The Day The Music Died

Written By Robert Benson

The day is immortalized in the legendary Don McLean song “American Pie.” It was a day that saddened music lovers all over the world and shocked the music industry. It was the day the music died.

We are of course referring to the plane crash in Clear Lake, Iowa, that claimed the lives of rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. The crash, which occurred on February 3, 1959, is now fifty years old. Let’s explore some of the details of “the day the music died.”

The Winter Dance Party began at the Eagles Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 23, 1959. It featured the aforementioned stars, Dion Dimucci as well as an aspiring teen idol named Frankie Sardou. The tour was set to cover twenty-four Midwestern cities in a span of three weeks. The tour was a logistical nightmare with the amount of travel that was required. Adding to this problem was a tour bus that was ill-equipped to deal with the weather conditions in that part of the country; its heating system broke down shortly after the tour began. In fact, one musician, drummer Carl Bunch, developed a severe case of frostbite to his feet that required hospitalization (Holly and Valens took turns on the drums). It got so cold on the bus that the musicians started burning newspapers in the aisle in a desperate attempt to keep warm.

What’s interesting is that the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake was not intended to be a stop on the tour, but the promoters, hoping to fill an open date, contacted the manager of the establishment and offered him the show. He accepted and the date was set for February 2nd.

However, Holly was so frustrated and tired of the malfunctioning tour bus that he told his fellow musicians that, once the show was over, they should attempt to charter a plane to get to the next stop on the tour; which was Moorhead, Minnesota. So flight arrangements were made with Roger Peterson, who was a local pilot employed at Dwyer Flying Service, based in Mason City, Iowa. The fee was $36 per passenger and the single-engine plane could seat three musicians in addition to the pilot.

But there was a dilemma, who would fly and who would get to the next destination via the tour bus?

Obviously, Holly and the pilot were aboard which left two seats open. Dion was approached to buy a seat, but he thought that the price of $36 was way too much. He recalled his parents arguing about the rent, which coincidently was $36 per month and he could not bring himself to pay an entire month’s rent for a short plane ride.

J.P. Richardson had come down with a bout of the flu and asked one of Holly’s band mates, Waylon Jennings, for his seat on the plane and Jennings gave up his seat. Ritchie Valens, who was also feeling the effects of the freezing tour bus, asked Holly’s other band mate Tommy All sup for his seat. Allsup replied that he would flip a coin, with the winner getting the last seat on the plane. Now, contrary to what has been depicted in the biographical movies, the coin toss was not done by Holly; nor did it occur at the airport. The coin toss occurred at the Ballroom shortly before they departed for the airport and was actually done by a DJ who was working the concert that night.

The plane took off at 1 a.m. on February 3, 1959 from Mason City Municipal Airport. Approximately 1:05 a.m., Jerry Dwyer, owner of Dwyer Flying Service could see the lights of the plane start to descend from the sky to the ground. The pilot was supposed to file his flight plan once airborne, but he never contacted the tower. By 3:30 a.m., after multiple attempts to contact his pilot and the fact that the airport in Fargo, Minnesota had not heard from Peterson, Dwyer contacted the authorities to report the plane missing.

The doomed aircraft had just made it a few miles from the airport. The pilot (who was not certified to fly at night) may have been confused by the darkness and the light snow that was falling. The plane hit the ground nose first at an estimated 150mph killing all four men instantly.

Crash Site Photo

Let's Learn More:

In 1976, when the first Buddy Holly Week was held, Paul McCartney was presented with the cuff links Buddy Holly wore the night of the crash. McCartney purchased the rights to Holly’s song publishing and began organizing the annual celebration five years later.

On February 29, 1980, an old police file containing Buddy Holly’s horn rimmed glasses and a watch owned by J. P. Richardson were located by the Mason City Sheriff. The items were recovered at the crash site.

In the 2000 film Almost Famous, the band's plane is caught in bad weather, at which point one of the band members begins to sing the Buddy Holly song "Peggy Sue.”

Deciding that the show must go on at the next stop, Moorhead, MN, they looked for local talent to fill in. Just across the state line from Moorhead, in Fargo ND, they found a 15 year old talent named Bobby Vee.

The crash that ended the lives of Holly, Valens, and Richardson was the break that began the career of Vee.

Tommy Allsup would one day open a club named "The Head's Up Saloon," a tribute to the coin toss that saved his life.

Waylon Jennings would become a hugely popular Country singer.

Dion DiMucci would enjoy a long lived solo career.

Inscribed on Ritchie Valens' grave are the words, "Come On, Let's Go."


Ritchie Valens:

Valens was a pioneer of Chicano rock, Latin rock and was an inspiration to many musicians of Latino heritage. He influenced the likes of Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys, and Carlos Santana among countless others at a time when there were very few Latinos in American rock and pop music. He is considered the first Latino to ever successfully cross over into Rock mainstream.

"La Bamba" would prove to be his most influential recording; not only by becoming a pop chart hit sung entirely in Spanish but also because of its successful blending of traditional Latin American music with rock. He was a pioneer and was an inspiration for many after his tragic death. Valens was the first to capitalize on this formula which would later be adopted by such varied artists as Selena, Caifanes, Cafe Tacuba, Circo, El Gran Silencio, Aterciopelados, Gustavo Santaolalla, and many others in the Latin Alternative scene.

Ironically, the Valenzuela family spoke only English at home, and Ritchie knew very little Spanish. Ritchie learned the lyrics of "La Bamba" phonetically in order to record the song in Spanish.

"Come on Let's Go" has been covered by Los Lobos, The Ramones and "The Paley Brothers”; (jointly, The Ramones on guitar, bass, and drums and The Paley Brothers on vocals), Tommy Steele, The Huntingtons and The McCoys.

"Donna" has been covered by artists as diverse as MxPx, Cliff Richard, The Youngbloods, Clem Snide, Cappadonna, and The Misfits among many others.

Robert Quine has cited Valens' guitar playing as an early influence on his style.

Donna Ludwig, Ritchie's girlfriend, is today still recognized as "Ritchie's Donna.” Her personalized license plate reads "ODONNA.”

Ritchie's nephew, Ernie Valens, has toured worldwide playing his uncle's songs, including a new version of the "Winter Dance Party" tour with Buddy Holly impersonator John Mueller. This tour has taken place at many of the original 1959 venues in the Midwest.

Valens also appeared in biopic films. Valens was depicted in the 1987 biopic film La Bamba, which was about his life. The film's time period was from 1957 to 1959, in which his age was 16 to 17. It introduced Lou Diamond Phillips as Valens and co-starred Esai Morales as his older half-brother, Bob Morales. Los Lobos performed most of the music in the film.

Valens was portrayed by Gilbert Melgar in the final scene of The Buddy Holly Story and Valens will also be depicted in the upcoming 2009 film The Day the Music Died. Valens will be portrayed by Joseph Thornhillas in the 2009 film Lives and Deaths of the Poet.


Big Bopper:

Richardson's son, Jay Richardson, took up a musical career and is known professionally as "The Big Bopper, Jr." He has performed all around the world. Notably, he has toured on the "Winter Dance Party" tour with Buddy Holly impersonator John Mueller on some of the same stages as his father performed.

In January 2007, Richardson's son Jay requested that his father's body be exhumed and an autopsy be performed to settle the rumors that a gun was fired or that Richardson initially survived the crash. The autopsy was performed by Dr. Bill Bass, a forensic anthropologist at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Jay was present with Dr. Bass throughout the entire autopsy and observed as the casket was opened; both men were surprised to find the remains well enough preserved to be recognizable as those of the late rock star. "Dad still amazes me 48 years after his death, that he was in remarkable shape," Richardson told the Associated Press. "I surprised myself. I handled it better than I thought I would."

Dr. Bass' findings indicated there were no signs of foul play. He was quoted as saying "There are fractures from head to toe. Massive fractures. ... (Richardson) died immediately. He didn't crawl away. He didn't walk away from the plane."

After the autopsy, Richardson's body was placed in a new casket made by the same company as the original, then was reburied next to his wife in Beaumont's Forest Lawn Cemetery. Jay then allowed the old casket to be put on display at the Texas Musician's Museum.

In December 2008, Jay Richardson announced that he would be placing the old casket up for auction on eBay. The Texas Musician's Museum will receive a share of the profits.


Buddy Holly:

Contrary to popular belief, teenagers John Lennon and Paul McCartney did not attend a Holly concert, although they watched his TV appearance on "Sunday Night at the London Palladium"; Tony Bramwell, a school friend of McCartney and George Harrison, did. Keith Richards attended one of the gigs, where he heard "Not Fade Away" for the first time. Bramwell met Holly, and freely shared his records with all three.

Lennon and McCartney later cited Holly as a primary influence. (Their band's name, The Beatles, was chosen partly in homage to Holly's Crickets.) The Beatles did a cover version of "Words of Love" that was a close reproduction of Holly's version. McCartney owns the publishing rights to Holly's song catalogue.

A young Bob Dylan attended the January 31, 1959 show, two nights before Holly's death. Dylan referred to this in his 1998 Grammy acceptance speech for his 1997 Time out of Mind winning Album of the Year.

Various rock and roll histories have asserted that the singing group The Hollies were named in homage to Buddy Holly. According to the band's website, although the group admired Holly (and years later produced an album covering some of his songs), their name was inspired primarily by the sprigs of holly in evidence around Christmas of 1962.

After the death of Buddy he would leave a trail of followers from Bob Dylan, to Elvis Costello, Paul Simon, and The Beatles. Also, one of The Rolling Stones early hits was a cover of "Not Fade Away.”

Eddie Cochran, good friend and fellow rock 'n' roll pioneer was so distraught by the deaths of Holly, Valens, and The Big Bopper that he recorded the song "Three Stars" as a tribute. The song was not released until after Cochran's own premature death, because he was too upset to allow it to be issued in his lifetime.

The Smithereens' song "Maria Elena" is a Buddy Holly tribute as sung to his widow.

Blink-182 has a song named "Peggy Sue" which is a tribute to Holly.

Phil Ochs famously sang a long tribute to Buddy Holly on the infamous Gunfight at Carnegie Hall album.

Mike Berry released a 1961 single called "Tribute to Buddy Holly.” It was written by Geoff Goddard and produced by Joe Meek, who was a great Buddy Holly fan. In the USA, it was released on Coral, Buddy Holly's label.

Weezer's self-titled debut album features the band's popular single "Buddy Holly.”

Musician Albert Hammond, Jr. has a cover of "Well... Alright" on his 2007 album Yours To Keep.

Run-DMC's music video for the song "King of Rock" has an extended video on Buddy Holly performing on The Ed Sullivan Show

Don McLean's popular 1971 ballad "American Pie" is inspired by the day of the plane crash. He has also covered "Everyday.”

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THE ANNOTATED AMERICAN PIE
(What the song is talkin' about!)
By Rich Kulawiec

The entire song is a tribute to Buddy Holly and a commentary on how rock and roll changed in the years since his death. McLean seems to be lamenting the lack of "danceable" music in rock and roll and (in part) attributing that lack to the absence of Buddy Holly et. al. (Verse 1)

A long, long time ago...

"American Pie" reached #1 in the US in 1972, but the album containing it was released in 1971. Buddy Holly died in 1959.

I can still remember how
That music used to make me smile.
And I knew if I had my chance,
That I could make those people dance,
And maybe they'd be happy for a while

One of early rock and roll's functions was to provide dance music for various social events. McLean recalls his desire to become a musician playing that sort of music.

But February made me shiver,

Buddy Holly died on February 3, 1959 in a plane crash in Iowa during a snowstorm. The news came to most of the world on the morning of February 3, which is why it's known as The Day The Music Died.

With every paper I'd deliver,

Don McLean's only job besides being a full-time singer-songwriter was being a paperboy.

Bad news on the doorstep...
I couldn't take one more step.
I can't remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride

Holly's recent bride, Maria Elena, was pregnant when the crash took place; she had a miscarriage shortly afterward.

But something touched me deep inside,
The day the music died.

The same plane crash that killed Buddy Holly also took the lives of Richie Valens ("La Bamba") and The Big Bopper ("Chantilly Lace"). Since all three were so prominent at the time, February 3, 1959 became known as "The Day The Music dies”.

So... (Refrain)
Bye bye Miss American Pie,

Miss American Pie *is* rock and roll music. Don McLean dated a Miss America candidate during the pageant. (unconfirmed)

Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
Singing "This'll be the day that I die,
This'll be the day that I die."

One of Holly's hits was "That'll be the Day"; the chorus contains the line "That'll be the day that I die"


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Here are a few record prices for these three legends. As always, the prices are obtained from Jerry Osborne’s “Rockin Records” Price Guide (for your own record price guide, visit Jerry at http://www.jerryosborne.com




Buddy Holly


Singles: 78 rpm


CORAL (61852 "Words of Love") $400-500 1957

CORAL (61885 "Peggy Sue") $400-600 1957

CORAL (62006 "Early in the Morning") $600-800 1958

CORAL (62051 "Heartbeat") $600-800 1958

DECCA (30166 "Modern Don Juan") $500-600 1956

DECCA (30434 "That'll Be theDay") $500-600 1957

DECCA (30543 "Love Me") $500-600 1958

DECCA (30650 "Ting-A-Ling") $500-600 1958

Promotional LPs


DECCA (8707 "That'll Be the Day") $1000-1500 1958

(Pink label.)

LPs: 10/12–inch


BRUNSWICK (54038 "The Chirping Crickets") $800-1200 1957



Ritchie Valens


Singles: 78 rpm


APEX (76402 "Donna") $100-200 1958

(Canadian.)

APEX (76472 "That's My Little Susie") $200-300 1959

(Canadian.)

LPs: 10/12–inch


DEL-FI (1206 "Ritchie") $300-400 1959

DEL-FI (1214 "Ritchie Valens in Concert at Pacoima Jr. High") $300-400 1961




Big Bopper


Singles: 7–inch


D (1008 "Chantilly Lace") $150-200 1958


LPs: 10/12–inch


MERCURY (20402 "Chantilly Lace") $250-300 1959

(Black label.)


MERCURY (20402 "Chantilly Lace") $550-650 1959

(White or pink label. Promotional issue only.)


MERCURY (20402 "Chantilly Lace") $75-100 1964

(Red label.)

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BUDDY HOLLY





RITCHIE VALENS

Richie Valens - Ooh My head ('58)
by panda4075

BIG BOPPER

Music News & Vinyl Record Notes

Eagles Announce West Coast Tour

The Eagles have mapped a few additional West Coast dates that will follow their upcoming three-night engagement at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles this spring.

After tackling the April 16, April 17 and April 20 LA shows - the band's first-ever performances in the legendary venue - the group heads to Phoenix for an April 21 appearances, then back to California for concerts in Anaheim (4/25), Sacramento (4/27) and San Jose (4/30), before closing out the run May 9 in Vancouver. Dates are shown below:

04/16 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
04/17 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
04/20 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
04/21 - Phoenix, AZ - US Airways Arena
04/25 - Anaheim, CA - Honda Center
04/27 - Sacramento, CA - ARCO Arena
04/30 - San Jose, CA - HP Pavilion
05/09 - Vancouver, British Columbia - GM Place

The new shows all go on sale to the public February 8, with the exception of the Vancouver date, which becomes available beginning next Monday (2/1). Tickets will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone (800.745.3000) or online at Ticketmaster.com.

During the run, the band will continue to support 2007's "Long Road Out Of Eden," which was the group's first new studio album since 1979's "The Long Run."

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Mark Ronson recruits Santigold, Scissor Sisters for new album

Singer/producer to release 'The Business' later this year

Mark Ronson has revealed that he has collaborated with Santigold, Scissor Sisters, Cathy Dennis, rapper Pill and Miike Snow for his forthcoming new album, 'The Business'.

The singer/producer told NME.COM that he hoped to release the album, the follow-up to his 2007 hit 'Version', this spring or summer. He also said that unlike 'Version', which featured covers of songs by Kaiser Chiefs and Coldplay among others, all the songs will be original. Despite having a no cover version policy this time, Ronson explained that he had been writing new material with some of his previous collaborators.

"There's no covers, and no horns," he explained. "It's written with some of the people that actually wrote the songs I covered on the last album and that I didn't actually even know at the time.

"It's quite interesting to write songs from scratch with those people, like Dave [McCabe of The Zutons] who wrote 'Valerie', and Nick [Hodgson, of Kaiser Chiefs].

He said the album would be released "probably May, June depends how quick I can get it done."

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BOSTON's TOM SCHOLZ Says 'Impostor' Tried To Impersonate Him For A Solo Show

According to The Pulse of Radio, BOSTON guitarist Tom Scholz is up in arms over an "impostor" who tried to impersonate him for a planned solo show for $5,000. Scholz said in a statement that make no mistake — neither he nor BOSTON will be playing any dates in 2010.

"The most upsetting part of this is knowing your name has been used to swindle people out of their hard-earned money," he said. "Over the last few years, I've seen countless examples of con artists trying to make deals, pass themselves off, or sell tickets to unsuspecting fans by using the name BOSTON but this is the first time I've seen someone actually use my personal name as a come-on."

He went on to say: "If anyone has doubts about an advertised appearance by BOSTON, or anyone claiming to be performing as a part of BOSTON, they should check our website, BandBoston.com, or contact Agency For The Performing Arts, or our publicist, Gail Parenteau."

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THE OCEAN: New Album Details Revealed

THE OCEAN's upcoming albums are going to be entitled "Heliocentric" and "Anthropocentric". They are due for April and October 2010 releases.

The concept at the base of both albums is a critique of Christianity from different philosophical and personal angles.

While the songs, art and lyrics of "Heliocentric" tell the story of the rise of the heliocentric world view and its effects on Christian belief from medieval times to Darwin and Dawkins, "Anthropocentric" challenges the views of creationists and other modern fundamentalists who still believe that the earth is at the center of the universe.

Musically, "Heliocentric" covers the largest range of dynamics and styles to date: "There are a few really calm songs with mainly piano and vocals, as well as some crushing heavy tunes. There is a very special atmosphere to it that pervades the album," comments guitarist Jonathan Nido.

"Our new vocalist, Loic Rossetti, has immensely widenened the musical spectrum of this band and there are some songs on the album that even those people who have conceived of this band as being unpredictable and daring would have never imagined," adds Robin Staps. "But this is exactly what makes it a 150% THE OCEAN album".

"Heliocentric" continues where the Proterozoic half of the "Precambrian" album left off, with dense, epic songs and big orchestrations. "Anthropocentric" is going to be a bit more straightforward rocking and technical, whilst tapping the full dynamic range from acoustic pieces to eclectic heaviness as well.

The albums were mainly recorded in the mountainous isolation of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, the highest city of Europe. The band decided to record and mix the album with the band's house sound engineer Julien Fehlmann. "We wanted to be in control of every single detail, and we have an amazing studio at hand here." the group explains. "Soundwise this is by far the best-sounding album we have done to date".

The lyrics and snippets of every song of the album can be previewed at:

www.theoceancollective.com/heliocentric
www.myspace.com/theoceancollective

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Shirley Manson hints at new Garbage album

Manson hints that band have been in the studio recently

Shirley Manson has hinted that her band Garbage are to release new material soon, with the singer implying that the band have been in the studio together recently.

Manson dropped the hint in a message to fans posted on her Facebook page after the Grammy awards yesterday (February 1).

Although she didn't explicitly say they band were recording together again, she did allude to bandmates Duke Erikson, Steve Marker and Butch Vig, the last of whom was celebrating Green Day's '21st Century Breakdown' (which he co-produced) picking up the Grammy for Best Rock Album.

"Guess who I just spent a week in the studio with?" Manson wrote, before adding, "Would you be pleased if I said one of them was called Steve and one of them was called Duke and another was a Grammy-winning producer?"

Garbage's last studio album, 'Bleed Like Me', was released in 2005.

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SLAYER, MEGADETH, TESTAMENT Announce New Dates For 'American Carnage' Tour

SLAYER and MEGADETH are thrilled to announce the new, confirmed routing for the "American Carnage" North American Tour, which will commence with the rescheduled "Canadian Carnage East" dates in Quebec City on Friday, July 23. SLAYER will then head to Europe for a run of festival dates, returning to kick off the "American Carnage" leg in Albany, NY on August 11.

"American Carnage" will play 26 dates across the United States and Eastern Canada up to the Labor Day weekend, ending in Portland, Oregon on September 4. TESTAMENT will be special guest on all shows. Tickets purchased for the "American Carnage" shows when they first went on sale late last year will be honored for these rescheduled dates.

Due to venue availability and other conflicts, the shows originally scheduled in El Paso, Houston, Nashville, Duluth, and Louisville cannot be rescheduled at this time, and ticket holders may obtain refunds at point of purchase. However, new cities have been added to the "American Carnage" itinerary, with dates now scheduled in Cleveland, Kansas City, San Diego, and Sacramento. The confirmed, complete itinerary is below.

The "American Carnage" tour, originally scheduled to take place in January and February, had to be put on hold due to SLAYER's vocalist/bassist Tom Araya's ongoing, minimally-invasive treatments for what was diagnosed as a cervical radiculopathy, an occupational hazard for the rocker who is known for aggressively swinging his long mane of hair while performing. Right after the first of the year, Araya made the difficult decision to undergo a surgical procedure, called an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion, a relatively routine practice with an excellent recovery rate. That surgery took place early last week.

"The doctors said that Tom's surgery went very smoothly and was a resounding success," said Rick Sales, longtime SLAYER manager. "He's home now, doing really well, and he said the numbness in his fingers had already diminished considerably."

Shortly after the surgery, SLAYER's Kerry King received a text from Tom: "Awake and feeling good, actually whatever he did, it feels better."

The "American Carnage" tour will mark the first time that SLAYER, MEGADETH and TESTAMENT will have toured the U.S. together since 1991's epic "Clash of the Titans" tour, making this truly a "must-see" event.

SLAYER recently announced the rescheduling of its headline tour in Europe, and MEGADETH and TESTAMENT are currently on tour together playing U.S. cities that will not be on the "American Carnage" itinerary.

"American Carnage" North American tour dates:

Jul. 23 - Pavillon de la Jeunesse, Quebec City, QC CANADA
Jul. 24 - Heavy MTL, Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal, QC CANADA
Jul. 26 - Metro Centre, Halifax, NS CANADA
Jul. 27 - Moncton Coliseum, Moncton, NB CANADA
Jul. 29 - Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto, ONT CANADA
Jul. 30 - John Labatt Centre Center, London, ONT CANADA
Aug. 11 - Glens Falls Civic Center, Glens Falls, NY
Aug. 12 - Izod Center, East Rutherford, NJ
Aug. 14 - Tsongas Arena, Boston, MA
Aug. 15 - Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ
Aug. 16 - Chevrolet Theatre, Wallingford, CT
Aug. 18 - Tower City Amphitheatre, Cleveland, OH
Aug. 19 - Joe Louis Arena, Detroit,MI
Aug. 20 - UIC Pavillon, Chicago, IL
Aug. 21 - Roy Wilkins Auditorium, Minneapolis, MN
Aug. 23 - Cap Fed Park @Sandstone, Kansas City, KS
Aug. 25 - Magness Arena, Denver, CO
Aug. 26 - Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, NM
Aug. 27 - Dodge Theatre, Phoenix, AZ
Aug. 29 - Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre, San Diego, CA
Aug. 30 - Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA
Aug. 31 - Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA
Sep. 01 - Arco Arena, Sacramento, CA
Sep. 03 - Wamu Theatre, Seattle, WA
Sep. 04 - Washington County Fairgrounds, Portland, OR

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Classic 'Afro-Rock' Compilation to be Re-Released

If ever something should be called crate digging, it's the first 'Afro-Rock' compilation on Kona Records.

The release that helped spark the last decade's fascination with Afrobeat will be reissued by Strut this month. The compilation, originally released in 2001, showcased lesser players in the continent-wide interest in Western styles of music and the great fusion of styles that followed.

Indeed, before Duncan Booker (Kona Records) began his search for rare and out of print vinyl, the liner notes assert that most of the tracks hadn't "been heard outside of Africa," and that they weren't necessarily heard on that continent much either, having been recovered from dusty, "remote" corners of the continent off of utterly worn and heavily-used vinyl and master copies.

With tracks from Sierra Leone's Geraldo Pino, Kenya's Steele Beautttah, and rarities from Zaire (including a 12-minute groove called "Yuda" by Dackin Dakino), there's a clear effort to present the volume as a pan-continental representation of the great African funk/rock fusion experiments of the 1970s.

Lookout for three extra tracks on this release previously not available on the Japanese release, including an untitled piece by Ishmael Jingo.

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

I am continuing our feature: Ask "Mr. Music." Now in its 24th year of syndication (1986-2010), 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 FEBRUARY 1, 2010

DEAR JERRY: When I hear Tchaikovsky's beautiful “6th Symphony,” also known as “Pathetique,” the melody gets me wracking my brain trying to come up with the lyrics that have been added to this music.

A friend told me you often resolve these type mysteries, so now I'm hopeful Tchaikovsky will stop tormenting me.
—Claudia Gruber, Evansville, Ind.

DEAR CLAUDIA: Stopping the torment by NOT listening to Tchaikovsky's “Pathetique” may be the only other option, so take comfort knowing you made the right choice.

Peter Tchaikovsky completed “Pathetique,” his sixth, final, and most famous symphony, just nine days before his death (November 6, 1893).

“Pathetique” is an hour-long symphony in four movements: 1) Adagio - Allegro non Troppo; 2) Allegro con Grazia; 3) Allegro Molto Vivace; and 4) Finale - Adagio Lamentoso.

The first theme of the first movement runs about four minutes and, after a brief pause, the second theme begins and also runs about four minutes. It is this second theme providing the music for three hit songs, all of which are lyrically very different.

First came “The Story of a Starry Night,” a 1942 hit for Glenn Miller and His Orchestra with vocal by Ray Eberly. This Top 15 single (Bluebird 11462) is the only charted version of “The Story of a Starry Night,” though many other recordings of it followed.

A few among those are versions by Ronnie Aldrich; Ray Anthony; Jackie Gleason; Robert Goulet; Hal McIntyre's Orchestra (Featuring Carl Denny); Jim Nabors; Della Reese; Jerry Vale; the Vibrations, and Danny Williams. There's even a 2007 recording, true to the original and beautifully performed by Filipino superstar, Amapola.

Another marvelous adaptation of the same “6th Symphony” segment, titled simply “Where,” became a summer 1959 hit by Tony Williams and the Platters.

“The Story of a Starry Night,” a 1966 single by the Vibrations, is most unusual in that its title places it with the “Starry Night” group, yet its lyrics do not. It is instead very similar to “Where.”

Next on the scene came “In Time,” one side of a double-sided hit in 1961 for Steve Lawrence. The flip, “My Claire De Lune,” is also based on the classic “Suite Bergamesque,” composed by Claude Debussy.


DEAR JERRY: In the 1950s movie “The Racers,” starring Kirk Douglas, the theme song is by Peggy Lee, titled “I Belong to You.”

Did Peggy Lee ever release this song on a record?
—Dan Goris, Erieville, N.Y.

DEAR DAN: Written especially for “The Racers,” with lyrics by Jack Brooks and music by Alex North, Peggy recorded “I Belong to You” January 19, 1955 for Decca Records.

About a month later (February 21) a single came out (Decca 29429) on both 45 and 78 rpm.

This single came at the same time as Peggy's legendary film-song connection, providing the voices of the Siamese cats in the Disney classic, “The Lady and the Tramp.” Peggy's single release immediately preceding “I Belong to You,” is “The Siamese Cat Song” (Decca 29427) from that film.

Peggy, along with Sonny Burke, wrote this and the five other songs in “The Lady and the Tramp,” including the beautiful “Bella Notte.”

Until 2003, “I Belong to You” could not be found on CD. That year, “Peggy Lee - Love Songs” came out (Universal, 0881131002) with that selection among its 14 tracks.


IZ ZAT SO? When it comes to composing, writing the lyrics of “The Lady and the Tramp” soundtrack is but a drop in the bucket for Peggy Lee — easily the most popular singer-songwriter of the pre-Rock Era.

Of all that period's top pop singers, no one wrote more of their own hits, as well as ones for numerous other performers. Peggy is also the first woman to write her own Top 10 hit, “I Don't Know Enough About You” (1946), and first to write and sing her own No. 1 hit, “Mañana (Is Soon Enough for Me) (1948).”

Between 1941 and 1986, Peggy composed and published nearly 200 songs.

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 2010 Osbourne Enterprises- Reprinted By Permission

Vinyl Record Talk Premieres February 9th 4pm PT / 7pm ET

This from my friends over at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com

WE'RE BACK!!!!

It's still Norm, Jane and Randy, and its still nostalgic, and accidents will be forthcoming.

Join us for Vinyl Record Talk where we'll still be turning you on to rare pieces of vinyl, bringing you the weekly eBay Top Five rare records, and music news.

This February 9th our guest will be rock critic Gail Worley (http://www.worleygig.com/), writer for Modern Drummer magazine. Gail is currently working on a book with founding member of Alice Cooper, Neil Smith.

NerdAlertRecords.com ~ Stop By and Buy Some Vinyl!

I have discovered a great source for vinyl, read a bit about who they are and stop by the site for a visit!
http://nerdalertrecords.auctivacommerce.com/


What and Who are Nerd Alert Records?

We are an 100% independent, D.I.Y., vinyl-only, online record store owned and operated by married couple, Bonnie Molleston and myself, Tony Peters since its birth on May 28th, 2008. We decided to open this store in May 2008 as an at-home job for a pregnant Bonnie. Taking a two month break from my day job working at Nintendo of America, we spent a couple months gathering stock and readying a web store with no prior knowledge of running a music store and absolutely no contacts or outside money. It was built from our money, our credit cards, our hard work – a textbook definition of D.I.Y.

As record collectors ourselves, we strive to put as much information as possible about the records we sell our listings so that all of our customers know exactly what they are buying. And if you happen to be a collector, you know how frustrating it can be to play the roulette wheel with stores that do not bother to list variant/color/pressing information.

But – at the same time, there are plenty of music lovers who simply want the record to listen to, not to collect. To see that these customers types be represented in our store as well, we go out of our way to amass as much music from as many genres as possible, regardless of record label, artist image, etc. We’re in the business of music, not anonymous judgment.

Our business has no employees, no corporate sponsors, no outside investors – everything that is done for/to the store is done by us. That means that there are no hoops to jump through in order to talk to someone who can actually help you out. You’ll never talk to some space cadet kid who doesn’t even care or know about the products they are selling.

What and who do the two of you listen to?

Tony: I could list for-ev-er, so here’s what is on the top of my head (in no particular order): Alkaline Trio, 311, Less Than Jake, NOFX, No Use For A Name, Lagwagon, All (Chad years), The Descendents, Sage Francis, Atmosphere, Murs, The Coup, Rage Against The Machine, The Falcon, The Larry Arms, Rise Against, Against Me!, Ozma, The Vandals, The Aquabats, Nerf Herder, RX Bandits, Saul Williams, Tenacious D, The Offspring, Bad Religion, Pulley… …see, for-ev-er. I grew up on mid-late 90s 3rd wave ska and So-Cal punk, with a healthy dose of present day hip-hop.

Bonnie: Coming Soon

Do you collect records? And if so, can I see your collection and/or trade with you?

For sure we collect! We started collecting and active listening to vinyl in the past couple years, so there are gigantic holes in both our collecting collection and our listening collection. Though not complete as of this writing, our collection can be found over at CheckMyVinyl.com, either by searching for user nerdalertrecords or by clicking here. As for trading, again, we would be more than happy to do so with anyone. We will trade records from either our personal collection (see above) and/or from the store. When checking our collection, be sure to only ask about records that have the “Willing to Trade?” option marked as yes.


Current Coupons:

•RAZOR52 – Free Mystery LP with $35+ purchase (no current expiration date).
•SECRETWEAPON – Free Mystery LP with $35+ purchase (no current expiration date).
•TENPERCENT – 10% off your order, duh! (Doesn’t work with video games).

The Wonderful World of Bootleg Records

Written By Peter Richardson

Have you ever had one of those dreams where you find yourself in a shop surrounded by stuff that you've dreamed of acquiring but you know is impossible to source? You're walking down the aisles and all these myriad treasures that you've long fantasized and generally secretly obsessed about are there awaiting your perusal.

Never could such a dream be more applicable than to the world of rock music, and nowhere is there a better example of a band specifically designed to fulfill such a fantasy than The Rolling Stones.

It doesn't take long for even relatively casual students of Stonesology to realize that there is a hefty chunk of their back catalogue that has never been released. The reasons are many and various, including all kinds of contractual grief, an acrimonious split with a manager whose estate still has a stranglehold on the rights to the cream of their back catalogue and a weird kind of hubris which attaches itself to the band and dictates that they really don't wish to have to compete with their younger and infinitely groovier incarnations as they still have the occasional album to release or the occasional tour to contemplate, Keith's arthritis and Ronnie's ongoing dalliances with the demon drink notwithstanding.

The fact that really amazing material is held under lock and key, while all that devoted fans can access through legitimate channels are pseudo rarites which in effect are nothing new just adds to the sense of frustration.

So the reasons why bands such as the Stones created such a long standing gap in the market are fairly plain to see but with all gaps in the market there are always entrepreneurs ready to satisfy these latent demands.

In the late sixties when there was still a genuine buzz of excitement around bands such as the Stones, there sprang up in America a generation of young guys that were not just into the music but were also enterprising enough to cater to the desires of collectors whose needs were not sufficiently sated by the corporate decision making (or lack of) of the sprawling and sluggish behemoth otherwise known as the music biz.

The fact that such activities were highly illegal, involving all kinds of calumny such as breach of copyright, theft of artist royalties and general disrespect for big business and the system in general just added to the heady aura of dubious legitimacy about such undertakings. The people behind the release of these hitherto hidden gems were extremely resourceful, their relative youth notwithstanding. Take the case of the guy from England living on the West Coast who had been a key player in the music business throughout most of the sixties. He had in his possession early demos including the Stones legendary "Bright Light's Big City" demo which was infinitely better than their first Decca release but hitherto unheard although often discussed in hushed and reverential tones amongst collectors, who regarded such material as the ultimate Holy Grail of Stonesdom.

Two of the guys at the forefront of what was to become known as the Bootleg industry were determined to get a hold of this stuff but the Englishman was extremely cautious about releasing the recordings perhaps feeling the weight of potential legal suites and exile from the magic circle in the offing should such material get into circulation. Undeterred the young entrepreneurs asked him if they could at least listen to these wonders. He eventually agreed and with a pile of rarities tucked under his arm he arrived at their house. A pleasant afternoon was spent with the young guys plying him with herbal cigarettes and drink while they all happily listened to the amazing and hitherto unheard (except by the chosen few) recordings. Unbeknownst to the guy with the London connections the exclusivity of the music that they were listening to had now been irretrievably compromised courtesy of an ever so discreet microphone and wiring from the back of the record player which had been artfully guided down through the floorboards to the basement below wherein dwelt another part of the team who was busily recording the whole session.

That was just the start, soon they were investing in state of the art microphones and recording live concerts, the albums being released scant weeks later on colored vinyl with edgier artwork than any record company would ever sanction to accompany them. It got to such a pitch that there was even one guy who wasn't actually part of the bootleg business but nevertheless became a reluctant and ultimately indignant feeder for their product who used to arrive at the Los Angeles Forum in a wheelchair which housed state of the art recording equipment. with microphones hidden in each arm of his wheelchair to capture the event in true stereo and as his needs were self evident he would always be wheeled down to the front of the auditorium to what was for his requirements, the best seat in the house.

The artwork was produced under similarly clandestine conditions. William Stout whose artwork dominates most of this post, first commissions for the TMoQ (Trademark of Quality) label involved him receiving his brief at a pre-determined corner with a list of the songs and album title written on a scrap of paper which would be delivered to him by an outstretched hand emerging from the depths of the dark interior of an old nineteen forties limo. He would present himself at a different corner the following week to hand over the artwork and receive payment.

All in all a truly fascinating business.

Source:  http://cloud-109.blogspot.com/

Reprinted By Permission

New Music Releases ~ Feb 2, 2010

Buy Vinyl Here:  http://www.insound.com/

Agnetha Faltskog - Original Album Classics: Agnetha Faltskog
Album Leaf - A Chorus of Storytellers
Alexander Tucker - Grey Onion
ALO - Man Of The World
Anchors - Music From The Future
Aretha Franklin - Original Album Clasics (3-CDs)
Barry White - Early Years
Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba - I Speak Fula
Bob Blank - Blank Generation Blank Tapes NYC 1975-1985
Brown vs Brown - Odds and Unevens
Bruce Kulick - BK3
Christina Aguilera - Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade of Hits
Cliff Richard - The Early Years
DeWayne Woods - My Life's Lyrics
Disco Biscuits - Planet Anthem
DJ Hell Featuring Bryan Ferry - U Can Dance Remixes Pt.1 (Single)
DJ Hell Featuring Bryan Ferry - U Can Dance Remixes Pt.2 (Single)
Dommin - Love Is Gone
Ella Fitzgerald - Jazz Manifesto
Fela Kuti with Ginger Baker - Live With Ginger Baker
FM Belfast - How to Make Friends
Freda - Original Album Classics: Freda
George Benson - Blue Bossa
Glossary - Feral Fire
Hank Williams - Classic Years
Hank Williams - Hank Williams
Helloween - Unarmed: Best of 25th Anniversary (2 LPs)
Him - Heartkiller
Husky Rescue - Ship of Light (with bonus tracks)
Jamie Foxx - Body
Joao Gilberto - Chega De Saudade (remastered with bonus tracks)
Joe Satriani - Live in Paris: I Just Wanna Rock•Saxon - Destiny
Johnny Cash - Inspiration
k.d. lang - Recollection
Lifehouse - Smoke & Mirrors
Lightspeed Champion - Life Is Sweet! Nice To Meet You
Lil Wayne - Rebirth (deluxe edition with bonus tracks)
Madlib & Guilty Simpson - Madlib Medicine Show 1
Malakai - Ugly Side of Love
Marina & The Diamonds - Hollywood (vinyl)
Midlake -The Courage of Others
Mighty Baby - Tasting the Life: Live 1971
Miles Davis - Jazz Manifesto
Millie Small - My Boy Lollipop: the Best of Millie Small
Monolake - Silence
Mount Eerie - Black Wooden EP
Nick Jonas & The Administration - Who I Am
Nneka - Concrete Jungle
Olafur Arnalds - Dyad 1909
Pale White Moon - Call of the Wolf Peach
Passion Pit - Chunk of Change EP
People - Ceremony: Buddha Meet Rock
Pepi Ginsberg - East is East (vinyl)
Philip Glass - Itaipu
Pierced Arrows - Descending Shadows (vinyl)
Priestess - Prior to the Fire (vinyl)
Ray Charles - Classic Years
Rob Zombie - Hellbilly Deluxe 2 (vinyl)
Rory Gallagher - Greatest Hits

Buy Vinyl Here:  http://www.insound.com/

Rory Gallagher - Live in Europe
Saxon - Innocence is No Excuse
Saxon - Rock the Nations
Scorpions - Original Album Clasics (3-CDs)
Scuba - Sub: Stance
Shining - Black Jazz
Shirley Bassey - Easy to Love
Skullflower - Strange Keysto Untune Gods
Soft Pack - The Soft Pack
soihadto... - Adventure Stories (Not Based On Fact?)
Sole - Nuclear Winter Volume 1
Sono - Plus
Sourpatch - Crushin
Statik Selektah: 100 Proof - The Hangover
Styles P & DJ Green Lantern - The Green Ghost Project
The Brunettes - Paper Dolls
These New Puritans - Hidden
Toni Braxton - Pulse
Toro Y Moi - Causers of This (vinyl)
U.S. Girls - Go Grey
Various Artists - ASK-820 Karaoke: Hits of Lady Gaga 1
Various Artists - Creation (soundtrack)
Various Artists - Dear John: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Various Artists - Disco Love: Rare Disco & Soul Uncovered
Various Artists - Extraodinary Measures (soundtrack)
Various Artists - Next Stop Soweto (vinyl)
Various Artists - Shutter Island (Music From The Motion Picture)
Various Artists - Under the Weight of Light
Various Artists - Wall of Sound: The Best of Phil Spector
Various Artists - Ziggy Marley Presents: Dancehall Originators, Let's Go Back... Way Back. Vol. 1
Vedera - Stages
Voicesvoices - Origins (vinyl)
Wakey!Wakey! - Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said the Last Time I Saw You
We Are Wolves - Invisible Violence

Music News & Vinyl Record Notes

Cult Of Luna Release First Two Albums on Limited Edition Vinyl

Swedish avant-rockers Cult Of Luna's self-titled debut album and its follow-up, The Beyond, are available now on vinyl for the first time ever. Earache Records has released Cult Of Luna's classic first two albums on limited edition vinyl, marking the first time these albums have ever been pressed on vinyl.

The release is part of Earache's "First Time on Vinyl" campaign, plugging the gaps in the Earache catalogue previously unavailable on vinyl.

Cult Of Luna and The Beyond are available on limited edition double-gatefold, coloured vinyl and both albums have been specially remastered for this release by producer Pelle Henricsson (Refused, Hell Is For Heroes). Both albums also feature exclusive new artwork by Cult Of Luna guitarist Erik Olofsson. The self-titled debut also includes three songs which have been enhanced and extended specifically for the vinyl edition.

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

Slash Announces Solo Album Details

In what will be his first true solo album, rock icon Slash announced today his CD, Slash, will release in April 2010. The album features an all-star roster of guest musicians including Ian Astbury, Chris Cornell, Rocco DeLuca, Fergie, Dave Grohl, Myles Kennedy, Kid Rock, Lemmy Kilmeister, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Duff McKagan, M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold, Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop, and Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother.

A major undertaking for Slash, he enlisted services of producing partner Eric Valentine (Queens of Stone Age, The All-American Rejects) and compiled a rhythm section of bassist Chris Chaney (Jane's Addiction) and drummer Josh Freese (Nine Inch Nails). Slash handled the majority of arranging and songwriting duties and hand-picked each guest artist. The album's guests worked collaboratively with Slash to round out the song.

"The idea was really simple in the beginning," said Slash. "These are all artists I wanted to work with – that I thought it would be amazing to do something creative and collaborative. And I was so impressed with what everyone brought to the table. They were all so committed to doing a good job. And we had a lot of fun making these songs."

The album will be released through EMI Label Services. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Slash on the "Slash" project. EMI Label Services and Caroline Distribution will be providing unique marketing and promotion services while working closely with Slash on creative ways to expose this great project to the consumer," said Dominic Pandiscia, SVP and General Manager, EMI Label Services and Caroline Distribution.

Slash Track Listing:

01. Ghost (Ian Astbury)
02. Beautiful Dangerous (Fergie)
03. Nothing To Say (M Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold)
04. Crucify The Dead (Ozzy Osbourne)
05. Promise (Chris Cornell)
06. By The Sword (Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother)
07. Doctor Alibi (Lemmy Kilmeister)
08. Saint Is A Sinner Too (Rocco De Luca)
09. Watch This (Dave Grohl/Duff McKagan)
10. I Hold On (Kid Rock)
11. Gotten (Adam Levine)
12. We're All Gonna Die (Iggy Pop)
13. Starlight (Myles Kennedy)

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

The Magnetic Fields to Release 69 Love Songs on Deluxe Vinyl

The Magnetic Fields have just announced that they're going to release their SEMINAL 1999/2000 triple album, 69 Love Songs on DELUXE VINYL.

According to the reliable source of music news that is Pitchfork reports that the deluxe vinyl package will be released on April 20, via Merge. The box set will contain remastered version of all 69 songs, spread out over SIX whole 10" records, ALSO including a 10" version of the booklet which came with the original record. As is usually the way with these vinyl releases, there will also be an MP3 download code/token.

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

Bad Religion Announce 30th Anniversary Mini Tour As They Plan Next Album

2010 marks the 30th anniversary of quintessential Los Angeles punk rock pioneers Bad Religion, and to kick off the yearlong celebration the band will perform music spanning their storied career at multiple-night shows at House of Blues in Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Diego and Las Vegas beginning March 17.

The band also announces that they are currently writing new music with plans to head to the studio this spring and release their 15th studio album later this fall, culminating their anniversary celebration.

Formed in 1980 in the suburbs of Los Angeles by teenage friends; guitarist Brett Gurewitz, bassist Jay Bentley and singer Greg Graffin, with the additions of Greg Hetson (1984-Present), Brian Baker (1994-Present) and Brooks Wackerman (2001-Present), Bad Religion have become synonymous with intelligent and provocative West Coast punk rock and are considered one of the most influential and important bands in the genre. Over the past 3 decades the band has continually pushed social boundaries and questioned authority and beliefs armed only with propulsive guitars, charging drumbeats, thoughtful lyrics and an undying will to inspire and provoke anyone who will listen.

"The greatest feeling about this anniversary is that it is happening at all," says Graffin. "I'm mostly uplifted by the fact that a vibrant and evolving punk scene still inspires young people all over the world. If Bad Religion somehow serves as a symbol for the lasting importance of punk, then I am satisfied beyond words by reaching this milestone."

With 14 studio albums, countless worldwide tours and sold out shows, crossbusters tattooed, stitched and worn globally and a universal community of fans among other accolades, Bad Religion have earned their spot in punk rock history and will continue the celebration of their distinguished career with extensive touring, new website, exclusive merchandise, surprise releases and a new album in 2010.

Bad Religion Tour Dates: (More dates to be added soon)
Mar 17 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
Mar 18 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
Mar 19 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues
Mar 20 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues
Mar 21 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues
Mar 24 - Los Angeles, CA - House of Blues
Mar 25 - Los Angeles, CA - House of Blues
Mar 26 - Las Vegas, CA - House of Blues
Mar 27 - Las Vegas, CA - House of Blues
Mar 31 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
Apr 1 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
Apr 2 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues

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

Simon Cowell’s “Everybody Hurts” All-Star Charity Single Premieres

The Simon Cowell-curated all-star rendition of R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” premiered this morning on U.K. radio, Reuters reports. The Haiti benefit single, which will be available for download this Sunday, February 7th, features Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, Rod Stewart, Jon Bon Jovi and Miley Cyrus. Cowell’s version sticks pretty close to the Automatic For the People original, with all the stars involved each singing a line from the R.E.M. classic.



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

Joanna Newsom Reveals Album Cover

Pitchfork reports that Have One on Me is the name of Joanna Newsom's upcoming triple album, which comes out worldwide February 23 on Drag City. And that picture of Ms. Newsom lounging amidst too many antiques and animal prints serves as its cover.

This Date In Music History-February 2

Birthdays:

Graham Nash - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (1942)

Peter Macbeth - Foundations (1943)

Ronnie Goodson - John Fred and His Playboy Band (1945)

Howard Bellamy - Bellamy Brothers (1946)

Derek Shulman - Gentle Giant (1947)

Peter Lucia - Tommy James and the Shondells (1947)

Alan Mckay - Earth Wind and Fire (1948)

Ross Valory - Steve Miller Band (1949)

Robert Deleo - Stone Temple Pilots (1966)

Ben Mize - Counting Crows (1971)

Born on this day in 1977, Shakira, (Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll) - Highest selling Colombian artist of all time, having sold over forty million albums.


They Are Missed:

Tenor saxophonist Stan Getz was born in Philadelphia in 1927 (died June 6, 1991)

Bass player Skip Battin of the Byrds was born in 1934. Member of New Riders Of The Purple Sage and The Flying Burrito Brothers. Battin died on July 6th 2003.

Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious died of a heroin overdose in New York City in 1979. There had been a party to celebrate Vicious’ release on $50,000 bail pending his trial for the murder of his former girlfriend, Nancy Spungen, the previous October. Party guests, said that Vicious had taken heroin at midnight. An autopsy confirmed that Vicious died from an accumulation of fluid in the lungs that was consistent with heroin overdose. A syringe, spoon and heroin residue were discovered near the body.

Alfred Lion, the founder of Blue Note records, died in Los Angeles in 1987 at the age of 78.

Born today in 1969, John Spence, singer, original member of No Doubt in the late 1980's. Committed suicide on December 21, 1987 by shooting himself.

Born on this day 1963, Eva Cassidy, US singer. She is the only artist to score three posthumous UK #1 albums: 2001’s 'Songbird'; 2002’s 'Imagine' and 2003’s 'American Tune'. Eva died of skin cancer on November 1st 1996, (age 33).

Born today in 1940, Alan Caddy, guitarist with The Tornadoes, who had a 1962 UK & US #1 single with "Telstar." This was the first major hit from a UK act on the American chart. Caddy died on August 16th 2000.



Billy Henderson, one of the founders of US soul group The Spinners, died in 2007 (age 67) after complications from diabetes. Had the 1980 UK #1 & US #2 single "Working My Way Back To You."

Keyboardist Joe Hunter, a veteran session musician as one of the Funk Brothers who helped craft the distinctive Motown sound, died in Detroit, Michigan in 2007 (age of 79). Hunter performed with such legendary Motown acts as Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and Martha and the Vandellas.


History:

RCA released the first 45 RPM records in 1949 (seven 45's in various genres, including the original "That's All Right Mama" by Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup).

Atlantic Records signed the Coasters in 1956, and rushed to release their first record, "Down in Mexico," written by new Atlantic writers Leiber and Stoller.

Dale Hawkins recorded the immortal "Susie-Q" in 1957.



Fats Domino sang "Blueberry Hill" and "Blue Monday" on Perry Como's television show in 1957.

In 1959, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper make their last onstage appearances during the GAC Winter Show tour, at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa.

The Coasters song, "Charlie Brown," was released in 1959.

Frankie Avalon's "Venus" was released on Chancellor Records in 1959. It will become the teen idol's greatest hit.

The Beatles played their first professionally organised gig outside of Liverpool at The Oasis Club, Manchester in 1962. The group’s set started with their version of ‘Hippy Hippy Shake.’

The Rolling Stones released "19th Nervous Breakdown" in 1966.



The Jimi Hendrix Experience played live on UK TV show Top Of The Pops in 1967 performing "Purple Haze."

In 1973, NBC-TV debuted its entry into the rock TV shows sweepstakes, "Midnight Special." The program was more middle-of-the-road than ABC's "In Concert" and was hosted by Helen Reddy.

Also in 1973, Keith Emerson of Emerson Lake and Palmer injured his hands when his piano rigged to explode as a stunt, detonated prematurely during a concert in San Francisco. He suffers various cuts and a broken fingernail.

Barbra Streisand started a four week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1974 with the theme from the film "The Way We Were." The single won an Oscar and a Grammy for Song of the Year.

The Patti Smith Group released their debut, "Horses" in 1976.

Van Halen signed with Warner Brothers Records in 1978.

In 1980, in honor of the first anniversary of the death of ex-Sex Pistol Sid Vicious, 1,000 punks march from London's Chelsea section to Hyde Park. Vicious' mother, Ann Beverly, was to have been at the head of the march, however, the night before she was sent to the hospital for a drug overdose. How fitting.....

REO Speedwagon have the biggest album of the year with Hi-Infidelity, as it goes platinum on this date in 1981. It reached #1 and stayed there for 14 weeks.

Foreigner started a two-week run at #1 on the US singles charts in 1985 with "I Want To Know What Love Is."

Frank Zappa opened his "Broadway the Hardway" tour before a soldout house of 3,000 in Albany, New York in 1988.

In 1989, relatives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. (Big Bopper) Richardson gather in Richardson's hometown of Port Arthur, Texas for the unveiling of life-size statues of the rock 'n' roll stars.

In 1993, Willie Nelson's lawyer announced that the US Internal Revenue Service would accept nine million dollars from the singer to settle his $17-million tax debt. Under the agreement, the IRS says it would take proceeds from sales of Nelson's "Who'll Buy My Memories?" — The IRS Tapes, plus any judgment the singer might win in a lawsuit against his former accountant.

In 2002, The P.P.L. (Phonographic Performance Ltd), launched performersmoney.com for artists to check if they were owed any of the £10 million ($17 million) in unclaimed money. It showed that Michael Jackson was owed over £100,000 ($170,000) for ‘Say, Say, Say’, Stevie Wonder had money owing for ‘Ebony And Ivory’ and Ray Davies of The Kinks was owed a six-figure fee for ‘You Really Got Me’. Director Dominic McGonigal said “If anyone has seen Rick Astley please let him know, he is still earning money for his hits.”

Jennifer Lopez started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart in 2003 with "All I Have."

In 2004, TV network CBS apologized for its broadcast of the American Super Bowl after Janet Jackson was left exposed when Justin Timberlake ripped her top. The pair had been performing a raunchy half-time duet when one of Jackson’s breasts was exposed as Timberlake pulled at her top. CBS quickly cut away from the scene but was still flooded with calls from angry viewers about the half-time entertainment, produced by MTV. Timberlake insisted it had been an accident saying "I am sorry that anyone was offended by the wardrobe malfunction during the half-time performance of the Super Bowl."

The day the music died revisited. Graham Nash, Wanda Jackson and the Cricketts commemorate the 50th anniversary of Buddy Holly’s last show at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa in 2009(see above). Shortly after midnight following that fateful performance, Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper (J.P. Richardson) died when their charted plane crashed.

Rob Zombie's “Hellbilly Deluxe 2” was unleashed in 2010. The release was preceded by a supporting tour which marked the first time Zombie had worked under the "Hellbilly" moniker since the original run in '98.

Record Store Thriving

Regular readers know that I love interesting stories about record stores that are doing well.  I want to thank Kaitlin Ring at the Grand Forks Herald for allowing the rights to reprint the article:

Jeremy Swisher’s Whole Wheat Records and Comics in downtown Grand Forks stocks 45s as well as albums and CDs. Herald photo by Eric Hylden.




History accompanies location of new Grand Forks record, comics store

Vintage record covers ranging from Elvis to Sonic Youth cover the walls of Whole Wheat Records and Comics. The shop’s “regulars” pore over countless bins of records and don headphones to sample music in recliners.


By: Kaitlin Ring, Grand Forks Herald


Vintage record covers ranging from Elvis to Sonic Youth cover the walls of Whole Wheat Records and Comics.

The shop’s “regulars” pore over countless bins of records and don headphones to sample music in recliners.

Located in the lower level of St. John’s Block on the corner of Third Street and DeMers in downtown Grand Forks, the store now occupies the historic building’s long-standing void.

Breathing life into a space vacant for about 15 years, co-owners Jeremy Swisher and Terry Demars hope to recreate the atmosphere of past businesses located in the basement spot — Sprouts Deli and later, Bobino’s Delicatessen, which called it home in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Swisher recalls developing his love for music in his youth at Sprouts Deli, which was one of Grand Forks’s first “trendy” coffee shops and hosted live music events on the weekends.

Since moving from its South Washington location about six weeks ago, Whole Wheat Records and Comics has already held several live music shows on weekends.

“I want to provide something for the youth in Grand Forks,” Swisher said. “I wanted to create a small venue for all ages.”

While he hopes to target UND students, customers of young and old frequent the store on a regular basis.

A new start

Swisher and Demars decided to make the move after six months on Washington because the former location didn’t provide the atmosphere they wanted. “It was hard for customers to find things and for us to display items properly,” Swisher said. He built all the fixtures in the store himself and continues to work on organizing and alphabetizing the records, as the store’s only employee.

Swisher hopes the new location also will give the business better exposure, with all the vehicle and foot traffic that passes by daily. “We’re excited for the spring season and summer events,” Swisher said. He hopes the store attracts walking traffic from events in Town Square, such as the weekly Farmers Markets and the annual downtown Art Fest.

Whole Wheat Records and Comics primarily stocks vintage comics and classic rock records, but the store doesn’t claim to be genre-specific. Patrons can also find classic country, soul, funk, R&B and blues records. The store also plans to carry vinyl from more recent artists, as well, mainly from the indie genre. Swisher also said the store places special orders for customers.

Swisher already has ideas for expansion. He hopes the store will soon have a larger stock of posters and T-shirts, even suggesting he might add a used bookstore section.

Swisher said Whole Wheat Records and Comics has items for customers seeking a nostalgia trip and for serious collectors alike. The self-proclaimed “junk dealer” has several $1 bins of comics and records. Customers can also purchase record players at the store, as well as accessories such as record player needles and other types of audio gear and sound equipment.

Swisher enjoys hearing his customers say they remember certain albums or comic books from their youth. He said customers with some time to spare quickly submerge themselves in the bins of vintage vinyl. “We have some gems you might have to dig for,” he said.

Swisher said he wants to cater to the customers; he set up wireless Internet in the store so one of his regulars can listen to his favorite cultural music.

“I see the store as more of a hangout that’s open for people to relax,” Swisher said. Swisher’s regulars don’t hesitate to talk music with him or request a track from their favorite record be played through the store’s speakers.

Whole Wheat Records and Comics is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Friday and features live music with extended hours on select weekends.

SOURCE: http://www.grandforksherald.com/

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Records Sales - Week Ending 01/23/2010

1. 78 - WF "Buffalo Bill" Cody "Sentiments on the Cuban Issue" Berliner 5014 - $6,200.00

2. 45 - The Del-Tours "Blind Girl" / "Sweet And Lovely" Starville - $4,075.00

3. LP - Index "self titled" Private - $3,951.00

4. LP - Focal Point "self titled" Midas - $2,250.00

5. LP - Sonny Rollins "Colossus" Prestige 7079 - $2850.00

As always, a special thank 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. NOW TUESDAYS at 4PM PT / 7PM ET for a complete rundown of the Top 5 with trivia and tidbits.

NEW RADIO SHOW COMING SOON - VINYL RECORD TALK WITH NORM, JANE AND RANDY - LOOK HERE FOR ANNOUNCEMENT

Music News & Vinyl Record Notes

Arctic Monkeys Plan New Single

Sheffield indie titans Arctic Monkeys are to release 'My Propellor' on March 22nd - the third single from their recent hit album.

Arctic Monkeys are one of the most important bands of their generation. Breaking charts records with their debut album the band managed to bring gritty Northern life to British music in a way that was completely natural.

Returning last year with their new album 'Humbug' the band announced a link up with Oxfam. Arctic Monkeys released their comeback single exclusively through the charity, raising countless thousands for Oxfam.

Becoming one of the biggest selling vinyl releases of 2009, the single 'Crying Lightning' preceded the artistic success that was 'Humbug'. Now Arctic Monkeys are to return to their new album for another single release.

'My Propellor' is due to be released on March 22nd and will contain three exclusive new tracks. 'Joining The Dots', 'The Afternoon's Hat' and 'Don't Forget Whose Legs You're On' will appear across the seven and ten inch vinyl releases.

Arctic Monkeys have a close relationship with Oxfam, donating a guitar to the charity's recent online auction in aid of the humanitarian crisis in Haiti.

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Teen rocker joins BMI and prepares debut single for renowned indie label Bar/None Records

14 year old Jack Skuller is equally passionate about the melodies of the Beatles and the energy of the Ramones. His own irresistibly catchy song "Love Is A Drum" will be released on Bar/None Records in April 2010.

(1888PressRelease) February 01, 2010 - 14-year-old singer/songwriter Jack Skuller recently joined BMI, a performing rights organization. The promising young artist recently inked a contract with renowned indie label, Bar/None Records, who will release Jack's debut single on April 20, 2010 as a limited edition 7" vinyl and digital download.

Jack is equally passionate about the melodies of the Beatles and the energy of the Ramones. A song Jack wrote, the irresistibly catchy "Love Is A Drum" propelled him to first place in a NJ statewide talent competition sponsored by 101.5 FM. Jack soon caught the ear of Bar/None Records owner Glenn Morrow while performing at the Hoboken Arts and Music Festival. "Love Is A Drum," a timeless rockabilly anthem was produced by Daniel Rey (Ramones, Ronnie Spector) and features Nada Surf's Ira Elliot on drums. Insistent and forceful, rock and roll begins again with rock's new young heart.

Opportunities to hear Jack perform live include upcoming shows at the Cake Shop in New York City on March 7, 2010 and Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ on April 25, 2010.

Visit Jack Skuller online at http://www.myspace.com/jackskuller

http://www.jackskuller.com/




Don't know what it is, but I like this kid!



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This from Rolling Stone.com:

Aerosmith Saga Continues

Steven Tyler’s new manager has sent a letter to Aerosmith’s management threatening legal action if the band makes good on their promise to tour with a new singer, Billboard reports. In the letter, manager Skip Miller asserts that Tyler is synonymous with Aerosmith: “Can you imagine the manager of the Rolling Stones calling for the replacement of Mick Jagger?” Miller writes. “Steven is Aerosmith, along with the others. He’s the guy the public knows. He’s the singer.”

Prior to entering rehab for an addiction to prescription pain medicine, Tyler vowed to stay in Aerosmith, saying in a statement, “I wish to set the record straight and say that I have read reports of a rumored two-year hiatus and want to be clear that this is completely false and I will enthusiastically be writing, recording and performing with Aerosmith as soon as things are handled.”

Stay tuned, there will be more to this saga very soon........

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Lady GaGa, U2's Bono 'To Sing On Lionel Richie's 'We Are The World' Remake'

Lady GaGa and U2 singer will both appear on Lionel Richie's charity single for the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti, it's been reported. The two acts will join the likes of Usher and Jennifer Hudson on the remake of Richie and Quincy Jones' hit, 'We Are The World'.

As many as 100 singers could eventually feature on the song, which is being produced by RedOne, according to E! Online.

'We Are The World' was originally released in 1985 to help raise money for famine relief in Africa.

Last month, it was claimed the song's co-author Michael Jackson could also make a posthumous appearance on the new version. It is the latest song to be released in aid of the victims of the earthquake in January.

Jay-Z, Rihanna and Bono have already released 'Stranded', while Simon Cowell's all-star remake of 'Everybody Hurts' by R.E.M. is out on February 7.

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Grammy Wrap Up

Well, OK, I will admit it, I watched some of the Grammy Awards Show last night.  I will also admit that I could not stomach most of it, with the over the top theatrics and stage presentations.  What happened to a guy coming out and playing a guitar and singing?  Why do we need 20-30 dancers in the background?  Why all the drama?  Well, it sells the music, I guess.  (this coming from a guy who loved Alice Cooper and David Bowie concerts).  I'll stick to what I know and like, and leave the new music to the youngsters who crave it.  Some of it is just not for me.  Here are last night's winners:

Beyoncé picked up six out of the 10 Grammys she was nominated for, while Taylor Swift nabbed four and Lady Gaga scored two.


Album of the Year: Fearless — Taylor Swift

Song of the Year: “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” — Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Beyoncé)

Best Solo Rock Performance: “Working on a Dream” — Bruce Springsteen

Record of the Year: “Use Somebody” — Kings of Leon

Best Country Album: Fearless — Taylor Swift

Best Rock Album: 21st Century Breakdown — Green Day

Best Hard Rock Performance: “War Machine” — AC/DC

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: “Run This Town” — Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West

Best Dance Recording: “Poker Face” — Lady Gaga

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: “Halo” — Beyoncé

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals: “Use Somebody” — Kings of Leon

Best New Artist: Zac Brown Band

Best Electronic/Dance Album: The Fame — Lady Gaga

Best Alternative Music Album: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix — Phoenix

Best Contemporary R&B Album: I Am… Sasha Fierce — Beyoncé

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” — Beyoncé

Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals: “I Gotta Feeling” — The Black Eyed Peas

Best Rock Song: “Use Somebody” — Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill & Nathan Followill, songwriters (Kings Of Leon)

Best Pop Vocal Album: The E.N.D. — The Black Eyed Peas

Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: “Pretty Wings” — Maxwell

Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals: “Blame It” — Jamie Foxx & T-Pain

Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: “At Last” — Beyoncé

Best Rock Instrumental Performance: “A Day in the Life” — Jeff Beck

Best Urban/Alternative Performance: “Pearls” — India.Arie & Dobet Gnahore

Best R&B Song: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” — Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Beyoncé)

Best Rap Solo Performance: “D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune)” — Jay-Z

Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group: “Crack a Bottle” — Eminem, Dr. Dre & 50 Cent

Best Rap Song: “Run This Town” — Jeff Bhasker, Shawn Carter, Robyn Fenty, Kanye West & Ernest Wilson, songwriters (Athanasios Alatas, songwriter) (Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West)

Best Rap Album: Relapse — Eminem

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance: “Make It Mine” — Jason Mraz

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals: “Lucky” — Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat

Best Female Country Vocal Performance: “White Horse” — Taylor Swift

Best Male Country Vocal Performance: “Sweet Thing” — Keith Urban

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album — Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden — Michael Bublé

Best Metal Performance: “Dissident Aggressor” — Judas Priest

Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals: “I Run to You” — Lady Antebellum

Best Country Collaboration With Vocals: “I Told You So” — Carrie Underwood & Randy Travis

Best Country Song: “White Horse” — Liz Rose & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)

Best Americana Album: Electric Dirt — Levon Helm

Best Contemporary Blues Album: Already Free — The Derek Trucks Band

Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media: Slumdog Millionaire — Various Artists, A.R. Rahman, producer

Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media: “Jai Ho” (From Slumdog Millionaire) — Gulzar, A.R. Rahman & Tanvi Shah, songwriters (A.R. Rahman, Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, Mahalaxmi Iyer & Vijay Prakash)

Best Recording Package: Everything That Happens Will Happen Today — Stefan Sagmeister, art director (David Byrne & Brian Eno)

Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package: Neil Young Archives Vol. I (1963-1972) — Gary Burden, Jenice Heo & Neil Young, art directors (Neil Young)

Best Short Form Music Video: “Boom Boom Pow” — The Black Eyed Peas

Best Long Form Music Video: “The Beatles Love – All Together Now” — (Various Artists)

Best Comedy Album: A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift Of All! — Stephen Colbert