Birthdays:
Fred Turner - Bachman Turner Overdrive (1943)
Bob Weir - Grateful Dead (1947)
Tony Carey - Rainbow (1953)
Gary Kemp - Spandau Ballet (1959)
Michael Balzary, (Flea) - Red Hot Chili Peppers (1962)
Wendy Wilson - Wilson Phillips (1969)
John Mayer (1977)
They Are Missed:
Record company executive and founder of the Chess record label Leonard Chess died of a heart attack in 1969 (age 52). Home to John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Little Walter, The Moonglows, The Flamingos Jimmy Reed and Sonny Boy Williamson.
Born on this day in 1923, Bert Kaempfert, songwriter, producer. Presley and Sinatra covered his songs, and he also produced the first recorded Beatles session. He died on June 21,1980.
Born on this day in 1938, Nico, singer, Velvet Underground. Nico died on July 18, 1988 died of a brain hemorrhage after falling off her bicycle while on holiday in Ibiza.
Macedonian pop star Tose Proeski was killed in a car crash in Croatia in 2007. Proeski sang for Macedonia in the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest and won many awards in former Yugoslavia. The 26-year-old's car was in a collision with a lorry on a motorway near the eastern Croatian town of Nova Gradiska.
History:
In 1951, 18 year old Richard Penniman, who was already using the stage name Little Richard, made his first recordings for RCA Camden at the studios of Atlanta radio station WGST.
Elvis Presley made his first radio appearance in 1954 on the "Louisiana Hayride."
The Elvis Presley film "Love Me Tender" premiered in 1956.
"You Send Me," by Sam Cooke, was released by Keen Records in 1957.
The first night of a two month Motown Records package tour started in Washington DC in 1962, featuring Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Mary Wells, The Miracles and 12 year old Stevie Wonder.
In 1965, the Beatles recorded "Day Tripper" at Abbey Road studio’s London in three takes, they then added vocals and other overdubs, completing the song before the end of the day.
Also in 1965, the Beatles were decorated with the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth.
In 1966, Grace Slick performed for the first time with Jefferson Airplane. She replaced Signe Anderson.
Folk singer Joan Baez was arrested in 1967, along with 123 others, for blocking the entrance to an Armed Forces Induction Center in Oakland, California.
The New Yardbirds played their first concert in 1968. The band later changed their name to Led Zeppelin.
In 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival split up following the failure of their most recent album, 'Mardi Gras.' After limited success as a solo act and some legal hassles with Fantasy Records, John Fogarty would have two big hits in 1980, "Center Field" and "Rock and Roll Girl." John's brother Tom Fogarty died in September, 1990 and the surviving members have been touring as Creedence Clearwater Revisited.
In 1974, the Grateful Dead played the first of five nights at the Winterland Arena, San Francisco, California.
One hit wonder Rick Dees and his Cast Of Idiots went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1976 with the insipid cut "Disco Duck, (part one)."
Stevie Wonder's 'Songs In The Key Of Life', went to #1 on the US album chart in 1976, featuring the tracks "Sir Duke," "I Wish," "Pastime Paradise" and "Isn't She Lovely." It was Wonder's third US #1.
RCA Records released "H2O" by Daryl Hall and John Oates in 1982.
Keith Richards, Eric Clapton and Robert Cray joined other artists on stage in St Louis in 1986, for Chuck Berry's 60th birthday concert, as featured in the film 'Hail Hail! Rock & Roll'.
Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary (of his recording debut) tribute concert took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1992. Guest performers included Neil Young, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Roger McGuinn, Tom Petty, Ron Wood and Dylan himself. Poor Sinead O'Connor was booed off stage. Dylan sings “My Back Pages” and Neil Young does his version of “All Along The Watchtower.” The show closes with an ensemble rendition of “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.”
Santana started a 12 week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1999 with "Smooth."
Two security guards were fired in 2001 after refusing to allow Bob Dylan into his own concert. Dylan who had demanded that security on his 'Love and Theft' tour should be tighter than ever didn't have a pass when he arrived backstage. Ooops....
In 2005, Queen played their first ever US show with Paul Rodgers fronting the group. The concert took place in East Rutherford N.J.
In 2006, CBGB, the legendary New York punk club credited with discovering Patti Smith and The Ramones, closed after a final gig by Smith herself. Blondie and Talking Heads also found fame after performing at the club, which helped launch US punk music. The venue first opened in December 1973, its full name CBGB OMFUG standing for "country, bluegrass, blues and other music for uplifting gormandizers".
A Beatles photography exhibit, described as the most comprehensive ever, opens at the San Francisco Art Exchange in 2006. The Long and Winding Road -- The Life and Times of John, Paul, George & Ringo features more than 100 pictures of The Beatles by more than 20 photographers, including never-before-seen shots.
In 2007, French rock star Bertrand Cantat was freed from jail after serving half of an eight-year sentence for killing his actress girlfriend. Cantat, singer with Noir Desir, was jailed for the manslaughter of Marie Trintignant after a violent row in a Lithuanian hotel in July 2003. She died after spending days in a coma.
In 2007, R.E.M. released their first concert album, ". R.E.M. Live "- a two-CD, one-DVD package that documents an ‘05 Dublin show. The 22 song set focuses on songs from ‘04’s "Around The Sun" but also includes "(Don't Go Back to) Rockville," "Losing My Religion," "Man On The Moon" and "Orange Crush."
An AC/DC DVD box set titled "Plug Me In" was released in 2007. The two-disc collection contains rare concert and television footage. One focuses on the Bon Scott era while the other delves into Brian Johnson's tenure.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience Live At Monterey, a DVD documenting Jimi Hendrix's breakthrough '67 performance at the Monterey International Pop Festival was released in 2007 with footage from the guitarist's entire set plus previously unseen interviews with Hendrix and bandmates Mitch Mitchell (drums) and Noel Redding (bass).
In 2007, Madonna signed a ground-breaking recording and touring contract with concert promoter Live Nation becoming the first major star to choose an all-in-one agreement with a tour company over a traditional record contract. The deal reported to be worth $120m (£59m) over 10 years, would give Live Nation rights to all her music-related projects - including new albums, tours, merchandise, websites, DVDs, sponsorship, TV shows and films.
Britney Spears went to #1 on the US singles chartin 2008 with "Womanizer," the singers second #1 after her debut single ‘...Baby One More Time’ in 1999.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Vinyl review : Minutemen – Double Nickels on the Dime
Mike at hifihipster.com has been gracious enough to allow me to share some of his work with the CVR audience. Here we have an album review. Be sure to stop by his site http://hifihipster.com and look around and welcome a new contributor to the CVR Blog!
Artist – Minutemen
Title – Double Nickels on the Dime
Format – 2x Vinyl LP
Label – SST
Year – 1984
A few years ago I kept reading how groundbreaking and influential Double Nickels on the Dime was so I downloaded the album (naturally). I tried to listen to it but couldn’t really get into the music for some reason. The short, quirky, directionless songs didn’t do anything for me, with the exception of “Corona”, which anyone can immediately recognize as the Jackass theme. Recently, I picked the vinyl version up on a whim and gave it another shot. Now I finally get it. The reason I didn’t like this album on MP3 was cause I kept skipping around between tracks, looking for something that I instantly liked. Double Nickels does not work that way. The record has to be taken as a whole, with the good songs nestled among the weak and forgettable. Listening to it on vinyl makes shuffling around the tracks practically impossible, forcing you to groove on the gestalt. And that goes for any record regardless of genre, which is yet another advantage of the almighty LP.
I’ll leave you this link to Wikipedia for all the background about the band and the record because they summarize it much better than I can, and it’s not really relevant to the audio review. I will say that for a band that “jams econo”, the production on Double Nickels is uncharacteristically great. Great in the sense that there isn’t really any production to speak of, no effects or multitracking or anything, just a solid analog recording of the band doing their thing. The tracks run together with little gap between, which is totally intentional and give the impression of an extended jam session. I noticed quickly that the soundstage is kind of compressed and cramped, but it seems to open up as the album progresses. Hurley’s drums and Watt’s bass burst out of the speakers without assaulting my ears to the point of annoyance. Quieter acoustic guitar portions are well defined and natural, with humanizing string squeak and a good sense of dynamics. D. Boon’s vocals are satisfactory in the acoustic sense, but the lyrics are mostly just stoned ramblings with a few trenchant insights sprinkled in.
The album’s packaging ain’t bad, a nice gatefold sleeve with barely legible lyrics on the back and some band pics plus Raymond Pettibon artwork on the inside. Double albums always have beefy spines that look good on a shelf, so much so that i’ve encountered records that are only a single disc but put in double packaging anyway (like the Plain Records re-release of Loveless).
Double Nickels on the Dime proved that punk rock could be more than just power chords and blastbeats. Get this record for the noteworthiness but also for a true vinyl experience. Drop the needle, ingest your intoxicant of choice (optional) and take an engrossing ride that tosses you between genius and garbage. Amazon has this sucker in a warehouse just waiting to be raked with a microscopic piece of diamond, all for the low-ass price of thirteen bucks!
Music – B+
Sound – A
This article is from http://www.hifihipster.com, a blog about affordable hi-fi audio for beginners. Featured articles include equipment reviews, music reviews, beginner's guides and other essays/opinions about audio. Reprinted by Permission
Title – Double Nickels on the Dime
Format – 2x Vinyl LP
Label – SST
Year – 1984
A few years ago I kept reading how groundbreaking and influential Double Nickels on the Dime was so I downloaded the album (naturally). I tried to listen to it but couldn’t really get into the music for some reason. The short, quirky, directionless songs didn’t do anything for me, with the exception of “Corona”, which anyone can immediately recognize as the Jackass theme. Recently, I picked the vinyl version up on a whim and gave it another shot. Now I finally get it. The reason I didn’t like this album on MP3 was cause I kept skipping around between tracks, looking for something that I instantly liked. Double Nickels does not work that way. The record has to be taken as a whole, with the good songs nestled among the weak and forgettable. Listening to it on vinyl makes shuffling around the tracks practically impossible, forcing you to groove on the gestalt. And that goes for any record regardless of genre, which is yet another advantage of the almighty LP.
I’ll leave you this link to Wikipedia for all the background about the band and the record because they summarize it much better than I can, and it’s not really relevant to the audio review. I will say that for a band that “jams econo”, the production on Double Nickels is uncharacteristically great. Great in the sense that there isn’t really any production to speak of, no effects or multitracking or anything, just a solid analog recording of the band doing their thing. The tracks run together with little gap between, which is totally intentional and give the impression of an extended jam session. I noticed quickly that the soundstage is kind of compressed and cramped, but it seems to open up as the album progresses. Hurley’s drums and Watt’s bass burst out of the speakers without assaulting my ears to the point of annoyance. Quieter acoustic guitar portions are well defined and natural, with humanizing string squeak and a good sense of dynamics. D. Boon’s vocals are satisfactory in the acoustic sense, but the lyrics are mostly just stoned ramblings with a few trenchant insights sprinkled in.
The album’s packaging ain’t bad, a nice gatefold sleeve with barely legible lyrics on the back and some band pics plus Raymond Pettibon artwork on the inside. Double albums always have beefy spines that look good on a shelf, so much so that i’ve encountered records that are only a single disc but put in double packaging anyway (like the Plain Records re-release of Loveless).
Double Nickels on the Dime proved that punk rock could be more than just power chords and blastbeats. Get this record for the noteworthiness but also for a true vinyl experience. Drop the needle, ingest your intoxicant of choice (optional) and take an engrossing ride that tosses you between genius and garbage. Amazon has this sucker in a warehouse just waiting to be raked with a microscopic piece of diamond, all for the low-ass price of thirteen bucks!
Music – B+
Sound – A
This article is from http://www.hifihipster.com, a blog about affordable hi-fi audio for beginners. Featured articles include equipment reviews, music reviews, beginner's guides and other essays/opinions about audio. Reprinted by Permission
Music News & Notes
Preservation Hall Jazz Band & Tom Waits On 78 rpm Vinyl
On November 19th, Preservation Hall Recordings will release 504 limited edition hand-numbered 78 rpm vinyl records featuring two tracks by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band with very special guest Tom Waits. Proceeds from the sale of this very special project will benefit the Preservation Hall Junior Jazz & Heritage Brass Band.
Mr. Waits traveled to New Orleans in 2009 to record two songs with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for the critically acclaimed project Preservation: An album to benefit Preservation Hall and the Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program,“Tootie Ma Was A Big Fine Thing” and “Corrine Died On The Battlefield”. Originally recorded by Danny Barker in 1947, these two selections are the earliest known recorded examples of Mardi Gras Indian chants.
This special limited edition recording will be made available in two different tiers, based on the level of donation: Deluxe Donation Tier: $200 – Limited Edition 78rpm record featuring Tom Waits & The Preservation Hall Jazz Band AND a custom-made Preservation Hall 78 record players – and Basic Donation Tier: $50 – Limited Edition 78rpm record featuring Tom Waits & The Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Both packages will be available for in-person purchase at Preservation Hall in New Orleans on November 19, 2010 at 10:00am Central and available for purchase online November 20th here http://www.preservationhall.com/
------------------------------------------------
John Lennon Reissues Score Big on the Billboard Top 200
The John Lennon reissues released on October 5 made a big impact on this week's Billboard Album chart, with five titles making the list. A sixth, the Starbucks Opus Collection exclusive stays on the chart giving him a total of seven entries. That's the most since Michael Jackson had seven back in July at the time of the first anniversary of his death. While Lennon didn't manage any top ten debuts (as the Beatles did when their reissues came out in 2009), the total is still impressive considering that (Just Like) Starting Over, Jealous Guy and Imagine appear on five of the six albums.
The chart positions of the six albums:
24. Power to the People: The Hits
34. Double Fantasy / Stripped Down
66. Opus Collection (Starbucks Exclusive)
88. Imagine
148. Signature Box (11-CD set)
196. Gimme Some Truth (4-CD set)
------------------------------------------------
KISS Websites Hacked After Gene Simmons File-Sharing Comments
Sites were replaced with fakes...
The websites that belong to KISS’s Gene Simmons have been hacked - following the bassist’s recent comments about illegal downloading. Last week, Simmons urged musicians to protect their catalogue and “sue everybody” who shared their music illegally.
In response, online attackers, Anonymous, hijacked SimmonsRecords.com and GeneSimmons.com.
Both sites - which have since been restored - featured a letter headed: “Operation Payback (Is A B*tch).”
Appearing at the MIPCOM convention in Cannes, France, Simmons has accused the music industry of not reacting fast enough to curb the problem of illegal file-sharing. The veteran rock and roll bassist said lawsuits should have been issued against illegal downloaders sooner and that the error had cost “hundreds of thousands of jobs” in the industry.
------------------------------------------------
PEACEVILLE RECORDS TO RE-RELEASE CLASSIC DARKTHRONE ALBUM,
‘PANZERFAUST’ 2-CD and vinyl editions out later this month
Britain’s independent heavy metal powerhouse, Peaceville Records, will begin releasing new editions of classic Darkthrone albums later this month from the recently acquired Moonfog Productions catalogue titles.
The first re-issue, Panzerfaust, – Darkthrone’s fifth album overall – will be released as a double-disc set and individually numbered vinyl (2000) on October 25th. The 2-CD edition includes a bonus disc featuring commentary from Darkthrone’s infamous drummer/lyricist, Fenriz, for a first hand perspective behind the creation of the 1995 Frost-fuelled black metal masterpiece.
Additionally, Peaceville Records will re-issue the rare second Isengard release, Høstmørke(1995), on October 25th. The album, which was performed entirely by Fenriz, also features a special commentary disc conducted by Fenriz, reflecting on the recording process, as well as an insight into the time of the recording.
Mr. Waits traveled to New Orleans in 2009 to record two songs with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for the critically acclaimed project Preservation: An album to benefit Preservation Hall and the Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program,“Tootie Ma Was A Big Fine Thing” and “Corrine Died On The Battlefield”. Originally recorded by Danny Barker in 1947, these two selections are the earliest known recorded examples of Mardi Gras Indian chants.
This special limited edition recording will be made available in two different tiers, based on the level of donation: Deluxe Donation Tier: $200 – Limited Edition 78rpm record featuring Tom Waits & The Preservation Hall Jazz Band AND a custom-made Preservation Hall 78 record players – and Basic Donation Tier: $50 – Limited Edition 78rpm record featuring Tom Waits & The Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Both packages will be available for in-person purchase at Preservation Hall in New Orleans on November 19, 2010 at 10:00am Central and available for purchase online November 20th here http://www.preservationhall.com/
------------------------------------------------
John Lennon Reissues Score Big on the Billboard Top 200
The John Lennon reissues released on October 5 made a big impact on this week's Billboard Album chart, with five titles making the list. A sixth, the Starbucks Opus Collection exclusive stays on the chart giving him a total of seven entries. That's the most since Michael Jackson had seven back in July at the time of the first anniversary of his death. While Lennon didn't manage any top ten debuts (as the Beatles did when their reissues came out in 2009), the total is still impressive considering that (Just Like) Starting Over, Jealous Guy and Imagine appear on five of the six albums.
The chart positions of the six albums:
24. Power to the People: The Hits
34. Double Fantasy / Stripped Down
66. Opus Collection (Starbucks Exclusive)
88. Imagine
148. Signature Box (11-CD set)
196. Gimme Some Truth (4-CD set)
------------------------------------------------
KISS Websites Hacked After Gene Simmons File-Sharing Comments
Sites were replaced with fakes...
In response, online attackers, Anonymous, hijacked SimmonsRecords.com and GeneSimmons.com.
Both sites - which have since been restored - featured a letter headed: “Operation Payback (Is A B*tch).”
Appearing at the MIPCOM convention in Cannes, France, Simmons has accused the music industry of not reacting fast enough to curb the problem of illegal file-sharing. The veteran rock and roll bassist said lawsuits should have been issued against illegal downloaders sooner and that the error had cost “hundreds of thousands of jobs” in the industry.
------------------------------------------------
PEACEVILLE RECORDS TO RE-RELEASE CLASSIC DARKTHRONE ALBUM,
‘PANZERFAUST’ 2-CD and vinyl editions out later this month
The first re-issue, Panzerfaust, – Darkthrone’s fifth album overall – will be released as a double-disc set and individually numbered vinyl (2000) on October 25th. The 2-CD edition includes a bonus disc featuring commentary from Darkthrone’s infamous drummer/lyricist, Fenriz, for a first hand perspective behind the creation of the 1995 Frost-fuelled black metal masterpiece.
Additionally, Peaceville Records will re-issue the rare second Isengard release, Høstmørke(1995), on October 25th. The album, which was performed entirely by Fenriz, also features a special commentary disc conducted by Fenriz, reflecting on the recording process, as well as an insight into the time of the recording.
Get A Flu Shot!
Longtime readers know that I post something just about every day, but something happened to me that broke a string of posts I have been doing for the past two years. Every other day I post 'This Date In Music History,' and I missed my first one yesterday. My apologies to those who like the feature, but I was just too sick to work at the computer yesterday and will have Saturday's post ready (Oct 16).
It's kind of ironic that I started feeling sick the day after I had gone to the doctor's office for an appointment. I picked up a TIME magazine while I waited and thought nothing of it after I left. However, after giving it some thought, the magazines at a doctor's office are the last thing that anyone should touch. I am not a germ-phobe or anything like that, but think about it. Do you think that all the sick people who go to the doc's office actually practice proper hygene? I doubt it. So this is my advice - NEVER touch the magazines at a doctor's office and get a FLU SHOT!
Honestly, you do not want this bug, it has really been a tough one to shake. Hopefully, I am going to get back up to par, I have a new contest coming up as well as some new stories to add. As always, thank you for stopping by the blog and please, feel free to offer suggestions as to how to improve it.
Regards,
Robert
It's kind of ironic that I started feeling sick the day after I had gone to the doctor's office for an appointment. I picked up a TIME magazine while I waited and thought nothing of it after I left. However, after giving it some thought, the magazines at a doctor's office are the last thing that anyone should touch. I am not a germ-phobe or anything like that, but think about it. Do you think that all the sick people who go to the doc's office actually practice proper hygene? I doubt it. So this is my advice - NEVER touch the magazines at a doctor's office and get a FLU SHOT!
Honestly, you do not want this bug, it has really been a tough one to shake. Hopefully, I am going to get back up to par, I have a new contest coming up as well as some new stories to add. As always, thank you for stopping by the blog and please, feel free to offer suggestions as to how to improve it.
Regards,
Robert
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne
FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 11, 2010
DEAR JERRY: In the 1950s and early '60s, Jo Ann Campbell was quite popular, especially in the northeast.
I recall both Alan Freed and Dick Clark being quite fond of Jo Ann, and they promoted her often on their shows, sometimes referring to her as the “Blonde Bombshell.” As the nickname suggests, Jo Ann was gorgeous as well as talented.
With numerous traditional recordings to her credit (“Wait a Minute”; “Kookie Little Paradise”; “Motorcycle Michael”; etc.), it's odd that her biggest hit turned out to be a corny answer song: “I'm the Girl from Wolverton Mountain.”
In an interview with a New York radio station, back when the record was out, Jo Ann said the song she answered — Claude King's “Wolverton Mountain” — was based on a true story. Between then and now, however, I have never heard another word about such a story. Have you?
Didn't Campbell also have a part in one of those teenage movies?
—Len Cameron, Chicago
DEAR LEN: Jo Ann has only one solo hit not on your list: “Mother, Please!,” the follow-up to “I'm the Girl from Wolverton Mountain.”
In 1964, she and her husband, Troy Seals (as Jo Ann & Troy) made the charts with “I Found a Love Oh What a Love.”
Campbell appeared in two teen-themed films: “Go, Johnny, Go” (1959) and “Hey, Let's Twist” (1962).
The original “Wolverton Mountain” and “I'm the Girl from Wolverton Mountain,” shown on some labels as “(I'm the Girl on) Wolverton Mountain,” are both written by the team of Merle Kilgore and Claude King.
In the early '70s, I worked some shows with Merle Kilgore, then touring with the Duke of Paducah, and one of our backstage discussions touched on “Wolverton Mountain.”
Kilgore confirmed what you heard Jo Ann Campbell say about 10 years earlier. The story is based on facts, even if the key one is intentionally misspelled.
Though the mountain's true name is Woolverton, Merle and Claude titled their tune “Wolverton Mountain,” though we don't know why.
As for being historically accurate, much of the song is, with one certain exception — the wildlife alliance of bears and birds giving Clifton Clowers a heads-up whenever a stranger approaches.
For a closer look at the real Woolverton Mountain, here is a report from our famed Ozarks historian, John Lorenz:
“The most exciting part about this is that Woolverton Mountain is very close to where I live, only a couple of towns away. So we just had to see if this place was real and maybe find the grave of Clifton Clowers himself.
“I learned there really was a Clifton Clowers there, and he and his wife Esther had not one but two pretty young daughters to protect: Virginia and Burlene.
“Woolverton is a long, narrow mountain in the Ozarks. It starts just north of Center Ridge, where Arkansas State Highways 9 and 92 meet. The mountain stretches north six or seven miles, just past the tiny community of Austin.
“To get to Woolverton Mountain from Hwy 9, go to Austin, then travel west on Austin Road, an unpaved road that goes right to the top of Woolverton Mountain.
“About 1.5 miles up, on the left, is a blue sign reading “Woolverton Mtn Rd, Conway County.” Just past that is a white building identified as a “Milk Barn.” Next to the barn is an unmarked gravel road that, after about 300 feet, leads right to the Woolverton Mountain Cemetery.
“Stroll around and you'll soon spot the dual headstone and grave sites of Clifton, who nearly lived to 103 (October 30, 1891 - August 15, 1994), and Esther (August 4, 1897 - March 3, 1986).
“Visitors will also notice many graves for folks named Woolverton, which is surely the name of the family who first settled there.”
IZ ZAT SO? Claude King's “Wolverton Mountain,” a No. 1 C&W hit, went on to become the biggest Country crossover hit of 1962, as determined by their combined C&W and Pop success.
Using the same criteria, here are top crossovers for each of that decade's other nine years:
1960: “El Paso” (Marty Robbins)
1961: “Walk on By” (Leroy Van d**e)
1963: “Still” (Bill Anderson)
1964: “Dang Me” (Roger Miller)
1965: “King of the Road” (Roger Miller)
1966: “Almost Persuaded” (David Houston)
1967: “All the Time” (Jack Greene)
1968: “Harper Valley P.T.A.” (Jeannie C. Riley)
1969: “A Boy Named Sue” (Johnny Cash)
DEAR JERRY: In the 1950s and early '60s, Jo Ann Campbell was quite popular, especially in the northeast.
I recall both Alan Freed and Dick Clark being quite fond of Jo Ann, and they promoted her often on their shows, sometimes referring to her as the “Blonde Bombshell.” As the nickname suggests, Jo Ann was gorgeous as well as talented.
With numerous traditional recordings to her credit (“Wait a Minute”; “Kookie Little Paradise”; “Motorcycle Michael”; etc.), it's odd that her biggest hit turned out to be a corny answer song: “I'm the Girl from Wolverton Mountain.”
In an interview with a New York radio station, back when the record was out, Jo Ann said the song she answered — Claude King's “Wolverton Mountain” — was based on a true story. Between then and now, however, I have never heard another word about such a story. Have you?
Didn't Campbell also have a part in one of those teenage movies?
—Len Cameron, Chicago
In 1964, she and her husband, Troy Seals (as Jo Ann & Troy) made the charts with “I Found a Love Oh What a Love.”
Campbell appeared in two teen-themed films: “Go, Johnny, Go” (1959) and “Hey, Let's Twist” (1962).
The original “Wolverton Mountain” and “I'm the Girl from Wolverton Mountain,” shown on some labels as “(I'm the Girl on) Wolverton Mountain,” are both written by the team of Merle Kilgore and Claude King.
In the early '70s, I worked some shows with Merle Kilgore, then touring with the Duke of Paducah, and one of our backstage discussions touched on “Wolverton Mountain.”
Kilgore confirmed what you heard Jo Ann Campbell say about 10 years earlier. The story is based on facts, even if the key one is intentionally misspelled.
Though the mountain's true name is Woolverton, Merle and Claude titled their tune “Wolverton Mountain,” though we don't know why.
As for being historically accurate, much of the song is, with one certain exception — the wildlife alliance of bears and birds giving Clifton Clowers a heads-up whenever a stranger approaches.
For a closer look at the real Woolverton Mountain, here is a report from our famed Ozarks historian, John Lorenz:
“The most exciting part about this is that Woolverton Mountain is very close to where I live, only a couple of towns away. So we just had to see if this place was real and maybe find the grave of Clifton Clowers himself.
“I learned there really was a Clifton Clowers there, and he and his wife Esther had not one but two pretty young daughters to protect: Virginia and Burlene.
“Woolverton is a long, narrow mountain in the Ozarks. It starts just north of Center Ridge, where Arkansas State Highways 9 and 92 meet. The mountain stretches north six or seven miles, just past the tiny community of Austin.
“To get to Woolverton Mountain from Hwy 9, go to Austin, then travel west on Austin Road, an unpaved road that goes right to the top of Woolverton Mountain.
“About 1.5 miles up, on the left, is a blue sign reading “Woolverton Mtn Rd, Conway County.” Just past that is a white building identified as a “Milk Barn.” Next to the barn is an unmarked gravel road that, after about 300 feet, leads right to the Woolverton Mountain Cemetery.
“Stroll around and you'll soon spot the dual headstone and grave sites of Clifton, who nearly lived to 103 (October 30, 1891 - August 15, 1994), and Esther (August 4, 1897 - March 3, 1986).
“Visitors will also notice many graves for folks named Woolverton, which is surely the name of the family who first settled there.”
IZ ZAT SO? Claude King's “Wolverton Mountain,” a No. 1 C&W hit, went on to become the biggest Country crossover hit of 1962, as determined by their combined C&W and Pop success.
Using the same criteria, here are top crossovers for each of that decade's other nine years:
1960: “El Paso” (Marty Robbins)
1961: “Walk on By” (Leroy Van d**e)
1963: “Still” (Bill Anderson)
1964: “Dang Me” (Roger Miller)
1965: “King of the Road” (Roger Miller)
1966: “Almost Persuaded” (David Houston)
1967: “All the Time” (Jack Greene)
1968: “Harper Valley P.T.A.” (Jeannie C. Riley)
1969: “A Boy Named Sue” (Johnny Cash)
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
Top Selling Vinyl Records Sales at eBay - July 2010
The honor of our top seller for the month of July 2010 goes to, what seems like a monthly trend lately, a Beatles 45 rpm record "Love Me Do"/"P.S. I Love You" (Parlophone UK Promo) which came in at a little under 10 grand ($9,788.13). The Fab Four keep it going, attaining the next spot with a rare sealed LP 'The Beatles vs The Four Seasons' ("self titled" Vee Jay Sealed) which sold for $5,858.99. Next up is a 78 rpm by Robert Johnson "Come On In My Kitchen"/"They're Red Hot" (Vocalion 03563) selling for an even $5,000.00
'The Beatles' make the list again with the LP "Please Please Me"( Parlophone UK Gold Black label 1st Stereo) which went for a shade under five thousand ($4,929.28). Another 78 rpm record made the list with a cut by Willie Harris "Never Drive With A Stranger"/"Lonesome Midnight Dream" (Brunswick 7149) which heard the hammer at a shade over forty-four hundred ($4,449.99).
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 07/3/2010
Two garage 45's make the list this week, making all the more conspicuous the lack of Northern Soul 45's showing up on the list for many weeks.
1. 45 - Piece Kor "All I Want Is My Baby Back" / "Words Of The Raven" Laray - $3,785.00
2. LP - The Beatles & Frank Ifield "On Stage" VeeJay Portrait Jacket - $3,000.00
3. LP - Brimingham Sunday "A Message From" - $2,850.00
4. LP - The Doors "self titled" Mono Promo - $2,576.28
5. 45 - The Elite U.F.O. "Now Who's Good Enough" / "Tarantula" MAI - $1582.77
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 07/10/2010
78 RPM records are continuing to make a stand on the Top 5. Soul has returned with two entries for this week, one of them on the most sought after label in record collecting, Shrine. This copy of The Cairos record sold for a respectable price, but still below the two previous sales of this record.
1. 78 - Willie Harris "Never Drive With A Stranger" / "Lonesome Midnight Dream" Brunswick 7149 - $4,449.99
2. 78 - Dusty Brooks "Tears And Wine" / "Heaven Or Fire" Sun 182 - $3,056.00
3. 45 - The Cairos "Don't Fight It" / "Stop Overlooking Me" Shrine 111 - $2,283.00
4. 45 - High Powered Spirit Band "Be A Winner" / "I Know You Can" Spirit - 2,247.00
5. LP - Sonny Rollins "Saxophone Colossus" Prestige 7079 - $2,125.00
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 07/19/2010
Northern Soul makes its return to the Top of the list, though at $2k less than the last sale of this Walter Wilson record in December of '09. Still, it shows that a nation can't live on Beans On Toast alone (ok, I have no clue if this record sold to a buyer in the UK, but that's the case 90% of the time a Northern Soul record gets big buck). A genuine copy of the most bootlegged record of all time, The Beatles "Introducing The Beatles" on VeeJay made the list. This one was the "blank back" version.
1. 45 - Walter Wilson "Love Keeps Me Crying" / "Not Now But Later" Wand - $4,155.00
2. 45 - Elvis Presley / Jaye P Morgan EPA-992 EPA-993 EP - $3,500.00
3. LP - Michele Auclair "JS Bach Sonates pour clavier et violon" Les Discophiles Francais - $3,205.00
4. LP - The Beatles "Introducing The Beatles" VeeJay Blank Back - $3,000.00
5. LP - Arthur Grumiaux "Bach 6 Sonaten Un Parttien Fur Violini Alllein" Philips Hi Fi Stereo - $2,856.00
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 07/24/2010
All LPs on this week's Top 5, with The Beatles taking the top two spots. The sought-after private press jazz/funk record from Uncle Funkenstein is the only non-rock record on this week's list.
1. LP - The Beatles vs The Four Seasons "self titled" Vee Jay Sealed - $5,858.99
2. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone UK Gold Black label 1st Stereo - $4,929.28
3. LP - Led Zeppelin "I" Test Pressing - $4,153.00
4. LP - Uncle Funkenstein "Together Again" - $4,000.00
5. LP - George Harrison "Concert For Bangladesh" Sides 5/6 Acetate - $3,702.00
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 07/31/2010
The Top 5 is a Beatles sandwich with the UK Promo of the Love Me Do 45 at the top of the list and a Butcher Cover at the bottom. A rare punk 45 from Detroit band The Fix makes it to the middle of this week's list.
1. 45 - The Beatles "Love Me Do" / "P.S. I Love You" Parlophone UK Promo - $9,788.13
2. 78 - Robert Johnson "Come On In My Kitchen" / "They're Red Hot" Vocalion 03563 - $5,000.00
3. 45 - The Fix "Vengence" / "In This Town" - $4,250.00
4. 45 - Elvis Presley "That's All Right" / "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" Sun 209 - $4,000.00
5. LP - The Beatles "Yesterday And Today" Second State Butcher Stereo - $3,800.00
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
New Music Releases - October 12, 2010
Support The CVR Blog, buy your vinyl here
A-Ha - 25: Very Best of (2 CDs/1 DVD)
After Tea - Jointhouse Blues
All That Remains - For We Are Many
Angra - Aqua
Antony and the Johnsons - Swanlights (vinyl)
Argent - At High Voltage 2010 (2 CDs)
Arson Anthem - Anxiety Notoriety
Asia - At High Voltage 2010 (2 CDs)
Asia - Live on Air
Badly Drawn Boy - It's What I'm Thinking: Photographing Snowflakes
Banjo or Freakout - Way Slow Volume One
Barry Manilow - Essential 3.0 (3 CDs)
Beach Fossils - "Face It"/"Distance" 7"
Beets - Stay Home
Belle and Sebastian - Write About Love (vinyl)
Belleruche - 270 Stories
Benoit Pioulard - Lasted
Bessie Smith - Blues Biography
Big Search: Lay of the Land [
Big Time Rush - BTR
Bill Bruford & Tony Levin (Bruford Levin Upper Extremities) - Blue Nights
Billy Joel - Live on Air
Black Heart Procession - Blood Bunny/Black Rabbit EP
Blank Dogs - Land and Fixed
Blue Water White Death - Blue Water White Death
Bob Dylan: Playlist - The Very Best of Bob Dylan 1980's
Bob Geldof - How to Compose Popular Songs That Will Sell
Brandi Emma - Photographic Memory
Breathe Owl Breathe - Magic Central
Brian Setzer Orchestra - Christmas Comes Alive!
British Sea Power - Zeus EP (vinyl)
Bronco - Country Home / Ace of Sunlight
Brute Force - I, Brute Force, Confections of Love
Callers - Life of Love (vinyl)
Carissa's Weird - Songs About Leaving (reissue)(vinyl)
Carissa's Weird - Ugly But Honest (reissue)(vinyl)
Carissa's Weird - You Should Be at Home Here (reissue)(vinyl)
Carl Barat - Carl Barat
Casanova - One Night Stand (Deluxe Edition)
Celtic Thunder - Celtic Thunder Christmas
Cheyenne Marie Mize - Before Lately
Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez - The New Bye & Bye
Circle Of Animals - Destroy The Light
Cloud Nothings - Turning On
Crystal Fighters - Star of Love
Dale Hawkins - Oh! Suzy-Q the Definitive & Remastered Edition
Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks - Crazy for Christmas
Dana Gillespie - I Rest My Case
Dar Williams - Many Great Companions
Darius Rucker - Charleston, SC 1966
Dead C - Patience (vinyl)
Deborah Harry - Rockbird / Debravation
December People - Rattle and Humbug
Delia Gonzalez & Gavin Russom - Track 5 (vinyl)
Die Antwoord - $0$
Dimmu Borgir - Abrahadabra
Dolly Parton - Playlist: The Very Best Gospel of
Donnybrook - The Beast Inside
Doug Paisley - Constant Companion (vinyl)
Duran Duran - Big Thing (remastered with bonus CD & live DVD)
Ed Trickett - The Telling Takes Me Home
El Guincho - Pop Negro (vinyl)
Elvis Presley - Playlist: The Very Best of Gospel
Envy - Recitation (vinyl)
Eric Clapton - Platinum Collection: Reptile / Me & Mr. Johnson / Unplugged (3 CDs)
Esben and the Witch - "Marching Song" 12''
Evil Survives - Powerkiller
Exit Calm - Don't Look Down EP
Fats Domino - Million Sellers, Volume 1 & 2
Florence and the Machine - "Dog Days Are Over (Yeasayer Remix)"
Foreign Exchange - Authenticity
Foreigner - Live on Air
Fox in the Henhouse - Fox in the Henhouse
Frank Proffitt - Memorial Album
Franz Nicolay - Luck & Courage
Free - Wishing Weel: Collection
Friendly Fires - Bugged Out! Presents Suck My Deck
Gangrene [The Alchemist and Oh No] - Gutter Water
Ghostface Killah - Supreme Clientele (vinyl)
Gold Panda - Lucky Shiner (vinyl)
Gordon Bok - Seal Djiril's Hymn
Great Lakes - Ways of Escape
Growlers - Hot Tropics
Haeresiarchs of Dis - Denuntiatis Cinis
Hail of Bullets - On Divine Winds
Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes - I Miss You
Hauschka - Foreign Landscapes
Hawkwind - Dawn of Hawkwind
Heart - Little Queen (reissue) (vinyl)
Heavy Times - "No Plans" b/w "Ice Age" 7''
Hell Militia - Last Station on the Road to Death
Holy Sons - Survivalist Tales!
Hot Panda - How Come I'm Dead (vinyl)
Houses - All Night
How to Dress Well - Love Remains (vinyl)
Idle Times - Idle Times
Idlewild - Post Electric Blues (vinyl)
Indigo Girls - Holly Happy Days
Interpol - Interpol (2-LP reissue) (vinyl)
Intronaut - Valley of Smoke
Isley Brothers - Playlist: The Very Best of
J. Tillman - Singing Ax (vinyl)
James Apollo - Til Your Feet Bleed
James Brown - The Complete James Brown Christmas
Jane Birkin - Di Doo Dah (reissue)
Janis Joplin - Playlist: The Very Best of
Jazz Messengers with Elvis Costello & Debbie Harry - Reunited
Jean Redpath - Frae My Ain Countrie
John Stewart - Illinois Rain (2 CDs)
Johnny Cash - Playlist: The Very Best Of Gospel
Joshua Radin - The Rock and the Tide (vinyl)
Julio Iglesias - Playlist: The Very Best of
Katharine McPhee - Christmas Is The Time...(To Say I Love You)
Kedl Winter - Apple Core
Kelly Stoltz - To Dreamers
Lil Wayne - I Am Not a Human Being
Linda Ronstadt - Linda Ronstadt / Heart Like a Wheel
Lita Ford - Stiletto
Lovers - Dark Light
Madball - Empire
Maria Muldaur - Barnyard Dance: Jug Band Music for Kids
Marillion - At High Voltage 2010 (2 CDs)
Mark Ronson & the Business Intl - Record Collection (vinyl)
Mark Salling - Pipe Dreams
Maserati - Pyramid of the Moon (vinyl)
Meat Beat Manifesto - Answers Come in Dreams
Molly Hatchet - Playlist: The Very Best of
Moondoggies - Tidelands (vinyl)
Motionless In White - Creatures
Mutemath - Armistice Live
Negligence - Coordinates of Confusion
Nels Cline - Dirty Baby
October Falls - A Collapse of Faith
Old 97's - The Grand Theatre Volume One
Olivia Newton-John - Christmas Collection
Paul Williams - Just An Old Fashioned Love Song / Here Comes Inspiration
Peter Gordon - The Love of Life Orchestra
Purling Hiss - Public Service Announcement
R.E.O. Speedwagon - This Time We Mean It
Railroad Earth - Railroad Earth
Raunchy - A Discord Electric
Ray Stevens - Funny Thing Happened in Church Today
Real Estate - "Out of Tune" b/w "Reservoir" 7''
Ringo Starr - With a Little Help From My Friends
Ronnie Milsap - Essential 3.0 (3 CDs)
Roy Head & the Traits - Live It Up (vinyl)
Ry Cooder - Live on Air
Salem - King Night (vinyl)
Salteens - Grey Eyes
Scattered Trees - Four Days Straight
Secret Sisters - The Secret Sisters
Shawn Mullins - Light You Up
Shelby Lynne - Merry Christmas
Shirley Bassey - I Capricorn / And I Love You So
Silje Nes - Opticks
Simian Mobile Disco - Is Fixed
Sister Hazel - Heartland Highway
Slayer - The Vinyl Conflict (10-LP box set)(vinyl)
Soft Machine - Rubber Riff
Spiritual Beggars - Return to Zero
Starfucker - Julius
Steve Lukather - All's Well That Ends Well
Steve Miller Band - Fly Like An Eagle (CD/DVD)
Steve Roach - Mystic Chords & Sacred Spaces 2
Steve Wariner - Guitar Christmas
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Playlist: The Very Best of
Styrofoam - Disco Synthesizers & Daily Tranquilizers
Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz
Sunset - Loveshines but The Moon Is Shining Too (vinyl)
Supertramp - Breakfast in America: Deluxe Edition (2 CDs)
Suuns - Zeroes QC (vinyl)
Suzanne Vega - Close-Up 2: People & Places
Syd Barrett - Barrett (remastered with bonus tracks)
Syd Barrett - Madcap Laughs (remastered with bonus tracks)
Syd Barrett - Opel (remastered with bonus tracks)
Taste of Honey - Taste of Honey
Ten Million Lights - Ten Million Lights
TesseracT - Concealing Fate
The Band Perry - The Band Perry
The Black - Sun in the Day Moon at Night
The Black Heart Procession - Blood Bunny / Black Rabbit (vinyl)
The Crown - Doomsday King
The Dead C - Patience
The Empire Shall Fall - Awaken
The Foreign Exchange - Authenticity
The Fresh & Onlys - Play It Strange
The Jazz Passengers - Reunited
The Orb Featuring David Gilmour - Metallic Sphere (2 CDs)
The Postelles - The Postelles (vinyl)
Three Degrees - International
Titan - Sweet Dreams
Toadies - Feeler (vinyl)
Tom Ze - Studies of Tom Ze: Explaining Things So I Can Confuse You (4-record box set) (vinyl)
Trapt - No Apologies
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross - The Social Network (soundtrack)
Trevor Morris - The Tudors: Season 4 (soundtrack)
Valencia - Dancing With a Ghost
Vanna - The Honest Hearts EP
Various Artists - Blackheart Christmas
Various Artists - CTI Records - The Cool Revolution (4-cd box set) (remastered)
Various Artists - Crate Digging Fever: 70's & 80's Rare Groove Gems
Various Artists - From the Land of Ice and Snow: The Songs of Led Zeppelin
Various Artists - Gimme That Beat: 70's Funky Floorfillers
Various Artists - Hey Beach Girls! Female Surf 'N' Drag 1961-1966
Various Artists - How Many Roads: Black America Sings Bob Dylan
Various Artists - I Got My Groove: Crossover Soul from the Deep South
Various Artists - Jackass 3D OST
Various Artists - Love & Jealousy: the Deeper Side of Southern Soul
Various Artists - Mostly Ghostly: More Horror for Halloween
Various Artists - Music Heard On The Hit Series Mad Men
Various Artists - Now That's What I Call Christmas! 4
Various Artists - Philadelphia Freedom: the Foundation of 70's Disco
Various Artists - Putumayo Presents: World Christmas Party
Various Artists - Soultime!: 60s & 70s Big City Soul Anthems
Various Artists - Sun Records' Greatest Hits
Various Artists - The Ace Story Vol. 2
Various Artists - The Message: Soul Funk & Jazzy Grooves from Mainstream Records
Various Artists - The Roots of Chicha 2
Various Artists - The Rough Guide to Bollywood (Second Edition)
Various Artists - The Vampire Diaries: Original Television Soundtrack
Various Artists - You Tore My Brain Sixties Garage Acetates 5
Various Artists - Yowsah Yowsah Yowsah: New York 70s Disco
Ventures - Christmas Album
Violent Kin - Velvet Hideout
White Moth - White Moth
Whitey Morgan and The 78's - Whitey Morgan and The 78's (vinyl)
Wilson Phillips - Christmas in Harmony
Woe - Quietly, Undramatically
Wolf People - Steeple (vinyl)
Young Man - Boy (vinyl)
Zola Jesus - Valusia EP (vinyl)
Click Here New Jazz Releases
New Music releases are put together from a variety of online sources by Robert Benson - http://collectingvinylrecords.blogspot.com
Have new music for the list? Email me at rbenson30@wi.rr.com
This Date In Music History - October 12
Birthdays:
Sam Moore - Sam & Dave (1935)
Rick Parfitt - Status Quo (1948)
Jane Siberry (1955)
Pat DiNizzio - Smithereens (1955)
David Letts, (Dave Vanian) - The Damned (1956)
Bob Mould - Husker Du, Sugar (1960)
Martie Erwin - Chixie Dicks (1969)
Jordan Isaak Pundik - New Found Glory (1979)
They Are Missed:
Gene Vincent (Vincent Eugene Craddock), died from a perforated ulcer in 1971 (age 36). Appeared in the film, 'The Girl Can't Help It' with Jayne Mansfield. In 1960, while on tour in the UK, Vincent and songwriter Sharon Sheeley were seriously injured the car crash that killed Eddie Cochran.
Ricky Wilson of the B-52's died of complications from aids in 1985.
Born on this day in 1942, Melvin Franklin, vocals, The Temptations. He died on February 23, 1995.
Singer songwriter John Denver was killed when the light aircraft he was piloting crashed into Monterey Bay, California in 1997. Denver was 53.
Crooner Ray Conniff died in 2002.
Dickie Peterson, singer and bass player for Blue Cheer died of cancer in 2009.
Born on this day in 1935, Luciano Pavarotti, Italian singer. The album 'The Essential Pavorotti,' spent 72 weeks on the UK chart. He died on September 6, 2007.
History:
In 1944, Frank Sinatra returned to the Paramount Theatre to a huge crowd known as the "Columbus Day Riot". The crowd, 25,000 strong, started scuffling with police.
During an Australian tour in 1957, Little Richard publicly renounced rock 'n' roll and embraced God, telling a story of dreaming of his own damnation after praying to God when one of the engines on a plane he was on caught fire. Little Richard tossed four diamond rings into the Hunter River in Sydney, Australia, to prove that he was giving up rock-n-roll. He returned to music five years later.
In 1957, Buddy Holly & The Crickets, The Drifters and Chuck Berry all appeared at the Mission Beach Ballroom, San Diego, California.
Little Richard headlined a concert in Liverpool in 1962. One of the opening acts was the Beatles.
Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs started a five week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1963 with "Sugar Shack."
In 1965, working on their next album 'Rubber Soul' at Abbey Road Studio’s London, the Beatles recorded "Run For Your Life" in its entirety, in five takes. (Lennon later admited to lifting two lines from Elvis Presley's 1955 hit "Baby Let's Play House"). And another new Lennon song "This Bird Has Flown," later known as "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)". The track included George Harrison's double-tracked sitar part, the first appearance of that Indian instrument on a pop record.
Denny Laine left the Moody Blues in 1966.
In 1967, the Doors appeared at The Surf Club, Nantasket Beach, Massachusetts, supported by Ultimate Spinach.
Big Brother And The Holding Company went to #1 on the US album chart in 1968 with 'Cheap Thrills.'
The Jimi Hendrix Experience was formed in London in 1968.
Also in 1968, John Sebastian left the band Lovin' Spoonful to start his solo career.
In 1969, A DJ on Detroit's WKNR radio station received a phone call telling him that if you play The Beatles "Strawberry Fields Forever" backwards, you hear John Lennon say the words "I buried Paul." This started a worldwide rumour that Paul McCartney was dead.
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's "Jesus Christ Superstar" debuted on Broadway in 1970.
Elton John’s two record set 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' topped the chart in 1973.
Olivia Newton-John went to #1 on the US album chart in 1974 with 'If You Love Me, Let Me Know.'
In 1975, Rod Stewart and The Faces made their final live appearance when they played at Nassau Coliseum, Long Island.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark made their live debut at Eric's, Liverpool, England in 1978.
While he was living at the Chelsea Hotel in New York City in 1978, Sex Pistol Sid Vicious called the police to say that someone had stabbed his girlfriend Nancy Spungen. He was arrested and charged with murder and placed in the detox unit of a New York prison. Vicious died of a heroin overdose before his murder trial began.
Seven people were stabbed at a Blood, Sweat and Tears concert in Los Angeles in 1980.
Ready For The World went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1985 with "Oh Sheila."
Mariah Carey had her fifth #1 on the US singles chart in 1991 with "Emotions."
Nirvana's album, "Nevermind" was certified gold by the RIAA in 1991.
Tupac Shakur was released from prison in 1992 pending an appeal for sexual assault on $1.4 million bail.
"The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus", the film documentary, was released in 1996. The work had been filmed in December 1968.
Boyz II Men were at #1 on the US album chart in 1997 with 'Evolution.'
The Backstreet Boys were forced to cancel a show in Madrid in 1997 after over 7,000 fans arrived for the 5,000 capacity show. More than 300 young girls had to be treated after fainting in the heat.
In 1999, Adrian Young drummer with No Doubt proposed to his girlfriend during a gig in San Francisco. Young came on to the stage before the bands encore and got down on bended knee with a ring, his girlfriend Nina accepted.
In 2005, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee suffered minor burns at a concert in Casper, Wyoming during a pyrotechnics explosion. Lee was treated at a local hospital for the injuries to his arm and face, which occurred while he was suspended from a wire 30 feet above the stage.
The photo-album 5x1: Pearl Jam Through the Eye of Lance Mercer is available on the band’s web site in 2006. With over 180 photos, the book shows Pearl Jam "like you've never seen them before." There are also essays on the band from R.E.M.'s Micheal Stipe, The Who's Pete Townshend, Bruce Springsteen and director Cameron Crowe.
47-year-old Robert Bouconi was arrested in 2006 on charges of fraud and forgery in Scottsdale, AZ, after being accused of impersonating former REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath. Bouconi faces up to 35 years in prison for allegedly pretending to be Richrath, fleecing victims out of money via a series of scams.
Today, Slayer presents “The Vinyl Conflict.” The vinyl box set features ten albums on eleven vinyl discs.
Sam Moore - Sam & Dave (1935)
Rick Parfitt - Status Quo (1948)
Jane Siberry (1955)
Pat DiNizzio - Smithereens (1955)
David Letts, (Dave Vanian) - The Damned (1956)
Bob Mould - Husker Du, Sugar (1960)
Martie Erwin - Chixie Dicks (1969)
Jordan Isaak Pundik - New Found Glory (1979)
They Are Missed:
Gene Vincent (Vincent Eugene Craddock), died from a perforated ulcer in 1971 (age 36). Appeared in the film, 'The Girl Can't Help It' with Jayne Mansfield. In 1960, while on tour in the UK, Vincent and songwriter Sharon Sheeley were seriously injured the car crash that killed Eddie Cochran.
Ricky Wilson of the B-52's died of complications from aids in 1985.
Born on this day in 1942, Melvin Franklin, vocals, The Temptations. He died on February 23, 1995.
Singer songwriter John Denver was killed when the light aircraft he was piloting crashed into Monterey Bay, California in 1997. Denver was 53.
Crooner Ray Conniff died in 2002.
Dickie Peterson, singer and bass player for Blue Cheer died of cancer in 2009.
Born on this day in 1935, Luciano Pavarotti, Italian singer. The album 'The Essential Pavorotti,' spent 72 weeks on the UK chart. He died on September 6, 2007.
History:
In 1944, Frank Sinatra returned to the Paramount Theatre to a huge crowd known as the "Columbus Day Riot". The crowd, 25,000 strong, started scuffling with police.
During an Australian tour in 1957, Little Richard publicly renounced rock 'n' roll and embraced God, telling a story of dreaming of his own damnation after praying to God when one of the engines on a plane he was on caught fire. Little Richard tossed four diamond rings into the Hunter River in Sydney, Australia, to prove that he was giving up rock-n-roll. He returned to music five years later.
In 1957, Buddy Holly & The Crickets, The Drifters and Chuck Berry all appeared at the Mission Beach Ballroom, San Diego, California.
Little Richard headlined a concert in Liverpool in 1962. One of the opening acts was the Beatles.
Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs started a five week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1963 with "Sugar Shack."
In 1965, working on their next album 'Rubber Soul' at Abbey Road Studio’s London, the Beatles recorded "Run For Your Life" in its entirety, in five takes. (Lennon later admited to lifting two lines from Elvis Presley's 1955 hit "Baby Let's Play House"). And another new Lennon song "This Bird Has Flown," later known as "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)". The track included George Harrison's double-tracked sitar part, the first appearance of that Indian instrument on a pop record.
Denny Laine left the Moody Blues in 1966.
In 1967, the Doors appeared at The Surf Club, Nantasket Beach, Massachusetts, supported by Ultimate Spinach.
Big Brother And The Holding Company went to #1 on the US album chart in 1968 with 'Cheap Thrills.'
The Jimi Hendrix Experience was formed in London in 1968.
Also in 1968, John Sebastian left the band Lovin' Spoonful to start his solo career.
In 1969, A DJ on Detroit's WKNR radio station received a phone call telling him that if you play The Beatles "Strawberry Fields Forever" backwards, you hear John Lennon say the words "I buried Paul." This started a worldwide rumour that Paul McCartney was dead.
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's "Jesus Christ Superstar" debuted on Broadway in 1970.
Elton John’s two record set 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' topped the chart in 1973.
Olivia Newton-John went to #1 on the US album chart in 1974 with 'If You Love Me, Let Me Know.'
In 1975, Rod Stewart and The Faces made their final live appearance when they played at Nassau Coliseum, Long Island.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark made their live debut at Eric's, Liverpool, England in 1978.
While he was living at the Chelsea Hotel in New York City in 1978, Sex Pistol Sid Vicious called the police to say that someone had stabbed his girlfriend Nancy Spungen. He was arrested and charged with murder and placed in the detox unit of a New York prison. Vicious died of a heroin overdose before his murder trial began.
Seven people were stabbed at a Blood, Sweat and Tears concert in Los Angeles in 1980.
Ready For The World went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1985 with "Oh Sheila."
Mariah Carey had her fifth #1 on the US singles chart in 1991 with "Emotions."
Nirvana's album, "Nevermind" was certified gold by the RIAA in 1991.
Tupac Shakur was released from prison in 1992 pending an appeal for sexual assault on $1.4 million bail.
"The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus", the film documentary, was released in 1996. The work had been filmed in December 1968.
Boyz II Men were at #1 on the US album chart in 1997 with 'Evolution.'
The Backstreet Boys were forced to cancel a show in Madrid in 1997 after over 7,000 fans arrived for the 5,000 capacity show. More than 300 young girls had to be treated after fainting in the heat.
In 1999, Adrian Young drummer with No Doubt proposed to his girlfriend during a gig in San Francisco. Young came on to the stage before the bands encore and got down on bended knee with a ring, his girlfriend Nina accepted.
In 2005, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee suffered minor burns at a concert in Casper, Wyoming during a pyrotechnics explosion. Lee was treated at a local hospital for the injuries to his arm and face, which occurred while he was suspended from a wire 30 feet above the stage.
The photo-album 5x1: Pearl Jam Through the Eye of Lance Mercer is available on the band’s web site in 2006. With over 180 photos, the book shows Pearl Jam "like you've never seen them before." There are also essays on the band from R.E.M.'s Micheal Stipe, The Who's Pete Townshend, Bruce Springsteen and director Cameron Crowe.
47-year-old Robert Bouconi was arrested in 2006 on charges of fraud and forgery in Scottsdale, AZ, after being accused of impersonating former REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath. Bouconi faces up to 35 years in prison for allegedly pretending to be Richrath, fleecing victims out of money via a series of scams.
Today, Slayer presents “The Vinyl Conflict.” The vinyl box set features ten albums on eleven vinyl discs.
Rhapsody Music Proclaims JPT Scare Band to be one of the 10 Essentials of Proto-metal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
After years of plying their frenzied, hard-rocking, acid blues trade in near obscurity, the love and accolades keep pouring in for JPT Scare Band. Rhapsody.com, one of the world’s biggest purveyors of digital music, just proclaimed them one of the “top 10 essentials of proto-metal.” Yep. Emphatically placed among such massive talents as Blue Oyster Cult, Deep Purple, Rainbow, and Judas Priest, you’ll find Kansas City’s JPT Scare Band.
“JPT Scare Band didn't release an album until the 1990s, yet the group has been recording its burly jams since the early '70s. If you dig thunderous proto-metal from the age of bell-bottoms and thick 'staches, then you need to explore Past is Prologue. This wonderfully raw mishmash of once-forgotten demos is proto-metal heaven, particularly the 13-minute opus "Sleeping Sickness." In 2007 Classic Rock magazine tagged the JPTs as "the lost pioneers of heavy metal." That's no overstatement. These dudes slayed with the best of them: Cactus, Black Pearl, Pentagram.”
Now, hot on the heels of the world’s new found awareness of JPT Scare Band, and their fuzzed out brand of all that is heavy, upstart indie label Ripple Music has released Acid Blues is the White Man’s Burden, another molten slab of massive acid blues with monstrously heavy riffs, scorching guitar solos, and mind-bending jams. Already getting rave reviews from the press, Acid Blues is the White Man’s Burden is carrying on the charge, leading JPT Scare Band into the next decade, riding an iron-clad battleship of heavy proto-metal.
The Rock and Roll Report has proclaimed that Acid Blues is the White Man’s Burden, “sizzles with fuzzy guitars, gritty vocals, and extended jam sessions that instantly transport you to what feels like a Hendrix concert. Terry Swope has got to be one of the world's most underrated guitarists! If you miss the glory days of Cream, Deep Purple, and Jimi Hendrix, you have to check out these uncovered gems from JPT Scare Band.” Here Comes the Flood decrees that Acid Blues “holds its own against famous niche sharers, such as Cream, Ten Years After, Rory Gallagher and the mighty Led Zeppelin!” and Sonic Abuse gushes that Acid Blues is simply a “gem to treasure.”
Acid Blues is the White Man’s Burden is available from Ripple Music in two-toned, gatefold, double-LP with two bonus tracks, Deluxe digipack CD, or digital at http://www.ripple-music.com/ and all fine music sites like iTunes, Digstation, Amazon, CD Baby, and eBay.
Don’t miss out on the revival of classic acid Proto-metal and the album that the infamous Roadburn Festival has hailed as the “Album of the Day!”
Click here for the full Rhapsody.com article: http://blog.rhapsody.com/2010/06/protometal.html
http://www.ripple-music.com/
For further information or promos for JPT Scare Band, please contact:
John Rancik
Ripple Music
ripplemusic9@aol.com
“JPT Scare Band didn't release an album until the 1990s, yet the group has been recording its burly jams since the early '70s. If you dig thunderous proto-metal from the age of bell-bottoms and thick 'staches, then you need to explore Past is Prologue. This wonderfully raw mishmash of once-forgotten demos is proto-metal heaven, particularly the 13-minute opus "Sleeping Sickness." In 2007 Classic Rock magazine tagged the JPTs as "the lost pioneers of heavy metal." That's no overstatement. These dudes slayed with the best of them: Cactus, Black Pearl, Pentagram.”
Now, hot on the heels of the world’s new found awareness of JPT Scare Band, and their fuzzed out brand of all that is heavy, upstart indie label Ripple Music has released Acid Blues is the White Man’s Burden, another molten slab of massive acid blues with monstrously heavy riffs, scorching guitar solos, and mind-bending jams. Already getting rave reviews from the press, Acid Blues is the White Man’s Burden is carrying on the charge, leading JPT Scare Band into the next decade, riding an iron-clad battleship of heavy proto-metal.
The Rock and Roll Report has proclaimed that Acid Blues is the White Man’s Burden, “sizzles with fuzzy guitars, gritty vocals, and extended jam sessions that instantly transport you to what feels like a Hendrix concert. Terry Swope has got to be one of the world's most underrated guitarists! If you miss the glory days of Cream, Deep Purple, and Jimi Hendrix, you have to check out these uncovered gems from JPT Scare Band.” Here Comes the Flood decrees that Acid Blues “holds its own against famous niche sharers, such as Cream, Ten Years After, Rory Gallagher and the mighty Led Zeppelin!” and Sonic Abuse gushes that Acid Blues is simply a “gem to treasure.”
Acid Blues is the White Man’s Burden is available from Ripple Music in two-toned, gatefold, double-LP with two bonus tracks, Deluxe digipack CD, or digital at http://www.ripple-music.com/ and all fine music sites like iTunes, Digstation, Amazon, CD Baby, and eBay.
Don’t miss out on the revival of classic acid Proto-metal and the album that the infamous Roadburn Festival has hailed as the “Album of the Day!”
Click here for the full Rhapsody.com article: http://blog.rhapsody.com/2010/06/protometal.html
http://www.ripple-music.com/
For further information or promos for JPT Scare Band, please contact:
John Rancik
Ripple Music
ripplemusic9@aol.com
The Rolling Stones Remastered Vinyl Box Sets
Hot Off the Press and Ready to Roll This November The Rolling Stones 1964-1969 & The Rolling Stones 1971-2005 Remastered Vinyl Box Sets
The Rolling Stones 1964-1969 Vinyl Box Set, a limited edition numbered box set collection, chronologically encompasses the Stones’ early U.K. releases. The set includes nine re-mastered Rolling Stones studio albums, two remastered EPs, plus two “Big Hits” collections. It’s the first vinyl reissue in decades for The Rolling Stones (EP), The Rolling Stones, Five by Five (EP), The Rolling Stones No. 2, Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass) and Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2).
The first five titles in the set are presented in their original mono format affording, for the first time in years, an opportunity for Stones fans to enjoy remastered versions of the tracks “I Can’t Be Satisfied,” “Time Is On My Side” (Version 2) and “Down the Road Apiece” as originally released. Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2) is included with its original octagonal cover and artwork intact. Metamorphosis is also included in the set; the album was first released in 1975 but is wholly comprised of tracks recorded from the early-to-late sixties. The inclusion of the band’s original two “Big Hits” collections was mandated by the fact that U.K. album releases in that era most often did not include contemporaneously released hit singles.
The world really was the Rolling Stones’ oyster in the seventies, as their escapades made headlines around the world from the French Riviera to Switzerland and via the U.S. and Canada. They performed groundbreaking concerts in arenas and moved effortlessly into open-air stadiums. They stuck their collective tongue out at the British establishment and became citizens of the world.
They set up their own label and made the most of their new-found artistic freedom and, most importantly, they issued a series of definitive studio albums: Sticky Fingers, Exile On Main Street, Goats Head Soup, It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll, Black And Blue and Some Girls. They partied at Studio 54, came up with dance-floor hits “Miss You” and “Emotional Rescue,” and recorded in Paris, Nassau, Jamaica and New York.
The eighties saw the band stretch the envelope further still, working with jazz great Sonny Rollins, film directors Julien Temple and Michael Lindsay-Hogg, and producers Chris Kimsey and Steve Lillywhite on classics such as Emotional Rescue, Tattoo You, Undercover, Dirty Work and Steel Wheels.
Throughout the next two decades they filmed with Scorsese, recorded with Don Was and released further groundbreaking albums–Voodoo Lounge and Bridges To Babylon, right up to 2005′s triumphant A Bigger Bang.
Fans now get a chance to rediscover many of their past favorites and unearth some forgotten gems along the way too …all re-mastered and sounding better than ever.
The two volumes, a compendium of the band’s U.K.-released studio recordings, will be marketed jointly by ABKCO and UMG and span the band’s output from the dawn of their recording career in early 1964 with the release of their debut LP The Rolling Stones, through to A Bigger Bang, originally released in 2005. Pressings in The Rolling Stones 1964-1969 and The Rolling Stones 1971-2005 Vinyl Box Sets are 180-gram virgin heavyweight vinyl and are part of the much lauded Back-to-Black classic vinyl reissue series.
Jody Klein, ABKCO Music and Records CEO, remarked, “With the current marketplace resurgence of vinyl, these collections are certain to delight both long-standing Stones fans as well as contemporary vinyl devotees. The quality of the pressings and the care with which these historic releases have been remastered is breathtaking.”
“We are honored to continue our campaign to preserve the Stones legacy with the highest quality sets for fans to enjoy,” added Bruce Resnikoff, President/CEO, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).
Andrew Kronfeld, Universal Music Group International’s Executive VP, International Marketing, said, “Vinyl was the Rolling Stones’ accomplice from day one, so this is the way to hear the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band. There’s nothing else to say… just listen.”
The Rolling Stones 1964-1969 Vinyl Box Set
The Rolling Stones 1964-1969 Vinyl Box Set:
The Rolling Stones (EP)*, original U.K. release January 10, 1964
The Rolling Stones*, original U.K. release April 17, 1964
Five By Five (EP)*, original U.K. release August 14, 1964
The Rolling Stones No. 2*, original U.K. release January 15, 1965
Out Of Our Heads*, original U.K. release September 24, 1965
Aftermath, original U.K. release April 15, 1966
Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass), original U.K. release November 4, 1966
Between The Buttons, original U.K. release January 20, 1967
Their Satanic Majesties Request, original U.K. release December 8, 1967
Beggars Banquet, original U.K. release December 5, 1968
Through The Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2), original U.K. release September 12, 1969
Let It Bleed, original U.K. release December 6, 1969
Metamorphosis, original U.K. release June 6, 1975
*Denotes recorded in mono
The Rolling Stones 1971-2005 Vinyl Box Set:
Sticky Fingers, original U.K. release April 23, 1971
Exile On Main Street, original U.K. release May 12, 1972
Goats Head Soup, original U.K. release August 31, 1973
It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll, original U.K. release October 18, 1974
Black And Blue, original U.K. release April 20, 1976
Some Girls, original U.K. release June 9, 1978
Emotional Rescue, original U.K. release June 23, 1980
Tattoo You, original U.K. release August 25, 1981
Undercover, original U.K. release November 7, 1983
Dirty Work, original U.K. release March 24, 1986
Steel Wheels, original U.K. release August 28, 1989
Voodoo Lounge (2 LPs), original U.K. release July 11, 1994
Bridges To Babylon (2 LPs), original U.K. release September 29, 1997
A Bigger Bang (2 LPs), original U.K. release Sept 5, 2005
ABOUT ABKCO:
ABKCO Music and Records is one of the world’s leading independent entertainment companies. It is home to critical catalog assets that include compositions and recordings by Sam Cooke, The Rolling Stones, Bobby Womack, The Animals, Herman’s Hermits, Marianne Faithfull, The Kinks as well as the Cameo Parkway masters by such artists as Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell, The Orlons, The Dovells, ? & The Mysterians, The Tymes and Dee Dee Sharp. ABKCO’s recent releases have included the soundtracks to Wes Anderson’s acclaimed The Darjeeling Limited and Fantastic Mr. Fox, the director’s first animated feature based on Roald Dahl’s book of the same title, as well as soundtracks to Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief , Middle Men and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. ABKCO is active on many fronts including the release of critically lauded compilations and reissues from its catalog, film and commercial placement of its master recordings and music publishing properties in all media. It is engaged in ongoing catalog research and development ensuring its continuing role as an innovator in the entertainment field. www.abkco.com
About Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is the world’s leading music company with wholly owned record operations or licensees in 77 countries. Its businesses also include Universal Music Publishing Group, the industry’s leading global music publishing operation.
Universal Music Group’s record labels include A&M/Octone, Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, Disa, Emarcy, Fonovisa, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, Lost Highway Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, Mercury Records, Polydor Records, Show Dog – Universal Music, Universal Motown Republic Group, Universal Music Latino and Verve Music Group as well as a multitude of record labels owned or distributed by its record company subsidiaries around the world. The Universal Music Group owns the most extensive catalog of music in the industry, which includes the last 100 years of the world’s most popular artists and their recordings. UMG’s catalog is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and Universal Strategic Marketing (outside the U.S.). Universal Music Group also includes eLabs, its new media and technologies division; Bravado, its merchandising company; and Twenty-First Artists, its full service management division.
Universal Music Group is a unit of Vivendi, a global media and communications company.
SOURCE ABKCO/Universal Music Group
http://www.abkco.com/
Steinway & Sons Announces New Record Label
LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Steinway & Sons today announced the launch of its new Steinway & Sons record label. The first release on this label, Bach On A Steinway, debuted last week at #3 on the Billboard Traditional Classical Album Chart.
Bach On A Steinway features keyboard masterworks by J. S. Bach as performed by virtuoso pianist Jeffrey Biegel, whose extensive embellishments and ornaments in a Baroque style give the recording a unique flavor. The album was produced by 15-time Grammy® winner Steven Epstein.
"Biegel is a sensitive and imaginative interpreter who brings this music to life," writes Jed Distler of ClassicsToday.com. "This auspicious and superbly engineered debut bodes well for the success of this new label."
Until corrective surgery at the age of 3, Jeffrey Biegel was unable to hear or speak. The "reverse Beethoven" phenomenon can explain Mr. Biegel's life in music, having heard only vibrations in his formative years. His electrifying technique and mesmerizing touch have garnered Mr. Biegel much critical acclaim, including high praise from Leonard Bernstein – who called him "a splendid musician and a brilliant performer."
The Steinway & Sons label will highlight stars from Steinway's Concert & Artist program performing on exceptional Steinway grand pianos. Each of the planned four releases per year will feature a repertoire with broad appeal.
"The opportunity to bring the talents of Steinway Artists to the public through new recordings, impeccably produced and engineered, has always been an exciting concept for us at Steinway & Sons," said Ron Losby, President, Steinway & Sons – Americas. "We are thrilled with the early success of this new venture."
Recordings on the Steinway & Sons label are produced by ArkivMusic, LLC, a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc., and can be purchased at ArkivMusic.com, Amazon.com, iTunes and other fine music retailers. Naxos of America is the exclusive wholesale distributor for the label.
About Steinway & Sons
Since 1853, Steinway pianos have set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty, and investment value. Steinway remains the choice of 9 out of 10 concert artists, and it is the preferred piano of countless musicians, professional and amateur, throughout the world. For more information, visit www.steinway.com.
About ArkivMusic
ArkivMusic, The Source for Classical Music (www.arkivmusic.com) is an online retailer of classical music. ArkivMusic has the largest selection of classical music recordings in the U.S., with access to over 90,000 titles from over 1,500 labels, including over 9,000 titles in its ArkivCD reissue program of manufacturing previously out-of-print recordings on a just-in-time basis.
Press Contacts:
Anthony Gilroy
Steinway & Sons
agilroy@steinway.com
(718) 204-3116
Amanda Sweet
Bucklesweet Media
amanda@bucklesweetmedia.com
(202) 636-3507
SOURCE Steinway & Sons
Bach On A Steinway features keyboard masterworks by J. S. Bach as performed by virtuoso pianist Jeffrey Biegel, whose extensive embellishments and ornaments in a Baroque style give the recording a unique flavor. The album was produced by 15-time Grammy® winner Steven Epstein.
"Biegel is a sensitive and imaginative interpreter who brings this music to life," writes Jed Distler of ClassicsToday.com. "This auspicious and superbly engineered debut bodes well for the success of this new label."
Until corrective surgery at the age of 3, Jeffrey Biegel was unable to hear or speak. The "reverse Beethoven" phenomenon can explain Mr. Biegel's life in music, having heard only vibrations in his formative years. His electrifying technique and mesmerizing touch have garnered Mr. Biegel much critical acclaim, including high praise from Leonard Bernstein – who called him "a splendid musician and a brilliant performer."
The Steinway & Sons label will highlight stars from Steinway's Concert & Artist program performing on exceptional Steinway grand pianos. Each of the planned four releases per year will feature a repertoire with broad appeal.
"The opportunity to bring the talents of Steinway Artists to the public through new recordings, impeccably produced and engineered, has always been an exciting concept for us at Steinway & Sons," said Ron Losby, President, Steinway & Sons – Americas. "We are thrilled with the early success of this new venture."
Recordings on the Steinway & Sons label are produced by ArkivMusic, LLC, a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc., and can be purchased at ArkivMusic.com, Amazon.com, iTunes and other fine music retailers. Naxos of America is the exclusive wholesale distributor for the label.
About Steinway & Sons
Since 1853, Steinway pianos have set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty, and investment value. Steinway remains the choice of 9 out of 10 concert artists, and it is the preferred piano of countless musicians, professional and amateur, throughout the world. For more information, visit www.steinway.com.
About ArkivMusic
ArkivMusic, The Source for Classical Music (www.arkivmusic.com) is an online retailer of classical music. ArkivMusic has the largest selection of classical music recordings in the U.S., with access to over 90,000 titles from over 1,500 labels, including over 9,000 titles in its ArkivCD reissue program of manufacturing previously out-of-print recordings on a just-in-time basis.
Press Contacts:
Anthony Gilroy
Steinway & Sons
agilroy@steinway.com
(718) 204-3116
Amanda Sweet
Bucklesweet Media
amanda@bucklesweetmedia.com
(202) 636-3507
SOURCE Steinway & Sons
Monday, October 11, 2010
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales Week - Ending 10/09/2010
It's a Beatles sandwich this week, with a one-of-a-kind acetate on the top of the list, and another "Please Please Me" at the bottom. The Beatles acetate contains recordings of songs that ended up on "A Hard Day's Night", but reportedly with several alternate takes available nowhere else.
1. LP - The Beatles IBC Studio Acetate - $7,966.00
2. LP - Hailu Mergia & The Walis Band "Ethiopian Instrumentals" Kaifa Greek Pressing - $4,250.00
3. 45 - Jimmy Burns "I Really Love You" / "I Love You Girl" Erica - $4,216.00
4. 78 - Charley Patton "Shake It And Break It But Don't Let It Fall Mama" / "A Spoonful Blues" Paramount - $4,083.00
5. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone UK Gold Black label 1st Stereo - $3,259.69
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/
Top 5 eBayVinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 10/02/2010
A Beatles "Please Please Me" revisits the top of the list. For the first time in many months two Northern Soul records make the list, and a little known Psych record from 1970 rounds out the Top 5.
1. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone UK Gold Black label 1st Stereo - $3,750.00
2. 45 - Frankie Beverly and The Butlers "Because Of My Heart" / "I Want To Feel I'm Wanted" Fairmount - $2,850.00
3. LP - Sonny Clark "Cool Struttin'" Blue Note 1588 - $2,701.99
4. 45 - The Royal Imperials "This Heart Of Mine" / "Keep It Up Baby" Mello Town - $2,590.00
5. LP - Tripsichord "Music Box" San Francisco Sound - $2,555.00
It's a Beatles sandwich this week, with a one-of-a-kind acetate on the top of the list, and another "Please Please Me" at the bottom. The Beatles acetate contains recordings of songs that ended up on "A Hard Day's Night", but reportedly with several alternate takes available nowhere else.
1. LP - The Beatles IBC Studio Acetate - $7,966.00
2. LP - Hailu Mergia & The Walis Band "Ethiopian Instrumentals" Kaifa Greek Pressing - $4,250.00
3. 45 - Jimmy Burns "I Really Love You" / "I Love You Girl" Erica - $4,216.00
4. 78 - Charley Patton "Shake It And Break It But Don't Let It Fall Mama" / "A Spoonful Blues" Paramount - $4,083.00
5. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone UK Gold Black label 1st Stereo - $3,259.69
Top 5 eBayVinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 10/02/2010
A Beatles "Please Please Me" revisits the top of the list. For the first time in many months two Northern Soul records make the list, and a little known Psych record from 1970 rounds out the Top 5.
1. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone UK Gold Black label 1st Stereo - $3,750.00
2. 45 - Frankie Beverly and The Butlers "Because Of My Heart" / "I Want To Feel I'm Wanted" Fairmount - $2,850.00
3. LP - Sonny Clark "Cool Struttin'" Blue Note 1588 - $2,701.99
4. 45 - The Royal Imperials "This Heart Of Mine" / "Keep It Up Baby" Mello Town - $2,590.00
5. LP - Tripsichord "Music Box" San Francisco Sound - $2,555.00
Sunday, October 10, 2010
This Date In Music History - October 10
Birthdays:
Denis Daiziel - Honeycombs (1943)
Alan Cartwright - Procol Harum (1945)
Jerry Lacroix - Blood Sweat & Tears (1945)
John Prine (1946)
Cyril Neville - Neville Brothers (1948)
Sharon Osbourne (1952)
David Lee Roth - Van Halen & solo (1955)
Tanya Tucker (1955)
Al Connelly - Glass Tiger (1960)
Eric Martin - Mr. Big (1960)
Martin Kemp - Spandau Ballet (1961)
Jim Glennie - James (1963)
Jonny Male - Republica (1963)
Graham Crabb - Pop Will Eat Itself (1964)
Mike Malinin - Goo Goo Dolls (1967)
Dean Roland - Collective Soul (1972)
Richard Oakes - Suede (1976)
Mya (1979)
They Are Missed:
Singer, songwriter and actor Hoyt Axton died of a heart attack in Victor, Montana in 1999 (age 61). Wrote songs for, Elvis Presley, Three Dog Night, (1971 US #1 hit "Joy To The World"), John Denver, Ringo Starr, Glen Campbell. His mother Mae Boren Axton wrote "Heartbreak Hotel."
In 2009, Boyzone singer Stephen Gately died suddenly at the age of 33 while on holiday in Majorca. Spanish police said there were no signs of suspicious circumstances, but the cause of death was not yet known. Gately was on holiday with his long-term partner Andy Cowles.
Born on this day in 1959, Kirsty MacColl, UK singer, songwriter. MacColl was killed in a boating accident on December 18, 2000.
History:
In 1902, the Gibson Mandolin guitar company was formed. Gibson's first electric guitar the ES-150 was produced in 1936, and in 1946 Gibson introduced the P-90 single coil pickup, which was eventually used on the first Les Paul model made in 1952.
The real Eleanor Rigby died in her sleep of unknown causes in 1939 (age 44). The 1966 Beatles' song that featured her name wasn't written about her, as Paul McCartney's first draft of the song named the character Miss Daisy Hawkins. Eleanor Rigby's tombstone was noticed in the 1980s in the graveyard of St. Peter's Parish Church in Woolton, Liverpool, a few feet from where McCartney and Lennon had met for the first time in 1957.
Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender" entered the US chart in 1956 for a 19 week stay, peaking at #1 for 5 weeks. The song, from Presley's first film of the same name, was adapted from the tune "Aura Lee", written in 1861.
The Quarry Men played at the Casbah Coffee Club, Liverpool in 1959. Ken Brown, suffering from a heavy cold was unable to perform and after the show, an argument started when Paul McCartney says that Brown should not get a share of the performance fee since he had not performed. Lennon and Harrison side with McCartney and Brown quits The Quarry Men. That's just wrong, he should have been paid......
Barry Gordy's first release on the newly established Motown Records, "Bad Girls" by The Miracles, entered the Billboard Pop chart in 1959.
Larry Verne went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1960 with "Mr Custer."
In 1962, the BBC banned the song "Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett. They deemed it too "offensive." Hye Redcoat --- Boo!
During a UK tour in 1964, the Beatles appeared at De Montfort Hall in Leicester. Ringo Starr drove himself to the venue after taking delivery of a brand new Facel Vega, apparently reaching speeds of 140 MPH on the M6 motorway.
Shangri-Las released the Girl-group staple "Leader Of The Pack" in 1964.
The Supremes made their first appearance on the "Ed Sullivan Show" in 1965.
The Beach Boys signature song, the three-minute epic “Good Vibrations,” was released in 1966. A couple weeks later it’s #1.
The peerless cut "Tears Of A Clown" was released by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles in 1970.
In an attempt to “cheaply” fill a previously dead weekend time slot, NBC launches Saturday Night Live in 1975. Over the next three decades the program showcases countless Rock acts but on the opening night, hosted by comedian George Carlin, the musical highlight was actor/performance artist Andy Kaufman singing the Mighty Mouse theme.
Singer Steve Perry joined Journey in 1977. He replaces Robert Fleischmann, who was fired. Perry’s first performance with the band happens two-and-a-half weeks later.
In 1978, Joe Perry and Steve Tyler from Aerosmith were injured after a cherry bomb was thrown on stage during a gig in Philadelphia. The group performed behind a safety fence for the rest of the tour.
"The Rose," starring Bette Midler, premiered in Los Angeles, CA in 1979.
In 1980, the funeral took place of Led Zeppelin's drummer John Bonham. ‘Bonzo’ was found dead (age 32) at guitarist's Jimmy Page's house of what was described as asphyxiation, after inhaling his own vomit after excessive vodka consumption, (40 shots in 4 hours).
Whitesnake went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1987 with "Here I Go Again."
The U2 album "Rattle and Hum" was released in 1988.
Garth Brooks went to #1 on the US album chart in 1992 with, 'The Chase.' The album spent 35 weeks on the chart and sold over 6m copies.
No Doubt release their extraordinarily popular (fifteen million in sales) “Tragic Kingdom” LP in 1995.
*NSYNC went to #2 on the US album chart in 1998 with their self-titled debut album.
A charity auction selling Elvis Presley's belongings was held at The Grand Hotel, Las Vegas in 1999. A wristwatch sold for $32,500, a cigar box $25,000, an autographed baseball sold for $19,000 and a 1956 Lincoln Continental sold for $250,000.
Teenager Christina Aguilera went to #1 on the UK singles chart in 1999 with "Genie In A Bottle." The song spent 5 weeks at #1 on the US chart and won Aguilera the Best New Artist Grammy for the year.
Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction) appeared on the debut episode of VH1 Classic's Decades Rock Live series in 2005. The one-hour program features footage from a Doors tribute concert that included Farrell and other artists performing with founding Doors members Ray Manzarek (keyboards) and Robby Krieger (guitar).
Radiohead's seventh album, "In Rainbows," was available for digital downloads on a pay-what-you-like basis in 2007. Over 60 percent of those who download the album worldwide pay absolutely nothing.
In 2007, Sting topped a list of the worst lyricists ever, for such alleged sins as name-dropping Russian novelist Vladimir Nabokov in the Police tune "Don't Stand So Close to Me," quoting a Volvo bumper sticker ("If You Love Someone Set Them Free"), and co-opting the works of Chaucer, St. Augustine and Shakespeare. The survey in Blender magazine placed Rush drummer Neil Peart at No. 2, Creed frontman Scott Stapp at No. 3 and Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher at No. 4 saying Gallagher "seemed incapable of following a metaphor through a single line, let alone a whole verse."
Pearl Jam went to #1 on the US album chart in 2009 with ‘Backspacer’, the group’s ninth studio album.
In 2010, Kid Rock, a Detroit native, teams with the NFL's Detoit Lions to donated 500 tickets to the National Guard and the Paralyzed Veterans Association for a game against the St. Louis Rams at Ford Field. The Detroit Lions?
Denis Daiziel - Honeycombs (1943)
Alan Cartwright - Procol Harum (1945)
Jerry Lacroix - Blood Sweat & Tears (1945)
John Prine (1946)
Cyril Neville - Neville Brothers (1948)
Sharon Osbourne (1952)
David Lee Roth - Van Halen & solo (1955)
Tanya Tucker (1955)
Al Connelly - Glass Tiger (1960)
Eric Martin - Mr. Big (1960)
Martin Kemp - Spandau Ballet (1961)
Jim Glennie - James (1963)
Jonny Male - Republica (1963)
Graham Crabb - Pop Will Eat Itself (1964)
Mike Malinin - Goo Goo Dolls (1967)
Dean Roland - Collective Soul (1972)
Richard Oakes - Suede (1976)
Mya (1979)
They Are Missed:
Singer, songwriter and actor Hoyt Axton died of a heart attack in Victor, Montana in 1999 (age 61). Wrote songs for, Elvis Presley, Three Dog Night, (1971 US #1 hit "Joy To The World"), John Denver, Ringo Starr, Glen Campbell. His mother Mae Boren Axton wrote "Heartbreak Hotel."
In 2009, Boyzone singer Stephen Gately died suddenly at the age of 33 while on holiday in Majorca. Spanish police said there were no signs of suspicious circumstances, but the cause of death was not yet known. Gately was on holiday with his long-term partner Andy Cowles.
Born on this day in 1959, Kirsty MacColl, UK singer, songwriter. MacColl was killed in a boating accident on December 18, 2000.
History:
In 1902, the Gibson Mandolin guitar company was formed. Gibson's first electric guitar the ES-150 was produced in 1936, and in 1946 Gibson introduced the P-90 single coil pickup, which was eventually used on the first Les Paul model made in 1952.
The real Eleanor Rigby died in her sleep of unknown causes in 1939 (age 44). The 1966 Beatles' song that featured her name wasn't written about her, as Paul McCartney's first draft of the song named the character Miss Daisy Hawkins. Eleanor Rigby's tombstone was noticed in the 1980s in the graveyard of St. Peter's Parish Church in Woolton, Liverpool, a few feet from where McCartney and Lennon had met for the first time in 1957.
Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender" entered the US chart in 1956 for a 19 week stay, peaking at #1 for 5 weeks. The song, from Presley's first film of the same name, was adapted from the tune "Aura Lee", written in 1861.
The Quarry Men played at the Casbah Coffee Club, Liverpool in 1959. Ken Brown, suffering from a heavy cold was unable to perform and after the show, an argument started when Paul McCartney says that Brown should not get a share of the performance fee since he had not performed. Lennon and Harrison side with McCartney and Brown quits The Quarry Men. That's just wrong, he should have been paid......
Barry Gordy's first release on the newly established Motown Records, "Bad Girls" by The Miracles, entered the Billboard Pop chart in 1959.
Larry Verne went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1960 with "Mr Custer."
In 1962, the BBC banned the song "Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett. They deemed it too "offensive." Hye Redcoat --- Boo!
During a UK tour in 1964, the Beatles appeared at De Montfort Hall in Leicester. Ringo Starr drove himself to the venue after taking delivery of a brand new Facel Vega, apparently reaching speeds of 140 MPH on the M6 motorway.
Shangri-Las released the Girl-group staple "Leader Of The Pack" in 1964.
The Supremes made their first appearance on the "Ed Sullivan Show" in 1965.
The Beach Boys signature song, the three-minute epic “Good Vibrations,” was released in 1966. A couple weeks later it’s #1.
The peerless cut "Tears Of A Clown" was released by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles in 1970.
In an attempt to “cheaply” fill a previously dead weekend time slot, NBC launches Saturday Night Live in 1975. Over the next three decades the program showcases countless Rock acts but on the opening night, hosted by comedian George Carlin, the musical highlight was actor/performance artist Andy Kaufman singing the Mighty Mouse theme.
Singer Steve Perry joined Journey in 1977. He replaces Robert Fleischmann, who was fired. Perry’s first performance with the band happens two-and-a-half weeks later.
In 1978, Joe Perry and Steve Tyler from Aerosmith were injured after a cherry bomb was thrown on stage during a gig in Philadelphia. The group performed behind a safety fence for the rest of the tour.
"The Rose," starring Bette Midler, premiered in Los Angeles, CA in 1979.
In 1980, the funeral took place of Led Zeppelin's drummer John Bonham. ‘Bonzo’ was found dead (age 32) at guitarist's Jimmy Page's house of what was described as asphyxiation, after inhaling his own vomit after excessive vodka consumption, (40 shots in 4 hours).
Whitesnake went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1987 with "Here I Go Again."
The U2 album "Rattle and Hum" was released in 1988.
Garth Brooks went to #1 on the US album chart in 1992 with, 'The Chase.' The album spent 35 weeks on the chart and sold over 6m copies.
No Doubt release their extraordinarily popular (fifteen million in sales) “Tragic Kingdom” LP in 1995.
*NSYNC went to #2 on the US album chart in 1998 with their self-titled debut album.
A charity auction selling Elvis Presley's belongings was held at The Grand Hotel, Las Vegas in 1999. A wristwatch sold for $32,500, a cigar box $25,000, an autographed baseball sold for $19,000 and a 1956 Lincoln Continental sold for $250,000.
Teenager Christina Aguilera went to #1 on the UK singles chart in 1999 with "Genie In A Bottle." The song spent 5 weeks at #1 on the US chart and won Aguilera the Best New Artist Grammy for the year.
Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction) appeared on the debut episode of VH1 Classic's Decades Rock Live series in 2005. The one-hour program features footage from a Doors tribute concert that included Farrell and other artists performing with founding Doors members Ray Manzarek (keyboards) and Robby Krieger (guitar).
Radiohead's seventh album, "In Rainbows," was available for digital downloads on a pay-what-you-like basis in 2007. Over 60 percent of those who download the album worldwide pay absolutely nothing.
In 2007, Sting topped a list of the worst lyricists ever, for such alleged sins as name-dropping Russian novelist Vladimir Nabokov in the Police tune "Don't Stand So Close to Me," quoting a Volvo bumper sticker ("If You Love Someone Set Them Free"), and co-opting the works of Chaucer, St. Augustine and Shakespeare. The survey in Blender magazine placed Rush drummer Neil Peart at No. 2, Creed frontman Scott Stapp at No. 3 and Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher at No. 4 saying Gallagher "seemed incapable of following a metaphor through a single line, let alone a whole verse."
Pearl Jam went to #1 on the US album chart in 2009 with ‘Backspacer’, the group’s ninth studio album.
In 2010, Kid Rock, a Detroit native, teams with the NFL's Detoit Lions to donated 500 tickets to the National Guard and the Paralyzed Veterans Association for a game against the St. Louis Rams at Ford Field. The Detroit Lions?
Saturday, October 9, 2010
John Lennon: He Asked to Give Peace a Chance
Speaking about his future music on the day of his death: “I've always considered my work one piece and I consider that my work won't be finished until I am dead and buried and I hope that's a long, long time.” (RKO Radio, 1980)
He dreamed of world peace. He was an artist, poet and an outspoken voice of the hippie generation. He was an influential musician, a peace activist, an absent father and a devoted lover and husband. He abused alcohol and drugs, sneered at normality, yet took time off from his rock and roll career to raise his son. But most of all, he was a Beatle. He was and still is - John Winston Lennon.
Born in Liverpool on October 9, 1940, John Lennon was shot to death on December 8, 1980 by a fanatical fan. The world mourned his death as millions grieved for the man who was the heart and soul of the world's best rock and roll band, the Beatles.
He had an unusual childhood, shuttled back and forth between his mother Julia and her sister Mimi. John eventually spent his formative years with his aunt Mimi and Uncle George and as Mimi recalls, "His mind was going the whole time, and it was either drawing, or writing poetry, or reading."
Yet, he was an unruly, stubborn and a disobedient, troubled youth. He failed at art school, yet swore to his aunt that "one of these days I'm going to be famous and you'll be sorry."
John had a premonition of things to come, as he knew he was a bit different than most people. As he looked back, he explained: "I always knew I was going to make it, but I wasn't sure in what manifestation. I knew it was just a matter of time."
There are many words to describe John Lennon. He called himself a leader, yet did some of his best work alone. He was an alleged wife beater, very outspoken, often putting out controversial quotes to the media; either to make a point or just to be outlandish. But when he spoke, people listened.
He was a partner with his boyhood friend, Paul McCartney and together they left a musical writing partnership and a legacy that are unequaled to this day and may never be. The Beatles, with their producer George Martin, changed music in dramatic fashion, with studio techniques that had never been attempted.
They pioneered the concept album with "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," which the editors of Rolling Stone magazine list as the greatest rock album of the rock era.
He had the attention of our government with his antiwar protests and at one point was under FBI investigation. He sang of love and peace and living in harmony, with all people coming together as one. There are some who called him a genius. He could be nasty and meanspirited, yet at times was overly compassionate and loving. He fought his demons and it seems he was winning, until December 8, 1980.
We can only recall his career, from the beginning, until the end and who doesn't know the story about the four lads from Liverpool. He was part of the group that changed rock and roll music history.
We can only wonder what John Lennon would be doing if he were alive today. How active would he be in promoting world peace? Would the Beatles have ever gotten back together? Would he still be creating wonderfully crafted rock and roll songs? All we can do is Imagine, and that is the shame of it all.
Michael Fremer Album Review
(new)
Joanna Newsom
Drag City DC 390 3 LPs
Produced by: Joanna Newsom
Engineered by: TJ Doherty, Noah Georgeson, Ryan Francesconi, Dana Gumbiner, Neal Morg
Mixed by: Noah Georgeson, Jim O'Rourke
Mastered by: Steve Rooke at Abbey Road
Newsom Has A Lot To Say On This 3 LP Fairy Tale
by Michael Fremer
October 01, 2010
Music
The precedent for this sprawling, personal three record set might be Joni Mitchell’s Blue but don’t expect to be humming the tunes as you head for the exits.
Newsom may turn you on, but she’s not a radio. This album of exquisitely orchestrated and expertly performed “Appalachian chamber rock” (my concocted term) consists of time-signature shifting, melodically twisty late afternoon vignettes that combine Newsom’s child-like voice and curiosity with very adult themes. The mood is consistent with the melancholy found in Appalachian music, though it incorporates more whimsy.
Playing piano and harp and backed by small string ensembles augmented with brass and woodwind, Newsom weaves a rich tapestry of complex melodic invention and a rich narrative that will take numerous plays to decipher and process—though don't be surprised if you never manage it.
Fortunately, the sumptuously produced box set includes a full sized booklet containing the lyrics—not that they will be all that helpful in figuring out their meaning.
The sprawling title track may sound like a rousing drinking song but it’s not quite that, though eventually it gets to the drink but not before it takes you on a long circuitous path filled with unknown characters referred to on a first name basis, some of whom are royalty.
The fairy tale-like song references spiders, guards, a spent relationship with someone she calls “daddy longlegs”and don’t ask me what most of it or any of it means but the strongly rendered images are both abstract and immediate.
“Miss Montez, the Countess of Lansfield,appealed to the King of Bavaria,saying, ‘Pretty papa, if you are my friend—mister daddy longlegs, they are at it again!—Can I see you?’Poor Lola! A tarantula’s mountingCountess Lansfeld’s Handsome brassiere, while they all cheer”
Got that?
Most of the images are of a bucolic nature and the songs set in a countryside long gone. Even when snippets begin to make sense and a story appears, they quickly dissolve into ambiguity.
The sad “Baby Birch” moves slowly and appears to be about child abandonment but it changes tempo, takes on a stronger rhythmic thrust and ends with the singer skinning a rabbit and saying to it “ ‘wherever you go, little runaway bunny, I will find you.’ And then she ran, as they’re liable to do.”
Say, what?
Some of the songs are more easily understood but the denseness of the lyrics combined with the melodic diffuseness makes for ambiguous, mysterious, and at first somewhat difficult listening.
The three record spread makes absorbing the set easier in that you can play a side and retire to something more familiar and then come back for another side or two.
Don’t get the wrong impression: the listening pleasure is inversely proportional to the comprehension difficulties, for this is a gorgeous sounding production. You’ll hardly believe your ears when you hear the exquisitely rendered instruments and the clarity and solidity of the images.
It will take but a few seconds for you to note the luxurious quality of the production; the transparency, textural purity and harmonic perfection of the instruments and the pristine vocal recording. The LP set was mastered by Steve Rooke at Abbey Road, probably DMM but I'm not sure where it was pressed. The pressing quality is excellent overall, but the handling was less than perfect and two of the three records were scuffed, though only one small one "played."
So while you may have difficulty with the lyrics and it will take some time for the melodic lines to develop, the gorgeous sound will immediately sweep you away as your mind works to process and untangle the dense layers of Ms. Newsom’s multi-layered, transformative music.
Save for Sufjan Stevens, I’m not sure any other young musician today combines the musical, compositional, lyrical abilities and the sonic sensitivities twenty eight year old Joanna Newsom has consistently shown on her three studio albums.
Her last one, Ys (see review on this site) was engineered by Steve Albini, mixed by Jim O’Rourke and arranged by Van Dyke Parks, so don’t think the production here is a fluke. She knows what she wants.
Newsom has been dating SNL regular Andy Samberg, so clearly she’s got a good sense of humor and probably enjoys “Dick in a box,” which if you haven’t seen you should! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhwbxEfy7fg
Topping all of this off, she has incredible legs, which she shows more than a few times in this thankfully dick-less box.
Have One on Me gets the highest recommendation for music and sound.
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