Private Record Collection For Sale

Nationally Syndicated Radio Host Norm N. Nite, "Mr. Music," to Auction Private Memorabilia Collection


Norm N. Nite, legendary radio host and author of "Rock On" to auction personal collection of classic rock memorabilia in The Legends of Radio Auction hosted by Backstage Auctions.

Houston, TX (Billboard Publicity Wire) May 28, 2008 -- Backstage Auctions is thrilled to present "The Legends of Radio Auction" featuring over four decades of records, original radio interviews, concert footage, photos, signed ephemera, posters, handbills and press kits from the personal collection of veteran radio broadcasters Norm N. Nite and Todd T. Taylor.

Known to listeners as "Mr. Music" for his extensive knowledge of the history of popular music, Norm N. Nite has a long and distinguished career that reads like a "Who's Who" of radio. He started his broadcast career in 1961 as an on air personality with such stations as WHK-AM/Cleveland, WGAR-FM/Cleveland, WCBS-FM/New York and WNBC/New York and has been riding the rock and roll music "Nite" train ever since. But radio hasn't been his only gig. Nite made his first national television debut in 1968, appearing on such popular television shows as Mike Douglas, Tomorrow Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CNBC - Talk Live, MSNBC, Dinah Shore and has even been a guest VJ on MTV. Broadcasting live from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2003, Nite's weekend rock and roll show can be heard on Sirius Satellite Radio.

Hundreds of interviews with legendary entertainment personalities, including almost every Rock and Roll great and Hall of Famer, have made Nites's published works essential for music lovers. He has penned four books, which are all part of the "Rock On" series. One of the many pieces highlighted in the auction is Norm's personal hand bound copy of "Rock On." "This is more than just a simple copy of his book; it was one of the first Holy Grail rock and roll books written by a US author. It contains over 125 autographs from various artists and entertainment industry icons," explains Jacques van Gool, founder of Backstage Auctions. "Its hard to even put a value on a book that collectively contains autographs from John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Sir George Martin, Keith Richards, Dick Clark, The Beach Boys, Chubby Checker, Bo Diddley, Roy Orbison…and that's just a few!"

Equally impressive is the personal record collection of broadcast veteran, Todd T. Taylor, who currently serves as the President of the Radio and Television Broadcaster's Hall of Fame in Ohio. His massive vinyl collection, which spans from the late 1950s to the late 1970s, is mind blowing. Taylor's collection exceeds 5,000 records and 15,000 singles with a strong emphasis on vintage rock and roll, rhythm and blues, soul, pop and surf, whereas Nite's wax treasures are a haven for enthusiasts of doo-wop and vocal groups. The museum-worthy depth of both collections, combined with an overwhelming amount of rare (white label) promotional copies, has the makings of an unforgettable auction event. "Given the remarkable rarity of Taylor's collection it will be hard for any collector or fan to pass up this unique opportunity," explains van Gool.

"The Legends of Radio Auction" will begin Sunday, June 22nd at www.backstageauctions.com. The auction will run for one week, ending on Sunday, June 29th. A special preview of the full auction catalogue will be available to view online beginning Sunday June 15th.

Backstage Auctions is a leading online auction company specializing in classic rock memorabilia direct from the private collections of music industry professionals. Founded on the principles of combining their client's career achievements and popularity with the demand and interest of collectors and fans that desire truly authentic and unique collectibles, Backstage Auctions is the place where rock legends live on.

For more information on the auction and the items that will be featured please visit:
www.backstageauctions.com.

Contact:
Backstage Auctions, Inc.
713-862-1200
www.backstageauctions.com

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Metallica Launch Brand-New Interactive Website

missionmetallica.com Enables Fans to Experience the Band's Upcoming Album Before It's Done via Exclusive Content All Summer Long!

BURBANK, CA--(Marketwire - May 27, 2008) - In what promises to be an exciting and innovative interactive experience for fans of Metallica, the band has announced it will launch a brand-new website, Mission Metallica (www.missionmetallica.com), which offers users a unique, ground-breaking look-in on the making of Metallica's upcoming ninth studio album, which the band began recording last year with producer Rick Rubin.

Rather than wait until the album's fall release date, fans will be able to access a special-edition version of the album before it comes out by joining missionmetallica.com. Set to launch on May 27th, the website will feature a treasure trove of exclusive content, including the low-down from the band members themselves about their progress in the studio via fly-on-the-wall video footage, audio of riffs and excerpts of new songs, exclusive new and never-before-seen archival photos from the studio, plus the chance to win tickets and meet-and-greet passes to Metallica's live concert events this summer. All of this content is absolutely free.

And if that free content isn't enough, fans can also join Mission: Metallica Platinum, which gains users access, high-quality digital album downloads delivered at midnight on release date, the physical album CD, plus complete downloads of classic live shows, exceedingly more fly-on-the-wall studio footage, loads of additional photos, and ringtones of riffs from the new album. In addition, Platinum members will be able to enter exclusive contests with the chance to win airfare, hotel, concert tickets, and meet-and-greet passes to Metallica's headlining performances at this year's Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Ozzfest, and the U.K.'s Reading Festival, as well as a special album listening party at the band's Northern California headquarters.

Access to missionmetallica.com will begin on May 27th. The album + web content packages will be made available in the following six configurations:


-- MISSION: METALLICA. Includes fly-on-the-wall footage, riffs and
excerpts, new and archival photos, unique live tracks, audio and video blog
postings, plus the chance to win concert tickets and backstage passes.
Cost: FREE.

-- HIGH-QUALITY DIGITAL ALBUM DOWNLOAD. Package includes a digital
version of the album at 320 KBIT/S, which is a better sound quality than
what is available through most digital retailers. Users can pre-order the
album download, delivered at midnight on street date. Cost: $11.99.

-- PHYSICAL CD + HIGH-QUALITY DIGITAL ALBUM DOWNLOAD. Package includes
the physical CD, plus shipping, as well as the high-quality, 320 KBIT/S
digital version of the album. Users can pre-order the album digital
download, delivered at midnight on street date. Cost: $19.99.

-- HIGH-QUALITY DIGITAL ALBUM DOWNLOAD + MISSION: METALLICA PLATINUM.
Package includes high-quality, 320 KBIT/S digital version of the album,
delivered at midnight on street date, plus Platinum Mission: Metallica
Experience. Cost: $24.99.

-- PHYSICAL CD, HIGH-QUALITY DIGITAL ALBUM DOWNLOAD + MISSION: METALLICA
PLATINUM. Packageincludesthe physical CD, plus shipping, high-quality,
320 KBIT/S digital version of the album, delivered at midnight on street
date, plus Platinum Mission: Metallica Experience. Cost: $32.99.

-- LIMITED EDITION: FIVE VINYL LP BOXED SET, PHYSICAL CD, HIGH-QUALITY
DIGITAL ALBUM DOWNLOAD, LITHOGRAPH + MISSION: METALLICA PLATINUM. Limited-
edition package includes a boxed set of five LP's, each pressed on 180gram, 45 rpm vinyl, with five individual sleeves, the physical CD, the high-quality, 320 KBIT/S digital version of the album delivered at midnight on street date, a Mission: Metallica lithograph, the Platinum Mission:
Metallica Experience, plus all shipping included. Cost: $124.99.

The album, whose title will be announced on missionmetallica.com, will be released by Warner Bros. Records this fall. It is Metallica's first studio album since 2003's multi-platinum "St. Anger," which hit No. 1 in 30 countries and has sold nearly six million copies worldwide. Formed in Los Angeles in 1981 by drummer Lars Ulrich and rhythm guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield, Metallica has become one of the most influential and commercially successful rock bands in history, having sold nearly 100 million albums worldwide and playing to millions of fans the world over. They have garnered numerous awards and accolades, including seven Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, and three MTV Video Music Awards. In addition, their 1991 album, "Metallica" has been awarded the prestigious "Diamond Award" from the Recording Industry Association of America, given to those albums with U.S. sales of 10 million or more.

www.metallica.com

Gotham Rocks- Enjoy The Show

ilike2rock.net is proud to be a sponsor in the upcoming rock extravaganza “Gotham Rocks,” a New York City-based showcase of some of the best local NYC bands as well as some of the most talented and ‘under-the-radar’ independent bands from the Northeast and Mid Atlantic regions.

Sullivan Hall will be rocking on May 31, 2008, and a full night of festivities is planned. But before we hear about the talented musicians that have been chosen to participate, let’s explore and learn more about the program- Gotham Rocks.

Gotham Rocks goals are simple. To help promote independent artists and their music. Here is their mission statement:

The goals of GOTHAM ROCKS are:

• To pair indie music companies, bookers, promoters, radio, labels etc with the absolute best in independent local and regional bands.

• To give NYC rock bands who are ready to make the transition from local to regional touring band the opportunity to meet and team up with bands from other parts of the country.

• To foster and coalesce the growth of the modern and hard rock scene in NYC – a town that is more known for its hipster and indie rock and hip hop and yet has a thriving (if unorganized) hard rock scene.

• To provide all of the bands with a quality forum for them to showcase their talents to both fans and industry simultaneously. Creating opportunities for both independent bands and the companies, venues, labels etc that work with them.

And there is more, as each one of the bands will not only have chance to shine and showcase their talents, but there are rewards and incentives to perform well. Some of the Music Industry’s biggest names are going to be in attendance with special awards to be handed out. Here is an updated list:

www.MusicSubmit.com , Michael Cocoran, Director of Marketing – Will be awarding at least one Gotham Rocks Showcase band with one of their existing internet marketing packages. The band(s) and package(s) will be determined by Michael.

Six Flags, Great Adventure- Live and Local. Patricia Stevens, Program Founder and Director—Will be awarding at least one Gotham Rocks Showcase band one or multiple bookings at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ and possibly other Six Flags theme parks throughout the country.

www.Rockyou.com, Ro Choy – Vice President of Business Development - Rockyou.com will feature at least one Gotham Rocks Showcase band on the music portion of rockyou.com and make the band’s music available to its 36,000,000 users.

Chris Athens, Senior Mastering Engineer at Sterling Sound (www.sterling-sound.com) - one of the world's premier mastering studios. Chris, whose credits include, Ozzy, Limp Bizkit, Beastie Boys, Flyleaf, P. Diddy, will be awarding one Gotham Rocks band a with a free mastering session.

Bill Klatt (www.billklatt.com) – multi-platinum Producer/Engineer (Rolling Stones, Santana, David Bowie, Sting, Queens of the Stone Age, Days Of The New). Bill has agreed to join Gotham Rocks minimally as a Judge.

Sean Lee, Executive Producer MTV News. Sean will be acting as a judge and providing some media coverage for the showcase.

Scott Kuchler, WMIR 100.9FM, A&R Unlimited (www.wmir1009.com) Scott will be featuring all Gotham Rocks artists on WMIR.

DAA Entertainment Ben Will be awarding NJ venue bookings.

Budweiser- Budweiser will be sponsoring drink specials and beer for the bands

Creative Entertainment Group - A representative of CEG will also be on hand to judge bands and potentially award bookings

ilike2rock.net ilike2rock.net founder, DJ Tom will be providing all Gotham Rocks Bands with free "Gold" artist accounts and featuring them on the website.

101.9 RXP The New York Rock Experience- Royce Silverman, Promotions Manager for New York City's newest rock station has arranged for RXP to promote the show on air in the weeks prior to the event as well as on their website. In the spirit of promoting local and independent rock music, RXP staff will also be on hand at the event itself.

The show starts at 7:00pm and the doors will open at 6:30. Here is a list of the bands scheduled to appear and their time slot:

7:00 Striving in Greater Hopes (S.i.G.H.)
7:45 FEFF
8:30 Diablo Royale
9:15 AnAka
10:15 The Speaks
11:00 Shadows Lie
12:00 Panacea
1:00 Receptor

(tickets available at Ticketweb.com)

In conclusion, not only is this a premiere event to showcase some up and coming musical acts, it could be career defining for some of them. Ilike2rock.net will be there and hopefully many of the station’s fans and members will be there as well. Rock On!

Information:

www.myspace.com/gothamrocks

GOTHAM ROCKS

May, 31 2008 at GOTHAM ROCKS SHOWCASE
214 Sullivan St., New York, New York 10012
Cost : $10 in advance, $12 at the door

This Date In Music History- May 27

Birthdays:

Neil Finn of Crowded House, one of those musicians beloved by critics, was born in Te Awamutu, New Zealand in 1958.

Goth vocalist Siouxsie Sioux was born in London in 1957.

Respected Canadian singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn was born in Pembroke, Ontario in 1945

Ramsey Lewis ("Wade In The Water") is 73

Cilla Black ("You're My World") is 65

History:

Buddy Holly released his only No. 1 hit, "That'll Be the Day” in 1957.

In 1969, only five months after his debut album, Neil Young released the seminal album 'Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere,' the first of many with Crazy Horse.

In 1974, five year-old Lisa Marie Presley first met Michael Jackson in Lake Tahoe, where her father had been performing. Little did she know…

"Moon River" was named Record and Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 1962.

Frank Sinatra made his TV debut on Bob Hope's "Star Spangled Review" show on NBC (Peggy Lee also performs) in 1950.

Today in 1972, the song "Oh Girl" by the Chi-Lites topped the charts and stayed there for a week.

2004- Usher had all three singles in the Top 3 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with "Burn" at No. 1. The last two acts to accomplish this feat were the Bee Gees and the Beatles.

At a U2 concert in Rome in 1987, the music was so loud that neighbors flood emergency services with calls claiming an earthquake has struck. U2's sound system set off earthquake alarms in two neighborhoods.

At a Coventry grammar school in England in 1964, 11 boys were suspended for cutting their hair like Mick Jagger.

Bob Dylan released his second album, "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" in 1963.

The furor over Jerry Lee Lewis’ marriage to his 13-year old cousin Myra caused his U.K. tour to be canceled after only two shows in 1958.

British radio banned the Sex Pistols’ “God Save The Queen” in 1977. It goes to the top of the charts anyway.

The Eagles embarked on their Hell Freezes Over Tour in 1994. The title is a reference to a prior Don Henley quote regarding the prospects of an Eagles reunion. Apparently, Henley misspoke.

Columbia and RCA Victor, two of America's biggest record labels, announced that they will raise the list price of L.P.s by one dollar on June 1, 1967. It was the first increase since 1953.

Rock is dangerous work. During a performance taped for Italian TV in 1980, David Lee Roth vaulted off drummer Alex Van Halen’s drum riser and right into some low hanging lights. The Van Halen front man suffered a fractured nose and multiple contusions.

This Date In Music History- May 25

Birthdays:

Jessi Colter, the only female country star of the "outlaw" movement inspired by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, was born in Phoenix in 1947.

Lyricist Hal David (wrote most of Dionne Warwick's hits with partner Burt Bacharach) turns 87.

Mitch Margo of the Tokens ("The Lion Sleeps Tonight") is 61.

Tom T. Hall ("I Love") is 72.

Kitty Kallen ("My Coloring Book") turns 86.

Jam genius and Style Council head Paul Weller was born in Woking, England in 1958.

Reggae singer, producer, and entrepreneur Sugar Minott was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1956.

Happy birthday to Scorpions lead singer Klaus Meine.

Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis is born in Alton, Ill in 1926. He began his career with Billy Eckstine's orchestra in a lineup that includes Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. He went on to record more than two dozen albums and is considered the originator of more jazz styles than any other artist. He earns the first of six Grammys in 1960 and receives a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990.

A native of Ottawa, Glen Drover, Megadeth guitarist, entered the world in 1969.


History:

Desmond Dekker ("Israelites") died of a heart attack in 2006.

In 1978, Keith Moon performed for the last time with the Who at the Shepperton Film Studio in England for the movie, "The Kid's Are Alright.”

Deborah Gibson's "Foolish Beat" becomes her first No. 1 hit in 1988. At 17, she becomes the youngest artist ever to write, sing, and produce a No. 1 record.

Roy Brown died in San Fernando, Calif in 1981. His original 1947 rendition of "Good Rockin' Tonight" inspired countless cover versions, while his vocal holler influenced performers like Little Richard.

The Hollies recorded "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" in 1969, with a young Elton John providing piano.

Also in 1969- This was a night to remember in Columbia, Md., as Led Zeppelin and the Who appeared together at a concert at the Merriweather Post Pavilion. What a great bill!

Gary Usher, who led the studio group The Hondells into the US Top 10 in 1964 with "Little Honda", died of cancer on May 25th 1990. He was 51.

The late Norman Petty (produced Buddy Holly, Buddy Knox and the Fireballs, among others) was born in 1927.

In 1973, Carole King performed in New York's Central Park, attracting a then-record-breaking audience of 100,000.

"Bye Bye Love," the first of many songs by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant that will be made famous by the Everly Brothers, entered the Top Forty in 1957. A million seller, it holds at #2 for four weeks.

Billie Holiday gave her final performance in New York City in 1959.

In 1996, Bradley Nowell (Sublime) was found dead in his San Francisco motel room of a drug overdose at the age of 26. What a talent and what a waste.

The Isley Brothers released "Twist and Shout" in 1962.

In 2005, Country singer Carrie Underwood wins the fourth season of American Idol in a surprise victory over rocker Bo Bice.

Dave Davies (Kinks) was knocked unconscious when he careened into drummer Mick Avory's cymbal during a London concert in 1965.

Jim Morrison's widow, Pam, died of a drug overdose in 1974.

Simon & Garfunkel's Bookends goes to No. 1 on the American albums chart in 1969, knocking their own Graduate soundtrack out of the top spot.

Legendary blues harpist Sonny Boy Williamson died in Helena, Ark in 1965.

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Records Sales

Week Ending 05/10/2008

1) LP - David Bowie Hunky Dory Sampler Alternate Takes - $6,500.00

2) LP - Bach Violin Concerto De Vito HMV ASD 429 - $4,257.00

3) 45rpm - The Cashmeres "Show Stopper" / "Don't Let The Door Hit Your Back" - $3, 350.99

4) LP - Rolling Stones "Sticky Fingers" Mono DJ Copy - $3,250.00 -

5) 45rpm - Bob and Sheri "The Surfer Moon" / "Humpy Dumpty" Safari - $2,999.00

The Telescopes New Vinyl Album

The Telescopes will deliver their new album as a vinyl-only release for Textile Rds.

The new LP is named 'Infinite Suns' and will be released on June 24th, however the label are taking pre-orders at a lower price until June 10th.

Speaking of the LP, a press release says: "This LP is very much number one, the introduction to a series of releases (2 new albums and one live recording)."

"This new LP is a selection of analogue tape recordings taken between 2006 and 2007, using a multi directional mic to capture environmental response. Recording levels were set close to saturation, allowing for interaction with the tape machine itself."

The first side of the 12", finishes with a piece centered around a lock-groove from the run-out of the very first Telescopes album and is lock-grooved again so that it plays endlessly.

Tracklisting:

A1. Static Charge
A2. Thought Loops
A3. Northumberland

B1. Tidal Bandwidth
B2. Chrome Gulls

Source: http://angryape.com

Harold and Maude

DOOR PRIZES FROM VINYL FILMS RECORDS

Our friends at Cameron Crowe’s record label, Vinyl Films Records, recently released the first official version of the Harold & Maude soundtrack - and on limited edition vinyl, no less! They’re giving away one of these precious rarities (along with several other original collectibles they’ve gathered) to true fans of the film who can answer some expert trivia questions! Below is a list of all the generous door prizes they’ll be giving away…

A promo strip of film from the actual Harold and Maude trailer in a silkscreened envelope Promo one-sided 7″ single of two Harold and Maude Radio Spots promo Glow-in-the-Dark Harold and Maude turntable mat test pressing of the Harold and Maude soundtrack vinyl promo-only picture disc of the Harold and Maude soundtrack vinyl complete retail version of the Harold and Maude soundtrack vinyl original paperback version of Harold and Maude the novel original hardback version of Harold and Maude the novel Harold and Maude on VHS Harold and Maude on DVD set of seven 8″ x 10″ promotional stills from the 1979 theatrical re-release publicity kit from the original 1971 theatrical release with twenty-five 8″ x 10″ stills U.S. Poster (27″ x 41″) from the 1979 theatrical re- release U.S. Poster (27″ x 41″) from the 1979 theatrical re- release, 2 copies of the U.S. Poster (27″ x 41″) from the original 1971 theatrical release.

Source: http://www.tmrzoo.com/

Be Your Own Pet Sophomore Album Release

Be Your Own Pet


Three tracks that were removed from the North American version of Nashville, Tenn. punk band Be Your Own Pet's Get Awkward sophomore album because they were "too violent" will be released next month.

The three-song Get Damaged EP will be released digitally through XL Recordings on June 3 and will hit store shelves on June 24 as a limited-edition seven-inch vinyl record. XL issued Get Awkward's international version, which included "Betty," "Black Hole" and "Blow Yr Mind." Something prompted Universal to deem the tracks' lyrics too violent and they were removed from the album's North American version when it was released by Universal imprint Ecstatic Peace in March.

"I guess that's just what happens when you decide to have something to do with a major label," singer Jemina Pearl told Washington Square News in February before the album was released. "They're going to be scared of anything that's not completely cookie cutter.

"Like, maybe I would be a very violent person if I didn't have the chance to sing about what I want to sing about and express things I want and it's definitely helped me from being a destructive person in my life. And I think tons of people relate to that, so it's kind of frustrating that they want to censor me or whatever."

Source: www.ChartAttack.com

New Vinyl Releases

New Vinyl Releases- May 20th:


Fairport Convention - Unhalfbricking

Fairport Convention - Liege & Leaf

Led Zeppelin - Mothership (4-Discs)

Led Zeppelin - The Song Remains the Same (4-Discs)

Velvet Underground - Velvet Underground

Velvet Underground - Velvet Underground and Nico

This Date In Music History- May 23

Birthdays:

"General" Norman Johnson, lead singer of the Chairmen of the Board ("Give Me Just A Little More Time") turns 65.

Oasis guitarist and songwriter Noel Gallagher was born in 1968.

Irish folk singer Luka Bloom was born in Newbridge, Ireland in 1955. He's actually called Barry Moore, but took his stage name from the Suzanne Vega song and a character in James Joyce's Ulysses.

The late Rosemary Clooney ("Come On-A My House") was born in 1928.

Misty Morgan ("Tennessee Bird Walk" with husband Jack Blanchard) is 63.

History:

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band kicked off their first major arena tour in Buffalo, New York in 1978. It ended seven months and 109 cities later in Cleveland on January 1, 1979.

Paul Revere & the Raiders signed with Columbia Records in 1963.

The Who film "The Kids Are Alright" premiered in New York City in 1979.

Elvis Presley's "Follow That Dream" movie opened nationally in 1962.

Today in 1960, the song "Cathy's Clown" by the Everly Brothers topped the charts and stayed there for 5 weeks. The duo had also accomplished this feat 1958 when "All I Have To Do Is Dream" also spent over a month at the top position.

1970- The Beatles' "Let It Be" LP reportedly sets a record for advance sales as 3.7 million advance orders are made for the farewell album. But the New Musical Express described the album as a "cardboard tombstone."

Also in 1970, the Grateful Dead performed outside the U.S. for the first time. Their gig at England's Hollywood Rock Festival went on for four hours. The Dead's set was preceded by a performance by Mungo Jerry, who played their big hit "In the Summertime.”

Ella Fitzgerald's cover of the Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love" hit #34 in the U.K. in 1964. She was the first artist to chart in the U.K. with a Beatles cover.

In 1971, Iron Butterfly disbanded one month after “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” fell off the Album Chart, following a 138 week run.

In 1964, The Beach Boys released "I Get Around," which will go on to become the group's first #1 hit, topping the US chart for 2 weeks.

In 1973, Clive Davis was fired as president of Columbia Records. He was allegedly using company funds for private use, including $53,700 worth of alterations to his apartment and $20,000 for his son's bar mitzvah.

Jefferson Airplane were barred from giving a free concert at Golden Gate Park in 1977, when San Francisco authorities passed a resolution banning electronic instruments. The group later wrote "We Built this City" about the ban.

Sister Sledge's "We Are Family" went platinum in 1979. The album's title track, a #2 hit, is the rallying call for baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates, who will go on to win the 1979 World Series in October.

In 1975, Peter Gabriel played his final show with Genesis before going solo. It’s in St. Etienne, France.

Though issued in the U.K. nearly five years earlier, AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” peaks at #3 on the U.S. album chart in 1981.

This Date In Music History- May 21

Birthdays Today:

Chicago's William "Bill" Bradford Champlin (keyboards, guitar and vocals)-1947.

Hilton Valentine, guitarist for the Animals- 1943.

Marcie Blane ("Bobby's Girl") is 64.

Ronald Isley of the Isley Brothers ("Shout") is 67.

Leo Sayer ("When I Need You") is 60.


History:

Elton John became the first western act to tour the U.S.S.R. in 1979.

"Little" Stevie Wonder recorded "Fingertips" live at Chicago's Regal Theatre in 1962.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono began a ten-day "bed-in" in Montreal's Queen Elizabeth Hotel in 1969.

The Drifters recorded "Under The Boardwalk" (Johnny Moore is forced to sing lead after Rudy Lewis' death the night before) in 1964.

"Sir Duke," Stevie Wonder’s tribute to Jazz great Duke Ellington, is the #1 song in the U.S. in 1977.

Notorious record exec Morris Levy died in 1990. He owned the Birdland club, copyrighted the phrase "rock & roll" after making friends with Alan Freed, and even sued John Lennon because he thought "Come Together" sounded too much like a Chuck Berry song.

In 1981, Bob Marley was given a state funeral in Jamaica and buried at Nine Miles in St. Ann’s Parish, beside the house in which he was born.

'Call Me,' the quintessential Al Green album, was released in 1973. It yielded three hits: “You Ought to Be With Me” (#1 R&B, #3 pop), “Call Me (Come Back Home)” (#2 R&B, #10 pop), “Here I Am (Come and Take Me)” (#2 R&B, #10 pop).

In 1966, the Byrd's "Eight Miles High" was banned by some radio stations because of the lyrics' alleged drug references.

In 1955, Chuck Berry recorded "Maybellene" – an up-tempo rewrite of the country-flavored "Ida Red" – with pianist Johnnie Johnson, bass player Willie Dixon and drummer Jasper Thomas. It is the first of Berry's many hits for Chess Records.

Brenda Lee signed with Decca Records in 1956.

In 1980, Joe Strummer (Clash) was arrested at a Hamburg, West Germany, show after smashing his guitar over the head of an audience member.

Marvin Gaye's "Dream of a Lifetime" was released in 1985. It was his last album.

16 year-old Paul Anka recorded "Diana" at the ABC-Paramount studios in New York in 1957. The song would reach #1 in the US the following September and became the first of his 33 US Top 40 hits.

The Mamas And The Papas ("California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday") went to #1 on the Billboard album chart in 1966 with the classic LP,"If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears.” Its 105-week tenure on the album chart surpasses that of any Beatles album save “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.”

Paul McCartney released "Ram" in 1971, which, unlike his first solo LP, is not a one-man show. His wife Linda is on vocals and he enlists session men David Spinozza, Hugh McCracken on guitar and bass along with drummer Denny Seiwell.

In 1980, a thief broke into Electric Lady Studios in New York City, the recording studio built by Jimi Hendrix and stole five Hendrix gold records. They are for the albums "Are You Experienced?", "Axis: Bold as Love", "Cry of Love", "Rainbow Bridge" and "Live at Monterey".

Brian Wilson returns to Capitol Records/EMI, his original label home

New studio album, "That Lucky Old Sun," to be released on September 2 on CD, deluxe CD/DVD, limited edition vinyl and digitally

“You don’t have to climb the Capitol tower, or play the Hollywood Bowl, if there’s a roll in your heart, and a rock in your soul…” (lyrics from That Lucky Old Sun’s California Role)

Hollywood, California – May 19, 2008 - He is one of popular music’s most deeply revered figures, a legendary writer, producer, arranger and performer of some of the most cherished music in rock history. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to call Brian Wilson one of the most gifted and influential pop composers of the last 50 years. Today, Wilson announces his return to Capitol Records/EMI, his original label home. Wilson’s new studio recording, That Lucky Old Sun, will be released by Capitol/EMI on CD, CD/DVD, limited edition vinyl and digitally on September 2 (September 1 internationally).

Brian Wilson’s return to Capitol Records/EMI, where The Beach Boys caught their first hit wave with the 1962 classic, Surfin’ Safari/409, is a triumphant homecoming for one of the world’s most gifted and beloved musical talents.

“I’m thrilled to be back home with Capitol, and I’m looking forward to sharing That Lucky Old Sun with everyone,” says Brian Wilson. “This music is really special to me.”

"We are delighted to be working with Brian Wilson for his new album, That Lucky Old Sun,” says Guy Hands, Executive Chairman of EMI Music. “We all remember the feeling we got when we first heard The Beach Boys’ music. My particular favorite classic is Surfer Girl. It always reminds me of driving an open top car down the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Barbara to Malibu. Brian Wilson is an iconic talent with enormous musical influence all over the world and we are very proud to be representing him.”

A musical love letter from Southern California, That Lucky Old Sun shimmers with sun-dappled choruses and arrangements that swell and swirl as if carried by the Pacific tides. One of the songs, Midnight’s Another Day, has been described by MOJO magazine as “glorious.” The album is narrated in transitional interludes spoken by Wilson as That Lucky Old Sun, the storyteller. The narratives, cameos on life and the heartbeat of Los Angeles, propel the album’s musical story.

Last summer, Wilson found himself singing the 1949 classic song, That Lucky Old Sun, which became the inspiration for a unique approach to what would become his next studio release. He bought Louis Armstrong’s version of the track and was inspired to collaborate lyrically with his band mate Scott Bennett, and with Van Dyke Parks, his old ‘sidekick,’ to create vibrant spoken narratives. Wilson debuted That Lucky Old Sun at London’s Royal Festival Hall in September 2007 in a series of six sold-out and critically-acclaimed concert performances celebrating the theatre’s restoration.

Wilson describes That Lucky Old Sun as an “interwoven series of ‘rounds’ with interspersed spoken word,” and as an autobiographical travelogue of sorts. The new studio album is produced by Wilson and was created with his acclaimed band at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, where he first recorded in 1962.

The new release is the dawning of a new California morning for Brian Wilson, continuing the awe-inspiring concept album journey that he first began four decades ago. Wilson’s songwriting, arranging and producing talents came together in harmonious glory for The Beach Boys’ 1966 classic, Pet Sounds, and have continued to evolve during his solo career, highlighted by his 2004 critically acclaimed Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE. Lyrically and in Wilson’s incomparably lush, evocative arrangements, That Lucky Old Sun adds a new chapter to Wilson’s conceptual presentations, reaching ever higher with his vibrant and moving autobiographical storytelling and intricate harmonies.

Following numerous nominations, Wilson won a well-deserved Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance (2004) for Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow and he was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006. Last December, he was feted as a leading cultural icon by The Kennedy Center Honors alongside Diana Ross, Martin Scorsese, Steve Martin and Leon Fleisher.

Brian Wilson and his band will perform a number of his classic hits and compositions at select North American and UK concerts this summer.

Brian Wilson: That Lucky Old Sun
1. That Lucky Old Sun
2. Morning Beat
3. That Lucky Old Sun (narrative)
4. Good Kind Of Love
5. Forever My Surfer Girl
6. That Lucky Old Sun (narrative)
7. Live Let Live
8. Mexican Girl
9. That Lucky Old Sun (narrative)
10. California Role
11. That Lucky Old Sun (narrative)
12. Oxygen
13. Can’t Wait Too Long (vocal excerpt)
14. Midnight’s Another Day
15. Going Home
16. Southern California

Brian Wilson: Confirmed Concert Dates
June 28 London (UK) English Heritage Picnic Concerts
June 29 Ipswich (UK) Regent Theatre
July 1 London (UK) Royal Albert Hall
July 8 Niagara Falls, ON Niagara Fallsview Casino (Avalon Ballroom)
July 9 Ottawa, ON Ottawa Blues Fest
July 12 Highmount, NY Belleayre Mountain Ski Center
July 13 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
Sept. 12/13/14 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl

* * *

Source: http://www.emigroup.com/Press/2008/press59.htm

Blondie album reissued with extras

Blondie breakthrough album reissued with extras

By Gary Graff

DETROIT (Billboard) - A super-sized reissue of Blondie's breakthrough album "Parallel Lines" to coincide with its 30th anniversary was not the band's idea, singer Debbie Harry says.

"It's really sort of traditional EMI behavior," she told Billboard.com with a laugh. "None of us really were counting the hours and the days or whatever."

The reissue will come out on June 24; Blondie will be on the road by then with a tour that begins June 5 in Baltimore.

The group -- which still includes founding members guitarist Chris Stein and drummer Clem Burke -- plans to play the album in its entirety.

"Parallel Lines," Blondie's third album, peaked at No. 6 during a 103-week run on the Billboard 200. The single "Heart of Glass," which Harry says she and guitarist Chris Stein wrote several years earlier, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, while "One Way or Another" made it to No. 24.

The album has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, but Harry was most pleased about its impact in the States.

"We'd had hits all over the world -- in Europe, in the U.K., in Australia," she says. "But having a hit at home after three years of being on the road was really, really important to us."

The reissue includes the 7-inch single version of "Heart of Glass," the French version of "Sunday Girl" and some remixes, as well as a DVD with promo videos and TV performances.

Reuters/Billboard

Green Day Issues Album As Foxboro Hot Tubs

By: Don Kaye

Green Day releases its new album on Tuesday (May 20th), except, of course, it's not under the name Green Day. Stop Drop and Roll arrives in stores as the debut disc from the Foxboro Hot Tubs, with the five-piece act consisting of the three core members of Green Day and two musician friends who have played on the punk trio's previous records. After months of rumors and the success of the unofficial single "Mother Mary," Green Day finally confirmed that they were the Hot Tubs last month, writing in an email to MTV, "We think that the only similarity (between the Hot Tubs and Green Day) is that we are the same band. That is basically the only similarity."

Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt plays in the Hot Tubs under his real name, Michael Pritchard, while drummer Tre Cool also uses his real name, Frank Edwin Wright III. Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong is calling himself the Reverend Strychnine Twitch.

"The Pedestrian" is the latest single off Stop Drop and Roll. A vinyl version of the disc is scheduled for release on June 24th.

Green Day pulled this kind of stunt once before, releasing an album called Money Money 2020 in late 2003 under the name the Network.

There is no word on when Green Day will release the follow-up to its last official album, 2004's massively successful American Idiot.

The Foxboro Hot Tubs are currently on a brief tour that brings them to New Orleans on Tuesday night and finishes up on May 28th in Long Beach, California. The band is playing the entire new album live, along with some covers and a rare cut or two from Green Day and the Network.

Source: http://www.kbsradio.ca/news/music/87/721720