The vinyl record collecting blog - with news about new vinyl record releases, vinyl record sales, new music releases, album cover art and weekly features
I picked up The Best of Laurie Volume 1 (LES-4003) at a garage sale the other week and it includes “He’s So Fine” by The Chiffons, “A Little Bit O’ Soul” by The Music Explosion, “A Little Bit of Soap” by the Jarmels and “Hushabye” by The Mystics, among other tunes.
If you’re of a certain age, snippets of these songs will load and play on your mental jukebox in all of their AM radio glory and images of where you were when you last remember hearing them will flash on your internal big-screen before you finish reading this sentence. That’s the magic of music.
The album also contains “The Wanderer,” “I Wonder Why,” “Runaround Sue” and “A Teenager In Love” Doo Wop songs sung by Dion, some with the Belmonts, some without. Again if you’re of a certain age these too will register instantly. I remember drunken group fraternity sing-alongs where we’d sing “Runaround Sue” changing one line from “She goes out with other guys to “She goes down on other guys.” Oooooh. We were so naughty in 1965 singing a song from 1961.
Listening to these Dion vocals now you can really appreciate what a great, committed singer he was right from the beginning on 1958’s “I Wonder Why.” The group scored an enduring classic with the oft-covered Pomus/Shuman teen lament “A Teenager In Love” (Bob Marley and The Wailers even covered it!). But Dion’s resigned, mournful version reigns supreme.
When the teenage “thing” ended, ushering in the politicized protest rock of the ‘60s, Dion managed the shift with “Abraham, Martin and John,” as well as did Bobby Darin, another Bronx-born, street-smart (and Bronx High School of Science smart as well!) singer of Italian heritage. But the under-appreciated Darin is a story for some other time.
Perhaps Dion’s tenacity, like that of the late Waylon Jennings, was in part influenced by his almost being on the plane that crashed in February of 1950 killing Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper, among others.
Dion’s career and personal life has had its ups and way downs since then, including a heroin addiction he acquired while still a teenager that he eventually kicked (after a few unsuccessful attempts), but clearly one of the “ups” was his 1962 solo hit “The Wanderer,” which it could be argued, with its boastful, swaggering theme that Dion delivered powerfully and convincingly, presaged rap by decades.
His “wandering” between then and now could fill a book and he’s written it. In 2007 he released Bronx In Blue (see review: http://musicangle.com/album.php?id=426 an album of classic blues and country songs and now at age 72 he’s released this new album of blues originals, which I’ll get to in a minute, but it’s the final track, “Bronx Poem” that stands out as the set’s stunner.
It’s a poem, a rap, an affirmation of life, an admission of fallibility and a belief in redemption. It’s a declaration of love for his wife as well as testament to his religious faith that manages to move this agnostic as greatly as Tim Tebow’s public declarations of faith repel him.
Dion pulls it off with breathtaking depth and a level of sincerity I often find missing from Springsteen’s raps. He even manages to utter a few “yo’s” and get away with them. It takes genuine street smarts to sound genuine doing so and Dion obviously has them.
As for the blues section of the program, if you don’t like blues you’re obviously not going to like this but again, while guys like Rod Stewart and even Paul McCartney take refuge in “the great American songbook,” Dion pulls off with gusto the “street American songbook,” turning out some neat lyrics like “I got a woman who really wants me, I got a woman who wants me gone.”
The playing—Dion on guitar backed by drums and bass— is crisp when it needs to be and shimmering when that’s appropriate but all of the tunes are marked by muscular forward propulsion.
A tribute to Robert Johnson “Ride’s Blues (For Robert Johnson)” takes a now overdone subject and turns it into one of the album’s highlights. Despite his age, Dion manages menace as well as any blues veteran and he remains a great, in-the pocket singer with impeccable phrasing and an ability to perfectly manage dynamic contrasts. Dion’s singing is so strong it’s easy to bypass his playing so after a few passes listening to the singing, try another few concentrating on the playing.
The recording is as honest as the musical program. Dynamics are intact, processing is minimum and there are no gimmicks. When you’ve got a performer of this caliber you won’t be thinking about sound.
Rave on, the kid from the Bronx!
Thanks to Michael over at www.musicangle.com for the exclusive rights to reprint this material. Stop by MusicAngle.com for more reviews and features.
Squackett, Noel Gallagher, Kate Bush Announce Record Store Day Releases
Squackett is the new collaboration between Yes’ Chris Squire and former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. The duo have announced that they will issue a limited edition 7-inch vinyl single on April 21 to celebrate Record Store Day. A single edit of a song called “Sea of Smiles” will be backed with “Perfect Love Song.”
Kate Bush is set to release a limited-edition two track 10” picture-disc vinyl for Record Store Day. The cuts are "Lake Tahoe" and "Among Angels," which are both taken from Bush’s current album '50 Words For Snow.'
And Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will release "Song From The Great White North," an exclusive 12” pressed on opaque white heavyweight vinyl. It will comprise of four tracks previously released as B sides; "The Good Rebel," "Let The Lord Shine A Light On Me," "I’d Pick You Every Time" and "Shoot A Hole Into The Sun." Only 2000 copies of each will be pressed for the UK and will be individually numbered.
Gallagher said of Record Store Day: “Record shops are as important as the records themselves.”
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and in music history for march 17th:
In 1957, Elvis Presley buys the Graceland mansion from Mrs. Ruth Brown-Moore for $102,500, outbidding the YMCA's offer of $35,000. The 23 room, 10,000 square foot home, sitting on 13.8 acres of land, would be expanded to 17,552 square feet of living space before the king moved in a few weeks later. The original building had at one time been a place of worship, used by the Graceland Christian Church and was named after the builder's daughter, Grace Toof.
In 1958, the Coasters record what will prove to be their only US number one hit, "Yakety Yak." In the UK, it reached #12.
In 1958, the Champs started a five week run at #1 on the US singles chart with "Tequila," a #5 hit in the UK.
In 1967, Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd, Carla Thomas, Sam & Dave and Booker T and The MG's appeared at London's Finsbury Park Astoria on the first night of a 17-date UK tour.
Also in 1967, working at Abbey Road studios in London, the Beatles finished the recording of "She's Leaving Home" after adding backing vocals to the track. Harpist Sheila Bromberg who was part of the string section on the track became the first woman to play on a Beatles recording.
In 1967, Bobby Vee recorded "Come Back When You Grow Up", which will reach number 3 on the Billboard Pop chart next September, becoming the 12th of his 14 Top 40 hits.
German single cover In 1967, Jimi Hendrix released the single "Purple Haze."
In 1968, the Bee Gees made their television debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. They performed "To Love Somebody" and "Words."
In 1970, Eddie Holman received a Gold record for the single, "Hey There Lonely Girl", originally recorded by Ruby and the Romantics under the title, "Hey There Lonely Boy" in the 1960s.
In 1972, Ringo Starr released the single "Back Off, Boogaloo." In a 1977 interview, Starr explained that the phrase "Back Off Boogaloo" was inspired when he and fellow musician (and close friend) Marc Bolan had dinner one night, and Bolan used the word "boogaloo" multiple times in his sentences. Starr said that after dinner, when he had been half awake and half asleep, the beat and tune for the song had become stuck in his head. He went to find a tape recorder to record the song but had trouble when all his tape recorders either were broken or had no batteries, adding, "So, I stole batteries from the kids toys and I got the song down."
In 1973, Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show’s single, “The Cover of the Rolling Stone,” peaked at #6 on the US chart, but was banned in the U. by the BBC, due to rules about product placement.
In 1978, four Irish, high school teens who call themselves U2, win the top prize of £500 ($1,000) in the Limerick Civic Week Pop '78 Competition, sponsored by The Evening Express and Guinness Harp Lager. They also win a chance to audition for CBS Ireland next June.
In 1982, Samuel George, Jr., lead singer of The Capitols, who had a US # 7 single with “Cool Jerk” was killed, aged 39, after being stabbed during a family argument.
In 1984, Van Halen's "Jump" peaks at #1 in the US and #7 in the UK. Over the years, David Lee Roth has given various accounts of the meaning behind the lyrics, but most often says they are about a TV news story he saw where a man was about to kill himself by jumping off a building.
In 1990, Hall And Oates, Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick and Barry Manilow take part in Arista Records' 15th anniversary concert where they raise over $2 million for various AIDS organizations.
In 1990, Rick Grech, bass player with Family, Blind Faith and Traffic died of kidney and liver failure.
In 1996, Terry Stafford, whose Elvis sound-a-like voice helped make the song "Suspicion" a Billboard #3 hit in 1964, died of liver failure at the age of 54.
In 1997, the RIAA announced that the Eagles' 'Greatest Hits' album had tied Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' as the all-time best-selling album in the US.
In 2002, the Soundtrack album 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' started a two week run at #1 on the US album chart.
In 2004, the Kinks' Ray Davies received a CBE medal (Commander of the British Empire) from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for services to the music industry. The CBE is considered to be one level below knighthood.
In 2006, Michael Jackson closed the house on his Neverland Ranch in California and laid off a handful of employees, although some workers remained to maintain the rest of the property.
In 2008, Ola Brunkert, the drummer for ABBA on all of their albums, died after he hit his head against a glass door in his dining room, shattering the glass and cutting himself in the neck. He managed to wrap himself with a towel around but collapsed before reaching help. He was 62.
In 2010, Alex Chilton, the lead singer for the Box Tops on their Billboard Top Ten hits "The Letter" and "Cry Like A Baby", died following a heart attack. He was 59.
In 2011, Ferlin Husky, a Country-music entertainer who reached the Billboard Top 40 twice with "Gone" (#4 in 1957) and "Wings of a Dove" (#12 in 1960), died of heart related problems at the age of 85.
Celebrating birthdays today include Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airplane/Starship (1941), Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins (1967), Caroline Corr of The Corrs (1973), & John Sebastian of the Lovin’ Spoonful (1944), among others.
Today, websites offer up music on a silver platter of convenience: iTunes and Rhapsody allow consumers to download digital music files, and music streaming sites such as Spotify and Mog allow listeners to access entire albums for free on the date of release.
Despite having cheap and easy access to music, consumers are still paying for tunes.
In its 2011 industry report, the data gathered from Nielsen SoundScan showed digital sales to be up 28 percent from last year. While overall, album and track sales showed very little growth — at barely over 1 percent — vinyl records saw a 36 percent increase in sales over the past year, making vinyl the fastest growing medium in the industry.
As the standard medium, vinyl has long been replaced by a slew of new technology, and had even been dubbed as archaic. Today it is not the most convenient or inexpensive way to listen to music. So, what has spurred this vinyl renaissance in the digital age?
At Sound Warehouse on Block Avenue, vinyl sales are up, and according to manager Mykal White, everyone is buying records — from teenagers to seniors — and they all have their own reasons.
For the first time in decades, Kansas City will host its own Audio Hi-Fi Show, featuring Leland Leard, a representative from top equipment manufacturer Music Hall Audio. Hi-fi, or high fidelity, involves reproducing sound to a higher quality, which is what many disc jockeys use to reproduce their music. However, hi-fi equipment includes a range of items and can also include high-quality home theater systems.
Vinyl Renaissance, a Kansas City original audio equipment and music store, is hosting the show at its 39th Street location on Thursday, March 15 at 6 p.m. Dan Phillips, the owner of the business, says that the idea for the show simply came up in conversation one day. Although Denver and St. Louis host similar programs, Kansas City hasn’t seen an equipment show in many years.
The White Stripes have confirmed plans to reissue two of their early singles as special edition vinyl releases for this year's Record Store Day. Third Man Records will be releasing two White Stripes tracks on April 21. One side of the red and black vinyl will feature "Handsprings" and the other cut is "Red Death at 6:14."
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REM's Peter Buck Solo Album In The Works
Peter Buck could become the first member of REM to release a solo album. The guitarist is said to be working on his own LP, which could even feature the musician's famously unheard singing voice.
One of the band's long-time collaborators, guitarist Scott McCaughey, told Seattle's KIRO 97.3: "Peter's making this record of his." McCaughey offered no further details about the project, saying simply it will be "pretty 'out'".
Buck will probably sing on the record, but is unlikely to sing in concert. He is considering releasing the LP on vinyl only, with no download version.
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Original works by Jerry Garcia and Grateful Dead guitars up for auction at Bonhams
SAN FRANCISCO.- Nearly 17 years after the passing of Grateful Dead lead guitarist, singer and songwriter Jerry Garcia, worldwide auction house Bonhams will present its Visions of Garcia auction, May 8 (the 35th anniversary of the famous 5-8-77 Cornell show) in San Francisco, the band’s home town. The highly anticipated auction, also simulcast in New York, will offer one-of-a-kind memorabilia, including original and rare works by Garcia and guitars designed specially for him.
Gracing the auction will be items including Mood River, one of only five known original oil paintings by Garcia, circa 1959. Given to his brother as a gift many years ago, the painting depicts a blue-yellow sky, pink hills and multi-colored terrain (est. $100,000-$150,000).
Other highlighted works of art will include a set of airbrush originals, circa 1985, of Alien Craft & Brain by Garcia (est. $120,000-$180,000); two Garcia sketchbooks, circa 1991, with 30 unseen original images (est. $65,000-$75,000); Rainbow Foot by Mouse and Alton Kelley (one of their earliest first collaborations), the original preliminary cover art of the well-known Europe 72 double live album, featuring a foot stepping out from under a rainbow over the Earth (est. $100,000-$150,000).
Also of note will be Garcia’s well-known original airbrush artwork Wetlands II, which features a wetland habitat of plants and water before a multi-colored sky (est. $150,000-$180,000) and his original watercolor Purple Dog, a masterwork of color (est. $25,000-$30,000).
Instruments on offer will include a well-known Garcia acoustic Takamine guitar, as seen on the album covers for Pure Jerry Vol. 8 and Ragged But Right, played from 1985-1988 for acoustic shows (est. $100,000-$150,000); an Ibanez guitar, designed for Jerry Garcia by Ibanez and Bob Weir in 1977 (est. $50,000-$60,000); and a Billy Kreutzmann drum set (est. $10,000-$15,000).
In addition, there will be a 1983 Jerry Garcia-owned Harley Davidson, featured on the cover of the book Playing in the Band by David Gans (est. $40,000-$60,000). The auction also includes handwritten set lists, Garcia’s sunglasses, the famous Skull and Roses banner from The Grateful Dead Movie and rare items from the Wall of Sound!
Additional items offered will include drums; speakers; amplifiers; original Rick Griffin artwork for the Dylan and the Dead album cover, gifted by Griffin to Garcia and signed by both; photos from well-known photographer Herb Greene, and more.
An illustrated catalogue for the sale will be available online in the preceding weeks, for review and purchase at www.bonhams.com
Jimmy Eat World Bleed American Pictures Now Shipping!
The Shop Radio Cast exclusive pressing of Jimmy Eat World’s “Bleed American 3XLP” has arrived and will begin shipping tomorrow. We have a picture of this beautiful pressing which is limited to only 1,000 copies.
Getting dropped from their major label deal at Capitol Records might have been the best thing that could have happened to Mesa, Arizona's Jimmy Eat World. After spending six years building up a fan base touring and releasing numerous singles and albums to moderate success, the band's relationship with the label soured and they found themselves starting close to square one. Undaunted by the situation, Jimmy Eat World hit the studio with the help of previous producer Mark Trombino. The resulting album incited a small bidding war. The band eventually signed to Dreamworks Records and in July of 2001 Bleed American was released to critical and commercial success. Sharing many elements with the bands previous album, Clarity, Bleed American keeps the sweet, emo-punk flavored vocals and harmonies, the textured guitars and the sticky sweet hooks, but the tone of the album hides something different. A struggle. A test for validation. A yearning to belong. A darker, harder edge is heard instantly with the intro riff of the first song and debut single "Bleed American." On the hit single "The Sweetness", singer and guitarist Jim Adkins calls out " If you're listening, sing it back." What sounds like a love song could easily be a cry for validation to fans and the music industry. But what it all points to is a triumph of great songwriting and success, proving the title of the album couldn't be more appropriate. It's a shame that fearing misinterpretation, the title was removed from the album following the September 11 attacks. Putting your heart out on display, overcoming adversity and the D.I.Y. spirit that built America and independent music perfectly represents the themes throughout this modern day classic. The smash hit single "The Middle" was a radio and MTV staple and helped propel the album to platinum status in the U.S. selling over one million copies.
This special edition of the album features the complete original album with the rightfully restored album title and includes twenty-one additional rare, b-side, live or unreleased tracks pulled from singles and live performances on three 140g LPs. All audio was taken from the original recordings and remastered for this special vinyl release. Pressed on high quality, European vinyl, this is sure to be the definitive copy of Bleed American – a must own for vinyl collectors and hardcore fans.
Vinyl Color: Gold, Silver and Blue (LTD 1,000 SRC Exclusive)
IRON MAIDEN: 'En Vivo!' Double Vinyl Picture Disc Packaging Unveiled
A photo of the double vinyl picture disc version of "En Vivo!", the new concert Blu-Ray, two-DVD set and double soundtrack album from legendary British metallers IRON MAIDEN, can be seen below. (our left)
Due on March 26 via EMI, "En Vivo!" was filmed on April 10, 2011 in front of over 50,000 ecstatic fans at the Estadio Nacional, Santiago during the "Round The World In 66 Days" leg of "The Final Frontier World Tour", and captures a magnificent performance by the band, ardently embraced by the legendary Latino passion and energy of their Chilean fans. With spectacular stage backdrops, dynamic musicianship and a literally jaw-dropping appearance by Eddie, this live show encapsulates to perfection the heart and soul of IRON MAIDEN 2011.
Bruce Springsteen Edges Out Adele For Number 1 Album in the U.S.; Ties Elvis For Third Most Number 1's
The difference was a mere one-thousand albums, but Bruce Springsteen has finally displaced Adele from on top of the Billboard Album chart. The British songstress has occupied the spot for the last nine consecutive weeks and for 23 weeks over the last year.
April 3rd
Dr. John, ‘Locked Down’
Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, ‘Thick As a Brick 2′
Elvis Costello & the Imposters, ‘The Return of the Spectacular Spinning Songbook!!!’ (DVD)
Greg Kihn Band, ‘Best of Beserkley ’75-’84′
Nicki Minaj, ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded’
Willow, ‘Knees and Elbows’
April 10th
Fleetwood Mac, ‘Making Rumours: The Inside Story of the Classic Fleetwood Mac Album’ (Book)
Bonnie Raitt, ‘Slipstream’
Joe Satriani, ‘Satchurated: Live in Montreal’ (DVD)
Monica, ‘New Life’
April 17th
Blue Oyster Cult, ‘The Essential Blue Oyster Cult’
Grateful Dead, ‘All the Years Combine: The DVD Collection’
Janis Joplin, ‘The Pearl Sessions’
Train, ‘California 37′
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and in music history for march 15th:
In 1945, Billboard magazine began listing a top albums chart. The first #1 was 'The Nat King Cole Trio.
In 1954, the Chords recorded their doo-wop composition "Sh-Boom," covered later in the year by the Crew-Cuts.
In 1955, Elvis Presley signed a management contract with Colonel Tom Parker. Parker had previously managed the Great Parker Pony Circus with one of the acts being a troupe of dancing chickens.
In 1955, in New Orleans, Fats Domino recorded "Ain't It A Shame."The song gained national fame after being re-recorded by white recording artist Pat Boone. Domino's version soon became more popular, bringing Domino's music to the mass market a half dozen years after his first major recording, "The Fat Man." This was the first song that John Lennon learned to play. He later covered it on Rock 'n' Roll. The song is ranked #431 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
In 1958, at Russwood Park in Memphis, Elvis Presley gave his last concert before leaving for duty with the US Army. Except for two benefit shows in 1961, this was the last Elvis concert performance until 1969.
In 1959, jazz saxophonist Lester Young, who played in the bands of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, and Teddy Wilson, died from the effects of alcoholism at the age of 49.
In 1962, Roy Orbison released "Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)."
In 1965, Freddie and the Dreamers released "I'm Telling You Now" in North America, two years after it was issued in the UK. The cut was co-written by Garrity and Mitch Murray, reached number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in spring 1965. They were the first of three consecutive groups from Manchester to have number 1 hits that spring, the others being Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders and Herman's Hermits. Their next biggest US hit was "Do the Freddie" at number 18, intended to inspire 'The Freddie' as a dance craze. The band's late 1965 album, Do the Freddie, included diagrams from dance instructor Arthur Murray on how to perform the routines.
In 1965, in Los Angeles, Elvis Presley began filming his 19th movie, "Harum Scarum," co-starring Mary Ann Mobley, Fran Jeffries, Michael Ansara, and Jay Novello.
In 1967, at EMI's Abbey Road Studios in London, George Harrison began recording his composition "Within You Without You," at this point called "Untitled," for the Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' album. Harrison was the only member of the Beatles who played on the track, which was completed with overdubs on March 22 and April 3.
In 1968, LIFE magazine called Jimi Hendrix "the most spectacular guitarist in the world."
CVR Blog 45rpm Singles Spotlight:
In 1968, the Beatles released the single "Lady Madonna" in North America.The song was released as a single, backed with "The Inner Light." The song was recorded on 3 and 6 February 1968 before the Beatles left for India. This single was the last release by the band on Parlophone in the United Kingdom, where it reached #1, and Capitol Records in the United States, where it reached #4. The saxophone solo was played by British jazz musician and club owner Ronnie Scott.
The piano playing on this song was inspired by 1950s rock/blues pianist, Fats Domino. McCartney recalled in 1994, "'Lady Madonna' was me sitting down at the piano trying to write a bluesy boogie-woogie thing ... It reminded me of Fats Domino for some reason, so I started singing a Fats Domino impression. It took my voice to a very odd place."
John Lennon helped write the lyrics, which give an account of an overworked, exhausted (possibly single) mother, facing a new problem each day of the week. The lyrics miss Saturday and in a 1992 interview, McCartney, who only realized the omission many years later, half-jokingly suggested that, given the difficulties of the other six days, the woman in the song likely went out and had a good time that night.
In 1973, Roberta Flack was at #1 on the US singles chart with “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and Elton John had the #1 album with 'Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player.'
In 1969, hoping to marry in Paris, John Lennon and Yoko Ono encountered passport problems that kept them from boarding a passenger ship to take them there, and were left "standing in the dock at Southampton, trying to get to Holland or France," as later chronicled in the Beatles song "The Ballad Of John And Yoko."
Also in 1969, Janis Joplin was pictured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
In 1971, in Nashville, Elvis Presley recorded four songs, including two Gordon Lightfoot compositions, "Early Morning Rain" and "That's What You Get For Lovin' Me." The other two songs, which also were released only as album cuts, were "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Amazing Grace."
Also in 1971, CBS announced its intention to cancel "The Ed Sullivan Show" after 23 years. At the time, it was the longest-running television show in history.
In 1972, disc jockey Robert W. Morgan of Los Angeles radio station KHJ played Donny Osmond's "Puppy Love" for 90 minutes straight. Police eventually raided the station fearing foul play, but discovered a publicity stunt instead.
In 1975, Led Zeppelin went to #1 on the UK chart with the double album Physical Graffiti, the first on their own Swan Song label. The album spent six weeks at #1 on the US chart.
In 1975, the group T. Rex disbanded.
In 1976, 'Destroyer' was released by KISS. The cover art for Destroyer was painted by fantasy artist Ken Kelly. Kelly's work was brought to the attention of Simmons, who met with Kelly to discuss ideas for Destroyer. Kelly agreed but asked to see Kiss perform live first to gain inspiration. He was invited to a show and given a backstage pass. He later said of the performance, "It blew me away." Kelly was later commissioned by the band to draw the cover for 1977's Love Gun.
Kelly's original version of the album cover was rejected by the record company because they felt the scene was too violent looking with the rubble and flames. Also, the original version had the members of Kiss wearing the "Alive" costumes. The front cover shows the group striding on top of a pile of rubble, and a desolate background spotted with destroyed buildings, some of which are engulfed in flames. The back cover shows a similar scene, but with more buildings on fire. The front of the LP-liner features a large Kiss logo and the lyrics to "Detroit Rock City". The other side displays the lyric "SHOUT IT OUT LOUD", as well as an advertisement for the Kiss Army fan club.
In 1982, Bob Dylan was inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, some might say belatedly.
In 1986, the Bangles were at #2 on the UK singles chart with “Manic Monday,” a song written by Prince under the pseudonym Christopher. It also made #2 in the US, held off #1 by Prince’s own “Kiss.”
In 1989, the Rolling Stones signed a $70 million contract to play 50 North American dates. It was the largest contract in rock history.
In 1999,relatives of Buddy Holly filed a suit against MCA Records for allegedly hoarding royalty payments, forging contracts and illegally producing albums without the consent of the family.
In 2002, Yoko Ono unveiled a seven-foot bronze statue of John Lennon overlooking the check-in hall of Liverpool’s John Lennon airport. The re-branding of the airport featured a sketch of Lennon's face with the words “Above Us Only Skies.”
In 2002, a rare autographed copy of the Beatles album, 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, sold at auction for approximately $59,000.
In 2002, singer Marshall Lieb, a member of the late 1950s/early 1960s singing groups the Moondogs and the Teddy Bears, and who later toured with the Hollywood Argyles, died of a heart attack at the age of 63.
In 2006 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, parts of Fats Domino's three pianos were discovered and saved by the Louisiana State Museum after attempting to salvage his Ninth Ward home in New Orleans.
In 2010, Sony Music announced an agreement with the estate of Michael Jackson worth more than $200 million, the biggest recording deal in history, involving 10 album projects over a period of seven years including one of previously unreleased material.
birthdays today include (among others): Phil Lesh - Grateful Dead (1940), Mike Love - Beach Boys (1941), Sly Stone - Sly and the Family Stone (1943), Ry Cooder (1947), Dee Snider -Twisted Sister (1955), Bret Michaels - Poison (1963), Mark McGrath - Sugar Ray (1968) and Mark Hoppus - Blink-182 (1972)
DEAR JERRY:I bought a box of records at a tag sale, and discovered a gem I'd never heard before, by a girl group I know nothing about.
It is “Walking in Sunshine,” by Katrina and the Waves. Was their name inspired by Hurricane Katrina?
When did it come out, and was it a hit? —Keith Hopkins, Indio, Calif.
DEAR KEITH: I'm guessing you were not looking at the label as you typed, as the title you give is one preposition off course. It is “Walking on Sunshine” (Capitol 5466).
This tune is the first hit, as well as the biggest, for Katrina Leskanich and her male trio of Waves: Alex Cooper; Vince de la Cruz; and Kimberley Rew. All hail from England.
“Walking on Sunshine” made the Top 10 in the U.S., Canada, and the UK.
This breakthrough smash for Katrina and the Waves, along with their Top 40 follow-up, “Do You Want Crying” (Capitol 5450), came along in 1985, exactly 20 years before Hurricane Katrina began wreaking havoc on the Gulf Coast states.
DEAR JERRY:I have a Whirlpool dish washer, and when I load it a line from a 1950s song runs through my mind. The part that haunts me is “I'm in a whirlpool of love, goin' down, down, down.”
I think it might be one of Brenda Lee's records, but no one I ask knows of her, or anyone else for that matter, singing this particular song.
I am aware that Wanda Jackson made a record of “Whirlpool,” but it is a completely different song. —Wilma Gaston, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
DEAR WILMA: Leave it to those darn kitchen appliances to provoke mysterious memories.
The thrush whirling your neurons is Teresa Brewer, not Brenda Lee. Tessie's cute tune is simply “Whirlpool” (Coral 61948), a January 1958 single.
Despite being one of the highest-rated new releases at the time — earning an 80 on Billboard's scale of 100 points — “Whirlpool” failed to make any of the national charts.
DEAR JERRY:I remember when you listed all the No. 1 instrumentals, beginning in 1955.
That reminded of when I lived in southeastern Ohio, circa-1954, and an instrumental played quite often. The title is something like “Skokean,” and I hope you can tell me more about it. —Rosemary Mountain, York, Pa.
DEAR ROSEMARY: You spelled it like it is pronounced, but the correct title is “Skokiaan.”
It originated as an instrumental by the African Dance Band of the Cold Storage Commission of Southern Rhodesia. Issued in Rhodesia in 1947 (Gallotone/Jive GB-1152), “Skokiaan (Tsaba Tsaba Dance)” didn't become an international sensation for another seven years.
That's when the original Rhodesian label reissued “Skokiaan (Tsaba Tsaba Dance)” in the UK, this time credited to the slightly less wordy Bulawayo Sweet Rhythm Band (Gallotone GE-1152), and no “Jive” on the label.
In mid-1954, London Records issued the Gallotone recording in the U.S. (London 1491), sans the sub-title and with Sweet “Rhythms” (plural) Band.
Along with the African original, five cover versions became quite popular in North America in 1954, including two vocals (lyrics written by Tom Glazer):
Ralph Marterie and His Orchestra (Mercury 70432)
Ray Anthony and His Orchestra (Capitol 2896)
Perez “Prez” Prado and His Orchestra (RCA Victor 5839)
Four Lads with Neal Hefti and Orchestra (Columbia 40306)
Louis Armstrong with Orchestra Directed by Sy Oliver (Decca 29256)
The Four Lads waxing is a vocal, as is the B-side of Louis Armstrong's record. Louie's A-side is an instrumental. The Columbia and Decca labels both show the full title “Skokiaan (South African Song).”
One or more of these would be what you heard so often in '54.
Skokiaan is an African homemade alcoholic brew, reminiscent of Kentucky moonshine.
IZ ZAT SO? Over 150 “Skokiaan” recordings now exist, though the only post-1954 hit is the 1959 single by Bill Haley and His Comets, also titled “Skokiaan (South African Song)” (Decca 31030).
Somewhat surprising is that singer Bill Haley's rendition is an instrumental.
If it's a great vocal you're wanting, I recommend Paul Anka's. You'll find it on his 1963 concept album, “Our Man Around the World” (RCA Victor 2614).
Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column. Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368 E-mail: jpo@olympus.net Visit his Web site: www.jerryosborne.com
All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.
Copyright 2012 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Exclusive Permission
a thank you to all you noticed that I published last year's Record Store Day list, an obvious error on my part, I am so embarrassed. That said, there are some lists out there, and I would trust this source over at our friends at vinylcollective.com Please stop by there and check out what is posted and I again apologize for the error. Also check out the list I posted earlier from KA-CHUNK!! Records or the list HERE (too much morphine for me....)
and on to today's post:
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from our friends at VinylRecordTalk
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 03/10/2012
Oh god! Almost five years now keeping this list and this is the first time anything like this has happened. Four classical records, and one Vogue Picture Record - the only cool thing on this week's list. I meanhow the hell am I going to get through this on the show?
1. LP - Georges Enesco Bach Sonatas Continental - $6,399.99
2. LP - Johanna Martzy "Bach: The unaccompanied Violin Sonatas" Columbia Box set UK - $5,445.00
3. 78 - Jack Heller "Rum And Coca Cola" / Glenn Miller "A Little Street In Singapore" Vogue Picture Record Prototype - $4,500.00
Vinyl Record Talk is Live on Radio Dentata on Tuesdays at 9pm ET / 6pm PT at www.radiodentata.com
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SMASH PALACE RETURNS WITH DO IT AGAIN BAND’S EIGHTH CD OUT ON ZIP RECORDS ON APRIL 24, 2012
“Living It Lonely” First Single Album Release Show Announced
“Smash Palace, a powerpop/rock band with a 28-year pedigree still has the spirit and exuberance necessary for this tough-to-pull-off style.” – USA Today
With their eighth CD, “Do It Again,” Smash Palace delivers the perfect soundtrack for the Spring and Summer of 2012. The ten rock n roll tracks represent the signature Butler brothers' sound – 60’s jangle rock, 70’s rock swagger, 80’s power pop and 90’s Brit rock – but rolled into a contemporary 2012 style of its own. Imagine that you are listening to ten of your favorite songs even though you haven’t heard any of them before! Welcome to “Do It Again.”
Stephen and Brian Butler were first discovered by Hilly Kristal at NYC’s original punk club, CBGB’s. Later, as “Quincy,” they were signed to Columbia Records, and then were reborn as Smash Palace and moved to Epic Records.
“Do It Again” will be Smash Palace’s fourth release for Zip Records, and will be released on April 24, 2012. After playing a show at Liverpool’s Cavern Club, label head Art Herman rediscovered the band and immediately signed Smash Palace to his San Francisco-based indie label.
“…a swath of British invasion verve, an effortless blend moving with a catchy rock swagger that’s infectiousness enough to require Cipro.” – Philadelphia Weekly
“The lion’s share of the credit goes to the Butler brothers’ razor sharp songwriting skills, particularly their ability to meld soaring pop melodies to clever lyrics. – Amplifier Magazine
Smash Palace will play an album-release show on Sunday, April 22nd at The Ritz Theater, as well as several other east-coast area shows
NEW YORK, March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia Records – Ever-evolving and perpetually defying convention, Gossip is back with their fifth studio album, A Joyful Noise, set to be released on May 22. A Joyful Noise was produced by pop genius Brian Higgins (Kylie Minogue, Pet Shop Boys, Girls Aloud). The album's first single, Perfect World, will be released as a digital single today, March 13th (see full track listing below).
A blend of soul, gospel, rock, funk, disco, punk, passion and rebellion, Gossip is comprised of vocalist Beth Ditto, guitarist Nathan Howdeshell, and drummer Hannah Blilie. Originally formed in Olympia, Washington in 1999, Gossip first garnered attention in the UK with the release of their 2006 breakthrough album Standing In the Way of Control, and they have been in the spotlight ever since. Their most recent album, 2009's Music For Men, sold over 1 million copies globally and was raved about on both sides of the Atlantic, with Clash declaring it "the most euphoric thing you'll hear this year." Gossip's front woman, the irresistibly bold and challenging Beth Ditto, whose new makeup collaboration with MAC Cosmetics will launch this summer, makes it impossible to not fall for the band. Best captured by Billboard, Ditto "employs all of her hard-edged sexiness and manages to charm with an appealingly intimidating allure," instantly reeling you in.
Recorded in both Xenomania, Higgins' studio in England, and KBC Studios in Portland, Oregon, A Joyful Noise stays true to Gossip's trademark brash and unapologetic nature – that is, as true as possible for a band that is constantly reinventing itself and pushing boundaries. Working with Higgins, Gossip sought to create their own brand of pop. Ditto proclaimed, "I spent the whole year listening to ABBA and not listening to the radio," accounting for the pulsing energy of A Joyful Noise. The album's infectious tracks will certainly be welcomed by fans who are already entranced by Gossip's insanely danceable beats, and will no doubt lure in many more.
Since their previous studio effort, Gossip have toured extensively, covering the major music festival circuits, making appearances at Coachella in the US, Rock am Ring in Germany, and Glastonbury in the UK. Their live shows are touted as one of the best around, with NME dubbing them "The greatest punk rock'n'roll disco soul band on the planet" and insisting "Everyone needs to hear this band and dance like there's no tomorrow." Gossip's performance at SxSW 2012* in Austin, TX will be live-streamed this week on Thursday, March 15th, and the band will kick off a Summer European tour shortly after the release of A Joyful Noise.
The full track listing for A Joyful Noise is as follows: 1.Melody Emergency 2.Perfect World 3.Get A Job 4.Move In The Right Direction 5.Casualties of War 6.Into The Wild 7.Get Lost 8.Involved 9.Horns 10.I Won't Play 11.Love In A Foreign Place
*Gossip will be playing at the "Live From The Lot" event, hosted by Google Music and YouTube, on Thursday, March 15 at Red River Garage and at the Chop Shop Records Showcase later that same night at Maggie Mae's Rooftop. Their "Live From The Lot performance" will be streamed live starting at 6:30PM from http://www.youtube.com/presents.
Tomahawks for Targets - Invasion on a Budget (180 gm limited edition vinyl album with free download)
180 gm limited vinyl edition of Tomahawks For Targets debut album, including free download code (FLAC, MP3 etc).
Drawing inspiration from 1980s King Crimson, XTC, Field Music, Everything, Everything and Foals, Tomahawks For Targets offer a lively fusion of the accessible and the experimental, the classic and the contemporary, the familiar and the strange.
"Fresh melodies and harmonies to burn." - The Crack Magazine "XTC for the digital age." - Dubber.com
Preorder now for 19th March 2012 release
Airbag - All Rights Removed (Double LP preorder)
Airbag returns with its second, highly anticipated, album.
A bigger and bolder variation on the Atmospheric Art Rock of the acclaimed Identity, All Rights Removed once more creatively straddles the middle ground between the Progressive inclinations of Porcupine Tree and Pink Floyd, and the Epic Pop of Talk Talk.
Double 180gm vinyl edition in gatefold artwork featuring an analogue mix.
Krzysztof Penderecki + Jonny GreenwoodThrenody for the Victims of Hiroshima / Popcorn Superhet Receiver / Polymorphia / 48 Responses to Polymorphia
Works by Krzysztof Penderecki—"Poland's godfather of the musical avant-garde" (Independent)—are paired with the works they inspired by composer/guitarist Jonny Greenwood: Penderecki's Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima and Polymorphia (for 48 strings), which inspired Greenwood's Popcorn Superhet Receiver and 48 Responses to Polymorphia, respectively. "The results are ear-tingling," says NPR. "What we hear on this album is a meeting of two artistic visionaries connected in a real dialogue."
On Leaving Eden, the Carolina Chocolate Drops follow their Grammy-winning album Genuine Negro Jig with a record of original compositions, covers, and traditional songs produced by Buddy Miller (Emmylou Harris, Robert Plant, Patty Griffin, Solomon Burke). They “may take their cues from 1920s string- and jug-band music," says USA Today, "but they're simply a great band.” The Observer calls them "the most electrifying acoustic act around." Rolling Stone gives the album four stars. The CD is out now; the vinyl follows on March 20.
Seatlle’s THE PHARMACY have spent the majority of the last decade touring the US and Europe relentlessly on their infectious brand of pop garage. In between tours they’ve released a slew of singles and three critically acclaimed LPs, cementing them as the current purveyors of the pop garage genre. Frontman SCOTT YODER concocts epic pop gems that aren’t obscured by mountains of fuzz or cliched lyrics—all while staying true to their lo-fi perspective on sound. Four songs in all.
Tank Reveals New Album Release Date, Tracklisting And Artwork
British heavy metal veterans Tank have recently revealed their cover artwork and tracklist for their new studio album called 'War Nation.' The effort is slated for a June 4th release date in Europe and June, 5th in USA via MVD. Speaking about the artwork, guitarist Cliff Evans stated:
"The painting was done by infamous London graffiti artist 'Jay Bryce' exclusively for Tank. We've always admired his work and it's an honour to be the first band to feature his artwork on an album cover."
Tracklist: 1. War Nation 2. Song For The Dead 3. Justice For All 4. Don't Dream In The Dark 5. Grace Of God 6. Wings Of Heaven 7. Hammer And Nails 8. One Good Reason 9. State Of The Union 10. W.M.L.A.
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ENGEL: 'Blood Of Saints' Cover Artwork, Track Listing Revealed
Gothenburg, Sweden-based metallers ENGEL will release their third album, "Blood Of Saints", on May 18 via Season Of Mist. The CD was recorded at Antfarm studios in Aabyhøj, Denmark. According to the group, the new album "is going to be a good mixture between both [previous ENGEL efforts] 'Threnody' [2010] and 'Absolute Design' [2007], but with some new angles as well! If you liked 'Threnody', you will LOVE 'Blood Of Saints'!"
Read more and get the tracklist at our friends at Blabbermouth
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as a lover of album cover art, this one is very engaging (as are the comments from the band):
Revelation's Hammer Reveals New Album Artwork
Revelation's Hammer have revealed the artwork for the group's new album. The band commented on the art:
"Hails! It's finally time to reveal the artwork of our coming album in full details.
"It turned out to become a really amazing collection of different paintings put together by Portuguese mastermind Ricardo Fernandes. It reflects the chaos in R.H. and gives a indication upon our symbolic values. You could say that the artwork is like a mirror of the world.
"Do you see the truth upon Earth?"
ummm yeah.....
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Cradle Of Filth Unveils Album Cover Artwork
Cradle of Filth unveiled the album art for the band's orchestral album 'Midnight in the Labyrinth' which reinvents tracks from the band's first four albums. The reworks add choirs, strings and narration by frontman Dani "Filth" Davey. The release is scheduled for April 21, 2012 in participating countries as a limited 2CD edition. Guest vocalist Sarah Jezebel Deva will provide additional vocals the first CD. The album promises to be a full-on horror film soundtrack in the vein of Danny Elfman, Christopher Young or Jerry Goldsmith.
The release will consist of ten songs spanning 78 minutes (including the addition of a thirteen minute exclusive aural séance on CD1), and will include reworks of songs such as "Funeral In Carpathia," "The Twisted Nails Of Faith" and "Summer Dying Fast," which appeared as a teaser on the 2011 mini-album "Evermore Darkly"
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The Beatles' Music To Be Released on TouchTunes Interactive Networks
The Legendary Band's First Appearance on Digital Jukeboxes Across North America Debuts April 1, 2012
LAS VEGAS and NEW YORK, March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Apple Corps Ltd., EMI Music, and TouchTunes Interactive Networks, the largest out-of-home entertainment network in North America, announced today that the music of The Beatles, the most iconic band of all time, will now be featured across their network of over 50,000 digital jukeboxes. Starting April 1, 2012, TouchTunes will add The Beatles' 13 legendary studio albums to its catalog.
"It is a privilege to partner with EMI and Apple Corps Ltd. to make available the sound recordings of the most celebrated band of all time," said Charles Goldstuck, CEO of TouchTunes Interactive Networks.
"The important addition of The Beatles to our network represents a milestone, not only for our company, but for our industry."
"We are very pleased to make this iconic catalog available on TouchTunes," said Roger Faxon, CEO of EMI Group. "TouchTunes has been a great partner of ours, and their network offers a unique listening experience for fans to enjoy the incredible music of The Beatles together."
In addition to the studio albums, TouchTunes will also make available The Beatles' two-volume 'Past Masters' compilation, the classic 'Red' and 'Blue' collections, the '1' hits collection, and the 'LOVE' album.
SOURCE TouchTunes Interactive Networks
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GRIMEY'S BEST SELLERS 3/05 - 3/11, 2012
Vinyl Top 25:
1. Bruce Springsteen - Wrecking Ball
2. Andrew Bird - Break It Yourself
3. Todd Snider - Agnostic Hymns & Stoner Fables
4. The Black Keys - El Camino
5. The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow
6. Paperhead - Pictures Of Her Demise 7"
7. Pink Floyd - The Wall
8. The Men - Open Your Heart
9. The Kills - The Last Goodbye 10"
10. Jack White - Love Interruption 7"
11. Dirtbombs / Fucked Up - Bruise Cruise 7"
12. Adele - 21
13. Ryan Adams - Heartbreaker
14. The Doors - L.A. Woman: The Workshop Sessions
15. Magnetic Fields - Love At The Bottom Of The Sea
16. Tom Jones - Evil 7"
17. Kurt Wagner & The Altered Statesman - Something Missing 12"
18. Sleigh Bells - Reign Of Terror
19. Bowerbirds - Clearing
20. Good Old War - Come Back As Rain
21. fun. - Aim & Ignite
22. Miniature Tigers - Mia Pharaoh
23. Ceremony - Zoo
24. Dan Auerbach - Keep It Hid
25. The Beatles - Abbey Road
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and in music history for march 14th:
In 1955, CBS talent scout Arthur Godfrey turned down the chance to sign Elvis Presley. Instead, at the same audition, he signed Pat Boone. oops.....
Also in 1955, on his Washington, DC television show, "Town and Country Time," Jimmy Dean interviewed Elvis Presley. A nervous Presley responded to almost every question with "yep" and "nope."
In 1956, the movie "Rock Around the Clock," starring Bill Haley and His Comets, Alan Freed, the Platters, and Freddie Bell, had its world premiere in Washington, DC.
In 1958, Mick Jagger was in the audience to see Buddy Holly and the Crickets perform at the Granada Theatre in Woolwich, England.
Also in 1958.., the first Gold Record was awarded to Perry Como for his single, "Catch A Falling Star." After Como's million-seller, the next three certified were "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" by
Laurie London, "Patricia," an instrumental by Perez Prado, and "Hard Headed Woman" by Elvis Presley. The first Gold Album certification went to the soundtrack of the motion picture, "Oklahoma!," starring Gordon MacRae.
In 1959, Elvis Presley's "For LP Fans Only" entered the charts as the first album ever issued without the artist's name anywhere on the cover, front or back.
In 1962, Bruce Channel started a three week run at #1 on the US singles chart with "Hey! Baby," it made #2 on the UK chart.
In 1963, Cliff Richard And The Shadows were at the top of the UK singles chart with "Summer Holiday," their seventh UK #1 record.
In 1964, Billboard Magazine reports that Beatle records have claimed 60-percent of the US singles market and that the album 'Meet the Beatles' had reached a record 3.5 million copies sold.
Also in 1964, for the first time in British recording history, all Top Ten UK singles were by British acts: "Anyone Who Had A Heart" by Cilla Black, followed by "Bits and Pieces," Dave Clark Five; "Little Children," Billy J Kramer; "Diane," Bachelors; "Not Fade Away," Rolling Stones; "Just One Look," Hollies; "Needles and Pins," Searchers; "I Think Of You," Merseybeats; "Boys Cry," Eden Kane; and "Let Me Go Lover" Kathy Kirby.
In 1965, Petula Clark made her American TV debut on CBS's "The Ed Sullivan Show," singing "Downtown" and "I Know A Place."
In 1968, the promotional film for the Beatles’ “Lady Madonna” was broadcast in black and white on BBC’s Top Of The Pops. The film was shot while the group was recording the track “Hey Bulldog” in Studio 2, EMI Studios.
In 1969, the Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded a live concert for 'Fan Club', the Dutch TV show in Amsterdam, Holland.
In 1970, singer Mary Ann Ganser of the Shangri-Las died of encephalitis at the age of 22. Some sources claim her cause of death was barbiturate overdose.
In 1972, Carole King's 'Tapestry' LP was named Album Of The Year at the 14th Grammy Awards. The disc had been 1971's best selling record.
In 1972, soul singer Linda Jones, who had a 1967 US #21 single with “Hypnotized,” died at the age of 26 in New York after collapsing into a diabetic coma following a performance at Harlem’s Apollo Theatre.
In 1973, Elton John was at #1 on the US singles chart with "Crocodile Rock."
In 1982, in Anaheim, California, Metallica made their live performance debut at Radio City.
In 1983, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and Alec John Such formed Bon Jovi. Their fourth album, New Jersey, released in 1988, is notable for producing five Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 singles, the most top ten hits to date from a hard rock album.
In 1984, Rainbow played their last ever gig as a band when they performed in Japan.
In 1987, Huey Lewis And The News scored their third number one record in the US with a Bruce Hornsby composition, "Jacob's Ladder", one of six singles released from the album "Fore."
In 1991, songwriter Doc Pomus died of lung cancer at the age of 65.. He co-wrote with Mort Shuman many early ’60s hits, including “A Teenager in Love,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” “Sweets for My Sweet,” “Can’t Get Used to Losing You,” “Little Sister,” “Suspicion,” “Surrender” and “Viva Las Vegas.”
In 1992, about 40,000 people attended "Farm Aid V" at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. Performers included Arlo Guthrie, Bonnie Raitt, Tracy Chapman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Paul Simon, Neil Young, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lorrie Morgan, Ricky Van Shelton, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp.
In 2001, the artist Sir Peter Blake, designer of the album cover for the Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,' sued the group's record company for more money, arguing that the one-time payment of £200 that he had received for his work, with no subsequent royalties, was insufficient.
In 2005, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame celebrated its twentieth anniversary with a ceremony at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel that saw Bruce Springsteen ushering in U2 and Rod Stewart inducting Soul singer Percy Sledge. Neil Young welcomed the Pretenders into the Hall, while Justin Timberlake introduced The O'Jays.
In 2006, U2 topped Rolling Stone’s annual list of 2005’s biggest money earners with $154.2 million. The top five were rounded out by The Rolling Stones ($92.5 million), The Eagles ($ 63.2 million), Paul McCartney ($56 million) and Elton John ($48.9 million).
In 2011, while reminiscing about his experiences of going to a record store and buying vinyl discs, singer Jon Bon Jovi criticized the co-founder of Apple for introducing iTunes, saying "Steve Jobs is personally responsible for killing the music business."
Also in 2011, singer Ronnie Hammond, former lead vocalist of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, died following a heart attack at age 60.
birthdays today include (among others): Quincy Jones (1933), James O’Rourke - John Fred & His Playboy Band (1945), Jim Pons - Turtles (1946) and Taylor Hanson - Hanson (1983)
A Liquid Landscape - Nightingale Express
Adrenaline Mob - Omerta
Amy Ray - Lung of Love (vinyl)
Angel Witch - As Above, So Below
Anya Marina - Felony Flats
Barren Earth - The Devil's Resolve
Behemoth - Thelema.6
Behemoth - Zos Kia Cultus
Big Brother & the Holding Company Featuring Janis Joplin - Live At The Carousel Ballroom 1968
Bishop Morocco - Old Boys
Bob Dylan - L' Explosion Rock 1960-65: Deluxe Box (8-disc box set)
Bonnie Guitar - Intimate Session: The Velvet Lounge
Cactus - Do Not Kick Against The Pricks (2 CDs)
Caetano Veloso and David Byrne - Live at Carnegie Hall
Cannibal Corpse - Torture
Cathy Jordan - All The Way Home
Chicago - If You Leave Me Now & Other Hits
Computer Magic – Orion (EP)
Connie Smith - Just For What I Am (5 CDs)
Dave Barnes - Stories to Tell
David Veloso & David Byrne - Live at Carnegie Hall
Delta Spirit - Delta Spirit
Demdike Stare - Elemental
Django Django - Django Django (vinyl)
Doc & Merle Watson - Look Away! / Live & Pickin'
Dropkick Murphys - Going Out In Style: Live at Fenway (Deluxe Edition)
Drowner - Drowner
Earl Van Dyke - Motown Sound: The Complete Albums Singles & More
Earth - Angels of Darkness Demons of Light II (vinyl)
Elephant & Castle - Transitions
Elisa - Steppin' on Water
Emerson, Lake & Palmer - From the Beginning (5 CDs)
Emma Louise - Full Hearts & Empty Rooms
Epica - Requiem For The Indifferent
Eric Burdon & the Animals - Love Is
Estelle - All Of Me
Etta James - I Just Want to Make Love to You
Feedtime - Aberrant Years (4-CD box set)
Felix Cavaliere - Felix Cavaliere / Destiny
Fenster - Bones
Fidlar - No Waves/No Ass (7")
Float Face Down - Exitium Verum
Freshkills - Raise Up the Sheets
Gilbert O'Sullivan - Very Best of Gilbert O'Sullivan
God Forbid - Where We Come From
Gold Fields - Gold Fields (EP)
Grimes - Visions
Grinderman - Grinderman 2 RMX
Hands Like Houses - Ground Dweller
Holly Golightly featuring The Brokeoffs - Long Distance
Hooded Fang - Tosta Mista
Howlin' Rain - The Russian Winds
Humble Pie - On to Victory / Go for The Throat: Deluxe Edition (2 CDs)
I See Stars - Digital Renegade
Ian Gillan Band - Before the Turbulence
Impending Doom - Baptized in Filth
Janiva Magness - Stronger for It
Jason Donovan - Sign Of Your Love
John Mayall - Big Man Blues
Jonny Greenwood and Krzysztof Penderecki - Jonny Greenwood/Krzysztof Penderecki
Labyrinthe - The Depths Of Hell
Laura Marling - Alas I Cannot Swim (reissue) (vinyl)
Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can (reissue) (vinyl)
Le Tigre - Le Tigre Live!
Lee Fields - Faithful Man
Lucero - Women & Work
Marcus Collins - Marcus Collins
Meat Loaf - Hell In A Handbasket
Melvins - Scion A/V Presents: The Bulls & The Bees
Melvins - The Bulls & The Bees
Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again
Mychildren Mybride - Mychildren Mybride
Mystery Pills - Mystery Pills
Nedry - On a Dim Light
Nektar - Man In The Moon / Evolution (2 CDs)
Oedipus - Vicious Little Smile
One Direction - Up All Night
Pat Boone - Moody River / Great! Great! Great!
Peter & Gordon - Sing & Play the Hits of Nashville TN / Woman / Hot & Cold Custard (2 CDs)
Peter White - Her We Go
Primer 55 - Primer 55
Primitive Weapons - The Shadow Gallery
Pythia - The Serpent's Curse
Redeemer - First Degree
Ringo Deathstarr - Shadow (EP) (vinyl)
Robin Trower - Farther on Up the Road (3 CDs)
Said the Whale - Little Mountain
Say Anything - Anarchy, My Dear
Shooter Jennings - Family Man
Sigh - In Somniphobia
Soulfly - Enslaved
Space Between Words – The Laser Light Show (EP)
Spawn of Possession - Incurso
Spoek Mathambo - Father Creeper
Stooges - Sadistic Summer: Live at the Isle of Wight 2011
Stranglers - Giants: Deluxe Edition (2 CDs)
T.G. Sheppard - Because You Love Me
TacocaT - Take Me to Your Dealer (vinyl)
Television - Television (reissue) (vinyl)
The Decemberists - We All Raise Our Voices to the Air (Live Songs 04.11-08.11)
The Doors - L.A. Woman: The Workshop Sessions (vinyl)
The Hussy - Weed Seizure
The Lake Effect - Expect Delays (EP)
The Megaphonic Thrift - The Megaphonic Thrift
The Men - Open Your Heart
The Skints - Part & Parcel
The Stills - Rain
The Ting Tings - Sounds From Nowheresville
Theo Bleckmann - Hello Earth! The Music of Kate Bush
Tiger! Tiger! - Cut Them Where They Bleed
Tribes - Baby
Upon A Burning Body - Sin City
VCMG (Vince Clark & Martin Gore) - EP2
VCMG (Vince Clark & Martin Gore) - Ssss
Various Artists - Memphis Boys: The Story Of American Studios
Various Artists - Once (Original Cast Recording)
Various Artists - Piano Tribute to Van Halen
Various Artists - Welcome to The Nightmare - An All-Star Salute to Alice Cooper
Venetian Snares - A Giant Alien Force More Violent & Sick Than Anything You Can Imagine
Vijay Iyer Trio - Accelerando
Wallis Bird - Wallis Bird
Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders - Eric, Rick, Wayne, Rob Plus
Whirr - Pipe Dreams
Wizard Rifle - Speak Loud Say Nothing
Wretched - Dilated Disappointment
Xerxes - Our Home Is A Deathbed
AHAB, the German funeral doom metal band featuring former MIDNATTSOL members Daniel Droste (guitar/vocals) and Christian Hector (guitar), has completed work on its third album, "The Giant", to be released later in the year via Napalm Records. The CD features cover artwork (see below) by acclaimed artist Sebastian Jerke (LONG DISTANCE CALLING) and a guest appearance by ENSLAVED vocalist/keyboardist Herbrand Larsen.
Interview: Freddy Cannon on His New Autobiography, His Career and His Place in Rock History
Freddy Cannon lit up the charts in the 50's and 60's with hits like Tallahassee Lassie, Palisades Park and Way Down Yonder in New Orleans. Recently, he released his autobiography, Where the Action Is!, a fascinating look into his long career, the people he knew and the ins and outs of the recording industry.
Cannon is candid about the people he encountered throughout his life and his place in the music business but, at the same time, very humble about the individuals who were great influences and who guided him through the many pitfalls in the industry.
Beyond music, the book is also the story of a man who stayed true to his integrity and to a family who has been with him through the good times and the bad.
We had the pleasure of talking with Freddy at length about the book, his career and some of his current projects.
Storm Corrosion is the upcoming collaboration between Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth and Porcupine Tree’s Steven Wilson. The pair will release "Storm Corrosion" on May 8 via Roadrunner Records, and pre-orders are now available here
Double-LP Set:
• Limited Edition Double-LP set of the self-titled album with exclusive artwork
• 180-Gram black virgin vinyl in gatefold jacket
• Digital download of high quality Flac files of the entire album
• Autographed 12" x 12" poster of exclusive artwork
• 24" x 36" fold out poster of exclusive artwork
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New Guided By Voices Single Details
The new Guided By Voices single will be pressed on pink vinyl, "Keep It In Motion" is taken from the forthcoming new album from Guided by Voices, 'Class Clown Spots a UFO,' due out in June on Fire Records. There will be a series of three 7"s from this release starting with "Keep it in Motion" and followed by "Jon the Croc" (21 April for Record Store Day) and "Class Clown Spots a UFO" (15 May).
Keep It In Motion 7 Inch pink vinyl is available for Pre-Order from Fire here
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MALICE: New Album Details Revealed
Reunited Los Angeles heavy metal legends MALICE will release their new album, "New Breed Of Godz", on May 22 in the U.S./Canada, May 25 in Germany and May 28 in the rest of Europe through SPV/Steamhammer. The band recently entered Silvercloud Recording studio in Redondo Beach, California with producer Joe Floyd (HALFORD, BRUCE DICKINSON, WARRIOR) to record updated versions of eight classic MALICE metal anthems such as "Stellar Masters" and "Sinister Double" as well as "four killer new tracks" for the CD, which will be made available as a high-class digipak with a bonus DVD.
MARILYN MANSON: 'Born Villain' Release Date Announced
MARILYN MANSON will release his long-awaited new album, "Born Villain", on May 1 (one day earlier internationally) via Cooking Vinyl and Manson's own label Hell, Etc.
The CD's first single, "No Reflection", was premiered on March 7 on the Los Angeles radio station KROQ and will be made available exclusively on iTunes this Tuesday, March 13
Born on this day in 1917, Leonard Chess, the founder of the Chess record label, home to John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Jimmy Reed. Chess died of a heart attack on October 16th 1969, aged 52.
In 1955, jazz saxophonist and composer Charlie Parker died of a heart attack in New York City while watching Tommy Dorsey's Orchestra on television. He was 34. The coroner who performed his autopsy mistakenly estimated Parker's 34-year-old body to be between 50 and 60 years of age. (After years of drug and alcohol abuse).
In 1955, the Dave Brubeck Quartet appeared for the first time at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
In 1957, Buddy Holly and the Crickets record "Maybe Baby," which would be released the following year and climb to #17 in the US and #4 in the UK.
In 1958, jazz singer Billie Holiday, who had pled guilty to a narcotics-possession charge in 1956, is given a year's probation by a Philadelphia court.
In 1959, Friday the 13th proved unlucky for the Kingston Trio when they were involved in an emergency airplane landing in Indiana and nearly killed. Their song, "The Tijuana Jail" was rising up the charts, stopping at number 12 a couple weeks later.
In 1961, in Nashville, Elvis Presley recorded "I Feel So Bad."
In 1963, the Beatles played at the Granada Cinema in Bedford. Also on the bill, Chris Montez and Tommy Roe. John Lennon, suffering from a heavy cold, was unable to perform, so The Beatles set was rearranged so that George and Paul could sing the parts that John usually sang.
In 1965, the Beatles completed filming of their second movie, 'Help!'
In 1966, Sgt Barry Sadler started a five-week run at #1 on the US album chart with "Ballad Of The Green Berets."
In 1966, the Levi Strauss Company began selling bell-bottom blue jeans in the US.
In 1968, the Rolling Stones started recording their next single "Jumpin' Jack Flash" with new producer Jimmy Miller at Olympic studios in London.
In 1969, Paul McCartney married photographer Linda Eastman in a small civil ceremony at the Marylebone Registry Office, in the City of Westminster in central London. Contrary to the popular rumor of the day, she is not related to the Eastmans of Eastman-Kodak fame. Paul's brother, Mike, served as the best man, but none of the other Beatles were in attendance. Linda would die of cancer on April 17th, 1998 at the age of 56.
In 1968, the Otis Redding single “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” went gold in the US three months after the singer was killed in a plane crash.
In 1969, George Harrison and his wife Patti were arrested in Esher, Surrey. The charge was cannabis resin possession after authorities found 120 joints in their house.
Also in 1969, Elvis Presley began filming his 31st and final fictional movie, "Change Of Habit," co-starring Mary Tyler Moore, Barbara McNair, and Ed Asner.
In 1971, a London court granted Paul McCartney's request to appoint a non-biased receiver to handle the group's business affairs after his lawsuit dissolving the Beatles was upheld.
In 1971, "Power to the People" by John Lennon was released as a single in the UK, credited to John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. It was issued on Apple Records (catalogue number R5892 in the United Kingdom, 1830 in the United States) and peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 7 on the British singles chart. The song's first appearance on album was the 1975 compilation Shaved Fish.
In 1974, John Lennon and Harry Nilsson are thrown out of the Troubador nightclub in Los Angeles for heckling the Smothers Brothers. Nilsson, a good friend of Tom Smothers, thought he was helping the act because Tom had struggled through weak material at an earlier date.
In 1977, the Sex Pistols were involved in a fight at London's Speakeasy Club with Bob Harris, presenter of BBC 2's The Old Grey Whistle Test resulting in one of the shows engineers needing 14 stitches in his head. Two days later Harris's solicitors contact Derek Green at A&M the bands record label. Harris's management also managed Peter Frampton, one of the label's top acts at A&M. Green discussed the matter with the company's two founders, Jerry Moss and Herb Alpert and the decision is made to cancel the Pistols contract and halt production of the bands first single, 'God Save The Queen'.
In 1983, Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler had her only UK #1 single with a song written by Meat Loaf's producer, Jim Steinman, "Total Eclipse Of The Heart." Also #1 in the US, (the only Welsh artist to score a US #1), Canada and Australia, the single sold over 5 million copies.
In 1983, U2 scored their first UK #1 album with 'War,' which spent a total of 147 weeks on the chart. The album featured the singles, “New Year’s Day” and “Two Hearts Beat as One.”
In 1988, Rick Astley started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart with "Never Gonna Give You Up," also a #1 in the UK.
In 1991, the R.E.M. album 'Out of Time' was released.
In 1994, Swedish group Ace Of Base started a six week run at #1 on the US singles chart with "The Sign," a #2 hit in the UK.
In 1995, Boyz II Men were at #1 on the US album chart with 'II.'
In 1996, singer Nancy Sinatra donated her famous white go-go boots to the Hard Rock Café in Beverly Hills, California.
In 1996, the album 'Unplugged' was released by KISS.
In 2001, in a poll conducted by the Recording Industry Association of America, music fans voted Judy Garland's "Over The Rainbow" as the Song Of The Century. The Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction" came in at #16 and the Beatles' "I Want To Hold Your Hand" was #26.
In 2003, the Chinese government ordered the Rolling Stones to eliminate four songs from their upcoming performances in Shanghai and Beijing. The banned songs were "Brown Sugar," "Honky Tonk Women," "Beast of Burden," and "Let's Spend the Night Together."
In 2006, the soundtrack to The Disney Channel movie, High School Musical was at #1 on the US album chart. The album went on to break all records for a soundtrack, selling over seven million copies worldwide.
In 2007, Levon Helm, the former drummer for The Band, filed a lawsuit against a Manhattan advertising firm over the use of the group's song, "The Weight" in a television commercial for cell phones. Helm received a royalty payment for the use of the song, but didn't feel he was adequately compensated.
In 2008, seven years of trying to secure the rights to use the Lennon-McCartney catalog paid off for TV's American Idol, when over 31 million viewers tuned in to the show. The following day, the top five Google searches were also Beatle related.
In 2009, hundreds of fans queued at the O2 Arena in London as Michael Jackson tickets went on sale to the public. The 50-year-old pop veteran had confirmed he would be playing a 50-date residency at the venue, beginning on July 8. Some 360,000 pre-sale tickets had already sold. Organizers said the “This Is It” tour had become the fastest selling in history, with 33 seats sold each minute.
In 2009, Bob Dylan mingled unnoticed among 14 other tourists at John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool. The Folk legend strolled around the place where the late former Beatle grew up with his aunt Mimi and uncle George and later said that he was "enthralled" to see the bedroom where Lennon wrote some of his earliest songs.
In 2010, a 16-year-old was arrested and charged in connection with a break-in at singer Susan Boyle's home in West Lothian, Scotland. Boyle disturbed the intruder as she returned home from London after recording a charity single for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.
Also in 2010, over 130 people were arrested and eight people were hospitalised as fans tried to gatecrash a Metallica show in Colombia. 1,500 police and four tanks were brought in to manage the crowds as property was vandalized and destroyed, as thousands of ticketless fans rioted during Metallica's first Colombian concert in eleven years.
In 2011, a man was charged with burglary after security guards discovered him in Madonna's luxurious London mansion while she was in America to attend her grandmother's funeral.
birthdays today include (among others): Les Holroyd (Barclay James Harvest) (64), Bill Payne (Little Feat) (63), Al Jarreau (72), Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) (55), Pete Doherty (Libertines, Babyshambles) (33), Graham Coxon (Blur) (43), Ben Kenney (Incubus) (35) and James Taylor (64)
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