Digital downloading is changing the relationship between music fans and artwork
BRYAN BORZYKOWSKI
FOR METRO CANADA
There’s more to a CD than just the music. Flipping through liner notes, reading lyrics and, especially, staring at brilliant cover art is all part of record listening experience. Or at least it was — with legal downloading accounting for 20 per cent of all music sales, the future of album artwork is in jeopardy.
“There seems to be less and less need for artwork,” says Bob Mersereau, author of the Top 100 Canadian Albums. “When my son buys a CD he throws the insert away. He doesn’t want it; it just gets in the way for him. He’s not interested in that experience.”
If Mersereau’s son is any indication, the days when an album’s cover would often resonate more than the music is over. That worries the New Brunswick-based journalist.
“When you say Dark Side of the Moon, what’s the first thing that pops into your head? It’s not Money. It’s that cover. Abbey Road? It’s the cover,” he says.
While there’s no doubt the experience of flipping through a CD booklet is changing, one web-based music store owner doesn’t think album art will disappear.
“The future is limitless,” says Dave Ullrich, founder of Toronto-based Zunior.com. “It might not be the same as vinyl, but it can be very different and different can be better.”
On his website Ullrich gives music buyers the opportunity to download PDFs of a disc’s artwork, and he once offered downloaders a high resolution Rheostatics poster that could be printed and framed.
While he’s happy to give his customers more than just MP3s, he admits that the future of cover art will soon be far more dynamic than a simple PDF download.
“It doesn’t exist yet, but with things like iPhone apps fans will be able to easily dig into lyrics, or even kick back and just listen to music and look at the record’s artwork, all on their phone,” Ullrich explains.
Michael Wrycraft, a Juno-winning artist who’s designed artwork for Bruce Cockburn among other Canadian acts, should be the first one to lament the move to digital. But, not only is he busier than ever before, he thinks the work will keep coming well into the downloading era.
“Artwork on paper may die out years from now, but then someone will download a track, play it on a computer and a screen saver will pop with credits and pictures,” he says. “I’m not panicking about my future — I just realize that someday the material I work with might change.”
Mersereau, however, thinks the devaluation of cover art is already in full swing, especially when it comes to major label releases. “There’s less and less work going into them already,” he says. “Take the new Bruce Springsteen, the reviews are great, but it’s the ugliest cover you’ve ever seen. Where are the iconic shots of the past? Where are the great covers that you want to hang up on your wall?”
Ullrich agrees that some liner notes aren’t as eyecatching as they used to be. He chalks that up to budgeting issues, which can be resolved when digital artwork takes off.
“Creative bands will be able to do some really cool stuff,” he says. “Digital is more wide open — it’s even more open than what you had in the old days.”
SOURCE: http://www.metronews.ca
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Back in the grooves with a vinyl revival
Found this article from 'down under' and it appears the vinyl revival is catching on there as well.
Back in the grooves with a vinyl revival
By Paddy Hintz
FORGET about home theatre surround sound, iPod docking stations and the latest new-wave all-in-one music systems.
It's time to get ready for the next revolution.
Record players and the paraphernalia that goes with them - stylii, cleaning tools, vinyl records and old-fashioned amplifiers - are making a comeback.
The downloading generation has discovered the tangible benefits of vinyl, and records sales are soaring across the country.
High-end hi-fi specialist Mervyn Marshall, of Northside Hi-Fi, has already doubled his sales of record players this year over last year.
Egg Records owner Ric Trevaskes says players and old-fashioned amplifiers are becoming harder to get and more expensive as more people want them.
And the range of retailers stocking record players has mushroomed, from the small retailer dedicated to acoustic excellence to mass market stockists such as Aldi and Dick Smith Electronics, as record companies now produce records that come with codes to access a free download so you can protect your precious vinyl.
Brisbane's Rocking Horse Records owner Warwick Vere says record sales are up 45 per cent on last year. "It is one of the good things that has come out of the downloading generation," he said.
"They and their cousins are discovering the wonders of vinyl. "There are some funny stories of course. A lot of them go, you mean, you turn them over and play the other side?"
Mr Vere says there's no doubt records sound better than CDs, as the highs and lows of recordings are compressed on CDs.
While many may not realise the value of their dusty old record collections, a lot of others over-estimate the worth of their collections.
'We have plenty of people ringing us up telling us that they've got Hot August Night by Neil Diamond," Mr Vere said.
"I tell them, so has half the universe, love."
Those new to vinyl are discovering you just can't buy an old record player on its own - you also need the old-fashioned amplifiers, usually sourced from parents or grandparents, to reproduce the sound.
SOURCE: http://www.news.com.au
Back in the grooves with a vinyl revival
By Paddy Hintz
FORGET about home theatre surround sound, iPod docking stations and the latest new-wave all-in-one music systems.
It's time to get ready for the next revolution.
Record players and the paraphernalia that goes with them - stylii, cleaning tools, vinyl records and old-fashioned amplifiers - are making a comeback.
The downloading generation has discovered the tangible benefits of vinyl, and records sales are soaring across the country.
High-end hi-fi specialist Mervyn Marshall, of Northside Hi-Fi, has already doubled his sales of record players this year over last year.
Egg Records owner Ric Trevaskes says players and old-fashioned amplifiers are becoming harder to get and more expensive as more people want them.
And the range of retailers stocking record players has mushroomed, from the small retailer dedicated to acoustic excellence to mass market stockists such as Aldi and Dick Smith Electronics, as record companies now produce records that come with codes to access a free download so you can protect your precious vinyl.
Brisbane's Rocking Horse Records owner Warwick Vere says record sales are up 45 per cent on last year. "It is one of the good things that has come out of the downloading generation," he said.
"They and their cousins are discovering the wonders of vinyl. "There are some funny stories of course. A lot of them go, you mean, you turn them over and play the other side?"
Mr Vere says there's no doubt records sound better than CDs, as the highs and lows of recordings are compressed on CDs.
While many may not realise the value of their dusty old record collections, a lot of others over-estimate the worth of their collections.
'We have plenty of people ringing us up telling us that they've got Hot August Night by Neil Diamond," Mr Vere said.
"I tell them, so has half the universe, love."
Those new to vinyl are discovering you just can't buy an old record player on its own - you also need the old-fashioned amplifiers, usually sourced from parents or grandparents, to reproduce the sound.
SOURCE: http://www.news.com.au
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales
Week Ending 05/23/2009
1. LP - Queen "A Kind Of Magic" Red Vinyl New Zealand Test Pressing - $6,655.55 - Start: $1.00 - Bids; 35
2. LP - The Beatles "White Album" Apple UK Mono #0000056 - Start: $3,572.55 - Start: $39.50 - Bids: 21
3. LP - Johanna Martzy "Bach: The unaccompanied Violin Sonatas" Columbia Box set UK - $3,248.00 - Start: $1.00 - Bids: 17
4. 12" - Led Zeppelin “Road Box” - $2,801.00 - Start: $500 - Bids: 14
5. 45 - unknown "You're Doing Wrong" single-sided acetate - $2,380.29 - Start: $199.99 - Bids: 6
In the #1 spot, a red vinyl pressing out of New Zealand of Queen's 1986 LP release bid to well over $6.6k. As this one is a test pressing it may be one of a kind. The commercial release is on orange colored vinyl. Next, a mono "White Album", this one numbered 52, closes more than halfway over $3.5k.
One of the most soft after classical LP sets, Johana Martzy's Bach violin sonatas sells for more than $3.2k and gets the #3 spot. At #4, Another Led Zeppelin on 12" "Road Box" gets one dollar over $2.8k. And last, a unknown acetate of an R&B/Funk recording sells for well over $2.3k.
As always, thanks to Norm at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com for this valuable data!
1. LP - Queen "A Kind Of Magic" Red Vinyl New Zealand Test Pressing - $6,655.55 - Start: $1.00 - Bids; 35
2. LP - The Beatles "White Album" Apple UK Mono #0000056 - Start: $3,572.55 - Start: $39.50 - Bids: 21
3. LP - Johanna Martzy "Bach: The unaccompanied Violin Sonatas" Columbia Box set UK - $3,248.00 - Start: $1.00 - Bids: 17
4. 12" - Led Zeppelin “Road Box” - $2,801.00 - Start: $500 - Bids: 14
5. 45 - unknown "You're Doing Wrong" single-sided acetate - $2,380.29 - Start: $199.99 - Bids: 6
In the #1 spot, a red vinyl pressing out of New Zealand of Queen's 1986 LP release bid to well over $6.6k. As this one is a test pressing it may be one of a kind. The commercial release is on orange colored vinyl. Next, a mono "White Album", this one numbered 52, closes more than halfway over $3.5k.
One of the most soft after classical LP sets, Johana Martzy's Bach violin sonatas sells for more than $3.2k and gets the #3 spot. At #4, Another Led Zeppelin on 12" "Road Box" gets one dollar over $2.8k. And last, a unknown acetate of an R&B/Funk recording sells for well over $2.3k.
As always, thanks to Norm at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com for this valuable data!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
This Date In Music History-May 24
Birthdays:
Patti LaBelle (1944)
Rosanne Cash (1955)
Born in 1941, Robert Zimmerman, (Bob Dylan). Dylan has released over 40 albums since 1964 and was a major influence on The Beatles and The Rolling Stones during the 60's. Biggest hit was 1965’s #2 single “Like A Rolling Stone.”
Derek Quinn - Freddie and the Dreamers (1942)
Steve Upton - Wishbone Ash (1946)
Albert Bouchard - Blue Oyster Cult (1947)
Rapper Heavy D (1967)
Alessandro Cortini - Nine Inch Nails (1976)
Rich Robinson - Black Crowes (1969)
They Are Missed:
In 1963, Elmore James, legendary blues guitarist and singer died of a heart attack (age 45). Known as "The King of the Slide Guitar,” James influenced such artists as Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Keith Richards. More than 400 blues musicians attended his funeral.
Composer, pianist, and bandleader Duke Ellington, died of lung cancer and pneumonia in 1974 (age 75). Worked with Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday. Awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1966.
Founder member of The Byrds Gene Clark died of a heart attack in 1991 (age 49). Wrote The Byrds hits “I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better,” and “Eight Miles High.”
History:
The Beatles recorded the first of their very own BBC radio program, "Pop Go the Beatles" in 1963. The theme song for the program was a version of "Pop Goes the Weasel.” The Beatles' guests for this first show were the Lorne Gibson Trio.
"Shining Star,” from Earth, Wind & Fire's “That's the Way of the World,” reached #1 on Billboard's singles chart in 1975. It earned the first of many Grammys for the group, winning Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Group.
In 1991, Guns n' Roses played the first show on their 192-date “Use Your Illusion” world tour at Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, Wisconsin.
The Spice Girls went to #1 on the US album chart in 1997 with “Spice,” making them only the third all girl group to do so after The Supremes and The Go-Go's and the first ever UK girl group to do so.
In 2003, Paul McCartney made his first ever live performance in Russia when he appeared in-front of 20,000 fans in Red Square. Yes, he performed “Back In The U.S.S.R” even though the U.S.S.R. no longer existed.
Patrons looking to buy tickets to Genesis' benefit show at L.A.'s Roxy in 1979 were surprised to find the band itself manning the box office. Proceeds from the show go to local hospitals.
In 1986, Peter Gabriel released "Sledgehammer" with an acclaimed and innovative claymation video. The single hits #4 in the UK and #2 in the US.
The Guess Who made their American TV debut on "American Bandstand" in 1969.
In 1982 - Jefferson Starship, the Grateful Dead, Boz Scaggs, and Country Joe McDonald played at San Francisco's Moscone Center to raise money for the Vietnam Veterans Project.
Hanson, three brothers who write and play their own music, hit #1 in 1997 for 4 weeks with "MMMBop".
“Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End” opened in 2007. Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards plays the father of Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp's role). “(It was) just something to do," says Richards. "I don't know if I can really pull it (off) or not." Richards sees similarities between being a pirate and life in a rock group. "Both are ways to make a good dishonest living.”
David Bowie broadcasts the sessions for the song “What’s Really Happening” over the Internet in 1999. The song is co-written by Alex Grant, the winner of a songwriting contest.
Patti LaBelle (1944)
Rosanne Cash (1955)
Born in 1941, Robert Zimmerman, (Bob Dylan). Dylan has released over 40 albums since 1964 and was a major influence on The Beatles and The Rolling Stones during the 60's. Biggest hit was 1965’s #2 single “Like A Rolling Stone.”Derek Quinn - Freddie and the Dreamers (1942)
Steve Upton - Wishbone Ash (1946)
Albert Bouchard - Blue Oyster Cult (1947)
Rapper Heavy D (1967)
Alessandro Cortini - Nine Inch Nails (1976)
Rich Robinson - Black Crowes (1969)
They Are Missed:
In 1963, Elmore James, legendary blues guitarist and singer died of a heart attack (age 45). Known as "The King of the Slide Guitar,” James influenced such artists as Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Keith Richards. More than 400 blues musicians attended his funeral.
Composer, pianist, and bandleader Duke Ellington, died of lung cancer and pneumonia in 1974 (age 75). Worked with Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday. Awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1966.
Founder member of The Byrds Gene Clark died of a heart attack in 1991 (age 49). Wrote The Byrds hits “I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better,” and “Eight Miles High.”
History:
The Beatles recorded the first of their very own BBC radio program, "Pop Go the Beatles" in 1963. The theme song for the program was a version of "Pop Goes the Weasel.” The Beatles' guests for this first show were the Lorne Gibson Trio.
"Shining Star,” from Earth, Wind & Fire's “That's the Way of the World,” reached #1 on Billboard's singles chart in 1975. It earned the first of many Grammys for the group, winning Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Group.
In 1991, Guns n' Roses played the first show on their 192-date “Use Your Illusion” world tour at Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, Wisconsin.
The Spice Girls went to #1 on the US album chart in 1997 with “Spice,” making them only the third all girl group to do so after The Supremes and The Go-Go's and the first ever UK girl group to do so.
In 2003, Paul McCartney made his first ever live performance in Russia when he appeared in-front of 20,000 fans in Red Square. Yes, he performed “Back In The U.S.S.R” even though the U.S.S.R. no longer existed.
Patrons looking to buy tickets to Genesis' benefit show at L.A.'s Roxy in 1979 were surprised to find the band itself manning the box office. Proceeds from the show go to local hospitals.
In 1986, Peter Gabriel released "Sledgehammer" with an acclaimed and innovative claymation video. The single hits #4 in the UK and #2 in the US.
The Guess Who made their American TV debut on "American Bandstand" in 1969.
In 1982 - Jefferson Starship, the Grateful Dead, Boz Scaggs, and Country Joe McDonald played at San Francisco's Moscone Center to raise money for the Vietnam Veterans Project.
Hanson, three brothers who write and play their own music, hit #1 in 1997 for 4 weeks with "MMMBop".
“Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End” opened in 2007. Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards plays the father of Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp's role). “(It was) just something to do," says Richards. "I don't know if I can really pull it (off) or not." Richards sees similarities between being a pirate and life in a rock group. "Both are ways to make a good dishonest living.”
David Bowie broadcasts the sessions for the song “What’s Really Happening” over the Internet in 1999. The song is co-written by Alex Grant, the winner of a songwriting contest.
Music News & Notes
Linkin Park prep new album
It has been reported that Linkin Park are currently at work preparing their fourth studio album.
Co-frontman Mike Shinoda confirmed that the band have decided on a producer, but are keeping the information under wraps at present.
Shinoda told Billboard: "I feel like we've been writing a lot. I'd say we've got about half the music done, though I shouldn't say halfway because who knows how long the next batch of songs will take. But all the material's just kind of coming together."
According to Shinoda, the new album is due to be released in 2010, and is promised to be a fresh departure from previous releases.
"It's not going to be Hybrid Theory or Minutes to Midnight. And if we do it right, it'll have a cutting edge sound that defines itself as an individual record separate from anything else that's out there."
==========================
SACRIFICE: 'The Ones I Condemn' Artwork, Track Listing Revealed -
The cover artwork for "The Ones I Condemn", the much-anticipated new album from reunited Canadian thrashers SACRIFICE, can be viewed below.
Commented guitarist/vocalist Rob Urbinati: "Our recording process was real, so we didn't feel comfortable going too far into the digital realm for the cover. Our old friend, Kurt Bachman from BELIEVER, got us in touch with Michael 'Roz' Rosner, who does nothing but absolutely stunning work. Roz was into letting technology assist in creating art, not take over, and that is the same approach we take to music. Roz can make an image look beautiful, yet ugly; human yet inhuman; all awesome, unique imagery. The Eye Level studio team took our ideas and gave us a great cover."
"The Ones I Condemn" is scheduled for a mid-June release via Brazil's Marquee Records. The CD was recorded at Rouge Valley Studio in Toronto, Ontario with engineer Darius Szczepaniak, who has previously worked with I MOTHER EARTH, SUM 41 and EDWIN, among many others. Guest musicians on the album include Jed Simon (ZIMMERS HOLE, TENET, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, ARMOROS), who "[laid] down a total whammy-bar barrage," and the band's old Scarborough metal comrade Dave Hewson (SLAUGHTER, STRAPPADO), who lent some guest vocals to "The Devil's Martyr".
It has been reported that Linkin Park are currently at work preparing their fourth studio album.
Co-frontman Mike Shinoda confirmed that the band have decided on a producer, but are keeping the information under wraps at present.
Shinoda told Billboard: "I feel like we've been writing a lot. I'd say we've got about half the music done, though I shouldn't say halfway because who knows how long the next batch of songs will take. But all the material's just kind of coming together."
According to Shinoda, the new album is due to be released in 2010, and is promised to be a fresh departure from previous releases.
"It's not going to be Hybrid Theory or Minutes to Midnight. And if we do it right, it'll have a cutting edge sound that defines itself as an individual record separate from anything else that's out there."
==========================
SACRIFICE: 'The Ones I Condemn' Artwork, Track Listing Revealed -
The cover artwork for "The Ones I Condemn", the much-anticipated new album from reunited Canadian thrashers SACRIFICE, can be viewed below.
Commented guitarist/vocalist Rob Urbinati: "Our recording process was real, so we didn't feel comfortable going too far into the digital realm for the cover. Our old friend, Kurt Bachman from BELIEVER, got us in touch with Michael 'Roz' Rosner, who does nothing but absolutely stunning work. Roz was into letting technology assist in creating art, not take over, and that is the same approach we take to music. Roz can make an image look beautiful, yet ugly; human yet inhuman; all awesome, unique imagery. The Eye Level studio team took our ideas and gave us a great cover."
"The Ones I Condemn" is scheduled for a mid-June release via Brazil's Marquee Records. The CD was recorded at Rouge Valley Studio in Toronto, Ontario with engineer Darius Szczepaniak, who has previously worked with I MOTHER EARTH, SUM 41 and EDWIN, among many others. Guest musicians on the album include Jed Simon (ZIMMERS HOLE, TENET, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, ARMOROS), who "[laid] down a total whammy-bar barrage," and the band's old Scarborough metal comrade Dave Hewson (SLAUGHTER, STRAPPADO), who lent some guest vocals to "The Devil's Martyr".
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Bird & Animal Names In Rock And Roll History- part fifteen
Let's continue our article series about "bird" and "animal" names and groups in rock and roll history, this time heading back to the water; exploring a couple Lollapalooza veterans.
Formed in 1979, while most of the band members were in junior high, the L.A.-based band Fishbone has effectively mixed humor, ska-metal and sheer funk rock to create their own distinctive sound all the while building up a legion of hardcore fans. Albums such as “In Your Face” (1986) and “Truth And Soul” (1988) and the LP “The Reality Of My Surroundings” (1991- the band added second guitarist John Bigham for this release) captured the band at it’s best, skillfully blending social commentary, high energy punk with frantic ska and electric funk; even adding an acoustic number and a cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Freddie's Dead" on “Truth and Soul.”
However “The Reality Of My Surroundings” didn’t establish the group as a mainstream success and the follow up 1993’s “Give a Monkey a Brain and He'll Swear He's the Center of the Universe” and their appearance at the third Lollapalooza failed to garner much attention for the band either. Their 1996 record “Chim Chim's Bad Ass Revenge” which was their first album for Arista Records, was largely ignored, as was their double-disc compilation “Fishbone 101 Nuttasaurusmeg Fossil Fuelin.”
But despite the group’s poor sales, they remained a very popular concert attraction and in 2000, the band was signed to a major record deal and given the chance to record a new album with several special guests, such as Gwen Stefani, George Clinton, Rick James, H.R. of Bad Brains, Donny Osmond, and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs. The result, Fishbone and the "Familyhood Nextperience Present: The Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx," was a critical success, but again saw poor sales.
In 2002, on their own independent record label, they released "Live at the Temple Bar and More" which contained all brand new original material recorded throughout 2001 and 2002. Throughout many personnel changes, the band retained their cult status and the new Fishbone continued to widen their musical horizons, releasing their first studio recording in 6 years titled "Still Stuck In Your Throat" in April of 2007.
In 2008 and 2009, the prospect of a reunion of the original members grew closer, when on different occasions, Walter Kibby, Christopher Dowd and Kendall Jones joining Fishbone on stage, most notably for the shoot of the Pepsi "Pass" commercial which aired in January 2009 and with the original members all on friendly speaking terms with each other.
The Eels, were named because band leader E (Mark Oliver Everett) wanted the group’s records to be next to his solo efforts in alphabetical order-they later realized that the Eagles would fall in between. After achieving minor success as a solo artist (as A Man Called E, Mr. E or simply E), Everett teamed up with Jonathan “Butch” Norton and Tommy Walter to form the Eels and they became one of the first groups to sign a record deal with Dreamworks.
The Eels debut album, “Beautiful Freak” featured an unsettling album cover (a bug-eyed prepubescent girl), melancholy pop, eccentric musical composition and quirky production and yielded the Top 40 hit “Novocaine For The Soul” (which also was the number one Modern Rock hit for two weeks). The group toured extensively to support the release and built up their name in both the U.S. and Europe. The song “My Beloved Monster” was featured on the soundtrack for the blockbuster movie “Shrek” and two other cuts could be heard in the fifth season of the television show “Homicide: Life On The Street”- “Not Ready Yet” and “Guest List.” Additionally, the song “Lucky Day In Hell” can be heard on the soundtrack for the movie “Scream.”
After some very difficult personal experiences (friends dying, his sister’s suicide and his mother being diagnosed with cancer), E wrote a collection of dark, somber songs for the next album called “Electro-Shock Blues.” Not nearly as commercially successful as their debut, the Eels had some success with the single “Last Stop This Town” and a second single called “Cancer For The Cure,” which was used on the soundtrack for the film “American Beauty.”
The next releases “Daisies Of The Galaxy” (2000) and “Souljacker” (2001), saw the band return to prominence with more of an upbeat and accessible sound. They included the songs “It’s A Motherxxxxxx” and “Selective Memory” and the single “Mr. E’s Beautiful Blues” (co-written by Michael Simpson of the Dust Brothers)-from “Daisies Of The Galaxy” and the single “That’s Not Really Funny,” which was used as the theme for the BBC comedy series “Monkey Dust,” the song “Souljacker Part I,” is included in the movie “Hot Fuzz,” while the cut “Fresh Feeling” appears in the American sitcom “Scrubs.”
In 2003, the Eels released “Shootenanny!,” an album that was recorded “live” in the studio over a ten-day period and the song ““Saturday Morning” was released as a single. But, band member “Butch” Norton left the group over 'monetary concerns' and would go on to work with Rufus Wainwright. In 2005, the thirty-three track album “Blinking Lights and Other Revelations” was released and was the band’s first album for their new record label Vagrant Records. Contributions to the LP were made by Tom Waits, Peter Buck and John Sebastian (The Lovin' Spoonful). A tour followed and as a result a live album called “Eels With Strings: Live at Town Hall” was released.
In early 2008, Eels released their first greatest hits package as well as a compilation of b-sides, rarities, soundtrack singles and unreleased tracks. "Meet the Eels: Essential Eels Vol. I" spans the first decade of the Eels with singles from all their albums. Useless Trinkets contains 50 B-sides and rarities as well as a DVD of their 2006 Lollapalooza performances.
The Eels may not have a huge following here in the States, but you have probably heard some of the songs and not know exactly who the band is. The Eels are probably more well-known in the UK and other parts of Europe, but since signing on with Vagrant Records, they will tour the United States with more frequency and hopefully capture more fans to add to their already budding fan base.
Look for part sixteen next week!
Fishbone Tidbits:
The band made headlines in April of 1993 when band member John “Norwood” Fisher was arrested (along with four others) for trying to kidnap former band-mate Kendall Jones in California. Jones had left the group the previous month and reportedly was obsessed with the apocalypse and denouncing the band as “demonic.” Fisher claimed he was just trying to take Jones to see psychiatric experts, while Jones said he had left the band over philosophical difference. Fisher ultimately was acquitted of the kidnapping charges and the band continued on.
Fishbone was led by vocalist/saxophonist Angelo Moore, and the band formed in 1979 while the members were still in junior high; the original lineup comprised Moore, Chris Dowd, Kendall Jones, Walter Kibby II, and John Norwood Fisher. They honed their skills performing in local clubs during the early '80s and then the group signed with Columbia Records in the mid-'80s, releasing a self-titled EP in 1985.
In 1987, in support of their first full-length album, “In Your Face,” the band performed "Jamaica Ska" (the classic Jamaican ska single specifically written as a breakthrough U.S. pop charts hit) in the Annette Funicello/Frankie Avalon reunion movie Back to the Beach.
Buy Fishbone Music
Eels Tidbits:
"Hombre Lobo," is the title of the seventh Eels studio album and is scheduled to be released on June 2, 2009. "Hombre Lobo" is Spanish for "wolf man" or "werewolf" and may be a reference to E's unusually long beard which he originally grew when writing the song "Dog Faced Boy.”
There have been several collaborations between the band and their fans. For example, in 2001, Eels held a contest that encouraged fans to submit song titles by e-mail, reporting that one would be picked, written around the title, and published as a b-side. Instead, they recorded a song called Hidden Track that used the submitted song titles pieced together as lyrics, as sung by Butch.
The soundtrack of the 2008 Jim Carrey comedy film “Yes Man” featured nine songs by the Eels, including "Man Up," a brand new song.
Buy Eels Music
Formed in 1979, while most of the band members were in junior high, the L.A.-based band Fishbone has effectively mixed humor, ska-metal and sheer funk rock to create their own distinctive sound all the while building up a legion of hardcore fans. Albums such as “In Your Face” (1986) and “Truth And Soul” (1988) and the LP “The Reality Of My Surroundings” (1991- the band added second guitarist John Bigham for this release) captured the band at it’s best, skillfully blending social commentary, high energy punk with frantic ska and electric funk; even adding an acoustic number and a cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Freddie's Dead" on “Truth and Soul.”
However “The Reality Of My Surroundings” didn’t establish the group as a mainstream success and the follow up 1993’s “Give a Monkey a Brain and He'll Swear He's the Center of the Universe” and their appearance at the third Lollapalooza failed to garner much attention for the band either. Their 1996 record “Chim Chim's Bad Ass Revenge” which was their first album for Arista Records, was largely ignored, as was their double-disc compilation “Fishbone 101 Nuttasaurusmeg Fossil Fuelin.”
But despite the group’s poor sales, they remained a very popular concert attraction and in 2000, the band was signed to a major record deal and given the chance to record a new album with several special guests, such as Gwen Stefani, George Clinton, Rick James, H.R. of Bad Brains, Donny Osmond, and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs. The result, Fishbone and the "Familyhood Nextperience Present: The Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx," was a critical success, but again saw poor sales.
In 2002, on their own independent record label, they released "Live at the Temple Bar and More" which contained all brand new original material recorded throughout 2001 and 2002. Throughout many personnel changes, the band retained their cult status and the new Fishbone continued to widen their musical horizons, releasing their first studio recording in 6 years titled "Still Stuck In Your Throat" in April of 2007.
In 2008 and 2009, the prospect of a reunion of the original members grew closer, when on different occasions, Walter Kibby, Christopher Dowd and Kendall Jones joining Fishbone on stage, most notably for the shoot of the Pepsi "Pass" commercial which aired in January 2009 and with the original members all on friendly speaking terms with each other.
The Eels, were named because band leader E (Mark Oliver Everett) wanted the group’s records to be next to his solo efforts in alphabetical order-they later realized that the Eagles would fall in between. After achieving minor success as a solo artist (as A Man Called E, Mr. E or simply E), Everett teamed up with Jonathan “Butch” Norton and Tommy Walter to form the Eels and they became one of the first groups to sign a record deal with Dreamworks.
The Eels debut album, “Beautiful Freak” featured an unsettling album cover (a bug-eyed prepubescent girl), melancholy pop, eccentric musical composition and quirky production and yielded the Top 40 hit “Novocaine For The Soul” (which also was the number one Modern Rock hit for two weeks). The group toured extensively to support the release and built up their name in both the U.S. and Europe. The song “My Beloved Monster” was featured on the soundtrack for the blockbuster movie “Shrek” and two other cuts could be heard in the fifth season of the television show “Homicide: Life On The Street”- “Not Ready Yet” and “Guest List.” Additionally, the song “Lucky Day In Hell” can be heard on the soundtrack for the movie “Scream.”
After some very difficult personal experiences (friends dying, his sister’s suicide and his mother being diagnosed with cancer), E wrote a collection of dark, somber songs for the next album called “Electro-Shock Blues.” Not nearly as commercially successful as their debut, the Eels had some success with the single “Last Stop This Town” and a second single called “Cancer For The Cure,” which was used on the soundtrack for the film “American Beauty.”
The next releases “Daisies Of The Galaxy” (2000) and “Souljacker” (2001), saw the band return to prominence with more of an upbeat and accessible sound. They included the songs “It’s A Motherxxxxxx” and “Selective Memory” and the single “Mr. E’s Beautiful Blues” (co-written by Michael Simpson of the Dust Brothers)-from “Daisies Of The Galaxy” and the single “That’s Not Really Funny,” which was used as the theme for the BBC comedy series “Monkey Dust,” the song “Souljacker Part I,” is included in the movie “Hot Fuzz,” while the cut “Fresh Feeling” appears in the American sitcom “Scrubs.”
In 2003, the Eels released “Shootenanny!,” an album that was recorded “live” in the studio over a ten-day period and the song ““Saturday Morning” was released as a single. But, band member “Butch” Norton left the group over 'monetary concerns' and would go on to work with Rufus Wainwright. In 2005, the thirty-three track album “Blinking Lights and Other Revelations” was released and was the band’s first album for their new record label Vagrant Records. Contributions to the LP were made by Tom Waits, Peter Buck and John Sebastian (The Lovin' Spoonful). A tour followed and as a result a live album called “Eels With Strings: Live at Town Hall” was released.
In early 2008, Eels released their first greatest hits package as well as a compilation of b-sides, rarities, soundtrack singles and unreleased tracks. "Meet the Eels: Essential Eels Vol. I" spans the first decade of the Eels with singles from all their albums. Useless Trinkets contains 50 B-sides and rarities as well as a DVD of their 2006 Lollapalooza performances.
The Eels may not have a huge following here in the States, but you have probably heard some of the songs and not know exactly who the band is. The Eels are probably more well-known in the UK and other parts of Europe, but since signing on with Vagrant Records, they will tour the United States with more frequency and hopefully capture more fans to add to their already budding fan base.
Look for part sixteen next week!
Fishbone Tidbits:
The band made headlines in April of 1993 when band member John “Norwood” Fisher was arrested (along with four others) for trying to kidnap former band-mate Kendall Jones in California. Jones had left the group the previous month and reportedly was obsessed with the apocalypse and denouncing the band as “demonic.” Fisher claimed he was just trying to take Jones to see psychiatric experts, while Jones said he had left the band over philosophical difference. Fisher ultimately was acquitted of the kidnapping charges and the band continued on.
Fishbone was led by vocalist/saxophonist Angelo Moore, and the band formed in 1979 while the members were still in junior high; the original lineup comprised Moore, Chris Dowd, Kendall Jones, Walter Kibby II, and John Norwood Fisher. They honed their skills performing in local clubs during the early '80s and then the group signed with Columbia Records in the mid-'80s, releasing a self-titled EP in 1985.
In 1987, in support of their first full-length album, “In Your Face,” the band performed "Jamaica Ska" (the classic Jamaican ska single specifically written as a breakthrough U.S. pop charts hit) in the Annette Funicello/Frankie Avalon reunion movie Back to the Beach.
Buy Fishbone Music
Eels Tidbits:
"Hombre Lobo," is the title of the seventh Eels studio album and is scheduled to be released on June 2, 2009. "Hombre Lobo" is Spanish for "wolf man" or "werewolf" and may be a reference to E's unusually long beard which he originally grew when writing the song "Dog Faced Boy.”
There have been several collaborations between the band and their fans. For example, in 2001, Eels held a contest that encouraged fans to submit song titles by e-mail, reporting that one would be picked, written around the title, and published as a b-side. Instead, they recorded a song called Hidden Track that used the submitted song titles pieced together as lyrics, as sung by Butch.
The soundtrack of the 2008 Jim Carrey comedy film “Yes Man” featured nine songs by the Eels, including "Man Up," a brand new song.
Buy Eels Music
Music News & Notes
Lynyrd Skynyrd "God & Guns"
The new Lynyrd Skynyrd album is scheduled to be released on September 29 and has been named "God & Guns." The 13-track album was recorded in Nashville with Bob Marlette, who has worked with Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne, producing. The single "Still Unbroken" will be out in July.
=======================
Jamie Foxx Releases In UK Hot New Single 'Blame It' On June 29, 2009
2009 Academy Award winning actor and musician Jamie Foxx releases hot new single 'Blame It', taken from his new album 'Intuition', through RCA Label Group on June 29th.
'Intuition' entered at No 3 on Billboard's album chart and follows Jamie's critically acclaimed album 'Unpredictable'; which was a UK top ten and US No 1 album, also winning Jamie an American Music Award for favourite R&B/soul male artist.
Since being released 'Intuition' has spent an amazing 13 weeks in the Billboard top 10 and has already amassed 1 million digital units to date; fuelled by the first US hit single 'Just Like Me' featuring T.I. Second single 'Blame It' is currently No 2 in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, No 1 Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart & No 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip Hop airplay chart.
=======================
Sean Paul Releases New Album Cover For 'IMPERIAL BLAZE'!
The newest Sean Paul album entitled Imperial Blaze is going to be released on August 18, 2009.
The lead single, 'So Fine', which was produced by Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor, premiered on Sean Paul's official website on April 25, 2009.
Up until now there have been seven music videos: "Always On My Mind (with Da'Ville)", "Give It To You (with Eve)", "Watch Them Roll", "Back It Up" (with Left Side/Mr. Evil), "(I Wanna See You) Push It Baby" (with Pretty Ricky), "Hit 'Em" (with Fahrenheit and his brother Jason "Jigzagula" Henriques) and "Come Over" with Estelle. However, it is unknown which of these songs, if any, will be featured on the album with the exception of the first single.
=======================
Third Man releases three new singles, including Dead Weather
Third Man Records — the label owned by Nashville resident rock star Jack White — will release three new vinyl 45s on Memorial Day, including a new single from his latest musical endeavor, The Dead Weather.
The band’s “Treat Me Like Your Mother” is backed by a cover of Them’s “You Just Can’t Win,” and will be released alongside new singles from Mildred and the Mice and Rachelle Garniez.
All of them were produced in White’s Third Man Records compound in Nashville (623 7th Avenue South) which includes a studio, performance stage and record store. A set of all three 45s can be purchased at www.thirdmanrecords.com/store.html
=======================
Death Threat set to release new EP
Connecticut hardcore band Death Threat will release a new EP next month. The effort is titled "Lost At Sea" and will feature three new songs in addition to an Outburst cover. The limited edition 7" vinyl will be available on June 30th via Reaper Records.
=======================
Idol News
I am not a really big fan of American Idol, but admit to watching this season and rooting for the underdog (as many who voted did as well) and I think the right singer (Kris Allen) won the competition.
This from Rolling Stone:
After Adam Lambert’s killer performance with Queen on Wednesday night’s season finale of American Idol, rumors flew that he had already been offered a job singing with the band. That’s slightly premature, according to the band’s guitarist, Brian May.
“Amongst all that furor, there wasn’t really a quiet moment to talk,” May tells Rolling Stone in an e-mail interview. “But [drummer Roger Taylor] and I are definitely hoping to have a meaningful conversation with him at some point. It’s not like we, as Queen, would rush into coalescing with another singer just like that. It isn’t that easy. But I’d certainly like to work with Adam. That is one amazing instrument he has there.”
This from Gene Simmons (who always seems to have an opinion about everything related to music):
“Respectfully, I don’t think Adam is a rock singer,” Simmons writes. “He sounds much more convincing singing ballads and Broadway shows. His voice doesn’t seem to have a ‘rock quality.’ But, I’m sure he’s going to do just fine.”
When asked, based on Lambert and Allen’s performances with the band during the season finale, which of the two he’d throw his own money behind as they build their careers, Simmons was succinct.
“Adam.”
=======================
The Doors "From The Outside" Documentary To Be Released
MVD Visual and Sexy Intellectual have announced the home viewing release of The Doors "From The Outside" for North American distribution on DVD. This brand new documentary film tells the story of The Doors, not from the perspective of the surviving members - as has been told so many time before - but from the recollections, memories, stories and anecdotes of those who knew the group and its members best.
The panel is headed by a woman who was as close to Jim Morrison as anyone ever was; his widow Patricia Kennealy-Morrison. Kennealy-Morrison has rarely spoken on film about her relationship with Morrison, or about her own memories of The Doors. This is a once in a lifetime contribution from someone who knew just about everything that went on.
=======================
Job For A Cowboy unveils new album cover
California deathcore band Job For A Cowboy is reving up to unleash their new release "Ruination."
In anticipation of Ruination, their sophomore release due out July 7, these metal cowboys have just unveiled the cover art for the release. Designed by artist Brent Elliott White, White has also worked with the band Trivium in addition to the rest of his very intense craftwork.
The new Lynyrd Skynyrd album is scheduled to be released on September 29 and has been named "God & Guns." The 13-track album was recorded in Nashville with Bob Marlette, who has worked with Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne, producing. The single "Still Unbroken" will be out in July.
=======================
Jamie Foxx Releases In UK Hot New Single 'Blame It' On June 29, 2009
2009 Academy Award winning actor and musician Jamie Foxx releases hot new single 'Blame It', taken from his new album 'Intuition', through RCA Label Group on June 29th.
'Intuition' entered at No 3 on Billboard's album chart and follows Jamie's critically acclaimed album 'Unpredictable'; which was a UK top ten and US No 1 album, also winning Jamie an American Music Award for favourite R&B/soul male artist.
Since being released 'Intuition' has spent an amazing 13 weeks in the Billboard top 10 and has already amassed 1 million digital units to date; fuelled by the first US hit single 'Just Like Me' featuring T.I. Second single 'Blame It' is currently No 2 in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, No 1 Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart & No 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip Hop airplay chart.
=======================
Sean Paul Releases New Album Cover For 'IMPERIAL BLAZE'!
The newest Sean Paul album entitled Imperial Blaze is going to be released on August 18, 2009.
The lead single, 'So Fine', which was produced by Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor, premiered on Sean Paul's official website on April 25, 2009.
Up until now there have been seven music videos: "Always On My Mind (with Da'Ville)", "Give It To You (with Eve)", "Watch Them Roll", "Back It Up" (with Left Side/Mr. Evil), "(I Wanna See You) Push It Baby" (with Pretty Ricky), "Hit 'Em" (with Fahrenheit and his brother Jason "Jigzagula" Henriques) and "Come Over" with Estelle. However, it is unknown which of these songs, if any, will be featured on the album with the exception of the first single.
=======================
Third Man releases three new singles, including Dead Weather
Third Man Records — the label owned by Nashville resident rock star Jack White — will release three new vinyl 45s on Memorial Day, including a new single from his latest musical endeavor, The Dead Weather.
The band’s “Treat Me Like Your Mother” is backed by a cover of Them’s “You Just Can’t Win,” and will be released alongside new singles from Mildred and the Mice and Rachelle Garniez.
All of them were produced in White’s Third Man Records compound in Nashville (623 7th Avenue South) which includes a studio, performance stage and record store. A set of all three 45s can be purchased at www.thirdmanrecords.com/store.html
=======================
Death Threat set to release new EP
Connecticut hardcore band Death Threat will release a new EP next month. The effort is titled "Lost At Sea" and will feature three new songs in addition to an Outburst cover. The limited edition 7" vinyl will be available on June 30th via Reaper Records.
=======================
Idol News
I am not a really big fan of American Idol, but admit to watching this season and rooting for the underdog (as many who voted did as well) and I think the right singer (Kris Allen) won the competition.
This from Rolling Stone:
After Adam Lambert’s killer performance with Queen on Wednesday night’s season finale of American Idol, rumors flew that he had already been offered a job singing with the band. That’s slightly premature, according to the band’s guitarist, Brian May.
“Amongst all that furor, there wasn’t really a quiet moment to talk,” May tells Rolling Stone in an e-mail interview. “But [drummer Roger Taylor] and I are definitely hoping to have a meaningful conversation with him at some point. It’s not like we, as Queen, would rush into coalescing with another singer just like that. It isn’t that easy. But I’d certainly like to work with Adam. That is one amazing instrument he has there.”
This from Gene Simmons (who always seems to have an opinion about everything related to music):
“Respectfully, I don’t think Adam is a rock singer,” Simmons writes. “He sounds much more convincing singing ballads and Broadway shows. His voice doesn’t seem to have a ‘rock quality.’ But, I’m sure he’s going to do just fine.”
When asked, based on Lambert and Allen’s performances with the band during the season finale, which of the two he’d throw his own money behind as they build their careers, Simmons was succinct.
“Adam.”
=======================
The Doors "From The Outside" Documentary To Be Released
MVD Visual and Sexy Intellectual have announced the home viewing release of The Doors "From The Outside" for North American distribution on DVD. This brand new documentary film tells the story of The Doors, not from the perspective of the surviving members - as has been told so many time before - but from the recollections, memories, stories and anecdotes of those who knew the group and its members best.
The panel is headed by a woman who was as close to Jim Morrison as anyone ever was; his widow Patricia Kennealy-Morrison. Kennealy-Morrison has rarely spoken on film about her relationship with Morrison, or about her own memories of The Doors. This is a once in a lifetime contribution from someone who knew just about everything that went on.
=======================
Job For A Cowboy unveils new album cover
California deathcore band Job For A Cowboy is reving up to unleash their new release "Ruination."
In anticipation of Ruination, their sophomore release due out July 7, these metal cowboys have just unveiled the cover art for the release. Designed by artist Brent Elliott White, White has also worked with the band Trivium in addition to the rest of his very intense craftwork.
Friday, May 22, 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:
Jenny Lewis (recent release)
Acid Tongue
Warner Brothers 508668-1 1.5 LPs+CD
Produced by: Jenny Lewis, Johnathan Rice, Farmer Dave Scher and Jason Lader
Engineered by: N/A
Mixed by: n/a
Mastered by: Kevin Gray at AcousTech
Review by: Michael Fremer
2009-05-01
Jenny Lewis can be coquettish, seductive, aggressive, sweet, warm, nostalgic, empathetic and, yes, acid tongued— though it’s a literal reference on the title tune.
Lewis displays all of those qualities and more on this smart set of hard-edged, tuneful pop-folk-rock-blues originals that indicates an encyclopedic musical knowledge and a large record collection. Lewis leans on it, but never manages to get trapped in derivative quotes.
Whatever the homages, they’re tucked pleasingly under the skins of the tunes— glints of the difficult-to-place familiar chord changes, blues riffs and melodic devices she craftily utilizes.
For instance “Godspeed” sounds like a Bach-inspired Procol Harum song (except for the squeaky-voiced refrain!) and the lyrics even refer to a “lighthouse,” so the piano driven song sounds like it was inspired by A Salty Dog. There’s a false ending punctuated by a drum fill that just about quotes B.J. Wilson. Was that purposeful or a listener’s personal musical association?
The autobiographical title tune (side two track 2 on the LP set), reminiscent of “The Weight” is a great track to listen to first. It’s got a live vibe, a familiar yet unique melodic structure, transparent, “old school” arranging and production and a deceptively relaxed atmosphere. It epitomizes what Lewis aims for and more often than not achieves on every track.
“Pretty Bird” has a McCartneyesque mid-eastern melodic vibe, “The Next Messiah” segues a grab-bag of ideas from a one note John Lee Hooker vamp to Johnny Kidd’s “Shakin’ All Over” (covered by The Who).
The infectious “Carpetbagger,” with guest vocalist Elvis Costello, is out of Buddy Holly, Tom Petty and John Mellencamp among others but it too maintains its originality as it shifts through changing but familiar terrain.
She slinks and suggests through ballads and rockers backed by a talented, revolving group of musicians including former Beachwood Sparks guitarist Dave Scher, her boyfriend Johnathan Rice (he played Roy Orbison in Walk the Line the Johnny Cash bio) and many others with whom you might not be familiar, though some are well-known names like Chris Robinson, M. Ward and Zooey Deschenel, who’s better known as an actress but she’s also a musician.
The production is superb—if you think ‘60’s production was and we do! Most of this sounds and feels as if it was recorded live in the studio and all analog. I’ll put it to you this way: if this was a digital production, someone involved knows something few if any other engineers working with digital know.
There’s a warm, comfortable soundstage, absolutely natural sounding instrumentsm layered three dimensionally and plenty of studio air that infuses the entire production with a “you are there” quality that’s so rare today.
I was going to write that there’s not a bad tune on this 3 sided, 47 minute long LP that includes a free CD copy to load onto your iPod, but that’s way too negative: every tune on this record is great for one reason or other or many including smart arranging and production. Lewis’s performances strike just the right emotional notes throughout in a subtly understated, thoughtful style. She’s got an intimate, communicative style that’s sweet but not cloying.
This record will make you feel good for so many reasons, not the least of which is that this is a smart, brilliantly crafted, perfectly under-produced record that makes sound easy what must have been very difficult to pull off.
Highly recommended for every reason.
SOURCE: http://www.musicangle.com Reprinted By Permission
Pick up Michael's DVD's Here:
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:
Jenny Lewis (recent release)
Acid Tongue
Warner Brothers 508668-1 1.5 LPs+CD
Produced by: Jenny Lewis, Johnathan Rice, Farmer Dave Scher and Jason Lader
Engineered by: N/A
Mixed by: n/a
Mastered by: Kevin Gray at AcousTech
Review by: Michael Fremer
2009-05-01
Jenny Lewis can be coquettish, seductive, aggressive, sweet, warm, nostalgic, empathetic and, yes, acid tongued— though it’s a literal reference on the title tune.
Lewis displays all of those qualities and more on this smart set of hard-edged, tuneful pop-folk-rock-blues originals that indicates an encyclopedic musical knowledge and a large record collection. Lewis leans on it, but never manages to get trapped in derivative quotes.
Whatever the homages, they’re tucked pleasingly under the skins of the tunes— glints of the difficult-to-place familiar chord changes, blues riffs and melodic devices she craftily utilizes.
For instance “Godspeed” sounds like a Bach-inspired Procol Harum song (except for the squeaky-voiced refrain!) and the lyrics even refer to a “lighthouse,” so the piano driven song sounds like it was inspired by A Salty Dog. There’s a false ending punctuated by a drum fill that just about quotes B.J. Wilson. Was that purposeful or a listener’s personal musical association?
The autobiographical title tune (side two track 2 on the LP set), reminiscent of “The Weight” is a great track to listen to first. It’s got a live vibe, a familiar yet unique melodic structure, transparent, “old school” arranging and production and a deceptively relaxed atmosphere. It epitomizes what Lewis aims for and more often than not achieves on every track.
“Pretty Bird” has a McCartneyesque mid-eastern melodic vibe, “The Next Messiah” segues a grab-bag of ideas from a one note John Lee Hooker vamp to Johnny Kidd’s “Shakin’ All Over” (covered by The Who).
The infectious “Carpetbagger,” with guest vocalist Elvis Costello, is out of Buddy Holly, Tom Petty and John Mellencamp among others but it too maintains its originality as it shifts through changing but familiar terrain.
She slinks and suggests through ballads and rockers backed by a talented, revolving group of musicians including former Beachwood Sparks guitarist Dave Scher, her boyfriend Johnathan Rice (he played Roy Orbison in Walk the Line the Johnny Cash bio) and many others with whom you might not be familiar, though some are well-known names like Chris Robinson, M. Ward and Zooey Deschenel, who’s better known as an actress but she’s also a musician.
The production is superb—if you think ‘60’s production was and we do! Most of this sounds and feels as if it was recorded live in the studio and all analog. I’ll put it to you this way: if this was a digital production, someone involved knows something few if any other engineers working with digital know.
There’s a warm, comfortable soundstage, absolutely natural sounding instrumentsm layered three dimensionally and plenty of studio air that infuses the entire production with a “you are there” quality that’s so rare today.
I was going to write that there’s not a bad tune on this 3 sided, 47 minute long LP that includes a free CD copy to load onto your iPod, but that’s way too negative: every tune on this record is great for one reason or other or many including smart arranging and production. Lewis’s performances strike just the right emotional notes throughout in a subtly understated, thoughtful style. She’s got an intimate, communicative style that’s sweet but not cloying.
This record will make you feel good for so many reasons, not the least of which is that this is a smart, brilliantly crafted, perfectly under-produced record that makes sound easy what must have been very difficult to pull off.
Highly recommended for every reason.
SOURCE: http://www.musicangle.com Reprinted By Permission
Pick up Michael's DVD's Here:
Bird & Animal Names In Rock And Roll History- part fourteen
Well, here we are at number fourteen in our continuing series about “Bird” and “animal” band names in rock and roll history. We leave the water (from our last article) and get back into some more land animals. Have any ideas for the series? Any suggestions will be appreciated!
When Eddie Rabbitt died of cancer in May of 1998, he left a pop/country legacy that included writing a Top 40 hit for Elvis Presley (Kentucky Rain) as well as scoring a number one Billboard single for himself, 1980's “I Love A Rainy Night.”
Listening to basement tapes filled with scraps of lyrics and melodies, Rabbitt heard six seconds of a song fragment he had recorded twelve years earlier. It brought back memories and he sang into his tape recorded “I love a rainy night, I love a rainy night”...and then completed his song, appropriately of the same name. The song went to number one on both the country charts and the Billboard Top 40 (two weeks) and remained on the charts for twenty-eight weeks.
Rabbitt also scored five other number one country/pop hits with crossover songs such as “Every Which Way But Loose,” (from the Clint Eastwood Movie), “Suspicious” (1979), “Drivin’ My Life Away” (1980- from the movie “Roadie”), 1981's “Step By Step” and “Someone Could Lose A Heart Tonight.” During the course of his career, he scored 20 number-ones on Billboard's country singles chart. In 1982, he teamed up with Crystal Gale for the #7 crossover hit “You And I.” Country music and music in general are in a better place because Eddie Rabbitt chose to lend his song writing expertise to the masses.
Edward Bear was a successful Canadian folk-rock group that was formed by Larry Evoy and Craig Hemming. The Toronto-based band achieved greater success in Canada, and the tune called “Last Song” reached number one in the country and peaked at number three on the Billboard Top 40 in 1972. Formed, originally as the Edward Bear Trio, the quintet took their name from a character in A.A. Milne’s book, Winnie-the-Pooh.
The band collected a Juno Award in 1973 (Canada’s version of our Grammy Award) for the Outstanding Group Performance category and had other hits including the international hit “You, Me And Mexico” (1970), “Close Your Eyes” (1973) and Canadian hits like “You Can’t Deny It,” Fly Across The Sea,” “Masquerade” and “Freedom For The Stallion.” The group disbanded in the mid 70's, with Evoy pursuing a solo career. Band member Danny Marks remained very popular in Toronto through the 80's doing parodies and impressions in nightclubs.
The group Buffalo Springfield (they “borrowed” the name from a steam roller that was resurfacing a road in Los Angles, California) was formed in 1966 and as the story goes future band members Stephen Stills and Richie Furay were driving down Sunset Boulevard in Los Angles and they spotted a hearse that Stills was sure belonged to Neil Young. As fate would have it, it was in fact Neil Young and with him was Canadian Bruce Palmer. The trio added Dewey Martin on the drums and one of rock’s most talented “super groups” was born.
Taking advantage of the bustling folk scene and with brilliantly executed folk-rock, the group secured a Billboard Top Ten hit with the Stephen Stills poignant and topical song, “For What It’s Worth (Stop, Hey What’s That Sound)” which peaked at #7 in 1967, remaining on the charts for eleven weeks.
Although the groups were together for only nineteen months, they managed to release three very engaging albums. Their self-named debut LP featured the previous mentioned single as well as Neil Young’s “Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” and the country-tinged, “Sit Down I Think I Love You.”
The band’s second release was a sheer masterpiece and included several extraordinary tracks by Young, such as the raw, but powerful “Mr. Soul,”“Broken Arrow” and the ballad-like “Expecting To Fly.” Theses early Neil Young tunes were a precursor for what was yet to come from this brilliant song writer. Stills chipped in with the spellbinding “Bluebird” and the creative “Rock & Roll Woman,” mixing dynamic vocals with clear acoustic guitars and Stills’ trademark electric guitar work. Furay contributed a song called “Good Time Boy” which was written for drummer Dewey Martin to sing lead on.
But with their egos and creative energy as strong as their song writing skills, tensions were high within the group, especially between Young and Stills. The third album from the band, ironically called “Last Time Around” was the last LP these creative geniuses would release and showcased a couple of critically acclaimed song’s, Young’s “On The Way Home” and Richie Furay’s melodic ballad “Kind Woman.”
In May of 1968, Stills left Buffalo Springfield to join up with David Crosby and Graham Nash to form the group Crosby, Stills & Nash. Young joined the group in 1970 to form the super group, CSN & Y and the band released the legendary album called “Déjà Vu.” Young left the band after a double-live album called “Four Way Street” for an incomparable solo career and has reached iconic status in rock and roll. Furay teamed up with fellow musician Jim Messina and formed the country-rock group Poco. Later on, Furay joined J.D. Souther and Chris Hillman to form the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, and Messina teamed with Kenny Loggins in Loggins & Messina. In 1997 the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In a weird twist (well for our series on “birds” and “animals” in rock and roll anyway), Neil Young’s back up band was named Crazy Horse and Young released many albums in their on and off professional relationship including the first album to feature the backing band, “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere” and they still play together to this day.
Look for part fifteen of our ongoing series next week!
Eddie Rabbit Tidbits:
Eddie Rabbitt always felt it was his responsibility as an entertainer "to be [a] good role model" and was an advocate for many charitable organizations including the Special Olympics, Easter Seals, and the American Council on Transplantation, of which he served as the honorary chairman. He also worked as a spokesman for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and United Cerebral Palsy.
Rabbitt was a jack-of-all-trades and was employed as a mental hospital attendant in the late 1950s, but like his father, he would fulfill his desire for music by performing at the Six Steps Down club in his home town. He was also temporarily employed as a truck driver, soda jerk and fruit picker while stationed in Nashville. He was ultimately hired as a staff writer for the Hill & Range Publishing Company and received a salary of $37.50 a week.
Rabbitt used innovative techniques to tie Country themes with light rhythm and blues influenced tempos. His songs would often make use of echo, as Rabbitt routinely sang his own background vocals.
Selected Cuts: Buy Eddie Rabbitt Music
Edward Bear Tidbits
"Last Song" was awarded a gold disc in March 1973 for selling over one million copies by the Recording Industry Association of America.
The band is a favorite of Quentin Tarantino, who feels the band should be regarded as "The Beatles of Canada."
Evoy, who briefly embraced scientology in 1973, went on to a solo career but is currently retired from live performance and running a small recording studio.
Selected Cuts: Buy Edward Bear Music
Buffalo Springfield Tidbits
"For What It's Worth" - Stills said in an interview that the name of the song came about when he presented it to the band he said, "I have this song here, for what it's worth, if you want it." Later they decided that should be its name.
The original version of the song has appeared in several movies, such as Coming Home, Purple Haze, Forrest Gump, Girl, Interrupted, Lord of War, and Tropic Thunder, and the TV shows The West Wing (in the episode "Isaac and Ishmael"), The Wonder Years (in the second episode "Swingers").
Buffalo Springfield was the band's first album, and this song was not originally included on it. After "For What It's Worth" became a hit single, it replaced "Baby Don't Scold Me" on re-issues of the album.
Selected Cuts: Buy Buffalo Springfield Music
When Eddie Rabbitt died of cancer in May of 1998, he left a pop/country legacy that included writing a Top 40 hit for Elvis Presley (Kentucky Rain) as well as scoring a number one Billboard single for himself, 1980's “I Love A Rainy Night.”
Listening to basement tapes filled with scraps of lyrics and melodies, Rabbitt heard six seconds of a song fragment he had recorded twelve years earlier. It brought back memories and he sang into his tape recorded “I love a rainy night, I love a rainy night”...and then completed his song, appropriately of the same name. The song went to number one on both the country charts and the Billboard Top 40 (two weeks) and remained on the charts for twenty-eight weeks.
Rabbitt also scored five other number one country/pop hits with crossover songs such as “Every Which Way But Loose,” (from the Clint Eastwood Movie), “Suspicious” (1979), “Drivin’ My Life Away” (1980- from the movie “Roadie”), 1981's “Step By Step” and “Someone Could Lose A Heart Tonight.” During the course of his career, he scored 20 number-ones on Billboard's country singles chart. In 1982, he teamed up with Crystal Gale for the #7 crossover hit “You And I.” Country music and music in general are in a better place because Eddie Rabbitt chose to lend his song writing expertise to the masses.
Edward Bear was a successful Canadian folk-rock group that was formed by Larry Evoy and Craig Hemming. The Toronto-based band achieved greater success in Canada, and the tune called “Last Song” reached number one in the country and peaked at number three on the Billboard Top 40 in 1972. Formed, originally as the Edward Bear Trio, the quintet took their name from a character in A.A. Milne’s book, Winnie-the-Pooh.
The band collected a Juno Award in 1973 (Canada’s version of our Grammy Award) for the Outstanding Group Performance category and had other hits including the international hit “You, Me And Mexico” (1970), “Close Your Eyes” (1973) and Canadian hits like “You Can’t Deny It,” Fly Across The Sea,” “Masquerade” and “Freedom For The Stallion.” The group disbanded in the mid 70's, with Evoy pursuing a solo career. Band member Danny Marks remained very popular in Toronto through the 80's doing parodies and impressions in nightclubs.
The group Buffalo Springfield (they “borrowed” the name from a steam roller that was resurfacing a road in Los Angles, California) was formed in 1966 and as the story goes future band members Stephen Stills and Richie Furay were driving down Sunset Boulevard in Los Angles and they spotted a hearse that Stills was sure belonged to Neil Young. As fate would have it, it was in fact Neil Young and with him was Canadian Bruce Palmer. The trio added Dewey Martin on the drums and one of rock’s most talented “super groups” was born.
Taking advantage of the bustling folk scene and with brilliantly executed folk-rock, the group secured a Billboard Top Ten hit with the Stephen Stills poignant and topical song, “For What It’s Worth (Stop, Hey What’s That Sound)” which peaked at #7 in 1967, remaining on the charts for eleven weeks.
Although the groups were together for only nineteen months, they managed to release three very engaging albums. Their self-named debut LP featured the previous mentioned single as well as Neil Young’s “Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” and the country-tinged, “Sit Down I Think I Love You.”
The band’s second release was a sheer masterpiece and included several extraordinary tracks by Young, such as the raw, but powerful “Mr. Soul,”“Broken Arrow” and the ballad-like “Expecting To Fly.” Theses early Neil Young tunes were a precursor for what was yet to come from this brilliant song writer. Stills chipped in with the spellbinding “Bluebird” and the creative “Rock & Roll Woman,” mixing dynamic vocals with clear acoustic guitars and Stills’ trademark electric guitar work. Furay contributed a song called “Good Time Boy” which was written for drummer Dewey Martin to sing lead on.
But with their egos and creative energy as strong as their song writing skills, tensions were high within the group, especially between Young and Stills. The third album from the band, ironically called “Last Time Around” was the last LP these creative geniuses would release and showcased a couple of critically acclaimed song’s, Young’s “On The Way Home” and Richie Furay’s melodic ballad “Kind Woman.”
In May of 1968, Stills left Buffalo Springfield to join up with David Crosby and Graham Nash to form the group Crosby, Stills & Nash. Young joined the group in 1970 to form the super group, CSN & Y and the band released the legendary album called “Déjà Vu.” Young left the band after a double-live album called “Four Way Street” for an incomparable solo career and has reached iconic status in rock and roll. Furay teamed up with fellow musician Jim Messina and formed the country-rock group Poco. Later on, Furay joined J.D. Souther and Chris Hillman to form the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, and Messina teamed with Kenny Loggins in Loggins & Messina. In 1997 the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In a weird twist (well for our series on “birds” and “animals” in rock and roll anyway), Neil Young’s back up band was named Crazy Horse and Young released many albums in their on and off professional relationship including the first album to feature the backing band, “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere” and they still play together to this day.
Look for part fifteen of our ongoing series next week!
Eddie Rabbit Tidbits:
Eddie Rabbitt always felt it was his responsibility as an entertainer "to be [a] good role model" and was an advocate for many charitable organizations including the Special Olympics, Easter Seals, and the American Council on Transplantation, of which he served as the honorary chairman. He also worked as a spokesman for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and United Cerebral Palsy.
Rabbitt was a jack-of-all-trades and was employed as a mental hospital attendant in the late 1950s, but like his father, he would fulfill his desire for music by performing at the Six Steps Down club in his home town. He was also temporarily employed as a truck driver, soda jerk and fruit picker while stationed in Nashville. He was ultimately hired as a staff writer for the Hill & Range Publishing Company and received a salary of $37.50 a week.
Rabbitt used innovative techniques to tie Country themes with light rhythm and blues influenced tempos. His songs would often make use of echo, as Rabbitt routinely sang his own background vocals.
Selected Cuts: Buy Eddie Rabbitt Music
Edward Bear Tidbits
"Last Song" was awarded a gold disc in March 1973 for selling over one million copies by the Recording Industry Association of America.
The band is a favorite of Quentin Tarantino, who feels the band should be regarded as "The Beatles of Canada."
Evoy, who briefly embraced scientology in 1973, went on to a solo career but is currently retired from live performance and running a small recording studio.
Selected Cuts: Buy Edward Bear Music
Buffalo Springfield Tidbits
"For What It's Worth" - Stills said in an interview that the name of the song came about when he presented it to the band he said, "I have this song here, for what it's worth, if you want it." Later they decided that should be its name.
The original version of the song has appeared in several movies, such as Coming Home, Purple Haze, Forrest Gump, Girl, Interrupted, Lord of War, and Tropic Thunder, and the TV shows The West Wing (in the episode "Isaac and Ishmael"), The Wonder Years (in the second episode "Swingers").
Buffalo Springfield was the band's first album, and this song was not originally included on it. After "For What It's Worth" became a hit single, it replaced "Baby Don't Scold Me" on re-issues of the album.
Selected Cuts: Buy Buffalo Springfield Music
Island Records To Release Retrospective
Legendary record label Island Records, which is celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year, will release the 3-CD set Island Life: 50 Years of Island Records on June 9.
The first two discs of the set are the retrospective of some of the label's greatest artists and songs from their first major hit, Millie Small's "My Boy Lollipop," to tracks by the Sugababes and the Fratellis. Unfortunately, the tracks are not sequenced in historical order so you can't get a good feel for the different genres as they developed over the years.
The third disc is the curiosity of the set as is presents covers of songs made famous on the label. You get everything from Grace Jones doing Roxy Music's "Love is the Drug" to I Blame Coco's take on Pete Wingfield's "Eighteen With a Bullet."
This Date In Music History-May 22
Birthdays:
Morrissey -The Smiths (1959)
Dana Williams - Diamond Rio (1961)
Jesse Valenzuela - Gin Blossoms (1962)
Johnny Gill - New Edition (1966)
Dan Roberts - Crash Test Dummies (1967)
Iva Davies – Icehouse (1955)
Jerry Dammers - The Specials (1954)
Lyricist Bernie Taupin was born in 1950.
They Are Missed:
Jazz visionary Sun Ra was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1914. The visionary part is that he said he came from Saturn. The reality is his name was Herman Sonny Blount. He died May 30, 1993
History:
In 1955, Bridgeport, Connecticut police canceled a dance featuring Fats Domino, fearing a rock n’ roll riot.
In New York in 1980, five gold records that belonged to Jimi Hendrix were stolen from the Electric Ladyland studios.
In 1999, New Jersey's Continental Airlines Arena sold out of tickets for 15 Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band shows. The concerts set a record for number of shows during a single arena stay.
The final manuscript of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which was annotated by the composer, sold at an auction in 2003 for $3.47 million. And I only bid 3.2 million…
Herman's Hermits were unthroned from the #1 spot in 1965, where they reigned with "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter," by the Beatles' "Ticket to Ride."
Cream’s “Disraeli Gears” went gold in 1968. Containing the war-horse “Sunshine of Your Love” it was the group’s second album.
The Rolling Stones’ “Sticky Fingers,” containing “Brown Sugar,” began a four week run at #1 on the US chart in 1971. It’s guitarist Mick Taylor’s first full album with the group since replacing Brian Jones.
The J. Geils Band's entire original lineup performed together in their hometown of Boston in 2006 at a private party celebrating bassist Dick Klein's 60th birthday. It reportedly is the first time the six members play together onstage in more than 20 years.
Ozzy Osbourne's "Black Rain" was released in 2007. "It's a well-put-together album," says Ozzy. "I took my time on (it) and (guitarist) Zakk (Wylde) plays some amazing stuff as always." "I Don't Wanna Stop" is the lead single. "People keep saying to me, 'You'll be quitting soon, retiring.' I don't wanna stop!" adds Ozzy. "I'd miss the fans. I'd miss the buzz, seeing the crowd going crazy." The album was recorded at Osbourne's home studio in L.A. Hmmm, maybe he can make some TV commercials as “The Prince of Darkness.”
In 1958, Jerry Lee Lewis arrived at London's Heathrow Airport to begin his first British tour, along with his new bride, 14 year old third cousin, Myra. Although advised not to mention it, Lewis answered all questions about his private life. The public's shock (Lewis was booed offstage) over Lewis' marriage marks the start of a controversy leading to his British tour being cancelled after just 3 of the scheduled 37 performances.
"Mother-in-Law," written and produced by Allen Toussaint and recorded in 1961 by Ernie K-Doe, hit #1 on the national chart.
While Ricky Nelson’s “Travelin’ Man” topped the charts in 1961, its Gene Pitney-penned flip side, “Hello Mary Lou,” that also became a Top Ten hit in its own right – and is one of Nelson’s best-loved recordings.
Dave Matthews Band was at #1 on the US album chart in 2005 with “Stand Up.” The album entered the chart at #1 with sales of 465,000. The LP featured the singles “American Baby,” “Dreamgirl,” and “Everybody Wake Up.”
Wings started a five week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1976 with “Silly Love Songs,” McCartney's fifth US #1 since leaving The Beatles. It made #2 in the UK.
Morrissey -The Smiths (1959)
Dana Williams - Diamond Rio (1961)
Jesse Valenzuela - Gin Blossoms (1962)
Johnny Gill - New Edition (1966)
Dan Roberts - Crash Test Dummies (1967)
Iva Davies – Icehouse (1955)
Jerry Dammers - The Specials (1954)
Lyricist Bernie Taupin was born in 1950.
They Are Missed:
Jazz visionary Sun Ra was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1914. The visionary part is that he said he came from Saturn. The reality is his name was Herman Sonny Blount. He died May 30, 1993
History:
In 1955, Bridgeport, Connecticut police canceled a dance featuring Fats Domino, fearing a rock n’ roll riot.
In New York in 1980, five gold records that belonged to Jimi Hendrix were stolen from the Electric Ladyland studios.
In 1999, New Jersey's Continental Airlines Arena sold out of tickets for 15 Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band shows. The concerts set a record for number of shows during a single arena stay.
The final manuscript of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which was annotated by the composer, sold at an auction in 2003 for $3.47 million. And I only bid 3.2 million…
Herman's Hermits were unthroned from the #1 spot in 1965, where they reigned with "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter," by the Beatles' "Ticket to Ride."
Cream’s “Disraeli Gears” went gold in 1968. Containing the war-horse “Sunshine of Your Love” it was the group’s second album.
The Rolling Stones’ “Sticky Fingers,” containing “Brown Sugar,” began a four week run at #1 on the US chart in 1971. It’s guitarist Mick Taylor’s first full album with the group since replacing Brian Jones.
The J. Geils Band's entire original lineup performed together in their hometown of Boston in 2006 at a private party celebrating bassist Dick Klein's 60th birthday. It reportedly is the first time the six members play together onstage in more than 20 years.
Ozzy Osbourne's "Black Rain" was released in 2007. "It's a well-put-together album," says Ozzy. "I took my time on (it) and (guitarist) Zakk (Wylde) plays some amazing stuff as always." "I Don't Wanna Stop" is the lead single. "People keep saying to me, 'You'll be quitting soon, retiring.' I don't wanna stop!" adds Ozzy. "I'd miss the fans. I'd miss the buzz, seeing the crowd going crazy." The album was recorded at Osbourne's home studio in L.A. Hmmm, maybe he can make some TV commercials as “The Prince of Darkness.”
In 1958, Jerry Lee Lewis arrived at London's Heathrow Airport to begin his first British tour, along with his new bride, 14 year old third cousin, Myra. Although advised not to mention it, Lewis answered all questions about his private life. The public's shock (Lewis was booed offstage) over Lewis' marriage marks the start of a controversy leading to his British tour being cancelled after just 3 of the scheduled 37 performances.
"Mother-in-Law," written and produced by Allen Toussaint and recorded in 1961 by Ernie K-Doe, hit #1 on the national chart.
While Ricky Nelson’s “Travelin’ Man” topped the charts in 1961, its Gene Pitney-penned flip side, “Hello Mary Lou,” that also became a Top Ten hit in its own right – and is one of Nelson’s best-loved recordings.
Dave Matthews Band was at #1 on the US album chart in 2005 with “Stand Up.” The album entered the chart at #1 with sales of 465,000. The LP featured the singles “American Baby,” “Dreamgirl,” and “Everybody Wake Up.”
Wings started a five week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1976 with “Silly Love Songs,” McCartney's fifth US #1 since leaving The Beatles. It made #2 in the UK.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
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