necessary Roughness, About Cherry). Its score is well done, with different motifs or instruments assigned to different characters. For Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman's character) it's that nearly-whimsical main theme. For the drifter Lorne Malvo (Thornton's character) it's sleigh bell chimes that represent his animalistic nature coming out.

To celebrate its first vinyl issue, we're pressing 1500 numbered copies on icy-white vinyl. Brrr….
  • 180 gram audiophile vinyl
  • Insert
  • First pressing of 1500 numbered copies on icy white vinyl
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We Were Promised Jetpacks - Unravelling PRE-ORDER

FatCat Records present We Were Promised Jetpacks third studio album ‘Unravelling’, the bands most confident and accomplished record to date.  Brimming with emotion and passion, this musically strong and assured album sees the unique and identifiable Jetpacks sound now grown and fully galvanised.

Many of the lyrics within conjure the notion of a conflicted protagonist struggling to keep their life on course, while battling a creeping sense of uncertainty and impending doom. ‘Unravelling’ is a captivating ride of tense excitement, pounding rhythm, huge walls of cavernous guitar and hyperborean beauty, all kept in check by the band’s gifted song writing skills.

‘Unravelling ’ was recorded in Glasgow at the infamous Chem19 Studios with Paul Savage.

Both physical formats are also available to buy in a bundle together with a cotton tote bag and a T Shirt that both feature the disorientating album artwork.

The vinyl is a limited edition yellow

Order at FatCat

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BETTER THAN EZRA - All Together Now

"Better Than Ezra, known for their hits “Good,” “Desperately Wanting,” “Juicy,” and selling out venues for nearly 20 years, will release their eighth studio album titled All Together Now via The End Records on September 9, 2014. (Blue Vinyl w/ download)

Better Than Ezra quickly became a staple in the ‘90s pop/rock scene following their debut album Deluxe in 1995 via Elektra and immediately releasing two new albums within three years of being signed. Friction, Baby, released in 1996, and How Does Your Garden Grow? In 2001, Better Than Ezra released critically acclaimed Closer, followed by Before the Robots in 2005. The latter featured the hit “Juicy,” licensed by several commercials and brands, was also featured in the promotional advertisements for the popular ABC television series Desperate Housewives."

Pre-Order at TheOmegaOrder

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Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats - Mind Control 

To coincide with the release their new single “Runaway Girls” – The lost track of Mind Control….

This previously unreleased diehard was pressed at the same time as the others, however was meant strictly for friends and family of the band.

As we’re now going through old stock to clear space we are able to put the remaining copies up for sale, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

This Diehard double LP is a tri-colour of orange, red and purple. Also included is an orange version diehard patch, a Mt. Abraxas poster and a die-cut gatefold sleeve.

With ‘Mind Control‘ Uncle Acid proves beyond doubt that they are more than worthy of the cult-status already achieved from previous output. Mind Control is a simply stunning piece of work in an era where bandwagon jumping and fake nonsense is the general order of the day. This is genuinely out-there hard rock played from the heart. A masterwork not to be missed!

Order at RiseAboveRecords

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Revocation Pre-Order New Release 'Deathless'

"Deathless" was recorded with acclaimed producer Zeuss at Planet Z studios in Massachusetts. The album is ten tracks of ambitious, catchy, and undeniably heavy material. Musically, cuts like "Madness Opus" showcase a more deliberate Revocation - restrained, if even moderately so, to deliver a slow, near-dirge like track. Alternatively, the title track highlights the diversity of Davidson's vocals with a catchy chorus. It's an ear worm the likes of which the band had only previously hinted. The rest of the album offers a refreshing variety of music and truly feels like an "album", rather than a collection of similar tracks. This is a refinement, achieved only through years of focusing on their craft.

Davidson adds, "Collectively, we feel that "Deathless" is our finest offering yet. The songs are incredibly varied and each one showcases a different element of the band. Technically, everyone is in top form on this record, as well, and we really pushed ourselves to deliver the best performances possible on all fronts. This is a new chapter and a new beginning for the band; we can't wait for this record to be unleashed in October!"

VINYL DETAILS:
 + Double Gatefold Vinyl
 + Translucent Blue Vinyl with Black and Blue Wisps

* Pre-Order: Expected to ship on or around October 9, 2014 *

Pre-Order at MetalBladeRecords

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PAUL COLLINS - Feel The Noise

Paul Collins is a guy who's been around the block. He was one of the progenitors of the early power-pop movement in the '70s in not one, but three influential bands of that era - The Nerves, The Breakaways and The Beat (the latter even appearing on Dick Clark's American Bandstand back in the day). He later turned towards a decidedly rootsier approach to his music, exploring country and folk rock, before returning to the more driving, high-energy sounds of his youth on his acclaimed 2010 Alive Naturalsound effort "The King Of Power Pop". His music has been covered by a host of talented musicians, most notably his song "Walking Out On Love," which Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong performed as part of the punk band's hit Broadway musical American Idiot. Collins has been diligently working the DIY circuit since 2008, playing with some 160 up-and-coming bands in that time, and working harder than he has in his entire career. The music legend is still standing and has the same enthusiasm for the music that he did when he first started rocking out in 1974. On his new album, "Feel The Noise", Paul Collins travels full-circle, tapping into the very spirit of rock 'n' roll that fueled much of his early groundbreaking material. This new album (with a cover featuring a beautiful shot of a younger Paul Collins) is the obvious extension of his most iconic work with, what many still consider to be the one of the most important power-pop band, The Beat.

Produced by Detroit studio legend Jim Diamond, who also plays bass and guitar, and features Dave Shettler (SSM) on drums, Eddie Baranek (The Sights) on lead guitar, and Nikki Corvette.

Incredible STARBURST vinyl ltd to 150, you have to see this vinyl to believe it,  it’s so great you’ll want one just to put on your wall. Even the images dont do it justice. You wont be disappointed!  Each album is slightly different, one of a kind.

Order at BompStore

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THE VENETIA FAIR and SWITCHBITCH RECORDS Release 2nd Pressing of 'Every Sick, Disgusting Thought We've Got In Our Brain'

Boston's favorite theatrical-rock band The Venetia Fair announced a second pressing of their album, Every Sick, Disgusting Thought We've Got In Our Brain on 12" vinyl, offered in a classic format
HERE

Limited to 250 copies, the release will be in bone-colored vinyl with a normal sleeve, featuring album artwork designed by bassist Chark King.

“The first pressing was pretty insane,” commented singer Benny Santoro, referring to the original ESDTWGIOB pressing from last fall which featured a tortoiseshell splatter vinyl and interactive pinwheel-cutout sleeve (as featured on Property Of Zack). “We think it was worth every penny and [even at $30 a pop] they sold out pretty quickly, but we know there are some people out there that don't care about it being flashy; they just want a traditional vinyl experience at a traditional price. For this pressing we pulled the reins in a little bit in an effort to make it more affordable. It's still very handsome and, of course, sounds exactly the same, it just comes in a slightly more modest package.”

Although currently independent, the band will release the vinyl again through guitarist Mike Abiuso's label, SwitchBitch Records based in NYC, which regularly supports artists outside of its roster. Being sold for only $15 a copy, this limited-run vinyl won't last long, be sure to grab your copy while you can!

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Belle and Sebastian Announce "It Could Have Been a Brilliant Career" Reissue Series

As Belle and Sebastian finish work on their ninth studio album (recorded in Atlanta with Ben H. Allen for worldwide release via Matador Records), Matador is excited to announce that their vinyl catalogue – currently out of print – will be back in print for a limited time this fall.

The “It Could Have Been A Brilliant Career” series is an opportunity to revisit the band’s treasured output and unique, consistent aesthetic, as well as an opportunity for fans to complete their collections and enjoy the music via the warmth of vinyl.

Titles include all the band’s full-length studio albums and compilations (save for the Storytelling soundtrack, which was never released on vinyl in the US):

Tigermilk (Matador / Jeepster)
If You’re Feeling Sinister (Matador / Jeepster)
The Boy With The Arab Strap (Matador / Jeepster)
Fold Your Hands Child, You walk Like A Peasant (Matador / Jeepster)
Push Barman To Open Old Wounds (Matador / Jeepster)
Dear Catastrophe Waitress (Matador / Rough Trade) with alternate art
The Life Pursuit (Matador / Rough Trade)
The BBC Sessions (Matador / Jeepster)
Write About Love (Matador / Rough Trade)
The Third Eye Centre (Matador / Rough Trade)

Order at MatadorRecords

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from our friends at Relapse

Death - Spiritual Healing Reissue

Death’s landmark ‘Spiritual Healing’ record is nothing short of genre-defining.  Originally released in 1990, Spiritual Healing marked a new turn in the Death discography, one which ushered in cleaner production, a new level of boundary pushing musicianship and songwriting skills that were previously unimaginable from a metal band.  Spiritual Healing sets the standard for riffs, insane time changes and of course mainman Chuck Schuldiner’s masterful guitar solos.

Pressing Info:
First Relapse Press
4500 x Black Standard Gram *Retail Version*
1000 x Picture Disc *Mailorder Exclusive*
600 x Blue Standard Gram *Mailorder Exclusive*
500 x Red/Blue Merge Standard Gram (Deluxe 2xLP Boxset) *Mailorder Exclusive*
100 x Clear Deluxe 2xLP Boxset (do not request)
100 x Clear Standard LP Edition (do not request)

***Exclusively available through Relapse.com***

***Mailorder exclusive deluxe 2xLP boxset limited to 500 copies pressed on red/blue merge vinyl.  Includes an exclusive pin, LP sized felt slipmat, double sided album art poster, 4 panel LP insert, and free digital download of the 3xCD version.  First LP features the entirely remastered core album and the bonus 2nd LP contains 9 rehearsals and outtakes never before pressed on vinyl***

Pre-Order at Relapse

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amazing article!! it is in my neck of the woods (i own several paramount 78's!). this is why record collectors dig (and i have made my fair share of searching the area for paramount records!)

The former Paramount pressing plant in Grafton, Wisconsin, likely in the mid-1930s
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Why Nerdy White Guys Who Love the Blues Are Obsessed With a Wisconsin Chair Factory





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Nostalgia: 30 Birmingham record shops where you spent your Saturdays and your hard-earned cash











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from the great city of philadelphia:



Brewerytown Beats & Hideaway Music ponder vinyl's comeback







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from the great state of minnesota:


Treehouse Records a staple of the Twin Cities






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from the other side of the globe:


Czech disc maker cashes in on vinyl record revival





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one question, why?


One thousand first edition copies of The Beatles’ White Album go on display in Liverpool







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Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Concert Will Include Gregg Allman, Peter Frampton + More







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The 50 Best Album Closing Tracks in History











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for shits and giggles:


Australian Sharks Like AC/DC







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album cover art of the day:


SANCTUARY: 'The Year The Sun Died' Cover Artwork, Track Listing Revealed