Michael Fremer Album Review

Court and Spark
(reissue)

Joni Mitchell

Asylum/Rhino R1 1001 180g LP

Produced by: Free Man in Paris?
Engineered by: Henry Lewy
Mixed by: Henry Lewy
Mastered by: Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering

MUSIC

SOUND






Court and Spark Revisited
by Michael Fremer
November 01, 2010

Joni Mitchell’s move to jazz on this 1974 game changer upset her hippie contingent, who wished she’d remained a “lady of the canyon,” and it didn’t exactly thrill fans who considered themselves jazz aficionados either—not with the likes of “jazz-lite” guys like Tom Scott, Joe Sample, Wilton Felder and Larry Carlton involved.

Yet in retrospect, they were the right talent for the job and their work here was superb, helping to move Mitchell in a new direction without taking her too far from familiar musical territory. Helping the firm footing were friends Graham Nash, David Crosby (who had produced here debut album) and Robbie Robertson among others.

Mitchell’s mature subject matter—the tensions between yearning for traditional domesticity and having a successful career (in her case “stoking the star maker machinery behind the popular song”) demanded a more intense musical dynamic that the rhythmic freedom of the “smooth jazz” arrangements provided.

All of these elements on this pivotal album, not to mention a string of memorable and mostly very personal songs help explain its enduring value and modernity 36 years after it was first released. It sounds as fresh today as it did all those years ago.

Mitchell was moving fast in her life, and in circles filled with people moving at an equally fast clip. The title tune and “Help Me” both defined Mitchell’s dilemma, while “Free Man in Paris” chronicles her exhilarating escape from a pressure-filled life most of us couldn’t imagine produced any kind of trap from which one might need extrication. Is the “he” referenced at the beginning of the song David Geffen? That’s been surmised by many since 1974.

“People’s Parties” eye-witnesses a dread everyone has felt being eyed by others but Mitchell’s willingness to express it and admitting to “…living on nerves and feelings with a weak and a lazy mind” is both surprising and daring given her exalted position in pop stardom at the time when her fans imagined nothing else but that she was riding high and the life of the party.

The vulnerability expressed and the sense of being examined and judged ratchets up considerably in “The Same Situation” as Mitchell wishes release “caught in my struggle for higher achievement and my search for love…”

Side two opens with more exasperation and insecurity with “Car on a Hill” as the singer waits anxiously for her boyfriend who is three hours late. “He’s a real good talker…and makes friends easily.”

Who hasn’t been there? Or looking back at a regrettable one night stand as Mitchell does in “Down to You.” “Just Like This Train” produces liberation in the thought that “jealous lovin’ll make you crazy” so “…with no one to give your love to,” perhaps it’s best to just settle back and dream of a committed relationship.

The album shifts musical and lyrical gears for the exuberant and mischievous “Raised on Robbery” before returning to a repressed “Trouble Child” “breaking like the waves at Malibu.” If you have the DCC Compact Classics Reissue, have you ever noticed the typo “Still you know how yourneed it?”

The album ends with Mitchell’s cover of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross’s “Twisted,” with hipster lyrics by the great Annie Ross. Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong’s little interlude adds to the cheekiness. Mitchell’s playful performance and her crisp phrasing hint that she’s going to head this way again.

So how does Rhino’s new reissue cut from the master tape by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering compare to what’s come before? I compared it to an original white label promo Asylum, the Nautilus half-speed mastered version cut by Jack Hunt at the JVC Cutting center and the DCC Compact Classics edition mastered by Steve Hoffman, probably cut by Kevin Gray.

The original, cut by Bernie Grundman at A&M Mastering, which he ran for Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss on the A&M lot that once was Charlie Chaplin studios and where I visited often when I Iived in L.A. (not work related-a girlfriend worked there) is clearly the standard against which to measure the others.

The tape was fresh, Bernie ran a meticulous shop and probably was being directed by his friend Henry Lewy who engineered the album, probably at A&M studios. By the way, there is tape over-saturation on “Car on a Hill” and it can be heard on every pressing at a peak in one of Mitchell’s multi-voiced interludes so it’s not your cartridge mistracking!

The original is open and spacious with a slightly strident vocal sound that must driven early digital converters crazy. I bet the original CD would have scorched your eardrums. I never heard it. Overall, the original sounds really fine. The instrumental textures are well-captured, not surprising given Grundman’s background in jazz. The only criticism I have of the original is that it’s bass-light.

The vinyl and pressing quality at that point were not great so the residual background noise is relatively high compared to what we get now on well-pressed reissues.

The Nautilus is even brighter than the original and has a hollowness about it that’s not exactly pleasant. Surprisingly, the sibilants aren’t as clean as on the original. Clean high frequencies are supposed to be one of the advantages of cutting at half speed, so I don’t know what happened there.

The DCC Compact Classics is really interesting in retrospect. Hoffman’s version is a definite revision. At the risk of upsetting the fanbase, it’s clear the Steve did some major EQ to warm up the lower midbass and give the production some bass weight. At the same time he appears to have pushed the presence region up just a tad to give it some sheen. The result is rich instrumental timbres, a coherent and clean bass line and a very pleasant overall tonal picture, though I think Mitchell’s voice sounds a bit muffled compared to the original and to Chris Bellman’s recent cut.

I did these comparisons using a very revealing and extended Soundsmith Strain Gauge cartridge as well as the Ortofon A90 using a variety of phono preamps, both tubed and solid state. There were very different presentations of course, but the variables did not shift the ultimate sonic conclusion.

I think the new Rhino pressed at RTI is by far the best version of this album yet. If it sounds too bright for you, don’t blame the record. The bottom end is strong without creeping up into the midbass, the transient details are spectacular, with clean and natural percussion and when you hear the rim hits on “Twisted” you’ll recognize reality. Bellman delivers the picture with a vital three-dimensionality none of the others come close to providing.

If you love this record you will not regret investing in this superb reissue, which is packaged with equal care and is faithful to the original, complete with the embossed lettering and well-reproduced cover art, though the paper stock is a paler yellow.

For the life of me, I cannot understand why no one has done a reissue of Mitchell's For the Roses, which I think is an even better album and on the original white label Asylum release, sonic masterpiece. That was when the label was distributed by Atlantic so the record was probably cut by George Piros.

Thanks to Michael over at 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

Music News & Notes

GWAR Announces Vinyl Releases Of Past Two Records

Space thrashers Gwar have announced that it will be re-issuing its past two albums, 2009's "Lust In Space" and 2010's "Bloody Pit Of Horror" on limited edition vinyl in early January.  'Lust In Space' will be first, reaching store shelves on January 18th, 2011 followed by the release of 'Bloody Pit Of Horro'" on February 15th, 2011 both through Metal Blade Records.








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Captain Beefheart Dies Aged 69

The avant-garde musician Captain Beefheart, the musical alias of Don Van Vliet, has died at the age of 69 from complications from multiple sclerosis at a hospital in Northern California on Friday, December 17.

Born in California in 1941, Van Vliet achieved notoriety with his rotating ensemble of musicians, The Magic Band and released twelve albums with the group, most notably 1969’s ‘Trout Mask Replica,' which achieved widespread critical acclaim. Most of 'Trout Mask Replica' was recorded in March 1969 at Whitney Studios in Los Angeles, California. The lineup of The Magic Band at this time consisted of Bill Harkleroad and Jeff Cotton on guitar, Mark Boston on bass guitar, Victor Hayden on bass clarinet, and John French on drums and percussion. Beefheart played several brass and woodwind instruments (including saxophone, musette, and hunting horn) and contributed most of the vocal parts, with Zappa and various members of the band providing occasional vocals and narration. The well-rehearsed Magic Band recorded all instrumental tracks for 'Trout Mask Replica' in a single six-hour recording session; Van Vliet's vocal and horn tracks were laid down over the next few days. Upon release in the US, Trout Mask Replica sold poorly and failed to chart. It was more successful in the UK, where it spent a week on the charts, at #21.

A widely recognized and acclaimed composition, Trout Mask Replica was ranked #58 on Rolling Stone's 2003 list The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Allmusic's Steve Huey wrote that "its inspiring reimagining of what was possible in a rock context laid the groundwork for countless future experiments in rock surrealism, especially during the punk/new wave era."

As well as being known for his powerful singing voice, he was also a multi-instrumentalist, playing the saxophone and harmonica.

Read full obit Here

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George Pickow, Artist Who Chronicled Musical Life, Is Dead at 88

By MARGALIT FOX NY Times

George Pickow, a photographer best known for the thousands of album covers in which he captured the titans of folk, jazz and pop music — including Theodore Bikel, Louis Armstrong and Lena Horne — in their midcentury prime, died on Dec. 10 in Roslyn, N.Y. He was 88 and lived in Port Washington, on Long Island.

The cause was respiratory failure, his son Jon said. Mr. Pickow also had a home in Viper, Ky., the birthplace of his wife, the folk singer Jean Ritchie.

Working quietly behind the scenes, Mr. Pickow (pronounced PEEK-oh) documented the bubbling cultural ferment of New York City, and in particular Greenwich Village, where he and Ms. Ritchie lived after their marriage in 1950.

For Elektra Records and other labels, he photographed folk singers like Josh White, Pete Seeger, Judy Collins and, of course, Ms. Ritchie, as well as jazz and pop artists like Little Richard, Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Bennett, Nina Simone and Louis Jordan.

Read the rest   Here

Rock & Roll Trivia

David Rose, who led his orchestra to Billboard's number one position with "The Stripper" in July, 1962, was a prolific composer of television theme songs in the 1950s. At one point, there were 22 TV shows on the air using his music. He later went on to win Emmy Awards for the theme for "Bonanza", and "An Evening With Fred Astaire", as well as writing music for "Little House On The Prarie" and "Highway To Heaven".

Mr. Aker Bilk, who took "Stranger On The Shore" to Billboard's number one spot in May, 1962, learned to play the clarinet while he was in prison. He had been sentenced to three months in jail after falling asleep while on guard duty for the British Army in Egypt.

Elvis Presley was number 1 in record sales in the US in the 1950s. In the 1960s he was number 2 and in the 70s he was number 13.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney were always on the look-out for interesting titles to write a song around. They did just that when a tired Ringo uttered "God, it's been a hard days night" and again when a chauffer told Paul, "I'm very busy at the moment. I've been working eight days a week."

Ellas Bates was still in grammar school when classmates started calling him "Bo Diddley". He says he doesn't know why. A bo diddley is actually a one-string, African guitar.

Songwriters Felice and Boudleaux Bryant wrote "All I Have To Do Is Dream" in 15 minutes, but the tune would reach the US charts in four straight decades. The Everly Brothers took it to number one in 1958, Richard Chamberlain's version went to number 14 in 1963, Glen Campbell and Bobby Gentry reached number 27 with it in 1970, and Andy Gibb and Victoria Principal peaked at number 51 in 1981.

Dan Whitney, the comedian known as "Larry The Cable Guy" has been influenced by show business all his life. His father used to played guitar with the Everly Brothers.

Herman's Hermits recorded "Mrs. Brown, You've Got A Lovely Daughter" as an album filler, never intending it for release as a single. After an American DJ started giving it airplay, MGM issued it as a 45 and it became the group's third Billboard number one hit in a row.

The first time that Del Shannon and his keyboard player, Max Crook, ever played "Runaway" on stage, Crook improvised the organ solo as he went along. When it came time to record the song and in all future performances, he never changed a single note.

John Fred and his Playboy Band hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in January, 1968 with "Judy In Disguise". At one time, John's father, Fred Gourrier was a professional baseball player.

Before Pete Townshend of the Who began working on the rock opera "Tommy," he had planned to write an opera about a big white rabbit that ruled the world.

After The Tokens achieved a number one record with "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" in 1961, follow up recordings failed to sell. The group however continued to perform and sang back up vocals for Connie Francis, Del Shannon and Bob Dylan, as well as recording commercials for Pan Am, Ban Deodorant, Wendys and Sunkist.

In the 1960s, during the height of Beatlemania, there were about 90 records released every week in the UK. Only 2 or 3 ever made the charts.

The Shirelles 1962, US Top 10 hit, "Baby, It's You" was actually recorded with only Shirley Alston Reeves' voice over the instrumental demo. The other members of the group don't appear on the record at all, as the original backup vocals, provided by male singers, were left in place.

It took Elvis Presley 31 takes of "Hound Dog" to get the final version that we hear today. In 1988, the song was named the most played record of all time on American juke boxes.

'Wake Me Up Before You Go Go' by Wham! was inspired by a note that group member Andrew Ridgeley left lying in his bedroom.

Paul Evans, who sang the US Top Ten hits "Seven Little Girls" and "Happy-Go-Lucky Me", wrote the music for Bobby Vinton's hit, "Roses Are Red" in 3 minutes, just after seeing Al Byron's lyrics for the first time. After Vinton recorded it, the song went to #1 in the US and sold over 4 million copies.

Poor Ringo. In 1989, after becoming clean and sober, Starr sued to stop the release of an album that he had recorded during his drinking days, claiming he sounded too drunk. The court agreed and the album was never released.

Antoine "Fats" Domino came by his nickname because he stood 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighed 225 lb. Could have been worse, the name Butterball was available....

Tommy James and the Shondells' "It's Only Love" album cover was the first professional photo shoot by Paul McCartney's wife, Linda Eastman.

Robert Todd Storz is credited with being the father of the Top 40 radio format. In the early 1950s, he noticed that people would play the same juke box selections over and over, and gradually converted his stable of radio stations from playing dramas and variety shows to an all-hits format. He dubbed the result "Top 40". Storz also pioneered the practice of surveying record stores to determine which singles were the most popular each week. Ironically, he died of a stroke in 1964, in his 40th year.

This Date In Music History - December 19

Birthdays:

Maurice White - Earth Wind and Fire (1941)

Alvin Lee - Ten Years After (1944)

John McEuen - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (1949)

Janie Fricke (1952)

Doug Johnson - Loverboy (1957)

Kevin Shepard - Tonic (1968)

Daniel Patrick Adair - Nickelback (1975)


They Are Missed:

Born on this day in 1918, Professor Longhair, rock & roll piano player. Influenced Fat's Domino and Dr John. Died on Jan 30, 1980.

Born today in 1940, Phil Ochs, folk singer songwriter. Wrote "There But A Fortune," a hit for Joan Baez. Hung himself on April 9, 1976 suffering from chronic depression.

Michael Clarke, drummer with the Byrds, died of liver failure in 1993 (age 47). After The Byrds, he went on to play for the Flying Burrito Brothers from 1969 to 1973 and Firefall from 1974 to 1981. Before his death Clarke had expressed a wish of alerting children to the dangers of alcoholism. Following his wishes, Clarke's girlfriend Susan Paul started a foundation in Clarke's name, called the Campaign for Alcohol-free Kids. He and the rest of The Byrds were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in January 1991.



10,000 Maniacs guitarist Robert Buck died of liver failure in 2000 (age 42). Best know for "Hey Jack Kerouac," "What's The Matter Here" and "Candy Everybody Wants."

English singer/songwriter Kirsty MacColl was killed in 2000 while vacationing in Mexico (age 41). She was sccuba diving with her two sons when she was hit by a speedboat.

Songwriter, guitarist and singer and founder member of The Staple Singers, Roebuck 'pop' Staples died in 2000. Best known for their 1970s hits "I'll Take You There," "Respect Yourself," and "Let's Do It Again."

Born on this day in 1944, Zal Yanovsky, the Lovin Spoonful. Died of a heart attack on December 13, 2002.


History:

Carl Perkins recorded the immortal hit "Blue Suede Shoes" in 1955. The idea for the song comes from Sun Records labelmate Johnny Cash.

Elvis Presley made US chart history in 1956 by having 10 songs on Billboard's Top 100.

'The Music Man' opened on Broadway in 1957.

In 1957, Elvis Presley had his draft notice served on him for the US Army. He went on to join the 32nd Tank Battalion third Armor Corps based in Germany.

In 1958, Booby Darin recorded his signature cut "Mack The Knife."



Neil Sedaka's "Calendar Girl" was released on RCA Victor Records in 1960. The song would climb to #4 on the Hot 100 and become Sedaka's sixth record to make the US charts.

Also in 1960, Frank Sinatra recorded his first session with his very own record company, Reprise Records. Frank did "Ring-A-Ding-Ding" and "Let’s Fall in Love."

After reaching #15 with "Tonight I Fell In Love" earlier in the year, a Brooklyn, New York group called The Tokens scored the top tune in the US in 1961 with "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

The Beatles fourth album 'Beatles For Sale' started a seven-week run at #1 on the UK album charts in 1964. It would stay in the Top 20 for an amazing 46 weeks.

In 1964, the Supremes scored their third US #1 single of the year when "Come See About Me," went to the top of the charts.

For reasons that are never fully explained, a Los Angeles radio station announced in 1966 that Mick Jagger had died.

Buffalo Springfield appeared at the Community Concourse, San Diego, California in 1967.

The Friends of Distinction recorded "Grazin' In The Grass" in 1968.



Santana play San Francisco’s Fillmore West for the first time in 1968. The group regularly appeared at the venue after that.

The Beatles' seventh Christmas record, 'The Beatles' Seventh Christmas Record' was released to members of their fan club in the UK and the US in 1969.

Elton John's first US hit, ‘Your Song’ entered the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970, where it went on to reach number eight. The Hollies had been offered the song and Three Dog Night had already recorded a version which was included on their ‘It Ain't Easy’ album.

Ron Woods joined the Rolling Stones in 1974.

As if Disco wasn't bad enough, the US music scene reached a new all time low in 1975 when "Convoy" by C.W. McCall earned a Gold record. It would go on to top the Billboard Pop in early January. The novelty tune tells the story of interstate truck drivers and their run-ins with the law. It reached #2 in the UK.

In 1979, Elvis Presley's personal physician, George Nichopoulos, was charged with 'illegally and indiscriminately' prescribing over 12,000 tablets of uppers, downers, and painkillers for the star during the 20 months preceding his untimely death. Although he was acquitted this time, he was charged again in 1980 and again in 1992 and was stripped of his medical license in July 1995.

In 1981, the Rolling Stones wrap up their US tour with a televised closed-circuit concert broadcast throughout the country.

In 1986, a California Superior Court Judge refused to reinstate a lawsuit brought against Ozzy Osbourne by the parents of a teenager who committed suicide while listening to Osbourne's "Suicide Solution". The judge ruled that Ozzy was protected by The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which gives him the right to freedom of speech.

An oddity happened in 1987 - Paul Simon the musician, and Paul Simon, the presidential candidate, both hosted 'Saturday Night Live.'

Marty Raybon made his last appearance with country group Shenandoah at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, TN in 1997.

In 2001, VH1 premiered "Too Legit: The MC Hammer Story."

Also in 2001, Dick Clark filed a $10 million lawsuit against Recording Academy President Michael Greene. The charge was that Greene would bar artists who appear first on Clark's American Music Awards from performing on the Grammy Awards.

Peter Eckenrod was sentenced to 25 months in prison in 2003 for pretending to be Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti. He pleads no contest to scheming to defraud and fraudulent use of a credit card.

Ludacris went to #1 on the US album chart in 2004 with 'The Red Light District', the rappers second US #1 album.

Bono was named one of Time magazine's '05 Persons of the Year, along with Microsoft founder/CEO Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda. The trio is recognized for their efforts to aid Africa in its fight against disease and destitution." This can be a generation that can end extreme poverty," says U2's frontman, who claims he is "humbled" by the honor.

Two giant eyeballs donated by Pink Floyd raised over $25,000 for the homeless charity Crisis in 2006. The 6ft-high props, made to promote the Pulse DVD, were on the auction site eBay for a week and attracted 46 bids. Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, a vice-president of Crisis, said extra help was needed in the winter months.

As many as 30 concertgoers were treated for minor injuries received at a Music As A Weapon tour stop in Ashwaubenon, WI in 2006. Two fans are transported to a local hospital for treatment during the Disturbed-headlined event. Many mosh pit mavens suffer cuts, bruises or overheating. Dern mosh pit....

In 2006, the FBI release documents related to their investigation of John Lennon in the early ‘70s. The Nixon administration thought Lennon, an anti-war (Vietnam) advocate, was aiding left wing causes and therefore an undesirable alien. Unsuccessful deportation efforts ensued. While Lennon had contact with representatives from radical organizations the FBI could find no evidence that he was a member or financially supported these groups.

Neil Young’s “Living With War - Raw” CD (live studio renditions of the 10 “Living With War” songs) and DVD, was in stores in 2006.

Christine Grahame, a member of Scotland's parliament, filed a parliamentary motion in 2008 recognizing AC/DC’s achievements. Founding members Angus and Malcolm Young were born in Glasgow before the family moved to Australia in ‘63. Also, the late vocalist Bon Scott and his successor, Brian Johnson, are Scottish natives.

Rock & Roll Trivia

Bill Haley and His Comets recorded "Rock Around The Clock" as a "B" side for their first Decca Records recording session. The "A" side was a song called "Thirteen Women And Only One Man In Town".

It's ironic that of the members of ZZ Top, Dusty Hill, Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard-Beard is the only member of the classic trio not to sport a beard.

Boy George once admitted that he wanted to be reincarnated as Matt Dillon's underwear. No comment from Dillon.

Elvis' girlfriend, Ginger Alden, found him dead, lying on the floor of his bathroom. He had been seated on the toilet reading The Scientific Search For Jesus.

Twenty years after his death, a report showed that Elvis Presley was the world's best selling posthumous entertainer, with world-wide sales of over 1 billion dollars and 480 active fan clubs. He died owing $3 million.

The Association were turned down by every major label who heard their first album, which included the future number one smash, "Cherish".

Antoine "Fats" Domino and his wife Rosemary have eight children, all of whom have names that start with "A".

The same studio musicians who had just helped Bob Dylan record "Like A Rolling Stone" were asked by producer Tom Wilson to stay in the studio for one more song. He then recorded the electric guitar, bass and drums that were to be added to Paul Simon's voice and acoustic guitar. The result was the 1966 number one hit, "Sounds Of Silence".

Stevie Wonder wrote "Isn't She Lovely" for his daughter Aisha Zakia. The names mean "strength" and "intelligence" in an African language.

Brenda Lee graduated from high school in Hollywood, having already earned 12 top ten records.

Paul Revere and The Raiders' first chart entry, "Like Long Hair" was based on Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Prelude in C-Sharp Minor", written in 1897.

The longest title of a US number one record belongs to a Dutch studio group called Stars On 45. Although their medley was simply known as "Stars On 45" in most parts of the world, the US single had a 41 word title: "Intro Venus / Sugar Sugar / No Reply / I'll Be Back / Drive My Car / Do You Want To Know A Secret / We Can Work It Out / I Should Have Known Better / Nowhere Man / You're Going To Lose That Girl / Stars On 45".

Performance contracts for the band Van Halen stipulated that they be provided with a supply of M&Ms at every show, but all of the brown ones had to be removed.

In 1964, an acoustics expert from New South Wales University measured the noise level during a Beatles' concert at 112 decibels. That's between 10 and 20 decibels higher than a Boeing 707 jet flying at 2,000 feet.

Doors guitarist Robby Krieger once said about lead singer Jim Morrison: "I loved the guy when he was straight. I disliked him immensely when he was drunk."

In 1956, a Protestant minister in Greenwich Village, New York said about Elvis Presley's music; "I don't think youth wants this sort of thing. It is the result of the letdown that follows every war."

Darlene Love, who sang lead vocals on The Crystals hits "He's A Rebel" and "He's Sure The Boy I Love", played Danny Glover's wife in all four Lethal Weapon movies.

Harry Elston, co-founder of The Friends Of Distinction, used to work as a limousine driver for The Temptations.

Mercury Records released The Platters' "Twilight Time" on both 78 RPM and 45 RPM discs. The song went to number one in the U.S. in April, 1958 and sold one and a half million copies, of which 98.2 percent were 45s. By that June, Mercury became the first major record label to announce that it would stop producing 78s, effective immediately.

After Gene Simmons of KISS graduated form Richmond College, he became a school teacher. This career move was short-lived however, as he quit to form KISS. Why? "I wanted to kill those little pricks," he said.

Before Glen Campbell had a successful solo career, he was a studio musician who played lead guitar on The Beach Boys' "Dance, Dance, Dance" and Frank Sinatra's "Strangers In The Night".

New Album Cover Art, Music News & Notes

Avril Lavigne's What the Hell Cover Art Released

Avril Lavigne's cover art for her "What the Hell" single has been revealed. Avril will debut the first single from the new album, 'What the Hell,' on New Year's Eve during Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve.

The single is the first from fourth studio album, 'Goodbye Lullaby,' which is scheduled for release on March 8, 2011 via RCA Records .









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HEAVENWOOD: 'Abyss Masterpiece' Cover Artwork Unveiled

Portuguese dark-rock/metal vets HEAVENWOOD are set to release their fourth album, 'Abyss Masterpiece' on February 28, 2011 via Listenable Records. The effort was mixed and mastered by producer Kristian "Kohle" Kohlmannslehner (CREMATORY, AGATHODAIMON, BENIGHTED) at Kohlekeller Studios in Germany.

The "Abyss Masterpiece" artwork was created by Matthew Vickerstaff of Darkwave Art, who has previously worked with CRADLE OF FILTH, MY DYING BRIDE, GODFLESH, CARCASS, MENDEED, CATHEDRAL, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, THE HAUNTED, SOIL and DEICIDE. HEAVENWOOD guitarist Bruno Silva states, "The band is very delighted with the work done by Matthew Vickerstaff. He managed to illustrate in the perfection the essence and feeling contained on 'Abyss Masterpiece'.






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BLACK SABBATH: Deluxe Edition Of 'Dehumanizer' Due In February

According to the unofficial BLACK SABBATH web site Black-Sabbath.com, Universal/Sanctuary has set a February 7 release date for the deluxe edition of BLACK SABBATH's 'Dehumanizer.' Originally issued in 1992, the LP was the first SABBATH effort to feature the vocals of the late, great Ronnie James Dio since 1981's 'Mob Rules.' With a lineup completed by founding members Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler and drumming duties carried out by Vinny Appice, 'Dehumanizer' is arguably one of SABBATH's heaviest albums. This edition is expanded with the single edit of "Master Of Insanity", an alternate version of "Letters From Earth" that originally appeared as the B-side to the "TV Crimes" single, and a version of "Time Machine" originally recorded for the soundtrack to the movie "Wayne's World". In addition, the set includes five rare live tracks from Florida's Sundome recorded at the beginning of the "Dehumanizer" tour in July 1992, including a previously unreleased live version of "Master Of Insanity".

'Dehumanizer' deluxe edition track listing:

Disc One (Original Album 1992)

01. Computer God
02. After All (The Dead)
03. TV Crimes
04. Letters From Earth
05. Master Of Insanity
06. Time Machine
07. Sins Of The Father
08. Too Late
09. I
10. Buried Alive

Disc Two (Bonus Tracks)

01. Master Of Insanity (Single Edit)
02. Letters From Earth (B-Side Version)
03. Time Machine (Wayne's World Version)

Live at The Sundome,Tampa, Florida 25th July 1992:

01. Children Of The Sea
02. Die Young
03. TV Crimes
04. Master Of Insanity
05. Neon Knights

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Bobby Darin's 'That’s All' Gets Audiophile Release

Mastered from the Original Analog Mono Session Tape by Kevin Gray at AcousTech, one of the greatest male vocal LP’s of the century, Bobby Darin 'That’s All' is being reissued on Audiophile vinyl.

The new Boxstar LP unlocks hidden treasures only suggested on the original pressing, the enthralling magic that was Bobby Darin is now again here for all to enjoy. This is not just for audiophiles, but for any person in love with the art of the human voice. Included are the hits “Mack the Knife” and “Beyond The Sea” as you’ve never heard them before. Also included are standout cuts “Softly As In A Morning Sunrise,” and “I’ll Remember April.” It’s no accident that these historic sessions were produced by Ahmet Ertegun and Nesuhi Ertegun and Jerry Wexler and engineered by the legendary Tom Dowd.

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Beatles' John Lennon's 'Abbey Road' Suit Up For Auction

The white suit that was worn by John Lennon on the cover of The Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’ is up for auction. The iconic two-piece garment is one of a host of items due to go under the hammer at Braswell

Galleries in Connecticut on New Year’s Day (January 1). The owner is believed to be selling the item due to financial difficulties, reports the Associated Press.

The blazer Lennon for in the music video for ‘Imagine’ is also part of the auction.








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Ye Olde Record Shoppe

A new record store on the Palouse may be arriving at the right time after all.

Leah Sottile

The economy’s awful. So naturally two guys in a small North Idaho town decide to open a store specializing in vinyl records. Great plan, right?

It’s a question you can’t help but ask Zachary Johnson and Brandon Rowley, the owners of Moscow’s new bite-sized music shop, Deadbeat Records.

Why open now? Why open in North Idaho? And why vinyl? These are questions the pair — who just opened the store in early November — are already getting used to hearing.

“When we told people we were opening a record store, we had a lot of naysayers,” Johnson says. “But we’ve been more than pleased so far.”

Read the rest of the article  HERE

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UK's largest collection of memorabilia from musicals left to the V&ACollection includes more than 10,000 records, posters and scores dating back to the 1950s

Maev Kennedy guardian.co.uk

In 1950 a small boy was taken by his parents to see the musical Annie Get Your Gun, at the Gaumont theatre in Southampton. The production transformed the fortunes of the theatre, now called the Mayflower, and also led to the creation of the largest private collection of musicals memorabilia, by the spellbound boy, who grew to be a banker but never forgot the stunning impact of his first live show.

Rexton Bunnett, who built up the archive with his late partner, John Muir, announced today that he is leaving the entire collection – more than 10,000 records, as well as books, programmes, music scores and posters – to the nation, in the care of the Victoria and Albert museum.

Read the rest of the article HERE

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10 Creative Album Cover Collage Artworks

Written by Igor Ovsyannykov

There is a new art in town, and its album cover art collages. This type of art was invented by Christian Marclay. Most of us probably know Marclay for being a DJ and composer who was the first to use gramaphone records and turntables as musical instruments to create sound collage. While collecting record covers, he develop a new execution on using them. He used different album covers to mix and match and create beautiful collage artworks. We decide to share his incredible achievement. The following pieces are a great example of how art is changing and growing.

Read the rest of the article HERE

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The Revival Of Vinyl Has Begun In The Midwest

By Kate Sullivan

Piles of slim cases are stacked high around the room while you are lying flat on your back in bed. With some popping and crackling a record starts to play.

This can be true of a couple generations; the generation that witnessed the beginning of vinyl, the generation that tried to keep the format popular and the generation now that listened to its parent’s records growing up and now can’t seem to stop.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) the vinyl record format continues to make a comeback. In 2008, the RIAA reported that the format more than doubled its sales to 57 million. This is the highest level of the vinyl format since 1990.

There are three record stores that are keeping afloat in a marketplace that is headed in an entirely new direction. Revival Records in Eau Claire, Wis. depends on the sales of popular 1970s rock albums while still maintaining an updated collection for costumers. Vinyl Cave Records in Superior, Wis. depends on its sales of popular 45’s. Treehouse Records in Minneapolis depends on their loyal customers who have been coming to the same location for decades. These three stores in the Midwest sell only vinyl records.

The store owners all have different views on the future of vinyl records, but they all seem to agree that vinyl just sounds better than other formats.

Read the rest of the article HERE

Universal Music Enterprises to Release Deluxe Expanded Reissues of Thin Lizzy's Groundbreaking Albums 'Jailbreak,' 'Johnny The Fox,' 'Live And Dangerous'

All Three Albums To Be Released February 8, 2011, and Include Previously Unreleased Material


LOS ANGELES, Dec. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty-four years have passed since the death of the iconic Phil Lynott, the world has changed, but the amazing body of work that is Thin Lizzy still retains all of its vibrancy and influence.

Universal Music Enterprises is proud to announce the imminent release of deluxe, expanded editions of three seminal Thin Lizzy albums – Jailbreak, Johnny The Fox, and one of the great live rock albums of all time, the iconic Live And Dangerous. These classic albums were remixed, remastered and embellished by original band member Scott Gorham and Def Leppard lead singer Joe Elliott. Each contains a remastered version of the original disc and a second disc of rare bonus tracks. Live And Dangerous is a two-disc audio set with the third disc a DVD.

1976's Jailbreak was Thin Lizzy's sixth studio album. This album proved to be Thin Lizzy's commercial breakthrough in the U.S. with the massive singles "Jailbreak" and the landmark "The Boys Are Back in Town" (the latter being Thin Lizzy's biggest hit ever). One of the classic rock albums of all time, this deluxe version contains a four-song BBC session from the period as well as previously unreleased tracks. The package is rounded off with new liner notes and has a booklet packed with rare photos and memorabilia.

Also released in 1976, Johnny The Fox was Thin Lizzy's seventh studio album. The album was written and recorded while bassist/vocalist Phil Lynott was recovering from a bout of hepatitis that took him off the road halfway through the "Jailbreak" tour. As a rock album, it stands with the best of Thin Lizzy's work. Released during the band's peak years (the mid-to-late '70s), the album highlights the twin guitar attack of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson and Lynott's own songwriting—the songs revealing a more focused craftsmanship. The overall tone of the album is looser than previous albums. It contains the all-time classic "Don't Believe a Word" and other Lizzy staples. This deluxe version also contains a BBC session from the time as well as previously unreleased tracks. The package is bolstered by new commentary and rare photos and memorabilia.

Live and Dangerous was released in 1978 and is arguably one of the great live albums of all time— the cover an iconic and instantly recognizable image of Phil Lynott. It was recorded in London and Toronto in 1977, during the tours accompanying the albums Jailbreak and Bad Reputation. Live and Dangerous was originally intended to be a studio album. The band had worked with producer Tony Visconti on their previous album Bad Reputation, and the group wanted to work with him again. But because Visconti had a very tight schedule, Phil Lynott instead came up with the idea that they spend two weeks together compiling a live album. The album is packed with Thin Lizzy's timeless greatest moments and remains one of the most influential and revered albums of all time.

A DVD was released (now included in this package) that contains all the recorded video from the Live and Dangerous concert, including (in order): "Rosalie," "The Boys Are Back In Town," "Emerald," "Dancing In The Moonlight," "Massacre," "Still In Love With You," "Don't Believe A Word," "Are You Ready," "Sha-La-La," "Baby Drives Me Crazy" and "Me And The Boys" (not included on the album). It also includes various other Thin Lizzy performances, including a show recorded during their farewell tour.

The Live and Dangerous deluxe expanded edition also gets new notes and is filled with photos and memorabilia.

The Deluxe Expanded Reissues of Jailbreak, Johnny The Fox and Live and Dangerous are to be released through Universal Music Enterprises on the February 8, 2011

A new lineup has formed to take Lizzy's music to a whole new generation of music fans. Led by alumni Scott Gorham, Brian Downey and Darren Wharton (all of whom played in Thin Lizzy with Phil Lynott), this stellar lineup is completed by Def Leppard's Viv Campbell (guitar), bassist Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake, Ted Nugent) and The Almighty's Ricky Warwick on vocals and guitar. The new lineup will be touring Europe beginning in January 2011.

SOURCE Universal Music Enterprises

This Date In Music History - December 17

Birthdays:

Art Neville - Neville Brothers (1937)

Jim Bonfanti - Young Rascals, Raspberries (1948)

Paul Rodgers - Free, Bad Company, also a member of The Firm, with Jimmy Page (1949)

Wanda Hutchinson - Emotions (1951)

Mike Mills - R.E.M. (1958)



Sarah Dallen - Bananarama (1962)

Tim Chewning - Ricochet (1962)

Micky Quinn - Supergrass (1969)

DJ Homicide - Sugar Ray (1970)

Neil Christopher - Three Days Grace (1978)

Taylor York - Paramore (1989)


They Are Missed:

Delta blues musician and songwriter Big Joe Williams died in 1982 in Macon, Mississippi (age 79).

Born on this day in 1950, Carlton Barrett, The Wailers. Barrett was shot dead outside his home on April 17, 1987.

Born today in 1942, Paul Butterfield, blues singer, harmonica player. Appeared at The Bands, 'Last Waltz'. Died on May 4, 1987.

Born on this day in 1939, Eddie Kendricks, vocals, the Temptations, solo. Died on October 5, 1992.

Born today in 1959, Bob Stinson, guitar, the Replacements. Died of an accidental drug overdose February 18, 1995.

Jazz-funk, soul-jazz saxophonist Grover Washington Jr died of a heart attack in 1999 (age 56). He collapsed in the green room after taping four songs for The Early Show, at CBS Studios in New York City. He released over 20 solo albums and featured on the 1981 Bill Withers hit "Just The Two of Us."

English saxophonist Denis Payton died in 2006. Member of Dave Clark Five who had the 1964 UK #1 single "Glad All Over," 1965 US #1 single "Over And Over," plus over 15 other UK top 40 singles.




History:

In 1892, Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" was first performed in St. Petersburg by the Russian Imperial Ballet.

Bill Haley and his Comets put the first Rock and Roll song on the UK singles chart in 1954 with "Rock Around The Clock," which would later peak at number 4.

While their hit "Only You" was still at #2, The Platters' "The Great Pretender" entered the Billboard R&B chart at #13 in 1955.

Carl Perkins wrote "Blue Suede Shoes" in 1955. Less than 48 hours later, he recorded it in Memphis, TN.



Tennessee Ernie Ford's version of "Sixteen Tons" was #1 on both the Billboard Pop and Country & Western charts in 1955. The song had first recorded in 1946 by American Country singer Merle Travis.

In 1957, Bobby Helms' "Jingle Bell Rock" entered the Billboard Pop chart for the first time, where it will reach #6. It will make the chart again in December 1958, 1960, 1961 and 1962.

Returning from Hamburg in 1960, the Beatles appeared at the Casbah Coffee Club in Liverpool. Chas Newby joined the Beatles on bass guitar (to replace Stuart Sutcliffe, who had remained in Hamburg), a position he would hold for only two weeks and four performances. When Newby bowed out to return to college, Paul McCartney became the Beatles' bass player.

In 1962, Bob Dylan arrived in England for the first time; he played his first UK date the following night at the Troubadour Club in London.

In 1963, James Carroll at WWDC in Washington, DC, became the first disc jockey to broadcast a Beatles' record on American radio. Carroll played "I Want To Hold Your Hand," which he had obtained from his stewardess girlfriend; who had brought the single back from the UK. Due to listener demand, the song was played daily, every hour. Since it hadn't been released yet in the States, Capitol Records initially considered court action, but instead released the single earlier than planned.

Judy Garland and The Supremes performed at the opening of the Astrodome in Houston in 1965.

The Royal Guardsmen's "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron" entered the Billboard Pop chart in 1966, where it will peak at #2 during its eleven week run.

Also in 1966, the Four Tops' "Standing in the Shadows of Love" entered the Billboard Hot 100. During a ten week stay, the tune will peak at #6. It also reached #2 on the R&B chart.

The Who played their Xmas party at the Marquee Club, London in 1968. Also on the bill was a new group called Yes. Members 15 shillings, ($1.80) or £1 ($2.40) on the night. Other acts appearing at the club this month included Joe Cocker, Free and Led Zeppelin.

In 1969, an estimated 40 million viewers tuned in to see 36 year-old Tiny Tim marry 17 year old Victoria May Budinger, whom he referred to as "Miss Vicki," on The Tonight Show. The couple would later have one daughter, Tulip, but divorced in 1972.

The Beach Boys played a command performance for Princess Margaret at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1970.

In 1975, Aerosmith and Blue Oyster Cult appeared at the San Diego Sports Arena, San Diego, California.

In 1977, Mr. David Ackroyd purchased the one-millionth copy of "Mull Of Kintyre," by Wings in the UK and became the first record buyer to receive a Gold Disc.

Elvis Costello appeared on NBC-TV's Saturday Night Live in 1977 (subbing for the Sex Pistols, who could not get visas to enter the US), where producer Lorne Michaels refused to allow him to perform "Radio, Radio" (because of the song's criticism of the broadcasting industry). A few measures into "Less than Zero," Costello halted his group and goes into "Radio, Radio."



Also in 1977, George Harrison played an unannounced live set for the regulars at his local pub in Henley-On-Thames.

In 1982, Karen Carpenter made her last live appearance with The Carpenters singing Christmas carols at Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, California.

The Who played the "last concert of our farewell tour" at Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens in 1982. However, The Who continues to say goodbye through the ‘90s. And it proves highly lucrative.

Wayne "Danke Schoen" Newton won a $19.2 million suit against NBC News in 1986. NBC had aired reports claiming a link between Newton and mob figures. The reports were proven to be false.

Paul McCartney's limo catches fire en route to a TV taping in Newcastle, England in 1986. Both he and his wife Linda escape unharmed.

The Doobie Brothers reunited for a benefit in Palo Alto, California in 1986. The performance inspires a reunion tour the next year.

Ini Kamoze started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1994 with "Here Comes The Hotstepper."

Also in 1994, a remixed version of The Four Seasons' "December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night)" re-entered the US Hot 100, where it stayed for another 27 weeks, just as it did when it first charted in 1976. The combined run will establish a record for the longest total chart appearance in US chart history.

In 1995, a statue of the late Frank Zappa was unveiled in Vilnius, the capital of the Republic Of Lithuania. It had been organised by Zappa fan club President Saulius Pauksty.

David Bowie launched his BowieNet on the Internet in 1997.

In 1999, the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards decides to keep a guitar that he was asked to autograph, outside his birthday party at the Russian Tea Room in New York City. The owner of the guitar decides not to press charges saying, "It's Keith, man."

In 2004, Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie agreed to sell 85% of his estate to businessman Robert FX Sillerman in a deal worth $100,000,000. Sillerman will run Presley's Memphis home, Graceland, will own Elvis' name and likeness, as well as the rights to his photographs and revenue from his music and films. Lisa Marie will retain possession of Graceland and many of her father's personal effects. The agreement was to pay her $53 million in cash and absolve her of $25m in debts owed by the estate. She will also receive shares in the new company expected to be worth more than $20 million. Actress Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie's mother and Presley's former wife, remained executive consultant to the business.

A letter written by late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain to Courtney Love in 1991 sells for more than $19,000 at a Christie’s memorabilia auction in NY in 2004.

Bon Jovi's show in Washington, D.C., was transmitted live through Sprint wireless phones and multimedia devices in 2005, becoming the first full-length concert streamed through the carrier. Subscribers watch by tuning in Sprint TV.

U2 had the top-grossing tour of 2005, according to an end-of-year chart compiled by US magazine Billboard. More than three million people watched the band's sell-out 90-date Vertigo tour which grossed $260m. The Eagles, took $117m from 77 shows and Neil Diamond grossed more than $71m. Kenny Chesney was fourth with $63m, Paul McCartney $60m, Rod Stewart with $49m, Elton John with $45.5m, Dave Matthews Band with $45m, Jimmy Buffett with $41m and Green Day with $36.5m.

Rumors that John Frusciante had left the Red Hot Chili Peppers are confirmed on the guitarist’s MySpace blog in 2009. “To put it simply, my musical interests have led me in a different direction.” According to Frusciante, this isn’t exactly new news. He writes that he left the band over a year earlier when the Peppers were on indefinite hiatus. At the time of the announcement, RHCP are in the studio recording a follow-up to ‘06’s “Stadium Arcadium” with guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. It’s the second time Fusciante has parted company with the RHCP.

Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke crashed the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in 2009 by pretending to be a member of the press. "Do you imagine they'd let me in otherwise,” asks Yorke. He later criticizes the conference as ineffective.

In 2009, insisting that he has let go of all his "anger and bitterness," John Lennon’s son Julian said that he has finally forgiven his late father for walking out on him as a child. "I realized if I continued to feel that anger and bitterness towards my dad, I would have a cloud hanging over my head." After John was murdered in 1980, it was revealed that he had left very little to Julian in his will.

Rock & Roll Trivia

During the early stages of their careers, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Hall and Oates and Steve Martin were all opening acts for the rock and roll nostalgia group, Sha Na Na.

The Crickets were given awards as the Best Vocal Group in the US and Great Britain in 1957, despite the fact that the only member of the group that actually sang was Buddy Holly. The background vocals for their number one hit "That'll Be The Day" were sung by Gary and Ramona Tollet.

Roy Orbison's highest charting album did not come about until after his untimely death in 1989. "Mystery Girl" reached #5 and was eventually certified platinum.

Aerosmith was known to bring a chainsaw with them out on tour so that they could chop up hotel rooms with greater efficiency. They also traveled with extra-long extension cords. Their reasoning? So the TVs that they tossed out of their hotel rooms would stay on and keep playing all the way to the ground before they were smashed up.

Danny and the Juniors' 1958, Top 20 hit "Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay" was written in response to a rock record smashing party sponsored by St Louis radio station KWK.

The first time that Dick Clark heard a Beatles' record he said, "I don't know what the heck you're so excited about...it'll never fly."

According to vocalist Davy Jones, The Monkees were allowed to choose some of the songs they recorded. Two that they turned down were "Knock Three Times", which would become a Billboard chart topper for Tony Orlando and Dawn in 1970 and "Love Will Keep Us Together", which became a million selling number one for The Captain and Tennille in 1975.

The term "rock and roll", which was black slang for sexual intercourse, appeared on record for the first time in 1922 on Trixie Smith's "My Baby Rocks Me With One Steady Roll".

The term "rhythm & blues" was coined in 1948 by a young Billboard reporter and future Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler, to replace the negative term "Race Records".

After John Lennon made his unfortunate remarks about the Beatles being "more popular than Jesus", the Bishop of Montreal, the Rt. Rev. Kenneth Maguire said: "I wouldn't be surprised if The Beatles actually were more popular than Jesus. In the only popularity poll in Jesus' time, he came out second best to Barabbas."

In the summer of 2005, recording industry insiders estimated that there were still 28 billion songs being illegally downloaded yearly.

Mike Stoller, one half of the songwriting team of Leiber & Stoller, survived the 1956 sinking of the luxury ship Andrea Doria off Nantucket Island. When he returned to New York on a rescue freighter, he was greeted by his partner Jerry Leiber who told him that they had just scored their first hit record by "some white kid called Elvis Presley." Stoller replied "Elvis who?"

Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees considered himself to be quite the ladies man. In fact, his standard pick-up line was that he had fallen in love and wanted to get married. He was known to walk around with a pocket full of engagement rings but this technique got him into trouble especially when five or six of his "fiancées" gathered together at the stage door.

"House Of The Rising Sun" is a traditional Folk song that was first recorded in 1920 and tells a story about a brothel in New Orleans named after Madame Marianne Le Soleil Levant (which means "Rising Sun" in French). It was open for business from 1862, when Union Troops occupied the town, until 1874, when it was closed due to complaints by neighbors.



After the death of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham in 1980, guitarist Jimmy Page refused to even pick up a guitar for nearly nine months.

Monkees' guitarist Mike Nesmith wrote Linda Ronstadt's 1968 hit, "Different Drum".

Gene Chandler, who reached number one in the US in 1962 with "The Duke Of Earl", was the producer of "Backfield In Motion", a 1969 Top Ten hit by Mel And Tim.

Tommy Roe wrote and recorded a song called "Sheila" when he was just 14 years old. The effort went nowhere, but six years later, he recorded it again for ABC-Paramount and this time it went to number one in the US.

Peter Noone, better known as Herman of Herman's Hermits, once interviewed Elvis Presley for the UK music paper New Musical Express.

In 1972, Chuck Berry complained when his record company recorded a concert performance in London. But Berry stopped complaining after a song from his set went on to be his biggest-selling hit. The song? "My Ding-a-Ling."

Many listeners believed that Bjork's song "Humanbehavior" contained lyrics sang in Icelandic. Not true, say Bjork, "People think it's Icelandic," she quipped. "But actually whatever noise it feels naturally to sing." Uh, have you met Yoko Ono?

In the first two years after the Beatles fired drummer Pete Best, they would gross over 24 million dollars. Best went to work as a baker, earning 8 pounds a week.

In the Spring of 1969, The Cowsills had the number two song on Billboard's Hot 100 with "Hair". The changing music scene soon left them hopelessly outdated and by 1970, guitarist Bob Cowsill had a job sweeping a parking garage.



When Jerry and the Pacemakers returned to England following their first tour of America in 1964, they were shocked to find that not only did the band not make any money, they actually owed over three thousand dollars in expenses, thanks to lavish dinners and limousine rides.

Question Mark and The Mysterians 1966, number one US hit "96 Tears" was recorded in the living room of their manager's house.

None of The Beatles were invited to attend the private funeral of their manager Brian Epstein. They did however hold a memorial service for their former leader a few weeks later.

The song writing team of Holland - Dozier - Holland wrote "Where Did Our Love Go" for The Marvelettes, who hated the song and turned it down. It was then offered to The Supremes, who reluctantly recorded it. By mid-July, 1964, it became their breakthrough hit, climbing all the way to number one on Billboard's Hot 100.

Phil Collins was an extra during the filming of the first Beatles' movie, "A Hard Days Night".

Although the term "teeny-bopper" came to mean a young teenager in the 60s and 70s, the original term "bopper" was a street gang term for one who was always looking for a fight.

On The Beatles 1970, #1 hit, "The Long and Winding Road", Paul McCartney played the piano, and John Lennon played bass. George and Ringo do not appear on the track at all.

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 13, 2010

DEAR JERRY: I'm writing about one of the most recent examples of advertisers using oldies but goodies in their radio and television commercials.

This approach has been used countless times, probably to connect with baby boomers by featuring music of the 1950s and '60s. And, except for that French song by Edith Piaf which you identified years ago, I almost always recognize the music.

Now I'm stumped by the song in the current Volkswagen 2010 Jetta TV spots. Sung by a man, the catchy line I can't get out of my head is “another day, another dollar.” I want this record for Christmas. Though I've never heard this number, it can't be completely obscure or they wouldn't be using it.
—Shawn Gillespie, Harrisburg, Pa.

DEAR SHAWN: Another day, another musical mystery to solve.

This clever commercial is unusual in that the song, “Another Day, Another Dollar,” is the only audio heard during the entire spot. The company's message is conveyed by the scenes and graphics in the video.

The singer, and writer of this infectious tune, is the brilliant Wynn Stewart. The single, “Another Day, Another Dollar” backed with “Donna on My Mind” (Challenge 9164), reached the C&W Top 30 in early 1962, so it is only slightly obscure.

Besides the original 45 rpm, “Another Day, Another Dollar” can be found on the 18-track CD, “The Very Best of Wynn Stewart: 1958-1962” (Varese Sarabande 3020662312).

There is still time to add it to your letter to Santa.

Oh yes, that French song by Edith Piaf is “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien.” eBay used it last year in a TV ad campaign.


DEAR JERRY: One year, more than 30 years ago, our local radio station played an excellent Christmas song by Jerry Lee Lewis.

What amazes me is that I have never heard it played again, especially because it is his only Christmas song and came out at the peak of his career.

Every year around this time, I wonder about this heartfelt song that time seems to have forgotten. Hopefully, you know the one I mean.
—Melanie Rodgers, Garden Grove, Calif.

DEAR MELANIE: The year was 1970, making it 40 years ago this month when you and I last heard “I Can't Have a Merry Christmas, Mary (Without You)” (Mercury 73155) on the air.

What stood out to me about this recording is how unlike any other Christmas song it is, by anyone. It definitely contains all the illustrious Lewis idiosyncrasies that make him special, such as the cry in his voice when he laments, “I've kept the old tree a-burning, with the lights of pretty blue.”

Yet, in what at the time struck me as a blunder, Mercury designated the other side as the A-side.

That dreary selection, titled “In Loving Memories,” about the funeral of a loved one, is nowhere as strong and should have been the B-side.

Since you wrote via e-mail, you must have a computer. So you'll be thrilled to know you can enjoy “I Can't Have a Merry Christmas, Mary (Without You)” every day of the year on . YouTube


IZ ZAT SO? Fueled by million-sellers “Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On” and “Great Balls of Fire,” Jerry Lee Lewis became a first generation rock and roll superstar in 1957.

By mid-1958, after the media learned he married the teenage daughter of his first cousin, Jerry's bright star returned to earth and burned up upon re-entry.

Nearly 10 years later, Jerry returned as a country-rocker, or, as he describes himself in one of his hits, a “Boogie Woogie Country Man.” We think it means the same thing.

Between March 1968 and August '83, Lewis registered 55 hit singles, with one or more on the charts during each of those 16 years.

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

Rock & Roll Trivia

"I Heard It Through The Grapevine" has reached the Billboard Hot 100 six times in versions by Marvin Gaye (#1), Gladys Knight (#2), Creedence Clearwater Revival (#43), Roger Troutman (#79), King Curtis (#83) and The California Raisins (#84). The song has also been recorded by dozens of other artists including The Temptations, Ike and Tina Turner, Paul Mauriat and Elton John.

In a 2005 interview, Billy Joel said that during the recording of "We Are The World", most of the artists didn't like the song, but nobody would say so. Cyndi Lauper thought it sounded like a Pepsi commercial and Billy agreed.

The contract that made Brian Epstein the Beatles' manager was never really valid. Both Paul and George were under 21 at the time and needed a legal guardian to sign. Epstein himself never signed the document at all.

Rocker Neil Young arrived at Woodstock in 1969 with fellow musician Jimi Hendrix. When they realized that they had to travel several miles from the helicopter pad to the stage, they stole a pickup truck for the journey. Young calls the theft, "One of the high points of my life."

Al Kooper, founder of Blood, Sweat and Tears was a co-writer of the Gary Lewis and The Playboys' hit "This Diamond Ring". Although the song was a US number one smash, Kooper has said he was very disappointed at how the Playboys version sounded, and sheepish that it became such a hit. None of the Playboys actually played their instruments on the recording and Lewis' vocals were heavily supported by Ron Hicklin's overdubs.



The Academy Award winning score for the movie Fame was written by Leslie Gore's brother, Michael.

51 year old Lindsay Crosby, son of Bing Crosby, took his own life on December 11th, 1989, reportedly right after watching his father sing "White Christmas" during the television-airing of the classic Christmas movie, Holiday Inn. Lindsay was said to have suffered years of physical and verbal abuse inflicted on him as a child by his father. In May, 1991, Lindsay's 57 year-old brother Dennis would also commit suicide.

Elvis's middle name is spelled "Aaron" on his tombstone. According to his official web site, the name was spelled Aron at birth, but as an adult, Elvis planned to change the spelling to Aaron and the tombstone was designed to reflect that wish.

In 1967, under Britain's open-ended tax system, The Beatles were in the 96% tax bracket.

Before reaching the US Top Ten in 1980 with "Giving It Up For Your Love", Delbert McClinton played harmonica on Bruce Chanel's chart topping 1962 hit, "Hey Baby". While on tour, he also taught some harp licks to John Lennon, who was playing in a then unknown opening act called The Beatles.

"Sunday Will Never Be The Same" was first offered to the Left Banke, but they rejected it. The song was then given to The Mamas and The Papas but they also passed on it. Finally, Spanky and Our Gang recorded it and took it to # 9 in the US in 1967.

Cat Stevens' song "Morning Has Broken" was an adaptation of a hymn of the same name by Eleanor Farjeon, who wrote many stories for children.

From 1969 to 1970, Jimmy Buffett was a staff writer for Billboard magazine in Nashville.

The Temptations 1964 classic hit "My Girl" was written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White of The Miracles. Robinson wrote the lyrics, which he later said were inspired by his wife, Claudette. They divorced in 1986.

The so-called 'Prince of Darkness' Ozzy Osbourne certainly developed a satanic reputation over the years. But Ozzy never took it too seriously, stating: "The devil worship thing was a marketing invention of the record company. We played along to put dough in our pockets."

It is well known that Beatle George Harrison was spiritual and after reading about cosmic communication, Harrison climbed a mountain in hopes of receiving message from God. He waited and waited, but the only message he received was to climb back down the mountain.  Go figure.....

Although the concept of the "hit parade" goes back to the mid 1930s, the invention and naming of the Top 40 format is widely credited to Todd Storz, who was the director of radio station KWOH-AM in Omaha, Nebraska, in the early 1950s. Storz noted the great response certain songs got from the record-buying public and compared it to selections on jukeboxes. He expanded his stable of radio stations and gradually converted them to an all-hits format, pioneering the practice of surveying record stores to determine which singles were popular each week.

Steppenwolf's lead singer, John Kay is seldom seen without sun glasses due to the fact that he has been legally blind since childhood.

Before Bobby "Boris" Pickett released "The Monster Mash" in 1962, he was working as an actor, making appearances on the TV shows Bonanza, The Beverly Hillbillies and Petticoat Junction.

Blood, Sweat and Tears concert contract stated that their shows are not to be advertised as a reunion concert, even though the band has split and re-united at least five times.

Buddy Holly asked his future wife for a date, 30 seconds after meeting her and proposed later the same week. Six months earlier, he had recorded a song called "Take Your Time".

In 1957, Frank Sinatra was quoted as saying "Rock 'n' Roll is phony and false, and sung, written and played for the most part by cretinous goons."

October 17th, 1990 marked the first time that the #1 album in the United States was only available on CD or cassette - and could not be found on vinyl. The album was Vanilla Ice's 'To The Extreme.' A sad day for music, if you ask me.....

Songwriter Tommy Durden showed his partner Mae Axton a newspaper story about a suicide victim who had left a one-line note that said "I Walk A Lonely Street". The pair added "Heartbreak Hotel" to the line and in 22 minutes had written Elvis Presley's first million seller.

Vaudevillian Jack Norworth wrote "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in 1908 after seeing a sign on a bus advertising BASEBALL TODAY - POLO GROUNDS. Norworth and his friend, Albert von Tilzer (who wrote the music) had never been to a baseball game before his song became a hit.

Pat Boone was a semi-finalist on the TV talent show Ted Mack's Amateur Hour, but before the finals, he appeared on a similar show called Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, for a fee of $600. Ted Mack's show then disqualified him, as he was no longer an amateur, costing Pat a chance at a $6000 scholarship.

In 1972, Keith Richards and his girlfriend at the time, Anita Pallenberg, rented a lavish palace on the French Riviera while the band was recording the LP "Beggar's Banquet." Included in the household budget was $1,000 for food, $1,000 for alcohol, $2,500 for the rent and $2,500 for drugs.

Two of Jim Croce's biggest hit songs were inspired by real people. Leroy Brown was a fellow member of the Air National Guard who had gone AWOL and Big Jim Walker ("You Don't Mess Around With Jim") was a pool shootin son-of-a-gun from south Philadelphia.

Brenda Lee's 1960, US number one hit, "I'm Sorry", was recorded at the tail end of a recording session with just five minutes of studio time left. It was intended to be the "B" side of a 45 that featured "That's All You Gotta Do", but disc jockeys flipped the platter over and "I'm Sorry" soon shot to the top of Billboard's Hot 100.

Jim McGuinn of The Byrds changed his middle name to Roger and began using it as a stage name after becoming interested in Eastern religion. A guru had told him that names starting with the letter "R" would vibrate better with the universe.

When Paul McCartney wants to play some of his old Beatles' hits in concert, he must pay a royalty fee to Michael Jackson, who bought the publishing rights for $47.5 million in 1985.

In 1929, American Paul Galvin, the head of Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, invented the first car radio. Consumers had to purchase the radios separately as they were not available from carmakers. Galvin coined the name Motorola for the company's new products, combining the idea of motion and radio.

When Richard Penniman was asked how he came by his stage name, he said that in his childhood neighborhood, there were only two nicknames used, 'lil and bro. That's when he became Little Richard.

When John Lennon's Aunt Mimi bought him his first guitar in the summer of 1956, he practiced constantly. As she watched him play hour after hour, day after day, she finally remarked "The guitar's all very well John, but you'll never make a living out of it."

Music News, Year End Album Cover Art Lists

Vinyl Record Talk Has New Batch Of Vinyl Records For Sale

Looking for some fresh, clean Beatles LPs? Norm over at Vinyl Record Talk Store has some great vinyl for sale. Stop on by!!

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R.E.M Announce New Album Release Date And Free Download

R.E.M have announced details of their new album as well as offering a free download.  The album 'Collapse Is Now' is now scheduled for release on March 7.

The first release 'Discover' is available as a free download from the band's website remhq.com.

'Collapse Now' features a number of collaborations including Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, Patti Smith and Peaches.

The tracklisting:
'Discoverer'
'All The Best'
'Uberlin'
'Oh My Heart'
'It Happened Today' (featuring Eddie Vedder)
'Every Day Is Yours To Win'
'Alligator Aviator Autopilot Antimatter' (featuring Peaches and Lenny Kaye)
'Walk It Back'
'Mine Smell Like Honey'
'That Someone Is You'
'Me, Marlon Brando, Marlon Brando and I'

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Dungen, First Aid Kit Join Third Man Records' Blue Series Roster

Third Man Records will add two new additions to its Blue Series of vinyl releases early next year: singles from Swedish psych-rock troupe Dungen and highly buzzed-about sister duo First Aid Kit.

Dungen's release, which was recorded here in Nashville in September at Third Man kingpin Jack White's studio with White at the helm, will be released on January 11. It features two new tracks: "Oga Nasa Mum" and instrumental "Highway Wolf."

First Aid Kit recorded two covers — "Universal Soldier," written by Buffy Sainte-Marie, and blues tune "It Hurts Me Too" — in October as they rolled through Nashville on tour. Their Blue Series single is set for release on January 18.

The two acts join a cast of Blue Series alums that includes rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson, sibling country duo the Secret Sisters, Nashville garage-punks PUJOL and many others.

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The Best Album Covers Of 2010

Gigwise’s end of year features continue with a look at some of the best album covers of 2010.

This year has seen another slew of intriguing artwork - ranging from Kanye West’s ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’, which featured five covers, to Black Key’s minimalistic ‘Brothers’.

Gigwise.com

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The 25 Best Album Covers of 2010

Album art has had a rough go of late. Big vinyl cover art got reduced to little CD cover art which got reduced to pixels on a screen. Fortunately, bands continue to do great things with those pixels, as you can see by The 25 Best Album Covers of 2010.

PasteMagazine.com

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The Best Album Covers Of 2010

NPR.com

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Revolutionary Hall of Fame: The Beatles

Gibson.com is pleased to present the inaugural class of the Gibson Revolutionary Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame honors musical artists whose contributions went beyond mere entertainment and actually altered the art form, the business or the technology of popular music.

Gibson.com

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DUFF MCKAGAN On 'CD Vs. Vinyl' Debate

Former GUNS N' ROSES and current VELVET REVOLVER bassist Duff McKagan was asked by a reader of his column, which appears on Reverb at SeattleWeekly.com, what his take is on the analogue vs. digital debate.

RoadRunnerRecords.com

This Date In Music History - December 15

Birthdays:

Jerry Wallace (1938)

Cindy Birdsong - Supremes, Labelle (1939)

Dave Clark - Dave Clark Five (1942)

Harry Ray - Moments (1946)

Carmine Appice - Vanilla Fudge, Beck, Bogart and Appice, Rod Stewart (1946)

Don Johnson (1949)

Paul Simonon - Clash (1955)

Doug Phelps - Kentucky Headhunters (1960)

Tim Reynolds - Dave Matthews Band (1957)


They Are Missed:

Jazz musician, singer and composer, Fats Waller died in 1943 of pneumonia on a train trip near Kansas City, Missouri. Wrote many songs including "Ain't Misbehavin," "Your Feet's Too Big" and "The Reefer Song." In 1926 Waller was kidnapped at gunpoint in Chicago and driven to a club owned by gangster Al Capone. Inside the club he was ordered to perform at what turned out to be a surprise birthday party for the gangster.


Born on this day in 1922, Alan Freed, American DJ. The man who gave 'Rock 'n' Roll' its name. Died January 20, 1965.

Born today in 1919, Max Yasgur, owner of the Woodstock farm where the 1969 festival was held. Yasgur died of a heart attack on February 8, 1973 (age 53).

Funk and soul singer Rufus Thomas died of heart failure in 2001 (age 84). Recorded on Sun Records in the 1950s and on Stax Records in the 1960s and 1970s. Scored the 1963 US #10 single "Walking The Dog" and the 1970 UK #18 & US #28 single "Do The Funky Chicken." (Yes, there really is a song by that name!) A street is named in his honor, just off Beale Street in Memphis.

The co-founder of Atlantic Records Ahmet Ertegun died in 2006 (age 83). Ertegun who founded Atlantic Records with Herb Abramson in 1947 helped make Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin stars and signed the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin in the early 70s. He suffered a head injury when he fell at a Rolling Stones concert at New York's Beacon Theatre in October, and died after slipping into a coma.

John Byrne, the lead singer of The Count Five and writer of their 1966 hit "Psychotic Reaction", died in 2008 following kidney and liver failure. He was 61.





History:

In 1944, a single-engine plane carrying US Army Major Glenn Miller disappeared in thick fog over the English Channel while en route to Paris. The true fate of the plane and its passengers has never been determined.

In 1956, Elvis Presley gave his final performance on Louisiana Hayride, a live radio program that was broadcast on KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana. Presley made 50 appearances on the show. At the end of the show, Horace Logan first made the now legendary phrase "Elvis has left the building."

In 1957, Sammy Davis Jr. hosts a syndicated radio talk show with a round-table discussion of Rock 'n' Roll. His guests are Columbia Records executive Mitch Miller and MGM Records president Arnold Maxim. When Davis and Miller blast Rock 'n' Roll as "the comic books of music," Maxim takes an opposing viewpoint and says, "I don't see any end to Rock 'n' Roll in the near future." And we Rock On...

In 1962, the Beatles played two separate shows at the same venue, the Majestic Ballroom in Birkenhead, Merseyside. First they played a standard Majestic booking then at midnight, the first-ever "Mersey Beat" poll awards show took place. As poll winners, The Beatles closed the show (at 4:00 am).

Dusty Springfield was deported from South Africa in 1964 after performing in front of an multiracial audience at a show near Cape Town.

The Beatles' 'Magical Mystery Tour' LP went Gold in 1967. The album contains “I Am The Walrus” and “Strawberry Fields Forever.” It is, in part, the soundtrack for The Beatles’ ill-conceived TV special, of the same name, that aired the day after Christmas.











Also in 1967, the Beach Boys met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Paris and learn transcendental meditation.

While performing with the Jefferson Airplane on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in 1968, Grace Slick appeared in blackface and raised a black-leather glove in a power salute at the conclusion of "Crown of Creation." The incident was one of several which led to the show's cancellation the following season.



In 1969, Eric Clapton joined John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band as part of Peace for Christmas, a benefit concert for UNICEF. George Harrison, Delaney and Bonnie, Billy Preston and The Who's drummer, Keith Moon also took part. The concert was the last live appearance that Lennon ever made in his home country.

Charlie Rich started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1973 with "The Most Beautiful Girl." the singers only #1 single. ,

Aerosmith perform "Dream On" on American Bandstand in 1973.

In 1977, just two days before they are due to appear on NBC'S Saturday Night Live and start their first US tour, the Sex Pistols were denied visas to enter the country. Johnny Rotten was refused because of a drug conviction, Paul Cook and Sid Vicious because of 'moral turpitude' and Steve Jones because of his criminal record.

"Do They Know It's Christmas" by Band Aid entered the UK chart at #1 in 1984 and stayed at the top for five weeks. It became the biggest selling UK single of all time with sales over 3 and a half million. Band Aid was masterminded by former Boomtown Rats singer Bob Geldof, who had been moved by a TV news story of famine in Ethiopia. Geldof had the idea of raising funds with a one-off charity single featuring the cream of the current pop world. Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Paul Young, Culture Club, George Michael, Sting, Bono, Phil Collins, Paul Weller, Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt of Status Quo and Bananarama all appeared on the recording.

In 1988, soul singer James Brown was sentenced to six years in prison for various offences including possession of weapons and resisting arrest. 1988 - James Brown was sentenced to a six-year jail term for leading police on a late-night, two-state car chase. He was released on February 27, 1991.

1989 Billy Joel had his last number one album when "Stormfront" reached the top of the US charts in 1989. The LP also contained his final number 1 hit, "We Didn't Start the Fire", along with the singles, "I Go to Extremes" (#6) and, "And So It Goes" (#37).



Rod Stewart married New Zealand super model Rachel Hunter in Beverly Hills in 1990. He was quoted saying "I found the girl that I want, I won't be putting my banana in anybody's fruit bowl from now on." Ironically the couple split in 1999.

Nirvana released 'Incesticide,' a collection of b-sides and rarities, in 1992.

Dr. Dre's debut album 'The Chronic' was released in 1992.

'Spice World The Movie', featuring The Spice Girls premiered at The Empire, Leicester Sq, London in 1997. The following year it was nominated for the 'worst film' at the Golden Raspberry Awards.

Backstreet Boys roadie Michael Barrett filed a $3 million lawsuit against the group in 1998 claiming damages after a 50-pound cannon fell on his head during a show. A connon? ...Cool

In 1999, Posh Spice Victoria Beckham knocked a crazed fan to the ground after he tried to grab her baby son Brooklyn as she left Harrods in London. Good...

Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh was given an honorary Doctorate of Music from Kent State University in Ohio in 2001.

In 2003, Courtney Love was sentenced to 18 months in drug rehabilitation after she admitted being under the influence of cocaine and opiates. She was banned from taking non-prescription drugs, drinking alcohol or being in places that serve alcohol.

B.B. King received the Medal of Freedom, from President George Bush in 2006, in recognition of his musical accomplishments.

In 2007, Alice Cooper participated in a dedication ceremony for The Rock, a music-themed youth center that's to be built at Phoenix's Grand Canyon University. The $7 million project is being spearheaded by Cooper's Christian nonprofit the Solid Rock Foundation. "I hope that in years to come, The Rock will be the first of many such teen centers in Arizona and around the country," says Cooper.

A modest, one-story, red-brick house in St. Louis where Rock 'n' Roll pioneer Chuck Berry lived for eight years in the 1950s was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. Berry, who now lives in Wentzville, Mo., about 40 miles west of St. Louis said "Many of my favorite songs came about while in that house. It's good to know that my music and now that house will always be a part of St. Louis' history."

ABBA is in but KISS is still out. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced in 2009 that Genesis, The Stooges, the Hollies and ABBA will be inducted in 2010. It’s hard to believe ABBA gets the nod at all, much less before KISS. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are also passed over, although there are still many classic artists (Neil Diamond and others) who have been bypassed for years.

With U2 leading the way by making over 311 million dollars in 2009, several classic rockers were among the top earning touring acts of the year, including Madonna ($222 million), Bruce Springsteen ($156 million), AC/DC ($135 million), Billy Joel and Elton John ($90 million) and Tina Turner ($86 million).

The soundtrack to the film Nowhere Boy, which chronicles John Lennon’s teen years, was issued in 2009. The two-disc collection features Jerry Lee Lewis ("Wild One"), Gene Vincent And The Blue Caps ("Be-Bop-A-Lula"), Big Mama Thornton ("Hound Dog" – the original version), Little Richard ("Rip It Up") and Elvis Presley ("Shake, Rattle & Roll" and "Baby Let's Play House" – it’s from the latter that Lennon lifted the opening line to The Beatles "Run For Your Life").