Found this gem and thought I would share. There a hundreds of stories just like this one, established record stores now doing a brisk business! Hail Vinyl!
Vinyl still plays big in South Village record shops
By Gabriel Zucker
It’s not a big deal to see a “No Tapes” sign in the increasingly digital music industry these days. It’s not even surprising to find a “No CD’s” sign, what with the advent of electronic downloading that has already put Tower Records out of business.
But Bob Abramson does not run a downloading business. He posts those signs in the window of his House of Oldies so that passersby know that they will only find vinyl in his shop.
“We stay in business because there’s a lot of people who feel vinyl sounds better than anything else when they listen to it,” Abramson explained in his claustrophobic Carmine St. shop recently. “It’s as simple as that. There’s enough people that love the sound of vinyl to keep us in business.”
And Abramson is not alone. Within a two-block radius of his store, vinyl diehards can find not one but two more vinyl-vending record shops: Bleecker Bob’s Records, on W. Third St. between Sixth Ave. and MacDougal St., and Bleecker Street Records, on Bleecker St. between Carmine and Leroy Sts., whose CD-stocked ground floor masks a vinyl-filled basement that employees say is a large part of their business. Until recently, two more shops lived on Abramson’s street; they are gone, but Abramson has faith that he and the others will remain. Asked if escalating rent was giving him the spooks, he laughed.
“We have no competition,” he said. “My customers are very loyal to me. We opened in ’68 and we still have customers from the ’60s.”
But the vinyl culture is not limited to the generation that never made the shift.
“We have all kinds, all ages coming in here,” said Neil Constantine, who works in the vinyl basement at Bleecker Street Records. “We have young kids and their parents coming with them, trying to find their record, and we have the old-timer that’s trying to find something back from their heyday just to get reacquainted with it.”
“My clients are from teenagers to old people like myself,” agreed Abramson, who has owned and worked at House of Oldies since 1968.
His customers have also included some dignitaries.
“Almost every artist has been in here,” boasted Abramson, listing John Lennon, Bette Middler, George Carlin, Robert Plant and all of The Ramones.
Abramson has also hosted some less-than-desirables.
“Every day, I get parents coming in with their children, saying, ‘Joey, this is what we used to play,’ ” said Abramson, who said he is fine with that, “as long as I don’t get 14 people in here who don’t know what records are and my regulars can’t get in.”
“You see it’s a narrow store,” he said.
Narrow, and filled with vinyl, House of Oldies is, in fact, one of the largest vinyl shops in the country, with about 500,000 45s and 250,000 LP’s between the store, the basement and a Long Island warehouse.
And among those 750,000, what are Abramson’s favorites?
“It’s funny, because everybody asks me that question,” he laughed. “They think because I own the store that I know the little things that nobody knows. But I’m into Dylan, the Stones, Beach Boys, Bowie, Springsteen — the regular, the very, very vanilla, so to speak.”
SOURCE: http://www.thevillager.com
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Album Cover Art
Let's continue our look at controversial album cover art. Coming in at #46 (according to Gigwise staff) is the album cover by Beautiful South.
"Welcome to the Beautiful South" was the debut album by The Beautiful South released in August 1989. Jan Saudek's album cover originally depicted two pictures, one of a woman with a gun in her mouth, and another with a man smoking. The cover was refused by Woolworths, not just because they thought people would point guns at their faces, but mainly because they thought it might cause people to take up smoking. So a second, overly-cute cover was made, depicting a fluffy bunny rabbit and a Teddy bear.
So the gun in the mouth was not a problem, but smoking a cigarette was? Man, censorship needs to be fixed!
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Weirdest
Clocking in at #46 for the weirdest album cover art (according to Gigwise) is Picastro: 'Whore Luck' (2007)– A simple pencil drawing, on first glance it looks as though the cover the Canadian band's 2007 album is just a couple kissing. One can make their own inferences as to what else it may appear to resemble. [Artwork By - Ned Schwartz [Mind Sensations] - Jes Watson
Picastro began in Toronto in 1997 or 1998 as a acoustic guitar and cello duo. Since then there have been a long list of contributors, some of whom still appear on recordings.
Kurt Newman (guitar), Stephanie Vittas (cello), catl (guitar), Evan Clarke (drums, guitar), Zak Hanna (guitar), Rachel McBride (cello), Owen Pallett (viola, organ, piano), Nick Storring (cello), Brandon Valdivia (drums), Ant Saunders (viola, guitar).
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Worst
46. The Prodigy – ‘Experience’
Apparently too busy to be bothered by any attempt at a conceptual album cover, I guess just the name of the band was good enough. Apparently, album cover art and design were not in the budget.
Experience was the debut album by the English band The Prodigy. The album was released on September 28, 1992 through XL Recordings where it peaked at #12 in the charts in October.
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Best
The Smiths: ‘The Queen Is Dead’
Not sure why this makes a 'best of' list, I guess the color green is soothing when depicting a dead body. The album cover of The Queen Is Dead was designed by Morrissey and features Alain Delon from the 1964 film L'Insoumis.
"The Queen Is Dead" was the third studio album by The Smiths. It was released in June of 1986 in the UK by Rough Trade Records, and reached number two in the British charts. Sire Records also released the album in in June 1986 in the US. The album reached number 70 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold by the RIAA on 09/19/1990.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Album Cover Art
Continuing our look at Gigwise's list of controversial, weird, worst and best album covers (as complied by their staff) let's explore the covers that placed #47 on the list:
Controversial
Coming in at number 47, is the iconic LP by the Rolling Stones called "Sticky Fingers (why so low on the list, when this was released it caused quite a stir!) which was was released in 1971. It is notable for being the band's first release on their newly-formed Rolling Stones Records label after having been contracted since 1963 with Decca Records in the UK and London Records in the US.
The artwork for Sticky Fingers - including a working zipper that opened to reveal a man in cotton briefs (rubber stamped "THIS PHOTOGRAPH MAY NOT BE-ETC.") - was conceived by Andy Warhol, photographed by Billy Name, designed by John Pasche and featured the lower torso of either Warhol assistant Jed Johnson or Joe Dallesandro (not Mick Jagger as a number of fans at the time speculated) in a pair of tight jeans. After retailers complained that the zipper was causing damage to the vinyl (from stacked shipments of the record), the zipper was "unzipped" slightly to the middle of the record, where damage would be minimized.
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Weird
The Flaming Lips: 'Oh My Gawd' – is The Flaming Lips' second album, released on Restless Records in 1987.A collage of seemingly unconnected photographs and cartoons that centres on two giant skulls, The cover features a weird Dali pastiche painted by the band, Features late 80's psychedlia and awesome artwork done by the members of the band, it captures the essence of the alum's heavy rock and roll
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Worst
Coming in at #47 for the worst album cover is Orion – ‘Reborn’ with an image that certainly belongs right along side of the worst album covers of all time.
Orion (February 26, 1945 – December 12, 1998) was the stage name of rockabilly singer Jimmy Ellis. Following the death of Elvis Presley in August 1977, Ellis dressed and sang in the manner of Presley and wore a mask during public appearances, fueling speculation that Presley had faked his death and returned to singing. Ellis' singing and natural speaking voice very closely resembled Presley's. Ellis had recorded rock and country singles under his real name for a number of independent labels since the early 1960s before adopting the Orion persona for Sun Records — Presley's first recording label — in 1980.
With or without the famous mask, the voice was the same. Jimmy Ellis was one of the super-talented, like Elvis, Tom Jones, or Engelbert Humperdinck. Jimmy used different names in his career to try and break the connection between him and the voice of Elvis Presley - names such as Orion, Ellis James, Steven Silver, and others. These attempts were futile because the voice was HIS voice no matter what label was put on it.
Not a novelty act
Mr. Excitement - Orion (Jimmy Ellis) was fun loving, had a great sense of humor, and a great personality. He could laugh about most anything...he was alot of fun at home and especially on stage!!
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Best
#47 on the list for best album covers of all time (as compiled by the Gigwise)the Ramones: ‘Road to Ruin’
Road to Ruin is the fourth album by the Ramones. It was released on September 22, 1978. It was recorded in May and June of 1978 at Media Sound in New York.
With cartoon-like caractures by: John Holmstrom and Gus McDonald this is a classic album cover and belongs on any list of 'best of' album covers.
Controversial
Coming in at number 47, is the iconic LP by the Rolling Stones called "Sticky Fingers (why so low on the list, when this was released it caused quite a stir!) which was was released in 1971. It is notable for being the band's first release on their newly-formed Rolling Stones Records label after having been contracted since 1963 with Decca Records in the UK and London Records in the US.
The artwork for Sticky Fingers - including a working zipper that opened to reveal a man in cotton briefs (rubber stamped "THIS PHOTOGRAPH MAY NOT BE-ETC.") - was conceived by Andy Warhol, photographed by Billy Name, designed by John Pasche and featured the lower torso of either Warhol assistant Jed Johnson or Joe Dallesandro (not Mick Jagger as a number of fans at the time speculated) in a pair of tight jeans. After retailers complained that the zipper was causing damage to the vinyl (from stacked shipments of the record), the zipper was "unzipped" slightly to the middle of the record, where damage would be minimized.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weird
The Flaming Lips: 'Oh My Gawd' – is The Flaming Lips' second album, released on Restless Records in 1987.A collage of seemingly unconnected photographs and cartoons that centres on two giant skulls, The cover features a weird Dali pastiche painted by the band, Features late 80's psychedlia and awesome artwork done by the members of the band, it captures the essence of the alum's heavy rock and roll
--------------------------------------------------
Worst
Coming in at #47 for the worst album cover is Orion – ‘Reborn’ with an image that certainly belongs right along side of the worst album covers of all time.
Orion (February 26, 1945 – December 12, 1998) was the stage name of rockabilly singer Jimmy Ellis. Following the death of Elvis Presley in August 1977, Ellis dressed and sang in the manner of Presley and wore a mask during public appearances, fueling speculation that Presley had faked his death and returned to singing. Ellis' singing and natural speaking voice very closely resembled Presley's. Ellis had recorded rock and country singles under his real name for a number of independent labels since the early 1960s before adopting the Orion persona for Sun Records — Presley's first recording label — in 1980.
With or without the famous mask, the voice was the same. Jimmy Ellis was one of the super-talented, like Elvis, Tom Jones, or Engelbert Humperdinck. Jimmy used different names in his career to try and break the connection between him and the voice of Elvis Presley - names such as Orion, Ellis James, Steven Silver, and others. These attempts were futile because the voice was HIS voice no matter what label was put on it.
Not a novelty act
Mr. Excitement - Orion (Jimmy Ellis) was fun loving, had a great sense of humor, and a great personality. He could laugh about most anything...he was alot of fun at home and especially on stage!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Best
#47 on the list for best album covers of all time (as compiled by the Gigwise)the Ramones: ‘Road to Ruin’
Road to Ruin is the fourth album by the Ramones. It was released on September 22, 1978. It was recorded in May and June of 1978 at Media Sound in New York.
With cartoon-like caractures by: John Holmstrom and Gus McDonald this is a classic album cover and belongs on any list of 'best of' album covers.
No More Floyd
David Gilmour told the Associated Press not to expect another Pink Floyd reunion. He says that the Live8 appearance was “excellent, really enjoyable,” but “The rehearsals were less enjoyable. The rehearsals convinced me it wasn’t something I wanted to be doing a lot of.”
“There have been all sorts of farewell moments in people’s lives and careers which they have then rescinded, but I think I can fairly categorically say that there won’t be a tour or an album again that I take part in. It isn’t to do with animosity or anything like that. It’s just that I’ve done that. I’ve been there, I’ve done it.”
“There have been all sorts of farewell moments in people’s lives and careers which they have then rescinded, but I think I can fairly categorically say that there won’t be a tour or an album again that I take part in. It isn’t to do with animosity or anything like that. It’s just that I’ve done that. I’ve been there, I’ve done it.”
This Date In Music History- September 12
Birthddays:
One of the greatest voices in country music, George Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas in 1931.
Pop singer Maria Muldaur ("Midnight at the Oasis") was born in New York as Maria D'Amato in 1943.
Rush drummer Neal Peart celebrates a birthday today.
Gerry Beckley, the singer with "Horse With No Name" hit-makers America, was born in 1952.
Birthday wishes to Liam Gallagher of Oasis.
History:
In 1962, George Martin produced the single "Love Me Do" b/w "P.S. I Love You" at his first recording session with the Beatles.
John Lennon appeared at the Toronto Rock ‘n' Roll Revival concert in 1969, accompanied by Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann, Alan White and Yoko. 'The Plastic Ono Band – Live Peace in Toronto' was released in December.
'Wish You Were Here,' Pink Floyd's long-awaited follow-up to 'Dark Side of the Moon,' was released in 1975. "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," a side-long epic about their troubled ex-leader Syd Barrett, is its centerpiece.
Gene Vincent succumbs to a bleeding ulcer at age 36 in 1970.
The late Barry White ("Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe") was born in 1944.
An in-depth report on the death of Elvis Presley aired on ABC-TV’s "20/20" in 1980. It raised so many unanswered questions that the official case concerning Elvis’ death was reopened.
One of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s founders and Country legend, Johnny Cash died of complications from diabetes in 2003. The 71 year-old singer/songwriter had an amazing career spanning six decades - even earning an MTV Video nomination (for “Hurt”) earlier in the year.
In 1964, Manfred Mann's "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" entered Billboard's Hot 100, where it will reach number one just a few weeks later.
The Monkees television show premieres on NBC in 1966. Producers Bert Schneider and Bob Rafelson decided to emulate the zany, madcap humor of the Beatles' A Hard Day's Night for the small screen. When they placed in ad in Variety for four Folk & Rock musicians to appear in a TV series, over 400 applied for the job, including Stephen Stills, John Sebastian, Harry Nilsson and Danny Hutton, but as it turned out, only one of the four winners, guitarist and songwriter Michael Nesmith, actually saw the ad. Micky Dolenz (who would play drums), Davy Jones (who would sing), and Peter Tork (bass) found out about the opportunity from other sources. Nesmith and Tork had experience in the Folk scene; Dolenz and Jones were primarily actors, although Nesmith and Jones had already made some obscure solo recordings. Some have claimed that Charles Manson also applied. The truth is that he was in prison at the time and would not be paroled until March 21, 1967.
Gary Glitter's instrumental, "Rock and Roll Part 2" reached its peak at number seven on the US chart in 1972. The song was a standard at sporting events for years until he was arrested on child pornography charges in England in 1997. Many pro sports organizations quit playing the song after a technician fixing Glitter's computer found indecent images of young children on his hard drive.
Stax Records had its first #1 hit in 1962, with “Green Onions,” by Booker T. & the MG’s, which topped the R&B chart for four weeks. It peaked at #3 on the pop chart.
In 2002, the house that Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) lived in as a child, from 11-15, was sold on eBay for $210,000. The house had been valued at $52,660 in 2000.
2000 - The family of Jimi Hendrix released 56 rare tracks in a 4-CD boxed set, "The Jimi Hendrix Experience."
One of the greatest voices in country music, George Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas in 1931.
Pop singer Maria Muldaur ("Midnight at the Oasis") was born in New York as Maria D'Amato in 1943.
Rush drummer Neal Peart celebrates a birthday today.
Gerry Beckley, the singer with "Horse With No Name" hit-makers America, was born in 1952.
Birthday wishes to Liam Gallagher of Oasis.
History:
In 1962, George Martin produced the single "Love Me Do" b/w "P.S. I Love You" at his first recording session with the Beatles.
John Lennon appeared at the Toronto Rock ‘n' Roll Revival concert in 1969, accompanied by Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann, Alan White and Yoko. 'The Plastic Ono Band – Live Peace in Toronto' was released in December.
'Wish You Were Here,' Pink Floyd's long-awaited follow-up to 'Dark Side of the Moon,' was released in 1975. "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," a side-long epic about their troubled ex-leader Syd Barrett, is its centerpiece.
Gene Vincent succumbs to a bleeding ulcer at age 36 in 1970.
The late Barry White ("Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe") was born in 1944.
An in-depth report on the death of Elvis Presley aired on ABC-TV’s "20/20" in 1980. It raised so many unanswered questions that the official case concerning Elvis’ death was reopened.
One of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s founders and Country legend, Johnny Cash died of complications from diabetes in 2003. The 71 year-old singer/songwriter had an amazing career spanning six decades - even earning an MTV Video nomination (for “Hurt”) earlier in the year.
In 1964, Manfred Mann's "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" entered Billboard's Hot 100, where it will reach number one just a few weeks later.
The Monkees television show premieres on NBC in 1966. Producers Bert Schneider and Bob Rafelson decided to emulate the zany, madcap humor of the Beatles' A Hard Day's Night for the small screen. When they placed in ad in Variety for four Folk & Rock musicians to appear in a TV series, over 400 applied for the job, including Stephen Stills, John Sebastian, Harry Nilsson and Danny Hutton, but as it turned out, only one of the four winners, guitarist and songwriter Michael Nesmith, actually saw the ad. Micky Dolenz (who would play drums), Davy Jones (who would sing), and Peter Tork (bass) found out about the opportunity from other sources. Nesmith and Tork had experience in the Folk scene; Dolenz and Jones were primarily actors, although Nesmith and Jones had already made some obscure solo recordings. Some have claimed that Charles Manson also applied. The truth is that he was in prison at the time and would not be paroled until March 21, 1967.
Gary Glitter's instrumental, "Rock and Roll Part 2" reached its peak at number seven on the US chart in 1972. The song was a standard at sporting events for years until he was arrested on child pornography charges in England in 1997. Many pro sports organizations quit playing the song after a technician fixing Glitter's computer found indecent images of young children on his hard drive.
Stax Records had its first #1 hit in 1962, with “Green Onions,” by Booker T. & the MG’s, which topped the R&B chart for four weeks. It peaked at #3 on the pop chart.
In 2002, the house that Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) lived in as a child, from 11-15, was sold on eBay for $210,000. The house had been valued at $52,660 in 2000.
2000 - The family of Jimi Hendrix released 56 rare tracks in a 4-CD boxed set, "The Jimi Hendrix Experience."
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Album Cover Art
As we continue our look at album cover art, let's look again at the Gigwise list of controversial, weirdest, worst and best album covers as compiled by their crack staff.
Controversial
Arctic Monkeys: ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not’ - Featuring the band’s close friend and brother of The Reverend, Chris McClure, the Arctics landed into hot water after anti-smoking groups complained about the cigarette in McClure’s mouth.
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not is the debut album by Sheffield band Arctic Monkeys, released on 23 January 2006 and the album sold over 360,000 copies in its first week. It has since gone quadruple platinum in the UK. Its release in the United States on 21 February 2006 saw it become the second fastest selling debut indie album in history, turning over around 34,000 copies in its first week and achieving #24 in the album charts. The album also went to #1 in Australia and Ireland.
The image caused controversy when the head of Scotland's NHS criticized the cover for "reinforcing the idea that smoking is OK." The band's product manager certainly denied the accusation, and in fact suggested the opposite saying, "You can see from the image smoking is not doing him the world of good." In March 2006, McClure announced that he would be giving up smoking, due to lack of funds.
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Weird
Coming in at #48 on Gigwise's list of weird album covers is the legendary Doors LP The Doors: 'Strange Days'
Strange Days was the second album released by the rock band The Doors (September 1967). The album earned the group a gold record and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 200. The record's producer, Paul Rothchild however, considered it a commercial failure, even if it was an artistic triumph.
"We all thought it was the best album. Significantly, it was also the one with the weakest sales. We were confident it was going to be bigger than anything The Beatles had done. But, there was no single. The record died on us." he said.
Against this view, one could argue that the album still sold well, managing two top 30 hits, a top 3 placing on the US charts and a platinum certification. "Strange Days" certainly did nothing to derail the overall success of the Doors, and this was evident by their next release, the chart-topping "Waiting for the Sun" album.
The cover photo was taken in Sniffen Court, a small residential suburb of New York City. Photographer Joel Brodsky originally wanted Jim Morrison and the band on the cover, but the frontman refused. However, most carnivals were out on summer tours so it was a struggle for Brodsky to find professional circus performers. The acrobats were the only ones he could find; the dwarf Lester Janus and his younger brother (not twins) Stanley Janus (who appeared on the back cover) were hired from an acting firm; the juggler was Brodsky's own assistant; the trumpet player was a taxi driver; and the strongman was a doorman at a club.
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Worst
Logging in at #48 on the Gigwise list is an album cover by Freddie Mercury & Queen. It was the band's thirteenth studio album, released in 1989.
The striking cover art utilised then cutting-edge image-manipulation technology to combine photographs of the familiar faces of the four band members into one morphed giant four-faced head. The image was in line with their decision to dispense with individual credits and simply present their music as the product of Queen the entity. The album reached #1 in the UK, in Austria, Germany, in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and #24 on the American Billboard 200 chart.
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Best
Nirvana: ‘In Utero’ - ‘In Utero’ was an aggressively dark exploration of subject matters which had affected their frontman’s life thus far such as the dysfunctional family, cancer, privacy, and abortion. The imagery of the Transparent Anatomical Mannikin was originally meant for the single ‘Lithium’ or another track from ‘Neveremind’ but was scrapped due to copyright
In Utero was the third and final studio album by the grunge band icons Nirvana, and was released on September 21, 1993 by DGC Records. The album's abrasive and aggressive sound was a departure from the polished production of the band's breakthrough second album, Nevermind (1991), due in part to the selection of recording engineer Steve Albini. The subject matters of the songs included dysfunctional family, cancer, issues of privacy, and abortion.
The art director for In Utero was Robert Fisher, who had designed all of Nirvana's releases on DGC Records. Most of the ideas for the artwork for the album and related singles came from Cobain. Fisher recalled that "[Cobain] would just give me some loose odds and ends and say 'Do something with it.'"
The cover of the album is an image of a Transparent Anatomical Mannikin, with angel wings superimposed.
Controversial
Arctic Monkeys: ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not’ - Featuring the band’s close friend and brother of The Reverend, Chris McClure, the Arctics landed into hot water after anti-smoking groups complained about the cigarette in McClure’s mouth.
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not is the debut album by Sheffield band Arctic Monkeys, released on 23 January 2006 and the album sold over 360,000 copies in its first week. It has since gone quadruple platinum in the UK. Its release in the United States on 21 February 2006 saw it become the second fastest selling debut indie album in history, turning over around 34,000 copies in its first week and achieving #24 in the album charts. The album also went to #1 in Australia and Ireland.
The image caused controversy when the head of Scotland's NHS criticized the cover for "reinforcing the idea that smoking is OK." The band's product manager certainly denied the accusation, and in fact suggested the opposite saying, "You can see from the image smoking is not doing him the world of good." In March 2006, McClure announced that he would be giving up smoking, due to lack of funds.
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Weird
Coming in at #48 on Gigwise's list of weird album covers is the legendary Doors LP The Doors: 'Strange Days'
Strange Days was the second album released by the rock band The Doors (September 1967). The album earned the group a gold record and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 200. The record's producer, Paul Rothchild however, considered it a commercial failure, even if it was an artistic triumph.
"We all thought it was the best album. Significantly, it was also the one with the weakest sales. We were confident it was going to be bigger than anything The Beatles had done. But, there was no single. The record died on us." he said.
Against this view, one could argue that the album still sold well, managing two top 30 hits, a top 3 placing on the US charts and a platinum certification. "Strange Days" certainly did nothing to derail the overall success of the Doors, and this was evident by their next release, the chart-topping "Waiting for the Sun" album.
The cover photo was taken in Sniffen Court, a small residential suburb of New York City. Photographer Joel Brodsky originally wanted Jim Morrison and the band on the cover, but the frontman refused. However, most carnivals were out on summer tours so it was a struggle for Brodsky to find professional circus performers. The acrobats were the only ones he could find; the dwarf Lester Janus and his younger brother (not twins) Stanley Janus (who appeared on the back cover) were hired from an acting firm; the juggler was Brodsky's own assistant; the trumpet player was a taxi driver; and the strongman was a doorman at a club.
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Worst
Logging in at #48 on the Gigwise list is an album cover by Freddie Mercury & Queen. It was the band's thirteenth studio album, released in 1989.
The striking cover art utilised then cutting-edge image-manipulation technology to combine photographs of the familiar faces of the four band members into one morphed giant four-faced head. The image was in line with their decision to dispense with individual credits and simply present their music as the product of Queen the entity. The album reached #1 in the UK, in Austria, Germany, in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and #24 on the American Billboard 200 chart.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Best
Nirvana: ‘In Utero’ - ‘In Utero’ was an aggressively dark exploration of subject matters which had affected their frontman’s life thus far such as the dysfunctional family, cancer, privacy, and abortion. The imagery of the Transparent Anatomical Mannikin was originally meant for the single ‘Lithium’ or another track from ‘Neveremind’ but was scrapped due to copyright
In Utero was the third and final studio album by the grunge band icons Nirvana, and was released on September 21, 1993 by DGC Records. The album's abrasive and aggressive sound was a departure from the polished production of the band's breakthrough second album, Nevermind (1991), due in part to the selection of recording engineer Steve Albini. The subject matters of the songs included dysfunctional family, cancer, issues of privacy, and abortion.The art director for In Utero was Robert Fisher, who had designed all of Nirvana's releases on DGC Records. Most of the ideas for the artwork for the album and related singles came from Cobain. Fisher recalled that "[Cobain] would just give me some loose odds and ends and say 'Do something with it.'"
The cover of the album is an image of a Transparent Anatomical Mannikin, with angel wings superimposed.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Austin Record Convention
The Fall 2008 show dates are October 3rd (early shopping*), 4th and 5th.
After a very successful Fall 2007 show with the most overseas buyers we have ever had, the Austin Record Convention schedule for 2008 is October 3/4/5.
There was no Spring 2008 show, but in 2009 we plan to try a twice a year schedule once again. The tentative dates for 2009 are April 3/4/5 and October 2/3/4. Please remember that "tentative" means these dates are subject to change, so please check back until we list the dates as "confirmed" later this year.
The upcoming Fall 2008 show will be held at the Crockett Event Center at 10601 N. Lamar Blvd. See the map for the location.
Regular Admission: $5
Good for 2 days - Saturday October 4th and Sunday October 5th from 10am-6pm
*Early Shopper Admission: $30 US residents, $15 International residents
Good for all 3 days - Friday October 3rd from 10am-6pm, Saturday October 4th and Sunday October 5th 8am-6pm. Early shopper admission and dealer set-up will start on Friday October 3rd at 10AM and last until 6 PM.
About the Austin Record Convention
The Austin Record Convention is the largest sale of recorded music in the USA. There is more music and related memorabilia available here, at one time, than anywhere else. Ranging from the 78's of the 1930s to the latest compact discs of today, over one million 78s, 45s, LPs, CDs, cassettes, posters and collectibles (probably even a few 8-track tapes!) are in the auditorium. Over 300 different dealers from all over the USA and Europe are spread out over 50,000 square feet of floor space. The show is so big that to see everything takes most of the weekend, so if you're in a hurry we have search announcements at 12, 2, and 4 o'clock from the concession area to help in locating specific items.
The show brings together collectors and dealers from all over the world for a weekend of activity in Austin. The event started in 1981 and has been held twice a year, in the spring and fall, ever since. It has grown steadily over the years and now uses all available floor space at the event center. The location in Austin, "Live Music Capital of the World", is a beautiful city that is great fun to visit has aided in the popularity of the event. If you attend the show be sure to save some energy for an evening visit to any of the many clubs around town and check out the live music scene for which Austin is world famous.
A Show Directory is printed and given away at the event. It lists each dealer attending the show, where they are from, a map with their location in the building and a brief description of their speciality. Larger ad space is availible in the Directory, anyone interested in ads please contact us for space and rate information.
Selling and Buying Vinyl at the Austin Record Convention
The Austin show is the best marketplace to sell and/or buy vinyl in the USA. Whether it’s 45s, 78s or LPs this is the place to sell or buy them. We have an established base of buyers from all over the USA, Europe, Japan, Australia and elsewhere that have been attending our show for many years. If you have a vinyl collection and don’t want to go thru the long drawn out process of selling it on-line, Austin is the place to sell it fast and for reasonable prices. Due to this it’s also the best place to find sought after vinyl, whether it’s soul 45s, hard rock LPs or blues 78s. Either buying or selling vinyl, it’s all about the Austin Record Convention. For over thirty years, The Austin Record Convention has been your music marketplace.
After a very successful Fall 2007 show with the most overseas buyers we have ever had, the Austin Record Convention schedule for 2008 is October 3/4/5.
There was no Spring 2008 show, but in 2009 we plan to try a twice a year schedule once again. The tentative dates for 2009 are April 3/4/5 and October 2/3/4. Please remember that "tentative" means these dates are subject to change, so please check back until we list the dates as "confirmed" later this year.
The upcoming Fall 2008 show will be held at the Crockett Event Center at 10601 N. Lamar Blvd. See the map for the location.
Regular Admission: $5
Good for 2 days - Saturday October 4th and Sunday October 5th from 10am-6pm
*Early Shopper Admission: $30 US residents, $15 International residents
Good for all 3 days - Friday October 3rd from 10am-6pm, Saturday October 4th and Sunday October 5th 8am-6pm. Early shopper admission and dealer set-up will start on Friday October 3rd at 10AM and last until 6 PM.
About the Austin Record Convention
The Austin Record Convention is the largest sale of recorded music in the USA. There is more music and related memorabilia available here, at one time, than anywhere else. Ranging from the 78's of the 1930s to the latest compact discs of today, over one million 78s, 45s, LPs, CDs, cassettes, posters and collectibles (probably even a few 8-track tapes!) are in the auditorium. Over 300 different dealers from all over the USA and Europe are spread out over 50,000 square feet of floor space. The show is so big that to see everything takes most of the weekend, so if you're in a hurry we have search announcements at 12, 2, and 4 o'clock from the concession area to help in locating specific items.
The show brings together collectors and dealers from all over the world for a weekend of activity in Austin. The event started in 1981 and has been held twice a year, in the spring and fall, ever since. It has grown steadily over the years and now uses all available floor space at the event center. The location in Austin, "Live Music Capital of the World", is a beautiful city that is great fun to visit has aided in the popularity of the event. If you attend the show be sure to save some energy for an evening visit to any of the many clubs around town and check out the live music scene for which Austin is world famous.
A Show Directory is printed and given away at the event. It lists each dealer attending the show, where they are from, a map with their location in the building and a brief description of their speciality. Larger ad space is availible in the Directory, anyone interested in ads please contact us for space and rate information.
Selling and Buying Vinyl at the Austin Record Convention
The Austin show is the best marketplace to sell and/or buy vinyl in the USA. Whether it’s 45s, 78s or LPs this is the place to sell or buy them. We have an established base of buyers from all over the USA, Europe, Japan, Australia and elsewhere that have been attending our show for many years. If you have a vinyl collection and don’t want to go thru the long drawn out process of selling it on-line, Austin is the place to sell it fast and for reasonable prices. Due to this it’s also the best place to find sought after vinyl, whether it’s soul 45s, hard rock LPs or blues 78s. Either buying or selling vinyl, it’s all about the Austin Record Convention. For over thirty years, The Austin Record Convention has been your music marketplace.
Doheny Gets Its Groove on With Album Art
SOURCE: http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/stories/15568.html
09/05/08
New exhibit showcases many of the iconic record jackets once used to market music to a mass audience.
By Diane Krieger
The exhibit features a wide range of iconic record jackets, including one for Led Zeppelin.
Back in the dark age of analog sound, before jewel boxes and error correction codes rendered them obsolete, quaint paper vessels were used to protect the delicate grooved vinyl our ancestors knew as the phonograph recording.
As the 20th century drifts ever farther in the rear-view mirror, cultural historians are taking a fresh look at such fading ephemera. That’s the idea behind a Doheny Library exhibition that opened Sept. 5.
“A Sound Design: The Art of the Album Cover” pays homage to a medium that charmingly wrapped utilitarian function in aesthetic expression. Co-curated by music library manager Robert Vaughn along with Tyson Gaskill and Andrew Wulf, the exhibit showcases 52 iconic record jackets – from jazz to rock, punk and hip hop – spanning the expressive potential and stylistic variety of this popular art form.
Indeed, Vaughn said, the exhibition underscores that for years, album cover art was the top vehicle for distributing popular art to a mass audience. An album that went gold or platinum would be handled, closely studied and cherished by millions of music fans who otherwise might not look twice at the work of Andy Warhol, Raymond Pettibon or Salvador Dali.
Maybe you didn’t know that Warhol was the cover artist on the Rolling Stones’ 1971 smash, Sticky Fingers, as well as the Velvet Underground’s eponymous 1967 album? And that Pettibon designed Black Flag’s 1982 recording, Six Pack, and Sonic Youth’s 1990 Goo? Or strangest of all, that the Spanish symbolist Dali designed the jacket for one of Jackie Gleason’s popular “mood music” recordings, Lonesome Echo?
The album cover movement started in 1939, when Alex Steinweiss, a Columbia Records graphic artist with an interest in poster art, decided to try something new. At the time, an album cover was a plain heavy wrapper with tombstone-style text, like you’d find on the cover and spine of an encyclopedia.
Steinweiss got creative with the music of Beethoven and Rogers & Hart … and bam. “It was night and day,” Vaughn said. “Album sales started to soar. There was nothing to think about.” Soon every record label was doing it. The Doheny exhibition features Steinweiss’ design for the Cleveland Orchestra’s 1941 recording of Showboat, and a jazz album, Continental Tango, for bandleader Marek Weber. At Columbia, designer S. Neil Fujita took up the Steinweiss mantle with a stirring design for the Dave Brubeck Quartet’s Time Out (1959).
In the 1950s and ’60s, photography-design duo Francis Wolff and Reid Miles took jazz album covers to the next level – establishing a classy look that solidified the BlueNote label as the epitome of recording excellence.
The rock era produced amazing new collaborations such as the identity-defining, 30-year relationship between designer Roger Dean and the band, Yes. Sometimes it gave musicians a new creative outlet. The Doheny show features Brian Eno’s own design on his 1971 release, Ambient #1 Music for Airports, and David Byrne’s jacket for the Talking Heads’ 1983 album, Speaking in Tongues.
Other highlights from the exhibition include underground cartoonist Robert Crumb’s effort for Cheap Thrills, the 1968 LP by Big Brother and the Holding Company (Janis Joplin’s early band) and Jimmy Grashow’s whimsical pop-up gatefold design for Jethro Tull’s (1969) Stand Up.
The exhibition – which features LP jackets, historical tidbits and a video kiosk juxtaposing album imagery with the audio it illustrates – also will have a Web component offering links to in-depth readings. In the music library – conveniently located adjacent to the Rotunda exhibition space – Vaughn will make CDs of featured albums available for use by curious listeners.
“A Sound Design: The Art of the Album Cover” runs through Dec. 15 in the Ground Floor Rotunda of Doheny Library.
09/05/08
New exhibit showcases many of the iconic record jackets once used to market music to a mass audience.
By Diane Krieger
The exhibit features a wide range of iconic record jackets, including one for Led Zeppelin.
Back in the dark age of analog sound, before jewel boxes and error correction codes rendered them obsolete, quaint paper vessels were used to protect the delicate grooved vinyl our ancestors knew as the phonograph recording.
As the 20th century drifts ever farther in the rear-view mirror, cultural historians are taking a fresh look at such fading ephemera. That’s the idea behind a Doheny Library exhibition that opened Sept. 5.
“A Sound Design: The Art of the Album Cover” pays homage to a medium that charmingly wrapped utilitarian function in aesthetic expression. Co-curated by music library manager Robert Vaughn along with Tyson Gaskill and Andrew Wulf, the exhibit showcases 52 iconic record jackets – from jazz to rock, punk and hip hop – spanning the expressive potential and stylistic variety of this popular art form.
Indeed, Vaughn said, the exhibition underscores that for years, album cover art was the top vehicle for distributing popular art to a mass audience. An album that went gold or platinum would be handled, closely studied and cherished by millions of music fans who otherwise might not look twice at the work of Andy Warhol, Raymond Pettibon or Salvador Dali.
Maybe you didn’t know that Warhol was the cover artist on the Rolling Stones’ 1971 smash, Sticky Fingers, as well as the Velvet Underground’s eponymous 1967 album? And that Pettibon designed Black Flag’s 1982 recording, Six Pack, and Sonic Youth’s 1990 Goo? Or strangest of all, that the Spanish symbolist Dali designed the jacket for one of Jackie Gleason’s popular “mood music” recordings, Lonesome Echo?
The album cover movement started in 1939, when Alex Steinweiss, a Columbia Records graphic artist with an interest in poster art, decided to try something new. At the time, an album cover was a plain heavy wrapper with tombstone-style text, like you’d find on the cover and spine of an encyclopedia.
Steinweiss got creative with the music of Beethoven and Rogers & Hart … and bam. “It was night and day,” Vaughn said. “Album sales started to soar. There was nothing to think about.” Soon every record label was doing it. The Doheny exhibition features Steinweiss’ design for the Cleveland Orchestra’s 1941 recording of Showboat, and a jazz album, Continental Tango, for bandleader Marek Weber. At Columbia, designer S. Neil Fujita took up the Steinweiss mantle with a stirring design for the Dave Brubeck Quartet’s Time Out (1959).
In the 1950s and ’60s, photography-design duo Francis Wolff and Reid Miles took jazz album covers to the next level – establishing a classy look that solidified the BlueNote label as the epitome of recording excellence.
The rock era produced amazing new collaborations such as the identity-defining, 30-year relationship between designer Roger Dean and the band, Yes. Sometimes it gave musicians a new creative outlet. The Doheny show features Brian Eno’s own design on his 1971 release, Ambient #1 Music for Airports, and David Byrne’s jacket for the Talking Heads’ 1983 album, Speaking in Tongues.
Other highlights from the exhibition include underground cartoonist Robert Crumb’s effort for Cheap Thrills, the 1968 LP by Big Brother and the Holding Company (Janis Joplin’s early band) and Jimmy Grashow’s whimsical pop-up gatefold design for Jethro Tull’s (1969) Stand Up.
The exhibition – which features LP jackets, historical tidbits and a video kiosk juxtaposing album imagery with the audio it illustrates – also will have a Web component offering links to in-depth readings. In the music library – conveniently located adjacent to the Rotunda exhibition space – Vaughn will make CDs of featured albums available for use by curious listeners.
“A Sound Design: The Art of the Album Cover” runs through Dec. 15 in the Ground Floor Rotunda of Doheny Library.
Album Cover Art
Let's continue our look at controversial, weirdest, the worst and the best album covers (according to 'Gigwise') While certainly up for debate, the album covers represent how this visual medium that helped to sell the music that was made.
Controversial
Bloodhound Gang: Hefty Fine
The Bloodhound Gang is an American rock band from Trappe, Pennsylvania. Their songs typically have humorous and off-beat, often satirical lyrics. The group formed in 1992 and have sold a total of more than 5,000,000 albums. The band's album, "Hefty Fine," was released on September 27, 2005.
The title came about after Evil Jared Hasselhoff was fined during work on MTV's "Viva La Bam" (The Scavenger Hunt episode). Jared was fined $20,000, which Jimmy Pop allegedly had to pay (This is discussed in the "Uncommon-tary" Of the Viva La Bam DVDs). The CD's original title, Heavy Flow, was scrapped when it was noticed that fellow musician Moby had a song with the same name. All hail the fat man in the box!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weirdest
Ben Arthur: 'Edible Darling'
Ben Arthur is not your everyday folk-rock-country-blues singer-songwriter. After kicking around the college circuit and self-releasing two albums the previous decade, Ben Arthur shrewdly adds enough electro-nervous, street-cred-savvy production sheen (courtesy of producer/engineer Mike Shipley, whose performed similar alchemy for everyone from Aerosmith and Def Leppard to india.arie and Shania Twain) on this boutique label third release to lure even the most jaded adult-alternative fan. Naked emotion and ambiguous states of mind have long been the genre's oft-conflicting stocks in trade, but they make for a compelling balancing act here as Arthur's dry, wry vocal tack informs everything from the savory, psych-pop bounce of "Mary Ann" to the equally hook-rich "Broken Hearted Smile" and "Mercy." The quiet, acoustic charms of "Instrumental #3" represents a sort of mid-set respite as Arthur kicks off his musical shoes for the infectious country-folk sing-along "Keep Me Around," the spare beauty of "Jesus," and the dreamy dirge "Wake." The brash jangle of "Sight of Your Tears" pushes the "Alt" part of the equation a bit too aggressively, but Arthur's effortless knack for wedding memorable hook to opaque reflection shines through virtually everywhere else. --Jerry McCulley Amazon review
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worst
MC Hammer – ‘Look Look Look’
Just one word says it all for me, Hammer. When my kids were young, they loved this guy- why does he keep trying to make "music." "You Can't Touch This" is about as big as he will ever get.
The song topped charts in 1990 and earned an estimated $30 million. At the top of the ride Hammer had a $12 million dollar mansion in Fremont, CA, 17 luxury cars and a staff of 250.
"Hammer-Time" was over by 1996, when $13.7 million in the red, he declared bankruptcy. After breaking his leg in 1996 and the murder of friend Tupac Shakur, Hammer experienced somewhat of an epiphany and went back to being "a man of God" (Hammer grew up in a religious envronment and was no stranger to spiritual endevours). Hammer is now an evangilist, his shows now consist of prayer, preaching and gospel singing. This album was released in 2006 and featured production from Scott Storch. The album featured a title single and would sell much more than his previous releases at 300,000 copies worldwide. Is "Hammer-Time" coming back? I doubt it.
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Best
THE TEACHES OF PEACHES October 2002
As voted by the Gigwise family, this comes in at number 49 in their "best" album covers. Peaches: ‘The Teaches of Peaches’ is a nice cover, but 'best?', not even in my top thousand. Maybe I am missing something, but as hot as she is, maybe a picture of her face would have been better suited for the album cover.
The Teaches of Peaches is an album by Peaches, released in 2000 (see 2000 in music). It is her second album, but her first under the name Peaches. (Her debut album, Fancypants Hoodlum, was credited to her real name, Merrill Nisker.) Her indie-singer roommate Feist contributed vocals for the album.
On the album, Peaches combines elements of dance music, rock, humor, and casual sexuality in songs like "F**k the Pain Away" and "AA XXX". In 2002, XL Recordings re-released the album and as well put out an "Expanded Edition" featuring a bonus disc. The song "F**k the Pain Away" appeared on the Jackass Number Two original soundtrack and was played during the segment in which Johnny Knoxville dressed up as an old man with a pair of fake testicles hanging from his shorts.
It also was part of the soundtrack for the movie Lost in Translation, starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson.
Tune in tomorrow as we continue our look at Album Cover Art!
Controversial
Bloodhound Gang: Hefty Fine
The Bloodhound Gang is an American rock band from Trappe, Pennsylvania. Their songs typically have humorous and off-beat, often satirical lyrics. The group formed in 1992 and have sold a total of more than 5,000,000 albums. The band's album, "Hefty Fine," was released on September 27, 2005.
The title came about after Evil Jared Hasselhoff was fined during work on MTV's "Viva La Bam" (The Scavenger Hunt episode). Jared was fined $20,000, which Jimmy Pop allegedly had to pay (This is discussed in the "Uncommon-tary" Of the Viva La Bam DVDs). The CD's original title, Heavy Flow, was scrapped when it was noticed that fellow musician Moby had a song with the same name. All hail the fat man in the box!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weirdest
Ben Arthur: 'Edible Darling'
Ben Arthur is not your everyday folk-rock-country-blues singer-songwriter. After kicking around the college circuit and self-releasing two albums the previous decade, Ben Arthur shrewdly adds enough electro-nervous, street-cred-savvy production sheen (courtesy of producer/engineer Mike Shipley, whose performed similar alchemy for everyone from Aerosmith and Def Leppard to india.arie and Shania Twain) on this boutique label third release to lure even the most jaded adult-alternative fan. Naked emotion and ambiguous states of mind have long been the genre's oft-conflicting stocks in trade, but they make for a compelling balancing act here as Arthur's dry, wry vocal tack informs everything from the savory, psych-pop bounce of "Mary Ann" to the equally hook-rich "Broken Hearted Smile" and "Mercy." The quiet, acoustic charms of "Instrumental #3" represents a sort of mid-set respite as Arthur kicks off his musical shoes for the infectious country-folk sing-along "Keep Me Around," the spare beauty of "Jesus," and the dreamy dirge "Wake." The brash jangle of "Sight of Your Tears" pushes the "Alt" part of the equation a bit too aggressively, but Arthur's effortless knack for wedding memorable hook to opaque reflection shines through virtually everywhere else. --Jerry McCulley Amazon review
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worst
MC Hammer – ‘Look Look Look’
Just one word says it all for me, Hammer. When my kids were young, they loved this guy- why does he keep trying to make "music." "You Can't Touch This" is about as big as he will ever get.
The song topped charts in 1990 and earned an estimated $30 million. At the top of the ride Hammer had a $12 million dollar mansion in Fremont, CA, 17 luxury cars and a staff of 250.
"Hammer-Time" was over by 1996, when $13.7 million in the red, he declared bankruptcy. After breaking his leg in 1996 and the murder of friend Tupac Shakur, Hammer experienced somewhat of an epiphany and went back to being "a man of God" (Hammer grew up in a religious envronment and was no stranger to spiritual endevours). Hammer is now an evangilist, his shows now consist of prayer, preaching and gospel singing. This album was released in 2006 and featured production from Scott Storch. The album featured a title single and would sell much more than his previous releases at 300,000 copies worldwide. Is "Hammer-Time" coming back? I doubt it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Best
THE TEACHES OF PEACHES October 2002
As voted by the Gigwise family, this comes in at number 49 in their "best" album covers. Peaches: ‘The Teaches of Peaches’ is a nice cover, but 'best?', not even in my top thousand. Maybe I am missing something, but as hot as she is, maybe a picture of her face would have been better suited for the album cover.
The Teaches of Peaches is an album by Peaches, released in 2000 (see 2000 in music). It is her second album, but her first under the name Peaches. (Her debut album, Fancypants Hoodlum, was credited to her real name, Merrill Nisker.) Her indie-singer roommate Feist contributed vocals for the album.
On the album, Peaches combines elements of dance music, rock, humor, and casual sexuality in songs like "F**k the Pain Away" and "AA XXX". In 2002, XL Recordings re-released the album and as well put out an "Expanded Edition" featuring a bonus disc. The song "F**k the Pain Away" appeared on the Jackass Number Two original soundtrack and was played during the segment in which Johnny Knoxville dressed up as an old man with a pair of fake testicles hanging from his shorts.
It also was part of the soundtrack for the movie Lost in Translation, starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson.
Tune in tomorrow as we continue our look at Album Cover Art!
This Date In Music History-September 10
Birthdays:
Joe Perry, Aerosmith's resident guitar god, was born in Lawrence, Mass in 1950.
Danny Hutton ("Roses & Rainbows" and a member of Three Dog Night) turns 66.
Cracker frontman Dave Lowry greets the world in 1960. The guitarist is also a founding member of Camper Van Beethoven.
José Feliciano ("Light My Fire") is 63. He also wrote the theme for TV's Chico & the Man. (A correction from Monday, Sept 8th post which incorrectly listed Jose’s birthday as the 8th of September)
History:
Waldo Semon was born in 1898. He invented vinyl in 1926, which was used to make LP and 45 records. He died on 26th May 1998 aged 100.
In 1964 Rod Stewart recorded his first single, "Good Morning, Little Schoolgirl," with the Hoochie Koochie Men in 1964. It promptly disappeared from view, and Stewart would go on to perform with the Jeff Beck Group and the Faces before striking out in a solo direction.
In 1965, the Rolling Stones took over the British pop program Ready Steady Go! Not only did the band members host, but they also interviewed their special guests Manfred Mann, Goldie & the Gingerbreads, and the Preachers. The last were booked because Bill Wyman produced their current single.
Kiss released their first live record, "Alive" in 1975. The double set also becomes their first top 10 album. and contained live performances from KISS' first three albums.
Bob Dylan released his live album "Hard Rain" in 1976.
Blues singer/guitarist Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown died in 2005, at age 81, at his brother's home in Orange, Texas. Brown recorded with such greats as Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder and Frank Zappa.
In 1962, Britain's BBC banned Bobby 'Boris' Pickett's single, "Monster Mash", saying it was offensive. They eventually relented and the song went on to be a UK #3 hit in 1973.
The Byrds began recording "Turn! Turn! Turn!" in 1965. Unlike their first hit, "Mr. Tambourine Man,” members of the group itself were permitted to play instead of session musicians.
The Monkees' "The Last Train To Clarksville" was released in the US in 1966. By the first week of November, it will be the top tune in the nation.
The Supremes achieved their ninth US number one record in 1966 when "You Can't Hurry Love" topped the Billboard chart.
In 1977, David Bowie accepted Bing Crosby's invitation to appear as a special guest on Bing's annual Christmas television special. Bowie and Bing sang duets on "Little Drummer Boy" and "Peace on Earth". The songs were recorded for Crosby's album "Merrie Olde Christmas".
Guns N' Roses enjoyed a number one single in 1988 with "Sweet Child O' Mine" written for Axl Rose's then girlfriend, Erin Everly, the daughter of The Everly Brothers' eldest sibling, Don Everly.
In 2005, the 1967 Beatles track ‘A Day In The Life’ from Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was voted the best British song of all time by music experts. The survey by Q magazine called the track "the ultimate sonic rendition of what it means to be British.”
In 1991, Nirvana’s single ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ was released in the US.
Joe Perry, Aerosmith's resident guitar god, was born in Lawrence, Mass in 1950.
Danny Hutton ("Roses & Rainbows" and a member of Three Dog Night) turns 66.
Cracker frontman Dave Lowry greets the world in 1960. The guitarist is also a founding member of Camper Van Beethoven.
José Feliciano ("Light My Fire") is 63. He also wrote the theme for TV's Chico & the Man. (A correction from Monday, Sept 8th post which incorrectly listed Jose’s birthday as the 8th of September)
History:
Waldo Semon was born in 1898. He invented vinyl in 1926, which was used to make LP and 45 records. He died on 26th May 1998 aged 100.
In 1964 Rod Stewart recorded his first single, "Good Morning, Little Schoolgirl," with the Hoochie Koochie Men in 1964. It promptly disappeared from view, and Stewart would go on to perform with the Jeff Beck Group and the Faces before striking out in a solo direction.
In 1965, the Rolling Stones took over the British pop program Ready Steady Go! Not only did the band members host, but they also interviewed their special guests Manfred Mann, Goldie & the Gingerbreads, and the Preachers. The last were booked because Bill Wyman produced their current single.
Kiss released their first live record, "Alive" in 1975. The double set also becomes their first top 10 album. and contained live performances from KISS' first three albums.
Bob Dylan released his live album "Hard Rain" in 1976.
Blues singer/guitarist Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown died in 2005, at age 81, at his brother's home in Orange, Texas. Brown recorded with such greats as Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder and Frank Zappa.
In 1962, Britain's BBC banned Bobby 'Boris' Pickett's single, "Monster Mash", saying it was offensive. They eventually relented and the song went on to be a UK #3 hit in 1973.
The Byrds began recording "Turn! Turn! Turn!" in 1965. Unlike their first hit, "Mr. Tambourine Man,” members of the group itself were permitted to play instead of session musicians.
The Monkees' "The Last Train To Clarksville" was released in the US in 1966. By the first week of November, it will be the top tune in the nation.
The Supremes achieved their ninth US number one record in 1966 when "You Can't Hurry Love" topped the Billboard chart.
In 1977, David Bowie accepted Bing Crosby's invitation to appear as a special guest on Bing's annual Christmas television special. Bowie and Bing sang duets on "Little Drummer Boy" and "Peace on Earth". The songs were recorded for Crosby's album "Merrie Olde Christmas".
Guns N' Roses enjoyed a number one single in 1988 with "Sweet Child O' Mine" written for Axl Rose's then girlfriend, Erin Everly, the daughter of The Everly Brothers' eldest sibling, Don Everly.
In 2005, the 1967 Beatles track ‘A Day In The Life’ from Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was voted the best British song of all time by music experts. The survey by Q magazine called the track "the ultimate sonic rendition of what it means to be British.”
In 1991, Nirvana’s single ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ was released in the US.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Album Cover Art
As I was trolling through the net, I found several 'lists' of controversial album covers. So everyday, I will be displaying some of these album covers, along with some history or tidbit about the cover. I want to thank 'gigwise' (www.gigwise.com) for the images and concept. We will explore the most controversial, the weirdest, the worst and finally the best album covers (according to gigwise).
Controversial
Here is an image of an album cover by the band James. The baby has a choice to make, the handgun-or the toys, my guess he would choose the toys.
Hey Ma is the tenth studio album by Mancunian rock band James and was released on April 7, 2008. Before the album hit the shelves, the tabloid publication the Sun printed an article (March 13, 2007) calling for a ban on the use of the album art on billboards, relating to fears concerning the baby and the gun images found on the album's sleeve. While the ban still remains, the band still refused to change the album cover.
Later, Darren Hughes, the designer of the album art, went on to issue a statement on the ban:
"You need only to have a passing acquaintance with the headlines to be aware of the unfolding horror show of gun culture amongst kids in the UK. Whilst the media are quick to show condemnation and, in the governments barricading of not just our airports but now our train and bus stations and schools with metal detectors, armed police and dogs, their strong armed 'climate of fear-inducing' response.
But we seem less able, less curious to raise the vital question, as to what has brought our country, our culture our kids to be so taken with guns?"
Larry Gott, the lead guitarist of the band, has gone on to state that this will not affect the release and publicity of the album in any way, and an alternative has already been planned if such a situation did occur.
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Weirdest
Let's also take a look at some of the weirdest album covers (according to Gigwise) as well.
Wire "Take A Terrifying Trip To The Past" from 1980
Wire are an English rock band formed in London in October 1976, (and intermittently active to the present) by Colin Newman (vocals, guitar), Graham Lewis (bass, vocals), Bruce Gilbert (guitar), and Robert Gotobed (né Grey) (drums). They were originally associated with the punk rock scene, appearing on the Live at the Roxy WC2 album - a key early document of the scene, and were later central to the development of post-punk. And despite little attention in the beginning, Wire's first three albums are among the most influential on the postpunk era, cited by Michael Stipe of R.E.M. and Robert Smith of the Cure.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worst
At number 50 on the gigwise list is one from Prince. Although he gave us some fantatsic album covers, this is not rated to be one of his best.
In October 1979, Prince released his self-titled second album Prince, which reached #4 on the Billboard R&B charts, and contained two R&B hits: "Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?" and "I Wanna Be Your Lover." These two R&B hits were performed on 26 January 1980, on the TV show American Bandstand with this first backing band. Legend has it that Prince became annoyed when, during the interview segment, Dick Clark expressed surprise that Prince and his bandmates hailed from Minneapolis "of all places." At first Prince refused to speak, instead answering a question by gesturing with his hand. It was later admitted by Dez Dickerson that it was planned from the beginning as a way to throw Dick Clark off his game.
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The Best
Certainly up for debate, Gigwise starts off their list of 'Best Album Covers' with the iconic LP "In the Court of the Crimson King (an observation by King Crimson)," the 1969 debut album by the British progressive rock group King Crimson. The album reached #3 on the British charts and has been certified gold in the United States. The cover, a work by Barry Godber, is instantly recognizable to any rock and roll fan and would be certainly in my top ten. Here is a bit about the artist:
Barry Godber (1946–1970), an artist and computer programmer, painted the album cover. Godber died in February 1970 of a heart attack, shortly after the album's release. It would be his only painting, and is now owned by band member Robert Fripp. Fripp had this to say about Godber:
"Barry Godber was not a painter but a computer programmer. That painting was the only one he ever did. He was a friend of Peter Sinfield, and died in 1970 of a heart attack at age 24. Peter brought this painting in and the band loved it. I recently recovered the original from EG's offices because they kept it exposed to bright light, at the risk of ruining it, so I ended up removing it. The face on the outside is the Schizoid Man, and on the inside it's the Crimson King. If you cover the smiling face, the eyes reveal an incredible sadness. What can one add? It reflects the music."
'From The Capitol Vaults' Vinyl Campaign
Capitol/EMI's 'From The Capitol Vaults' Vinyl Campaign Continues With September 30 Release of Iconic Albums by Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon
Remastered Titles Presented on Limited Edition, 180-Gram Audiophile Quality Vinyl with Original Artwork and Packaging
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Capitol/EMI's high quality
"From The Capitol Vaults" U.S. vinyl campaign continues on September 30
with the limited edition release of two iconic rock albums. Jimi Hendrix's
incendiary 1970 concert album, Band Of Gypsys, will be issued on fiery red
180-gram vinyl, and John Lennon's chart-topping 1971 studio album, Imagine,
will be released on 180-gram vinyl.
Capitol/EMI launched its "From The Capitol Vaults" campaign on
September 2 with 13 classic titles, all previously out-of-print on vinyl.
Included in the series' debut were A Perfect Circle's Mer de Noms, The
Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, Coldplay's Parachutes, A Rush Of Blood To The Head,
and X&Y, Radiohead's Pablo Honey, The Bends, OK Computer, Kid A (two 10"
140-gram LPs), Amnesiac (two 10" 140-gram LPs), and Hail To The Thief,
R.E.M.'s Document, and Steve Miller Band's Greatest Hits 1974-78.
All "From The Capitol Vaults" titles feature carefully replicated
artwork and packaging true to their original single or gatefold jacket LP
releases. More "From The Capitol Vaults" titles will soon be announced.
For more information, visit http://fromthecapitolvaults.com.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Collector's Report
August 31 to September 6, 2008
Collector's Report reviews the top selling 45's, LP's, 78's and CD's each week on eBay. The following are the top sellers for the week of August 31 to September 6, 2008.
LP's
Please, Please Me - Beatles - UK Issue - Parlophone PCS 3042 - $4,421.75
Soul Expedition - Soul Expedition - Lefevre Sound Records MLSP 3181 (VG+/SS) - $2,939.29
Waltz for Debby - Bill Evans Trio - Prestige RLP9399 (E/E) - $1,788.88
Fantastic Dee-Jays - Fantastic Dee-Jays - Stone SLP 4003 (VG+/VG+) - $1,715.00
Can You Mend a Silver Thread? - Sandstone - US-Private 1971 (M-) - $1,703.91
45's
Little Love Finds a Way/I Need Some Loving - Margaret Little - Genebro 230 G (VG-) - $7,400.00
This Won't Change/Go On - Lester Tipton - LaBeat 6607 17868 (M-) - $7,200.00
Set of 5 Sun 45's - Elvis Presley - Sun Records (VG+ to NM) - $6,999.00
Don't Play the Roll/Handy Andy - Tommy & the Derbys - Swing 1001 - $4,161.00
I Am Nothing/Brand New Love - Al Williams - La Beat 6602 (M-) - $3,220.00
78's
The One That I Love (Golden Gate Orchestra) / I Faw Down and Go Boom (Arthur Field Assasinators) - Edison 52553 (M-) - $635.55
Two Picture Disc Set - Art Mooney - $610.01
That's All Right/Blue Moon of Kentucky - Elvis Presley (G+) - $550.00
Folk Music of the United States (5 discs) - Alan Lomax Compiled - Smithsonian (E-/VG+) - $499.00
Falling Rain/Baby What Else Can I Do - Lonnie Johnson Trio - Acetate - $482.00
SOURCE: http://winkscollectibles.blogspot.com
Collector's Report reviews the top selling 45's, LP's, 78's and CD's each week on eBay. The following are the top sellers for the week of August 31 to September 6, 2008.
LP's
Please, Please Me - Beatles - UK Issue - Parlophone PCS 3042 - $4,421.75
Soul Expedition - Soul Expedition - Lefevre Sound Records MLSP 3181 (VG+/SS) - $2,939.29
Waltz for Debby - Bill Evans Trio - Prestige RLP9399 (E/E) - $1,788.88
Fantastic Dee-Jays - Fantastic Dee-Jays - Stone SLP 4003 (VG+/VG+) - $1,715.00
Can You Mend a Silver Thread? - Sandstone - US-Private 1971 (M-) - $1,703.91
45's
Little Love Finds a Way/I Need Some Loving - Margaret Little - Genebro 230 G (VG-) - $7,400.00
This Won't Change/Go On - Lester Tipton - LaBeat 6607 17868 (M-) - $7,200.00
Set of 5 Sun 45's - Elvis Presley - Sun Records (VG+ to NM) - $6,999.00
Don't Play the Roll/Handy Andy - Tommy & the Derbys - Swing 1001 - $4,161.00
I Am Nothing/Brand New Love - Al Williams - La Beat 6602 (M-) - $3,220.00
78's
The One That I Love (Golden Gate Orchestra) / I Faw Down and Go Boom (Arthur Field Assasinators) - Edison 52553 (M-) - $635.55
Two Picture Disc Set - Art Mooney - $610.01
That's All Right/Blue Moon of Kentucky - Elvis Presley (G+) - $550.00
Folk Music of the United States (5 discs) - Alan Lomax Compiled - Smithsonian (E-/VG+) - $499.00
Falling Rain/Baby What Else Can I Do - Lonnie Johnson Trio - Acetate - $482.00
SOURCE: http://winkscollectibles.blogspot.com
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales
Week Ending 08/16/2008
1) 78rpm - Five Sharps "Stormy Weather" / "Sleepy Cowboy" Jubilee - $5,200.00
2) 45rpm - Nirvana "Love Buzz" 7" - $2,500.00
3) 78rpm - Robert Johnson "Crossroad Blues" / "Rambling On My Mind" Vocalion - $2,345.00
4) 45rpm - Brooks Bros "Lookin' For A Woman" / "Two Great Lovers" Tay - $2,247.22
5) 45rpm - Eddie Cochran "Mean When I'm Mad" / "One Kiss" Liberty Picture Sleeve - $2,225.00
SOURCE: http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com/
1) 78rpm - Five Sharps "Stormy Weather" / "Sleepy Cowboy" Jubilee - $5,200.00
2) 45rpm - Nirvana "Love Buzz" 7" - $2,500.00
3) 78rpm - Robert Johnson "Crossroad Blues" / "Rambling On My Mind" Vocalion - $2,345.00
4) 45rpm - Brooks Bros "Lookin' For A Woman" / "Two Great Lovers" Tay - $2,247.22
5) 45rpm - Eddie Cochran "Mean When I'm Mad" / "One Kiss" Liberty Picture Sleeve - $2,225.00
SOURCE: http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com/
This Date In Music History- September 8
Birthdays:
Born on this day in 1979, Pop diva Pink.
Aimee Mann, US singer songwriter, member of Til Tuesday was born in 1960.
Latin guitarist Jose Feliciano, who had a top three hit with his interpretation of the Doors' "Light My Fire," was born in Puerto Rico in 1945. He also wrote the theme for TV's Chico & the Man.
Cathy Jean Giordano ("Please Love Me Forever" with the Roomates) is 63.
Benjamin Orr, bassist for the Cars, and vocalist on their biggest chart hit, “Drive," was born in Lakewood, OH in 1947, with the name Benjamin Orzechowski.
History:
Singer Patsy Cline, country singer and the first female country singer to cross over as a pop artist, was born in 1931 (1961 US No.19 single 'Crazy'). Cline was killed in a plane crash on 5th March, 1963.
Jimmie Rodgers, singer/songwriter and the first country music star, was born in 1897. Rodgers sold well over 12 million records and he was the first person to be elected into the Country Music Hall Of Fame. Rodgers died on May 26, 1933.
Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Atlanta in 2007.
In 1965, an ad appeared in Variety announcing auditions for "The Monkees" TV show. Sorry, Mr. Stills, your smile was just not good enough (never mind that you had talent).
Elvis Presley first appeared on the cover of TV Guide in 1956.
Ron McKernan was born in San Bruno, California in 1945. Deadheads know him better as "Pigpen," the keyboardist for the Grateful Dead. He died on March 8, 1973 from cirrhosis of the liver at age 27.
Two generations of entertainment come together as Elvis Presley picked up the Bing Crosby Award in 1971. The award is given to recording artists who "during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic or scientific significance to the field of phonograph records." Elvis joins an elite group of honorees. Only five had previously received the award: Bing (of course), Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Irving Berlin.
In 2003, the Record Industry Association of America initiates legal action against 261 people accused of sharing music files on peer to peer networks. The group included a 12-year-old who downloaded the Family Matters TV-theme song. Yeah, the 12 year-old was a criminal.
Radio personality Alan Freed began broadcasting on New York's WINS in 1954. Although the phrase "rock and roll" had been around for a while, Freed is generally given credit for making it popular.
The Allman Brothers started a five week run at the top of the US album chart in 1973 with "Brothers And Sisters", the group's only US #1 LP.
Marvin Gaye enjoyed his second #1 hit on the Billboard Pop chart in 1973 with "Let's Get It On". He would place 7 more records on the list by 1982, giving him a total of 40.
'In Through the Out Door,' Led Zeppelin's first album of new material in over three years, was released in 1979. Topping the chart for seven weeks, it turned out to be their swan song.
Disco band Wild Cherry's self-titled album, which includes their number one single, "Play that Funky Music", was certified gold in 1976.
Derek Taylor the publicist for The Beatles died in 1997 at age 67. Taylor had been responsible for many of the legends surrounding their career and had also worked with The Beach Boys and The Byrds.
Born on this day in 1979, Pop diva Pink.
Aimee Mann, US singer songwriter, member of Til Tuesday was born in 1960.
Latin guitarist Jose Feliciano, who had a top three hit with his interpretation of the Doors' "Light My Fire," was born in Puerto Rico in 1945. He also wrote the theme for TV's Chico & the Man.
Cathy Jean Giordano ("Please Love Me Forever" with the Roomates) is 63.
Benjamin Orr, bassist for the Cars, and vocalist on their biggest chart hit, “Drive," was born in Lakewood, OH in 1947, with the name Benjamin Orzechowski.
History:
Singer Patsy Cline, country singer and the first female country singer to cross over as a pop artist, was born in 1931 (1961 US No.19 single 'Crazy'). Cline was killed in a plane crash on 5th March, 1963.
Jimmie Rodgers, singer/songwriter and the first country music star, was born in 1897. Rodgers sold well over 12 million records and he was the first person to be elected into the Country Music Hall Of Fame. Rodgers died on May 26, 1933.
Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Atlanta in 2007.
In 1965, an ad appeared in Variety announcing auditions for "The Monkees" TV show. Sorry, Mr. Stills, your smile was just not good enough (never mind that you had talent).
Elvis Presley first appeared on the cover of TV Guide in 1956.
Ron McKernan was born in San Bruno, California in 1945. Deadheads know him better as "Pigpen," the keyboardist for the Grateful Dead. He died on March 8, 1973 from cirrhosis of the liver at age 27.
Two generations of entertainment come together as Elvis Presley picked up the Bing Crosby Award in 1971. The award is given to recording artists who "during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic or scientific significance to the field of phonograph records." Elvis joins an elite group of honorees. Only five had previously received the award: Bing (of course), Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Irving Berlin.
In 2003, the Record Industry Association of America initiates legal action against 261 people accused of sharing music files on peer to peer networks. The group included a 12-year-old who downloaded the Family Matters TV-theme song. Yeah, the 12 year-old was a criminal.
Radio personality Alan Freed began broadcasting on New York's WINS in 1954. Although the phrase "rock and roll" had been around for a while, Freed is generally given credit for making it popular.
The Allman Brothers started a five week run at the top of the US album chart in 1973 with "Brothers And Sisters", the group's only US #1 LP.
Marvin Gaye enjoyed his second #1 hit on the Billboard Pop chart in 1973 with "Let's Get It On". He would place 7 more records on the list by 1982, giving him a total of 40.
'In Through the Out Door,' Led Zeppelin's first album of new material in over three years, was released in 1979. Topping the chart for seven weeks, it turned out to be their swan song.
Disco band Wild Cherry's self-titled album, which includes their number one single, "Play that Funky Music", was certified gold in 1976.
Derek Taylor the publicist for The Beatles died in 1997 at age 67. Taylor had been responsible for many of the legends surrounding their career and had also worked with The Beach Boys and The Byrds.
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