Michael Fremer Album Review

Damn the Torpedoes
(reissue)


Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers


ORG Music/Backstreet 7007 2 180g LPs
Produced by: Tom Petty and Jimmy Iovine
Engineered by: Shelly Yakus
Mixed by: Shelly Yakus
Mastered by: Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering

MUSIC



SOUND






Sneak Peak: ORG Music's Damn the Torpedoes

by Michael Fremer
October 30, 2010

ORG Music is a new division of ORG, the label that's been reissuing mostly classic jazz titles over the past few years along with the heart of Nirvana's catalog. ORG Music will specialize in classic rock reissues, with an enhanced, extra track edition of this Tom Petty breakthrough album coming first.

The $50 deluxe double red 180 gram version includes a heavy gatefold jacket, 12 page booklet and a digital download card offering your choice of MP3 or CD resolution FLAC download. It's only available at the Because Sound Matters website. The black vinyl edition is sold everywhere else.

The first of the two records, pressed at Pallas in Germany, contains the original 1979 release. The second features nine bonus tracks including seven unreleased tunes, three of which are live, plus demo tracks including terrific live in the studio "Refugee" and "Nowhere" demos. The live tracks come from a March 6, 1980 concert at London's famed Hammersmith Odeon.

I was sent Pallas test pressings on black vinyl that sounded absolutely spectacular. In fact, when "Refugee" started I didn't recognize it at first! I thought they'd sent me the wrong record—not that the original mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound is bad.

Originally issued in 1979 on Petty's Backstreet Records, a division of MCA created following a hard fought battle with the label after his original label, Shelter had been sold to MCA, Damn the Torpedoes was Petty's "breakthrough" album, with "Refugee" "Here Comes My Girl," "Even the Losers" and "Don't Do Me Like That" achieving "classic" status among rock enthusiasts.

The late '70s was a great time for L.A. rock productions and this one recorded by Shelly Yakus at Sound City in Van Nuys and Cherokee in Hollywood as the L.A. recording scene was peaking is a gem with a spectacularly punchy drum track and ringing electric guitars arrayed on a tightly focused, well defined artificial soundstage. The snare and cymbal sound is addictive and the kick drum isn't half bad either!

The louder you crank this the better it gets! There's not a digital recording made that can come close to the magnificently open, airy and extended top end of this recording.

Damn the Torpedoes captures the essence of American rock and TP and the Heartbreakers at a young peak. The album has aged extremely well and has never sounded as good as this reissue.

If you like the album, you'll love this version. The bonus tracks, particularly the live stuff including a great cover of U.K. fave Eddie Cochrane's "Somethin' Else" and the studio demo of "Refugee" add luster to an already outstanding album.

The red vinyl version is limited to 500 copies. I'm sure they'll press as many copies on black vinyl as Petty fans wish to buy.

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

Vinyl Records Rule On Black Friday

I have more information for those who choose to enjoy 'Black Friday' shopping at their local record store. Here is how the people at Record Store Day put it:

"Word is out that your local indie record store may just be the place to be this Post-Thanksgiving-Shopping-Melee-Day. And that’s because indie stores across the country will be the place to get special releases created just for you, for giving and getting this holiday season, and they’re scheduled for release on Black Friday.

Now, this is not Record Store Day, Jr. or RSD 2 or Son of the Return of Record Store Day. This is just a group of special releases that you can only find at record stores. Some of them are uber-limited, some of them are available at record stores before they’re available anywhere else."

So shake that turkey hangover and get out to your local record store for some great collectible vinyl record releases!!


Here is some more detailed information of some of the vinyl record releases for Black Friday:
 (these are availabe in limited quantities and the number at the end of each description is the number being made available for record lovers)


Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent (Deluxe Edition) 2 CD set Deluxe version of new album, includes extra disc with bands like Metallica, Helmet, Foo Fighters and Fear Factory covering Killing Joke songs 1,000

Black Crowes “Say Goodnight to The Bad Guys”/”Remedy” (acoustic live) (RED) 10" vinyl picture disc w/download card One live track from each set (electric and acoustic) of the Black Crowes recent “farewelltour." “Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys”(electric live)/”Remedy” (acoustic live) 1500 
 
Drive By Truckers “The Thanksgiving Filter” (RED) 10" Vinyl w/download card New holiday-themed Truckers song. B-side “Used to Be A Cop” Both from Feb 2011 Album. 2500

Cage The Elephant “Shake Me Down” (RED) 7" Vinyl w/download card “Shake Me Down” b/w “Aberdeen” (both from forthcoming album 1/11/2011) 2500

Black Keys - Brothers  Double 12" vinyl (45 RPM) + 10" w/6 Bonus Tracks, CD, Poster The six tracks on the 10" are live tracks, all performed by the quartet: Side A:” Everlasting Light,” “Next Girl,” “Tighten Up” Side B: “Howlin’ For You”, “She’s Long Gone”, “Too Afraid To Love You”

Iron & Wine - Walking Far From Home 12" vinyl Both formats exclusive to indies (digital goes up 11/30). Both The 12" Single and the CD Maxi Single track listing: “Walking Far From Home,” “Summer In Savannah,” “Biting Your Tail” 2,500

Cee Lo Green “Fuck You”/”Fuck You (Instrumental)” Colored Vinyl 12" Maxi Colored Vinyl is exclusive format. “Fuck You” is up digitally, but there is no other place that the you can get the instrumental version. 2,500

The Doors - The Doors (Mono) 180 Gram 12" Vinyl As a stand alone LP, this is EXCLUSIVE to indies and will not be available anywhere else. The Mono release was previously available in the Doors LP Box Set, sold out for over a year. 3,000

Metallica Live @ Grimey’s CD The only physical release of Metallica’s pre-Bonnaroo show, insanely intimate secret show at The Basement below Nashville record store Grimey’s in June 2008.

Metalica Live @ Grimey’s Double 10" vinyl The only physical release of Metallica’s pre-Bonnaroo show, insanely intimate secret show at The Basement below Nashville record store Grimey’s in June 2008.

Scala & Kolacny Brothers Dawn EP A Belgian girls’ choir, conducted, arranged and accompanied by Stijn and Steven Kolzcny whose the Radiohead cover was used in the trailer for The Social Network, appears on this special EP, their first release in the United States, along with four other songs, including their covers of The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” 3000

Dr. Dog - Double 7" double 7" vinyl NEW TRACKS EXCLUSIVE TO THIS RELEASE Disc 1/Side A: “Take Me Into Town”; Disc 1/Side B: “Black-Red”; Disc 2/Side A: “Nobody Knows Who You Are”; Disc 2/Side B: “The Sound” 900

Grinderman - Heathen Child 12" vinyl Includes a 6" x 5" card by Ilinca Hopfner, the same artist who did all the artwork in the Grinderman CD booklet. Ultra-limited 12' single with non-album B-side remix featuring guitar legend Robert Fripp. Side A: Heathen Child; Side B: Heathen Child w/ Robert Fripp) 500

Gaslight Anthem - Tumblin’ Dice b/w She Loves You 7" vinyl Never before released cover of Rolling Stones song. B-side is NOT the Beatles song, it’s an original Gaslight anthem song. Four colors of vinyl; cover art matches vinyl color. Randomly distributed.

George Harrison - All Things Must Past reissue on vinyl, numbered and featuring RSD logo 3 LP vinyl box set Harrison’s 1970 solo debut, released in a limited edition, numbered 180-gram vinyl set, with faithfully replicated monochromic album art, poster and lift-top box packaging. Newly remastered to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the release. 5000

Various artists 7" Record Store Day UK boxset 7" vinyl box set (5 singles) set of singles released for Record Store Day 2010 in the UK only. Blur- “Fool’s Day” first new material in 8 years; Eliza Doolittle- “Pack Up”/”Rollerblades” current UK breakthrough single: Hot Chip–”I Feel Bonnie” (feat. Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy)/”Bear Witness (b-side unreleased); Kylie Minogue–”All The Lovers”/”Los Amores”; Tinie Tempah–”Pass Out/”Pass Out (SBTRKT Remix)” The ONLY physical release of the biggest single from the UK’s biggest breakthrough artist of 2010 3000

Sick Puppies 7" Side A: That Time of Year Again Side B: Odd One (Acoustic) 7" vinyl A previously unreleased Christmas track 500

Frank Sinatra - Jolly Christmas LP 180 gram 12" vinyl Originally released in 1957, Frank’s first holiday release has been certified platinum, and is released for the first time in 40 years on vinyl, exclusively to indie stores. 1500

KT Tunstall - Have Yourself A Very KT Christmas CD EP this reissue includes fairly modern Christmas songs like “2000 Miles”, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”, “Mele Kalikimaka (Christmas in Hawaii)”, “Sleigh Ride”, “Fairytale of New York”, “Lonely This Christmas” 2000

MGMT - “Congratulations” Gatefold 7? Vinyl with 4 color uncoated art sleeve and 20 page illustrated storybook “Congratulations”/”Congratulations” (previously unreleased Erol Alkan Remix) 3500

Bob Dylan - “The Times They Are A Changin”/”Like A Rolling Stone” 7" Translucent Red Vinyl with 4 color uncoated stock art sleeve “The Times They Are A-Changin’” from the Whitmark Demos release /”Like a Rolling Stone” (2010 mono version) From the Legacy Mono Box release 5000

Bruce Springsteen - Save My Love 7" Vinyl with with 4 color art sleeve “Save My Love”/”Because The Night” “Save My Love” is the focus track from The Promise 5000

The Ting Tings - “Hands” Columbia 7" Custom Orange/White Mix Vinyl with 4 color art sleeve “Hands”/”Hands” (Passion Pit Remix) First US release of tracks from their upcoming album 2500

Jimi Hendrix - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year   10" green vinyl, exclusive artwork features” Little Drummer Boy,” “Silent Night/Auld Lang Syne” 5000

George Benson - White Rabbit 12" 180 gram vinyl classic CTI title remastered using the original two-track analog tapes in 40th Anniversary edition. indie exclusive from 11/26 through 12/6.

Deodato - Prelude  12" 180 gram vinyl classic CTI title remastered using the original two-track analog tapes in 40th Anniversary edition. indie exclusive from 11/26 through 12/6.

Freddie Hubbard - Red Clay 12" 180 gram vinyl classic CTI title remastered using the original two-track analog tapes in 40th Anniversary edition. indie exclusive from 11/26 through 12/6.

Stanley Turrentine - Sugar 12" 180 gram vinyl classic CTI title remastered using the original two-track analog tapes in 40th Anniversary edition. indie exclusive from 11/26 through 12/6.

U2 - Wide Awake In Europe 12" vinyl 12? vinyl,limited, numbered, 3 live tracks from European 360 tour, A side is a song called “Mercy” recorded live in Brussels on Sept 21st. New song, never before released. B side two live songs: “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight,” (recorded in Dublin, July 27, 2009), “Moment of Surrender,” (from Sept 18, 2010 recorded live in Paris) 5,000


Also at Metal Club Stores:

Anthrax - Live at the Sonisphere 10" Picture Disc
The Damned Things - "We've Got A Situation Here/Ironiclast" CD/7"
Job For A Cowboy - Ruination 3x10" Colored Vinyl/CD Box Set
Pantera - Cowboys From Hell: The Demos Vinyl
Slayer - "World Painted Blood/Atrocity Vendor" 7" 2500
Monster Magnet - Mastermind Special Edition Box Set
The Sword - "(The Night The Sky Cried) Tears of Fire" 12" Hexagonal Picture Disc

Wishing All My Readers a Happy Thanksgiving

Have a Great Day!

This Date In Music History - November 25

Birthdays:

Percy Sledge (1940)

Bob Lind (1944)

Bev Bevan - Electric Light Orchestra (1946)

Jocelyn Brown (worked with John Lennon, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen) (1950)

Steve Rothery - Marillion (1959)

Amy Grant (1960)

Mark Lanegan - Screaming Trees (1964)

Stacey Lattishaw (1966)

Rodney Sheppard - Sugar Ray (1967)


They Are Missed:


The dancer, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, who inspired the hit single "Mr Bojangles," died in 1949. Audiences enjoyed his understated style, which eschewed the frenetic manner of the jitterbug in favor of cool and reserve; rarely did he use his upper body, relying instead on busy, inventive feet and an expressive face. A figure in both the Black and White entertainment worlds of his era, he is best known today for his dancing with Shirley Temple in a series of films during the 1930s.



Saxophonist Albert Ayler was found drowned in New York's Hudson River in 1968. He was 34 years old.

UK singer, songwriter Nick Drake died in his sleep in 1974 of an overdose of tryptasol an anti-depressant drug (age 26). Drake signed to Island Records when he was twenty years old, recorded the classic 1972 album Pink Moon. In 2000, Volkswagen featured the title track from Pink Moon in a television advertisement, and within a month Drake had sold more records than he had in the previous thirty years.

In 2007, Kevin Dubrow, the frontman with metal band Quiet Riot, was found dead in his Las Vegas home at the age of 52. Their 1983 release 'Metal Health 'was the first metal album to top the US charts. The band's biggest hit was "Cum on Feel the Noize," a cover of the Slade song which they are said to have grudgingly recorded in just one take.


History:

In 1957, Billboard magazine reported that rock and roll acts were turning away from the "increasingly disappointing grosses" of big package shows in favor of smaller scale teen record hops, where performers appeared for smaller guarantees but bigger percentages of the gate.

Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1957 for their first national TV appearance. They performed "Lotta Lovin'" and "Dance to the Bop."



In 1961, the Everly Brothers began a six month stint in the US Marine Corps Reserves as part of the 8th Battalion. During their enlistment, Warner Brothers Records released "Crying in the Rain," which had been recorded before the duo entered Camp Pendleton. The song would reach number six in the US early the next year.

Harrods department store in London closed in 1965 to the public so The Beatles could do their Christmas shopping.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience made their London performance debut at the Bag O' Nails Club in 1966.

"Incense and Peppermints" by The Strawberry Alarm Clock hits the top of the Billboard Pop chart in 1967. The recording was initially intended as a 'b-side' and the lead vocal was actually that of a friend of the band, 16 year old Greg Munford, who was just hanging around during the session. Munford was not even a regular band member, but ended up singing a tune that would become a Rock and Roll standard and sell over a million copies. Despite this success, Munford never actually joined the group and drummer Randy Seol sang the song in concert. Although it was a huge success in America, the single didn't chart at all in the UK.



In 1968, over 10,000 fans saw Cream play their final two concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London. During the shows, the crowd chanted "God save the Cream." Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker would continue to work together in Blind Faith with Steve Winwood and Rick Grech.

In 1969, John Lennon returned the MBE award (Member of the British Empire) that he and the other Beatles had been given in 1965. He sent the medal back with a note that read, "Your Majesty, I am returning this MBE in protest against Britain's involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam, and against "Cold Turkey" slipping down the charts. With love, John Lennon of Bag".

The three surviving members of The Doors told Rolling Stone Magazine in 1971that they were determined to carry on despite the death of singer Jim Morrison. They will officially disband in 1973.

Chuck Berry was at #1 on the UK singles chart in 1972 with "My Ding a-Ling," his only UK #1.

The Band's final concert, called The Last Waltz, was given at San Francisco's Winterland in 1976. It included appearances by Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Ringo Starr, Emmylou Harris, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Hawkins and Neil Diamond. Martin Scorsese filmed the event.

In 1978, the Cars’ "My Best Friend’s Girl" was the first commercially released picture disc in the U.K. That marketing ploy and the song’s clever plot took it to #3 on the pop chart.



In 1984, the cream of the British pop world gathered at S.A.R.M. Studios, London to record the historic "Do They Know It’s Christmas?" The single, which was written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, featured Paul Young, Bono, Paul McCartney, Boy George, Sting and George Michael. It went on to sell over three million copies in the UK, becoming the bestselling record ever, and raised over $13.6 million worldwide.

In 1986 for the first time in Billboard chart history, the top three spots are occupied by female artists. #1 was Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors," #2 was Tina Turner with "Typical Male" and #3 was Janet Jackson's "When I Think Of You".

Songwriter Diane Warren was the author of the number 1 and number 2 songs in the US in 1989. "When I See You Smile" was a hit for Bad English, and "Blame It On the Rain", was credited to Milli Vanilli. Warren would go on to write "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" for Aerosmith and the Armageddon soundtrack in 1998.

Milli Vanilli started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1989 with "Blame It On The Rain," their third US #1 of the year.

The film 'The Bodyguard,' opened nation-wide in 1992 featuring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.

Whitney Houston went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1995 with "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)," written by Babyface and taken from the film 'Waiting To Exhale,' it gave Whitney her 11th US #1.

After not playing together for over 30 years, The Zombies briefly reunited in 1997 to promote their new box set called 'Zombie Heaven.' Rod Argent (keyboards), Paul Atkinson (guitar), Colin Blunstone (vocals), Hugh Grundy (drums) and Chris White (bass) performed their two biggest hits, "She's Not There" and "Time of the Season" at London's Jazz Café.

Garth Brooks' seventh album "Sevens" was released in 1997.

The sixth album of 2Pac, 'R U Still Down? (Remember Me),' was released posthumously in 1997.

In 1998, Spin magazine editor Craig Marks told police that Marilyn Manson's bodyguards pinned him against a wall and hauled him up into the air. Marks claimed that he was invited backstage to talk with Manson after a performance at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Manson allegedly threatened Marks with "`You know I can kill you, your family and everyone you know'." Real nice.....

A burglar broke into Alice Cooper's home in 2000 and made off with over $6000 worth of clothes, shoes and cameras belonging to the singers daughter. The good's were all lifted from Cooper's house in Paradise Valley, along with four of the star's gold discs.

In 2000, The Beatles' album simply titled "1", a collection of their UK and US chart toppers, reaches number one in Great Britain. It will top the US chart a week later and will become the best selling album in a total of 28 countries worldwide.

Garth Brooks went to #1 on the US album chart in 2001 with 'Scarecrow.'

In 2003, Michael Jackson launched a website to defend himself following allegations of sexual abuse of a 12-year old boy. The singer posted a message saying the charges were based on 'a big lie' and he wanted to end 'this horrible time' by proving they were false in court.

Glen Campbell was arrested in Phoenix Arizona in 2003 with a blood alcohol level of .20 after his BMW struck a Toyota Camry. He was charged with 'extreme' drunk driving, hit and run, and assaulting a police officer. The singer blamed his condition on the accidental mixing of alcohol and a prescription anti-anxiety drug. A police officer reported that while in custody, Campbell hummed his hit 'Rhinestone Cowboy' repeatedly. Why not "Galveston?"

Twisted Sister's Dee Snider hosted VH-1 Classic's "A Very Classic Thanksgiving" in 2004. The guest list featured ex-Monkee Davey Jones, Eddie Money, MC Hammer and Teri Nunn of Berlin. If that crowd doesn’t put you in the holiday spirit, nothing will.

In 2004, Steven Tyler visits Women’s Hope substance-abuse treatment center in Dorchester, MA. His Thanksgiving Day talk was about sobriety after his own struggles with drugs and alcohol. "If I can just tell them how good it is for me now, and that it is possible . . . then I`ve done my job," says the Aerosmith frontman. Tyler had been clean for nearly 20 years.

In 2005, Madonna achieved her sixth number one on the US album charts with ‘Confessions on a Dance Floor,’ her third consecutive US album chart topper. The album went to #1 in 40 countries setting a new record. The Beatles previously held this record when The Beatles 1 went to #1 in 36 countries in 2000.

White Zombie's box set “Let Sleeping Corpses Lie” rose from the dead in 2008. The four-CD/single DVD collection covered ‘85's rare “Gods On Voodoo Moon” EP through Zombie's contribution to Beavis and Butt-Head Do America soundtrack, a little over a decade later. The DVD had promo clips and concert footage. According to Rob Zombie this "is the last thing that will come [out] from the band."

A two-CD set marking the 25th anniversary of the release of R.E.M.'s “Murmur” album – “Murmur: Deluxe Edition” – rolled out in 2008. The remastered version of the band's ‘83 full-length debut includes previously unreleased performances recorded that year at a Toronto club.

The 14-track “For The Troops II” with songs by 3 Doors Down and Aerosmith's Joe Perry was released in 2008. The album was also distributed at US military bases and military personnel were able to download the set for free.

An archival Neil Young concert album, “Sugar Mountain: Live At Canterbury House 1968” was out in 2008. The two-disc collection includes performances from Ann Arbor, MI, shows.

In 2008, the legal dispute over a music contract between Michael Jackson and an Arab sheik, ended with an "amicable settlement." Jackson had been due to fly in to the UK to give evidence at the High Court before an agreement in principle was reached. The King of Bahrain's son, Sheikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, was suing Jackson for £4.7m, claiming he reneged on a music contract.

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 22, 2010


DEAR JERRY: When Tommy Roe came out with “Hooray for Hazel,” in the 1960s, my friends teased me endlessly. Let's face it, songs about Hazel are far less common than ones about Mary or Sue.

Everyone thought Roe's hit was the first time anyone used my name in a song title, but I knew better. I recalled another one.

Unfortunately, I couldn't prove it, but that is why I've come to you.

Years earlier, around the time of “Running Bear” and “Handy Man,” a Hazel tune got some spins on the radio in Philadelphia. THAT was the first time I ever heard my name in a song title.

It may be called “Hazel, Don't You Do It,” or something similar. The singer was a Fabian-type teenager.

Any idea what I'm talking about? This is driving me nuts!
—Hazel Getty, Upper Darby, Pa.

DEAR HAZEL: Since we don't want Hazel nuts for the holidays, here is the proof you need.

Three or four times in this tune, Hazel is told “Don't You Do It,” but the full title is simply “Hazel.”

The young singer is Ronnie Dawson, a lifelong Texan who, by association with Philadelphia-based Swan Records and Dick Clark's American Bandstand, sold lots of records in Pennsylvania.

“Hazel,” backed with “Ain't That a Kick in the Head” (Swan 4047) came out in December 1959. In the weeks ahead, Ronnie “The Blond Bomber” Dawson lip-synched it on a locally broadcast Philly TV show, one other than Bandstand, though it is not identified.

Perhaps you watched this performance 50 years ago, but regardless you can now because it is on YouTube.

Interestingly, this “Ain't That a Kick in the Head,” written by Frank Slay and Bob Crewe, is not the same song as popularized by Dean Martin. Dino's track was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn for the 1960 Rat Pack film “Ocean's Eleven.”

Having such an atypical title pop up on two completely unconnected songs, issued only a few months apart, is indeed a kick in the head.

In their Christmas issue (12/21/59), Billboard included Ronnie's new single among their Spotlight Winners (“Pick of the New Releases and Strongest Sales Potential of All Records Reviewed”), saying:

“Dawson impresses strongly on two cute bids. “Hazel” is an interesting waltz melody with a folkish flavor. A fine arrangement [Frank Slay and His Orchestra] backs the singer's good vocal stint. The flip is a fun song with the title phrase prominent in the lyric - a medium [tempo] beater.”

In a somewhat unusual pattern, each of Ronnie's three 1959-'60 A-sides is a style unlike the other two.

“Rockin' Bones” is a frantic rockabilly effort about one man's zany last request: “When I die, bury me six-foot deep, with rock and roll records at my feet, a phonograph needle in my hand, I wanna rock my way right outta this land!”

Then comes “Hazel,” the “interesting waltz melody with a folkish flavor,” and nary a hint of rockabilly.

Dawson's next, and last, Swan single is “Decided By the Angels” (Swan 4054). Neither rockabilly nor folk-waltz, this is an authentic doo-wop number.

Not surprisingly, Ronnie soon returned to rockabilly and it is those records collectors covet most. Three in particular, “Rockin' Bones” (Rockin' 1); “Do Do Do” (Columbia 42217); and “Jump and Run” (Banner 105), often sell in the $300 to $600 range.

Both the Columbia (1961) and Banner (1966) singles are credited to Commonwealth Jones, one of Dawson's pseudonyms. Two others he used are Ronnie Dee and Banjo Band from the Levee.

On September 23, 2003, in Dallas, throat cancer claimed the life of Ronnie Dawson. He was just 64.

As you point out, the Hazels will never catch up with the more common names in titles; however, here are four more for your dossier: Freddy Flynn and the Flashes (1959) “Hazel” (Lyric 107); Don Sharp (1961) “Hazel and Jean” (Fern 811); Gary and the Hornets (1966) “Hi Hi Hazel” (Smash 2061); and Larry and the Greatest of Ease (1969) “High Flyin' Hazel” (Minaret 154).

Not counted are songs about eye color … and nuts.


IZ ZAT SO? Though moderately successful in Pennsylvania and his home state of Texas, Ronnie never appeared on any of the national charts.

He is hardly alone.

Despite the surname Dawson being very common, during the entire 20th century not one person with that name managed a hit single or album.

For over 100 years, the Pop; Rock; non-Rock (MOR); and Country & Western charts remained Dawsonless.

Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column. Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368 E-mail: jpo@olympus.ne t 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

 

New Music Releases - November 23, 2010

Counting some limited edition Record Store Day vinyl releases, we also have a great selection of other music.  As always, CVR picks are in red:

13th Floor Elevators - Psychedelic Sounds of (2 CDs)
16 Horsepower -  Yours Truly (vinyl)
After The Burial - In Dreams
Agalloch - Marrow Of The Spirit
Allen Ginsberg - Beat Poet Figurine & CD Set
Anthrax - Live At The Sonisphere (10″ picture disc)
Arabrot - Revenge (vinyl)
As They Sleep - Dynasty



Badly Drawn Boy - It’s What I’m Thinking +3 bonus (vinyl)

Beatles - The Beatles: Magical Mystery Tour Memories [dvd]

Biffy Clyro - Booooom Blast & Ruin (Single)
Black Crowes - Say Goodnight To The Bad Guys (10″ picture disc)
Black Keys - Brothers (2×180 gram vinyl 10″)
Bob Dylan - Times They Are A Changin/Like A Rolling Stone (7″ vinyl)
Bob Marley - Reggaeton Mixes
Bon Jovi - Greatest Hits (Vinyl)

Brian Wilson - Wilson, Brian - Songwriter 1962 - 1969 [dvd]
Bruce Springsteen - Save My Love/Because The Night (7″ vinyl)
Burning The Masses - Offspring Of Time
Cage The Elephant - Shake Me Down (7″ vinyl)
Cave In - Anomalies Vol. 1 (vinyl)
Cee Lo Green - Fuck You (12″ vinyl)
Clash - The Clash (vinyl)
Cult - Love (vinyl)
Curren$y - Pilot Talk II
Daft Punk - Tron: Legacy OST
Daily Life - Necessary & Pathetic (vinyl)
Daughters - Daughters (vinyl)
Dave Allen - Color Blind

David Bowie - Bowie, David - Rare And Unseen [dvd]

David Wilcox - Reverie
Deodato - Prelude (vinyl)
Doors - Live In Vancouver 1970 (2 CDs)
Dr. Dog - Double (7″ vinyl)
Drive-By Truckers - The Thanksgiving Fil (10″ vinyl)
Duffy - Well Well Well (Single)
Elephant Revival - Break In The Clouds
Eric Johnson - Live From Austin Tx 84 (2 CDs)
Eux Autres - Broken Bow (vinyl)
Fela Kuti - Complete Collection Box Set (26CD/1DVD)

Florence and the Machine - Between Two Lungs

Four Tet - Pause (reissue) (vinyl)
Four Tet - Rounds (reissue) (vinyl)
Frank Sinatra - A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra (vinyl)
Freddie Hubbard - Red Clay (vinyl)
Gangrene - Gutter Water
Gaslight Anthem - Tumbling Dice/She Loves You (7″ vinyl)
George Benson - White Rabbit (vinyl)

George Harrison - All Things Must Pass [BOXED EDITION]

Giant Sand - Blurry Blue Mountain

Girls - Broken Dreams Club (EP) (vinyl)
Girls Names and Brilliant Colors - I Lose / You Win (vinyl)
God Dethroned - Under The Sign Of The Iron Cross
Gorillaz feat Daley - Doncamatic (All Played Out)(Single)
Grinderman - "Worm Tamer" 12''
Grinderman - Heathen Child (12″ vinyl)
Group Doueh - Beatte Harab (vinyl)
Hafdis Huld - Synchronized Swimmers
Harvey Milk - Harvey Milk (vinyl)
Have Heart - 10.17.09
Home Video - The Automatic Process
Human League - Night People (Single)
I Am Arrows - Hurricane (Single)
Intalek & Ritchcraft - Lives & Vibes (vinyl)
Iron and Wine - Walking Far From Home (12″ vinyl)
Iron and Wine - Walking Far From Home (CD single)
Jay-Z - The Hits Collection Volume One
Jenny and Johnny - I'm Having Fun Now (Clear Vinyl LP w/Bonus CD)
Jimi Hendrix - Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year (Green 10″ vinyl)
Job For Cowboy - Ruination (10″ color vinyl box)
John Zorn - Interzone
Josh Groban - Illuminations
Journey - Greatest Hits (vinyl)
KT Tunstall - Have Yourself A Very KT Christmas (CD)
Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kate Bush - The Document
Kate Rusby - Make The Light
Kayo Dot - Stained Glass (CD EP)
Ke$ha - Cannibal

Killing Joke - Absolute Dissent

Killing The Dream - Lucky Me
King Conquer - America's Most Haunted

King Crimson - King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King (200 Gr Vinyl Limited Edition 2010)



King Crimson - In the Wake of Poseidon (CD+DVD, deluxe edition, extra tracks) (remastered)
King Crimson - Islands: 40th Anniversary Series (CD/DVD)
Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can (Single)
Lemuria - Chautauqua County
Lloyd Banks - H.F.M.2 (Hunger For More 2)
MF Doom - Special Herbs Box: Vol. 0-9 (10-LP box set) (vinyl)
MGMT - Congratulations (7″ vinyl)
MIke Patton - Mondo Cane (vinyl)
Marc Bolan & T-Rex - Slider (Vinyl)
Mason Jennings - The Flood

Mastodon - Crack The Skye (CD/DVD)

Matisyahu - Two (2 Live Songs) (7″ vinyl)
Matt & Kim - Sidewalks (vinyl)
Metallica - Live At Grimey’s (10″ vinyl)
Metallica - Live At Grimey’s (CD)
Michael Jackson's Vision [dvd]
Middle Class Rut - No Name No Color
Miles Kane - Inhaler (Single)
Monster Magnet - Mastermind w/ USB
Morning Boy - We Won’t Crush
Morris Day - Daydreaming
Motorhead - Grind Ya Down Live In Canada 1988, DVD
My Chemical Romance - Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys
Ne-Yo - Libra Scale
Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday
Nine Inch Nails - Pretty Hate Machine (remastered)
North Elementary - Southern Rescue Trails
OFF! - First Four EPs
Offshore - Aneurysm EP (12″ vinyl)
Orange Juice - Coals to Newcastle (6-CD and DVD box set)
Orange Peels - 2020 (vinyl)

Pantera - Cowboys From Hell (Ultimate Edition 3CD) (Limited Edition)

Phobia - Unrelenting
Queens Of The Stone Age - Queens Of The Stone Age (vinyl)
Ramsey Lewis - Movie Album / Dancing in the Street
Reading Rainbow - Prism Eyes
Rebekah Higgs - Little Voice (EP) (vinyl)
Regina Spektor - Live In London (CD & DVD)
Robyn - Body Talk
Robyn Hitchcock - Moss Elixir/Mossy Liquor (reissue)
Rolling Stones - The Rolling Stones 1964-1969 - Limited Edition Remastered Vinyl Box Set (13-LP box set)(vinyl)
Rolling Stones - The Rolling Stones 1971-2005 - Limited Edition Remastered Vinyl Box Set (14-LP box set)(vinyl)
Royksopp - Senior
Samael - Antigod
Scala & Kolacny Brothers - Dawn
Scott Weiland - Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - I Learned The Hard Way (7″ vinyl box)
Sick Puppies - That Time Of Year Again (7″ vinyl)
Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds - Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds
Slayer - World Painted Blood/Atrocity Vendor (7″ vinyl)

Smashing Pumpkins -  Teargarden By Kaleidyscope Vol. II "The Solstice Bare" (vinyl)





Soft Moon - The Soft Moon
Southern Culture On The Skids - The Kudzu Ranch (vinyl)
Spokes - We Can Make It Out (7″ vinyl)
Stanley Turrentine - Sugar (vinyl)
Sting - Live in Berlin (CD/DVD)
Swell Season - The Swell Season (reissue) (vinyl)
Tegan and Sara - The Official Vinyl Collection (vinyl)
The Bug - Infected EP (2x 12″)
The Chariot - Long Live
The Damned Things - We’ve Got A Situation Here (7″ colored vinyl)
The Doors - The Doors (mono) (12″ vinyl)
The Fall - This Nation's Saving Grace (reissue) (vinyl)
The Heavy - How You Like Me Now? EP (10″ vinyl)
The National - High Violet (Expanded Edition with bonus CD)
The National - Terrible Love (vinyl)
The Sword - (The Night The Sky Cried) Tears Of Fire (12″ picture disc)
Tigers Jaw - Two Worlds
Ting Tings - Hands/Hands (Passion Pit remix) (7″ vinyl)
Tom Waits - The Early Years Vol. 2 (reissue) (vinyl)
Twin Sister - All Around & Away We Go (Single)
Various Artists - 127 Hours: Music from the Motion Picture
Various Artists - Burlesque - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Various Artists - Garage Band Christmas, Volume One
Various Artists - Parlophone 7″ Box Set (7″ vinyl)
Various Artists - Rock By The Sea - 12 Bands Of Christmas :: Volume One
Various Artists - Rockabye Baby: Lullaby Renditions of Bon Jovi
Various Artists - Rockin' The Mistletoe
Various Artists featuring Cher and Christina Aguilera - Burlesque Soundtrack
While She Sleeps - The North Stands for Nothing

Who - Live at Leeds [Super Deluxe Edition] [4 CD + LP + 7 inch Vinyl]


Wilder - Skyful Of Rainbows (Single)
William Tyler - Behold the Spirit (vinyl)
X Factor Finalists - Heroes (Single)
XTC - Skylarking (reissue) (vinyl)
Yelawolf - Trunk Muzik 0-60
Yngwie Malmsteen - Relentless
Your Memorial - Atonement
Yuck - Georgia (vinyl)
Zola Jesus - Poor Animal'/'I Can't Stand (Single)


The Bad Penny New Music Releases Schedule   Find The Bad Penny Blog Here

David Bowie – “Rare and Unseen” DVD (MVD Visual)
Broughton’s Rules (features ex-members of Don Caballero) – Bounty Hunter 1853
Dio – Holy Diver (deluxe limited-edition picture disc reissue)
Eux Autres – Broken Bow
David “Rock” Feinstein (ex-Elf) – Bitten by the Beast (features Ronnie James Dio)
Five Finger Death Punch – The Way of the Fist: Iron Fist Edition (deluxe-box-set reissue; includes a bonus CD with 11 B-sides and rarities, a DVD with a documentary, new artwork, trading cards, a poster and a calendar)
Fresh Millions – Fresh Millions (produced by the Sword’s Bryan Richie)
Giant Sand – Blurry Blue Mountain
Glaciers – Of Mountains and Monuments EP (self-released)
Haarp – The Filth (produced by Philip Anselmo)
Into It. Over It. and Koji – IIOI/KOJI
Job for a Cowboy – Ruination (limited-edition box-set reissue containing three LPs and one CD; bonus tracks include Exhumed cover, live material recorded in 2007 and 2009)
Love in the Circus – Love in the Circus
Yngwie Malmsteen – Relentless (features Tim “Ripper” Owens)
Murder Construct – Murder Construct
Off! (features members of Black Flag, Burning Brides, Hot Snakes, more) – First Four EPs (four 7-inches, each housed in its own box with sleeve artwork by Raymond Pettibon)
Phobia – Unrelenting
The Smashing Pumpkins – Teargarden by Kaleidyscope Vol. II: The Solstice Bare (only available as a limited-edition CD and a limited edition deluxe vinyl picture disc)
Soulive – “Bowlive: Live in the Brooklyn Bowl” DVD (Brooklyn concert from March 2010; features Rahzel, ?uestlove, more)
The Spits – Haunted Fang Castle EP (CD and 10-inch versions come with book illustrated by JJ Rudisill)
T. Rex – The Slider (remastered reissue; LP version; previously available digitally and on CD)
William Tyler – Behold the Spirit (LP limited to 500 copies)
Virgin Steele – The Black Light Bacchanalia (limited-edition LP box set)
Brian Wilson – “Songwriter 1962 – 1969: Exploring Brian’s Music in a Decade of Dreams” DVD
Yuck – “Georgia” 7-inch
Various artists – “The Sacred Triangle: Bowie, Iggy & Lou 1971-1973″ DVD
 

Remember, if you are a record company and have new releases or know of any I missed (especially vinyl), please email me and I will add your music to the list. I also do reviews of new vinyl, email me for more information.

New Music Releases are put together from a variety of sources by blog owner Robert Benson

Have new music for the list? Email me at rbenson30@wi.rr.com  

Music News & Notes

Queensryche Injured In Iraq Bombing

Armed forces supporters Queensryche were the victims of a bomb attack during their recent visit to war-torn Iraq, however frontman Geoff Tate insists making the trip was the least the band could do.

The prog metal outfit played a series of shows for military personnel. While in northern Iraq they were forced to take cover when a battle exploded around them, and although none of them were killed, they were left injured and shaken by the experience.

"We got bombed. We had to spend a lot of hours in bunkers there, waiting for the insurgents to get under control. We all lived through it although we got injured – that was a scary situation," Tate tells BraveWords.com. "A mortar landed about a hundred yards from where I was standing – the ground just shook. It was amazingly powerful and scared the hell out of me. I'd just been standing there watching the sun come up, eating a little container of yoghurt and boom – the bomb goes off."

Keep up the good work!  You lead by example, thank you!
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Unreleased Syd Barrett Jam Gets Release

The legendary Pink Floyd founder Syd Barrett remains one of the most enigmatic figures in rock music.  A new anthology of his work, 'An Introduction to Syd Barrett,' is only likely to add fuel to the fire with all the myths and mysteries surrounding the iconic artist, who died in 2006.

Of interest to long-time Barrett fans will be the anthology's inclusion of a never-before released track, "Rhamadan," which is available as a bonus download to those who purchase the album.

The track is drawn from the tumultuous sessions for Barrett's 1970 solo album, 'The Madcap Laughs.'   "Rhamadan" is essentially a 20-minute, freeform jam, with Barrett forsaking melody and structure as he solos on a variety of instruments.

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Neil Young, Devo, Flaming Lips Holiday LP Coming Soon

Gift Wrapped II: Snowed In, a 21-track LP featuring holiday songs from Rachael Yamagata, Tegan and Sara, Regina Spektor, Everest, Devo, the Flaming Lips and a rare holiday track with Neil Young on vocals, should help shoppers filling the stockings of music lovers.

The album includes originals by Spektor (“December”), Yamagata (“Baby Come Find Me At Christmas”), Devo (“Merry Something To You”), covers by Everest (Marvin Gaye’s “Christmas in the City”), Tegan and Sara (“The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)”), the Flaming Lips (“Little Drummer Boy”), and the tune “Les Trois Cloches” (aka “Three Bells”) which is performed by the late Ben Keith with Neil and Pegi Young on vocals.

01. Cavo - “Home For Christmas”
02. Ben Keith (feat. Neil Young and Pegi Young) - “Les Trois Cloches”
03. Oasis - “Merry Christmas Everybody”
04. American Bang - “Christmas Song”
05. Jason Reeves and Kara DioGuardi - “New York In Wintertime”
06. Tegan And Sara - “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)”
07. Regina Spektor - “December”
08. Devo - “Merry Something To You”
09. David Foster - “Carol Of The Bells” (instrumental)
10. The Ready Set - “Wonderful Christmastime”
11. Foxy Shazam - “Heaven On Their Minds”
12. The Goo Goo Dolls - “Better Days” (acoustic)
13. Rachael Yamagata - “Baby Come Find Me At Christmas”
14. Everest - “Christmas In The City”
15. The Dirt Drifters - “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
16. The Spill Canvas - “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear”
17. Stardeath And The White Dwarfs - “Last Christmas”
18. House Of Heroes - “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
19. The Flaming Lips - “Little Drummer Boy” (live)
20. Franklin - “Hanukkah, Oh Channukah” (bonus track)
21. The Red Elephant - “Brooklyn Sleigh Ride” (bonus track)

This Date In Music History - November 23

Birthdays:

Sandra Stevens - Brotherhood Of Man (1949)

Alan Paul - Manhattan Transfer (1949)

Bruce Hornsby - The Range (1954)

Charlie Grover - Sponge (1966)

Ken Block - Sister Hazel (1966)

Kurupt - The Dogg Pound (1972)

Lucas Stephen Grabeel - actor and singer High School Musical (1984)

Miley Ray Cyrus (1992)


They Are Missed:

Blues artist Big Joe Turner died of a heart attack in 1985 (age 75). Wrote "Shake Rattle and Roll," (a hit for Bill Haley and His Comets) and "Sweet Sixteen."

Country music singer Roy Acuff died in 1992 (age 89). Known as the "King of Country Music," he was the first living artist elected to the Country Music Hall Of Fame. Acuff started his career in 1932 working for Dr. Hauer's medicine show, hired as one of its entertainers to draw a crowd to whom Hauer could sell medicines.

Tommy Boyce, singer/songwriter, committed suicide in 1994. Wrote "Last Train To Clarksville," "I'm Not Your Stepping Stone" and "Scooby- Doo Where Are You." Sold over 40m records. Boyce and his partner Bobby Hart scored a number eight hit of their own with "I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight" in 1967.

Soul singer and saxophonist Junior Walker died of cancer in 1995 (age 64). Walker also played sax on Foreigner's 1981 hit "Urgent."

Singer O.C. Smith died in 2001 (age 65). Famous for his 1968 US #1 single "Little Green Apples." Smith became pastor and founder of The City Of Angels Church in Los Angeles, California.

Born on this day in 1939, Betty Everett, soul singer, (1964 US #6 single "The Shoop Shoop Song, It's In His Kiss." She died on 19th August 2001 (age 61).

Singer/songwriter Chris Whitley died of lung cancer in 2005 (age 45). Whitley earned critical success with his 1991 album 'Living with the Law’ and toured with Bob Dylan and Tom Petty.


History:

The world's first jukebox was installed at San Francisco's' Palais Royal Hotel in 1899. It had been created by simply adding a coin slot to an Edison phonograph. In its first six months of service, the machine earned over $1000.

Agent Bob Neal assumed the manager's role for Elvis Presley in 1954, booking him as Elvis Presley, the Hillbilly Cat.

In 1956, sheet metal worker Louis Balint was arrested after punching Elvis Presley at a Hotel in Toledo. Balint claimed that his wife's love for Elvis had caused his marriage to break up. He was fined $19.60 but ended up being jailed because he was unable to pay the fine.

In 1959, Alan Freed was dismissed from his daily television show, Big Beat, over allegations that he accepted money to play certain records. Freed denied any wrong doing.

The Beatles traveled to St. James' Church Hall, London in 1962, for a ten-minute audition with BBC Television. The audition came about when Beatles fan, David Smith of Preston, Lancashire wrote to the BBC asking for The Beatles to be featured on BBC television. Assuming that Smith was The Beatles' manager, the BBC wrote back to him, offering The Beatles an audition. Smith brought his letter to NEMS Enterprises, and Clive Epstein (Brian's brother) arranged for audition to take place. Four days later, Brian Epstein received a polite "thumbs-down" letter from the BBC.

Dale and Grace went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1963 with "I'm Leaving It Up To You."

In 1964, the Rolling Stones showed up late for the BBC radio shows, "Top Gear" and "Saturday Club" and were banned by the BBC.

'The Beatles Story,' an adoring and glossy look at the group was released by Capitol Records in 1964. The Beatles also released “I Feel Fine” (with the feedback intro) and “She’s A Woman.”

Also in 1964, the High Numbers perform for the first time as The Who.

Elvis Presley’s Speedway premiered in 1966. The critics hated the movie but the fans turned it into a hit. Thanks to performances from Bill Bixby and Nancy Sinatra, the film is watchable. The soundtrack contains “Stop, Look and Listen” and Bob Dylan’s “Tomorrow Is A Long Time.”

Rolling Stone Magazine quoted San Francisco disc jockey Tom Donahue in 1967: "Top Forty radio, as we know it today and have known it for the last ten years, is dead, and its rotting corpse is stinking up the airwaves."

The Who appeared at The New Barn, Lions Delaware County Fairgrounds, Muncie, Indiana in 1967.

During a European tour in 1971, The Mothers Of Invention appeared at The Rheinhalle in Dusseldorf.

Elton John started an 11-week run at #1 on the UK chart in 1974 with his 'Greatest Hits', album. It also enjoyed a 10 week run as the US #1

One hit wonder Billy Swan started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1974 with "I Can Help."



The band Spooky Tooth split up in 1974 after releasing seven albums since 1968. At various times, the group included Gary Wright (who would have solo success with "Dreamweaver" and "Love Is Alive"), Mick Jones (later with Foreigner), Chris Stainton (who went on to work with Joe Cocker), and Henry McCullough. (recruited by Paul McCartney and Wings) The British band never charted in their home country, but gained modest success in the US.



The Rolling Stones scored their fifth US #1 album in 1974 with 'It's Only Rock 'N Roll.'

Queen started a nine-week run at #1 on the UK singles chart in 1975 with "Bohemian Rhapsody." The promotional video that accompanied the song is generally acknowledged as being the first pop video and only cost £5,000 to produce. When the band wanted to release the single various record executives suggested to them that, at 5 minutes and 55 seconds, it was too long and would never be a hit.

The Scorpions appeared at Accrington Town Hall, England in 1976. The German band were billed as Europe's leading hard rock band.

In 1976, ten hours after his last arrest, Jerry Lee Lewis was arrested again after brandishing a Derringer pistol outside Elvis Presley's Graceland's home in Memphis, demanding to see the 'King'. When police arrived they found Lewis sat in his car with the loaded Derringer pistol resting on his knee.

In 1979, Marianne Faithfull was arrested at Oslo Airport, Norway, for possession of marijuana.

Sly Stone was charged with possession of cocaine in Santa Monica in 1987.

In 1989, during a 104-date world tour, Paul McCartney played the first of five nights at the Los Angeles Forum, California, his first appearances in North America in thirteen years.

MTV banned Madonna's "Justify My Love" video in 1990.

Michael Bolton scored his second US #1 single in 1991 with his version of the Percy Sledge song "When A Man Loves A Woman."

Michael Jackson had his fourth UK #1 single in 1991 with "Black or White" which featured Slash on guitar. Also a #1 hit in the US.

Barbra Streisand was at #1 on the US album chart in 1997 with ‘Higher Ground’, the singer's sixth US #1 album.

Despite objections from The Recording Industry Association of America in 1998, who were worried about the growing problem of internet file swapping, the first portable MP3 playerwent on sale in the US. As of 2007, over 150 million had been sold. Sad....

In 2002, Otis Redding's widow and his former manager filed a lawsuit against the author of a biography written in 2001 about the R&B legend, claiming the book is filled with lies. The lawsuit, filed in Atlanta's Fulton County, sought $15 million in damages and claimed that the book detailed rumors about the singer's drug use, extramarital affairs and divorce, causing "harm to the plaintiffs." It also cites rumors that Otis' manager plotted with the Mafia to kill Otis by causing the plane to crash in order to claim $1 million in life insurance.

Jay-Z started a three week run at #1 on the US album chart in 2003 with ‘The Black Album.’

U2 releases 'How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb' in 2004. Recorded with longtime U2 producer Steve Lillywhite, the first single is "Vertigo."

In 2004, Nirvana’s box set 'With The Lights Out' finally sees the light of day. 81 tracks, including 68 previously unreleased songs, spans Nirvana’s career ranging from an ’87 cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Heartbreaker” to Kurt Cobain solo material recorded in ’94.

In 2005, Dan McTeague a Toronto MP tried to have 50 Cent barred from entering Canada to perform a series of concerts later this year. McTeague had sent a letter to Immigration Minister Joe Volpe claiming that the controversial rapper shouldn't be permitted to cross the border because he promotes gun violence.

Bono and The Edge from U2 made a surprise appearance at a charity gig in 2007, playing four songs before 250 people. The London gig at the Union Chapel was held as part of the Mencap's Little Noise Sessions.

Guns N' Roses finally released their long delayed album 'Chinese Democracy' in 2008, exclusively through Best Buy outlets. When work on the album began Bill Clinton was president. Now, George W. Bush was wrapping up his second term. In other words, it took a hell of a long time (13 years) to come out. "It's a pretty intense musical journey, really," says GN’R keyboardist Dizzy Reed. "Everyone that is in the band, or was in the band at some point — 'cause there, you know, there's been a few guys who have come and gone even since the old band — has contributed, and because of that I think it really takes you to some interesting musical places. When you add Axl and guitars, of course, though, it kinda glues it all together.”

In a related story, soft drink manufacturer Dr Pepper makes good on their offer to send a free can of the beverage to "everyone in America" (excluding ex-GN'R members Slash and Buckethead) when "Chinese Democracy" was released. "We never thought this day would come," says Dr Pepper VP of marketing Tony Jacobs. "But now that it's here all we can say is: The Dr Pepper's on us." Fans had to go to Dr Pepper.com to receive a coupon redeemable for a 20-oz. Dr Pepper.

In 2009, Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot said it's "not likely" he will ever release another album of new material. Lightfoot says his last record, 2004's 'Harmony,' fulfilled his recording contract and he does not foresee another album.

The Rolling Stones re-release "Wild Horses" as a digital package in 2009, following Susan Boyle's performance of the song on the X Factor the night before. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, "Wild Horses" is on the Stones' ‘71 album, 'Sticky Fingers.' Boyle's version is the opening track from the middle-aged Scottish singing sensation’s debut album, 'I Dreamed A Dream.' "Wild Horses" has been more notably covered by Neil Young, Guns N' Roses and Sheryl Crow.

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!















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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!

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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....

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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").

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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)

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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."