Music News & Notes

Details of Jon Snodgrass's new album revealed

By Dave Herrera


Jon Snodgrass, one-half of the almighty Drag the River, is preparing to release his debut solo effort. The album, Visitor's Band, which is slated for release on Tuesday, February 4, on Suburban Home Records, features a slew of guests including, Two Cow Garage, Chad Rex, Joey Erg, Chris Pierce and Eric Powers, among others. According to label owner Virgil Dickerson, the tracks melds the "hard-edged rock you expect from Armchair Martian," Snodgrass's previous band, with "the more rootsy sounds you might expect to hear with Drag the River."

Last week, we debuted a track from the record called "Remember My Name" on Mile Hi-Fidelity and have had the chance to listen to the rest of the disc. Needless to say, Dickerson's assessment is pretty spot on.

Visitor's Band will be available on disc and vinyl -- 300 copies on black vinyl and 700 on clear vinyl -- and Dickerson reports that he's currently trying to get Snodgrass to co-sign a batch of new merch, in particular, a shirt with his face above the slogan, "What would Jon Do?" So far he's not having much luck. Ditto a "What would Jon drink" pint glass.

And just in case you couldn't get enough Drag in your diet, the band is also preparing to issue a new release with a title that is bound to continue to confound fans regarding the band's status. Broke up? Not broke up? That disc, fittingly titled Bad at Breaking Up, will reportedly contain tracks that were previously only available on 7-inch vinyl, B-sides and tunes from the group's split with the Dents.

If all that sounds good to you, head over to the Suburban Home website to listen to tracks from Jon's new record and to pre-order both releases. If you're one of the first 1,000 folks to purchase the Drag disc, you'll get your hands on a Drag the River guitar pick. In the meantime, here's the full tracklisting for Visitor's Band.

Track Listing:
1. Brave With Strangers
2. Thru The Fan
3. Remember My Name
4. Song For Jake Nichols To Sing
5. Finally
6. Fast In Last
7. Long Way Found
8. Fast One Sloe
9. Not That Rad
10. Murderfield
11. Visitor's Band

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Jamey Johnson Releasing Vinyl LP, Appearing on Tonight Show

Jamey Johnson will release a vinyl LP version of his Mercury album, That Lonesome Song on Jan. 27 and has scheduled a Feb. 5 appearance on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. Johnson has received three nominations at the Grammy Awards show taking place Feb. 8 in Los Angeles. That Lonesome Song is up for best country album, and one of the tracks, "In Color," is nominated for best male country vocal performance and best country song. Johnson co-wrote the song with Lee Thomas Miller and James Otto. Johnson says, "The critical acclaim for the album and the Grammy nominations are so cool, but what has been the most overwhelming thing for me so far is when we're playing live and the crowd sings every word of 'In Color' back to us. As a songwriter, I can't even explain what that feels like."

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News - Minus the Bear Release "Acoustics" on Vinyl

"Minus the Bear is excited to announce the release of "Acoustics," an exclusive seven-track EP, available from Suicide Squeeze in a limited edition run. "Acoustics," couples newly recorded acoustic versions of fan favorites from the Seattle quintet's prolific career with a new track, entitled, "Guns & Ammo." Originally released as a tour-only CD - during the band's 2008 headlining tour - this is the first time "Acoustics" will be available on vinyl, in stores, anywhere. Limited to 5000 copies pressed to baby-blue/crème wax. Order your copy from Virgil over at www.vinylcollective.com

Track Listing for Acoustics EP: Release Date Feb 17
Guns & Ammo
We Are Not a Football Team
Burying Luck
Knights
Pachuca Sunrise
Throwin’ Shapes
Ice Monster

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Get Up Kids Release

Doghouse Records has announced plans to reissue the Get Up Kids favorite, Something To Write Home About, on vinyl next month. The CD was released ten years ago, on Vagrant Records. Doghouse is promising that only 2000 copies will be made available and that they will be pressed on Opaque Purple vinyl. The record is due out February 17, 2009. The disc is the second in a series of vinyl reissues that Doghouse has begun. The label released 1997's Four Minute Mile in December.

This Date In Music History-January 16

Birthdays:

Jim Stafford turns 65.

Nick Valensi- The Strokes (1981)

Maxine Jones- En Vogue (1965)

Ronnie Milsap (1946)

Bob Bogle- The Ventures (1937)

Barbara Lynn is 67.

Pop diva Sade (1959)


They Are Missed:

David Seville (creator of the Chipmunks) died of a heart attack in 1972.

James "Pookie" Hudson, lead singer of the Spaniels, died of cancer in 2007.

Clara Ward died in 1973. With the Ward Singers, she helped gospel cross over from churches to concert halls, and was cited as an inspiration by Aretha Franklin.

Coasters singer Will Jones died in 2000 (age 71).


History:

Del Shannon recorded his first single, "Runaway" in 1967 which would top the US charts by April.

Wayne Newton performed his 25,000th Las Vegas show in 1996.

Jamaican authorities fired upon on Jimmy Buffett's seaplane in 1996, after mistaking it for a drug trafficker's plane. U2 singer Bono was with Buffett, but neither was hurt.

In 1987, the Beastie Boys became the first act censored on "American Bandstand."

In 2005, Elvis Presley's rereleased hit "One Night" knocked his "Jailhouse Rock" off the top of the U.K. singles chart, becoming the 1000th #1 since the chart was inaugurated.

In 1980, Paul McCartney was thrown into a Tokyo jail after he's discovered in possession of a half pound of marijuana at Narita International Airport. He was incarcerated for ten days.

Peter Frampton's "Frampton Comes Alive!" was released in 1976. The album took just five weeks to go Gold and turned Platinum in less than three months. It sold over 19 million copies in its first year.

In 1986, ABBA performed together for the last time at a show honoring their manager Stig Anderson on the Swedish TV show This Is Your Life.

In 1965, the Supremes' "Come See About Me" knocked the Beatles' "I Feel Fine" off the #1 spot in the US.

In 1970, Scotland Yard confiscated eight John Lennon lithographs from a London art gallery for being obscene.

Little Richard recorded "Lucille" in 1957.

The Cavern Club opened in Liverpool in 1957. It became the home of many Liverpool bands including The Beatles who appeared at the club 292 times.

The Beatles played two shows at the Olympia Theatre, Paris, France in 1964, the first of an 18-night engagement. This first show was attended mostly by Paris' "top society" members (all dressed in formal evening attire). The French press had little good to say about The Beatles in the next day's papers, but The Beatles didn't care, because they'd just received news that their single ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ had hit #1 in the US, selling 10,000 copies an hour in New York City alone.

Bruce Springsteen appeared at Villanova University in 1973, appearing to an audience of 25 people.

George Michael went to #1 on the US album charts with his debut solo album 'Faith' in 1988. It went on to sell over 8 million copies.

Tina Turner gave herself a place in the record books in 1988 when she performed in front of 182,000 people in Rio De Janeiro. It was the largest audience ever for a single artist.

In 1988, 24 years after The Beatles first topped the chart, George Harrison went to #1 on the US singles chart with 'Got My Mind Set On You'.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Announces 2009 Inductees

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have announced their newest inductees. Making the hall are:


Metallica - The group brought metal back down to earth and enhanced the thrash genre with the use of high speed and volume while playing what ammounted to much more intricate compositions than other groups of the time. They crossed a niche genre to the mainstream and became a major recording act, selling over 60 million albums. Twenty five years after their debut, Death Magnetic recently topped the charts and has sold over on million copies in its first four months.

Run-D.M.C. - Only the second rap group to be inducted after Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five who went in in 2006. It was their crossover with Aerosmith on Walk This Way that helped move rap into the mainstream. They were also the first rap group to assemble fully realized albums with their 1986 entry Raising Hell being the first rap record to go platinum. On a sad note, Joseph "Run" Simmons and Daryl "DMC" McDaniels will be accepting the award without their partner Jam Master Jay who was murdered in 2oo2.

Jeff Beck - This is Beck's second trip into the hall, after being inducted in 1992 with the Yardbirds . Here, he is being honored for his solo work and as one of the most respected guitarists of the rock era able to play everything from straight rock to jazz.

Little Anthony and the Imperials - The group had one of the longest runs of any Doo Wop group, managing to segue from Tears on My Pillow in the 50's to the smoother R&B/pop sound of Goin' Out Of My Head in the mid-60's. Sammy Strain , who is being inducted with the Imperials, is also on his second time around. He was also inducted back in 2005 with the O'Jays.

Bobby Womack - Volumes could be written about Womack's career and his influence over the world of R&B, from his early days working with Sam Cooke to his songwriting (It's All Over Now, I'm a Midnight Mover, Breezin', That's the Way I Feel About Cha ), guitar playing (for Aretha Franklin, Ron Wood & Others) and performing. His solo hits included a remake of Lookin' for a Love (originally recorded by his group the Valentinos 12-years earlier), Woman's Gotta Have It and If You Think You're Lonely Now .

Wanda Jackson (Early Influence) - Jackson was one of the four nominees but did not receive enough votes for induction, so the separate committee on early influences put her through. She emerged during the 50's as a force in both Rockabilly and Country music. Her country hits included In the Middle of a Heartache and Right or Wrong while she charted pop with the same songs plus the rocking Let's Have a Party. She continues touring today.

Dewey Lyndon "Spooner" Oldham (Sideman) - Organist from Muscle Shoals who did much of his recording at FAME studios. He played on Percy Sledge 's When a Man Loves a Woman , Wilson Pickett 's Mustang Sally and Aretha Franklin's I Never Loved a Man . He was also a songwriter, pening Cry Like a Baby (Box Tops ), I'm Your Puppet (James & Bobby Purify ), Sweet Inspiration (Sweet Inspirations ), It Tears Me Up and Out of Left Field (both Percy Sledge).

Bill Black (Sideman) - Bass player for Elvis Presley from his Sun days until 1958 and, later, as leader of Bill Black's Combo who had R&B and pop hits with Smokie Part 2, White Silver Sands and their own version of Presley's Don't Be Cruel .

D.J. Fontana (Sideman) - Drummer for Elvis Presley from his Lousiana Hayride and Sun days through 1969. Afterwards, he became a studio musician for artists from Johnny Cash to Paul McCartney.

Passed over were the Stooges , who have been nominated seven times, Chic , who were on their fifth and War .

Hall President and CEO Joel Peresman noted that "This year’s class of inductees truly represents what the Hall of Fame is all about. From classic artists that began their careers in the 50’s and 60’s to those that have defined the modern sound of rock and roll. These artists demonstrate the rich diversity of rock and roll itself. We are proud to honor these artists and celebrate their contribution to rock and roll’s place in our culture."

Reactions from the new members:

Lars Ulrick of Metallica - "I'm not going to give a whole schpeel about 'come back in 20 years or something.' I'll fucking take it right now. I'm fucking psyched that anybody still gives a shit about this band."

Daryl "DMC" McDaniels (to Rolling Stone) - "I can't even comprehend this is happening. I want to let the world know that there are others receiving this honor with us. I'm talking about our heroes Afrika Bambaataa, Treacherous Three, the Cold Crush Brothers and DJ Kool Herc."

Bobby Womack - "This is just the greatest, I’m extremely happy. My very first thought was...I wish I could call Sam Cooke and share this moment with him. This is just about as exciting to me as being able to see Barack Obama become the first black president of the United States of America. It proves that, if you’re blessed to be able to wait on what’s important to you, a lot of things will change in life. Being able to work, perform and make people happy is where it’s at. I haven’t been home in almost 30 years, so having this happen in my hometown is really icing on the cake. I’m looking forward to going home."

Anthony Gourdine - "I got to personally thank Paul Schaffer, who really spearheaded this thing, along with Billy Joel, Paul Simon and even Madonna's people from what I hear. I got the call on my birthday. What a great present!"Former guitarist Dave Mustaine was not listed as an inductee with Metallica. He left in 1983 to form Megadeath. The band made the decision based on which members were in the band long enough to be a major influence on their sound.

This year's induction ceremony will be April 4 at Public Hall in Cleveland and will be broadcast on Fuse TV.

SOURCE: http://mog.com/blog_post/content/723/1196054

Classic Rock Videos

Proud Mary - Creedence Clearwater Revival

The Best Album Covers Of 2008!

One of my favorite sites, www.gigwise.com has released their favorite cover art for 2008. Here is the top five, with Gigwise.com's comments. To see the whole list, please go to Gigwise



5. Nas: 'Untitled' – Originally set to be titled 'Nigga' and then 'Nigger', despite eventually being untitled due to the massive public uproar, Nas' 2008 album still packs a punch. Musically it is hard-hitting and thought provoking, while the cover shows a shirtless Nas with flagellation scars forming the shape of the letter N; a direct reference to the racial slur and also how slaves were whipped and tortured.







4. Grails: 'Doomsdayer's Holiday' – Weird as fuck, the shocking image of a semi-naked female with a gargoyle's head riding a pig-like creature is like something out of a drug-induced nightmare. The fact that the Oregon instrumental rockers decided to use it as their album sleeve can only be commended highly.






3. Sebastien Tellier: 'Sexuality' – Gigwise has described this record as a 'sexed-up, throbbing erection of an album', so it seems perfectly natural that the artwork fits. Hilarious, tongue-in-cheek and slightly risqué, Tellier describes this album cover as his own “sexual fantasy”. The work of a clearly warped but brilliant mind!






2. Lil Wayne: 'Tha Carter III' – Nothing short of genius, the hilarious image of a baby Lil Wayne fitted with bling, tattoos and a grey suit is one of the most enduring record covers of the year - if not the decade. Better still, Wayne made a devastating awesome album to match.






1. James: 'Hey Ma' – The unforgettable cover to James' tenth studio album has overshadowed the music itself. A baby choosing between a gun and his toys, it's a pertinent comment on violence in the contemporary world. Despite the artwork being banned from billboard advertising campaigns, the media storm around the cover has secured the band priceless publicity. Best album cover of 2008 by a mile.

Rock & Roll Tidbits

Before assembling AC/DC, Malcolm Young played with the Velvet Underground- not THE Velvet Underground; Young’s band mates were Australians who simply stole the name.

One of Motley Crue’s earliest stage gimmicks was to light their pants on fire. Brings new meaning to the term- ‘liar, liar-pants on fire.’

In 1963, the brother and sister team of Nino Tempo and April Stevens took "Deep Purple" to Billboard's number one position. The same song had topped the charts for Larry McClinton in 1939 and would become a #14 hit for Donny and Marie Osmond in 1976.

1950s crooner Perry Como, who scored many hits including "Round and Round", "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes" and "Hot Diggity", was the seventh son of a seventh son.

The Righteous Brothers' hit "Unchained Melody" was never intended to be a single. It was recorded as an album cut and later pressed on the "B" side of the 45 "Hung On You". When it was released, DJs flipped the disc over and "Unchained Melody" quickly rose to #4 in the US and #1 in the UK.

Barry Manilow recorded his vocal and piano parts for "Mandy" in just one take.

Elvis Presley was a devoted animal lover. He owned dogs, mules, horses, peacocks, chickens, a turkey and had a silly mynah bird that said, “Elvis! Go to hell!”

We all know that Elvis loved his food. “I like it well-done,” the legendary icon stated. “I ain’t ordering a pet.”

While we are on the subject, it seems that rowdy Allman Brother Dickey Betts was out riding his motorcycle one day and he was hungry. So he stopped his machine, jumped a fence and killed a cow. As he was butchering the animal, a cop passed by and quickly arrested the bloody Brother.

The first known million selling recording was by Ben Selvin and his Orchestra. It was a two sided hit featuring "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" and "Darandella", recorded in 1919.

Guitarist Henry Gross, who hit the US charts in 1976 with "Shannon", was one of the founding members of the rock and roll revival group, Sha Na Na.

For the year 2005, the top earning dead celebrity in the US was Elvis Presley, who still generated $45 million worth of business. John Lennon was third with $22 million.

The Beatles 4th UK #1 single, "Can't Buy Me Love", had advanced sales of over 2.1 million, setting the record for the greatest advanced orders in the UK.

The most expensive guitar in the world is a Fender Stratocaster once owned by Eric Clapton. Nicknamed "Blackie", it sold at auction for $959,500. on June 25th, 2004.

In early 1957, RCA Records released two versions of a song called "Young Love", one by Tab Hunter, the other by Sonny James. Both records caught on and by the first week of March, Hunter's rendition was number one in the US, while James' version was number 4.

When Cher topped the Billboard Hot 100 with "Believe" in March, 1999, she became the first female over the age of 50 to have a chart topping record.

When Elvis was drafted into the US Army in March, 1958, his monthly pay went from $100,000 to $78.

Bobby "Boris" Pickett, who topped the Billboard Pop chart in 1962 with "The Monster Mash", once had his tour bus break down outside of a town called Frankenstein, Missouri.

When asked about their controversial hit song "One Toke Over The Line" during an interview with Brewer and Shipley, they said that "toke" had nothing to do with marijuana, but meant token or ticket. Hence the line about "sittin' downtown in a railway station."

When The Beatles' single "Ticket To Ride" was first issued, the fine print under the title said "From the United Artists Release Eight Arms To Hold You", which was the original name for the film Help!

News & Notes

McCartney hints at reunion with Ringo


SIR PAUL McCartney has revealed that he is desperate to work with Ringo Starr again.

The singer said he would "love to" work with his former Beatles bandmate again in the near future.

Speaking to US TV host Barbara Walters, he said: "We don't rule it out - it would be great.
"He's a great drummer and we're used to each other. Let's hear it for Ringo."

Sir Paul then praised Starr's recent request to fans not to ask him for his autograph anymore.

He said: "Why doesn't he sign his autographs anymore? I think that is so ballsy.
"If he doesn't want to spend his day writing to people, he's allowed."

He then turned to the camera and gushed: "I love you Ringo."

The 66-year-old legend also spoke about John Lennon and how proud he was to have been his friend and bandmate.

He said: "I look back on it now and I am just very proud to have been John's collaborator. I mean we were just kids.

"We just lucked into each other. We were just so easy with each other."

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100,000 Surplus Vinyl Records To Hit The Auction Block!


The University of North Texas College of Music in Denton, Texas is selling 100,000 vinyl LP records from its library collection. The auction is being held online and is open to the public. This unusual auction is expected to generate plenty of interest!

Denton, TX (PRWEB) January 15, 2009 -- The University of North Texas College of Music in Denton, Texas, one of the nation's finest comprehensive music schools, has contracted with Slapsale.Com to sell at online auction 100,000 surplus LP records from its extensive collection.

Labels include Capitol, Decca, Mercury, RCA, Reprise, Jazzology, Seraphim,
Somerset, Angel, and many others representing all musical styles.

The records are being sold in lots of 100, and aren't sorted in any particular manner other than label. After an initial quantity of 10,000 records (100 lots) closes online on January 21, the additional 90,000 records will be offered. There are sure to be some great deals!

There is no cost or obligation to register for the auction. Buyers are responsible for removing their own records, the University will not ship them. Interested persons should visit the website at Slapsale.com for auction terms and condition, inspection dates, and other information.

The auction is open to the public.

http://www.slapsale.com/

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Malefice Reveals New Album, "Dawn Of Reprisal," Cover Art

British metallers, MALEFICE, have revealed the cover art for their forthcoming new album "Dawn Of Reprisal."


"Dawn Of Reprisal" was recorded and mixed by Dan Weller and Justin Hill (ex SikTh) at Fortress Studios London and Timeless Studios London, mastered at 360 Mastering by Dick Beetham.

The band comments on the new album, "'Dawn of Reprisal' is a massive step forward for all of us as a band, and individuals. MALEFICE has matured a lot in a short space of time and one listen to this new record will show you that. We've crafted our sound into what we all missed about metal. Killer riffs, punishing drums, intense vocals and songs you can break your neck to!"

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Depeche Mode To Release New Album In April

Depeche Mode will release their new album on April 20th, it's been announced.

'Sounds Of The Universe' was recorded last year in studios in California and New York.

Speaking about the project in December, frontman Dave Gahan said the album was like “looking outside and a yearning for somehow coming together”.

The frontman added he thought the band had made a “great record”.

'Sounds Of The Universe' is the follow-up to 2005's 'Playing The Angel'.

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Jeff Beck To Play 'Super Gigs' With Eric Clapton

In Japan next month...

Jeff Beck, who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, has announced two gigs with Eric Clapton.

The pair will perform together at Japan's Saitama Super Arena on February 21st and 22nd.

Beck assumed Clapton's role in The Yardbirds in 1965 when the guitarist left the group.

The two shows in Japan form part of Beck's extensive spring tour of the Far East, which also includes a series of shows in Australia.

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Neil Young Names New Studio Album

It could be out in March...


Neil Young has revealed that his 31st studio album will be called 'Fork In The Road'.

The LP, which will be comprised entirely of new material, is expected to be released in March.

The title track is currently streaming on Young's official website along with a homemade video.

'Fork In The Road' will be Young's first solo album since 2007's 'Chrome Dreams II'.

Young recently revealed that he had finished work on his latest album with Crazy Horse, entitled 'Toast'.

Young said the album was “completely” different to his previous releases with the band and an “amazing listening experience.”

At present, it's not clear when 'Toast' will be released.

TESLA Releases 'Forever More' Collector's Edition Vinyl

TESLA's Jeff Keith, Frank Hannon, Brian Wheat, Troy Luccketta and Dave Rude will be appearing on January 27, 2009 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at R5 Records (home of the original and legendary Tower Records) at 2500 16th Street and Broadway in Sacramento, California to sign autographs and celebrate the release of their latest album, "Forever More", on a limited run of collector vinyl.

The 1,000-piece limited-edition LP includes a full gatefold 12" jacket complete with photos and artwork. 300 of the packages will be made available at the January 27 event where the band will personally autograph each of those first 300.

All fans that purchase either the vinyl or CD version of "Forever More" at the R5 Records event will be eligible to win the original "acetate" (test pressing) of the "Forever More" vinyl LP, a highly collectible item for any music aficionado. The drawing will take place at the in-store at 8:15 p.m. TESLA will also debut its newest video, "Fallin' Apart", during this January 27 event.

The band begins the second leg of their tour the end of January and will continue on the road, both in the States and abroad through the remainder of 2009.

VH1's 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs

I love 'lists' as well as the next guy, but to include Jethro Tull's "Aqualung" and omit "Locomotive Breathe" doesn't make sense to me. Ditto with Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" and omitting "Space Truckin'" or even "Burn" or "Highway Star." In the 70's, I loved Montrose ("Rock Candy") and UFO ("Phenomenon," or "Doctor, Doctor"), yet I see no mention of them here. And to have a "Greatest Hard Rock Songs" list with no Humble Pie? And Foreigner "Hot Blooded" and Journey's "Any Way You Want It," are more pop-rock songs than hard rock (to me anyway). Neil Young's classsic "Cinammon Girl" would be a better choice or even "Rockin' in the Free World." And no "LA Woman" from the Doors (or even "Roadhouse Blues")? No "Purple Haze" by Hendrix? But I guess these lists are always subjective, it depends on who is making them and the year they were born and their choice of music. Anybody care to comment on some glaring omissions from the VH1 "Greatest Hard Rock Songs" list?

VH1's 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs

100 Sammy Hagar - "I Can't Drive 55"
99 Grand Funk Railroad - "We're An American Band"
98 Buckcherry - "Lit Up"
97 The Edgar Winter Group - "Frankenstein"
96 Kansas - "Carry On Wayward Son"
95 Creed - "Higher"
94 The Darkness - "I Believe In A Thing Called Love"
93 Autograph - "Turn Up The Radio"
92 Night Ranger - "Don't Tell Me You Love Me"
91 Smashing Pumpkins - "Bullet With Butterfly Wings"
90 Jethro Tull - "Aqualung"
89 Andrew W.K. - "Party Hard"
88 Alice In Chains - "Would?"
87 Winger - "Seventeen"
86 Marilyn Manson - "The Beautiful People"
85 Velvet Revolver - "Slither"
84 W.A.S.P. - "I Wanna Be Somebody"
83 Evanescence - "Bring Me To Life"
82 Rainbow - "Since You Been Gone"
81 Black Sabbath - "Heaven And Hell"
80 Journey - "Any Way You Want It"
79 Billy Idol - "Rebel Yell"
78 Bad Company - "Feel Like Making Love"
77 Soundgarden - "Black Hole Sun"
76 Lita Ford - "Kiss Me Deadly"
75 The White Stripes - "Seven Nation Army"
74 The Cult - "Love Removal Machine"
73 Thin Lizzy - "Jailbreak"
72 Pat Benetar - "Heartbreaker"
71 Jane's Addiction - "Mountain Song"
70 Foreigner - "Hot Blooded"
69 Living Colour - "Cult Of Personality"
68 White Zombie - "More Human Than Human"
67 ZZ Top - "Tush"
66 Europe - "The Final Countdown"
65 MC5 - "Kick Out the Jams"
64 Rollins Band - "Liar"
63 Survivor - "Eye Of The Tiger"
62 Dokken - "Breaking The Chains"
61 Ratt - "Round And Round"
60 Skid Row - "18 And Life"
59 Billy Squier - "The Stroke"
58 Stone Temple Pilots - "Interstate Love Song"
57 The Kinks - "You Really Got Me"
56 Warrant - "Cherry Pie"
55 Blue Oyster Cult - "Don't Fear The Reaper"
54 Faith No More - "Epic"
53 Steppenwolf - "Born To Be Wild"
52 The Runaways - "Cherry Bomb"
51 Megadeth - "Peace Sells"
50 Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Give It Away"
49 The Stooges - "Search And Destroy"
48 Korn - "Freak On A Leash"
47 Kid Rock - "Bawitdaba"
46 Anthrax - "Madhouse"
45 Foghat - "Slow Ride"
44 Cream - "Sunshine Of Your Love"
43 Dio - "Holy Diver"
42 The Clash - "Should I Stay Or Should I Go"
41 Quiet Riot - "Cum On Feel The Noize"
40 Poison - "Talk Dirty To Me"
39 Boston - "More Than A Feeling"
38 Queen - "Stone Cold Crazy"
37 The Who - "My Generation"
36 Van Halen - "Hot For Teacher"
33 Alice Cooper - "School's Out"
34 Heart - "Barracuda"
33 Green Day - "Basket Case"
32 Ted Nugent - "Cat Scratch Fever"
31 AC/DC - "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"
30 Pearl Jam - "Even Flow"
29 Joan Jett - "Bad Reputation"
28 Foo Fighters - "Everlong"
27 Whitesnake - "Still Of The Night"
26 Lynyrd Skynyrd - "Free Bird"
25 The Ramones - "Blitzkrieg Bop"
24 Iron Butterfly - "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida"
23 Ozzy Osbourne - "Crazy Train"
22 Jimi Hendrix Experience - "Hey Joe"
21 Led Zeppelin - "Kashmir"
20 Bon Jovi - "You Give Love A Bad Name"
19 Rush - "Tom Sawyer"
18 Scorpions - "Rock You Like A Hurricane"
17 Twisted Sister - "I Wanna Rock"
16 Kiss - "Rock And Roll All Nite"
15 Motley Crue - "Dr. Feelgood"
14 Iron Maiden - "Run To The Hills"
13 Def Leppard - "Photograph"
12 Judas Priest - "Breaking The Law"
11 Deep Purple - "Smoke On The Water"
10 Motorhead - "Ace Of Spades"
09 Van Halen - "Runnin With The Devil"
08 Aerosmith - "Walk This Way"
07 Nirvana - "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
06 The Who - "Won't Get Fooled Again"
05 Metallica - "Enter Sandman"
04 Black Sabbath - "Paranoid"
03 Led Zeppelin - "Whole Lotta Love"
02 AC/DC - "Back In Black"
01 Guns N' Roses - "Welcome To The Jungle"

Rock & Roll Tidbits

When The Supremes' Mary Wilson was contacted for an interview by the television show Romance of The Rich and Famous, she moved some of her personal belongings into a freinds' mansion and let on it was hers, instead of revealing her true residence, a tiny, two bedroom bungalow in Studio City, California.

Little Richard's recording career had just gotten off the ground when his father was murdered in the winter of 1952. To support his family, Richard took a job washing dishes at a Greyhound bus station in Macon, Georgia.

Reginald Kenneth Dwight changed his stage name to Elton John, taking his first name from Bluesology saxophonist Elton Dean and his last from bluesman, Long John Baldry.

When Decca Records first released "Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley And His Comets in the Spring of 1954, most people had never heard of Rock And Roll and the company had a hard time describing the song. The label on the single called it a "Novelty Foxtrot."

On December 17th, 1977, David Ackroyd became the first record buyer to receive a Gold Disc when he purchased the one-millionth copy of "Mull Of Kintyre" by Wings.

In December of 1969, Mick Jagger was quoted saying "I don't really like singing very much, I enjoy playing the guitar more than I enjoy singing and I can't play the guitar either."

Ross Bagdasarian (Davis Seville) named The Chipmunks after executives at Liberty records. Alvin was named for Al Bennett, president of the company, Simon was named after Bennett's partner, Si Waronker and Theodore was named for Ted Keep, a recording engineer.

"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" was written by Johnny Marks and recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958. Although Decca released it in both that year and again in 1959, it did not catch on until Lee rose to stardom in 1960. That Christmas season, it reached #16 on the Billboard Pop chart and has since become a perennial holiday favourite. The song continues to sell well during the holiday season and rose to #5 on the Christmas chart in 1984.

One of the strangest moments in Pop music history took place on September 11, 1977, when two stars from different generations, David Bowie and Bing Crosby, got together to tape "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Peace On Earth" for Bing's upcoming Christmas TV special. The pair rehearsed for an hour and finished their duet in only three takes, but Bing died a month later having never seen the video.

In October, 2000, George Michael paid over $2 million for the piano that John Lennon used to write "Imagine". It is a simple upright model and not the white piano that appeared on the album cover.

John Lennon often expressed his dislike for Winston Churchill, the former British Prime Minister that he was named after. He felt so strongly that he had his middle name changed from Winston to Ono after he married Yoko.

Andy White, who played drums on The Beatles' track "Love Me Do", which was included on the Beatles Greatest Hits album, did not earn any money in royalties from it. He only received his original session fee of £7 ($14 US), which is not even enough for him to buy his own copy of the album.

Gloucestershire airport in England used to blast Tina Turner songs on its runways to scare birds away.

The much publicized Jerry Lee Lewis pistol-waving episode outside Graceland in 1976 is said to be a misunderstanding. Jerry and Elvis were long time friends and he had been invited to visit. A pistol on the dashboard of Jerry’s car had been given to him earlier that evening as a present and when security guards at the Gracelands gates saw the pistol and asked Jerry if he’d come to shoot Elvis, Jerry just joked: "Sure I have." This led to the arrest and the subsequent press stories.

After Sam Cooke turned down "Travelin' Man", Ricky Nelson recorded the song and had a Billboard chart topping single with it in 1961.

Classic Rock Videos

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Have you ever seen the rain?

Music News & Notes

"Hair" Director Passes Away

Tom O'Horgan, the director of the original production of Hair, passed away on Sunday at the age of 84. He had been suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

Along with Hair, O'Horgan also directed and wrote the music for the Broadway production of Lenny and directed and designed Jesus Christ Superstar for the stage.

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Pretenders Video Contest

The Pretenders, PETA and YouTube are joining forces for a video contest where entrants are asked to lipsynch to the group's Boots of Chinese Plastic while showing off their footware made from plastic. The winner will be flown to Los Angeles to appear in the group's video for the song.

Chrissie Hynde commented, "This is a fun way to raise awareness for a very serious cause. We are looking forward to seeing our fans and animal loving friends perform Boots of Chinese Plastic via YouTube."

For more information, go to the Pretenders' website. http://www.thepretenders.com/petacontest.html

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New Morrissey Single

Morrissey is releasing the first single from his new album, Years of Refusal, on February 9. I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris will be available in the U.K. as a digital download, a vinyl single with a live version of Death of a Disco on the B-side, and as a 2-CD set with the additional tracks Because of My Poor Education and Shame is the Name (with Chrissie Hynde).

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Slipknot frontman plotting solo album

As Slipknot prepares to hit the road later this month, the frontman for the masked Iowa metal band is making plans to record his first solo album.

"I know I have this album that I need to make," Corey Taylor tells Billboard.com, "and I'm the kind of guy that if I can't get that done then it's going to hold me back from all this other stuff I want to do. I just know I've got to make it or I can't branch out."

Taylor, who keeps busy on the side with the band Stone Sour, describes the solo material as a cross between the Foo Fighters and Social Distortion "with some Johnny Cash mixed in."

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Cheap Trick May Be Bringing Sgt. Pepper to Vegas

It is being reported by a number of sources that Cheap Trick is close to a deal to perform the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in its entirety in Las Vegas. The show is seen as a good bet with the Beatles' Love still playing to large crowds almost two years after it first opened.

If the deal goes through, the group will be playing the album with a full orchestra for nine months at the Las Vegas Hilton. Word is that the performances could start as early as March and run through the end of the year.

It is also being reported that the band's original members would be involved with the run.

The idea is not new to the group. Cheap Trick played the entire album at a August 2007 concert in L.A.'s Hollywood Bowl with a number of guest stars, including Ministry and Joan Osbourne. They've also covered a number of Beatles' tracks throughout their career.

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Times Square Virgin Megastore To Close

The Times Square Virgin Megastore, which is the highest volume music store in the U.S., will shut down come April.

The store has been at the center of speculation since August 2007 when the Virgin Entertainment Group North America was acquired by two real estate companies - the Related Cos. and Vornado - in a joint venture.

Last June, a Vornado executive told Reuters that the store would shut down in the first quarter of 2009. The decision to close the store appears related to real estate and the value connected to the location. That executive was quoted as saying that Virgin pays only $54 per square-foot when the market rent in the area is about $700 a square foot.

So, while the store, which does an estimated $55 million in annual volume, is profitable to the tune of $6 million, according to sources, the space would be even more profitable for its owner with a higher rent tenant. Vornado bought the 180,000 square foot retail component of the Bertelsmann building, which houses the Times Square store, in 2006, and will lease the space to Forever 21, according to press reports.

The closure leaves the Virgin chain with five stores, and one of them, the Union Square store in New York, will now be the city's premiere record store, with an estimated $40 million annual volume. But the status of that store is also at question as the Related Cos. and Vornado leased the ground floor of the store to Nordstrom Rack for the holiday season, only to have the deal fall through.

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Jennifer Hudson to sing at the Super Bowl

Jennifer Hudson is using sports' grandest stage — the Super Bowl — to make her return to the spotlight following the slayings of her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed Wednesday that Hudson will sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 1. E! News first reported Tuesday that Hudson would perform.

Hudson hasn't made a public appearance since her 57-year-old mother, Darnell Hudson Donerson; 29-year-old brother Jason Hudson; and 7-year-old nephew Julian King were slain in Chicago in October. Her estranged brother-in-law has been charged in the killings.

Hudson, who had released her self-titled debut album shortly before the killings, is also scheduled to sing at the Grammys' MusiCares event in Los Angeles a few days later. She is nominated for four awards at the Feb. 8 Grammy Awards.

The Super Bowl is one of the most viewed spectacles on television. Bruce Springsteen is scheduled to sing during halftime of the pro football championship game.

New Vinyl Releases

As always, a special thank you to my vinyl friend DJ-Spyder at http://dj-spyder.blogspot.com/ for this up-to-date information!

1/20/09 RELEASE DATE



Breeders - Last Splash [LP] (180 Gram Vinyl)

Breeders - Pod [LP] (180 Gram Vinyl)

Dan Auerbach (of the Black Keys) - Keep It Hid [LP]

Delbert McClinton - Live [LP] 180 Gram Vinyl

Django Reinhardt - 1938 (London Debut And Paris Sessions) [LP]

Django Reinhardt - From The Ultraphone Shelves [LP]

Django Reinhardt - The Last Years Of Peace (1936-1937) [LP]

Emerson Lake & Palmer - Brain Salad Surgery [2LP]

Fiction Family - Fiction Family [LP] (includes CD)

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass - Whipped Cream & Other Delights [LP] (PICTURE DISC) (includes Poster)

Plasmatics (Wendy O Williams) - Beyond the Valley of 1984 [LP]

Primus - Sailing The Seas Of Cheese [180 Gram Vinyl]

Pulp - This Is Hardcore [2LP] (180 Gram Vinyl Gatefold)

Royal Trux - Royal Trux [LP]

Royal Trux - Twin Infinitives [2LP]

Serge Gainsbourg - Aux Armes Et Caetera [LP] (180 Gram Vinyl)

Serge Gainsbourg - L'Homme A Tete De Chou [LP] (180 Gram Vinyl)

Six Organs of Admittance - RTZ [3LP]

Toots & The Maytals - Funky Kingston [LP] (180 Gram Vinyl)

Umphreys McGee - Mantis [LP]

Various Artists - Last Kind Words [LP]

Various Artists - Rag & Stomp [LP]

Glimpse (Chris Spero) - Drifting (includes Carl Craig mix) 12''

Jeremy Jay - Love Everlasting 12''

Mr. Scruff - Music Takes Me Up (feat. Alice Russell) 12''

Angelo Spencer feat. L Orchid - My Music Is My Sweat 7"

Etana & Alborosie - Blessing 7''

Fake Problems - The Dream Team/ Rumble In The 7"

Will Sheff / Charles Bissell - Will Sheff Covers Charles Biss 7"

DENON INTRODUCES FULLY AUTOMATIC TURNTABLE THAT CONVERTS LPS TO MP3S

Denon Electronics, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of high-quality home entertainment components, today introduced its DP-200USB (SRP: $250) fully automatic turntable, allowing users to easily convert all their favorite LP records to modern

-- New High-Performance Denon DP-200USB Turntable Features Front-Panel USB Port for Easy Digital Conversion of Analog LP Music --

Las Vegas, NV, January 8, 2009 — Denon Electronics, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of high-quality home entertainment components, today introduced its DP-200USB (SRP: $250) fully automatic turntable, allowing users to easily convert all their favorite LP records to modern MP3 digital audio tracks. Playing vinyl LPs in classic style and sound, the Denon turntable gives the growing number of vinyl LP collectors a new high-performance, high-value opportunity for getting even more enjoyment out of their record collections. The DP-200USB is currently available.

“Vinyl record collecting is becoming a mainstream trend,” noted Joe Stinziano, Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Denon Electronics. “And while more and more people are discovering the rich sound of LP records, many are also just as active in today’s digital music formats. For years, audiophiles around the world have consistently looked to Denon as a top choice in turntable quality and value. Now with our DP-200USB, we’re giving a brand new generation of consumers the opportunity to experience Denon turntable performance with the added value of being able to convert LP records to MP3s and enjoy all the benefits of a digital universe.”

New Turntable Offers Best of Both Analog and Digital Worlds


Denon’s sleek black DP-200USB fully automatic turntable offers users a high-performance bridge from the analog vinyl to the digital music eras. Built from high-quality aluminum, and featuring a see-through flip-up cover reminiscent of classic 1960s and ‘70s home turntables, the DP-200USB is equipped with an internal MP3 encoder, along with a front panel USB port, letting users not only play their favorite LPs and enjoy high-performance analog audio, but create MP3 tracks easily and automatically. Once an MP3 file is created, users can share the music with friends, play it on their PCs or other portable music devices, and store entire record collections digitally.

For added user convenience, the included PC software features Audio Waveform Recognition, which checks the first 15 seconds of each track and searches the extensive Gracenote™ Internet music tracks database to capture the track’s meta-deta (artist, title, etc.).

Adding even more user flexibility, the included software also features Auto Track Divide, which notes silent breaks between tracks and automatically inserts a new track tag for each track (you also have the option of doing this manually). The front panel USB port allows direct connection to a USB drive or an external hard disk drive. In addition, the DP-200USB features conventional stereo outputs, which can be configured with or without RIAA equalization, for full compatibility with the widest range of audio components.

For more info visit: http://www.denon.com/

This Date In Music History-January 14

Birthdays:

Dave Grohl- Foo Fighters, Nirvana (1969)

T-Bone Burnett (1948)

Clarence Carter ("Patches") turns 73.

Jack Jones is 71.

Allen Toussaint, the master of New Orleans funk piano, was born in 1938.

LL Cool J (1968)


They Are Missed:

Jerry Nolan drummer with The New York Dolls died from a stroke in 1992. The influential American band formed in 1972 and made just two albums.

Solly McElroy, lead singer with the doo-wop group the Flamingoes, died in Chicago in 1995 (age 61).

Ruby Starr, vocalist for Black Oak Arkansas on their 1974 hit "Jim Dandy," died of cancer in 1995 (age 45).

Linda Jones, US soul singer was born in 1944. She died on March 14, 1972 (age 26), after collapsing into a diabetic coma following a performance at Harlem's Apollo Theatre.


History:

Elvis Presley was promoted to Sergeant in the U.S. Army in 1960.

Over 25,000 people attended The Human Be-In - A Gathering Of The Tribes at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park in 1967. The event was a forerunner of major, outdoor rock concerts and featured The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver Messenger Service and Big Brother And The Holding Company.

In 1970, Diana Ross performed for the last time with The Supremes at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas. During the show, Diana introduced her replacement, Jean Terrell.

In 1973, Elvis Presley's "Aloha From Hawaii" concert was broadcast live to a billion people around the world (but not in the U.S., where it will air on TV two months later). The soundtrack was later released as a two record set and became one of the King's best selling LPs of the '70s, hitting #1 later that same year.

In 1963, the Rolling Stones performed for the first time with new recruit Charlie Watts on drums at London's Flamingo Jazz Club.

In 1966, David Jones changed his name to David Bowie to avoid confusion with Davy Jones from the Monkees, just in time for the release of his single, "Can't Help Thinking About Me.” He would later say that he chose "Bowie" because he liked that "big American bear-killin' knife."

In 2003, the Who's Pete Townshend was arrested at his London home on suspicion of a number of offenses connected with child pornography, including the making of indecent images. He was later released without being formally charged.

Paul McCartney released his album "Back In The U.S.S.R." exclusively in Russia in 1989.

In 1978, the Sex Pistols played their last concert before breaking up.

In 1978, a group called Player had the top tune in the US with "Baby Come Back.” The song was written by band members Peter Beckett and John Crowley after both had broken up with their respective girl friends.

Paul McCartney was at #1 on the UK singles chart with 'Pipes Of Peace' in 1984. McCartney made history by becoming the first artist to have a #1 in a group, (The Beatles), in a duo, (with Stevie Wonder), in a trio, (with Wings) and as a solo artist.

In 2007, Amy Winehouse started a two week run at #1 on the UK album chart with 'Back To Black’ (which went on to become the biggest-selling album of 2007 with sales over 1.5m copies).

In 2006, actor and stand-up comic Jamie Foxx started a two-week run at #1 on the US album chart with his second album ‘Unpredictable.’