Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2010 Class Named

Yesterday (December 15, 2009), the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced its 2010 inductees. They include ABBA, Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, the Hollies and the Stooges. (of this list ABBA and the Stooges have been previously nominated). Missing out on the class of 2010 were Donna Summer, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Laura Nyro, KISS, the Chantels, Darlene Love and LL Cool J.

Here is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame press release with more information on the inductees:

December 15, 2010—New York— Today, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced ABBA, Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, The Hollies and The Stooges as its 2010 artist inductees. Also being inducted this year as individual recipients of the Ahmet Ertegun Award will be David Geffen and songwriters Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Elle Greenwich, Jeff Barry, Jesse Stone, Mort Shuman and Otis Blackwell. The ceremony will take place on March 15, 2010 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City and will air live on Fuse, Madison Square Garden’s national music television network, as part of the three-year broadcast deal between the Foundation and Fuse.

“We are very happy to present this year’s inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as they represent a great cross-section of artists that define the broad spectrum and history of rock and roll and people that have contributed immeasurably to our business” says Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation President & CEO Joel Peresman.

The performer inductees are:

ABBA
GENESIS
JIMMY CLIFF
THE HOLLIES
THE STOOGES

Ahmet Ertegun Award (nonperformers):

DAVID GEFFEN
BARRY MANN & CYNTHIA WEIL
ELLIE GREENWICH & JEFF BARRY
JESSE STONE
MORT SHUMAN
OTIS BLACKWELL

The 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performer inductees were chosen by over 500 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. Artists are eligible for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twenty-five years after their first recording is released.

All inductees are ultimately represented in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Through approaches as creative and diverse as the music itself, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum tells the story of rock music with its exhibits, education programs and Library and Archives, which will open to the public in downtown Cleveland in late 2010.

Presenters and performers at the induction will be announced at a later date. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be televised live on Fuse; more information can be found at fuse.tv.

More about the inductees:

ABBA

They are one of the biggest-selling acts in pop-history – and if Stockholm is now a hit making mecca, it’s because ABBA first put Sweden on rock’s global map. The four members came together in enchanting, late-1960s post-Euro-hippie fashion – initialed for the two couples, Agnetha ‘Anna’ Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus; and Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid ‘Frida’ Lyngstad. ABBA was a dominant music force throughout the 70’s, and world¬wide licensing deals made Polar Music the second biggest corporation in Sweden. Bjorn and Benny’s studio finesse over the course of ABBA’s eight studio LPs drew wide praise from pure pop punks and New Wavers for whom ABBA became a guilty pleasure. They went their solo ways in 1982, but tribute albums and the boffo musical Mamma Mia are keeping ABBA on permanent display.



GENESIS

Almost no group in rock history has had such a long and varied career as Genesis, who began as a cult art-rock band in England in the late 1960’s and went on to pack stadiums across the globe in the 1980’s, 1990’s and on their 2007 reunion tour. In the early 1970’s frontman Peter Gabriel shocked audiences and grabbed headlines by taking the stages in outrageous costumes and occasionally even levitating above the audience. Their music was equally innovative, and early albums Selling England By The Pound and The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway are two of the most acclaimed prog-rock albums in the history of the genre. In 1975 Gabriel left the band to pursue a solo career and drummer Phil Collins stepped out from behind the kit to take over. The band experienced many more hits and successful worldwide tours over the next 30 years.


JIMMY CLIFF

Very few single albums can be said to have changed music forever. Jimmy Cliff’s The Harder They Come is one. The album – and the movie that spawned it – introduced reggae to a worldwide audience and changed the image of the genre from cruise ship soundtrack to music of rebellion and inspiration. “Sitting in Limbo,” “The Harder They Come,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and “Many Rivers to Cross” made Jimmy Cliff the first international reggae superstar and created the model that Bob Marley would soon follow. A beautifully gifted singer and a uniquely influential songwriter, Jimmy Cliff has made a profound impact on rock and pop music all over the world for 40 years.


THE HOLLIES

Above all, it was the wide-open three-part vocal harmonies of original members Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, and Eric Haydock, inspired by the Everly Brothers, that gave the Hollies a sound apart from other British Invasion beat groups. Songwriter Graham Gouldman supplied them with “Look Through Any Window” and “Bus Stop.” And the original writing talent of Clarke, Nash, and lead guitarist Tony Hicks took over on “Stop! Stop! Stop!” and “On a Carousel,” as the Hollies went on to chart 21 consecutive Top 20 UK hits through 1970. After Nash’s departure in 1968, new hits carried them into the mid-70’s including “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress,” “Long Dark Road,” “Magic Woman Touch,” “The Air That I Breathe,” and others.


THE STOOGES

The “Big Bang” that became punk, alternative, heavy metal, new wave, grunge, hardcore and industrial music, could very well have been the advent of Iggy and the Stooges in Ann Arbor in the late 1960’s. Confrontational, out of the mainstream and the complete antitheses of the hippie movement, the Stooges were adopted by those on the margins of rock. Their debut Elektra LP was produced in four days by the Velvet Undergound’s John Cale and contained at least three landmarks: “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” “No Fun” and “1969.” Immediately embraced in New York, London and Los Angeles for the nuclear-powered simplicity of their music, the ironic nihilism of their lyrics, and the persona of Iggy himself, the Stooges have become icons in the history of modern music.

More about the Ahmet Ertegun Award recipients:

DAVID GEFFEN began his legendary career in the William Morris Agency mailroom, quickly becoming an agent, before leaving to form his own management and then record label. He signed artists who have now become legends, including Laura Nyro, The Eagles, Jackson Browne, Crosby Stills and Nash, Tom Waits and Linda Ronstadt. David founded Geffen Records in 1980, whose artist roster included John Lennon, Aerosmith, Peter Gabriel, Guns N Roses, Nirvana and many more iconic artists. More recently David formed the film and entertainment company SKG, along with Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg. David has been and continues to be involved in many philanthropic endeavors.

The Ahmet Ertegun Award will also be presented to an extraordinary group of songwriters who wrote some of the most classic, lasting songs of the 20th century and defined the “Brill Building sound”. Husband and wife songwriting team BARRY MANN and CYNTHIA WEIL, have had an extraordinary impact on the past five decades of popular music. Their numerous hits include: “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” (with Phil Spector), “On Broadway” (with Leiber and Stoller), “We Gotta Get Out of this Place” and “Walking in the Rain.” Songwriting couple JEFF BARRY and ELLIE GREENWICH, wrote a countless number of classics including “Da Doo Ron Ron,” “Then He Kissed Me,” “Be My Baby” and “River Deep, Mountain High.” Additionally, songwriter MORT SHUMAN, along with his songwriting partner Doc Pomus (who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992), wrote some of the most important songs of the late 1950’s and early 1960’s including: “This Magic Moment,” “Save the Last Dance for Me” and “Viva Las Vegas.” Prolific songwriter OTIS BLACKWELL wrote many hits including “Great Balls of Fire,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “All Shook Up” and “Fever.” Lastly, songwriter JESSE STONE, who was an architect of the early rock and roll sound, wrote “Shake, Rattle and Roll” and “Money Honey.”


# # #


About the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation and Museum: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was established 25 years ago by legendary record executive Ahmet Ertegun and a group of music business executives to honor the artists that have defined rock and roll and have inspired and continue to inspire a generation. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is the nonprofit organization that exists to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music. It carries out this mission both through its operation of a world-class museum designed by I.M. Pei in Cleveland, Ohio that collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets this art form and through its library and archives as well as educational programs. For further information, please visit rockhall.com.

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

I am continuing our new feature: Ask "Mr. Music." Now in its 23rd year of syndication (1986-2009), 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 (http://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.

FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 14, 2009

DEAR JERRY: The History Channel recently ran a well-produced special titled “The Beatles on Record.” However, I must challenge them on one point and need your guidance.

Which of the group's official releases is really the first to use backward tape technology?

I always thought it is “Rain,” but “The Beatles on Record” plays “Tomorrow Never Knows,” along with a audio clip of John Lennon saying it is “the first recording using backwards technology.” So which is it?

Also, is there an earlier example of this technique on a hit record?
—Michael T. Breitbach, Muskego, Wisc.


DEAR MICHAEL: You and John are both correct!

“Tomorrow Never Knows,” recorded April 6th and 7th 1966, is the first Beatles “recording” containing portions of tape playing in reverse — an effect created by flipping a full-track audio tape over, then playing it forward.

On “Tomorrow Never Knows,” the backward gimmick is used only during the instrumental riffs.

“Rain,” from a session one week later, is the first Beatles “release” with a backward tape segment. Making “Rain” more significant in this regard is the reverse portion includes John's vocal, about six seconds worth, beginning roughly 20 seconds before the music ends.

Unlike “Tomorrow Never Knows,” this tune, backed with “Paperback Writer” (Capitol 5651), is a hit single.

Finally, “Rain” came out May 27, 1966, about nine weeks earlier than the “Revolver” LP (Capitol 2576) with “Tomorrow Never Knows.”

Memories and accounts of how all of this unfolded vary, but here is producer George Martin's frequently published recollection:

“I was always playing around with tapes and I thought it might be fun to do something extra with John's voice [on “Rain”]. So I lifted a bit of his main vocal off the four track, put it onto another spool, turned it around and then slid it back and forth until it fitted.

“John was out of the studio at the time but when he came back he was amazed. It was backwards forever after that.”

Still, the Beatles are not the first ones with a hit record utilizing backward shenanigans.

A Top 3 hit 10 years before “Rain,” Buchanan & Goodman's “The Flying Saucer (Part 2)” (Luniverse 101), includes both a forward and backward playing of the words “Washington: the Secretary of Defense.”


DEAR JERRY: With so many Rock Era Christmas tunes considered classics, and played every year, I am wondering how many ranked among the Top 10 sellers overall (not a separate Christmas category) when first released.

I'd guess very few.
—Josephine Lanier, Rolling Hills, Calif.


DEAR JOSEPHINE: Very few indeed, especially by limiting the list to those times when Christmas records competed with all the other popular hits for survey positions.

Here they are, all four of 'em:

1955: “Nuttin' for Christmas” (Barry Gordon with the Art Mooney Orchestra); 1958: “Jingle Bell Rock” (Bobby Helms); “The Chipmunk Song” (Chipmunks with David Seville); and 1964: “Amen” (Impressions). Though “Amen” is not really a Christmas song, we include it because they do make one mention of “Christmas morning.”

Your question also provides an interesting reminder of how remarkable it was for “The Chipmunk Song” to leap to No. 1 over Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, the Everly Brothers, and other late-'50s megastars.

Incredibly, “The Chipmunk Song” is the only Christmas record since 1952 to top the Pop & Rock charts.


IZ ZAT SO? In the pre-rock 1950s, Christmas tunes frequently ranked among the Top 10. Those deserving honorable mention are:

1950: “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Gene Autry); “I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas” and “Yingle Bells” (Yogi Yorgesson); “White Christmas” (Bing Crosby); 1951: “Christmas in Killarney” (Dennis Day); “Frosty the Snow Man” (Nat King Cole); 1952: “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” (by Jimmy Boyd as well as Spike Jones); “The Night Before Christmas Song” (Rosemary Clooney & Gene Autry); and 1953: “Santa Baby” (Eartha Kitt).

Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column. Write Jerry at Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368, e-mail: jpo@olympus.net, or visit his Web site: http://www.jerryosborne.com/. All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.

Copyright 2009 Osbourne Enterprises- Reprinted By Permission

This Date In Music History-December 16

Birthdays:

Paul Butterfield - Paul Butterfield Blues Band (1942)

Tony Hicks - Hollies (1945)

Benny Anderson - Abba (1946)

Billy Gibbons - ZZ Top (1950) He plays a classic ‘59 Gibson Les Paul guitar he calls Miss Pearly Gates and uses a quarter or a peso as a pick for a distinctive sound.



Blues-Rock singer Robben Ford (1951)

Christopher Thorn - Blind Melon (1968)

Michael McCary - Boyz II Men (1972)


They Are Missed:

The late, late Ludwig von Beethoven was born in 1770

Singer-songwriter Nicolette Larson died (age 45) of complications arising from cerebral edema in 1997. Worked with Neil Young, (Comes a Time and Harvest Moon albums), Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Michael McDonald, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys and The Doobie Brothers. Best known for her 1978 cover of Neil Young's "Lotta Love."

"I Will Survive" songwriter Freddie Perren died in 2004 (age 61). With the Corporation, he also co-wrote and produced "I Want You Back" and "ABC" for the Jackson 5, as well as hits for Tavares, Peaches & Herb, and G.C. Cameron.

In 2007, singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg died at his home in Maine at the age of 56. The singer, songwriter discovered he had advanced prostate cancer in 2004. Had the 1981 album ‘The Innocent Age’, which featured the hits "Leader of the Band," "Hard to Say," and "Run for the Roses."


History:

In 1907, Eugene H. Farrar became the first singer to broadcast on radio. He sang from the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York.

In 1958, Ritchie Valens performed a concert at the junior high school he'd attended. The show is recorded and posthumously released in 1960 as Ritchie Valens Live at Pacoima Junior High.

The soundtrack to Blue Hawaii reached #1 on the album charts in 1961, where it remained for 20 weeks. With sales of 2 million, it was Elvis Presley's best-selling album to date.

George Harrison was deported from Germany in 1960 for being too young to perform with the Beatles there.

The first Jimi Hendrix Experience single "Hey Joe," was released in the UK on Polydor records in 1966, the track had been rejected by the Decca label. It went on to be a #6 hit in the UK, but failed to chart in America.



In 1967, the Rolling Stones announced that Marianne Faithfull was the first signing to their 'Mother Earth' record label.

The Lemon Pipers released the cut "Green Tambourine" in 1967.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono traveled to Toronto in 1969 to perform at the Peace Festival. During their stay they stayed on Ronnie Hawkins' farm. Billboards reading "War Is Over! If You Want It" go up in 11 cities as part of the Lennons' own peace campaign.

On this date in 1970, five singles and five albums by Creedance Clearwater Revival were certified gold: "Down on the Corner," "Lookin out My Back Door," "Travelin' Band," "Bad Moon Rising," "Up around the Bend" and the LPs Cosmo's Factory, Willy and the Poor Boys, Green River, Bayou Country and Creedance Clearwater Revival.

Don McLean’s eight-minute-plus version of "American Pie" was released in 1971.

Billy Paul started a three week run at #1 in 1972 with "Me and Mrs Jones."

In 1974, guitarist Mick Taylor announced he was leaving The Rolling Stones, saying he felt that now was the time to move on and do something new.

UK group Mott The Hoople announced they had split up in 1974.

The Bay City Rollers earned their first gold record in 1975 for their first US hit single, "Saturday Night." It would make it to #1 on the pop chart early next year. On the 31st of this month, the album "Bay City Rollers" went gold. They will go on to have five more Top Forty hits in the US.

In 1977, the Bee Gees received a gold record for "How Deep is Your Love," the fourth of their seven #1singles. The song will become the subject of a copyright infringement suit five years later, when an amateur songwriter claims the brothers Gibb lifted the melody from a composition he'd written.

The Who announced that they were splitting up in 1983.

Billy Joel went to #1 on the album chart in 1989 with Storm Front.

Chubby Checker filed a lawsuit against McDonald's in Canada in 1991 seeking $14million for it's alleged use of an imitation of his voice. The song "The Twist" had been used on a French fries commercial.

MTV aired Nirvana's 'Unplugged' session for the first time in 1993.

In 1999, it was announced that Celine Dion has sold more than a 100 million albums around the world. Her albums Let's Talk About Love and Falling Into You have also shipped more than 10 million copies each.

In 2003, a Web site offered up for auction an audio tape of five songs that the Beatles allegedly recorded in 1976 during a reunion at an L.A. studio. Paul McCartney's spokesperson says, "I am not aware of any Beatles reunion during the '70s."

A Detroit studio where Eminem recorded ‘My Name Is’ went up for auction on the website eBay in 2004. Studio 8, in the Detroit suburb of Ferndale was to be listed in eBay's commercial property section for 30 days, with a minimum bid is $215,000 (slow news day)

In 2005, the surviving Beatles and relatives of the band's late members began legal action against EMI to get royalties allegedly worth 40m. Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and relations of George Harrison and John Lennon claimed EMI owed record royalties to their company Apple Corps.

Incubus started a two-week run at #1 on the album chart in 2006 with ‘Light Grenades’ the bands sixth album.

New Music Releases Decmber 15, 2009

New releases this week include Chris Brown, with his album Graffiti, Alicia Keys - The Element Of Freedom, Jamie Foxx – Body and the soundtracks for Avatar and Invictus (among others). Lots of vinyl reissues starting with three from Green Day, 21st Century Breakdown, Bullet In A Bible (2 LPs) and a 7-inch Vinyl Box Set, Solomon Burke with You Can Run But You Can't Hide, the Rolling Stones - Between the Buttons and Iggy Pop - Lust for Life and Idiot and Nirvana - In Utero and MTV Live Unplugged. Also we have vinyl releases from Nurse with Wound - Space Music, Animal Collective - Fall Be Kind [EP], CFCF – Continent, Vampire Weekend - Cousins, YACHT - Psychic City, Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Pin Points & Gin Joints, Frightened Rabbit - Swim Until You Can't See Land and Grizzly Bear - While You Wait for the Others. Also, look for a limited, deluxe edition, picture vinyl from Lady Gaga, called The Fame Monster.

Buy Vinyl Here:  CollectingVinyl


Alan Parsons Project - Flashback (2 CDs)
Alec Ounsworth - Mo Beauty (vinyl)
Alicia Keys - The Element Of Freedom
Anberlin - New Surrender (CD & DVD deluxe edition with bonus tracks)
Animal Collective - Fall Be Kind [EP]
Basement Jaxx - Twerk (vinyl)
Beatles - Beatles With Love Pack (4-CD remastered box set)
Bert Jansch - L.A. Turnaround (vinyl reissue)
Bert Jansch - Rare Conundrum (vinyl reissue)
Bert Jansch - Santa Barbara Honeymoon (vinyl reissue)
Black River Brethren - Anatomy Of A Gun
Bueno - Can’t Knock The Hustle
CFCF - Continent (vinyl)
Chicane - The Best of Chicane
Chris Brown - Graffiti
Donny Osmond - Definitive Collection
Dukes of the Stratosphere - The Complete And Utter Dukes (2 CDs/2 LPs/1 Vinyl Single)
El Guincho - Kalise (vinyl)
Elis - Catharsis
Elizabeth Fraser - Moses (vinyl)
Ella Fitzgerald - Essential Collection
Elvis Presley - Rock 'n' Roll Years
Frightened Rabbit - Swim Until You Can't See Land (vinyl)
George Benson - Songs and Stories (CD/Audio-DVD)
George Jackson - In Memphis 1972-77
George Lopez - Tall, Dark & Chicano
George Michael - December Song (I Dreamed Of Christmas) (EP)
George Thorogood - Ten Great Songs
Gerry Rafferty - Life Goes On
Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown (2-LP & CD vinyl reissue)
Green Day - 7-inch Vinyl Box Set (vinyl)
Green Day - Bullet In A Bible (2-LP vinyl reissue)
Grizzly Bear - While You Wait for the Others (vinyl)
Ian Hunter - All the Young Dudes
Iggy Pop - Lust for Life (vinyl reissue)
Iggy Pop - The Idiot (vinyl reissue)
James Brown - Singles 8 1972-1973
James Horner - Avatar (soundtrack)
James Yuill - Earth/Fire EP (vinyl)
Jamie Foxx - Body
Janet Jackson – Best - International Edition (2 CDs)
Jesca Hoop - Hunting My Dress
Jimmy Barnes - Rhythm & the Blues the (Collector's Edition)
Joe Simon - Soul for the Dancefloor
John Farnham - Romeo's Heart
Johnny Cash - Essential Collection (3 CDs)
Joni Mitchell - Court and Spark (vinyl reissue)
Julian Lennon & James Scott Cook - Lucy (EP)
Kylie - Kylie Live In New York
Lady Gaga - The Fame Monster (limited deluxe edition) (picture vinyl)
Laura Marling - Goodbye England (Covered in Snow) (vinyl)
Lifehouse - Smoke & Mirrors
Lisa Gerrard - Mirror Pool (2-LP remastered vinyl)
Mance Lipscomb - The Best of
Midnight Masses - Rapture Ready, I Gazed At The Body EP (vinyl)
Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Pin Points & Gin Joints (vinyl)
Nirvana - In Utero (vinyl reissue)
Nirvana - MTV Live Unplugged (vinyl reissue)
Nurse With Wound - Paranoia In Hi-Fi
Nurse with Wound - Space Music (vinyl)
Patti Smith - Flashback (2 CDs)
Paul Weller - Paul Weller (Deluxe Edition) (2 CDs)
Pet Shop Boys - Pet Shop Boys Christmas
Phil Vassar - Traveling Circus
Prince - Lotus Flow3r (2 LPs)
Rachel Noelle - Rachel Noelle
Rob White - Keep Riding
Robin Thicke - Sex Therapy
Rockie Robbins - You And Me
Rolling Stones - Between the Buttons (vinyl reissue)
Shiny Toy Guns - Girls Le Disko
Shirley Bassey - That's What Friends Are For
Solomon Burke - You Can Run But You Can't Hide (vinyl reissue)
Soundtrack - Avatar
Soundtrack - Invictus
Spiritualized - Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space (remastered)
Steeleye Span - Cogs, Wheels And Lovers
Tears for Fears - Live From Santa Barbara
Ted Nugent - Caveman (Remastered)
The Willowz - Everyone
Thievery Corporation - Radio Retaliation
Tift Merritt - Home Is Loud
Tim Cohen - Laugh Tracks
Tony Allen - Here Comes the Nite Owl!
Vampire Weekend - Cousins (vinyl)
YACHT - Psychic City (vinyl)
Young Money - We Are Young

Buy Music Here:  insound.

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales

We will be posting two weeks worth, as Norm & Jane at counterclockrecords.com have been working to acquire a new stash of vinyl and working on the radio show.


Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 12/05/2009

1. 45 - J.D. Bryant "Walk On In" / "I Won't Be Coming Back" Shrine - $10,223.00

2. 45 - Magnetics "Count The Days" / "When I'm With My Baby" Sable - $4,938.00

3. 45 - The Factory "Try A Little Sunshine" / "Red Chalk Hill" CBD Demo UK Pressing - $3,652.31

4. 45 - Young Brothers - "Baby" / "What's Your Game" Soul Brothers - $3,416.00

5. LP - Dexter Gordon "Blows Hot and Cold" Dootone Red Vinyl - $3,371.00



Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 12/12/2009

1. 45 - Sex Pistols "God Save The Queen" / "No Feeling" A&M AMS-7284 - $10,266.48

2. LP - Can "Monster Movie" Music Factory German Pressing - $6,295.00

3. 45 - Walter Wilson "Love Keeps Me Crying" / "Not Now But Later" Wand - $6,149.00

4. LP - Calvin Johnson "What Was Me" K Records Test Pressing - $3,999.99

5. LP - Derek and the Dominos "Layla" DJ Mono WLP - $3,050.00



As always, thanks you to Norm at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com  for this great data. Stop in and listen to their unique radio show Accidental Nostalgia with Norm & Jane On Radio Dentata - 60 minutes of rare records and nugatory narration. Every Tuesday 4PM PT/7PM ET, Sunday 9AM PT/12PM ET & Monday 12AM PT/3AM ET

This Date In Music History-December 14

Birthdays:

Frank Allen - Searchers (1943)

Jackie McCauley - Them (1946)

Joyce Vincent-Wilson - Tony Orlando and Dawn (1946)

Cliff Williams - AC/DC (1949)

Mike Scott - Waterboys (1958)

Peter "Spider" Stacy - Pogues (1958)

Tim Skold - Marilyn Manson (1966)


They Are Missed:

American blues and jazz singer Dinah Washington died from of an overdose of brandy and diet pills in 1963 (age 39). Known as the ‘Queen of the Blues’ she scored the 1959 #8 Grammy Award wining single "What A Diff'rence A Day Makes" and the 1961 hit "September In The Rain." From the late '40s and into the '60s, she sang a wide variety of music, from blues to country to pop, in a rich elegant voice.

The late Spike Jones ("All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth") was born in 1911 (died May 1, 1965).

Born today in 1938, Gary Usher, producer, songwriter. Worked with The Byrds, co-wrote The Beach Boys "In My Room." Died on 25th May 1990.

The late Charlie Rich ("Behind Closed Doors") was born in 1932. He died July 25, 1995.

In 2006, Ahmet Ertegun, co-founder of Atlantic Records, died at age 83 after injuries sustained in a fall while attending the Rolling Stones show six weeks earlier at New York's Beacon Theatre. Atlantic Records and subsidiary label, ATCO, were instrumental in ushering in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Their artists included Cream, Led Zeppelin and the Iron Butterfly.


History:

The Kingston Trio started an eight-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1959 with 'Here We Go Again!'

Billboard reported in 1959, in the wake of the government's payola investigations, the pay-for-play phenomenon has all but ceased in Philadelphia, to name a major U.S. city. "You can't even buy the disc jockeys lunch," complained one disgruntled Philadelphia record distributor.

Bob Dylan released his first single "Mixed Up Confusion/Corrina Corrina" in 1962. However, his record label quickly withdraws the single.

"Louie Louie" by the Kingsmen peaked on the charts at #6 in 1963.

In the United Kingdom in 1963, The Beatles "I Want to Hold Your Hand" goes to #1, where it stayed for five weeks. In so doing, it knocked off the Beatles' previous single "She Loves You." It's the first time in Britain that a band has replaced itself at #1.

Chad & Jeremy (Catwoman steals their voices) and Don Ho guest on ABC-TV's "Batman" in 1966.

The Elvis Presley film "Spinout" premiered in 1966.

In 1967, Dick Clark announced that he was making a film about hippies, "The Love Children," which starred Jack Nicholson, Dean Stockwell and Susan Strasberg and featured the music of Strawberry Alarm Clock and the Seeds.

With the title track clocking in at 17:05, the Iron Butterfly’s epic “In-A-Gadda-Da Vida” went gold in 1968. The album sells three million copies as it stays on the album chart for nearly three years.

Tommy James and the Shondells' "Crimson & Clover" was released in 1968.



Marvin Gaye scored his first #1 single in 1968 when "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" started a five-week run at the top. It was Marvin's 15th solo hit.

In 1969, the Jackson Five made their first network television appearance in the US when they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show.



Also in 1969: John Lennon and Yoko Ono continued to protest the innocence of James Hanratty, one of the last people executed in Britain for murder, with their wacky antics. The couple turned up at London's Hyde Park covered with a giant white bag to hear Hanratty's father address a crowd. Hanratty and the Lennons later present a petition at No. 10 Downing Street, where the Prime Minister lived.

The MC5's manager John Sinclair was released from prison in 1971 after Michigan relaxes its drug penalties. Sinclair had been sentenced to ten years in prison for possession of two marijuana joints.

In 1972, Alexander's department store in New York stays open especially late so shock rocker Alice Cooper, wearing silver pants and a "Paul Lives" button, can do his Christmas shopping.

The documentary film about T. Rex, "Born To Boogie" (directed by Ringo Starr and featuring Elton John) premiered in London in 1972.

Styx' "Lady" was released in 1974.



"Saturday Night Fever" premiered in New York City in 1977. The flick was instrumental in spreading the disco craze throughout the country. The soundtrack was full of recent and soon-to-be dance hits by the Bee Gees, the Trammps, Kool & the Gang, MFSB, K.C. & the Sunshine Band and Yvonne Elliman. It would go on to be one of the biggest-selling albums of all time.

In 1980, at Yoko Ono's request, at 2 p.m. EST, John Lennon fans around the world mourn him with ten minutes of silent prayer. In New York over 100,000 people converge in Central Park in tribute and in Liverpool, a crowd of 30,000 gatherers outside of St. George's Hall on Lime Street.

Elton John recorded a live version of "Candle in the Wind" in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1986. The song was released as a single and hits #6 on the chart.

"Walk Like An Egyptian" (The Bangles) was a hit in 1986.

Michael Jackson's "Dangerous" debuts at #1 on Billboard's pop albums chart in 1991.

Classified documents from the White House were released in 1995 and revealed that the FBI had spied on John Lennon and his anti-war activities during the early '70s in a possible attempt to have Lennon deported.

Little Richard, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen are among those who performed at a tribute to Frank Sinatra on "Sinatra: 80 Years My Way" on ABC-TV in 1995.

Garth Brooks was at #1 on the US album chart in 1997 with ‘Sevens’ his fourth US #1 album.

Paul McCartney played a show at the Cavern Club in Liverpool in 1999. It was the first time that McCartney had played at the club since 1963. The show was filmed for TV and also went out live on the Internet.

Alicia Keys was at #1 on the US album chart in 2003 with "The Diary Of Alicia Keys," the singer's second US #1.

The funeral took place in Arlington, Texas in 2004 for Damageplan and Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell. Eddie Van Halen placed Darrell’s original black and yellow stripes guitar into the Kiss Kasket he was buried in. Several thousand fans and friends gathered at the Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, to mourn the guitarist’s death. Darrell was shot five times in the back of the head during a gig at the Alrosa Villa Club in Columbus on 8th Dec 04 by a mentally ill former US Marine. Damageplan's drum technician, John Brooks, and tour manager, Chris Paluska, were both injured in the incident.

A lawsuit was filed in L.A. Superior Court in 2004 claiming that a soccer ball kicked from the stage during an August 31st Rod Stewart concert at the Hollywood Bowl caused a concertgoer "personal injuries, physical disability and physical and emotional distress, pain and suffering. Wow, here's an idea - duck next time - or pay attention. Stewart, a one-time aspiring soccer player, ceased kicking soccer balls into the audience when similar suits mounted in the ‘80s.

In 2007, Billboard magazine says the Police's reunion tour, which earned more than $210 million, is the highest-grossing tour of ‘07. Another reunion trek, this one by Genesis, netted approximately $129 million to land at #2 on the list. Billboard also names Daughtry's self-titled debut the top-selling album of the year.

In ’04, The Clash issued a 25th Anniversary Edition of their classic album “London Calling. Now, in 2009, they release "London Calling: 30th Anniversary Legacy Edition." This time around there’s a DVD featuring Don Letts' documentary on the making of the album.

Music News & Notes

Jimi Hendrix live 1967/1968 albums to be released CD and vinyl package set for release next month

Previuosly unreleased recordings of Jimi Hendrix gigs from way back in 1967-1968 and performed in Paris and Ottowa are set to be released as part of a limited edition CD and vinyl package on January 25. Recordings of his show in the Paris L'Olympia Theatre from January 29, 1968 and his gig at the Ottawa show at the Capitol Theater from March 19 of that year will feature on the CD in the package.

A recording of his show at the L'Olympia on October 9, 1967 will also feature. It was recorded for French radio and has not been released previously. Also included in the set will be a poster and postcard set, badges, an iPod skin, guitar picks and a T-shirt.

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

THE WHITE STRIPES ANNOUNCE DELUXE DVD BOX-SET

The White Stripes are to release a deluxe box set edition of their 'The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights' DVD.

The package, which is available to buy from Whitestripes.com, features two DVD's, a live album on CD and 180 gram vinyl, a silk screen print and a 208-page photo book with foreword by Jim Jarmusch.

Initially, the package will cost $179 (£110), though the price will rise to $229 (£140) in 2010.

'The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights' box-set features the following:

A DVD of 'Under Great White Northern Lights'
A DVD of The White Stripes 10th anniversary show
A 16-track live album on CD and 180 gram vinyl
A live 7-inch vinyl (featuring 'Icky Thump' and 'The Wheels on the Bus')
A 208-page photo book by Autumn de Wilde (foreword by Jim Jarmusch)
A silk screen print by Rob Jones

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

KISS: Limited-Edition Art Prints Of 'Sonic Boom', 'Rock And Roll Over' Artwork Available

Michael Doret, designer of the KISS "Sonic Boom" and "Rock And Roll Over" album covers, is offering signed limited edition art prints of both pieces via the official KISS online store. He writes on his web site, "These two signed (signed by me and the members of the group), limited-edition, large scale fine art prints (not lithos) are now finally available! These prints made from my original artwork of 'Sonic Boom' and 'Rock and Roll Over' are the best incarnations you will ever see of my art for these two iconic KISS releases.

"I have digitally redone my orignal art for 'Rock and Roll Over' (after 30-plus years the original original art is long gone), and so now it's cleaner and crisper than ever before. The art for 'Sonic Boom' was digitally created to begin with and so enlarges to the 20" size perfectly.

"The print images are 20" square printed on 25" square 'Museo Textured Rag' digital Watercolor paper. These are archival prints and will show no visible signs of fading for 100-plus years under reasonable lighting situations.

"Printed by Art Works Fine Art Publishing in Los Angeles, these editions are limited to 250 prints each, and each print will come with a certificate of authenticity signed by me.

"As the creator of these two pieces I am very critical of print quality, but suffice it to say that when I saw the final proofs of these two pieces, I was blown away by the color intensity and the quality.

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

VENOM: Early Albums To Be Re-Released On Deluxe Gatefold Colored Vinyl

Back On Black, which specializes in vinyl editions of classic metal albums and is dedicated to providing top-quality releases for record collectors and metal fans worldwide, will re-release the first three classic albums from the original black metal band VENOM — 1981's "Welcome To Hell", 1982's "Black Metal" and 1984's "At War With Satan". Due in January 2010, all three LPs were remastered and will be repackaged on 180gsm deluxe gatefold colored vinyl.

The special-edition version of VENOM's "Black Metal" album came out in September. According to the band, the new set contains bonus tracks and a DVD of the "7th Date of Hell" video of VENOM performing live at the Hammersmith Odeon in London, England in 1984.

On October 22, 2008, a two-album Japan-only cardboard sleeve reissue series from VENOM was made available via Universal Music featuring the following LPs:

* "Welcome To Hell" (1981)
* "Black Metal" (1982)

Each cardboard sleeve reissue features the high-fidelity SHM-CD format (compatible with standard CD players)

Vinyl Record Sales Hot!

Here's whats going on in New Zealand, vinyl fever is breaking out all over the world!


MUSIC LOVERS OPT FOR VINYL SOLUTION

BACK TO THE FUTURE: Vinyl records are back in favour among music lovers.


As music lovers approach a new decade in this still-young century, a recording technology once considered old and obsolete - vinyl - has been making a strong comeback.

Vinyl albums, which began to be replaced by CDs in the mid-1980s, have rebounded in recent years as enthusiasts young and old turned sentimental for the old pops, cracks and warm sounds emitting from grooves on a record.

And as sales have rebounded, music makers ranging from big acts like Jack White and the Flaming Lips to local bands in major cities have been cranking out vinyl and treating fans with added material like old-style liner notes or posters.

If bands can keep costs low, they may even be able to make extra money in the financially-strapped music business where cheap digital downloads are replacing once-lucrative CD sales.

"It's hard to say how long it'll last, but even if you're 16-years-old, your parents probably have vinyl somewhere," said Wayne Coyne, lead singer of the Flaming Lips. ''So there's probably some trigger of another time, an exotic world where this was the way you bought music."

While vinyl records never truly became extinct from record store shelves, the current resurgence seems to have picked up pace starting around 2007. Last year, 1.9 million vinyl records sold, roughly double 2007. Industry tracker Nielsen SoundScan projects that 2.8 million units will be purchased in 2009.

A wide range of bands, from Radiohead and the Beatles to Bob Dylan and Metallica, have been shipping albums on vinyl. Radiohead, for instance, sold 61,000 vinyl records in 2008.

Turntable sales are increasing, too, suggesting vinyl is reaching new customers and not just collectors and purists.

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Vinyl's renaissance springs from both musicians and fans longing for something more tangible than just listening to music on a digital file, said Paul Simcoe, co-owner of Toronto's Criminal Records.

"I'll support an artist to the end of time." he said. ''But I still have a huge problem buying something I can't see."

The Flaming Lips' Coyne said vinyl appeals to fans' senses in ways digital downloads can't by providing colorful notes, posters or other visual items that downloads just don't have. In fact, his band has even packaged DVDs with vinyl albums.

Trevor Larocque, co-founder of Toronto's Paper Bag Records, said vinyl gives artists the chance to offer fans distinct products. His label's records are made in limited amounts of 200 or 300, and the record sleeves are silk-screened with exclusive artwork.

Another technique to lure online listeners is offering memberships in fan clubs that include shipments of unreleased, vinyl recordings, which is what Nashville-based Third Man Records, founded by the White Stripes' Jack White, is doing.

"That, for us, is a really strong way of reaching out to a digital generation," said label executive Ben Swank.

In the case of Toronto-based band the Diableros, they released a new EP, "Old Story, Fresh Road," digitally and on vinyl, forgoing CDs which they felt were unnecessary.

Ad Feedback But releasing an album on vinyl presents musicians with challenges that don't exist for CDs or digital files, said David Read of Vinyl Record Guru, a manufacturing outfit on Vancouver Island, Canada.

COSTS V BENEFITS

Listeners can download files and/or copy digital songs onto CDs and DVDs from their home computer but vinyl presses aren't easy to find - there are only a handful in North America. And to produce a vinyl album, first the lacquer on which to press each vinyl album must be made. Then, a test pressing needs to be done and sound problems must be fixed before mass quantities are produced.

Also, many bands want to release just a few hundred copies on vinyl, yet custom vinyl jackets must be ordered in minimum quantities of 500. To get around that problem, Paper Bag Records ships its albums in, aptly so, paper - recycled cardboard jackets that are customized for each band.

Diableros drummer Mike Duffield said his band borrowed money to finance their vinyl EP, but it was worth it.

"When you've worked a year and a half on something and you want to see it done, you take risks," he explained. "I think you have to invest in yourself and your product."

Vinyl records also cost fans more than CDs, said Criminal Record's Simcoe.

In the US CDs generally range from US$10 (NZ$13.60) to US$14 (NZ$19), but a vinyl record is usually at least US$15 (NZ$20.40) . A price of $20 is more normal and a double-disc, for instance, can cost upward of $35.

Some major and independent labels have increased vinyl prices to account for higher costs and increased demand, but Simcoe worries that tactic may end the positive sales trend. "These guys are in danger of killing this industry," he said.

But for some artists, vinyl's downsides are worth working around. Third Man Records, for instance, sidesteps higher costs and inconvenience by doing all their work in Nashville. The music is recorded in a studio behind their storefront and records are pressed at a facility just down the road.

"We can have it on the shelves in about a month, which is about as long as it takes to get it on iTunes these days," Swank said. "What we're trying to do is make vinyl as immediate as a digital track can be."


SOURCE:  http://www.stuff.co.nz

North Jersey Record Store Thriving

Vinyl still spinning at Garfield record shop

BY CAROL FLETCHER
The Record
STAFF WRITER


Looking for that hard-to-find song made before a performer became big? Chances are it's among the hundreds of thousands of vinyl records swelling the shelves, stacks and boxes in Charlie Rigolosi's Garfield store.

The 83-year-old music collector has run Platter World since 1975, selling used records that are usually out of print, such as an original, 7-inch acetate recording from the 1960s of Jimi Hendrix's guitar work on "As the Clouds Drift By," a song performed by film star Jayne Mansfield at a Manhattan recording studio.

"There's always someone looking for a special song, and chances are I got it for them," said Rigolosi. "And that makes me happy."

Platter World evolved from Rigolosi's lifelong hobby of collecting records. It began as a mail-order business and claimed a permanent spot in an indoor flea market in Union Township after he retired from his job as chef at a local restaurant. He opened the store around 1984.

Vinyl "platters" hang on the walls and from the ceiling as mobiles. A clothesline swings down the middle of the store holding hard-to-find used records, such as "Victory at Sea in Jazz" by the Aaron Bell Orchestra for $18.

In the digital age of CDs and downloading music, business has slowed substantially, said Rigolosi, but he finds new ways to serve customers. He says vinyl is gaining favor among the least likely: people in their 20s.

Young adults come to the store searching for the vinyl version of classic rock or other music they're downloading, songs such as "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida'' by Iron Butterfly, because vinyl is a novelty to them, he said.

"That helps me a lot," Rigolosi said. "You've got to go with it. You can't fight it."

He talked about the two boys who bought two Michael Jackson albums and one by The Doors, and the 15-year-old record collector from South Jersey who spent more than $200 on doo-wop music and big-band albums.

Rigolosi has found new customers among seniors who find they need CDs when they buy new cars. They ask him to make CDs of music they want or already have, because Rigolosi can record from vinyl, cassettes or reel-to-reel tape.

Disc jockeys have also become loyal fans and buy the larger 78 rpm records because the grooves hold a greater range of high and low notes than digital media, Rigolosi said.

Finally, he's seeing parents with teenage children who are buying the classic rock they grew up with and the kids are picking up on their interest, he said.

With his vast collection, Rigolosi can cater to unusual customers, such as the artist who's been commissioned to cover the interior of a home in Manhattan like the Sistine Chapel with specific album covers and bought about $150 worth of vinyl.

A key to his survival is a collection that includes classical, big-band, jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, comedy, country, movie soundtracks, spoken word, international music and rock. Rock is the most popular, he said. His oldest record? A 1904 track of Enrico Caruso, considered a pioneer of vocal recordings.

Michael Jackson, however, has been the most popular recently, and his solo albums and those when he was with the Jackson 5 line the wall behind the counter.

Rigolosi had an opportunity to sell his business three years ago, but at the last minute the potential buyers drastically reduced the price they said they would pay, Rigolosi said.

"I got so mad it rejuvenated me," he said. "I'm so glad I didn't sell. It keeps me young."

SOURCE:  http://www.northjersey.com/

Diva of the discs

By Stephen McClarence

Violet May's moods were so unpredictable, and her manner sometimes so aggressive, that a couple of her customers nicknamed her "Violent May". Good to know it wasn't just me she put the fear of God into.

Violet May Barkworth, to give her the full name that hardly anyone knew, ran record shops in Sheffield from the Fifties to the Seventies and had a loyal band of "regulars" including an intriguing man known as Operatic Horace. Her shops stocked collectably out-of-the-way, specialist stuff and became so famous that Fleetwood Mac once made a personal appearance and jazzmen Chris Barber and Jimmy Rushing called in.

But back to the fear of God. Violet May could be utterly charming, but she could also be utterly abrupt. A new book about her – yes, a book about a woman who sold records rather than made them – recalls that she would sometimes tell browsers to "get out if you're not going to buy anything".

The book features memories from Joe Cocker and Dave Berry, and an introduction by Richard Hawley. "Without her I'm sure that I wouldn't be making music today," he writes. "I never had the pleasure of meeting her, but my father did and some of the music he bought in her shop still informs many of my ideas to this day. She widened the sonic palette of thousands of people from Sheffield and other places in Britain."

Musician John Firminger and DJ Gus Chapman, the book's authors, offer a warts-and-all celebration of "Sheffield's Vinyl Goddess", as they call her. It concentrates on pop, jazz and blues, the singles, EPs and LPs that brought in most customers. But it was a different sort of music, and a more fragile sort of record, that drew me as a schoolboy to her shop near the city's long-gone open market.

I was interested in classical music and 78s, those brittle shellac HMVs and Columbias whose four-minute playing time could stretch Mozart operas to 40 sides (you got a lot of exercise changing sides). I'd already bought a few from a market-trader – the father of a man who subsequently became my MP – but Violet May's stock was on a different scale.

Her shop was tiny, but crammed with vinyl. On the ground floor, there was pop, rock, R&B, country and Russ Conway. The records filled every corner, every square inch of floor space. They marched up the steep staircase, along the narrow landing, and into an upstairs room which was a sort of upper sanctum.

Here were tens of thousands of classical LPs and second-hand 78s – second-hand, because they'd been phased out nearly 20 years before. An attic of shellac stacked high and heavy. At any moment, you feared, the floor might give way and the whole lot would plummet through the ceiling onto the counter below and Violet May herself. What an end it would have been for a woman who devoted her working life to records – crushed by half-a-ton of Beethoven symphonies and Rachmaninov concertos.

She was, as the book acknowledges, formidable, not to say intimidating: a canny businesswoman who had taught herself about every sort of music she might ever be able to sell. As a "groovy granny" (as someone called her), she could discuss anything from early Bix Beiderbecke, through middle-period Big Bill Broonzy, to late Beecham and Barbirolli.

She knew what every single one of her records was worth and how to get a few more bob for it. With her glasses perched on the end of her nose, she would study the record you wanted to buy, study you, study the record again, say "Very collectable, this" and charge you twice what you were hoping to pay. Even so, her prices were a fraction of London dealers'.

It was in one of her shops that I met Operatic Horace. He was a dapper, genial, elderly man with curly hair and, as far as I could judge, he'd had a fairly unremarkable life doing an uninteresting job. I never found out because he didn't talk about his life; like many people in the obsessive world of collecting, he talked about his collection.

He knew everything there was to know about operatic records – not just the Giglis and the Carusos, the backbones of an average collection. No, he could quote the entire output of any Italian singer you chose to name, reeling off the arias like a waiter running through a pizza menu.

He often coincided with another elderly man – small, flat cap, broad Sheffield, an unlikely connoisseur on the face of it. They'd stand there doing a sort of double act. "Does tha know," the second man would say, "when tha's listening to them records by Boninsegna, tha's listening to real coloratura?"

It was the first time I ever heard anyone talk about what sounded like
"a pink patty". I took it to be a sort of pie and it was many years before I learned it meant a pink-label pressing of a record by the great soprano Adelina Patti.

Violet May died in 1995, and her half-dozen shops are long-gone. Some have been demolished. A wistful, rather surreal, section of the book features photographs of where they would once have been ("under the fly-over just past the small electric sub-station in the middle of Park Square roundabout").

There's a lot of legwork in here, a lot of research, a lot of memories and a lot of nostalgia for anyone who ever played The Honeycombs' Have I the Right on a Dansette Conquest Auto record player
("a truly luxurious set... Life is sweeter with a Dansette").

Peter Stringfellow flits through the pages, with their chic retro design, and there's a classic throwaway line from an ex-pat customer remembering the last time he saw Violet May: "I was on my way back to Japan and dropped in to buy a load of Biblical film soundtracks for a pal in Malaysia."

The highlight, though, is the transcript of an interview from the Sheffield University Jazz Club magazine in 1967. Violet talks about the benefits of blues and soul records "searching for an expression of our inner selves through the turmoil of wars, strikes and any evil which exists, and always will, human nature being what it is".

As the profundity of all this settles in, the interviewer asks: "You see your shop as a bastion against evil?"

Richard Hawley puts it in perspective: "In this age of instant access to virtually any recordings at the touch of a button, it is hard to imagine a time when you could spend months, often years, tracking down a rare record by an obscure artist... Violet May was a light in the darkness for the avid record collector and the developing musician. My father found records by Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, The Dell Vikings and many, many more which at the time were virtually impossible to find over here, and the effect they had on a young inquiring mind was like a cerebral atom bomb."

Certainly anyone who has ever cherished a copy of My Baby Left Me by Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup should read this book.

Shades of Violet by John Firminger and Gus M Chapman is published by youbooks.co.uk (0114 275 7222; www.youbooks.co.uk), £9.99.

SOURCE:  http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

This Date In Music History-December 12

Birthdays:

Connie Francis (1938)

Dionne Warwick (1940)

Terry Kirkman - Association (1941)

Mike Heron - The Incredible String Band (1942)

Tim Hauser - Manhattan Transfer (1942)

Mike Pinder - Moody Blues (1942)

Dickey Betts - Allman Brothers (1943)

Alan Ward - Honeycombs (1945)

Clive Bunker - Jethro Tull (1946)

Ralph Scala - Blue Magoos (1947)

Graham Bonnett - Rainbow and the Michael Schenker Group (1947)

Ray Jackson - Lindisfarne (1948)

Dan Baird - Georgia Satellites (1953)

Cy Curnin - Fixx (1957)

Sheila E. - singer and percussionist (1959)

Eric Schenkman - Spin Doctors (1963)

Danny Boy - House Of Pain (1968)

Dan Hawkins - The Darkness (1976)

Sharin Foo - Ravonettes (1979)


They Are Missed:

Pianist Ian Stewart — known as the sixth Rolling Stone — died from a heart attack in 1985. He was 47. Co-founder of The Rolling Stones (Stewart was the first to respond to Brian Jones's advertisement in Jazz News of 2 May 1962 seeking musicians to form a rhythm & blues group). Stewart was dismissed from the line-up by the band's manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, in May 1963 but remained as road manager and piano player. He played on all The Rolling Stones albums between 1964 and 1983, except for Beggars Banquet.

Frank Sinatra (real name Francis Albert Sinatra) was born in Hoboken, NJ in 1915. Sinatra died on May 14, 1998.



Born today in 1944, Rob Tyner of MC5 (Died September 17, 1991).

In 2007, Ike Turner, the former husband of Tina Turner, died at the age of 76 at his home near San Diego, California. Turner who was a prolific session guitarist and piano player is credited by many music historians with making the first rock 'n' roll record "Rocket 88" (released in ’51). After marrying Tina Turner in 1959, the pair released a string of hits including the Phil Spector produced ‘River Deep Mountain High.’

Born on this day in 1943, Mike Smith, Dave Clark Five, (1965 US #1 single "Over And Over") Smith died on 29th of Feb 2008 from pneumonia at the age of 64.


History:

In Vienna in 1792, 22-year-old Ludwig van Beethoven received one of his first lessons in music composition from Franz Joseph Haydn.

Bill Haley recorded "See You Later, Alligator" in 1955.

The controversy over Elvis's Christmas Album raged on in 1957. Disc Jockey Al Priddy of KEX, Portland, Oregon is fired for violating the radio station's ban against playing Presley's rendition of "White Christmas."

It may have been love but it was a bad career move. Jerry Lee Lewis married his second cousin, Myra Gale Brown, in Hernando, MS in 1957. She’s the daughter of J.W. Brown, Jerry Lee's bass player and cousin. Myra was 13 years old, though she claimed to be 20 on the marriage license. When her age and family ties were discovered it led to a major scandal that wrecked Jerry Lee’s career for several years. Also, Jerry Lee was still married to his second wife, Jane Mitchum. Though separated, the divorce didn’t become final until May, ’58. This fact was mercifully overlooked at the time.

In 1963, The Beatles were at #1 on the UK singles chart with "I Want To Hold Your Hand," the group's third #1 (and first Amercian #1) and this year's UK Christmas #1.

The Righteous Brothers "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" was released in 1964.

Pink Floyd played its first major show, at Royal Albert Hall in London in 1966.

In 1968, the Rolling Stones convened in a London film studio with John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, the Who, Jethro Tull, Mitch Mitchell, Marianne Faithful, Mia Farrow and a bunch of circus performers to film their "Rolling Stones Rock & Roll Circus," which is never given a public showing until finally being released in late 1996.

The Allman Brother’s Band released their self-titled debut in late ‘69 and hit the road playing over 500 shows in the next 30 months.

In 1969, John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band released Live Peace in Toronto 1969, recorded at the Toronto Rock 'n' Revival Show on September 13.

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1970 with "Tears Of A Clown." It was the group's 26th Top 40 hit and first #1 (also a #1 hit in the UK).

The Doors played what would be their last ever live show with Jim Morrison when they played at the Warehouse in New Orleans in 1970.

Steven Stills' "Love the One You're With" was released in 1970.



In 1974, the Rolling Stones began sessions in Munich for what would become "Black and Blue," their 1976 release. The LP was recorded with several guitarists Wayne Perkins, Harvey Mandel and Rob Wood. The group also announced the departure of guitar player Mick Taylor who replaced Brian Jones five years earlier. When asked of a replacement, Mick Jagger quipped, "No doubt we can find a brilliant six-foot-three blond guitarist who can do his own make-up.

Harry Chapin hits #1 with "Cat's In the Cradle" in 1974.

George Michael started a four week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1987 with "Faith."

Whitney Houston started a twenty-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1992 with "The Bodyguard."

In 1997, John Fogerty played live on a Hollywood (actually Burbank) soundstage for an MTV special. Not only does he play songs from his new album “Blue Moon Swamp,” he uncorks some favorites from his Creedence Clearwater Revival days. Fogerty had refused to play CCR songs due to a major falling out over song ownership with Fantasy Records, CCR’s label.

In 1998, a seven inch single by the Quarry Men featuring John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison was named as the rarest record of all time, only 50 copies were made with each copy being valued at $20,500.

In 2002, it was announced that Les Paul planned to give memorabilia from his music career to Waukesha County's historical society for an exhibit. Paul said that he planned to donate about 2,000 records and original sheet music.

Mick Jagger became a Sir after being knighted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace in 2003. Jagger's 92-year-old father was at the Palace to see his son receive the award.

Linkin Park and Jay-Z were at #1 on the US album chart in 2004 with "Collision Course."

In 2007, a copy of John Lennon's book, 'A Spaniard in the Works,' which contained a lock of Lennon's hair, sold at Gorringes Auction House for $48,000. Lennon gave the book and the hair to Betty Glasow, the Fab Four's hairdresser during their heyday. He wrote in the book, "To Betty, Lots of Love and Hair, John Lennon xx."

The Eagles' "Long Road Out Of Eden" was certified triple platinum in 2007, signifying U.S. shipments in excess of 3 million units. It's also the #1 album on Billboard's Top Country chart.

Michael Fremer Review

I am very proud to continue our 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.

ALBUM REVIEW:
Various Artists (new reissue)
A Christmas Gift to You From Philles Records

Sundazed LP 5323 180g mono LP

Produced by: Phil Spector
Engineered by: Larry Levine
Mixed by: Phil Spector and Larry Levine
Mastered by: Bob Irwin (LP cut by "WG/NRP")

Review by: Michael Fremer

2009-12-10

The classic Phil Spector Christmas album is Sundazed’s holiday gift to us all. Mastered in glorious mono from the original mono master tape (remember: Phil didn’t do stereo so if you see “stereo” on the jacket, it’s fake stereo, though I heard there was a 1974 “stereo remix” but given how Spector recorded I can’t imagine from what source tracks such a mix could have been assembled).

Phil used jingle bells and such when recording secular teen love songs so the move to Christmas wasn’t particularly difficult. And who better than a New York Jew to produce such a timeless Christmas classic? After all, Irving Berlin wrote “White Christmas,” and Mel Tormé (Melvin Howard Torma) co-wrote “The Christmas Song” (“chestnuts roasting on the open fire”). And don’t forget, the guy whose birthday everyone is celebrating was also one.

And what better place to record a Christmas album than Los Angeles? Well, I can name ten, but what better studio to record a Phil Spector album in than Gold Star? I can name none.

And what worse day to release a cheery Christmas album than Novemberr 22nd, 1963? There are no worse days, so the album, like the president, stiffed (sorry, I couldn’t help myself but I wish I could have).

Few copies sold of such a wonderful record means original pressings are rare and expensive. Apple reissued with a different cover and name in 1972 and that time it went into the Top Ten and deservedly so.

So here’s Sundazed’s gift to you with the original Philles cover and all of the great tracks recorded by Phil’s outstanding artist roster.

The Ronette’s “Frosty The Snowman,” and “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” might be my favorites and the latter is the foundation for the E-Street Band, but there’s really not a bad track on the album. The strings and baritone sax provide warmth, the percussion and castenets the icicles and the big wobbly vibratos the soul. Such a classic combination! You know the guy who wrote and sang “To Know Him is to Love Him” knows how to pour on the sap!

Spector places the vocals way above the background mass of strings and percussion and Hal Blaine’s drums are in another time zone but that just adds to the vast holiday cheer this album produces every time you play it$#151at least until you get to Phil’s sign-off at the end of side two. It sounded creepy back in 1972 when I first heard it but now given what’s happened to poor Phil it sounds creepy squared.

I compared this reissue cut from the analog tapes with the digitally remastered LP included in the out of print ABKCO Phil Spector Box Back to MONO (even though the box says “mastered in analog” that referred to the analog tapes being used to produce the digital master) and the Sundazed reissue is clearly the winner in terms of crystalline clarity and that certain pleasing piercing quality to the vocal mix that’s supposed to cut through on an edge without slicing your eardrums. The digitally remastered box set version is thicker and not as pleasingly icy-clean.

However I was a bit disappointed by a lack of bass heft on some of the big drum “thwacks” that the box set version has. Whether that was someone goosing up the bottom end there, or cutting a bit off here, I don’t know. Accurate or not, I like it.

Still, overall the new Sundazed reissue wins the clarity and transparency race and that’s more important if you want to hear into the Spector wall and pull out all the candy-elements.

Even the 180 gram pressing, which I assume is from United, Nashville is good. Non “no-fill” and no noise. Maybe Sundazed’s Bob Irwin is finally whipping that woefully sloppy joint into shape?

Now that A Christmas Gift For You is out again all analog on vinyl, it will definitely be a merry Christmas!

Copyright © 2008 MusicAngle.com & Michael Fremer - All rights reserved

How Records Got Their Groove Back

Yet another intriguing article about vinyl (it is all over the news and Internet), but we vinyl collectors already knew that. This one os from the AARP Magazine issue for Jan, Feb 2010.

How Records Got Their Groove Back

As CDs fade away, there's a new vinyl answer


By Bill Newcott


"They lied to us, man," he said.

Flipping through old vinyl albums at a used-record shop, I did what anyone does when a fellow human bares his soul: I ignored him. "They said CDs would sound better," he persisted. "They lied!" He rapped a vintage Ramsey Lewis album on the edge of the bin, like a gavel, releasing that distinct scent of dust and decomposing cardboard.

"I got rid of my record player. I let my records go. And they never even bothered to bring back half of my old jazz albums. Not half. It was like they hooked us, and then they gutted us."

It was a spontaneous outburst, but the gist of it I've been hearing for years among frequenters of the vinyl bins: despite the advantages of compact disks (CDs) over vinyl—you'll never hear a CD pop or click, and you can access any track instantly—the supposed perfection of the format was overstated. Of course, the companies were just as over-the-top about LPs. Here's a quote from my vinyl copy of Tony [Bennett]'s Greatest Hits, Volume III: "You can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future." Pioneer audiophiles felt that way about Edison's cylinder phonograph of the late 1800s and the 78-rpm shellac disks of the early 20th century. And even as the "never obsolete" vinyl promise was being made in the 1960s, guys in lab coats were dreaming up cassette tapes and eight-track tape cartridges.

Then came the CD in the mid-1980s, and everyone knew that vinyl's days were numbered. But like those ancient tiny mammals that predated the dinosaurs—and then kept skittering around the feet of T. rex and his pals—vinyl never completely disappeared: throughout the '90s, hip-hop DJs spun vinyl disks, manipulating the turntables by hand for musical effect.

Now record companies are making money from vinyl again: vinyl-record sales soared 89 percent in 2008, while CDs, falling prey to Internet downloads, continued to trudge down the road to extinction. Music giant EMI has rereleased some 65 classic albums on vinyl, including acts ranging from Frank Sinatra to the Beastie Boys. U2's newest album (No Line on the Horizon), Bruce Springsteen's latest (Working on a Dream), and Harry Connick Jr.'s Your Songs have all done brisk vinyl business.

And it's not just a generational thing. Newer acts such as The Killers and Ryan Adams are finding an LP audience as well, offering vinyl and MP3-download versions of their latest releases as a single package. In fact, whereas Borders and Best Buy stores have been reducing their CD space, both retailers have installed new vinyl-LP racks.

The Sound of Silence

It wasn't the sound that sold us on CDs—it was the absence of it. Your first CD experience was probably a lot like mine. I was working at a tabloid newspaper in Florida, and one day the publisher called me into his office. "Siddown," he barked. As always, I did as I was told. He just sat there staring at me, cigarette aloft in one hand. Then, suddenly, the crashing opening chords of Tchaikovsky's Capriccio Italien came barreling out at me from two large speakers. I leaped to my feet, as if to escape. My boss clapped his hands and laughed, sending ashes flying.

"It's the silence," he said gleefully. "A record warns you something's gonna happen with all the noise it makes. But this is a compact disk. When it's quiet, it's damn quiet."

Maybe too quiet. Even after CDs nudged vinyl out the record-store door in the late 1980s, enthusiasts stuck to their position that vinyl's sound reproduction was ultimately more satisfying than digital's. Warmer is the word used most frequently, and Jason Boyd, who oversees vinyl-record production and sales for music giant EMI, tried to explain it to me.

"The imperfections of the sound—the low ends—are sonically appealing," Boyd says. "CD is most pristine. But vinyl has the warm, full sound of the music. The cracks and the little imperfections that pop up seem to enhance the music. It's a way of experiencing music rather than just consuming it."

Boyd is probably right. But here's my theory: it's the unique imperfections of each vinyl record that make it irreplaceable. After enough plays, a record becomes a fingerprint of your listening experience. Just about everyone who owned the Beatles' White Album wore the thing down to a nub. Your copy, like mine, is a crackling mess through "Cry Baby Cry"—but then it becomes a mint-condition collector's item the moment that unlistenable jumble of sounds the Lads called "Revolution 9" fades in.

Indeed, all of our records carry an indelible personal stamp: the skip on your copy of The Dark Side of the Moon that results in Roger Waters's repeating "Money!" over and over…the holiday album you still play despite the damage it sustained in that unfortunate 1962 Christmas-tree pine-needle accident...the Shari Lewis record you kicked off the turntable while you were dancing, so now Lamb Chop repeats herself, like Rain Man.

See Me, Feel Me

Even the nonlistening rituals of record ownership are burned into the memories of everyone who ever had a collection. Need proof? Head down to a music store and buy a record—most larger shops now have at least a small vinyl section. The rest will come naturally: bring the record home (on the way, I guarantee, you'll admire the cover artwork). Now slip your thumbnail into the cellophane sheath, right at the album's business end, and slide it along. Feel that flutter in your stomach as the album opens? You're remembering what it's like to access your music with a single, graceful stroke—instead of peeling, stabbing, cutting, and finally biting your way into a CD jewel case. Now slide out the inner sleeve. There she is: the proud, black thing of beauty, her label winking at you through the sleeve's center hole. As you extract the disk from the sleeve, you'll find you haven't forgotten how to hold it safely: your thumb at the ridge, the label resting on your fingers. If you're lucky enough to still have your turntable, you'll deftly center the record on the spindle. Best of all, the disk won't hop into a drawer and disappear into a box, like a CD. It will stay right there in plain view, singing to you at a steady 33 1/3 revolutions per minute.

Then there's the structure of a two-sided album. In the old days, records were programmed in two acts: Side One and Side Two. Someone who's never flipped an LP would be mightily puzzled over the lyric at the end of Side One on the Carpenters' fourth album, A Song for You: "We'll be right back /After we go to the bathroom." On my favorite album, Electric Light Orchestra's Eldorado, Jeff Lynne ends Side One on a chord progression that is left unresolved until Side Two.

Your Song

In my world, digital and vinyl have found a way to coexist: when I'm on the subway, or walking on a bustling city sidewalk, the slightly shrill digital music flowing through my earbuds seems appropriate. At home, however—where I'm bathed in the warmth of family and familiar surroundings—the sounds from my old record player seem to float from room to room, filling every corner with aural incense.

"Vinyl will never be mainstream again, but it's a growing niche," says Michael Fremer, senior contributing editor for Stereophile magazine. (He owns 15,000 vinyl records.) "When a former vinyl listener reconnects, he or she says, 'I remember that sound. That's what I'm missing!' And a new generation is discovering that vinyl sounds better and represents tunes sequenced as the artist wishes, rather than as a series of random events.

"I doubt kids will look back in 50 years and say, 'I remember when I downloaded that!' The forward-looking young people are going for vinyl editions of their important music."


The End

Those of us who fell for the Great Lie will never fully recover. My distraught friend from the used-record store is right: we'll spend the rest of our days trying to re-create our old collections, Ancient Mariners roaming the earth, our MP3 players slung about our necks like albatrosses.

But there will be the inevitable reunions with long-lost LP friends, the rush of anticipation when the needle hits that groove, and the exquisite moment when the music plays, warm and full, punctuated with the pops and crackles of passing time.

SOURCE:  http://www.aarpmagazine.org/

A vinyl record, properly cared for, can certainly last your lifetime and probably your kids and grandchildrens as well.  Where will that song you downloaded two weeks ago be?  There is something to be said about actually owning something, something tactile, long live vinyl!

Music News & Notes

The Beatles Have Best Selling Album of the Decade

Our good friends at AntiMusic are reporting that The Fab four are still pretty damn fab. At least with people who buy music according to the following Rolling Stone.com report:

Over three decades after their breakup, the Beatles still released the top-selling album of the 2000s. The Fab Four's greatest hits compilation 1 sold over 11,448,000 copies since its release in November 2000 according to Nielsen SoundScan's decade-end sales numbers. Eminem was the 2000s’ top-selling artist with 32.2 million combined in sales, plus two albums in the decade’s Top 10. The Beatles claimed Number Two with 30 million.

Soundscan's Top 10 Selling Albums of the 2000's

1.1 - Beatles (11,499,000 copies sold)
2.No Strings Attached - *NSYNC (11,112,000)
3.Come Away With Me - Norah Jones (10,546,000)
4.The Marshall Mathers LP - Eminem (10,204,000)
5.The Eminem Show - Eminem (9,799,000)
6.Confessions - Usher (9,712,000)
7.Hybrid Theory - Linkin Park (9,663,000)
8.Human Clay - Creed (9,491,000)
9.Oops!…I Did It Again - Britney Spears (9,185,000)
10.Country Grammar - Nelly (8,461,000)

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SLASH - New Album Release And Tour Set

SLASH (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES) has issued the following Twitter update:

"Driving around listening to the analog mixes of my solo record, I gotta say it sounds awesome. The whole self titled record was recorded analog. It will be released March/April - tour starts around then too. It will be released in all formats including vinyl."

Slash will be released in Europe via Roadrunner Records. A release date for other territories will be announced soon.

As previously reported, the first single from Slash's upcoming solo album will feature OZZY OSBOURNE on vocals. Other guests who will appear on Slash include ALICE COOPER, Lemmy Kilmister (MOTÖRHEAD), former Guns N' Roses men Duff McKagan (LOADED), Steven Adler and Izzy Stradlin, Dave Grohl (FOO FIGHTERS), Flea (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS), IGGY POP, KID ROCK, CHRIS CORNELL, Myles Kennedy (ALTER BRIDGE), Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson (BLACK EYED PEAS), MAROON 5 singer Adam Levine and WOLFMOTHER's Andrew Stockdale.

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Midlake announce limited-edition vinyl release and UK tour
Texas band head to the UK early next year

Midlake have announced details of a limited-edition 12-inch vinyl release featuring two new songs.

There will only be 500 copies of the record, which features 'Acts Of Man' and 'Rulers, Ruling All Things', available from December 14. Both songs will feature on Midlake's forthcoming album 'The Courage Of Others' (released on February 1).

Midlake tour the UK and Republic Of Ireland in January and February.

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Iron Maiden, Rammstein, Stooges, Mötley Crüe for Sonisphere Festival 2010

Iron Maiden and Rammstein have been announced as headliners of the UK leg of the Sonisphere Festival next summer.  The Knebworth House event will also feature Alice Cooper, Mötley Crüe, Iggy And The Stooges, Anthrax, The Cult and Slayer.

Rammstein's appearance will mark their first ever UK festival show.

Sonisphere takes place between July 30 and August 1 next year.

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Bon Iver releases live charity album 'A Decade With Duke' also features Justin Vernon's high school jazz band

Bon Iver has released a recording of a charity show at mainman Justin Vernon's old high school in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  Called 'A Decade With Duke', the album is a collaboration between Vernon and jazz ensemble Eau Claire Memorial Jazz 1.

Featuring songs from Bon Iver's critically acclaimed album 'For Emma, Forever Ago', such as 'Lump Sum' and 'For Emma', the album also sees Vernon performing jazz classics such as 'Lady Is A Tramp' and 'Bewitched'.

Vernon did the show to help raise money to send the jazz band to New York to take part in the Essentially Ellington competition, where they came third.

Released both physically and digitally, the CD is only available from Brickhouse Music, Morgan Music, and from the Volume One office in the Eau Claire area. For those outside of Wisconsin, a digital copy is available from various online retailers.

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Elvis Costello set to release new live album 'Live At Hollywood High' to be released in January

Elvis Costello has announced plans to release the second in his 'The Costello Show' live performance series.  Entitled 'Live At Hollywood High', the 20-song album is taken from Costello's gig at the school in Los Angeles in June 1978.

Released on January 11, the record will include songs from early albums 'My Aim Is True', 'This Year's Model' and 'Armed Forces'.

'Live At Hollywood High' follows on from the reissue of 'Live At The El Mocambo'earlier this year, and future releases for the series are set to include performances from the Royal Albert Hall, reports Billboard.

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Neil Young | Gary Burden Get Grammy Music Nomination For Package Design

LOS ANGELES (Top40 Charts/ R. Twerk & Co.) - Gary Burden's design of the Neil Young Archives, Volume 1 has been nominated for a 52nd Annual Grammy Award in the Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package category. Lead art director and designer Gary Burden, R. Twerk & Co., says he had "no idea 'the archives' were entered into the awards, so it was a huge surprise when we received a phone call and learned we were nominated. This is just so cool and I am really happy for Neil, too." This is Burden's fourth Grammy nomination for design. Burden, representing his company R. Twerk & Co., has received three other Grammy nominations for 'Best Package of the Year.'

The long-awaited Neil Young Archives, Volume 1 (1963-1972) is a deluxe boxed set. It was conceived as a time-capsule of Neil Young's musical and personal journeys from 1963 to 1972. The elaborate box contains multiple cds/dvds/bluerays (depending on the version, there are three), a replica of Neil Young's revealing personal journal with a faux embossed leather cover, and a "stash" box (look in the corners for reproductions of pot seeds). The box was designed to last a long time, and also designed with sustainability in mind. "The Mohawk paper we used is FSC-certified, recycled with PCW content and made with windpower," said Burden.

Burden and Neil Young have been collaborating on album cover art for more than forty years and have become lifelong friends. They still enjoy working together and are currently at work on Volume II, and a myriad of other packages.

Gary says he will 'definitely' be going to the Grammy Awards in January, "It is very cool that the years of work Neil, my wife Jenice and I put into the packaging of Neil's archive is recognized by my peers as being worthy of a Grammy. I immediately recalled my first Grammy nomination in 1969 for Richard Pryor's comedy album. I went to Western Costume to rent an outfit. I got a tuxedo with sequin lapels and stripes on the trousers that was made for Elvis Presley. It fit me perfectly. Sweet!"

Gary Burden started designing album covers at the suggestion of Mama Cass after he did a short stint as an architect, designing Cass' home. Shortly thereafter, Burden had designed Joni Mitchell's "Blue" cover, albums for Steppenwolf, Three Dog Night and The Mamas and the Papas all of which went gold and platinum. Burden created Crosby, Stills and Nash's first album cover artwork, The Doors' "Morrison Hotel" and four album covers for the Eagles including "Desperado," several for Jackson Browne, Judee Sill, Laura Nyro, and many others even making a cover for Zydeco artist Clifton Chenier.

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Handwritten Song Lyrices Up For Auction

Want to own the origianl handwritten lyrices for the classic cut "Wild Thing?" A long list of artists have contributed handwritten and signed lyrics to some of their greatest songs to the Americana Music Association for a December 14 benefit auction, including Chip Taylor's "Wild Thing." Those donating lyrics include Dolly Parton (I Will Always Love You), Willie Nelson (On the Road Again), Robert Plant (Please Read the Letter), Peter Frampton (Baby I Love Your Way), Emmylou Harris (Tulsa Queen), Phil Everly (When Will I Be Loved), J.D. Souther (Faithless Love), John Prine (Angel From Montgomery), John Oates (She's Gone) and many more.

Currently, the Plant lyrics are the high bid receiver at $925. To see the full list and the current bids, go to the American Association website.

http://www.americanamusicauction.com/

Vinyl’s comeback makes musicians want to sing

TORONTO -- As music lovers approach a new decade in this still-young century, a recording technology once considered old and obsolete -- vinyl -- has been making a strong comeback. Vinyl albums, which began to be replaced by CDs in the mid-1980s, have rebounded in recent years as enthusiasts young and old turned sentimental for the old pops, cracks and warm sounds emitting from grooves on a record.

And as sales have rebounded, music makers ranging from big acts like Jack White and the Flaming Lips to local bands in major cities have been cranking out vinyl and treating fans with added material like old-style liner notes or posters. If bands can keep costs low, they may even be able to make extra money in the financially strapped music business where cheap digital downloads are replacing once-lucrative CD sales.

"It’s hard to say how long it’ll last, but even if you’re 16 years old, your parents probably have vinyl somewhere," said Wayne Coyne, lead singer of the Flaming Lips. "So there’s probably some trigger of another time, an exotic world where this was the way you bought music."

While vinyl records never truly became extinct from record store shelves, the current resurgence seems to have picked up pace starting around 2007. Last year, 1.9 million vinyl records sold, roughly double 2007. Industry tracker Nielsen SoundScan projects that 2.8 million units will be purchased in 2009.

A wide range of bands, from Radiohead and the Beatles to Bob Dylan and Metallica, have been shipping albums on vinyl. Radiohead, for instance, sold 61,000 vinyl records in 2008. Turntable sales are increasing, too, suggesting vinyl is reaching new customers and not just collectors and purists.

Seeing is believing

Vinyl’s renaissance springs from both musicians and fans longing for something more tangible than just listening to music on a digital file, said Paul Simcoe, co-owner of Toronto’s Criminal Records.

"I’ll support an artist to the end of time," he said. "But I still have a huge problem buying something I can’t see."

The Flaming Lips’ Coyne said vinyl appeals to fans’ senses in ways digital downloads can’t by providing colorful notes, posters or other visual items that downloads just don’t have. In fact, his band has even packaged DVDs with vinyl albums.

Trevor Larocque, co-founder of Toronto’s Paper Bag Records, said vinyl gives artists the chance to offer fans distinct products. His label’s records are made in limited amounts of 200 or 300, and the record sleeves are silk-screened with exclusive artwork.

Another technique to lure online listeners is offering memberships in fan clubs that include shipments of unreleased, vinyl recordings, which is what Nashville-based Third Man Records, founded by the White Stripes’ Jack White, is doing.

"That, for us, is a really strong way of reaching out to a digital generation," said label executive Ben Swank.

In the case of Toronto-based band the Diableros, they released a new EP, Old Story, Fresh Road, digitally and on vinyl, forgoing CDs which they felt were unnecessary.

But releasing an album on vinyl presents musicians with challenges that don’t exist for CDs or digital files, said David Read of Vinyl Record Guru, a manufacturing outfit on Vancouver Island, Canada.

Costs vs. benefits

Listeners can download files and/or copy digital songs onto CDs and DVDs from their home computer but vinyl presses aren’t easy to find -- there are only a handful in North America. And to produce a vinyl album, first the lacquer on which to press each vinyl album must be made. Then, a test pressing needs to be done and sound problems must be fixed before mass quantities are produced.

Also, many bands want to release just a few hundred copies on vinyl, yet custom vinyl jackets must be ordered in minimum quantities of 500. To get around that problem, Paper Bag Records ships its albums in, aptly so, paper -- recycled cardboard jackets that are customized for each band.

Diableros drummer Mike Duffield said his band borrowed money to finance their vinyl EP, but it was worth it.

"When you’ve worked a year and a half on something and you want to see it done, you take risks," he explained. "I think you have to invest in yourself and your product."

Vinyl records also cost fans more than CDs, said Criminal Record’s Simcoe.

CDs generally range from $10 to $14, but a vinyl record is usually at least $15. A price of $20 is more normal and a double-disc, for instance, can cost upward of $35.

Some major and independent labels have increased vinyl prices to account for higher costs and increased demand, but Simcoe worries that tactic may end the positive sales trend. "These guys are in danger of killing this industry," he said.

But for some artists, vinyl’s downsides are worth working around. Third Man Records, for instance, sidesteps higher costs and inconvenience by doing all their work in Nashville. The music is recorded in a studio behind their storefront and records are pressed at a facility just down the road.

"We can have it on the shelves in about a month, which is about as long as it takes to get it on iTunes these days," Swank said. "What we’re trying to do is make vinyl as immediate as a digital track can be." -- Reuters

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How vinyl record sales stack up

CD SALES are off 13% in 2009 heading into the lucrative holiday shopping season, after a 20% annual drop in 2008 from the year before, but sales of vinyl records are bucking that trend.

Vinyl record sales reached 1.9 million units in 2008 and are on track to sell nearly 2.8 million units in 2009, according to industry tracker Nielsen SoundScan. Those numbers account only for stores that report to Nielsen and not smaller record shops or albums sold at concerts.

Though vinyl record sales have momentum, they still make up only 1% of total album sales tracked by Nielsen SoundScan. Following are some facts about vinyl records. Sales for individual albums and artists in 2009 are incomplete, so data covers 2008.

Vinyl by genre

Rock and alternative albums account for the most vinyl record sales, but other genres have shown growth, too.

Rock and alternative are each up just under 60% this year over last, while electronic (31%), rap (23%) and R&B (18%) are showing more modest gains.

Sales of LPs in country and gospel in 2009 are each up 200% from this time last year.

Jazz and hard rock are up 150% and 106% year-to-date, respectively.

Sales of Latin vinyl records are flat compared to this point last year, while soundtrack sales are down 7%.
Best-selling albums of 2008

In 2008, slightly fewer than 13,000 vinyl records sold at least one copy, while nearly 400 sold at least 1,000 copies and accounted for 50% of total vinyl sales. Here are the five best-selling vinyl records in 2008:

1. Radiohead -- In Rainbows: 25,800 copies sold
2. The Beatles -- Abbey Road: 16,500 copies sold
3. Guns N’ Roses -- Chinese Democracy: 13,600 copies sold
4. The B-52s -- Funplex: 12,800 copies sold
5. Portishead -- Third: 12,300 copies sold

Best-selling artists of 2008

The top five best-selling artists on vinyl in 2008 were a mix of those who released new albums that year, like Radiohead and Guns N’ Roses, and catalog artists like the Beatles with popular older releases. These artists sold 225,000 LPs in 2008, or 13% of all vinyl sold that year.

1. Radiohead: 61,000 copies sold
2. Metallica: 40,000 copies sold
3. Beatles: 20,000 copies sold
4. Elliot Smith: 18,000 copies sold
5. Bob Dylan: 15,000 copies sold -- Reuters

SOURCE: http://www.bworldonline.com/

2009 results will be available next month, but one important element of the story is that the 'counters' of these figures do not count some independent dealers and record shops where vinyl sells the best.  Go figure.....