The Beatles - Come Together
Friday, February 13, 2009
Album Cover Art
Molly Hatchet - Kingdom of XII
Named after a famous 17th century axe murderess, Hatchet Molly, who would behead her lovers with the hand tool Lizzy Borden made famous. Molly Hatchet was formed in 1971 by Dave Hlubek and Steve Holland. Danny Joe Brown joined in 1974, Duane Roland, Banner Thomas, Bruce Crump in 1975. When they finally got their recording contract with Epic they got some help and advice from Ronnie Van Zant, who was originally suppose to produce the album, but was unable to due to the tragic plane crash in '77. Because of this the band's debut was not released until late 1978. Fortunately for the band, this late delivery did little to deter their popularity. By the time their second record was released, the band had became enormously popular and stayed that way for many years despite the departure of vocalist/frontman Danny Joe Brown. Brown left the band in 1980 due to health problems stemming from diabetes. Others have stated that the band worked hard on the road, and drank just as hard, which was the reason that Brown had to go. Brown returned to the band in '83 for a successful tour and the release of "No Guts No Glory". The band has gone through numerous lineup changes since the mid 80's and as of the mid 1990's was touring without any original members, although many members had been with the band for many years including Bobby Ingram and John Galvin. (Both had played on Danny Joe Brown's 1981 solo disc.) Eventually founding member Dave Hlubeck returned to Molly Hatchet.
Named after a famous 17th century axe murderess, Hatchet Molly, who would behead her lovers with the hand tool Lizzy Borden made famous. Molly Hatchet was formed in 1971 by Dave Hlubek and Steve Holland. Danny Joe Brown joined in 1974, Duane Roland, Banner Thomas, Bruce Crump in 1975. When they finally got their recording contract with Epic they got some help and advice from Ronnie Van Zant, who was originally suppose to produce the album, but was unable to due to the tragic plane crash in '77. Because of this the band's debut was not released until late 1978. Fortunately for the band, this late delivery did little to deter their popularity. By the time their second record was released, the band had became enormously popular and stayed that way for many years despite the departure of vocalist/frontman Danny Joe Brown. Brown left the band in 1980 due to health problems stemming from diabetes. Others have stated that the band worked hard on the road, and drank just as hard, which was the reason that Brown had to go. Brown returned to the band in '83 for a successful tour and the release of "No Guts No Glory". The band has gone through numerous lineup changes since the mid 80's and as of the mid 1990's was touring without any original members, although many members had been with the band for many years including Bobby Ingram and John Galvin. (Both had played on Danny Joe Brown's 1981 solo disc.) Eventually founding member Dave Hlubeck returned to Molly Hatchet.
Michael Fremer Vinyl Review
I am very proud to continue our new feature (look for this every Friday), music reviews that are written by the senior contributing editor of Stereophile magazine- Michael Fremer. It has been a pleasure to speak with Michael and learn more about audio sound and equipment. In fact, his new DVD, "It's A Vinyl World, After All" has hit the shelves and is selling out very quickly. This is a must have for anybody who loves vinyl, it is a true masterpiece.
Additionally, make sure to stop by his site, www.musicangle.com and bookmark it for further exploration. I certainly want to thank Michael for the exclusive rights to reprint his fantastic material.
ALBUM REVIEW:
The Beach Boys (reissue)
Pet Sounds
Capitol T 2458 180g mono LP
Produced by: Brian Wilson
Engineered by: Chuck Britz
Mixed by: Brian Wilson
Mastered by: N/A
Review by: Michael Fremer
2009-02-01
This is neither the time nor the place to extol the virtues of this classic album that has more than stood the test of time. You already know about it and perhaps own a copy or two. If you don't, then you can buy this new Capitol 180g reissue and be sure you have a competently produced, reasonably priced reissue, though clearly cut using a digital source that produces a record that's a thin, pale imitation when compared to earlier reissues.
The Brian Wilson classic, originally mixed in mono and issued in stereo on both CD (in a box set) and vinyl (separate LP), was meant to be heard in mono and that's the version Capitol wisely chose to reissue here.
Capitol doesn't say whether an analog or digital source was used as a mastering source but what really counts is the final sound, heretic as that might sound to some.
To find out how good this reissue was, I compared it to a pristine original Capitol issue, the 1971 Brother Records reissue produced for Warner Brothers, the Carl and The Passions twofer and Steve Hoffman and Kevin Gray's 1995 DCC Compact Classics Edition as well as to the version included in the CD box set.
All of the vinyl reissues sounded superior to the original pressing, though pressing variability was far greater back then so it's difficult to know whether the copy I have is representative of what originally was issued. However, others with whom I spoke, who have original pressings, corroborated my findings: the original pressing is somewhat dark, closed in, a bit muffled and dynamically compressed compared to all of the reissues.
The Brothers/Warner Brothers reissue as well as the version on the Carl and the Passions twofer, are by far, the best sounding reissues in my opinion. They are the most open, exuberant and analogue-y. Of course they were cut when the master tape was but five years old, which gives them a major advantage over what came later.
There's more depth and space between instruments, which are presented with greater texture, transparency and dimensionality. For instance on 'God Only Knows,' the wood block that's passed through an echoplex or some other sort of delay unit available at the time has a sticky, round, three dimensional immediacy. You can hear the dimensionality and spaciousness provided by Western Studio's echo chamber. The mono image on 'I Know There's An Answer' is enormous and within that image the tambourines jump out and ring, the reedy sounding bass harmonica bellows with a visceral texture. You can hear the mix as well as the separate elements standing out as if they are literally irrepressible. But most of all what stands out is the speed of the attack and the length of the sustain and decay as Wilson adds elements to the mix.
There is a spectacular messiness about the whole thing, probably due, in part to the multitude of tracks and the sheer madness of the energy Wilson attempted to cram into the mix.
The new reissue is a far more pristine and orderly affair that's also dry, flat and boring. For instance on 'God Only Knows' the wood blocks are pretty good but not nearly as woody. All of the elements that assume individual spaces on the WB issue are packed into a flatter plane. On ' I Know There's An Answer' the tambourine doesn't have nearly the same texture, the bass harmonica doesn't vibrate your gut the same way, the tympani loses some of its majesty, the banjo loses the appropriate timber and what's especially noticeable is the flatness of the spatial plane and the lack of reverb 'hang time.'
It's easy to conclude that the record was cut using a digital source yet when I compared it to the box set's CD issue, the record sounded far more convincing. However, for some reason that's what I usually find when comparing LPs cut from digital sources with CDs probably made using that same source. 'Euphonic colorations?' Who cares?
Switching to the DCC Compact Classic Edition, you get a superb combination of clarity, spectacular detail, a big sonic space, great reverb 'hang time,' depth, visceral instrumental textures and depth-charge bass that's not overdone and extremely well-controlled but perhaps a bit rounder and fuller than Wilson originally intended but that's pure speculation.
So while I'd bet Capitol's new LP issue was sourced from digital, it does sound very good and better than the CD version. Perhaps it was sourced from high resolution digital or perhaps the LP cutting process adds just the right amount of 'coloration' to make it sound richer, fuller and more sonically satisfying, which it is. Still, it's a pale, thin and flat edition compared to the ones that are definitely analog.
If it was cut from digital do I wish it had been cut from analog? Of course. If it was cut from analog and I'm just wanking, well, if I find that out after the fact, I'll let you know! So since the DCC Compact Classic version is OOP and probably expensive if you can locate a copy and since the Carl and the Passions—So Tough/Pet Sounds twofer and the WB single edition from 1972 is rare, this new Capitol issue is a good choice, particularly since the 180 gram pressing is absolutely perfect. My copy was dead quiet, flat perfection. My source at Capitol says Rainbo in L.A. pressed it. I hope all of their current 180 gram output is this good in terms of pressing quality.
I just wish Capitol had used an analog master tape because this "clean, pristine" reissue will most likely bore the shit out of you the way CDs usually do.
Yes, it's better sounding than the CD version but it shares all of CD's worst qualities: flat, dimensionless, tinny, textureless and emotionally stunted.
Anyone who's bought this and thinks it sounds good can only think so because they haven't heard one of the good reissues.
Capitol had an opportunity to produce sonic greatness and instead insults one of Brian Wilson's greatest recordings.
SOURCE: http://www.musicangle.com Reprinted By Permission
Pick up Michael's DVD's Here:
Additionally, make sure to stop by his site, www.musicangle.com and bookmark it for further exploration. I certainly want to thank Michael for the exclusive rights to reprint his fantastic material.
ALBUM REVIEW:
The Beach Boys (reissue)
Pet Sounds
Capitol T 2458 180g mono LP
Produced by: Brian Wilson
Engineered by: Chuck Britz
Mixed by: Brian Wilson
Mastered by: N/A
Review by: Michael Fremer
2009-02-01
This is neither the time nor the place to extol the virtues of this classic album that has more than stood the test of time. You already know about it and perhaps own a copy or two. If you don't, then you can buy this new Capitol 180g reissue and be sure you have a competently produced, reasonably priced reissue, though clearly cut using a digital source that produces a record that's a thin, pale imitation when compared to earlier reissues.
The Brian Wilson classic, originally mixed in mono and issued in stereo on both CD (in a box set) and vinyl (separate LP), was meant to be heard in mono and that's the version Capitol wisely chose to reissue here.
Capitol doesn't say whether an analog or digital source was used as a mastering source but what really counts is the final sound, heretic as that might sound to some.
To find out how good this reissue was, I compared it to a pristine original Capitol issue, the 1971 Brother Records reissue produced for Warner Brothers, the Carl and The Passions twofer and Steve Hoffman and Kevin Gray's 1995 DCC Compact Classics Edition as well as to the version included in the CD box set.
All of the vinyl reissues sounded superior to the original pressing, though pressing variability was far greater back then so it's difficult to know whether the copy I have is representative of what originally was issued. However, others with whom I spoke, who have original pressings, corroborated my findings: the original pressing is somewhat dark, closed in, a bit muffled and dynamically compressed compared to all of the reissues.
The Brothers/Warner Brothers reissue as well as the version on the Carl and the Passions twofer, are by far, the best sounding reissues in my opinion. They are the most open, exuberant and analogue-y. Of course they were cut when the master tape was but five years old, which gives them a major advantage over what came later.
There's more depth and space between instruments, which are presented with greater texture, transparency and dimensionality. For instance on 'God Only Knows,' the wood block that's passed through an echoplex or some other sort of delay unit available at the time has a sticky, round, three dimensional immediacy. You can hear the dimensionality and spaciousness provided by Western Studio's echo chamber. The mono image on 'I Know There's An Answer' is enormous and within that image the tambourines jump out and ring, the reedy sounding bass harmonica bellows with a visceral texture. You can hear the mix as well as the separate elements standing out as if they are literally irrepressible. But most of all what stands out is the speed of the attack and the length of the sustain and decay as Wilson adds elements to the mix.
There is a spectacular messiness about the whole thing, probably due, in part to the multitude of tracks and the sheer madness of the energy Wilson attempted to cram into the mix.
The new reissue is a far more pristine and orderly affair that's also dry, flat and boring. For instance on 'God Only Knows' the wood blocks are pretty good but not nearly as woody. All of the elements that assume individual spaces on the WB issue are packed into a flatter plane. On ' I Know There's An Answer' the tambourine doesn't have nearly the same texture, the bass harmonica doesn't vibrate your gut the same way, the tympani loses some of its majesty, the banjo loses the appropriate timber and what's especially noticeable is the flatness of the spatial plane and the lack of reverb 'hang time.'
It's easy to conclude that the record was cut using a digital source yet when I compared it to the box set's CD issue, the record sounded far more convincing. However, for some reason that's what I usually find when comparing LPs cut from digital sources with CDs probably made using that same source. 'Euphonic colorations?' Who cares?
Switching to the DCC Compact Classic Edition, you get a superb combination of clarity, spectacular detail, a big sonic space, great reverb 'hang time,' depth, visceral instrumental textures and depth-charge bass that's not overdone and extremely well-controlled but perhaps a bit rounder and fuller than Wilson originally intended but that's pure speculation.
So while I'd bet Capitol's new LP issue was sourced from digital, it does sound very good and better than the CD version. Perhaps it was sourced from high resolution digital or perhaps the LP cutting process adds just the right amount of 'coloration' to make it sound richer, fuller and more sonically satisfying, which it is. Still, it's a pale, thin and flat edition compared to the ones that are definitely analog.
If it was cut from digital do I wish it had been cut from analog? Of course. If it was cut from analog and I'm just wanking, well, if I find that out after the fact, I'll let you know! So since the DCC Compact Classic version is OOP and probably expensive if you can locate a copy and since the Carl and the Passions—So Tough/Pet Sounds twofer and the WB single edition from 1972 is rare, this new Capitol issue is a good choice, particularly since the 180 gram pressing is absolutely perfect. My copy was dead quiet, flat perfection. My source at Capitol says Rainbo in L.A. pressed it. I hope all of their current 180 gram output is this good in terms of pressing quality.
I just wish Capitol had used an analog master tape because this "clean, pristine" reissue will most likely bore the shit out of you the way CDs usually do.
Yes, it's better sounding than the CD version but it shares all of CD's worst qualities: flat, dimensionless, tinny, textureless and emotionally stunted.
Anyone who's bought this and thinks it sounds good can only think so because they haven't heard one of the good reissues.
Capitol had an opportunity to produce sonic greatness and instead insults one of Brian Wilson's greatest recordings.
SOURCE: http://www.musicangle.com Reprinted By Permission
Pick up Michael's DVD's Here:
Music News & Notes
Nada Surf Re-Issue Three LP's For Vinyl Release
The group are re-releasing three of their albums The Proximity Effect, Let Go and The Weight Is A Gift on vinyl this April 14th as all three have been out of print and for sometime (available on CD but no longer on vinyl).
The bands latest album Lucky was released last year to critical acclaim . If you're a long time Nada Surf fan then this will no doubt tickle your fancy as well so make sure you pick them up when they get their release this April.
=============================
Sonic Youth LP
Sonic Youth’s 16th album, The Eternal, will be released on vinyl, compact disc, and digital album by Matador Records on June 9 and was produced by John Agnello and the band.
Recorded through November and December of last year at the band’s Echo Canyon West studio in Hoboken, NJ, The Eternal features many firsts for a Sonic Youth album, including a number of shared vocals between Kim, Thurston, and Lee, and the studio debut of former Pavement/Dustdevils bassist Mark Ibold, a member of Sonic Youth’s touring band for the past few years.
Matador will shortly announce a Buy Early Get Now opportunity for the album with some very interesting bonus material.
Track listing:
1. Sacred Trickster
2. Anti-Orgasm
3. Leaky Lifeboat(for Gregory Corso)
4. Antenna
5. What We Know
6. Calming The Snake
7. Poison Arrow
8. Malibu Gas Station
9. Thunderclap For Bobby Pyn
10. No Way
11. Walkin Blue
=============================
Yeah Yeah Yeah LP
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs' third studio album "It’s Blitz!" is set for an April 10 release in Australia, but for the fanatics among us, the cover art and tracklist have been revealed today.
The new LP features 10-tracks and was recorded in numerous rural locations across the US countryside. From El Paso's 1,700 acre Sonic Ranch studio to a dairy farm in Massachusetts. The trio worked with two producers on It’s Blitz!: long-term producer TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek (who did the production of the last two LP’s) and Nick Launay (Arcade Fire, Talking Heads, INXS) who record their Is Is EP.
Producers aside, the band didn't do everything the same in the recording process. For one thing the band has taken a much more experimental approach, with guitarist Nick Zinner playing a swag of vintage synths on the new release. The band took inspiration from Italian producer Giorgio Moroder's work with R&B songstress Donna Summer as well as Joy Division.
The album also features a few special guests including Bird and the Bee maestro producer Greg Kurtsin, TV on the Radio's Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone, and saxophonist Stuart Bogie (Antibalas) among others
=============================
Paper + Plastick Records
Vinnie Fiorello has announced the launch of his new endeavor, Paper + Plastick Records, based out of Gainesville, FL. Fiorello is a founding member of legendary ska/punk band Less Than Jake, and founder/former owner of the successful label Fueled By Ramen (Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco).
The independent label will take a new and alternative approach to music retail by selling the highest digital quality music files available, along with deluxe digital packaging. The label will also only release physical music on exclusive, multi-colored and oddly shaped vinyl, making all Paper + Plastick releases a must have for recording buffs, vinyl collectors and music fans alike.
“I think that brick and mortar stores are a dying breed,” comments Fiorello. “Chain stores are folding and the stores that remain want you to buy a TV instead of showcasing new music. I choose not to worry about the CD. That’s also dying, so why try to keep it alive now? I would much rather support independent record stores by putting out independent music in the format that I love, the format that kept and keeps the underground vibrant – vinyl.”
Fiorello also plans to release music digitally via the Paper + Plastick website, www.paperandplastick.com, weeks before the music will be available on digital retail outlets such as iTunes, Amazon.com and Emusic.com. Music downloaded from retail outlets loose their integrity and bitrate, but music from PaperandPlastick.com will be high quality digital recordings. Two versions of each album will be available for purchase through the website with varying prices.
SOURCE: http://www.drivenfaroff.com
=============================
Leonard Cohen To Release First Album Since 2004
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Leonard Cohen is scheduled to release "Live in London," his first new album in five years, on March 31. The set was recorded from his July 17, 2008, performance at London's 02 Arena during his world tour last year.
The 26-track "Live in London," which will be available both as a double-disc CD and DVD, includes Cohen classics like "If It Be Your Will," "I'm Your Man" and "Hallelujah." It is the Canadian singer/songwriter's first release since 2004's "Dear Heather" and his first live album in eight years.
=============================
U2 On Letterman
U2 has signed on to perform five consecutive nights for the Late Show With David Letterman from March 2 through 6. It's part of the massive publicity push for the album No Line on the Horizon, which will be released on the Tuesday of that week.
=============================
AMORPHIS' New Cover Art Idea Borrowed From A STATIC LULLABY?
It has been brought to our attention that the cover artwork for "Skyforger", the forthcoming album from Finnish dark metallers AMORPHIS, bears more than a passing resemblance to that of "Faso Latido", the 2005 CD released by the Chino Hills, California post-hardcore band A STATIC LULLABY.
You can see both covers below.
"Faso Latido" is the second album by A STATIC LULLABY. Released in 2005 on Columbia Records, it was the group's last CD with all five original members. The LP was originally supposed to be called "Watch The Sunlight Burn", but has its title changed prior to its release.
"Skyforger" is scheduled for release on May 29 via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to the "Eclipse" and "Silent Waters" LPs, both of which were certified gold in the band's native Finland, was recorded at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki.
The group are re-releasing three of their albums The Proximity Effect, Let Go and The Weight Is A Gift on vinyl this April 14th as all three have been out of print and for sometime (available on CD but no longer on vinyl).
The bands latest album Lucky was released last year to critical acclaim . If you're a long time Nada Surf fan then this will no doubt tickle your fancy as well so make sure you pick them up when they get their release this April.
=============================
Sonic Youth LP
Sonic Youth’s 16th album, The Eternal, will be released on vinyl, compact disc, and digital album by Matador Records on June 9 and was produced by John Agnello and the band.
Recorded through November and December of last year at the band’s Echo Canyon West studio in Hoboken, NJ, The Eternal features many firsts for a Sonic Youth album, including a number of shared vocals between Kim, Thurston, and Lee, and the studio debut of former Pavement/Dustdevils bassist Mark Ibold, a member of Sonic Youth’s touring band for the past few years.
Matador will shortly announce a Buy Early Get Now opportunity for the album with some very interesting bonus material.
Track listing:
1. Sacred Trickster
2. Anti-Orgasm
3. Leaky Lifeboat(for Gregory Corso)
4. Antenna
5. What We Know
6. Calming The Snake
7. Poison Arrow
8. Malibu Gas Station
9. Thunderclap For Bobby Pyn
10. No Way
11. Walkin Blue
=============================
Yeah Yeah Yeah LP
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs' third studio album "It’s Blitz!" is set for an April 10 release in Australia, but for the fanatics among us, the cover art and tracklist have been revealed today.
The new LP features 10-tracks and was recorded in numerous rural locations across the US countryside. From El Paso's 1,700 acre Sonic Ranch studio to a dairy farm in Massachusetts. The trio worked with two producers on It’s Blitz!: long-term producer TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek (who did the production of the last two LP’s) and Nick Launay (Arcade Fire, Talking Heads, INXS) who record their Is Is EP.
Producers aside, the band didn't do everything the same in the recording process. For one thing the band has taken a much more experimental approach, with guitarist Nick Zinner playing a swag of vintage synths on the new release. The band took inspiration from Italian producer Giorgio Moroder's work with R&B songstress Donna Summer as well as Joy Division.
The album also features a few special guests including Bird and the Bee maestro producer Greg Kurtsin, TV on the Radio's Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone, and saxophonist Stuart Bogie (Antibalas) among others
=============================
Paper + Plastick Records
Vinnie Fiorello has announced the launch of his new endeavor, Paper + Plastick Records, based out of Gainesville, FL. Fiorello is a founding member of legendary ska/punk band Less Than Jake, and founder/former owner of the successful label Fueled By Ramen (Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco).
The independent label will take a new and alternative approach to music retail by selling the highest digital quality music files available, along with deluxe digital packaging. The label will also only release physical music on exclusive, multi-colored and oddly shaped vinyl, making all Paper + Plastick releases a must have for recording buffs, vinyl collectors and music fans alike.
“I think that brick and mortar stores are a dying breed,” comments Fiorello. “Chain stores are folding and the stores that remain want you to buy a TV instead of showcasing new music. I choose not to worry about the CD. That’s also dying, so why try to keep it alive now? I would much rather support independent record stores by putting out independent music in the format that I love, the format that kept and keeps the underground vibrant – vinyl.”
Fiorello also plans to release music digitally via the Paper + Plastick website, www.paperandplastick.com, weeks before the music will be available on digital retail outlets such as iTunes, Amazon.com and Emusic.com. Music downloaded from retail outlets loose their integrity and bitrate, but music from PaperandPlastick.com will be high quality digital recordings. Two versions of each album will be available for purchase through the website with varying prices.
SOURCE: http://www.drivenfaroff.com
=============================
Leonard Cohen To Release First Album Since 2004
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Leonard Cohen is scheduled to release "Live in London," his first new album in five years, on March 31. The set was recorded from his July 17, 2008, performance at London's 02 Arena during his world tour last year.
The 26-track "Live in London," which will be available both as a double-disc CD and DVD, includes Cohen classics like "If It Be Your Will," "I'm Your Man" and "Hallelujah." It is the Canadian singer/songwriter's first release since 2004's "Dear Heather" and his first live album in eight years.
=============================
U2 On Letterman
U2 has signed on to perform five consecutive nights for the Late Show With David Letterman from March 2 through 6. It's part of the massive publicity push for the album No Line on the Horizon, which will be released on the Tuesday of that week.
=============================
AMORPHIS' New Cover Art Idea Borrowed From A STATIC LULLABY?
It has been brought to our attention that the cover artwork for "Skyforger", the forthcoming album from Finnish dark metallers AMORPHIS, bears more than a passing resemblance to that of "Faso Latido", the 2005 CD released by the Chino Hills, California post-hardcore band A STATIC LULLABY.
You can see both covers below.
"Faso Latido" is the second album by A STATIC LULLABY. Released in 2005 on Columbia Records, it was the group's last CD with all five original members. The LP was originally supposed to be called "Watch The Sunlight Burn", but has its title changed prior to its release.
"Skyforger" is scheduled for release on May 29 via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to the "Eclipse" and "Silent Waters" LPs, both of which were certified gold in the band's native Finland, was recorded at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Album Cover Art
Molly Hatchet - Locked and Loaded 2003
"Locked and Loaded" is an spectacular showcase of one of Southern Rock's longest running bands and features a good variety of material from both the early and later years of the band.
"Locked and Loaded" is an spectacular showcase of one of Southern Rock's longest running bands and features a good variety of material from both the early and later years of the band.
Country Music Awards
Here is an update on the Country Music Awards:
George Strait Receives Four ACM Award Nominations
The Academy of Country Music announced their nominees for their annual awards at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville today. Picking up nominations are such Country acts as: Brad Paisley, Heidi Newfield, George Strait, Kenny Chesney and newcomer Jamey Johnson.
Album of the Year nominations are to be announced in March and fans will be able to go to GACTV.com between February 13 and March 5 to vote in the three new comers categories with the winners being announced on March 9. The three winners will then go on to compete in the Top New Artist category. Like last year, fans will also vote for Entertainer of the Year.
The awards are scheduled for April 5 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will air on CBS.
The full nomination list in music categories with veteran artists highlighted:
Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
Male Vocalist
Kenny Chesney
Toby Keith
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Keith Urban
Female Vocalist
Miranda Lambert
Heidi Newfield
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Lee Ann Womack
Vocal Group
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
Randy Rogers Band
The Lost Trailers
Vocal Duo
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Joey & Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland
New Male Vocalist
Jamey Johnson
James Otto
Jake Owen
New Female Vocalist
Sarah Buxton
Julianne Hough
Ashton Shepherd
New Vocal Duo or Group
Eli Young Band
The Lost Trailers
Zac Brown Band
Vinyl Review
Continuing our new feature, my friend in vinyl, Ted, over at myvinylreview.blogspot.com has been kind enough to allow me to reprint his vinyl record reviews. What Ted offers are unbiased reviews of vinyl new releases, audiophile reissues, and more. I hope you enjoy his insights:
Reader's Request: Prince and the Revolution--Purple Rain 180 gram vinyl
Today's review is the first of what will be an ongoing feature of My Vinyl Review-- The Reader's Request, with the title to be determined through a reader's poll held the previous week.
A week ago, in anticipation of this release, I pulled out my original Bernie Grundman-mastered vinyl copy of Purple Rain and played it all the way through for the first time in over twenty years. What surprised me most was how this record is much more than an eighties time capsule, and despite some dated production values, has held up surprisingly well since its release twenty-five years ago. The other thing that really stood out was that despite living in the soul bins of nearly every music store, this is a rock record.
Warner/Rhino continues its reissue program by tackling this 1984 classic, with Kevin Gray once again behind the mastering console. The original release, mastered by Bernie Grundman, has the somewhat bright, if not cold sound typical of many eighties recordings. That observation aside, the sonics are generally excellent, with a good soundstage, centered vocals, and decent bass reproduction. By today's standards, however, one would have to point out that a listener could be prone to fatigue after extended listening.
The Warner/Rhino reissue, mastered by Kevin Gray, doesn't depart from the original in any significant way, but does make a few subtle changes. The vinyl is cut at an overall lower volume and the tone is slightly less bright--the result is that the listener can turn up the volume louder without experiencing the fatigue associated with the brighter mastering. The other difference that really stands out is a much more prominent kick drum on faster songs such as Baby, I'm a Star.
The reissue includes a repro of the printed inner sleeve and the 180 gram vinyl is housed in a plastic sleeve now used with all pressings in the Rhino series. Conspicuously absent is a poster of Prince and the Revolution that accompanied all first pressings.
Should you buy this reissue? It depends. Vinyl was still king when this record was originally released and sold in the millions, so there are still plenty of copies floating around in nice condition. I wouldn't say that this reissue is essential, given the excellent sound of the original. The reissue addresses the primary shortcoming of the original pressing, the brightness, without overdoing it so much as to change the character of the recording. To some listeners, that alone would justify picking it up.
Recommended, but not essential.
SOURCE: http://myvinylreview.blogspot.com
Reader's Request: Prince and the Revolution--Purple Rain 180 gram vinyl
Today's review is the first of what will be an ongoing feature of My Vinyl Review-- The Reader's Request, with the title to be determined through a reader's poll held the previous week. A week ago, in anticipation of this release, I pulled out my original Bernie Grundman-mastered vinyl copy of Purple Rain and played it all the way through for the first time in over twenty years. What surprised me most was how this record is much more than an eighties time capsule, and despite some dated production values, has held up surprisingly well since its release twenty-five years ago. The other thing that really stood out was that despite living in the soul bins of nearly every music store, this is a rock record.
Warner/Rhino continues its reissue program by tackling this 1984 classic, with Kevin Gray once again behind the mastering console. The original release, mastered by Bernie Grundman, has the somewhat bright, if not cold sound typical of many eighties recordings. That observation aside, the sonics are generally excellent, with a good soundstage, centered vocals, and decent bass reproduction. By today's standards, however, one would have to point out that a listener could be prone to fatigue after extended listening.
The Warner/Rhino reissue, mastered by Kevin Gray, doesn't depart from the original in any significant way, but does make a few subtle changes. The vinyl is cut at an overall lower volume and the tone is slightly less bright--the result is that the listener can turn up the volume louder without experiencing the fatigue associated with the brighter mastering. The other difference that really stands out is a much more prominent kick drum on faster songs such as Baby, I'm a Star.
The reissue includes a repro of the printed inner sleeve and the 180 gram vinyl is housed in a plastic sleeve now used with all pressings in the Rhino series. Conspicuously absent is a poster of Prince and the Revolution that accompanied all first pressings.
Should you buy this reissue? It depends. Vinyl was still king when this record was originally released and sold in the millions, so there are still plenty of copies floating around in nice condition. I wouldn't say that this reissue is essential, given the excellent sound of the original. The reissue addresses the primary shortcoming of the original pressing, the brightness, without overdoing it so much as to change the character of the recording. To some listeners, that alone would justify picking it up.
Recommended, but not essential.
SOURCE: http://myvinylreview.blogspot.com
Music News & Notes
Limp Bizkit Reuntited
The original lineup of Limp Bizkit is reuniting for a tour and new album, according to a statement from Interscope Records.
Fred Durst, Wes Borland, Sam Rivers, John Otto and DJ Lethal were last together in the fall of 2001, after which Borland left the band to focus on his own music.
Limp Bizkit has essentially been on hiatus since then and Durst has been devoting his time and energies to directing and acting in films.
Although all dates are not confirmed yet, the band is scheduled to play international festivals this spring, including shows in Eastern Europe, as well as Germany's "Rock Am Ring" and "Rock Im Park" festivals.
According to a joint statement released by the crew: “We decided we were more disgusted and bored with the state of heavy popular music than we were with each other.”
Limp Bizkit was one of the most popular rock bands in the world and their first three albums have sold in excess of 20 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
============================
New KISS LP
Paul Stanley has recently confirmed the start of recording a new KISS album. "It's a KISS album in the most true and classic sense. We're recording it in analog, not digital, and writing it ourselves."
============================
Ozzy Working On New Music
Ozzy Osbourne is said to be putting his annual Ozzfest festival on hold for 2009 while he completes work on a new album. The as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2007's "Black Rain" is due around Thanksgiving and will be co-produced by Osbourne with Kevin Churko.
============================
Top Ten Moneymakers for 2008
Interestingly the top five moneymakers are also the five acts that earned the most on tour, and in the same order, according to Billboard Boxscore.
1. Madonna: $242,176,466
2. Bon Jovi: $157,177,766
3. Bruce Springsteen: $156,327,964
4. The Police: $109,976,894
5. Celine Dion: $99,171,237
6. Kenny Chesney: $90,823,990
7. Neil Diamond: $82,174,000
8. Rascall Flatts: $63,522,160
9. Jonas Brothers: $62,638,814
10. Coldplay: $62,175,555
The original lineup of Limp Bizkit is reuniting for a tour and new album, according to a statement from Interscope Records.
Fred Durst, Wes Borland, Sam Rivers, John Otto and DJ Lethal were last together in the fall of 2001, after which Borland left the band to focus on his own music.
Limp Bizkit has essentially been on hiatus since then and Durst has been devoting his time and energies to directing and acting in films.
Although all dates are not confirmed yet, the band is scheduled to play international festivals this spring, including shows in Eastern Europe, as well as Germany's "Rock Am Ring" and "Rock Im Park" festivals.
According to a joint statement released by the crew: “We decided we were more disgusted and bored with the state of heavy popular music than we were with each other.”
Limp Bizkit was one of the most popular rock bands in the world and their first three albums have sold in excess of 20 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
============================
New KISS LP
Paul Stanley has recently confirmed the start of recording a new KISS album. "It's a KISS album in the most true and classic sense. We're recording it in analog, not digital, and writing it ourselves."
============================
Ozzy Working On New Music
Ozzy Osbourne is said to be putting his annual Ozzfest festival on hold for 2009 while he completes work on a new album. The as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2007's "Black Rain" is due around Thanksgiving and will be co-produced by Osbourne with Kevin Churko.
============================
Top Ten Moneymakers for 2008
Interestingly the top five moneymakers are also the five acts that earned the most on tour, and in the same order, according to Billboard Boxscore.
1. Madonna: $242,176,466
2. Bon Jovi: $157,177,766
3. Bruce Springsteen: $156,327,964
4. The Police: $109,976,894
5. Celine Dion: $99,171,237
6. Kenny Chesney: $90,823,990
7. Neil Diamond: $82,174,000
8. Rascall Flatts: $63,522,160
9. Jonas Brothers: $62,638,814
10. Coldplay: $62,175,555
This Date In Music History-February 12
Birthdays:
Ray Manzarek of the Doors turns 70.
Chynna Phillips- Wilson Phillips (1968)
One-time Genesis guitarist and GTR founder Steve Hackett was born in London in 1950.
Jim Creeggan- Barenaked Ladies (1970)
They Are Missed:
The late Lorne Greene ("Ringo") was born in 1915.
Eldee Young of the Ramsey Lewis Trio and Young/Holt Unlimited died of a heart attack in 2007.
Sammi Smith ("Help Me Make It Through The Night") died in 2005 after a long illness.
Screamin' Jay Hawkins died in 2000 (age 70), after complications from surgery.
Oliver ("Good Morning Starshine") died of cancer in 2000.
In 1983, songwriter and jazz piano player Eubie Blake died at age 100 in New York.
History:
In 2007, over 50 years after he first appeared on the US charts with a cover version of The Charms' "Two Hearts,” crooner Pat Boone was receiving major US radio airplay for his new CD "Pat Boone R&B Classics - We Are Family". His rendition of "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" was the track most in-demand by listeners.
In 2003, former Doors drummer John Densmore took legal action against The Doors keyboard player Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger for breach of contract, trademark infringement and unfair competition. The band had reformed with ex-Cult singer Ian Astbury and former Police drummer Stewart Copeland. Densmore said "It shouldn't be called The Doors if it's someone other than Jim Morrison singing." He would win the lawsuit in July, 2005 and the new ensemble was forced to stop calling themselves The Doors. As it should be.
In 1976, the Sex Pistols launched their first U.K. tour with Eddie & The Hot Rods.
Jimi Hendrix returned home to Seattle in 1968 where he received a key to the city and an honorary high school diploma. He also played for the students of Garfield High School from which he had dropped out. Hendrix was thrown out of the school at the age of 16, apparently for holding the hand of a white girl in class.
"Roundabout" was released by Yes in 1972.
In 1964, Beatlemania hit New York as the group played two shows at Carnegie Hall tonight. The New York Times said the audience gave a better performance than the band. The New Street Music record store offered to send anyone who buys a Beatles record to a barbershop next door to receive a free Beatles haircut.
In 1961, The Miracles' "Shop Around" became Motown's first million-selling single. In the following ten years, The Miracles would have six more million sellers.
In 1965, 18 year-old Donovan Leitch appeared on the UK music show Ready Steady Go!, where he performed his debut single "Catch The Wind". The tune would reach #4 in his homeland and #23 in the US.
In 1967, London police busted Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithful on drug charges.
The Silhouettes hit #1 with "Get a Job" in 1958.
In 1972, "Let's Stay Together," by Al Green, dislodged Don McLean's "American Pie" from it's month-long reign at #1.
“Eat a Peach,” by the Allman Brothers Band was released in 1972. Mixing live and studio material, it features the last studio recordings by Duane Allman.
Ray Manzarek of the Doors turns 70.
Chynna Phillips- Wilson Phillips (1968)
One-time Genesis guitarist and GTR founder Steve Hackett was born in London in 1950.
Jim Creeggan- Barenaked Ladies (1970)
They Are Missed:
The late Lorne Greene ("Ringo") was born in 1915.
Eldee Young of the Ramsey Lewis Trio and Young/Holt Unlimited died of a heart attack in 2007.
Sammi Smith ("Help Me Make It Through The Night") died in 2005 after a long illness.
Screamin' Jay Hawkins died in 2000 (age 70), after complications from surgery.
Oliver ("Good Morning Starshine") died of cancer in 2000.
In 1983, songwriter and jazz piano player Eubie Blake died at age 100 in New York.
History:
In 2007, over 50 years after he first appeared on the US charts with a cover version of The Charms' "Two Hearts,” crooner Pat Boone was receiving major US radio airplay for his new CD "Pat Boone R&B Classics - We Are Family". His rendition of "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" was the track most in-demand by listeners.
In 2003, former Doors drummer John Densmore took legal action against The Doors keyboard player Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger for breach of contract, trademark infringement and unfair competition. The band had reformed with ex-Cult singer Ian Astbury and former Police drummer Stewart Copeland. Densmore said "It shouldn't be called The Doors if it's someone other than Jim Morrison singing." He would win the lawsuit in July, 2005 and the new ensemble was forced to stop calling themselves The Doors. As it should be.
In 1976, the Sex Pistols launched their first U.K. tour with Eddie & The Hot Rods.
Jimi Hendrix returned home to Seattle in 1968 where he received a key to the city and an honorary high school diploma. He also played for the students of Garfield High School from which he had dropped out. Hendrix was thrown out of the school at the age of 16, apparently for holding the hand of a white girl in class.
"Roundabout" was released by Yes in 1972.
In 1964, Beatlemania hit New York as the group played two shows at Carnegie Hall tonight. The New York Times said the audience gave a better performance than the band. The New Street Music record store offered to send anyone who buys a Beatles record to a barbershop next door to receive a free Beatles haircut.
In 1961, The Miracles' "Shop Around" became Motown's first million-selling single. In the following ten years, The Miracles would have six more million sellers.
In 1965, 18 year-old Donovan Leitch appeared on the UK music show Ready Steady Go!, where he performed his debut single "Catch The Wind". The tune would reach #4 in his homeland and #23 in the US.
In 1967, London police busted Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithful on drug charges.
The Silhouettes hit #1 with "Get a Job" in 1958.
In 1972, "Let's Stay Together," by Al Green, dislodged Don McLean's "American Pie" from it's month-long reign at #1.
“Eat a Peach,” by the Allman Brothers Band was released in 1972. Mixing live and studio material, it features the last studio recordings by Duane Allman.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Album Cover Art
Molly Hatchet - Flirtin' With Disaster-Live 2007
Another fantatsic piece of album cover art.
New Vinyl Releases
All of the following new releases can be purchased here:
http://tinyurl.com/d5445p
New Releases For 2/17/2009
Architecture In Helsinki/That Beep 12''/Polyvinyl Records
Vermillion Sands/In The Woods/7"/Fat Possum
Vibrarians/Red Light/7''/K Records
Wavves/California Goth II/7"/Fat Possum
Wheels On Fire/I'm Turning Into You/7"/Fat Possum
Abe Vigoda/Reviver [LP]/PPM Records
Aidan Moffat & The Best-Ofs/How To Get To Heaven From Scotland/ [4LP]/Chemikal Underground
Alela Diane/To Be Still/[2 LP]/Rough Trade
And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead/And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead/[LP]/Trance Syndicate
Asobi Seksu/Hush/[LP]/Polyvinyl Records
Astronautalis/Pomegranate/[LP]/Eyeball Records/EYE
Death/For the Whole World to/[LP]/Drag City/Twos & Fews
Deerhunter/Microcastle/[LP] (White Vinyl) (includes CD)/kranky
Fake Problems/It's Great To Be Alive/[LP]/Side One Dummy Record
Final/Reading All The Right Signals Wrong/[LP]/No Quarter
Flogging Molly/Float [LP] (Picture Disc)/Side One Dummy Record Limited edition picture disc pressing of their fourth full-length, originally released in March 2008 (which debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top 200). Features a design layout on the a-side and a picture of the band on the b-side.
Fol Chen/Part I: John Shade, Your Fortune's Made/[LP]/Asthmatic Kitty
Get Up Kids/Something To Write Home About/[LP]/Doghouse Records
Gun Outfit/Dim Light/[LP]/Ppm Records
Haptic/Medium/[LP] (180 Gram Vinyl with Download Coupon) Flingco Sound System/The Medium consists of two sidelong tracks & includes contributions from Boris Hauf, Olivia Block & Tony Buck. LIMITED edition 180 gram vinyl with download coupon
Irepress/Sol Eye See/[2LP] Gatefold/Translation
Jason Isbell/Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit/[2 LP] (includes CD) Lightning Rod/30 Tigers
Joseph Arthur/Temporary People/[LP]/Lonely Astronaut
Josh Reichmann Oracle Band/Life Is Legal/[EP]/Paperbag
Living Things/Habeas Corpus/[LP]/Jive / Zomba
Lonely Island/Incredibad/[2LP]/Universal Republic/Features Justin Timberlake, Natalie Portman, Adam Levine
Loved Ones/Distractions/[LP] (includes digital download)/Fat Wreck
M. Ward/Hold Time/[LP]/Merge Records
Matt & Kim/To-From/EP/10''/Suburban Home
Mi Ami/Watersports/[LP]/Quarterstick
Minus The Bear/Acoustics/[LP]/Suicide Squeeze Records/Limited to 5,000 copies.
Morrissey/Years Of Refusal/[LP]/Decca
Mountains/Choral/[2 LP] (includes download coupon)/Thrill Jockey Double LP limited to 1,000 copies and includes two tracks not on the CD. Also includes free download coupon.
Murder City Devils/Thelema [LP] (on marbled black and white vinyl)/Sub Pop Records/Vinyl re-issue of their 2001 EP. First run on marbled black and white vinyl.
Murder City Devils/Empty Bottles Broken Hearts/[LP] (on marbled black and white vinyl)/Sub Pop Records/Vinyl re-issue of their 1998 album. First run on marbled black and white vinyl.
Murder City Devils/In Name And Blood/[LP] (on black and white marbled vinyl)/Sub Pop Records/Vinyl re-issue of their 2000 album. First run on black and white marbled vinyl.
Murder City Devils/Murder City Devils/[LP] (on black and white marbled vinyl)/Die Young Records/Vinyl re-issue of their 1997 debut. First run is on black and white marbled vinyl.
Obscura/Cosmogenesis/[LP]/Relapse
Odawas/The Blue Depths/[LP]/Jagjaguwar
Owen/The EP/Polyvinyl Records
Plushgun/Pins & Panzers/[LP]/Tommy Boy Entertainment
Rodan/Rusty/[LP]/Quarterstick
Sholi/Sholi/[LP]/Quarterstick
Sonic Boom 6/Ruff Guide to Genre Terrorism/[LP] (colored vinyl) Suburban Home
Southeast Engine/From The Forest To The Sea/[LP]/Misra Records
Steve Earle & The Del McCoury Band/The Mountain/[LP]/New West
Testament/Demonic/[2 LP] (180 Gram and one side includes etched art)/Prosthetic
Testament/The Gathering/[2 LP] (180 Gram and one side includes etched art)/Prosthetic
These Are Powers/All Aboard Future/[LP]/Dead Oceans/ Limited edition vinyl.
Various Artists/Dark Was The Night (Red Hot Compilation)/[3 LP] This triple LP contains thirty-one exclusive tracks that will benefit the Red Hot Organization - an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS. This is their 20th anniversary and 20th release. Artists include Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, The Decemberists, Iron & Wine, Kronos Quartet, The New Pornographers, Spoon, Sufjan Stevens, Yeasayer, Yo La Tengo, and many more.
Vetiver/Tight Knit/[LP]/Sub Pop Records
Ween/Chocolate & Cheese/[2LP] (180 Gram)/Plain Recordings
Weird Owl/Ever The Silver Cord Be Loosed/[LP]/Tee Pee Records
William Elliott Whitmore/Animals In The Dark/[LP]/Anti
Ask Mr. Music
I am continuing our new feature: Ask "Mr. Music." Now in its 23rd year of syndication (1986-2008), Jerry Osborne's weekly Q&A feature will be a regular post every Wednesday from now on. Be sure to stop by Jerry's site (www.jerryosborne.com) for more Mr. Music archives, record price guides, anything Elvis, buy & sell collectibles, record appraisals and much more. I thank Jerry for allowing the reprints.
FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2, 2009
DEAR JERRY: Seeing “Mad Men” win all these Best Drama on TV awards got me curious, so I got the first season DVDs. Guess what? It's as good as advertised, and now I'm a fan.
Playing one of the leading ladies is an actress named January Jones, and it is she who sends me your way.
Her unusual name brings to mind a long-forgotten record from the 1970s, all about a girl named January Jones. Though a popular tune at the time, I have never heard this song since.
The singer may be Billy Crash Craddock, who had a lot of hits back then. If not, then who?
Assuming she wasn't born before the song, the actress must have been named after it. What do you think? —Cindy Galt, Salt Lake City
DEAR CINDY: In keeping with the theme, I see you also posted your letter the first week in January.
You have every reason to suspect the hit song inspired the name given to Miss Jones. Coincidentally, both debuted in January, three years apart.
“January Jones,” a Top 40 Country hit for Johnny Carver (ABC 12052), hit the charts January 18, 1975, and January Jones joined the Sioux Falls populace on January 5, 1978.
With the song arriving on the scene three years earlier, the connection is very believable. But then so is the idea that the name comes from her birth month.
Neither scenario is accurate.
The parents of this Golden Globe nominee (for “Mad Men”) became enamored with January as a name after discovering January Wayne, a character in “Once is Not Enough,” a 1973 book by Jacqueline Susann.
Two years later, around the time of Johnny Carver's hit, Hollywood brought the novel to the big screen as “Jacqueline Susann's Once Is Not Enough.”
In the film version, January (Deborah Raffin) is the spoiled daughter of washed-up movie producer Mike Wayne (Kirk Douglas).
Just when you thought it couldn't get more Januaryish, there is yet another actress named January Jones — one a generation ahead of the more famous January.
This lady appeared in just two films: “Looking for Love,” a 1964 flick starring Connie Francis,” and “Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title” (1966).
See and hear "January Jones" here.
DEAR JERRY: After exhausting many music catalogs in my search for a song, I discovered you and how many others you've helped.
While traveling across the country listening to different stations, I heard “Honeycomb,” but not by Jimmie Rodgers as you would suspect.
This one is by Ricky Nelson, who I never even knew recorded the song.
His is the best version of “Honeycomb” I have ever heard. Do you know of it?
—Ron Stofflet, Montello, Wisc.
DEAR RON: Nelson's “Honeycomb” is one of the tracks on his first LP, “Ricky” (Imperial 9048), as well as one of the three “Ricky” EPs issued simultaneously with that album (Imperial 153).
A double “Ricky” CD is currently available for about $10, and “Honeycomb” is among its 31 tracks.
It is surprising how very different Rick's version is from the more familiar Jimmie Rodgers hit. It is at a slower tempo and contains several completely different verses. It is almost another song altogether.
IZ ZAT SO? From the invention in 1948 of the long play album to “Meet the Beatles,” in 1964, only two mainstream Rock & Roll artists topped the LP charts.
Elvis has six No. 1 albums during that period, and the only other one is “Ricky” (1957), belonging to Ricky Nelson.
Not counted in this specific count are folk (Kingston Trio) and R&B acts (Ray Charles, Little Stevie Wonder).
FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2, 2009
DEAR JERRY: Seeing “Mad Men” win all these Best Drama on TV awards got me curious, so I got the first season DVDs. Guess what? It's as good as advertised, and now I'm a fan.
Playing one of the leading ladies is an actress named January Jones, and it is she who sends me your way.
Her unusual name brings to mind a long-forgotten record from the 1970s, all about a girl named January Jones. Though a popular tune at the time, I have never heard this song since.
The singer may be Billy Crash Craddock, who had a lot of hits back then. If not, then who?
Assuming she wasn't born before the song, the actress must have been named after it. What do you think? —Cindy Galt, Salt Lake City
DEAR CINDY: In keeping with the theme, I see you also posted your letter the first week in January.
You have every reason to suspect the hit song inspired the name given to Miss Jones. Coincidentally, both debuted in January, three years apart.
“January Jones,” a Top 40 Country hit for Johnny Carver (ABC 12052), hit the charts January 18, 1975, and January Jones joined the Sioux Falls populace on January 5, 1978.
With the song arriving on the scene three years earlier, the connection is very believable. But then so is the idea that the name comes from her birth month.
Neither scenario is accurate.
The parents of this Golden Globe nominee (for “Mad Men”) became enamored with January as a name after discovering January Wayne, a character in “Once is Not Enough,” a 1973 book by Jacqueline Susann.
Two years later, around the time of Johnny Carver's hit, Hollywood brought the novel to the big screen as “Jacqueline Susann's Once Is Not Enough.”
In the film version, January (Deborah Raffin) is the spoiled daughter of washed-up movie producer Mike Wayne (Kirk Douglas).
Just when you thought it couldn't get more Januaryish, there is yet another actress named January Jones — one a generation ahead of the more famous January.
This lady appeared in just two films: “Looking for Love,” a 1964 flick starring Connie Francis,” and “Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title” (1966).
See and hear "January Jones" here.
DEAR JERRY: After exhausting many music catalogs in my search for a song, I discovered you and how many others you've helped.
While traveling across the country listening to different stations, I heard “Honeycomb,” but not by Jimmie Rodgers as you would suspect.
This one is by Ricky Nelson, who I never even knew recorded the song.
His is the best version of “Honeycomb” I have ever heard. Do you know of it?
—Ron Stofflet, Montello, Wisc.
DEAR RON: Nelson's “Honeycomb” is one of the tracks on his first LP, “Ricky” (Imperial 9048), as well as one of the three “Ricky” EPs issued simultaneously with that album (Imperial 153).
A double “Ricky” CD is currently available for about $10, and “Honeycomb” is among its 31 tracks.
It is surprising how very different Rick's version is from the more familiar Jimmie Rodgers hit. It is at a slower tempo and contains several completely different verses. It is almost another song altogether.
IZ ZAT SO? From the invention in 1948 of the long play album to “Meet the Beatles,” in 1964, only two mainstream Rock & Roll artists topped the LP charts.
Elvis has six No. 1 albums during that period, and the only other one is “Ricky” (1957), belonging to Ricky Nelson.
Not counted in this specific count are folk (Kingston Trio) and R&B acts (Ray Charles, Little Stevie Wonder).
Music News & Notes
FatCat Reissues Animal Collective Catalogue On Vinyl
FatCat Records has announced that it will reissue several of Animal Collective’s early albums on vinyl next month.
The new vinyl editions will include the AC albums Spirit They've Gone They've Vanished (2000), Danse Manatee (2001), Feels (2005) and, yes, Sung Tongs (2004). Each will come packaged with the original artwork and on fancied-up 180-gram double vinyl. In addition to the Animal Collective reissues, which will be available on March 9, FatCat will also be releasing DMM versions of No Age's Weirdo Rippers, Max Richter's Songs From Before and Sigur Rós's Agaetis Bryjun
===========================
Mute Math releases new EP
Adventurous melodic-rock crew Mute Math releases their new Spotlight EP today (Feb. 10) digitally, with a limited edition vinyl version to follow on March 24.
The EP -- stocked with B-sides and remixes -- comes in advance of the full-length follow-up to the band's self-titled debut; Mute Math went into the studio last fall with producer Dennis Herring to start pulling together that new album.
Fans can purchase digital/vinyl or digital only versions of the EP at www.mutemath.com/store. Digital/vinyl purchasers will get high-quality MP3 files of the tracks today, with the vinyl to follow on its release date. Orders also come with a link to exclusive video material.
===========================
Green Day reveal new album artwork
Band credit artists Sixten for inspiration
Green Day have revealed the cover art for the new album today (February 10), just a day after they named the record.
The stencilled artwork, pictured, was apparently inspired by artist Sixten, with art direction credited to Chris Bilheimer.
As previously reported, Green Day's new album will be called '21st Century Breakdown', and will be released in May. It's the follow-up to 2004's 'American Idiot'.
===========================
The Decemberists announce new tour dates, cover art
The cover art for The Decemberists' new album, Hazards of Love, has changed here is the new art.
The Decemberists have never been afraid of a little ambition. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that for their upcoming U.S. tour, they've decided to eschew typical rock-band protocol and present their recent release in a slightly different format.
When the Portland-based group hits the road in support of their March 24 release, "Hazards of Love," they'll be presenting it as a 17-song suit. It seems fitting for an album that tells the tale "woman named Margaret who is ravaged by a shape-shifting animal; her lover, William; a forest queen; and a cold-blooded, lascivious rake.
Here are just some of the dates, with more to be announced soon:
May
19 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ Hollywood Palladium
20 - Oakland, Calif. @ Fox Theatre
21 - Eugene, Ore. @ McDonald Theater
24 - Missoula, Mont. @ Wilma Theatre
26 - Denver, Colo. @ Fillmore Auditorium
27 - Kansas City, Mo. @ Uptown Theater
29 - Milwaukee, Wisc. @ Riverside Theater
31 - St. Louis, Mo. @The Pageant
June
1 - Columbus, Ohio @ Lifestyle Communities Pavilion
3 - Atlanta, Ga. @ Tabernacle
4 - Raleigh, N.C. @ Memorial Auditorium
5 - Richmond, Va. @ The National
6 - Upper Darby, Penn. @ Tower Theatre
9 - Boston, Mass. @ Bank of America Pavillion
10 - New York, N.Y. @ Radio City Music Hall
11-14 - Manchester, Tenn. @ Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
===========================
Academy of Country Music Announces Nominees
The finalists for the Country Music Awards were announced today and Brad Paisley leads all finalists for the Academy of Country Music Awards with six nominations. Paisley is nominated for entertainer of the year and male vocalist. He is also a finalist for record, song and video of the year for "Waitin' on a Woman" and nominated for vocal event of the year for "Start a Band" with Keith Urban.
Heidi Newfield is also a strong contender, picking up nominations in five categories, including song of the year and video of the year for the lovely "Johnny & June."
The winners will be announced during the Academy of Country Music Awards show on CBS from Las Vegas on April 5.
===========================
Country Singer Bee Dies
Country singer Molly Bee passed away last Saturday (age 69) from complications related to a stroke.
Bee starred on television's "Hometown Jamboree," "The Pinky Lee Show "and "The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show." Her recordings included a 1952 hit version of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and 1965's "Losing You/Miserable Me." Though Bee had limited chart success (her album Swingin' Country peaked at #40 on the Country Albums chart), she was always a big concert draw.
===========================
When Legends Meet
B.B. King said he got a big thrill on Grammy night when he met Paul McCartney. “I met all the Beatles except him until today!” My guess is that Paul McCartney was just as honored to meet B.B. King.
===========================
New Osbourne TV Show F&*^%INg Sucks
In an early look at the new TV show Osbournes: Reloaded has brought a chorus of catcalls from a number of websites. The preview shows that the program will be a mix of pranks (think Ozzy working the window at a fast food restaurant), comedy skits and musical performances with a good amount of swearing (well, probably bleeping) thrown in for good measure. Maybe redoing something that was great at first is just overdoing it a bit, let it go Ozzie
FatCat Records has announced that it will reissue several of Animal Collective’s early albums on vinyl next month.
The new vinyl editions will include the AC albums Spirit They've Gone They've Vanished (2000), Danse Manatee (2001), Feels (2005) and, yes, Sung Tongs (2004). Each will come packaged with the original artwork and on fancied-up 180-gram double vinyl. In addition to the Animal Collective reissues, which will be available on March 9, FatCat will also be releasing DMM versions of No Age's Weirdo Rippers, Max Richter's Songs From Before and Sigur Rós's Agaetis Bryjun
===========================
Mute Math releases new EP
Adventurous melodic-rock crew Mute Math releases their new Spotlight EP today (Feb. 10) digitally, with a limited edition vinyl version to follow on March 24.
The EP -- stocked with B-sides and remixes -- comes in advance of the full-length follow-up to the band's self-titled debut; Mute Math went into the studio last fall with producer Dennis Herring to start pulling together that new album.
Fans can purchase digital/vinyl or digital only versions of the EP at www.mutemath.com/store. Digital/vinyl purchasers will get high-quality MP3 files of the tracks today, with the vinyl to follow on its release date. Orders also come with a link to exclusive video material.
===========================
Green Day reveal new album artwork
Band credit artists Sixten for inspiration
Green Day have revealed the cover art for the new album today (February 10), just a day after they named the record.
The stencilled artwork, pictured, was apparently inspired by artist Sixten, with art direction credited to Chris Bilheimer.
As previously reported, Green Day's new album will be called '21st Century Breakdown', and will be released in May. It's the follow-up to 2004's 'American Idiot'.
===========================
The Decemberists announce new tour dates, cover art
The cover art for The Decemberists' new album, Hazards of Love, has changed here is the new art.
The Decemberists have never been afraid of a little ambition. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that for their upcoming U.S. tour, they've decided to eschew typical rock-band protocol and present their recent release in a slightly different format.
When the Portland-based group hits the road in support of their March 24 release, "Hazards of Love," they'll be presenting it as a 17-song suit. It seems fitting for an album that tells the tale "woman named Margaret who is ravaged by a shape-shifting animal; her lover, William; a forest queen; and a cold-blooded, lascivious rake.
Here are just some of the dates, with more to be announced soon:
May
19 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ Hollywood Palladium
20 - Oakland, Calif. @ Fox Theatre
21 - Eugene, Ore. @ McDonald Theater
24 - Missoula, Mont. @ Wilma Theatre
26 - Denver, Colo. @ Fillmore Auditorium
27 - Kansas City, Mo. @ Uptown Theater
29 - Milwaukee, Wisc. @ Riverside Theater
31 - St. Louis, Mo. @The Pageant
June
1 - Columbus, Ohio @ Lifestyle Communities Pavilion
3 - Atlanta, Ga. @ Tabernacle
4 - Raleigh, N.C. @ Memorial Auditorium
5 - Richmond, Va. @ The National
6 - Upper Darby, Penn. @ Tower Theatre
9 - Boston, Mass. @ Bank of America Pavillion
10 - New York, N.Y. @ Radio City Music Hall
11-14 - Manchester, Tenn. @ Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
===========================
Academy of Country Music Announces Nominees
The finalists for the Country Music Awards were announced today and Brad Paisley leads all finalists for the Academy of Country Music Awards with six nominations. Paisley is nominated for entertainer of the year and male vocalist. He is also a finalist for record, song and video of the year for "Waitin' on a Woman" and nominated for vocal event of the year for "Start a Band" with Keith Urban.
Heidi Newfield is also a strong contender, picking up nominations in five categories, including song of the year and video of the year for the lovely "Johnny & June."
The winners will be announced during the Academy of Country Music Awards show on CBS from Las Vegas on April 5.
===========================
Country Singer Bee Dies
Country singer Molly Bee passed away last Saturday (age 69) from complications related to a stroke.
Bee starred on television's "Hometown Jamboree," "The Pinky Lee Show "and "The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show." Her recordings included a 1952 hit version of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and 1965's "Losing You/Miserable Me." Though Bee had limited chart success (her album Swingin' Country peaked at #40 on the Country Albums chart), she was always a big concert draw.
===========================
When Legends Meet
B.B. King said he got a big thrill on Grammy night when he met Paul McCartney. “I met all the Beatles except him until today!” My guess is that Paul McCartney was just as honored to meet B.B. King.
===========================
New Osbourne TV Show F&*^%INg Sucks
In an early look at the new TV show Osbournes: Reloaded has brought a chorus of catcalls from a number of websites. The preview shows that the program will be a mix of pranks (think Ozzy working the window at a fast food restaurant), comedy skits and musical performances with a good amount of swearing (well, probably bleeping) thrown in for good measure. Maybe redoing something that was great at first is just overdoing it a bit, let it go Ozzie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
