Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here Immersion Set Review

DualDisc Reviews

Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here (1975) – Immersion Box Set – EMI (5 discs + stuff)

Yes, it's not a box but it IS a box—filled with loads of Pink Floyd material of various sorts.

Published on November 19, 2011

Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here (1975) – Immersion Box Set (5 discs) – (Ceci n’est pas une boîte) – 2 CDs, 2 DVDs (one audio-only) + 1 Blu-ray; 36p. printed booklet, 20p. photo book, 12p. credit booklet, Storm Thorgerson art print, collectors’ cards, facsimiles of tickets and other memorabilia in two envelopes, an art scarf, three large clear marbles in small black sack, 9 coasters with Storm Thorgerson sketches, poster – EMI Blu-ray/ Dolby Surround ($120 on Amazon) *****:

(David Gilmour, vocals & guitars; Nick Mason, drums; Richard Wright, keyboards/piano/vocals; Roger Waters, bass guitar & vocals & all lyrics)




Another lavish pop artistic experience, all in a big strong and square box, adorned with a cover illustration obviously an homage to surrealist Rene Magritte. The subtitle of “Ceci n’est pas une boîte” (It’s not a box) is a takeoff on Magritte’s famous painting This is not a pipe, in which he emphasized that it was an image of a pipe — not a pipe for smoking. Pink Floyd’s artwork by Storm Thorgerson and Hipgnosis was frequently influenced by Magritte—along with Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Jeff Beck, Oregon, The Firesign Theatre, Paul Simon, Jean-Luc Godard, Terry Gilliam and many others.

Most of the music materials have not been previously released, except for the first CD, which is a newly remastered version of their original 1975 album with its five tracks: “Shine On You Crazy Diamond Part 1, Welcome to the Machine, Have a Cigar, Wish You Were Here,” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond Part 2.” CD No. 2 has six previously-unreleased audio tracks, including three from the 1974 live concert at Wembley, a tune from a never-released project, “Household Objects,” an alternative version of “Have a Cigar,” and a special version of “Wish You Were Here” featuring Stephane Grappelli on violin.

The first of the two DVD discs has five tracks in Dolby Surround audio only, at various sampling rates ranging from 448 kbps to 640 kbps. There are mixes for stereo, 4.0-channel quad and 5.1 surround. I tried the 640 kbps versions, but both they and the 448 versions are filtered thru Dolby Digital’s 48K codec, so I couldn’t tell a great deal of difference. Three of these are repeated on the Blu-ray disc (No. 5) in much better uncompressed resolution (96K/24-bit). The second DVD disc has five short videos and is basically duplicated in higher resolution on Disc No. 5, the one Blu-ray disc. I guess it’s for those lacking an SACD player. The audio for the film portions on Disc 5 are either 48K/24-bit or PCM stereo.

The Blu-ray disc is extremely confusing since it has absolutely no on-screen display for the first three audio-only tracks. A screen allowing selection between the audio and video portions appears only when you get to the fourth track. I had thought my Blu-ray player had died on me. Also, the producers evidently didn’t pay for the special license to make the Blu-ray navigable without requiring a video display (as Naxos does with their audio-only Blu-rays). The disc contents are: “Wish You Were Here” in three different formats — 5.1 surround, the original stereo mix of 1975, and a quad mix of 1975. Tracks Nos. 4 & 6 are some concert screen films from 1975, the first with one of the Floyds running across some sand dunes, and second with animation of a rotating floating body in space. The fifth track is a short very surrealistic but well-done six-minute film by artist Storm Thorgerson—the best of the bunch visually. The concert films repeat some of the same Pink Floyd images—both live action, color slides, and animation—and the first two are different visual versions of the beginning only of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” with the same music track. They were often projected on screens behind the band as they performed onstage.

Since there are no SACDs, if you have a Blu-ray deck, the set gives you a chance to enjoy the creative use of surround for which Roger Waters and Pink Floyd have long been known. (He even offered compatible surround sound on one of his LPs. I recall one involved a dog barking behind you, even with two speakers.) While we have found the SACD version of the same surround material usually sounds slightly superior or at least identical to the lossless Blu-ray version, Disc 5 gives those without multichannel SACD a fine opportunity. Some users have even said they actually prefer the 1975 quadraphonic mixes to the new 5.1 surround mixes. There are no credits for DTS-HD Master Audio processing–just for Dolby Surround for the two DVDs, so it appears the first three tracks of the Blu-ray disc are uncompressed 96K/24-bit 5.1 surround—providing the very highest sonic quality (unless you’re youthful enough—and your hearing is totally undiminished by loud rock concerts and poor earbuds—to appreciate 192K sampling…Ed.).

Pink Floyd is one of the most influential rock groups of all time, and one of the most commercial successful. Their progressive and psychedelic music is marked by philosophical—though often rather cynical—lyrics (all printed in one of the included booklets), striking album art, spectacular live shows crowded with electronic gear, and sonic experimentation—especially with surround sound. Rogers and Mason met while studying architecture; Wright died in 2008.

The physical extras/trinkets in the big box are rated by Floyd fanatics as either terrific or worthless. The various booklets and memorabilia could have been all included in a single large booklet, the scarf is artistic but won’t keep you warm, and one reviewer observes “anyone who pays $120 for this set and uses the coasters must have lost their marbles—and not the ones in the box, if you know what I mean.” (Anyway, one of the Thorgerson coasters has a rather disturbing image you probably wouldn’t want to pass out to your party guests. And I understand they were already offered as part of a previous Pink Floyd album.) I’m afraid I’m not enough of a Floyd fan to know the reason for including the little black bag of three marbles. One interesting physical fact about the box are the four raised spider-center holders in its bottom, designed to hold the first four discs. But the discs come in little plain white cardboard sleeves instead of stuck to the box—which is probably more protective from scratches to the discs. Also, there’s no place to stick the Blu-ray disc.

The superb hi-res surround in this set enables both avid fans and those just interested to fully appreciate a complete immersion in Pink Floyd. I understand the next Immersion box set will be devoted to their The Wall album.

—John Henry


Buy From Amazon

Special thanks to John at www.audaud.com  for the exclusive rights to reprint this material.

AUDIOPHILE AUDITION focuses on recordings of interest to audiophiles and collectors, with an accent on surround sound for music, and on all hi-res disc formats. Over 100 SACD, DVD Video/Audio and standard CD reviews are published during each month, and our archives go back to January 2001.

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

Will Oldham Vinyl Reissues

Folkster Will Oldham and Domino Records explained in a press releases that they will be re-releasing five Palace records: 1993's 'There Is No One What Will Take Care of You,' 1994's 'Days in the Wake and Hope,' 1995's 'Viva Last Blues,' and the 1997' 'Lost Blues and Other Songs' on February 27 in the UK. A US release date has not been set.

Each of the albums will be repressed on vinyl and presented on CD in a "mini LP style pack," save for 'Lost Blues and Other Songs,' which comes as a mini-gatefold card CD pack and on double-gatefold vinyl. The reissues will also feature new artwork and liner notes written by Oldham.




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very interesting read, I know for a fact that there is more unreleased music from Hendrix, that sadly, we may never get to hear:

More previously unreleased Jimi Hendrix coming, Billy Cox releases new album

Phyllis Pollack, Rock Music Examiner

On the heels of the release of his new solo album, Old School Blues, Jimi Hendrix bassist Billy Cox made an appearance at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles last night. Paying tribute to the film Blue Wild Angel, Jimi Hendrix at the Isle of Wight, which was shown at the Museum's intimate Clive Davis Theater, Cox was joined by its Academy Award winning filmmaker Murray Lerner and Hendrix historian John McDermott. The late guitarist's sister Janie was aslo in attendance. During the evening, it was announced that Hendrix' legacy would expand to include more previously unreleased material in the future.

later in the article:

A February 24, 1969 Hendrix performance at the Royal Albert Hall, recorded on 16 mm fillm, has never been officially released, although at least four different versions have surfaced in varying quality, none up to today's audiovisual standards. For years, Hendrix fans have hoped that the footage would be technically upgraded and sonically enhanced. Its long-awaited official release has been stalled for years, due to a series of pending legal issues.

Read the rest at examiner.com

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lovely cover art:

Ministry New Album Due In March

Ministry will return with a new album 'Relapse' on March 3, 2012 on 13th Planet Records and fans can follow the sessions via a series of candid behind-the-scenes videos. The videos, viewable at the 13th Planet Records YouTube channel, give fans a sneak peek into everything from band meetings to recording sessions, where very important matters are discussed such as the right way to play a fast riff and how much Ministry founder Al Jourgensen likes cargo pants.

Ministry's current live line-up includes longtime Ministry guitarist and Rigor Mortis alumni Mike Scaccia, Prong's Tommy Victor and Aaron Rossi, Soulfly bassist Tony Campos and Fear Factory keyboardist John Bechdel, in addition to Jourgensen.










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album cover art for the day:

Pre-Order Christian Mistress' 'Possession'


Olympia, Washington’s heavy metal voyagers CHRISTIAN MISTRESS delivers unto us their long-awaited Relapse debut Possession. The follow-up to 2010’s critically-acclaimed Agony & Opium, Possession mines deep from the same vein and sees the band standing on the shoulders of metal luminaries of the past. The quintet, lead by powerhouse vocalist Christine Davis and the twin-axe attack of Ryan McClain and Oscar Sparbel, distill traditional heavy metal into the sound of now.

The release is on green marble colored vinyl.

Pre Order your copy today!











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in music history for december 10th:

In 1927, the Grand Old Opry made its first radio broadcast from Nashville, TN.

In 1949, Fats Domino recorded "The Fat Man," considered to be one of the first rock 'n' roll records, and seven other tracks during his first session at Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studios in New Orleans.

In 1953, after raising $8,800 for the project, Hugh Hefner published the first Playboy magazine, featuring a photo of Marilyn Monroe from her 1949 nude calendar shoot.

In 1959, the four male members of the Platters were acquitted on charges of aiding and abetting prostitution, lewdness and assignation. The charges stemmed from their August 10, 1959 arrest in Cincinnati, OH.

In 1961, one week after first meeting with Brian Epstein to discuss his taking over as the Beatles' manager, John, Paul, George and Pete Best were back in Epstein's office for a second interview. The band was now eager to listen to Epstein's proposal following a booking the night before where they played to only 18 people. After being assured that they were not expected to change their musical style, John spoke for the others, saying, "Right then, Brian, manage us!"

In 1963, "The CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite" featured a story about the new British pop music sensations, the Beatles. The report originally had been scheduled to air November 22 but was delayed because of the presidential assassination.

Also in 1963, Donny Osmond made his debut with the Osmonds on NBC's "Andy Williams Show."

In 1965, in San Francisco, the Grateful Dead played their second concert ever, their first at the Fillmore Auditorium.

In 1966, Brian Wilson's masterpiece, "Good Vibrations" becomes The Beach Boys' third Billboard number one hit. At a cost of $16,000, it was the most expensive single ever produced in music history up to that time.

In 1966, new music reaching the US record charts this week included The Electric Prunes "I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night", The Monkees' "I'm A Believer", The Blues Magoos' "We Ain't Got Nothin' Yet" and Keith's "98.6".

The Electric Prunes originally formed as The Sanctions at Taft High School in Los Angeles, renaming themselves in 1966. They were introduced to record producer Dave Hassinger, and after a series of rehearsals at Leon Russell's house released a debut single, "Ain't It Hard". Despite its commercial failure, Reprise Records agreed that the band could record a second single.

Convinced that the band could not write their own songs, Hassinger sought material from the professional songwriting team of Annette Tucker and lyricist Nancie Mantz. One of the tunes was "I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)", a song that, according to some sources, was originally conceived as an orchestral piano ballad. However, according to Tucker, "I came up with the title one day and called Nancie. She loved it and we wrote it the next day in one half hour....The words were there and my melody came easily. I was influenced by the Rolling Stones at the time and that is how I heard that song being recorded....Nancie and I envisioned this as a rock song." A demo version recorded for Hassinger by singer-songwriter Jerry Fuller (in some sources wrongly identified as Jerry Vale), may have been the source of the story of the song's origin as a ballad.

At the time, the Electric Prunes comprised singer James Lowe, lead guitarist Ken Williams, rhythm guitarist James "Weasel" Spagnola, bassist Mark Tulin, and drummer Preston Ritter. The oscillating, reversed guitar which opens the song originated from the rehearsals at Russell's house, where Williams recorded with a 1958 Gibson Les Paul guitar with a Bigsby vibrato unit. According to Lowe, "We were recording on a four-track, and just flipping the tape over and re-recording when we got to the end. Dave cued up a tape and didn't hit 'record,' and the playback in the studio was way up: ear-shattering vibrating jet guitar. Ken had been shaking his Bigsby wiggle stick with some fuzztone and tremolo at the end of the tape. Forward it was cool. Backward it was amazing. I ran into the control room and said, 'What was that?' They didn't have the monitors on so they hadn't heard it. I made Dave cut it off and save it for later."

The single was released in November 1966. At first it was caught up in the Christmas rush, but in early 1967 it made steady progress up the US chart and finally peaked at #11. It also reached # 49 in the UK chart. Its success enabled the band to tour, and to release an album of the same name and a successful follow-up single "Get Me To The World On Time".

Electric Prunes - (Live/French TV, 1967)



In 1967, the Steve Miller Blues Band signed with Capitol Records for an unheard of $750,000. The group drops the "Blues" from its name.

In 1967, 26 year-old Otis Redding was killed when the twin engine Beechcraft he was flying in crashed into the icy waters of the Squaw Bay area of Lake Monona, just outside of Madison, Wisconsin. His death came just three days after he recorded his only number one hit, "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay". Four teen-aged members of his back-up group, The Bar-Kays also perished. Only 20 year old trumpeter Ben Cauley, who was sitting directly behind Redding on the plane, survived. He and James Alexander would reform The Bar-Kays and went on to record with Stax artists such as Isaac Hayes, Rufus Thomas, and The Staple Singers.

In 1969, after songwriter Mark James had released his own unsuccessful version of "Suspicious Minds" Elvis Presley collected his 48th Gold Record for his rendition. It was The King's seventeenth and final number-one single in the United States. Rolling Stone later ranked it #91 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

In 1969, testifying at his trial for possession of hashish and heroin in the Toronto Supreme Court, Jimi Hendrix claims that he had experimented with them, but has now outgrown drugs. After eight hours of deliberations, the jury finds him not guilty.

In 1971, Frank Zappa was pushed from a London stage by the jealous boyfriend of a Zappa fan. Zappa spent months in a wheelchair recovering from a broken leg and ankle and fractured skull.

In 1973, the CBGB club opened in the lower east side of New York City; it became the home of new bands such as Blondie, Television, Patti Smith and The Ramones.

'Wings over America,' by Paul McCartney's was released in 1976.

In 1980, the body of John Lennon was cremated at the Ferncliff Mortuary in Hartsdale, New York and his ashes were given to his widow Yoko Ono, who reportedly took them back to her Dakota apartment.

In 1983, Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson started a six week run at #1 on the Billboard singles chart with "Say Say Say". It was Jackson's 10th chart topper, including solo and with The Jacksons, and was McCartney's 29th, including solo and with The Beatles.

In 1988, R&B guitarist/singer ("Love Potion No. 9") Bill Harris of the Clovers died of cancer at 63.

In 1988, Bill Champlin's vocals helped Chicago attain their third and final number one single when "Look Away" hit the top of the Billboard chart. It was one of three Top Ten hits from the "Chicago 19" album, along with "I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love" and "You're Not Alone".

In 1990, the first Billboard Music Awards took place. Janet Jackson was the big winner with eight trophies.

In 1996, country music singer ("Hello Walls,") and actor ('Country Music Holiday,' 'Hidden Guns,' 'Raiders of Old California') Faron Young, founder and former publisher of Nashville's Music City News magazine, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the age of 64.

In 1998, at Christie's Auction House in London, a recording of a 1963 Beatles 10-song concert was sold for a bid of £25,300 ($41,500 US). A set of autographs signed for a fan in Liverpool in 1961 by five Beatles – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Pete Best, and Stuart Sutcliffe – went for £5,195 ($8,500).

In 1999, singer/bassist (Caledonia Mission, Long Black Veil, This Wheel's On Fire) Rick Danko of the Band died of heart failure at 56.

In 2002, in Los Angeles, CA, the Oakwood Postal Station was renamed the Nat King Cole Post Office. U.S. President George W. Bush had signed the act for the change on October 30, 2002.

In 2003, singer/keyboardist Bill Deal, lead vocalist of the Rhondels, died at the age of 57.

In 2004, one of three RCA microphones, used during 50 mid-1950s performances by Elvis Presley for the "Louisiana Hayride" radio show on KWKH in Shreveport, was sold for $37,500.

In 2007, at London's 02 Arena, Led Zeppelin played their first concert in 19 years. Original band members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones were joined on stage by Jason Bonham, the son of their late drummer John Bonham. More than one million people took part in a drawing for the 20,000 tickets available for the show.

In 2008, the U.S. military used loud music to "create fear, disorient ... and prolong capture shock" for prisoners at military detention centers at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, according to an Associated Press report. Among the songs blasted 24 hours a day were "Born In The USA" by Bruce Springsteen, "White America" by Eminem, "Hell's Bells" by AC/DC, "The Theme From Sesame Street," and "I Love You" from the children's TV program, "Barney and Friends." the barney one would break me.....

In 2009, a rare 1932 Mickey Mouse Christmas card signed by Walt Disney sold at auction in Illinois for $13,987.

In 2009, during an interview with Britain's Q magazine, Paul McCartney was asked if his marriage to Heather Mills was the worst mistake of his life. He replied "OK, yeah. I suppose that has to be the prime contender." The divorce settlement cost him $38.9 million, plus annual payments for their daughter Beatrice.

In 2010, at a New York auction, the original hand-written lyrics of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin" sold for $422,500. holy crap!

Sadly, in 2010, Lady Gaga was named Billboard's Artist of the Year.

And to wrap today's history - In 2010, Jim Morrison was pardoned in the state of Florida by Governor Charlie Christ for his arrest and conviction of public lewdness during a 1969 concert in Miami.

birthdays today include (among others): Chad Stuart (Chad & Jeremy) (70), Ralph Tavares (Tavares) (70), Jessica Cleaves (Friends of Distinction) (63), J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.) (46), Scott Alexander (Dishwalla) (40), Brian Molko (Placebo) (39) and Meg White (White Stripes) (37

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

Insound.com Top Sellers

1. Fucked Up - Year of the Tiger PRE-ORDER
2. The Black Keys - El Camino
3. Real Estate - Days
4. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
5. Atlas Sound - Parallax
6. Tennis - Origins PRE-ORDER
7. Girls - Father, Son, Holy Ghost
8. Youth Lagoon - The Year of Hibernation
9. Kurt Vile - Smoke Ring for My Halo
10. Talk Talk - Laughing Stock



help support the CVR Blog with a purchase by clicking on the image :O)

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buy it at insound!







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this from a travel site, if you are in florida, be sure to stop by these record stores!

Bananas in St. Petersburg, the World's Largest Collection of Vinyl Records

Florida has at least four destinations for vinyl collectors, who are driving a remarkable resurgence in sales.

St. Petersburg's original Bananas Music store isn't just for the casual music browser.

Earlier this year, a Taiwanese dealer came into the quaint old shop and bought five pallets of vinyl records. That's about 5,300 records.

Buyers from Rio de Janiero, England, Israel, Estonia and places shop owners Doug and Michelle Allen barely knew existed have all drooled over Bananas' vinyl selection.

Read the rest at visitflorida.com





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Remastered Accüsed Reissues Out Now!

Three Accused records have been released on December 1!! The Accused's "The Return of Martha Splatterhead" (REMASTERED) LP, "More Fun Than An Open Casket Funeral" (REMASTERED) LP, and last but not least, "Nasty Cuts - Best of The Nasty Mix Years 1991-1993" LP!! All three LPs are available at wholesale cost for $8.00 each!! Limited special colour wax is available from Unrest mailorder only!!

Pressing: 1000
Released: December 2011
Colour:.800 Black - 200 Beer Yellow w/ Black & Blood Splatter

Buy it here

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over at our friends at polyvinylrecords.com

STRFKR/Champagne Champagne

After touring together during the 2011 Reptilians tour, STRFKR and Champagne Champagne wanted to commemorate their time on the road together with a split 7".

The A-side features STRFKR's "Dragon Queens" which became a crowd favorite during the band's Spring 2011 tour in support of their last album, Reptilians. A different version of "Dragon Queens" will be featured on the upcoming STRFKR full-length, slated for release in early 2012

The B-side is the Champagne Champagne original "I Fell Through." Champagne Champagne features two MCs along with their producer Mark Gajadhar (of Blood Brothers, Past Lives). Champagne Champagne is also currently working on a new full-length.

Both songs are exclusive to the 7”.

Buy it here

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interesting cover art

Therapy? Reveals New Album, "A Brief Crack Of Light" Release Date, Artwork

Irish alternative metal outfit Therapy? has revealed that their forthcoming new studio album, "A Brief Crack Of Light" will be released on February 6th through Blast Records, with a music video for the song, "Living In The Shadow Of A Terrible Thing" to premiere on January 23rd. In addition to this, the group will once again be working with artist Nigel Rolfe for the records front cover artwork

Read the rest and get the tracklist at metalunderground.com














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for those who are interested (i don't have a cell phone or blueberry or ipod or whatever everyone is hooked up to)

Exclusive Beatles 'Yellow Submarine' Book Available Free On Apple's iBookstore Starting Today

LONDON, England, Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the recent first anniversary of The Beatles catalog's worldwide digital exclusivity on the iTunes Store® (www.iTunes.com), an exclusive Beatles 'Yellow Submarine' book that lets readers tap their iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to immerse themselves in the legendary film's colorful sights and sounds is available for free download on Apple's iBookstore worldwide starting today. The iBookstore is available via the free iBooks App for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, and at www.iTunes.com/iBookstore.

The iBookstore's exclusive 'Yellow Submarine' book takes the reader on a kaleidoscopic, music-filled journey with The Beatles to an underwater dreamland featuring animated illustrations and text from the 2004 book, 14 full-color video clips from the original 1968 film, audio clips of classic Beatles hits and Sir George Martin's original score, original dialogue from the film, "read aloud" functionality to follow along as actor Dean Lennox Kelly narrates, as well as interactive features that let you tap the story's wild array of butterflies, starfish and sea monsters to make them come alive. A video trailer for the book is available for free streaming starting today at www.iTunes.com/TheBeatles.

The vibrantly illustrated book was designed by Fiona Andreanelli using Heinz Edelmann's original artwork from the film, and its story has been adapted by Charlie Gardner from the film's original screenplay, co-written by Lee Minoff, Al Brodax, Jack Mendelsohn and Eric Segal.

Inspired by The Beatles' song of the same name, 'Yellow Submarine' dives 80,000 leagues beneath the sea to Pepperland, a musical paradise where Sergeant Pepper's band plays on until the music-hating Blue Meanies invade, sealing the band inside a music-proof bubble and leaving it a silent wasteland. But Old Fred, captain of the Yellow Submarine, escapes to Liverpool and persuades Ringo - with a little help from his friends John, Paul and George - to join him on a magical adventure to return music and love to Pepperland.

Since first launching worldwide on November 16, 2010, The Beatles' exclusive digital releases on iTunes now include the band's 13 legendary remastered studio albums, a special digital edition of the GRAMMY®-winning 'Beatles Stereo Box Set,' the two-volume 'Past Masters' compilation, the classic '1962-1966' ('Red') and '1967-1970' ('Blue') collections, the GRAMMY-winning 'LOVE' album and 'All Together Now,' the feature-length documentary about the making of The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil®, the band's remastered 'Anthology' music collections, and the record-breaking '1' hits collection.

The Beatles have now sold over ten million songs and over 1.8 million albums on the iTunes Store worldwide.

www.TheBeatles.com

SOURCE Apple Corps Ltd.

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Peter Frampton to Celebrate 35th Anniversary of Frampton Comes Alive at the Last Remaining Venue Where Portions of the Album Comes Alive Were Actually Recorded

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Rick Bartalini Presents announced that Grammy Award winner Peter Frampton will perform Frampton Comes Alive in its entirety, plus more from his Grammy-winning career, at one of the places that started it all… The Marin Center in San Rafael. The Marin Center, where Frampton recorded portions of his live masterpiece, again hosts Peter Frampton on March 17, 2012 at 8 P.M. Frampton has referred to the Marin County venue as "hallowed ground." Tickets for the March 17 concert go on-sale Friday, December 9 at 11:00 A.M. at www.RBPconcerts.com and www.Ticketmaster.com.

Due to the success of the 2011 world tour celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Peter Frampton's multi-platinum selling live album Frampton Comes Alive!, the tour has been extended into 2012. The three-hour show features a complete performance of Frampton Comes Alive! that the Montreal Gazette describes as "a highly-spirited and expertly-played recreation of the live album." Frampton will also performs other highlights from his catalog, including his Grammy® Award-winning instrumental album, 2006's Fingerprints. Of the tour the Los Angeles Times says "…the British virtuoso is still making sweet music," while the Santa Barbara Independent describes Frampton's set as "pleasing those who came to hear the hits and impressing the musicians in the crowd with his still-smoking guitar chops."

Tickets for Frampton Comes Alive! 35 Tour go on-sale Friday, December 9 at 11:00 A.M. and are $49.50, $69.50 and $89.50. Tickets can be purchased at www.RBPconcerts.com, www.Ticketmaster.com and the Marin Center Box Office.

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and in america's heartland, vinyl is all the rage:

Local bands capitalize on vinyl album boom

Text and Video by Brittany McNeal, NewsNetNebraska

Because of technological advances, libraries of music can now be stored in a device smaller than a deck of cards.

Although digital music has flourished, music sales have declined — except for vinyl.

Clearly, what was old is new again.

As of 2011, alternative and independent artists and labels are the main distributors of vinyl records. Local bands have gotten in on the trend.

Read the rest at newsnetnebraska.org



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simple, yet striking album cover art

UNISONIC Featuring MICHAEL KISKE, KAI HANSEN: 'Ignition' Cover Artwork Unveiled

UNISONIC, the new band featuring former HELLOWEEN vocalist Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen (GAMMA RAY, ex-HELLOWEEN) alongside Dennis Ward (bass) and Kosta Zafiriou (drums) of Germany's PINK CREAM 69 and Swiss guitarist Mandy Meyer (who has previously played with ASIA, GOTTHARD and KROKUS), will release its debut EP, "Ignition" in late January via earMUSIC/Edel. The effort will include the track "Unisonic" plus one demo song and a cover version of the HELLOWEEN classic "I Want Out", recorded live on October 15 at this year's edition of the Loud Park festival at Saitama Super Arena, a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Saitama City, Japan.

Read the rest at Blabbermouth











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Feeder To Return In March With New Album

British rock vets Feeder have recently announced their return and have news of a new single and album set for release early next year. The comeback single "Borders" is due to be released on January 29th 2012, and will be followed by the band’s eighth studio album ‘Generation Freakshow’ on March 26th.

‘Borders’ will be released on various formats, including a limited edition CD, 7” vinyl and retro cassette, and is to be backed with previously unreleased b-sides.

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The Happy Mondays to Reunite in 2012

British alternative-rock group The Happy Mondays are going to follow in the footsteps of so many other groups as of the last few years and will reform to tour in 2012.

According to The Sun, Shaun Ryder is busily getting all the original group members together and he's making sure that it all gets documented as he has a film crew shooting the whole thing.

Read the rest at our friends at vintagevinylnews

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time magazine posted this photo, be sure to click on the link and read the history behind it and others.

John and Yoko, as Never Before Seen: New Photos from the Famous ‘Bed In’


The following photographs are previously unseen images of John Lennon and Yoko Ono during their "Bed In" for peace at Montreal's Queen Elizabeth Hotel in June 1969. Here, Tommy Smothers, an unknown friend, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Rosemary Leary and Timothy Leary.

Read the rest at lightbox.time.com









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in my inbox today....i rarely feature digital downloads on the blog, however, i like the video and the song, let me know what you think!

The King Blues - Does Anybody Care About Us?

Released on Feb 12th, 2012

Digital Download

Is anybody gonna fight back?

'Does Anybody Care About Us?' is the brand new single from The King Blues, the fourth taken from their critically acclaimed 2011 album, 'Punk & Poetry'. A clear statement of intent as always from The King Blues, aggressively melodic, and with lyrics with a conscience, their latest offering continues to prove yet again this really is a band with something to say. Shot on a frosty Manchester morning, the band invited fans to become a part of the video, playing the subjects that are uncompromisingly thrown on to a pile of those left behind by recent heavy-handed coalition government policy.

"There's no fucking future for anyone but the privileged anymore, education needs to be for everyone, we need jobs, houses, and all they want us to do is pay our taxes, shut the fuck up and gratefully eat X-Factor. It makes me sick to my gut. Banker bonuses and politicians claiming thousands for their fucking duck ponds while they sweep the homeless off the streets and hose down where they're sleeping, taking away benefits while two and a half million people are unemployed, leaving empty houses to rot and trying to outlaw squatting during a homeless crisis. There's a battle going on and we're part of it whether we like it or not. Cameron says, 'in this together', easy to say if you're sitting on £30,000,000! He has no idea what life is like for the people he condemns, for the people he makes it most difficult for. He's a fucking scumbag and I've had enough of it, I know I ain't the only one either. I look around and I see resistance on every level. Call us what you like, striking workers, protesting students, rioting kids, the 99%, we are who we are, a product of a broken Britain being torn apart and yes, we are fucking angry - is anybody gonna fight back?" - Jonny 'Itch' Fox

Due for release on February 12th on digital download, the single will also include a live accapella version of 'Five Bottles of Shampoo' taken from the band's recent triumphant performance at The Roundhouse, London - their biggest headline show to-date, as a b-side. Fans can also look forward to re-living the rest of that electric night in Camden as the whole gig looks set to become part of a forthcoming limited edition King Blues DVD.



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in music history for december 9th:

In 1955, Elvis Presley did two shows in Swifton, Arkansas: in the Swifton High School gymnasium, then at the B&I Club. He introduced his new song "Heartbreak Hotel," claiming "It's gonna be my first hit."

In 1957, Danny & the Junior's "At the Hop" was picked up by ABC-Paramount Records based on the strength and reaction to the group's performance on American Bandstand.

In 1961, the Beatles played at the Palais Ballroom in Aldershot to a crowd of just 18 people. The date had not been advertised, owing to the local newspaper’s refusal to accept the promoter’s check. After the show The Beatles became rowdy, getting themselves ordered out of town by the local police.

In 1961, the Tokens' "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" topped the Cashbox Magazine Best Sellers Chart for the first of a four week run.

In 1962, the Four Seasons sang their current hit, "Big Girls Don't Cry" on The Ed Sullivan Show.

In 1962, Brian Epstein took George Martin to the Cavern Club in Liverpool to see the Beatles.

Also in 1962, the first Supremes album, "Meet the Supremes," was released. The LP contained their first US Top 40 hit, "When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes".

On December 9, 1967, in New Haven, Connecticut, prior to a Doors concert at the New Haven Arena, a policeman found singer Jim Morrison making out with an 18 year-old girl in a backstage shower and, after an argument, the policeman sprayed mace in Morrison's face. Once on stage, Morrison told the audience what had transpired and he began taunting the police, who eventually dragged him off the stage and arrested him for breach of the peace and resisting arrest. The crowd rioted and left the venue in disarray. Many fans were taken into custody. Later, more than 100 protestors gathered at the police station to demonstrate, resulting in even more arrests.

In 1968, the Supremes' and the Temptations' "TCB (Takin' Care of Business") special aired on NBC-TV.

In 1970, Helen Reddy became Australia's first female artist to have a number one record on the US chart when "I Am Woman" reached the top of the Billboard hit parade. Surprisingly, the song didn't chart at all in the UK. Reddy would achieve two more US number one singles over the next couple of years with, "Delta Dawn" and "Angie Baby".

In 1972, the Moody Blues hit number one on the US album charts for the first time with "Seventh Sojourn". It will be their last album of new material for more than five years as the group's members split to record and to tour as solo artists.

In 1972, "Tommy" was performed at London's Rainbow Theatre. The recording of the event was released the next year.

In 1974 - George Harrison released his first album on his Dark Horse label, entitled "Dark Horse."

In 1978, Chic started a seven-week run at #1 on the US singles chart with “Le Freak,” a #7 hit in the U.K.

Also in 1978, "Soul Man," John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd's version, was released under the name, "The Blues Brothers." Belushi and Ackroyd would reach #14 in the US, while the original had topped out at #2.

In 1980, Yoko Ono issued a statement to the press that read: "There is no funeral for John. John loved and prayed for the human race. Please do the same for him. Love, Yoko and Sean." She also pleaded with chanting and singing mourners outside The Dakota to re-convene in Central Park the following Sunday for ten minutes of silent prayer. Over 225,000 did.

In 1981, Sonny Til, the lead singer of the '50's Doo Wop group, The Orioles, died of a heart attack. He was 56.

In 1984, the Jacksons played their last show together in Los Angeles, CA.

In 1988, according to a poll released in the US, the music of Neil Diamond was favored as the best background music during sex. Beethoven was the second choice and Luther Vandross was voted third. What, no Ozzie?

In 1989, Billy Joel started a two week run at #1 on the Billboard Pop chart with "We Didn't Start The Fire". The song, in which Joel sings about headlining events that have occurred during his lifetime, was a #7 hit in the UK.

In 1992, Bill Wyman left the Rolling Stones after over 30 years with the group.

In 1995, "Free as a Bird," debuted on a six-hour ABC documentary on the Beatles. Even though they had disbanded 25 years earlier, the Beatles had the number one album in the US when "Anthology" hit the top for the first of three weeks. It would go on to sell over 4 million copies and included rare Beatle recordings in the form of demos, alternate takes, live versions and previously unreleased material.

In 1996, singer (I Know What Boys Like, Christmas Wrappings) Patty Donahue, lead vocalist of the Waitresses, died of lung cancer at age 40.

In 2000, Peter Yarrow has his guitar lost by Delta Airlines on a flight from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Washington, D.C. He had used the Larrivee guitar on every Peter, Paul and Mary album and in every concert since 1973.

In 2002, Paul McCartney released his live album, "Back In The U.S." Against the wishes of Yoko Ono, John Lennon's widow, the nineteen Beatles songs included on the two-disc set were credited to "Paul McCartney and John Lennon" rather than the usual "Lennon-McCartney."

In 2002, Pat Boone returned to Billboard's Hot 100 after a 40 year absence. His new song, "Under God", was written in response to a lawsuit filed in San Francisco by an agnostic who claimed his daughter's constitutional rights were violated by having to say the words "under God" when her school recites the Pledge of Allegiance. The record briefly rose to number 25, ahead of songs by the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Jay-Z. Boone's last Top 40 hit was "Speedy Gonzalez", which made it to number 6 in 1962.

In 2003, a grand jury in Rhode Island indicts the two owners of the club where 100 people were killed during a Great White concert, along with the group's road manager.

In 2005, a man charged with stealing more than $300,000 worth of Elvis Presley's jewelry from the Elvis-A-Rama museum appeared in a Las Vegas court. 30 year old Eliab Aguilar was arrested on November 3rd after police said he approached a retired Elvis impersonator and offered to sell him several items including Presley's 1953 class ring from Humes High School worth $32,000, a 41 carat ruby and diamond ring worth $77,000 and a gold-plated Smith & Wesson .38 special.

In 2005, Mike Botts, drummer for the Soft Rock band Bread, passed away in Burbank, California, one day after his 61st birthday, having suffered from colon cancer.

In 2006, singer (Dance With Me Henry, Tweedle Dee, Kiss Of Fire) Georgia Gibbs died of complications from leukemia at the age of 87.

In 2006, Fred Marsden, the drummer for the Merseybeat band Gerry and the Pacemakers, died of cancer at the age of 66. The group disbanded in 1967. Gerry Marsden reformed the Pacemakers in 1973 but without Fred, who had given up the music business to be a telephone operator and later established The Pacemaker Driving School.

In 2010, jazz saxophonist/flutist/composer James Moody died of pancreatic cancer at age 85.

birthdays today include (among others): Sammy Strain (Little Anthony & the Imperials, O'Jays) (70), Dan Hicks (Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks) (70), Dennis Dunaway (Alice Cooper) (65), Joan Armatrading (61), Jack Sonni (Dire Straits) (57), Paul Landers (Rammstein) (47), Brian Bell (Weezer) (43), Jakob Dylan (Wallflowers) (42), Geoff Barrow (Portishead) (40) and Tré Cool (born Frank Wright III) (Green Day) (39)

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

Sex Pistols Acetate Still Up For Sale On eBay

in an earlier post, I blogged  about this acetate up on the blocks at eBay. i see that more than 400 visitors have stopped by (the auction ends in 18 days). if you have an extra $18,000 or so, you can use the buy it now function, but so far i don't see a bid up. so, i ask, is this overvalued?

Sex Pistols Anarchy In The UK Original 1976 7“ 1 sided Abbey Road Swirl Acetate

you can watch it at eBay

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all over the web right now:

Metallica Second Unreleased Song Hits The Web

Yet another unreleased studio track from the 'Death Magnetic' sessions has surfaced on the web (what a surprise...). The cut is called "Just A Bullet Away" and now available on YouTube. Metallica also performed this track at the Fillmore in San Francisco as part of a week long celebration of the band's 30th Anniversary. Special guests at the festivities have included Biff Byford (Saxon), Jason Newsted (Ex-Metallica), Lou Reed, King Diamond, Hank Shermann (Mercyful Fate), Timi Hansen (Mercyful Fate), Michael Denner (Mercyful Fate) , Marianne Faithfull, Ray Haller (Sweet Savage), Kid Rock and John Bush (Armored Saint/Ex-Anthrax).

I see another video coming......



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vinyl down under making the news again (the aussies love their records!)

Why vinyl has us all in a spin

Paul Smeaton

IF YOU thought vinyl was dead, think again.

Music fans are going back to the future as sales of vinyl records replace CDs as the preferred physical form for music.

More than a quarter of a million vinyl records have been sold so far this year in the UK, a 40% increase on last year, and Australians are now joining the throng.

Read the rest at qt.com.au

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in boston, vinyl is still relevant!

Looney Tunes' three decades of vinyl bliss

Right round baby right round

By EUGENIA WILLIAMSON

Among the faded LP sleeves crowding the Boylston-facing windows of Looney Tunes Records is a carefully hand-lettered sign written in black marker: "33 1/3 YEAR BIRTHDAY SALE. EVERY ITEM 33 1/3 % OFF LIST PRICE."

Inside, the narrow, high-ceilinged space — once the site of a dental-supply outlet — is chockablock with used CDs, DVDs, and row upon row of vinyl. Browsers — all men, whenever I've visited — thumb through cascades of cardboard sleeves while navigating the stacks of cardboard boxes wedged underneath the shelves.

"I have something of a record problem," owner Pat McGrath tells me over iced coffee.

Read more at thephoenix.com

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vinyl in the heartland doing well at one of america's oldest record stores:

Home of the records

By Kathleen Barbosa

Everything from the vinyl records lining the shelves to the historical records dating back to Kirksville's founding, are crammed into the walls of Rinehart's Music & Video, which claims to be America's oldest operating record store.

The storefront, located on South Franklin Street, is home to one of 12 Rinehart businesses, which have been in the Rinehart family since their beginnings as a news corporation in 1861, according to the Adair County Historical Society. Current owner Karl Hildebrand, a cousin of the Rineharts, said these family businesses have been able to survive because of their ability to adapt and to plan for the future.

Read the rest at trumanindex.com

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Rolling Stones Mick Jagger & Keith Richards to Pay For Hubert Sumlin's Funeral

In an act of admiration and generosity, Rolling Stones Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are going to pay for the funeral of Hubert Sumlin.

Sumlin’s partner Toni Ann has posted, “I just wanted to share with you, Hubert’s loving fans, that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have insisted on picking up the full expenses for Hubert’s funeral. God Bless the Rolling Stones”.

Read more at our friends at vintagevinylnews

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ONSLAUGHT Announces First-Ever North American Tour 

British thrash metal veterans ONSLAUGHT will cross the Atlantic for their first-ever North American tour in March 2012. The three-week trek will see the band performing a setlist spanning all its studio albums — "Power From Hell", "The Force", "In Search Of Sanity", "Killing Peace" and their latest release, "Sounds Of Violence". Support on the dates will come from M-PIRE OF EVIL (formerly PRIMEVIL), the new band featuring former VENOM members Jeff "Mantas" Dunn (guitar), Antony "Antton" Lant (drums; brother of VENOM frontman Conrad "Cronos" Lant) and Tony "The Demolition Man" Dolan (bass, vocals). Also appeaing on the bill for some devastating dates on the U.S. West Coast will be EVILDEAD.

Read more and get the tour dates at our friends at Blabbermouth













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lovely......

Psycroptic Reveals New Album Artwork

Aussie technical death metal outfit Psycroptic has revealed the cover art for the band’s fifth studio album, 'The Inherited Repression,' which will hit stores on February 7th in North America and February 10th in Europe via Nuclear Blast Records.


















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album cover art of the day:

Zombi Members 'Brainstorm' on Split LP

Pittsburgh's prog duo Zombi are releasing a split LP called 'Brainstorm' in January via Temporary Residence Ltd. A press release describes it as "an alternate reality version of OutKast's Speakerboxxx/The Love Below -- a world where instead of beautiful women, expensive clothes and futuristic cars, we get transcendent aliens, expensive synthesizers, and futuristic cars."

Side A of this vinyl release has Zombi's Steve Moore exploring with freaky synthscapes in the vein of John Carpenter and Vangelis over four tracks. Then, on the flip, Majeure (born A.E. Paterra) drops a 20-minute jam that runs the gamut from strict ambience to straight up prog-rockin'.












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Coldplay Announces 2012 North American Tour

Band Nominated For Three GRAMMY® Awards

"Coldplay New Year's Eve: An Austin City Limits Special" Airs On PBS Stations Nationwide December 31

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Coldplay will launch its first North American tour in nearly three years on April 17. The run, which kicks off at Rexall Place in Edmonton, AB, will include a two-night stand at Los Angeles' historic Hollywood Bowl (May 1 & 2). The band is touring in support of its new RIAA-certified Platinum record, Mylo Xyloto, which has scored the most No. 1 rankings of any album this year worldwide, topping the charts in 34 countries to date. Mylo Xyloto's first two singles have received GRAMMY nominations – "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" for Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song, and the Gold-certified "Paradise" for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Coldplay is nominated for a People's Choice Award in the Favorite Band category.

Use any American Express® Card to purchase advance tickets for Coldplay beginning Monday, December 12, at 10am (local time) through Friday, December 16, at 10pm (local time) before the general public on Saturday, December 17, at 10am (local time). Tickets are available at 1-800-745-3000, Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com. Dates and times may vary. See below for itinerary. Additional dates to be announced soon.

"Coldplay understands how to make a shared moment from a song…their respect for their fans is obvious," said The Times of London in a review of the band's Glastonbury set. Coldplay's headline appearance at Lollapalooza before the release of Mylo Xyloto prompted Time Out Chicago to observe: "I've never seen a band's unheard material go over so well" while USA Today noted: "Standouts included Charlie Brown with Jonny Buckland's sticky, uplifting guitar work, and the soft, romantic Us Against The World, which featured drummer Will Champion on piano and backing vocals."

"Charlie Brown," Coldplay's next single, will go to radio later this month. You can check out the band performing "Charlie Brown" at summer festivals in this new live video, directed by Mat Whitecross and Mark Rowbotham:

vevo.com/watch/coldplay

"Austin City Limits," the world's longest-running live music television series, will ring in the New Year with a performance by Coldplay. The first-ever ACL New Year's Eve special – a rare 90-minute episode – can be seen on PBS stations nationwide on Saturday, December 31, at 11 p.m. (check local listings). "Coldplay New Year's Eve: An Austin City Limits Special" can also be viewed on demand on www.pbs.org starting at 11 p.m. ET that evening.

Mylo Xyloto (Capitol Records) is Coldplay's third consecutive studio album to debut atop both The Billboard 200 and the U.K. album chart. It also hit the No. 1 spot in all 35 iTunes stores around the world, breaking the record for the highest number of download sales in one week – a milestone Coldplay first achieved with the release of Viva La Vida, which was the No. 1 selling album worldwide of 2008, according to IFPI.

Coldplay – comprising Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion and Chris Martin – has sold more than 50 million records worldwide and won numerous awards, including seven GRAMMY® Awards, six Brit Awards and four MTV Video Music Awards.

Coldplay – 2012 Mylo Xyloto North American Tour

Date    City    Venue

4/17    Edmonton, AB    Rexall Place
4/18    Calgary, AB    Scotiabank Saddledome
4/20    Vancouver, BC    Rogers Arena
4/24    Portland, OR    Rose Garden Arena
4/25    Seattle, WA    KeyArena
4/27    San Jose, CA    HP Pavilion At San Jose
5/1      Los Angeles, CA    Hollywood Bowl
5/2      Los Angeles, CA    Hollywood Bowl
6/22    Dallas, TX     American Airlines Center
6/25    Houston, TX     Toyota Center
6/28    Tampa, FL     St. Pete Times Forum
6/29    Miami, FL     American Airlines Arena
7/2     Atlanta, GA    Philips Arena
7/5     Philadelphia, PA    Wells Fargo Center
7/8     Washington, DC    Verizon Center
7/23   Toronto, ON    Air Canada Centre
7/26   Montreal, QC    Bell Centre
7/29   Boston, MA    TD Garden
8/3     East Rutherford, NJ    Izod Center
8/7     Chicago, IL    United Center
8/11    St. Paul, MN     Xcel Energy Center

coldplay.com

SOURCE Live Nation

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in music history for december 8th:

The great Sammy Davis, Jr. was born on this date in 1925 (died 1990).

The immortal lizard king Jim Morrison (Doors) was born today in 1943 (died 1971)

In 1958, "The Chipmunk Song" by David Seville And The Chipmunks entered the Billboard Top 40 chart on its way to a four week stint at #1, selling 4.5 million copies in seven weeks. The record would go on to win three Grammy Awards: Best Comedy Performance, Best Children's Recording and Best Engineered Record (non-classical).

CVR Blog 45rpm Singles Spotlight:

In 1961, the Beach Boys first recording, "Surfin'", was released on Candis Records, a small L.A. based company. The song was written by Brian Wilson and his cousin Mike Love and recorded with Brian's brothers, Carl and Dennis and their friend Alan Jardine. Carl played acoustic guitar, Al played double bass and Brian kept time on a garbage can.

It was released as the first Beach Boys single (with "Luau" on the B-side) in November 1961 on Candix Records and it later appeared on the 1962 album Surfin' Safari. The Beach Boys were trying to think of something original and creative that they could write a song about. Brian Wilson remembers that "One day, my brother Dennis came home from the beach and said, 'Hey, surfing's getting really big. You guys ought to write a song about it."

The song features Mike Love on lead vocals with Carl Wilson on backing vocals and guitar, Al Jardine on backing vocals and stand-up bass, Brian Wilson on backing vocals and percussion and Dennis Wilson on backing vocals. The single peaked at number 75 in the US; it was never released in the UK.

Dennis Wilson remembers "the first time we ever heard our record played [on the radio], We [Carl, Brian, Dennis and David Marks] were all on Hawthorne Boulevard in Brian's 1957 Ford...they said, 'Here's a group from Hawthorne, California, The Beach Boys, with their song, 'Surfin''. It was a contest; they played three songs and the one that got the most requests over the phone was the one they would add to the playlist. We were screamin' in the street, and knockin' on everybody's door, 'We got a record on the radio!'...That was the biggest high ever. Nothing will ever top the expression on Brian's face. Ever...THAT is the all-time moment."

Brian Wilson remembers that "I began noodling around the piano singing 'surfin', surfin', surfin''. It sounded stupid. But then Mike [Love] sang 'ba-ba-dippity-dippity-ba-ba.' He was fooling around, trying to spark a new idea with the same bass sounds he'd sung countless times before. From some reason, though, this time when he sang I pounded out a few chords to accompany him and then he took up the chant I'd been singing, 'surfin', surfin''." Brian continues that "twenty seconds later, I had the opening for the song that would become the Beach Boys' first hit single. A couple of hours later, I finished the song and called it 'Surfin''."



In 1962, Alan Freed testified at his payola trial in New York that he received $2,000 in 1958 from Cognat Distributors for a promise to play their records on his New York radio show. He also accepted a similar deal from Superior Records for $700. He pleads guilty and is fined $300 and given six months probation. Dick Clark was also questioned, but is cleared of all charges.

In 1963, Frank Sinatra Jr. was kidnapped at gunpoint from a hotel in Lake Tahoe. He was released two days later after his father paid out the $240,000 ransom demanded by the kidnappers, who were later captured, and sentenced to long prison terms. In order to communicate with the kidnappers via a payphone the senior Sinatra carried a roll of dimes with him throughout this ordeal, which became a lifetime habit, he is said to have been buried with a roll of dimes.

Traffic's "Mr. Fantasy" LP was released in 1967.

In 1968, Graham Nash announced the formation of Crosby, Stills and Nash.

In 1969, on trial in Canada on drug possession charges, Jimi Hendrix told a Toronto court that he had only smoked pot four times in his life, snorted cocaine twice and took LSD no more than five times. Telling the jury that he had now outgrown drugs. They found the guitarist not guilty.

In 1972, Frank Zappa Sr. placed an advertisement in Variety Magazine claiming he will give private instruction in craps, roulette, keno and blackjack.

In 1975, Gary Thain, former bassist for the British band Uriah Heep, died of a heroin overdose. He was 27.

In 1975, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the last date on Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue tour was turned into the benefit concert "A Night of the Hurricane." The evening featured many non-musical celebrities and raised more than $100,000 for the release of wrongly imprisoned boxer "Hurricane" Carter and his alleged accomplice.

In 1977, a riot broke out in Brisbane, Australia after over 1,000 fans, who had waited over an hour for Blondie to appear on stage, where told that the show had been cancelled due to Debbie Harry being ill.

In 1980, just two months after his 40th birthday, John Lennon was murdered by Mark David Chapman, outside his home at the Dakota Apartment building on the northwestern corner of 72nd Street and Central Park West in New York. After approaching the former Beatle and calling his name, Chapman dropped into a combat stance and shot John in his chest, back and left arm. Lennon staggered into the porters' vestibule in a desperate attempt to get upstairs to see his son, Sean. As he collapsed, John was comforted by porter Jay Hastings, who covered him with his jacket and gently removed his glasses. Police were quickly summoned and took John to Roosevelt Hospital on West Fifty-ninth St. Although doctors did everything they could to save him, John Lennon was pronounced dead at 11:07 PM. A sobbing Yoko cried "Oh no, no, no, no... tell me it's not true," and was led away in shock.

After the shooting, the 24-year-old Chapman remained at the scene, took out his copy of The Catcher in the Rye and read it until the police arrived. He was arrested without incident.

Much of America learned of the tragedy from ABC-TV, which was in the midst of airing an NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football. Announcer Howard Cosell, who had interviewed Lennon years earlier, announced the news of the murder: "This, we have to say it, is just a football game, no matter who wins or loses. An unspeakable tragedy, confirmed to us by ABC News in New York City. John Lennon, outside of his apartment building on the West Side of New York City, the most famous perhaps of all of The Beatles, shot twice in the back, rushed to Roosevelt Hospital, dead on arrival."

Lennon's killer remains in prison, being denied parole in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010.

In 2011, Lennon’s music lives on - stronger and more meaningful than ever.




Imagine One Billion Faces For Peace

Reminding everyone of Lennon’s peace initiatives, “Imagine One Billion Faces For Peace” will take place on the Internet today. “Our aim is to take John Lennon’s vision of a world in peace into the 21st century and cyberspace. We are using the Internet to spread this vision and to provide access to our peace education programs,” communications director Clem Leech told Clashmusic.com



Visit The John Lennon Store


Also in 1980, Pat Benatar received a Platinum record for her very first album, "In the Heat of the Night". The former waitress and bank teller was discovered at the Catch a Rising Star club in New York. The album made it to the Top Ten and the follow up, "Crimes of Passion" went to #2.

In 1982, Marty Robbins suffered a heart attack and died at the age of 57. In the late '50s and early '60s he had successfully crossed over from the Country music charts to the Pop charts with hits such as "El Paso" (#1), "A White Sport Coat" (#2), "Don't Worry About Me" (#3), "Devil Woman" (#16) and "Ruby Ann" (#18).

In 1984, "Out Of Touch" becomes Hall and Oates' sixth US number one single, confirming their status as the most successful duo in Rock history. Despite its success in America, the record could only manage #48 in the UK.

In 1984, the former manager of The Coasters, Patrick Cavanaugh, was convicted and sentenced to death after he is found guilty of murdering the group's bass singer, Nathaniel Wilson. Wilson's dismembered body was discovered in Modesto, California, in 1980.

In 1984, Mötley Crüe's Vince Neil was involved in a car accident that killed his passenger, Hanoi Rocks' drummer Nick "Razzle" Dingley and seriously injures two people in another vehicle. He was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol. In July 1986 he would be sentenced to a 30 day jail term, 5 years probation and $2.6 million in restitution to the victims of the crash, as well as 200 hours of community service. Vince was released from jail after 20 days.

In 1991, jazz trumpeter Buck Clayton died of natural causes at the age of 80.

In 1995, Courtney Love was interviewed by Barbara Walters for ABC's "10 Most Fascinating People of 1995." During the interview Love told Walters that she wished she had done "eight thousand million things" differently to prevent husband Kurt Cobain's death.

In 1995, the surviving members of the Grateful Dead announced they were disbanding. Jerry Garcia's, the founder of the group, had died the previous August.

In 1998, the FBI opened its files on Frank Sinatra to the public. The file contained over 1,300 pages.

In 1998, it was announced that Bruce Springsteen would tour again with the E Street Band for the first time in nearly a decade.

In 1999, James Brown made his new MP3-only holiday album "James Brown Christmas For The Millennium & Forever" available exclusively through EMusic.com.

In 2000, a plaque to commemorate the 20th anniversary of John Lennon's death was unveiled outside his childhood home in Liverpool.

In 2000, although he had denounced The Beatles' music as "decadent" in the 1960s, Cuban President Fidel Castro attends the unveiling of a statue of John Lennon in Havana's El Vedado Park on the 20th anniversary of singer's murder.

In 2003, in England, Ozzy Osbourne was injured in an all-terrain vehicle accident. His injuries included a fractured left collarbone, eight fractured ribs and stable fracture to one of the vertebrae in his neck.

In 2004, former American Bandstand host Dick Clark was hospitalized in Los Angeles after suffering a stroke. Although he has seldom been seen in public, Dick has since returned to Times Square for limited segments during the annual New Year's Eve celebration.

In 2004, former Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell was one of five people killed after a man stormed the stage during a Damageplan show at the Alrosa Villa Club in Columbus. Nathan Gale, aged 25, began firing at the band and crowd, was then shot and killed by a police officer that arrived shortly after the first shots were fired.

In 2010, Several hundred people with candles and glow sticks braved cold temperatures to sing John Lennon songs next to a peace monument in Liverpool, England. In New York, hundreds of fans gathered in Central Park, near the spot where Lennon was shot. Flowers were laid in the Strawberry Fields area, which was converted to a memorial garden after his death.

birthdays today include (among others): Jerry Butler (72), Bobby Elliott (Hollies) (70), Graham Knight (Marmalade) (68), Geoff Daking (Blues Magoos) (64), Ray Schulman (Gentle Giant) (62), Phil Collen (Def Leppard) (54), Sinéad O'Connor (45), Ryan Newell (Sister Hazel) (39), Corey Taylor (Slipknot) (38), Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) (37) and Gregg Allman  (64)