The vinyl record collecting blog - with news about new vinyl record releases, vinyl record sales, new music releases, album cover art and weekly features
2:54 - 2:54
Aesop Rock - Float (reissue)
Al Green - Gets Next to You (reissue) (vinyl)
Amanda Mair - Amanda Mair (vinyl)
Ambassador Gun - Golden Eagle
Amy Saraiya - Soundproof Box
Assemble Head in Sunburst Sound - Manzanita
Beat Connection - The Palace Garden
Bermuda - The Wandering
Big K.R.I.T. - Live From The Underground
Blood On The Dance Floor - Evolution
Blues Control - Valley Tangents
Bon Iver - iTunes Session
Bouncing Souls - Comet
Boy - Mutual Friends
Brandi Carlile - Bear Creek (2-LP and CD) (vinyl)
Burning Love - Rotten Thing To Say
Can - The Lost Tapes (box set)
Chelsea Grin - Evolve
Cheryl - A Million Lights
Chester French - Music 4
Chet Faker - Thinking in Textures (vinyl)
Clutch - Pigtown Blues (vinyl)
Codeine - When I See the Sun (6-LP box set) (limited edition - 1,000 copies)
Constants - Pasiflora
Cyndi Lauper - She's So Unusual (reissue) (vinyl)
Del Tha Funky Homosapien & Parallel Thought - Attractive Sin
Delta Rae - Carry the Fire
Devin Townsend Project - By A Thread - Live in London 2011 (4 DVDs and 5 CDs)
Dirty Heads - Cabin By The Sea
Don Williams - And So It Goes
Dr. Acula - Nation
Dr. Michael White - Adventures In New Orleans Jazz Part 2
Drug Cabin - Drug Cabin (EP)
Dying Fetus - Reign Supreme
Efren - Write a New Song
Exotic Animal Petting Zoo - Tree Of Tongues
FM - Indiscree
Fiona Apple - The Idler Wheel is Wiser than the Driver .....
Fixers - We'll Be The Moon
For All Those Sleeping - Outspoken
Glen Hansard - Rhythm and Repose
Godflesh - Hymns (reissue)
Grace Potter - The Lion The Beast The Beat
Hacienda - Shakedown
Hard Drugs - Party Foreverer
Harry Nilsson - The Point! (resissue) (vinyl)
House Shows - Let It Go
Iggy Pop - Apres
Ihsahn - Eremita
John Zorn - Hermetic Organ
Justin Bieber - Believe
Kataklysm - The Iron Will: 20 Years Determined (DVD/CD)
Kate Miller-Heidke - Nightflight
Kenny Chesney - Welcome to the Fishbowl
Kylie Minogue - The Best of Kylie Minogue
Ladyhawke - Anxiety (vinyl)
Lifeforms - TBA
Lions Lions - To Carve Our Names
Lit - View From the Bottom
Lita Ford - Living Like A Runaway (preorder) (vinyl)
Lorn - Ask The Dust
Lostprophets - Weapons
MC Yogi - Pilgrimage
Make Do And Mend - Everything You Ever Loved
Mantas - Death By Metal
Marconi Union - Different Colours
Maren Parusel - Tightrope Walker
Men Without Hats - Love In The Age Of War
Mnemic - Mnemesis
Moby - Destroyed Remix
Morning Parade - Morning Parade
My Dynamite - My Dynamite
Neil Young - DVD Collector's Box
Neneh Cherry - The Cherry Thing
No Joy - Negaverse (EP)
Peaking Lights - Lucifer
R. Kelly - Write Me Back
Ramin Djawadi - Game Of Thrones: Season Two (soundtrack)
Ravi Coltrane - Spirit Fiction
Return to Forever - The Mothership Returns
Reverend And The Makers - @reverend_makers
Richard Thompson - Live from Austin, TX (reissue) (vinyl)
Rumpelstiltskin Grinder - Ghostmaker
Sam Densmore - Ku-Thar'-Tik
Sam Sparro - Return To Paradise
Saxon - EMI Years (1985-1988) (4 CDs)
Senses Fail - Follow Your Bliss: The Best Of Senses Fail
Silver Jews - Early Times
Smashing Pumpkins - Oceania (vinyl)
Sophie B. Hawkins - The Crossing
Spineshank - Anger Denial Acceptance
Squarepusher - Ufabulum (vinyl)
Steve Roach - Day Out of Time
Stooshe - Black Heart
The Corduroy Road - Two Step Silhouette
The Dirty Heads - Cabin By The Sea
The Ghost Inside - Get What You Give
The Grip Weeds - Speed of Live
The Intelligence - Everybody’s Got It Easy But Me
The Marble Vanity - The Marble Vanity
The Overseer - We Search, We Dig
The Wretched End - Inroads
Thrice - The Illusion Of Safety (deluxe anniversary edition) (vinyl) (reissue)
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - Live Anthology, Playback
U.F.O - Celebrator: Rare Tracks
Various Artists - Dreamboats and Petticoats: Three Steps to Heaven
Various Artists - People Like Us (soundtrack)
Various Artists - Project X (soundtrack)
Various Artists - Official Rock Of Ages (soundtrack)
Various Artists - Brave (soundtrack)
Vaux - There Must Be Someway To Stop Them (reissue)
Vicci Martinez - Vicci
Walk the Moon - Walk the Moon
We Came As Romans - To Plant A Seed (vinyl)
White Arrows - Dry Land is Not a Myth
White Fang - Positive Feedback
Whitechapel - Whitechapel
Within The Ruins - TBA
YAWN - Happy Tears (EP)
xLooking Forwardx - Down With The Ship
Zulu Winter - Language
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lots of vinyl to be had at InSound!
POWERPOP BY 20/20, COUNTRY-PSYCH FROM CLOVER, BEAT POETRY WITH CHARLES BUKOWSKI AND SMOKE AND FIRE FROM SANFORD & TOWNSEND
Rounding out an eclectic month’s releases are Jackie Gleason and Bread’s Jimmy Griffin.
You probably realize by now that Real Gone Music possesses a degree of clairvoyance when it comes to picking albums that are ripe for rediscovery. At the same time, the label has already established itself as the most eclectic reissue label on the planet. But their next round of releases are wide-ranging even for this outfit— everything from the Tulsa new wave of 20/20 (20/20 and Look Out!) to the explicit spoken beat poetry of Charles Bukowski (Reads His Poetry), from the Bay Area Creedence-esque country-rock of Clover (Clover/Fourty Niner) to the lush mood music of Jackie Gleason (Music for Lovers Only). From “square” to squalid, pop standards to power pop, Real Gone goes there on July 31.
Steve Allen and Ron Flynt followed the power pop path blazed by fellow Tulsa natives Phil Seymour and Dwight Twilley when they moved in 1977 to Los Angeles, where they formed (with Mike Gallo) what has universally become one of the most highly regarded power pop/new wave outfits of the era, 20/20. How highly regarded? The long out-of-print CD reissue of their two albums (20/20 and Look Out!) on the Portrait label sells for over $50 — and that’s for a used copy. Real Gone Music has gone two better with the addition of a pair of non-LP single sides, “Child’s Play” and “People in Your Life,” which have never been on CD. So in effect, this twofer presents 20/20’s complete Portrait recordings. New liner notes featuring interviews with the band members, photos and a fresh remastering by Maria Triana at Battery Studios add to this collection’s 20/20 “vision.”
Clover is one of the most famous bands you have never heard of. They were the backing band on Elvis Costello’s My Aim Is True and a later incarnation of the group morphed into Huey Lewis & the News.
Among the founding members, John McFee became a Doobie Brother, Alex Call wrote hits for Lewis and many other artists (including Tommy Tutone’s “867-5309/Jenny”) and bassist Dr. John Ciambotti played on sessions for everybody from John Prine to Lucinda Williams. Given that pedigree, it’s rather astonishing that their first two records (Clover and Fourty Niner), cut for Fantasy in 1970 and ’71, respectively, have never been reissued. It’s no accident they were on Fantasy, either; not only did Clover hail from the Bay Area (Mill Valley), but they had a rootsy, early alt-country sound not unlike their more famous label-mate, Creedence Clearwater Revival. Alex Call himself supplies the liner notes to this overdue reissue, with added photos.
“This is Charles Bukowski. Well, let me just sit here and drink beer.” Thus begins the September 14, 1972 poetry reading from which his 1980 release on John Fahey’s Takoma label is drawn. Charles Bukowski Reads His Poetry is quintessential Bukowski, from the rude ’n’ crude drawing that adorns the front cover to the belches that punctuate the poems. As for the work itself, it’s not really what one might commonly conceive of as poetry, but rather observations and vignettes drawn from life’s darker side, focusing on perversions, poverty, drunkenness, gambling, and bodily functions. But Bukowski’s bemused air and self-deprecating humor blunt the shock value of the words and emphasize the universality of the themes. “I want you to hate me,” he says to the audience, but it’s hopeless — he is one of us. Real Gone has rescued this recording from the clinical, digital world of the CD, restoring it to a proper vinyl format. The album contains explicit material.
Is there any song that sums up the late ’70s pop radio like Sanford & Townsend’s “Smoke From a Distant Fire?” It had that blue-eyed soul, high-gloss L.A. production sound of the Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins and other superstars of the era, with the kind of hook only genuine pros could create. For, as is often the case with so-called “overnight sensations,” Ed Sanford and John Townsend had spent years in the music business before hitting it big with “Smoke.” Indeed, the sound of the Smoke From a Distant Fire album was no accident: the duo had worked with both Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins (who repays the favor with a great vocal on “Oriental Gate”) before cutting this 1977 release, whose sound also benefited from the nonpareil production skills of the great Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett. Real Gone has paired it with their 1979 album Nail Me to the Wall, which was released under the name Sanford & Townsend Band and makes its CD debut here; their final release, it didn’t enjoy the same chart success as its predecessor but does offer the same studio-perfect, West Coast ’70s pop. The Smoke From a Distant Fire/Nail Me to the Wall twofer CD features liner notes by Gene Sculatti containing an interview with John Townsend.
Bread fans might know him better as James Griffin, but back in 1963 Jimmy Griffin was one of the up-and-comers on the artist roster of Frank Sinatra’s Reprise label. So up-and-coming, in fact, that the label’s newly hired head of A&R, Jimmy Bowen, elected to produce his debut record himself and bring in Jack Nitzsche to arrange. The result was one of those great, early-’60s productions that was a little bit pop, a little bit country and a little bit rock, with backing by the vaunted Wrecking Crew of Leon Russell, Hal Blaine, Glen Campbell et al. (Campbell contributes a couple of tunes to the album). Summer Holiday makes its CD debut here, augmented by all of Jimmy’s non-LP Reprise singles, with notes by musician friend Brian Gari and photos. The result is classic pop from the future Bread singing/songwriting stalwart.
Probably the most popular, iconic mood music album ever made, Jackie Gleason’s Music for Lovers Only set the stage for untold imitators to come with its evocative album artwork and lush, sweeping soundscapes. Released as a 10” LP in 1952, it set the record — which still stands — for most weeks in the Top 10 Album charts at 153, and hit the charts yet again in 1955 when it was released as a 12” LP.
But here is where the history of Music for Lovers Only becomes, like most romances, complicated. The original 10” included only eight tracks, but Capitol’s first 12” issue of the album added eight more for a total of 16; subsequently, however, the album was reissued on LP with 12 tracks, and the out-of-print sole CD release of Music for Lovers Only featured just the eight tracks from the original 10” release. Now, for the first time ever on CD, Real Gone Music is restoring this classic album to its full 16-track length, with its glorious, original artwork intact — another first — and in its original mono. As for those wondering what musical contribution Mr. Gleason made to the album, some say he conceived of melodies in his head and described them vocally to his assistants. But when Bobby Hackett, whose wistful trumpet lines were the focal point of the Gleason sound and of this album, was asked what Jackie contributed to the recordings, he replied: “He brought the checks.” Either way, Music for Lovers Only stands as The Great One’s greatest musical achievement.
Street date July 31, 2012:
20/20: 20/20 and Look Out Charles Bukowski: Charles Bukowski Reads His Poetry Clover: Clover/Fourty Niner Jackie Gleason: Music for Lovers Only Sanford & Townsend: The Smoke From A Distant Fire/Nail Me to the Wall Jimmy Griffin: Summer Holiday
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lots of great music coming up this summer, including some DVDs, here's just a few releases to look forward to!
New Music Releases July 2012
July 3
Abandon All Ships - Infamous
Mike Patton - Laborintus II
Mum - Early Birds
Asia - XXX
July 10
Brendan James - Hope in Transition
Clare and the Reasons - KR-51
Delicate Steve - Positive Force
Dirty Projectors - Swing Lo Magellan
Husky - Forever So
Mission of Burma - Unsound
The Early November - n Currents
Twin Shadow - Confess
Jimi Hendrix - Jimi Plays Berkley (Blu-ray, vinyl, CD)
Jimi Hendrix - Voodoo Child (documentary blu-ray)
Robert Plant & the Band of Joy - Live from the Artists’ Den (Live DVD)
The Rolling Stones / Muddy Waters - Live at the Checkerboard Lounge Chicago 1981
July 17
Baroness - Yellow and Green
Belle Histoire - Dreamers
Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
Jack Ladder and the Dreamlanders - Hurtsville
Matisyahu - Spark Seeker
Shintaro Sakamoto - How to Live With a Phantom
Soul Asylum - Delayed Reaction
Crosby, Stills & Nash - CSN 2012 (DVD)
Ozzy Osbourne - Speak of the Devil (DVD)
Various Artists - Black on Blues (Black Keys tribute with Ginger Baker, Leslie West + more)
July 24
Eternal Summers - Correct Behavior
Laetitia Sadier - Silencio
Micachu and the Shapes - Never
Passion Pit - Gossamer
The Antlers - Undersea
The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten
Peter Gabriel - Secret World (DVD, Blu-ray)
July 30
Blur - Blur 21
July 31
thenewno2 - thefearofmissingout
Toadies - Play.Rock.Music
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awesome cover art!
IN THIS MOMENT: 'Blood' Album Cover Artwork, Track Listing Unveiled
Southern California's IN THIS MOMENT will release its fourth album, "Blood", on August 14 via longtime label Century Media Records. The CD was once again produced by Kevin Churko, who has previously worked with OZZY OSBOURNE and FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, among others.
Read more and get the tracklist at our friends at Blabbermouth
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album cover art of the day (i like skulls for some reason....):
GRAVE DIGGER: New Album Title, Cover Artwork Unveiled
German power metallers GRAVE DIGGER will release their new album, "Clash Of The Gods", on August 31 in Europe and September 4 in North America via Napalm Records. A six-song mini-CD, "Home At Last", will precede the full-length effort on July 27 in Europe and August 7 in North America.
THE KING BLUES ALBUM: ‘LONG LIVE THE STRUGGLE’ LABEL: TRANSMISSION RECORDINGS RELEASED: 2 JULY 2012
The news earlier this spring that The King Blues had disbanded sent ripples of confusion through the industry and created no small amount of distress among the group’s fans. Within minutes of the announcement, the news had trended world wide on Twitter and appeared on hundreds of social networking platforms and websites. Every platform from Radio 1 to The Guardian bemoaned the band’s passing and asked simply, why?
While the band’s demise is quite clearly a tragedy for music (who else fused the melodic touch of Bob Marley with the polemic of Joe Strummer?), the one ray of hope is that the band who went from week night support slots at Camden’s Purple Turtle to selling out the Roundhouse (also in Camden for all you geography nuts) have left us with quite possibly their finest work to date.
Long Live The Struggle released on 2 July through Transmission Recordings is the follow up to 2011’s critically acclaimed Punk & Poetry album and is a giant step forward in terms of the band’s sound, song writing and general approach. And while it retains the characteristics that have made The King Blues one of the most vital bands to come out of the UK in many a year, there is a newfound maturity and depth.
Tracks such as ‘We Are The Future’ and ‘Modern Life Has Let Me Down’ (released as a free download in May) still scream like the King Blues of old. Frontman Itch Fox spits out his lyrics with an anger last heard on early Rage Against The Machine albums. Lines such as Remind yourself your tie is not a noose and You can take this job and shove it are certainly not the musings of a man content with his or indeed, society’s lot. Elsewhere however, there are gentler, subtler outings such as ‘Walking Away’, ‘Tear Us Apart’ and the tearjerker, ‘Wasted Words’.
Part of this more mature sound is in part down to the efforts of producer John Feldmann. The LA-based sonic arranger who has brought his magic touch to artists such as Good Charlotte, The Used and Panic! At The Disco among others, had been eager to work with the band for a number of years. His keenness is evident throughout Long Live The Struggle, employing different genres and musical textures throughout its 12 tracks. There are special guests on the record too. ‘Can’t Bring Me Down’ features Jason Butler, while Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong guests on ‘Booted Out of Hell’.
Even posthumously the King Blues still do what they always did best: producing a rallying cry that sounds neither pompous nor judgemental. This time they’ve gone and done it with a bit more flair. They were never going to go out with a whimper, let’s face it.
The King is dead. Long live the King Blues. And the struggle.
Tracklist 1. We Are What We Own 2. We Are The Future 3. Modern Life Has Let Me Down 4. Wasted Words 5. Can’t Bring Me Down (Feat. Jason Butler) 6. Tear Us Apart 7. This Is My Home 8. Booted Out Of Hell (Feat. Tim Armstrong) 9. Power To The People 10. Walking Away 11. When The Revolution Comes 12. Keep The Faith The King Blues - Long Live The Struggle
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Tantara To Release New Album
Tantara are scheduled to release their new album 'Based On Evil' on August 24th via Indie Records. The band will also release a 7" vinyl for the "Based On Evil" single on June 29th.
1. Based On Evil 2. Mass Murder 3. Negligible Souls 4. The Debate 5. Human Mutation 6. Trapped In Bodies 7. Prejudice Of Violence 8. Killing Of Mother Earth
According to a press release:
"The plans to make a full-length record began right after the release of the EP 'Human Mutation' in 2010 and the band started the search for the right producer. Tantara entered the studio again in July 2011 to record their long anticipated debut album with the legendary producer Flemming Rasmussen. The band chose Rasmussen because of his background of producing records for bands like Rainbow, Metallica, Blind Guardian and Morbid Angel. The album 'Based On Evil' was recorded during four weeks in July 2011 in the studios ARK Recording Studios and Sweet Silence Mix Suite in Copenhagen, Denmark.
"Based On Evil is filled with fast, mind-boggling riffs, aggressive vocals and impeccable drumming. In addition to the melodic and masterly conducted solos one can find progressive elements in Tantara’s music. Their songs might be longer than normal in the genre, but they possess a unique song-writing talent that keep the listener engaged throughout the whole album. Tantara draws inspiration from bands such as Heathen, Anthrax, Exodus, Megadeth, Slayer, Nuclear Assault, Vio-lence and Metallica."
BOSCO DELREY (MAD DECENT) COVERS PAUL SIMON'S "I KNOW WHAT I KNOW" FOR GRACELAND'S 25TH
In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Paul Simon's classic Graceland album, bands have been submiting cover videos. Two weeks ago Louisiana's GIVERS covered That Was Your Mother and last week folk singer/songwriter Brett Dennen took on Crazy Love Vol. II.
Today, we're excited to share an amazing rendition of "I Know What I Know," courtesy of Mad Decent's Bosco Delrey.
Bosco Delrey 'I Know What I Know'
The Graceland 25th Anniversary CD/DVD/LP and box set is out now on Sony Legacy.
For additional information about the 25th anniversary of Graceland, related programming and products, please visit www.graceland25.com
============= interesting read, i love his work, had the opportunity to speak with roger a few years ago and found him quite friendly, like his legendary artwork!
Green Day have recently unveiled the artwork for their upcoming album 'iUno!.' The pop-punk trio debuted the new cover, which features singer Bille Joe Armstrong's face, with his eyes crossed out, against a swamp green background, via a new YouTube clip.
Watch the official album trailer for Uno! Dos! Tre! by Green Day
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Dinosaur Jr. Announces New Album Artwork, Tracklist
Dinosaur Jr. are set to release their new album called, 'I Bet on Sky,' on September 18 via Jagjaguarwar. The 10-track effort marks the band’s 10th album to date and their third since reforming in 2005. In support of the release, the band will embark on an extensive North American tour starting September 24th in Toronto.
Tracklist: 1. Don’t Pretend You Didn’t Know 2. Watch the Corners 3. Almost Fare 4. Stick a Toe In 5. Rude 6. I Know It Oh So Well 7. Pierce the Morning Rain 8. What Was That 9. Recognition 10. See It on Your Side
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Xibalba Reveals Album Cover Art, Tracklist
Southern California’s hardcore outfit Xibalba have recently confirmed the details of their sophomore album, 'Hasta La Muerte.' The following press release was issued:
"Xibalba’s debut LP Madre Mia Gracias Por Los Dias — released in 2011 via LP by A389 Records and later on CD by Southern Lord — combined with a relentless touring schedule for the past two years, have earned Xibalba the utmost respect from hardcore and metal fans worldwide. After officially signing with Southern Lord late last year, the time for the band’s first official release for the label to be unleashed grows near.
"Taking their down-tuned assault to iniquitous new dimensions, Xibalba’s ravenous breakdowns hit with the force of tsunamis and their riffs like mires of quicksand on Hasta La Muerte, showcasing more than ever how well the unit delivers such low-end savagery while remaining resilient, undeviating from their course of destruction. The album now confirmed for North American release on August 14th, the band recorded with Taylor Young (Nails), and outsourced the album’s powerful cover art concept to renowned death metal artist Dan Seagrave (Dismember, Entombed, Morbid Angel, Suffocation, etc.)."
Tracklist 1. No Serenity 2. Soledad 3. Laid to Rest 4. Burn 5. Sentenced 6. The Flood 7. Hasta La Muerte 8. Mala Mujer 9. Stoneheart 10. Lujuria 11. Cold
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album cover art of the day:
Frosttide Reveals Artwork & Track List
Finnish folk metal band Frosttide recently unveiled the album art and track listing for their new EP 'Our Journey,' which is slated for release at the end of the summer.
Tracklist: 1. Enemy Is Back 2. Carefree Village 3. Face Your Demons 4. Assault (check out stream below) 5. No Turning Back
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Asia To Release New Album
ASIA, featuring the original line-up of Geoff Downes (keyboards), Steve Howe (guitar), Carl Palmer (drums) and John Wetton (lead vocals and bass) celebrate their 30th anniversary (1982-2012) by
releasing their new album 'XXX' on July 2nd. Featuring artwork by Roger Dean, 'XXX' dovetails ASIA’s 30th Anniversary World Tour and the collectors box set edition of their eponymous debut album.
Their current single "Face On The Bridge," now in its sixth straight week on the A-list at Planet Rock; the UK’s premiere classic rock radio station, is also proving hugely popular on YouTube.
In 1982 their debut album topped The Billboard Top 100 Chart for nine weeks, and went on to become the biggest selling album of the year. The album spawned the hits "Heat Of The Moment," "Only Time Will Tell," and four other radio hits. The new album,' XXX,' produced by Mike Paxman, has been hailed ASIA’s best album since their classic early 80s releases. 'XXX' is released by Frontiers Records on Monday July 2nd on CD, special edition CD/DVD (featuring music videos, behind the scenes footage), and limited edition vinyl.
“We wanted to recapture the energy of the first album,” says ASIA’s guitarist, Steve Howe. “ASIA has always been about great songs, fantastic musicianship. Fans of the first album will fall in love with XXX.”
There are some album covers that are just iconic (Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ and U2′s ‘Boy’ are two that come to mind). Because the album art is the first part of the album to reach consumers, and is the visual representation of the band, artists are usually picky about what graces the cover of their album. Many times it’s a picture of the musicians themselves that is featured on the cover, or a piece of artwork.
But sometimes the band chooses a photograph that represents their sound or their image indirectly. They stage photo shoots with models, snap photos of people on the street, or choose from an old portfolio of photographs.
So whatever happened to the stars of these iconic covers?
Read the rest and see the updated images at thefw.com
DEAR JERRY: Just for fun, I did an online search for "The You Know Who Group," of which I was a member. That's how I found one of your columns about them.
It seems that no one, including Bob Gallo, our producer that you interviewed, knows who was in our group. Well, I definitely can tell you who was You Know Who.
If you have our album, or the image of the masked foursome from the front cover, grab it. Here's the lineup moving from left to right:
Yours truly (John Piemonte) is on the far left, and I played bass guitar. Second is Vinny Pollimini (not sure about the spelling), our lead guitarist. Third is Robert "Bobby" Esposito, drummer and our only singer. Last is rhythm guitarist Frank d'Avino.
We may have sounded British, but were really just four Italians from Brooklyn. Two of us grew up right down the block from Bob Gallo.
As for the costumes we're wearing on the cover, Frank d'Avino's mother, an experienced seamstress, made those capes and masks for us.
Much of the music was written and arranged by Bob Gallo, an accomplished musician and A/R man.
I even wrote one song but, silly as this sounds, I don't recall its title.
I think Frank is still in Brooklyn but have no idea where Bob and Vinny are. I am now 70 and living in Florida.
Hope this information helps!
—John Piemonte, Clearwater, Fla.
DEAR JOHN: It more than helps. For those immersed in the music world as much as I, this is front page news. I can see the headline now: YOU KNOW WHO GROUP FINALLY UNMASKED!
Your information perfectly matches what Bob Gallo told us last summer, even if he remembered only your vocalist.
Here is an excerpt of that interview:
"From their home base in Brooklyn, they came to my Manhattan studio, Talent Masters, wanting to record two original songs: "Roses Are Red My Love" and "Playboy." Both were written by Robert Esposito, their leader and also their lead singer.
"Other than Esposito, I don't recall the names of any of the other "Boys with That Great New English Sound."
As part of my reply to Gallo, knowing I had exhausted all known sources, I reluctantly admitted: "Unless we hear from Robert Esposito, or another member of the You Know Who Group, it is very unlikely we'll ever learn the names behind the other three masks."
Now my wish is granted, as you suddenly appear and clear up a 48-year-old musical mystery.
Thank you, John!
DEAR JERRY: A friend who knows I like Jo Stafford sent me a photocopy of a song folio, titled "Home & Hill Country Ballads (20 New Songs, Complete with Words & Music: Guitar, Ukulele, and Banjo Chords)."
When I saw it, I almost fell over backwards. Pictured on the front cover are the Stafford Sisters, with the caption: "Featured Trio on the Saturday Night Shindig." Neither Jo nor the other two are individually identified.
I have never heard of this trio. Were they really sisters? Did they ever record as the Stafford Sisters? When did Jo's solo career begin?
—Patrick Farrell, Milwaukee
DEAR PATRICK: First your friend, then you, set in motion one of the most important musical discoveries since … well … since we learned the names of the You Know Who Group.
Yes, at just 18, Jo teamed with her sisters Pauline and Christine. Right out of high school, the Stafford Sisters found work singing on KNX radio in Los Angeles.
The following year, 1937, they teamed with the No. 1 western music group, the Sons of the Pioneers, and announcer, Harry Hall, for a pilot performance on KHJ, and the American Broadcast System.
Specifically for this 15-minute program, titled "The Open Spaces," the Stafford Sisters were billed as the Daughters of the Pioneers.
The girls fit beautifully into the show, providing harmony and backing vocals for the Sons of the Pioneers on four of their tunes, "Tumbling Tumblweeds"; "Cool Water" (featuring Roy Rogers); "Chant of the Plains (I Need You)"; and "Blue Prairie."
They even get a song by themselves, "Ridin' Down the Canyon," prominently featuring Jo on lead.
At no time are they mentioned by name, only as the Daughters of the Pioneers.
Jo Stafford's first solo single, "Old Acquaintance" backed with "How Sweet You Are" (Capitol 142), came out over six years later, in December 1943.
Finally, thank you for sending the lovely greeting and postcards of your art.
IZ ZAT SO? Fortunately, someone in the booth at KHJ in 1937 preserved on a transcription disc the debut "Open Spaces" broadcast, especially vital because it was not picked up by the network, and there were no future episodes.
As there are also no known records by the Stafford Sisters, this historic recording must be the earliest example of Jo Stafford's singing.
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
Universal Music Enterprise and the Zappa Family Trust have partnered up to reissue the back catalog of Frank Zappa. To celebrate this, the estate has signed a global license and distribution deal with UNIVERSAL MUSIC ENTERPRISES to release 60 of the iconic composer’s recordings. The roll-out kicks off July 31 with 12 recordings, with another dozen recordings to be released monthly through the end of 2012.
“The ink is not yet dry on The Zappa Family Trust's worldwide deal with Universal Music Enterprises,” says Gail Zappa. “They made us the offer we couldn't refuse—for all the right reasons. It is a win-win for all of us, but mostly for Frank Zappa. Long may his baton wave. We are so ready to go.”
“The artist and composer, Frank Zappa, is one of the most important and influential artists in music history with his prolific body of work, including his breakthrough rock ‘n roll concept albums. We are honored that Gail Zappa and the Zappa Family Trust have entrusted us with his legacy. We intend to honor him and bring high quality releases, digital and physical, for his new and longtime fans,” said Bruce Resnikoff, President/CEO, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).
The first 12:
•Freak Out! (1966)
•Absolutely Free (1967)
•Lumpy Gravy (1968)
•We’re Only In It For The Money (1968)
•Cruising With Ruben & The Jets (1968)
•Uncle Meat (1969)
•Hot Rats (1969)
•Burnt Weeny Sandwich (1970)
•Weasels Ripped My Flesh (1970)
•Chunga’s Revenge (1970)
•Fillmore East, June 1971 (1971)
•Just Another Band From L.A. (1972)
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did an interview with Mighty John Marshall several years ago, quite an engaging gentleman and very friendly, he knows his records!! check out his new and improved site atMoneyMusic.coma great new feature is Record of the Day i love it!
Mighty John’s Top 10 Records Worth $1000
10. The Supremes: Meet The Supremes
•Mighty John tells us Motown is very collectable, and if you find The Supremes’ first album, Meet The Supremes, it can very easily be worth $1,000.
9. Jimi Hendrix: Axis: Bold As Love
•If you find the mono copy of this album, it can be worth around $2,000.
8. Lynyrd Skynyrd: Michelle
•The very first 45 these Southern rockers put out was called “Michelle” and just the 45 without the picture sleeve currently goes up to $2,000.
7. The Beatles: Can’t Buy Me Love
•You do need the picture sleeve for this one. The Beatles’ “Can’t Buy Me Love” goes up to $2,500.
6. The Byrds: Times They Are A Changin
•Look for The Byrds’ 45 Times They Are A Changin’ with the picture sleeve that could score you up to $2,500.
5. Bruce Springsteen: Spirit In The Night
•The Boss’ first 45 on Columbia Records titled “Spirit In The Night” goes for a whopping $5,000.
4. The Caine Mutiny soundtrack
•Soundtracks are also prized finds, and if you have the RCA soundtrack from Humphrey Bogart’s 1954 WWII film The Caine Mutiny, it could be worth up to $10,000!
3. Elvis Presley: Elvis’ Christmas Album
•The King’s very first of two Christmas albums released in 1957 features a specialty red vinyl record and can be worth up to $18,000.
2. The Rolling Stones: Street Fighting Man
•The 45 with the picture sleeve for The Rolling Stones’ “Street Fighting Man” can be worth up to $18,000.
1. Bob Dylan: The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan
•If you have a copy of Bob Dylan’s 1963 album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, take a look at the tracks and see if yours has the song “Talkin John Birch Society Blues” then that record could be worth up to $20,000.
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lovely album cover art!
ICARUS WITCH To Release 'Rise' In July
On July 3, Cleopatra Records will release the fifth studio record from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based melodic metallers ICARUS WITCH. "Rise" is an epic twelve-track display of songwriting and musicianship from one of the most-watched heavy music bands of the decade. From the driving, anthemic "(We Are) The New Revolution" to the equally commanding title track, "Rise", ICARUS WITCH demonstrates impeccable harmonies, head-spinning dual guitar work, and hammering rhythm. Lyrically, the band is digging deep into themes of control (loss of, and taking it back), empowerment (within and without), and faith (and keeping it). The CD was produced by Dave Watson (MANTIC RITUAL, ARGUS) and mastered by Mark Richardson (BARONESS, THE BLACK KEYS).
All About Jazz says Unity Band is "unequivocally one of Metheny's finest—an album that's sure to find its way to 'best of' lists for 2012."
For the first time since his 1980 release 80/81, guitarist Pat Metheny has recorded with a band that features tenor saxophone. Unity Band, due from Nonesuch on June 12, 2012, introduces a new Metheny ensemble with Chris Potter on sax and bass clarinet, longtime collaborator Antonio Sanchez on drums, and the up-and-coming Ben Williams on bass. The album features nine new Metheny compositions.
Metheny says of the three-decade gap since his last project to feature saxophonists (the late great Dewey Redman and Michael Brecker): “In many ways my bands were envisioned as an alternative to the more conventional kinds that I had come up playing in. The fact that it has taken another 30 years to get to it again is kind of a testament to how busy those ‘alternative’ ways of thinking have kept me.
“We all always talked about revisiting that band at some point, but with both Mike and Dewey gone now, that will never happen,” he continues. “But then Chris Potter came along. As a fan, I have watched as he has become one of the greatest musicians of our time, and when we were both invited to play on Antonio Sanchez’s debut record, I immediately saw that we had a natural way of playing and phrasing that suggested something more. I started thinking right then of somehow building a project around that.”
For the rhythm section, Metheny explains, “Antonio was kind of an obvious choice; he has been one of my closest associates over the past ten years and has also played a lot with Chris. He is such a special musician. There was a certain kind of power I knew that Chris and I would be getting to and I can’t think of anyone who could take us to that place better than Antonio.” He continues, “A few years ago, Christian McBride invited me to an event that he was leading with the jazz students at Juilliard. Ben Williams was featured on a few tunes and his playing spoke to me immediately. I used Ben a few times to sub for Christian with the trio and found him to be a great playing partner and a great person too. He and Antonio had an instantly effortless rapport.”
Once he had assembled this stellar band, Metheny wrote a considerable amount of new material for them. Through rehearsals, they winnowed the music down to the nine tunes on the Unity Band album. “It’s funny, I have heard so many guitar/tenor records that have been clearly influenced by that 80/81 sound, and yet I really wanted to try to take it to a different place this time, even though that record was certain to be a reference point along the way,” Metheny says. “One of Antonio’s specialties is this even eighth-note thing he does, and in a lot of ways that set a direction for the writing. But still, this is a group of musicians who can do just about anything.”
Over the course of more than three decades, guitarist Pat Metheny has set himself apart from the jazz mainstream, expanding and blurring boundaries and musical styles. His record-setting body of work includes 19 Grammy Awards in 12 separate categories; a series of influential trio recordings; award-winning solo albums; scores for hit Hollywood motion pictures; and collaborations and duets with major artists such as Ornette Coleman, Steve Reich, Charlie Haden, Brad Mehldau, and many others. His band the Pat Metheny Group, founded in 1977, is the only ensemble in history to win Grammys for seven consecutive releases.
Swiss rockers The Order has recently revealed the album cover artwork for the band's new album called '1986,' which is scheduled for release on July 27th, 2012.
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GRIMEY'S BEST SELLERS 6/04 - 6/10, 2012
Vinyl Top 25:
1. The Walkmen - Heaven
2. PUJOL - United States Of Being
3. Langhorne Slim & The Law - The Way We Move
4. Japandroids - Celebration Rock
5. David Bowie & The Spiders From Mars - Ziggy Stardust
6. At The Drive-In - Vaya 10"
7. Liars - WIXIW
8. Sigur Ros - Valtari
9. Beach House - Bloom
10. Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls
11. King Tuff - King Tuff
12. The Hives - Lex Hives
13. Mount Eerie - Clear Moon
14. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Here
15. Brendan Benson - What Kind Of World
16. Jack White - Blunderbuss
17. The Lumineers - The Lumineers
18. Beck - I Just Started Hating People Today 7"
19. Best Coast - The Only Place
20. JD McPherson - Signs & Signifiers
21. The Mars Volta - Notourniquet
22. Paul Simon - Graceland
23. Dr. John - Locked Down
24. Ty Segall & White Fence - Hair
25. The Black Keys - El Camino
The Vinyl Pulse, is a weekly snapshot of what is selling on the big vinyl machine called eBay. This is a great way to keep your eyes peeled for a specific record and what you might have to pay for it to obtain it.
CollectorsFrenzy lists the top 25 real time ended auctions and the selling price for the collectible vinyl and is updated daily.
Top 10 Items for 06/12/2012
1. BEATLES & DICK JAMES "PLEASE, PLEASE ME"
Sold Price:$3938.00 USD End Time:06/12/2012
2. MEGA RARE 999/NINE NINE NINE. "NASTY NASTY" 78 RPM PUNK PROMO!!!! 1 OF 50
Sold Price:$1389.79 USD End Time:06/12/2012
3. Rare Beatles LP "Beatles Vs The Four Seasons" VJ VeeJay Records Original STEREO
Sold Price:$1325.00 USD End Time:06/12/2012
4. Fraction Moonblood - Psych Monster ORIGINAL LP 1971 Angelus WR 5005 1 of 200
Sold Price:$1180.00 USD End Time:06/12/2012
5. Wurlitzer Jukebox
Sold Price:$1070.26 USD End Time:06/12/2012
6. Full DJ Set up & Happy Hardcore Vinyl Collection worth over £1k **Price drop**
Sold Price:$1039.24 USD End Time:06/12/2012
7. SAINTE ANTHONY'S FYRE Original Pressing ZONK STEREO-001 LP Vinyl Record RARE!!!!
Sold Price:$928.55 USD End Time:06/12/2012
8. 45 Northern Soul GEORGE BLACKWELL Can't Lose My Head 1966 Smoke 200 Original!
Sold Price:$898.77 USD End Time:06/12/2012
9. KAK 1969 STILL SEALED RARE PSYCH LP(EPIC 26429 STEREO)
Sold Price:$835.28 USD End Time:06/12/2012
10. PINK FLOYD THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, SOLID BLUE TRIANGLE, ORIGINAL RELEASE Sold Price:$832.57 USD End Time:06/12/2012
Slipknot Announces 'Antennas To Hell' Album, Reveals Album Cover Art
For their millions of fans around the world, Slipknot are as much a culture and a way of life as they are a band. To completely engage with all of the perseverance, ingenuity, artistic integrity and holistic vision of Slipknot's creative output in all of its forms, is to fully embrace every facet, and to find community in counterculture and true strength in survival.
Slipknot is like no other band the rock scene has ever encountered and to celebrate two decades of game-changing existence, the band will release Antennas to Hell, a "best of" collection documenting its inimitable career, on July 24. The album is scheduled to be released via Roadrunner Records while the band is spending its summer as the main attraction of the 2012 edition of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, as well as curating and headlining the inaugural year of their very own festival, Knotfest.
The time is right for a "best of" collection from the band, as it captures the first chapter of Slipknot – a chapter where they’ve gone from unknown to the one of the biggest rock bands in the world -- all on their own terms.
This summer’s Mayhem and Knotfest outings celebrate the band and the life of late bassist Paul Gray, and will serve as ‘the end of the beginning’ for Slipknot – this summer’s performances will be the fan’s last chance to see them as they are now. Of course the band will continue- but just as inevitable with Slipknot, is the fact that the band will evolve - and the future is unwritten. Antennas to Hell serves as a companion to that celebration. The two-disc version of Antennas to Hell includes a bonus live CD that captures the band’s 2009 performance at the legendary Download Festival in the U.K. The live disc showcases the band playing a set of career spanning classics in front of 80,000 rabid fans. The journey from - “(sic)” - track 1 on their self-titled debut - to “Snuff” - the haunting No. 1 rock track from 2008’s All Hope Is Gone - proves that. The album features fan favorites, live classics and well-known radio hits.
Furthering the immersion in the band’s culture, this summer will see the release of the band’s first ever mobile application, Wear the Mask. Part mask builder, part social connector for fans, and 100% Slipknot in its look and execution, the app brings the Slipknot mindset into previously uncharted territory – the mobile devices of fans worldwide. Wear the Mask will be released simultaneously with Antennas to Hell.
Take a look at the numbers. Globally, Slipknot have notched 11 Platinum albums and 38 Gold albums, as well as some multi-Platinum releases across albums and DVD releases. The band's most recent studio album, All Hope Is Gone, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top 200 chart. The band has won a Grammy, and has also been nominated seven times.
Slipknot march on, 15 years since the first incarnation came together. Personalities may collide but their collective drive continues to keep them bonded as brothers. "We're banded together in hate," says Jordison. "Sometimes we hate each other, sometimes we hate the world. Sometimes we just hate our own lives. But when we get together, something monstrous happens and we pull this amazing sound out of all that energy. Plus, we believe in world domination. And this is the band that’s going to get us there.”
Marillion's 1991 release Holidays In Eden was its second with Steve Hogarth.
Featuring a streamlined production and a greater Rock and Pop influence, the album produced the infectious hit No One Can.
This heavyweight vinyl reissue is presented in a non-gatefold sleeve with a 12" x 12" art print. Buy at BurningShed
Yes - Open Your Eyes (double vinyl preorder)
Something of an underrated entry in the extensive Yes catalogue, Open Your Eyes was the band's 17th studio release.
The album marked Billy Sherwood becoming an official member of Yes, following Rick Wakeman's departure from the band, and initially grew out of a Squire/Sherwood side project.
The production echoes the sound of 1980s Yes, while replacing 90125's Hard Rock approach with a more harmony vocal orientated Pop sensibility reminiscent of very early Yes and Chris Squire's solo material.
Side four of this very limited (2000 copies globally) heavyweight double vinyl edition contains the 15 minute Ambient hidden track from the cd version.
Mary Black – Speaking With The Angel – 3 U Records/Pure Pleasure Records – vinyl
Irish singer soars on this re-mastered vinyl recording.
Mary Black – Speaking With The Angel – 3 U Records (1999)/Pure Pleasure Records (2011) PPAN 014 180-gram audiophile stereo vinyl, 51:32 ****:
(Mary Black – bodhran, vocals; Donal Lunny – bouzouki, electric bouzouki, guitar, vocals; Bill Shanley – guitar, vocals; Rod Quinn – drums, percussion; James Blennerhasset – double bass; Pat Crowley – keyboards, accordion, piano, electric piano, Hammond, vocals; Brendan Power – harmonica; Alvin Sweeney – vocals; Frank Gallagher – fiddle, viola, low whistle; Ciaran Tourish – fiddle; Nollaig Casey – fiddle; Liam O Flynn – whistle, Uileann pipes; Steve Cooney – guitar, double bass, didjeridu, percussion; Brian Dunning – flute, Paddy Cole – clarinet; Laoise Kelly – harp; Colin Dunne – dancing feet; Liam Bradley – tambourine, drums, vocals; Noel Bridgeman – percussion, vocals; Liam O Maonlai – vocals; Billy Robinson – bass; Martin Brunsden – vibes; Lloyd Byrne – percussion)
Born into an intense Irish musical family, Mary Black has been pursuing a career nearly her entire life. Though she played in groups around Ireland, her recognition peaked with her solo career. Early recordings, including the platinum-best seller (By The Time It Gets Dark) elevated her local status. Her evocative vocal style resonated with the public. Comparisons with other singers including Sinead O’Connor, Enya and Maire Brennan (Clannad), foreshadowed a crossover to UK and American markets.
Among her musical peers, Black is held in esteem. Van Morrison, Emmylou Harris, Joan Baez and Mary Chapin Carpenter have recorded and performed live with her. Subsequent releases of The Holy Ground (1993), Circus (1995) and Shine (1997) enhanced her commercial viability. Black attempted to expand the folk roots contexts of her previous work, with varying results. One aspect that never wavered was the purity of her voice, which has been utilized by English magazine What Hi-Fi? in ascertaining the sound quality of hi-fidelity systems. At the core of her music was the tonal connection to Irish aesthetics. Twenty-five years into a memorable career, her legacy was captured in a documentary Still Believing, and the critically acclaimed CD (Full Tide) which included songs by some of her favorite composers including Bob Dylan. Additionally, she contributed original material, consisting of more personalized songs
One of the key, transformative projects was Speaking With The Angel, first recorded in 1999. Merging some of the modern electric instruments with the traditional music that emanated on earlier projects, the songs are sophisticated and share a worldly perspective. Side One opens with an emotional rumination, “Turning Away”. After a slow groove on keyboards (Pat Crowley), the rhythm is altered to a steadier beat, accented by Donal Lunny on bouzouki. The aesthetic core is represented in the gossamer, clear vocals of Black. She is able to sustain the emotional feel, and is helped by a blended vocal chorus. “Cut By Wire” has a folk resonance with harmonica (Brendan Power) and whistle accent (Frank Gallagher). There is an up tempo country rocker (“Don’t Say Okay”) that adds fiddles (Gallagher, Ciarin Tourish) and accordion. But Black seems most comfortable on introspective numbers. On “Bless The Road” (a hymn) and “Broken Wings” her voice soars with pathos and graceful eloquence. The latter features nimble double bass work (Steve Cooney) and elegiac, indigenous pipe and whistle coloring by Liam O’Flynn.
Side Two offers a change in the album dynamics. “Message Of Love” is a freewheeling pop arrangement with a broader, almost orchestral structure. Black’s singing is playful. But the low key sound emphasizes the singer’s formidable range. The title cut is a simple acoustic ballad with earnest vocals and discreet guitar (Cooney). In the same mode, “I Live Not Where I Love” is an inspirational Celtic ode that underlines the haunting quality of her voice. Her clear, vibrato-less phrasing is reminiscent of Joan Baez. A simple accordion accent (Crowley) and acoustic guitar (Cooney) is all that is needed. Generally, bonus material can be hit or miss, but not here. Black’s mournful cover of Sting’s “Fields Of Gold” is superb. With a slower pace and graceful elocution, the song reflects Black’s persona.
Speaking With The Angel is ideally suited for audiophile vinyl. The re-mastering by Pure Pleasure Records is superior. Black’s voice has exceptional warmth, but with prominent clarity. The acoustic (guitars, bouzouki) and Irish instrumentation (whistles, pipes) is captured with subtlety and precision. The separation is excellent, especially on layered mixes.
TrackList:Side 1: Turning Away; Cut By Wire; Don’t Say Okay; Bless The Road; Broken Wings; Fall At Your Feet Side 2: Message Of Love; Moments; Speaking With The Angel’ Big Trip To Portland; I Live Where I Love; Bonus Track: Fields Of Gold
Thad Jones/Mel Lewis – Consummation – Blue Note/ Pure Pleasure Records – vinyl
Iconic jazz orchestra ushers in a new era for big band music.
Thad Jones/Mel Lewis – Consummation – Blue Note (1970)/ Pure Pleasure Records (2012) PPAN BST 84346 180-gram audiophile stereo vinyl, 46:04 *****:
(Thad Jones – Flugelhorn; Mel Lewis – drums; Snooky Young – trumpet; Danny Moore – trumpet; Al Porcino – trumpet; Marvin Stamm – trumpet; Eddie Bert – trombone; Benny Powell – trombone; Jimmy Knepper – trombone; Cliff Heather – trombone; Jerome Richardson – alto & soprano saxophone, flute; Jerry Dodgion – alto saxophone, flute, clarinet; Eddie Daniels – tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute; Billy Harper – tenor saxophone, flute; Pepper Adams – baritone saxophone, clarinet; Roland Hanna – piano, electric piano; Richard Davis – bass, electric bass; David Spinozza – guitar; Jimmy Buffington – French horn; Earl Chapin – French horn; Dick Berg – French horn; Julius Watkins – French horn; Howard Johnson – tuba; with Richie Kamuca & Joe Farrell)
By the mid-sixties, big band jazz was all but extinct. In New York, a band was formed by trumpeter Thad Jones and drummer Mel Lewis. Comprised of an all-star cadre of studio musicians in New York, The Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra made their debut at the Village Vanguard in 1966. Their arrangements (by Jones who previously wrote and toured with Count Basie) drew on big band, swing, bebop and hard bop influences. Drummer extraordinaire Jones brought a smaller “combo” dynamic to the rhythm section that would be a benchmark for future big band drummers. Decades after their inception, the band remains as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, playing the legendary namesake venue regularly since the early nineties.
The re-mastered audiophile vinyl of Consummation (recorded in 1970) by Pure Pleasure Records captures the artistry of this progressive big band. With seven original compositions (written and arranged by Thad Jones), forty-six minutes of intricate textured large ensemble jazz unfolds with unpretentious skill and creativity. Side One opens with a presumed ballad, “Dedication”. Jones’ flugelhorn is lyrical and melodic, backed by tinkling piano, bass and drum cymbal. Adding a soothing reed backdrop, horn accents chime in, only to segue into an explosive swing/dance jam.” It Only Happens Every Time” is laid out in a bossa nova tempo, with muted trumpet (Marvin Stamm) and flute (Jerome Richardson) shading. Roland Hanna contributes an elegant piano solo. Switching to a breezier cadence, “Tiptoe” is a layered arrangement, with graduated, sweeping movements There is an interlude with brush drums (Lewis) and horns that is rousing. Lewis’ band-leading talents are impressive. Roland Hanna’s sensitivity returns on “A Child Is Born”. Jones also contributes to the emotional landscape with another memorable Flugelhorn lead. Using different approaches, “Us” is a funky brassy number that combines bass (Richard Davis) and guitar (David Spinoza) in a 60s-style rock mode.
Side Two turns up the heat on ”Amunk Amunk”. This opus percolates with soulful horns (especially a muscular tenor saxophone run by Eddie Daniels) and an electric piano. Within this framework, many subtle combinations of instruments are propelled by the driving pulse of Lewis. Fans of bop will be delighted with “Fingers”. At ten and a half minutes (the longest cut on the album) the uptempo fury energizes the impromptu skills of the players, including a wild solo on trombone by Benny Powell. Lewis’ driving rhythm (and ending flourish) matches the intensity of Art Blakey. The title cut (another ballad) brings in French horns and tuba (Howard Johnson), to combine with the muted trumpet of Snooky Young. After a nuanced crescendo, the album comes to a harmonious close.
The sound quality of this vinyl recording is dazzling. All of the instruments (even in a heavily blended configuration) are vibrant, and possess a warm resonance (especially the reeds). Delicate touches like a drum brush or flute emerge from the mix unfettered. The incisive liner notes from Jones and Lewis are tantamount to being in the studio during the recording. Even the illustrations by Leo Meirsdorff (color and black & white) are amazing. Consummation is a tremendous accomplishment, especially on hi-res vinyl.
TrackList:Side One: Dedication; It Only Happens Every Time; Tiptoe; A Child Is Born; Us Side Two: Ahunk Ahunk; Fingers; Consummation —Robbie Gerson
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.
this week's best selling vinyl records from our friends at SoundStageDirect
Sound Stage Direct Top Ten Best Selling Vinyl Week Ending 06/08/2012
1. Grateful Dead - Skull & Roses
Numbered Limited Edition 180g 2LP Set
1971 Double Live Album Presents Legendary Bands Expansion Into Country Rock, Traditional Rock and Roll, and Roots Folk
Half-Speed Mastered from the Original Master Tapes: Ultra-Quiet Pressing Features Spacious, Transparent, Illuminating, and Organic Sound
Prototype Document of the Deads Second-Era Sound and Lineup: More Accessible, Concise, and Stripped-Down Performances
Includes Many Longtime Staples of the Bands Live Repertoire: Playing in the Band, The Other One, Me and My Uncle, Bertha, Wharf Rat, and More
Part of Mobile Fidelitys Amazing Grateful Dead Reissue Series: Live/Dead, From the Mars Hotel, Wake of the Flood, and In the Dark Also Available on 180g LP
The Grateful Dead took to the start of the 1970s as a different albeit equally thrilling and eminently broader-reaching band than the ensemble that revolutionized psychedelia in the late 1960s. Made evident in the back-to-back studio releases Workingmans Dead and American Beauty, the group increased its mastery of harmony-driven roots songs distinguished by catchy signatures, more concise arrangements, and impossibly organic textures. Captured live in spring 1971 and featuring not a single repeated song from Live/Dead, the expressive performances on Skull & Roses document this stylistic expansion in unsurpassed fashion. The double-LP constitutes the no-limits sound of an iconic band coming in to its own.
Half-speed mastered from the original master tapes with the utmost care, and part of the labels unprecedented Grateful Dead reissue series, Mobile Fidelitys numbered limited edition 180g 2LP version of Skull and Roses presents the downsized Dead lineups most memorable songs in previously unimaginable fidelity. From the moment Jerry Garcias guitar pick touches a string at the outset of the scampering Bertha, the improvements are palpable: Life-size images, airy vocals, subterranean bass lines, incredibly spacious separation, tube-amp warmth, faithful tones, and balanced dynamics lead a crystal clear path to the music and the Deads extraordinary collective spark.
Originally captured on a 16-track recorder, the songs brim with rarified levels of you-are-there realism and reach-out-and-touch immediacy. Notorious for its exacting sound demands, the Dead achieves the kind of instrumental and frequency-range transparency that many dedicated audiophiles spend their entire lives dreaming about. Skull and Roses is a kernel of sonic truth. Such is the pressings degree of detail and insight that listeners will be able to debate what gauge guitar strings the members are using as they savor every last breath, riff, and snare hit.
Thankfully, the bands perfectionist attitude toward sound doesnt literally transfer over to its music approach. Loose, lively, playful yet earthy, focused, and committed, the Dead crackles with boogie-based moxie, greasy soulfulness, and swaggering bravado, each note seemingly exploding like tiny pieces of magic that hover in the air and cast hypnotic spells. The groups embrace of leaner, tighter, more melodically incisive songs and the swaying rhythms that accompany the approach directly relate to two key lineup changes: the temporary departure of drummer Mickey Hart and permanent leave of keyboardist Tom Constanten. As a result, the Dead toured as a quintet, with Bill Kreutzmann the sole percussionist and Garcia, bassist Phil Lesh, guitarist/singer Bob Weir, and keyboardist/vocalist Ron Pigpen McKernan rounding out the barer-bone cast.
Not only do Garcia, Lesh, and Weir show tremendous growth as singers, the Dead as a whole further invest in folk, country, R&B, rock, and blues traditionsvia Garcias sweeter tones and Bakersfield picking, Weirs cowboy twang and increasingly confident counterpoints, Kreutzmanns hang-fire beats and scurrying grooves, Leshs weighty sway, McKernans foreshadowing spiritual timbres. Inspired covers of tunes by Merle Haggard (a frisky and defiant Mama Tried), Willie Dixon (the comfortably rumbling, boozy honky tonk Big Boss Man), Kris Kristofferson (the dusty, peaceable tale Me and Bobby McGee), Chuck Berry (a supercharged romping Johnny B. Goode), and Buddy Holly (Not Fade Away, segued into Goin Down the Road Feeling Bad) announce the Deads intent to make practically every style of contemporary American music their own, and in the processto paraphrase the great Bill Grahambe the only ones that did what they did.
A similar attitude informed the records genesis. The group originally lobbied to call the album Skullfuck before the record label, at an allegedly chaotic meeting at the infamous Hyatt Hotel, dissuaded the humorous ploy. While technically named Grateful Dead, the album is commonly known as Skull and Roses due to Alton Kelly and Stanley Mouses now-iconic cover art. Trivia buffs might know the latter is based on an illustration for an antique edition of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.
The 1971 effort also has another huge claim to fame: It included the message DEAD FREAKS UNITE. Who are you? Where are you? How are you? Those simple lines, and the invitation to respond, created of the Deadhead subculture and biggest fan list in history, utterly pioneering the industry overnight.
Track Listing: Side 1 1. Bertha 2. Mama Tried 3. Big Railroad Blues 4. Playing in the Band
Side 2 1. The Other One
Side 3 1. Me and My Uncle 2. Big Boss Man 3. Me and Bobby McGee 4. Johnny B. Goode
Side 41. Wharf Rat 2. Not Fade Away/Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad
Get it allthe dazzling graphics, dizzying performances, deft sonicsby ordering your prized collectable edition of Skull and Roses today!
2. The Band - Music From Big Pink 3. David Bowie - The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust 4. Various Artists - The Big Lebowski 5. Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon 6. MFSL Original Master Record Sleeves (50) 7. Ten Years After - A Space In Time 8. White Zombie - Astro-Creep: 2000 (Pre-Order Shipping Approx. June 25th) 9. Bob Dylan and the Band - The Basement Tapes 10. Beck - I Just Started Hating Some People Today
Pre-Order Sonny & The Sunsets Longtime Companion CD/LP
Sonny & The Sunsets' new album Longtime Companion is a country record. It's a break up record. Love and Heartache. Every song was written during and is about his break up with his girlfriend of ten years.
The songs came fast and naturally so Smith let the next record be something different, he embellished his Sunsets with members of his country band The Fuckaroos. Recorded to tape in a musty beer stained basement, what transpired was a classic country record.
Smith grew up listening to old time music, his dad is a banjo player and his parents and friends played old time music. "It was around the house, but I didn't like it!" recalls Sonny. "My dad played banjo and his friends would come over and play fiddle and mandolin. But I would go watch tv or listen to AC/DC."
However, some kind of country strain sank in. Gene Clark, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Townes Van Zandt, a little Johnny Cash, even the countrier side of the Kinks – there are hints of all of these in the new record and yet ultimately it still remains a Sonny & the Sunsets sound through and through.
Pre-orders ship June 15. All orders receive an INSTANT MP3 download at checkout.
5x Grammy winner & legendary guitar icon gives fans Nothin But Love
(New York, NY, June 6, 2012) Legendary guitar icon, 5x Grammy winner and 15-time Grammy nominee Robert Cray releases Nothin But Love- his much anticipated sixteenth studio album August 28, 2012 on the Provogue label.
Produced by famed rocker Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin) Nothin But Love captures Cray at his finest with material from all four Robert Cray Band members; Cray (vocals/guitar), Jim Pugh
(keyboards), Richard Cousins (bass) and Tony Braunagel (drums) that blends blues, rock, soul and jazz.
Recorded at Revolver Studios in LA, the ten song CD features the soaring breakup blues of “Won’t Be Coming Home”, the jazz chops of “I’ll Always Remember You”, the soul-drenched ode to repossession “Great Big Old House” and the frantic ’50s-flavoured rocker “Side Dish.”.
Recently inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame (at 57 years, the youngest living inductee) Cray is considered “one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.” Rolling Stone Magazine (April 2011) credits Cray’s Strong Persuader with reinventing the blues with his “distinct razor sharp guitar playing” that “introduced a new generation of mainstream rock fans to the language and form of the blues.”
Cray has recorded fifteen Billboard charting studio albums, performed thousands of sold out shows, and has written or played with everyone from Eric Clapton to Stevie Ray Vaughan, from Bonnie Raitt to John Lee Hooker.
With over 12 million records sold and his own line of Fender guitars, Cray has established himself as a genre defining artist- breaking through the pop ceiling with his gate crashing/blues-edged trademark sound and distinct style that has become a signature blend of r&b, pop, rock, soul and traditional blues. The New York Times says, “his voice, alternately smooth and craggy, is often richer and more emotive than Mr. Clapton’s, and he knows the best ways to use it,” while Guitar Player Magazine noted, “Robert Cray is not only making great music he’s making history…”
Never one to rest on his laurels, Robert Cray is once again laying down his cards, testing his talent, fusing that dazzling voice to some of his most powerful material in three-decades and offering his fans Nothin But Love.
Former Fleetwood Mac Guitarist Bob Welch Dead at 65
by: Billy Dukes
Early Fleetwood Mac guitarist Bob Welch was found dead Thursday afternoon (June 7) from what police are describing as a self-inflicted gun shot wound. According to the Associated Press, the 65-year-old Welch shot himself in the chest inside his Nashville-area home.
Slovak doom metal band Galadriel have jsut released the album cover art for their new LP. Five years after the release of 'Renascence Of Ancient Spirit,' the band is in the recording studio again. The new album is called 'The 7th Queen Enthroned' and it will be released in September via Gothoom Productions. judging by the picture (you can do that, right?) it would seem to me to be a haunting effort.
