I Put A Spell On You - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Rock & Roll Tidbits
"I Heard It Through The Grapevine" has reached the Billboard Hot 100 six times in versions by Marvin Gaye (#1), Gladys Knight (#2), Creedence Clearwater Revival (#43), Roger Troutman (#79), King Curtis (#83) and The California Raisins (#84). The song has also been recorded by dozens of other artists including The Temptations, Ike and Tina Turner, Paul Mauriat and Elton John.
In a 2005 interview, Billy Joel said that during the recording of "We Are The World", most of the artists didn't like the song, but nobody would say so. Cyndi Lauper thought it sounded like a Pepsi commercial and Billy agreed.
The contract that made Brian Epstein the Beatles' manager was never really valid. Both Paul and George were under 21 at the time and needed a legal guardian to sign. Epstein himself never signed the document at all.
Rocker Neil Young arrived at Woodstock in 1969 with fellow musician Jimi Hendrix. When they realized that they had to travel several miles from the helicopter pad to the stage, they stole a pickup truck for the journey. Young calls the theft, “One of the high points of my life.”
Al Kooper, founder of Blood, Sweat and Tears was a co-writer of the Gary Lewis and The Playboys' hit "This Diamond Ring". Although the song was a US number one smash, Kooper has said he was very disappointed at how the Playboys version sounded, and sheepish that it became such a hit. None of the Playboys actually played their instruments on the recording and Lewis' vocals were heavily supported by Ron Hicklin's overdubs.
The Academy Award winning score for the movie Fame was written by Leslie Gore's brother, Michael.
51 year old Lindsay Crosby, son of Bing Crosby, took his own life on December 11th, 1989, reportedly right after watching his father sing "White Christmas" during the television-airing of the classic Christmas movie, Holiday Inn. Lindsay was said to have suffered years of physical and verbal abuse inflicted on him as a child by his father. In May, 1991, Lindsay's 57 year old brother Dennis would also commit suicide.
Elvis's middle name is spelled "Aaron" on his tombstone. According to his official web site, the name was spelled Aron at birth, but as an adult, Elvis planned to change the spelling to Aaron and the tombstone was designed to reflect that wish.
In 1967, under Britain's open-ended tax system, The Beatles were in the 96% tax bracket.
Before reaching the US Top Ten in 1980 with "Giving It Up For Your Love", Delbert McClinton played harmonica on Bruce Chanel's chart topping 1962 hit, "Hey Baby". While on tour, he also taught some harp licks to John Lennon, who was playing in a then unknown opening act called The Beatles.
"Sunday Will Never Be The Same" was first offered to the Left Banke, but they rejected it. The song was then given to The Mamas and The Papas but they also passed on it. Finally, Spanky and Our Gang recorded it and took it to # 9 in the US in 1967.
Cat Stevens' song "Morning Has Broken" was an adaptation of a hymn of the same name by Eleanor Farjeon, who wrote many stories for children.
From 1969 to 1970, Jimmy Buffett was a staff writer for Billboard magazine in Nashville.
The Temptations 1964 classic hit "My Girl" was written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White of The Miracles. Robinson wrote the lyrics, which he later said were inspired by his wife, Claudette. They divorced in 1986.
The so-called ‘Prince of Darkness’ Ozzy Osbourne certainly developed a satanic reputation over the years. But Ozzy never took it too seriously, stating: “The devil worship thing was a marketing invention of the record company. We played along to put dough in our pockets.”
It is well known that Beatle George Harrison was spiritual and after reading about cosmic communication, Harrison climbed a mountain in hopes of receiving message from God. He waited and waited, but the only message he received was to climb back down the mountain.
Although the concept of the "hit parade" goes back to the mid 1930s, the invention and naming of the Top 40 format is widely credited to Todd Storz, who was the director of radio station KWOH-AM in Omaha, Nebraska, in the early 1950s. Storz noted the great response certain songs got from the record-buying public and compared it to selections on jukeboxes. He expanded his stable of radio stations and gradually converted them to an all-hits format, pioneering the practice of surveying record stores to determine which singles were popular each week.
In a 2005 interview, Billy Joel said that during the recording of "We Are The World", most of the artists didn't like the song, but nobody would say so. Cyndi Lauper thought it sounded like a Pepsi commercial and Billy agreed.
The contract that made Brian Epstein the Beatles' manager was never really valid. Both Paul and George were under 21 at the time and needed a legal guardian to sign. Epstein himself never signed the document at all.
Rocker Neil Young arrived at Woodstock in 1969 with fellow musician Jimi Hendrix. When they realized that they had to travel several miles from the helicopter pad to the stage, they stole a pickup truck for the journey. Young calls the theft, “One of the high points of my life.”
Al Kooper, founder of Blood, Sweat and Tears was a co-writer of the Gary Lewis and The Playboys' hit "This Diamond Ring". Although the song was a US number one smash, Kooper has said he was very disappointed at how the Playboys version sounded, and sheepish that it became such a hit. None of the Playboys actually played their instruments on the recording and Lewis' vocals were heavily supported by Ron Hicklin's overdubs.
The Academy Award winning score for the movie Fame was written by Leslie Gore's brother, Michael.
51 year old Lindsay Crosby, son of Bing Crosby, took his own life on December 11th, 1989, reportedly right after watching his father sing "White Christmas" during the television-airing of the classic Christmas movie, Holiday Inn. Lindsay was said to have suffered years of physical and verbal abuse inflicted on him as a child by his father. In May, 1991, Lindsay's 57 year old brother Dennis would also commit suicide.
Elvis's middle name is spelled "Aaron" on his tombstone. According to his official web site, the name was spelled Aron at birth, but as an adult, Elvis planned to change the spelling to Aaron and the tombstone was designed to reflect that wish.
In 1967, under Britain's open-ended tax system, The Beatles were in the 96% tax bracket.
Before reaching the US Top Ten in 1980 with "Giving It Up For Your Love", Delbert McClinton played harmonica on Bruce Chanel's chart topping 1962 hit, "Hey Baby". While on tour, he also taught some harp licks to John Lennon, who was playing in a then unknown opening act called The Beatles.
"Sunday Will Never Be The Same" was first offered to the Left Banke, but they rejected it. The song was then given to The Mamas and The Papas but they also passed on it. Finally, Spanky and Our Gang recorded it and took it to # 9 in the US in 1967.
Cat Stevens' song "Morning Has Broken" was an adaptation of a hymn of the same name by Eleanor Farjeon, who wrote many stories for children.
From 1969 to 1970, Jimmy Buffett was a staff writer for Billboard magazine in Nashville.
The Temptations 1964 classic hit "My Girl" was written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White of The Miracles. Robinson wrote the lyrics, which he later said were inspired by his wife, Claudette. They divorced in 1986.
The so-called ‘Prince of Darkness’ Ozzy Osbourne certainly developed a satanic reputation over the years. But Ozzy never took it too seriously, stating: “The devil worship thing was a marketing invention of the record company. We played along to put dough in our pockets.”
It is well known that Beatle George Harrison was spiritual and after reading about cosmic communication, Harrison climbed a mountain in hopes of receiving message from God. He waited and waited, but the only message he received was to climb back down the mountain.
Although the concept of the "hit parade" goes back to the mid 1930s, the invention and naming of the Top 40 format is widely credited to Todd Storz, who was the director of radio station KWOH-AM in Omaha, Nebraska, in the early 1950s. Storz noted the great response certain songs got from the record-buying public and compared it to selections on jukeboxes. He expanded his stable of radio stations and gradually converted them to an all-hits format, pioneering the practice of surveying record stores to determine which singles were popular each week.
This Date In Music History-January 18
Birthdays:
Bobby Goldsboro (1941)
Jonathan Davis- Korn (1971)
They Are Missed:
Songwriter and producer Keith Diamond died of a heart attack in 1997. He wrote, 'Caribbean Queen' and 'Suddenly' for Billy Ocean (also wrote hits for Donna Summer, James Ingram, Mick Jagger, Sheena Easton and Michael Bolton).
David Ruffin of The Temptations was born in 1941, Ruffin died of a drug overdose on June 1, 1991.
History:
In 1956, Bill Haley’s "Rock Around the Clock" became the first rock ‘n’ roll album to enter the albums chart. It peaked at #12.
In 1985, USA Today took a poll of its readers to ask where the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame should be built. The winner, as you know, was Cleveland, Ohio.
The Beatles released the soundtrack to their animated film Yellow Submarine in 1969.
In 1969, Blood, Sweat & Tears released their second album, accurately titled Blood, Sweat & Tears. It tops the charts, helped by the singles "Spinning Wheel" and "And When I Die."
Pink Floyd began recording "Dark Side Of The Moon" in 1973.
Capricorn Records filed for bankruptcy in 1980.
Paul Simon dropped out of law school in 1965 to become a full-time musician.
In 1978, Johnny Paycheck's ode to workplace frustrations, "Take This Job and Shove It,” reached the top spot on the Billboard Country chart.
Lisa Marie Presley divorced Michael Jackson in 1996-after less then two years of being married.
During an AC/DC North American tour in 1991, three fans were killed during a crush in a crowd at a gig in Salt Lake City.
Barry Manilow scored his first US #1 single in 1975 when “Mandy,” (originally titled “Brandy”) went to the top of the charts.
In 1964, The Beatles had their first appearance on the US singles chart with "I Want to Hold Your Hand". The disc entered the Billboard Hot 100 at #45, just ten days after its release, making it the fastest-breaking and the fastest selling single in Capitol Records history. Capitol had earlier turned down "Love Me Do", "Please Please Me", "From Me to You" and "She Loves You", which were then released by Vee Jay Records. After a nasty lawsuit, Capitol Records was granted an injunction, restraining Vee Jay Records from further manufacturing, distributing, advertising or otherwise disposing of recordings by the Beatles. If you have any old Beatles records on Vee Jay, hang on to them, they are now collectors' items.
In 1974, former members from Free, (Paul Rodgers & Simon Kirke), Mott The Hoople, (Mick Ralphs), and King Crimson, (Boz Burrell), formed Bad Company. The band went on to score a US #1 album with their debut release.
In 1965, the Rolling Stones recorded “The Last Time” and “Play With Fire” at the RCA studio in Hollywood, California. Phil Spector played acoustic guitar on “Play With Fire.”
In 1960, Johnny Preston's Indian love song "Running Bear" reached number one and became the first song to do so after it had fallen off the Billboard chart completely. Penned by J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper), the tune originally entered the chart in October 1959, then quickly vanished, but re-entered in November and slowly climbed to the top. It was also #1 in the UK.
In 2007, Ted Nugent caused a stir at the inaugural ball of Texas Governor Rick Perry when he appeared on stage wearing a T-shirt adorned with the Confederate flag and then embarking on an angry monologue about people who don't speak English. The 58-year-old Rocker also carried a fake machine gun on stage with him.
“That's What Friends Are For,” by Dionne Warwick began a four-week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1986, all company and artist’s profits were given to aids charities.
Bobby Goldsboro (1941)
Jonathan Davis- Korn (1971)
They Are Missed:
Songwriter and producer Keith Diamond died of a heart attack in 1997. He wrote, 'Caribbean Queen' and 'Suddenly' for Billy Ocean (also wrote hits for Donna Summer, James Ingram, Mick Jagger, Sheena Easton and Michael Bolton).
David Ruffin of The Temptations was born in 1941, Ruffin died of a drug overdose on June 1, 1991.
History:
In 1956, Bill Haley’s "Rock Around the Clock" became the first rock ‘n’ roll album to enter the albums chart. It peaked at #12.
In 1985, USA Today took a poll of its readers to ask where the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame should be built. The winner, as you know, was Cleveland, Ohio.
The Beatles released the soundtrack to their animated film Yellow Submarine in 1969.
In 1969, Blood, Sweat & Tears released their second album, accurately titled Blood, Sweat & Tears. It tops the charts, helped by the singles "Spinning Wheel" and "And When I Die."
Pink Floyd began recording "Dark Side Of The Moon" in 1973.
Capricorn Records filed for bankruptcy in 1980.
Paul Simon dropped out of law school in 1965 to become a full-time musician.
In 1978, Johnny Paycheck's ode to workplace frustrations, "Take This Job and Shove It,” reached the top spot on the Billboard Country chart.
Lisa Marie Presley divorced Michael Jackson in 1996-after less then two years of being married.
During an AC/DC North American tour in 1991, three fans were killed during a crush in a crowd at a gig in Salt Lake City.
Barry Manilow scored his first US #1 single in 1975 when “Mandy,” (originally titled “Brandy”) went to the top of the charts.
In 1964, The Beatles had their first appearance on the US singles chart with "I Want to Hold Your Hand". The disc entered the Billboard Hot 100 at #45, just ten days after its release, making it the fastest-breaking and the fastest selling single in Capitol Records history. Capitol had earlier turned down "Love Me Do", "Please Please Me", "From Me to You" and "She Loves You", which were then released by Vee Jay Records. After a nasty lawsuit, Capitol Records was granted an injunction, restraining Vee Jay Records from further manufacturing, distributing, advertising or otherwise disposing of recordings by the Beatles. If you have any old Beatles records on Vee Jay, hang on to them, they are now collectors' items.
In 1974, former members from Free, (Paul Rodgers & Simon Kirke), Mott The Hoople, (Mick Ralphs), and King Crimson, (Boz Burrell), formed Bad Company. The band went on to score a US #1 album with their debut release.
In 1965, the Rolling Stones recorded “The Last Time” and “Play With Fire” at the RCA studio in Hollywood, California. Phil Spector played acoustic guitar on “Play With Fire.”
In 1960, Johnny Preston's Indian love song "Running Bear" reached number one and became the first song to do so after it had fallen off the Billboard chart completely. Penned by J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper), the tune originally entered the chart in October 1959, then quickly vanished, but re-entered in November and slowly climbed to the top. It was also #1 in the UK.
In 2007, Ted Nugent caused a stir at the inaugural ball of Texas Governor Rick Perry when he appeared on stage wearing a T-shirt adorned with the Confederate flag and then embarking on an angry monologue about people who don't speak English. The 58-year-old Rocker also carried a fake machine gun on stage with him.
“That's What Friends Are For,” by Dionne Warwick began a four-week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1986, all company and artist’s profits were given to aids charities.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
End of the Road: iconic music store closes
MUSIC FANS and well-known musicians yesterday expressed sadness at the decision of Road Records, an independent Dublin music shop, to close after 11 years in business.
Owners Dave and Julie Kennedy told customers they were “sad to say” they had to close. They cited illegal downloads, online CD sales and declining footfall as among the reasons it had been losing money.
Successful Irish acts such as The Frames sold their early music in the shop, which is well known as an outlet for independent musicians. Acclaimed Idaho singer-songwriter Josh Ritter said it was the first place in the world to sell his debut album. He told The Irish Times that he would not be where he was today if it were not for the shop’s support.
“It is a tragedy they are closing down. There is nowhere else like it. It is like a combination of a pub, a record store and a therapist,” he said. “Road Records is like a symbol; their philosophy is too good to keep like a light under the bushel. I hope it’s not over yet and something else happens for them,” he said.
Singer-songwriter David Kitt, whose first single was released in Road Records, said it was more than a shop but “a centre to congregate, exchange ideas and put stuff out”.
The store on Fade Street was busy before the weekend and regulars leaving with vinyl-filled bags spoke sadly but fondly of it.
Lorina Rush said she was “heartbroken” as the shop had introduced her to so much new music. “It’s a really sad day and a huge loss to bands,” she said. “You feel like you are coming into someone’s sitting room and they are just short of giving you a cup of tea.”
Jamie Farrell, who has a small vinyl-only record label, said it was one of his main sellers. “It’s a community space for people to go in and chat about what’s going on,” he said.
“It’s a social experience, it’s unquantifiable,” said regular Glen O’Brien.
Dave Kennedy said he was “blown away” by the “amazing reaction” to the closure decision.
“We have always tried to be as supportive to local music as possible, mainly because people in this country make music as good if not better than anywhere else,” Mr Kennedy said. “Now local music scene bands are scared there will be no outlet for them.”
He appealed to people to support the city’s remaining independent music shops. “It’s only when they are all gone that you will then miss them,” he said.
This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times
Owners Dave and Julie Kennedy told customers they were “sad to say” they had to close. They cited illegal downloads, online CD sales and declining footfall as among the reasons it had been losing money.
Successful Irish acts such as The Frames sold their early music in the shop, which is well known as an outlet for independent musicians. Acclaimed Idaho singer-songwriter Josh Ritter said it was the first place in the world to sell his debut album. He told The Irish Times that he would not be where he was today if it were not for the shop’s support.
“It is a tragedy they are closing down. There is nowhere else like it. It is like a combination of a pub, a record store and a therapist,” he said. “Road Records is like a symbol; their philosophy is too good to keep like a light under the bushel. I hope it’s not over yet and something else happens for them,” he said.
Singer-songwriter David Kitt, whose first single was released in Road Records, said it was more than a shop but “a centre to congregate, exchange ideas and put stuff out”.
The store on Fade Street was busy before the weekend and regulars leaving with vinyl-filled bags spoke sadly but fondly of it.
Lorina Rush said she was “heartbroken” as the shop had introduced her to so much new music. “It’s a really sad day and a huge loss to bands,” she said. “You feel like you are coming into someone’s sitting room and they are just short of giving you a cup of tea.”
Jamie Farrell, who has a small vinyl-only record label, said it was one of his main sellers. “It’s a community space for people to go in and chat about what’s going on,” he said.
“It’s a social experience, it’s unquantifiable,” said regular Glen O’Brien.
Dave Kennedy said he was “blown away” by the “amazing reaction” to the closure decision.
“We have always tried to be as supportive to local music as possible, mainly because people in this country make music as good if not better than anywhere else,” Mr Kennedy said. “Now local music scene bands are scared there will be no outlet for them.”
He appealed to people to support the city’s remaining independent music shops. “It’s only when they are all gone that you will then miss them,” he said.
This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times
Music News & Notes
Sonic Youth Staying Weird On Matador Debut
Thurston Moore promises "heavy ass weirdo hooks" aplenty on Sonic Youth's as-yet-untitled Matador debut, due this summer.
"When I started writing, I was immersed in listening to the Wipers," he tells Billboard. "'No Way,' the first song we recorded, has a total Wipers vibe, if the Wipers were a No Wave band."
Moore says lyrics have been inspired by black metal bands, although he promises he's not mimicking their delivery. Other tracks include "Leaky Life Boat," which compares being alive to being in the aforementioned sinking ship, and "Burning Shame," a tribute to the late Fred "Sonic" Smith.
"We're super inspired to make a fresh start," says Moore. "We're glad to be dealing with a label that loves songs." Beyond that, not much has changed. "It's rock-centric, but still experimental," Moore promises. "We're still Sonic Youth. I still don't know how to play the guitar."
---------------------------------------------------
Ramblin' Jack Elliott Readies Album of Depression Country Blues
Ramblin' Jack Elliott will release his long-anticipated follow-up to his 2006 ANTI- Record debut "I Stand Alone" this April, entitled "A Stranger Here." Working with producer Joe Henry, the 77 year-old Elliott sings and plays acoustic guitar, and will be backed by a stellar collection of musicians handpicked by Henry, among them Van Dyke Parks and David Hidalgo (Los Lobos).
Revered for his interpretive take on traditional American music, on "A Stranger Here," Elliott steps out of the country-folk arena that has shaped his legend, 50+ years in the making. Haunting and evocative landscapes crafted by Henry construct a mood that is enhanced by Elliott's world-scarred voice. Together, musician and producer examine a carefully selected number of pre-WWII blues songs in a wholly unique way.
From the liner notes of "A Stranger Here," Henry writes: "I pitched the idea that he interpret country blues music from the Depression era of his birth... songs as dark, funny and strange as is he and the times that produced them, and also ones that still resonate in these turbulent days: songs from the blues masters Jack had known during their latter-day resurgence - and his own ascension - in the early sixties (Son House, Mississippi John Hurt, Rev. Gary Davis); songs that share shape and subject with many folk songs of the same period but speak with a particular poetry to struggle, love, justice and mortality - off-handedly and all at once... I needn't have pitched so hard. Jack seemed intrigued by the notion from the start, and had no trouble reading the songs as pertinent to him. He pounced on each one as it came up during the four days of recording in my basement studio, gave each a face of suave cunning, and was as unexpectedly arch as Bob Hope might've seemed strolling through a Fellini tableau. He's using an old language but always speaking in the present tense."
---------------------------------------------------
U2 releases new single and Horizon tracklist
Apparently it's no longer cool to record an album all in one place, or even in one country for that matter. U2 got her done international-style, from Morocco to Ireland and several countries in between, for the forthcoming No Line On The Horizon.
The album will be released on March 3 and is currently available for pre-order. The first single, "Get On Your Boots," drops Jan. 19. A digipak with lots of goodies will be available with the album and it will also be released in vinyl.
No Line On The Horizon tracklist:
"No Line On The Horizon"
"Magnificent"
"Moment of Surrender"
"Unknown Caller"
"I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight"
"Get On Your Boots"
"Stand Up Comedy"
"Fez - Being Born"
"White As Snow"
"Breathe"
"Cedars Of Lebanon"
The cover art is a image of the sea meeting the sky by Japanese artist and photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto.
---------------------------------------------------
Death Row Assets Auctioned For $18 Million
The assets of Death Row Records, said to include master recordings of Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, were auctioned yesterday (Jan. 15) for $18 million to Canadian development company WIDEawake Entertainment Group.
Because of the less-than-expected acquisition price, the only creditor likely to capture a return after lawyers and other Chapter 11 administrative fees are paid is the Internal Revenue Service.
That means other creditors, including unsecured ones like co-founder Lydia Harris, will be left out in the cold. Harris isn't content with the verdict.
"This was all a scam from the beginning," a disgruntled Harris tells Billboard. "Everyone wanted me to bring judgment down, and so I brought on the case. But now I'm not getting paid because I'm an unsecured creditor? Yet, administrators are getting paid and Suge [Knight]'s bills are still getting paid? If it wasn't for me no one would be getting money. They made sure it happened this way because I was the biggest creditor. There must be some internal thing going on and I'm obviously not in on it."
According to Harris, Conquest Media, an online marketing and branding company, made an undisclosed bid yesterday, but the judge overruled it because it wasn't filed on time.
--------------------------------------------------
Mott Reunion
It looks like Mott the Hoople are back together, at least for two nights. The original lineup of Ian Hunter, Mick Ralphs, Verden Allen, Dale Griffin and Overend Watts are scheduled to play London's Hammersmith Apollo on February 2 and 3 to celebrate their 40th anniversary, although there has been no word on the potential for further gigs.
--------------------------------------------------
Radiohead's first three albums to go collector's edition
As great as some of Radiohead's latter day albums have been, it's still tough to topple the trifecta of its first three: Pablo Honey (1993), The Bends (1995) and OK Computer (1997). Those three albums alone cemented the band's place in rock history, spawning the band's biggest singles "Karma Police" and "Creep."
In a move that will no doubt please completists to no end, Capitol/EMI records has announced it will release collector's editions and limited special editions of the band's first three albums on March 24. The swagged-out special collector's edition comes packaged in a lift-top box that includes a DVD and a series of collectible postcards. No word on prices for either edition, but there's nothing like spending your hard-earned cash on collectibles in a recession, right?
The full features for each edition are listed below:
Pablo HoneyCollector's Edition: album on disc one; demos, rarities, live recordings and a '92 BBC Radio One session on disc two.
Special Collector's Edition: both audio discs; DVD with four music videos, "Top of the Pops" TV performance from '93 and nine live recordings from the band's London Astoria concert in '94.
The Bends
Collector's Edition: album on disc one; EPs with rarities and a '94 BBC Radio session on disc two.
Special Collector's Edition: both audio discs; DVD with five music videos, '95 and '96 TV performances from "Top of the Pops," "Later with Jools Holland" and "2 Meter Session," and eight performances from the band's '94 London Astoria concert.
OK Computer
Collector's Edition: album on disc one; EPs with rarities and live recordings and a '97 BBC Radio One "Evening Session" on disc two.
Special Collector's Edition: both audio discs; DVD with three music videos and a '97 TV performance on "Later with Jools Holland."
Thurston Moore promises "heavy ass weirdo hooks" aplenty on Sonic Youth's as-yet-untitled Matador debut, due this summer.
"When I started writing, I was immersed in listening to the Wipers," he tells Billboard. "'No Way,' the first song we recorded, has a total Wipers vibe, if the Wipers were a No Wave band."
Moore says lyrics have been inspired by black metal bands, although he promises he's not mimicking their delivery. Other tracks include "Leaky Life Boat," which compares being alive to being in the aforementioned sinking ship, and "Burning Shame," a tribute to the late Fred "Sonic" Smith.
"We're super inspired to make a fresh start," says Moore. "We're glad to be dealing with a label that loves songs." Beyond that, not much has changed. "It's rock-centric, but still experimental," Moore promises. "We're still Sonic Youth. I still don't know how to play the guitar."
---------------------------------------------------
Ramblin' Jack Elliott Readies Album of Depression Country Blues
Ramblin' Jack Elliott will release his long-anticipated follow-up to his 2006 ANTI- Record debut "I Stand Alone" this April, entitled "A Stranger Here." Working with producer Joe Henry, the 77 year-old Elliott sings and plays acoustic guitar, and will be backed by a stellar collection of musicians handpicked by Henry, among them Van Dyke Parks and David Hidalgo (Los Lobos).
Revered for his interpretive take on traditional American music, on "A Stranger Here," Elliott steps out of the country-folk arena that has shaped his legend, 50+ years in the making. Haunting and evocative landscapes crafted by Henry construct a mood that is enhanced by Elliott's world-scarred voice. Together, musician and producer examine a carefully selected number of pre-WWII blues songs in a wholly unique way.
From the liner notes of "A Stranger Here," Henry writes: "I pitched the idea that he interpret country blues music from the Depression era of his birth... songs as dark, funny and strange as is he and the times that produced them, and also ones that still resonate in these turbulent days: songs from the blues masters Jack had known during their latter-day resurgence - and his own ascension - in the early sixties (Son House, Mississippi John Hurt, Rev. Gary Davis); songs that share shape and subject with many folk songs of the same period but speak with a particular poetry to struggle, love, justice and mortality - off-handedly and all at once... I needn't have pitched so hard. Jack seemed intrigued by the notion from the start, and had no trouble reading the songs as pertinent to him. He pounced on each one as it came up during the four days of recording in my basement studio, gave each a face of suave cunning, and was as unexpectedly arch as Bob Hope might've seemed strolling through a Fellini tableau. He's using an old language but always speaking in the present tense."
---------------------------------------------------
U2 releases new single and Horizon tracklist
Apparently it's no longer cool to record an album all in one place, or even in one country for that matter. U2 got her done international-style, from Morocco to Ireland and several countries in between, for the forthcoming No Line On The Horizon.
The album will be released on March 3 and is currently available for pre-order. The first single, "Get On Your Boots," drops Jan. 19. A digipak with lots of goodies will be available with the album and it will also be released in vinyl.
No Line On The Horizon tracklist:
"No Line On The Horizon"
"Magnificent"
"Moment of Surrender"
"Unknown Caller"
"I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight"
"Get On Your Boots"
"Stand Up Comedy"
"Fez - Being Born"
"White As Snow"
"Breathe"
"Cedars Of Lebanon"
The cover art is a image of the sea meeting the sky by Japanese artist and photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto.
---------------------------------------------------
Death Row Assets Auctioned For $18 Million
The assets of Death Row Records, said to include master recordings of Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, were auctioned yesterday (Jan. 15) for $18 million to Canadian development company WIDEawake Entertainment Group.
Because of the less-than-expected acquisition price, the only creditor likely to capture a return after lawyers and other Chapter 11 administrative fees are paid is the Internal Revenue Service.
That means other creditors, including unsecured ones like co-founder Lydia Harris, will be left out in the cold. Harris isn't content with the verdict.
"This was all a scam from the beginning," a disgruntled Harris tells Billboard. "Everyone wanted me to bring judgment down, and so I brought on the case. But now I'm not getting paid because I'm an unsecured creditor? Yet, administrators are getting paid and Suge [Knight]'s bills are still getting paid? If it wasn't for me no one would be getting money. They made sure it happened this way because I was the biggest creditor. There must be some internal thing going on and I'm obviously not in on it."
According to Harris, Conquest Media, an online marketing and branding company, made an undisclosed bid yesterday, but the judge overruled it because it wasn't filed on time.
--------------------------------------------------
Mott Reunion
It looks like Mott the Hoople are back together, at least for two nights. The original lineup of Ian Hunter, Mick Ralphs, Verden Allen, Dale Griffin and Overend Watts are scheduled to play London's Hammersmith Apollo on February 2 and 3 to celebrate their 40th anniversary, although there has been no word on the potential for further gigs.
--------------------------------------------------
Radiohead's first three albums to go collector's edition
As great as some of Radiohead's latter day albums have been, it's still tough to topple the trifecta of its first three: Pablo Honey (1993), The Bends (1995) and OK Computer (1997). Those three albums alone cemented the band's place in rock history, spawning the band's biggest singles "Karma Police" and "Creep."
In a move that will no doubt please completists to no end, Capitol/EMI records has announced it will release collector's editions and limited special editions of the band's first three albums on March 24. The swagged-out special collector's edition comes packaged in a lift-top box that includes a DVD and a series of collectible postcards. No word on prices for either edition, but there's nothing like spending your hard-earned cash on collectibles in a recession, right?
The full features for each edition are listed below:
Pablo HoneyCollector's Edition: album on disc one; demos, rarities, live recordings and a '92 BBC Radio One session on disc two.
Special Collector's Edition: both audio discs; DVD with four music videos, "Top of the Pops" TV performance from '93 and nine live recordings from the band's London Astoria concert in '94.
The Bends
Collector's Edition: album on disc one; EPs with rarities and a '94 BBC Radio session on disc two.
Special Collector's Edition: both audio discs; DVD with five music videos, '95 and '96 TV performances from "Top of the Pops," "Later with Jools Holland" and "2 Meter Session," and eight performances from the band's '94 London Astoria concert.
OK Computer
Collector's Edition: album on disc one; EPs with rarities and live recordings and a '97 BBC Radio One "Evening Session" on disc two.
Special Collector's Edition: both audio discs; DVD with three music videos and a '97 TV performance on "Later with Jools Holland."
Rock & Roll Tidbits
While the Beatles were still struggling to establish themselves, they were turned down by five different British record companies.
Rock and roll fakers Milli Vanilli had a problem during one of their “live” performances. Apparently, the tape-loop jammed and kept repeating the same line over and over again. The boys danced a few steps and then both bolted from the stage to fix the malfunctioning equipment.
Cher was a background vocalist on the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling".
When Stu Cook and Doug Clifford reformed CCR as Creedence Clearwater Revisited in 1995, former band mate John Fogerty won a court injunction to prevent the use of the name and the live performance of CCR's hits. The pair toured as Cosmo's Factory until the injunction was overturned on appeal.
Pat Boone spent a total of 21 weeks at the top of the Billboard Pop chart with six different number one hits spread out between 1955 and 1961. His daughter Debby had only one hit, "You Light Up My Life" in 1977, but it stayed number one for 10 straight weeks.
"Beyond The Sea" by Bobby Darin was based on a song called "Le Mer", written by Louis Charles Augustin Georges Trenet in 1945. Bobby used the same melody, but the English words are not a translation of the original French lyrics.
When United Artists was preparing to release Electric Light Orchestra's debut album, a company representative tried to place a call to someone connected with the band to find out what the LP should be titled. The caller, having failed to reach the desired party, jotted down the notation "no answer," a phrase which was mistaken for an album title and assigned to the U.S. version of the LP.
In 1967, CBS-TV attempted to turn Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant into the next Tom Jones. In fact, Plant recorded a lushly orchestrated Italian ballad called “Our Song.” It actually sold over 800 copies.
The longest title of an album that actually made the Billboard chart is by Fiona Apple. Made up of 90 words, the album is called -
"When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks Like a King What He Knows Throws the Blows When He Goes to the Fight and He'll Win the Whole Thing 'Fore He Enters the Ring There's No Body to Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might So When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand and Remember That Depth Is the Greatest of Heights and If You Know Where You Stand, Then You Know Where to Land and If You Fall It Won't Matter, Cuz You'll Know That You're Right"
The motel that was the scene of Janis Joplin's death in 1970 was right across the street from where Bobby Fuller died in 1966.
1950s crooner, Pat Boone is the great, great, great, great grandson of American frontier hero Daniel Boone.
Led Zeppelin founder Jimmy Page played as a session guitarist on Tom Jones’ 1965 hit, "It’s Not Unusual".
The world's first jukebox was installed at the Palais Royal Hotel in San Francisco on November 23rd, 1899. At a nickel per play, the machine earned nearly $1000 during the first six months of operation.
While upset about a girl who had just left him, Joe Rock wrote most of the lyrics to The Skyliners 1959 number one hit, "Since I Don’t Have You", while sitting in his car between stoplights.
In 1931, George Beauchamp and Adolph Rickenbacker designed and built the world's first electric guitar. Because of its odd shape, it was nicknamed 'Rickenbacker's Frying Pan'. The pair were granted a patent for their invention in 1937.
Paul McCartney originally wrote the first two lines of "I Saw Her Standing There" as "She was just seventeen, Never been a beauty queen." When he sang it for John Lennon, both realized that it was a poor rhyme. Finally, it was John who came up with "She was just seventeen, you know what I mean", which they knew was a perfect sexual innuendo for the song.
Rock and roll fakers Milli Vanilli had a problem during one of their “live” performances. Apparently, the tape-loop jammed and kept repeating the same line over and over again. The boys danced a few steps and then both bolted from the stage to fix the malfunctioning equipment.
Cher was a background vocalist on the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling".
When Stu Cook and Doug Clifford reformed CCR as Creedence Clearwater Revisited in 1995, former band mate John Fogerty won a court injunction to prevent the use of the name and the live performance of CCR's hits. The pair toured as Cosmo's Factory until the injunction was overturned on appeal.
Pat Boone spent a total of 21 weeks at the top of the Billboard Pop chart with six different number one hits spread out between 1955 and 1961. His daughter Debby had only one hit, "You Light Up My Life" in 1977, but it stayed number one for 10 straight weeks.
"Beyond The Sea" by Bobby Darin was based on a song called "Le Mer", written by Louis Charles Augustin Georges Trenet in 1945. Bobby used the same melody, but the English words are not a translation of the original French lyrics.
When United Artists was preparing to release Electric Light Orchestra's debut album, a company representative tried to place a call to someone connected with the band to find out what the LP should be titled. The caller, having failed to reach the desired party, jotted down the notation "no answer," a phrase which was mistaken for an album title and assigned to the U.S. version of the LP.
In 1967, CBS-TV attempted to turn Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant into the next Tom Jones. In fact, Plant recorded a lushly orchestrated Italian ballad called “Our Song.” It actually sold over 800 copies.
The longest title of an album that actually made the Billboard chart is by Fiona Apple. Made up of 90 words, the album is called -
"When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks Like a King What He Knows Throws the Blows When He Goes to the Fight and He'll Win the Whole Thing 'Fore He Enters the Ring There's No Body to Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might So When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand and Remember That Depth Is the Greatest of Heights and If You Know Where You Stand, Then You Know Where to Land and If You Fall It Won't Matter, Cuz You'll Know That You're Right"
The motel that was the scene of Janis Joplin's death in 1970 was right across the street from where Bobby Fuller died in 1966.
1950s crooner, Pat Boone is the great, great, great, great grandson of American frontier hero Daniel Boone.
Led Zeppelin founder Jimmy Page played as a session guitarist on Tom Jones’ 1965 hit, "It’s Not Unusual".
The world's first jukebox was installed at the Palais Royal Hotel in San Francisco on November 23rd, 1899. At a nickel per play, the machine earned nearly $1000 during the first six months of operation.
While upset about a girl who had just left him, Joe Rock wrote most of the lyrics to The Skyliners 1959 number one hit, "Since I Don’t Have You", while sitting in his car between stoplights.
In 1931, George Beauchamp and Adolph Rickenbacker designed and built the world's first electric guitar. Because of its odd shape, it was nicknamed 'Rickenbacker's Frying Pan'. The pair were granted a patent for their invention in 1937.
Paul McCartney originally wrote the first two lines of "I Saw Her Standing There" as "She was just seventeen, Never been a beauty queen." When he sang it for John Lennon, both realized that it was a poor rhyme. Finally, it was John who came up with "She was just seventeen, you know what I mean", which they knew was a perfect sexual innuendo for the song.
PS Audio GCPH Phono Preamplifier
I want to thank John over at http://www.audaud.com/index.php for the exclusive rights to reprint this great review!
AUDIOPHILE AUDITION focuses on recordings of interest to audiophiles and collectors, with an accent on surround sound for music, and on all hi-res disc formats. Over 100SACD, DVD Video/Audio and standard CD reviews are published during each month, and our archives go back to January 2001.
PS Audio GCPH Phono Preamplifier
Definitely worth your consideration if looking to spend around $1000 on a phono preamp.
Published on January 11, 2009
PS Audio GCPH Phono Preamplifier
SRP: $1000
PS Audio
4826 Sterling Drive
Boulder, CO 80301
720-406-8946 (voice)
720-406-8967 (fax)
www.psaudio.com
Basic Description
Phonograph preamplifier for MM and MC (gain 48/54/60/66 dB, 100/500/1K/47K impedance); front panel output gain adjust; mono switch; balanced design with balanced and single ended outputs; polarity switch; passive RIAA curve +/- .1 dB; auto subsonic filter; remote control (volume, phase, mono, mute); three-year warranty; 8.5” W x 2.75” H x 15.5” D (including knobs and jacks); 8.6 pounds.
Associated Equipment
Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable, Krell KAV-400i Integrated Amplifier, Whest TWO Phonostage (for comparison), Bowers and Wilkins 803S speakers, Audioquest cabling.
Setup, Testing and Description
As I mentioned in my Whest phonostage review, this preamplifier was one of the pieces that a friend had used to convert analog to digital and burn a comparison CD between four phono preamps. The Whest and the PS Audio were clear favorites. The PS Audio is $900 cheaper, built like a tank, offers remote control, switchable gain and loading right on the back of the unit, balanced outputs, polarity reversal and a mono switch. For those who intend to play older mono records (especially old jazz LPs) with a stereo cartridge the mono switch is a huge advantage and will produce better sound. Since reversing the polarity is so easy, you can always find out which way sounds best with each record and keep a record (pun intended) for the next time you play it My friend suggested reverse polarity on Harry Belafonte’s Belafonte at Carnegie Hall for instance.
The level control on the front of the unit allows the GCPH to be connected directly to an amplifier. As I was using an integrated amplifier I did not try this configuration although the amount of gain offered is more than sufficient to make this an option for some listeners.
The manual warns against locating the preamp near power amplifiers and other pieces which may induce noise in the component. I didn’t have any problems in my setup where the piece was positioned to the side of the turntable. If noise is an issue, try moving the preamp to another shelf away from the offending component.
When the unit is first powered up the volume control rotates to the lowest position to prevent any loud bursts of noise. After that it remains in its set position. At the recommendation of the manual (and my friend who experimented with volume setting) I left the control at the half way position. Halfway or the upper three quarters of the range are the recommended positions for the lowest noise levels. When doing comparisons between phono preamps it was convenient to be able to set levels using the control.
Connection of the input and output cables can be a bit confusing if you don’t pay attention to the labeling on the back panel of the GCPH. The channels are grouped together rather than by inputs and outputs. Also, the left output has a red ring around the connector and the right input has a white ring around the connector (usually signifying the reverse channel). I thought it might be a mistake on my unit, but I see in the manual that the back panel is pictured the same way—weird. The ground post is heavy duty and centered between the input jacks.
The gain and loading knobs are near the bottom, but it was easy enough to set them before and after the input and output connections were made. With the moving magnet cartridge that comes with the Marantz turntable (reviewed in November) I used the 48 dB setting and 47K ohms.
There is a power switch on the back, but I left the unit powered continuously during the time I listened to the PS Audio. As mentioned earlier, be forewarned that every time power is disrupted from the unit the volume will return to 0.
Sound
I used some of the same recordings I listened to with the Whest and I must say it was a very enlightening experience. Some of my initial impressions with both units changed as I listened to record after record.
With the same Eagles’ cut “One of These Nights” there were more high frequencies than with the Whest. This was not by the way of extension or air, but a sizzle, a shimmer, edge and/or grit to all the instruments. I wouldn’t go so far to call it an obvious distortion although it wasn’t there with the Whest. Some of these characteristics may have helped give the piece more presence and better vocal response. Bass was deeper/more powerful. Transient response was almost overdone and I struggle with the best way to articulate this characteristic as it wasn’t the improvement wrought by a good moving coil cartridge that makes things seem quicker even when they are not, but more of a change in dynamics and loudness. The definite areas of improvement were in image size and focus. It had more rock and roll and rhythm but in a way that many would term “hi-fi.”
With “Landslide” from Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled LP the PS Audio offered a richer presentation on guitar. Voice was bigger, more present/up-front and more focused. This cut sounded so good I wanted to sing along. There was no disguising any imperfections on the record including crackles, pops, and noise. The Whest is much more forgiving in this respect.
With “I’ve Seen All Good People” by Yes from The Yes Album and the Earl Klugh cut from Blue Note “Las Manos De Feugo” a pattern was starting to develop. The PS Audio was not as sweet or smooth, but offered deeper bass, more punch, and more drive. Images were more present and there was more distinct separation between them. The sound was more ‘there’ but lacked the ease and delicacy of the Whest. Another track that exhibited some of the same qualities was “Good Times” from Chic’s Greatest Hits. I wrote in my notes next to the GCPH—“good punch, bass, nice rhythm, clean voice, something added.” With the Whest the sound was lighter in weight; voice was laid back and blended more with the background sounds. It was a less involving sound, but less fatiguing as well.
I listened to a few tracks from The Beach Boys Endless Summer starting with “Surfer Girl.” The PS Audio had more bite and voices were more distinctive. With the Whest the tone of the music was served better—the sound was relaxed and I swayed with the music imagining my self on the warm sand. On “Don’t Worry Baby” it was just the opposite—voice was more remote on the Whest and it just lost the vibe. Here, the PS Audio’s more forceful sound was more along the lines how I believed the music should sound.
With newer recordings like the Pure Pleasure remaster of Keb’ Mo’s self-titled record, the PS Audio made the sound more alive and vocals had a greater sense of realism. There was an added richness to the sound across the entire band giving the impression of improved bass response, more prominent voice and strings, more edge, and a heavier/thicker sound. There is definitely something being added to the recording, but not enough to preclude a recommendation.
When I listened to “Material Girl” from Madonna’s Like a Virgin record through the PS Audio I couldn’t stop thinking how mediocre this LP sounded. It was compressed, edgy and flat. Bass was good, but overall the sound was crunchy and somewhat gritty. The Whest rendered the voice mellower which was an improvement with this record. High bell-like sounds were pleasant and tinkly (like they should be). Crackles, ticks and pops were not nearly as noticeable.
The Krell amplifier used in this review has never been thought of as a soft sounding amplifier A lot of people consider it to be on the brighter side of neutral and that contributed to some of the sound quality of the PS Audio. However, it just helped to bring into light some of the limitations with the GCPH. With “Low Down” from Boz Scaggs’ Silk Degrees record the sound with the PS Audio had too much sizzle and the music was just not entirely convincing. The Whest was much more relaxed and enjoyable to listen through. The cymbals had a chick-a, chick-a sound as opposed to the tick, tick, tick with the PS Audio.
Conclusion
Up to this point you might think I really hated the PS Audio, but that is not the case! While I had this unit under review one friend borrowed it for a couple of days and bought one soon after--he was that impressed. There is no denying its ease of use (remote, mono switch, polarity reversal, volume control, gain and loading knobs on the back, etc.) Build quality is excellent for its price and it shone in more than a few areas sonically. Bass response, dynamics, and presence were always impressive. Soundstaging was solid and dimensionality, focus, and depth were very good.
However, there was an artificial quality that would raise its ugly head and pull me out of my listening pleasure with some recordings. It would manifest itself as a thickness or make the music come across as forced and even sound like it were emphasizing particular frequency extremes. Ultimately (with an unlimited budget) I would not be happy with either the Whest or the PS Audio as they both have limitations, but given the price of the PS Audio you have to expect some shortcomings. In comparison with the lesser priced phono preamplifiers it clearly surpassed them. I haven’t heard anything at its price that sounded even close, so I continue my search…
-- Brian Bloom
AUDIOPHILE AUDITION focuses on recordings of interest to audiophiles and collectors, with an accent on surround sound for music, and on all hi-res disc formats. Over 100SACD, DVD Video/Audio and standard CD reviews are published during each month, and our archives go back to January 2001.
PS Audio GCPH Phono Preamplifier
Definitely worth your consideration if looking to spend around $1000 on a phono preamp.
Published on January 11, 2009
PS Audio GCPH Phono Preamplifier
SRP: $1000
PS Audio
4826 Sterling Drive
Boulder, CO 80301
720-406-8946 (voice)
720-406-8967 (fax)
www.psaudio.com
Basic Description
Phonograph preamplifier for MM and MC (gain 48/54/60/66 dB, 100/500/1K/47K impedance); front panel output gain adjust; mono switch; balanced design with balanced and single ended outputs; polarity switch; passive RIAA curve +/- .1 dB; auto subsonic filter; remote control (volume, phase, mono, mute); three-year warranty; 8.5” W x 2.75” H x 15.5” D (including knobs and jacks); 8.6 pounds.
Associated Equipment
Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable, Krell KAV-400i Integrated Amplifier, Whest TWO Phonostage (for comparison), Bowers and Wilkins 803S speakers, Audioquest cabling.
Setup, Testing and Description
As I mentioned in my Whest phonostage review, this preamplifier was one of the pieces that a friend had used to convert analog to digital and burn a comparison CD between four phono preamps. The Whest and the PS Audio were clear favorites. The PS Audio is $900 cheaper, built like a tank, offers remote control, switchable gain and loading right on the back of the unit, balanced outputs, polarity reversal and a mono switch. For those who intend to play older mono records (especially old jazz LPs) with a stereo cartridge the mono switch is a huge advantage and will produce better sound. Since reversing the polarity is so easy, you can always find out which way sounds best with each record and keep a record (pun intended) for the next time you play it My friend suggested reverse polarity on Harry Belafonte’s Belafonte at Carnegie Hall for instance.
The level control on the front of the unit allows the GCPH to be connected directly to an amplifier. As I was using an integrated amplifier I did not try this configuration although the amount of gain offered is more than sufficient to make this an option for some listeners.
The manual warns against locating the preamp near power amplifiers and other pieces which may induce noise in the component. I didn’t have any problems in my setup where the piece was positioned to the side of the turntable. If noise is an issue, try moving the preamp to another shelf away from the offending component.
When the unit is first powered up the volume control rotates to the lowest position to prevent any loud bursts of noise. After that it remains in its set position. At the recommendation of the manual (and my friend who experimented with volume setting) I left the control at the half way position. Halfway or the upper three quarters of the range are the recommended positions for the lowest noise levels. When doing comparisons between phono preamps it was convenient to be able to set levels using the control.
Connection of the input and output cables can be a bit confusing if you don’t pay attention to the labeling on the back panel of the GCPH. The channels are grouped together rather than by inputs and outputs. Also, the left output has a red ring around the connector and the right input has a white ring around the connector (usually signifying the reverse channel). I thought it might be a mistake on my unit, but I see in the manual that the back panel is pictured the same way—weird. The ground post is heavy duty and centered between the input jacks.
The gain and loading knobs are near the bottom, but it was easy enough to set them before and after the input and output connections were made. With the moving magnet cartridge that comes with the Marantz turntable (reviewed in November) I used the 48 dB setting and 47K ohms.
There is a power switch on the back, but I left the unit powered continuously during the time I listened to the PS Audio. As mentioned earlier, be forewarned that every time power is disrupted from the unit the volume will return to 0.
Sound
I used some of the same recordings I listened to with the Whest and I must say it was a very enlightening experience. Some of my initial impressions with both units changed as I listened to record after record.
With the same Eagles’ cut “One of These Nights” there were more high frequencies than with the Whest. This was not by the way of extension or air, but a sizzle, a shimmer, edge and/or grit to all the instruments. I wouldn’t go so far to call it an obvious distortion although it wasn’t there with the Whest. Some of these characteristics may have helped give the piece more presence and better vocal response. Bass was deeper/more powerful. Transient response was almost overdone and I struggle with the best way to articulate this characteristic as it wasn’t the improvement wrought by a good moving coil cartridge that makes things seem quicker even when they are not, but more of a change in dynamics and loudness. The definite areas of improvement were in image size and focus. It had more rock and roll and rhythm but in a way that many would term “hi-fi.”
With “Landslide” from Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled LP the PS Audio offered a richer presentation on guitar. Voice was bigger, more present/up-front and more focused. This cut sounded so good I wanted to sing along. There was no disguising any imperfections on the record including crackles, pops, and noise. The Whest is much more forgiving in this respect.
With “I’ve Seen All Good People” by Yes from The Yes Album and the Earl Klugh cut from Blue Note “Las Manos De Feugo” a pattern was starting to develop. The PS Audio was not as sweet or smooth, but offered deeper bass, more punch, and more drive. Images were more present and there was more distinct separation between them. The sound was more ‘there’ but lacked the ease and delicacy of the Whest. Another track that exhibited some of the same qualities was “Good Times” from Chic’s Greatest Hits. I wrote in my notes next to the GCPH—“good punch, bass, nice rhythm, clean voice, something added.” With the Whest the sound was lighter in weight; voice was laid back and blended more with the background sounds. It was a less involving sound, but less fatiguing as well.
I listened to a few tracks from The Beach Boys Endless Summer starting with “Surfer Girl.” The PS Audio had more bite and voices were more distinctive. With the Whest the tone of the music was served better—the sound was relaxed and I swayed with the music imagining my self on the warm sand. On “Don’t Worry Baby” it was just the opposite—voice was more remote on the Whest and it just lost the vibe. Here, the PS Audio’s more forceful sound was more along the lines how I believed the music should sound.
With newer recordings like the Pure Pleasure remaster of Keb’ Mo’s self-titled record, the PS Audio made the sound more alive and vocals had a greater sense of realism. There was an added richness to the sound across the entire band giving the impression of improved bass response, more prominent voice and strings, more edge, and a heavier/thicker sound. There is definitely something being added to the recording, but not enough to preclude a recommendation.
When I listened to “Material Girl” from Madonna’s Like a Virgin record through the PS Audio I couldn’t stop thinking how mediocre this LP sounded. It was compressed, edgy and flat. Bass was good, but overall the sound was crunchy and somewhat gritty. The Whest rendered the voice mellower which was an improvement with this record. High bell-like sounds were pleasant and tinkly (like they should be). Crackles, ticks and pops were not nearly as noticeable.
The Krell amplifier used in this review has never been thought of as a soft sounding amplifier A lot of people consider it to be on the brighter side of neutral and that contributed to some of the sound quality of the PS Audio. However, it just helped to bring into light some of the limitations with the GCPH. With “Low Down” from Boz Scaggs’ Silk Degrees record the sound with the PS Audio had too much sizzle and the music was just not entirely convincing. The Whest was much more relaxed and enjoyable to listen through. The cymbals had a chick-a, chick-a sound as opposed to the tick, tick, tick with the PS Audio.
Conclusion
Up to this point you might think I really hated the PS Audio, but that is not the case! While I had this unit under review one friend borrowed it for a couple of days and bought one soon after--he was that impressed. There is no denying its ease of use (remote, mono switch, polarity reversal, volume control, gain and loading knobs on the back, etc.) Build quality is excellent for its price and it shone in more than a few areas sonically. Bass response, dynamics, and presence were always impressive. Soundstaging was solid and dimensionality, focus, and depth were very good.
However, there was an artificial quality that would raise its ugly head and pull me out of my listening pleasure with some recordings. It would manifest itself as a thickness or make the music come across as forced and even sound like it were emphasizing particular frequency extremes. Ultimately (with an unlimited budget) I would not be happy with either the Whest or the PS Audio as they both have limitations, but given the price of the PS Audio you have to expect some shortcomings. In comparison with the lesser priced phono preamplifiers it clearly surpassed them. I haven’t heard anything at its price that sounded even close, so I continue my search…
-- Brian Bloom
Matador rep praises blogs, vinyl as business strategies
Matthew Blackwell
In this troubled economy, when just about every industry in America is on the verge of collapse, any scrap of sound business advice is worth savoring. And that goes double for the music industry, which also has to deal with the increasing obsolescence of its product. CD's are caught in a strange middle ground, with more convenient portable music devices on one side and better quality vinyl records on the other. So what are the options for a record label in this scenario?
According to Matador's Patrick Amory, its quite simple. You embrace the interactivity of Web 2.o, you embrace the quality of vinyl, and you stop pushing CD's so much. According to Amory, Matador's blog has doubled traffic to its website, and therefore increased business at its webstore. And if any labels out there are still stuck on the brick and mortar concept, Amory advises to go for vinyl. If customers are going to pay for a record, they want a quality product, and vinyl will beat out compact discs every time. So all those purists proselytizing about the resurgence of vinyl may have been making sound business sense after all.
SOURCE: http://www.prefixmag.com
In this troubled economy, when just about every industry in America is on the verge of collapse, any scrap of sound business advice is worth savoring. And that goes double for the music industry, which also has to deal with the increasing obsolescence of its product. CD's are caught in a strange middle ground, with more convenient portable music devices on one side and better quality vinyl records on the other. So what are the options for a record label in this scenario?
According to Matador's Patrick Amory, its quite simple. You embrace the interactivity of Web 2.o, you embrace the quality of vinyl, and you stop pushing CD's so much. According to Amory, Matador's blog has doubled traffic to its website, and therefore increased business at its webstore. And if any labels out there are still stuck on the brick and mortar concept, Amory advises to go for vinyl. If customers are going to pay for a record, they want a quality product, and vinyl will beat out compact discs every time. So all those purists proselytizing about the resurgence of vinyl may have been making sound business sense after all.
SOURCE: http://www.prefixmag.com
Friday, January 16, 2009
The poster that changed Orange County
MORNING READ: John Van Hamersveld wasn't searching for an endless summer, but maybe he found it
By TOM BERG
The Orange County Register
FIRST OF TWO PARTS
Back then, no one knew.
No one even suspected how huge this would be.
So in November, 1963, they made a little deal. In a Dana Point cafe. And it changed the face of Orange County.
One of the young men was a local filmmaker's assistant; the other an art student.
Can you make us a poster?
Sure.
The price was $150. Good money for a struggling student.
So John Van Hamersveld agreed to make a little poster for a little movie called "The Endless Summer."
"It was a, 'Hey-could-you-do-this?' thing," says Van Hamersveld, 67, of Santa Monica. "I had designed his business card and he liked it,"
Van Hamersveld had seen other posters around Dana Point for other movies made by Bruce Brown. They were low-budget surf movies; made with friends; and shown in high school gyms. No big deal.
That winter Van Hamersveld made his poster. And forgot about it. Until two years later when his classmates at Chouinard Art Institute in L.A. huddled around him:
Did you see it?
To read the rest of this intriguing article go to:
The poster that changed Orange County
Cover Art Gone Wrong
Ok, I know all about freedom of speech and artistic freedom, but where does it end? To use an image of a slain police officer as an album cover not only show a gutless disregard for human life, but a blatant disregard for the family and friends of the deceased officer.
I will not name the band, nor would I post the image, I feel that strongly about it. Sure, I have posted some images that some would find obscene; some naked images, some devil-type figures, and cartoon creatures- all part of album cover art. But this crosses a line, morally, spiritually and humanly; this isn't "art," it is an attempt of sensationalism that this group thinks will help sell their music.
Read the opinion of the newspaper as they try to justify their publishing of the photo. Then read the comments from their readers; there is much to be debated about this scenario. How could a record company allow this? How do these idiots think that this is appropriate? This in the name of art? You can count me as one of the people who thinks that this is unbelievable and just plain wrong; no matter what side you take.
Opinion
STORY
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/275938
Band's cover art shows shocking lack of sensitivity
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 01.15.2009
A Tucson punk-rock band has plumbed the depths of crassness and insensitivity by using the photo of a dying police officer as its album cover.
The actions of the band — which will not be named here as to not afford it further publicity — are repulsive and were rightly condemned this week by local police.
The Star's Alexis Huicochea reported Wednesday that the band, without permission, used an Arizona Daily Star photo from last year that showed Officer Erik Hite lying on the ground mortally wounded as two fellow officers rendered aid.
The band's lead singer told Huicochea that the album cover was an attempt at "dark humor."
We see nothing funny about the death of a police officer, and neither does the police force.
"What part of an officer giving his life is humorous?" Capt. Clayton Kidd, a Tucson police chief of staff, told Huicochea. "I ask for the community's support in recognizing this as an absolute disgrace to Officer Hite, who gave his life defending our community."
The band is probably relishing the attention.
It's a time-honored tradition for musical groups to do something controversial and anti-establishment to set themselves apart from the crowd and get rebellious peers interested in their music.
However, that doesn't make the band's actions any less callous and despicable.
The Star was roundly criticized by police and the community for publishing the photo in the first place.
The difference between the Star's use of the photo and the band's is that the paper used it to inform the public and to help tell the story of a major news event. The Star followed the story all the way — from the shooting to Hite's touching and memorable funeral services.
The band that will not be named is using the photo to promote its music and make money.
The band goes on to pay homage to "cop killers" on its album, mentioning John Montenegro Cruz, who killed Tucson Officer Patrick Hardesty in 2003, and David Delich, who is accused of killing Hite, Huicochea reported.
The band's actions are a violation of federal copyright law and MySpace has removed the image.
The band's members are not immature teenagers, but are grown men who should have the developed the sense to know right from wrong.
The band's singer says he does not apologize to anyone the group may have offended.
We can only hope band members somehow find their moral compass, apologize and stop using the photo. They're a punk-rock band, but they don't have to be punks.
71 Comments on this story
OPINIONS http://regulus2.azstarnet.com/comments/index.php?id=275938
I will not name the band, nor would I post the image, I feel that strongly about it. Sure, I have posted some images that some would find obscene; some naked images, some devil-type figures, and cartoon creatures- all part of album cover art. But this crosses a line, morally, spiritually and humanly; this isn't "art," it is an attempt of sensationalism that this group thinks will help sell their music.
Read the opinion of the newspaper as they try to justify their publishing of the photo. Then read the comments from their readers; there is much to be debated about this scenario. How could a record company allow this? How do these idiots think that this is appropriate? This in the name of art? You can count me as one of the people who thinks that this is unbelievable and just plain wrong; no matter what side you take.
Opinion
STORY
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/275938
Band's cover art shows shocking lack of sensitivity
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 01.15.2009
A Tucson punk-rock band has plumbed the depths of crassness and insensitivity by using the photo of a dying police officer as its album cover.
The actions of the band — which will not be named here as to not afford it further publicity — are repulsive and were rightly condemned this week by local police.
The Star's Alexis Huicochea reported Wednesday that the band, without permission, used an Arizona Daily Star photo from last year that showed Officer Erik Hite lying on the ground mortally wounded as two fellow officers rendered aid.
The band's lead singer told Huicochea that the album cover was an attempt at "dark humor."
We see nothing funny about the death of a police officer, and neither does the police force.
"What part of an officer giving his life is humorous?" Capt. Clayton Kidd, a Tucson police chief of staff, told Huicochea. "I ask for the community's support in recognizing this as an absolute disgrace to Officer Hite, who gave his life defending our community."
The band is probably relishing the attention.
It's a time-honored tradition for musical groups to do something controversial and anti-establishment to set themselves apart from the crowd and get rebellious peers interested in their music.
However, that doesn't make the band's actions any less callous and despicable.
The Star was roundly criticized by police and the community for publishing the photo in the first place.
The difference between the Star's use of the photo and the band's is that the paper used it to inform the public and to help tell the story of a major news event. The Star followed the story all the way — from the shooting to Hite's touching and memorable funeral services.
The band that will not be named is using the photo to promote its music and make money.
The band goes on to pay homage to "cop killers" on its album, mentioning John Montenegro Cruz, who killed Tucson Officer Patrick Hardesty in 2003, and David Delich, who is accused of killing Hite, Huicochea reported.
The band's actions are a violation of federal copyright law and MySpace has removed the image.
The band's members are not immature teenagers, but are grown men who should have the developed the sense to know right from wrong.
The band's singer says he does not apologize to anyone the group may have offended.
We can only hope band members somehow find their moral compass, apologize and stop using the photo. They're a punk-rock band, but they don't have to be punks.
71 Comments on this story
OPINIONS http://regulus2.azstarnet.com/comments/index.php?id=275938
Rock & Roll Tidbits
The bass drum head with the Beatles logo that Ringo Starr used during the band's first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show was bought by a memorabilia collector in the mid-1990s for around $50,000. By 2006, it's estimated value had risen to half-a-million dollars.
Jethro Tull's 1968 debut single, "Sunshine Day" was erroneously credited to Jethro Toe.
When Roberta Flack was awarded a gold record for her 1973, number one hit, "Killing Me Softly With His Song", she wanted to listen to her song etched in gold. She removed the disc from its frame and placed it on a turntable, only to hear "Come Softly to Me" by The Fleetwoods.
The studio musicians who recorded the music for many "bubblegum" hits credited to The 1910 Fruitgum Company, The Ohio Express and many others, were actually former members of The Shadows of Knight, who had a hit of their own with "Gloria".
In February and March, 1964, The Beatles sold 60% of all the records sold in the U.S.
The first recording that Ray Charles made was called "Confession Blues", but at the time of the session, the American Federation Of Musicians was on strike. The violation cost Ray $600 and left him penniless.
For their first two appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Beatles were paid just $3500 per show. The expenses alone to bring them to America totaled over $50,000, which was paid for by their manager, Brian Epstein.
When record executives at RCA gave a song called "Rock and Roll Waltz" to Kay Starr, she thought they must have been kidding, as rock and roll was still frowned upon by serious musicians. After many arguments, RCA still insisted that she record the song. Their hunch proved to be a good one as the record went to number 1 in the US in February, 1956.
Carl Perkins, the rockabilly pioneer who wrote Elvis Presley's hit, "Blue Suede Shoes", was a sharecropper's son who learned to play music on a guitar fashioned from a cigar box and broomstick.
In the late 70’s, while at a stadium show in Toronto, the members of Aerosmith actually boarded limousines to travel the one hundred yards from their dressing rooms to the stage.
Beach Boy Carl Wilson got so excited the first time one of their songs was played on the radio-that he threw up when he heard the song.
The Odeon label was created in Germany in 1904 by the International Talking Machine Company. Odeon pioneered something they called the "album" in 1909 when it released the "Nutcracker Suite" by Tchaikovsky on four double-sided discs in a specially designed package.
Dion DiMucci of Dion and The Belmonts was a part of 1959's Winter Dance Party with Buddy Holly. When Buddy suggested that Dion fly with him after their show at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, on February 2nd, Dion declined because he didn't want to spend the extra money. It was a decision that saved his life.
Buddy Holly and The Crickets recorded their hit "Maybe Baby" in the officer's club at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.
The publishing rights to most of Buddy Holly's songs are owned by Paul McCartney.
The first time that Don McLean performed "American Pie" on stage, it didn't get a very good response from the audience. McLean would later remark that "People didn't know what the hell I was singing about."
Jimmy Hart, one of the original members of The Gentrys, who scored a US number 4 hit with "Keep On Dancin" in 1965, went on to become a popular wrestling character in the WWF, calling himself the "Mouth of the South".
The popular 1970s group, Super Tramp, turned down a five million dollar offer from the Greyhound corporation to use their song "Take The Long Way Home" in bus commercials.
Including Ringo, there have been at least five drummers for The Beatles. Norman Chapman (for the Silver Beatles), Tommy Moore, Pete Best and Jimmy Nichol.
Jethro Tull's 1968 debut single, "Sunshine Day" was erroneously credited to Jethro Toe.
When Roberta Flack was awarded a gold record for her 1973, number one hit, "Killing Me Softly With His Song", she wanted to listen to her song etched in gold. She removed the disc from its frame and placed it on a turntable, only to hear "Come Softly to Me" by The Fleetwoods.
The studio musicians who recorded the music for many "bubblegum" hits credited to The 1910 Fruitgum Company, The Ohio Express and many others, were actually former members of The Shadows of Knight, who had a hit of their own with "Gloria".
In February and March, 1964, The Beatles sold 60% of all the records sold in the U.S.
The first recording that Ray Charles made was called "Confession Blues", but at the time of the session, the American Federation Of Musicians was on strike. The violation cost Ray $600 and left him penniless.
For their first two appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Beatles were paid just $3500 per show. The expenses alone to bring them to America totaled over $50,000, which was paid for by their manager, Brian Epstein.
When record executives at RCA gave a song called "Rock and Roll Waltz" to Kay Starr, she thought they must have been kidding, as rock and roll was still frowned upon by serious musicians. After many arguments, RCA still insisted that she record the song. Their hunch proved to be a good one as the record went to number 1 in the US in February, 1956.
Carl Perkins, the rockabilly pioneer who wrote Elvis Presley's hit, "Blue Suede Shoes", was a sharecropper's son who learned to play music on a guitar fashioned from a cigar box and broomstick.
In the late 70’s, while at a stadium show in Toronto, the members of Aerosmith actually boarded limousines to travel the one hundred yards from their dressing rooms to the stage.
Beach Boy Carl Wilson got so excited the first time one of their songs was played on the radio-that he threw up when he heard the song.
The Odeon label was created in Germany in 1904 by the International Talking Machine Company. Odeon pioneered something they called the "album" in 1909 when it released the "Nutcracker Suite" by Tchaikovsky on four double-sided discs in a specially designed package.
Dion DiMucci of Dion and The Belmonts was a part of 1959's Winter Dance Party with Buddy Holly. When Buddy suggested that Dion fly with him after their show at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, on February 2nd, Dion declined because he didn't want to spend the extra money. It was a decision that saved his life.
Buddy Holly and The Crickets recorded their hit "Maybe Baby" in the officer's club at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.
The publishing rights to most of Buddy Holly's songs are owned by Paul McCartney.
The first time that Don McLean performed "American Pie" on stage, it didn't get a very good response from the audience. McLean would later remark that "People didn't know what the hell I was singing about."
Jimmy Hart, one of the original members of The Gentrys, who scored a US number 4 hit with "Keep On Dancin" in 1965, went on to become a popular wrestling character in the WWF, calling himself the "Mouth of the South".
The popular 1970s group, Super Tramp, turned down a five million dollar offer from the Greyhound corporation to use their song "Take The Long Way Home" in bus commercials.
Including Ringo, there have been at least five drummers for The Beatles. Norman Chapman (for the Silver Beatles), Tommy Moore, Pete Best and Jimmy Nichol.
Worst Album Covers Of 2008
Yesterday we looked at Gigwise.com's list of their best album covers for 2008. Today we explore what made their list for the worst album covers for 2008 (only the top 5, to see the rest of this amazing list go to): Gigwise-worst Covers 2008
5. The Superimposers: 'Harpsichord Treacle' – Looking like it was knocked up on Paintshop on the Amiga twenty years ago by a blind man with no hands or limbs, there are absolutely no redeeming features about this record cover.
4. The Dodos: 'Visiter' – Taking minimalism to the extreme, San Francisco's The Dodos adorned their third studio album with a yellow blob and the word 'visitor' scribbled on in crayon. A truly terrible album cover.
3. Manda Rin: 'My DNA' – The former Bis singer has enjoyed limited success since the demise of her band a few years back. They say you can't judge a book by its cover, but would you buy this album after seeing this wretched front cover?
2. LL Cool J: 'Exit 13' – Tacky as hell, preposterous and overblown, the image of a giant microphone smashing into a highway is laughably bad. Widely panned by the critics, the artwork fits in perfectly with the music, then.
1. Guns N Roses: 'Chinese Democracy' – A rusty, battered old bike with a massive wicker basket on a run-down street, it's like something out of a Hovis advert! (a TV commercial set it the nineteenth century northern England for those American readers out there). The sleeve had people guffawing when it was first unveiled earlier this year and it still raises a laugh now.
5. The Superimposers: 'Harpsichord Treacle' – Looking like it was knocked up on Paintshop on the Amiga twenty years ago by a blind man with no hands or limbs, there are absolutely no redeeming features about this record cover.
4. The Dodos: 'Visiter' – Taking minimalism to the extreme, San Francisco's The Dodos adorned their third studio album with a yellow blob and the word 'visitor' scribbled on in crayon. A truly terrible album cover.
3. Manda Rin: 'My DNA' – The former Bis singer has enjoyed limited success since the demise of her band a few years back. They say you can't judge a book by its cover, but would you buy this album after seeing this wretched front cover?
2. LL Cool J: 'Exit 13' – Tacky as hell, preposterous and overblown, the image of a giant microphone smashing into a highway is laughably bad. Widely panned by the critics, the artwork fits in perfectly with the music, then.
1. Guns N Roses: 'Chinese Democracy' – A rusty, battered old bike with a massive wicker basket on a run-down street, it's like something out of a Hovis advert! (a TV commercial set it the nineteenth century northern England for those American readers out there). The sleeve had people guffawing when it was first unveiled earlier this year and it still raises a laugh now.
Music News & Notes
Details of Jon Snodgrass's new album revealed
By Dave Herrera
Jon Snodgrass, one-half of the almighty Drag the River, is preparing to release his debut solo effort. The album, Visitor's Band, which is slated for release on Tuesday, February 4, on Suburban Home Records, features a slew of guests including, Two Cow Garage, Chad Rex, Joey Erg, Chris Pierce and Eric Powers, among others. According to label owner Virgil Dickerson, the tracks melds the "hard-edged rock you expect from Armchair Martian," Snodgrass's previous band, with "the more rootsy sounds you might expect to hear with Drag the River."
Last week, we debuted a track from the record called "Remember My Name" on Mile Hi-Fidelity and have had the chance to listen to the rest of the disc. Needless to say, Dickerson's assessment is pretty spot on.
Visitor's Band will be available on disc and vinyl -- 300 copies on black vinyl and 700 on clear vinyl -- and Dickerson reports that he's currently trying to get Snodgrass to co-sign a batch of new merch, in particular, a shirt with his face above the slogan, "What would Jon Do?" So far he's not having much luck. Ditto a "What would Jon drink" pint glass.
And just in case you couldn't get enough Drag in your diet, the band is also preparing to issue a new release with a title that is bound to continue to confound fans regarding the band's status. Broke up? Not broke up? That disc, fittingly titled Bad at Breaking Up, will reportedly contain tracks that were previously only available on 7-inch vinyl, B-sides and tunes from the group's split with the Dents.
If all that sounds good to you, head over to the Suburban Home website to listen to tracks from Jon's new record and to pre-order both releases. If you're one of the first 1,000 folks to purchase the Drag disc, you'll get your hands on a Drag the River guitar pick. In the meantime, here's the full tracklisting for Visitor's Band.
Track Listing:
1. Brave With Strangers
2. Thru The Fan
3. Remember My Name
4. Song For Jake Nichols To Sing
5. Finally
6. Fast In Last
7. Long Way Found
8. Fast One Sloe
9. Not That Rad
10. Murderfield
11. Visitor's Band
---------------------------------------------
Jamey Johnson Releasing Vinyl LP, Appearing on Tonight Show
Jamey Johnson will release a vinyl LP version of his Mercury album, That Lonesome Song on Jan. 27 and has scheduled a Feb. 5 appearance on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. Johnson has received three nominations at the Grammy Awards show taking place Feb. 8 in Los Angeles. That Lonesome Song is up for best country album, and one of the tracks, "In Color," is nominated for best male country vocal performance and best country song. Johnson co-wrote the song with Lee Thomas Miller and James Otto. Johnson says, "The critical acclaim for the album and the Grammy nominations are so cool, but what has been the most overwhelming thing for me so far is when we're playing live and the crowd sings every word of 'In Color' back to us. As a songwriter, I can't even explain what that feels like."
---------------------------------------------
News - Minus the Bear Release "Acoustics" on Vinyl
"Minus the Bear is excited to announce the release of "Acoustics," an exclusive seven-track EP, available from Suicide Squeeze in a limited edition run. "Acoustics," couples newly recorded acoustic versions of fan favorites from the Seattle quintet's prolific career with a new track, entitled, "Guns & Ammo." Originally released as a tour-only CD - during the band's 2008 headlining tour - this is the first time "Acoustics" will be available on vinyl, in stores, anywhere. Limited to 5000 copies pressed to baby-blue/crème wax. Order your copy from Virgil over at www.vinylcollective.com
Track Listing for Acoustics EP: Release Date Feb 17
Guns & Ammo
We Are Not a Football Team
Burying Luck
Knights
Pachuca Sunrise
Throwin’ Shapes
Ice Monster
---------------------------------------------
Get Up Kids Release
Doghouse Records has announced plans to reissue the Get Up Kids favorite, Something To Write Home About, on vinyl next month. The CD was released ten years ago, on Vagrant Records. Doghouse is promising that only 2000 copies will be made available and that they will be pressed on Opaque Purple vinyl. The record is due out February 17, 2009. The disc is the second in a series of vinyl reissues that Doghouse has begun. The label released 1997's Four Minute Mile in December.
By Dave Herrera
Jon Snodgrass, one-half of the almighty Drag the River, is preparing to release his debut solo effort. The album, Visitor's Band, which is slated for release on Tuesday, February 4, on Suburban Home Records, features a slew of guests including, Two Cow Garage, Chad Rex, Joey Erg, Chris Pierce and Eric Powers, among others. According to label owner Virgil Dickerson, the tracks melds the "hard-edged rock you expect from Armchair Martian," Snodgrass's previous band, with "the more rootsy sounds you might expect to hear with Drag the River."
Last week, we debuted a track from the record called "Remember My Name" on Mile Hi-Fidelity and have had the chance to listen to the rest of the disc. Needless to say, Dickerson's assessment is pretty spot on.
Visitor's Band will be available on disc and vinyl -- 300 copies on black vinyl and 700 on clear vinyl -- and Dickerson reports that he's currently trying to get Snodgrass to co-sign a batch of new merch, in particular, a shirt with his face above the slogan, "What would Jon Do?" So far he's not having much luck. Ditto a "What would Jon drink" pint glass.
And just in case you couldn't get enough Drag in your diet, the band is also preparing to issue a new release with a title that is bound to continue to confound fans regarding the band's status. Broke up? Not broke up? That disc, fittingly titled Bad at Breaking Up, will reportedly contain tracks that were previously only available on 7-inch vinyl, B-sides and tunes from the group's split with the Dents.
If all that sounds good to you, head over to the Suburban Home website to listen to tracks from Jon's new record and to pre-order both releases. If you're one of the first 1,000 folks to purchase the Drag disc, you'll get your hands on a Drag the River guitar pick. In the meantime, here's the full tracklisting for Visitor's Band.
Track Listing:
1. Brave With Strangers
2. Thru The Fan
3. Remember My Name
4. Song For Jake Nichols To Sing
5. Finally
6. Fast In Last
7. Long Way Found
8. Fast One Sloe
9. Not That Rad
10. Murderfield
11. Visitor's Band
---------------------------------------------
Jamey Johnson Releasing Vinyl LP, Appearing on Tonight Show
Jamey Johnson will release a vinyl LP version of his Mercury album, That Lonesome Song on Jan. 27 and has scheduled a Feb. 5 appearance on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. Johnson has received three nominations at the Grammy Awards show taking place Feb. 8 in Los Angeles. That Lonesome Song is up for best country album, and one of the tracks, "In Color," is nominated for best male country vocal performance and best country song. Johnson co-wrote the song with Lee Thomas Miller and James Otto. Johnson says, "The critical acclaim for the album and the Grammy nominations are so cool, but what has been the most overwhelming thing for me so far is when we're playing live and the crowd sings every word of 'In Color' back to us. As a songwriter, I can't even explain what that feels like."
---------------------------------------------
News - Minus the Bear Release "Acoustics" on Vinyl
"Minus the Bear is excited to announce the release of "Acoustics," an exclusive seven-track EP, available from Suicide Squeeze in a limited edition run. "Acoustics," couples newly recorded acoustic versions of fan favorites from the Seattle quintet's prolific career with a new track, entitled, "Guns & Ammo." Originally released as a tour-only CD - during the band's 2008 headlining tour - this is the first time "Acoustics" will be available on vinyl, in stores, anywhere. Limited to 5000 copies pressed to baby-blue/crème wax. Order your copy from Virgil over at www.vinylcollective.com
Track Listing for Acoustics EP: Release Date Feb 17
Guns & Ammo
We Are Not a Football Team
Burying Luck
Knights
Pachuca Sunrise
Throwin’ Shapes
Ice Monster
---------------------------------------------
Get Up Kids Release
Doghouse Records has announced plans to reissue the Get Up Kids favorite, Something To Write Home About, on vinyl next month. The CD was released ten years ago, on Vagrant Records. Doghouse is promising that only 2000 copies will be made available and that they will be pressed on Opaque Purple vinyl. The record is due out February 17, 2009. The disc is the second in a series of vinyl reissues that Doghouse has begun. The label released 1997's Four Minute Mile in December.
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