Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

super article in the wall street journal online about a super band an iconic album cover

For R.E.M. Fans, Tunes May Linger But Trestle Faces Day of Reckoning

Rotting Railway, From Iconic Back Cover, Divides Music Purists and a Town.

By CAMERON MCWHIRTER

ATHENS, Ga.—In a verdant park tucked away in this southern college town sits a partially demolished railroad trestle. Strands of dead kudzu hang from its log supports. Parts of the wood crumble to the touch.

Abandoned as a working rail bridge in 1984, the rotting monster would have faced its reckoning long ago were it not for a random photograph that transformed it into a shrine for devoted fans of legendary rock band R.E.M.

A photo of the trestle graced the back cover of the band's first full-length album, "Murmur," released in 1983. That album was dubbed best record of the year by Rolling Stone, beating out Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

Now, the birthplace of R.E.M., the B-52s and other alternative rock bands is wrestling with what to do with the trestle. The cash-strapped local government says it can't afford to keep it and calls the wooden edifice unsafe. "It either falls down or we take it down," says Andy Herod, a county commissioner.

Read the rest at online.wsj.com

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If These Trees Could Talk Vinyl Release

Post-rock quintet If These Trees Could Talk highly anticipated album called "Red Forest," is scheduled for release on March 20th via Science of Silence Records.

Pressing Information:
Bone w/ Oxblood Inside (100) [Band Exclusive]
Highlighter Yellow w/ Neon Green & Orange Splatter (200)
Ultra Clear w/ Blood Red Swirl (200)

SIDE A
Breath of Life
The First Fire
Barren Lands of the Modern Dinosaur
They Speak With Knives
The Gift of Two Rivers

SIDE B
Red Forest
Aleutian Clouds
Left to Rust and Rot
When the Big Hand Buries the Twelve

Pre-order HERE

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this from cbs news

New documentary highlights classic Doors album

By David Chiu

For the Doors, 1969 was a year marked by singer Jim Morrison's arrest on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior and indecent exposure following the group's chaotic Miami concert. Because of the incident, the rest of the group's tour was canceled. So the Doors--Morrison, guitarist Robby Krieger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, and drummer John Densmore--were in the studio to work on their next album, "L.A. Woman." But the legal hassles that included a trial were on Morrison's mind.

"The fact that he was still under the gun being appealed, they convicted him of lewd and lascivious [behavior]...so he was looking at jail time in Florida," Krieger tells CBS News. "It was hanging over his head. He probably would have beaten it...but that definitely affected him. But in making the record, it was a release for him because he was having fun and not thinking about it."

Released in 1971, "L.A. Woman" became one of the band's successful albums, yielding classic songs in the title track, "Love Her Madly" and "Riders on the Storm."

Read the rest at cbsnews.com

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Slash Sophmore Effort Set For May Release

Apparently Slash is putting the finishing touches on his second solo album. The as-yet-untitled disc is scheduled for May 22 release date his label Dik Hayd International. The album will be produced by Eric Valentine and also feature Slash's recent touring band which includes Myles Kennedy (vocals), Brent Fitz (drums) and Todd Kerns (bass).

Slash commented on the upcoming album: "Myles and I basically collaborated on the new material. The main thing is we wrote these songs together which is a big difference from the last album where I wrote each song with all of the different collaborators. The whole creative nucleus is between Myles and me. On top of this, the whole rhythm section of Brent and Todd brings something to the table and changes the dynamic completely from the last record--it's much more cohesive."

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Halloween New LP Coming Soon

Metal vets Halloween are set to release the band's new LP 'Terrortory,' their first album in six years. The effort is being released on February 24 via Pure Steel Records.

Tracklist:
1. Traipsing Through The Blood
2. At The Gates
3. Terrortory
4. Images Quite Horrible
5. Her Ghost Comes Out To Play
6. Caught In The Webs
7. Scare You
8. Not One
9. Darkside, Inside
10. Re-Inventing Fear
11. I Lie Awake
12. Hands Around My Throat
13. Say Your Prayers
14. Where Is Michael?
15. Dead On...
16. Into The Afterlife

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and in music history for february 6th:

In 1943, Frank Sinatra began a two-year stay as the featured vocalist on CBS Radio's "Your Hit Parade," four months after leaving the Tommy Dorsey band.

Born on this day in 1945, Bob Marley, singer / songwriter and guitarist who had the 1981 UK #8 single with ‘No Woman No Cry’, plus over ten other UK Top 40 singles and the 1976 US #8 & UK #15 album ‘Rastaman Vibration’. Marley died of cancer on May 11th 1981. The 1984 ‘Best Of’ album spent 330 weeks on the UK chart. In 1990, February 6th was proclaimed a national holiday in Jamaica to commemorate his birth. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

In 1958, in Liverpool, Paul McCartney introduced his friend George Harrison to John Lennon following a Quarry Men performance at Wilson Hall. At that time the group consisted of John, Paul, Colin Hanton, Eric Griffiths and John Lowe.

In 1959, the body of J.P. Richardson, the "Big Bopper," was laid to rest in Beaumont, Texas.

In 1960, singer/songwriter Jesse Belvin died in an automobile accident at the age of 27. His wife, who was with him in the accident, died of her injuries a week later. They had been trying to make a quick
getaway from the first concert with a mixed race audience in Little Rock, Arkansas, after threats had been made against Belvin's life.

In 1965, the Righteous Brothers led the US hit parade with "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin". According to the RIAA, the song has now been played on US radio stations over 8 million times, more than any other record in history.

In 1970, in New York City, Eric Clapton played the first of two nights at the Fillmore East.

In 1971, in a rare feat, a Country song crossed over to the Pop charts and became the best selling single in America when Lynn Anderson's "Rose Garden" climbed to the top of the Cash Box hit parade.

In 1976, jazz pianist/composer Vince Guaraldi suffered a fatal heart attack at age 47.

In 1981, George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr – although they were never all in the studio at the same time – began recording the John Lennon tribute song, "All Those Years Ago."

In 1981, conductor/composer Hugo Montenegro died of emphysema at the age of 55.

In 1987, Sonny Bono declared his candidacy for Palm Springs, California mayor.

In 1988, Dusty Springfield returns to the US Top 10 for the first time in nineteen years with a duet with Pet Shop Boys called "What've I Done To Deserve This". Her last big hit in America was "Son Of A Preacher Man" in December, 1968.

In 1990, more than 200 women filed court actions against Chuck Berry, alleging he secretly filmed them in the washrooms of the restaurant he owned. Berry claimed that he had the camera installed to catch an employee who was suspected of stealing. Although the charges were never proven in court, Berry agreed to a settlement with 59 of the women that cost him more than $1.2 million, plus legal fees.

In 1998, Carl Wilson, lead guitarist and vocalist for The Beach Boys, died of cancer at the age of 51. Although Brian Wilson and Mike Love were featured on many of the band's biggest hits, it was Carl's voice that took the lead on "God Only Knows", "I Can Hear Music" and ""Good Vibrations".

Also in 1998, singer Falco died from injuries suffered in a traffic accident at age 40.

In 2001, guitarist/songwriter Don Felder was fired by the Eagles and responded by launching a $50 million law suit against the band's Don Henley and Glenn Frey, alleging wrongful termination and breach of implied contract. Henley and Frey then countersued Felder for breach of contract, claiming that Felder had written and attempted to sell the rights to a "tell-all" book about the group. The suits were combined and settled out of court in Felder's favor in 2007 for an undisclosed amount. In April 2008 Felder finally issued his book, "Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)" in the U.S., six months after it appeared in the UK.

In 2005, at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, the Black Eyed Peas, Earth Wind & Fire, Charlie Daniels, John Fogerty, and Gretchen Wilson performed in the pre-game show, Alicia Keys sang "America the Beautiful" in tribute to Ray Charles, and the combined choirs of the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy sang the U.S. national anthem at Super Bowl XXXIX. Paul McCartney performed during the halftime show in front of a TV audience estimated at one billion people. The New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-21.

In 2005,songwriter/country music singer Merle Kilgore died of congestive heart failure while receiving treatment for lung cancer at the age of 70.

In 2007, singer/songwriter/actor/TV host Frankie Laine died of heart failure and complications during hip-replacement surgery at the age of 93. The big voiced singer sold over 100 million records and placed seven songs on Billboard's Top 40 between 1955 and 1969, including "Moonlight Gambler" and "Love Is A Golden Ring".

In 2010, Michael Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was charged with involuntary manslaughter in an attempt by L.A. prosecutors to prove he caused the pop star's death. With several members of the Jackson family in attendance, Dr. Murray entered a plea of not guilty and was released on $75,000 bail. His trial began on September 27, 2011, and on November 7 Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Three weeks later, he was sentenced to the maximum penalty of four years of incarceration, but is expected to serve a little less than two years in the Los Angeles County Jail due to California prison overcrowding.

In 2010, Barbra Streisand turned down a $100 million offer to appear at a Las Vegas hotel for a three-year run. The 67-year-old singer opted for a summer tour of the United States instead.

In 2011, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Keith Urban and Maroon 5 performed during the pregame show, Christina Aguilera sang the U.S. national anthem (with the wrong lyrics for the fourth line of the song), and the Black Eyed Peas, Slash and Usher entertained at halftime of Superbowl XLV. The Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25.

Also in 2011, guitarist/singer Gary Moore, formerly of Thin Lizzy, died after a heart attack at age 58.

birthdays today include (among others): Natalie Cole (1960), Rick Astley (1966) and Axl Rose (1962)

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

very interesting and well writen article about the sounds of music:

Music lovers pursue return to high fidelity

Today's listeners of MP3s and Internet radio are missing many of the nuances of original recordings. But some music lovers are determined to bring them back.

Written by Anita Wadhwani / The Tennessean

Recording engineer Pat McMakin approaches his work with an almost obsessive pursuit of the perfect sound.

Even a millimeter misdirection of a microphone or a minor adjustment in bass can mean the difference between a good recording and an inferior one to his ears.

By the time a recording makes its way to fans via iTunes or over Internet radio, it possesses a fraction of the total sound information captured in the studio — as little as 3 percent of the original, live sound waves. Even CD formats are stripped of up to 90 percent of the live recording to fit onto a 4¾-inch disc.

Often gone are the last lingering notes of a bass guitar, the echo of a drumbeat, the very high and very low notes.

But now, in Nashville, a handful of Music Row businesses are beginning to invest in new products and technologies to increase the fidelity of music at every stage of the recording and listening process, from new in-studio recording technologies to new music formats to home stereo equipment.

Whether consumers who have grown accustomed to listening to tunes over $10 ear buds will be willing to pay for better sounds, however, remains a big question mark.

“I already invest a lot in my music, in my laptop and my iPhone and my Wi-Fi at home,” said Corey First, 28, a marketing assistant from Franklin. “I don’t have the bucks to spend more. I have no complaints about my music.”

Still, the steep drop in sound quality as digital music has taken hold remains a source of aggravation for artists and music professionals — and audiophiles among consumers — who argue that music is losing many of the subtle qualities that gave it emotion, spaciousness and depth in order to make songs Internet ready.

“The irony is that we’ve been making better- and better-sounding records in the studio, but the technology has been dumbing them down for years,” said McMakin, director of operations at Ocean Way Studios on Music Row.

Read the rest at tennessean.com

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Lethal Saint Announces 7" Vinyl Release

Cyprus metallers vets Lethal Saint have released an update about a new 7" vinyl release:

"The great news has finally arrived!

"Lethal saint has joined forces with 'Emanesmetal Records' (France), to release the first mind-blowing 7’ inch vinyl record in collaboration with 'Dying Victim’s Productions' (Germany) and 'Under Siege Records' (France)! This release will be composed of two songs already present in the 'Saint Strikes Back' single’s tracklist.

"We’re proud to announce the release of the first Lethal Saint 7’ inch vinyl record on the 2nd of March 2012 at the UP THE HAMMER’S FESTIVAL in Athens!"

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16 Reveals Album Cover Art

Los Angeles, California-based sludge rockers 16 have revealed the cover art for their new album called 'Deep Cuts From Dark Clouds,' which is due on April 24th. The artwork was created by Orion Landau. The album was recorded with the band's friend and longtime engineer Jeff Forrest at Double Time Studios in San Diego and then mastered by Pig Destroyer's Scott Hull at Visceral Sound Studios.

Pre-order packages are available directly through Relapse Records.















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Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane (1957) – Jazzland/Fantasy
Thelonious Monk – Something Blue (1971) – Black Lion/Pure Pleasure

Two great Monk sessions on vinyl.

Published on January 19, 2012

Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane (1957) – Jazzland /Fantasy OJC-039 *****:

Thelonious Monk – Something Blue (1971) – Black Lion /Pure Pleasure Records BLPP30119 *****:

The older session of this pair should not be confused with the Coltrane and Monk at Carnegie Hall album which was issued not long ago. It’s a studio session with better sonics than the Carnegie Hall, and although nearly all jazz albums before 1958 were mono, you’ll hear stereo on both “Off Minor” on Side A and “Epistrophy,” the second track on the B side. With headphone listening, that’s a dead giveaway. These are two of the three tracks on the album listed as “alternate masters” and two of them turn out to be early stereo. [This reissue should really be labeled "stereo/mono" but the practice now seems to be to have no identification of either on any of these earlier jazz reissues since many of them are just mono and some collectors may not want to pay a premium price for a mono reissue. Our Amazon link is for the 2003 Fantasy SACD reissue—probably very similar to this vinyl reissue—since Amazon doesn't carry the vinyl version...Ed.]

Anyway, two of the tracks here are a quartet with Coltrane and Monk, two are a septet with Coleman Hawkins, Gigi Gryce and Ray Copeland added (plus Art Blakey on drums replacing Shadow Wilson), and “Functional” – the final track on Side B – is just Monk’s solo piano. Coltrane was already experimenting with his more avant material such as “sheets of sound,” but he sounds also heavily influenced by the quirky and original Monk sound. The liner note-writer quotes Steve Lacy as saying you’re got to get the fragrance of Monk’s poetry, and observes that Coltrane is doing some deep breathing. The two septet tracks are a bit of a surprise; they reminded me of the Monk for big band sessions with Hall Overton. Don’t think I’d heard Monk’s solo piece “Functional” before. It really points up the way he could stick in supposed wrong notes but make them sound perfectly right by what he plays around them.

Something in Blue is an all-stereo session originally recorded in London and beautifully re-mastered by Ray Staff at Air Mastering there. It’s a trio session thruout, with Al McKibbon on doublebass and Art Blakey again the drummer. Monk had been less active around this time, having lost his cabaret license and also had been ill. George Wein booked him for a world tour with “Giants of Jazz,” and this recording was made while he was on that tour. This was his first trio recording in 15 years and the first one with his old drummer Art Blakey in since the 1957 session.

All eight tracks are Monk originals except for Gershwin’s “Nice Work If You Can Get It” (in whose coda Monk throws in a quick reference to his own “I Mean You” and chuckles a little at the very end). “Criss Cross” has an amazing craggy Monk tune which had not been recorded again by him since its original 1951 version (on which McKibbon was the same bassist). “Evidence” is based on the melody of “Just You, Just Me” – in fact Monk bases most of his solo choruses on the “Just You” part. The title tune is a slow one, with double-time triplets and single notes as well as some boogie woogie bass here and there. We also get “Nutty” again as the closer.

There is never any surface noise on the Pure Pleasure vinyls, and on headphones one hears manifold little details in the trio that might escape one both with speakers and CDs, such as Monk’s chuckle.

TrackList:
Monk/Coltrane = Ruby, My Dear; Trinkle, Tinkle; Off Minor; Nutty, Epistrophy; Functional (solo)
Something in Blue = Blue Sphere; Hackensack; Nice Work If You Can Get It; Criss Cross; Something in Blue; Evidence; Jackie-ing; Nutty

—John Henry

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.

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for those with those phone thingees and such, you may be interested in something like this:

New George Harrison Guitar Collection App Coming February 23rd

BANDWDTH Publishing, in conjunction with the George Harrison Estate, announces the release of a special iPad app celebrating the guitarist and his historical guitar collection. The Guitar Collection: George Harrison iPad app will be released through iTunes on February 23, two days before Harrison’s birthdate.

The app brings George Harrison’s private guitar collection to life through photographs, detailed descriptions, audio, and video footage. For the first time, with the help of unique 360° imaging by photographer Steven Sebring, fans can see the scratches, dings, and worn threads on the guitars as if they were themselves holding the instruments.

Fans will be able to examine Harrison’s private guitar collection, through personal audio recordings from Harrison himself as he introduces many of the guitars and plays sections of songs.

The history of each guitar is laid out in great detail; including the origin of the guitar, when and how it became part of Harrison’s collection, modifications he made to it and why each was so important in creating his distinctive sound. Songs from his catalogue are organized by the guitars used on each track, which allows the user to appreciate the personalities of each instrument.

The video section of the app contains footage of Ben Harper, Josh Homme, Mike Campbell, and Dhani Harrison each playing and showcasing the guitars and exploring their feel and tone. In addition, Conan O’Brien and Dhani discuss what make these guitars so exceptional. Also in this section, guitar great Gary Moore shares his views on what made George Harrison such a distinctive and influential guitar player.

The app will sell for $9.99 at the Apple App Store.

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and in music history for february 5th:

Alex Harvey Band

Born on this day in 1935, Alex Harvey, vocals, guitar, with the Sensational Alex Harvey Band. Harvey died on February 4th 1982.

In 1955, New York radio station WNEW announces the results of its annual music popularity poll. The winners are Perry Como, Patti Page, The Crew-Cuts and Ray Anthony.

In 1957, two years after his "Rock Around The Clock" had exploded on the music scene and at a time when his popularity had waned in the U.S., Bill Haley arrived in Southampton aboard the oceanliner Queen Elizabeth for his first British tour. When Haley and his band reached London's Waterloo Station later that day, an estimated 5,000 fans were at the train station to greet the group in a raucous display that the press dubbed "the Second Battle of Waterloo." He was the first major American rock 'n' roll artist to tour the UK. According to Paul McCartney, "The first time I really ever felt a tingle up my spine was when I saw Bill Haley and the Comets on the telly. Then I went to see them live. The ticket was 24 shillings, and I was the only one of my mates who could go as no one else had been able to save up that amount. But I was single-minded about it....I knew there was something going on here."

In 1958, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) formed a New York chapter. NARAS is better known as the Grammy Awards organization.

In 1962, Ringo Starr appeared live with The Beatles for the first time when he filled in for an ailing Pete Best. They played two shows that day, a lunchtime date at the Cavern Club and an evening show at the Kingsway Club in Southport.

In 1965, Martha & The Vandellas released the single "Nowhere To Run."

In 1966, Petula Clark had the number one record in America with "My Love". It made #4 in the UK.

Also in 1966, an instrumental called "No Matter What Shape" by The T-Bones reaches the US Top Ten after being featured in Alka-Seltzer commercials. The group contained Dan Hamilton, Joe Frank Carollo and Tom Reynolds, who would go on have a number four hit in 1971 called "Don't Pull Your Love" as Hamilton, Joe Frank and Reynolds.

In 1967, the British tabloid News of the World published an article called "Pop Stars and Drugs – Facts that Will Shock You," claiming that most UK rock stars were LSD users. The Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger filed a defamation lawsuit against the newspaper after reading in the article that he was alleged to be hooked on Benzedrine and hashish. The reporter had overheard the Stones' Brian Jones admitting to this and mistook him for Jagger. Keith Richards' drug bust five days later was thought to have been a result of the feud that had erupted between the band and the tabloid.

Also in 1967, the Beatles filmed part of the promo clip for 'Penny Lane' around the Royal Theatre, Stratford, London and walking up and down Angel Lane.

In 1971, Black Sabbath started recording what would be their third album, 'Master Of Reality' at Island Studios in London, England. Released in July of this year, it is sometimes noted as the first stoner rock album. Guitarist Tony Iommi, decided to downtune his guitar down three semi-tones, Geezer Butler also downtuned his bass guitar to match Iommi. The result was a noticeably 'darker' sound that almost two decades later would prove hugely influential on at least three of the biggest grunge acts, namely Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, and Nirvana.

In 1972, Paul Simon releases his first new song without Art Garfunkel, "Mother and Child Reunion", which will peak at number four in the US. Simon got the idea for the song's title from a chicken-and-egg dish called Mother and Child Reunion that he saw on a Chinese restaurant's menu.

CVR Blog 45rpm Singles Spotlight:

Also in 1972, Neil Young's "Heart Of Gold" was released. The record will prove to be his only US number one solo hit.

The song, which features backup vocals of James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt, is one of a series of soft acoustic pieces which were written partly as a result of a back injury. Unable to stand for long periods of time, Young could not play his electric guitar and so returned to his acoustic guitar, which he could play sitting down.

"Heart of Gold" was taped during the initial sessions for Harvest in early 1971 at Quadrafonic Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Ronstadt and Taylor were in Nashville at the time for an appearance on Johnny Cash's television program, and the album's producer Elliot Mazer arranged for them to sing backup for Young in the studio.

Originally this song was meant to segue with "A Man Needs a Maid", and was therefore played on piano. It was played in this manner during Young's solo shows in 1971, but he abandoned this approach midway through the tour and began to play it on guitar as it is now known. Additionally, one line that was cut when the two songs became separate entities was "Afraid/A man feels afraid." An example of the segued version appears on Young's 2007 release Live at Massey Hall 1971.

Young wrote in the liner notes of his 1977 compilation album Decade: "This song put me in the middle of the road. Traveling there soon became a bore so I headed for the ditch. A rougher ride but I saw more interesting people there." This statement was in response to the mainstream popularity that he gained as a result of the number-one status of "Heart of Gold".



In 1973, Elton John's "Crocodile Rock" becomes his first US number one hit. To date, Sir Elton has had twenty-seven US Top 10 records and has placed a total of fifty-eight songs on the Billboard Top 40

In 1976, 51-year-old Rudy Pompilli, sax player for Bill Haley's Comets, passed away after a long battle with lung cancer, even though he himself was not a smoker. He had been with the band for twenty years and had played on their biggest selling records.

In 1977, an unknown singer named Mary MacGregor had the top tune in the US with "Torn Between Two Lovers", a song that she would later say that she has never liked. Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary co-wrote the song and chose MacGregor to sing it over several other established artists. The song reached #4 in the UK.

In 1983, after cracking the US Top 10 in 1978 with "Hold The Line" (#5) and again in 1982 with "Rosanna" (#2), Toto has their first and only Billboard #1 hit with "Africa". Over the next five years, they would reach the Top 40 five more times.

Also in 1983, Def Leppard's album 'Pyromania', started a 92 week run on the US charts, it never reached No.1 but sold over 6 million copies in the US alone.

In 1993, backed by his former band mate Ron Wood, Rod Stewart records "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" for MTV's Unplugged series. The resulting single will be certified Gold and reach #5 in the US and #20 in the UK.

In 1998, Tim Kelly (Slaughter) died after a being injured in an auto accident in Arizona at the age of 34.

In 2005, Paul McCartney performed during the half-time show at Superbowl XXXIX (39) in Jacksonville Florida and pocketed a cool $3.3 million for his 12 minute performance. That translates into $278,000 per minute. Sir Paul played in front of an estimated TV audience of one billion and sang the Beatles songs "Drive My Car", "Get Back" and "Hey Jude", plus his Bond theme song "Live and Let Die".

In 2006, the Rolling Stones played three songs during the half-time show of The Super Bowl in Detroit. After the event, the Stones expressed their displeasure over having Mick Jagger's microphone turned down during the song "Start Me Up." The line "you make a dead man come" was cut short and a barnyard reference to "cocks" in the new song "Rough Justice" also disappeared.

In 2008, the Indian guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who introduced The Beatles to ancient Hindu meditation methods, died in his sleep at his home in the Netherlands. He was 91.

Born on this day in 1941, Barrett Strong, US songwriter who was the first artist to record a hit for Motown records. Wrote many Motown hits with Norman Whitfield including, 'Money', 'War', 'Ball Of Confusion', and 'Papa Was A Rolling Stone'.

also celebrating birthdays today (among others): Corey Wells -Three Dog Night (1942), Al Kooper - Royal Teens/Blood Sweat & Tears (Kooper played organ on Bob Dylan track "Like A Rolling Stone")(1944), Duff McKagan - Guns N' Roses (1964), Bobby Brown (1969) and Chris Barron - Spin Doctors (1968)

The Day The Music Died

written by Robert Benson

The day is immortalized in the legendary Don McLean song “American Pie.” It was a day that saddened music lovers all over the world and shocked the music industry. It was the day the music died.

We are of course referring to the plane crash in Clear Lake, Iowa, that claimed the lives of rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. The crash, which occurred on February 3, 1959, is now over fifty years old. Let’s explore some of the details of “the day the music died.”

The Winter Dance Party began at the Eagles Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 23, 1959. It featured the aforementioned stars, Dion Deuce as well as an aspiring teen idol named Frankie Sardou. The tour was set to cover twenty-four Midwestern cities in a span of three weeks. The tour was a logistical nightmare with the amount of travel that was required. Adding to this problem was a tour bus that was ill-equipped to deal with the weather conditions in that part of the country; its heating system broke down shortly after the tour began. In fact, one musician, drummer Carl Bunch, developed a severe case of frostbite to his feet that required hospitalization (Holly and Valens took turns on the drums). It got so cold on the bus that the musicians started burning newspapers in the aisle in a desperate attempt to keep warm.

What’s interesting is that the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake was not intended to be a stop on the tour, but the promoters, hoping to fill an open date, contacted the manager of the establishment and offered him the show. He accepted and the date was set for February 2nd.

However, Holly was so frustrated and tired of the malfunctioning tour bus that he told his fellow musicians that, once the show was over, they should attempt to charter a plane to get to the next stop on the tour; which was Moorhead, Minnesota. So flight arrangements were made with Roger Peterson, who was a local pilot employed at Dwyer Flying Service, based in Mason City, Iowa. The fee was $36 per passenger and the single-engine plane could seat three musicians in addition to the pilot.

But there was a dilemma, who would fly and who would get to the next destination via the tour bus? Obviously, Holly and the pilot were aboard which left two seats open. Dion was approached to buy a seat, but he thought that the price of $36 was way too much. He recalled his parents arguing about the rent, which coincidently was $36 per month and he could not bring himself to pay an entire month’s rent for a short plane ride.

J.P. Richardson had come down with a bout of the flu and asked one of Holly’s band mates, Waylon Jennings, for his seat on the plane and Jennings gave up his seat. Ritchie Valens, who was also feeling the effects of the freezing tour bus, asked Holly’s other band mate Tommy All sup for his seat. Allsup replied that he would flip a coin, with the winner getting the last seat on the plane. Now, contrary to what has been depicted in the biographical movies, the coin toss was not done by Holly; nor did it occur at the airport. The coin toss occurred at the Ballroom shortly before they departed for the airport and was actually done by a DJ who was working the concert that night.

The plane took off at 1 a.m. on February 3, 1959 from Mason City Municipal Airport. Approximately 1:05 a.m., Jerry Dwyer, owner of Dwyer Flying Service could see the lights of the plane start to descend from the sky to the ground. The pilot was supposed to file his flight plan once airborne, but he never contacted the tower. By 3:30 a.m., after multiple attempts to contact his pilot and the fact that the airport in Fargo, Minnesota had not heard from Peterson, Dwyer contacted the authorities to report the plane missing.

The doomed aircraft had just made it a few miles from the airport. The pilot (who was not certified to fly at night) may have been confused by the darkness and the light snow that was falling. The plane hit the ground nose first at an estimated 150mph killing all four men instantly.

crash site

Interesting Facts:

In 1976, when the first Buddy Holly Week was held, Paul McCartney was presented with the cuff links Buddy Holly wore the night of the crash. McCartney purchased the rights to Holly’s song publishing and began organizing the annual celebration five years later.

On February 29, 1980, an old police file containing Buddy Holly’s horn rimmed glasses and a watch owned by J. P. Richardson were located by the Mason City Sheriff. The items were recovered at the crash site.

In the 2000 film Almost Famous, the band's plane is caught in bad weather, at which point one of the band members begins to sing the Buddy Holly song "Peggy Sue.”

Deciding that the show must go on at the next stop, Moorhead, MN, they looked for local talent to fill in. Just across the state line from Moorhead, in Fargo ND, they found a 15 year old talent named Bobby Vee.

The crash that ended the lives of Holly, Valens, and Richardson was the break that began the career of Vee.

Tommy Allsup would one day open a club named "The Head's Up Saloon," a tribute to the coin toss that saved his life.

Waylon Jennings would become a hugely popular Country singer.

Dion DiMucci would enjoy a long lived solo career.


Ritchie Valens:

Inscribed on Ritchie Valens' grave are the words, "Come On, Let's Go."

Valens was a pioneer of Chicano rock, Latin rock and was an inspiration to many musicians of Latino heritage. He influenced the likes of Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys, and Carlos Santana among countless others at a time when there were very few Latinos in American rock and pop music. He is considered the first Latino to ever successfully cross over into Rock mainstream.

"La Bamba" would prove to be his most influential recording; not only by becoming a pop chart hit sung entirely in Spanish but also because of its successful blending of traditional Latin American music with rock. He was a pioneer and was an inspiration for many after his tragic death. Valens was the first to capitalize on this formula which would later be adopted by such varied artists as Selena, Caifanes, Cafe Tacuba, Circo, El Gran Silencio, Aterciopelados, Gustavo Santaolalla, and many others in the Latin Alternative scene. Ironically, the Valenzuela family spoke only English at home, and Ritchie knew very little Spanish. Ritchie learned the lyrics of "La Bamba" phonetically in order to record the song in Spanish.

"Come on Let's Go" has been covered by Los Lobos, The Ramones and "The Paley Brothers”; (jointly, The Ramones on guitar, bass, and drums and The Paley Brothers on vocals), Tommy Steele, The Huntingtons and The McCoys.

"Donna" has been covered by artists as diverse as MxPx, Cliff Richard, The Youngbloods, Clem Snide, Cappadonna, and The Misfits among many others.

Robert Quine has cited Valens' guitar playing as an early influence on his style.

Donna Ludwig, Ritchie's girlfriend, is today still recognized as "Ritchie's Donna.” Her personalized license plate reads "ODONNA.”

Ritchie's nephew, Ernie Valens, has toured worldwide playing his uncle's songs, including a new version of the "Winter Dance Party" tour with Buddy Holly impersonator John Mueller. This tour has taken place at many of the original 1959 venues in the Midwest.

Valens also appeared in biopic films. Valens was depicted in the 1987 biopic film La Bamba, which was about his life. The film's time period was from 1957 to 1959, in which his age was 16 to 17. It introduced Lou Diamond Phillips as Valens and co-starred Esai Morales as his older half-brother, Bob Morales. Los Lobos performed most of the music in the film.

Valens was portrayed by Gilbert Melgar in the final scene of The Buddy Holly Story and Valens will also be depicted in the upcoming 2009 film The Day the Music Died. Valens will be portrayed by Joseph Thornhillas in the 2009 film Lives and Deaths of the Poet.




Big Bopper:

Richardson's son, Jay Richardson, took up a musical career and is known professionally as "The Big Bopper, Jr." He has performed all around the world.

Notably, he has toured on the "Winter Dance Party" tour with Buddy Holly impersonator John Mueller on some of the same stages as his father performed.

In January 2007, Richardson's son Jay requested that his father's body be exhumed and an autopsy be performed to settle the rumors that a gun was fired or that Richardson initially survived the crash. The autopsy was performed by Dr. Bill Bass, a forensic anthropologist at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Jay was present with Dr. Bass throughout the entire autopsy and observed as the casket was opened; both men were surprised to find the remains well enough preserved to be recognizable as those of the late rock star. "Dad still amazes me 48 years after his death, that he was in remarkable shape," Richardson told the Associated Press. "I surprised myself. I handled it better than I thought I would."

Dr. Bass' findings indicated there were no signs of foul play. He was quoted as saying "There are fractures from head to toe. Massive fractures. ... (Richardson) died immediately. He didn't crawl away. He didn't walk away from the plane."

After the autopsy, Richardson's body was placed in a new casket made by the same company as the original, then was reburied next to his wife in Beaumont's Forest Lawn Cemetery. Jay then allowed the old casket to be put on display at the Texas Musician's Museum.


Buddy Holly:

Contrary to popular belief, teenagers John Lennon and Paul McCartney did not attend a Holly concert, although they watched his TV appearance on "Sunday Night at the London Palladium"; Tony Bramwell, a school friend of McCartney and George Harrison, did. Keith Richards attended one of the gigs, where he heard "Not Fade Away" for the first time. Bramwell met Holly, and freely shared his records with all three. Lennon and McCartney later cited Holly as a primary influence. (Their band's name, The Beatles, was chosen partly in homage to Holly's Crickets.) The Beatles did a cover version of "Words of Love" that was a close reproduction of Holly's version.

McCartney owns the publishing rights to Holly's song catalogue.

A young Bob Dylan attended the January 31, 1959 show, two nights before Holly's death. Dylan referred to this in his 1998 Grammy acceptance speech for his 1997 Time out of Mind winning Album of the Year.

Various rock and roll histories have asserted that the singing group The Hollies were named in homage to Buddy Holly. According to the band's website, although the group admired Holly (and years later produced an album covering some of his songs), their name was inspired primarily by the sprigs of holly in evidence around Christmas of 1962.

After the death of Buddy he would leave a trail of followers from Bob Dylan, to Elvis Costello, Paul Simon, and The Beatles. Also, one of The Rolling Stones early hits was a cover of "Not Fade Away.”

Eddie Cochran, good friend and fellow rock 'n' roll pioneer was so distraught by the deaths of Holly, Valens, and The Big Bopper that he recorded the song "Three Stars" as a tribute. The song was not released until after Cochran's own premature death, because he was too upset to allow it to be issued in his lifetime.

The Smithereens' song "Maria Elena" is a Buddy Holly tribute as sung to his widow.

Blink-182 has a song named "Peggy Sue" which is a tribute to Holly.

Buddy Holly on the Arthur Murray Dance Party 12/29/57



Phil Ochs famously sang a long tribute to Buddy Holly on the infamous Gunfight at Carnegie Hall album.

Mike Berry released a 1961 single called "Tribute to Buddy Holly.” It was written by Geoff Goddard and produced by Joe Meek, who was a great Buddy Holly fan. In the USA, it was released on Coral, Buddy Holly's label.

Weezer's self-titled debut album features the band's popular single "Buddy Holly.”

Musician Albert Hammond, Jr. has a cover of "Well... Alright" on his 2007 album Yours To Keep.

Don McLean's popular 1971 ballad "American Pie" is inspired by the day of the plane crash.




THE ANNOTATED AMERICAN PIE
(What the song is talkin' about!)

By Rich Kulawiec

The entire song is a tribute to Buddy Holly and a commentary on how rock and roll changed in the years since his death. McLean seems to be lamenting the lack of "danceable" music in rock and roll and (in part) attributing that lack to the absence of Buddy Holly et. al. (Verse 1)

A long, long time ago...

"American Pie" reached #1 in the US in 1972, but the album containing it was released in 1971. Buddy Holly died in 1959.

I can still remember how
That music used to make me smile.
And I knew if I had my chance,
That I could make those people dance,
And maybe they'd be happy for a while

One of early rock and roll's functions was to provide dance music for various social events. McLean recalls his desire to become a musician playing that sort of music.

But February made me shiver,

Buddy Holly died on February 3, 1959 in a plane crash in Iowa during a snowstorm. The news came to most of the world on the morning of February 3, which is why it's known as The Day The Music Died.

With every paper I'd deliver,

Don McLean's only job besides being a full-time singer-songwriter was being a paperboy.

Bad news on the doorstep...
I couldn't take one more step.
I can't remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride

Holly's recent bride, Maria Elena, was pregnant when the crash took place; she had a miscarriage shortly afterward.

But something touched me deep inside,
The day the music died.

The same plane crash that killed Buddy Holly also took the lives of Richie Valens ("La Bamba") and The Big Bopper ("Chantilly Lace"). Since all three were so prominent at the time, February 3, 1959 became known as "The Day The Music dies”.

So... (Refrain)
Bye bye Miss American Pie,

Miss American Pie *is* rock and roll music. Don McLean dated a Miss America candidate during the pageant. (unconfirmed)

Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
Singing "This'll be the day that I die,
This'll be the day that I die."

One of Holly's hits was "That'll be the Day"; the chorus contains the line "That'll be the day that I die"

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

great article from the student newspaper at Marquette University in my neck of the woods, well worth the read....

Vinyl record sales settle into good groove

By Heather Ronaldson

When statistics showed that vinyl record sales reached a new high since 1991, the music business began to buzz. According to Nielsen SoundScan, an information and sales tracking system, 3.9 million units were sold in 2011, a 36.3 percent change since 2010.

Media outlets like Rolling Stone, The New York Times and USA Today swarmed over the report. Some, like the Chicago Tribune and the Shepherd Express, started taking it to the streets, asking independent record stores how vinyl sales have impacted their business.

The Shepherd Express said store owners started noticing the trend in 2004 and saw an increase in vinyl sales in 2009.

“I thought (vinyl sales) would peak out, but they haven’t,” said Terry Hackbarth, store manager at The Exclusive Company, an independent record store with locations throughout Wisconsin. The Exclusive Company in Milwaukee, located at 1669 N. Farwell Ave., has “made the switch,” Hackbarth said, meaning less CDs for sale and more vinyl records.

So what accounts for the switch to vinyl records?

Read the rest at marquettetribune.org

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interesting perspective from the UK print industry:

For the record: printing your art on your sleeve

By Jenny Roper

Florence & the Machine

A few years back, notions like RPM, the B-side and the 12-inch would have got a blank response, at best a snigger, from anyone below the age of 25. In 2012, though, to the astonishment of many in the 'older generation', the youth have become rather fluent in the lexicon of vinyl.

And it has seemingly come from nowhere. Vinyl sales were dying off with the people that used them first time around and a revival seemed about as likely as the original line up of The Beatles reuniting. Yet in 2011, sales of vinyl jumped up 40% compared with 2010 against a backdrop of a massive reduction in the overall market for music sales. Reasons for the leap are as diverse as a reaction against the disposability of modern culture, the retro fads of the latest youth generation and the hunt for profits by the record companies. Whatever the reason, you’d think it would be good news for UK print, but unfortunately that’s not necessarily the case.

Of course, vinyl never disappeared completely – much like many of the artists that first found fame on the medium, it has diligently plugged away out of the glare of the public attention and without the large sales numbers it once commanded. The release of tape, CD and then digital music tore chunks from its share of the sector, but as Gennaro Castaldo, head of press at music retailer HMV, explains, the new media could not kill it off completely.

"Vinyl has never entirely gone away," he explains. "It has long been part of the culture of rock and roll, so for guitar bands in particular it was cool to bring a single or album out on vinyl along with the CD and more recently digital formats. This was replicated among fans – students and ‘bedroom DJs’ like buying and collecting vinyl almost as a badge of honour, they are true music fans."

What changed last year was that interest in the medium exploded beyond the collectors and the few DJs still opting for vinyl and moved into the mainstream.

Read the rest at printweek.com

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JOHN 5's New Solo Album To Feature Cover Art By ROB ZOMBIE

ROB ZOMBIE/ex-MARILYN MANSON guitarist John 5's sixth solo studio instrumental album, "God Told Me To", will be released on April 10. The cover art, which features a painting of John 5 by Rob Zombie, can be seen below.

According to John 5, "God Told Me To"will be "half acoustic and half metal and feature music that will blow you away." He has already whetted the fans' appetite by releasing four digital singles from the album: "Beat It" (MICHAEL JACKSON cover), "Welcome To Violence", "Noche Acosador" and "The Castle".

Read more at Blabbermouth









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NAGLFAR: 'Téras' Cover Artwork, Track Listing Revealed

The cover artwork for "Téras", the sixth album from Swedish black metallers NAGLFAR, can be seen below. Responsible for the artwork is Niklas Sundin of DARK TRANQUILLITY, who has previously worked with such bands as IN FLAMES, ARCH ENEMY and AT THE GATES. The album cover only shows a part of the overall motif, which is going to be shown in its entirety with the release of the new CD.

Read the rest at Blabbermouth















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Jealous Sound Limited Edition Vinyl Release:

The Jealous Sound have a new record out called "A Gentle Reminder" on the Music Is Subjective record label.

A Gentle Reminder LP

Pre-Order Now, will be shipped on or Before March 31st.

Pick from Baby Blue or Pink Vinyl!

Limited Editions.
$15.00

Pre-order







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Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band Set to Perform on the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards®

Jack Black, Fergie, ?uestlove, and Ringo Starr To Present at the Music Industry's Premier Event

Music's Biggest Night® — Hosted by Rapper/Actor LL COOL J — Airs Live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 12, 8 ET/PT

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty-time GRAMMY® winner Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band have been added to the stellar lineup for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® (www.grammy.com). Actor/recording artist Jack Black, six-time GRAMMY winner and current three-time nominee Fergie, three-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Amir "?uestlove" Thompson (The Roots), and nine-time GRAMMY winner Ringo Starr will appear as presenters. Music's Biggest Night® — hosted by two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J — takes place live on Sunday, Feb. 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio worldwide via Dial Global, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/thegrammys. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy®'s social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys.

Previously announced performers for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards include Adele (in her first live performance since undergoing vocal cord surgery last fall); Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson; Glen Campbell with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton; Coldplay and Rihanna; Foo Fighters; Bruno Mars; Paul McCartney; Nicki Minaj; Katy Perry; and Taylor Swift. Aldean, The Band Perry, Minaj, and Shelton will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time. Previously announced presenters are Dierks Bentley, Drake, Miranda Lambert, and Gwyneth Paltrow. LL COOL J has hosted "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" since its inception in December 2008, and this is his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.

SOURCE The Recording Academy

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and in music history for today, february 3rd:

In 1956, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash record together at Memphis' Sun Studios in what would become known as the Million Dollar Quartet sessions.

In 1958, the Royal Teens' biggest hit, "Short Shorts" enters the US record charts on its way to number 3. The song was originally an instrumental warm up number that the group added silly lyrics to. The tune was recorded in about twenty minutes of left over studio time and released after a record label executive took a liking to it.

In 1960, Frank Sinatra formed Reprise Records.

In 1961, at the East Orange, New Jersey home of friends Sid and Bob Gleason, Bob Dylan made his first recordings, "San Francisco Bay Blues" and "Jesus Met The Woman At The Well."

In 1962, Gene Chandler's "The Duke Of Earl" tops the Cashbox Best Sellers chart for the first of a five week stay.

On this day in 1963, "Hey Paula" by Paul & Paula was the #1 song.

CVR Blog 45rpm Singles Spotlight:

In 1964, the Beach Boys released "Fun, Fun, Fun." The single was released on the band's album 'Shut Down Volume 2.' The single peaked at the number 5 spot on the Billboard chart.

The song was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love about Shirley England, the daughter of the owner of radio station KNAK in Salt Lake City, Utah where she worked as a teenager. She borrowed her father's Ford Thunderbird to study at the library. Instead of driving to the library, she ended up at a hamburger stand. When her father found out, he took the car away. The next day she was at the radio station complaining about it to the staff while the Beach Boys were visiting and they were inspired to write this song.

The song, backed by a single-only mix of a cover version of Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers' "Why Do Fools Fall In Love", became a top-five hit.


The opening electric guitar introduction of the original version of the song was based on Chuck Berry's Johnny B. Goode


The stereo and mono mixes stem from the same recording but have a significant difference: the fadeout on the stereo mix fades out early into the song's outro, with the instruments fading away before the vocals (and an overdubbed drum part). The mono mix, as heard on the 45 as well as mono copies of Shut Down Volume 2 has an extended outro.



In 1967, Joe Meek, a British Pop and Rock producer, kills his landlady before shooting himself in the head. He is best remembered for the instrumental hit, "Telstar", which he wrote for the Tornadoes.

In 1968, the Beatles began recording "Lady Madonna." They finished the track on February 6. This single was the last release by the band on Parlophone in the UK and Capitol Records in the US. All subsequent releases, starting with "Hey Jude" in August 1968, were released on their own Apple Records label.

Also in 1968, an Oxford, Ohio group called the Lemon Pipers saw their only Billboard chart-maker, "Green Tambourine", reach #1 in the US. It made #7 in the UK.

In 1969, against the wishes of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr hired Allen Klein to be the Beatles' new manager. McCartney wanted his father-in-law, Lee Eastman, for the role.

In 1978, Gerry Rafferty released the single "Baker Street."

In 1979, a sold-out concert at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, is held commemorating the 20th anniversary of the crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. Wolfman Jack hosted the show which featured performances by Del Shannon, Jimmy Clanton and The Drifters.

In 2003, legendary music producer Phil Spector was arrested for investigation of murder after police found a woman shot to death at his Los Angeles mansion. The 62 year old Spector, whose Wall Of Sound technique transformed 1960s Pop music, was freed after posting $1 million bond. The body of 40-year-old Lana Clarkson, a TV and film actress, was found in a pool of blood with a gunshot to the face at the marble entrance to Spector's home.

In 2004, Gene Hughes, who sang lead vocal on The Casinos' "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" in 1967, died in Nashville at the age of 67. He had been injured in an car crash and suffered several setbacks during his recovery.



Also in 2004, 58 year old saxophonist, Cornelius Bumpus, formerly of the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, suffered a fatal heart attack while on a commercial flight from New York.

In 2007, Wayne Fontana, of "Game Of Love" fame, was arrested at his home in Glossop, Derbyshire, England and charged with arson with intent to endanger life. The 61 year-old, who was already set to appear in court in March on traffic offenses, was accused of pouring gasoline over a bailiff's car and setting it on fire. The following November, he would be sentenced to 11 months in jail, but was allowed to walk free from court immediately after already serving the equivalent of his term while held under the Mental Heath Act.

birthdays today include (among others): Angelo D'Aleo (Belmonts) (72), Chuck Tharp (Fireballs) (71), Eric Haydock (Hollies) (70), Dennis Edwards (Temptations) (69), Melanie (65), Dave Davies (Kinks) (65), Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) (56), Lee Crystal (Joan Jett & the Blackhearts) (54) and Lol Tolhurst (Cure) (53)

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

for those who carry ipads, ipods, iphones, cell phones, blueberries and blackberries, this would be a very handy tool!

Vinyl Wolf - The New Record Collectors App for iPhone

Cirencester, United Kingdom - Tessera Designs announces Vinyl Wolf 1.0, a brand new app for iPhone has been released allowing users to harness the power of crowd sourcing to locate rare and out of print vinyl.

The app allows sellers to instantly connect with buyers whilst out and about - at car boot sales, record fairs, charity shops etc. - if a record is found anywhere in the world, Vinyl Wolf can be checked to see if people are actively looking for it.

"This has huge benefits for the seller" Says Jonathan Ellis of Revival Records, "Normally you speculatively buy a record from these places, hoping it's worth something, hoping there are people who want it, and you list it on ebay or other auction sites. Only when you get home do you find out. With Vinyl Wolf you not only see if anybody is actively looking for the record, you see how much they are willing to pay and you can match it up straight away."

For the 'wanter' or buyer, the benefits are also obvious. You can add a want in just a minute or so, complete with image, and just sit back and wait for it to be found. "It's like being in every car boot sale in the country, in the world even!"

With record collecting ever popular, and vinyl sales increasing, this app offers a unique and fun way to source the rare or hard to find items you need to complete your collection. As Ellis says, "It's like having your own pack of wolves, hunting down your vinyl!"

Device Requirements:
* iOS 3.0 or later
* iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad
* 3.8 MB

Pricing and Availability:
Vinyl Wolf 1.0 is only $0.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Music category.

For more information go HERE

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fantastic music article out of missouri:

They're playing my song

Richard Irby

I have been a news reporter for 40 years, but am a lifelong music fan.

My first memory of music was as a tiny kid, as I recognized something strange in my house. A weird, uneasy feeling that I came to realize was this black round thing that my mother kept picking up and turning over (a vinyl record for those born in the CD and MP3 ages).

It turned out to be the mournful wail of Luke the Drifter, Hank William's alter-ego, singing and talking his way through a record of sad songs and warnings to stay on the right path. An admonition Hank, himself, had trouble following.

The first artist I remember hearing also taught me at an early age that musicians, who can bring so much happiness, are often the saddest, most self-abusive people there are.

As I got older, and continued to grow up with Hank, I found he had plenty of uplifting songs like "Hey, Good Lookin'," "Jambalaya," and "I Saw the Light." I was shocked to discover he had died at age 27. A heart attack victim in the back of a car, my mother explained, leaving out Hank's history of back pain, a broken heart and rivers of alcohol and mountains of drugs.

I tell you all that to finally get to the point: the past month or so has been tough for me, as some more of my music heroes have passed on.

Please read the rest at areawidenews.com

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long, but impressive list of artists to perform:

More Stars To Come Together For Paul McCartney

An impressive star-studded cast will come together to honor 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree Paul McCartney during a sold-out gala on Feb. 10 in Los Angeles, two days prior to the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

Hosted by actor/comedian Eddie Izzard, artists set to perform are current GRAMMY nominees Tony Bennett, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, and Katy Perry; GRAMMY-winning artists Duane Eddy, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Diana Krall, James Taylor, and Neil Young with Crazy Horse; two-time Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Sergio Mendes; and the cast of Cirque du Soleil's "Love" Beatles tribute show. The evening will also feature a special performance by McCartney.

The 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year gala, which will celebrate McCartney's exceptional artistic achievements and philanthropic work, will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction sponsored by the Starkey Hearing Foundation that will offer an exclusive selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The auction will be followed by a gala dinner sponsored by AEG Live, and a star-studded tribute concert sponsored by Acura/ELS. This year's red-carpet press arrivals will be sponsored by Kinect for Xbox 360 and Dance Central 2. Other event supporters include CenterStaging — A SoundCheck LA Company, Classic Wines of California, Delta Airlines, Double Platinum, Gibson, Global Art, Heineken, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Jackson Limo, Korbel, Patron Spirits Company, Pepsi, and Sweetwater.

The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. Proceeds from the dinner and concert will provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Past MusiCares Person of the Year honorees include: Bennett, Bono, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, David Crosby, Neil Diamond, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Luciano Pavarotti, Bonnie Raitt, Paul Simon, Sting, Barbra Streisand, Taylor, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, and Young.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place live on Sunday, Feb. 12 at Staples Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network from 8–11:30 p.m. ET/PT.

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this from our friends at vinylcollective.com

Top 10 Albums – January 31, 2012

Here are the Top 10 Albums at Shop Radio Cast for the week of January 24 – January 31, 2012:

1. Say Anything – Anarchy, My Dear LP
2. Blink 182 – They Came To Conquer Uranus 7″
3. Lucero – Women & Work LP
4. The Menzingers – A Lesson In The Abuse Of Information Technology LP
5. Brand New – Your Favorite Weapon LP
6. Sharks – No Gods LP
7. Mock Orange – Nines & Sixes LP
8. Hit The Lights – Invicta LP
9. The Methadones – Not Economically Viable LP
10. La Dispute – Somewhere At The Bottom Of The River Between Vega And Altair 2XLP

Buy these releases at shopradiocast.com

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album cover art for the day:

ANATHEMA: New Album Details Revealed

U.K. atmospheric rock band ANATHEMA will release its new album, "Weather Systems", on April 24 via The End Records. The follow-up to 2010's "We're Here Because We're Here" was recorded in Liverpool, North Wales and Oslo, each place significant to ANATHEMA past, present and future. The record was produced and mastered by Christer-André Cederberg (ANIMAL ALPHA, IN THE WOODS..., DRAWN), whom ANATHEMA's Daniel Cavanagh has described as "a revelation. His calmness and brilliance has helped to bring about the greatest inter-band chemistry that ANATHEMA have experienced together in their career."

Read the rest at Blabbermouth












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the anti album cover art of the day:

Kreator Reveal New Album Title, 7" Collector's Single

German thrash vets Kreator have announced that the band's new LP will be called 'Phantom Antichrist." The album will be released on June 1, 2012 (EU) and June 5, 2012 (North America) via Nuclear Blast Records. The band will also release an exclusive 7“ single of the title track on April 20, 2012. The collector's item will be available in coloured red vinyl (limited to 250 pieces) as well as in clear vinyl (limited to 250 pieces, exclusively available at the Nuclear Blast Mailorder

Here is the cover artwork for the 7“ single.














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Bryan Adams Announces First Canadian Tour in 20 Years

It's hard to believe, but Bryan Adams has not toured his native Canada in twenty years; however, that run will come to an end this summer when he hits 20 cities for 20 shows. His last Canadian trek was the Straight From the Heart tour of 1992.

The tour begins on April 11 in St. John's, Newfoundland and moves across the country to a closer on June 22 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Read more at our friends at vintagevinylnews.com

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Lee Perry and the Upsetters Double Vinyl LP

Reggae and Dub Specialists Pressure Sounds have announced that they are releasing a new CD and Double Vinyl LP from Lee Perry and the Upsetters showcasing previously undocumented singles and a dub plate. These musical gems come from some the Upsetter's most creative years.

The album is called "High Plains Drifter - Lee Perry and the Upsetters: Jamaican 45s 1968-73" and is released by Pressure Sounds (PSCD73 - 2012)

All the tunes are from Jamaican releases and most tracks were never released in the UK.

Special Limited SILKSCREEN PRINTED Edition (only 150 - all numbered) of the Double Vinyl album!

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and in music history for february 2nd:

In 1932, Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, featuring vocalist Ivie Anderson and solos by Johnny Hodges and Joe Nanton, recorded "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)."

In 1956, the Coasters sign with Atlantic Records, where they will record ten US Top 40 hits.

In 1957, Fats Domino sang "Blueberry Hill" and "Blue Monday" on the "Perry Como Show" on television.

Also in 1957, Tab Hunter topped the Cashbox Best Sellers chart with "Young Love."

In 1957, Dale Hawkins recorded "Susie-Q." Hawkins cut "Susie Q" at the KWKH Radio station in Shreveport, Louisiana. "Susie Q" was a late rockabilly song which captured the spirit of Louisiana and featured guitar work by James Burton, who also worked with Ricky Nelson, among others. Sometime after the recording, the master tape of "Susie Q" was sold to Checker Records in Chicago, which released it as a 45 RPM single in May 1957. The single peaked at numbers 7 and 27 on Billboard magazine's Hot R&B Sides and Hot 100 charts, respectively. Hawkins' original version is also included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll

In 1959, at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper played their final show. Admission was $1.25. The last song of the night was the Big Bopper's "Chantilly Lace."

In 1959, Frankie Avalon released his biggest hit, "Venus", which will reach number one in the US and number sixteen in the UK.

Also in 1959, former Mouseketeer Annette Funicello sees her first hit, "Tall Paul" enter the Billboard Pop chart, where it will reach #7.

In 1963, the Beatles began their first British tour at the Gaumont Cinema in Bradford, England, opening for Helen Shapiro. The Fab Four were at the bottom of the six-act bill and split wages of £80 (about $225 US) a week.

In 1964, Billy J. Kramer With The Dakotas recorded "Little Children," produced by George Martin.

In 1964, in response to a storm of controversy, Max Firetag, the publisher of The Kingsmen's hit, "Louie Louie", offers $1,000 to anyone who can find suggestive lyrics in the song. The reward is small change considering that the disc cost less than $50 to record and has sold millions of copies.

In 1968, Simon and Garfunkel record "Mrs. Robinson", which will become their second US number one and win a Grammy Award for Record Of The Year. The song earned the duo a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1969. Top session drummer Hal Blaine played on the record, and considers it one of his favorites.

In 1973, "The Midnight Special" premieres on NBC-TV with Helen Reddy as host. Wolfman Jack would later take over for an eight-and-a-half-year run.

In 1973, Keith Emerson injures his hands when a rigged piano prematurely explodes during a concert in San Francisco.

Also in 1973, boxer Muhammed Ali met Elvis Presley in Las Vegas and presented him with boxing gloves inscribed "You're the greatest" (on the left glove) and "To Elvis, my main man, from Muhammad Ali" (on the right). Ali later recalled: "I felt sorry for him because he didn't enjoy life the way he should. He stayed indoors all the time. I told him he should go out and see people."

In 1974, Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were" topped the Billboard hit parade, becoming her first number one.

On this day in 1976, "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" by Paul Simon was the #1 song.

Also in 1976, 'A Trick of the Tail', the seventh studio album by Genesis and the first to feature drummer Phil Collins as full-time lead vocalist following the departure of original vocalist Peter Gabriel, was released on this date in the UK (Feb 20th in the US).

In 1978, Van Halen signed with Warner Brothers Records.

In 1979, while celebrating his freedom after serving seven weeks in jail for assault, Sid Vicious (born Simon Ritchie) died of a drug overdose after injecting heroin that his mother had bought for him. The 21 year old had been the bass player for one of Britain's most influential Punk-Rock bands, The Sex Pistols, which had broken up a year earlier.

In 1993, Willie Nelson and the IRS settle their longstanding tax feud. The U.S. government kept $3.6 million in assets it had already seized and Nelson would have to pay $5.4 million of the $13.1 million balance.

In 1995, Celine Dion's album "The Color Of My Love" was certified Triple Platinum.

In 2004, CBS apologized for the previous night's Super Bowl broadcast and the infamous Janet Jackson “wardrobe malfunction.”

In 2007, 67 year old Billy Henderson of The Spinners passed away from complications of diabetes. The group placed 18 songs on Billboard's Top 40, including 7 Top 10 hits.

Also in 2007, Joe Hunter of the Funk Brothers was found dead in his Detroit apartment. The 79 year old pianist had just returned five days earlier from a European tour with fellow band member Jack Ashford.

In 2009, fifty years after Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper played their final gig at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, the Day the Music Died became the Day the Music Went On and On. A tribute concert at the original Surf raved on for six hours with a line-up of Rock acts that included Graham Nash, Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys, Wanda Jackson, Delbert McClinton, Joe Ely, Peter And Gordon, Dave Mason, Bobby Vee and Holly's original band mates, The Crickets.

birthdays today include (among others): Robert Deleo (Stone Temple Pilots) (46), Ben Mize (Counting Crows) (41), Peter Macbeth (Foundations) (69), Peter Lucia (Tommy James & the Shondells) (65), Alan McKay (Earth, Wind & Fire) (64), Tony DeMeur (Fabulous Poodles) (64), Ross Valory (Steve Miller Band, Journey) (63) and the peerless Graham Nash (Hollies, Crosby Stills & Nash (& Young)) (70)