Monday, November 22, 2010

New Documentary LENNONNYC Premieres Tonight


As we approach the 30th anniversary of his death and two months after what would have been Lennon's 70th birthday (Oct. 9), we are again seeing Yoko Ono keep a firm grip on Lennon's legacy (I, for one, applaud her work in this regard).  Already completed or in the works (among other projects) are:  three new books, two movies, and an 11-CD Signature box set.  Up next is tonight's revealing new documentary, LENNONYC (which coinidently arrives on DVD by Christmas).

I don't normally talk about television shows, however, if you can check your local listings, the LENNONNYC special is certainly must watch TV (can you tell I am a Lennon fan?)

The documentary focuses on the New York years of Lennon's and Ono's lives. The film unearths fascinating glimpses of Lennon recording his legendary album 'Double Fantasy' and is also filled witty banter and candid home video. Much of his iconic solo work, including "Woman," "Mind Games" and "I'm Losing You," was written at his home on Manhattan's Upper West Side.  It also chronicles his music and almost political career in the early ’70s, as he fought deportation while fronting a protest band called Elephant’s Memory, whose members recall their amazement at being adopted by a Beatle.

The Dakota




Here is a preview of the documentary:

Autographed Copy Of 'Double Fantasy' On The Market Again

The copy of the 'Double Fantasy' album that John Lennon signed for his killer is up for sale again. The autographed album went on sale today for $850,000. The anonymous buyer is selling the album for more than 5 times what the buyer had originally paid for it.  Given the fact that could be the most important rock and roll artifact ever, maybe the album is appropriately valued. But, how can you place a value on something so rare?

The album's original owner, Phillip Michael, was a maintenance worker who found the album outside the Manhattan apartment building where Lennon's killer, Mark David Chapman, murdered the legendary singer-songwriter just moments earlier. Apparently, Michael had submitted the album to police, who later returned it to him after the investigation into Lennon's death on December 8, 1980. Nearly two decades later, Michael sold it to an anonymous buyer for $165,000.

Photographer Paul Goresh took a now infamous photo of the moment as Lennon signed the album.












Lennon signing Chapman's Double Fantasy album a few hours before the shooting.

With the approaching 30th anniversary of Lennon's death, along with Chapman's most recent denial of parole in September, has only added to the notoriety of Lennon's murder and the value of the album. It will be interesting to see what it sells for.......

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Records Sales - Week Ending 11/20/2010

Soul 45's take the top two spots on the list for the first time in many months, and both bid up well over $5k. A very low number White Album and two classical records round out this week's list.





1. 45 rpm  - Fluorescent Smogg "All My Life" / "Little Joe" W.G. - $7,406.05

2. 45 rpm - Ray Agee "Hard Loving Woman" / "I'm Losing Again" Soultown - $7,100.00

3. LP - The Beatles "White Album" Mono UK Pressing #0000092 - $4,956.29

4. LP - Lee-Makanowitzky "Beethoven Sonatas" Lumen Box Set French Pressing - $4,000.00

5. LP - Stross Q. Markel "Beethoven String Quartets" Aarton 8277 - $2,500.00


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

Music News & Notes

The White Stripes Reissue First Three Albums

The White Stripes are set to reissue their first three studios albums — 1999’s debut LP, 2000’s 'De Stijl,' and 2001’s 'White Blood Cells,' on November 30th on frontman Jack White’s personal imprint, Third Man Records.

All three records have been out of print since 2005 and according to the label, “the utmost care was taken in presenting these records in the best way possible.” Here is what White had to say:

"We started by mastering each LP from the original analog master tapes, the first time this process had been used for any of these titles. While extremely labor-intensive, this method ensured that the material was never converted into a digital signal. The result is an audio quality that stiffens the hairs on the back of your neck.

“We pressed each record on 180-gram vinyl, again, the first time any of these three albums have been afforded this superior vinyl weight.

“For artwork, we started from scratch and went back and tracked down all the source material, working from the original photographic prints to provide the crispest versions possible of these album covers.

“From there, we printed the artwork on the deluxe old-style, tip-on sleeves from the wonderful folks at Stoughton Printing in California. This process involves printing the artwork on on sheet of paper (a slick) which is then folded over and hand-glued to a heavy board blank jacket. The difference in the final product of a tip-on sleeve as opposed to a regular, direct-to-board sleeve is akin to the difference between hardcover and paperback books.”

Each record will come with a coupon for mp3 downloads of the entire album. For the collectors, Third Man pressed limited numbers of each title on split-color red and white vinyl.

All three albums will be available on black vinyl for purchase from the label’s online store starting on November 30th.

The split-color and black vinyl of The White Stripes will be available for purchase on November 30th at Third Man Records’ Nashville, Tennessee HQ, with the split-color and black vinyl of De Stijl and White Blood Cells to follow on December 7th and December 14th, respectively.

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Black Friday Vinyl Releases

This Friday (deemed 'Black Friday') there is another batch of special, limited edition vinyl records that will be released courtesy of Record Store Day.

Drumroll!!!

Limited Black Friday Releases Include:

Badly Drawn Boy – It’s What I’m Thinking LP & download card
The Beatnuts – The Beatnuts (vinyl-only reissue of debut) 2-LP
George Benson – White Rabbit LP
Black Crowes – Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys 10” picture disc
Black Keys – Brothers (two 180-gram 45-RPM LPs w/ bonus CD & 10”)
The Bug – Infected EP 12” single
Cage the Elephant – Shake Me Down 7” single & download card
Cee-Lo Green – F**k You 12” single
Dr. Dog – four brand new songs on a double 7”
The Doors – The Doors 180-gram mono LP
Drive By Truckers – The Thanksgiving Filter 10” & download card
Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’ / Like A Rolling Stone (2010 mono version) 7” red-vinyl single
Roky Erickson w/ The Black Angels – Night of the Vampire DVD
Gaslight Anthem – Tumbling Dice b/w She Loves You 7”
Grinderman – Heathen Child w/ Robert Fripp on the b-side 12” single
George Harrison – All Things Must Pass 180-gram 3-LP
Harvey Milk – Harvey Milk 2-LP
The Heavy – How You Like Me Now 10” EP
Jimi Hendrix – Little Drummer Boy, Silent Night / Auld Lang Syne
Freddie Hubbard – Red Clay LP
Inspectah Deck – Manifesto Redux (Dub Step) CD
Iron & Wine – Walking Far From Home (CD & LP single)
Sharon Jones – I Learned the Hard Way (7” Box w/10 bonus tracks & color booklet)
Killing Joke – Absolute Dissent 2-CD
Metallica – Live at Grimey’s CD or LP
MGMT – Congratulations/Congratulations (Erol Alkan Remix) gatefold 7” single w/ 20-page illustrated story book
OFF! – First Four EPs 7” box set w/ Raymond Pettibone arwork
Pantera – Cowboys from Hell: The Demos LP
Queens of the Stone Age – Queens of the Stone Age LP
Tom Petty – Nowhere 7” single
Sisters – Ghost Fits LP
Slayer – World Painted Blood / Atrocity Vendor 7” red translucent single
Soundgarden – The Telephantasm 7” single
Southern Culture on the Skids – The Kudzu Ranch CD
Bruce Springsteen – Save My Love / Because the Night 7” single
The Sword – (The Night the Sky Cried) Tears of Fire b/w Farstar (hexagon 10” single)
The Ting Tings – Hands/Hands (Passion Pit Remix) 7”
KT Tunstall – Have Yourself a Very KT Christmas CD
Stanley Turrentine – Sugar LP
U2 – Wide Awake in Europe EP 12”

So, to buy these records, you have to actually go into your local record store, or give it a few days (or maybe even sooner), these all will show up on eBay with steep price tags attached to them.....

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JAG PANZER 'Scourge Of The Light' Artwork'

Here is the cover artwork for 'Scourge Of The Light,' the new album from Colorado power metallers JAG PANZER. It was painted by Los Angeles artist Justin Yun.

"Scourge Of The Light" is tentatively scheduled for a February 2011 release via SPV/Steamhammer Records.

Great cover art!















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

Lamb of God 'Hourglass' Box Sets'

Each set comes in a wide variety of sizes and configurations, making them attractively affordable options for any heavy metal fan:

'Hourglass: Vol 1 -- The Underground Years'
-- Available in stores only
-- 13 Lamb of God songs from their early years culled from their first album 'Burn the Priest' and 'New American Gospel,' which was their first release under the LOG moniker, and 'As the Palaces Burn'

'Hourglass: Vol 2 -- The Epic Years'
-- Available in stores only
-- 13 songs from their Epic Records catalog

'Hourglass: The 3 CD Anthology'
-- Available in stores only
-- The ultimate Lamb of God retrospective of 44 tracks spread across three CDs; volumes 1 and 2 join volume 3, containing 18 rare or previously-unreleased songs

'Hourglass: The Vinyl Box Set'
-- All six Lamb of God studio albums for the first time on 180-gram vinyl in a linen-wrapped collectors box
-- Includes 'Burn the Priest,' 'New American Gospel,' 'As the Palaces Burn,' 'Ashes of the Wake,' 'Sacrament' and 'Wrath'

'Hourglass: The USB Box Set'
-- All six Lamb of God studio albums on individual USB drives in collector's packaging
-- Includes 'Burn the Priest,' 'New American Gospel,' 'As the Palaces Burn,' 'Ashes of the Wake,' 'Sacrament' and 'Wrath'

'Hourglass: The Deluxe Set'
-- A collector's set, including the 3-CD anthology, vinyl box set, USB box set and a linen-bound, 144-page book of the art of Lamb of God as created by K3n Adams -- and his commentary on it

'Hourglass: The Super Deluxe Set'
-- Limited to 300 packages
-- Includes a Mark Morton Signature Series Jackson Dominion D2, 4-by-6 inch 'Pure American Metal Flag,' 3-CD anthology, vinyl box set, USB set, book, an 'Hourglass' sticker and a signed 8-by-10 inch photo in a personalized Lamb of God coffin case

Pick the vinyl!

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

AC/DC Trading Cards "Postponed Indefinitely'

The trading cards that I told you about a month or two ago have run into a snag.  According to ACDCzone, Press Pass has issued a notice on their web site saying that the AC/DC trading cards, which were due for release on or around November 24, have been "postponed indefinitely".

A message on their web site from November 17 reads: "We regret to announce that the AC/DC product has been postponed indefinitely. We will let you know if the situation changes. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us."

Dubbed "AC/DC High Voltage", the product was supposed to feature the following:

* 100-card base set (24 packs per box, 5 cards per pack) takes you on a journey from AC/DC's Austalian beginnings through the recent "Black Ice Tour".
* Subsets based on some of AC/DC's best-known songs, including "It's A Long Way To The Top", "Back In Black", "Thunderstruck" and "Rock 'N Roll Train".
* Foil inserts: "We Salute You" and "On The Highway to..."
* Autographed memorabilia

Sad, I was looking forward to getting a set....

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

SIRENIA New Album Track Listing, Cover Artwork, Release Date Revealed

Norwegian/Spanish female-fronted gothic metallers SIRENIA will release their new album, 'The Enigma Of Life,' on January 21, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The track list:

1. The End Of It All
2. Fallen Angel
3. All My Dreams
4. This Darkness
5. The Twilight In Your Eyes
6. Winter Land
7. A Seaside Serenade
8. Darkened Days To Come
9. Coming Down
10. This Lonely Lake
11. Fading Star
12. The Enigma Of Life
13. Oscura Realidad (bonus track)
14. The Enigma Of Life (acoustic version; bonus track)

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F**K THE FACTS Recording Bonus EP

Canadian rockers FUCK THE FACTS are back in the studio this week recording a bonus EP that will only be available with the vinyl version of the band's upcoming full-length album, 'Die Miserable.' The EP will feature four new songs not available on the CD version of the album, as well as a re-recorded version of the song "Unburden" (taken from the "Collection Of Splits 2002-2004").

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


Transit to release 'Something Left Behind'

Punk rockers Transit are set to release a new EP on February 22, 2011 via Mightier Than Sword. The 8-song digital, CD and vinyl release will include an acoustic rendition of one song from each of the band's previous releases, along with three brand new songs. The band commented on the record:

"The 'Something Left Behind' EP is our first acoustic release, and an idea we've been toying around with forever, and now we finally have some time and the means to create it. The decision to do the EP with Mightier Than Sword was an easy one. We're all into the label and everything they're doing, and it's run by genuinely awesome dudes. We're more than excited to make this happen."

1 .Indoor Voices (new song)
2. Castaway (acoustic version originally from the "Let it Out" EP)
3. For The World (acoustic version originally from the "This Will Not Define Us" full-length)
4. Just Go, Just Leave (new song)
5. Stay Home (acoustic version originally from the "Stay Home" EP)
6. Please, Head North (acoustic version originally from the Man Overboard "Split" EP)
7. Hope This Finds You Well (acoustic version originally from the "Keep This To Your Self" full-length)
8. Something Left Behind (new song)

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

La Sera's Self-titled Debut LP Set For February Release

On February 15th, Hardly Art will release the self-titled debut full-length from La Sera. La Sera is the new project from Katy Goodman of Vivian Girls/All Saints Day. The band also features Jenn Prince and Jonathan Weinberg. Earlier this week Hardly Art released the debut 7" from the La Sera. This 7" features album standout "Never Come Around" and exclusive b-side "Behind Your Eyes."

Sunday, November 21, 2010

This Date In Music History - November 21

Birthdays:

Dr John, (Malcolm John Rebennack) (1940)

Lonnie Jordan - War (1948)

Livingston Taylor (brother of James Taylor) (1950)

Peter Koppes - The Church (1955)

Brian Ritchie - Violent Femmes (1960)

Bjork Gudmundsdottir - Sugarcubes, Solo (1965)

Margret Ornolfsdottir - Sugarcubes (1967)

Alex James - Blur (1968)

Francis Macdonald - Teenage Fanclub (1970)

Kelsi Osborn - SHeDAISY (1974)



They Are Missed:

In 1965, Bill Black, who backed Elvis Presley on his early hits, died of a brain tumor at the age of 39. After leaving Elvis, he formed Bill Black's Combo and placed 8 hits in the US Top 40, including "White Silver Sands" in 1960.

In 1973, comedian / songwriter, Allan Sherman, who is best remembered for 1963's "Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh" died of respiratory ailments, a few days shy of his 49th birthday.



Matthew Ashman, former Adam And The Ants and Bow Wow Wow guitarist died in 1995 (age 35) from complications caused by diabetes. Bow Wow Wow had the 1982 hit "I Want Candy," also worked with Wendy James from Transvision Vamp.

Legendary manager of Led Zeppelin Peter Grant died from a heart attack in 1995 (age 60). Known as being one of the shrewdest and most ruthless managers in rock history, Grant secured 90% of concert gate money and intimidated record store owners who dealt in bootlegs. The former wrestler, also worked as a film extra and bodyguard. During the early 60’s Grant worked as a tour manager for Bo Diddley, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent and The Animals.

Songwriter Buddy Kaye passed away at the age of 84 in 2002. His 57 year songwriting career produced Barry Manilow's "The Old Songs," Pat Boone's "Speedy Gonzales," Perry Como's "You're Adorable" and the theme for the TV show I Dream of Jeannie.

Teddy Randazzo, a rock icon from the 1950s who composed classic hit songs such as "Goin' Out of My Head" and "Hurt So Bad", passed away at the age of 68 in 2003.



History:

Legendary singer and actress Rosemary Clooney was at #1 on the UK singles chart in 1954 with "This Ole House." This song was also a #1 for Shakin' Stevens in 1981. Her nephew, George Clooney was a pallbearer at her funeral in 2002.

In 1955, RCA Records purchased Elvis Presley's recording contract from Sam Phillips at Sun Records for an unprecedented sum of $35,000.

Also in 1955, Elvis Presley agreed to let Col. Tom Parker be his manager. Not really a colonel, Parker was a flamboyant promoter whose previous experience includes The Great Parker Pony Circus and Tom Parker and His Dancing Turkeys and is a veteran of carnivals, medicine shows and various other entertainment enterprises.

Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1960 with "Stay," the shortest ever US #1 single at one minute 37 seconds.

In 1960, the Beatles played at the Kaiserkeller Club in Hamburg, Germany without George Harrison. Harrison had been deported on this day for being underage (he was 17) and not legally allowed to remain in a nightclub after midnight.

Blue Hawaii, starring Elvis Presley was released in the US in 1961. By the end of the year it will gross $4.7 million.

Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender' movie was released in 1962.

The Elvis Presley film "Fun in Acapulco" premiered in 1963.

Marvin Gaye's "How Sweet It Is" entered the Hot 100 in 1964, where it will peak at #6 during a 14 week stay. The song would become a hit all over again when James Taylor took it to #5 in 1975.

“The Who Sell Out” was released in 1967. Aside from passing itself off as a “concept album” it also contains “I Can See For Miles,” one of the group’s best ‘60s song.



The Partridge Family started a three week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1970 with "I Think I Love You." The song was featured in the first episode of the Partridge Family TV series, made by the same company that made The Monkees. The only members of the cast who actually sang on the record were David Cassidy and his real-life step mother, Shirley Jones.

Two months after his death Jimi Hendrix was at #1 on the UK singles chart in 1970 with "Voodoo Chile," the guitarist's only UK #1 single.

The Carpenters were at #2 on the US singles chart in 1970 with "We've Only Just Begun," a song originally written for a TV commercial advertising a bank.

In 1980, Don Henley was arrested after a naked 16-year old girl was found at his home in Los Angeles suffering from a drug over-dose. Henley was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, cocaine and Quaaludes and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He received a $2,000 fine with two years probation. Pig.

Olivia Newton John started a ten week run at #1 in the US singles chart in 1981 with "Physical," the singers fourth US #1 went on to sell over 2 million copies.

In 1981, Foreigner's, "Waiting for a Girl Like You" entered the top 5 on the US singles chart, where it would sit for the next 10 weeks, unable to unseat "Physical" by Olivia Newton John and "I Can't Go For That" by Hall and Oates. The band would eventually score a number one hit with "I Want to Know What Love Is" in 1985.

Queen and David Bowie were at #1 in the UK in 1981 with "Under Pressure." They recorded the song together when both acts were working in a German recording studio.

Michael Jackson's 14-minute video for 'Thriller,' was premiered in Los Angeles in 1983.



Billy Idol knocked Tiffany from the #1 single position on the US singles chart in 1987 with his version of Tommy James "Mony Mony." Tiffany had been at #1 with another Tommy James song "I Think We're Alone Now."

In 1988, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page set out on his first ever-solo tour at The Hummingbird, Birmingham, appearing with John Miles and the son of Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, Jason Bonham.

'The Delicate Sound Of Thunder,' by Pink Floyd was released in 1988.

In 1990, Madonna was sued by her next door neighbour for having a hedge, which blocked his view. Of her?

Mick Jagger married Jerry Hall in Bali in 1990. The marriage was declared 'null and void' on 13th August 1999 after a judge ruled that the six- hour ceremony in Bali was never registered.

In 1991, Aerosmith made a guest appearance in the Simpson's TV animated comedy.

Michael Bolton went to #1 on the US album chart in 1992 with 'Timeless (The Classics).'

The Beatles Anthology 1 was released in the US in 1995, featuring 60 tracks including the single "Free As A Bird."

An acoustic guitar on which the late Beatle George Harrison learned to play fetched $431,812 at a London auction in 2003. His father originally bought the Egmond guitar for Harrison for around $5. Another item auctioned was a signed invitation to the post-premiere celebrations for The Beatles 'Hard Days Night' film, which went for $27,500.

In 2003 - In Santa Barbara, CA, Michael Jackson was booked on suspicion of child molestation. Jackson immediately posted the $3 million bail and then flew back to Las Vegas where he had been filming a video. He was given an arraignment date of January 9, 2004.

The album "Take A Look In The Mirror" from KoRn was released in 2003.

In 2003, record producer Phil Spector appeared before a California court and was formally charged with murder. B-movie actress Lana Clarkson had been found at his mansion in February of this year with a fatal gunshot wound to her face. Spector pleaded not guilty to her murder during a brief hearing in Alhambra, near Los Angeles and was released on $1m bail.

The newest members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced in 2003. Those who will join the distinguished list of previous inductees are George Harrison, Prince, ZZ Top, Jackson Browne, The Dells, Bob Seger and Traffic. George Harrison will become the third Beatle to enter the Rock Hall as a solo performer; John Lennon was inducted in 1992 and Paul McCartney in 1999. The group was inducted in 1988.

Eminem was at #1 on the US album chart in 2004 with 'Encore', his third US #1 album.

In 2005, ex-Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, the Who's Roger Daltrey and Elton John appear on a tribute single honoring late British radio DJ John Peel. It's a cover of the Buzzcocks' "Ever Fallen In Love." Proceeds benefited Amnesty International.

Ozzy Osbourne sings for Queen Elizabeth II at Britain's Royal Variety Performance in 2005. Ozzy was invited the previous year but had to miss the annual event due to other commitments. He cancels an L.A. appearance just to he make the show. "I cannot turn down this incredible honor twice," says the Prince of Darkness. He performs a cover of The Beatles' "In My Life" backed by Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash.



The soundtrack to the Cirque du Soleil troupe's Beatles-themed Las Vegas production, "Love," was released in 2006. Beatles’ producer George Martin and his son Giles compiled the soundtrack developing mash-ups of several songs. "George and Giles did such a great job combining these tracks," says Ringo Starr. "It's really powerful for me."

In 2006, there are box sets from the Doors (“Perception”), KISS (“KISS Alive! 1975-2000”), Robert Plant (“Nine Lives”) and David Crosby (“Voyage”) plus “U218 Singles,” a limited edition best-of disc with two new U2 tunes and a bonus live CD recorded in Milan, Italy, the previous year. The Doors box set contains remastered versions of the group’s studio albums (with vocalist Jim Morrison), augmented by outtakes, previously unreleased tunes, live recordings, video footage and pictures. The KISS set is a four-CD collection featuring remastered versions of ‘75's “KISS Alive!,” ‘77's “KISS Alive II” and ‘93's “KISS Alive III,” plus the previously unreleased “KISS Alive: The Millennium Concert,” recorded in Vancouver, Canada, on New Year’s Eve ‘99 with the group’s original line-up. A three-CD compilation spans Crosby's five-decade career and includes solo material, his tenure with the Byrds and tracks recorded with Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and Neil Young. One disc contains 16 previously unreleased tracks. Also, a CD/DVD edition of Crosby's '71 aptly titled solo debut, “If I Could Only Remember My Name” is out.

It was announced in 2007 that founding E Street Band member, keyboardist Danny Federici, was undergoing treatment for melanoma and won’t be a part of Bruce Springsteen’s “Magic” tour. "Danny is one of the pillars of our sound and has played beside me as a great friend for more than 40 years," writes Springsteen. "We all eagerly await his healthy and speedy return." Charles Giordano, who had worked with Springsteen, fills in. (Federici died the following year: 4/17/08. The Danny Federici Melanoma Fund was started after his death.)

In 2008, more than 40 years after Christians around the world were infuriated by John Lennon's saying that the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus," the Vatican's official newspaper absolved John of his notorious remark, saying that "after so many years it sounds merely like the boasting of an English, working-class lad struggling to cope with unexpected success."

Also in 2008, Rhino Entertainment and Sprint introduce Rock The Phone, a website offering ringtones by The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, ZZ Top and Ramones. During a short introductory period they give away a free ringtone of the Doors' classic "Love Me Two Times." Sad, if you ask me.....

Friday, November 19, 2010

Michael Fremer Album Review

Unplugged in New York
(reissue)

Nirvana

DGC/ORG 180g black or pink LP
Produced by: Nirvana and Scott Litt
Engineered by: N/A
Mixed by: N/A (at Louie's Clubhouse)
Mastered by: Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering




MUSIC





SOUND





 Nirvana's MTV Date Sounding Better Than Ever

by Michael Fremer
October 01, 2010

It’s difficult to believe this November 18th, 1993 Sony Music Studios performance is almost seventeen years old. Though it aired on MTV a month later, it wasn’t issued on vinyl or CD until November 1st, 1994, six months after Kurt Cobain’s suicide.

While the timing helped propel the album up the charts, its enduring popularity is due in large part to Cobain’s eclectic and well-timed programming and of course to the rare chance to hear the group perform in an intimate live venue.

Cobain opens with “About a Girl” from Bleach—an album he thought unfamiliar to most in the audience, followed by “Come As You Are” from the major label “sell-out” album with which he knew everyone was familiar.

Eschewing the familiar, he diverts to a cover of The Vaselines’ “Jesus Doesn’t Want Me For A Sunbeam” that he’s sure few if any in the audience have heard—the title of which refers to the opening line in a children’s hymn and he follows that with a swell cover of David Bowie’s haunting, mysterious “The Man Who Sold The World” that he hopes the audience knows, but he identifies the writer just in case some don't.

Backed by Grohl, Novoselic, Smear and Meat Puppets Curt and Cris Kirkwood, Cobain backtracks to the familiar: “Pennyroyal Tea,” “Dumb” and “Polly.”

Side two begins with “On a Plain” and “Something in the Way” from Nevermind and then Cobain generously turns the program over to three Meat Puppets songs. Then it’s back to “All Apologies” from In Utero. The set ends with a dense cover of Ledbelly’s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night.” How could Cobain sing anything else after the way he rips up his throat during the song’s climax?

The musical choices and ordering were astute and the performances focused, though the arrangements, particularly the rhythm guitar patterns, were uni-dimensional and kind of stodgy. What saves the evening was Cobain’s pained expressiveness. If he was having a really good time, he hid it well. However, the time he was having was what the audience was there to experience.

Do we really think analog tape was rolling at Sony Studios in 1993? Perhaps it was, but I would be more inclined to think this was a digital multitrack recording mixed down to high resolution digital two track like Bruce Springsteen’s live in New York album, which was mastered to vinyl from a high resolution digital mix and so not surprisingly sounds ridiculously better on vinyl than on CD.

Though there was a vinyl edition of Nirvana Unplugged in New Yorkback in 1994, it was a very limited edition. This ORG reissue cut from the original tape whatever it’s technological underpinnings, offers gut crunching, well focused bass, crystalline high frequencies and well-defined three dimensional images on a large, airy, well defined soundstage. Dynamics are what you would hope for. Put it all together and you have an excellent sounding, well-packaged reissue of an important event in the life of Nirvana and its fans, even if it makes painfully obvious that Curt Cobain was clearly the reluctant performer.



Thanks to Michael over at http://www.musicangle.com/  for the exclusive rights to reprint this material. Stop by MusicAngle.com for more reviews and features.

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

This Date In Music History - November 19

Birthdays:

Ray Collins - Frank Zappa band (1937)

Pete Moore - Miracles (1939)

Eddie Rayner - Split Enz (1941)

Fred Lipsius - Blood Sweat & Tears (1943)

Joe Correro - Paul Revere and the Raiders (1946)



Matt Sorum - The Cult, Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver (1960)

Travis McNabb - Better Than Ezra (1969)

Justin Chancellor - Peach, Tool (1971)

Tamika Scott - Xscape (1975)


They Are Missed:

Tom Evans from Badfinger committed suicide in 1983 by hanging himself in his back garden from a willow tree. Family members said the singer, songwriter was never able to get over his former bandmate's Pete Ham's suicide. Evans co-wrote "Without You," a hit for Harry Nilson and Mariah Carey.



Born on this day in 1934, Dave Guard, The Kingston Trio. Died March 22, 1991

Songwriter Bobby Russell, who wrote many US Top 40 hits including "Honey" and "Little Green Apples", died of heart disease at the age of 51 in 1992. In 1973, he composed "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia," which became a number one hit for his wife, Vicki Lawrence.

English singer-songwriter and founding member of folk rock band, Lindisfarne Alan Hull died of a heart attack in 1995 (age 50).

English bassist player Greg Ridley died from pneumonia in 2003. Was member of the VIP’s with Keith Emerson, Spooky Tooth, Humble Pie. Formed Strange Brew with Clem Clempson and Cozy Powell.

Record producer Terry Melcher, who was behind hits by the Byrds, Ry Cooder and the Beach Boys, died in 2004 after a long battle with skin cancer (age 62). The son of actress Doris Day, he co-wrote "Kokomo" for the Beach Boys, produced "Mr Tambourine Man" for the Byrds, as well as hits for The Mamas and the Papas.

Born on this day in 1938, Hank Medress, The Tokens. He died from lung cancer on June 25, 2007 (age 68).

In 2007, Kevin DuBrow, the charismatic lead singer for Quiet Riot, died at his home in Las Vegas at the age of 52.


History:

At the age of 14, Jerry Lee Lewis made his debut playing "Drinking Wine, Spo-Dee-O-Dee" at the opening of a Ford dealership in Ferriday of 1949.

In 1954, Sammy Davis Jr. was involved in a car accident in which he lost his left eye. Sammy had released a number of singles which were mostly ignored until he signed with Decca Records in 1955, where he scored hits with "Something's Gotta Give," "Love Me or Leave Me" and "That Old Black Magic." His biggest hit? The sappy "Candy Man," which hit #1 in 1972.

Carl Perkins recorded "Blue Suede Shoes" at Sun Studios in Memphis in 1955. The rock 'n' roll classic became a US #2 hit for Perkins in 1956, and has been covered by many acts including Elvis Presley and John Lennon. Elvis Presley's version, which gets more air-play these days, only managed to get to #20.



Chicago radio station WCFL was picketed by the local chapter of the Elvis Presley fan club in 1957 when it refused to play Presley's records. Despite the protest, the station did not change its policy.

In 1959, an RCA executive caused quite a stir when he told members of the press that when Elvis returns to civilian life, people will notice a great change in his style of music. Colonel Tom Parker quickly issued a statement to fans, telling them that won't be the case.

In 1962, the Beatles, played gigs at three different venues. First they performed a lunchtime show at the Cavern Club, Liverpool, followed by an 85-mile drive to the Midlands, where they performed at Smethwick Baths Ballroom and then at the Adelphi Ballroom, West Bromwich in Staffordshire.

Gary Lewis and The Playboys recorded "This Diamond Ring" in 1964. The cut would climb to number one in the US the following January.

The Supremes became the first all girl group to have a UK #1 single when "Baby Love" went to the top of the charts in 1964.

The Doors appeared at Hughes Aircraft Union Dance in Los Angeles, California in 1965.

The Supremes started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1966 with "You Keep Me Hanging On," the group's 7th US #1 hit.

In 1968, Diana Ross, onstage with The Supremes at the Royal Command Variety Performance in London, interrupted the show with a plea for interracial understanding. The audience, which included members of the royal family, applauded for two minutes.

In 1977, the Ramones' lead singer, Joey Ramone (real name: Jeffrey Hyman) suffered second degree burns when a faulty humidifier exploded before a show in Passaic, New Jersey. After emergency treatment, he finished the concert, but would spend the following week at the New York Hospital Burn Center. I have spent time in a burn unit, all I can is OUCH, there is no pain worse than a serious burn...

Chuck Berry was released from prison in 1979 after serving a four-month sentence for tax evasion.

Tina Turner made her first chart appearance in over ten years in 1983 with her version of the Al Green hit "Let's Stay Together."

Bon Jovi started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1988 with "Bad Medicine," the group's third US #1.



Milli Vanilli was stripped of their Grammy Award in 1990 because other singers had lent their voices to the 'Girl You Know It's True' album.

The iconic U2 album "Achtung Baby" was released in 1991.

In 1994, Crosby Stills & Nash member David Crosby had a successful liver transplant operation at Dumont-UCLA in Los Angeles. Crosby's liver was deteriorated from extensive alcohol and drug abuse, as well as hepatitis-C. He is like a cat, but how many more lives does he have?

'Out In L.A.,' a collection of Red Hot Chili Peppers b-sides and previously unreleased material was released in 1994.

Nirvana entered the US album chart at #1 in 1994 with 'MTV Unplugged In New York.'

In 1995, a 60 track album called "Beatles Anthology I" was released in the US and sets a first-day sales record of 450,000 units.

Bruce Springsteen's thirteenth album, "The Ghost of Tom Joad," was released in 1995.

The US premiere of Sir Paul McCartney's "Standing Stone" was played in Carnegie Hall by St. Luke's Orchestra in 1997.

The Beatles started an eleven-week run at #1 on the UK album chart in 2000 with 'The Beatles 1.'

Jay-Z was at #1 on the US album chart in 2000 with ‘The Dynasty Roc La Familia (2000).’

Mick Jagger released his new solo album 'Goddess In The Doorway' in 2001. First day sales stood at 954 copies. Umm, I don't think I have that in my collection either.

In 2002, safety experts blasted Michael Jackson after dangling his baby from a third-floor hotel balcony. Jacko was in Berlin for an awards ceremony and was showing his nine-month old baby to his fans outside the hotel. idiot....

In 2003, Meat Loaf collapsed onstage during a sold-out concert at London's Wembley Arena. He reportedly tried to continue his performance before being advised by paramedics on the scene to cancel the show.

Also in 2003, police issued an arrest warrant for Michael Jackson following allegations of sexual abuse of a 12-year old boy. Jackson who was in Las Vegas filming a video, negotiated with police to arrange a time and place to hand himself in. Really an idiot.....

Capitol Records issued the group’s first four US albums in a box set in 2004 approprietly called, "The Capitol Albums Vol. 1." The albums are, 'Meet the Beatles,' 'The Beatles` Second Album,' 'Something New' and 'Beatles `65,' all originally released in 1964. These are the albums that launched Beatlemania 40 years earlier.

In 2004, John Lennon topped the "Q" poll asking "Who is the Greatest Rock and Roll Icon of all time?" Lennon edges Elvis Presley in the British Magazine survey. David Bowie nails the #3 spot with Keith Richards at #4. Interestingly, Mick Jagger can only hit #17 but that is still two slots above Jimi Hendrix. What, Hendrix only at #19? That's just silly.......

In 2005, former glam rock star Gary Glitter was arrested in Vietnam after being detained at Ho Chi Minh airport as he tried to board a plane to Bangkok. Police said Glitter was being held under suspicion of committing lewd acts with two girls under the age of 18. Pig.

A guitar played by George Harrison was set to fetch more than $160,000 at a London auction in 2006. The Maton MS500 guitar was used on The Beatles first album.

The members of Red Hot Chili Peppers file a lawsuit in 2007 against Showtime Networks for unfair competition and unjust enrichment over the TV show Californication - the same name as the band's multi-platinum '99 album. "'Californication' is the signature CD, video and song of the band's career," says vocalist Anthony Kiedis. "For some TV show to come along and steal our identity is not right."

In 2009, Ringo Starr announced that he teamed up with his former Beatles bandmate Paul McCartney for a duet on 'Y Not,' the drummer's forthcoming solo album due out Jan. 12, 2010.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Music News & Notes

The Roots, Patti Smith, Cowboy Junkies (among others) To Salute The Music Of Neil Young

In a salute that's been a long time coming:  Over twenty artists will salute and add their owns twists to the music of Neil Young on Thursday, February 10 at Carnegie Hall in New York. The concert is being presented by Michael Dorf as way to raise philanthropic funds for music education for underserved youth. He has created an annual series of Tribute concerts at Carnegie Hall which have raised over $400,000 in net dollars for charitable programs in the last 6 years.  Among the organizations that will benefit are Fixing Instruments for Kids in Schools, Church Street School for Music & Art, The Pinwheel Project, Music Unites, The American Symphony Orchestra and Young Audiences New York.



Here are some of the musicians lending a hand:

Patti Smith
Living Colour
DeVotchKa
Shawn Colvin
Bettye LaVette
Bebel Gilberto
Aimee Mann
Keller Williams
The Roots
Joan Osbourne
Cowboy Junkies
Mason Jennings
J Mascis
Pete Yorn
Larry Campbell

Previous concerts in theTribute concerts have included salutes to the Who, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M., among others.

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The Gaslight Anthem Release Rolling Stones Cover

The Gaslight Anthem are scheduled to release their cover of the Rolling Stone classic "Tumblin Dice." This limited-edition 7 inch " single is set for release December 6 and features new track 'She Loves You," taken from the band's latest album 'American Slang' (previously only been available on iTunes).

The release of the Stones' cover is hoped to support independent record stores in the UK.


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Holy Rage Debut Album Cover Art For Release Due Next Week

HOLY RAGE, which features former JUDAS PRIEST singer Al Atkins, is set to release their self-titled debut album through Z Records on November 22nd.







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Presto Ballet New Album Cover Revealed

Presto Ballet, the project led by ex-Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, is scheduled to release their new album, 'Invisible Places,' on February 4, 2011 via SAOL / H'Art / Zebralution. The cover artwork Is awesome, if you ask me.......




















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Evergrey Reveal New Album Details

Swedish metallers Evergrey will release their eighth studio album, 'Glorious Collision,' via Steamhammer/SPV on the following dates:

Germany: February 25
Rest Of Europe: February 28
USA/Canada: February 22
















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Buffalo Springfield 2011 Tour ?

It had been 42 years since Neil Young, Stephen Stills and Richie Furay last performed together as Buffalo Springfield before they reunited for the Bridge School event, which benefits the Northern California institution that serves severely disabled students and their families. But it turns out they may be contemplating a tour next year.

According to Rolling Stone magazine: The Los Angeles Times' Pop & Hiss blog reported Monday that they were "hearing rumblings" that the band was contemplating a tour with confirmation coming from David Spero, who manages Furay. "There are on-going discussions," he said, when asked about the possibility of a tour.

Furay spoke with Rolling Stone: "We just picked up where we left many, many years ago," he said. "It almost felt like going back in time." He also said he was hopeful about the possibility of doing more shows. "I'm never going to say never again," he says. "After we digest what happened and let a couple of weeks go by we'll touch bases again and see how everybody feels and what they want to do. We've certainly proved we can do this if we want to."

Buffalo Springfield issued only three studio albums during the influential band’s short two years together from 1966-68: “Buffalo Springfield,” “Buffalo Springfield Again” and “Last Time Around.”

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PANTERA AND MASTODON ANNOUNCE METAL CLUB RELEASES FOR BLACK FRIDAY AND BEYOND


Help celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Pantera‘s 'Cowboys From Hell' LP with a special Limited Edition Collectors Vinyl release of 'COWBOYS FROM HELL: THE DEMOS.'  This special edition has a custom cover and demos of the Cowboys From Hell tracks, as well as “The Will To Survive.”  This release is limited to 3,000 copies and only available at participating Metal Club stores starting on Black Friday (November 26).

Pantera fans will also want to check out the 'COWBOYS FROM HELL ULTIMATE BOX SET' on November 22. The three-cd box set includes custom artwork and a 60-page booklet with rare photos, expanded liner notes and replicas from the Cowboys era including New Years Puke Party T-shirt – designed by Dimebag Darrell, multiple flyer reproductions, laminated passes, sticker, button and a newly re-mastered copy of the original Cowboys album along with unreleased and rare live performances from the era, and unreleased demos for nearly every album track.

Those who previously missed their chance at obtaining the limited edition deluxe 'Worrmhole Tunnel Box Edition' of Mastodon‘s latest album 'Crack The Skye' are in luck. The group will make 600 copies of the limited-edition release available through retailers on December 7th as part of Metal Club.

The set, which originally sold out during the pre-orders for the album’s original release, comes housed in a hard box case. The elaborate packaging encompasses a tunnel book that, when looked through, reveals three-dimensional-like imagery.

About Metal Club:

Metal Club is a group of record stores throughout the US and Canada that work to connect the vibrant metal community with their local record store. Fans will be able to visit their local Metal Club store for special metal promotional pieces, exciting in-store events, and a series of exclusive Metal Club releases. Please visit http://www.mymetalclub.com/  for store locations, news and information on other Metal Club releases.

Other Metal Club releases include:

Metallica – “Live at Grimey’s” CD/10″ (11/26)

Anthrax – “Live at the Sonisphere” Picture Disc (11/26)

Slayer – “World Painted Blood” 7″ (11/26)

The Damned Things – “Ironiclast/We’ve Got A Situation Here” 7″/CD Single (11/26)

Job For A Cowboy – “Ruination” Vinyl/CD Box Set (11/26)

Monster Magnet – Mastermind Special Edition Box Set (Available Now)

The Sword – “(The Night The Sky Cried) Tears of Fire” Hexagonal Picture Disc (Available Now)
 
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This Out Of Boston

Vinyl records make a comeback! Yes, this timeless medium IS catching fire, but why now?




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

I always find interesting articles and want to share.  However with copyrights and advertising issues, I can only point you to the article source.   Take a look at these and come back to CVR!


The Vinyl Verdict:

Old school music format makes comeback in the digital age

By Roger Yale - for Weekly Surge


On Nov. 6, Sugar Hill recording artist Sarah Jarosz appeared on "Austin City Limits" to promote " The New 45." We seriously doubt that the Americana star and so-called "mandolin wunderkind" was there to promote a firearm. " The New 45" is not a gun. But if Jarosz is lucky, it could be accompanied by a bullet - to an enviable position on the Billboard Top 100, a weekly grouping of the most popular songs across all genres, ranked by radio airplay. " The New 45" features two previously unreleased songs from Jarosz, and limited vinyl pressings have been made available.

Vinyl pressings? You mean those vinyl discs that used to go on top of turntables? Old school records? Those things hanging on the walls at Joe's Crab Shack or the Hard Rock Café at Broadway at the Beach?

A generation has grown up without vinyl. Since the advent of the compact disc in 1982, the vinyl record began its slow descent into the sidelines.

Read the rest here: thesunnews.com

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Tucsonan puts a new spin on vinyl

Dan Sorenson

James Tritten is not a typical record company executive. For one thing, when his Tucson label "drops" a new record, it's actually a 7-inch vinyl record, not a CD or a digital download.

Tritten is the owner (and just about everything else) of Fort Lowell Records, a tiny label he runs out of the Midtown home he shares with his wife, Tracy Shedd.

There's no promise of a gold record coming out on Fort Lowell Records, either. Not unless it just happens to be colored gold. Tritten says Fort Lowell will press only 500 discs for each of its artists' releases.

And with the exception of a single by Shedd, an established artist, none of the label's artists has released a recording before this. The breathy-voiced Shedd has released several albums and EPs, but she's the exception.

Being previously unrecorded, at least unreleased, is virtually a requirement for a release on Fort Lowell Records, Tritten says. He wants to bring new music to the public, on vinyl.

Read the rest here: azstarnet.com

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Music News & Notes

Sadly, The Beatles Now Available Digitally

I am torn whether to even post this, but it is the world we live in, and hopefully some one can be 'turned on' to the band's music with this new format. I say, if you want to hear the music the way it is supposed to be heard, BUY VINYL!

The legenday group's entire catalog can be purchased in Apple's iTunes Store. Each album comes with iTunes LP, which features additional content including lyrics, photos, and album art. A digital version of the Fab Four's entire body of work is also available for download for $149, and that comes with exclusive access to a video of the band's first U.S. concert, "Live at the Washington Coliseum, 1964." Single albums are priced at $12.99, double albums at $19.99. Singles will cost $1.29 each.

However, as bad as this may seem, there are several artists who take the album concept seriously and do not want them chopped up into singles.  Some of them include AC/DC, Def Leppard, Garth Brooks, Kid Rock, Bob Seger and Tool.  Kudos to them all!  But there is money to be made and I would imagine these holdouts will give in at some point in time.

A couple major acts bucked the digital trend for a while, Led Zeppelin and Radiohead, however Zeppelin finally relented in 2007, and Radiohead held out until 2008.

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British Sea Power To Release Fifth Album in January

British Sea Power have recently announced the details to their latest album. The fifth album from the six-piece group, 'Valhalla Rising,' will be released on Jan. 10 (a day later in the US - Rough Trade)

The LP will consist of 13 tracks and boast cover art featuring a nifty horse and triangle motif. Lead single "Living Is So Easy" is set to hit digital stores on Nov. 29. The track contains some typically eclectic lyrical themes along with hints of a new, synth-flavoured direction for the band. The group themselves describe the tune as offering "electronic keyboards, plus some Louis Vuitton and clay pigeons. It's a mixture of Serge Gainsbourg and Ralf and Florian-era Kraftwerk with a sprinkle of Stock, Aitken and Waterman. It's our most electronic song to date. This is the high life."





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Motion City Soundtrack Re-Release Album On Vinyl

Minneapolis pop punk outfit Motion City Soundtrack are set to release their classic album 'Commit This To Memory' on special edition vinyl.  The 2005 album was the band's sophomore full-length, and was produced by Blink 182 and +44's own Mark Hoppus. The 12" release is now available on a limited edition pink vinyl at Bluecollardistro.com, limited edition white vinyl at the official Epitaph Records webstore and on limited edition clear vinyl at Hot Topic stores in the US.







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A Skylit Drive reveal album title and artwork

Californian post-hardcore band A Skylit Drive have revealed some of the details of their upcoming album. The album, 'Identity On Fire,' and will be released in February 2011 (Fearless Records).

The band recorded the album with producer Cameron Webb (30 Seconds To Mars, Silverstein).










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The Boxer Rebellion To Release New Album

London-based alt-rockers The Boxer Rebellion are scheduled to release their third studio album on February 8, 2011. Created in conjunction with legendary producer Ethan Johns (Kings of Leon, Ryan Adams, Ray LaMontagne), 'The Cold Still' is an exercise in master class performances and dark, sophisticated songwriting from a band that embodies the very definition of "independent."










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Madball To Release empire On Special Red Vinyl

New York City hardcore legends MADBALL will be releasing Empire in a special red vinyl format on November 22nd, 2010. MADBALL unleashed Empire on CD on October 12th, 2010. Empire is available for purchase on disc and pre-order on vinyl now through the GOOD FIGHT MUSIC webstore, and a new limited edition Reaper Records 7” supporting Empire (only 2,000 copies being made), is available now!

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Macabre announce new album

Chicago metal band Macabre have announced a title and release date for their new album to celebrarate the 25th Anniversary of all original members. The record, 'Grim Scary Tales,' is set to be released on January 31st, 2011 (Hammerheart Records). The cover art will be an original concept by Scott Jackson from Monsterman Graphics & Rock N Roll Comics.

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 15, 2010


DEAR JERRY: I remember that Curtis Mayfield died on or near Christmas many years ago, somewhere in Georgia, but to this day I never heard even a peep as to the cause of his death. I don't think it was foul play.

Did they not know or were they just not saying?

Please look into this. Maybe you can come up with an answer.
—Ryan Gooding, Macon, Ga.


DEAR RYAN: When Curtis Mayfield's life ended December 26, 1999, he was a patient at the North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell, Georgia.

The gradual shutdown of his body that culminated in his death began with a tragic accident nearly a decade earlier.

For that we backtrack to Monday, August 13, 1990. Curtis performed in New York that day on an outdoor stage at Wingate Field, a popular Brooklyn venue well-known for their free summer concerts.

Suddenly, portions of the overhead lighting equipment came crashing down on Curtis, leaving him permanently paralyzed from the neck down.

After the accident, his mind and vocal skills — speaking and singing — functioned normally. The rest of his body was deadened.

Death came as the result of progressively declining health overall, especially with his vital organs — all directly attributed to his paralysis.

Considering his dreadful condition, Curtis amazed everyone by composing and then recording 13 songs for what would be his final album.

Necessity being the mother of invention, the engineers fashioned a remote setup that allowed them to record Mayfield's vocals from his bed, then return to the studio and piece everything together.

This worked so well that the resulting collection, “New World Order,” is flat-out indistinguishable from anything made before the accident.

It also put Curtis back on the charts, for the first time since 1985. “New World Order,” released in October 1996, made the Top 30 R&B LPs, and remained on the charts for nearly one year.

The album also yielded three hit singles: “New World Order”; “No One Knows About a Good Thing (You Don't Have to Cry)”; and “Back to Living Again.” The latter carries a message Curtis must have felt deeply:

“It's best to get back on track
Ain't no need in lookin' back
Try, then try again
Sometimes you lose
Sometimes you win”

Most music aficionados know about the 70 or so hits Curtis Mayfield wrote, either for the Impressions when he sang lead for them, or for himself when he went solo.

What is not such common knowledge is that about 65 other Mayfield songs became chart hits for other artists.

Here are a few prime time examples, and those who made them popular:

“He Will Break Your Heart” (Jerry Butler; Righteous Brothers; Tony Orlando & Dawn)
“Find Another Girl”; “I'm a Telling You” (Jerry Butler)
“Need to Belong” (Jerry Butler; Laura Lee)
“Just Be True”; “Rainbow”; “Man's Temptation”; “Nothing Can Stop Me”; “What Now” (Gene Chandler)
“Mama Didn't Lie” (Jan Bradley)
“The Monkey Time”; “Hey Little Girl”; “Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um”; “It Ain't No Use”; “Girls”; “Rhythm”; Sometimes I Wonder”; “Come See”; “Ain't It a Shame” (Major Lance)
“It's Too Late” (Walter Jackson)
“Gotta Get Away”; “Nevertheless”; “I Can't Work No Longer” (Billy Butler)
“Say It Isn't So”; “Girls Are Out to Get You”; “I'm in Love” (Fascinations)
“Danger! She's a Stranger”; “Don't Change Your Love”; “Baby Make Me Feel So Good”; “We Must Be in Love” (Five Stairsteps)
“Long, Long Winter” (Linda Clifford)
“Curious Mind (Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um)” (Johnny Rivers)
“On and On” (Gladys Knight and the Pips)
“Let's Do It Again”; “New Orleans” (Staples Singers)
“Jump”; “Hooked on Your Love”; “Look Into Your Heart” (Aretha Franklin)
“Giving Him Something He Can Feel” (En Vogue)

IZ ZAT SO? Apart from all of the above are three Curtis Mayfield compositions, each a huge hit for the Impressions, that sold as well or better when revived by other artists:

“Gypsy Woman” (Brian Hyland)
“I'm So Proud” (Main Ingredient; Deniece Williams)
“People Get Ready” (Jeff Beck & Rod Stewart)


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: http://www.jerryosborne.com/  

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

Copyright 2010 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Permission





This Date In Music History - November 17

Birthdays:

Canadian singer Gordon Lightfoot (1938)

Bob Gaudio - Royal Teens (1942)

Martin Barre - Jethro Tull (1946)



Rod Clements - Lindisfarne (1947)

Robert Antoni - Nazz, Utopia with Todd Rundgren (1947)

Jim Babjak - Smithereens (1957)

Ronald Devoe - New Edition, Bell Biv De Voe (1967)

Ben Wilson - Blues Traveler (1967)

Clarke Isaac Hanson - Hanson (1980)

Sarah Harding - Girls Aloud (1981)


They Are Missed:

In 1979, Jethro Tull bass player John Glascock died at the age of 28, as a result of a congenital heart defect. Had also been a member of Chicken Shack.

Born on this day in 1944, Gene Clark, singer, songwriter, The New Christy Minstrels, The Byrds, Solo. Died of a heart attack on May 24, 1991 (age 49).

Born today in 1966, Jeff Buckley, singer songwriter. His singer songwriter father Tim Buckley, died on June 29, 1975 of a heroin and morphine overdose. Jeff drowned while swimming on May 29, 1997.

Born on this day in 1937, Geoff Goddard, songwriter, wrote "Johnny Remember Me," played keyboards on The Tornadoes 1962 #1 hit "Telstar." He died on May 15, 2000 (age 62).

In 2003, soul singer Arthur Conley died of intestinal cancer in Ruurlo, The Netherlands at the age of 57. He first recorded in 1959 as the lead singer of Arthur & the Corvets.

Country music legend Don Gibson died of natural causes in 2003 (age 75). Scored the 1958 US #7 single "Oh Lonesome Me," (covered by Neil Young on his After The Gold Rush album). His song "I Can't Stop Loving You," has been recorded by over 700 artists, most notably by Ray Charles in 1962.


History:

Gene Vincent made his national television debut on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1957. He performed "Dance To The Bop." "Be-Bop-A-Lula" has already come and gone.

In 1957, Harry Belafonte was at #1 on the UK singles chart with "Mary's Boy Child," the first single to sell over 1 million copies in the UK. It stayed at #1 for seven weeks. The first Christmas song to hit #1 in two different versions - the other was Boney M's version in 1978.

The Kingston Trio led the US hit parade in 1958 with a century-old folk song called "Tom Dooley." Although this popular group would place nine more songs in the US Top 40, this would be their only number one.



The Beatles played a lunchtime show at the Cavern Club in Liverpool in 1961. That night they played at the Village Hall, Knotty Ash, Liverpool.

In 1962, the Four Seasons' "Big Girls Don't Cry" reaches the top spot on the Billboard singles chart, just as their first hit, "Sherry" did earlier in the year. Songwriters Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio were inspired to write the song after they heard Clark Gable use the phase "big girls don't cry" in a movie.

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards (Rolling Stones) met singer Gene Pitney at the taping of ITV’s Thank Your Lucky Stars in 1963. They give him “That Girl Belongs To Yesterday” which becomes a major Pitney hit in both the U.S. and U.K.

Also in 1963, John Weightman the Headmaster of a Surrey Grammar School, banned all pupils from having Beatle haircuts saying, "this ridiculous style brings out the worst in boys physically. It makes them look like morons." Who was the moron?

Pink Floyd released their third single in 1967 "Apples And Oranges," however the song failed to chart.

The Who kicked off their second North American tour supporting The Buckinghams at Shawnee Mission South High School in Kansas City in 1967.

Davey Jones of the Monkees opened a boutique, Zilch I, in Greenwich Village, NY in 1967.

Elton John recorded a show in New York City in 1970 which was later released as his 11-17-70 album. The best tracks are “Take Me To The Pilot” and “Burn Down The Mission” (hot piano work).

In 1971, Rod Stewart and The Faces release 'A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse,' their third LP together. The album contains the band's biggest US hit, "Stay with Me," which reaches #17. The LP goes into the US Top Ten.

In 1973, 13-year-old Tony DeFranco lead Canada's The DeFranco Family to the top of the Cashbox Best Sellers list with "Heartbeat - It's A Lovebeat." The song would reach #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, but did not chart in the UK.

ABBA kick off their first European tour in Copenhagen in 1974, playing outside of Sweden for the first time.

In 1974, John Lennon scored his second solo US #1 album with 'Walls And Bridges.'

The Commodores went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1979 with "Still," the group's second US #1 single.

John Lennon's album "Double Fantasy" was released in 1980.




Wham! Were at #1 on the UK album chart in 1985 with "Make It Big" and #1 on the US singles chart with "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go."

David Crosby from Crosby Stills Nash & Young was admitted to hospital in 1990 after breaking a leg, shoulder and ankle after crashing his Harley Davidson motorbike. Speed was a factor.

In 1992, at the end of a long battle to claim royalties Jimmy Merchant and Herman Santiago ex of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, received an estimated $4 million in back payments from the song 'Why Do Fools Fall In Love'.

Metallica released the album 'ReLoad' in 1997.

Garth Brooks released 'Garth Brooks: Double Live' in 1998.

Jewel released 'Spirit.' in 1998.

In 1999, Mariah Carey was forced to abandon a performance on Rome's historic Spanish Steps after crowds of tourists swamped her. She took shelter in a local shop before been given a police escort to safety.

It was reported in 2000 that Andy White, who played drums on The Beatles track "Love Me Do" which was featured on the new Beatles Greatest Hits album, would not earn enough from it to buy his own copy. White would get no more than his original session fee of £7. (around $10)

The Beatles released 'Let It Be… Naked' in 2003. It is a remastering of the original 1969 album with Phil Spector’s production removed. Spector, hired to salvage the project, added strings to several tracks – much to Paul McCartney’s displeasure.

In 2003, 21 year-old Britney Spears became the youngest singer to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The only other performer to get a Hollywood star at her age was Little House on the Prairie actress Melissa Gilbert.

In 2003, George Michael signed a new contract with the record company he took to court in 1993. The singer re-signed to Sony in a deal that included his extensive back catalogue. Michael had failed in his court wrangle with Sony after accusing it of "professional slavery"; his contract was bought out by Virgin Records.

U2's Bono and the Edge joined Pearl Jam onstage in 2006 for a cover of Neil Young's "Rockin' In The Free World" at the Make Poverty History concert in Melbourne, Australia. About 14,000 people attended the event, timed to coincide with the G-20 summit in that fair city. "The politicians have to do what you tell them to do," Bono tells the crowd. Yeah, right.....

The Eagles were at #1 on the US album chart in 2007 with ‘Long Road Out Of Eden,’ the bands seventh studio album and first since 1979. Nearly six years in production, the album is the band's first studio release since 1979's "The Long Run" and would make the Top Ten in 26 countries around the world.

John McCain may have lost the ’08 presidential race but he’s still swinging. During the campaign Jackson Browne sued the candidate for using "Running On Empty" in a commercial without permission. Now, McCain’s lawyer files two lengthy motions claiming that the candidate was within his rights to use the song, and the other seeks damages from Browne for apparently “interfering with the politician's free speech.” It all gets settled in Browne's favor in 2008.

Them Crooked Vultures (Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones, Foo Fighters Dave Grohl and Queens Of The Stone Age founder Josh Homme) released their self-titled debut album in 2009. With that, the band launched a tour in support of the album at the Wiltern Theater in L.A.

Justin Bieber's EP "My World" was released in 2009.