Music News & Notes

Jesus Lizard Remaster Classic Albums for Late Summer Release

Where were you when Jesus Lizard was releasing seminal releases like Goat and Head and Pure? It doesn't really matter anymore, because if you missed them back in the day, they're all available to you now as remastered versions, starting on September 22nd via Touch and Go Records. All of the tracks were remastered by Bob Weston and Steve Albini.

As full length albums, both Goat and Head will be available on vinyl, CD and MP3 versions, with the vinyl version including a coupon to redeem for an additional MP3 version.

As an EP, Pure is only available in 12" vinyl or MP3 with the same coupon/download approach. It also features "Bloody Mary (Live)" is a bonus track.

This re-issued version of all three include expanded liner notes and new photos.

======================

Superchunk Return With Super 7"

The further return of Superchunk! July will see the release of a super-limited edition super 7" single titled "Crossed Wires" on clear vinyl and accompanying download. You can get your digital on and your analog on at the same time.

The record was recorded and produced in Durham, North Carolina by Scott Solter (John Vanderslice, The Mountain Goats). It arrives on July 7th. No word on whether this is actually new material or a raiding of the vaults, but who cares! It's Superchunk!

======================

Will “Vinyl Saturday” Drag People Back To The Record Stores?

The people behind the one-day indie-music-retail blowout Record Store Day are hoping so; they’ve declared the third Saturday of every month Vinyl Saturday, on which limited-edition vinyl releases will be available at participating indie shops. The first installment is Saturday, June 20, and there will be four special releases on shelves that day:


• A Wilco seven-inch (”You Never Know” b/w “Unlikely Japan,” recorded in 2003);
• A Green Day seven-inch (”Know Your Enemy” b/w “Hearts Collide”);
• A Modest Mouse seven-inch (”Autumn Beds” b/w “Whale Song”–this will actually be at all record stores on the 23rd, but Vinyl Saturday participants will allegedly get it in time to sell it Saturday); and
• A Pete Yorn/ScarJo seven-inch (a duet b/w a Yorn demo).

======================

Costello Album Cover Art


Elvis Costello - Secret, Profane and Sugarcane - Costello's new, predominantly-acoustic release is a collaboration with T-Bone Burnett recorded over a three-day session in Nashville. The album is currently streaming on http://www.elviscostello.com/










======================


Pearl Jam On Conan



======================

Elektra Records

Elektra records is back. The label that signed everyone from Judy Collins to the Doors has been made a freestanding label by the Atlantic Records and Warner Music Groups. The first signings include Cee-Lo (Gnarls Barkley), Justice and Little Boots.

Co-president John Janick said “Elektra Records will mark its 60th Anniversary in 2010 and it feels like the perfect time to recapture and reignite the spirit which made the label a beacon of great music and eclectic artistry. Elektra has always been first and foremost about its artists, supporting their vision and giving them the freedom to do their best work. This is a sacred trust that Mike and I take very seriously, and that we will strive to uphold in the years ahead. We’d like to especially thank Jac Holzman for his wonderful support as we begin to build on the legacy of the amazing label he started six decades ago.”

Classic Rock Videos

Foghat- Fool For The City

‘Rain’ Songs- part four

By Robert Benson

Let’s wrap up our short article series about ‘rain’ songs. If we research this topic, we can find many, more songs to add to the list, in fact, if you want to learn more, you can visit Rain Songs; where you can find almost 800 song titles relating to rain and rainy things, including over 50 named just 'Rain.'

Let's look at a song called “The Rains Came,” that hit the Top 40 (#31 in 1966) for the seminal Tex-Mex and country rock group Sir Douglas Quintet. Although the band was hardly a household name and underappreciated during their existence, they were able to carve a niche in the music arena and their influence was far-reaching and continues to be felt in Texas to this day.

As the legend goes, the Sir Douglas Quintet was the brainchild of Houston music producer Huey P. Meaux, who at the height of the British Invasion, took a stack of Beatles records into a hotel room and listened to them, all the while getting drunk on wine. What he discovered was that the beats often resembled those of Cajun dance songs and he came up with the idea of a group that could blend the two sounds well enough to fool Beatles’ fans into giving a local band a chance.

Meaux had met up with local singer Doug Sahm, who was well known as a child prodigy in country music (he had turned down a spot on the Grand Ole Opry in order to finish junior high school). Sahm was leading a series of bands around San Antonio while he was in high school at the time and wanted to work with Meaux. Meaux told Sahm his idea and Sahm quickly formed a band to take on the project. Meaux gave them the deceptively British-sounding name the Sir Douglas Quintet and then released their debut single, "Sugar Bee," which flopped. But the next single, the garage rock favorite “She’s About A Mover,” quickly became an international hit, peaking at #13 in 1965. They followed up that hit with “The Rains Came.”

After returning from a tour of the United States and Europe, the group was arrested at the Corpus Christi airport for possessing a tiny amount of marijuana. Sahm, feeling that he was targeted for his long hair and hippie image, decided to break up the band upon his release from jail, and moved to San Francisco in early 1966. After languishing in the club circuit with a new version of the Sir Douglas Quintet (they lacked their ‘signature organ sound’) and through many personnel changes, Sham convinced original keyboardist Augie Meyers to rejoin the band and the magic sound was back. The result was the genre-defining sound of one of the best Tex-Mex, country rock albums ever made, 1969’s “Mendocino” (the title track peaked at #27 in 1969). Furthermore, the ground breaking LP made the group extremely popular in Europe, where they would retain a fan base for many years to come.

Sahm, homesick and tired of touring, returned to Texas in 1971 and the Sir Douglas Quintet officially disbanded in late 1972, though some of its members, Meyers in particular, would continue to work with Sahm frequently during his legendary and successful solo career. Sadly, Sahm passed away on November 18, 1999.

Our last ‘rain’ song is of course, “Rain,” by the Beatles. The song was released in 1966 as the ‘B side’ for the blockbuster single “Paperback Writer” (“Rain” peaked at #23 on the Billboard charts, while “Paperback Writer” hit #1). "Rain" is one of the Beatles’ most critically-acclaimed songs, appearing on a number of best-of lists, including Rolling Stone Magazine's The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (#463). The songs were both recorded during the “Revolver” sessions, although neither of the cuts appeared on that LP.

The inspiration for the song was to describe the band’s arrival in Australia, which was marked by bad weather; and you guessed it, rain. In fact, John Lennon commented that he had “’never seen rain as hard as that, except in Tahiti.” He also explained that the song was about “people moaning about the weather all the time.”

"Rain" can arguably be called the first psychedelic song released by the group; it contains lyrics that are philosophical and anti-establishment, subjective and open to interpretation; a lyrical trick that proved quite popular for the songwriting duo of Lennon/McCartney. This was also the first song to use a tape played backwards, which created a strange audio effect. It’s reported that John Lennon discovered the technique when he put the tape for another Beatles’ track, "Tomorrow Never Knows," on the wrong way. Interestingly, producer George Martin has claimed that since "Tomorrow Never Knows" found the band experimenting with tape loops -- which he claimed as his original idea -- that John accidentally listened to that song backwards first. While other sources have said that Lennon wanted to record "Rain" completely backwards - until Martin intelligently talked him out of the idea (although considering how big the band was, it might have been a hit).

The ending of the song layers on a backwards track featuring the vocals from earlier in the song: first comes John singing "Sunshine," then "Rain," and then the entire first line of the song “When the rain comes they run and hide their heads.” The song's other sonic innovation came from Paul, who suggested that they slow the entire backing track down to give the song a droning, "Indian" effect. While the recording is in the key of G, the actual song was played in A; John's vocal, on the other hand, was intentionally recorded even slower than the final track and sped up to achieve further disorientation. (The backing vocals, added later, appear to have been recorded as is in the studio.)

The "Paperback Writer"/"Rain" single was the first release to use an innovative new device invented by the maintenance department at Abbey Road Studios called "ATOC," for "Automatic Transient Overload Control.” The new device allowed the record to be cut at a louder volume, louder than any other single up to that time.

Additionally, the Beatles created three promotional films for "Rain" which was considered to be among the early precursors of music videos. MTV in the 60’s? Don’t laugh, it did exist, albeit in a different form; the Beatles were music at the time and influenced the whole industry, and still do today. In fact, the British rock group Oasis liked this song so much they originally named their band The Rain.

This concludes our brief look at ‘rain’ songs in music history, check for ‘summer’ and ‘sun’ songs coming very soon!

Music News & Notes

Arctic Monkeys’ New Album Gets Release Date

The Arctic Monkeys have announced the official release date for their as-yet-untitled new album.

The band are set to release the follow-up to 2007’s ‘Favourite Worst Nightmare‘ on August 25 in the U.S. and the previous day in the UK.

The forthcoming album was produced by both James Ford and Queens Of The Stone Age man Josh Homme.

Homme’s produced about half the tracks on the album while Ford produced the other half.

The Arctic Monkeys previously revealed that the new album was heavily inspired by Black Sabbath.

====================

Little Anthony and the Imperials Opting Out Of Oldies Circuit

Little Anthony and the Imperials have just announced they are bowing out of the Doo Wop reunion circuit. Their aim is to get away from the half hour shows in the middle of a whole bunch of different groups and get back to headlining.

According to Anthony Gourdine:

“We headlined those dates for years and it was all about making a living, really. We re-grouped at one of those ‘Doo Wop shows’ and it seemed like a natural progression. For a time, they were OK to do but since our performance on David Letterman last year, the release of our CD You’ll Never Know and our induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 4th, our audiences have re-discovered us. It was obvious to me that it was time to move on and get back to our R&B roots.”

Yesterday we looked at the top sellers so far this decade, it amazes me that these shows still have an audience. But, after watching one of the shows on PBS, I can see why. The music and singing is timeless and can still be appreciated by millions.

====================

Bo Diddley Release

Hip-O Select Records continues with their fantastic Bo Diddley reissue series on this Friday with "Ride On: The Chess Masters, Volume 3, 1960 - 1961." The two-disc set is being pressed as a limited edition of 5,000 and, at this point, is only available through the Hip-O Select website.

All 54 tracks on the set were recorded in Diddley's Washington, DC studio which was in the basement of his Rhode Island Avenue home. Home recording was virtually unheard of at this date, but that didn't stop Bo as he put down demos, brought in people for the backing tracks and fully produced the tracks before sending them off to Chess in Chicago.

The set includes 17 unreleased tracks or takes of existing tracks, with those previously released having ended up on the albums In The Spotlight, Bo Diddley Is A Gunslinger, and Bo Diddley Is A Lover. The included booklet contains rare photos, liner notes and track-by-track commentary by George R. White.

Again, timeless music....

====================

Sonic Youth World Premiere New Album On ILike

Beginning today (June 2, 2009), alt-indie rock pioneers Sonic Youth will world premiere their not-yet-released album, “The Eternal,” exclusively on iLike, the leading social music discovery service. The exclusive, one-week iLike listening event will culminate with the June 9th retail release of The Eternal on Matador Records.

“This album is a celebration of newfound freedom,” said Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore. “Releasing this album with our friends at Matador feels like liberation which inspired us during the recording process. Debuting it on iLike, free from industry constraints, also fit this theme.”

New Music Releases

Alice Cooper: School's Out (remastered vinyl)
Amadou & Mariam: Welcome To Mali (2-LP vinyl with CD)
Beck: One Foot in the Grave (2-LP remastered vinyl)
Boris Skalsky: First Songs EP
Brasstronaut: Old World Lies EP
Cocteau Twins: Garlands (remastered vinyl)
Dave Matthews Band: Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King (2-CD & DVD box set) (2-LP vinyl)
The Doors: The Soft Parade (remastered)
Elvis Costello: Secret, Profane and Sugarcane
Faces: A Nod Is as Good as a Wink...to a Blind Horse (vinyl reissue)
Franz Ferdinand: Blood (vinyl)
Girl in a Coma: Trio B.C. (vinyl)
Great White: Great Zeppelin: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin (vinyl reissue)
Iggy Pop: Preliminaires
Miles Davis: Milestones (vinyl reissue)
Neil Young: Neil Young Archives, Vol. 1: 1963-1972 (8-CD box set) (10-disc DVD box set) (10-disc Blu-ray box set) Buy Neil Young
New York Dolls: 'Cause I Sez So (vinyl)
Patrick Watson: Wooden Arms (vinyl)
Pink Floyd: A Momentary Lapse of Reason (reissue)
Rancid: Let the Dominoes Fall (3-disc box set)
Ray Charles: Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, Vol. 1 & 2 (remastered)
Rodney Crowell: The Rodney Crowell Collection (reissue)
Scott Matthew: Scott Matthew (vinyl)
The Sounds: Crossing the Rubicon (vinyl)

Despite Vinyl Resurgence, the Digital Tide is Threatening Merchandisers

By George Varga

The fireworks at the National Association of Recording Merchandisers' 51st annual convention may have little to do with music and everything to do with business.

The members of NARM, who will meet June 7-9 at the San Diego Marriott & Marina, will likely encounter an increase in both contentiousness and uneasy new alliances as the increasingly dominant world of digital music goes head-to-head with the brick-and-mortar retail shops, whose ranks have been decimated in recent years.

"This is a last gasp by a lot of people who are not admitting self-defeat," charged Gaylord Fields, the senior editor for Spinner.com, the self-billed "tastemaker rock music site" of Internet giant AOL.

Not so, countered Paul Russe, the manager of Off The Record, an independent record store in San Diego.

"I think there will always be record stores," Russe said. "Otherwise, it's like saying there won't be any bookstores because everything in print will be a digital download. Digital is just a convenience. And anyone who loves music will always gravitate toward record stores."

Read the rest of this interesting article here:
Convention Article

Classic Rock Videos

Freewill - Rush

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales

Week Ending 05/30/2009

1. 45rpm - The Sex Pistols "God Save The Queen" / "Did You No Wrong" Gallo Rhodesia - $4,837.65 - Starts: $1.55 - Bids: 27

2. LP - Mark Fry "Dreaming With Alice" IT Italy - $3,752.36 - Start: $1.54 - Bids: 23

3. LP - Sonny Clark "Cool Struttin'" Blue Note Mono original - $3,416.00 - Start: $9.99 - Bids: 18

4. 78rpm - Whistler's Jug Band "Foldin' Bed" / "Tiger Rag" Victor - $3,333.33 - Start: $0.99 - Bids: 16

5. 45rpm - Dennis Edwards "Johnnie On The Spot" / "I Didn't Have To" International Soulville - $3,072.88 - Start: $499.99 - Bids: 12

An original pressing from Rhodesia on the Gallo label of the second Sex Pistols' single bids to over $4.8k. Next, and Italian prog LP sells for more than halfway over $3.7k.

A Blue Note original of a Sonny Clark LP bids up a little over $3.4k. A 78 gets the #4 spot, this one from Whistler's Jug Band gets perfect 3's at over $3.3k. In the #5 spot, a northern soul45 from Dennis Edwards bids wellover $3k.


As always, thanks to Norm at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com for this great data!

This Date In Music History-June 1

The Beatles released Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in the UK in 1967 (it was released in the US the next day). The album was certified gold for sales on its first day in stores.

Buy Sgt. Pepper















Birthdays:

Pat Boone (1934)

Ron Wood – Rolling Stones (1947)

Alan Wilder - Depeche Mode (1959)

Graham Russell - Air Supply (1950)

Simon Gallup – Cure (1960)

Alanis Morissette (1974)

Ronnie Dunn - Brooks and Dunn (1953)


They Are Missed:

Noted Frank Sinatra arranger Nelson Riddle was born in 1921 (died October 6, 1985). He also wrote the theme to the Batman TV show.

David Ruffin of the Temptations died in Philadelphia following an accidental drug overdose in 1991.

The late Johnny Bond ("Hot Rod Lincoln") was born in 1915.


History:

In 1951, Jackie Brenston's "Rocket 88," recorded by Sam Phillips and released by Chicago's Chess Records, hits #1 on the R&B chart. It is widely acknowledged as the first rock and roll record. The same month Phillips records "How Many More Years"/"Moanin' At Midnight," the first single by bluesman Howlin' Wolf.

In 1955, Sam Phillips signed aspiring country singer Johnny Cash and released his debut single, "Cry! Cry! Cry!"/"Hey! Porter."

In 1962, the Beatles auditioned for George Martin at Parlophone/EMI Records. He agreed to sign the group, but insisted that Pete Best be replaced. Within months, Richard "Ringo" Starkey joined the group.

"Walking to New Orleans," Fats Domino's last Top Ten pop hit, was released in 1960.

Sam Cooke recorded "You Send Me" in 1957.

The Monterey International Pop Festival took place in 1967, featuring the new generation of bands from San Francisco, Los Angeles and London.

In 1958, Jimi Hendrix's father bought him a second-hand acoustic guitar. It costs five dollars. "Jimmy told me about it [the guitar] and I said, ‘Okay,' and gave him the money. He strummed away on that, working away all the time, any spare time he had," said Al.

In 1972, the first day of recording took place at Abbey Road studios, London on what would become Pink Floyds album “Dark Side Of The Moon.”

“All we are saying is give peace a chance.” The anti-war anthem “Give Peace A Chance” was recorded during John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s bed-in for peace in Montreal in 1969. Holed up in room 1742 of the Queen Elizabeth Hotel with John and Yoko are acid guru Timothy Leary, singer Petula Clark, comedian Dick Gregory, poet Allen Ginsberg and comedian Tommy Smothers (who played acoustic guitar with Lennon). They and others contribute vocals to the song. “Give Peace A Chance” eventually gets to #14 in the US and #2 on the U.K. charts (kept out of the top spot by the Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women”).

'Supernatural', Santana's first album for Arista Records, was released in 1999. It goes on to sell more than 21 million copies worldwide 13 million in the U.S. alone.

“Eagles,” the band’s self-titled debut containing “Take It Easy,” was released in 1972.

Today in 1959, the song "The Battle of New Orleans" by Johnny Horton topped the charts and stayed there for 6 weeks. The song was originally a poem written by high school teacher James Morriss in 1936, which he put to the music of an old fiddle tune known as “The Eighth Of January.” Horton later won a Grammy Award for the song.

"It's My Party" by Lesley Gore topped the charts in 1963.

In 1956, Doris Day signs a five-year contract with Columbia for a whopping $1 million. Que sera, sera!

Elvis Presley's two-sided hit single, "Teddy Bear" and "Loving You", was released in 1957.

The shack in which Elvis was born in Tupelo, Miss., was opened as a tourist attraction in 1971.

Joni Mitchell released her legendary album Blue in 1971.

Paul Simon released There Goes Rhymin' Simon in 1973.

In 1975, Willie Nelson released his acclaimed concept album Red Headed Stranger.

KISS released their album Love Gun in 1977.

Top Sellers of the Decade

This is the latest music data as we are rapidly coming closer to the end of the decade (yeah, I know, it's only the end of May). What I find interesting is that the Beatles come in at #2. Not bad for a group that has been around for fifty years. This exemplifies the impact that the group has had upon our music world throughout the decades and the fact that they can obtain a new audience as each decade passes- Amazing! Another interesting point is that country music's contributation to the list is a bit overwhelming and shows the power that this genre of music has. Another surprise for me is the number of people who buy (and keep buying) Johnny Cash music, another legend that spans the generations.

Here's a list of the 20 musical acts that have sold the most albums since the first week of January 2000. The number immediately after the artist's or band's name is the total number of albums that the artist has sold in this decade. Also identified is when the artist first cracked The Billboard 200, and the title of their best-selling album since January 2000.

1. Eminem - 31,127,000. First charted: 1999. Eminem, 36, is the top male artist and the top rap artist so far in this decade. His 2000 album "The Marshall Mathers" LP is his best-seller. It has sold 10,178,000 copies.

2. The Beatles - 27,591,000. First charted: 1964. The Beatles have sold more albums in the 2000s than any other group, rock act or foreign act. Their 2000 compilation "1" is their best-seller. It has sold 11,402,000 copies. The Beatles were the #5 album-selling act of the 1990s.

3. Tim McGraw - 24,295,000. First charted: 1994. McGraw, 42, is the #1 country artist so far in the 2000s, just nosing out Toby Keith. McGraw was the #38 album-selling act of the ‘90s. His 2000 compilation "Greatest Hits" is his best-selling album of the decade. It has sold 5,995,000 copies.

4. Toby Keith - 24,189,000. First charted: 1993. Keith, 47, is the #2 country artist of this decade. His 2003 album "Shock'n Y'All" is his best-seller. It has sold 4,420,000 copies.

5. Britney Spears - 22,937,000. First charted: 1999. Spears, 27, is the youngest artist on this list, edging out Josh Groban by one year. She is also #1 female artist in this decade. Her 2000 album, "Oops!...I Did It Again," is her best-seller of the decade. It has sold 9,183,000 copies. Spears was the #108 album-selling act of the ‘90s.

6. Kenny Chesney - 21,396,000. First charted: 1996. Chesney, 41, is the #3 country artist of this decade. His best-selling album is 2004's "When The Sun Goes Down," which has sold 4,111,000 copies.

7. Nelly - 21,206,000. First charted: 2000. Nelly, 34, is the #1 new artist to emerge in this decade, edging out Linkin Park. He's also the #1 African American artist, edging out Jay-Z, and the #2 rap artist. Nelly's 2000 debut, "Country Grammar," is his best-selling album. It has sold 8,454,000 copies.

8. Linkin Park - 21,125,000. First charted: 2000. Linkin Park is the #2 rock group of the decade, behind the Beatles. It's also the #2 new artist. The band's 2000 debut album, "Hybrid Theory", is its best-seller. It has sold 9,600,000 copies.

9. Creed - 20,398,000. First charted: 1997. Creed is the #3 rock group of the decade. 1999's "Human Clay" is the band's best-selling album. It has sold 9,480,000 copies since January 2000. Creed was the #167 album-selling act of the ‘90s.

10. Jay-Z - 19,379,000. First charted: 1996. Jay-Z, 39, is the #3 rap artist of the decade. 2003's "The Black Album" is his best-selling album of this decade. It has sold 3,338,000 copies. Jay-Z was the #152 album-selling act of the ‘90s.

11. Nickelback - 19,158,000. First charted: 2000. The Canadian group is the #2 foreign act of this decade (after the Beatles). Nickelback is also the #3 new artist and the #4 rock group. 2005's "All The Right Reasons" is its best-seller, with sales of 7,159,000 copies.

12. Josh Groban - 19,115,000. First charted: 2001. Groban, 28, is the #1 pop male artist of this decade. He's the #4 new artist. The pop/classical star's 2003 album "Closer" is his best-seller, with sales of 5,746,000 copies.

13. Rascal Flatts - 18,831,000. First charted: 2000. The trio is the #1 country group of this decade, nosing out Dixie Chicks. It's also the #5 new act. 2004's "Feels Like Today" is the act's best-selling album. It has sold 5,134,000copies.

14. Metallica - 18,490,000. First charted: 1984. Metallica is the #1 hard rock act of the decade (unless you count the genre-bending Linkin Park). The band's 1991 blockbuster "Metallica" is the band's best-selling album of this decade. It has sold 3,691,000 copies since January 2000. Metallica was the #3 album-selling act of the ‘90s.

15. Alan Jackson - 18,479,000. First charted: 1990. Jackson, 50, is the oldest solo artist on this list, edging out Toby Keith. 2002's "Drive" is his best-selling album of this decade. It has sold 3,508,000 copies. Jackson was the #17 album-selling act of the ‘90s.

16. *NSYNC - 18,402,000. First charted: 1998. The boy band is the #1 pop group of this decade (assuming you classify the Beatles as rock). *NSYNC's 2000 album "No Strings Attached" is its best-seller, with sales of 11,111,000 copies. The quintet was the #80 album-selling act of the ‘90s.

17. Dixie Chicks - 18,293,000. First charted: 1998. The female trio is the #2 country group so far in this decade. 2002's "Home" is the act's best-selling album of this decade. It has sold 5,997,000 copies. Dixie Chicks was the #105 album-selling act of the ‘90s.

18. Johnny Cash - 17,860,000. First charted: 1958. The country legend, who died in 2003 at age 71, is the most surprising name on the list. He made it on the strength of an enormous catalog and a renewed focus on him after his death. His 1999 compliation "16 Greatest Hits" is his best-seller of the decade. It has sold 2,846,000 copies since January 2000.

19. Kid Rock - 17,606,000. First charted: 1999. Kid Rock, 38, is the #1 male rock artist of this decade. Kid's 2001 album "Cocky" is his best-seller of the decade. It has sold 5,045,000 copies.

20. Celine Dion - 17,579,000. First charted: 1991. The Canadian diva, 41, is the #2 pop female artist of this decade, behind Britney Spears. Dion's 1999 greatest hits album, "All The Way...A Decade Of Song," is her best-seller in the decade. It has sold 4,971,000 copies since January 2000. Dion was the #4 album-selling act of the ‘90s.

Music News & Notes

New Music From Young, Matthews, Costello Coming Tomorrow

"Neil Young Archives Vol. 1: 1963-1972," Neil Young will be released tomorrow. Some, who may be expecting a trove of unheard songs may be disappointed in this endlessly delayed eight-CD set. There's only a smattering of truly new material here, some of it more interesting than it is essential. Spring for the pricey DVD or truly extravagant Blu-ray versions -- each a whopping 10 discs -- and you'll also get a warehouse's worth of photos, lyrics, and audio and video clips. An impressive package, but fans will be paying big bucks for a lot of stuff they already own; which may be a cause for concern.

"Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King," Dave Matthews Band is also scheduled for release on Tuesday, June 2. Dave Matthews Band have somberly been faced with the sudden loss of one of the founding members (Saxophonist LeRoi Moore died in August from injuries incurred in an ATV accident, midway through the recording of their latest album). However, his spirit -- and his sound -- looms large, on "Big Whiskey." The GrooGrux King of the title references Moore, as does the figure at the center of Whiskey's intricate cover art (drawn by Matthews himself); his sweet, solitary sax flourishes even bookend the album. Throughout, the spectre of death rarely recedes, but life -- embodied by the proto-DMB revelry of "Why I Am" -- still prevails. Moore's spirit is effident throughout the album, another fine effort from the band.

"Secret, Profane, and Sugarcane," Elvis Costello is also set for a June 2 release. In this new effort, Elvis Costello sounds downright acousticly-frisky at times which musically calls to mind 1986's sublime, countryish "King of America." (The two albums share producer T Bone Burnett.) "Sulphur to Sugarcane" in particular is a lusty delight, pinpointing the notable (alleged) qualities of ladies from different locales ("The women in Poughkeepsie/Take their clothes off when they're tipsy ..."). Fans will not be disappointed, in fact, this is Costello's best effort in a long time.

--------------------------------------

STATIC RADIO NJ Set For Tour

The New Brunswick, New Jersey punk trio will be playing shows in support of the vinyl release of their debut full-length, "An Evening Of Bad Decisions." Originally issued on CD by Black Numbers in September of 2008, the 12-inch version was released by the label earlier this month. It features brand new artwork and a free digital download for all the songs. There were 1000 copies pressed on 3 limited colors: 500 black, 300 white and 200 clear, creating a buzz among collectors

--------------------------------------

World Renowned Reggae Label VP RECORDS Releases REGGAE GOLD

Album to Feature Some of the Summer’s Hottest Tracks by Sean Paul, Mavado, Estelle, Elephant Man, T.O.K., Beres Hammond and Jazmine Sullivan

VP Records has released the long-awaited and latest installment of "Reggae Gold" on June 30th, 2008. The compilation is Reggae’s most highly-anticipated release of the year and will be part of the definitive collection from the genre this summer.

Reggae Gold 2009 compilation features a varied assortment of top reggae artists and hits including Estelle featuring Sean Paul on the international smash “Come Over”, as well as tracks by Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica, T.O.K. and Serani’s massive radio hit, “Playing Games”. The JTB (Jamaican Tourist Board) and VP Records have partnered to re-create the iconic “Welcome to Jamaica” image for the album cover. In cooperation with JTI (Jamaica Trade and Invest), JTB and Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery, VP Records will launch an extensive marketing campaign around the release of Reggae Gold 2009 that extends until the end of the year. All details of the campaign’s phases will be announced on www.myspace.com/reggaegold and www.vprecords.com.

For the past 16 years, VP Records has been at the forefront of reggae music with their Reggae Gold series. Since it’s inception this collection has featured the biggest songs of the year in reggae/dancehall but has also included music from international artists and crossover recording acts. Reggae Gold has featured superstars such as Beenie Man, Buju Banton, and Lady Saw. Reggae Gold is renowned for featuring dancehall and reggae hits, as well as tracks from up and comers which on this offering includes Laden, Jah Vinci and Prodigal Son.

Tracklisting for Reggae Gold 2009:
“Come Over” – Estelle featuring Sean Paul
“Need U Bad” – Jazmine Sullivan
“Love Is Wicked” – Brick & Lace
“Playing Games” – Serani
“So Special” – Mavado
“Nuh Linga” – Elephant Man
“Watch Your Friends” – Jah Vinci
“Protected” – Chino featuring Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor
“See You Again” – Beres Hammond
“Blessings” – Etana & Alborosie
“Start A New” – Tarrus Riley
“Far Away” – Queen Ifrica
“Head Cyaan Hot So” – Prodigal Son
“Praise and Worship” – Busy Signal
“Money Over War” – Laden
“Dance and Sweep” – Elephant Man
“Couple Up” – T.O.K.
“Leave If You Want To Leave” – I Wayne

BONUS I-TUNES ALBUM TRACKS:
“So Blessed” – Mavado
“Stay Close” – Wayne Wonder

--------------------------------------

Award-Winning Caribbean Trumpet Phenom Etienne Charles Releases Landmark CD “Folklore” To International Acclaim

NEW YORK – World-renowned trumpeter Etienne Charles announces the release of the highly-awaited CD, "Folklore," already being hailed internationally as a landmark recording.

A native of Trinidad and Tobago and emanating from a robust fourth-generation musical family heritage, Charles has composed and brilliantly delivered a unique suite of Caribbean/Afro-Caribbean music based on West African-Caribbean mythology.

A banner CD release event is scheduled with performances July 21-25, 2009 at 11PM nightly at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center in New York. For ticket/reservations, please call 212-258-9595 or visit http://www.jalc.org.

“The music of Folklore employs and combines jazz improvisation and harmony with folk rhythms and chants inspired by the African experience of Trinidad and Tobago,” stated Charles, a graduate of Julliard who won the 2006 National Trumpet Competition, among other performance awards. “At the album’s core is a suite of compositions based on mythical characters of Afro-Caribbean folkloric tradition - creatures that have been a part of that heritage for centuries, as they were brought over by West African slaves and passed down from generation to generation through stories, chants and dances,” he added.

--------------------------------------

SLASH Issues Update On Solo Record

VELVET REVOLVER and ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash has posted an update on the recording process for his new solo album, which he is tracking with former NINE INCH NAILS drummer Josh Freese and ex-JANE'S ADDICTION bassist Chris Chaney. Confirmed guest singers so far include Ozzy Osbourne and AVENGED SEVENFOLD's M. Shadows.

Slash writes on his MySpace page: "We're almost done with vocals — two more songs left and a couple of odds and ends. Then, I can stand back and see what we've got. It is a fucking awesome ensemble, that much I do know, with brilliant performances from each and every singer. I do hope to have a release date soon, but I can assure you, as I said before, it won't be this year. It will, most definitely, be out be very early in the New Year.

"Even though the recording process is almost done, the legal logistics involved with so many different artists takes a minute to iron out.

"When the record is released, I plan on posting what gear was used on what songs; guitars, amps etc. Although most of it was done with one guitar and two amps. A lot of interesting mic set-ups, though. The record is being recorded anolog as well. This might be one of the last rock and roll records to be recorded that way, no joke. So, of course, I have to release it on vinyl, as well as CD."

Slash will be joined by BLACK SABBATH legend Ozzy Osbourne, THE ROLLING STONES guitarist Ron Wood and LED ZEPPELIN drummer Jason Bonham — son of the late John Bonham, the band's original drummer — for the axeman's headlining appearance at this year's edition of the Quart festival, set to take place June 30 - July 4, 2009 in Kristiansand, Norway. Slash will perform a mixture of old and new material on the festival's opening day.

Commented Slash: "My gig at the Quart fest is coming up in Norway, June 30, which is starting to come together. I'll [announce] who all's playing next week, but it's a great lineup and the songs so far are shaping up to be a really great set."

Slash previously played with Ozzy at the 77th Royal Variety Performance in November 2005 in Cardiff. They performed a version of THE BEATLES classic "In My Life", with family photographs projected onto the background of the stage.

Slash left GUNS N' ROSES in the mid-'90s, forming SLASH'S SNAKEPIT before later assembling VELVET REVOLVER with several other ex-members of GUNS N' ROSES and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland.

VELVET REVOLVER is currently searching for a replacement for Weiland, who was dismissed in April 2008.

--------------------------------------

The New Riders of the Purple Sage are releasing their first studio CD in over 20 years on June 2, 2009 !


This legendary SF group’s renaissance began four years ago and continues today with over 100 shows annually to audiences throughout North America. The new album, "Where I Come From," is produced by Michael Falzarano and features 12 new songs, seven of which were written by David Nelson and Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. Also included are Carl Perkins "Wears The Crown," an ode to the rockabilly king, written by Michael Falzarano (formerly of Hot Tuna) along with "Something in the Air Tonight," two live show favorites Higher, penned by Johnny Markowski, and Olivia Rose by Ronnie Penque, and a cool cover of the classic "Minglewood Blues." NRPS is David Nelson, Buddy Cage, Michael Falzarano, Ronnie Penque & Johnny Markowski. (cover art by San Francisco artist Stanley Mouse)

Classic Rock Videos

Rush - The Trees

Ozzy Responds To Lawsuit

The Blizzard of Ozz himself has issued a statement saying that after years of trying to “resolve the issue amicably,” the lawsuit was regretfully Ozzy’s last course of action.

“The Black Sabbath legacy should live on long after we have all gone. Please do the right thing,” Ozzy says to close his statement.

Read Ozzy’s entire statement to Iommi below:

“It is with great regret that I had to resort to legal action against my long term partner, Tony Iommi, but after three years of trying to resolve this issue amicably, I feel I have no other recourse. As of the mid-1990’s, after constant and numerous changes in band members, the brand of ‘Black Sabbath’ was literally in the toilet and Tony Iommi (touring under the name Black Sabbath) was reduced to performing in clubs. Since 1997 when Geezer, Bill and myself rejoined the band, Black Sabbath has returned to its former glory as we headlined sold-out arenas and amphitheatres playing to upwards of 50,000 people at each show around the world.

We worked collectively to restore credibility and bring dignity back to the name ‘Black Sabbath’ which lead to the band being inducted into the UK and US Rock & Roll Hall of Fames in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Throughout the last 12 years, it was my management representatives who oversaw the marketing and quality control of the ‘Black Sabbath’ brand through OZZFEST, touring, merchandising and album reissues. The name “Black Sabbath” now has a worldwide prestige and merchandising value that it would not have had by continuing on the road it was on prior to the 1997 reunion tour.

Tony, I am so sorry it’s had to get to this point by me having to take this action against you. I don’t have the right to speak for Geezer and Bill, but I feel that morally and ethically the trademark should be owned by the four of us equally. I hope that by me taking this first step that it will ultimately end up that way. We’ve all worked too hard and long in our careers to allow you to sell merchandise that features all our faces, old Black Sabbath album covers and band logos, and then you tell us that you own the copyright. We’re all in our 60’s now. The Black Sabbath legacy should live on long after we have all gone. Please do the right thing.”

NEW HOME FOR TRUTONE

WSDG Completes New Studio for Vinyl Mastering Pro

DMN Newswire ~ Carl Rowatti, owner of Trutone Mastering Labs Inc., veteran mastering engineer, and master in the art of lacquer-cutting for vinyl records, has opened a new studio in his suburban 4400 sq. ft. Orangeburg, NY home. Created by Walters-Storyk Design Group architect/acoustician John Storyk, the facility features the same technology which earned Carl, Adrianna (his wife and partner) and Trutone Mastering Labs midtown studios, recognition as one of NY's most prestigious mastering complexes.

"Last year when Sony BMG Music went looking for a new location for their mastering studios, they offered to buy out our lease," Carl Rowatti says. "After serious contemplation we decided that their offer was simply too attractive to dismiss."

"The opportunity to transfer our NYC studio lease to Sony BMG, enabling them to move in and begin mastering with minimal downtime, was testament to the merits of our original WSDG-designed studios," confides Adrianna Rowatti. The Sony group truly appreciated our facility, it saved them months of construction time and expense"

In 2003, when the Rowatti's acquired the historic, former Record Plant space, at 321 West 44 St., they consulted with John Storyk, who embraced the challenge of reconfiguring the dated control room and live studio into two spacious state-of-the-art mastering suites with accommodations for Neumann VMS-70 lathes for analog cutting.

As soon as the Sony deal was finalized, Carl again consulted with WSDG architect/ acoustician John Storyk. "Our engineers and clients were so pleased with the look, sound and functionality of our Midtown studios, that we wanted John to recreate the same ambience for our new home studio. During his first visit to our home in the summer of 2008, John was in full agreement with our assessment of the 1100 sq ft. site we suggested for the new mastering suite. He also allayed our concerns about maintaining good relations with our suburban neighbors in terms of noise," Rowatti says. "We also liked his idea of developing a 'home theater' look for the new studio to keep it aesthetically appropriate to our home."

"Trutone is a casebook example of the mushrooming trend of established engineers moving their pro studios 'in house,'" Storyk says. "This is the second residential studio we've completed this year. The logic behind these investments is irrefutable. Recording studios represent the ideal 'neighborhood business.' Low traffic, low noise, zero pollution... When properly designed, these facilities are totally transparent to the surrounding residents. By employing decoupled floors, fully floating room design, IAC doors, diffusers, absorption and the latest sound insulation treatments, we guaranteed Carl the freedom to work at whatever dB level his clients require without compromising sound transmission to the rest of the residence."

Once plans were approved and finalized, in late 2008, the Rowattis contracted NJ-based studio construction pros, Kevin Carroll and Mark Jakubek of Sonic Construction to construct the studio and lounge areas.

"Now, we've eliminated our own daily commute and our clients are fine with the reverse trip," Adrianna Rowatti adds. "They can get to our new studio within 40 minutes from mid-town Manhattan. They rely on Carl's mastering skills and are completely at ease here. We're confident that the convenience, comfort and economics of moving the studio into our home will greatly extend the longevity of our career."

Rowatti depends on the Sonic Studio Pre-mastering System for CD master creation. Outboard equipment includes digital as well as solid state and vacuum tube analog. Gear includes: Weiss BW-102 Digital EQ and Compressors, Solid State Sontec EQ, Prism and NTP Compressors, Vacuum tube gear includes: Pultec and Manley Massive Passive Equalizers as well as the world-renowned Fairchild 670 and Manley Variable Mu Compressors. Analog to digital conversion is achieved utilizing a Prism Sound Dream A/D Converter. Analog disc cutting is accomplished via a meticulously maintained Neumann VMS-70 lathe retrofitted with a Zuma disc computer and Technics quartz-controlled turntable motor. The lathe is equipped with a Neumann SX-74 cutter head driven by a Neumann SAL-74B amplification system. A Neumann SP-77 console has been extensively modified to exceed the demands of today's high level electronic music. Studio monitors are KEF Reference 4s powered by Bryston and Ramsa amps.

"Thanks to its warmth and sonic vibrancy, demand for vinyl continues to thrive with rock 'n roll, classic reissues and a growing iPod generation fan base," Carl Rowatti concludes. "DJ's have long understood the mystery behind vinyl's ability to bring a unique emotional experience to today's club goers. It draws them out of their ear bud cocoons and fully engages them in the hot, exciting communal experience of dance. The sound of vinyl is unmistakable and fortunately for us, irreplaceable."

Carl Rowatti's recent projects include: Bruce Springsteen, Magic (vinyl), Bob Dylan, Most Likely (vinyl) Boyz n da Hood, Back up n da Chevy (CD & vinyl), Shontelle, T-Shirt (remixes) (CD), B-52s, Juliet of the Spirit (CD), Lindsay Lohan, Bossy (remixes) (CD), Nina Simone, Remixed & Reimagined (vinyl), Akon, Beautiful (remixes) (CD). Ultra Nate, Give It All You Got (CD).

SOURCE: http://sony.broadcastnewsroom.com

This Date In Music History- May 30

Birthdays:

Lenny Davidson - Dave Clark Five (1944)

Nicky 'Topper' Headon – Clash (1955)

Tom Morello - Rage Against The Machine (1964)

Tim Burgess – Charlatans (1968)

Patrick Dalheimer - Live (1971)

Marie Fredriksson – Roxette (1958)

Wynonna Judd (1964)


They Are Missed:

Carl Radle, bass player with Derek and the Dominoes, died of kidney failure in 1980 (age 38 - also worked with Gary Lewis & the Playboys, George Harrison, Joe Cocker, Dave Mason & Delaney and Bonnie).

Famed record producer Mickie Most died in 2003 (age 64). Produced hits for The Animals, Herman’s Hermits, Donovan, Kim Wilde, Lulu and Jeff Beck. Also operated his own record label RAK in the 1970's, having hits with Hot Chocolate, Suzi Quatro and Mud.

The ‘King of Swing’ Benny Goodman was born in Chicago in 1909 (died June 13, 1986).

“The Man of a Thousand Voices,” and voice of a cartoon generation, Mel Blanc was born in 1908 (died July 10, 1989). His original characterization of Daffy Duck (for over 52 years) is the longest time any animated character has been performed by his or her original voice contributor.

Jazz guru/madman Sun Ra died in Birmingham, Alabama in 1993.


History:

In 1956, Time Magazine ran an article entitled "Teener's Hero," which explained Elvis Presley's mystique. After a drawn-out description of his singing style, the writer keyed on Presley's appeal: "his movements suggest, in a word, sex."

Though many declared that disco was dead in 1980, "Mickey Mouse Disco" went platinum anyway.

In 1971, three dozen Deadheads were treated for hallucinations caused by LSD they had unwittingly ingested when the drug was used to spike an apple drink served at San Francisco's Winterland. Although members of the group are suspected of supplying the drug, they are not accused. I wouldn’t have suspected them anyway…..

We need more! In 1994, the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences announces will be adding seven more categories to the 81 Grammy Awards already handed out yearly.

Ray Stevens went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1970 with “Everything Is Beautiful.” The former DJ had a string of novelty hits, including “Jeremiah Peabody's Poly Unsaturated Quick Dissolving Fast Acting Pleasant Tasting Green & Purple Pill.”

1999 - In London, a bomb threat at a Kenny Rogers concert being held at Royal Albert Hall caused the evacuation of more than 3,000. No bomb was found and no injuries were reported, however, surprisingly, more than 3,000 people really did show up for the gig.

Also in 1999 - In New Jersey, Lenny Kravitz walked off stage after 40 minutes and collapsed from heat exhaustion. Ummm, he had been performing in a fur coat.

Midnight Oil closed down 6th Avenue in New York City in 1990 as they played a protest concert in front of Exxon's offices. The protest was in reaction to the Exxon Valdez disaster.

On his 53rd birthday in 1962, clarinetist Benny Goodman performed with his jazz band for the first time in the Soviet Union.

The Jefferson Airplane performed at a benefit in 1966 for the Haight-Ashbury Legal Organization in San Francisco.

In 1968, the Beatles kicked off recording The Beatles double album (the White Album) by laying down 18 takes of "Revolution 1." Sessions will gradually deteriorate until all four members were recording independently of one another.

In 1997, Neil Young had to cancel his European tour after cutting his finger open while slicing a ham sandwich. A man really does need a maid.

Paul Simon married Edie Brickell of the New Bohemians in 1992. Brickell was performing "What I Am" on NBC's Saturday Night Live when she noticed Simon standing in front of the cameraman. "He made me mess the song up when I looked at him," she said with a smile. They have three little Bohemians.

In 2005, Coldplay's new album was illegally put on the internet a week before its UK and US release. The leak took place on the day copies were sent to UK radio stations and the day before it went on sale in Japan. Security measures around the release included hosting album playbacks at Abbey Road studios for journalists instead of sending them copies of the album, any CDs that were sent out were labelled with a false name - The Fir Trees - to throw would-be pirates off the scent.

In 2007, a leaked copy of the new White Stripes album “Icky Thump” was played completely on Chicago's radio station Q101-WKQX. Jack White personally called the US radio station from Spain, where he was touring, to voice his displeasure.