UPCOMING VINYL RELEASES

U2 Back In Studio After Holiday Break

By: Don Kaye

U2 has returned to its Dublin studio to resume work on the band's next album, according to Billboard.com. The group took a break for the Easter holiday and is now recording again, with a message at the official U2 web site saying, "Everyone (is) still hoping the new album will be out this year." The yet-to-be-titled disc will follow up 2004's How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb and will be supported by a world tour in 2009. The band is working on the new CD with producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, who together and separately have been involved with classic U2 records like The Unforgettable Fire, Achtung Baby and The Joshua Tree.

Meanwhile, July 22nd will see the arrival of remastered, expanded editions of U2's first three albums, 1980's Boy, 1981's October and 1983's War. Each will be reissued in a two-CD package featuring rare studio tracks, B-sides and live material. A single-disc heavyweight vinyl edition will be available as well.

U2 guitarist The Edge is overseeing the reissues, which began last fall with The Joshua Tree.

U2 recently signed a 12-year worldwide contract to have Live Nation handle its merchandising, digital and branding rights. Live Nation, which has handled U2's tours for 20 years, will now also oversee its merchandising, sponsorships and other corporate partnerships, its fan club and other Web sites, plus other digital, marketing and creative ventures.

Info from: http://www.kbsradio.ca/news/music/87/697172



The Magnetic Fields are readying the re-release of their catalog on full-length 12" vinyl albums. Merge Records will start the run with "The Charm of the Highway Strip," out on May 6 in the US. Nonesuch Records will follow this summer with a pressing of "Distortion," the band's January 2008 release. This fall, Merge Records will release the vinyl edition of "Get Lost."

Men, Women, and Children, the electro-punk outfit formed by former Glassjaw guitarist Todd Weinstock have announced plans to release a new 7-inch/digital single. The release is the follow up to their self-titled Warner/Reprise full length, and first since parting ways with the label.

The record is titled Ultra Hot Volcano [7-inch/digital] and is due out May 06, 2008. Along with a wide release on iTunes/eMusic, the single will be pressed as a limited-edition 7” vinyl (all hand-numbered, on red vinyl.

Baby Shakes’ defection from New York City to Atlanta was always intended to be a temporary move. In 2006, the black-miniskirt- and fishnet-flaunting trio of Mary Blount (vocals/guitar), Judy Hsu (guitar) and Claudia Gonzales (bass) migrated south to concentrate on playing music without worrying about the high price of the Big Apple.

The fruits of their labor are finally starting to take shape as the group’s third offering comes in the form of a red, vinyl, heart-shaped 10-inch EP via Rob’s House Records.

This Date In Music History- April 11

Today in 1970, the song "Let It Be" by the Beatles topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.

In 1967, on the way back from visiting the Beach Boys' Smile sessions, Paul McCartney dreams up the idea for the Beatles' film "Magical Mystery Tour."
June Pointer of the Pointer Sisters ("Yes We Can Can") died of cancer in 2006.

Paul McCartney gives a twenty-minute concert from the roof of a building he owns in London in 1997. Uh, that’s been done before, hasn’t it?

Elvis Presley's "Follow That Dream" movie premiered in Ocala, Florida (near where it was filmed-- it opened nationally six weeks later) in 1962.

Big Brother & the Holding Company made their national TV debut on ABC's "Hollywood Palace" in 1968.

In 1966, Frank Sinatra cut "Strangers in the Night," one of his biggest hits and renowned for its shooby-be-doo-be-doo-ing.

Bob Dylan mades his first live performance in New York, opening for John Lee Hooker in 1961. The venue was Gerde's Folk City. Dylan played some new material, including "Blowin' in the Wind."

Elvis Presley had his first No. 1 record with "Heartbreak Hotel" in 1956. On the same day, his plane almost crashed as it flies from Los Angeles to Nashville. The incident will leave him with a permanent fear of air travel.

The late Richard Berry was born in Extension, Louisiana in 1935. He originally wrote and recorded the controversial frat anthem "Louie Louie," which became one of the most-covered songs in rock.

1936 - The SPEBSQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America) was founded. (I did not know that!)

In a rare joint appearance, both The Beatles and Rolling Stones performed at the New Musical Express concert in 1965. The show featured the magazine’s poll winners. Also on the bill are the Animals and Kinks, along with numerous pop acts.

In 1956, James Brown had his first chart entry when "Please, Please, Please" debuted on the Billboard R&B chart.

Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green left the group to do “what God will have me to do” in 1970. The group would carry on without him.

In 1970, Keith Emerson and Greg Lake added drummer Carl Palmer to create Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

In 1964, The Beatles set a music industry record which may never be equaled when they had 14 songs on the Billboard Hot 100. The songs ranged from "Can't Buy Me Love" at # 1 to "Love Me Do" at # 81.

In 1966, NBC broadcasts the last episode of the rock and roll TV show, Hullabaloo, which features Paul Anka, Lesley Gore, Peter and Gordon and The Cyrkle. The show had been on the air since January 1965, a year after ABC came up with Shindig!

Large Record Donation

Certainly a major donation, I found this while surfing the net and thought I would pass it along:

UK charity shop in a spin over record donation

LONDON (Reuters Life!) - A British widow has given 4,000 vinyl records spanning every classical genre to her local Oxfam shop, the largest music donation in the charity's history, a spokesman said on Wednesday.

The collection, worth an estimated 25,000 pounds ($49,260), ranges from Bach and Haydn to Stravinsky and Stockhausen and will keep the shop stocked for three years.

It was donated by an unnamed woman, in her 50s, to her local Oxfam store in the southern English town of Tavistock after the death of her husband.

"It is amazing. I can't think of a classical genre that is missing," said Oxfam volunteer Terry Hyde. "It is all there -- all your big figures from the 18th and 19th century, your 20th century unlistenable nightmares by Stockhausen, avant garde, opera, unaccompanied violin. Virtually every genre is covered."

Shop manager Jacky Theobald said the collection was too big to go on sale at the same time.

"It is a small shop," she said. "We will do a Chopin week, a Mozart week, that sort of thing."

Oxfam -- which says it seeks to find lasting solutions to poverty and injustice in more than 100 countries -- makes around five million pounds each year from the sale of film and music. It recently received a rare Rolling Stones demo single and a Handel score.

(Reporting by Peter Griffiths; editing by Steve Addison and Paul Casciato)

http://uk.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUKL0972423020080409

Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales

Week Ending 03/22/2008


1) 45rpm - The Limelights "Don't Leave Me Baby" / "(Time Has Passed) You Don't Love Me Anymore" Uncle - $6,889.10

2) LP - Johnny Burnette and the Rock 'n Roll Trio Coral Mono - $2,495.00

3) 45rpm - Nirvana "Love Buzz" Sub Pop - $2,226.20

4) 45rpm - Trace Of Smoke "Treasure Mind" / "U.R." B.J. - $2,000.00

5) LP - Georges Enesco Bach Sonatas Continental CLP 105 - $1,999.99

Record Store Day News

This latest news from pitchfork.com about the upcoming celebration of Record Store Day:

Death Cab, R.E.M., Built to Spill, Black Keys Celebrate Record Store Day With Exclusive Singles

The sheer number of artists participating in Record Store Day-- including Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, and Vampire Weekend, to name just a few-- almost makes all these special events and exclusive releases seem a little less than extraordinary, like we should expect such goodies to come our way every day. That's not true, of course (record stores are an endangered species!), which means the announcement of four more participating bands still has us giddy.

The April 19 celebration of independent music retail now includes the release of exclusive limited edition 7"s by Built to Spill, R.E.M., Death Cab for Cutie, and the Black Keys. The tracklist for each one is after the jump.

The Black Keys:

01 Strange Times
02 Something on Your Mind [previously unreleased]

Built to Spill:

01 Don't Try [live, previously unreleased]
02 The Source [live, previously unreleased]

Death Cab for Cutie:

01 I Will Possess Your Heart (10" Mix)
02 I Will Possess Your Heart (7" Mix)

R.E.M.:

01 Supernatural Superserious
02 Airliner [non-LP B-side]

Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales

Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales

Week Ending 03/15/2008


1) 45rpm- The Cure "A Forest" + Tourists, Midnight Oil Promo 7" - $5,211.00

2) LP - Art Pepper "Modern Art" - $3,350.00

3) LP - Lawrence Marable "Tenorman" - $3,049.99

4) 45rpm - Elvis Presley "That's All Right" / "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" Sun 209 Sample - $2,386.11

5) 45rpm - Soul Incorporated "My Proposal" / "Message To Michael" Coconut Groove - $2,325.00

======================================================
Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales

Week Ending 03/08/2008


1) 78rpm - The Beatles "I Saw Her Standing There" / "Don't Bother Me" Columbia 78 RPM - $6,000.00

2) 45rpm - Buddy Cantrell "You Ain't No Good" / "Why Did She Leave Me" Tuska 104 - $4,037.77

3) LP - Jimi Hendrix TMOQ LP - $3,350.00

4) LP - Lalo & Tchaikovsky, Leonid Kogan Columbia SAX 2329 UK - $3,339.99

5) LP - Night Shadow "Square Root Of Two" Private Press w/ 45 - $3,250.00

This Day In Music History- April 7

Eleanora Fagan Gough, a.k.a. Billie Holiday, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1915.

Chicago blues legend Willie Dixon returned to Chess Records in 1959 (after a three-year hiatus), during which he produced an impressive roster of blues artists – including Buddy Guy, Otis Rush and Magic Sam – for crosstown rival Cobra Records.

King Crimson was formed in 1969.

Crosby, Stills & Nash's double live album '4 Way Street' was released in 1971. Showcasing the group's range and versatility, it includes group performances and solo spots. I believe Neil Young also contributed as well.

Bobby Bare ("Detroit City" and the real singer of "All-American Boy") turns 73.

John Oates of Hall & Oates ("Sara Smile") is 59.

Janis Ian ("At Seventeen") is 57.

The late Percy Faith ("Theme From A Summer Place") was born in 1908.

Charlie Thomas of the Drifters ("There Goes My Baby") turns 71.

In 1988, Alice Cooper nearly hanged himself for real at a concert rehearsal when a safety rope breaks. Ahh the price of fame.

Today in 1962, the song "Johnny Angel" by Shelley Fabares topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks.

In 1956, CBS Radio premiered Rock 'n' Roll Dance Party, hosted by DJ Alan Freed. It's the first nationally broadcast rock 'n' roll radio show.

In 1962, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards first meet Brian Jones at an Alexis Korner gig in London.

John Lennon recorded "Give Peace a Chance" in his Toronto hotel room in 1969. It becomes his first solo single.

In 1987, after preacher Oral Roberts informed his TV congregation that God will kill him if he doesn't raise $1 million in donations, rock funnyman Ozzy Osbourne sent him a dollar to be put toward psychiatric treatment. (way to go Ozzie!)

1997 - An Amsterdam university began offering a course entitled "Madonna 101." Interesting….

The Knack’s drummer Bruce Gary was born in 1952.

Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann was born in 1946.

Jethro Tull’s original guitarist, Mick Abrahams, was born in Luton, Bedfordshire, England in 1943. In ’68, conflicts between Abrahams and frontman Ian Anderson over the group’s musical direction force Abrahams to depart.

In 1981, the Who's former manager, Kit Lambert died after falling down a flight of stairs in his mother's home in London, England. Along with his partner Chris Stamp, Lambert guided the Who from 1964 through 1967 and produced many of their albums including "The Who Sell Out" and "Tommy".

In 1985, Wham! became the first western rock group to play live in China.

In 1998, singer George Michael was arrested in a public restroom in Beverly Hills for lewd conduct. He acknowledges his homosexuality on CNN a few days later and was sentenced to community service for the incident.

This Day In Music History- April 5

'Piper at the Gates of Dawn,' the debut album by Pink Floyd -- and the only one to feature Syd Barrett as bandleader -- was released in 1967.

"Instant Karma (We All Shine On)," credited to John Ono Lennon and produced by Phil Spector, hits #3 on the singles chart in 1970. The #1 album that week is "Let It Be," by the Beatles.

Crispian St. Peters ("Pied Piper") turns 64.

Billy Bland ("Let The Little Girl Dance") is 76.

Today in 1975, the song "Lovin' You" by Minnie Riperton topped the charts and stayed there for a week. She began recording as part of The Gems and then later with Rotary Connection. She had retired from the music scene in 1970 to raise a family when Stevie Wonder persuaded her to join his back-up group, Wonderlove. Wonder later produced Riperton's first solo album, "Perfect Angel" along with four more albums before she died of cancer on July 12th, 1979.

The late Tony Williams of the Platters ("Smoke Gets In Your Eyes") was born in 1928.

Agnetha Faltskog of ABBA ("SOS") is 58.

Gene Pitney ("Only Love Can Break A Heart") died of a heart attack while on tour in Wales in 2006.

Danny Rapp of Danny & the Juniors ("Rock And Roll Is Here To Stay") died of a self-inflicted gunshot in 1983.

In 1968, James Brown made a nationally-televised appeal for calm in the wake of the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. after riots had broken out in 30 US cities.

Elvis Presley's "Double Trouble" movie debuted in 1967.

Layne Staley died of a drug overdose in 2002, eight years to the day after Kurt Cobain committed suicide. The Alice in Chains singer's body is not found until several days later.

In 1981, Canned Heat vocalist Bob "the Bear" Hite died from a heart attack in Venice, Calif at the age of 36. He helped bring the sound of American blues to rock music.

In 1993, construction began on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.

1994 - Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) killed himself with a shotgun. He was found three days later. (what a waste)

REM made its debut at an Athens, GA, party under the name Twisted Kite in 1980.

Hollies’ founding member and vocalist Allan Clarke was born in 1942.

Mike McCready, a founding member of Pearl Jam (along with Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard) was born in 1965.

Also in 1965- Sonny Bono and his 18 year old wife Cher were signed to Atco Records.

In 1998, Drummer, Cozy (Collin) Powell was killed in a car accident on April 5th, after bad weather forced him to lose control on a highway. He had worked with Black Sabbath, Whitesnake, Rainbow, Peter Green, Jeff Beck and Emerson, Lake and Powell. He was 50 years old.

Putting A Value On Vinyl Records

As promised here is part two of my article about vinyl record appraisals. Remember, I have just opened up a new site called www.vinylrecordappraisals.com, so if you want to know what your old records may be worth, drop by for a visit!

Putting A Value On Vinyl Records

part two

By Robert Benson

In part one we discussed the most important element of vinyl record appraising, the condition of the record and LP jacket or sleeve and the methods used in grading a vinyl record. In this section we will explore other elements that factor into the value of a record.

Scarcity

Many, many millions of vinyl records are in circulation, with almost every household in the US, either having some vinyl records at one time or another. We even had a vinyl record ‘boon’ from around 1955-1980. But, how many of those records are still around and more importantly, what condition are they in?

For instance, rhythm and blues records from the 1950’s suffered from poor promotion and publicity, therefore there were fewer of these that were pressed. The record companies that produced these particular records were small and lacked the resources that the larger record companies enjoyed, some may have been limited to only one or two thousand being pressed, On the other hand, the Beatles records were massed produced and they benefited from much larger pressings and are a fairly common record (depending on the label) and some are not worth as much as one might think. This brings us to another element-demand.

Demand

Like any other commodity, vinyl records are subject to the old supply and demand adage that is prevalent in any free market society. Record values were affected by the Internet age, especially with the many online auction sites. Records that were thought to be rare and valuable suddenly came out of the closets and basements and were put up for sale and brought some prices down.

But, that has evened out at this time and the record guides and prices reflect that. If there is a demand for a certain genre or artist, chances are the price will go up, more people want these type of record and there is more competition for them. For instance, the music genre called Northern Soul (commonly known as Motown) enjoyed resurgence in sales in the past few years, driving up the prices. Conversely, there is not a lot of demand for classical music (in fact, there aren’t even any price guides for this genre of music); therefore you cannot expect to get much for the records.

History

This element of putting a value on a vinyl record goes hand in hand with the relative scarcity of the record. Many special musical genres in recorded music often command a higher price because of their place in music history. For instance, the early roots of country music from the early 1930s and 1940’s, early jazz recordings, the rock and roll ‘infancy’ recordings (including rockabilly, rhythm and blues, the ‘girl’ groups of the 60’s, ) are often highly sought after and therefore of more value. Some early Motown, psychedelic music, surf music, garage band rock and doo wop often command a higher price because these are records that have a prominent historical value in recorded sound.

Artist or Group

Obviously there are some musical icons that sell better than others and are in command. Early Elvis records, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix just to name a few all command top dollar because there is always a demand for these records. But that is not to say that some obscure bands or artists are precluded from being valuable, on the contrary, there may be an artist that you have never heard of and the record may be selling for thousands of dollars.

LP Jacket, Inserts, Picture Sleeves

When issued, some records came with an added incentive and that is also collected and can add value to a record. LP’s came with fantastic artwork, inner sleeves with liner notes, lyrics, posters, cut out and all these elements are included when establishing a resale price. Again, the condition of these ‘extras’ must be taken into account when ascertaining the value of the record. 45rpm records came with picture sleeves and some of them are even more valuable than the record that they may hold.

The Year of Release

First pressings may be of more value than a reissue of the same record ten years later. For instance, a Beatles record that was released in 1965 is of more value to a collector than a reissue that was released in 1980.

The Record Label

Some record labels are also more collectible than others. Old R & B or jazz on the record label Bluenote is generally worth more than if the same music and artist are released on another label. Another example is Beatles’ records released on the Capitol record label as opposed to the Vee Jay label. For instance, if you were to the record “I Want To Hold Your Hand” on the Capitol label, it will generally be worth more than the same record on the Apple label (which was formed after the record was issued). Certainly there are exceptions, but there are a lot of record labels that suffered from poor distribution and, quite frankly, there are not that many to be had.

Stereo vs. Mono

As a general statement, all 45’s manufactured by all record labels after 1970 were pressed in stereo. But there were labels that issued records between 1957-1970 that were issued in both formats, and you would have to check the catalog number of the record to find out which one you may have. Some mono versions may be worth more than there stereo counterparts, while some records in stereo may be worth more than mono; it all depends on the artist and label.

As we review this two part article, we see that there are many elements that can factor into ascertaining what a record may be worth. We have covered the basics of vinyl record appraisals, there are more like picture discs, colored vinyl, promotional releases, misprints, why even the color of the record label may affect the price; but this is a good starting point. One element we should highlight is what you get for a record can also be determined to who you are selling the record to, a dealer will probably give you only a portion of what the record may be worth, or you may be able to find a rare and valuable record at a garage sale for pennies on the dollar. And that is the fun part for record collectors!

New Vinyl Record Appraisal Services Offered

Want to know what your old records may be worth? I have just opened up a new site www.vinylrecordappraisals.com and will appraise your classic records for a small fee.

There are many variables that go into ascertaining just what a particular record may be worth. I have written a two-part article about this and the first part is posted below. Look for part two tomorrow!


Putting A Value On Vinyl Records

part one

By Robert Benson

One element of the ever changing music industry is that the sale of vinyl records has increased and that these audio treasures are still in demand. In our age of digital products and downloads, there are still millions who prefer the sound and experience of vinyl records. In this two part article, let’s explore how a person can ascertain just how much a particular record is worth.

There are many factors and variables that come into play, whether buying or selling records. The ‘grading’ of a record is very subjective and because no two people grade the record the same, many problems arise when reselling new and used vinyl.

The value of a record is, and this is putting it in a very simplistic way, is what a person is willing to pay another person or business for the record. But there are many other variables that must be considered to put a value on a record, let’s look at them:

There is a common misconception that because a record is old, that it is valuable. On the contrary, some records that are just a few months old have more value than some that are 50 years old. And, while it is true that some bands and artists are more sought after and command a better resale price, the condition of the record is paramount, whether the record is a week old or seventy years old; age is not a determining factor, but condition is.

There are several different methods of grading records and unfortunately there is no ‘standard’ that everyone uses. But let’s look at one of the more widely accepted grading methods, which is in the “Rockin’ Records” price guide, written by the genre’s leading authority; Jerry Osborne. In this method, the record are given a certain ‘grade’ as to their condition, here are the grades:

Mint (M)- an absolutely perfect record in every way-to allow for a tiny blemish or flaw, this record would be considered Near Mint, which is the highest grade used the in the Osborne record price guides and what the prices in the record guides reflect.

Very Good (VG) - records in this condition should have a minimum of visual or audio imperfections that do not detract from your enjoyment and listening pleasure. You may see a plus or minus after this grade.

Good (G) - From a practical standpoint, this grade may mean the record is a good enough copy to fill a gap in your collection until you can secure a better copy. This record will show obvious signs of wear and tear and play all the way through without skipping.

Osborne explains what you can expect using the following formula. For very good condition, the record is worth 25-50% of the Near Mint price listed in his guides. For Good, figure 10-25% of the near mint price given in his guides. Another common mistake is that people take the price in the guides, grade the record and then do not ‘downgrade’ for the flaws and condition issues.

Another confusing aspect to this method is that some records might be listed as VG + or VG- or VG++ or NM-. But, what exactly is the person grading the record mean with these notations? Is it for the record, the sleeve, the LP jacket or the record itself? You can see why this way of grading can be very confusing to someone just starting a record collection.

Osborne also suggests a ten point grading scale and some feel that this system allows for a more precise description of the record than the mint, very good, good scale. Here is the scale:

10-Mint
9- Near Mint
8- better than VG but below NM
7- VG
6- better than Good but below VG
5- Good
4- better than Poor but below Good
3- Poor
2 and 1- why bother adding these to a collection?

I prefer the ten point scale, as it eliminates some of the confusion and provides a better description than VG_ or VG++ or G-. One important factor that Osborne stresses is to be honest about the condition and grade, meaning apply the same standard to the record you want to buy or sell as you would want the seller or buyer to give. But, and this goes along with Osborne’s recommendation, is a TRUST factor. You must assume and trust that the person giving the grade to the record is honest and will be held accountable for the grade.

But just because a record is visually acceptable may not mean it plays that way, so one must take that into consideration as well. So if you are buying a record you may also ask if it plays the grade that it was given. A long time ago, these two went together, but it seems that we have gotten away from this.

Another element in the grading process, and I have seen this done several ways, is the condition of the LP jacket, picture sleeve, inserts and liner notes. Some sellers may give you two ratings, one for the record and one for the other elements. There are some very valuable album covers and picture sleeves (from 45 rpm records) and these must also be accounted for in the selling price or the value of a vinyl record.

As you can see, this is a ‘gray area’ when buying and selling vinyl and one that is very subjective. Condition is the most important factor when buying and selling vinyl and when buying records you must be able to find a trustworthy seller and ascertain which method they are using to grade what they have for sale. And, as previously stated, the record price guides lists the prices for records in near mint condition, so that must be taken into account. Obviously, this all can be a bit confusing for a beginner, but a little common sense and education can help any buyer in their quest to add to their collection.

In part two, we will discuss some other important elements that go into finding what the value is for a vinyl record.

Look for part two in tomorrow's post!

This Day In Music History- April 3

Richard Manuel, keyboardist and vocalist with the Band, was born in Stratford, Ontario, Canada in 1943.

In 1961, a Pittsburgh quintet called The Marcels took "Blue Moon", a tune written in 1934, to the top of the Billboard chart. It was also a #1 in the UK.

Que sera sera... Doris Day was born Doris Mary Anne von Kapelhoff in 1922.

The late Jan Barry of Jan & Dean ("Surf City") was born in 1941.

Billy Joe Royal ("Down In The Boondocks") turns 66.

Tony Orlando ("Candida") is 64.

Wayne Newton ("Danke Shoen") is 66.

A motley member of Motley Crue. Guitarist Mick Mars was born with the moniker Robert Alan Deal in 1956. A one-time class clown, he legally becomes Mick Mars before he’s 18.

Sarah Vaughan ("Broken-Hearted Melody") died on this day in 1990.

The British Broadcasting Corporation bans the Coasters' "Charlie Brown" over its reference to "spitballs" (a ban it lifts two weeks later) in 1959.

In 1956, Elvis Presley made the first of two appearances on The Milton Berle Show, live from the flight deck of the USS Hancock. He earned $5,000 for performing "Heartbreak Hotel,” "Money, Honey" and "Blue Suede Shoes.” It's estimated that one out of every four Americans saw the show.

Elvis Presley's "It Happened At The World's Fair" movie opened in Los Angeles (it opens nationally a week later) in 1963.

In 1965, Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs released their garage classic "Wooly Bully."

Sebastian Bach, the somewhat outspoken singer with Skid Row, was born in the Bahamas in 1968.

The Doors' Jim Morrison turned himself in to the FBI in Los Angeles. He was charged with inter-state flight to avoid prosecution on six charges of lewd behavior and public exposure at a concert in Miami on March 2nd, 1969. He is later released on $2000 bail.

1989 - Pepsi dismissed Madonna as a spokesperson after her "Like a Prayer" video was called "blasphemous" by the Vatican.

In 1960, The Everly Brothers begin their first ever UK tour in London, where they were supported by The Crickets.

Also in 1960, Elvis Presley enters a Nashville studio where he records "It's Now Or Never" and "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"

In 1971, the Temptations hit the top of the Billboard Pop chart for the third and final time with "Just My Imagination". They would however, place 11 more songs in the Top 40 over the next 20 years.

In 1973, Capitol Records issued two Beatles' greatest hits packages - "The Beatles: 1962-1966" and "The Beatles: 1967-1970". Fans call them "the red album" and "the blue album.”

Ray Charles became the first performer to have hits on Billboard's charts in six different decades when his version of Leon Russell's "A Song For You" entered the R&B singles chart in 1993.

The Traveling Wilburys (Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynn) began recording their "Handle With Care" album in Malibu in 1988.

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales

Week Ending 03/01/2008


1) LP - Queen "The Works" Columbia Red Vinyl - $4,999.99

2) LP - Michele Auclair Schubert: "Complete Works For Violin And Piano" Erato STE 50136 - $3,000.00

3) 45 - The Five Tinos "Sitting My Window" / "Don Do That" SUN 222 - $2,851.89

4) 45 - Ernie Johnson "I Can't Stop The Pain" / "These Very Tender Moments" Artco - $2,094.69

5) LP - The Velvet Underground & Nico Mono w/ Torso Cover - $2,025.00

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

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales

Week Ending 02/23/2008


1) 45 - Bruce Springsteen "Spirit In The Night" / "For You" Columbia - $5,100.00

2) LP - Phafner "Overdrive" Dragon - $5,000.00

3) 45 - The Squires "The Sultan" / "Aurora" V - $4,161.00

4) 45 - U2 "All I Want Is You" Purple Vinyl - $4,058.00

5) LP - Beatles "Please, Please Me" Parlophone - $3,850.00

In the Chicago area?

This year's Record Fair, now known as the "CHIRP Record Fair" to benefit the Chicago Indie Radio Project, is coming up April 12 and 13th. Check out the website for more details, or read on below:

Formerly the WLUW Record Fair, this annual vinyl extravaganza brings you two days of shopping for quality rare and used records from a slew of Midwestern vendors. The 6th annual version of this can't-miss event for Chicagoans in the know and vinyl enthusiasts from around the country takes place at Pulaski Park Fieldhouse on April 12th and 13th. In addition to even more great dealers and a wider range of entertainment, this year's fair will benefit the Chicago Independent Radio Project, working to bring a brand new community radio station to Chicago.

The CHIRP Record Fair dealers range from genre specialists with tons of rarities to generalists with something for everyone. The music selection isn't limited to vinyl – CDs, DVDs, even 8-tracks abound, and the dealer lineup is rounded out nicely by a select batch of poster artists, crafters, and independent publications. This year's expanded entertainment lineup will range from live bands and DJs to dancers and circus performers. Food, games, and general revelry make this an action packed weekend for everyone, not just vinyl collectors.

The CHIRP Record Fair & Other Delights runs Saturday, April 12th from 10AM-6PM and Sunday, April 13th from 10AM-5PM. Admission is $7, or $5 with an ad or flyer. A special $25 pre-admission session from 8-10AM on Saturday allows collectors early access to the dealers, and offers unlimited access all weekend long. Pulaski Park Fieldhouse is located at 1419 W. Blackhawk.

This Day In Music History- April 1

In 1961, "Runaway," Del Shannon's first single, hits #1 in both the U.S. and the U.K.

In 1962, Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein meets George Martin to play him a demo tape by the Liverpool group. George Martin signs the Beatles to EMI.

The Beatles held the top five positions in Billboard's singles chart in 1964 and the top two positions on the album chart.

The first Ramones album, entitled Ramones, was released in 1976. Recorded for only $6,000.00, it contained 14 songs, none over two minutes long.

In 1979, "Heart of Glass," by Blondie, becomes the first New Wave song to reach #1 in America.

Rudolph Isley of the Isley Brothers ("It's Your Thing") turns 69.

Happy birthday to Debbie Reynolds ("Tammy") who is 76 today.

Phil Margo of the Tokens ("The Lion Sleeps Tonight") is 65.

In 1984, Marvin Gaye ("I Heard It Through The Grapevine") was shot to death by his father, following an argument. Remarkably, Gaye's father received only probation after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

The "Woodstock" movie premiered in Hollywood in 1970.

In 1971, Led Zeppelin performed a concert for the BBC Radio program Rock Hour at London's Paris Theater. Featuring a bevy of material from their forthcoming fourth album, the concert becomes one of their most-bootlegged performances.

In 1957, the Everly Brothers released their second single, "Bye Bye Love," which later went to No. 2 on the pop chart. Amazingly, more than 30 labels had turned down the song.

Arthur Smith, whose name was so boring most people called him "Guitar Boogie," was born in Clinton, S.C. in 1921. His instrumental work on tunes like "Feudin' Banjos" (later renamed "Duelin' Banjos" for Deliverance) marked him as one of country music's greatest guitarists.

Ronnie Lane, Small Faces and Faces bass player was born in 1946.

The Beatles began a three-month stand at the Top Ten club in Hamburg, Germany in 1961. They play extended sets every night.

The Troggs used 45 minutes of spare studio time to record "Wild Thing" at Regent Sound Studio in London in 1966. The raw, simple little tune would climb to #2 in the UK and #1 in the US, selling over a million copies by the following June.

“Stairway To Heaven” is on the radio for the first time in 1971. The Led Zeppelin song is part of a London concert recording that is played on the BBC’s John Peel Rock Hour. Over the ensuing decades, “Stairway To Heaven” becomes the most played song on the radio.

Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) walked away (actually jumped a six foot wall) from a rehab center in Marina del Rey in 1994 and returned to Seattle. He kills himself four days later.

In 1877, Thomas Edison devised a telephone design that becomes the basis for his later claim to the invention of the microphone.

In 1924, the first gramophone to change records automatically goes on sale in the US.

Only Ringo Starr was present at the final Beatles recording session in 1970, where he overdubs percussion tracks for "The Long and Winding Road,” "Across The Universe" and "I Me Mine.”

This Day In Music History- March 30

Slowhand, Eric Clapton ("I Shot The Sheriff") turns 63.

Rolf Harris ("Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport") is 78.

Lesley Gore first appeared on TV, on ABC's "American Bandstand" in 1963.

Jim "Dandy" Mangrum of Black Oak Arkansas ("Jim Dandy") turns 60.

John Denver's "Sunshine on My Shoulders" went to No. 1 on the pop chart in 1974.

Also in 1974, the Ramones played their first-ever gig at New York's Performance Studio (Thank God, They Are Punk Boys!).

Miles Davis released Bitches Brew in 1970. Over time it became the cornerstone of a jazz-rock movement known as "fusion."

In 1968, Celine Dion was born in Charlemagne, Quebec.

The cover for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was photographed at a studio on London's Flood Street in 1967, using cardboard cutouts and wax figures to represent the Beatles' heroes. The effigies featured include Edgar Allan Poe, Lenny Bruce, Vidal Sassoon, Laurel and Hardy, Bob Dylan, and Huntz Hall.

Hammer time officially began in 1962, when Stanley Kirk Burrell, aka MC Hammer-aka Hammer, was born in Oakland, Calif.

Frankie Laine, one of the best pop singers of the 1950s, was born in Chicago in 1913. His hits included the No. 3 "Moonlight Gambler."

Sonny Boy Williamson, a master of the blues harmonica whose songs were covered by the Grateful Dead, the Allman Brothers Band, Canned Heat, and Rod Stewart, was born in Jackson, Tennessee in 1914.

In 1946, Mahalia Jackson signed with Apollo Records, where she recorded some of her most fervid and best-loved gospel slides over the next eight years.

"He's So Fine" by the Chiffons hits #1 in 1963.

16 year old Lesley Gore recorded her breakthrough hit, "It's My Party" in 1963. Producer Quincy Jones hurried Gore into the studio when he found out that Phil Spector was going to cut the song with The Crystals.

Buddy Knox became the first artist in the Rock 'n' Roll era to write his own number one hit when "Party Doll" topped the Billboard chart in 1957. Buddy would go on to place four more songs in the Top 40 between 1957 and 1961.

In 1976, the Sex Pistols played their first London show and attracted an audience of 50 or so.

The Eagles’ “Hotel California” hits the top of the album chart in 1977.

Little Richard had his final US Top 10 hit with "Good Golly Miss Molly" in 1958. The song was from his last recording sessions for Specialty Records, after which he recorded a series of gospel songs.

In 1962, the Russian newspaper Pravda warned communist youths about the dangers of dancing the Twist.

In 1989, Gladys Knight performed without The Pips for the first time since grammar school at a show at Bally's in Las Vegas.

In 1992, The soundtrack to Wayne's World was the number 1 album in the US. It featured the return to the charts of Queen's, "Bohemian Rhapsody", actually making the song a bigger hit the second time around. Tracks by Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Alice Cooper, as well as a new version of "Dream Weaver" from Gary Wright, were also included on the LP.