Celebrate Record Store Day- April 19th, 2008

by Robert Benson


When Neilsen Soundscan releases their sales data regarding vinyl records, did you know that they do not count hundreds of ‘indie’ vinyl record shops in their totals? So when you read ‘vinyl sales have risen….such and such a percentage,’ that these numbers woefully underestimate the true sales of vinyl.

But local independent and national record stores want to be counted and included in the vinyl sales figures because it is at these smaller record stores where vinyl records are selling the best.

So to help bring attention to this dilemma and to help celebrate the record store culture, hundreds of independently owned music stores across the country will celebrate the first annual “Record Store Day” on April 19th.

I spoke with Eric Levin, who owns Criminal Records (www.criminal.com) a independent record store in Atlanta about the concept and celebratory plans of Record Store Day.

“We came up with the concept at the annual Noise in the Basement convention in Baltimore, a gathering of independent record stores hosted by the Music Monitor Network (www.monitorthis.com). It is similar to “Free Comic Book Day (www.freecomicbookday.com), in that we decided to help bring attention to our stores by saying- we are out here, enjoy what we have to offer,” said Eric. “So on this day, all of the stores that choose to participate will simultaneously link together and act as one with the purpose of celebrating the culture and unique place that they occupy both in their local communities and nationally.”

“We have over 200 independent record stores that have signed up for the event, with more signing on each day. Each store will be doing something different to celebrate Record Store Day. Some stores may opt to have an ‘in store’ performance, special sale events, demonstrations, dances, swap meets or ‘an afternoon at a record store’ promotion as well as provide a ‘goodie bag’ that promotes new formats, new releases and exciting information about music, theatrical and gaming releases. Everything that makes an indie store unique should be on display,” related Eric.

Music stores have been part of our culture for decades and it is important to note that, while there may not be as many of them as there used to be, there are still those unique music shops that continue to thrive and are still part of our local and national music culture.

In fact, many music related entities have signed on to be part of Record Store Day as Eric explains:

“We have many groups involved including the Coalition of Independent Music Stores (www.cimsmusic.com), the Alliance of Independent Media Stores (www.thealliancerocks.com), Newbury Comics (www.newburycomics.com) & The Music Monitor Network (www.monitorthis.com),where one can find links to some of the best indie record shops around the country; with many more organizations signing up each day.”

“In fact, all indie record stores are invited to participate by making April 19th, 2008 a day of celebration at their place of business. Some music labels are getting involved as well by releasing special editions marking the day and the celebration of the music and the record store,” said Eric.

Moreover, many famous musicians are chiming in and doing their best to, not only promote Record Store Day, but the culture that encompasses it. Here are a few quotes:

Paul McCartney - “There’s nothing as glamorous to me as a record store. When I recently played Amoeba in LA, I realised what fantastic memories such a collection of music brings back when you see it all in one place. This is why I’m more than happy to support Record Store Day and I hope that these kinds of stores will be there for us all for many years to come. Cheers!"

Norah Jones - “It’s important to keep indie record stores alive because their unique environments introduce music lovers to things in a very personal way.”

John Doe - “The physical act of picking up a recording (CD, vinyl, cassette), checking it out, finding something unavailable, etc.; is an experience you will NEVER get online. And now it's becoming common knowledge that CDs have more digital information than most files, so they sound better. A great or even good record store is like no other."

Chuck Berry - "Music is an important part of our culture and record stores play a vital part in keeping the power of music alive."

Joan Jett - “The indie record stores are the backbone of the recorded music culture. It's where we go to network, browse around, and find new songs to love. The stores whose owners and staff live for music have spread the word about exciting new things faster and with more essence than either radio or the press. Any artist that doesn't support the wonderful ma and pa record stores across America is contributing to our own extinction.”

Ziggy Marley - "Record stores keep the human social contact alive it brings people together. Without the independent record stores the community breaks down with everyone sitting in front of their computers"

Ben Watt (Everything But The Girl) - "It is hard to underestimate the role of independent retail in the music industry. As the world continues to try and cram every purchase they make onto their computer, turning music into binary digits and artwork into pixelated packshots, we can only sit and wait for them to wake up from their dream and realize that ultimately human interaction in shops, with informed good people, handling cherishable artefacts is good for the soul. In the meantime we need to support the people who keep this world alive for the moment we all realize we need it again."

Sam Phillips (A&R/producer for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and many others) - “There would be no Elvis. There would be no Johnny Cash. There’d be no B.B King. There’d be no Roscoe Gordon. There’d be no Carl Perkins. There would be no Jerry Lee Lewis. There would be no Roy Orbison. I can just tell you. We owe all of that to the independents and the independent people that work so hard for us to have something that could be accepted through their efforts,hard work, and desire to keep a personal feeling in every record..”

Dean Wareham (Luna) - “We are drowning in a sea of Myspace, blather, and too much information. Music is everywhere and nowhere. The independent record store is the solution, a place staffed by friendly (or not) people who are actually paid to weed through this crap and help you find the good stuff.”

G. Love- “Independent record stores are where kids like me learned about the music that made them the musicians they are today. Independent record stores are about the love of records not the love of money!”

So as you have just read, the passion that these musicians have for the independent record shops is immeasurable. These are the professionals who know a little something about the music industry and embrace the concepts, culture and meaning of Record Store Day. Let’s make Record Store Day a national celebration of the independent record store, the musicians who love them and the historical culture that each individual store brings to each and every one of us.

This Day In Music History- Feb 1

Blind Lemon Jefferson makes his first recordings in 1925.

Don Everly was born in Brownie, Kentucky in 1937.

In 1958, Paul McCartney introduced George Harrison to the Quarrymen at a basement teen club called the Morgue. George joins the group and the rest is history.

In 1961, "Shop Around," by the Miracles, was Motown's first national hit, reaching Number Two on the Billboard chart and topping Billboard's hot R&B singles list for eight weeks.

Seventy-three million Americans tuned in to see the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964.

In 1965, James Brown recorded "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," a revolutionary single that ushers in a whole new era of soul music. Released that summer, it tops the R&B chart for eight weeks and even cracks the pop Top Ten.

The debut album 'Buffalo Springfield', containing 12 original songs, was released in 1967. First pressings omit "For What It's Worth," which is subsequently added to the album when it becomes a hit. "For What It's Worth," which reaches #7, and was Buffalo Springfield's only Top Forty hit.

In 1969, Tommy James and the Shondells' 'Crimson and Clover', a shorter version of the five-minute album-track, launched the new self-helmed Shondell’s sound. It tops the US charts and earns a gold disc, becoming the group's biggest US seller.

In 1971, founding member Jeremy Spencer leaves Fleetwood Mac and disappears with a Christian cult group while on tour in Los Angeles.

Sid Vicious, the Sex Pistols' bassist, is found dead in a Manhattan apartment of a heroin overdose in 1979.

In 1969, The Temptations won Motown its first Grammy for "Cloud Nine."

Ray Sawyer (Dr. Hook-"Cover Of Rolling Stone") turns 71.

Bob Shane of the Kingston Trio ("Tijuana Jail") is 74.

The late Rick James (the original "Super Freak") was born in 1952.

In 1968, Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie, was born (exactly 9 months to the day after the King marries Priscilla).

In 1964, the governor of Indiana asks the Indiana Broadcasters Association to ban "Louie Louie," claiming the Kingsmen's song is pornographic and makes his ears tingle. DJs claim that it's impossible to decipher the true lyrics in the allegedly smutty hit, but their ears tingle too.

Elvis Presley arranges for his daughter, Lisa Marie, to meet her favorite singer-- Elton John, for her seventh birthday in 1975.

In 2004, Janet Jackson inadvertently bares her breast when Justin Timberlake tugs at her costume during the Super Bowl half-time show in Houston, Texas. Other performers include Kid Rock, P. Diddy and Nelly, who did not bare their breasts.

In 2000, seventies hit-makers Abba turn down a billion-dollar offer to re-form. The band's songwriters say they don't need to make a comeback but could use the money.

Mike Campbell, guitarist for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, was born in Panama City, FL. in 1954.

Beatlemania comes to America in 1964 when "I Want To Hold Your Hand" becomes the first of twenty Billboard number one hits for The Beatles. It would stay on top for seven weeks, with world wide sales of fifteen million.

In 1979, Blondie's "Heart Of Glass" was certified platinum in the UK, where it tops the Pop chart. The song will also rise to number one in the US the following April.

The Cars, who had placed 15 songs on the Hot 100 between 1978 and 1987, announced their break up in 1988.

This Day In Music History- Jan 31

"I Want You Back," the first of four consecutive #1 hits in a nine-month period from the Jackson 5, reaches the top of the charts in 1970. The others: "ABC" (April 1970), "The Love You Save" (June 1970) and "I'll Be There" (October 1970).

In 1995, 'Skeletons from the Closet,' the Grateful Dead’s “best of” record from their years at Warner Bros., was certified triple platinum (3 million copies sold). It was the top-selling album of the Dead’s career.

KC (Harry Wayne Casey) of KC & the Sunshine Band ("Get Down Tonight") turns 57.

Slim Harpo ("Baby Scratch My Back") dies of a heart attack while recording in London in 1970.

Bob Dylan was reported to be in the audience as Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper play Duluth, Minnesota less than three days before their fatal plane crash in 1959.

Seventeen year-old Neil Young performed his first professional date at a Winnipeg country club in 1963.

In 1970, The Grateful Dead's bust for LSD and barbiturates in a New Orleans hotel becomes the inspiration for their song, "Truckin.”

In 1956, Elvis Presley signed a contract with the William Morris Agency to represent him in film deals.

Today in 1976, the song "Love Rollercoaster" by the Ohio Players topped the charts and stayed there for a week.

The song "The Tide Is High" by Blondie topped the charts and stayed there for a week in 1981.

Johnny Rotten (from Sex Pistols) was born in 1956.

In 1978, Blood, Sweat & Tears sax player Greg Herbert died in Amsterdam from an accidental overdose at age 30.

In 1967, at an antique shop in Kent, England, John Lennon, who is filming the promo clip for "Strawberry Fields Forever" nearby, purchases an 1843 circus poster reading "For the Benefit of Mr. Kite."

Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera was born in London in 1951.

Genesis drummer turned solo hitmaker Phil Collins was born in Chiswick, England in 1951.

Blues singer Chuck Willis, who recorded a definitive version of "C. C. Rider" and wrote songs like "It's Too Late," was born in Atlanta in 1928.

Singer Mario Lanza was born in Philadelphia in 1921.

The Cure’s Jason Cooper was born in 1967.

In 1969, Led Zeppelin opened for Iron Butterfly and so thrills the audience the headliners refuse to go on.

In 1957, Decca Records announced that Bill Haley & His Comets' "Rock Around The Clock" had sold over a million copies in the UK, mostly on 10 inch 78's.

The mother of the group The Cowsills, Barbara Cowsill, passed away in Arizona on January 31st at the age of 56. She and her family were the real life inspiration for the Partridge Family TV show.

In 1987, Paul Simon's "Graceland" went to number 1 on the UK album chart. The LP would stay on the list for 101 weeks.

Record Store Day

I just heard about this amazing concept and hope to have more information very soon!


On Saturday, April 19, 2008, hundreds of independently owned music stores across the country will celebrate “Record Store Day.”


On this day, all of these stores will simultaneously link and act as one with the purpose of celebrating the culture and unique place that they occupy both in their local communities and nationally.

This Day In Music History- Jan 29

This Day is from Jan 29th. sorry it is a day late, I had some pressing issues that forced me away from my computer (OHH nooo!)



"Walk This Way” is a Top 10 single in 1977. The Aerosmith song is inspired by a line in Mel Brooks’ comedy Young Frankenstein.

In 1969, Steve Winwood leaves Traffic to join Blind Faith.

Mary Wilson of the Supremes is injured and her son is killed in a California auto accident in 1994.

Emerson, Lake & Palmer disband (the first time), 1979

Warner Brothers Records signed Peter, Paul and Mary to their first recording contract in 1962. Their self-titled album would stay in the US Top 10 for ten months, remained in the Top 20 for two years, and did not drop off the Hot 100 album chart until three-and-a-half years after its release. Their only single to make it all the way to number 1 was 1969's, "Leaving On a Jet Plane," written by John Denver.

The Beatles record "Sie Liebt Dich" (the German version of "She Loves You"), in 1964.

Rose Royce, the former backing band for the Temptations, went to #1 on the US singles chart with "Car Wash” in 1977.

In 2005,the Arctic Monkeys' "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" sells a 363,700 copies in its first week of release to become the No. 1 album in the U.K. and the fastest selling U.K. debut ever.

In 2001, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle rules that Funkadelic star George Clinton signed away his copyright on songs written in the late '70s and early '80s and no, he can't have it back. Clinton claimed rap stars were profiting off tunes he sold to Bridgeport Music in 1983.

Willie Dixon died of heart failure aged 76 in Burbank, CA in 1992. The blues songwriter's "Little Red Rooster" was famously covered by his acolytes the Rolling Stones.

Jimmy Durante or, as he was known, The Great Schnozzola, died in Santa Monica, CA in 1980.

In 1958,The Champs released "Tequila", an instrumental that will hit number one in mid-March, staying there for five weeks The group included sax player Jim Seals and drummer Dash Crofts, who would go on to score several hits in the seventies, including "Summer Breeze" as Seals and Crofts.

Tommy Ramone was born with the name Tamás Erdélyi in Budapest Hungary in 1952. He grows up in Queens, NY. Prior to the Ramones, the drummer is a studio intern for the production of the Jimi Hendrix album “Band Of Gypsys.” He's the group's manager before becoming a band member. 1952

Singer David Byron of the rock band Uriah Heep was born in Essex, England in 1947.

In 1967, Jimi Hendrix and The Who gave a tribute concert to the Beatles late manager, Brian Epstein.

1996 - Garth Brooks refused to accept his American Music Award for Favorite Overall Artist. Brooks said that Hootie and the Blowfish had done more for music that year than he did.

Album Cover Art

I enjoyed these YouTube videos, I hope you do as well:

Doors


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King Crimson





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Great album Covers



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Vinyl Gets Its Groove Back.

by Kristina Dell -- Time Magazine January 21, 2008 U.S. Edition


From college dorm rooms to high school sleepovers, an all-but-extinct music medium has been showing up lately. And we don't mean CDs. Vinyl records, especially the full-length LPs that helped define the golden era of rock in the 1960s and '70s, are suddenly cool again. Some of the new fans are baby boomers nostalgic for their youth. But to the surprise and delight of music executives, increasing numbers of the iPod generation are also purchasing turntables (or dusting off Dad's), buying long-playing vinyl records and giving them a spin.

Like the comeback of Puma sneakers or vintage T shirts, vinyl's resurgence has benefited from its retro-rock aura. Many young listeners discovered LPs after they rifled through their parents' collections looking for oldies and found that they liked the warmer sound quality of records, the more elaborate album covers and liner notes that come with them, and the experience of putting one on and sharing it with friends, as opposed to plugging in some earbuds and listening alone. "Bad sound on an iPod has had an impact on a lot of people going back to vinyl," says David MacRunnel, a 15-year-old high school sophomore from Creve Coeur, Mo., who owns more than 1,000 records.

The music industry, hoping to find another revenue source that doesn't easily lend itself to illegal downloads, has happily jumped on the bandwagon. Contemporary artists like the Killers and Ryan Adams have begun issuing their new releases on vinyl in addition to the CD and MP3 formats. As an extra lure, many labels are including coupons for free audio downloads with their vinyl albums so that Generation Y music fans can get the best of both worlds: high-quality sound at home and iPod portability for the road. Also, vinyl's different shapes (hearts, triangles) and eye-catching designs (bright colors, sparkles) are created to appeal to a younger audience. While new records sell for about $14, used LPs go for as little as a penny--perfect for a teenager's budget--or as much as $2,400 for a collectible, autographed copy of Beck's Steve Threw Up.

Vinyl records are just a small scratch on the surface when it comes to total album sales--only about 0.2%, compared to 10% for digital downloads and 89.7% for CDs, according to Nielsen SoundScan--but these numbers may underrepresent the vinyl trend since they don't always include sales at smaller indie shops where vinyl does best. Still, 990,000 vinyl albums were sold in 2007, up 15.4% from the 858,000 units bought in 2006. Mike Dreese, CEO of Newbury Comics, a New England chain of independent music retailers that sells LPs and CDs, says his vinyl sales were up 37% last year, and Patrick Amory, general manager of indie label Matador Records, whose artists include Cat Power and the New Pornographers, claims, "We can't keep up with the demand."

Big players are starting to take notice too. "It's not a significant part of our business, but there is enough there for me to take someone and have half their time devoted to making vinyl a real business," says John Esposito, president and CEO of WEA Corp., the U.S. distribution company of Warner Music Group, which posted a 30% increase in LP sales last year. In October, Amazon.com introduced a vinyl-only store and increased its selection to 150,000 titles across 20 genres. Its biggest sellers? Alternative rock, followed by classic rock albums. "I'm not saying vinyl will become a mainstream format, just like gourmet eating is not going to take over from McDonald's," says Michael Fremer, senior contributing editor at Stereophile. "But there is a growing group of people who are going back to a high-resolution format." Here are some of the reasons they're doing it and why you might want to consider it:

Sound quality LPs generally exhibit a warmer, more nuanced sound than CDs and digital downloads. MP3 files tend to produce tinnier notes, especially if compressed into a lower-resolution format that pares down the sonic information. "Most things sound better on vinyl, even with the crackles and pops and hisses," says MacRunnel, the young Missouri record collector.

Album extras Large album covers with imaginative graphics, pullout photos (some even have full-size posters tucked in the sleeve) and liner notes are a big draw for young fans. "Alternative rock used to have 16-page booklets and album sleeves, but with iTunes there isn't anything collectible to show I own a piece of this artist," says Dreese of Newbury Comics. In a nod to modern technology, albums known as picture discs come with an image of the band or artist printed on the vinyl. "People who are used to CDs see the artwork and the colored vinyl, and they think it's really cool," says Jordan Yates, 15, a Nashville-based vinyl enthusiast. Some LP releases even come with bonus tracks not on the CD version, giving customers added value.

Social experience Crowding around a record player to listen to a new album with friends, discussing the foldout photos, even getting up to flip over a record makes vinyl a more socially interactive way to enjoy music. "As far as a communal experience, like with family and friends, it feels better to listen to vinyl," says Jason Bini, 24, a recent graduate of Fordham University. "It's definitely more social."

Goldmine Magazine Launches Radio Station

The music that fills the pages of Goldmine Magazine can now be heard on Goldmine Radio, a 24/7 online streaming radio station at www.goldminemag.com.


IOLA, Wis. (January 24, 2008) -- The music that fills the pages of Goldmine Magazine can now be heard on Goldmine Radio, a 24/7 online streaming radio station at www.goldminemag.com.

Whether it’s classic rock, blues or oldies, or the best from the cream of the crop of today’s artists, music fans can log on any time to hear their favorites. Coming soon, Goldmine editor Peter Lindblad will host new programming each week featuring interviews with artists, collectors, auction houses, music industry players and more.

“For the serious record collector, this is the perfect avenue to listen to their favorites without compromising the condition of their vinyl collection,” says Lindblad. “For the music lover in general, they won’t find a bigger mix of all the music they’ve come to love over time.”

For more information about Goldmine magazine, the collectors record and compact disc marketplace, visit www.goldminemag.com.

# # #

About Goldmine
Goldmine is the world's largest marketplace for collectible records, CDs, and music memorabilia covering rock & roll, blues, country, folk, and jazz. Each issue features articles on recording stars of the past and present with discographies listing all known releases. For more information visit www.goldminemag.com.

About Krause Publications
Krause Publications, based in Iola, Wis., is the world's largest publisher of leisure-time periodicals and books on collectibles, sewing and quilting, hunting, and fishing. Chet Krause, a long-time collector of coins, published the first issue of Numismatic News on Oct. 13, 1952, with nearly 1,000 readers. Today, Krause Publications, owned by F+W Publications, offers over 40 periodicals, 10 hobby shows, 750 reference and how-to books, and web properties. F+W Publications, an ABRY Partners, LLC company, also operates book clubs, conferences, trade shows, interactive media and education programs.

Contact

Peter Lindblad
Editor, Goldmine
800-726-9966, ext. 334
peter.lindblad[@]fwpubs.com


Website Link: http://www.goldminemag.com

This Day In Music History- Jan 27

Elmore James was born in Richland, MS. In 1918.

Nick Mason of Pink Floyd was born in 1945

In 1956, Elvis Presley's debut single for RCA, "Heartbreak Hotel," was released. The first of Presley's 17 Number One hits, it holds down the top spot for eight weeks. The song sold 300,000 copies the first week and would eventually sell over a million, becoming Elvis' first gold record.

In 1972, perhaps the world's greatest gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson, died at age 60 in Evergreen Park, Ill.

The late David Seville ("Witch Doctor" and leader of the Chipmunks) was born in 1919.

Nedra Talley of the Ronettes ("Be My Baby") turns 62.

The Bee Gees made their first-ever appearance in the U.S. in 1968, at the Anaheim, California Convention Center (then head immediately back to England), after making $50,000.

Michael Jackson suffers scalp and neck burns when his hair catches fire during an accidental explosion on the set of a Pepsi commercial, shot in Los Angeles. Pepsi paid Jackson a $1.5 million settlement, which he then donated to the Brotman Memorial Hospital where he was treated. The commercial debuted on MTV on February 27, 1984 with the fire scene edited out.

"Peppermint Twist - Part I" by Joey Dee & the Starliters topped the charts in 1962 and stayed there for 3 weeks.

Bobby Bland was born in Rosemark, TN. in 1930.

Today in 1973, the song "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder topped the charts and stayed there for a week. (the song was Originally given to guitarist Jeff Beck but not immediately released, so Wonder cut his version).

In 2006, Gene McFadden, the R&B singer/songwriter who penned classics like The O'Jays' "Back Stabbers" and had a No. 1 hit as McFadden & Whitehead with "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now," died of cancer complications. He was 56.

Faith No More vocalist Mike Patton was born in Eureka, CA. in 1958.

Margo Timmins, lead singer with the Cowboy Junkies, was born in Montreal in 1961.

Little Richard left Rock and Roll in 1958 and enrolled in bible school at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. Richard explained that while flying over the Philippines on tour, the wing of his plane caught fire and his prayers that the flames go out were answered, so he decided to dedicate the rest of his life to God.

Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released in 1968. The release came 6 weeks after he was killed in a plane crash.

In 1971 David Bowie arrived for his first visit to the U.S. He did not perform, but received a lot of publicity for wearing dresses in Texas and Louisiana.

1967 General Motors begins offering an eight-track tape player as an option in their Buick line.

John Lennon writes, records and mixes "Instant Karma" during a nine hour session in 1970. Phil Spector produced the effort with George Harrison on guitar, Billy Preston on piano, Klaus Voormann on bass and Alan White on drums.

In 1972, the New Seekers received a gold record for "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing,” a song that received extensive air-play as the music for Coca-Cola commercials.

Top Sellers at Vinyl Collective.com

Looking for hard to find, rare and collectible vinyl? Visit Virgil Dickerson over at Suburban Home Records and Vinyl Collective. I have picked up several beautiful picture discs (Sublime) and this is a great source for 'colored vinyl' as well. Tell Virgil that I sent you on over!

Top 30 items for December 2007- Vinyl Collective.com

1 ALKALINE TRIO “Goddamnit” re-release LP Red with Black Smoke vinyl (VC exlusive)
2 Me First And The Gimme Gimmes “Willie” 7″ buckaroo Blue vinyl
3 ALKALINE TRIO “Goddamnit” re-release LP Clear with Red Splatter vinyl
4 ALKALINE TRIO “Goddamnit” re-release LP Red and Black half and half vinyl
5 ALKALINE TRIO “Goddamnit” re-release LP Sky Blue vinyl
6 HEAVENS “Patent Pending” LP alkaline trio hand #d
7 ALKALINE TRIO “Goddamnit” re-release LP White vinyl
8 MINUS THE BEAR “Highly Refined Pirates” LP Aqua Vinyl
9 MINUS THE BEAR “Planet of Ice” dbl LP solid white vinyl
9 O PIONEERS!!! S/t 7″ strawberry colored vinyl
11 EVERY TIME I DIE “The Big Dirty” LP leapord print vinyl
12 ALKALINE TRIO “Goddamnit” re-release LP 5 colors plus CD/DVD
13 Fake Problems “Viking Wizard Eyes Wizard Full of Lies” 7″ all 3 colors
13 MINUS THE BEAR “Highly Refined Pirates” LP Orange vinyl
13 DRAG THE RIVER “You Can’t Live This Way” LP Grey Vinyl
13 Fake Problems “Viking Wizard Eyes Wizard Full of Lies” 7″ black/silver swirl
17 BEN WEASEL “These Ones Are Bitter” LP clear brown
18 NEKO CASE - Fox Confessor Brings The Flood LP
19 27 “Holding On For Brighter Days” LP green glitter vinyl
19 Tim Barry “Rivanna Junction” LP grey/black half and half vinyl Avail
19 Poison the Well “Tear From” LP (clear pink vinyl)
22 American Steel - Jagged Thoughts LP
22 THE PLAYING FAVORITES “I Remember When I Was Pretty” LP pink/blue half and half
24 BOMB THE MUSIC INDUSTRY! “Get Warmer” LP clear vinyl w/ white splatter
25 NORMA JEAN 4 x LP Vinyl Box Set colored vinyl set A limited to 400
26 Bomb the Music Industry! / O Pioneers split LP 10″ Mystery colored vinyl
26 Teenage Bottlerocket “Another Way” LP red vinyl
28 Tim Barry “Laurel St Demos” LP brown vinyl white covers
28 American Steel - Rogue’s March LP
28 WEAKERTHANS “Left and Leaving” LP
28 THRICE “The Illusion of Safety” LP
28 Casket Lottery “Possibilities & Maybes” 2xLP Clear vinyl
28 THE NOBODYS/PINHEAD CIRCUS “Split” 7″
34 Bomb the Music Industry! “To Leave or Die in Long Island” 12″ black/pink split

This Day In Music History- Jan 25

Etta James was born in 1938.

'Proud Mary', the Creedence Clearwater Revival LP, was released in 1969. "Proud Mary" eventually reached #2 on the charts (the band never had a #1 hit).

In 1980, Paul McCartney was released after nine days in a Tokyo jail for marijuana possession, he then flew to Amsterdam.

In 1984, Yoko Ono donated $375,000 to Liverpool's Strawberry Fields retirement home, the inspiration for her husband, John Lennon's, song.

Organist and acid jazz pioneer Brother Jack McDuff died at age 74 in 2001.
In 2000, a 1930 lacquered aluminum record was discovered on which Frank Sinatra sang "Roses of Picardy." It is believed to be the first ever solo recording made by Sinatra.

In 1971, Beatles-inspired nutcase Charles Manson was sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of seven counts of murder in the first degree and one count of conspiracy to commit murder. Three other members of his family are also given life sentences. Thankfully, all are still in prison.

In 1958, Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" entered the British pop singles charts at No. 1, an unprecedented feat.

The Tubes' synth player Michael Cotton was born in 1950.

Bassist and KC & the Sunshine Band co-founder Richard Finch was born in Indianapolis in 1954.

Birthday wishes to Alan Cox of the Fine Young Cannibals and the English Beat who was born in Birmingham, England in 1956.

In 1958, Gary Tibbs, bassist with art rockers Roxy Music, punk rockers the Vibrators and new wavers Adam + the Ants, was born.

While the Beatles performed with the Mustangs at a Baptist Youth Club Dance in England in 1963, Vee Jay signs a contract to distribute their singles in the United States.

David Gilmour played his first show with Pink Floyd at Southampton University in 1968. He replaced Syd Barrett whose behavior had become increasingly unpredictable.

In 1979, Rolling Stone Magazine’s Reader’s Poll named The Cars as the year’s best new band.

In 1961, the House of Representatives Special Sub-committee on Legislative Oversight, opened hearings on disc jockey payola. Legendary Cleveland DJ Alan Freed would eventually be convicted, while Philadelphia's Dick Clark would be cleared.

In 1964, the Beatles scored their first number one best seller in the US when "I Want To Hold Your Hand" reached the top of the Cash Box Magazine music chart. The Fab Four would eventually rack up 25 number ones in America.

In 1975, “Please Mr. Postman" became a US number one for the second time when The Carpenters took it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The Marvelettes version led the hit parade in January, 1961. (the Beatles also recorded a popular version of the song, it didn't make the American Top 40)

Allman Brothers bassist, Lamar Williams died of cancer in 1983 at the age of 34.

2005 Ray Peterson, the voice behind the June 1960, number 7 hit, "Tell Laura I Love Her" passed away at the age of 65.

Independent Record Labels Need To Be Counted

By Robert Benson

With vinyl record sales up more than fifteen percent over last year’s totals (858,000'units’ bought in 2006 versus 990,000 in 2007, according to Nielsen Soundscan), has the comeback of this historical audio medium reached its pinnacle? No one can say for sure, but one thing is certain, these sales figures are not a full indication of just what is happening in the ‘vinyl world’ and how many records have truly been sold.

These sales figures may be underestimated and under represent the exact sales figures because they don’t always include the sales at the smaller ‘indie’ record shops where vinyl does the best. I spoke with Virgil Dickerson, owner of one of these ‘indie’ record shops, SuburbanHomeRecords.com and Vinyl Collective (based in Denver, Colorado) about what he is noticing about the trend to go back to vinyl records.

“Certainly, my CD sales have dropped off, and I have seen an increase in the sales of our vinyl records. People want a tangible product to go along with their music. The record album artwork and the great sound of vinyl are also factors in the resurgence,” detailed Virgil. “Digital music lacks the ‘soul’ of a record and there is almost a therapeutic ritual when you experience playing vinyl, the act of physically playing the record, the smell, turning the record over to hear the other side- are all factors as to why people are in love with the format.”

But, is the vinyl resurgence just a passing fad, what do you see for the future of the vinyl record?

“Some of our customers are what I term as ‘lifers,’ people who will buy records whether they are popular or not and may even have an extensive collection of records. And then there may be some that are just jumping on the ‘vinyl bandwagon,’ buying records to be cool or because they are popular now, but there will always be a place for vinyl within the music community,” said Virgil.

As previously noted, Virgil is the owner and operates Suburban Home Records, a record label that signs and releases music from bands from all over the world as well as Vinyl Collective, a unique vinyl friendly web store. And with such an eclectic array of musical genres to choose from including punk, alternative country, heavy metal, rock and roll and just about anything in between, his customer base is as varied as the musical styles that they offer.

We discussed some of the vinyl record formats that are being manufactured, including audiophile vinyl, picture discs, limited releases and colored vinyl.

“With regard to colored vinyl, we do it because we want each pressing to be distinctive. Colored vinyl is more prevalent now than, lets say, ten years ago and is highly sought after; people want it, so we appease our customers by releasing it,” explained Virgil. “We have some that are just one color, clear vinyl and we have added some with speckles and swirls.”

“Picture discs are also highly sought after as well, but are much more expensive per unit to manufacture. They are usually released with no jacket (they are kept in a clear re-sealable package) so that helps to reduce the cost. And the sound quality can fluctuate from good to bad depending on the pressing plant that is used. Audiophile records are more expensive as well, manufactured as 180-200 gram records instead of our norm, which is 140-160 grams,” said Virgil.

We also discussed the difference in sound quality between audiophile records and the normal standard vinyl releases.

“Audiophile records have a better sound quality because a higher grade of vinyl is used and the grooves are cut deeper into the vinyl, producing a much clearer sound. I would think that they are also less susceptible to scratching and scuffing and withstand the normal wear and tear that a record gets form use, because of their thickness,” related Virgil.

We talked about ‘limited releases’ and why these are not only popular, but profitable as well.

“Well, instead of pressing, let’s say, 5,000 copies of a particular recording, we may only press 500. This helps to keep our costs down and collectors love this type of release; they will own an uncommon or rare record, which can affect the resale value of the record, depending on various factors such as the artist, condition etc.”

What other marketing ploys are utilized in the record business?

“We are starting to sign up bands for a 7” ‘split’ series. We will do a pre-order for each 7” and have several artists already committed to the project including Chuck Ragan/Tim Barry, William Elliott Whitmore/Josh Small, Fake Problems/Look Mexico, Rocky Votolato/Chad Price (of Drag the River), just to name a few. The artists will do a cover of a song that has influenced what they do today. We not only have our own artists from Suburban Home Records, but other record labels and artists as well. And this is not so much a marketing ploy, as it is a unique opportunity for artists to be heard by other fan bases that may have not heard of the artist before the split and may also introduce the listener to another kind of musical genre that they may not listen to. With luck, we hope to have customers be interested enough to collect the whole series,” detailed Virgil.

We have just met the man behind the scenes at Suburban Home Records/Vinyl Collective, one of hundreds of independent record labels that produce quality vinyl records and allow independent musicians to be heard by the masses. Why these sales are not tabulated with the ‘big box’ record stores or major labels is food for thought. But if Suburban Home Records/Vinyl Collective keeps releasing quality vinyl records, it is just a matter of time, before they too, will become a “major label” and be counted, as the sale of vinyl records continues to move upward.

Record 'Master' Passes Away

Vinyl Mastering Guru Ron Murphy Passes Away

Detroit vinyl mastering guru Ron Murphy died of a heart attack this week, aged 58. The unassuming studio genius was described on Discogs ‘as probably one of the most instrumental figures in the history Detroit electronic music’, mastering records for the likes of Derrick May, Juan Atkins, Carl Craig, Kevin Saunderson and Jeff Mills, and helping define the sound that became known as techno.

Ron’s company Sound Enterprises announced that a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday January 26th at Santieu Funeral Home in Garden City, posting a poignant video interview on their website of Ron discussing his craft. “A lot of people ask me what I do and I tell them I cut records,” he explained. “I don’t record people, I cut the masters,” he clarified. “Something that’s already mixed down: we may touch it up a little here and there. And you don’t want these things (records) to be too long- the shorter the better. The shorter it is the louder it is,” he added.

Underground Resistance leader Mike Banks (reputedly a close friend) declined to comment, though British techno pioneer Dave Clare was more forthcoming. “Ron Murphy will be sorely missed,” Dave told Skrufff. “He was the catalytic converter of raw sounds from enthusiastic project studios to legendary vinyl presses that rocked clubs around the world, he was the Bob Katz of techno and his passing with all the years of gained knowledge comes in the last chapter of the Edison era for phonographic recordings,” he said.

Retro Vinyl Cupboard

I found a very interesting and informative blog and must share it with you, here are the details:

http://retrovinylcupboard.blogspot.com/

Retro Vinyl Cupboard

Stop in, look around, have a drink and crank some tunes. I'll be posting some songs ripped from records, some out of print and hard to find stuff, some songs by artists you should be listening too, and a few mixes here and there.

Very insightful posts about all kinds of music, stop by and have a look around!

What Sells On E-Bay

Below are the 'top' sellers (price wise) on that wonderful auction house ebay. I have had people ask if a record is worth, let's say $100 in the record price guides, then you should be able to get that price for the record if you were to sell it. As I tell all who have read my ebook, "The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting," you will only get what someone is willing to pay.

And that also depends on who is buying the record. If it is a record dealer, expect to get about 10-30% of the record price guide value. Why? Because these people are in business to resell the records and make a profit. But let's say you have two or three different collectors bidding on a rare Bob Dylan release that may be listed at $400 in the price guide. The price that the winning bidder may pay could be twice that, especaily in a "bidding war."

There are many other variables that go into the worth of a record. Condition is the most important factor, not only of the record, but the album jacket, picture sleeve and/or contents (for instance, if the record had a special poster or insert inside when it was released). Additionally, the genre of music plays a role. For instance, if you have a rare "Northern Soul" record (and that is a hot commodity right now) you may get more than the 'book value.' Conversely, you may have an old opera recording, and because there is not a huge demand for that genre, you may have to settle for less than book value. Also, what record label it is on can effect the value. But, this is not an exact science. If you get the right bidders, on the right day, truth is, you can only presume what could happen, nothing is written in stone.

That said, let's explore some of he highest prices that have been paid for records at ebay in the last few weeks:

Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales Week Ending 01/05/2008


1) 45 - Freddie Butler "All Is Well" / "Save Your Love For Me" - $5,200.00 Start: n/a Bids: n/a

2) LP - Mariani "Perpetum Mobile" - $2,850.00 Start: $2,500.00 Bids: 2

3) LP - Jutta Hipp "D.G. Flat" Blue Note Mono - $2,534.00 Start: $90.00 Bids: 15

4) 45 - Elvis Presley "That's All Right" / "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" - $1,726.99 Start: $700.00 Bids: 8

5) LP - Billy Preston "Club Meeting" - $1,711.96 Start: $9.00 Bids: 4


An ultra-rare soul rocker from Freddie Bulter topped eBay sales this particular week. The "All Is Well" 45 RPM sold for $5k. Dropping pretty far down in terms of dollars, a more or less psych LP by the band Mariani came in the #2 spot. A Blue Note jazz LP from Jutta Hipp sold for a little over $2.5k. In the #4 spot sits an Elvis 45 on the Sun label. And in #5 comes Billy Preston's very rare live "Club Meeting" LP.

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Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales Week Ending 01/12/2008



1) LP - U2 "Joshua Tree" Swedish Blue Vinyl - $4000.00 Start: $4000.00 Bid: 1

2) 45 - Al Williams "I Am Nothing" / "Brand New Love" Palmer - $3,500.00 Start: $3,500.00 Bids: BIN

3) 45 - Innersouls "Just Take Your Time" / "Thoughts" Plemmons - $2,469.44 Start: $99.99 Bids: 17

4) 45 - Elvis Presley "Milkcow Boogie Blues" / "You're A Heartbreaker" Sun 215 - $2,254.90 Bids:32

5) 45 - Frankie Lyman "I'm Sorry" / "Sea Breeze" Big Apple - $1,901.00 Start: $9.99 Bids: 11


Another oddball Swedish colored vinyl U2 record came in at the top of the list this week. This time the color is blue and the record is Joshua Tree. Some weeks ago a red Unforgettable Fire made the list. Next, one of the gods of high dollar rare soul 45's Al Williams comes in at #2, with "I Am Nothing New" selling on a buy-it-now for $3,500.00. Another rare soul 45 from Innersouls made the #3 spot. And an Elvis on Sun 45 comes in at #4 for the second week. And last is another soul 45 from Frankie Lymon.

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Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales Week Ending 01/19/2008



1) LP - Hank Mobley self titled LP Blue Note - $3500.00 Start: $3500.00 Bids: BIN


2) 45 - Jackie Day "Naughty Boy" / "I Want Your Love" Phelectron - $3,000.00 Start: $499.00 Bids: 16


3) 45 - Iron Maiden "Two Minutes To Midnight" Japanese Promo - $2,895.00 Start: $2895.00 Bids: BIN


4) 78 - Margaret Thornton "Jockey Blues" / "Texas Bound Blues" Black Patti - $2,4000.00 Start: $99.00 Bids: 27


5) 45 - New World "The World To-day" / "J.R." Virtue - $2,178.88 Start: $9.44 Bids: 37


For having only a 500 copy run, this Hank Mobley Blue Note LP changes hands quite a bit. This time coming in #1 and selling for $3.5k. For #2, it's back to rare soul for a Jackie Day 45. The rarest of Iron Maiden collectibles, a Japanese promo 45 sells for close to $2.9K and makes the #3 spot. A 78 RPM blues record from 1927 by Margaret Thornton came in #4. And for #5 we have a rare soul 45 from New World.

As always, I want to thank my source of this useful information:
http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com/