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MUSIC
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Young Archive Performance Series Delivers Gem by Michael Fremer July 01, 2011
Neil Young's 1980's country music phase wasn't appreciated by his record label at the time but the fans accepted it, certainly more than they did what came previously: dips into computer music (Trans) and Rockabilly (Everybody's Rockin'), which was digitally recorded. Somehow digital recording and Rockabilly don't go together but it took Neil a while to figure that out. And that Rockabilly record had Neil in an odd mood. Read his biography "Shakey" and it was clearly a difficult time in his life.
Back to country was a return to musical comfort food, yet Young was doing more than looking for a personal comfort zone during the mid '80s: he was on a mission to help save small farmers, fighting with his record label and touring with the International Harvester Band without a new album to push.
So it was all about the music and not at all about product. Young had assembled a superb band made up of some who he'd worked with often and some never before, including steel and slide guitarist Ben Keith, fiddler Rufus Thibodeaux, pianists Spooner Oldham and Hargus "Pig" Robbins, bassists Tim Drummond and Joe Allen and drummer Karl Himmel and others.
Those looking for Young's dark side won't find it here. This is about having fun, cheerleading for Detroit (it would 35 years for something to cheer about), singing about love and adventure, some country shtick ("Let Your Fingers Do the Walking") and a great cover of Buffalo Springfield's "Flying on the Ground Is Wrong."
Young is in great voice, sincere and open throated, and holding notes cleanly and producing phrases that soared and lingered before fading into the strong musical backing.
Strong playing, great singing and a vibe that's long gone in today's very dark America, listening to this three-sided set can't help but restore your sense that perhaps we can have better days ahead here. At least you sure can listening to this! Even the set's throwaway tune, the shaky blues "Soul of a Woman" has music making compelling enough to overcome the flatness of the concept.
The tracks were recorded 1984/'85 in Nashville, Austin and Pasadena Texas, Berkeley, Universal City, St. Paul and New York City. Three of the tunes ("Bound for Glory", "Motor City", "Southern Pacific" and "Nothing is Perfect") haven't been previous released other than on bootlegs.
Side three ("Southern Pacific" "Nothing is Perfect" and "Grey Riders") carries the most weight. Young sings with sincere passion about railroads, one of his favorite subjects. "Southern Pacific" is long and gives everyone a chance to stretch out., but no one takes it to excess. "Nothing is Perfect" is about accepting ones lot in life, the good and bad.
As Neil was singing this song, he was dealing with his disabled son and the heroic efforts both he and his wife Pegi undertook to improve their son's lot. If you've read "Shakey" you know what this is about. Knowing the back story ads depth to the song. "Grey Rider" concludes the album with a powerful electric guitar-driven scenario. Side four is a lacquer etching.
The album's sonics vary as you would expect with so many venues involved. but all are very good, with a mid outdoor space perspective. You can smell the 80s air on the best tracks.
This is not an absolutely essential Neil Young album but as the one that bridges the gap between the searching for his roots Neil and the one who actually found them A Treasure serves a worthwhile function for new and old fans alike, though perhaps the standard weight vinyl will suffice for all but the diehards.
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.
The troubled singer was found dead Saturday by ambulance crews that were called to her home in London's Camden area, a youth-culture mecca known for its music scene, its pubs and the availability of illegal drugs.
The London Ambulance Service said Winehouse had succumbed before ambulance crews arrived at the house in Camden Square. The cause of death was not immediately known.
Winehouse made headlines because of drug and alcohol abuse, destructive relationships and unfinished performances. The singer had been working on her long-awaited new album for the past three years. Her small but powerful body of recorded music will be her legacy.
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BlessTheFall Unveil New Cover Art
blessthefall has recently unveiled the tracklisting and cover art for their new album 'Awakening.'
'Awakening' is the Phoenix, AZ quintet's third album and is scheduled for release in North America on October 4 and in Europe on October 3.
Tracklist:
1. Awakening
2. Promised Ones
3. Bottomfeeder
4. I'm Bad News, In The Best Way
5. The Reign
6. 40 Days...
7. Bones Crew
8. Don't Say Goodbye
9. Undefeated
10.'Till the Death of Me
11. Flatline
12. Meet Me at the Gates
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great vinyl article from the other side of the world!
Not A Broken Record
Purists of sound now have cause for hope. LPs are getting a new lease on life
Arpita Basu
Think gleaming black vinyl spinning softly on the polished turntable, the stylus delicately coaxing music out of the spiral groove. Now, think Salman Khan. Because, from that seductively spinning disc, wafts not some soulful strain of yore, but the Dhinka Chika beats of Salman’s latest blockbuster Ready.
Walk into any music store that’s up to speed—we’re talking 331/3 rpm here—and you’ll find dedicated shelves of long-playing (LP) records with titles ranging from Pakeezah to Patiala House and Mughal-e-Azam to Mohabbatein. With music majors EMI India, Sony India, T-series and Saregama going into retro mode, LP records are getting their groove back in India, and audiophiles are all ears. All eyes too, as they go on the look-out for new turntables to buy or old, dusty ones to spruce up.
It’s a revival that managing director of Nova Audio, Sushil Anand, is following very closely. The proprietor of Mumbai’s first vinyl-only store, which opened its doors last week, Anand says, “Internationally, vinyl never died. It was in a state of hibernation or limbo, but the last two years have seen a spurt (in popularity) abroad.”
As big-name artists and underground bands released their albums in LP format along with the usual CDs and MP3s, India too caught on. In recent months, says Anand, the market has expanded exponentially in India. It’s this audience that Anand wants to indulge at his store, where customers can listen to not just turntables but also to records of their choosing.
fantastic interview with one of my favorite bands!
Alkaline Trio's Dan Andriano Discusses 15 Years as a Band, Song Meanings, and Violent Femmes
By Melissa Fossum
To celebrate 15 years as a band, Alkaline Trio released a semi-acoustic greatest hits album called Damnesia earlier this month, which features a couple new songs from the band and a Violent Femmes cover.
Alkaline Trio is scheduled to play at The Nile Theater on Sunday, July 24 with fellow Chicagoans, The Smoking Popes.
We caught up with Dan Andriano to discuss the history of Alkaline Trio, the band's feelings about the band's classic album Goddamnit and some of his favorite musicians.
"Maybellene," Chuck Berry's debut single was released in 1955.
In 1966, Frank Sinatra had the top selling album in the US with 'Strangers In The Night.' The LP would be the most successful of his career, being certified Platinum for 1 million copies sold in the US. The title track would earn him two Grammy awards for Record Of The Year and Best Male Vocal Performance.
In 1966, country star Roger Miller reached Billboard's Hot 100 with a novelty tune called "You Can't Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd". It will climb to #40.
Also in 1966, "Sunny" by Bobby Hebb enters the Billboard charts, where it will reach #2 during an 11 week run. The song was written for Bobby's brother, who had been killed by a mugger in 1963, and started out as an album filler until it was picked for a single release. The record rose to #12 in the UK.
"They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Ha!" by Napoleon XIV was released in 1966.
Foreigner's "Cold As Ice" was released in 1977.
In 1977, Judas Priest began its first U.S. tour in Oakland, CA, as the opening act for Led Zeppelin.
In 1977, Who drummer Keith Moon joined Led Zeppelin on stage during a gig at The Forum, Inglewood, Los Angles playing a duet with Zeppelin drummer John Bonham before taking to the microphone and attempting to sing.
In 1979, the Ayatollah Khomenini banned all forms of rock and roll in Iran, claiming it had a corrupting influence. (apparently so did he....)
In 1980, Keith Godchaux (Grateful Dead) died of injuries that he sustained in a car accident in Marin County, CA.
In 1983, The Police went to #1 on the U.S. album chart with Synchronicity. The album spent a total of seventeen weeks at No.1. Also today The Police kicked off the North American leg of their Synchronicity 107-date world tour at Comiskey Park, Chicago, Illinois.
In 1986, "Walk Like an Egyptian " was released by the Bangles.
In 1987, the remaining Beatles sue EMI for $40 million in back royalties and the rights to their catalog. (they didn't have enough money?)
In 1988, after forty-nine weeks on the U.S. album chart, 'Hysteria' by Def Leppard went to the #1 position.
In 1989, Ringo Starr launched his first tour since the break-up of the Beatles with a show in Dallas. Starr began the concert with his 1971 hit "It Don't Come Easy". His backup band included guitarist Joe Walsh, organist Billy Preston and Bruce Springsteen's sax man Clarence Clemons.
In 1994, the International Astronomical Union named an asteroid orbiting between Mars and Jupiter after Frank Zappa, who had died the previous December.
The Woodstock 99 festival opened in Rome, NY in 1999.
In 2010, surgical instruments allegedly used to conduct Elvis Presley's autopsy were removed from an upcoming auction amid doubts about their authenticity. Forceps, needle injectors, rubber gloves and a toe tag were among the items that were expected to fetch about $14,000 at Chicago, Illinois' Leslie Hindman Auctioneers. The so-called "memorabilia" was supposedly kept by a senior embalmer at the Memphis funeral home where the singer's body was stored prior to his funeral, but the claims were questioned after another employee revealed that the equipment was sterilized and used again in other autopsies.
lots of birthdays today including Cleveland Duncan (Penguins) (76), Tony Joe White (68), Andy MacKay (Roxy Music) (65), David Essex (64), Ian Thomas (61), Martin Gore (Depeche Mode) (50), Nick Menza (Megadeth) (47), Slash (born Saul Hudson) (46), Alison Krauss (40)
Jim Cassero, child of the 1960s Bay Area rock and psychedelic music scene, musician, radio personality and owner of Cotati’s Amazing Records, is a full-blown romantic.
How else to explain his staking his livelihood on the appeal of used vinyl recordings?
“I do it for the love of it,” he agrees. “Retail is a slow build up, it takes time and the economy has taken away all the jing-jing-jingle in the pocket that goes for things like record purchases. I probably should have picked another way to earn a living.”
Gary's Oscar & The Majestics were a premier garage rock group in the mid–1960s.
The Steel City quartet were"region" contemporaries of such acclaimed Chicago–bred bands as the Buckinghams, Cryan' Shames and Shadows Of Knight.
Oscar & The Majestics shared a record label with the Buckinghams when signed to the ground–breaking, Chicago–based USA Records, which landed both groups air play on top hit–making stations of the era, including WLS–AM.
At long last, the complete 1960s recordings of Oscar & The Majestics (most being recorded at Chicago's legendary Chess Studios and produced by band leader Oscar Hamod) have been gathered and reissued for the first time by the national archival label Sundazed Records.
The 14–song collection, "No Chance Baby," comes out Tuesday and is being released as a limited edition vinyl LP and as a four-panel gatefold CD, both beautifully packaged with vintage photos, concert poster art, news clippings, and a well–written history of the legendary region group.
CASTEVET Releasing Vinyl Edition of 'Mounds of Ash'
NYC's progressive-minded rockers CASTEVET, will be releasing a vinyl edition of the critically acclaimed 'Mounds of Ash,' via Richmond, VA's Forcefield Records. The album's oficial release date is August 30th, 2011, but preorders will begin shipping on July 30th. Mounds of Ash will be given the deluxe treatment in a limited run of white (100 copies) or black wax, lovingly packaged in full color jackets with black-lining on the inside.
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beautiful cover art!
PATHOLOGY: New Album Details Revealed
San Diego-based brutal death metallers PATHOLOGY have completed work on their new album, "Awaken To The Suffering", for a September 13 release. The CD was recorded at Lambesis Studios (owned by AS I LAY DYING vocalist Tim Lambesis) in the band's hometown with producer Daniel Castleman (IMPENDING DOOM, AS I LAY DYING, WINDS OF PLAGUE). This will be PATHOPLOGY's first CD to feature the group's new lineup, including vocalist Jonathan Huber and second guitarist Kevin Schwartz, who have spent time on the road with their new bandmates during recent U.S. and European tours with DEICIDE and OBITUARY.
The artwork for "Awaken To The Suffering" was brought to life by the twisted mind of Pär Olofsson
Conquest of Steel has issued the following statement about the band's new 7" single "Victorious in Defeat:"
"Recorded almost entirely live, these three tracks see the band moving away from the gravitas of their conceptual opus (Storm Sword – Rise of the Dread Queen) and re-discovering their metal roots with 'Paid in Steel'. 'Man of the Dragon' sees the band embracing the 'rock' in honour of their mentor and guide Ronnie James Dio and One Thousand Lives (of war) is pure adoration of the riff.
"These tracks featuring the bands best production to date (Greg Chandler, Priory Studios and Esoteric frontman) are bound to blow speakers around the globe! The Vinyl also features a live rendition of the classic 'I am Legend', from the bands sophomore release 'Hammer and Fist'. Mere mortals, wimps and posers beware! The True Metal Warriors have come to slay!
"The release is strictly limited to 333 hand numbered copies and is pressed on Blood Red Vinyl set inside a deluxe gatefold sleeve, with full colour inlay. Each copy comes with a hand-printed Conquest of Steel Patch and limited edition Plectrum.
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and in music history for today, July 22:
In 1956, while a song from his first recording session called "Blue Days, Black Nights" is receiving airplay in the UK, Buddy Holly heads back to a studio in Nashville to lay down additional tracks. He is currently appearing at live gigs billed as Buddy Holly and The Three Tunes.
In 1963, the Beatles' first US album, "Introducing The Beatles" was pressed by Vee-Jay Records, who thought they had obtained the legal rights from EMI affiliate, Trans-Global Records. When it was finally released in January, 1964, Capitol Records would hit Vee Jay with an injunction against manufacturing, distributing, advertising, or otherwise disposing of records by the Beatles. After a trial, Vee-Jay was allowed to release any Beatles records that they had masters of in any form until October 15th, 1964. After that time, they no longer had the right to issue any Beatles product.
In 1965, Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Bill Wyman appear in a London courtroom and are found guilty of "insulting behavior" for urinating against a London gas station wall. They argued that the owner had refused to give them the key to the men's room, but they are fined five pounds each.
In 1967, the Doors performed "Crystal Ship" and "Light My Fire" on American Bandstand.
Also in 1967, Vanilla Fudge made their concert debut in New York.
In 1971, thirteen days after lead singer Jim Morrison passed away, The Doors are awarded a Gold album for "L.A. Woman". The L.P. included "Lover Her Madly" and "Riders on the Storm".
In 1971, John Lennon and Yoko Ono spent the second day filming the “Imagine” promotional film at their home in Tittenhurst Park Ascot, England. Today's footage included the morning walk on the grounds though the mist and John Lennon singing “Imagine” in the white room on his white piano.
In 1977, Elvis Costello's first album, "My Aim Is True," was released in Britain. It was later released in the U.S
In 1994, more than 54,000 fans packed Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as Billy Joel and Elton John performed the first of five concerts together.
In 1996, Scottish folk singer Donovan was forced to postpone a comeback tour of the US because of a 30-year-old marijuana conviction in Britain. American authorities delayed granting him a waiver to enter the country. The tour was designed to promote Donovan's first album of new material in a dozen years.
Also in 1996, the parents of a teen-age murder victim sued the band Slayer contending that the band's lyrics were "satanic" and inspired 3 teen-age boys to rape, torture and stab the girl to death.
In 1999, Gary "Gar" Samuelson, the drummer for Megadeth from 1984 through 1987, died of liver failure at the age of 41.
In 2005, Eugene Record, the lead singer of The Chi-lites, died of cancer at the age of 65. The group is most often remembered for the 1972 US #1 single "Oh Girl" and 1972 UK #3 single "Have You Seen Her".
In 2006, Johnny Cash was at #1 on the U.S. album chart with American V: A Hundred Highways. Released posthumously on July 4, the vocal parts were recorded before Cash’s death, but the instruments were not recorded until 2005.
birthdays today (among others) include George Clinton (70), Bobby Sherman (68) and Don Henley (Eagles) (64)
Spin cycle: Resurgence of vinyl records means new business up their sleeve
The print shop at the Record Jacket Corp. is dim, loud and hot. A single fan pushes the humid air around, and concrete walls and corrugated metal ceiling do their best to trap it inside.
The Wade Ave. workshop near Bloor St. and Lansdowne Ave., all 2,000 square feet of it, looks like an industrial relic, but it just opened in the spring.
A Winkler und Dünnebier record sleeve fabricating machine, 31 feet long and 2 tonnes of steel, takes up a third of the space. Manually operated, it can cut, fold and glue up to 10,000 12-inch record jackets per hour. The machine was made in the 1970s and fell out of use, but just like vinyl sales, has been resuscitated.
Co-owners Paul Miller and Alex Durlak, both 30, and sole employee Jason Cousineau, have tattoos and facial hair. Giant Mac screens sit on the office desks. Close friends, Miller and Durlak bonded over a mutual love of art, music and record collecting.
In 2010, a chance to buy the machine arose, and they decided to combine talents and clients to tap into a vinyl production market that, in Canada, had all but disappeared.
The new venture is one of only two record jacket companies in the country.
wonderful story of a small label and the love of music
Indie record labels expand their releases to meet demands
Written by Justin Jacobs
"It all started a few years back," said Jimmy Peoni. "I was on my way home from a show in Cincinnati, and we stopped in Shelbyville to use a restroom. This bathroom was foul, man, and there was a glory hole in the stall -- the worst I'd ever seen in my life. It looked like it'd been blown open by dynamite.
"I've been back -- that bathroom, that devil's playground, it no longer exists."
The glory hole may be gone, but Glory Hole lives on. Named for that Shelbyville bathroom and dreamed up one night behind Radio Radio, Glory Hole Records is Peoni's one-man label that has released 7-inch records from local acts like Vacation Club and The Kemps, and has been gaining fans and recognition.
Rare Never Seen Before Beatles' Photos Sell For Big Bucks!
Never-before seen photographs of the Beatles' first US concert in Washington DC have been sold in New York for more than 360,000 dollars
The Fab Four played their first US concert on February 11 1964, at the Washington Coliseum, two days after their debut on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Mike Mitchell, of Washington, was 18 at the time and took photographs just feet away. Fifty silver gelatin prints he made from negatives were sold individually at Christie's auction house.
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URIAH HEEP To Release 'Live In Armenia' In September
Frontiers Records will release URIAH HEEP's "Live In Armenia" 2CD+DVD package and on a limited 2LP gatefold sleeve version (including only the audio portion) on September 23 in Europe and September 27 in North America
Tracklist:
CD1:
01. Wake The Sleeper
02. Overload
03. Tears Of The World
04. Stealin'
05. Book Of Lies
06. Gypsy
07. Look At Yourself
08. What Kind Of God
09. Angels Walk With You
10. Shadow
CD2:
01. July Morning
02. Easy Livin'
03. Sunrise
04. Sympathy
05. Lady In Black
DVD:
01. Wake the Sleeper
02. Overload
03. Tears Of The World
04. Stealin'
05. Book Of Lies
06. Gypsy
07. Look At Yourself
08. What Kind of God
09. Angels Walk With You
10. Shadow
11. July Morning
12. Easy Livin'
13. Sunrise
14. Sympathy
15. Lady In Black
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and in music history for today:
In 1956, Billboard magazine calls Elvis Presley "the most controversial entertainer since Liberace." The article also notes that Ed Sullivan, who once said Presley would never appear on his show, just signed the singer for three appearances.
In 1958, "Hard Headed Woman" by Elvis Presley was the top tune on the Billboard chart.
In 1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience played the first of three nights at the Cafe-a-Go-Go in New York City.
In 1969, The Beatles started work on the John Lennon song “Come Together” at Abbey Road studios in London.
'Master of Reality" by Black Sabbath was released in 1971.
Also in 1971, Carole King was having a very good week. Her single "It's Too Late" sat on top of Billboard's singles chart and she received a Gold album for "Tapestry". The LP, released four months earlier, was the number one album in the US for 15 weeks and would stay on Billboard's Top 200 album chart for 292 weeks.
In 1973, Jim Croce started a two-week run at #1 on the U.S. singles chart with “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.” Jim said that the Leroy Brown character was inspired by a tough guy that he had met in the army a few years earlier. Croce was killed in a plane crash three months later
In 1977, the Sex Pistols made their debut on U.K. music TV show Top of the Pops.
In 1979, Robert Palmer's "Bad Case Of Loving You" was released.
In 1980, AC\DC released "Back In Black." It was their first album with Brian Johnson as lead singer.
In 1987, Guns 'n Roses released their debut album, "Appetite For Destruction."
In 1990, Roger Waters’ performance of The Wall took place at the Berlin Wall in Potzdamer Platz, Berlin. More than 200,000 people attended and the event was broadcast live throughout the world. Van Morrison, Bryan Adams, Joni Mitchell, Scorpions, Cyndi Lauper, Sinead O’Connor and others took part.
Oasis played their first show in the U.S. in New York in 1994.
In 2003, Brandon Cruz left the Dead Kennedys to spend more time with his family. He was originally a child actor on the program The Courtship of Eddie's Father
In 2005, U.K. singer Long John Baldry died of a chest infection. He was one of the founding fathers of British Rock ’n’ Roll in the 1960s, performing with Blues Incorporated and Cyril Davies’ R&B All Stars. He later fronted the Hoochie Coochie Men, with Rod Stewart and then Steam Packet with Brian Auger and Julie Driscoll. Also a member of Bluesology with Elton John. He also narrated Winnie the Pooh recordings for Disney and was the voice for Robotnik in the Sonic the Hedgehog video game.
In 2006, The Rolling Stones were the top touring band in the world for the first half of 2006, reporting $147.3 million in grosses from 45 shows in US arenas and international stadiums.
The iTunes Music Store reached 8 billion songs sold in 2009.
birthdays today include (among others) Jim Martin (Faith No More) (50), Barry Whitwam (Herman's Hermits) (65) and Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) (63)
DEAR JERRY:Rather than watch TV reruns, the wife and I decided to pull out a stack of our old 45s and do some reminiscing.
As we played “Ahab, the Arab” (Ray Stevens) she asked me two questions, neither of which I know. Help!
What or who is by Ahab's side in the verse: “He wore a big old turban wrapped around his head, and (??) by his side.”
We listened to it carefully, but still don't know. It could be a ceminol, semintol, or something else. Do you know?
Then we hear about Fatima, a hottie in the sultan's harem, lounging in her tent eating a bowl of what sounds like sugar nails. What is it really?
Also, I recall long ago hearing a longer version of “Ahab, the Arab” on the radio, with considerably more to the story. Missing from the 45 is when the sultan discovers Ahab with Fatima together.
Where does one find the complete song?
—Lindy and Joanne Wilcox, York, Pa.
DEAR LINDY & JOANNE: Reruns probably would have created fewer mysteries, but here goes:
Ahab never left home without his scimitar, which is the curved sword seen in countless Arabian-themed films and photos. Scimitars are even depicted on the Royal Flag, as well as the National Emblem, of Saudi Arabia.
Sugar nails sounds like a sweet yet dangerous breakfast cereal, but what Fatima is eating is probably not what you'd want with your morning coffee.
She is munching on “a bowl of chitterlings,” which are referred to in some cultures as chitlins. Usually chitterlings are made from the small intestine of a hog; however, in areas where pork is not eaten — including Fatima's homeland — the source of chitterlings is usually lamb.
The single of “Ahab, the Arab” (Mercury 71966) runs 2:47, and that is without the most compelling chapter. That would have added another minute to the story.
To summarize the action in this segment:
The sultan catches Ahab and Fatima together and isn't happy. The fire in his eyes says Ahab and Fatima are about to be scimitar shish kabob.
Using evasive maneuvers, Ahab and Fatima escaped the tent and jumped on Clyde, Ahab's swift and beloved camel.
Off they zoomed across the desert, with the sultan and his army in hot pursuit.
Turns out Clyde was much too fast for ordinary camels, and they left those who would harm them in their dust, er, sand.
Predictably, Ahab and Fatima lived happily ever after.
“El Paso” (4:37) notwithstanding, getting dee jays to play a 3:45 record would have been quite a challenge in 1962, but every Top 40 station in the country jumped on the edited version. Come August, Ray, Ahab, Fatima, and Clyde found themselves at No. 2 nationally, denied the No. 1 spot by Bobby Vinton's “Roses Are Red (My Love).”
Album buyers, be they LPs or CDs, should already have the complete recording of “Ahab, the Arab.”
Someone asked if, in today's politically correct world (gag!), radio stations would play “Ahab, the Arab,” were it just released for the first time.
For input on anything involving radio programming, I know of no one more qualified than John Rook (johnrook.com). He is one of America's most honored and respected people at that craft, and co-founder of the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.
John puts it this way:
“Successful programming is giving listeners what they want. If in doing so you play something that your competitors are afraid to play, then even better! Whether I like it or not, my goal has always been to look for music that excites people — without limitations imposed by content (within reason) or genre. Some of our biggest hits have also been the most controversial. Yeah, I would definitely play “Ahab, the Arab.”
Ray Stevens is widely regarded as one of the most musically talented people ever. He is one of very few who can and does do everything and do it well.
He writes most of his songs, which cover nearly every genre. He also arranges and produces sessions for himself and other artists.
Primarily a keyboardist, a classically-trained one at that, Ray plays many other instruments when the song requires it. Ray's keyboard artistry is heard on numerous hit records by other artists. He can even use his voice to sound like an instrument.
Finally, on some of his tracks that appear to have traditional vocal group backing, it is really Stevens by himself doing all of the supporting vocals!
While a good way to reduce session expenses, not many performers can do it. Well, there is this one guy.
IZ ZAT SO? As an homage to “Ahab, the Arab,” Ray's third highest ranked single — “Everything Is Beautiful” and “The Streak” both reached No. 1 — he founded a production company called Ahab, and named his own label Clyde Records.
Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column. Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368 E-mail: jpo@olympus.net Visit his Web site: www.jerryosborne.com
All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.
Copyright 2011 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Exclusive Permission
Alex Steinweiss Creator Of Album Covers, Dies at 94
Alex Steinweiss, an art director and graphic designer who brought custom artwork to record album covers and invented the first packaging for long-playing records, died last Sunday in Sarasota, Fla. He was 94.
In 1939, Alex Steinweiss was the first art director for Columbia Records, where he introduced a wider application of album covers and cover art. He pitched an idea: Why not replace the standard plain brown wrapper with an eye-catching illustration? The company took a chance, and within months its record sales increased by over 800 per cent. His covers for Columbia combining bold typography with modern, elegant illustrations ”took the industry by storm" and revolutionized the way records were sold.
Over three decades, Steinweiss made thousands of original artworks for classical, jazz, and popular record covers for Columbia, Decca, London, and Everest; as well as logos, labels, advertising material, even his own typeface, the Steinweiss Scrawl. He launched the golden age of album cover design and influenced generations of designers to follow
Steinweiss was active in record cover design from 1939 until 1973, when he semi-retired to devote himself to painting. By his own admission, he has designed roughly 2500 covers.
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this amazes me, the fact that this writer likens this 'new' music service to listening to vinyl - hey, it's digital music, how can that compare? anyway, read on, it is the world we live in and I can respect his opinion (although I will die clutching my vinyl records!)
Spotify: The New Way to Enjoy Vinyl (Or the Closest Thing to It)
by Jorge Escobar
As many people can attest to, specially if you are a Generation X’er, I used to buy vinyl records when I was a teenager. Yes, they were fragile, could get scratched easily and if you played them too many times, they would become unusable.
But for me, vinyls represent the long form of an artist’s vision. You would listen to each side in its entirety, just like reading a novel, each song had a place in the story, like a chapter. I would specially like to hear my albums late at night, when everyone was asleep, using a pair of huge leather headphones my dad used to own. I would close my eyes and really listen to the music.
After years of licensing battles, Spotify, a music service that comes from London and has been available there for a long time, finally launched this week in the U.S. After struggling a bit for an invitation, I was finally let in. And all I can say is that I was like a child again, seeing all my vinyl records in front of me, but this time in digital format.
Read the rest of this interesting post at jungleg.com
want even more info, the wall street journal has some more info, though they don't compare it to listening to vinyl...
this article caught my eye, i haven't heard the word gramophone in quite some time. Yet, in india, it is quite popular, read on:
Bring on the music
K. Pradeep
The gramophone record makes a comeback in Malayalam with ‘Timeless Melodies Yesudas' that has eight recent film songs by the singer
Just when the gramophone record seemed to have lost its battle against time and innovations like the audiocassette and compact discs it has made a welcome comeback. There is a romance in the gramophone, something you still cannot associate with the new gadgets.
Satyam Audios has marked the return of the gramophone record in Malayalam with a Long Play (LP) record titled ‘Timeless Melodies Yesudas' that incorporates eight recent film songs by the singer.
History
The first ever `native' recording in India, done professionally by the engineers of the Gramophone Company, England, one of the two major companies in this field during the acoustic era, was in 1902. Two little ‘dancing girls', Soshi Mukhi and Fani Bala, who were associated with the Classic Theatre, were the first Indians to have their voices recorded. Gauhar Jan, an artiste of repute, called the Gramophone Girl and in some of the later records described as the Dancing Girl of Calcutta is considered the first singer to be recorded.
Metric Releasing Remix Album, 'Fantasies Flashbacks,' In October
Metric put together a limited deluxe version of Fantasies Flashbacks that features 10 7" vinyl singles, digital download codes, and much more. All of the proceeds from the deluxe box set will be donated to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health.
•10 x 7" vinyl singles, each containing an original song from Fantasies and the associated winning remix from the Indaba Music contest;
•A PlayButton digital music player pre-loaded with (the same) 10 winning remixes (one of the first new notable commercial releases available on PlayButton);
•A digital download code redeemable for all music from the 7" singles (20 tracks including the original studio album version of Fantasies), plus an additional 11 of the band's favorite remixes. In total this is 31 songs or over 80 minutes of music;
•Two 6" x 6", two-sided color inserts featuring fan-created artwork/imagery, track listing, credits and information about the genesis of the remix album and the charitable tie-in with CAMH;
•A limited edition 18" x 24" glossy Metric poster
•A custom box housing everything listed above.
Fantasies Flashbacks is being released on Oct. 11 via Mom + Pop Music Co.
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Lady Antebellum Reveals Cover Art For New Album
The release of Lady Antebellum's much-anticipated third album 'Own The Night ' will hit stores September 13, but in the meantime, the Grammy-winning trio is excited to unveil a treat for fans...the album cover art!
Lady A penned 10 of the 12 tracks on the album, including their fastest rising and current Top 10 single, "Just A Kiss." Collaborating again with veteran producer Paul Worley, Lady A also return as co-producers.
"We're definitely more in tune with each other musically and personally than ever," said Dave. "It's an exciting place to be. This album was created from the ground up—we are writing these songs, playing these instruments and creating these arrangements. With Own The Night, more than ever before, I think we share a real feeling of accomplishment both as a band and as friends.”
"Our only hope and expectation for this record is that it will build on the first two," adds Charles. "At the end of the day, we just want our fans to be able to say that we continue to give them solid albums with solid songs they can enjoy from start to finish."
Own The Night track listing:
1. We Owned The Night
2. Just A Kiss
3. Dancin’ Away With My Heart
4. Friday Night
5. When You Were Mine
6. Cold As Stone
7. Singing Me Home
8. Wanted You More
9. As You Turn Away
10. Love I’ve Found In You
11. Somewhere Love Remains
12. Heart Of The World
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i love heavy metal cover art!
Midnight Odyssey Reveals New Album "Funerals From The Astral Sphere" Artwork
Australia's Midnight Odyssey has announced the band's new album "Funerals From The Astral Sphere" will be released in September, 2011 and also revealed the album's cover artwork
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NIGHTRAGE: 'Insidious' Cover Art Unveiled
Multi-national thrashers NIGHTRAGE will release their fifth album, "Insidious", on September 27 (one day earlier internationally) via Lifeforce Records. The CD features guest appearances by Gus G. (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIREWIND), Tomas S. Englund (EVERGREY), Apollo Papathanasio (FIREWIND, SPIRITUAL BEGGARS), John K (BIOMECHANICAL) and the band's former frontman Tomas Lindberg (also known for his work with AT THE GATES, THE CROWN and LOCK UP). Lindberg appeared on the band's first two albums — 2003's "Sweet Vengeance" and 2005's "Descent Into Chaos" — before being replaced by Jimmie Strimell, who sang on 2007's "A New Disease Is Born".
The "Insidious" cover art was created by Gustavo Sazes (MORBID ANGEL, ARCH ENEMY, FIREWIND, SONIC SYNDICATE, GOD FORBID) of Abstrata Art and cane be seen below.
Swedish government to provide income support to help compulsive rock fan go to concerts
In a pretty extraordinary story, The Local reports that 42 year old Roger Tullgren has been medically diagnosed with a non-substance compulsive disorder that means his addiction to heavy metal often impacts on his social and working life.
Three psychologists have now diagnosed the condition, which means that Tullgren is entitled to state benefits - including income support - so that he can attend concerts and indulge other parts of the addiction.
1. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
2. Diarrhea Planet - Yama-Uba 7"
3. Washed Out - Within & Without
4. JEFF The Brotherhood - We Are The Champions
5. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
6. Ben Harper - Give Till It's Gone
7. Les Demoniaques - Teenage Lust 7"
8. The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow
9. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
10. Eleanor Friedberger - Last Summer
11. Radiohead - Little By Little remix 12"
12. KORT - Invariable Heartache
13. Paperhead - Focus In On The Looking Glass
14. Natural Child - 1971
15. Natural Child - White Man's Burden 7"
16. Foster The People - Torches
17. The Head & The Heart - The Head & The Heart
18. Yes - Fly From Here
19. Tame Impala - Innerspeaker
20. Grace Potter & The Nocturnals - Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
21. Son Lux - We Are Rising
22. Kings Of Leon - Holy Roller Novocain 10"
23. The White Stripes - White Blood Cells
24. Charles Bradley - No Time For Dreaming
25. The Black Keys - The Big Come Up
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USA
Albums:
1. Beyonce :4
2. Big Sean :Finally Famous
3. Selena Gomez & The Scene :When The Sun Goes Down
4. Jill Scott :The Light Of The Sun
5. Jason Aldean :My Kinda Party
6. David Cook :This Loud Morning
7. Jackie Evancho :Dream With Me
8. Adele :21
9. Bad Meets Evil :Hell The Sequel
10. Scott McCreery :American Idol Season 10
Singles:
1. LMFAO :Party Rock Anthem
2. Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer :Give Me Everything
3. Adele :Rolling In The Deep
4. Katy Perry :Last Friday Night
5. Nicki Minaj :Super Bass
6. Lady Gaga :The Edge Of Glory
7. Katy Perry feat. Kanye West :E.T.
8. Lil Wayne :How To Love
9. One Republic :Good Life
10. Hot Chelle Rae :Tonight Tonight
UK
Albums:
1. Adele :21
2. Beyonce :4
3. Adele :19
4. Lady Gaga :Born This Way
5. The Horrors :Skying
6. Caro Emerald :Deleted Scenes From The Cutting Room Floor
7. Bruno Mars :Doo Wops and Hooligans
8. Foo Fighters :Wasting Light
9. Take That :Progress
10. Rihanna :Loud
Singles:
1. The Wanted :Glad You Came
2. DJ Fresh :Louder
3. Ed Sheeran :The A Team
4. Beyonce :Best Thing I Never Had
5. Loick Essien :How We Roll
6. Jason Derulo :Don't Wanna Go Home
7. Example :Changed The Way You Kiss Me
8. Calvin Harris :Bounce
9. Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer :Give Me Everything
10. Katy Perry :Last Friday Night
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and in music history for today:
Billboard's first Music Popularity Chart was published in 1940. The magazine had previously printed best-seller lists submitted by the individual record companies, but the new chart combined the top sellers from all major labels. Their first number one song was "I'll Never Smile Again" by Frank Sinatra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.
In 1946, 13 year old Petula Clark made her first appearance on British TV on a BBC variety show called Cabaret Cartoons, which would lead to her being signed to host her own afternoon series titled simply Petula Clark.
In 1954, Elvis Presley performed on one what was probably the smallest stage of his career when he appeared on the back of a flatbed truck outside a Memphis drugstore for its grand opening. Elvis was then a member of The Blue Moon Boys trio with Bill Black and Scotty Moore, who took their name from a song they had recorded just two weeks previously, "Blue Moon of Kentucky".
In 1963, Jan and Dean's "Surf City" tops Billboard's singles chart just two weeks after its release. The pair had recorded the song in a converted garage underneath their apartment in Bel Air, California.
Also in 1963, Lesley Gore released "Judy's Turn To Cry", the follow up to her number one hit, "It's My Party". The record was a continuation of the original story and it too became a Top 5 hit in the US.
The Lovin' Spoonful released their first record, "Do You Believe in Magic" in 1965. It will reach #9 on the US Pop chart.
Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" was released by Columbia Records in 1965. It turns out to be his biggest hit ever, climbing to number two in the US and number four in the UK.
In 1968, Iron Butterfly's classic album, "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" entered Billboard's Hot 200 chart at #117. It was the band's second LP and contained the 17 minute title track that filled the entire second side of the disc. A shortened, single version of the song only made it to number 30, but the album climbed to number 4 and went on to sell over four million copies in the US alone. A remastered edition was released by Rhino Records in 1995 that contains the single version as well as a live version of "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida".
In 1969, Roy Hamilton, whose version of "Unchained Melody" was the best-selling R&B record of 1955, died of a heart attack at the age of 40. He also scored hits with "Don't Let Go" in 1958 and "You Can Have Her" in 1961.
In 1975, Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band opened their Born to Run tour in Providence, RI. It was Steve Van Zandt's first live performance with the band.
In 1976, the Buzzcocks made their live debut in Manchester, England.
In 1978, Steve Martin's novelty tune "King Tut" became a Top Ten hit in the US. Some of the musicians on the track were members of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
In 1986, Santana celebrates their 20th anniversary at a concert in San Francisco that features a jam with all previous members of the band.
In 1991, EMF went to #1 on the U.S. singles chart with “Unbelievable” it spent 14 weeks on the chart before reaching the top.
In 2000, the Evergreen Ballroom in Lacey, Washington was destroyed by a fire. During the ballroom's heyday in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s, many of music's greats played there: Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Duke Ellington, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Ike & Tina Turner and Fats Domino. Glen Campbell had lived in the kitchen at the venue for a while before he became famous.
In 2009, Jackson Browne settled his lawsuit against US Senator John McCain and the Republican Party after his 1977 hit "Running On Empty" was used without permission in a 2008 McCain presidential campaign ad that aired on TV and the Internet. McCain and the Republican Party apologized for using the song in the ad and said that McCain himself "had no knowledge of, or involvement in, the creation or distribution of the video."
celebrating birthdays today are John Lodge (Moody Blues) (66), Paul Cook (Sex Pistols) (55), Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave) (47), Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam) (45), Brent Wilson (Panic at the Disco) (24) and the legend Carlos Santana (64) to name a few....
Heavy vinyl pressing of band's albums part of wave of high-quality record reissues
ByJoe Gross AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
The first four Ramones albums "Ramones" (1976), "Leave Home," "Rocket to Russia" (both 1977) and "Road to Ruin" (1978) arrive in stores today pressed from the original master tapes on 180-gram vinyl, each retailing for $17.98.
This might seem a small thing and in some ways, it is. This music is not new.
But it is unimpeachable. Four of the best rock records of the 1970s, sounding as good as they possibly can in 2011, on the medium for which they were recorded.
Read the rest of this interesting article at austin360.com
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wonderful story about a world class record store!
Hot wax: Crate-digging culture in Cincinnati
Mildred C. Fallen
For record collectors, aka crate diggers, rare is in the eye of the beholder. Local vinyl vendors know when out-of-town customers make a stop in Cincinnati, they are looking for very personal definitions of buried treasure.
According to Mike Markiewicz, who owns Another Part of the Forest in Over-the-Rhine, collectors from Russia heard about his store through the Internet equivalent of word-of-mouth. They bought a bulk of 70s pop-rock albums from artists like The Eagles, LPs you could probably score at any CD Game Exchange in the dollar bin.
"This place isn't really a record store," Markiewicz says. "I consider it more like a museum of natural history. You never know what people will come in looking for, which is why I carry a little bit of everything."
Classic Rock Presents: Alice Cooper Welcome 2 My Nightmare
Featuring Alice Cooper’s latest album ‘Welcome 2 My Nightmare’ including 2 exclusive bonus tracks!
Classic Rock Presents: Alice Cooper Welcome 2 My Nightmare' a unique opportunity for fans to get the new Alice Cooper album one month before the official UK release date. The pack includes a highly-collectable special issue of Classic Rock's magazine dedicated to Alice Cooper's career.
Pre-order before 15th August 2011, and you'll receive an additional personalised poster. The special edition poster artwork will incorporate the names of everyone who pre-orders the Fan Pack before this date.
(Please note; to have your name included on the special edition poster, you must order before the 15th August 2011.*)
The Alice Cooper Fan Pack includes Welcome 2 My Nightmare, his brilliant new studio album, plus a 132-page magazine dedicated to the original shock rock legend.
Fans who buy the Alice Cooper Fan Pack be able to hear Welcome 2 My Nightmare weeks before it hits the shelves in record stores. What’s more, the Fan Pack version of Welcome 2 My Nightmare comes with two exclusive bonus tracks that won’t appear on the record store version of the album.
The Fan Pack magazine is 100% Alice-approved and contains a major brand new interview with Alice himself that reveals the secrets of the new album and looks back over a 45-year career that has seen him sell more than 50 million records and change the face of rock forever.
Welcome 2 My Nightmare is the much-anticipated sequel to 1975’s legendary Welcome To My Nightmare, and features a stellar array of collaborators, all of whom are interviewed in the Fan Pack magazine.
The magazine is also packed with a wealth of rare shots of the great man from Alice’s personal archive, plus testimonies from his famous fans. A must for all Alice Cooper fans.
Track List:
1) I Am Made Of You
2) Caffeine
3) The Nightmare Returns
4) A Runaway Train
5) Last Man On Earth
6) The Congregation
7) I’ll Bite Your Face Off
8) Disco Bloodbath Boogie Fever
9) Ghouls Gone Wild
10) Something To Remember Me By
11) When Hell Comes Home
12) What Baby Wants
13) I Gotta Get Outta Here
14) The Underture
Fan Pack Bonus Tracks:
15) Under The Bed
16) Poison (Live From Download)
DREAM THEATER: 'A Dramatic Turn Of Events' Deluxe Collector's Edition Box Set Detailed
The mighty Dream Theater return, stronger than ever, with their most powerful album yet, titled A Dramatic Turn Of Events, featuring “On The Backs Of Angels.” The much-anticipated platter, which marks new drummer, Mike Mangini's recorded debut, will be released via Roadrunner Records on September 13th and will be supported by a massive world tour.
A Dramatic Turn Of Events Deluxe Collector’s Edition Exclusive Pre-Order Box Set Includes:
- A Dramatic Turn Of Events Album
- Instrumentals of the Entire Album
- DVD of The Spirit Carries On – a 60 Minute Movie Documenting Dream Theater’s Drummer Auditions
- Double-LP Set of A Dramatic Turn Of Events (180-Gram Vinyl in Gatefold Jacket)
- Dream Theater Branded Custom Turntable Slipmat
- Litho Print of Album Cover
- 50 Lucky Winners Will Find a Dream Theater ‘Ticket For Life’ (Randomly Inserted)
- All Content Housed in a Custom Box
- Receive a Digital Download of the Album the Day BEFORE Release
CD1
01. On The Backs Of Angels
02. Build Me Up, Break Me Down
03. Lost Not Forgotten
04. This Is The Life
05. Bridges In The Sky
06. Outcry
07. Far From Heaven
08. Breaking All Illusions
09. Beneath The Surface
CD 2
01. On The Backs Of Angels (instrumental)
02. Build Me Up, Break Me Down (instrumental)
03. Lost Not Forgotten (instrumental)
04. This Is The Life (instrumental)
05. Bridges In The Sky (instrumental)
06. Outcry (instrumental)
07. Far From Heaven (instrumental)
08. Breaking All Illusions (instrumental)
09. Beneath The Surface (instrumental)
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New Book to Chronicle 40 Years of Queen
Queen: one of the biggest bands the world has ever seen. 40 Years of Queen by Harry Doherty and introduction by Brian May and Roger Taylor, is an official publication, fully approved by the band, telling their story right from the very beginning. It showcases stunning moments in the band’s history through photographs, as well as truly unique pieces of memorabilia from the private collections of Queen’s members.
The late Ronnie James Dio was famously the frontman for Rainbow, Black Sabbath/Heaven and Hell and, of course, Dio.
But before then he fronted Elf (previously Electric Elves), whose rare 1971 tracks now are being released. Described as the work of a “rock/honky tonk/blues band,” Elf’s forthcoming release, And Before Elf… There Were Elves, shines a light on Dio’s early vocal skills.
Read the rest and get the track list at Gibson.com
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Glee: The 3D Concert Movie" Soundtrack Coming Soon
"Glee" has already charted with a dozen albums and EPs, and now they're set to release their very first live album: the companion soundtrack to their upcoming "Glee" 3D concert film.
"Glee: The 3D Concert Movie" soundtrack features the cast performing some fan favorites and some of their own biggest hits, including the original song "Loser Like Me," their cover of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," and their version of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way."
The Dalton Academy Warblers also appear here, offering up their hit versions of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream," Pink's "Raise Your Glass," and Paul McCartney's "Silly Love Songs."
Covers of tracks by Britney Spears, the Beatles, Katy Perry, Michael Jackson, Cee Lo Green, and Barbra Streisand are also included. A version of Florence + The Machine's "Dog Days Are Over" is included as a bonus track, for some reason.
The soundtrack hits stores on Aug. 9, while fans can catch "Glee: The 3D Concert Movie" in theaters beginning Aug. 12 for a limited two-week engagement.
Glee premieres its third season on Fox on Sept. 20.
"Glee The 3D Concert Movie" (Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Track Listing:
1. Don't Stop Believin'
2. Dog Days Are Over*
3. Sing
4. I'm A Slave 4 U
5. Fat Bottomed Girls
6. I Want To Hold Your Hand
7. Ain't No Way
8. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
9. Born This Way
10. Firework
11. Teenage Dream
12. Silly Love Songs
13. Raise Your Glass
14. Happy Days Are Here Again / Get Happy
15. Lucky
16. River Deep, Mountain High
17. Forget You
18. Don't Rain On My Parade
19. Jessie's Girl
20. Valerie
21. Loser Like Me
22. Safety Dance
23. Somebody To Love
*Bonus Track
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and in music history for today:
In 1954, Sun Records released the first Elvis Presley single, "That's All Right", a cover of Arthur Crudup's 1946 tune "That's All Right, Mama". Only about 7,000 original copies were pressed, but the disc became a local hit in Memphis. After the session, Bill Black was said to have remarked, "Damn. Get that on the radio and they'll run us out of town."
In 1966, the Monkees record the theme song to their TV show, which will begin airing next Fall. Although the tune appeared as an album track on their self-titled debut LP and got some AM radio play, it was not released as a single.
In 1967, Elvis Presley was working on his latest movie Speedway co-starring Nancy Sinatra at the MGM Soundstage, Hollywood, California. (It was Presley’s twenty-seventh film).
In 1968, Pink Floyd played the second of three nights at the Boston Tea Party, Boston, Massachusetts.
In 1969, the Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Women" was released.
In 1975, Paul McCartney and Wings went to No.1 on the US singles chart with “Listen To What The Man Said,” his fourth U.S. #1, a #6 hit in the U.K. Wings also had the U.S. #1 album chart with “Venus And Mars.” Paul McCartney's fourth #1 album since The Beatles.
In 1976, Deep Purple split up at the end of an U.K. tour. David Coverdale went on to form Whitesnake, Jon Lord and Ian Paice formed a band with Tony Ashton. The classic line up of Blackmore, Gillan, Glover, Lord & Paice reformed in 1984. Glenn Hughes returned to Trapeze and Tommy Bolin put together his own band, (but would die before the end of the year).
In 1986, Genesis went to #1 on the US singles chart with 'Invisible Touch'. The bands former lead singer Peter Gabriel was at #2 with 'Sledgehammer'.
In 1986, Patti LaBelle went to #1 on the US album chart with 'Winner In You'.
In 1987, Bruce Springsteen played his first ever show behind the Iron Curtain when he appeared in East Berlin in front of 160,000 people. The show was broadcast on East German TV.
In 1995, Dr. George Nichopolous, who became famous for his liberal dispensing of drugs to Elvis Presley, finally loses his medical license. it took them almost twenty years? ah, our 'justice' system at work.....
In 1999, They Might Be Giants released the album "Long Tall Weekend." It was released exclusively in the MP3 format.
In 2001, soul and gospel singer Judy Clay died. Was a member of the Drinkard Singers - who later became better known as The Sweet Inspirations , also worked with Billy Vera, and had hits with William Bell (Private Number), and sang with Wilson Pickett and Ray Charles.
In 2005, James Blunt was at #1 on the U.K. singles chart with “You're Beautiful,” from his debut album BacktTo Bedlam. The UK singer songwriters first #1, spent 5 weeks at the top of the charts.
In 2007, US sales figures were released that showed CD sales falling a further 11.7% since last year. In contrast, vinyl record collectors pushed the demand for 78 RPM platters up by 12.9%.
In 2010, Ozzy Osbourne and his former Black Sabbath band mate Tony Iommi settled a long-running legal dispute over the use of the group's name. Ozzy had filed suit against the guitarist in May of last year, accusing Iommi of falsely proclaiming to be the sole owner of the Black Sabbath name by lodging an application with the US Patent and Trademark Office. The pair released a joint statement confirming they have settled the dispute "amicably".
Born on this day in 1931, Thomas Allen. (Papa Dee), percussionist, War. Died from a heart attack while performing on stage on 30th August 1988.
Born on this day in 1952, Allen Collins, guitar, Lynyrd Skynyrd, (1974 US No. 8 single, 'Sweet Home Alabama', 1982 UK No.21 single 'Freebird'). Collins was behind the wheel in a car accident in 1986 that killed his girlfriend and left him paralyzed from the waist down. He died on 23rd January 1990 aged 37.
birthdays today include (among others) Sue Thompson (86), Vicki Carr (70), Bernie Leadon (Eagles, Dillard & Clark, Flying Burrito Brothers) (64), and Brian May (Queen) (64)
Film Surveys The Life And Times Of The Iconic Musician
HBO has acquired the North American broadcast rights to Martin Scorsese’s GEORGE HARRISON: LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD, which will debut in two parts — on October 5 and October 6, 2011 — exclusively on HBO.
London — Lionsgate Home Entertainment UK announced that it will be releasing the film in the UK on 10th October 2011 in three editions – DVD, Blu-ray and DVD Double play (DVD/ BD combi pack), and a beautifully packaged DVD / Blu-Ray Deluxe Edition, which includes an exclusive CD of previously unheard tracks from George Harrison, and a book of photography to accompany the film.
GEORGE HARRISON: LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD focuses the imaginative and inspired eye of one of cinema’s most pre-eminent filmmakers on one of the world’s most influential men. The film takes viewers on the musical and spiritual voyage that was George Harrison’s life, much of it told in his own words. The result is deeply moving and touches each viewer in unique and individual ways.
Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese traces Harrison’s life from his musical beginnings in Liverpool through his life as a musician, a seeker, a philanthropist, and filmmaker. Scorsese weaves together interviews with Harrison and his closest friends, performances, home movies, and photographs. Much of the material in the film has never been seen (or heard) before. The result is a rare glimpse into the mind and soul of one of the most talented artists of his generation and a profoundly intimate and affecting work of cinema.
The film includes interviews with Eric Clapton, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, George Martin, Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono, Tom Petty, Phil Spector, Ringo Starr and Jackie Stewart. They speak honestly and frankly about George’s many talents and contradictions.
The film was produced by Scorsese (through his Sikelia Productions banner), Olivia Harrison (through her Grove Street Pictures banner) and Nigel Sinclair (through Exclusive’s documentary label, Spitfire Pictures). Margaret Bodde served as the film’s executive producer and the film was edited by David Tedeschi (who previously worked with Scorsese, Bodde and Sinclair on the Grammy Award-winning NO DIRECTION HOME: BOB DYLAN and with Scorsese and Bodde on the Rolling Stone concert film SHINE A LIGHT and PUBLIC SPEAKING). Scott Pascucci also served as an executive producer for Grove Street.
Scorsese comments, “Like so many millions of people, I first came to know George through the music, which was the soundtrack of our world. The Beatles’ music, those beautifully lyrical guitar breaks and solos, those unforgettable songs of George’s, like “I Me Mine” or “If I Needed Someone,” and the images, in magazines, on album covers, the TV appearances, the newsreel footage, the Richard Lester movies; and then there was the world after the Beatles, when George and his music seemed to open up and flower. I will never forget the first time I heard All Things Must Pass, the overwhelming feeling of taking in all that glorious music for the first time. It was like walking into a cathedral. George was making spiritually awake music – we all heard and felt it – and I think that was the reason that he came to occupy a very special place in our lives. So when I was offered the chance to make this picture, I jumped at it. Spending time with Olivia, interviewing so many of George’s closest friends, reviewing all that footage, some of it never seen before, and listening to all of that magnificent music – it was a joy, and an experience I’ll always treasure.”
Olivia Harrison notes, “Martin Scorsese’s intuition towards George was evident the first time we met to discuss this project. He sensed what George was about: his music, his strong beliefs, his art, his place in the Beatles story, and his extraordinary life afterwards. Marty’s wonderful film has found all of that and more.”
“This film was an extraordinary journey for all involved and it has been a sheer pleasure working with Martin Scorsese and Olivia Harrison to bring the amazing story and legacy of George Harrison to life,” adds Sinclair.
Additionally, in late September, Abrams Books will publish Olivia Harrison’s George Harrison: Living in the Material World, a personal archive of photographs, letters, diaries, and memorabilia from George’s life that reveals the arc of his life, from his guitar-obsessed boyhood in Liverpool, to the astonishment of the Beatles years, to his days as an independent musician and bohemian squire. The book release is intended to coincide with the release of Scorsese’s film.
Special Preparations Underway for NOW's 40th Numeric Edition, to be Released in November
The latest edition of the world's best-selling, multi-artist album series, NOW That's What I Call Music!, will be released on August 9. NOW That's What I Call Music! Vol. 39 features 16 current major chart hits, plus four up-and-coming "NOW What's Next" New Music Preview tracks.
Included in NOW 39's CD and digital tracklist are top chart hits from Katy Perry, LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock, Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull, Lupe Fiasco, Tinie Tempah featuring Eric Turner, The Black Eyed Peas, Bruno Mars, Selena Gomez, Jessie J featuring B.o.B, Hot Chelle Rae, OneRepublic, Jason Aldean, and Blake Shelton, plus "NOW What's Next" emerging tracks from Maria K., Jessica Sutta, Chiddy Bang, and DEV featuring The Cataracs. The "NOW What's Next" bonus track program featured on each numeric NOW release continues to preview hot new artists with tomorrow's biggest hits. NOW 39 showcases the first "What's Next" success story, with the track "Tonight Tonight" by Hot Chelle Rae, which was included on NOW 38. The track has since become one of the summer's biggest hits, therefore warranting a spot on this latest volume as a NOW-worthy smash.
Preparations are also underway, with major initiatives planned, for the November release of NOW That's What I Call Music! Vol. 40 in standard and expanded deluxe CD and digital editions, celebrating the NOW series' unparalleled success. NOW's U.S. sales total more than 80 million CDs and album downloads since the series made its Stateside debut in 1998.
The NOW That's What I Call Music! series is a joint venture from EMI Music North America, Sony Music Entertainment, and Universal Music Group. NOW That's What I Call Music! Vol. 39 will be distributed by EMI Music North America. NOW and NOW That's What I Call Music! are registered trademarks of EMI (IP) Limited.
The NOW That's What I Call Music! series debuted in the U.S. in 1998 after the brand had been a multi-platinum international success for 15 years. The series has generated sales exceeding 200 million albums worldwide, including more than 80 million copies in the U.S. Every album in the numeric U.S. series has reached Billboard's Top 10, and 15 NOW releases have reached #1.
NOW That's What I Call Music! Vol. 39 [CD, digital]
1. Katy Perry - Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)
2. LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock - Party Rock Anthem
3. Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer - Give Me Everything
4. Lady Gaga - The Edge Of Glory
5. Britney Spears - Till The World Ends
6. Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull - On The Floor
7. Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On
8. Tinie Tempah featuring Eric Turner - Written in the Stars
9. The Black Eyed Peas - Just Can't Get Enough
10. Bruno Mars - The Lazy Song
11. Selena Gomez - Who Says
12. Jessie J featuring B.o.B - Price Tag
13. Hot Chelle Rae - Tonight Tonight
14. OneRepublic - Good Life
15. Jason Aldean - Dirt Road Anthem
16. Blake Shelton - Honey Bee
BONUS TRACKS: "NOW What's Next" New Music Preview
17. Maria K. - Starbucks Smile
18. Jessica Sutta - Show Me
19. Chiddy Bang - Mind Your Manners
20. DEV featuring The Cataracs - Bass Down Low
SOURCE EMI Music / Sony Music Entertainment / Universal Music Group
