Sunday April 12
Pat Travers- (1954)
Vince Gill (1957)
Al Jarreau (1940)
Will Sergeant - Echo & The Bunnymen (1958)
Guy Berryman – Coldplay (1978)
Art Alexakis - Everclear (1962)
Amy Ray - Indigo Girls (1964)
Sean Welch - The Beautiful South (1965)
Brendon Urie - Panic at the Disco (1987)
Montserrat Caballe - Opera singer (1933)
Herbie Hancock - Jazz/fusion musician, composer (1940)
John Kay – Steppenwolf (1944)
David Cassidy - The Partridge Family (1950)
In 1975, legendary singer Josephine Baker died in France several days after a massive stroke at age 68.
Boxcar Willie died at age 67 in 1999. The country singer's real name was Lecil Travis Martin and his hobo character was known around the world.
The late Tiny Tim ("Tiptoe Thru The Tulips") was born in 1930.
The late Billy Vaughn ("Sail Along Silvery Moon") was born in 1919.
"Dead Man's Curve" almost comes true for Jan Berry of Jan & Dean as he crashed his car on that stretch of Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood in 1966.
Bill Haley recorded 'Rock Around The Clock' at Pythian Temple studios in New York City in 1954. Considered by many to be the song that put rock and roll on the map around the world. The song was used over the opening titles for the film 'Blackboard Jungle', and went on to be a world-wide #1 and the biggest selling pop single with sales over 25 million. Written by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers, 'Rock Around The Clock' was first recorded by Italian-American band Sonny Dae and His Knights.
Big Joe Turner's "Shake, Rattle And Roll" was released in 1954.
"Louie Louie Day" was held in Olympia, Washington in 1984 as an unsuccessful attempt is made to make it the official state song.
In 1963, Bob Dylan performed his first major solo concert at Town Hall in New York City. A Billboard reviewer says Dylan is the "stuff of which legends are made…His talent will be around for a long, long time."
In 1990, the International Astronomical Union announces that four asteroids discovered in ’83 and ’84 have been named Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starr. They are asteroids 4147 – 4150 respectively. I did not know that…..
Life magazine does a story on The Doors in 1968 but, like so many others, it focuses on Jim Morrison. They push the singer’s myth right over the top with the quote “he appears in public and on his records to be moody, temperamental, enchanted in the mind and extremely stoned on something.”
Simon & Garfunkel's "The Boxer" was released in 1969.
USA for Africa's "We Are The World" album was released in 1985.
In 2000, Metallica filed suit against Napster, the University of Southern California, Yale University and Indiana University for copyright infringement, unlawful use of digital audio interface device and violations of the Racketeering Influenced & Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
Monday April 13
Lester Chambers - The Chambers Brothers (1940)
Bill Conti - Composer (1942)
Aaron Lewis- Staind (1972)
Brian Pendleton - The Pretty Things (1944)
Jack Casady - Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna (1944)
Lowell George - Little Feat (1945)
Hillel Slovak - Red Hot Chili Peppers (1962)
Al Green (1946)
Peabo Bryson (1951)
Max Weinberg - E Street Band (1951)
Jimmy Destri – Blondie (1954)
Folk singer Burl Ives died at age 85 in 1995. He was the face of folk music in the late 1950s. As an actor he played Big Daddy in the 1958 movie Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and narrated the Christmas TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
In 2005, rock 'n' roll pianist Johnnie Johnson died (age 80) in St. Louis. A member of Chuck Berry's band, Johnson co-composed many of Berry's seminal hits and was the inspiration for the anthem "Johnny B. Goode."
In 1967, the Rolling Stones played in Warsaw, Germany - their first gig behind the Iron Curtain. When people without tickets crashed the venue, police dispersed them with tear gas.
The Beatles were named Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards in 1965. There’s a surprise…..
Elton John went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1974 with 'Bennie And The Jets', his second US #1 (#37 in the UK).
Paul McCartney's 'Band On The Run', went to #1 on the US album charts in 1974. McCartney's third US #1, which went on to sell over 6 million copies world-wide
Rage Against The Machine appeared on NBC's Saturday Night Live in 1996. Their two-song performance was cut to one song when the band attempted to hang inverted American flags from their amplifiers.
In 1997, the Notorious B.I.G. was at #1 on the US album charts with 'Life After Death.'
In 1971, the Rolling Stones released "Brown Sugar" the first record on their own label, Rolling Stones Records.
The Broadway musical "Grease" closed after 3,883 performances in 1980.
The single "We Are the World" hit #1 in the U.S. in 1985.
Bobby Goldsboro started a five week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1968 with 'Honey', it made #2 on the UK chart and also #2 when re- issued in 1975.
"The Grand Ole Opry" debuted on television in 1985.
Tuesday April 14
DaBrat (1974)
John Bell - Widespread Panic (1962)
Ritchie Blackmore - Deep Purple (1945)
Loretta Lynn (1935)
Buddy Knox (1933)
Martyn Le Noble - Porno For Pyros (1965)
Win Butler - Arcade Fire (1980)
Larry Ferguson - Hot Chocolate (1948) (1975 US #3 single 'You Sexy Thing')
Dennis Bryon, Amen Corner (1949)
Tony Burrows, singer, Edison Lighthouse (1942) (1970 UK #1 single 'Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes'). Holds the record for having four records in the British Top Ten at once, all under different names. Edison Lighthouse ‘Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes), White Plains, ‘My Baby Loves Lovin', The Pipkins ‘Gimme Dat Ding,’ and the Brotherhood of Man's ‘United We Stand,’ all of which were hits in both the US and UK.
The Pretenders bass player Pete Farndon died from a drug overdose in 1983. He was sacked from the group on June 14th 1982, (two days before Pretenders guitarist James Honeyman-Scott was found dead of heart failure).
Farndon was in the midst of forming a new band with former Clash drummer Topper Headon when he died.
Thurston Harris ("Little Bitty Pretty One") died of a heart attack in 1990.
Don Ho ("Tiny Bubbles") died of heart failure in 2007.
Madonna scored her seventh US #1 single in 1990 with “Vogue,” also a UK #1 hit.
Kurt Cobain was cremated at the Bleitz Funeral Home, Seattle in 1994. The death certificate listed Cobain's occupation as Poet/Musician and his type of business as Punk Rock.
The Bee Gees released their first English single in 1967, "New York Mining Disaster 1941.” It was released with a promotional slogan announcing 'The most significant talent since The Beatles'. The record became a Top 20 hit in the UK and US.
Fats Domino's "Ain't That A Shame" was released in 1955.
In 1980, a New Jersey state assemblyman introduced a resolution to make Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" the official state song.
Tom Petty released his first solo album "Full Moon Fever" in 1989.
The Beatles were introduced to the Rolling Stones for the first time backstage in Richmond, England in 1963. George Harrison says he's particularly impressed by the unsigned band's performance.
Led Zeppelin started a two-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1973 with 'Houses Of The Holy', also a #1 in the UK. The young girl featured on the cover of the album climbing naked up Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland was Samantha Gates, who was 6 years old at the time of the photo shoot. Iconic cover or kiddie porn?
In 1967, Country Joe & the Fish performed at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park on the eve on a Vietnam War protest march. The next day 100,000 people would march to Kezar Stadium to hear Vietnam vet David Duncan speak.
In 1969, the recording of 'The Ballad Of John and Yoko' took place, with just two Beatles, Paul McCartney and John Lennon. Paul played bass, drums and piano with John on guitars and lead vocals.
The final "Where The Action Is" aired on ABC-TV in 1967.
The Beatles recorded "Paperback Writer" in 1966.
Wednesday April 15
Linda Perry- 4 Non Blondes (1965)
Samantha Fox (1966)
Graeme Clark - Wet Wet Wet (1966)
Ed O'Brien – Radiohead (1968)
Pete Shelley – Buzzcocks (1955)
Allan Clarke – Hollies (1942)
Roy Clark ("Yesteday, When I Was Young") turns 76.
Dave Edmunds (1944)
Bessie Smith - Blues singer (1894)
In 2001, punk pioneer Joey Ramone (Jeffrey Ross Hyman) singer of The Ramones died after losing a long battle with lymphatic cancer (age 49).
John Fred ("Judy In Disguise") died in 2005 after being hospitalized with kidney problems.
Nancy Sinatra and Frank Sinatra started a four week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1967 with 'Somethin' Stupid'. They became the only father and daughter act ever to score a #1 single.
Roberta Flack started a six week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1972 with the Ewan MacColl song 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face'.
The Buffalo Springfield performed for the first time in 1966, opening for the Byrds in San Bernardino, California.
Buddy Holly's Fender Stratocaster guitar was stolen at a St. Louis, Missouri concert in 1958.
Aretha Franklin recorded "Think" in 1968.
In 1971, the Beatles won an Oscar for Best Film Music (Original Song Score) for the Paul McCartney-penned "Let It Be."
Also in 1971, Rolling Stone announced that the Illinois Crime Commission had compiled a list of "drug-oriented rock records." The list included Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" and Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade of Pale." No “Snoopy vs.the Red Baron?”
Topping the singles charts in 1971 were Tony Orlando & Dawn with the shamelessly sentimental "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree." And we still do that……
Jerry Garcia's ashes were scattered near San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge in 1996. A portion of the remains of the Grateful Dead guitarist had already been deposited into the Ganges in India.
Thursday April 16
Dan Rieser - Marcy Playground (1966)
Jimmy Osmond -The Osmonds (the youngest Osmond 1963)
David Pirner - Soul Asylum (1964)
Bill Spooner - The Tubes (1949)
Herbie Mann - jazz flautist (1930)
Born on this day in 1929, US singer Roy Hamilton, had the 1955 US No.6 single 'Unchained Melody.' Died of a stroke on 29th July 1969.
The late Henry Mancini ("Moon River") was born in 1924.
Born on this day in 1939 , Dusty Springfield, UK singer who had her first UK hit single in 1963 with ‘I Only Want To Be With You’, which reached #4, a 1966 UK #1 & US #4 single with 'You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’ plus over 15 other UK Top 40 singles. She died on March 3rd 1999.
Skip Spence, an original member of Jefferson Airplane and founding member of Moby Grape, died of lung cancer in a San Francisco hospital in 1999 (age 52). He had battled schizophrenia and alcoholism.
Born on this day in 1971, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, best known as Selena, Mexican American singer "the queen of Tejano music.” Her album Selena Live! won a Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album at the 36th Grammy Awards. Yolanda Saldívar the president of her fan club, murdered her on March 31, 1995. Warner Brothers made a film based on her life starring Jennifer Lopez in 1997.
Buddy Holly released his first single, "Blue Days, Black Nights" in 1956.
The Rolling Stones first album was released in the UK in 1964, it went to #1 two weeks later and stayed on the chart for 40 weeks, with 11 weeks at #1.
Paul McCartney headlined a concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 1993 to celebrate 'Earth Day' along with Ringo Starr, Don Henley and Steve Miller.
McCartney had last performed there as a member of the Beatles in 1965.
Desmond Dekker and the Aces were at #1 on the UK singles chart in 1969 with 'The Israelites', making Dekker the first Jamaican artist to have an UK #1 single.
The Electric Light Orchestra played their first live show in England in 1972.
Paul McCartney appeared in the TV special James Paul McCartney with his wife, Linda, and his band Wings in 1973.
In 1977, Fleetwood Mac released "Dreams," which becames their first chart-topping single.
The first U.S. Hollies concert was at New York's Paramount Theatre in 1965.
The first U.S. Queen concert was at Regis College in Denver, Colorado in 1974.
Dean Martin recorded "Everybody Loves Somebody" in 1964.
Friday April 17
Victoria Beckham - Posh Spice (1974)
Michael Sembello - guitarist, singer (1954)
Billy Fury was born in Liverpool, England in 1941. Molded by his manager as a British Elvis, Fury, with his suggestive stage presence and raw delivery, was an immeasurable influence on groups like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
Liz Phair - Singer, songwriter (1967)
Born on this day in 1967, Matt Chamberlain one of the world's most widely-heard session drummers. Worked with, Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, Pearl Jam, Tori Amos, Morrissey, Fiona Apple, Christina Aguilera, Dido, David Bowie, Elton John, Peter Gabriel, The Wallflowers, Natalie Merchant, Robbie Williams, Kanye West, Garbage, John Mayer and William Shatner.
Pete Shelley (McNeish) - The Buzzcocks (1955)
Don Kirshner - Music publisher, created The Monkees (1934) He was responsible for giving Neil Diamond, Neil Sedaka, and Carole King early writing jobs.
James Keenan - Tool (1964)
In 1983, Felix Pappalardi died at age 41 after being shot by his wife in their New York apartment. The producer worked on records by Cream, Hot Tuna, Mountain, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Earl King the New Orleans Blues guitarist died in 2003 (age 69). King wrote the classic song Come On, (Let The Good Times Roll), covered by Jimi Hendrix.
Linda McCartney died after a long battle against cancer in 1998. Married Paul McCartney in 1969 when she was working as a photographer. As well as a being a member of Wings, she became an animal rights campaigner and launched her own brand of vegetarian food.
Reggae drummer and percussion player Carlton Barrett of The Wailers was shot dead outside his house in Kingston, Jamaica in 1987. Joined Bob Marley and The Wailers in 1970, wrote the Marley song ‘War.’ Barrett was the originator of the one-drop rhythm, a percussive drumming style.
While on tour in the UK in 1960, 21-year-old US singer Eddie Cochran was killed when the taxi he was traveling in crashed into a lamppost on Rowden Hill, Chippenham, Wiltshire, (where a plaque now commemorates the event). Songwriter Sharon Sheeley and singer Gene Vincent survived the crash, Cochran's current hit at the time was 'Three Steps to Heaven'.
In 1974, Vinnie Taylor guitarist with the rock 'n roll revival band Sha Na Na was found dead in a Holiday Inn hotel room in Charlottesville, Virginia from a drug overdose. Sha Na Na played at the Woodstock Festival, their 90-second appearance in the Woodstock film brought the group national attention.
Bob Dylan's debut album 'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan' was at #1 on the UK chart in 1965.
In 1971, all four Beatles had solo singles in the UK charts, Paul McCartney with 'Another Day', John Lennon, 'Power To The People', George Harrison, 'My Sweet Lord' and Ringo Starr, 'It Don't Come Easy.'
Appearing at the OK Hotel in Seattle in 1991, Nirvana played ‘Smell’s Like Teen Spirit’ live for the first time.
Them made their first concert appearance in 1964. Leading the band Them, an 18-year-old Van Morrison rocks the Maritime Hotel, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is the group's debut performance.
The Beach Boys' "Help Me Rhonda" was released in 1965.
Iron Maiden's "The Number of the Beast" was #1 on the British albums chart in 1982.
Paul McCartney released his first post-Beatles solo album, McCartne in 1970.
The versatile musician played every instrument of the wonderous lo-fi recording.
A British fan who claims he caught the flu off of Beatle Paul McCartney attempted to auction off the germ on eBay in 2003. Brilliant…..
In 2004, Kurt Cobain's right-handed 1960's Mosrite Gospel Mark IV guitar sold at an auction for $117,500. At the same sale, the piano on which Elton John wrote "Your Song" sold for $164,500.
In 2002, music weekly The NME published a list of the 50 most influential icons. At No.10, Public Enemy, 9, U2, 8, The Jam, 7, Radiohead, 6, Oasis, 5, The Sex Pistols, 4, David Bowie, 3, The Stone Roses, 2, The Beatles and No.1 The Smiths. No Rolling Stones or Dylan?
In Washington's FBI lab reported it cannot determine the lyrics to "Louie Louie.” We still don’t know the words….
Ricky Nelson recorded "Poor Little Fool" in 1958.
Pink Floyd's album 'The Dark Side of the Moon' went gold in the US in 1973.
The LP went on to stay in the charts for more than ten years and became the longest charting rock record of all time.
Saturday April 18
Greg Eklund - Everclear (1970)
Mark 'Bez' Berry - Happy Mondays (1964)
Mark Tremonti – Creed (1974)
Glen D.Hardin - The Crickets (1939)
Mike Vickers - Manfred Mann (1942)
Hayley Mills ("Let's Get Together") is 63
Les Pattinson - Echo and the Bunnymen (1958)
Mike Vickers 1941 - Musician (Manfred Mann)
Bernard Edwards bass guitarist and producer from Chic, died of pneumonia in a Tokyo Hotel room while touring Japan in 1996. He also worked with ABC, Power Station, Sister Sledge, Sheila and B. Devotion, Diana Ross, Johnny Mathis, Debbie Harry, Air Supply, and Rod Stewart.
Alexander "Skip" Spence - Moby Grape, Jefferson Airplane (1946) Died April 16, 1999.
Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown was born in Vinton, Louisiana in 1924. The musician got his name from a high school teacher who said he had a "voice like a gate." He's since become a legend in Texas music.
Gene Autry recorded "Back in the Saddle Again" in 1939.
Alice Cooper's first TV special, "Welcome To My Nightmare: The Making Of A Record Album" aired in 1975.
In 1981, Yes announced its break-up after 13 years.
Michael Jackson went into surgery in Los Angeles in 1984. Doctors performed scalp surgery to repair damage done after Jackson's hair caught fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial on January 27.
In 1985, Liberace grossed more than $2,000,000 for his engagement at New York City's Radio City Music Hall. He broke his own record of $1.6 million.
Also in 1985, Wham! became the first Western act to release a pop album, "Make It Big," in China.
The album "Twice Shy" was released by Great White in 1989.
In 1964, the Beatles appeared on the UK TV comedy program The Morecambe and Wise Show, playing ‘This Boy’, ‘All My Loving’, and ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ and also participate in comedy sketches with Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. The Beatles also held the UK and US No.1 position on this day with 'Can't Buy Me Love'.
The Neil Young movie, "Journey Through The Past" debuts at the Dallas Film Festival in 1973.
"American Bandstand" aired a taped telephone interview with the Beatles in 1964.
In 1973, Declan Costello played his first concert since leaving the band Rusty at the Barmy Arms pub in Twickenham, England. The computer programmer-turned-musician, born with the last name McManus, later changes his first name to Elvis.
John Lennon released "Stand by Me" in 1975.
Holland/Dozier/Holland, responsible for a mind-boggling string of Motown hits like "You Keep Me Hangin' On" and "Back In My Arms Again," were inducted into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 1988.
Aretha Franklin and George Michael started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1987with 'I Knew You Were Waiting' (also a No.1 in the UK).
Def Leppard started a five-week run at #1 on the US album chartin 1992 with 'Adrenalize.'
Annie Lennox went to #1 on the UK album chart in 1992 with her debut solo release 'Diva.'
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Album Cover Stories
As always, I want to thank Michael Goldstein over at www.RockPoPGallery.com for the exclusive reprint rights to his marvelous album cover art stories:
Cover Story Interview - Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, with design/artwork by Don Clark
Cover Story for February 20, 2009
Subject: Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, by the Foo Fighters – a 2007 release on RCA records, with cover artwork and design produced by Don Clark.
2008 was another terrific year for the Foo Fighters. At the beginning of their year+-long world tour organized on the heels of their successful previous release - the half-acoustic/half-electric 2-disc package titled In Your Honor, they released their sixth studio record, titled Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace in September 2007. This album spawned another trio of chart-topping hits - "The Pretender", "Long Road to Ruin" and "Let It Die".
Fans and critics responded quite positively, with the album quickly going gold in the U.S. and many international markets, their tour drawing huge crowds - including 85,000 screaming fans in the U.K.’s Wembley Stadium (which included guest appearances by Led Zep’s Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones) - and then winning the 2008 Grammy™ for Best Rock Album. The single "The Pretender" won for Best Hard Rock Performance (adding these awards to their long list of honors, including Best Rock Album Grammys for There Is Nothing Left to Lose and One by One). All six of their studio albums have been nominated for Grammy awards. The album also won a 2008 BRIT Award in the U.K. for Best International Album.
2008 also marked the 10th anniversary of the band’s current line-up of Dave Grohl (lead vocals, guitar & drums), Nate Mendel (bass), Chris Shiflett (guitar) and the hard-working Taylor Hawkins on drums. After nearly a year on the road, bandleader Dave G. announced that the band would be taking a long break from recording and touring, with no new material (other than a “greatest hits” package) due to hit the shelves in the foreseeable future. And so, although there might not be much new news about the Foos, I thought that it might be nice to learn a bit more about the impressive portfolio of images created to help package and promote this recording. To do that, I reached out to Don Clark, partner is Seattle’s Invisible Creature, who was responsible for the designs the band selected. I met Don and his brother and partner-in-design, Ryan, at a Recording Academy tech summit in Seattle this past November and asked for the interview at that point, and they were very kind to say “yes” and provide me with the details you’ll soon read in today’s Cover Story.
Finding themselves in a creative situation quite different than many of the ones detailed in previous Cover Story interviews, our intrepid designers found themselves working with both the band’s support and the freedom to come up with “iconic but simple” designs that would, ultimately, become as well-known as the record was popular. The details of how it all came about now follow….
In the words of the artist, Don Clark (interviewed November 2008) –
We’d never worked with the Foo Fighters or their management before, but they apparently liked our work and contacted us via email in June 2007. I quickly called back and the rest is history, so they say. For the most part, prior to this project we had worked mostly with independent labels and artists, with a few major label releases under our belt (Editor’s note – they’d done cover, complete CD packaging and other promo graphics for such bands as Funeral for a Friend, Spiritualized and Atreyu). We hadn't really touched a release of this magnitude before, so it was a new experience for us, and one that we were determined to knock out of the park.
The band hired us to come up with concepts for their upcoming album Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace. Three days after they awarded us the project, they actually flew us down to LA to hear the album and talk about ideas. It was a great meeting and we promised to pitch ideas shortly after. The Foo's are in a unique position to where they own the rights to all of their music, art, etc., so they have the final say in everything they produce. The label people (RCA) weren't actually brought into the process until everything was finished, which was definitely not something we were used to but, apparently, RCA was! The art director there was very kind and we had nothing but a great working relationship with them, management and band.
At the meeting, the one big thing that the band brought up was that they wanted the album cover to be classic, iconic and simple, which was music to our ears. We are always pushing bands in that direction, so it was great to actually hear it FROM a band this time. They felt that the cover their last album (In Your Honor) was a bit too busy, so they wanted to strip it down a bit. It was more of a "Hey, do your thing and we'll choose something". I have to tell you that the Foo Fighters were exactly how you'd picture them - completely cool, down to earth and the nicest dudes. To be honest, they are just punk rock guys that happen to be in a huge band. They didn't disappoint at all. At one point during our meeting, Dave got up and actually made us popcorn. We wondered if that usually happened – it made us feel great, that’s for sure!
Finances weren't an issue at all and there wasn't a ton of direction - which was fine. We began the project with new logos for the band and ended up doing around 10 logos total. They selected the last design I presented, which was one that I’d based off a typeface that I found in a vintage type book. We actually had enough time to create everything needed, but there was a point in the beginning where we needed a cover quick so, in a 48 hour span, I quickly generated comps for 5-6 new covers. During this effort, I was fiddling through our arsenal of images (which are made up of stock and objects we've had shot) and I started with an image of this torpedo. I was looking for something to ironically complete the image - but tell a different, non-violent story – when I happened upon a shot of an old vintage amplifier tube. I grabbed it, placed it under the torpedo, and it just clicked. Ryan was actually walking by my desk at the moment and quietly said "Dude, that's the one".
Like I mentioned before, they just wanted it to be classic and simple. They really let us run wild with our own ideas. The project was pretty stress-free in terms of creating a specific thing they saw in their head. We had shown them a few ideas that they just weren't feeling. I was also a bit worried they might not get it - or maybe just be uninterested in general, but after putting together this image, I had one of those feelings where my gut was saying "They have to choose this one! (I later decided that I wanted the theme of the package to be the juxtaposition of simple objects that reflected the album’s tone of life and mortality)"
To my delight and amazement, management ended up loving both the image and the logo, so they passed the package on to Dave and the band.
They loved it as well, and here we are.
About the artist, Don Clark –
A partner in the four-time Grammy™-nominated design duo of Don and Ryan Clark (who, as co-founders of Asterik Studio, have been responsible for hundreds of CD packages and limited silk-screened posters), the brothers have poured all of the creative passion and heart that two heavily tattooed, God-fearing mama's boys can muster into this new venture -- a lumbering giant set to pounce upon the art world.
With a hunger for everything from Miles Davis to the Misfits, Storm Thorgerson to Jim Flora, polished photo illustration to cartoon monsters, the Clarks’ unique point of view and self-taught skill set has invigorated projects for a diverse client list, from Nickelodeon and Nordstrom to Anthrax and Pedro the Lion. All of it remains inspired by their late grandfather, Al Paulsen, an illustrator for NASA.
Avid collectors of toys, art and music and accomplished musicians in the band Demon Hunter (whose latest album debuted at #1 on the Billboard "Heatseekers" chart and who have been named one of ten "Artists to Watch" by AOL Music), the Clarks’ wide range of experience allows them to relate directly to what their clients want to accomplish, from elaborate special packaging to jaw-dropping surrealistic imagery and other outside-the-box ideas and concepts. Invisible Creature is the next step in a succession of artistic accomplishments that have inspired a cult-following the world over and accolades from a number of respected and renowned design publications, to say nothing of the obvious impact the duo's aesthetic has had on a sub-culture celebrated by countless merchandise companies, retail mall stores and music magazines. As much as they have inspired others, Don and Ryan continue to inspire each other, as well.
Ryan's work as art-director for the Tooth & Nail family of labels and Don's contributions to countless independent and major label packages benefit from the feedback they give one another, bouncing ideas left and right and putting forth work that displays each of their instincts and gifted intuition. Invisible Creature began in 2006 planting a proud flag on the design landscape, built upon the 5-year strong reputation of the prior studio and the well-known talents of its respected founders.
As their web site bio states – “Lurking in the depths of imagination. Rising from concept to physical realization. Invisible Creature emerges, precise and delicate as it is ferocious and tenacious, as the design studio for the millennium.” Certainly, a design team worth keeping close watch on…
To see more of Don’s work with Invisible Creature in Seattle, please visit his web site at
http://www.invisiblecreature.com
To learn more about this (and other) Foo Fighters releases, please visit their official website at http://www.foofighters.com/
To see the complete selection of album cover art available for sale at RockPoP Gallery, visit our site at http://www.rockpopgallery.com
All images featured in this Cover Story are Copyright 2007, Don Clark/Invisible Creature - All rights reserved. Except as noted, all other text Copyright 2009 - Mike Goldstein & RockPoP Gallery (www.rockpopgallery.com) - All rights reserved.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Michael Fremer Review
I am very proud to continue our new feature (look for this every Friday), music reviews that are written by the senior contributing editor of Stereophile magazine- Michael Fremer. It has been a pleasure to speak with Michael and learn more about audio sound and equipment. In fact, his new DVD, "It's A Vinyl World, After All" has hit the shelves and is selling out very quickly. This is a must have for anybody who loves vinyl, it is a true masterpiece.
Additionally, make sure to stop by his site, www.musicangle.com and bookmark it for further exploration. I certainly want to thank Michael for the exclusive rights to reprint his fantastic material.
ALBUM REVIEW:
Death Cab For Cutie (recent release)
Narrow Stairs
Barsuk Bark 75 180g LP + Bonus 7" single
Produced by: Chris Walla
Engineered by: Chris Walla and Will Markwell
Mixed by: Chris Walla ( "Long Division" mixed by Alex Newport)
Mastered by: Roger Seibel, SAE Mastering
Review by: Michael Fremer
2009-04-01
The gift of uniqueness can easily become the curse of familiarity, easy identification and in the worst case, self-parody.
The latter hasn’t happened to Benjamin Gibbard, Death Cab’s earnest creative center but on the group’s latest album, he’s safely sticking to the ruts of his signature phrasing, melodic constructions and even subject matter.
Familiarity can breed contempt but not this time, with the band countering with toughened guitar textures and edgier rhythmic drive.
Still, Gibbard’s wrenching earnest preoccupation with passing time and death continue diary-like and that’s probably how the band’s fans want it. Though the subject matter has remained relatively steady, Gibbard’s perspective has broadened and matured, while his lyrics have become more economical and a imbued with a jigsaw puzzle-like connectivity.
He sings about seeking and not finding the meaning in death, he pleas for recognition from an object of his desire, loss of innocence and optimism and one, You Can Do Better Than Me,” that accurately reads the minds of a great many long-married men. How a relative youngster like Gibbard pulled this one from the ether escapes me!
The song’s protagonist has begun to think the couple remains together out of fear of dying alone. He’s morphed through the years into many different people. He’s always out looking and falling in love but ultimately he realizes it’s a fools mission and that no one would appreciate him as much as his wife does, even though he doesn’t think he’s worthy, and besides, the song’s narcissistic kicker goes, (I won’t leave because) “You can do better than me, but I can’t do better than you.”
The last tune, “The Ice Is Getting Thinner,” about an inevitable break-up, is typical Gibbard: his poetry is close to the surface but sufficiently fleet to escape the conventional.
The LP cut by Roger Seibel at SAE is well-pressed, dead-quiet 180 gram vinyl and has the look and feel of either RTI or perhaps even Pallas. My understanding is that Roger no longer cuts AAA so this was sourced from digital, but that was obvious from the numerous studios used for the recording and mixing.
It’s a decent sounding rock recording, sufficiently edgy to communicate the band’s harder edged stance, but also sufficiently well-organized and carefully plotted to be pleasingly coherent.
Die cut packaging, a heavy, full color inner sleeve with lyrics printed large enough to actually read and a 45 single containing demo versions of two tunes (not available elsewhere) make the vinyl version worthwhile.
SOURCE: http://www.musicangle.com Reprinted By Permission
Pick up Michael's DVD's Here:
Copyright © 2009 MusicAngle.com & Michael Fremer - All rights reserved
Additionally, make sure to stop by his site, www.musicangle.com and bookmark it for further exploration. I certainly want to thank Michael for the exclusive rights to reprint his fantastic material.
ALBUM REVIEW:
Death Cab For Cutie (recent release)
Narrow Stairs
Barsuk Bark 75 180g LP + Bonus 7" single
Produced by: Chris Walla
Engineered by: Chris Walla and Will Markwell
Mixed by: Chris Walla ( "Long Division" mixed by Alex Newport)
Mastered by: Roger Seibel, SAE Mastering
Review by: Michael Fremer
2009-04-01
The gift of uniqueness can easily become the curse of familiarity, easy identification and in the worst case, self-parody.
The latter hasn’t happened to Benjamin Gibbard, Death Cab’s earnest creative center but on the group’s latest album, he’s safely sticking to the ruts of his signature phrasing, melodic constructions and even subject matter.
Familiarity can breed contempt but not this time, with the band countering with toughened guitar textures and edgier rhythmic drive.
Still, Gibbard’s wrenching earnest preoccupation with passing time and death continue diary-like and that’s probably how the band’s fans want it. Though the subject matter has remained relatively steady, Gibbard’s perspective has broadened and matured, while his lyrics have become more economical and a imbued with a jigsaw puzzle-like connectivity.
He sings about seeking and not finding the meaning in death, he pleas for recognition from an object of his desire, loss of innocence and optimism and one, You Can Do Better Than Me,” that accurately reads the minds of a great many long-married men. How a relative youngster like Gibbard pulled this one from the ether escapes me!
The song’s protagonist has begun to think the couple remains together out of fear of dying alone. He’s morphed through the years into many different people. He’s always out looking and falling in love but ultimately he realizes it’s a fools mission and that no one would appreciate him as much as his wife does, even though he doesn’t think he’s worthy, and besides, the song’s narcissistic kicker goes, (I won’t leave because) “You can do better than me, but I can’t do better than you.”
The last tune, “The Ice Is Getting Thinner,” about an inevitable break-up, is typical Gibbard: his poetry is close to the surface but sufficiently fleet to escape the conventional.
The LP cut by Roger Seibel at SAE is well-pressed, dead-quiet 180 gram vinyl and has the look and feel of either RTI or perhaps even Pallas. My understanding is that Roger no longer cuts AAA so this was sourced from digital, but that was obvious from the numerous studios used for the recording and mixing.
It’s a decent sounding rock recording, sufficiently edgy to communicate the band’s harder edged stance, but also sufficiently well-organized and carefully plotted to be pleasingly coherent.
Die cut packaging, a heavy, full color inner sleeve with lyrics printed large enough to actually read and a 45 single containing demo versions of two tunes (not available elsewhere) make the vinyl version worthwhile.
SOURCE: http://www.musicangle.com Reprinted By Permission
Pick up Michael's DVD's Here:
Copyright © 2009 MusicAngle.com & Michael Fremer - All rights reserved
New Record Collecting Book
Extraordinary Records is the title of a forthcoming book on record collecting by Giorgio Moroder.
“This original collection features the most remarkable vinyl artifacts ever produced: a connoisseur's selection of records in a plethora of colors, shapes, and forms, imprinted with extraordinary effects and images.
“Produced in collaboration with Colors magazine, this book showcases over 400 of the most exceptional records owned by leading collectors Alessandro Benedetti and Peter Bastine. Featuring the recordings of Pink Floyd, Queen, the Beatles, Prince, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Bon Jovi and many others, these are rare and valuable records in countless designs and colors - gold, transparent, photo-printed - in a dazzling variety of shapes: butterfly, heart, star, and even a tree-shaped disc.”
Moroder of course is the dude from Italy with the great facial hair and rakes of snyths who founded Musicland Studios, produced great disco records with Donna Summer and more, scored loads of movies, and is generally accepted as one of music’s most influential figures. The book was written with the aid of:
Contributing author Alessandro Benedetti, who “began collecting colored and unusual records in 1981, and now has 8,000 discs, including 1,200 colored vinyl discs. In 1998 his collection won recognition in The Guinness Book of Records. His dream is to open a record museum so he can share his collection with the public.”
And Peter Bastine, “born in 1952, has been a DJ, record seller, and concert organizer. From 1977 until 1998 he collected every kind of picture disc; since then, mostly historical 78rpm records. Today his collection comprises around 8,000 picture discs, and has been the subject of several European exhibitions.”
Extraordinary Records is coming soon on TASCHEN press.
“This original collection features the most remarkable vinyl artifacts ever produced: a connoisseur's selection of records in a plethora of colors, shapes, and forms, imprinted with extraordinary effects and images.
“Produced in collaboration with Colors magazine, this book showcases over 400 of the most exceptional records owned by leading collectors Alessandro Benedetti and Peter Bastine. Featuring the recordings of Pink Floyd, Queen, the Beatles, Prince, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Bon Jovi and many others, these are rare and valuable records in countless designs and colors - gold, transparent, photo-printed - in a dazzling variety of shapes: butterfly, heart, star, and even a tree-shaped disc.”
Moroder of course is the dude from Italy with the great facial hair and rakes of snyths who founded Musicland Studios, produced great disco records with Donna Summer and more, scored loads of movies, and is generally accepted as one of music’s most influential figures. The book was written with the aid of:
Contributing author Alessandro Benedetti, who “began collecting colored and unusual records in 1981, and now has 8,000 discs, including 1,200 colored vinyl discs. In 1998 his collection won recognition in The Guinness Book of Records. His dream is to open a record museum so he can share his collection with the public.”
And Peter Bastine, “born in 1952, has been a DJ, record seller, and concert organizer. From 1977 until 1998 he collected every kind of picture disc; since then, mostly historical 78rpm records. Today his collection comprises around 8,000 picture discs, and has been the subject of several European exhibitions.”
Extraordinary Records is coming soon on TASCHEN press.
Vinyl Collective Test Pressings
As previously reported, Virgil over at www.vinylcollective.com is having a spring sale. Check out these great discs!:
"Just listed the following test pressngs on our eBay account. Only 1 of each, all starting at 99 cents. All are hand-numbered and hand-written. A few have extras (like Minus the Bear Planet of Ice and Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground). Some of these test pressings are seeing their last opportunity for purchase (both D4 test pressings, the MTB planet of ice, and a few others). Good luck bidding. I hope everyone can get a test pressing they are excited about. Our auctions can be found here."
36 CRAZY FISTS “The Tide” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
A LIFE ONCE LOST “Iron Gag” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
ANDREW JACKSON JIHAD/ COBRA SKULLS “Under the Influence Vol 6″ 7″ TEST PRESSING #/10
AUSTIN LUCAS “Somebody Loves You” LP TEST PRESSING #/20
BOYS NIGHT OUT “Make Yourself Sick” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
DILLINGER FOUR “Midwestern Songs” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
DILLINGER FOUR “Versus God” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
DRAG THE RIVER “Can’t Leave These Strays” 7″ TEST PRESSING #/20
DRAG THE RIVER “Garage Rock” 7″ TEST PRESSING #/20
DRAG THE RIVER “You Can’t Live This Way” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
DRAG THE RIVER ìUnder the Influence Vol. 5_ 7_ TEST PRESSING #/10
DRAG THE RIVER/ THE DENTS “Found All The Parts” LP TEST PRESSING
EVERY TIME I DIE “Big Dirty” LP TEST PRESSING
EVERY TIME I DIE “Gutter Phenomenon” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
EVERY TIME I DIE “Hot Damn” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
EVERY TIME I DIE “Last Night In Town” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
FAKE PROBLEMS / LOOK MEXICO ìUnder the Influence Vol. 1_ 7_ TEST PRESSING #/10
FOXY SHAZAM “Introducing” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
GHOST BUFFALO “The Magician” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
HEAVY HEAVY LOW LOW “Turtle Nipple” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
JOEY CAPE “Bridge” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
JOEY CAPE / JON SNODGRASS ìWho Wants to Get Down?î 7_ TEST PRESSING #/10
JON SNODGRASS “Visitor’s Band” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
JOSH SMALL “Tall By Josh Small” dbl LP test pressing #/5
LAGRECIA “On Parallels” LP TEST PRESSING #/5
LOVE ME DESTROYER “The Things Around” LP TEST PRESSING #/5
MAYLENE & THE SONS OF DISASTER “II” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
MIKE PARK / O PIONEERS!!! split 7″ TEST PRESSING #/10
MINUS THE BEAR “Interpretaciones” LP TEST PRESSING
MINUS THE BEAR “Planet of Ice” dbl LP test pressing #/20
MUSTARD PLUG / BOMB THE MUSIC INDUSTRY ìUnder the Influence Vol. 3_ 7_ TEST PRESSING #/10
NINJA GUN “Restless Rubes” LP TEST PRESSING #/20
NORMA JEAN “Anti-Mother” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
NORMA JEAN 4 x LP Box Set TEST PRESSING #/20
POISON THE WELL “Versions” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
PORTUGAL THE MAN “Church Mouth” LP TEST PRESSING
SCOTT REYNOLDS & THE STEAMING BEAST LP test pressing
SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY “Intervals” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY “Parasite” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
SPARTA “Threes” dbl LP TEST PRESSING #/10
STEREOTYPERIDER “Songs In The Keys Of F And U” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
TEENAGE BOTTLEROCKET / THE ERGS! ìUnder the Influence Vol. 4_ 7_ TEST PRESSING #/20
THE JEALOUS SOUND “Kill Them With Kindness” dbl LP TEST PRESSING #/20
THE PLAYING FAVORITES LP test pressing joey cape lagwagon
THE TAKERS “Curse Of A Drunk” 7″ TEST PRESSING #/10
TIM BARRY “Laurel St Demos” LP TEST PRESSING #/5
TIM BARRY “Live At Munford” 7″ TEST PRESSING #/5
TIM BARRY “Manchester” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
TIM BARRY “Rivanna Junction” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
TWO COW GARAGE “Speaking In Cursive” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
USELESS I.D. “Lost Broken Bones” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
V/A “Delicious Vinyl” LP TEST PRESSING #/20
V/A “Revival Road” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
WHISKEY & CO/ NINJA GUN ìUnder the Influence Vol. 2_ 7_ TEST PRESSING #/10
"Just listed the following test pressngs on our eBay account. Only 1 of each, all starting at 99 cents. All are hand-numbered and hand-written. A few have extras (like Minus the Bear Planet of Ice and Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground). Some of these test pressings are seeing their last opportunity for purchase (both D4 test pressings, the MTB planet of ice, and a few others). Good luck bidding. I hope everyone can get a test pressing they are excited about. Our auctions can be found here."
36 CRAZY FISTS “The Tide” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
A LIFE ONCE LOST “Iron Gag” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
ANDREW JACKSON JIHAD/ COBRA SKULLS “Under the Influence Vol 6″ 7″ TEST PRESSING #/10
AUSTIN LUCAS “Somebody Loves You” LP TEST PRESSING #/20
BOYS NIGHT OUT “Make Yourself Sick” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
DILLINGER FOUR “Midwestern Songs” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
DILLINGER FOUR “Versus God” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
DRAG THE RIVER “Can’t Leave These Strays” 7″ TEST PRESSING #/20
DRAG THE RIVER “Garage Rock” 7″ TEST PRESSING #/20
DRAG THE RIVER “You Can’t Live This Way” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
DRAG THE RIVER ìUnder the Influence Vol. 5_ 7_ TEST PRESSING #/10
DRAG THE RIVER/ THE DENTS “Found All The Parts” LP TEST PRESSING
EVERY TIME I DIE “Big Dirty” LP TEST PRESSING
EVERY TIME I DIE “Gutter Phenomenon” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
EVERY TIME I DIE “Hot Damn” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
EVERY TIME I DIE “Last Night In Town” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
FAKE PROBLEMS / LOOK MEXICO ìUnder the Influence Vol. 1_ 7_ TEST PRESSING #/10
FOXY SHAZAM “Introducing” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
GHOST BUFFALO “The Magician” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
HEAVY HEAVY LOW LOW “Turtle Nipple” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
JOEY CAPE “Bridge” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
JOEY CAPE / JON SNODGRASS ìWho Wants to Get Down?î 7_ TEST PRESSING #/10
JON SNODGRASS “Visitor’s Band” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
JOSH SMALL “Tall By Josh Small” dbl LP test pressing #/5
LAGRECIA “On Parallels” LP TEST PRESSING #/5
LOVE ME DESTROYER “The Things Around” LP TEST PRESSING #/5
MAYLENE & THE SONS OF DISASTER “II” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
MIKE PARK / O PIONEERS!!! split 7″ TEST PRESSING #/10
MINUS THE BEAR “Interpretaciones” LP TEST PRESSING
MINUS THE BEAR “Planet of Ice” dbl LP test pressing #/20
MUSTARD PLUG / BOMB THE MUSIC INDUSTRY ìUnder the Influence Vol. 3_ 7_ TEST PRESSING #/10
NINJA GUN “Restless Rubes” LP TEST PRESSING #/20
NORMA JEAN “Anti-Mother” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
NORMA JEAN 4 x LP Box Set TEST PRESSING #/20
POISON THE WELL “Versions” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
PORTUGAL THE MAN “Church Mouth” LP TEST PRESSING
SCOTT REYNOLDS & THE STEAMING BEAST LP test pressing
SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY “Intervals” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY “Parasite” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
SPARTA “Threes” dbl LP TEST PRESSING #/10
STEREOTYPERIDER “Songs In The Keys Of F And U” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
TEENAGE BOTTLEROCKET / THE ERGS! ìUnder the Influence Vol. 4_ 7_ TEST PRESSING #/20
THE JEALOUS SOUND “Kill Them With Kindness” dbl LP TEST PRESSING #/20
THE PLAYING FAVORITES LP test pressing joey cape lagwagon
THE TAKERS “Curse Of A Drunk” 7″ TEST PRESSING #/10
TIM BARRY “Laurel St Demos” LP TEST PRESSING #/5
TIM BARRY “Live At Munford” 7″ TEST PRESSING #/5
TIM BARRY “Manchester” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
TIM BARRY “Rivanna Junction” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
TWO COW GARAGE “Speaking In Cursive” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
USELESS I.D. “Lost Broken Bones” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
V/A “Delicious Vinyl” LP TEST PRESSING #/20
V/A “Revival Road” LP TEST PRESSING #/10
WHISKEY & CO/ NINJA GUN ìUnder the Influence Vol. 2_ 7_ TEST PRESSING #/10
Music News & Notes
MEAT PUPPETS BACK “TOGETHER”
The Meat Puppets are back on the musical map after reuniting in 2006. The group, now a trio with brothers Cris and Curt Kirkwood joined by drummer Ted Marcus, recently inked a deal with Megaforce Records. The label will release their new album, "Sewn Together," on May 12th. The band recently made a welcome and well-received return at Austin's South By Southwest. They'll return with a record release party May 12th at The Mint in Los Angeles, before starting a tour in earnest May 27th in Louisville.
=============================
Motown Premium Audiophile Reissue:
For an exclusive three-week time frame, nine landmark Motown LPs are available to all the independent stores as reissues. Adding to the Motown luster, the top nine audiophile vinyl reissues are pressed on heavyweight 180-gram vinyl in all the original packaging. If you love Motown, even if your father and grandfather loved Motown, the following Premium Audiophile Reissue titles are worth their weight in Motown glory and gold:
Stevie Wonder - "Songs in The Key Of Life"
Jackson 5 - "ABC"
The Supremes - "I Hear A Symphony"
Rick James - "Street Songs"
The Temptations - "Cloud Nine"
Smokey Robinson - "A Quiet Storm"
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - "United"
Four Tops - "Reach Out"
Diana Ross - "Diana Ross"
=============================
Mark Your Calanders For Next Week!
Record Store Day Is Approaching! This From The Organizers...
This is the one day that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day and hundreds of artists in the United States and in various countries across the globe make special appearances and performances. Festivities include performances, cook-outs, body painting, meet & greets with artists, parades, djs spinning records and on and on. Metallica officially kicked off Record Store Day at Rasputin Music in San Franscisco on April 19, 2008 and Record Store Day is now celebrated the third Saturday every April.
More information and locations at www.recordstoreday.com
=============================
Collector's Choice Presents Gary Lewis & The Playboys' Complete Liberty Singles
Collector's Choice Records has announced May 26 date for The Complete Liberty Singles by Gary Lewis and the Playboys. Steve Hoffman is overseeing the mastering of the original recordings and Ed Osbourne is producing and writing the liner notes, including interviews with producers Snuff Garrett and Bones Howe, drummers Hal Blaine and Jim Keltner, singer and Gary's “ghost” voice Ron Hicklin, and even Gary himself.
The original mono singles were taken from the virtually untouched 40-year-old master tapes and includes many B-sides that have never previously been released on CD. Plus, the 2-CD set includes a song that was only released as a promo, Way Way Out.
The 45-song track list for The Complete Liberty Singles is under the cut.
This Diamond Ring
Hard To Find
Tijuana Wedding
Count Me In
Little Miss Go-Go
Doin' The Flake
Save Your Heart For Me
Without A Word Of Warning
Everybody Loves A Clown
Time Stands Still
She's Just My Style
I Won't Make That Mistake Again
Sure Gonna Miss Her
I Don't Wanna Say Goodnight
Green Grass
I Can Read Between The Lines
My Heart's A Symphony
Tina (I Held You In My Arms)
(You Don't Have To) Paint Me A Picture
Looking For The Stars
Way Way Out
Down On The Sloop John B
Where Will The Words Come From
May The Best Man Win
The Loser (With A Broken Heart)
Ice Melts In The Sun
Girls In Love
Let's Be More Than Friends
Jill
New In Town
Has She Got The Nicest Eyes
Happiness
Sealed With A Kiss
Sara Jane
Main Street
C.C. Rider
Mister Memory
Every Day I Have To Cry Some
Rhythm of the Rain
Hayride
Gary's Groove
Something Is Wrong
I Saw Elvis Presley Last Night
I'm On The Right Road Now
Great Balls Of Fire
=============================
Rescue Shelter Boys?
It's almost three decades into their career and the Pet Shop Boys have been asked by animal rights group PETA to rename themselves the Rescue Shelter Boys, CNN reports.
The synthpop duo have declined the “bizarre” request, saying they were “unable to agree” to the name change but “nonetheless think (it) raises an issue worth thinking about” regarding the “cramped, filthy conditions” of pet shops.
I agree, and support PETA and what they try to do, but this goes under the 'inane'- I mean can't they focus their attention on things that will matter?
The Meat Puppets are back on the musical map after reuniting in 2006. The group, now a trio with brothers Cris and Curt Kirkwood joined by drummer Ted Marcus, recently inked a deal with Megaforce Records. The label will release their new album, "Sewn Together," on May 12th. The band recently made a welcome and well-received return at Austin's South By Southwest. They'll return with a record release party May 12th at The Mint in Los Angeles, before starting a tour in earnest May 27th in Louisville.
=============================
Motown Premium Audiophile Reissue:
For an exclusive three-week time frame, nine landmark Motown LPs are available to all the independent stores as reissues. Adding to the Motown luster, the top nine audiophile vinyl reissues are pressed on heavyweight 180-gram vinyl in all the original packaging. If you love Motown, even if your father and grandfather loved Motown, the following Premium Audiophile Reissue titles are worth their weight in Motown glory and gold:
Stevie Wonder - "Songs in The Key Of Life"
Jackson 5 - "ABC"
The Supremes - "I Hear A Symphony"
Rick James - "Street Songs"
The Temptations - "Cloud Nine"
Smokey Robinson - "A Quiet Storm"
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - "United"
Four Tops - "Reach Out"
Diana Ross - "Diana Ross"
=============================
Mark Your Calanders For Next Week!
Record Store Day Is Approaching! This From The Organizers...
This is the one day that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day and hundreds of artists in the United States and in various countries across the globe make special appearances and performances. Festivities include performances, cook-outs, body painting, meet & greets with artists, parades, djs spinning records and on and on. Metallica officially kicked off Record Store Day at Rasputin Music in San Franscisco on April 19, 2008 and Record Store Day is now celebrated the third Saturday every April.
More information and locations at www.recordstoreday.com
=============================
Collector's Choice Presents Gary Lewis & The Playboys' Complete Liberty Singles
Collector's Choice Records has announced May 26 date for The Complete Liberty Singles by Gary Lewis and the Playboys. Steve Hoffman is overseeing the mastering of the original recordings and Ed Osbourne is producing and writing the liner notes, including interviews with producers Snuff Garrett and Bones Howe, drummers Hal Blaine and Jim Keltner, singer and Gary's “ghost” voice Ron Hicklin, and even Gary himself.
The original mono singles were taken from the virtually untouched 40-year-old master tapes and includes many B-sides that have never previously been released on CD. Plus, the 2-CD set includes a song that was only released as a promo, Way Way Out.
The 45-song track list for The Complete Liberty Singles is under the cut.
This Diamond Ring
Hard To Find
Tijuana Wedding
Count Me In
Little Miss Go-Go
Doin' The Flake
Save Your Heart For Me
Without A Word Of Warning
Everybody Loves A Clown
Time Stands Still
She's Just My Style
I Won't Make That Mistake Again
Sure Gonna Miss Her
I Don't Wanna Say Goodnight
Green Grass
I Can Read Between The Lines
My Heart's A Symphony
Tina (I Held You In My Arms)
(You Don't Have To) Paint Me A Picture
Looking For The Stars
Way Way Out
Down On The Sloop John B
Where Will The Words Come From
May The Best Man Win
The Loser (With A Broken Heart)
Ice Melts In The Sun
Girls In Love
Let's Be More Than Friends
Jill
New In Town
Has She Got The Nicest Eyes
Happiness
Sealed With A Kiss
Sara Jane
Main Street
C.C. Rider
Mister Memory
Every Day I Have To Cry Some
Rhythm of the Rain
Hayride
Gary's Groove
Something Is Wrong
I Saw Elvis Presley Last Night
I'm On The Right Road Now
Great Balls Of Fire
=============================
Rescue Shelter Boys?
It's almost three decades into their career and the Pet Shop Boys have been asked by animal rights group PETA to rename themselves the Rescue Shelter Boys, CNN reports.
The synthpop duo have declined the “bizarre” request, saying they were “unable to agree” to the name change but “nonetheless think (it) raises an issue worth thinking about” regarding the “cramped, filthy conditions” of pet shops.
I agree, and support PETA and what they try to do, but this goes under the 'inane'- I mean can't they focus their attention on things that will matter?
How do vinyl records and record players work?
Vinyl records fell out of use following the introduction of Compact Discs. However, they are still made in limited numbers, as are record players.
A vinyl record contains a long spiral groove on each side. The sound is encoded into this groove by “wiggling” the groove from side to side in proportion to the sound wave, starting at the outside edge of the record and working inwards.
When the record is played, a pickup transforms the lateral wiggles into an electrical signal which is amplified and played back through headphones or loudspeakers. Inexpensive pickups consist of a sapphire stylus which tracks the groove and is connected to a ceramic piezoelectric material which turns the movement into a tiny electrical voltage.
Because the contact area of the stylus tip is very small, there is massive pressure at the point of contact and a diamond stylus can be used to obtain a longer life than a sapphire stylus will provide. Even a diamond stylus is considered a consumable item which must be replaced from time to time to maintain sound quality, and to avoid damaging the records.
More expensive pickups attach a magnet to the stylus and surround it with a coil which has an electric current induced into it by the movement of the magnet. It’s also possible to reverse this arrangement and use a moving coil pickup, where the coil is attached to the stylus and the magnet is fixed.
The pickup is attached to the tone arm, which carries it along the spiral of the grooves. This arm can be connected to a mechanism which can lower it into position at the start of the record, and return it to its rest stand at the end of playback.
Records come in various sizes, and are designed to rotate at different speeds. A single holds a few minutes of music on each side, and is commonly 7 inches diameter and must be spun at 45 revolutions per minute (rpm). An LP, or “long playing album”, holds 20 or 30 minutes of music on each side, and is 12 inches diameter. An LP is played at 33 and 1/3 rpm. Most record players have a speed selector switch.
Other combinations exist, such as 12 inch 45 rpm records for disco use, and also 10 inch records. A small number of spoken voice records were produced at 16 and 2/3 rpm.
Older records (pre-1960) played at 78 r.p.m. and were made from shellac instead of vinyl. they were usually 10 inches (3 minutes per side) or 12 inches (5 minutes per side)
To avoid loud bass notes causing one groove to “cut across” the next, the bass was de-emphasized and the treble was enhanced. This equalization needed to be reversed after playback. The standard equalization curve was known as “RIAA equalization“.
Stereophonic records (containing two audio channels) were encoded by modulating each side of the groove separately, and at 45 degrees to the vertical. One side of the groove carried the left channel and the other side carried the right channel. In this way, the sum of the channels produces horizontal movement which can be reproduced on monaural (mono) equipment, while stereo equipment has a pickup with two piezoelectric strips or coils (at right angles to each other) so that each channel can be decoded and amplified separately.
Record players were available that could play a stack of up to six sides in sequence; these were known as record changers.
Records suffered from being easily scratched, which could render them unplayable. They also attracted dust into the grooves which produced “clicks” and “pops” on playback. Slight misalignment between the left and right channels in the pickup could lead to crosstalk (the signal from one channel also appearing to some extent on the other channel), and the whole process of mechanical reproduction introduced various kinds of distortion.
The record player could introduce additional artifacts, such as “wow” (variation in rotational speed due to changes in the belt drive tension), “flutter” (faster variations due to motor irregularities), and “rumble” (vibrations from the motor being transferred to the pickup). The stylus could also “jump” from one groove to another if the record player was bumped (or even if someone jumped on the floor nearby), and a damaged groove could cause the record player to “skip”, playing the same groove over and over again.
So it was not surprising that the compact disc rapidly replaced the vinyl record. A few people still collect vinyl because they like its distinctive soft distortion (”analog sound”) as opposed to the sometimes-harsh clarity of the CD, but it’s a niche market.
Interesting write up, I found lots of other goodies at the site, stop by, I think you will enjoy the Q & A features. http://quezi.com/6187
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Bird & Animal Names In Rock & Roll History- part eight
In our continuing series about “bird” and “animal” bands and artists in rock and roll history, let’s explore more “bird” group names.
The short career of the Detroit “bird” band the Falcons was highlighted by their release in 1959 called “You’re So Fine,” which is often considered the first true soul record. But a host of 1960's soul stars called themselves the Falcons at one time or another including the founder of the group, Eddie Floyd. The list also included a young Wilson Pickett, from 1961-63 (who went on to an illustrious career and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991), Sir Mack Rice and Joe Stubbs (brother of Four Tops member Levi Stubbs). Under the direction of Robert West, the Falcons sound was more gospel based and when Pickett skillfully screamed the gospel-filled ballad “I Found A Love” to national prominence, it more or less ended the vocal group as Pickett went solo soon thereafter the release. The group broke up but not before carving a small, yet prominent niche in soul music.
In 1958, a line up consisting of Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey and Bill Isles formed a vocal ensemble called the Triumphs. They recorded for King as the Mascots and made their recording debut with the song “Miracles,” under the Wayco Record label. A Cleveland DJ named Eddie O’Jay loved the group and he decided to become the vocal group’s manager and as a gesture of appreciation the group renamed themselves the O’Jays. They recorded for Imperial Records from 1963-67 with minor success (“Stand In For Love” number twelve on the rhythm and blues charts in 1966).
In 1966, Isles left the group and the quartet signed on with Bell Records and scored a number eight R&B hit called “I’ll Be Sweeter Tomorrow (Than I Was Today”) in 1967. After the members of the O’Jays contemplating quitting, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff signed the group to their Neptune label and the O’Jays had four hits including “One Night Affair” (number fifteen on the R&B 1969) and “Looky Looky (Look At Me Girl)” (number seventeen on the R&B charts in 1970). But after Neptune Records folded, Massey quit the group and started producing records.
The trio of Levert, Williams and Powell attempted self-promotion, but soon signed on with Gamble and Huff’s new label, Philadelphia International. Under their guidance, the O’Jays came into their own with an impressive set of gold and platinum records. This includes eight number one R&B singles from 1972-1978 including the smash hit (and now featured in a beer commercial), “Love Train (1973), “For The Love Of Money” (1974), “I Love Music (Part One) (1975) and “Use Ta Be My Girl” (number four in 1978).
But in 1975, Powell was stricken with cancer and could no longer tour (he died two years later) and he was replaced by Little Anthony & The Imperials veteran Sammy Strain. The group continued to produce quintessential Soul and R&B music with hits such as “Lovin You” (a number one on the R&B charts in 1987 from the LP, “Let Me Touch You”) and a number four R&B hit in 1989 called “Serious.” The singles included “Have You Had Your Love Today” (number one on the R&B singles chart), “Out Of My Mind” (number eleven R&B charts) as well as “Serious Hold On Me,” which peaked at number nine on the R&B charts. In 1991, the O’Jays released the LP (another gold record for the group) “Emotionally Yours,” which included the hit singles “Keep On Lovin Me” (number four on the R&B charts), “Don’t Let Me Down” (number two R&B charts) and the Bob Dylan-penned tune “Emotionally Yours” (number five on the R&B charts).
In 1993, Sammy Strain left the group to reform Little Anthony and the Imperials and was replaced by Nathan Best. The O’Jays released the album “Heartbreaker” that same year and it was yet another Top Ten R&B classic. Eric Grant replaced Best before the 1997 album called “Love You To Tears” (number fourteen on the R&B charts and number seventy-five on the Pop charts)
The group has certainly paid their dues, touring incessantly and they also have kept their sound alive by adapting to the musical changes in pop, R&B and soul music. But one thing has remained constant, the O’Jays have created an R&B legacy that is unmatched and they are one of the signature soul groups of all time.
The Partridge Family was not a family in real life (although they did play one on TV). But teen heartthrob David Cassidy and Shirley Jones were related (Shirley married David’s father Jack Cassidy). The fictional TV group, loosely based on the Cowsills, hit number one with the sappy song “I Think I Love You” in 1970. In the first episode of the sitcom, the kids ask Mom (Shirley Jones) to help with a recording session in the garage and then try to sell the music to a record label, hoping to have a number one single. Ironically, the song “I Think I Love You,” DID top the Billboard charts!
The show ran from 1970-1974 with only moderate musical success after that single, but David Cassidy emerged as one of the top great teen idols of the 1970's. Interestingly, Cassidy was actually declared a hazard to public health in Australia, as his solo tours were pop rock disasters filled with screaming teenage girls. During a London show, more than a thousand people were injured and tragically one female fan was crushed to death when a concert got out of hand. In 1971, David Cassidy was able to secure a Top 40 Billboard hit with the song “Cherish.” Fellow band member and actress Susan Dey, went on to L. A. Law fame and actor Danny Bonaduce slipped into drugs, but has recovered and is still active in show business.
Look for part nine of our series next week when again we will focus on some more bird names and groups in rock and roll history.
Falcons Tidbits:
The Falcons were originally:
Eddie Floyd (1955-1963)
Bob Manardo (1955-1957)
Arnett Robinson (1955-1957)
Tom Shetler (1955-1957)
Willie Schofield (1955-1963)
Some members were replaced over time:
Joe Stubbs (1957-1960)
Wilson Pickett (1960-1963)
Mack Rice (1957-1963)
Lance Finnie (1957-1963)
Robert Ward (1957-1963)
After 1963, the Fabulous Playboys took over the Falcons name. The later group comprised of Carlis 'Sonny' Monroe, James Gibson, Johnny Alvin, Alton Hollowell. This group made the R&B chart in 1966 with "Standing On Guard."
O’Jays Tidbits:
On February 23, 2007, Radio-Canada's website reported that Canadian Industry Minister Jim Prentice had used the song "For The Love of Money" without the group's permission during a political event, a faux pas since Prentice is responsible for the application of the Copyright Act in Canada. Radio-Canada also reports that Prentice has since been contacted by the attorneys for both the O'Jays and Warner/Chappell Music.
"For the Love of Money" is the theme song to the hit reality TV show The Apprentice, starring Donald Trump, which is ironic considering that the lyrics warn of the evil people will do for the love of money.
In 2005 the O'Jays were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Original members Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, Bobby Massey and, posthumously, William Powell, were inducted. In a note of controversy, 70's O'Jays member Sammy Strain was also inducted with the group, while original member Bill Isles was not. (Strain is one of the few artists in popular music history who is a double Rock Hall inductee: with The O'Jays in 2005, and The Imperials in 2009).
Partridge Family Tidbits:
The pilot was called The Family Business. After they found a manager, the group acquired an old school bus, painted it and departed to Las Vegas for their first live gig at Caesars Palace. After the series was sold, the title was changed to The Partridge Family.
The Partridge Family was produced for ABC by Screen Gems, which was just finishing its run with The Monkees, another show about a fictional musical group. The company promoted the show by releasing a series of albums featuring the family band, though most cast members did not actually play on the recordings. Led by producer Wes Farrell, a group of hired studio musicians (informally referred to as the Ron Hicklin Singers and Wrecking Crew) actually created the Partridge Family's sound. David Cassidy was originally to lip sync with the rest of the cast, but he convinced Farrell just weeks into production that he could sing well and was allowed to join the studio ensemble as the lead singer.
A modernized-version of the bus was created for a new promotion in 2004, when VH1 premiered In Search of the New Partridge Family. This talent competition in the format of American Idol sought a new cast for a contemporary version of the sitcom. The elimination-type program aired seven episodes in which a panel of judges selected a new Partridge Family cast from auditioners across the country. The resulting pilot episode of The New Partridge Family aired in January 2005, but due to low ratings VH1 opted not to produce any more episodes.
The short career of the Detroit “bird” band the Falcons was highlighted by their release in 1959 called “You’re So Fine,” which is often considered the first true soul record. But a host of 1960's soul stars called themselves the Falcons at one time or another including the founder of the group, Eddie Floyd. The list also included a young Wilson Pickett, from 1961-63 (who went on to an illustrious career and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991), Sir Mack Rice and Joe Stubbs (brother of Four Tops member Levi Stubbs). Under the direction of Robert West, the Falcons sound was more gospel based and when Pickett skillfully screamed the gospel-filled ballad “I Found A Love” to national prominence, it more or less ended the vocal group as Pickett went solo soon thereafter the release. The group broke up but not before carving a small, yet prominent niche in soul music.
In 1958, a line up consisting of Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey and Bill Isles formed a vocal ensemble called the Triumphs. They recorded for King as the Mascots and made their recording debut with the song “Miracles,” under the Wayco Record label. A Cleveland DJ named Eddie O’Jay loved the group and he decided to become the vocal group’s manager and as a gesture of appreciation the group renamed themselves the O’Jays. They recorded for Imperial Records from 1963-67 with minor success (“Stand In For Love” number twelve on the rhythm and blues charts in 1966).
In 1966, Isles left the group and the quartet signed on with Bell Records and scored a number eight R&B hit called “I’ll Be Sweeter Tomorrow (Than I Was Today”) in 1967. After the members of the O’Jays contemplating quitting, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff signed the group to their Neptune label and the O’Jays had four hits including “One Night Affair” (number fifteen on the R&B 1969) and “Looky Looky (Look At Me Girl)” (number seventeen on the R&B charts in 1970). But after Neptune Records folded, Massey quit the group and started producing records.
The trio of Levert, Williams and Powell attempted self-promotion, but soon signed on with Gamble and Huff’s new label, Philadelphia International. Under their guidance, the O’Jays came into their own with an impressive set of gold and platinum records. This includes eight number one R&B singles from 1972-1978 including the smash hit (and now featured in a beer commercial), “Love Train (1973), “For The Love Of Money” (1974), “I Love Music (Part One) (1975) and “Use Ta Be My Girl” (number four in 1978).
But in 1975, Powell was stricken with cancer and could no longer tour (he died two years later) and he was replaced by Little Anthony & The Imperials veteran Sammy Strain. The group continued to produce quintessential Soul and R&B music with hits such as “Lovin You” (a number one on the R&B charts in 1987 from the LP, “Let Me Touch You”) and a number four R&B hit in 1989 called “Serious.” The singles included “Have You Had Your Love Today” (number one on the R&B singles chart), “Out Of My Mind” (number eleven R&B charts) as well as “Serious Hold On Me,” which peaked at number nine on the R&B charts. In 1991, the O’Jays released the LP (another gold record for the group) “Emotionally Yours,” which included the hit singles “Keep On Lovin Me” (number four on the R&B charts), “Don’t Let Me Down” (number two R&B charts) and the Bob Dylan-penned tune “Emotionally Yours” (number five on the R&B charts).
In 1993, Sammy Strain left the group to reform Little Anthony and the Imperials and was replaced by Nathan Best. The O’Jays released the album “Heartbreaker” that same year and it was yet another Top Ten R&B classic. Eric Grant replaced Best before the 1997 album called “Love You To Tears” (number fourteen on the R&B charts and number seventy-five on the Pop charts)
The group has certainly paid their dues, touring incessantly and they also have kept their sound alive by adapting to the musical changes in pop, R&B and soul music. But one thing has remained constant, the O’Jays have created an R&B legacy that is unmatched and they are one of the signature soul groups of all time.
The Partridge Family was not a family in real life (although they did play one on TV). But teen heartthrob David Cassidy and Shirley Jones were related (Shirley married David’s father Jack Cassidy). The fictional TV group, loosely based on the Cowsills, hit number one with the sappy song “I Think I Love You” in 1970. In the first episode of the sitcom, the kids ask Mom (Shirley Jones) to help with a recording session in the garage and then try to sell the music to a record label, hoping to have a number one single. Ironically, the song “I Think I Love You,” DID top the Billboard charts!
The show ran from 1970-1974 with only moderate musical success after that single, but David Cassidy emerged as one of the top great teen idols of the 1970's. Interestingly, Cassidy was actually declared a hazard to public health in Australia, as his solo tours were pop rock disasters filled with screaming teenage girls. During a London show, more than a thousand people were injured and tragically one female fan was crushed to death when a concert got out of hand. In 1971, David Cassidy was able to secure a Top 40 Billboard hit with the song “Cherish.” Fellow band member and actress Susan Dey, went on to L. A. Law fame and actor Danny Bonaduce slipped into drugs, but has recovered and is still active in show business.
Look for part nine of our series next week when again we will focus on some more bird names and groups in rock and roll history.
Falcons Tidbits:
The Falcons were originally:
Eddie Floyd (1955-1963)
Bob Manardo (1955-1957)
Arnett Robinson (1955-1957)
Tom Shetler (1955-1957)
Willie Schofield (1955-1963)
Some members were replaced over time:
Joe Stubbs (1957-1960)
Wilson Pickett (1960-1963)
Mack Rice (1957-1963)
Lance Finnie (1957-1963)
Robert Ward (1957-1963)
After 1963, the Fabulous Playboys took over the Falcons name. The later group comprised of Carlis 'Sonny' Monroe, James Gibson, Johnny Alvin, Alton Hollowell. This group made the R&B chart in 1966 with "Standing On Guard."
O’Jays Tidbits:
On February 23, 2007, Radio-Canada's website reported that Canadian Industry Minister Jim Prentice had used the song "For The Love of Money" without the group's permission during a political event, a faux pas since Prentice is responsible for the application of the Copyright Act in Canada. Radio-Canada also reports that Prentice has since been contacted by the attorneys for both the O'Jays and Warner/Chappell Music.
"For the Love of Money" is the theme song to the hit reality TV show The Apprentice, starring Donald Trump, which is ironic considering that the lyrics warn of the evil people will do for the love of money.
In 2005 the O'Jays were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Original members Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, Bobby Massey and, posthumously, William Powell, were inducted. In a note of controversy, 70's O'Jays member Sammy Strain was also inducted with the group, while original member Bill Isles was not. (Strain is one of the few artists in popular music history who is a double Rock Hall inductee: with The O'Jays in 2005, and The Imperials in 2009).
Partridge Family Tidbits:
The pilot was called The Family Business. After they found a manager, the group acquired an old school bus, painted it and departed to Las Vegas for their first live gig at Caesars Palace. After the series was sold, the title was changed to The Partridge Family.
The Partridge Family was produced for ABC by Screen Gems, which was just finishing its run with The Monkees, another show about a fictional musical group. The company promoted the show by releasing a series of albums featuring the family band, though most cast members did not actually play on the recordings. Led by producer Wes Farrell, a group of hired studio musicians (informally referred to as the Ron Hicklin Singers and Wrecking Crew) actually created the Partridge Family's sound. David Cassidy was originally to lip sync with the rest of the cast, but he convinced Farrell just weeks into production that he could sing well and was allowed to join the studio ensemble as the lead singer.
A modernized-version of the bus was created for a new promotion in 2004, when VH1 premiered In Search of the New Partridge Family. This talent competition in the format of American Idol sought a new cast for a contemporary version of the sitcom. The elimination-type program aired seven episodes in which a panel of judges selected a new Partridge Family cast from auditioners across the country. The resulting pilot episode of The New Partridge Family aired in January 2005, but due to low ratings VH1 opted not to produce any more episodes.
Music News & Notes
Poor Britney
Britney Spears stopped performing halfway through her concert at the GM Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, after smoky conditions and ventilation problems forced the singer and her dancers to leave the stage for more than 30 minutes, reported the Vancouver Sun. After performing a few songs, Spears and her dancers vanished for no reason, leaving the impatient crowd to chant and do the wave in complete darkness. Apparently, the smoking of marijuana and cigarettes became so overwhelming, that the crew thought it was unsafe- so they stopped the concert.
Spears’ camp issued a statement after the concert, saying, “We want to apologize to all the fans who attended our Vancouver show tonight for the brief pause in Britney’s set. Crew members above the stage became ill due to a ventilation issue.”
You won't see that anywhere else, imagine a rock concert being stopped because of the smoke- hey, isn't that part of the show?
==========================
Prince at #2
Prince's new album, LotusFlow3r, premiers at number two this week on the Billboard Album chart with sales of 168,000. He was beat out by Keith Urban's new album which sold just 3,000 more copies.
Total sales were 7.11 million units, down 11% from the same week last year. Year-to-date sales are down 13.3%.
==========================
Eddie Vedder Embarks On 2009 US Solo Tour
Eddie Vedder will embark on an 11-date, 2009 US solo tour, which begins June 8th in Albany, New York and ends July 2nd in Honolulu, Hawaii (full list of tour dates below). New Zealand singer-songwriter Liam Finn will open these shows. General public tickets for all dates of the Eddie Vedder 2009 solo tour go on sale Saturday, April 18th (with the exception of the Baltimore dates which go on sale April 17th).
==========================
New Releases This Week
Mumiy Troll - "Comrade Ambassador" - Review
Maria Taylor - "LadyLuck" (Nettwerk Music Group)
Halloween, Alaska - "Champagne Downtown" (East Side Digital)
Other Lives - "Other Lives" (tbd records)
Tom Goss - "Back To Love"
The Blue Van - "Man Up" - iTunes release
Felice Brothers - "Yonder Is The Clock" (Team Love)
Zach Williams and the Reformation - "Zach Williams and the Reformation"
Datarock - "Give It Up" - Single
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - “From Her To Eternity” (Mute) - Re-release
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - “The Firstborn Is Dead” (Mute) - Re-release
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - “Kicking Against The Pricks” (Mute) - Re-release
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - “Your Funeral… My Trial” (Mute) - Re-release
Living With Lions - "Dude Manor" (Adeline Records)
Single File - "Common Struggles"
Gliss - "Devotion Implosion" (Rydkodisc/Cordless Recordings)
Richard Swift - "The Atlantic Ocean" (Secretly Canadian)
Bat for Lashes - "Two Suns" (Astralwerks)
Britney Spears stopped performing halfway through her concert at the GM Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, after smoky conditions and ventilation problems forced the singer and her dancers to leave the stage for more than 30 minutes, reported the Vancouver Sun. After performing a few songs, Spears and her dancers vanished for no reason, leaving the impatient crowd to chant and do the wave in complete darkness. Apparently, the smoking of marijuana and cigarettes became so overwhelming, that the crew thought it was unsafe- so they stopped the concert.
Spears’ camp issued a statement after the concert, saying, “We want to apologize to all the fans who attended our Vancouver show tonight for the brief pause in Britney’s set. Crew members above the stage became ill due to a ventilation issue.”
You won't see that anywhere else, imagine a rock concert being stopped because of the smoke- hey, isn't that part of the show?
==========================
Prince at #2
Prince's new album, LotusFlow3r, premiers at number two this week on the Billboard Album chart with sales of 168,000. He was beat out by Keith Urban's new album which sold just 3,000 more copies.
Total sales were 7.11 million units, down 11% from the same week last year. Year-to-date sales are down 13.3%.
==========================
Eddie Vedder Embarks On 2009 US Solo Tour
Eddie Vedder will embark on an 11-date, 2009 US solo tour, which begins June 8th in Albany, New York and ends July 2nd in Honolulu, Hawaii (full list of tour dates below). New Zealand singer-songwriter Liam Finn will open these shows. General public tickets for all dates of the Eddie Vedder 2009 solo tour go on sale Saturday, April 18th (with the exception of the Baltimore dates which go on sale April 17th).
==========================
New Releases This Week
Mumiy Troll - "Comrade Ambassador" - Review
Maria Taylor - "LadyLuck" (Nettwerk Music Group)
Halloween, Alaska - "Champagne Downtown" (East Side Digital)
Other Lives - "Other Lives" (tbd records)
Tom Goss - "Back To Love"
The Blue Van - "Man Up" - iTunes release
Felice Brothers - "Yonder Is The Clock" (Team Love)
Zach Williams and the Reformation - "Zach Williams and the Reformation"
Datarock - "Give It Up" - Single
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - “From Her To Eternity” (Mute) - Re-release
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - “The Firstborn Is Dead” (Mute) - Re-release
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - “Kicking Against The Pricks” (Mute) - Re-release
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - “Your Funeral… My Trial” (Mute) - Re-release
Living With Lions - "Dude Manor" (Adeline Records)
Single File - "Common Struggles"
Gliss - "Devotion Implosion" (Rydkodisc/Cordless Recordings)
Richard Swift - "The Atlantic Ocean" (Secretly Canadian)
Bat for Lashes - "Two Suns" (Astralwerks)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Mr. Music
I am continuing our new feature: Ask "Mr. Music." Now in its 23rd year of syndication (1986-2008), Jerry Osborne's weekly Q&A feature will be a regular post every Wednesday from now on. Be sure to stop by Jerry's site (www.jerryosborne.com) for more Mr. Music archives, record price guides, anything Elvis, buy & sell collectibles, record appraisals and much more. I thank Jerry for allowing the reprints.
DEAR JERRY: There is a comedy routine from the 1950s that I just can't get out of my mind.
I know it came out on a 45 rpm and is a parody of the Ed Sullivan Show. This comedian's name finally dawned on me, and it is Will Jordan.
I'd love to get a copy play it on my “Warped Records Radio Show,” which I have been doing for nearly 10 years locally on WSVA 550.
—Jim Bishop, Harrisonburg, Va.
DEAR JIM: As you likely recall, the original title of Ed Sullivan's Sunday night show was “Toast of the Town.”
Ed's distinctive style and mannerisms made him a favorite target of most impressionists. However, Will Jordan's Sullivan act was so good that Ed frequently booked him on “Toast of the Town.
One such Jordan parody routine did come out as a single in 1956, titled “Roast of the Town: Shnook Magazine TV Awards, Part 1” backed with “Roast of the Town: Shnook Magazine TV Awards, Part 2” (Jubilee 900). This must be the recording your mind can't discharge.
Billed as “Will Jordan Starring in a One Man Mimicry Show” on this record's picture sleeve, he lampoons other TV celebrities besides Ed Sullivan, specifically Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis; Jackie Gleason; Arthur Godfrey; Groucho Marx; Wally Cox; Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz; and Liberace.
Jordan made other comedy albums in the 1950s and '60s, but Will's most marketable product remained his Sullivan impersonation.
I spotted “Roast of the Town” recently on eBay for about $12, including picture sleeve. While not close to near-mint, it probably would meet “Warped Records Radio Show” requirements.
Congratulations on 10 years of entertaining the beautiful Shenandoah Valley!
DEAR JERRY: Thoroughly enjoyed learning how many single-letter film titles exist, 23 to be exact.
Using various movie references I can confirm all except the N-movie.
Please resolve this cinematic mystery for me.
—Jill Stillman, Hanover, Pa.
DEAR JERRY: Regarding your list of single-letter movie titles. My co-workers dispute there is a 2005 movie titled “N.” Please restore my standing in the officeplace trivia rankings!
—Jim Chandler, Fraser, Mich
DEAR JILL & JIM: “N” is a 2005 German film, an 82-minute historical documentary.
Though “N” is the complete English title, it is better known to Germans as “N wie niemand” (translation: “N as no one”).
You can find it listed accordingly on both the U.S. and German language Internet Movie Database sites.
DEAR JERRY: Did Judy Collins ever record “Wedding Song (There Is Love)”?
I used to hear it on a radio station in Mexico, and I am pretty sure that it was presented like that. Still, after looking for years, I cannot find this song by Judy Collins.
Am I perhaps mistaken about the singer's identity?
—Alfonso de Leon, Mexico City
DEAR ALFONSO: Since I also find no recording of “Wedding Song (There Is Love)” by Judy Collins, one of two possibilities exist:
Either you have the title right and the wrong artist, or the song you recall is “Wedding Song,” a completely different song which is by Judy Collins, from her 1980 LP, “Running for My Life” (Elektra 253).
What has me leaning toward the first option is you clearly mention the complete title, “The Wedding Song (There Is Love).” Judy's “Wedding Song” makes no reference to “There Is Love.”
Three versions of “Wedding Song (There Is Love)” do exist by well-known female stars: Petula Clark (1972); Captain & Tennille, featuring Toni Tennille (1976); and Mary MacGregor (1978).
There is a good chance it is one of these you seek.
Paul Stookey, formerly of Peter, Paul and Mary, wrote “Wedding Song (There Is Love),” and his is the top selling and most famous version. It became a Top 25 hit in 1971.
IZ ZAT SO? Completely different than Judy Collins' 1980 “Wedding Song,” and still nothing like “Wedding Song (There Is Love),” is “Wedding Song (Song for Louis).”
This selection is from Judy's 2005 album, “Portrait of an American Girl.”
DEAR JERRY: There is a comedy routine from the 1950s that I just can't get out of my mind.
I know it came out on a 45 rpm and is a parody of the Ed Sullivan Show. This comedian's name finally dawned on me, and it is Will Jordan.
I'd love to get a copy play it on my “Warped Records Radio Show,” which I have been doing for nearly 10 years locally on WSVA 550.
—Jim Bishop, Harrisonburg, Va.
DEAR JIM: As you likely recall, the original title of Ed Sullivan's Sunday night show was “Toast of the Town.”
Ed's distinctive style and mannerisms made him a favorite target of most impressionists. However, Will Jordan's Sullivan act was so good that Ed frequently booked him on “Toast of the Town.
One such Jordan parody routine did come out as a single in 1956, titled “Roast of the Town: Shnook Magazine TV Awards, Part 1” backed with “Roast of the Town: Shnook Magazine TV Awards, Part 2” (Jubilee 900). This must be the recording your mind can't discharge.
Billed as “Will Jordan Starring in a One Man Mimicry Show” on this record's picture sleeve, he lampoons other TV celebrities besides Ed Sullivan, specifically Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis; Jackie Gleason; Arthur Godfrey; Groucho Marx; Wally Cox; Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz; and Liberace.
Jordan made other comedy albums in the 1950s and '60s, but Will's most marketable product remained his Sullivan impersonation.
I spotted “Roast of the Town” recently on eBay for about $12, including picture sleeve. While not close to near-mint, it probably would meet “Warped Records Radio Show” requirements.
Congratulations on 10 years of entertaining the beautiful Shenandoah Valley!
DEAR JERRY: Thoroughly enjoyed learning how many single-letter film titles exist, 23 to be exact.
Using various movie references I can confirm all except the N-movie.
Please resolve this cinematic mystery for me.
—Jill Stillman, Hanover, Pa.
DEAR JERRY: Regarding your list of single-letter movie titles. My co-workers dispute there is a 2005 movie titled “N.” Please restore my standing in the officeplace trivia rankings!
—Jim Chandler, Fraser, Mich
DEAR JILL & JIM: “N” is a 2005 German film, an 82-minute historical documentary.
Though “N” is the complete English title, it is better known to Germans as “N wie niemand” (translation: “N as no one”).
You can find it listed accordingly on both the U.S. and German language Internet Movie Database sites.
DEAR JERRY: Did Judy Collins ever record “Wedding Song (There Is Love)”?
I used to hear it on a radio station in Mexico, and I am pretty sure that it was presented like that. Still, after looking for years, I cannot find this song by Judy Collins.
Am I perhaps mistaken about the singer's identity?
—Alfonso de Leon, Mexico City
DEAR ALFONSO: Since I also find no recording of “Wedding Song (There Is Love)” by Judy Collins, one of two possibilities exist:
Either you have the title right and the wrong artist, or the song you recall is “Wedding Song,” a completely different song which is by Judy Collins, from her 1980 LP, “Running for My Life” (Elektra 253).
What has me leaning toward the first option is you clearly mention the complete title, “The Wedding Song (There Is Love).” Judy's “Wedding Song” makes no reference to “There Is Love.”
Three versions of “Wedding Song (There Is Love)” do exist by well-known female stars: Petula Clark (1972); Captain & Tennille, featuring Toni Tennille (1976); and Mary MacGregor (1978).
There is a good chance it is one of these you seek.
Paul Stookey, formerly of Peter, Paul and Mary, wrote “Wedding Song (There Is Love),” and his is the top selling and most famous version. It became a Top 25 hit in 1971.
IZ ZAT SO? Completely different than Judy Collins' 1980 “Wedding Song,” and still nothing like “Wedding Song (There Is Love),” is “Wedding Song (Song for Louis).”
This selection is from Judy's 2005 album, “Portrait of an American Girl.”
Music News & Notes
Sir Paul & Ringo?
An unnamed source, has said that Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are ready to head into the studio. "It has been a long time since Ringo played drums on any of Paul's songs but they've decided they can work together again. They had a fantastic time in New York, and realize they still work well together. They're now getting together later in the year to work on some of Paul's new songs."
=================================
Vinyl Collective News
Here is the latest from my friend Virgil over at www.vinylcollective.com- stop on by and pick up some great vinyl!
Due to a number of factors (me laid up in bed sick since Thurday and still sick today, it being spring, us having way too many records in our warehouse, and my higher than normal balances with my vinyl and cd pressing plants), I have decided to start putting together the Spring Cleaning sale to to end all Spring Cleaning sales. Every release is subject to be put on sale, test pressings will be sold, and we might dig out some out of print records, too. The sales will begin as early as tomorrow and the sales will go through the entire month of April.
It is our goal to make room for all the new records that we are having pressed. We hope to offer some insane prices on our records passing the savings onto you. I see everyday on the message board where folks are always complaining about their cash flow situation, well, this is going to be the month that you better make sure you have at least a few bucks set aside.
If you have any suggestions for a sale, we might even add a few of your ideas to our list of sales.
Vinyl Collective Top 10 Sales of the past Week
1. Jawbreaker - Etc. double LP (out of stock right now)
2. THE SIDEKICKS “So Long, Soggy Dog” LP powder blue vinyl
3. RISE AGAINST “S/T” 7″
4. COBRA SKULLS “Sitting Army” LP transparent green vinyl
5. THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM “New Jersey” Coffee Mug
6. COBRA SKULLS “Sitting Army” LP set of both colors
7. JONAH MATRANGA/ FRANK TURNER split LP clear yellow vinyl
8. POLAR BEAR CLUB “Sometimes Things Just Disappear” LP green vinyl w/ CD
9. COBRA SKULLS “Sitting Army” LP opaque yellow vinyl
10. BULLET TREATMENT “Designated Vol 1″ 7″
10. THE LAWRENCE ARMS “Apathy & Exhaustion” LP
10. Suburban Home Pick 5 for $25 Sale (CDs, Vinyl, Pint Glasses)
=================================
Michael Schenker Releases New CD / Vinyl
Gipsy Lady”, the first album from the Michael Schenker-Gary Barden Acoustic Project, will be available on CD and vinyl on May 19. Gary Barden’s vocals give the cleverly arranged songs just the touch of soul they need for full impact… The long-term Schenker collaborator wrote the lyrics virtually off the top of his head. Also on board is Michael Voss, an experienced producer, and second guitarist, who also provides background vocals. Kai Luennemann on percussion completes the team.
===================================
Second and Third Destroyer Albums To Get Vinyl Reissue
Nominal Records, the label responsible for the excellent Emergency Room Volume 1 compilation, has announced that it will be continuing to spread its love of Vancouver with two Destroyer reissues. The label will release City of Daughters and Thief, the second and third Destroyer records, on vinyl this month.
In a statement, the label explained its reasoning for the reissues, saying, “The original City of Daughters LP suffered from frequency related glitches, which caused it to skip on many turntables. The original Thief mix was never satisfying and the LP/CD was shoddily mastered into mono.”
The albums have been remixed and mastered by the original production team of Dan Bejar, Dave Carswell and John Collins at JC/DC studios, and their artwork has been reworked to fit on a fancy gatefold jacket.Tthe original pressing will only feature 1026 copies.
=================================
The Hours Album Cover
The new album of The Hours will be released on April 20th. “See The Light” is not only much anticipated because of the music, but also because the album cover art has been created by none other than British artist Damien Hirst. Both the CD and the LP cover art were designed by the artist.
An unnamed source, has said that Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are ready to head into the studio. "It has been a long time since Ringo played drums on any of Paul's songs but they've decided they can work together again. They had a fantastic time in New York, and realize they still work well together. They're now getting together later in the year to work on some of Paul's new songs."
=================================
Vinyl Collective News
Here is the latest from my friend Virgil over at www.vinylcollective.com- stop on by and pick up some great vinyl!
Due to a number of factors (me laid up in bed sick since Thurday and still sick today, it being spring, us having way too many records in our warehouse, and my higher than normal balances with my vinyl and cd pressing plants), I have decided to start putting together the Spring Cleaning sale to to end all Spring Cleaning sales. Every release is subject to be put on sale, test pressings will be sold, and we might dig out some out of print records, too. The sales will begin as early as tomorrow and the sales will go through the entire month of April.
It is our goal to make room for all the new records that we are having pressed. We hope to offer some insane prices on our records passing the savings onto you. I see everyday on the message board where folks are always complaining about their cash flow situation, well, this is going to be the month that you better make sure you have at least a few bucks set aside.
If you have any suggestions for a sale, we might even add a few of your ideas to our list of sales.
Vinyl Collective Top 10 Sales of the past Week
1. Jawbreaker - Etc. double LP (out of stock right now)
2. THE SIDEKICKS “So Long, Soggy Dog” LP powder blue vinyl
3. RISE AGAINST “S/T” 7″
4. COBRA SKULLS “Sitting Army” LP transparent green vinyl
5. THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM “New Jersey” Coffee Mug
6. COBRA SKULLS “Sitting Army” LP set of both colors
7. JONAH MATRANGA/ FRANK TURNER split LP clear yellow vinyl
8. POLAR BEAR CLUB “Sometimes Things Just Disappear” LP green vinyl w/ CD
9. COBRA SKULLS “Sitting Army” LP opaque yellow vinyl
10. BULLET TREATMENT “Designated Vol 1″ 7″
10. THE LAWRENCE ARMS “Apathy & Exhaustion” LP
10. Suburban Home Pick 5 for $25 Sale (CDs, Vinyl, Pint Glasses)
=================================
Michael Schenker Releases New CD / Vinyl
Gipsy Lady”, the first album from the Michael Schenker-Gary Barden Acoustic Project, will be available on CD and vinyl on May 19. Gary Barden’s vocals give the cleverly arranged songs just the touch of soul they need for full impact… The long-term Schenker collaborator wrote the lyrics virtually off the top of his head. Also on board is Michael Voss, an experienced producer, and second guitarist, who also provides background vocals. Kai Luennemann on percussion completes the team.
===================================
Second and Third Destroyer Albums To Get Vinyl Reissue
Nominal Records, the label responsible for the excellent Emergency Room Volume 1 compilation, has announced that it will be continuing to spread its love of Vancouver with two Destroyer reissues. The label will release City of Daughters and Thief, the second and third Destroyer records, on vinyl this month.
In a statement, the label explained its reasoning for the reissues, saying, “The original City of Daughters LP suffered from frequency related glitches, which caused it to skip on many turntables. The original Thief mix was never satisfying and the LP/CD was shoddily mastered into mono.”
The albums have been remixed and mastered by the original production team of Dan Bejar, Dave Carswell and John Collins at JC/DC studios, and their artwork has been reworked to fit on a fancy gatefold jacket.Tthe original pressing will only feature 1026 copies.
=================================
The Hours Album Cover
The new album of The Hours will be released on April 20th. “See The Light” is not only much anticipated because of the music, but also because the album cover art has been created by none other than British artist Damien Hirst. Both the CD and the LP cover art were designed by the artist.
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