Ricky Nelson - Travelin' Man 1961
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Album Cover Art
Let's continue our look at Gigwise.com's list of the top 50 most controversial, the weirdest, best and worst album covers as compiled by their crack staff.
Controversial
17. The Exploited: ‘Jesus Is Dead’ (1986 EP)– Oh, yeah, this album cover will work, no controversy here. The Exploited is a punk band from the second wave of UK punk, formed in 1979. They started out as an Oi! band, before mutating into a faster street punk and hardcore punk band. From about 1987 on (around the time of Death Before Dishonour) they changed into a crossover thrash band. Formed in Edinburgh by ex-soldier Wattie Buchan, they signed to Secret Records in March 1981 and released their debut EP Army Life. The album Punks Not Dead followed in the same year. Despite many lineup changes, the band continued into the 2000s and has developed a worldwide following. The band has garnered a sizable hardcore audience in the U.K. for its anti-authoritarian stance and criticism of the government, particularly in the Reagan/Thatcher era, but their following is not quite as large in the U.S. and has declined somewhat in Britain over the years.
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Weirdest
17. Nurse With Wound: 'Chance Meeting on a Dissecting Table of a Sewing Machine and an Umbrella' Great cover and I would agree just a bit on the weird side. But, I love leather and certainly a dominatrix complete with boobs hanging out gets on my list.
Nurse with Wound (or shortened as NWW) is the main recording name for British musician Steven Stapleton. Nurse with Wound was originally a band, formed in 1978 by Stapleton, John Fothergill and Heman Pathak. The band ranges in many genres such as avant-garde, industrial, noise, dark ambient, and drone.
The title comes from a sentence by Comte de Lautréamont. The album enjoys a reputation as one of the most singular debuts of all time. It is described by AllMusic as "one of the more glowing examples of late 70's industrial noise" and defunct UK music magazine Sounds summed up their response by abandoning their usual star rating system to award the album a full 5 question marks.
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Worst
17. Boned – ‘Up At The Crack’ On a list of all-time worst album covers? Yes, I agree and not much more needs to be said; a picture is worth a thousand words.
Prior to this album's release and under the pseudonym of 'AC/DD' the band placed some of the finished tracks on the internet.
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Best
17. Joy Division: ‘Unknown Pleasures’ Unknown Pleasures is the debut album by the English post-punk band Joy Division. Released in 1979, the album was recorded and produced for Factory Records by Martin Hannett at Strawberry Studios, Stockport, England. The album did not sell well, but due to the subsequent success of Joy Division with the hit single "Love Will Tear Us Apart," it is now much more well-known.
The front cover image comes from an edition of the Cambridge Encyclopedia of Astronomy, and was originally drawn with black lines on a white background. It presents exactly 100 successive pulses from the first pulsar discovered, PSR B1919+21 (often referred to in the context of this album by its older name, CP 1919). The cover design is credited to Joy Division, Peter Saville and Chris Mathan. The back cover of the album contains no track listings, leaving a blank table where one would expect the listings to be.
The original LP release contained no track information on the labels, nor the traditional "side one" and "side two" designations. The ostensible "side one" was labeled Outside and displayed a reproduction of the image on the album cover, while the other side was labeled Inside and displayed the same image with the colors reversed (black-on-white). Track information and album credits appeared on the inner sleeve only.
Controversial
17. The Exploited: ‘Jesus Is Dead’ (1986 EP)– Oh, yeah, this album cover will work, no controversy here. The Exploited is a punk band from the second wave of UK punk, formed in 1979. They started out as an Oi! band, before mutating into a faster street punk and hardcore punk band. From about 1987 on (around the time of Death Before Dishonour) they changed into a crossover thrash band. Formed in Edinburgh by ex-soldier Wattie Buchan, they signed to Secret Records in March 1981 and released their debut EP Army Life. The album Punks Not Dead followed in the same year. Despite many lineup changes, the band continued into the 2000s and has developed a worldwide following. The band has garnered a sizable hardcore audience in the U.K. for its anti-authoritarian stance and criticism of the government, particularly in the Reagan/Thatcher era, but their following is not quite as large in the U.S. and has declined somewhat in Britain over the years.
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Weirdest
17. Nurse With Wound: 'Chance Meeting on a Dissecting Table of a Sewing Machine and an Umbrella' Great cover and I would agree just a bit on the weird side. But, I love leather and certainly a dominatrix complete with boobs hanging out gets on my list.
Nurse with Wound (or shortened as NWW) is the main recording name for British musician Steven Stapleton. Nurse with Wound was originally a band, formed in 1978 by Stapleton, John Fothergill and Heman Pathak. The band ranges in many genres such as avant-garde, industrial, noise, dark ambient, and drone.
The title comes from a sentence by Comte de Lautréamont. The album enjoys a reputation as one of the most singular debuts of all time. It is described by AllMusic as "one of the more glowing examples of late 70's industrial noise" and defunct UK music magazine Sounds summed up their response by abandoning their usual star rating system to award the album a full 5 question marks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worst
17. Boned – ‘Up At The Crack’ On a list of all-time worst album covers? Yes, I agree and not much more needs to be said; a picture is worth a thousand words.
Prior to this album's release and under the pseudonym of 'AC/DD' the band placed some of the finished tracks on the internet.
-----------------------------------------
Best
17. Joy Division: ‘Unknown Pleasures’ Unknown Pleasures is the debut album by the English post-punk band Joy Division. Released in 1979, the album was recorded and produced for Factory Records by Martin Hannett at Strawberry Studios, Stockport, England. The album did not sell well, but due to the subsequent success of Joy Division with the hit single "Love Will Tear Us Apart," it is now much more well-known.
The front cover image comes from an edition of the Cambridge Encyclopedia of Astronomy, and was originally drawn with black lines on a white background. It presents exactly 100 successive pulses from the first pulsar discovered, PSR B1919+21 (often referred to in the context of this album by its older name, CP 1919). The cover design is credited to Joy Division, Peter Saville and Chris Mathan. The back cover of the album contains no track listings, leaving a blank table where one would expect the listings to be.
The original LP release contained no track information on the labels, nor the traditional "side one" and "side two" designations. The ostensible "side one" was labeled Outside and displayed a reproduction of the image on the album cover, while the other side was labeled Inside and displayed the same image with the colors reversed (black-on-white). Track information and album credits appeared on the inner sleeve only.
This Date In Music History- October 12
Birthdays:
Sam Moore of Sam & Dave ("Soul Man") is 73.
Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt was born in Woking, England in 1948. The English rock act scored more than 20 top 10 hits in the U.K., but is known in the U.S. only for the 1968 psychedelic classic "Pictures of Matchstick Men."
The Smithereens Pat DiNizio was born in 1955.
History:
In 1955, the Chrysler Corporation introduces high fidelity record players for their 1956 line-up of cars. The unit measured about four inches high and less than a foot wide and mounted under the instrument panel. The seven inch discs spun at 16 2/3 rpm and required almost three times the number of grooves per inch as an LP. A set of 35 classical recordings were available that provided between 45 and 60 minutes of uninterrupted music. The players would be discontinued in 1961.
In 1957, Little Richard announced to an audience at a concert in Sydney that he's giving up rock 'n' roll. He tells the audience, "If you want to live for the Lord, you can't take rock 'n' roll, too. God doesn't like it." Later in the day, he throws four of his diamond rings into Hunter River to prove his faith. Richard later says he decided to turn to God after an engine on his plane caught fire.
Having decided rock 'n' roll isn't so bad after all, Little Richard played Brighton Town, England in 1962. He's supported by the Beatles.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience were formed in 1966, with Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell joining Hendrix in the studio.
B-52's guitarist Ricky Wilson, 32, died of complications from AIDS in 1985.
A motion picture called "Don't Knock The Rock," featuring Little Richard and Bill Haley And His Comets, opened in US theatre in 1956. The movie tells the story of a disc jockey, Alan Freed, who tries to prove to teenagers' parents that Rock 'n' Roll is harmless and won't turn their kids into juvenile delinquents.
The "Paul is Dead" craze began in 1969 when a radio DJ played "Revolution #9" backwards.
The LP "Cheap Thrills" by Big Brother and the Holding Company hit #1 on the Billboard album chart in 1968.
John Denver was killed when the handmade, experimental airplane he was flying ran out of gas and crashed off the coast of Monterey Bay, CA in 1997. The 53 year old star of the 1977 film Oh God, had placed 15 songs on Billboard's Top 40 Pop chart, ten of which reached number one on either Billboard's Adult Contemporary or Country chart.
Gene Vincent ("Be Bop-A-Lula") died in 1971.
The "Columbus Day Riot" occurred outside New York's Paramount Theatre in 1944 when 25,000 Frank Sinatra fans scuffled with police.
Twenty-five years after his death, an album of Elvis Presley's best selling songs entitled "Elvis - 30 #1 hits,” topped the Billboard album chart in 2002.
The Sex Pistols` Sid Vicious was arrested in New York in 1978 for the murder of his girlfriend Nancy Spungen. He dies from a heroin overdose while out on bail.
1965-The Beatles recorded "This Bird Has Flown," which later was re-titled "Norwegian Wood." George Harrison uses a sitar on a Beatles recording for the first time.
1991- Mariah Carey breaks the Jackson 5's record of four straight number one hits when "Emotions" becomes the fifth of her first five singles to reach the top of the Billboard chart in 1991. In April, 2008, she would pass Elvis Presley's record when she achieved her 18th Billboard chart topper, second only to The Beatles 20.
Sam Moore of Sam & Dave ("Soul Man") is 73.
Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt was born in Woking, England in 1948. The English rock act scored more than 20 top 10 hits in the U.K., but is known in the U.S. only for the 1968 psychedelic classic "Pictures of Matchstick Men."
The Smithereens Pat DiNizio was born in 1955.
History:
In 1955, the Chrysler Corporation introduces high fidelity record players for their 1956 line-up of cars. The unit measured about four inches high and less than a foot wide and mounted under the instrument panel. The seven inch discs spun at 16 2/3 rpm and required almost three times the number of grooves per inch as an LP. A set of 35 classical recordings were available that provided between 45 and 60 minutes of uninterrupted music. The players would be discontinued in 1961.
In 1957, Little Richard announced to an audience at a concert in Sydney that he's giving up rock 'n' roll. He tells the audience, "If you want to live for the Lord, you can't take rock 'n' roll, too. God doesn't like it." Later in the day, he throws four of his diamond rings into Hunter River to prove his faith. Richard later says he decided to turn to God after an engine on his plane caught fire.
Having decided rock 'n' roll isn't so bad after all, Little Richard played Brighton Town, England in 1962. He's supported by the Beatles.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience were formed in 1966, with Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell joining Hendrix in the studio.
B-52's guitarist Ricky Wilson, 32, died of complications from AIDS in 1985.
A motion picture called "Don't Knock The Rock," featuring Little Richard and Bill Haley And His Comets, opened in US theatre in 1956. The movie tells the story of a disc jockey, Alan Freed, who tries to prove to teenagers' parents that Rock 'n' Roll is harmless and won't turn their kids into juvenile delinquents.
The "Paul is Dead" craze began in 1969 when a radio DJ played "Revolution #9" backwards.
The LP "Cheap Thrills" by Big Brother and the Holding Company hit #1 on the Billboard album chart in 1968.
John Denver was killed when the handmade, experimental airplane he was flying ran out of gas and crashed off the coast of Monterey Bay, CA in 1997. The 53 year old star of the 1977 film Oh God, had placed 15 songs on Billboard's Top 40 Pop chart, ten of which reached number one on either Billboard's Adult Contemporary or Country chart.
Gene Vincent ("Be Bop-A-Lula") died in 1971.
The "Columbus Day Riot" occurred outside New York's Paramount Theatre in 1944 when 25,000 Frank Sinatra fans scuffled with police.
Twenty-five years after his death, an album of Elvis Presley's best selling songs entitled "Elvis - 30 #1 hits,” topped the Billboard album chart in 2002.
The Sex Pistols` Sid Vicious was arrested in New York in 1978 for the murder of his girlfriend Nancy Spungen. He dies from a heroin overdose while out on bail.
1965-The Beatles recorded "This Bird Has Flown," which later was re-titled "Norwegian Wood." George Harrison uses a sitar on a Beatles recording for the first time.
1991- Mariah Carey breaks the Jackson 5's record of four straight number one hits when "Emotions" becomes the fifth of her first five singles to reach the top of the Billboard chart in 1991. In April, 2008, she would pass Elvis Presley's record when she achieved her 18th Billboard chart topper, second only to The Beatles 20.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
U.K.'s Acrobat Records Coming to the U.S.
Acrobat Records in the U.K. have been responsible for many reissues of classic music by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson and Jerry Lee Lewis down to compilations from various small labels. Their catalog covers just about every genre from every era.
Up until now, the Acrobat releases were only available through stores that carried imports but, starting October 21, the label will begin releasing new titles in the United States.
The October 21 release includes fourteen titles:
Yesterday's Gone - Chad & Jeremy
On the Air - Rosemary Clooney
Giants of the Big Band Era - Benny Goodman
Cleared for Take Off - Jefferson Airplane
The Early Years - Gladys Knight
On the Radio: The Chesterfield Broadcasts 1939-40 - Glen Miller
In the Still of the Night - Five Satins
Live in Concert - Glen Campbell
Broadcast Sessions 1958-59 - Miles Davis
Live - Merle Haggard
Live - B.B. King
Live at the Flamingo Jazz Club - Carmen McRae
On the Radio: The Lucky Strike "Lite-Up Time Shows" 1949-50 - Frank Sinatra
Sing the Blues - Ike & Tina Turner
Most of the concert and radio show albums have never seen release before in the U.S. Others, like the Ike & Tina Turner and Chad & Jeremy, are compilations with some of their best known songs and lesser known album tracks.
Then, on November 11, the label will release Rockin' the Blues: Live in Germany 1964 by Howlin' Wolf. This November 1964 show was recorded during the American Folk Blues tour with support from Hubert Sumlin, Willie Dixon, Sunnyland Slim and Clifton James.
Tracks on the album include:
Shake It for Me
Love Me
I Didn’t Mean To Hurt Your Feelings
Rockin’ the Blues
All My Life
Howlin’ for My Darling
Forty Four
Going Down Slow
Dust My Broom
SOURCE: http://winkscollectibles.blogspot.com/
Up until now, the Acrobat releases were only available through stores that carried imports but, starting October 21, the label will begin releasing new titles in the United States.
The October 21 release includes fourteen titles:
Yesterday's Gone - Chad & Jeremy
On the Air - Rosemary Clooney
Giants of the Big Band Era - Benny Goodman
Cleared for Take Off - Jefferson Airplane
The Early Years - Gladys Knight
On the Radio: The Chesterfield Broadcasts 1939-40 - Glen Miller
In the Still of the Night - Five Satins
Live in Concert - Glen Campbell
Broadcast Sessions 1958-59 - Miles Davis
Live - Merle Haggard
Live - B.B. King
Live at the Flamingo Jazz Club - Carmen McRae
On the Radio: The Lucky Strike "Lite-Up Time Shows" 1949-50 - Frank Sinatra
Sing the Blues - Ike & Tina Turner
Most of the concert and radio show albums have never seen release before in the U.S. Others, like the Ike & Tina Turner and Chad & Jeremy, are compilations with some of their best known songs and lesser known album tracks.
Then, on November 11, the label will release Rockin' the Blues: Live in Germany 1964 by Howlin' Wolf. This November 1964 show was recorded during the American Folk Blues tour with support from Hubert Sumlin, Willie Dixon, Sunnyland Slim and Clifton James.
Tracks on the album include:
Shake It for Me
Love Me
I Didn’t Mean To Hurt Your Feelings
Rockin’ the Blues
All My Life
Howlin’ for My Darling
Forty Four
Going Down Slow
Dust My Broom
SOURCE: http://winkscollectibles.blogspot.com/
Album Cover Art
As we reach #18 on our look at Gigwise.com's list of the most controversial, the weirdest, the best and the worst album covers, let's explore what made their list:
Controversial
18. Megadeth: ‘Youthanasia’ So Grandma is washing the babies again, at least she doesn't put them in the dryer, having them hang outside on the wash line will give them that 'fresh air' smell to them.
Youthanasia is the sixth studio album by American heavy metal band Megadeth, released on November 1, 1994. The title is a pun on euthanasia, implying that society is euthanizing its youth, which would be consistent with bandleader and principal songwriter Dave Mustaine's views.
Megadeth is known for a distinctive guitar style, often involving complex, intricate musical passages, and trade off guitar solos. Mustaine is also known for his original "snarling" vocal style, as well as his recurring lyrical themes, often involving politics, war, addiction, and personal relationships.
As one of the most commercially successful heavy metal bands of all time, Megadeth has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, including six consecutive platinum albums, with seven consecutive Grammy nominations for Best Metal Performance. In their 23 active years, Megadeth has had 20 official members, with Dave Mustaine remaining as the driving force, main songwriter, and sole original member. Megadeth is mentioned as one of the bands among the "Big Four of Thrash," along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, who were responsible for creating and popularizing the genre in the 1980s.
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Weird
18. Hella: 'Acoustics' Yes, why not put an image of a pile of crap on your album cover, that will help sell records. Errr, this is really melted chocolate. Hella is an American band from Nevada City, California. They play a technical blend of math rock, noise rock, and experimental rock. The primary members of the band are Spencer Seim on electric guitar and Zach Hill on drums. In 2005, the band expanded their live band by adding Dan Elkan on vocals, rhythm guitar, and synthesizer and Jonathan Hischke on bass guitar. In 2006, Dan Elkan and Jonathan Hischke left the group. The new line-up includes Josh Hill, Carson McWhirter (of The Advantage), and Aaron Ross. Acoustics EP is an acoustic live EP by the chocolate lovers.
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Worst
18. Eulenspygel – ‘Eulenspygel 2’ Which came first the chicken or the egg? I love chickens especially with BBQ sauce. The ROYAL SERVANTS, forerunners of EULENSPYGEL, were formed in 1965 in Swabia/Germany. Starting up with beat music, they gradually turned to Blues Rock, finally Progressive Psychedelic and released one album named "We". In early 1971, they were one of the first bands to write their songs in German. So they changed their name into EULENSPYGEL the same year and the first new release was named "2", recorded at the Maschen studio near Hamburg. The front cover caused a scandal because of a burnt chicken and was later substituted. This album documents the awakening of the german rock music on the way to its own identity.
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Best
18. David Bowie – ‘Aladdin Sane’ Aladdin Sane is an album by David Bowie, released by RCA Records in 1973. The follow-up to his breakthrough The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, it was the first album Bowie wrote and released as a bona fide pop star.
The name of the album is a pun on "A Lad Insane". An early variation was "Love Aladdin Vein", which Bowie dropped partly because of its drug connotations. Although technically a new Bowie 'character', Aladdin Sane was essentially a development of Ziggy Stardust in his appearance and persona, as evidenced on the cover by Brian Duffy and in Bowie’s live performances throughout 1973 that culminated in Ziggy’s ‘retirement’ at the Hammersmith Odeon in July of that year. Moreover there was not the thematic flow on this album that was present on its predecessor. Bowie himself described Aladdin Sane as simply "Ziggy goes to America", most of the tracks being observations he composed on the road during his 1972 U.S. tour – the reason for the place names following each song title on the original record sleeve.
With a purported 100,000 copies ordered in advance, Aladdin Sane debuted at the top of the UK charts and reached #17 in America, making it Bowie's most successful album commercially in both countries to that date. Critical reaction was generally laudatory, if more enthusiastic in the U.S. than in the UK.
Controversial
18. Megadeth: ‘Youthanasia’ So Grandma is washing the babies again, at least she doesn't put them in the dryer, having them hang outside on the wash line will give them that 'fresh air' smell to them.
Youthanasia is the sixth studio album by American heavy metal band Megadeth, released on November 1, 1994. The title is a pun on euthanasia, implying that society is euthanizing its youth, which would be consistent with bandleader and principal songwriter Dave Mustaine's views.
Megadeth is known for a distinctive guitar style, often involving complex, intricate musical passages, and trade off guitar solos. Mustaine is also known for his original "snarling" vocal style, as well as his recurring lyrical themes, often involving politics, war, addiction, and personal relationships.
As one of the most commercially successful heavy metal bands of all time, Megadeth has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, including six consecutive platinum albums, with seven consecutive Grammy nominations for Best Metal Performance. In their 23 active years, Megadeth has had 20 official members, with Dave Mustaine remaining as the driving force, main songwriter, and sole original member. Megadeth is mentioned as one of the bands among the "Big Four of Thrash," along with Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, who were responsible for creating and popularizing the genre in the 1980s.
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Weird
18. Hella: 'Acoustics' Yes, why not put an image of a pile of crap on your album cover, that will help sell records. Errr, this is really melted chocolate. Hella is an American band from Nevada City, California. They play a technical blend of math rock, noise rock, and experimental rock. The primary members of the band are Spencer Seim on electric guitar and Zach Hill on drums. In 2005, the band expanded their live band by adding Dan Elkan on vocals, rhythm guitar, and synthesizer and Jonathan Hischke on bass guitar. In 2006, Dan Elkan and Jonathan Hischke left the group. The new line-up includes Josh Hill, Carson McWhirter (of The Advantage), and Aaron Ross. Acoustics EP is an acoustic live EP by the chocolate lovers.
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Worst
18. Eulenspygel – ‘Eulenspygel 2’ Which came first the chicken or the egg? I love chickens especially with BBQ sauce. The ROYAL SERVANTS, forerunners of EULENSPYGEL, were formed in 1965 in Swabia/Germany. Starting up with beat music, they gradually turned to Blues Rock, finally Progressive Psychedelic and released one album named "We". In early 1971, they were one of the first bands to write their songs in German. So they changed their name into EULENSPYGEL the same year and the first new release was named "2", recorded at the Maschen studio near Hamburg. The front cover caused a scandal because of a burnt chicken and was later substituted. This album documents the awakening of the german rock music on the way to its own identity.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Best
18. David Bowie – ‘Aladdin Sane’ Aladdin Sane is an album by David Bowie, released by RCA Records in 1973. The follow-up to his breakthrough The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, it was the first album Bowie wrote and released as a bona fide pop star. The name of the album is a pun on "A Lad Insane". An early variation was "Love Aladdin Vein", which Bowie dropped partly because of its drug connotations. Although technically a new Bowie 'character', Aladdin Sane was essentially a development of Ziggy Stardust in his appearance and persona, as evidenced on the cover by Brian Duffy and in Bowie’s live performances throughout 1973 that culminated in Ziggy’s ‘retirement’ at the Hammersmith Odeon in July of that year. Moreover there was not the thematic flow on this album that was present on its predecessor. Bowie himself described Aladdin Sane as simply "Ziggy goes to America", most of the tracks being observations he composed on the road during his 1972 U.S. tour – the reason for the place names following each song title on the original record sleeve.
With a purported 100,000 copies ordered in advance, Aladdin Sane debuted at the top of the UK charts and reached #17 in America, making it Bowie's most successful album commercially in both countries to that date. Critical reaction was generally laudatory, if more enthusiastic in the U.S. than in the UK.
Friday, October 10, 2008
9 Tips For Keeping Your Vinyl LPs In Great Shape
written by Alan Bayer
Vinyl Records Are High-Maintenance...
It's unfortunate, but true. While vinyl records provide the sweetest sounds, they won't for very long if you do not maintain them properly. Vinyl records are victims to many of the same ailments as CDs, particularly scratches, and exposure to sunlight and heat. Vinyl records also suffer from various other problems as well.
Here are 9 tips that will keep your vinyl in great shape:
Maintenance Tip #1: Store Vinyl Records Vertically
The first thing to consider when storing your vinyl is the direction. You should always store your vinyl records vertically. By storing them vertically, there is significantly less stress put on the record, ensuring that they don't bend or deform over time.
Maintenance Tip #2: Don't Store Vinyl Records Horizontally
Vinyl should never be stored horizontally, especially under a pile of other records, or other heavy object(s). The weight causes damage to the grooves over time, degrading the sound quality over time.
Maintenance Tip #3: Don't Let Vinyl Records Lean
Vinyl should not be allowed to lean either. This can cause them to warp, and you can imagine the difficulties this causes.
Maintenance Tip #4: Don't Store Vinyl Records Too Tightly
One other tip, don't store records too tightly, even vertically, as this also puts pressure on the grooves, deforming them over time. This is the same reason why you shouldn't store vinyl records horizontally under other records or heavy objects.
Maintenance Tip #5: Keep Your Records Cool!
Vinyl should also be stored in a cooler portion of your house. Heat causes the records to get softer, and prone to bending and damage. You should never store your vinyl near a window or heater.
Maintenance Tip #5: Keep Your Records Away From Humidity
Take care to keep your vinyl away from humidity. Humidity eventually causes mold to grow, which can lead to damage to your record and cover sleeve. It's really difficult to get mold and dirt out of those tiny record grooves. Treat your vinyl with respect! Don't throw it in your basement or attic for 20 years and expect them to come out looking good.
Maintenance Tip #6: Always Store Your Records in their Sleeves
Vinyl should not be stored outside of its liner or sleeve. This makes it easier for the record to get dirty, and more prone to scratches. Dirt is one of the main things that scratches records. In addition to dirt causing damage, exposed vinyl can be damaged by the sun's UV rays. This is another reason not to store your vinyl near a window or natural light source.
Maintenance Tip #7: Always Handle Vinyl Records by the Edges
When handling your vinyl, the same rules apply as with CDs. Be careful to handle the record only by its edges. Don't be careless with the record in hand, if it drops, you could cause a bad scratch, causing the record to skip, and damaging the record permanently.
Maintenance Tip #8: Be Careful With The Stylus
If you don't have an automatic turntable, be gentle with the stylus (needle). Don't set it down too heavily. Be mindful while the record is playing too: Try not to shake the turntable, causing the needle to skip across the record, causing minor scratches that degrade the sound of the record.
Maintenance Tip #9: Brush the Record, and Return It To Its Sleeve
Lastly, when you're done playing your record, you should give it a quick brush to remove any dust and static. Finally, return it to its sleeve. If you plan on listening to your vinyl for any decent period of time, you should absolutely invest in a carbon fiber record brush.
That's it, folks! 9 Tips for keeping your vinyl LPs in great shape.
Enjoy the music!
Author Alan E Bayer is a jazz lover and vinyl record enthusiast who operates http://www.vinylrevinyl.com, a site where one can find collectible vinyl records, turntables and vinyl accessories. Enjoy the site, and enjoy the sound of music on vinyl.
Vinyl Records Are High-Maintenance...
It's unfortunate, but true. While vinyl records provide the sweetest sounds, they won't for very long if you do not maintain them properly. Vinyl records are victims to many of the same ailments as CDs, particularly scratches, and exposure to sunlight and heat. Vinyl records also suffer from various other problems as well.
Here are 9 tips that will keep your vinyl in great shape:
Maintenance Tip #1: Store Vinyl Records Vertically
The first thing to consider when storing your vinyl is the direction. You should always store your vinyl records vertically. By storing them vertically, there is significantly less stress put on the record, ensuring that they don't bend or deform over time.
Maintenance Tip #2: Don't Store Vinyl Records Horizontally
Vinyl should never be stored horizontally, especially under a pile of other records, or other heavy object(s). The weight causes damage to the grooves over time, degrading the sound quality over time.
Maintenance Tip #3: Don't Let Vinyl Records Lean
Vinyl should not be allowed to lean either. This can cause them to warp, and you can imagine the difficulties this causes.
Maintenance Tip #4: Don't Store Vinyl Records Too Tightly
One other tip, don't store records too tightly, even vertically, as this also puts pressure on the grooves, deforming them over time. This is the same reason why you shouldn't store vinyl records horizontally under other records or heavy objects.
Maintenance Tip #5: Keep Your Records Cool!
Vinyl should also be stored in a cooler portion of your house. Heat causes the records to get softer, and prone to bending and damage. You should never store your vinyl near a window or heater.
Maintenance Tip #5: Keep Your Records Away From Humidity
Take care to keep your vinyl away from humidity. Humidity eventually causes mold to grow, which can lead to damage to your record and cover sleeve. It's really difficult to get mold and dirt out of those tiny record grooves. Treat your vinyl with respect! Don't throw it in your basement or attic for 20 years and expect them to come out looking good.
Maintenance Tip #6: Always Store Your Records in their Sleeves
Vinyl should not be stored outside of its liner or sleeve. This makes it easier for the record to get dirty, and more prone to scratches. Dirt is one of the main things that scratches records. In addition to dirt causing damage, exposed vinyl can be damaged by the sun's UV rays. This is another reason not to store your vinyl near a window or natural light source.
Maintenance Tip #7: Always Handle Vinyl Records by the Edges
When handling your vinyl, the same rules apply as with CDs. Be careful to handle the record only by its edges. Don't be careless with the record in hand, if it drops, you could cause a bad scratch, causing the record to skip, and damaging the record permanently.
Maintenance Tip #8: Be Careful With The Stylus
If you don't have an automatic turntable, be gentle with the stylus (needle). Don't set it down too heavily. Be mindful while the record is playing too: Try not to shake the turntable, causing the needle to skip across the record, causing minor scratches that degrade the sound of the record.
Maintenance Tip #9: Brush the Record, and Return It To Its Sleeve
Lastly, when you're done playing your record, you should give it a quick brush to remove any dust and static. Finally, return it to its sleeve. If you plan on listening to your vinyl for any decent period of time, you should absolutely invest in a carbon fiber record brush.
That's it, folks! 9 Tips for keeping your vinyl LPs in great shape.
Enjoy the music!
Author Alan E Bayer is a jazz lover and vinyl record enthusiast who operates http://www.vinylrevinyl.com, a site where one can find collectible vinyl records, turntables and vinyl accessories. Enjoy the site, and enjoy the sound of music on vinyl.
Guns N' Roses to release new album next month
NEW YORK (Billboard) - More than a decade after its conception, Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" will finally see the light of day before year's end, sources close to the situation told Billboard.
The set will be a Best Buy exclusive and will be available Sunday, November 23, rather than the usual Tuesday.
In the run-up to release date, album track "Shackler's Revenge" will debut in the video game "Rock Band 2," while a portion of "If the World" is playing over the end credits in the new Leonardo DiCaprio/Russell Crowe film "Body of Lies."
In addition, GNR's seminal 1987 full-length debut, "Appetite for Destruction," will be reissued on vinyl on October 28 via Interscope.
The band's last new studio albums were the simultaneously released "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II" in September 1991. A covers set, "The Spaghetti Incident?," followed in 1993, and featured some of the last GNR recordings from original guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan.
This spring, soft drink manufacturer Dr Pepper offered to send a free can of the beverage to "everyone in America" (excluding ex-GNR members Slash and Buckethead) if "Chinese Democracy" were to arrive anytime during the calendar year 2008. A Dr Pepper spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.
Reuters/Billboard
The set will be a Best Buy exclusive and will be available Sunday, November 23, rather than the usual Tuesday.
In the run-up to release date, album track "Shackler's Revenge" will debut in the video game "Rock Band 2," while a portion of "If the World" is playing over the end credits in the new Leonardo DiCaprio/Russell Crowe film "Body of Lies."
In addition, GNR's seminal 1987 full-length debut, "Appetite for Destruction," will be reissued on vinyl on October 28 via Interscope.
The band's last new studio albums were the simultaneously released "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II" in September 1991. A covers set, "The Spaghetti Incident?," followed in 1993, and featured some of the last GNR recordings from original guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan.
This spring, soft drink manufacturer Dr Pepper offered to send a free can of the beverage to "everyone in America" (excluding ex-GNR members Slash and Buckethead) if "Chinese Democracy" were to arrive anytime during the calendar year 2008. A Dr Pepper spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.
Reuters/Billboard
Album Cover Art
Let's continue our look the the top 50 controversial, weirdest, best and worst album covers as compiled by the crack staff at Gigwise.com
Controversial
19. Ice Cube: ‘Death Certificate’ Death Certificate is the second studio album by rapper Ice Cube, released October 31, 1991 on Priority Records. Highly anticipated with over a million advance orders, the album was certified platinum in sales on December 20, 1991. The album debuted on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart at #1 and on the Billboard 200 chart at #2, while it went on to sell over two million copies to date. It is considered one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. It was also the source of much controversy due to some of its racially charged content, and Ice Cube's acerbic statements on drug dealing, racial profiling, and the right to keep and bear arms.
It didn't help to have ole Uncle Sam in the morgue which may have been an allusion to the death of the American dream, the album was nonetheless condemned Stateside and suffered severe retail boycotts. In fact, the state of Oregon declared any display of Ice Cube's image in retail stores throughout the state illegal.
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Weirdest
19. Emerson, Lake & Palmer: 'Tarkus' - Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) were an English progressive rock supergroup. In the 1970s, the band was extremely popular, selling over 35 million albums and headlining huge concerts. The band consisted of Keith Emerson (keyboards), Greg Lake (guitar, bass guitar, vocals) and Carl Palmer (drums, percussion).
Tarkus is the second album by the progressive rock bandand was released in 1971. The chief feature of the album is the "Tarkus" suite, originally forming the whole of Side one of the album. Greg Lake stated in an early interview that he viewed Tarkus as a representation of the military-industrial complex, and that his lyrics were about that, and about the futility of war and strife.
On the album cover, made after the music was created and recorded, Tarkus is depicted as a half armadillo/half tank creature, born from an egg erupted from a volcano. The inner gatefold sleeve features a sequence of pictures depicting battles between Tarkus and other half-mechanical creatures, until its eventual defeat by a manticore. "Tarkus" then becomes "Aquatarkus", an aquatic version of the land-bound original.
Carl Palmer later stated that he thought that the use of pictures depicting battles between Tarkus and other half-mechanical creatures on the inner gatefold was a mistake, and that only the outer cover painting of Tarkus should have been used. Greg Lake also made some similar statements. I kind of like the armadillo/half tank creature-reminds me of listening to the album and getting stoned.
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Worst
19. David Hasselhoff – ‘Night Rocker’ David Michael Hasselhoff (born July 17, 1952) is an American "actor and singer," who is best known for his lead roles on Knight Rider and Baywatch. He also crossed over to a music career, successful primarily in German-speaking Europe during the end of the 1980s and the early 1990s. Hasselhoff has had only one number-one hit in the German pop charts in 1989 ("Looking for Freedom") and two more top-ten hits in 1989 and 1993, respectively. Most other releases failed to enter the top forty.
In 1994, Hasselhoff was scheduled to perform a concert on pay-per-view from Atlantic City. The concert was expected to help reignite his singing career in the United States. On the night of his concert, O.J. Simpson was involved in a police chase in southern California. Viewership of the concert was significantly lower than expected, due to the live coverage of the chase. Since then, Hasselhoff has not attempted another concert.
Thank god for O.J., now where is KITT?
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Best
19. Dinosaur Jr: ‘Green Mind’ Who am I to question the staff at Gigwise...we all are entitled to our opinions, but this album cover making the 'best' list is beyond comprehension. Dinosaur Jr. is an American alternative rock band formed in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1984. Originally named Dinosaur prior to legal issues, the band disbanded in 1997 until reuniting in 2005. Guitarist J Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph were the band's founding members; however, Mascis has been the group's sole continual member.
Their distinct sound, characterized by high gain, extensive use of feedback and distortion, and frontman J Mascis's melodic guitar solos, were influential in the alternative rock movement of the 1990s, exemplified by the success of acknowledged fans Nirvana.
The cover photograph, "Priscilla, 1969", is by Joseph Szabo and taken from his book of photographs Almost Grown.
Controversial
19. Ice Cube: ‘Death Certificate’ Death Certificate is the second studio album by rapper Ice Cube, released October 31, 1991 on Priority Records. Highly anticipated with over a million advance orders, the album was certified platinum in sales on December 20, 1991. The album debuted on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart at #1 and on the Billboard 200 chart at #2, while it went on to sell over two million copies to date. It is considered one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. It was also the source of much controversy due to some of its racially charged content, and Ice Cube's acerbic statements on drug dealing, racial profiling, and the right to keep and bear arms.
It didn't help to have ole Uncle Sam in the morgue which may have been an allusion to the death of the American dream, the album was nonetheless condemned Stateside and suffered severe retail boycotts. In fact, the state of Oregon declared any display of Ice Cube's image in retail stores throughout the state illegal.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weirdest
19. Emerson, Lake & Palmer: 'Tarkus' - Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) were an English progressive rock supergroup. In the 1970s, the band was extremely popular, selling over 35 million albums and headlining huge concerts. The band consisted of Keith Emerson (keyboards), Greg Lake (guitar, bass guitar, vocals) and Carl Palmer (drums, percussion).
Tarkus is the second album by the progressive rock bandand was released in 1971. The chief feature of the album is the "Tarkus" suite, originally forming the whole of Side one of the album. Greg Lake stated in an early interview that he viewed Tarkus as a representation of the military-industrial complex, and that his lyrics were about that, and about the futility of war and strife.
On the album cover, made after the music was created and recorded, Tarkus is depicted as a half armadillo/half tank creature, born from an egg erupted from a volcano. The inner gatefold sleeve features a sequence of pictures depicting battles between Tarkus and other half-mechanical creatures, until its eventual defeat by a manticore. "Tarkus" then becomes "Aquatarkus", an aquatic version of the land-bound original.
Carl Palmer later stated that he thought that the use of pictures depicting battles between Tarkus and other half-mechanical creatures on the inner gatefold was a mistake, and that only the outer cover painting of Tarkus should have been used. Greg Lake also made some similar statements. I kind of like the armadillo/half tank creature-reminds me of listening to the album and getting stoned.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worst
19. David Hasselhoff – ‘Night Rocker’ David Michael Hasselhoff (born July 17, 1952) is an American "actor and singer," who is best known for his lead roles on Knight Rider and Baywatch. He also crossed over to a music career, successful primarily in German-speaking Europe during the end of the 1980s and the early 1990s. Hasselhoff has had only one number-one hit in the German pop charts in 1989 ("Looking for Freedom") and two more top-ten hits in 1989 and 1993, respectively. Most other releases failed to enter the top forty.
In 1994, Hasselhoff was scheduled to perform a concert on pay-per-view from Atlantic City. The concert was expected to help reignite his singing career in the United States. On the night of his concert, O.J. Simpson was involved in a police chase in southern California. Viewership of the concert was significantly lower than expected, due to the live coverage of the chase. Since then, Hasselhoff has not attempted another concert.
Thank god for O.J., now where is KITT?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Best
19. Dinosaur Jr: ‘Green Mind’ Who am I to question the staff at Gigwise...we all are entitled to our opinions, but this album cover making the 'best' list is beyond comprehension. Dinosaur Jr. is an American alternative rock band formed in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1984. Originally named Dinosaur prior to legal issues, the band disbanded in 1997 until reuniting in 2005. Guitarist J Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph were the band's founding members; however, Mascis has been the group's sole continual member.
Their distinct sound, characterized by high gain, extensive use of feedback and distortion, and frontman J Mascis's melodic guitar solos, were influential in the alternative rock movement of the 1990s, exemplified by the success of acknowledged fans Nirvana.
The cover photograph, "Priscilla, 1969", is by Joseph Szabo and taken from his book of photographs Almost Grown.
This Date In Music History- October 10
Birthdays:
Goo Goo Dolls guitarist Mike Malinin was born in 1967.
Born on this day in 1955, David Lee Roth, vocals, Van Halen.
Birthday wishes to Country Music super star Tanya Tucker (1955).
Born on this day in 1946, John Prine, singer, songwriter.
Birthday wishes to Jerry Lacroix, Blood Sweat & Tears (1945).
History:
The real Eleanor Rigby died in her sleep of unknown causes in 1939 at the age of 44. The 1966 Beatles' song that featured her name wasn't really written about her, as Paul McCartney's first draft of the song named the character Miss Daisy Hawkins. Eleanor Rigby's tombstone was noticed in the 1980s in the graveyard of St. Peter's Parish Church in Woolton, Liverpool, just a few feet from where McCartney and Lennon had met for the first time in 1957.
The great jazz composer Thelonious Monk was born in Rocky Mount, N.C. in 1917 (died February 17, 1982).
In 1902, the Gibson Mandolin guitar company was formed. Gibson's first electric guitar the ES-150 was produced in 1936 and in 1946 Gibson introduced the P-90 single coil pickup, which was eventually used on the first Les Paul model made in 1952.
In 1956, Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender" entered the Billboard chart for a 19 week stay. It was #1 for 5 of those weeks. The song, from Presley's first film of the same name, was adapted from the tune "Aura Lee", written in 1861.
In 1960, a silly novelty song called "Mr. Custer" by Larry Verne was the number one single in America. The record told a story about a US cavalry trooper who tries to talk his way out of fighting the Sioux Indians at Little Big Horn in 1876. I kind of like the song.
In 1962, the BBC banned Bobby "Boris" Pickett's "Monster Mash" because it makes mention of potentially offensive horror movies.
The Shangri-Las released the immortal No. 1 teen drama "Leader of the Pack” in 1964.
Pink Floyd released their album Atom Heart Mother in 1970. On L.A.'s Sunset Strip, the Harvest label promoted the album with 30-foot-high billboards of the album's cover star, a cow named Lullubelle III.
In 1970, FCC Commissioner Nicholas Johnson responded to Vice President Spiro Agnew's charge that Rock music drives young people to drugs, by playing Rock music during a speech, saying that Agnew would do well to listen to song lyrics to understand what's happening around the US. Touche!
Also in 1970, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles' "Tears Of A Clown" was released. By December, it will top both the Billboard Pop and R&B charts as well as the Cashbox Best Sellers list.
In 1959, the Quarry Men played at the Casbah Coffee Club, Liverpool. Ken Brown, suffering from a heavy cold, was unable to perform and after the show an argument started when Paul McCartney said that Brown should not get a share of the performance fee since he had not performed. Lennon and Harrison side with McCartney and Brown quits The Quarry Men. Oops, wonder if he regrets that career move.
The funeral took place of Led Zeppelin's drummer John Bonham in 1980. ‘Bonzo’ was found dead at guitarist’s Jimmy Page's house of what was described as asphyxiation, after inhaling his own vomit after excessive vodka consumption, (40 shots in 4 hours) aged 32.
A charity auction selling Elvis Presley's belongings was held at The Grand Hotel, Las Vegas in 1999. A wristwatch sold for $32,500, a cigar box $25,000, an autographed baseball sold for $19,000, and a 1956 Lincoln Continental sold for $250,000.
The Carpenters were at No.2 on the US singles chart in 1970 with 'We've Only Just Begun.' The song was originally written for a TV commercial advertising a bank.
This is timing: Twenty one years after "Frampton Comes Alive" sold over 16 million copies, Peter Frampton released "Frampton Comes Alive II".
The Supremes made the first of many appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1965.
Goo Goo Dolls guitarist Mike Malinin was born in 1967.
Born on this day in 1955, David Lee Roth, vocals, Van Halen.
Birthday wishes to Country Music super star Tanya Tucker (1955).
Born on this day in 1946, John Prine, singer, songwriter.
Birthday wishes to Jerry Lacroix, Blood Sweat & Tears (1945).
History:
The real Eleanor Rigby died in her sleep of unknown causes in 1939 at the age of 44. The 1966 Beatles' song that featured her name wasn't really written about her, as Paul McCartney's first draft of the song named the character Miss Daisy Hawkins. Eleanor Rigby's tombstone was noticed in the 1980s in the graveyard of St. Peter's Parish Church in Woolton, Liverpool, just a few feet from where McCartney and Lennon had met for the first time in 1957.
The great jazz composer Thelonious Monk was born in Rocky Mount, N.C. in 1917 (died February 17, 1982).
In 1902, the Gibson Mandolin guitar company was formed. Gibson's first electric guitar the ES-150 was produced in 1936 and in 1946 Gibson introduced the P-90 single coil pickup, which was eventually used on the first Les Paul model made in 1952.
In 1956, Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender" entered the Billboard chart for a 19 week stay. It was #1 for 5 of those weeks. The song, from Presley's first film of the same name, was adapted from the tune "Aura Lee", written in 1861.
In 1960, a silly novelty song called "Mr. Custer" by Larry Verne was the number one single in America. The record told a story about a US cavalry trooper who tries to talk his way out of fighting the Sioux Indians at Little Big Horn in 1876. I kind of like the song.
In 1962, the BBC banned Bobby "Boris" Pickett's "Monster Mash" because it makes mention of potentially offensive horror movies.
The Shangri-Las released the immortal No. 1 teen drama "Leader of the Pack” in 1964.
Pink Floyd released their album Atom Heart Mother in 1970. On L.A.'s Sunset Strip, the Harvest label promoted the album with 30-foot-high billboards of the album's cover star, a cow named Lullubelle III.
In 1970, FCC Commissioner Nicholas Johnson responded to Vice President Spiro Agnew's charge that Rock music drives young people to drugs, by playing Rock music during a speech, saying that Agnew would do well to listen to song lyrics to understand what's happening around the US. Touche!
Also in 1970, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles' "Tears Of A Clown" was released. By December, it will top both the Billboard Pop and R&B charts as well as the Cashbox Best Sellers list.
In 1959, the Quarry Men played at the Casbah Coffee Club, Liverpool. Ken Brown, suffering from a heavy cold, was unable to perform and after the show an argument started when Paul McCartney said that Brown should not get a share of the performance fee since he had not performed. Lennon and Harrison side with McCartney and Brown quits The Quarry Men. Oops, wonder if he regrets that career move.
The funeral took place of Led Zeppelin's drummer John Bonham in 1980. ‘Bonzo’ was found dead at guitarist’s Jimmy Page's house of what was described as asphyxiation, after inhaling his own vomit after excessive vodka consumption, (40 shots in 4 hours) aged 32.
A charity auction selling Elvis Presley's belongings was held at The Grand Hotel, Las Vegas in 1999. A wristwatch sold for $32,500, a cigar box $25,000, an autographed baseball sold for $19,000, and a 1956 Lincoln Continental sold for $250,000.
The Carpenters were at No.2 on the US singles chart in 1970 with 'We've Only Just Begun.' The song was originally written for a TV commercial advertising a bank.
This is timing: Twenty one years after "Frampton Comes Alive" sold over 16 million copies, Peter Frampton released "Frampton Comes Alive II".
The Supremes made the first of many appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1965.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Tempe's indie music stores spinning from digital impact
In an age when digital music is becoming the norm, independent record stores are feeling a squeeze.
According to the Recording Industry Association of America, the number of digital albums downloaded online in 2007 increased by 54 percent from the previous year, while CD shipments fell by about 18 percent.
But record stores haven't lost the battle yet, because the numbers show the shift to digital is gradual. Full-length CDs still accounted for more than 82 percent of the music products purchased by consumers in 2007, with digital downloads accounting for 11.2 percent.
Hanging on to the notion that some music fans still prefer the physical discs and records to the digital version, four independent music stores in Tempe have specialized their inventory to help them stay in the game.
Vinyl records
In an unassuming strip mall on University Drive, Memory Lane Records has stood the test of time for almost 25 years. It is one of the oldest independent record stores in Tempe, having forged through the rise of digital music and the presence of corporate retailers.
Owner Eric Finn said what makes his store stand out is a focus on vinyl and hard-to-find music selections. "The majority of music stores want to stick to the rock and roll," Finn said. "I don't think they have the same variety as we do."
Finn hasn't dismissed the digital age completely, though. In 1996, he took the store online, where he now makes a lot of his sales. His musical inventory is searchable and contains detailed information about the condition of every record, CD and cassette tape.
While Finn has noticed a small slowing in sales, he said, he doesn't think he'll lose his customer base over it.
"Basically, people are going to go where they're comfortable," Finn said.
Used music
Although digital music is a new struggle for storeowners to deal with, Steve Wiley, co-owner of Hoodlums Music & Movies, said owning a record store has never been easy.
"It's been challenging for indie record stores for 20 years," Wiley said. "The advantages are given to the corporate places, and that's just how it is."
Wiley and co-owner Kristian Luce faced even more challenges last November when the Memorial Union at Arizona State University caught on fire and ruined their store that was housed in the basement. Hoodlums had been a fixture in the MU since it opened in 1998.
When they decided not to return to ASU, Wiley and Luce faced the decision of whether they should even open another store. But in July, Wiley wrote on the Hoodlums Web site blog, "It's a tough business in a tough economy. However, when it comes down to it, this is what we do. After 20 years each in the biz, it's who we are."
Hoodlums opened in its new location on McClintock Drive and Guadalupe Road on Sept. 20, stocking the shelves with used music straight from the collections of the owners.
"We respond to the economy and the conditions of our industry by focusing on used," Wiley said. "People should be able to come in and get a good batch of music and not pay a bunch of money for it."
In its new location, Wiley said they've expanded their jazz, blues and world sections and have also increased their stock of vinyl. But unlike Memory Lane, they do carry a large selection of new releases as well.
Punk/metal
Eastside Records, a Tempe music veteran for more than 20 years, has seen the ups and downs of the independent music scene. Located on University Drive and Ash Avenue, the store once was doing well enough to expand its space. But then a couple of years ago, it was forced to downsize because of slow sales.
Manager Michael Pawlicki said they're putting everything they've got into the store, despite how quiet it's been there lately.
"This whole economic thing has soaked down to this level," Pawlicki said. "We're working very, very hard these days."
Eastside has always specialized on the underground punk and metal scenes, and Pawlicki said that a specific focus is necessary for small stores to survive in this market. The store has also started selling used equipment, like stereos and turntables, because the resale value is higher than CDs.
Because of the specialized selections, Pawlicki said there's no great competition with the other independent music stores in Tempe. They're all in the same boat.
"Anyone in a small business knows it's not so easy at this point, but we have to try hard to keep our heads up," he said.
Electronic
On Scottsdale Road north of the Loop 202, London West Records is a haven for electronic music and DJ's. And according to owner Matt Spangler, it's the only store of its kind in the state.
The store first opened as an import CD shop in 1998, and switched to selling only vinyl in 2002. When Spangler realized that the majority of DJ's were using only digital music now, he knew he had to do something different.
"We made a whole bunch of changes and are trying to keep up with the digital age," Spangler said.
The result was a new Web site that he launched this summer, unveiling a one-stop shop for music production and marketing. The store will now provide flyer design and printing, CD/DVD printing and duplication and DJ equipment repair.
But vinyl enthusiasts don't need to worry, he has no plans of getting rid of the records.
"I'll still buy vinyl. I hope to never stop doing that," Spangler said. "The younger kids still buy it, and they yell at me when I don't carry enough."
Spangler, like the other Tempe music store owners, said he hopes that specializing will help his store stay afloat.
"Everything is changing around in the industry," he said. "We're just trying to stay open."
SOURCE: The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com
According to the Recording Industry Association of America, the number of digital albums downloaded online in 2007 increased by 54 percent from the previous year, while CD shipments fell by about 18 percent.
But record stores haven't lost the battle yet, because the numbers show the shift to digital is gradual. Full-length CDs still accounted for more than 82 percent of the music products purchased by consumers in 2007, with digital downloads accounting for 11.2 percent.
Hanging on to the notion that some music fans still prefer the physical discs and records to the digital version, four independent music stores in Tempe have specialized their inventory to help them stay in the game.
Vinyl records
In an unassuming strip mall on University Drive, Memory Lane Records has stood the test of time for almost 25 years. It is one of the oldest independent record stores in Tempe, having forged through the rise of digital music and the presence of corporate retailers.
Owner Eric Finn said what makes his store stand out is a focus on vinyl and hard-to-find music selections. "The majority of music stores want to stick to the rock and roll," Finn said. "I don't think they have the same variety as we do."
Finn hasn't dismissed the digital age completely, though. In 1996, he took the store online, where he now makes a lot of his sales. His musical inventory is searchable and contains detailed information about the condition of every record, CD and cassette tape.
While Finn has noticed a small slowing in sales, he said, he doesn't think he'll lose his customer base over it.
"Basically, people are going to go where they're comfortable," Finn said.
Used music
Although digital music is a new struggle for storeowners to deal with, Steve Wiley, co-owner of Hoodlums Music & Movies, said owning a record store has never been easy.
"It's been challenging for indie record stores for 20 years," Wiley said. "The advantages are given to the corporate places, and that's just how it is."
Wiley and co-owner Kristian Luce faced even more challenges last November when the Memorial Union at Arizona State University caught on fire and ruined their store that was housed in the basement. Hoodlums had been a fixture in the MU since it opened in 1998.
When they decided not to return to ASU, Wiley and Luce faced the decision of whether they should even open another store. But in July, Wiley wrote on the Hoodlums Web site blog, "It's a tough business in a tough economy. However, when it comes down to it, this is what we do. After 20 years each in the biz, it's who we are."
Hoodlums opened in its new location on McClintock Drive and Guadalupe Road on Sept. 20, stocking the shelves with used music straight from the collections of the owners.
"We respond to the economy and the conditions of our industry by focusing on used," Wiley said. "People should be able to come in and get a good batch of music and not pay a bunch of money for it."
In its new location, Wiley said they've expanded their jazz, blues and world sections and have also increased their stock of vinyl. But unlike Memory Lane, they do carry a large selection of new releases as well.
Punk/metal
Eastside Records, a Tempe music veteran for more than 20 years, has seen the ups and downs of the independent music scene. Located on University Drive and Ash Avenue, the store once was doing well enough to expand its space. But then a couple of years ago, it was forced to downsize because of slow sales.
Manager Michael Pawlicki said they're putting everything they've got into the store, despite how quiet it's been there lately.
"This whole economic thing has soaked down to this level," Pawlicki said. "We're working very, very hard these days."
Eastside has always specialized on the underground punk and metal scenes, and Pawlicki said that a specific focus is necessary for small stores to survive in this market. The store has also started selling used equipment, like stereos and turntables, because the resale value is higher than CDs.
Because of the specialized selections, Pawlicki said there's no great competition with the other independent music stores in Tempe. They're all in the same boat.
"Anyone in a small business knows it's not so easy at this point, but we have to try hard to keep our heads up," he said.
Electronic
On Scottsdale Road north of the Loop 202, London West Records is a haven for electronic music and DJ's. And according to owner Matt Spangler, it's the only store of its kind in the state.
The store first opened as an import CD shop in 1998, and switched to selling only vinyl in 2002. When Spangler realized that the majority of DJ's were using only digital music now, he knew he had to do something different.
"We made a whole bunch of changes and are trying to keep up with the digital age," Spangler said.
The result was a new Web site that he launched this summer, unveiling a one-stop shop for music production and marketing. The store will now provide flyer design and printing, CD/DVD printing and duplication and DJ equipment repair.
But vinyl enthusiasts don't need to worry, he has no plans of getting rid of the records.
"I'll still buy vinyl. I hope to never stop doing that," Spangler said. "The younger kids still buy it, and they yell at me when I don't carry enough."
Spangler, like the other Tempe music store owners, said he hopes that specializing will help his store stay afloat.
"Everything is changing around in the industry," he said. "We're just trying to stay open."
SOURCE: The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com
Giving Back to the Community
Local band opens record store
by Connor Adam Sheets | Valley Voice
Visitors to Saturday's In the Street festival in Frederick may have noticed a new music store downtown.
Argyle's Records, the brainchild of two members of Ecstasy the Flower, a band with Middletown and Brunswick roots, and a Frederick friend, opened its doors during the festivities.
The small, well-stocked shop, located at 332 N. Market St., specializes in selling rare and used vinyl records, but also offers a range of cassette and VHS tapes, refurbished turntables and more. Its windows are decorated with strings of old 45s and its walls are plastered with album covers and music posters
Co-owners Chris Wolfe, John Nahwooksy and Jamie Waller got the idea for the store when they realized the worth and appeal of their extensive record collections, which number in the thousands and run the gamut of musical styles, genres and eras.
"Why should I own all the records I've bought and not listen to them when there are other people with the same interests as me who could be listening to them? We're giving back to the community," said Wolfe, a 2003 Middletown High School graduate and Ecstasy the Flower's bassist. "We have everything on record, from Dalton and Dubarri to Wham!, and from AC/DC to Spanky and Our Gang."
Nahwooksy, a 2003 Gov. Thomas Johnson High School graduate and the band's front-man, said he thinks the timing is right for records.
"... Vinyl's making a comeback and we want to be at the forefront of the revolution," he explained.
SOURCE:
Maryland Community Newspapers Online
by Connor Adam Sheets | Valley Voice
Visitors to Saturday's In the Street festival in Frederick may have noticed a new music store downtown.
Argyle's Records, the brainchild of two members of Ecstasy the Flower, a band with Middletown and Brunswick roots, and a Frederick friend, opened its doors during the festivities.
The small, well-stocked shop, located at 332 N. Market St., specializes in selling rare and used vinyl records, but also offers a range of cassette and VHS tapes, refurbished turntables and more. Its windows are decorated with strings of old 45s and its walls are plastered with album covers and music posters
Co-owners Chris Wolfe, John Nahwooksy and Jamie Waller got the idea for the store when they realized the worth and appeal of their extensive record collections, which number in the thousands and run the gamut of musical styles, genres and eras.
"Why should I own all the records I've bought and not listen to them when there are other people with the same interests as me who could be listening to them? We're giving back to the community," said Wolfe, a 2003 Middletown High School graduate and Ecstasy the Flower's bassist. "We have everything on record, from Dalton and Dubarri to Wham!, and from AC/DC to Spanky and Our Gang."
Nahwooksy, a 2003 Gov. Thomas Johnson High School graduate and the band's front-man, said he thinks the timing is right for records.
"... Vinyl's making a comeback and we want to be at the forefront of the revolution," he explained.
SOURCE:
http://www.gazette.net/
Maryland Community Newspapers Online
Interesting Punishment
Judge sentences rap music fan to Bach, Beethoven
URBANA, Ohio - A defendant had a hard time facing the music.
Andrew Vactor was facing a $150 fine for playing rap music too loudly on his car stereo in July. But a judge offered to reduce that to $35 if Vactor spent 20 hours listening to classical music by the likes of Bach, Beethoven and Chopin.
Vactor, 24, lasted only about 15 minutes, a probation officer said.
It wasn't the music, Vactor said, he just needed to be at practice with the rest of the Urbana University basketball team.
"I didn't have the time to deal with that," he said. "I just decided to pay the fine."
Champaign County Municipal Court Judge Susan Fornof-Lippencott says the idea was to force Vactor to listen to something he might not prefer, just as other people had no choice but to listen to his loud rap music.
"I think a lot of people don't like to be forced to listen to music," she said.
She's also taped TV shows for defendants in other cases to watch on topics such as financial responsibility. As she sees it, they get the chance to have their fine reduced "and at the same time broaden their horizons."
Information from: Springfield News-Sun, http://www.springfieldnewssun.com
URBANA, Ohio - A defendant had a hard time facing the music.
Andrew Vactor was facing a $150 fine for playing rap music too loudly on his car stereo in July. But a judge offered to reduce that to $35 if Vactor spent 20 hours listening to classical music by the likes of Bach, Beethoven and Chopin.
Vactor, 24, lasted only about 15 minutes, a probation officer said.
It wasn't the music, Vactor said, he just needed to be at practice with the rest of the Urbana University basketball team.
"I didn't have the time to deal with that," he said. "I just decided to pay the fine."
Champaign County Municipal Court Judge Susan Fornof-Lippencott says the idea was to force Vactor to listen to something he might not prefer, just as other people had no choice but to listen to his loud rap music.
"I think a lot of people don't like to be forced to listen to music," she said.
She's also taped TV shows for defendants in other cases to watch on topics such as financial responsibility. As she sees it, they get the chance to have their fine reduced "and at the same time broaden their horizons."
Information from: Springfield News-Sun, http://www.springfieldnewssun.com
More News from VinylCollective.com:
TP/PO: FALCON “God Don’t Make No Trash” 10″
FALCON “God Don’t Make No Trash” 10″ transparent red vinyl
FALCON “God Don’t Make No Trash” 10″ royal blue vinyl
Drum roll please….this is exciting. I feel like we are making independent music history as this is the only cooperative that I know of that has over 200 members who work together to release vinyl. Sure, major labels have share holders and board members, but all those people care about is making chart topping profits regardless of how shitty the music is. The cooperative on the other hand’s sole goal is to release those incredible albums that have yet to be released on vinyl and I think the vinyl collectiving community will be a better place becaase of it. Thanks to everyone out there who have helped to make this coop exist.
Sorry about the rant, but I am psyched. There will be one pressing of the very rocking debut EP by the Falcon which features Brendan and Neil from the Lawrence Arms, Dan from Alkaline Trio, and Todd formerly of Rise Against. The record will be housed in a 10″ gatefold jacket and be pressed on 2 colors:
333 on Transparent red vinyl
667 on Royal Blue vinyl
Since the 210 unit holders, 10 board members, band and label get copies of the red vinyl, there will only be 40 copies for sale. These will sell out in 2 minutes so please do not be upset if you do not get one. Do not however let that bum you out to the point where you decide not to pick up the blue vinyl as the blue vinyl too will sell out more than likely by next week. Regardless of what color you end up with, this is going to be a highly sought after record.
We are also doing a test press contest for all of you who have ordered the record. Good luck. Records should be in hand by the first week of November.
FALCON “God Don’t Make No Trash” 10″ transparent red vinyl FALCON “God Don’t Make No Trash” 10″ royal blue vinyl
Drum roll please….this is exciting. I feel like we are making independent music history as this is the only cooperative that I know of that has over 200 members who work together to release vinyl. Sure, major labels have share holders and board members, but all those people care about is making chart topping profits regardless of how shitty the music is. The cooperative on the other hand’s sole goal is to release those incredible albums that have yet to be released on vinyl and I think the vinyl collectiving community will be a better place becaase of it. Thanks to everyone out there who have helped to make this coop exist.
Sorry about the rant, but I am psyched. There will be one pressing of the very rocking debut EP by the Falcon which features Brendan and Neil from the Lawrence Arms, Dan from Alkaline Trio, and Todd formerly of Rise Against. The record will be housed in a 10″ gatefold jacket and be pressed on 2 colors:
333 on Transparent red vinyl
667 on Royal Blue vinyl
Since the 210 unit holders, 10 board members, band and label get copies of the red vinyl, there will only be 40 copies for sale. These will sell out in 2 minutes so please do not be upset if you do not get one. Do not however let that bum you out to the point where you decide not to pick up the blue vinyl as the blue vinyl too will sell out more than likely by next week. Regardless of what color you end up with, this is going to be a highly sought after record.
We are also doing a test press contest for all of you who have ordered the record. Good luck. Records should be in hand by the first week of November.
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