Convert Your Vinyl Records To CD

I have been asked about converting vinyl records to CD and what is the best way to go about doing this. There are two ways that I do it. I recently bought a great program called "Spin It Again." This computer application works wonderful and it is very easy to set up, is user friendly and menu-driven. Here is a snapshot of the program in action:



The program allows you to "edit" and remove unwanted hiss and crackle



Here is the sales copy that the company uses:

Transfer your old 45's and 33's to CD or to your new MP3 player or iPod(tm)! This dedicated record and tape conversion software makes it child's play to record and edit your old albums. The wizard driven process guides you through connecting your hardware, getting the correct recording level, and splitting your recording into multiple tracks. The software automatically removes clicks and pops and that unwanted tape hum and hiss. Convert your recordings to MP3s or burn them on to an audio CD! Spin It Again is a dedicated LP and tape recording conversion software application designed to make the process as simple as possible.


Buy Spin It Again


Now, some may wonder, if you are a vinyl record collector and love vinyl so much, then why would you "convert" your vinyl to the dreaded CD? Fair question. I convert my vinyl for several reasons. CD's are certainly more portable than records (you can't play a record in your car!) and this allows you to take your vinyl records anywhere, without really taking them out of your house.

Another reason I convert my vinyl to CD is to safeguard my records. Let me explain. If, for instance, I am invited to a party and they want to hear some of my "rare" vinyl, I can just make a recording of the particular record and take that instead of the record. This saves it from being lost or stolen, or anyone asking to "borrow" a valuable record. I can rest easy because I know where the record is at (in it's respective sleeve locked up at home!)

Then there is the damage factor. There is an issue of over use, but from what I have read, it is almost impossible to "wear out a vinyl record". Now, I suppose if you just played it over and over again for a year, you could do some damage, but you don't wear out a record just by using it. (obviously make sure to take very good care of your stylus) But, having a record on CD will save the record from the possibility of being damaged and getting dirty. (via fingerprints, dust or the occasional beer spill)

And by converting your vinyl to CD, you help to preserve the record, remember, vinyl records are historical audio documents. (An interesting fact is that only 5% of music on vinyl has been transferred to CD...that is an awful lot of music out there in the world that is only available via the vinyl record!)

So pick up your copy of this marvelous software and start converting right away!

Buy Spin It Again

Tomorrow I will discuss another way that I convert my records to CD!

Mr. Completely .....complete mastery!

As previously mentioned, I write band bio's for indie bands for http://www.ilike2rock.net and I have hit the jackpot...I actually have spent a very enjoyable afternoon with a splendid band from Canada called Mr. Completely. Check them out ASAP at: http://www.ilike2rock.net/bands/m/mr_completely.html

Mr. Completely

Hailing from Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada, the aptly named dynamic rock and roll band, Mr. Completely adeptly mix classic rock/pop sounds with a blues swagger on their consistently inventive CD “Twice On Sundays.”

With songs like the classic rock sound of “Walk Away,” an everyman song of love gone bad that anyone can relate to (blended with a rootsy refrain we have all felt) that is set smartly to a melodic accompaniment, a funky riff and lead singer’s Jamie Robertson’s distinctive voice, the cut has all the elements of a hit single.

Another moving cut is the stripped down acoustics that evolve with musical emotion as the lyrics tell the story of the song “Without Warning.” The authorative singing of “Never Be The One,” with its wish-like lyrics echoed by emotional guitar work, is powerful and expressive.

Robertson is quoted as saying, “music fills my soul with energy” and he proves this with the slowed down acoustic precision of the cut, “Before Too Long,” an expressive song that says all the things you wish you could say-or should have said, accompanied by an intoxicating melody and a lead guitar that expresses the lyrics elegantly and with a keen passion.

Other cuts like “Rich Man Poor Man,” a heavy blues-rocker with sophisticated guitar work reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughan (funky, rhythmic and lead). The straight up, no frills harmonic sound of “Never See You Again,” only tells you that the best is yet to come from Mr. Completely, because as the name implies, all four members are complete musicians and play not only from the heart and soul, but with immeasurable passion that a listener can actually feel within their music. That means, they get it, and are experts at passing it along (the music can give the chills). It would be a shame for you to miss out on their musical mastery.


Mr. Completely are:


Jamie Robertson - Lead Vocals/Guitar
Richard Spencer - Lead Guitar/Vocals
Rod Campbell - Drums/Vocals
George Milutinovic - Bass

Stop By For A Visit: http://www.mrcompletely.ca/

National Record Show

National Record Show heads to Rock Hall Hall Of Fame

The sixth annual National Record Show will be this weekend August 4-5 at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, in Cleveland Ohio. Dealers from around the country will appraise, buy and sell vinyl records, CDs and other rock memorabilia.

Co-presented by

Goldmine magazine

the event runs 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is free. Festivities include performances by Poobah, Liecus, Greyface, the Deadbeat Poets and Joe Bouchard, formerly of Blue Oyster Cult.

As I stated in an earlier post, I am enjoying writing band bio's for bands for the Internet Radio station www.ilike2rock.net and I want to tell you about a couple of new bands that I see a bright future for. Here are the band bio's:


Hyske


Saara Jarvinen’s influences can be heard in the song “I Remember You,” (The Cranberries) and Deborah Harry (in the song “You Should Have Seen”) as band mate Dean Belcastro (and many friends) combine the elements of transcendent and lucid guitar work with a mixture of ambient synth-folk rock and sensible backing instruments to create their distinctive sound.

With intelligent lyrics, the music weaves through life’s journeys with flawless instrumentation to accompany them. Angel-like vocals with sweet emotion gain steam in the song “Universe Inside” and the dreamy beat and perfectly placed vocals accompany the song “Apathy.” “All Of The World” evokes an acoustic-laden dreamy pop sound that is as infectious as it is intellectually stimulating. One can actually feel what Saara is singing, an intrinsic trait that only brings her music to the forefront and a gift not many song writers possess.

Although the band has persevered through many line-up changes, the core of the group, the duo of Saara and Dean created a masterpiece with their debut CD “Luna.” Put your ear to the ground and remember the name Hyske (pronounced High-Sk), as the sky is the limit for this angel of songs.

For more information please visit: http://www.hyske.com/






Jeriko


A new artist out of L.A. named Jeriko brings a refreshing sound and a sweet attitude to match her catchy pop-rock melodies in her new EP “From Me To You.” Finding her inspiration on an extended trip to Europe, she has hooked up with the Swedish brother team “The K-Bros” and has produced an EP that is quickly turning heads.

The hit single and title track, “From Me To You” is a hard edged, Debbie Harry-like track that probably has her giving a wink to everyone as she sings the retaliatory lyrics. “All Thumbs Up” is a song with a quirky Lou Reed-like riff and is something that Pat Benatar could have easily released in her prime. The tune “Happy” is pure, seductive pop complete with reflective lyrics and infectious rock riffs.

Internet Radio is blasting this sultry pop-rock goddess’ music at full-throttle and MTV has licensed the entire release for their catalog and it is just a matter of time before Jeriko and her masterful music is a household name.

For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/jerikozone

The Beatles Story LP

I recently answered an email question as to the worth of the album called "The Beatles Story" from 1964. Apparently this record album set is still sealed. There are a few versions of this album (2-album set) and the one in question was STBO-2222. Now if you have this set in "monaural" it could be worth from $300-500 depending on condition. But if you have STBO-2222 in stereo/black label and it does NOT have "Subsidary of Capitol Industries" at the bottom, the set could be worth from $800-$1,200 again depending on the condition.

The Beatles have so many variables when trying to ascertain a price, it is best to make sure you check all of these (i.e.- color of label, year of release, record label, specific writing on the record label, and other factors) before putting a price on your record(s).

Going Public with your Blog is easy!

I have just joined a social organization and made this blog public! To join, please visit:

Technorati Profile

Two Fantastic sites to look at!

It's been a while, but summer is for vacations and relaxation with family and friends; and I have been doing a bit of both.

But, I do have two tremendous web sites I have found and wanted to share them with you. The first is a collectibles shop, and, of course they carry vinyl records. The site http://gatorpointstudio.com/ is a nice little "Mom & Pop" site run by a retiree in Florida. Stop by and tell them I sent you over!

The second site is a cleverly run look at the art aspect of vinyl, with unique interviews and the web site specializes in CD/Album Cover Art, Illustrated Covers, Photo-based Covers, Photography, Art Prints, Concert Posters, Collectible Figures and features Artist Bios/Interviews Cover Stories - weekly article about the making of the most iconic album/CD cover art images of all time http://rockpopgallery.typepad.com/rockpop_gallery_news

I hope you enjoy your visits and please let me know what you think. I will continue to try to post all of your collecting vinyl records and interesting pop and rock & roll sites in the future.

Rags To Riches CD came !

I have been "working" on band bio's for www.ilike2rock.net and I found a band I would like all to listen to, they are fantastic. I can hear a lot of influences...some old Deep Purple, Asia, ZZ Top and more. They play Rock & Roll like it is supposed to be played, with passion and respect and Rags to Riches sure is a CD that is being played with regularity on my cd deck. Check them out and let me know what you think!!

Vinyl Record Day-Celebrate and get involved!

Celebrate Vinyl Record Day


When Thomas Edison invented the phonograph on August 12, 1877, little did he know just how much influence his “Talking Machine” would have, not only in the music industry, but in pop culture as well. Records are a part of the music of the ages and it is up to us as individuals and retailers, not only to enjoy our favorite recordings, but to preserve them as well; thus Vinyl Record Day was born.

Vinyl Record Day (www.VinylRecordDay.org) is celebrated on August 12th (or the first Saturday following the 12th) and was conceived and brought to the forefront by vinyl enthusiast and vinyl record historian Gary Freiberg. I spoke with Gary about the meaning of Vinyl Record Day and how we can help to as individuals and what retailers can do to help preserve this timeless medium and international treasure.

“Vinyl Record Day is about celebrating vinyl records and the public should take notice of this special day. Invite friends and family over for a barbeque, maybe form a block party and play records, think records and talk about records and what they mean to each of us individually and culturally,” explained Gary.

Gary went into further detail, "Whatever the feel good aspects of Vinyl Record Day are, a retailer will ask how will this help my bottom line? Vinyl Record Day can get free publicity, it puts a good face on a business within their community and is a reason to have something special at the location: a parking lot sale, entertainment, store specials are great examples. I would hope the industry would become more involved with Vinyl Record Day so that, not only are the goals of Vinyl Record Day spread, but that people trying to make all or part of their living with vinyl could be part of an industry and not scattered individuals. We need to have a cohesive national impact as the milk industry did with their "Got Milk" campaign. I truly believe that Internet and traditional brick store owners could benefit financially, and in the case of brick store owners, in their communities by being part of Vinyl Record Day. Another important goal of Vinyl Record Day is to preserve the cultural influences, the recordings and the cover art. We also hope to increase awareness that economics prevents companies from transferring everything on to compact discs.”

A very dynamic and immensely important point Gary talked about is that only 5% of our musical history has been transferred to cd, so it is out responsibility to preserve this medium. Maybe your grandfather, sibling or cousin released a record and, although it may have not made the “top ten,” it is our music and some of these wonderful recordings cannot be found anywhere else. For instance, I own a vinyl copy of a Spiro Agnew speech and one of our most revered presidents John F. Kennedy has released several recordings, as have other influential and historical figures.

Additionally, Vinyl Record Day is a nonprofit organization that aims to educate the public and encourage all of us to preserve these international audio treasures. It is also a marketing opportunity for any vinyl record retailer.

“Vinyl Record Day is focused on educating the public that this timeless medium is in our hands, don’t leave the preservation of vinyl to fate. Vinyl records represent historical audio documents and just as we preserve historical literature, we are the custodians of this audio history. Vinyl Record Day is more than one day a year set aside for celebration, it is also for the industry itself,” acknowledged Gary. "

We also discussed past celebrations, from the inaugural Vinyl Record Day in San Luis County, California and the international support and attention that Vinyl Record Day receives as well.

“Vinyl Record Day hopes to continue to educate the public on why and how to care for a record collection because these collections are not only a part of who we are individually, but to assure that future generations will not lose a vital link in recorded history,” related Gary.

As an avid vinyl record collector, I truly enjoyed my conversation with Gary, who is very passionate about the cause. Vinyl Record Day is a nonprofit organization that needs the help of all of us, consumers, collectors, musicians, retailers as well as the record companies. So, as you celebrate Vinyl Record Day this August, think about the history, preservation of the format and enjoyment you receive when listening to your favorite records. For more information and how you can help as an individual, please visit the website, www.VinylRecordDay.org and let Gary know that you endorse all of his efforts.

(You may even donate your record collection to Vinyl Record Day and you can receive full value as a tax write-off. Vinyl Record Day needs money to promote, not only Vinyl Record Day, but can help retailers in their own business endeavors)


Copyright-2007-Robert Benson

Album Cover Finder.com

I recently found a product (software) that has been available online for more than two years and I thought it is worth sharing. I talked to the developer, Richard Nicol who is an album cover art enthusiast. The program is sure worth the 11 bucks he charges and here are some of the tools available to the user:

You can find the artwork from a particular album by artist name, the album title and song title

You can connect to iTunes and download the image and/or listen to selected cuts from the lp

You can save the images to your PC (see the image above)

There is an album review, artist bio, artist tour info (if applicable) and videos

This is a must have software program for anyone who loves music and album cover art, so go ahead and visit www.albumcoverfinder.com and splurge (the cost is $11)

Let me know how you like it!

The Wizard of Oz and Dark Side Of The Moon

I have always heard that the "Dark Side Of The Moon" release from Pink Floyd is somehow best listened to while watching "The Wizard Of Oz" and the music kind of goes with the movie. Well, here it is....you be the judge- ENJOY!

A Writing I Will Go

I have a new gig, so to speak. I am currently writing band bios and articles for www.gemm.com. It certainly keeps me busy and I am doing something I love as well. Check out some of the articles and some of the bios, such as the Beatles, BTO, Bobby Fuller Four, Lifted Culture, Hyske, Dave Matthews Band among others at: GEMM.com

So here is a glimpse of what I do:


Jason Bales & the Revival

While researching for a band biography I am writing for GEMM.com , I discovered not only some of the best rock'n'roll I have ever heard, but a record label you should familarize yourself with.

The band bio was for Jason Bales & the Revival, an alt-country band based out of Dallas, Texas. Bales has signed on with Pampelmoose Records www.pampelmoose.com with a Ryko distribution deal as well.


So, while at www.ilike2rock.net (the Internet Radio Station that I first heard about Bales), I was able to listen to a few cuts from Bales' latest CD "Cruel & Unusual".

I was blown away by the first song "X Street", a social-commentary rocker with stellar lead guitar wrapped around inventive rock-riffs and an intoxicating rhythem section. Plain and simple: this song rocks. But, my euphoria was sustained while I listened to the other cuts, going to the Jason Bales web site www.jasonbales.com Jason Bales.com, and the MySpace page www.myspace.com/jaysonbalesandtherevival. I finished the journey at the Pampelmoose Mart www.pampelmoose.com/catalog/ and picked up a copy of this sensational CD.

If you buy any music in your lifetime, you must include Jason Bales and add his music to your collection

A New Rock 'N' Roll Sensation

Deep Purple Classic Video- enjoy!

Ebay Purchase Makes My Day !

While cruising the Internet for vinyl treasures I often stop by:
eBay!

To look around, keep up with vinyl record prices and to maybe catch a bargain. I recently bid on a "lot" (several albums combined together as one sale) of 15 Beatles albums and won the auction for around $75 (including shipping).

I was very excited (album collectors know this feeling) and anticipated the arrival of my new Beatles records to add to my collection. Right on time, they arrived via USPS and as I opened them and checked the condition, I was a tad bit disappointed with the codition of some of them. The seller rated them a VG+ (very good), but not all of them were in that condition. As you would expect with records this old, there were some condition problems. And that is why grading vinyl albums is such a problem area when buying vinyl online, it is very subjective. But, all in all I was pleased with my purchase because it yielded some real gems.

My eyes peeled to an album called "Rubber Soul". The album is in pretty good condition and the identifying numbers were T2442 and the recording was in mono. I grabbed my "Rockin' Records: 2007 Buyers-Sellers Reference Book and Price Guide
to get a price on what the album could be worth if I were to resell it.

Now the Beatles are one of the more difficult artists to ascertain the value of, for several reasons. There are many versions of this release (not only what songs were on the album), but also if it was in mono or stereo version. Additionally, the record label on which the album was released is another identifying factor that must be looked at. The label I had was Capitol-T2442/mono. I looked it up in the guide and the value is $500-750. If it had a sticker on it that read "Hear Paul Sing Michele", you would add $75 to $100 to the value. And you could have added $200 to $300 if the album read: "The Beatles Latest Album...Featuring Michele". My particular copy did not have these additional elements, so the value remained the same $500-750.

Now the most important feature of album is the overall condition of the surface and what the grade is of the record. The prices guides list these values for a record in NM (near mint) condition. My record graded (to me) below that and the value has to be adjusted (asuming that I was selling it) There is another factor in determining the condition and value...the album cover. This cover was in poor shape, with seam tears and also writing on it (I would guess the original owner wrote his name in pen (ouch!)) on the back cover and this brings the value down.

Final analysis:

The Beatles- Rubber Soul (album grades at VG-) Value: $250-375
album cover (poor condition) Value: Poor

If I were to sell this album I could reasonably expect to get around $200 for it. Not bad for a $5 investment (15 Beatles albums divided by the purchase price of $75). There were more treasures in this "lot" and I will discuss them in a later post.