Music News & Notes

The Killers' Brandon Flowers To Release Debut Solo Album 'Flamingo' In September

It's been announced that the Killers frontman Brandon Flowers will release his debut solo album in September.

'Flamingo' is due out on September 6 – a week earlier than the US – and will be preceded by the single 'Crossfire' on August 23.

The album was produced by Stuart Price, Daniel Lanois and Brendan O'Brien, and includes songs originally intended for The Killers' next album.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

McCartney's Show This Sunday To Be Streamed on YouTube

Paul McCartney is playing the Hard Rock Calling Festival this Sunday in London's Hyde Park and the show will be streamed live around the world on YouTube.

The appearance will be shown on the BornHIVFree YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/BornHIVFree) starting at 8:30 PM GMT/2:30 PM EDT and will be available on the channel for one month after the show. It is the first show from Europe that has been shown live on YouTube.

The BornHIVFree organization is dedicated to the aim that no child be born with HIV by 2015. The campaign's ambassador, Carla Bruni-Sarkosky said:

"I want to thank Paul Mc Cartney for donating tonight's performance for the Born HIV Free campaign. Through this live stream, we share our common belief in a world where all children can be born free from HIV".

Michael Fremer Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW:
John Coltrane (reissue)
Crescent


impulse/ORG 018 180g LPs


Produced by: Bob Thiele
Engineered by: Rudy Van Gelder
Mixed by: Rudy Van Gelder
Mastered by: Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering

Review by: Michael Fremer
2010-05-01


This very limited double 45rpm set should have sold out within weeks of its release but that probably didn’t happen.

Here the classic quartet featuring Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner and Jimmy Garrison explore Coltrane’s more lyrical side on “Wise One” and “Lonnie’s Lament,” (where McCoy Tyner gets some space to block out), the struggling Coltrane on the searching title tune and the light, swinging, foot-tapping retro-saxophonist on “Bessie’s Blues.” “Drum Thing” turns the set over to Elvin Jones.

These numbers are played as if live in a club and when “Wise One” ends you expect the audience to begin clapping their approval. Some people, having heard some later Coltrane honk-fests run scared beyond the Prestige albums. This one hits a sweet spot heavy in both invention and innovation and swinging lyricism. You cannot go wrong with this classic, that is, as Net Hentoff’s notes suggest, a summation of Coltrane circa 1964, an artist not likely to march in place for long.

Coincidentally, one of the two sessions here was recorded June 1st 1964, 46 years to the day I write this. Coltrane is quoted in the notes as saying “I don’t know what I’m looking for.” There’s some of that searching here and much summation.

“The main thing a musician would like to do is to give a picture to the listener of the many wonderful things he knows of and senses in the universe.” That came some time later.

Rudy Van Gelder’s recording shows that the “Blue Note sound” was a reverberant creation for that label. Here the sound is drier, more focused and far less atmospheric. Yet some of Van Gelder’s spatial and tonal sonic signatures pop through. The piano sound is so-so and the spatial assignments somewhat arbitrary. However, tonally and texturally the sound of this Bernice Grundman mastering is superb.

The liner notes repeat the original’s “it is his Jones’…” liner notes typo. In the interest of authenticity I guess that’s what you do. The packaging and sound are true physically and otherwise to the original, though better turned out and definitely better sounding on two 45rpm 180g perfectly pressed LPs.

Thanks to Michael over at http://www.musicangle.com  for the exclusive rights to reprint this material.

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

This Date In Music History - June 25

Birthdays:

Eddie Floyd ( "Knock On Wood"). Wrote "634-5789 ,"a 1966 hit for Wilson Pickett. (1935)

Carly Simon (1945)

Allen Lanier - Blue Oyster Cult (1946)

Ian McDonald - King Crimson, Foreigner (1946)

Tim Finn - Split Enz, Crowded House, Solo and Finn Brothers (1952)

David Paich - Toto (1954)

Georgios Panayiotou (George Michael) Wham! - (1963)

Sean Kelly - Sixpence None the Richer (1971)

Mike Kroeger - Nickelback (1972)

Mario Calire - Wallflowers (1974)


They Are Missed:

Songwriter Boudleaux Bryant died in 1987. Wrote with his wife Felice, The Everly Brothers hits, 'Bye Bye Love', 'All I Have To Do Is Dream', 'Wake Up Little Susie' and 'Raining In My Heart' a hit for Buddy Holly. Other acts to record their song include Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Tony Bennett, Simon and Garfunkel, Sarah Vaughan, the Grateful Dead, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, Count Basie, Dean Martin, Ruth Brown, Cher, R.E.M. and Ray Charles.

Hillel Slovak original guitarist and founding member of The Red Hot Chili Peppers died from a heroin overdose in 1988, shortly after the band returned from a European tour.

Jimmy Soul ("If You Wanna Be Happy") died of a heart attack in 1988.



Born on this day in 1939, Harold Melvin, US soul singer and pianist. He died on March 24, 1997.

Born today in 1940, Clint Warwick, bass, The Moody Blues. Died from liver disease on May 18, 2004.

Turkish-American music producer and arranger Arif Mardin died in 2006 (age 74) from pancreatic cancer. He worked at Atlantic Records for over 30 years, before moving to EMI. The winner of 11 Grammy Awards, he worked with Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Roberta Flack, Wilson Pickett, Average White Band, The Bee Gees, Barbra Streisand and Norah Jones.

In 2007, American singer and record producer Hank Medress died of lung cancer at 68. He was the vocalist on The Tokens 1961 #1 hit “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” Also produced the hit single “He's So Fine” by The Chiffons, as well as Tony Orlando's “Knock Three Times.”

In 2009, Michael Jackson died at the age of 50, after suffering heart failure at his home in Beverly Hills. Jackson is credited for transforming the music video into an art form and a promotional tool, four of his solo albums are among the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995), while his 1982 Thriller is the world's best-selling record of all time with sales of over 50 million. Guinness World Records list’s him as one of the "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time", with 13 Grammy Awards and 13 number one singles. Prior to his death, Jackson had been scheduled to perform 50 sold-out concerts to over one million people, at London's O2 arena, from July 13, 2009 to March 6, 2010.

Sky Saxon, lead singer of the Seeds ("Pushin' Too Hard") died from an internal infection in 2009.




History:

Bo Diddley’s two-sided hit, "Bo Diddley" and "I’m A Man," top the R&B chart in 1955. Both songs become Rock n' Roll staples.

The Beatles started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1966 with "Paperback Writer," the group's 12th US #1. Also #1 hit in the UK.



In 1966, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, Love, Captain Beefheart, The Lovin Spoonful and Percy Sledge all appeared at The Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, California.

Also in 1966, Jackie Wilson was arrested for inciting a riot and refusing to obey a police order at a nightclub in Port Arthur, Texas. Wilson had a crowd of 400 whipped into a frenzy and refused to stop singing when requested to do so by police. He was later convicted of drunkenness and fined $30.

During a north American tour in 1967, the Jimi Hendrix Experience gave a free afternoon concert in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. They then played another two shows that evening at the Fillmore West.

In 1967, more than 200 million people saw The Beatles perform "All You Need Is Love," live via satellite as part of the TV global link- up, 'Our World', Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Graham Nash, Keith Moon and Gary Leeds provided backing vocals.



The Hollies recorded 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" in 1969. Elton John played piano on the session.

Sly & the Family Stone recorded "Hot Fun In The Summertime" in 1969.

Daryl Hall & John Oates record together for the first time (as Whole Oats) in 1970.

Marvin Gaye went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1977 with "Got To Give It Up," his third US #1.

The film soundtrack to 'Flashdance' started a two-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1983.

The soundtrack "Purple Rain" was released in 1984, five weeks ahead of the film.

Patti Scialfa joined Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band in 1984.

Debbie Gibson went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1988 with "Foolish Beat," making Debbie (aged 17), the youngest female to write, produce and record a US #1 single.

Van Halen started a four-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1988 with 'OU812.'

In 1993, Bruce Springsteen was a surprise guest on David Letterman's final show as host of NBC's Late Night.

In 1994, five people attending this years Glastonbury Festival were shot and injured when a lone madman pulled a gun and started shooting.

Pearl Jam’s feud with Ticketmaster in 1994 resulted in the cancellation of the group’s tour. The group contends the ticket company’s surcharges are excessive.

Stone Temple Pilots started a three-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1994 with 'Purple.'

At a Grateful Dead show in Washington, D.C. in 1995, three people are struck by lightning.

Pink Floyd were at #1 on the US album chart in 1995 with ‘Pulse,’ the bands fifth US #1.

Enrique Iglesias was at #1 on the US singles chart in 2000 with "Be With You."

In 2003, the Recording Industry Association of America disclosed its plans to fight Internet piracy. The plan was to sue hundreds of individual computer users who illegally share music files online. The process was planned to begin the next day. Good plan.....if your an idiot.

In 2004, Eric Clapton raised about $7.5 million for a drug addiction center he set up in the Caribbean. The items that were sold were the "Blackie" Stratocaster that Clapton played from 1970-185 for $1 million, a 1964 cherry-red Gibson for $847,000 and a 1939 Martin accoustic that Clapton played on his "Unplugged" album went for $800,000. All three sales were records for a guitar sale, a Gibson guitar and a Martin guitar respectively.

A Sgt Pepper souvenir poster bearing the signatures of all four Beatles sold for $52,500 at a pop memorabilia auction in New York City in 2009. Other musical items that went under the hammer were a set of Bob Dylan's handwritten lyrics, which made $25,000 and a bass guitar owned by Kurt Cobain sold for $43,750.











Note:  I have been compiling "This Date In Music History" (one of the most comprehensive lists on the net) for years now, I usually do it every other day.  Looking back, it seems I have been repeating some, so I will make a quick change to the 'even' numbered days for the rest of June and then July.  Hopefully, this helps to keep this feature fresh, with new information about rock and roll's glorious history!

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 21, 2010


DEAR JERRY: While watching a standup routine on the Comedy Channel, one of the bits I heard has created my need for your expertise.

The comedian talked about growing up in the Midwest, and how rough the winters were there.

He said it was not unusual for him to wake up in the morning and find two or three feet of snow had fallen overnight. Then he would go to the window and discover it was even deeper outside!

Definitely a funny story, but as soon as I heard the punch line I immediately recalled hearing pretty much the same joke by a male singer in a tune played on the radio in the 1960s.

No one I ask knows anything whatsoever about such a song. Can you confirm my recollection?
—Sandy Billingsley, Helena, Mont.


DEAR SANDY: Living where you do, I'll bet you can relate to this snowy scenario.

Since it is unlikely more than one song ever used this tale, and with that one being a regional hit in 1968, I'd say the confirmation you seek is a given.

The recording is “The Girl from the Next Farm Over,” by Wes Helm (Chart 1037). Here then is the story, as first told to him by his mother, about surviving the brutal winters she faced as a teenager:

“I was talkin' to the girl from the next farm over from my dad when he was a boy.

“And according to her, the kid had a rough way to go. 'Cause my dad and the girl from the next farm over lived the farthest away from school. Hey, they had to walk 23 miles through the snow.

“Well, according to the girl from the next farm over from my dad when he was a boy, you know she'd wake up in the morning and the snow was two feet high.

“She would jump out of bed, run over to the window and wish she had a ride. 'Cause don't you know it was even deeper outside.

“But if it wasn't for the snow and the rough way to go, I might not be here today. 'Cause as a general rule on the way to school, they'd cuddle up and keep warm that way.

“And according to the girl from the next farm over, who later became my mom, some days they never made it all the way to school.

“What daddy didn't learn from sittin' in a class, he learned on the way to school.

“ 'Cause if you saw my mama, you'd see my daddy ain't no fool.”

We don't know whether the comic you saw picked up the bit from the song, or was inspired by its use long before. It sure sounds like something from a Burns and Allen or Groucho Marx routine.

Here is the link where you can acquaint, or reacquaint, yourself with this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiBVj4QePlo


WES HELM - Girl from the Next Farm Over (1968)




DEAR JERRY: Only recently have I come to appreciate the progressive style of Tangerine Dream, and now I have all seven of their charted vinyl albums.

Still, I find no appearance by them on any singles survey. Did they not issue 45s?
—Hugo Hollis, Lansing, Mich.

DEAR HUGO: Tangerine Dream, for those unlike yourself who may think we're talking about a popsicle, is a German synthesist rock band. Edgar Froese formed the band in Berlin in 1967.

Those seven audacious albums making the U.S. charts are: “Phaedra” (1974); “Stratosfear” (1977); “Sorcerer” (1977); “Encore” (1977); “Thief” (1981); “Exit” (1981); and “Legend” (1986). Coincidentally, each of these has a one-word title.

The Dream's lengthy cosmic anthems are best appreciated on long play albums, though from 1977 through '87 they did issue eight singles, six being commercial releases and two made specifically for use by dee jays.

A three-minute record simply isn't the appropriate showcase for TD's intergalactic-passion music, thus none of the singles charted.


IZ ZAT SO? Of the seven LPs named above, “Sorcerer” and “Thief” are soundtracks, and the first two of that genre by TD. Between 1982 and 2003, another 30 soundtrack albums would be added to their discography. Overall, Tangerine Dream's music is heard in nearly 70 films, videos, and audio novels.


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
Visit his Web site: www.jerryosborne.com.


All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.

Copyright 2010 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Permission

Music News & Notes

Hopeless Records Plans Avenged Sevenfold Vinyl

Hopeless Records has announced that it is set to release a very special and limited vinyl pressing of Avenged Sevenfold’s upcoming album, 'Nightmare.' The Deluxe Edition includes 2 x 12” discs pressed on blood red 180g vinyl, in a double gatefold, the 2,500 limited edition package also comes numbered. A Standard version is also available, on 2 x 12” discs pressed on standard weight vinyl in a double gatefold packaging.

More details and the pre-sale can be found here: http://hopelessrecords.com/a7x/

Avenged Sevenfold is set to release their fifth studio album, 'Nightmare' on July 27th. The album is the first from the band without drummer James “The Rev” Sullivan, who passed away in December. Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy plays drums on the new album.

---------------------------------------------------------

Michael Jackson's Estate Makes an Estimated $1 Billion in Last Year

As the first anniversary of the death of Michael Jackson quickly approaches, Billboard decided to look back on how the singer's heirs have made over $1 Billion in revenue. It's a combination of huge public interest in his back catalog, a new merchandising deal, the release of the biggest concert film of all-time and his publishing empire.

•Music Sales - $429 million - Since his death, Jackson has sold 9 million albums in the U.S. (plus another 800,000 by the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons) and 24 million in the rest of the world. In addition, 12.9 million individual tracks were downloaded in the U.S. and an estimated total of 26.5 million worldwide.

•Film & TV - $392 million - Michael Jackson: This Is It took in $72 million at the boxoffice in the U.S. and $188 million in the rest of the world. When it was released on DVD, the film made another $43 million in sales and an estimated $25 million in rental income. Additional income came from the DVD overseas along with sales for network licensing and to airlines and cruiseships.

•Publishing - $130 million - The Income is not only from his own publishing company, Mijac, but also from his 50% ownership in Sony/ATV.

•Licensing/Touring - $35 million - The 50 This is It shows at London's O2 Arena never happened, yet they've still brought in $11.5 million. $6.5 million of that is for tickets that fans never turned in for refunds, either in error, because they wanted the ticket for a souvenir or they're looking to make money on the memorabilia market. Additional money came in through merchandise sales and licensing royalties.

•Recording Contract - $31 million - The estate signed a deal with Sony Music worth an estimated $200 to $250 million between now and 2017. $31 million is the estimated amount for the first year of the contract, even though no new product has been released to date.

Conspiracy theory anyone?

---------------------------------------------------------

You Say Party! We Say Die! Rename Themselves After Drummer's Death
Keyboardist also leave the group...

You Say Party! We Say Die! Have renamed themselves following the recent death of drummer Devon Clifford. Clifford suffered a brain hemorrhage during a performance at the Rickshaw Theatre in Vancouver in April and died later in hospital.

In a statement, You Say Party! We Say Die! said Clifford's family had urged them to continue, but “out of respect” for the late drummer they had changed their name.

The band will now be known as You Say Party.

Keyboardist Krista Loewen has also left the group.

“The 5 of us look forward to carrying the spirit of our friend Devon with us everywhere,” the statement added.

You Say Party are set to release a new single, entitled 'There Is XXXX (Within Me Heart)', in the US next month.

---------------------------------------------------------

Brian Wilson May Join Beach Boys for 50th Anniversary

Next year will be the 50th anniversary for the Beach Boys and Mike Love has told the Las Vegas Sun that there is a chance Brian Wilson may join the group for the celebration.

Currently, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston are the only original members still touring with the official Beach Boys, a name that Love owns. Wilson, who has issued a number of solo albums and is currently working on an LP of unfinished George Gershwin songs, has toured under his own name mixing his music with that of the Beach Boys. The other living original member, Al Jardine, tours with a band called Endless Summer. Dennis and Carl Wilson have passed away.

---------------------------------------------------------

Kenny Chesney Releases Details On New Album- Hemingway's Whiskey

Kenny Chesney will release his first studio album in 3 years this fall when Hemingway’s Whiskey will hit store shelves.

“I knew I wanted the record to be something more, something that took what I do in my special projects and weaved it into what I do for the mainstream,” Chesney says.

Hemingway’s Whiskey will be released on September 28.

---------------------------------------------------------

Warner Bros. Records to release soundtrack to Christopher Nolan's new feature film, 'Inception,' on July 13th

“Inception: Music From The Motion Picture,” the dramatic score to the highly anticipated sci-fi action flick, “Inception,” will be released digitally and on CD by Warner Bros. Records on July 13th, three days before the movie opens nationwide in theatres and IMAX on July 16th. A vinyl edition of the soundtrack will be released on August 3rd

---------------------------------------------------------

Reunited BUSH To Release New Album In The Fall

As announced by Gavin Rossdale during Stryker's show on Los Angeles radio station KROQ, that BUSH is returning to the front line in 2010.

BUSH will perform is first live show in eight years as part of the Epicenter weekend in Fontana, September 25-26, joining EMINEM and KISS at the Golden State's inland empire venue. Also in the fall, the first new studio album in nine years from BUSH will be released on Interscope, titled "Everything Always Now".

---------------------------------------------------------

Rob Schneider Releases New Album Ahead of New Film

Rob Schneider is best known for his work on Saturday Night Live but he has now entered a new medium. He has just released his first ever comedy album, 'Registered Offender,' on Oglio Records
.
Registered Offender features sixteen tracks of sketch comedy with Rob Schneider performing every voice in the album and the compact disc version will included a limited edition sticker of the album cover. Rob's first ever ring tones will also be available in July starting with his famous "You Can Do It" catch-phrase. The CD version of the album will be out in stores on July 27th.

Oglio Records will also release in July a limited edition seven inch vinyl for "She's Gonna Come"/"Swain The Legend".

Rob can be seen along with Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock and David Spade in this summer's Grown Ups, due in theaters June 25th.

---------------------------------------------------------

Blink-182 Confirm Plans To Record New Album This Autumn

Blink-182's Mark Hoppus has confirmed that the band intend to start work on a new album this year. The reformed group are due to play a series of shows in Europe this summer, followed by a gig in California in September.

Hoppus said that after the latter date they plan begin immediate work on the on the follow-up to 2003's 'Blink-182'.

"In June and July we will be at the rehearsal spot, getting ready for the European tour this summer, and writing new songs,” Hoppus wrote on his blog.

---------------------------------------------------------

Malevolent Creation Reveals "Invidious Dominion" Album Artwork

Florida based death metal act Malevolent Creation has revealed the artwork from the band's upcoming 11th studio outing entitled "Invidious Dominion." The cover art, which can be viewed here, was brought to life this time around by artist Pär Olofsson.

"Invidious Dominion" will be released on August 24 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records (three days later in Europe through Massacre). The effort will made available in various territories as a regular CD; digipack with bonus material; and vinyl LP.















---------------------------------------------------------


15 Awe Inspiring Christian Album Covers

If you love album cover art (as I do), there are some very strange covers here that, honestly, are quite scarry. Take a look here:

http://www.smosh.com/smosh-pit/photos/15-awe-inspiring-christian-album-covers

This Date In Music History - June 23

Birthdays:

Rosetta Hightower - Orlons (1944)

Randall Darius Jackson, American musician and record producer, best known for being a judge on American Idol (1956)

Steve Shelley - Sonic Youth (1962)

Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs - Oasis (1965) Quit the band in Aug 1999.

James MacPherson - Breeders (1966)

Singer-songwriter-guitarist Kate Victoria "KT" Tunstall (1975)

Aimee Anne Duffy (Duffy) (1984)


They Are Missed:

Born on this day in 1940, Stuart Sutcliffe, original bassist of The Beatles for eighteen months (January 1960 - June 1961). Sutcliffe was living in Hamburg, Germany at the time of his death, he died of a brain hemorrhage in an ambulance on the way to hospital on April 10, 1962 (age 22).

Born today in 1929, June Carter Cash, country singer, wife of Johnny Cash. Died 15th May 15, 2003 (age 73). 'If I Were A Carpenter'.

Born on this day in 1937, Niki Sullivan, guitarist, singer, one of the three original members of Buddy Holly's backing group, The Crickets. He co-wrote a number of his hit songs and sang back-up vocals on 27 of the 32 songs Buddy recorded over his brief career. Sullivan died suddenly of a heart attack on April 6, 2004, at his home in Independence, Missouri (age 66).


History:

Adolphe (Antoine Joseph) Sax was born in 1814. He was the inventor of the saxophone.

In 1957, Lonnie Donegan was at #1 on the UK singles chart with "Gamblin' Man / Putting On The Style," the singers second UK #1. It was the last UK #1 to be released as a 78rpm as well as a 7' vinyl record.

Eddie Cochran recorded "Somethin' Else" in 1959.



In 1960, Paul Anka (at 20) became the youngest performer ever (at that time) to perform at the Copacabana nightclub in New York.

Ray Charles started a 14-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1962 with 'Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music.'

Del Shannon charted with "From Me To You" in 1963, which was the first Lennon & McCartney composition to make the Billboard Hot 100.

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles released "Tracks Of My Tears" in 1965.



Aretha Franklin records "Chain Of Fools" in 1967.

In 1970, Chubby Checker and 3 others were arrested in Niagra Falls after marijuana and unidentified drug capsules were found in Checker's car.

Smokey Robinson appeared in concert with the Miracles for the last time, in Washington, DC, 1972.

George Harrison started a five-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1973 with 'Living In The Material World', his second US #1.

B.W. Stevenson recorded "My Maria" in 1973.

During his 'Welcome To My Nightmare' tour in Vancouver, Canada in 1975, Alice Cooper fell from the stage and broke six ribs.

Jefferson Starship released their “Red Octopus” LP in 1975.

Also in 1975, Bob Marley and The Wailers played the first of 14 shows over 7 nights at Paul's Mall in Boston, Massachusetts, as part of their Natty Dread Tour.

Duran Duran started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1984 with "The Reflex," the group's first US #1, also a UK #1.

Madonna was on the cover of "Cosmopolitan" magazine in 1987.

In 1990, 13-year-old Keith Sorrentino filed a $500,000 lawsuit against Madonna, claiming he suffered nightmares and bed-wetting problems after an incident outside Madonna’s home when she allegedly flung him to the ground. Ummm, OK...

Buddy Holly’s Gibson acoustic guitar sold for $237,419 in a Sotheby's auction in 1990. The guitar was in a tooled leather case made by Holly himself.

In 1995, CBS anchorman Dan Rather shows up at a R.E.M. soundcheck at Madison Square Garden to perform “What’s The Frequency Kenneth?” A couple years earlier Rather was mugged. While his attackers were pummeling him they demanded “What’s the frequency Kenneth?” Right, it makes no sense. R.E.M. then writes a song referencing the incident.



In 2002, the top pop earners from US sales during 2001 were listed by Rolling Stone magazine as: Madonna at #5 with $49.5 million; Dave Matthews Band at #4 with $52.7 million; The Beatles at #3 with $58 million; Dr. Dre at #2 with $63 million and, top of the list, U2 with $75 million.

Nelly started a seven week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 2002 with "Hot In Here."

In 2003 - In London, Eminem gave a $450,000 necklace to a fan in the front row of a concert. He had announced while from the stage that "I'm going to give this to the sexiest woman I see."

Also in 2003, Diana Ross appeared in court and testified that she was coerced and felt intimidated into taking a breath test that showed her blood alcohol level was 0.2 (well over the 0.08 limit). The singer said, "If I didn’t take the breath tests, I was either going to go to the hospital or to jail." After the hearing, Ross asked the judge if it would be possible to have court paperwork processed using her married name of Diana Naess. The City Magistrate said he thought it was "a little late" for that now.

In 2004, Bob Dylan was awarded an honorary degree by the University of St. Andrews Scotland’s oldest University and made a "Doctor of Music."

The documentary “Festival Express” chronicling a 1970 cross-country Canadian tour (via train) was released in San Francisco in 2004. Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, The Band and Buddy Guy are on board. The film was stored in the Canadian National Archives for almost 25 years. The Dead’s Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Phil Lesh provide commentary.

In 2007, 1,800 guitarists in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany, set a world record for a mass guitar performance of Deep Purple's "Smoke On The Water." This effort breaks the mark set just three weeks earlier in Kansas City, KS, when over 1,600 played the riff.



In 2009, Chris Brown pleaded guilty to one count of assault on his former girlfriend, Rihanna. The 19 year-old R&B singer was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to do six months community service. Brown had faced charges of assaulting Rihanna, 21, during a row in February. The last-minute plea deal came before a hearing at a Los Angeles court at which Rihanna was due to give evidence. The Los Angeles County Superior Court judge also ordered Brown and Rihanna to stay at least 50 yards from each other, except at entertainment industry events when the distance is reduced to 10 yards.

Def Leppard, Cheap Trick and Poison hit the road for a summer tour in 2009. The first stop on the 40-city romp is Camden, NJ. It’s also the day Cheap Trick’s “The Latest” is available on the band’s web site and Amazon.com. "We wanted to make a record that sounded like 2009 . . . like us this year," says drummer Bun E. Carlos.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of their sophomore effort “Reckoning,” R.E.M. reissues a remastered and enhanced version of album in 2009. The set includes an ‘84 show recorded in Chicago.

New Music Releases ~ June 22, 2010

ABBA - Voulez-Vous: Deluxe Edition
Allstar Weekend - Suddenly
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Before Today (vinyl)
Athlete - The Getaway EP (vinyl)
Automatic Loveletter - Truth Or Dare
Baths - Cerulean (mp3) (vinyl)
Ben Frost - By the Throat (vinyl)
Billy Joel - Storm Front (Vinyl)
Bitchin Bajas - Tones & Zones (vinyl)
Bob Dylan - Dylan: 2010 World Cup Edition
Bobby Rydell - Bobby Rydell Salutes the Great Ones / Rydell at the Copa
Brdigit St. John - Best of
Brenda & the Tabulations - I Keep Coming Back For More (Expanded)
Ceremony - Rohnert Park (vinyl)
Chain & the Gang - I've Got Privilege b/w Detroit Music (vinyl) (mp3)
Chamillionaire - Venom
Chemical Brothers - Further (CD & DVD) (mp3) (vinyl)
Chet Atkins - The Art of Chet Atkins: Teensville / Chet Atkins in Hollywood
Chief - Night & Day (vinyl)
Chubby Checker - It's Pony Time / Let's Twist Again
Clint Eastwood - Rawhide's Clint Eastwood Sings Cowboy Favorites (reissue)
Closed Heart Surgery - The Blue Girl Diaries [iTunes]
Coliseum - House With A Curse (mp3) (vinyl)
Crocodiles - Sleep Forever (vinyl)
Cyndi Lauper - Memphis Blues
Dadawah - Peace & Love
Daniel Johnston - Daniel Johnston: The Story of an Artist (6-disc box set) (vinyl box set)
Danzig - Deth Red Sabaoth (mp3)
David Bromberg - Wanted Dead Or Alive / Midnight on The Water
Derek Trucks Band - Roadsongs
Dion - Wonder Where I'm Bound
Dire Straits Alchemy (20th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray] (dvd)
Diskjokke - En Fin Tid (mp3)
Dweezil Zappa - Return Of The Son Of... [Live]
Early Graves - Goner
Editors - Eat Raw Meat = Blood Drool EP
Ellen Allien - Flashy Flashy EP (vinyl)
Elvis Presley - Elvis 30 #1 Hits: 2010 World Cup Edition
Eminem - Recovery
Eric Clapton - August (Vinyl)
Fol Chen - Part 2 - The New December (mp3) (vinyl)
Francis and the Lights - It'll Be Better
Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Fred Waring - America I Hear You Singing
Frank Sinatra - Main Event Live
Frank Sinatra - Sinatra Jobim
Frank Sinatra - Watertown
Front Line Assembly - Improvised. Electronic. Device.
Gigi - The Hundredth Time b/w Some Second Best (vinyl)
Ginger Baker - Live in Milan Italy 1980 (2 CDs)
Gladys Knight & the Pips - About Love
Grave Maker - Ghosts Among Men
Great Lake Swimmers - Lost Channels (vinyl with bonus disc & mp3 download)
Green Day - Last of the American Girls

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

HEALTH - DISCO2 (mp3)
Helmet - Seeing Eye Dog
Herbie Hancock (with Jeff Beck, Chaka Khan, Chieftans, more) - The Imagine Project
Isley Brothers - It's Our Thing
Ital Tek - Midnight Colour (mp3) (vinyl)
Jamie Foxx - Body
Jaron and the Long Road to Love - Getting Dressed in the Dark
Jeff Beck - Wired (Vinyl)
Jeff Mangum - Live At Jittery Joes (vinyl reissue)
Joe Tex - Singles As & Bs 1:1960-1964
Journey - Greatest Hits: 2010 World Cup Edition
Judas Priest - Ram It Down (2 LPs) (Vinyl)
Judas Priest - Turbo (2 LPs) (Vinyl)
Keith Sweat - Ridin' Solo
Kele - Tenderoni (vinyl)
Kele - The Boxer (mp3)
Kode9 - DJ-Kicks (mp3) (vinyl)
La Otracina - Reality Has Got To Die (mp3) (vinyl)
Lamont Dozier - Black Bach
Laurie Anderson - Homeland (CD/DVD)
Lemonade - Lifted EP (mp3)
Lightnin' Hopkins - Lightnin' Hopkins/His Blues (2 CDs)
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Live From Freedom Hall (CD/DVD) (Preview)
Macy Gray - The Sellout
Madlib - Medicine Show No. 6 Brain Wreck Show
Man Forever - Man Forever (mp3)
Marc Almond - Variete (with bonus CD)
Miley Cyrus - Can't Be Tamed
Nina Nastasia - Outlaster (mp3) (vinyl)
Oneohtrix Point Never - Returnal (mp3) (vinyl)
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (reissue)
Orlons - Wah-Watusi/South Street
Owen Pallett - Lewis Takes Off His Shirt (vinyl) (mp3)
Ozzy Osbourne - Scream
Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Say No to Love (vinyl) (mp3)

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

Pan Sonic - Gravitoni (mp3)
Patti Smith - Twelve-2010 World Cup Edition
Paul Weller - Find the Torch Burn the Plans
Paul Weller - Find the Torch Burn the Plans Pt. 1 (vinyl)
Paul Weller - Find the Torch Burn the Plans Pt. 2 (vinyl)
Perfume Genius - Learning (mp3)
Phil Ochs - On My Way
Pierce The Veil - Selfish Machines
Procedure Club - Doomed Forever (mp3) (vinyl)
Psychic Ills - Catoptric (vinyl)
Rage - Strings to a Web (with DVD)
Ray Charles -Great Ray Charles (Vinyl)
Revive - Blink
Robert Pollard - Moses on a Snail (mp3) (vinyl)
Robert Randolph and the Family Band - We Walk This Road
Roots - How I Got Over
Roscoe Dash - Ready Set Go!
Sabbath Assembly - Restored To One

Sarah Harmer - Oh Little Fire (mp3) (vinyl)

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






Sebastian Blanck - Alibi Coast
Semi Precious Weapons - You Love You
Sia - We Are Born
Sister Sin - True Sound Of The Underground
Son of the Sun - The Happy Loss (mp3)
Spectrals - 7th Date (vinyl)
Stars - The Five Ghosts
Steve Mason - Boys Outside (mp3) (vinyl)
Steve Vai - Western Vacation
Sun Dial - Return Journey: Complete Second Album Sessions
Sun Ra - College Tour Vol. 1 (mp3)
TV21 - Snakes & Ladders, Almost Complete: 1980-82
Tender Trap - Dansette Dansette (mp3)
Terry Knight & the Pack - Terry Knight & the Pack / Reflections
The Constellations - Southern Gothic
The True Jacqueline - Nice Bird
Thelma Houston - Sunshower
This Or The Apocalypse - Haunt What’s Left
Tradewinds - Excursions
Trentemoeller - Into the Great Wide Yonder (CD & DVD) (mp3) (vinyl)
U2 - U2 - 360 at the Rose Bowl (super deluxe edition 3-DVD & vinyl box set)
Uffie - Sex Dreams & Denim Jeans
Uncle Kracker - Happy Hour - The South River Sessions [EP]
Various Artists - A Real Cool Time Revisited: Swedish Punk Rock, Pop and Garage Rock 1982-1989
Various Artists - All We Wanna Do Is Rock
Various Artists - Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine (vinyl) (mp3) (vinyl)
Various Artists - Bubblegum Music Is the Naked Truth (remastered)
Various Artists - European Connection (2 CDs)
Various Artists - Radiogram: 24 Songs That Inspired Gram Parsons
Various Artists - Real Cool Time Revisited: Swedish Punk Rock (2 CDs)
Various Artists - Remember Me Baby: Cameo Parkway Vocal Groups: Volume 1
Various Artists - Smooth Sounds: The Future Hits of Wckr Spgt: A 20th Anniversary Shrimper Compilation (mp3)
Various Artists - The Old Grey Whistle Test
Various Artists - This Comp Kills Fascists Vol. 2
Various Artists - This Is the Blues Volume 1
Various Artists - This Is the Blues Volume 2
Various Artists - What Is It (vinyl)
Various Artists - You Baby - Words & Music By P.F. Sloan & Steve Barri
Vernons Girls - We Love the Vernons Girls 1962-1964
Vince Neil - Tattoos & Tequila
Wanda Jackson - Love Me Forever / Blues in My Heart
We Are Scientists - Barbara (vinyl)
Windsor for the Derby - Against Love (mp3) (vinyl)
Wovenhand - The Threshingfloor (mp3)
Yakuza - Of Seismic Consequence


New Jazz Releases June 22, 2010

Africa-My Jazz - Africa-My Jazz (Phantom )
After Work-My Jazz - After Work-My Jazz (Phantom )
Al Di Meola - Elegant Gypsy/ Casino (Bgo Uk/Zoomstar )
Anthony Jackson - Interspirit (Abstract Logix/City Hall )
Art Tatum - Jazz Biography (AAO Music )
Avramina 7 - Seahorse And The Storyteller (Truth & Soul )
Bernard Peiffer - Piano Et Rythmes (Universal Distribution )
Bill Coleman - From Boogie To Funk
Billy Wallace - Soulful Delight (Amj Jap/Zoom )
Bob Baldwin - Never Can Say Goodbye (Trippin 'N' Rhythm )
Bobby Jaspar - Jazz In Paris: Modern Jazz Au Club Saint Germain (Universal Distribution )
Bossa Nova Guitar - Bossa Nova Guitar
Chet Baker (Trumpet / Com / Vocals - And His Quintet With Bobby Jaspar
Chris Che Cheek / Lee Konitz - Jugendstil II (Esp Disk LTD. )
Chris Cheek - Jugendstil II (ESP-Disk )
David Rothenberg - One Night I Left My Silent House (ECM )
David Weiss - Snuck In (Sunny Side )
Diana Krall - Live In Rio (Universal Japan/Zoom )
Dinner For Two-My Jazz - Dinner For Two-My Jazz (Phantom )
Django Reinhardt - Great Artistry Of Django Reinhardt (Universal Distribution )
Donald Byrd - Jazz In Paris: Donald Byrd Quintet Parisian Thoroughfare
Doug Macdonald - It's Blue World (Amj Jap/Zoom )
Durchatmen-My Jazz - Durchatmen-My Jazz (Phantom )
Elek Bacsik - Guitar Conceptions
Fantastic Sound Of Wer - Fantastic Sound Of Wer (Phantom )
Fern Von Dir-My Jazz - Fern Von Dir-My Jazz (Phantom )
Frank Strazzeri - Dream Of Kreopatra (Amj Jap/Zoom )
Fred Hersch - Whirl (Palmetto )
Freiheit-My Jazz - Freiheit-My Jazz (Phantom )
Gerry Mulligan - Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster (Original Recordings )
Girls From Ipanema - Girls From Ipanema (Phantom )
Glenn Miller - Very Best Of (Phantom )
Guy Lafitte - Blue & Sentimental (Universal Distribution )
Herbie Hancock - Watermelon Man: The Ultimate H (Blue Note )
Hilario Duran - Motion (Alma )
Hilario Duran Trio - Motion (Alma UK )
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey - Stay Gold (Royal Potato Family )
Jason Moran - Ten
JAZZ AT THE PHILHARMONIC - Les Tricheurs (Universal Distribution )
Jazz Club-Party Jazz - Jazz Club-Party Jazz (Phantom )
Jazz For Rainy Days-My - Jazz For Rainy Days-My (Phantom )
Jazz For Seasons In Love - Jazz For Seasons In Love (Phantom )
Jazz Macchiato-My Ja - Jazz Macchiato-My Ja (Phantom )
Jean-Luc Ponty - Jazz In Paris: Jazz Long Playing (Universal Distribution )
Jimmy Smith - Eigth Wonder Of The World (Phantom )
John Coltrane - Coltrane Jazz (Phantom )
John Mclaughlin - Electric Guitarist/ Electric Dreams (Bgo Uk/Zoomstar )
John Wright - Light Changes & Light Coices (Amj Jap/Zoom )
John Wright - Light Changes & Light Choices (Amj Jap/Zoom )
Ken Colyer - 1966 (Phantom )
Klanggold-My Jazz - Klanggold-My Jazz (Phantom )
Ladies' Jazz-My Jazz - Ladies' Jazz-My Jazz (Phantom )
Laurie Antonioil - American Dreams (Intrinsic Music)
Lenny White - Anomaly (Abstract Logix/City Hall )
Lionel Hampton - Jazz In Paris: Lionel Hampton & His French New Sound, Vol. 1
Lionel Hampton - Jazz In Paris: Lionel Hampton & His French New Sound, Vol. 2 (Universal Distribution )
Loud Minority-Deep Spiritual Jazz From Mainstream - Loud Minority-Deep Spiritual Jazz From Mainstream (BGP (Beat Goes Public)
Louis Armstrong - Original Album Classics (Masterworks)
Lucky Thompson - Jazz In Paris: Modern Jazz Group (Universal Distribution )
Matt Herskowitz - Jerusalem Trilogy (Phantom )
Maurice Meunier - And His Orchestra (Universal Distribution )
Max Roach - Jazz In Paris: Parisian Sketches (Universal Distribution )
Mel Torme - Performance (Fuel)
Michael Gregory Jackson - Clarity (Esp Disk LTD.)
Michel Legrand - Jazz In Paris: Paris Jazz Piano (Universal Distribution )
Midnight Jazz-My Jazz - Midnight Jazz-My Jazz (Phantom )
Miles Davis - Mile In The Movies
Music For Jazz Dancers - Music For Jazz Dancers (Phantom )
Norman Brown - Sending My Love (Concord)
Nur Mit Dir-My Jazz - Nur Mit Dir-My Jazz (Phantom )
Piano Jazz-My Jazz - Piano Jazz-My Jazz (Phantom )
Pierre Michelot - Round About A Bass (Universal Distribution )
Puma - Half Nelson Courtship (Rune Grammofon )
Quincy Jones - Q:Soul Bossa Nostra (Universal Japan/Zoom )
Quincy Jones - I Dig Dancers (Universal Distribution )
Relax & Dream-My Jazz - Relax & Dream-My Jazz (Phantom )
Rene Thomas - And His Orchestra (Universal Distribution )
Rene Urtreger - Jazz In Paris: Joue Bud Powell (Universal Distribution )
Romantic Gentlemen-My - Romantic Gentlemen-My (Phantom )
Romantic Jazz-My Jazz - Romantic Jazz-My Jazz (Phantom )
Ronnell Bright - Ronnell Bright Trio
Sarah Vaughan - Sarah Vaughan A Paris (Universal Distribution )
Scott Joplin - Classic Ragtime & Rare Piano Rolls (Micro Werks/Hepcat )
Slide Hampton - Exodus
Sonny Criss - Jazz In Paris: Mr. Blues Pour Flirter
Sonny Lester - Ann Corrio Presents: How To Strip For Your Husband (Collectors' Choice Music )
Sonny Lester - Ann Corrio How To Strip For Your Husband / More
Sonny Rollins - Original Album Classics (Masterworks)
Stanley Clarke - Modern Man/I Wanna Play For You (BGO - Beat Goes On )
Stanley Clarke - Modern Man/ I Wanna Play For You (Bgo Uk/Zoomstar )
Stanley Clarke - Rock Pebbles & Sand
Stephen Haynes - Parrhesia (Egr )
Steve Lacy - November (Phantom )
Stian Westerhus - Pitch Black Star Spangled (Rune Grammofon )
Sun Ra - Antique Blacks (Phantom )
Sun Ra - College Tour Vol. 1: The Com (Esp Disk LTD. )
Sun Ra - College Tour, Vol. 1: The Complete Nothing Is... (ESP-Disk )
Toots Thielemans - Jazz In Paris: Blues Pour Flirter (Universal Distribution )
Voices Of The World-My - Voices Of The World-My (Phantom )
Wes Montgomery - Jazz Biography (AAO Music )
What A Wonderful World - What A Wonderful World (Phantom )
Willie "The Lion" Smith - Willie The Lion Smith (Universal Distribution )
Wynton Marsalis - From Billie Holiday To Edith Piaf: Live In Marciac (Future Aco )

Reissues
Art Blakey - Paris Jam Session (Emarcy)
Donald Byrd - Byrd in Paris (Emarcy)
John Coltrane - Coltrane Plays The Blues
Stephane Grappelli - Django (Universal )

New release information provided by www.allaboutjazz.com  The Upcoming Release Center at allaboutjazz.com is the most comprehensive new release listing for jazz music on the internet. The information is updated biweekly by John Kelman

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Have news of new music releases (especially vinyl), please email me at rbenson30@wi.rr.com and I can add it to the list!

Vinyl Comeback Special

When I first started www.discoveringelvis.wordpress.com I wanted to do a website for younger fans. More or less my generation, the one before, and the one coming after. Basically the age group of 16-45 was my target audience.

Though I have always been an avid fan of the vinyl format for listening to music, I assumed this age bracket would be accustomed to CD and MP3 listening. Therefore, I focused on the CD releases from the mid 1980s to the present.

Nothing happened.

I got bombarded with email regarding the (unexpectedly) controversial articles regarding the fact that Elvis is physically dead and not alive, but nothing about the music articles.

To be totally honest, I was really out of touch with the current format market. I loathe, hate, and despise the MP3. That’s just me. And I spent most my time in stores that exclusively sold used vinyl.

In casual browsing and expanding my searches to find many of the older deleted Elvis CD’s , it opened up my eyes as I began noticing new vinyl in many of these stores, as well as unexpectedly large sections of used vinyl. I also became very surprised to see stores like Target selling record players. I knew old vinyl collecting had never died, but became curious as to how big the format’s resurgence actually was?

And then I saw the Nielsen Sound Scan report for 2009. Vinyl is up 33% !

Just prior to this, I had decided that I lacked any passion in reviewing old Elvis CD’s, and made the decision to change my review articles.

This change resulted in me reviewing an album on the format it was originally released on. Therefore, if an album came out on vinyl first, I would review the original vinyl and visa verse.

At this stage, suddenly things changed for the site. The focus began to shift from the “Alive” topic and instead seem to attract the readers I wanted. This is likely due to tagging and internet search engines, but that meant people were searching for articles on Elvis vinyl. My reader subscription head count also tripled. From a couple dozen to several. Emails began to flood in with questions regarding vinyl. And they were coming from teenagers and young adults. This was more than encouraging and exciting to me.

I also noticed that the amount of Elvis vinyl on eBay had actually doubled in only six months. In the Spring of 2009 the average amount of Elvis vinyl on eBay was 7-8000 records. As of Winter 2010 it was up too 14,000. A small percentage of this could be attributed to the economy, but to double it would certainly require more. There has to be a demand to meet that kind of supply.

Artists who are unpopular in collecting circles but were initially high sellers in their heyday such as Barbara Streisand, Mantovani, Ray Conniff, and others had rather minimal amounts of vinyl for sale on eBay. Why? After time has passed, people simply give up on trying to sell something that won’t. In Elvis Presley’s case, I have calculated almost 65% of the vinyl listed on eBay has a bid, or multiple bids. This means the merchandise is actually moving.

The good news, is this surge in popularity among new vinyl collectors who simply want to buy the album to listen too ( as opposed for a show piece) are not paying the old inflated prices that Elvis vinyl was often listed at. As a result, crooked dealers are dropping their ridiculous opening bids for items they are now in fierce competition to sell.

So what is it with vinyl? Why vinyl?

In these times of major technological advances, we’ve lost a part of ourselves. With MP3 downloads and Kindle books, it begins to leave a human being with a laptop and not much else. Maybe staring at those empty shelves and listening to the joy of music on a small device smaller than their hands has left people feeling a bit empty.

Or is it the warmth, quality, and beauty of the vinyl record? Let’s face it. New vinyl costs a bit more than a CD, but what are you getting? With a Compact Disc you get a few pieces of plastic, and a booklet that is printed on recycled magazine paper. You’re still shelling out 20$. Then you download it, or leave it in your car and it gets trashed. It’s worthless. You eventually gather them all up and take them somewhere to sell, and what do you hear?

“We’re not really buying CD’s that much these days”.

One assumes it is because everybody is downloading. But on your disappointing exit from the store, you notice a large section of vinyl. And I’ve witnessed first hand, this section can get a little competitive and fierce. This behavior is displayed by people who only a couple years ago didn’t even know what these were.

That’s right. People are buying records again. New, used, and whatever they can get their hands on.

I went to two local music stores which sell new and used CD’s and vinyl. I asked to speak to the manager and found that Vinyl is selling 4-1 against the CD.

4-1.

That’s fairly serious. So serious in fact, they also said they are paying dollars for records and cents for CD’s.

This scenario was just the opposite only a few years ago. Also, to have both stores state

4-1 with no hesitation was an interesting co-incidence.

Both stores also indicated, when they can increase their inventory, their vinyl sections will be their main focus and point of attention. Both stores co-incidentally told me the following are their intended areas of sales targets.

[1] Vinyl Records

[2] DVD

[3] T-shirts, Magazines, Posters

[4] Vinyl supplies & equipment.

In April, FTD (Follow That Dream) the Elvis Presley officially licensed fan club label offered a 12” double vinyl edition of “Jailhouse Rock”. An album that outside of South Africa had never been issued on long play format with it’s original U.S. cover. This FTD release had sold out in less than a month. Though neither FTD or EPE would respond to my inquiry’s as to how many copies sold, the success of previous FTD vinyl indicated a large number of these had been made.

The “Blue Hawaii” FTD vinyl edition has also proved to be a big seller, as it is almost sold out as well. No word on how “The Jungle Room Sessions” or “Standing Room Only” have done in sales, but both are still available.

Sony/BMG released a vinyl version of Presley’s debut album last year “Elvis Presley” on Sony Legacy Vinyl and is widely available outside of indie record chains. However, no other vinyl releases have been announced or seen. Though corporations like Sony/BMG are sadly out of touch with the fan base, it is likely word will spread about the success of the FTD vinyl and hopefully see a full re-issue campaign underway at some point. We all know EPE and Sony/BMG loves to sell us the same thing multiple times, but this would likely fall into the hands of first time buyers. A promotional campaign may be a good move for the corporate giant.

An incredible European label called “Speakers Corner” have begun re-releasing select albums from Presley’s catalog on superb high quality vinyl editions as well. Comparing these to the Sony/BMG re-release of “Elvis Presley” is like rotten fruit to fresh fruit. The Speakers Corner releases go above and beyond the call of high quality, and surpass that level! They are with no doubt, the best re-releases seen since the 1960s.

As people, industry insiders, and analysts endlessly debate the vinyl phenomenon, all a person has to do in Elvis world is simply listen to the old records. It quickly becomes clear that years of tampering , compression, and overly digitizing the Presley catalog had made it lose much of it’s original luster and kick. Something that first time vinyl buyers will immediately notice on the Speakers Corner re-releases, and the the pre-1980s re-issues.

A full article on Speakers Corner will be forthcoming next month, until then check out their website at http://www.speakerscorner.de/

On a final note, when you see articles in local papers etc. about used record stores closing after so many years, it should be noted that this is due to bad management, location, and over-pricing. Owners of these stores tend to play the ‘pity’ card that vinyl is dead. Research has shown the exact opposite.

Feel free to email me at any length with any questions.
Elvis collectors are seriously advised to pick up a copy of  “Presleyana” by Jerry Osborne at www.jerryosborne.com/elvis.htm
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to Steven B. Roberts over at www.discoveringelvis.wordpress.com for this great article and exclusive permission to rerpint the material.

Steven B. Roberts – Website Writer & Publisher



Steven B. Roberts is available for T.V. , Radio, Films, Consulting, and questions. I am available to do reviews of your Elvis products. Email for details.  discoveringelvis@hotmail.com  

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 06/19/2010

78 RPM records topping the eBay Top 5 list for the second week!! And we'll play Kid Brown's "Bo-lita" on this week's VRT


1. 78 - Kid Brown and his Blue Band "Bo-lita" / "Saturday Night Hymn" Black Patti - $4,483.00

2. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone UK Gold Black label 1st Stereo - $4,108.76

3. LP - The Rolling Stones promotional album Decca UK Pressing - $3,199.47

4. 78 - Big Memphis Marainey "Baby, No, No!" / "Call Me Anything, But Call Me" Sun 184 - $3,056.00

5. LP - Music Emporium self titled Sentinel - $3,050.00

More on this week's top 5 on Vinyl Record Talk, Tuesday 8:00PM Eastern / 5:00PM Pacific on Radio Dentata.

http://shows.radiodentata.com/shows/accidental-nostalgia/

Music News & Notes

CONAN O'BRIEN - Live At Third Man (12" Vinyl)

Price: PRE ORDER ONLY
Catalogue Number: TMR046

This is the live LP of a truly amazing and one of a kind evening at Third Man Records on June 10, 2010. Conan and The Legally Prohibited Band blazed through an amazing set of rock and roll tunes and hilarity. Features 7 Nation Army and Jack White joining in on Eddie Cochran’s "20 Flight Rock."

***This item is available for pre order and is expected to be ready for shipping by mid to end of July, any items purchased with this item will be held and shipped together***

http://store.thirdmanrecords.com/conanliveatthirdman.aspx







------------------------------------------------------------------

BALFOR "BARBARIC BLOOD " COVER ART REVEALED

Ukrainian black metallers BALFOR are proud to unveil the cover art and track listing of their upcoming Pulverised debut Barbaric Blood. Designed by Martin Saavedra at Uruguay's Spina Studio (Aborted, Daath, Divinity etc.), the cover is at once dark, brooding and apocalyptic.

Barbaric Blood was recorded at Blacklight Studio, Ukraine in August 2009 and mixed and mastered by Shaddar.

Comments BALFOR frontman/guitarist Thorgeir of the cover: "It's always a long journey making an album. First it has to be written and rehearsed. Then it has to be recorded and mastered, and that's where most people think it ends. But it doesn't quite end there. An important factor that everyone forgets about is the artwork, and yet this is often what people notice first. So we are particularly pleased that the artwork for Barbaric Blood has been so well executed by Martin of Spina Studio. He has captured both the concept behind the album, and the band itself."






------------------------------------------------------------------

Weekend Nachos Release Limited Edition 12" EP, Announce Tour Dates

Weekend Nachos see the release of their brand new "Bleed" EP, available now on 12" vinyl. "Bleed" features two new tracks, "Bleed" and "Observer," and has been pressed on black vinyl with a limited number on white that will be available directly from the band during their upcoming shows. Weekend Nachos has posted the "Bleed" title track online now on their MySpace page.

Weekend Nachos will be hosting a Bleed record release show on July 18th in Chicago, IL followed by a run of California dates with Low Threat Profile. The band is also currently booking a full European tour for the fall. A listing of confirmed tour dates and cities can be found below with updates being posted at the band's MySpace page.

"Bleed" follows-up the band's "Unforgivable" full-length that was released last September. "Unforgivable" was released on CD as well as digitally.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Selfmadegod Records To Re-Issue Dead Infection Debut In LP Format

Poland's Selfmadegod Records has announced the reissue of the debut album from country-mates Dead Infection. The cult goregrind outfit's first full-length, "Surgical Disembowelment," was originally released on CD and LP in 1993 by now-defunct German label Morbid Records.

The vinyl re-release of "Surgical Disembowelment" contains the same ten tracks as the original version of the album, which was recorded in 1993 at PR Studio in Olsztyn, Poland. This re-issue of the album is strictly limited to 500 gatefold copies, with 100 on red vinyl and 100 on green. A final release date in early July will be confirmed shortly, but a pre-order package is available now at Selfmadegod's website.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Suicidal Angels' Official Release To Reign Hell On North America

Greek old-school thrash assassins Suicidal Angels' new full-length "Sanctify The Darkness" will see North American release on Sonic Unyon Metal in mere weeks. Already released across Europe on Nuclear Blast in November of 2009, the album will see official release in North America on June 22nd, 2010, and will mark Suicidal Angels' first official North American release, versus being imported from Europe on previous releases.

The North American version of Sanctify The Darkness will include two bonus music videos for album tracks "Apokathilosis" and "Beyond The Laws of Church."

------------------------------------------------------------------

This Date In Music History - June 21

Birthdays:

Ray Davies - Kinks (1944)

Miguel Vicens - Los Bravos First Spanish rock band to have a UK & US hit single. (1944)

Chris Britton - Troggs (1945)



Joey Molland - Badfinger (1948)

Greg Munford - Strawberry Alarm Clock (1949)

Joey Kramer - Aerosmith (1950)

Nils Lofgren, guitar, piano, vocals. He joined Neil Young's band at age 17, playing piano on the album After the Gold Rush. From 1971 to 1974 recorded four albums with his own band, Grin. Joined Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band in 1984. Also member of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band. (1953)

Mark Brzezicki - Big Country (1957)

Sonia Clarke (Sonique) - singer, DJ (1968)

Pat Sansone - Wilco (1969)

Justin Cary - Sixpence None the Richer (1975)

Lee Gaze - Lostprophets (1975)

Michael Einziger - Incubus (1976)

Brandon Flowers - Killers (1981)


They Are Missed:

Angus MacLise, Velvet Underground's first drummer, died of tuberculosis in 1979 (age 34). He had quit the band in 1965.

German orchestra leader and songwriter Bert Kaempfert died in 1980 (age 56). Both Frank Sinatra ("Strangers In The Night") and Elvis Presley ("Wooden Heart") covered his songs. Kaempfert released over 50 albums. In 1961, he hired The Beatles to back Tony Sheridan on recording sessions for Polydor, (these were the Beatles' first commercial recordings).

John Lee Hooker, blues singer and guitarist died in his sleep in 2001 (age 83). Had hits will "Boom Boom," "Dimples" and "I'm In The Mood." His songs have been covered by many artists including Cream, AC/DC, ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Van Morrison, The Yardbirds, The Doors and The White Stripes. He also appeared and sang in the 1980 movie The Blues Brothers.



Born on this day in 1936, O.C. Smith, singer, (1968 #1 single 'Little Green Apples"). He died on November 23, 2001.


History:

In 1948, Columbia Records began the first mass production of the 33 1/3 RPM LP.

In 1952, Fats Domino's "Goin' Home" became his first #1 hit.

Johnny Cash's first single, "Cry Cry Cry," was released in 1955.

In 1955, Elvis Presley played two shows in Beaumont, Texas, with bassist Bill Black and guitarist Scotty Moore.

Bobby Vee recorded "Take Good Care Of My Baby" in 1961.



The Beatles opened for Bruce Channel in concert near Liverpool in 1962 and Bruce's harmonica player, Delbert McLinton, gave John Lennon tips that served John well later on the single "Love Me Do."

Jimmy Page made his live debut with The Yardbirds at the Marquee Club, London in 1966.

After a North American tour in 1966, the Rolling Stones sued 14 hotels over a booking ban in New York, claiming that the ban was violating civil rights laws.

Working at Abbey Road studios in London in 1966, the Beatles recorded from start to finish, a new John Lennon song "She Said She Said." The song was reportedly based on a bizarre conversation that Lennon had with Peter Fonda while John and George Harrison were tripping on LSD.

In 1972, Led Zeppelin appeared at Denver Coliseum, Denver on their North American tour.

The last Bread concert was held, in Salt Lake City in 1973.

1975, Elton John, The Beach Boys, Joe Walsh, Rufus and The Eagles all appeared in front of 120,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, London in 1975. Tickets cost $5.95.

“Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me)” peaked at #11 in 1975. The Doobie Brothers hit is a cover of a Holland/Dozier/Holland song originally recorded by Kim Weston.

James Taylor's "How Sweet It Is" was released in 1975.



Captain and Tennille started a four week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1975 with the Neil Sedaka song "Love Will Keep Us Together."

Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore quit Deep Purple in 1975 to form his own group Rainbow.

Sex Pistol Johnny Rotten was attacked in a brawl outside the live music venue Dingwalls in Camden, London in 1977.

In 1980, police arrested The Stranglers after a concert at Nice University for allegedly starting a riot.

It’s The Who’s 25th anniversary trek. The Kids Are Alright Tour: 1964 -1989 begins at the Glen Falls Civic Center in New York in 1989.

In 1994, George Michael lost his lawsuit against Sony Records. Michael claimed that his 15-year contract with Sony was unfair because the company could refuse to release albums it thought wouldn't be commercially successful. Michael vowed he would never record for Sony again. He re-signed with the company in 2003.

Master P was at #1 on the US album chart in 1998 with ‘MP Da Last Don.’

In 1999, Pantera rode a float in the Dallas Stars Stanley Cup victory parade in downtown Dallas. Pantera is responsible for the Stars' theme song.

In 2000, 39 year-old Karen McNeil who claimed she was the wife of Axl Rose and that she communicated with him telepathically was jailed for one year for stalking the singer.

In 2005, American Idol runner-up Bo Bice releases his debut single, "Inside Your Heaven." This normally wouldn’t be worth mentioning except that the B-side has a cover of the Ides Of March hit “Vehicle” with Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora. Bice got a lot of milage out of the 1970 hit during the Idol competition. Desmond Child, a longtime Bon Jovi collaborator, produced both songs.

Disturbed were at No.1 on the US album chart in 2008 with ‘Indestructible’ the bands third consecutive US #1.

In 2009, Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer invites 20 wounded soldiers to attend the band's performance in Bristow, VA, to help him celebrate his 59th birthday. "I can't think of a better gift to receive on my birthday than to have the privilege of sharing a night of our music with these brave and heroic warriors," says Kramer. The troops are Iraq/Afghanistan veterans and patients from the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

Also in 2009, the Video of the Year honor for "Gotta Be Somebody" is one of three trophies Nickelback receives at Canada's 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto. The also nab the MuchLOUD Rock Video of the Year and Post Production of the Year (wow!) awards. "Our greatest reward in making music has always been the fans wanting us to make more," says Nickelback in a statement. The band closes out show with "Burn It To The Ground."

Michael Fremer Album Review

ALBUM REVIEW:
Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges (reissue)
Side by Side


Verve/Speakers Corner MGVS-6109 180g LP


Produced by: Norman Granz
Engineered by: N/A
Mixed by: N/A
Mastered by: maarten de Boer at UMG Berliner

Review by: Michael Fremer
2010-05-01


These loose, swinging 50+ year old sessions recorded in the summer of 1958 and winter of 1959 and sounding incredibly life-like tonally, offer Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn on piano fronting small combos of legendary horn players, some not normally associated with Ellington, Joe Jones on drums and a few added musicians to spice up the mix.

By the end of the ‘50s big band music had pretty much had its day—at least as far as mainstream popularity went— so perhaps Ellington and producer Norman Granz figured these small combo sessions would add some modernity, though Ellington had recorded small group sessions back in the 1930s and 1940s.

Given the excitement sweeping modern jazz at the time, no matter how you arranged these predictable swing-based tunes ( predictable even then and way more so now) , there was no way to breathe new life into the proceedings. Perhaps Duke saw the handwriting on the wall, naming the set’s final tune “You Need to Rock.”

This music was starting to sound dated even in 1959. Reading Nat Hentoff’s valiant liner notes, you find one of the great annotators searching for something, anything exciting to say about these sessions (he even lets on near the end that writing notes is “…not always an unalloyed delight…”). Hentoff essentially gives up and instead goes for a useful (particularly now) play-by-play type rundown that spotlights the great musicianship and the small gestures that make this set more than worthwhile listening despite the well-worn grooves.

Hearing beyond the predictable changes and familiar riffs is essential to get to the core of what truly is worthwhile here, which is an opportunity to hear guys like Hodges, trumpeter Harry “Sweets” Edison, Ben Webster, Roy Eldridge and others, (plus of course Ellington and Billy Strayhorn) get a chance to stretch out in ways not possible in a big band context.

Though the musical set ups often bordered on trite even then, many rewarding musical moments are contained therein nonetheless. Given the players, how could it be otherwise? Just listen to the solos by Ben Webster, Roy Eldridge and Lawrence Brown (trombone) on “Let’s Fall in Love” and you’ll know that while the musical style may have been passed its prime, they players still had the goods.

Modern jazz at the time had gotten cerebral. This was about feeling good.

The early stereo recording is spatially odd, putting most of the action hard left/hard right, with just the drums for the most part stretched out in a non-box like space bathed in some reverb. So forget about seeing a realistic soundstage and concentrate on the warm, natural timbres of the instruments themselves and the musical pleasures will flow.

A comparison between this and Classic Records’ long out of print edition mastered by Bernie Grundman demonstrated that the two versions are similar but this one sounds somewhat less spacious and immediate. I’d say it was cut from a copy of the master, while Classic’s was cut from the master. No matter though, this one sounds very good and can actually be purchased.

So yes, this is music from a time long gone, but given the craziness of the world today, musically and otherwise, this offers a swinging, respite packed with great solo work from an assemblage of jazz giants. The music may not be in style today but it’s not out of style either and never will be.

Thanks to Michael over at http://www.musicangle.com  for the exclusive rights to reprint this material.

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

This Date In Music History - June 19

Birthdays:

Tommy Devito - Four Seasons (1936)

Elaine McFarlane - Spanky And Our Gang (1942)

Robin Box - White Plains (1944)

Ann Wilson - Heart (1951)

Larry Dunn - Earth, Wind & Fire (1953)

Mark Debarge - Debarge (1959)

Paula Abdul (1963)

Simon Wright - AC/DC, joined in 1983. Joined Dio in 1989 (1963)

Brian Vander Ark - Verve Pipe (1964)

Brian Welch - Korn (1970)


They Are Missed:

Born on this day in 1948, Nick Drake UK singer, songwriter. Drake committed suicide on November 25th 1974 (age 26).

Bobby Helms ("My Special Angel") died of emphysema in 1997.



Original Molly Hatchet guitarist Duane Roland dies at age 53 of natural causes at his residence in St. Augustine, FLin 2006. Roland was part of the Southern-rock group's three-guitar attack from ‘76 until ‘90. "We are terribly shocked and saddened by the loss of Duane,” reads the band’s online post. "He was and always will be part of the Molly Hatchet family."

Born on this day in 1939, Al Wilson, US singer. Died on April 21, 2008.


History:

Buddy Holly cuts his first tracks without the Crickets. 1958

Pat Boone went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1961 with the immortal crooner "Moody River."

Bobby Darin recorded "Things" and "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby" in 1961.

Nat "King" Cole recorded the classic cut "Ramblin' Rose" in 1962.

In 1964, touring Australia for the first and only time, The Beatles played a second night at Sydney Stadium in Sydney.

The Who, Manfred Mann, Long John Baldry, The Birds, Solomon Burke, Zoot Money and Marianne Faithfull all appeared at Uxbridge Blues Festival, England in 1965.

The Four Tops went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1965 with "I Can't Help Myself." Lead singer Levi Stubbs had not been satisfied with the recording session and was promised that he could do it again the following day, but no other session ever took place. The track that became a hit was just the second take of the song.

During an interview with Life Magazine in 1967, Paul McCartney admitted that he had taken the drug LSD. Far out man....

Carole King started a five week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1971 with "It's Too Late / I Feel The Earth Move." Both songs were from her 'Tapestry' album.

The Jackson Five played two shows at the Apollo, Glasgow, Scotland in 1974.

Blue Oyster Cult released the album, "Agents of Fortune" in 1976. The LP contains the darkly majestic “Don’t Fear The Reaper.”



In 1977, six men wielding knives and iron bars outside Shepherd's Bush underground station beat up Paul Cook from The Sex Pistols. Cook required 15 stitches to a head wound.

In 1980, singer Donna Summer became the first act to be signed by David Geffen to his new Geffen record label.

Asia’s self-titled debut album topped the LP charts in 1982.

Guns N' Roses made their UK live debut at a sold out Marquee Club in London in 1987.

In 1988 - Over 3,000 East Germans gathered at the Berlin Wall to hear Michael Jackson. Jackson was performing a concert on the other side of the wall in West Berlin.

In 2000, Eminem was to be immortalised in animation, with a new cartoon series, which would be hosted on a new web site. 26 weekly 'webisodes' would be broadcast on the site, featuring Eminem providing all the voices.

Red Hot Chili Peppers play the first of three shows at London`s Hyde Park in 2004. The concerts earn more than $17 million with tracks recorded for the group`s first official concert album, the double-disc "Live in Hyde Park."

The White Stripes release their sixth album, "Icky Thump" in 2007. Frontman Jack White says his decision to record the album on vintage reel-to-reel equipment was a stylistic choice. "In the technological age, everyone wants to find out what the newest toy is," says White. "That attitude doesn’t really coincide with what sounds the best."

In 2007, lawyers for Britney Spears demanded a Florida radio station remove "offensive" advertisements, which featured her with a shaved head. The WFLZ billboards included the slogans "Total nut jobs", "Shock Therapy" and "Certifiable", which ran across pictures of a bald Spears. Law firm Lavely and Singer demanded the "immediate removal" of the banners in a letter to the station. Spears was photographed shaving her own head in a Californian hair salon earlier this year.

The iTunes Music Store reached 5 billion songs sold in 2008.