Music News & Notes

HELLBILLY DELUXE 2 TOUR - BEGINNING OCTOBER 29TH

ZOMBIE CURRENTLY GEARING UP FOR HIS RECORD RELEASE

HOLLYWOOD - (September 14, 2009) – The Hellbilly Returns! The Master of monster mayhem Rob Zombie will be destroying a city near you beginning this October 29th on The HELLBILLY DELUXE 2 TOUR. Not since 1998’s super smash triple platinum HELLBILLY DELUXE has Zombie hit the road under that moniker. So get ready to scream!

This will be Zombie's first headline tour since 2007 and will have other ghoulish delights in tow including openers Nekromantix and Captain Clegg & the Night Creatures last seen rocking Haddonfield and Michael Myers in Zombie’s new film HALLOWEEN 2. The tour will usher in Zombie's forthcoming album HELLBILLY DELUXE 2 – Noble Jackals, Penny Dreadfuls and the Systematic Dehumanization of Cool (Geffen), a companion to 1998 original.

The tour will blasts off with Phoenix, AZ on October 29th, Las Vegas, NV on the 30th, and a very special Halloween event on the 31st in Hollywood, CA hosted by Uncle Seymour Coffins also seen recently in HALLOWEEN 2. Zombie will be accompanied by his longtime band mates -- guitarist John 5, bassist Piggy D, and drummer Tommy Clufetos.

The HELLBILLY DELUXE 2 TOUR will mark Zombie's return to the road after much box office success as the writer and director of HALLOWEEN 2 (Dimension). His R-rated, animated feature, THE HAUNTED WORLD OF EL SUPERBEASTO, will also be available everywhere on DVD and Blu-ray September 22nd.

“I am bouncing off the walls like a mental patient”, says Zombie “ that tells me it’s time to take it to the stage and let the demons loose.”

Selling over fifteen million albums worldwide, Zombie is one of Geffen Record's top selling and the longest running artists on the label. He has written and directed five feature length films, directed dozens of high profile music videos, contributed recordings to multiple soundtracks, and authored several comic books. HALLOWEEN 2 (2009) took hold of the box office recently, following-up his record breaking blockbuster re-imagining of HALLOWEEN in 2007. In 2005, Zombie assaulted the film world with the critically-acclaimed THE DEVIL'S REJECTS (Lionsgate), the follow-up to his already cult classic HOUSE OF 1,000 CORPSES (Lionsgate 2004).

TOUR DATES:
Date / City / State / Venue
10/29/09 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
10/30/09 Las Vegas, NV The Pearl
10/31/09 Hollywood, CA Hollywood Palladium
11/3/09 San Jose, CA San Jose Event Center
11/5/09 Salt Lake City, UT Great Salt Air
11/6/09 Denver, CO The Fillmore
11/8/09 Tulsa, OK Brady Theater
11/11/09 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theater
11/17/09 Akron, OH Civic Theatre
11/20/09 Minneapolis, MN Roy Wilkins Auditorium
11/21/09 Des Moines, IL Val Air Ballroom
11/22/09 Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom
11/24/09 Louisville, KY Broadbent Arena
11/27/09 Detroit, MI The Fillmore
12/1/09 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
12/2/09 Boston, MA House of Blues
12/3/09 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
12/4/09 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory
12/5/09 Washington, DC 9:30 Club

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

Iron Lamb Inks Record Deal With Pulverized Records

Swedish metallers Iron Lamb have signed to Pulverized Records for the release of their debut full-length album. Pulverized Records issued the following statement about the record deal:

"One of Sweden’s newest, scruffiest and back-to-the-roots Punk rock band IRON LAMB, consisting of some of Extreme Metal’s most prominent figures in the scene, is now officially a part of the Pulverised Records family! Fronted by singer Grga Lindström (ex-Repugnant), this all-star line-up also consists of Johan Wallin of General Surgery on guitars, Thomas Daun of Dismember on drums and 'Swedish Death Metal Book' author Daniel Ekeroth, also of Tyrant and ex-Insision fame on bass. IRON LAMB is slated to record their debut untitled full-length and should see the light of day in the first quarter of 2010. IRON LAMB is probably one of the most unlikely kind of band to be on our roster, but their infectious brand of filthrock and the straight-up Motorhead-esque riffs is absolutely something that we missed and loved from the old days. So naturally, there was definitely no question about it when the band approached us to work with them on the debut full-length album!”

Iron Lamb guitarist Johan Wallin also issued the following statement: "Iron Lamb are stoked on doing our first full-length on Pulverised Records! We are currently working on the songs and preparing for the first shows, and will be ready to record during the first few months of 2010. Expect a whole lot of dubious preaching scumbag rock n roll!

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

Killswitch Engage Postpones South American Tour Dates

Killswitch Engage has issued the following announcement about postponing their South American tour dates:

"Killswitch Engage will unfortunately have to postpone their upcoming South America tour due to the illness of lead singer Howard Jones. Howard is currently bed-ridden with a gall stone issue and has been told by his doctor that he should not leave his bed until further notice. He is currently getting proper medical care and hopes to be on his feet and in less pain by the end of the week, at which time we will determine how soon we can reschedule these South America dates. Killswitch would like to apologize to their fans in South America for this set back and want to assure them that the band has every intention to make up these dates in the near future."

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

Armored Saint Begins Recording New Studio Album

Los Angeles, California based heavy metal veterans Armored Saint has announced that they will shortly be entering Tranzformer Studios in Burbank, CA to begin recording their sixth studio album. Tranzformer Studios is owned by Dave Jerdan, who previously worked with the band on their 1991 effort, "Symbol Of Salvation." Some of the song titles set to appear on the next record include, "Blues," "Black Feet," "Left Hook From The Right Field," "La Raza," "Chilled," "Loose Cannon" and "Get Off The Fence."

Vocalist John Bush says about the record, "About a year and a half or so ago Joey asked me if I'd be interested in writing some songs. I was in the right mind finally, so I said send me something. To be quite honest, I wasn't thinking in terms of Armored Saint but more like just writing rock music. I felt pretty free with that mentality and the ideas felt very organic. With every passing song things improved and next thing we knew we had about eight songs demoed. Although the idea of sparking something completely new was appealing it became clear that if it was Joey and I the reality was, let's not kid ourselves; this is Armored Saint.

"So here it comes. Embracing my inner R&B singer and coupling that with our influence of the great seventy's hard rock band's we grew up on.?"

Bass player Joey Vera adds: "John and I began writing over 14 months ago and in the beginning we had only a general musical direction in which we were going. Once we decided to keep writing and with more of an intention of turning it into an Armored Saint project, we were faced with a few questions. One was, how does this new music we're writing fit into the current musical styles of today? And should we care? We quickly answered the latter. We realized we should do what we always did and that is to write good songs. And for ourselves first. We are not unaware of our parameters in which we have created over the past 25 years, but we are also not afraid to take chances and simply do what we do best. The idea of trying to continue where we left off over 10 years ago since our last release is not very appealing to me. I have to let go of what I did in 1991 and in 2000. Nothing at all against what we've recorded in the past but my head is in a different place now. Trust me; I still want to kill your senses with music, but just in a different way?"

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

Alice In Chains Posts Making Of Video For "Check My Brain" Online

Alice In Chains has posted a "Making of" video talking about their first single and music video for "Check My Brain," off their just-released new album, "Black Gives Way To Blue." Go behind the scenes with Jerry Cantrell and co. as they try and visually recreate the "Seasick" feeling of the "Check My Brain" riff with director Alex Courtes (U2 and White Stripes).



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

Official Cover Art for 50 Cent's 'Before I Self Destruct'

Half of 50 Cent's face is burnt as captured in the official cover art for his November 17 release.

50 Cent's forthcoming studio album entitled "Before I Self Destruct" finally gets an official cover art. Obtained via the rap mogul's twitter, the artwork features a headshot of him with half of his face damaged from fire wound.

After several puchbacks, "Before I Self Destruct" is confirmed to be put out for purchase in U.S. stores on November 17. One of the producers involved in the making of the effort is Dr. Dre. The album will also be adapted into a movie, which marks Fiddy's directorial debut and will be included in the album's packaging.

"Because I had additional time, I wrote, produced and directed my own film, 'Before I Self Destruct' and it'll actually be within the album's packaging," Fiddy explained. "So when you buy the record, you'll get the film that I wrote."

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

John Henry & The Engine To Release Vinyl 'I Don't Wanna Know' EP

Fans of St. Louis-based John Henry and The Engine are dusting off their phonographs in anticipation of the Oct. 9 release of the band's new EP - and first vinyl record -I Don't Wanna Know EP. The release, which is the third for the band, reflects the river city outfit's soulful style, blurring the lines between rock, classic country and vintage Americana.

I Don't Wanna Know EP will be available on 7-inch vinyl at a special release show in St. Louis on Friday, Oct. 9, at Off Broadway, sponsored by KDHX-FM 88.1 and O'Fallon Beer.

The band will also be performing tracks from the new album and signing advance copies of the record on Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. at Vintage Vinyl.

Steeped in American roots, I Don't Wanna Know EP feels right at home on the turntable. Side A's energetic title track features rolling piano, brisk violin work and warm harmonies, while Side B offers the cautionary 'Never Lie,' with remorseful melody and rich vocals.

Fans who buy the 7-inch record - which features individually painted cover art - get a free digital download of the EP, including the track 'Lonely the Dark,' not featured on the vinyl album.

'Rock & Roll with a tinge of blues and soul, John Henry and The Engine don't rush the music and that quality control is evident on their brand new release,' writes Vintage Vinyl. 'Don't be shy about being one of the first to pick up their amazing new EP.'

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

Integrity Music /Columbia Records Set To Re-Release Sight & Sound: Alive In South Africa And A Timeless Christmas

Contemporary gospel sensation Israel & New Breed is set to re-release his Grammy award winning album Sight & Sound Series: Alive In South Africa as well as the holiday gem, A Timeless Christmas on Tuesday, October 6. on Integrity Music/Columbia Records.

Originally released as separate items in 2005 and 2006, the RIAA Certified Gold, Alive In South Africa, double CD and Alive In South Africa DVD will be together in one package for the release. Sight & Sound Series: Alive In South Africa will feature the Grammy award winning song, "Not Forgotten," the African inspired anthem "Alpha and Omega" in addition to popular tracks "Friend of God," "Again," "I Say Rejoice," and "Turn It Around." The DVD will contain the entire concert from the double audio discs in addition to an extended version of "Alpha and Omega."

Houghton's A Timeless Christmas album which was originally released in 2006 will have a new cover, new packaging and will include one new song for the holiday season, "With Us." Special guest appearances on A Timeless Christmas include gospel greats, Marvin & Cece Winans and Gerald Albright & Lalah Hathaway among others.

In 1995, Israel and Meleasa Houghton founded New Breed Ministries, an organization they continue to run and that is comprised of noted musicians and singers who serve within their respective churches and together serve the Church at large. Since then, Israel has amassed a legion of followers that bridges generational lines with popularity across cultural listener lines. While blasting down barriers, he has been fittingly graced with two Gold-selling albums, six Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award and two GRAMMY Awards, one for "Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album" for A Deeper Level and one for "Best Traditional Gospel Album" for Alive In South Africa.

Houghton's latest album, The Power Of One, was released on March 24 and debuted at No.1 on the Christian Album and Gospel Album charts. The new single "Every Prayer" (featuring Mary Mary) is impacting Gospel radio now.

Israel Houghton is signed to Integrity Music, distributed to Christian retail by Provident-Integrity Distribution and to the general market by Columbia Records/Sony Distribution.

Visit www.israelhoughton.net.

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

U2 Speak About Plans To Release Spider-Man Album

U2 have hinted that they may feature on the album for the musical adaptation of Spider-Man.

Singer Bono and guitarist The Edge have recorded lyrics and music for the production, which is due to open next February on Broadway.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, The Edge said an album would definitely accompany the musical, but admitted it was unclear as to whether U2 would feature on it.

“It's hard to say [about a U2 Spider-Man album],” he said.

“There will be a Spider-Man album, but whether it's us or the cast, that's the sort of thing we're not sure about. There are some amazing tunes.”

Bono said that if the group were to make another rock record, “I want to do Spider-Man.”

But he admitted: “I just haven't talked Adam [Clayton, bassist] and Larry [Mullen, drummer] into that.”

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

Jermaine Jackson To Judge Michael Jackson Talent Show
For the BBC...


Jermaine Jackson is to judge the new BBC Three talent show Move like Michael Jackson.

Auditions are to be held across the UK to find contestants who can dance like the late singer.

In a statement, Jermaine paid tribute to his brother's dance moves and said he was looking forward to finding “talented and inspiring dancers” in the UK.

Commissioning executive editor Karl Warner said the programme wanted to hear from anyone who had been inspired by the star's famous routines.

The auditions, which will take place in October, are open to anyone aged 16 and over.

The six-part series is due to air later this year.

This Date In Music History-October 3

Birthdays:

Chubby Checker (real name Ernest Evans) (1941)

Antonio Martinez - Los Bravos (1945)

Lindsay Buckingham - Fleetwood Mac (1947)

Ronnie Laws - Earth Wind and Fire (1950)

Blues singer/guitarist, Keb' Mo' (1951)

Tommy Lee - Motley Crue (1961)

Gwen Stefani - No Doubt (1969)

Kevin Richardson - Backstreet Boys (1971)

India Arie Simpson (1975)

Jake Shears - Scissor Sisters (1978)

Ashlee Simpson (1984)


They Are Missed:

Singer, songwriter Woody Guthrie died in 1967 after suffering from Huntington's Chorea disease. Guthrie was a major influence on Bob Dylan and American folk music. The 70's film 'Bound For Glory' is based on his life.

Born on this day in 1938, rockabilly pioneer Eddie Cochran. Killed in a car crash on April 17, 1960 (age 21).



Born today in 1954, Stevie Ray Vaughan, guitarist. He was killed in a helicopter crash on August 27th 1990. His family successfully sued the operators of the company for allowing an unqualified pilot to fly in fog and were awarded $2 million.

Mississippi acoustic bluesman Skip James died in 1969 (age 67). He was best known for his song "I'm So Glad," which was covered by Cream.

Benjamin Orr, singer and bassist for the Cars, died of cancer in 2000. He was 53.

Original guitarist, vocalist Darryl DeLoach from the psychedelic rock band Iron Butterfly died of liver cancer in 2002 (age 56).

Brazilian singer Emilinha Borba died from a heart attack in 2005 (age 82). From the 1930s to 1960s, Borba sang carnival anthems and was dubbed "the queen of Brazil's golden age of radio."

In 2008, singer, producer and songwriter Johnny J (Johnny Jackson) died after jumping from a tier in a Los Angeles jail while serving a sentence for driving under the influence. He produced Tupac Shakur's albums "All Eyez on Me" and "Me Against the World," as well as many of Shakur's subsequent posthumous albums.


History:

The Victor Talking Machine Company was incorporated in 1901, after a merger with Radio Corporation of America the company became RCA-Victor.

A ten-year old Elvis Presley made his first public appearance in a talent show at the Mississippi-Alabama Dairy Show in 1945, singing "Old Shep." He won 2nd place and 5 dollars.

The first "Adventures Of Ozzie & Harriet" TV show (with son Ricky Nelson) began a 14-year run on ABC in 1952.

The Biggest Show Of Stars 1958 Tour kicked off at the Worcester Auditorium in Worcester, Massachusetts. This edition featured Buddy Holly, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Darin, The Olympics, Dion & The Belmonts, Bobby Freeman, The Elegants, Jimmy Clanton, The Danleers, Duane Eddy, Clyde McPhatter and The Coasters.

In 1961, Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose, and Hank Williams became the first to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The Animals' self-titled album entered the LP chart in 1964. It contained their #1 hit, "House Of The Rising Sun."

The Supremes' "Baby Love" entered the Hot 100 in 1964. It stayed on the charts for thirteen weeks, becoming their second #1 release in a row.

In 1968, working at Trident Studios in London, the Beatles recorded the new George Harrison song "Savoy Truffle." George, Paul, and Ringo recorded just one take of the basic track (drums, bass, and lead guitar). The song was inspired by Eric Clapton's love of chocolates, particularly Mackintosh's Good News.

In 1970, former Cream bassist Jack Bruce joins ex-Miles Davis sidemen John McLaughlin, Larry Young and Tony Williams to form one of the first jazz-rock fusion groups, Lifetime.

Ann-Margret hosts the posthumous "Elvis In Concert" TV special that aired on CBS in 1977.

In 1978, the members of Aerosmith bailed thirty fans out of jail after they were arrested for smoking pot during an Aerosmith concert at Fort Wayne Coliseum. Where were they when I got busted at one of their concerts?

Aerosmith's 'Greatest Hits' collection was released in 1980. It remains their best-selling album to date, having sold 10 million copies.

Bruce Springsteen launched his US tour in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1980. He forgot the words to his opening number "Born To Run."

In 1987, Aerosmith's comeback LP, Permanent Vacation enters the chart. The LP contains the hits "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)," "Rag Doll" and "Angel."

Pink Floyd's first album without Roger Waters, A Momentary Lapse Of Reason, entered the LP chart in 1987.

The posthumous John Lennon documentary film, "Imagine" premiered in Hollywood in 1988.

David Bowie's Sound + Vision box set was released in 1989.

In 1990, a storeowner in Florida was found guilty of distributing obscene material. The material in question was 2 Live Crew's "As Nasty As They Wanna Be" album. The man was later fined $1,000.

In 1992, Sinead O'Connor ripped up a photograph of Pope John Paul II, on the US TV show 'Saturday Night Live', in a protest at abortion laws. The incident happened as Sinead ended her live performance and out of nowhere, produced a photograph of Pope John Paul II, which she ripped into pieces. There was stunned silence in the studio and the station went to a commercial. NBC was fined $2.5 million dollars by the Federal Communications Commission.

With classic songs “Wonderwall” and “Champagne Supernova,” Oasis released their “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory” album in 1995.

In 1996, Van Halen fired David Lee Roth again. The band and Roth had gotten back together in June after an 11 year separation to record a couple of songs for the group's greatest hits package. Roth faxed an open letter to the press saying his appearance on MTV with the band was a publicity stunt orchestrated by the band, and that the other members had no intentions of letting him back in.

In 1997, a court battle started between Garth Brooks and Warren G over the trademark of the letter 'G' which both artists used. The dispute was settled out of court the following year.

Eve was at #1 on the US album chart in 1999 with ‘Let There Be...Eve.’

In 2000, Mark David Chapman was denied parole by the New York State Board of Parole. Chapman had been sentenced to life for the murder of John Lennon on December 8, 1980. Good, let him rot and die there.

School of Rock, starring Tenacious D's Jack Black, opened in theatres around the country in 2003. Black plays a would-be rock god who tries to make a living as a substitute teacher.

In 2003, complaining about how sex is marketed to teens at a conference on domestic violence, the wife of Maryland's Governor Robert Ehrlich says, "if I had an opportunity to shoot Britney Spears, I think I would." Oops he did it again (foot in mouth)

Vinyl Collective Top 40 Sales for September 2009

Stop by www.vinylcollective.com and pick up some great vinyl!

1 WHATEVER 666 copies
2 Suburban Home Chad Price Fall/Winter Sampler DIGITAL ALBUM (mp3) 226 copies (After just one day)
3 FRANK TURNER “The First Three Years” dbl LP red w/ white splatter vinyl 100 copies
4 CHUCK RAGAN “Gold Country” LP black vinyl 56 copies
5 AUSTIN LUCAS “Somebody Loves You” LP silkscreened tour-edition black vinyl 53 copies
6 THE SWELLERS “Welcome Back Riders” 7″ black vinyl 50 copies
7 Suburban Home Pick 5 for $25 Sale + 5 FREE CDs (CDs, Vinyl, Pint Glasses) 38 copies
8 LIZZIE HUFFMAN AND HER BROTHER BAND “S/T” 10″ red/burgandy vinyl 36 copies
9 CHUCK RAGAN “Break Our Bread” 7 34 copies
10 HEAVY HEAVY LOW LOW “Turtle Nipple…” LP brown/pink 33 copies
11 CHAD PRICE “Smile Sweet Face” CD 30 copies
11 MURDER BY DEATH “Finch: Instrumental Album” 10″green vinyl 30 copies
13 CHUCK RAGAN/ BRIAN FALLON “Gospel Songs” 7″ white vinyl 29 copies
14 CHUCK RAGAN/ BRIAN FALLON “Gospel Songs” 7″ brown vinyl VC exclusive color 27 copies
14 EVERY TIME I DIE “Hot Damn” LP silver/black 27 copies
16 EVERY TIME I DIE Big Dirty LP purple w/ black splatter 26 copies
16 HEAVY HEARTED “S/T” 7″ mixed color vinyl 26 copies
18 ANDREW JACKSON JIHAD “Can’t Maintain” LP pink vinyl 25 copies
18 A WILHELM SCREAM “Mute Print” LP mustard yellow vinyl 25 copies
20 TEENAGE BOTTLEROCKET “They Came From The Shadows” LP 24 copies
21 EVERY TIME I DIE “Gutter Phenomenon” LP pink/black 23 copies
21 NINJA GUN/ FAKE PROBLEMS split 7″ clear vinyl 23 copies
23 I Celebrate Their Entire Catalog SH sale (CDs, T-shirt) 22 copies
23 THE GET UP KIDS “Something To Write Home About” LP pink vinyl 22 copies
25 EVERY TIME I DIE “New Junk Aesthetic” LP 21 copies
25 TIM BARRY/ FRANK TURNER split 7″ black vinyl 21 copies
25 12” Record Jacket Sleeve. Fits over album jacket. 21 copies
25 PULLEY “Time Insensitive Material” LP space green vinyl 21 copies
29 CITY AND COLOUR “Sleeping Sickness” 7″ 20 copies
29 7” Record Jacket Sleeves (20) 7-1/4″ x 7-1/4 20 copies
29 POLAR BEAR CLUB “Chasing Hamburg” LP color vinyl 20 copies
29 THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM/ MURDER BY DEATH “The Offical US Tour Fall 2009″ POSTER 20 copies
29 RYAN’S HOPE “Apocalypse In Increments” LP red vinyl 20 copies
34 THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM “The 59 Sound” 7″ (RE-RELEASE)19copies
34 CHAD PRICE “Smile Sweet Face? LP Transparent Brown vinyl 19 copies
36 FRANK TURNER “Campfire Punkrock” 10″ yellow vinyl 18 copies
36 THE SWELLERS “Welcome Back Riders” 7″ pink w/ blue splatter vinyl 18 copies
38 NINJA GUN/ FAKE PROBLEMS split 7″ white vinyl 17 copies
38 AUSTIN LUCAS/ THE TAKERS split 7″ frosty blue vinyl 17 copies
40 THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM “The 59 Sound” LP black vinyl 16 copies
40 APPLESEED CAST “Two Conversations” LP monster electric green vinyl 16 copies
40 GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV “This Empty Northern Hemisphere” LP brown vinyl 16 copies
43 AUSTIN LUCAS “Putting The Hammer Down” LP black vinyl 15 copies
43 DRAG THE RIVER “Get Drunk” Pint Glass 15 copies
43 JOSH SMALL “Tall by Josh Small” double LP frosty green vinyl 15 copies
43 POISON THE WELL “The Tropic Rot” dbl LP tan vinyl 15 copies

Insound Announces Two New Exclusive 7”s

Limited Suckers and Wildbirds & Peacedrums vinyl

Insound, the premier online indie music store, announces two new exclusive, extremely limited 7” offerings -- Suckers Save Your Love For Me / It Gets Your Body Movin’ (Chris Keating of Yeasayer remix) and Wildbirds & Peacedrums My Heart / My Heart (Deerhoof Remix). Both of these 7”s, from two of our very favorite buzzier-by-the-day bands, are only available at Insound!

Suckers – Save Your Love for Me / It Gets Your Body Movin’ (Chris Keating remix) 7”: Trust us on this, Brooklyn’s Suckers are going to huge! This exclusive, limited 7” features the band’s previously unreleased concert crowd favorite “Save Your Love For Me” on Side A. Side B includes Suckers blog-loving hit single, “It Gets Your Body Movin’” remixed by Chris Keating of Yeasayer. Everyone is talking about this band and these will go fast. Pre-order your copy today! We expect stock on November 24th. For more details click here Suckers Special Collectible Release!


Wildbirds & Peacedrums– My Heart / My Heart (Deerhoof Remix) 7”: Individually numbered (#1 – 1000), this exclusive 7” features the up-and-coming Swedish band’s stunning song “My Heart” on Side A, a wonderfully uplifting pop track that blossoms into a full-blown gospel anthem. Side B includes a remixed version of “My Heart” from the magnificently eccentric imagination of Deerhoof. Once this limited pressing is gone, it’s gone forever. Order today! For more details click here Wildbirds & Peacedrums Special Collectible Release!

Pick up these collectibles before they are all gone!!

Music News & Notes

AMI, Record Label Team Up For Black Crowes Jukebox Promotion

BRISTOL, PA -- AMI Entertainment Network Inc. and Red Distribution have teamed up to promote "Before The Frost...Until The Freeze," the new release from the Black Crowes, legendary hard rockers and a jukebox favorite. The promotion is running on AMI- powered jukeboxes through Oct. 5 and features a sweepstakes with some big prizes.

Top prize is a guitar autographed by the band, as well as signed CDs and vinyl LPs. During the promotion, AMI boxes will run a short video clip inviting patrons to "touch to win." Additionally, patrons can access a signup screen through which they can submit their contact information.

"Before The Frost...Until The Freeze" was recorded live at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY, and was released in stores and on the AMI network on Aug. 31. In retail, "Until The Freeze," the second album in the release, is offered as a free download that's accessible through a unique code supplied with the purchase of the first album.

Although both are studio albums, AMI said, the new material was performed and recorded in front of a live audience, making fans a part of Black Crowes music history. AMI also points out that the band's music is tried- and-true jukebox material. Its "Greatest Hits" album is among the most-played on the AMI network.

AMI reports that music promotions similar to the current Black Crowes campaign could attract 9,000+ participants while increasing jukebox play of the featured album, even after the sweepstakes has ended. Earlier this year, another promotion from AMI and Red generated a record number of participants for the network. County music star Jason Aldean's new album, "Wide Open," was promoted with an onscreen sweepstakes featuring an autographed hat and phone call from the artist.

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

Twenty years of pogo punk

The Bouncing Souls celebrate a punk rock milestone

by Christine Leonard

New Jersey’s beloved The Bouncing Souls has been purveying its signature brand of passionate punk rock for two decades now with little sign of slowing down. Built on a foundation of friendship and fun, this DIY outfit takes its name from Doc Martens shoes, a staple in any punk’s wardrobe, which provided the band’s sole-bolstering footwear during its climb to the top of the punk rock heap. Winning the hearts of its fans with sing-along-inspiring tunes and a take-no-prisoners approach to partying down, the band cemented its status as one –to watch with its debut full-length release, The Good, the Bad & the Argyle, way back in 1994.

“It’s been great making music and seeing the world while touring and experiencing everything we have over the past 20-odd years,” confirms Bouncing Souls vocalist and founding member Greg Attonito. “We’ve achieved things that were beyond our wildest dreams and have a huge extended family of friends and fans to show for it. We just visited South America and Mexico to perform for the first time there. The show in Mexico City was particularly awesome; people travelled from all over to see us. There was a tremendous build up to it and the audience was super excited. They were so appreciative. After this long, it’s still an amazing thing to me that we’re so in demand.”

More recently, the Warped Tour regular has reinforced its relevance, with the band further proving its staying power through solid recordings, including the nautically themed Anchors Away (2003). This emotionally charged three-chord wonder was followed by the band’s antiwar (but decidedly pro-soldier) followup, The Gold Record, which raised both ire and eyebrows when it hit the shelves on June 6, 2006.

“I’m so glad it all came together and we were able to release The Gold Record on 06/06/06,” says Attonito with a chuckle. “We also played six nights in a row at New York’s famous Knitting Factory, with our final show landing on that same date. It was the most evil show we’ve ever played and it was so punishing it almost killed us. We’ve always been “Bad Ass,” as the song goes, but we’ve never made the mistake of taking ourselves too seriously. Sometimes in the past people may have brushed us off as another dumb punk band, but we like to think we make another statement by the way we live our lives. I find it strange how the critics who pass judgment on us tend to miss the love we share with our fans, because the guy crowd-surfing in his wheelchair would tell you that our music saved his life.”

Buoying and imbibing spirits with equal skill, Attonito, along with guitarist Pete “The Pete” Steinkopf, bassist Bryan “Papillon” Kienlen, and drummer Michael McDermott, is more than happy to be in a position to survey his conquests with a smile. With 20-plus years of good times to commemorate, the band has opted to celebrate its fortuitous longevity by doling out some of its freshly minted original material in fits and bursts. Presented on the band’s very own Chunksaah Records label, the 20th Anniversary Series will appear online as 12 digital tracks, to be released at the beginning of each month, and four 7-inch vinyl singles to follow quarterly. In Antonito’s estimation, the releases should satisfy tech-savvy punk zealots and stalwart analogue-types alike.

“The new music is really good,” he reports. “We’ve even thrown in an acoustic version of one of the songs. At the end of the year, the whole thing will be released together as a new CD, which should be out in December or January. It’s an unusual way to go about things, but when we all got together this time last year, we knew we wanted to do something different for our 20-year celebration. That’s where the Internet came in. It’s doubly rewarding when you find a different way to get new generations involved with your life’s work. For us, it’s definitely a true labour of love.”

SOURCE: http://www.ffwdweekly.com

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

New Reissue: Isaac Hayes: Shaft


Artist: Isaac Hayes
Album: Shaft (Deluxe Edition)
Release Date: November 3
Label: Stax

















Tracklist:

01 Theme From Shaft
02 Bumpy's Lament
03 Walk From Regio's
04 Ellie's Love Theme
05 Shaft's Cab Ride
06 Cafe Regio's
07 Early Sunday Morning
08 Be Yourself
09 A Friend's Place
10 Soulsville
11 No Name Bar
12 Bumpy's Blues
13 Shaft Strikes Again
14 Do Your Thing
15 The End Theme (Shaft)
16 Theme From Shaft (2009 Mix)

Notes: Digitally remastered reissue of Hayes' score for the classic 1971 blaxploitation movie, which won the psychedelic soul master a Best Original Song Oscar. Includes liner notes from writer Ashley Kahn and a bonus remix. The latest in a series of Hayes reissues on Stax.

Vinyl Records Celebrated with Unique Videos

TheDailyVinyl offers an old-school perspective on LPs and 45s.

Nashville, TN (Vocus/PRWEB ) October 1, 2009 -- TheDailyVinyl.com celebrates the glory days of vinyl records with a series of unique videos. The site features classic songs like "Paint It, Black," "I Am The Walrus," and "Wish You Were Here" as well as new artists like Wilco and Doves.

The site creator, known on the website simply as "The Dude" says "I was listening to all these amazing songs on my iPod and was thinking about how I miss the magic of pulling the record out of the sleeve and watching the wax spin. The idea of making new videos to some of my favorite songs in random, everyday settings was a great challenge."

The videos feature a turntable playing a record in very unusual places, including a pulpit of a church sanctuary, a meat cooler of a grocery store, and sitting on a stove while scrambled eggs are being cooked.

The Dude then records the audio from the same vinyl LP or 45 and syncs them up. The music is recorded separately to ensure the highest audio quality possible.

When asked about the original recording artists' reaction to his videos, The Dude says "One of the bands posted my video on their official blog. I hope more artists will do the same or contact me to create official Vinyl Videos for them. I love offering the world a new perspective on this brilliant music and the reaction from viewers has been very positive."

October 1, 2009 marks the two-month anniversary since the launch of TheDailyVinyl.com and already has over 5,000 total views on YouTube.

About The Daily Vinyl
TheDailyVinyl.com was launched on July 1, 2009 and has over 25 unique videos. Also featured on the site is a blog for people to talk about their music memories. Contact thedude(at)TheDailyVinyl.com.

###

Spin Picks the Fifty Greatest Cover Songs

Cover songs have been with us since the first musicians played their first notes. The Crew Cuts covered the Chords (Sh-Boom). Pat Boone covered Fats Domino's (I'm Walkin') and Little Richard's (Tutti Frutti). Even actor Tab Hunter covered country's Sonny James (Young Love).

You won't find any of those songs on Spin's new list of the fifty greatest cover songs of all time. The editors at Spin have chosen covers that are a credit to the original vision of the song, sometimes they are near note-for-note salute to the original, while other veer widely away from the original song. But they all have one thing in common, they make the origianl artists songs more popular and even make them better in some cases. But, like all lists, they are very subjective, it depends on who compiles them. For instance, the Indigo Girls do a killer cover of Neil Young's "Down By The River" and certainly the cover of the Kinks' song "You Really Got Me" by Van Halen would be higher on my list that it is on Spin's list (#42). Take a look and make up your own list, I am sure there will be some that you think that Spin omitted.

Here's a peak at the top 20. To see all fifty of Spin's picks along with their commentary and the ability to listen to the track, go to their website. www.spin.com


1. The Man Who Sold The World - Nirvana (David Bowie)
2. All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix (Bob Dylan)
3. Take Me to the River - Talking Heads (Al Green)
4. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - Devo (Rolling Stones)
5. Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Connor (Prince)
6. Guns N' Roses, "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" (Bob Dylan)



7. Summertime - Zombies (George Gershwin)
8. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding - Elvis Costello (Nick Lowe)
9. Elliott Smith, "13" (Big Star)
10. Police and Thieves - Clash (Junior Murvin)
11. Proud Mary - Ike & Tina Turner (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
12. Jeff Buckley, "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen)
13. Tainted Love - Soft Cell (Gloria Jones)
14. Do You Wanna Dance? - Ramones (Bobby Freeman)
15. José González, "Teardrop"(Massive Attack)
16. How Can You Mend a Broken Heart - Al Green (Bee Gees)
17. Twist and Shout - Beatles (Isley Brothers)
18. Lemonheads, "Mrs. Robinson"(Simon and garfunkel)
19. Pavement, "Killing Moon" (Echo and the Bunnymen)
20. I Heard It Through the Grapevine - Slits (Marvin Gaye)

Paramore Opens up a Pair of 'Brand New Eyes'

Paramore, the Franklin, Tennessee-based power pop quintet, has just released its third album, brand new eyes, on the Fueled By Ramen label. The release comes just two years after Paramore's two-million-copy-selling "RIOT!" and represents a bold step forward for the band. While the familiar Paramore sound is still forefront, the album includes two acoustic numbers that fit perfectly amidst the band's usual approach.


Franklin, Tennessee (PRWEB) October 2, 2009 -- Paramore, the Franklin, Tennessee-based power pop quintet, has just released its third album, brand new eyes, on the Fueled By Ramen label. The release comes just two years after Paramore's two-million-copy-selling "RIOT!" and represents a bold step forward for the band. While the familiar Paramore sound is still forefront, the album includes two acoustic numbers that fit perfectly amidst the band's usual approach.

Paramore's Hayley Williams is extremely excited about her band's new CD release, brand new eyes, released September 29 on the Fueled by Ramen label

After the bona fide success of the band's double-platinum 2007 "Riot!", it's only natural to think that Williams and the other members of this Franklin, Tennessee unit would be nervous about whether the new album will live up to expectations.

Williams, however, puts those fears to bed.

"Every record is a progression for us, but brand new eyes is definitely a huge leap from RIOT!" Williams explains. "I just can't wait to get back on the road and start playing these new songs live."

Williams' wishes come true October 1, as the band kicks off its fall tour with a sold-out show at the Hollywood Palladium.

A single from the album, "Ignorance," has received considerable airplay since its release in July. A promotional video for the song has been available on YouTube since August. In case anyone thought that Paramore might have relaxed their sound in the ensuing two years since "RIOT!," the high-energy, ear-crunching sounds of "Ignorance" and the majority of brand new eyes should put those worries to bed.

Fueled by the double guitar attack of Josh Farro and Taylor York, and supported by the powerhouse rhythm section of Jeremy Davis on bass and Zac Farro on drums, brand new eyes combines the familiar driving sounds of "RIOT!" with a few songs that take the band in a decidedly acoustic - but no less rocking - direction.

As Josh Farro explains: "We really tried to venture out and experiment with our sound to see how far we could push ourselves this time around. 'Misguided Ghosts,' for example, is just finger-picking. That's not really Paramore's sound but for some reason it works."

The album's other acoustic adventure, "The Only Exception," springs from Williams' experience with the ups and downs of success over the past two years. By expressing her feelings, she thinks listeners will find much to identify with in their own lives, as well.

"These songs form a full story that people are going to be able to connect with," Hayley Williams said. Her frequent songwriting partner, Josh Farro, agrees.

"There's something Hayley is able to draw out of me that I can't seem to do with anyone else," Farro said. "She hates the word 'mature,' but I think it's really suitable for this record. We've grown a lot."

That growth is on display live when the band hits the road October 1. If initial response to the album is any indication, brand new eyes will be a welcome attraction for old fans and brand new ears.

Buy Paramore Music Here

Check out the band's Paramore t-Shirts for sure before they're sold out Platinum too.

Tom Tuerff is a writer and musician in Phoenix, Arizona. He has the latest Paramore CD and has even recorded two CDs of original music, as well as both of which have received considerable radio airplay. Tuerff has written music reviews for a variety of publications over the years, including Goldmine, ConNotations and others. Tom has every Paramore Album there is available and this surely tops off the collection of the best of Paramore.

###

Happy 40th Birthday To Abbey Road

Written By Robert Benson

It was forty years ago, on October 1, 1969, that music history was made, it was when the Beatles released the iconic LP called Abbey Road in the US (it released on September 26 in the UK). Most of the recording was done between July 2 and August 1 of that same year, it was a time when the Fab Four were at their worst, as personal issues were now getting in the way of the creative process of songwriting.

Paul McCartney had suggested to producer George Martin that the group get together and make an album “the way we used to do,” and although the group had been seemingly going their separate ways, Martin agreed, but insisted that he would be allowed to do it his way. Somewhat reluctantly, all four agreed, and in later interviews the surviving band members stated that they knew at the time that this would be the Beatles final production and therefore agreed to put aside their differences and “go out on a high note.”

Abbey Road has since become one of the most successful Beatles’ albums of all time, being certified by the RIAA as 12x platinum. In the UK, the album debuted at #1, staying in that position for eleven straight weeks before being knocked down to #2 by the Rolling Stones Let It Bleed album for a week before reclaiming the top spot for another six week run at the top. In the UK, Abbey Road was the best selling album of 1969 and the forth best seller for the decade.

In the US, the album debuted at #178, they quickly moved up to #4 and by the third week on the charts it went to the top spot for eleven consecutive weeks. In total, Abbey Road spent an amazing 129 weeks on the Billboard 200, even re-entering the charts at #69 on November 14, 1987 when it was released for the first time on CD. When the band broke up, Abbey Road had sold more than 7 million copies worldwide and was the first Beatles’ album to top the 10 million mark in sales worldwide (it reached that plateau in 1980).

The Beatles, as a band, were no longer one cohesive unit, there were petty differences and these just seemed to escalate as the end of the Beatles was known to all; yet somehow the band were clearly in their musical prime, writing songs and music that would help define their respective careers. The Beatles had set the bar very high and delivered this legendary music despite the strained conditions. The result is an album filled with inventive melodies, innovation and an apparent culmination of their brilliance and just reinforced their status as the world’s best rock and roll band.


Working with an eight-track tape machine for the first time, Martin and the band recorded the songs at three different recording studios, Trident, Olympic and of course, Abbey Road. It’s also the only Beatles’ album to be recording utilizing the eight track and the first to be mixed entirely on a solid state soundboard. The album was produced by George Martin, engineered by Geoff Emerick with assistance from Alan Parsons; with the tape operator being Tony Banks. Additionally, a moog synthesizer was prominently featured, not only for background effect, but sometimes playing a central role in the song. Let’s explore some of the cuts from this creative and iconic album:

Come Together

The album opens with the prophetic John Lennon composition and the chorus was inspired by a song that Lennon had originally written for Timothy Leary’s campaign for governor of California. "Come Together, Join The Party" was Leary's campaign slogan (a reference to the drug culture he supported) and was the original title of the song, however Leary never had much of a campaign, but the slogan gave Lennon the idea for this song.

In a 1980 interview with Playboy magazine, John Lennon said:

"The thing was created in the studio. It's gobbledygook. 'Come Together' was an expression that Tim Leary had come up with for (perhaps for the governorship of California against Reagan), and he asked me to write a campaign song. I tried and I tried, but I couldn't come up with one. But I came up with this, 'Come Together,' which would've been no good to him - you couldn't have a campaign song like that, right?"

After Timothy Leary decided against using this song for his political campaign Lennon added these nonsense lyrics and brought it to the Abbey Road sessions. Paul McCartney recalled in Rolling Stone magazine's 500 Greatest Songs: "I said, 'Let's slow it down with a swampy bass-and-drums vibe.' I came up with a bass line, and it all flowed from there." It was also the last time all 4 Beatles cut a song together.

It has been speculated that the verses, described by Lennon as intentionally obscure, refer cryptically to each of the Beatles (e.g. "he's one holy roller" allegedly refers to the spiritually inclined George Harrison, “he wear no shoeshine,” may be in reference to Paul not wearing shoes on the cover); however, it has also been suggested that the song has only a single "pariah-like protagonist" and Lennon was "painting another sardonic self-portrait.”

The song was later the subject of a lawsuit brought against Lennon by Morris Levy because the opening line in "Come Together"—"Here come old flat-top"—was admittedly lifted from a line in Chuck Berry's "You Can't Catch Me". Interestingly, there have been all sorts of meanings that people have concocted from the lyrics including:

The whispered lyric that sounds like "shoot" is actually Lennon saying "shoot me" followed by a handclap. The bass line drowns out the "me."

When rumors were spreading that Paul McCartney was dead, some fans thought the line "One and one and one is three" meant that only George, John and Ringo were left. The line "Got to be good lookin' cuz he's so hard to see" was supposed to be Paul's spirit.

Something

“Come Together” was also paired with the George Harrison cut “Something”, which peaked at #2 on the Billboard charts. It's also the only song written by George Harrison released as a single by The Beatles. Harrison wrote this during a break while they were working on The White Album; however it was not recorded in time for the album, so Harrison gave the song to Joe Cocker, but Cocker didn't release it until after The Beatles did. “Something" was Lennon's favorite song on the album, and McCartney considered it the best song Harrison had written. Frank Sinatra once commented that "Something" was his favorite Lennon/McCartney song (not knowing it was a Harrison composition) and "the greatest love song ever written.”

Harrison came up with the title after listening to a James Taylor song called "Something In The Way She Moves." Taylor was signed to Apple Records (The Beatles label) at the time. The inspiration for the song has long been debated, was it written for Harrison's wife, Pattie, (Harrison claimed he did not have anyone in mind when he wrote it) or was the original intent meant as a song of devotion to Lord Krishna?

In her 2007 book Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me, Pattie Boyd wrote:

"George wrote a song called Something. He told me in a matter-of-fact way that he had written it for me. I thought it was beautiful and it turned out to be the most successful song he ever wrote, with more than 150 cover versions. George's favorite version was the one by James Brown. Mine was the one by George Harrison, which he played to me in our kitchen. But, in fact, by then our relationship was in trouble. Since a trip to the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in India in 1968, George had become obsessive about meditation.”

"Something" and "Come Together" spent one week at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart when the compilers of the chart changed its ranking method and stopped giving separate rankings for the two sides of a single. At least 150 cover versions exist. The only Beatles song that has been covered more is "Yesterday." As a tribute to George Harrison, Paul McCartney played a version of this on his 2002 tour using a ukulele George had given him.

Maxwell's Silver Hammer

Certainly one of the more interesting Beatles’ songs, this was written by Paul McCartney (although it is credited to Lennon/McCartney, Lennon hated the cut). Although some have suggested that the song may be about the Charles Manson murders, this was impossible, because the Tate-La Bianca murders occurred on August 8-9, 1969, after the song was recorded. McCartney would often make up characters for his songs, while Lennon would base his on real people and events.

The cut is a vaudevillian-style song is about a medical student named Maxwell Edison, who uses his silver hammer to murder his girlfriend Joan, then his teacher, and finally the judge during his murder trial. Despite the grim subject matter, the song is bouncy and upbeat. McCartney said in 1994 that it merely epitomizes the downfalls of life:

"Maxwell's Silver Hammer" is my analogy for when something goes wrong out of the blue, as it so often does, as I was beginning to find out at that time in my life. I wanted something symbolic of that, so to me it was some fictitious character called Maxwell with a silver hammer. I don't know why it was silver, it just sounded better than Maxwell's hammer. It was needed for scanning. We still use that expression now when something unexpected happens."



Paul tried hard to have this be a single. But the other Beatles refused, so he backed down. By that time the Beatles were only holding on by a thread as it was, and the last thing he wanted was a squabble over what song was going to be released as a single. According to Lennon, the band spent more money on that song than any other on Abbey Road, and he derided the song at the time as a prime example of McCartney's "granny-style" writing. McCartney's handwritten lyrics for this song were sold at auction for $192,000.

Oh! Darling

The basic track was recorded on 20 April 1969, but there were many overdub sessions, including multiple attempts at the lead vocal by McCartney, who would come into the studio early every day for a week to sing the cut, as he explains:

"When we were recording 'Oh! Darling' I came into the studios early every day for a week to sing it by myself because at first my voice was too clear. I wanted it to sound as though I'd been performing it on stage all week."

George Harrison had described the song as "a typical 1950s–'60s-period song because of its chord structure,” which appears to have drawn heavily on the New Orleans R&B sounds and the ‘swamp rock’ sound — so much so that some in Louisiana originally thought the song had been recorded by a local musician. In a 1980 interview with Playboy magazine, John Lennon said:

"'Oh! Darling' was a great one of Paul's that he didn't sing too well. I always thought I could have done it better—it was more my style than his. He wrote it, so what the hell, he's going to sing it."

Octopus's Garden

One of Ringo Starr’s finest songs, this was his second (and last) composition released on a Beatles album. As the story goes, it came about when Ringo was on a boating trip with his family in Sardina in 1968. The boat's captain offered him an octopus lunch, but he turned it down. It was then that the captain began to tell him everything he knew about octopuses, and how they travel along the sea bed looking for shiny objects and stones with which to build gardens. With this information, Ringo came up with the idea for this song. With the help of George Harrison, Ringo wrote this during the Let It Be sessions. In fact, they are seen working on it in the movie Let It Be - George rewrote the chord sequence (although Harrison gave full songwriting credit to Starr) A somewhat silly song with a memorable verse and chord structure, the cut is loved for its playful energy or hated by Beatles’ fans for its child-like silliness. By the way, Ringo made the underwater sounds by blowing bubbles through a glass of water.

I Want You (She's So Heavy)

This was the last song mixed for the album and it is actually a combination of two different recordings, the first was just after the Get Back/Let It Be sessions in February of 1969 and featured Billy Preston on keyboards. This was combined with a second version that was created during the Abbey Road recording session and when edited together, the songs lasts almost eight minutes long (7:47 to be exact). John Lennon wrote this about Yoko. Lennon was experimenting in heavy rock, so the song has few lyrics and long stretches of repeated chords and reveals a pronounced progressive rock influence, with its unusual length and structure, repeating guitar riff, and "white noise" effects; the "I Want You" section has a straightforward blues structure. With the exception of "Revolution 9," this was The Beatles longest song. The guitars were overdubbed many times to get a layered sound.

The cut also features one of the earliest uses of a Moog synthesizer to create the white-noise or "wind" effect heard near the end of the track. George Harrison played the Moog Synthesizer on this track and it is one of the first uses of the instrument, which was custom-made for Harrison. During the final edit, as the guitar riff and white noise effect continues on and on, Lennon told engineer Emerick to "cut it right there" at the 7:44 mark, creating a sudden, jarring silence which concluded side one of Abbey Road. The final overdub session for "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" would be the last time all four Beatles worked in the studio together.

Here Comes The Sun

One of the most famous songs on Abbey Road is the George Harrison cut "Here Comes The Sun." In fact, 1969 was a very difficult year for Harrison: he had been arrested for marijuana possession, he had to have his tonsils removed and he had temporarily quit the band. The song was written while Harrison was away from all of these troubles.

Harrison stated in The Beatles Anthology:

"Here Comes the Sun" was written at the time when Apple was getting like school, where we had to go and be businessmen: 'Sign this' and 'sign that'. Anyway, it seems as if winter in England goes on forever, by the time spring comes you really deserve it. So one day I decided I was going to sag off Apple and I went over to Eric Clapton's house. The relief of not having to go see all those dopey accountants was wonderful, and I walked around the garden with one of Eric's acoustic guitars and wrote "Here Comes The Sun."



Harrison sang lead vocals, played acoustic guitar and also used his newly acquired Moog synthesizer on the song. Paul McCartney sang backing vocals and played bass guitar. Ringo Starr played drums, with all three Beatles providing handclaps. Harrison, McCartney and Starr recorded the rhythm track in 13 takes on July, 7, 1969. Towards the end of the session Harrison spent an hour re-recording his acoustic guitar part. The following day he taped his lead vocals, and he and McCartney recorded their backing vocals twice to give a fuller sound. The music begins on the left channel and gradually moves to the right as Harrison's vocal begins. John Lennon did not contribute to the song as he was recovering from a recent car crash.

The album cover is so simplistic, yet so legendary, only the Beatles could have made a simple picture like this into an iconic and often imitated album cover.
"At some point, the album was going to be titled Everest after the brand of cigarettes I used to smoke," recalled Geoff Emerick.

However, taking a picture in the Himalayas proved to be too much, so the group just decided to call it Abbey Road and have the photo taken outside the studio on August 8, 1969. The cover photograph was taken by photographer Iain Macmillan who was given only ten minutes around 11:30 that morning to take the photo on a zebra crossing on Abbey Road. McCartney was bare-footed and out of step with the other three, fueling the speculation that he was indeed dead. The zebra crossing today remains a popular destination for Beatles fans from all over the world.

The Beatles released one more album (Let It Be) before calling it quits. However, Abbey Road remains one of their crowning achievements despite the personal differences between the members of the band. It remains and will forever be one of the most sought after and iconic recordings from the four lads from Liverpool filled with suave harmonies and insatiable, seductive pop rock.

Music News & Notes

Bob Dylan And Citigroup? New Album Released Early To Citibank Customers

Reuters is reporting that Bob Dylan will be releasing his new album early to Citibank customers, a concept that would have been unimaginable during the singer's 1960s protest years. Citibank customers who participate in the bank's rewards programs will be able to download Dylan's forthcoming "Christmas In The Heart" -- yes, its a Christmas album -- one week before the album's release date on October 13.

From Citigroup's press release:

"Aligning with industry pioneer, Sony Music Entertainment, reinforces our commitment to providing our members with unique and rewarding experiences," said Nancy Gordon, executive vice president, Citi's ThankYou Network. "This relationship gives our members virtually instant access to one of the most important music collections in history, in addition to promotional offers involving some of the most exciting artists in the recording industry. And it's a great opportunity for members to use very few points to get a reward that has such a broad and passionate appeal among consumers."

At first read, I thought to myself, what a sell out, from this iconic musician, tell me it ain't so!! Thankfully, Dylan will be giving all of his proceeds from the record to charity, so I guess that he knows what he is doing.

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

30 Seconds to Mars Soliciting Fans' Faces for Album Cover

In April, 30 Seconds to Mars held the Summit, which allowed fans to come to Los Angeles and sing on the band's new album, 'This Is War.' In their continuing quest to be the most audience-friendly act out there, the group is spreading the love even further by letting fans grace the album cover.

So how can fans get on the 'This Is War' cover? The first 2,000 people who submit their mug to the 'Faces of Mars' campaign on the 30 Seconds website and meet the proper specifications will be on one of 2,000 individual covers for 'This is War' actually going to stores.

"I've started to see some of the faces coming in and they look amazing," frontman Jared Leto tells Spinner. "This is something that's being done for the very first time, so from the graphic art side of things, it's very compelling and unique. To be able to turn the camera away from the band and toward the audience I think follows in the tradition and spirit of 30 Seconds to Mars."

According to Leto, this isn't a publicity stunt but a "thank you" to the band's followers. "I thought that the 'Faces of Mars' campaign would be a way to acknowledge all the people who have supported us throughout the years," he says.

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

R.E.M. Members Perform With Former Drummer Bill Berry

Ex-R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry reunited with former bandmates Peter Buck and Mike Mills at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Ga., on Monday night. The gig, which was headlined by Buck's side projects the Baseball Project and the Minus Five, marked Berry's first performance since he played with R.E.M. at the 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Berry joined members of both bands onstage for the show's encore and drummed on covers of the Beatles' 'The Ballad of John and Yoko,' the McCoys' 'Hang on Sloopy' and 'Teenage Head' by the Flamin' Groovies. Patterson Hood of the Drive-By Truckers had earlier joined the Minus Five on a cover of Neil Young's 'Revolution Blues,' while R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe, who was in the crowd, didn't perform

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

Producer Greg Ladanyi Dies

Grammy-Winning Producer Greg Ladanyi Dies at 57Posted 8 hours ago by John D. LuerssenComment (1)Greg Ladanyi, a Grammy-winning producer who worked with Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Fleetwood Mac, Warren Zevon and Toto, died Tuesday after sustaining severe head trauma in an onstage accident last week in Cyprus. Ladanyi, 57, was on tour in with Anna Vissi, an artist signed to his label, Maple Jam Music Group.

Officials said Ladanyi fractured his skull after falling 13 feet during Vissi's performance at Nicosia's GSP stadium. He also suffered multiple fractures to the ribs and chest when he slipped down a gap between the stands and the ground level at the venue, just before the start of Vissi's concert.

According to reports, Ladanyi's family is honoring his wish to donate his organs. "It was Greg's wish to donate his organs to help other people," a family representative announced. His lungs and his liver will reportedly go to transplant patients in the UK and Israel.

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

Sony's Legacy label announces massive reissue of Phil Spector's entire Philles Records catalog


Phil Spector's entire Philles Records recordings will be reissued through Sony's Legacy Recordings label under an agreement between Sony Music Entertainment and EMI Music Publishing announced Wednesday. The first release will be Phil Spector's "A Christmas Gift for You" on Nov. 10.

"A Christmas Gift for You" was one of only 12 full-length albums to be released during the history of the Philles Records label. Originally released in 1963 with its original title, the album was later repackaged and retitled as "Phil Spector's Christmas Album" for the Beatles' Apple Records

Artists whose recordings will be reissued under the agreement include the Ronettes, the Crystals, Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans and Lenny Bruce. The new deal covers the United States with an international roll-out to follow. Reissues planned include digital and physical releases, including CDs and vinyl 12" and 7" with replica artwork, plus releases of titles drawn from the original albums and singles and b-sides from the Philles Records catalog. New compilations, including best of collections and rarities compilations, plus reproductions of original singles and albums are also planned. Many of these original Philles Records releases were exceedingly rare on vinyl. All releases in the new project will be newly remastered.

Philles Records was launched in 1961 by producer/songwriter/recording artist Phil Spector and veteran music business executive Lester Sill and took its name from the first names of its founders. By 1967, 18 Philles Records had charted on America's Top 40, including "Uptown" (#13), "He's A Rebel," (#1), "Da Doo Ron Ron" (#3), and "Then He Kissed Me" (#6) by the Crystals and "Be My Baby" (#2) and "Baby I Love You" (#24) by the Ronettes.

"There may be no pop music more iconic than 'Be My Baby' or 'Da Do Ron Ron'," said Adam Block, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Legacy Recordings, in a statement. "The Philles 'Wall of Sound' is embedded in our musical DNA, the craft of these recordings, the quality of the songwriting and the power of the productions have established a standard that continues to inspire artists and musicians. The style, attitude and voices of great artists like Ronnie Spector and Darlene Love remain a presence in pop culture. We are delighted to be bringing these records to a whole new generation."

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

No Rainbow Reunion Likely

Tony Carey has told Classic Rock magazine that will most likely never be a reunion of Rainbow.

“I’d love the chance to get on stage again with Ritchie Blackmore, Ronnie Dio and Jimmy Bain. We could have Bonny Rondinelli or Greg Smith on drums, replacing Cozy Powell. But I tell you right now, it will never happen.

“Ronnie needs the aggravation of working again with Ritchie like he needs a new asshole. And Ritchie is so into his renaissance music, with Blackmore’s Night, that I doubt he even thinks about getting Rainbow back together. So, anyone who is holding out the hope of a reunion? Forget it.”

This Date In Music History-October 1

Birthdays:

Singer, actress, Julie Andrews (1935)

Barbara Parritt - The Toys (1940)

Herb Fame - Peaches and Herb (1942)

Jerry Martini - Sly and The Family Stone (1943)

Scott McKenzie - "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair") (1944)

Rob Davis - Mud (1947)

Howard Hewett - Shalamar (1955)

Martin Cooper - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (1959)

Kevin Griffin - Better Than Ezra (1968)

Keith Duffy - Boyzone (1974)


They Are Missed:

The late Richard Harris ("MacArthur Park") was born in 1933.

Al Jackson, drummer with Booker T. and The MGs, was shot and killed by an 'intruder' at his home in 1975.

The legendary Albert Collins was born in 1932 (died November 24, 1993).

Born today in 1945, Donny Hathaway, US soul singer. Committed suicide falling from a 15th floor hotel window on January 13, 1979.

Andy McVann drummer with Liverpool band The Farm was killed in a car crash in 1986 during a police chase.

Born on this day in 1948 , Mariska Veres, singer, Shocking Blue (died on Dec 2, 2006 age 59).

Also born today in 1948, Cub Koda, guitarist, songwriter, Brownsville Station (died on July 5, 2000).

Bruce Palmer, former bassist with West Coast folk rock legends Buffalo Springfield ("For What It's Worth"), died of a heart attack in 2004. He was 58.

Nick Reynolds of the Kingston Trio ("Tom Dooley") died of acute respiratory disease in 2008.


History:

In 1956, after test audiences gave a negative reaction to Elvis Presley dying at the end of the film Love Me Tender, The King was called back to re-shoot the scene. In the new ending, the hero lived.

The Beatles "A Hard Day's Night" movie premiered in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1964 and became the first Western pop culture film to be seen behind the Iron Curtain.

Vee Jay Records, capitalizing on material it owns recorded by its two best-selling groups, released the album "The Beatles Vs. The Four Seasons" in 1964. Despite the awesome combined sales of the two groups, the album, which consists of previously released stuff, stayed on the LP chart for three weeks reaching only as high as #142.

In 1965, Bob Dylan appeared at Carnegie Hall in New York City and introduced his new touring band made up of guitarist Robbie Robertson, organist Garth Hudson, bassist Rick Danko, pianist Richard Manual and drummer Levon Helm. They will become known simply as The Band.

Jimi Hendrix appeared live for the first time in the UK when he jammed with Cream at their gig at London Polytechnic in 1966.

Pink Floyd arrived in New York in 1967 to begin their first U.S. tour.

The Beatles' "Abbey Road" album was released in the US in 1969.



With the success of "I'll Be There" in 1970, the Jackson 5 become the only group in history whose first four records went to #1.

In 1970, Jimi Hendrix was buried at The Greenwood Cemetery at the Dunlop Baptist Church Seattle. Among the mourners; Miles Davis, Eric Burdon, Johnny Winter and members of Derek and the Dominoes.

Riding high on the success of Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd began sessions for their new album in 1973, declaring they intend to use only household objects to make the music. Very avant-garde and very stupid. They later ditched the idea to record "Wish You Were Here."

Meco started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1977 with a disco version of "Star Wars Theme."

In 1979, Elton John played the first of eight straight shows at Madison Square Garden.

Fleedwood Mac's "Tusk," an adventurous double album, was released in 1979. The title track, which featured the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band, hits #8, while the Nicks-penned "Sara" reaches #7.



Paul Simon's semi-autobiographical film "One Trick Pony" premiered in New York City in 1980. Besides Simon, those appearing the film include Lou Reed, Sam & Dave, the B-52's and the Lovin' Spoonful.

John Cougar went to #1 on both the US album and singles chart in 1982 with the album "American Fool" and the single "Jack And Diane."

Sony unveiled the first compact disc player in 1982. The CD proved to be a boon to the record industry as Rock fans rushed to stores to replace worn-out vinyl records with the more durable CDs.

Today in 1983, the song "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler topped the charts and stayed there for 4 weeks.

The Swedish post Office issued an Abba stamp in 1983.

In 1990, Forbes Magazine listed New Kids On The Block as the fifth richest entertainers in the US with an income of $78 million.

Nearly $1 million was raised at the Farm Aid concert in Louisville, KY in 1995. The musicians that performed were Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Hootie and the Blowfish, and The Dave Matthews Band.

The Nirvana live album "From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah" was released in 1996.

In 2007, Ozzy Osbourne and his wife, Sharon, announce they have a suicide agreement which will come into effect should either of them suffer from a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's, which took the life of Sharon's father. "We believe 100 percent in euthanasia, so (we) have drawn up plans to go to the assisted suicide flat in Switzerland if we ever have an illness that affects our brains," reveals Sharon. Guess drugs don't count.

Also in 2007, the Spice Girls London reunion concert sold out in 38 seconds after fans were notified tickets had gone on sale. More than one million people in the UK registered for the concert, on December 15, 2007 at the O2 arena. Three more London dates were added to the world tour which was kicking off in Vancouver on Dec 2.

Radiohead's official website crashed in 2007 after the band announced that their new album ‘In Rainbows’ would only be available to order via www.radiohead.com. Fans could pre-order the download at any price they choose or pay £40 for a "discbox", which included two CDs, two records, plus artwork and booklets.

Ask Mr. Music with Jerry Osborne

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 SEPTEMBER 28, 2009


DEAR JERRY: I realize opinions differ on which early recordings are rock and roll, and which are pure pop music. Still, I do value your take on such matters.

What then is your pick as the last week the nation's entire Top 10 was all pop music, with nothing reasonably considered rock and roll?

Also, when did the Top 10 contain nothing but rock and roll hits, without any entry of the purely pop variety?

I find this topic not only interesting, but one I don't think you've ever addressed.
—Elroy Ridgway, Terre Haute, Ind.


DEAR ELROY: Definitely two previously unasked questions.

The last all-pop Top 10, with nary a title to be challenged, is exactly 55 years ago, the last week of September 1954.

Though the chart positions vary slightly, both Cash Box and Billboard were mostly in agreement on which were the Top 10 tunes that week. These 11 titles, pretty much in this order, accounted for each magazine's Top 10:

1. “Hey There” ([Rosemary Clooney]); 2. “Sh-Boom” ([Crew-Cuts]); 3. “Skokiaan” (Ralph Marterie and [Four Lads]); 4. “This Ole House” (Rosemary Clooney); 5. “The Little Shoemaker” ([Gaylords]); 6. “I Need You Now” ([Eddie Fisher]); 7. “The High and the Mighty” (Victor Young and His Orchestra); 8. “In the Chapel in the Moonlight” ([Kitty Kallen]); 9. “Little Things Mean a Lot” (Kitty Kallen); 10 (CB). “If I Give My Heart to You” ([Doris Day]); or 10 (BB). “Hold My Hand” (Don Cornell).

Lurking just outside and ready to jump into the Top 10 on both charts was Rock Era classic “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” by [Bill Haley] and His Comets.

Part two of the challenge is not nearly as cut and dry, simply because the line between pop and rock ballads became much less definable in the later years.

Since any answer will be subjective to a point, I will support my choice by adding this guideline: any song that made the Top Pop (a.k.a. Easy Listening or Middle-of-the-Road) charts is not eligible for the all-rock Top 10.

The week of this unusual gathering at the top came exactly 10 years after the all-pop Top 10, the last week of September 1964:

1. “Oh, Pretty Woman” ([Roy Orbison] and the Candy Men); 2. “Bread and Butter” ([Newbeats]); 3. “The House of the Rising Sun” ([Animals]); 4. “G.T.O.” ([Ronny and the Daytonas]); 5. “Remember (Walkin' in the Sand)” ([Shangri-Las]); 6. “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” ([Manfred Mann]); 7. “Where Did Our Love Go” ([Supremes]); 8. “Dancing in the Street” ([Martha and the Vandellas]); 9. “It Hurts to Be in Love” ([Gene Pitney]); 10. “Save It for Me” ([4 Seasons]).

Again, chart positions vary slightly, but Cash Box and Billboard agree completely on these being the Top 10 hits.

Your question asks only about the Top 10; however, the next three tunes also qualify:

11. “Haunted House” ([Jumpin' Gene Simmons]); 12. “Maybelline” ([Johnny Rivers]); 13. “Baby I Need Your Loving” ([Four Tops]).

The following two do put an end to the rock list: 14. “We'll Sing in the Sunshine” ([Gale Garnett]) and 15. “Everybody Loves Somebody” ([Dean Martin]).


DEAR JERRY: From your archives I discovered Dolores Erickson is the girl on the cover of [Herb Alpert]'s “Whipped Cream and Other Delights” album.

What I cannot find anywhere is the name of the leggy flight attendant serving Alpert a drink, while sitting on the wing of a biplane, on “Going Places.”

Who is this dish?
—Mary Sterling, Austin, Texas


DEAR MARY: This model never received the publicity Erickson, probably because “Going Places” came out right after “Whipped Cream,” a tough act for any model to follow.

Herb's label name, [l=A&M], stands for Alpert and (Jerry) Moss, and, according to Dolores Erickson, the eye-catching attendant serving Alpert is another Moss — Sandra, then the wife of Jerry.


IZ ZAT SO? In recent years, most of the best-selling hits are some form of modern rock or urban sounds. Still, something from another genre occasionally sneaks into the Top 10.

This week's stray in the Top 10 herd is country singer [Taylor Swift], with “You Belong with Me.”

It is also the only one of the bunch I could suffer through long enough to be categorized.

Copyright 2009 Osbourne Enterprises- Reprinted By Permission

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

Toll-Free: (800) 246-3255

"Rockin Records" END OF THE YEAR SALE - call with the code "CVR" and receive $10 off your purchase

http://www.jerryosborne.com/

Jerry Osborne's "Rockin' Records" has long been the most popular record guide. Now with 1,104 pages, it is by far the biggest record guide we've ever made. It is regarded throughout the industry as the best available guide, and it is the one accepted by all the major insurance companies.

Call today with the code "CVR" to receive your discount!

AC/DC: 'Backtracks' Ultimate Box-Set Details Revealed

Columbia Records and Albert Productions has announced the release of "Backtracks", the ultimate AC/DC collector's experience, available Tuesday, November 10.

Arriving in two distinctly different fan-friendly editions, "Backtracks" spans the length and breadth of AC/DC's career, bringing together rare songs, hard-to-find live performances and the long-awaited debut of "Family Jewels Disc 3", a DVD showcasing the group's music videos, live performances, and promotional clips from 1992-2009. (The original double-disc "Family Jewels" was named 2005's "DVD of the Year" by the U.K.'s Classic Rock magazine while the RIAA certified the collection 10x platinum for sales in excess of 1 million copies in the U.S. alone.)

Manufactured in an exclusive run limited to 50,000 pieces, the deluxe collector's edition of "Backtracks" includes a CD of studio rarities, two CDs of live rarities, the "Family Jewels Disc 3" DVD, the "Live at the Circus Krone" DVD, a front-row immersion in the band's scorching 2003 club show in Munich, Germany, and a 12" long-playing album, struck in 180 gram vinyl, of hard-to-find studio tracks. The limited-edition "Backtracks" includes a five-disc media carrier to house and transport the set's three CDs and two DVDs.

In addition the deluxe collector's edition comes with a 164-page coffee table book and an Original Memorabilia Reproductions Envelope containing an astounding array of facsimiles including the "I DO IT FOR AC/DC" button (the band's very first tour merch), the 1976 "Lock Up Your Daughters" tour flyer, the "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" recording track sheet, a 2' x 3' 1977 "Let There Be Rock" European tour poster, a Bon Scott parrot tattoo replica, an AC/DC logo guitar pick, an Australian "Money Talks" dollar, three black-and-white fine art lithographs of never-before-seen photos of the band in the Alberts Studio in 1977 and more.

The AC/DC deluxe collector's edition of "Backtracks" comes housed in a fully operational AC/DC guitar amplifier. The limited and numbered deluxe collector's edition of "Backtracks" will be available direct-to-consumers exclusively through the web site ACDCBacktracks.com with full details on pre-ordering going live on the site on Tuesday, September 29.

The three-disc standard version of "Backtracks" distills the electrifying essence of the deluxe set into one CD of studio rarities, one CD of hard-to-find live tracks, and the indispensable "Family Jewels Disc 3" DVD.

AC/DC Backtracks Sneak Peek Sept. 29



What you get with AC/DC "Backtracks" Deluxe Collector's Edition:

Collector's Edition Box-Set:

The 12"x12"x4" (30cm*30cm*10cm) exterior box is designed to resemble a vintage AC/DC guitar amp — complete with the original logo that was spray-painted onto the rear of Angus and Malcolm Young's speaker cabinets in 1975. The "head" of the amp has a handle that lifts the top off to reveal the contents housed within. Oh yeah, the head is also a WORKING GUITAR AMPLIFIER! That's right, one watt of pure AC/DC makes this box a truly unique collector's item. You can PLAY the box set while LISTENING TO the box set! Check out the videos of Angus using the amp.

3 CDs:

CD 1 – Studio Rarities

This CD, for the first time, collects AC/DC's studio rarities, many on CD for the first time. These are all of the songs that the band recorded throughout their career that appeared on Australian-only LP releases, movie soundtracks, 7" and 12" single releases, and CD "tour editions", etc. 12 of the 18 tracks are completely unique songs that have all been remastered to match the unparalleled sound quality of the rest of the Columbia AC/DC catalog reissues. The other 6 tracks are the original versions of classic AC/DC songs previously only available on the original Australian albums. Some restore seconds to the original fades, others restore guitar solos and choruses. All are highly sought-after collectibles and have never sounded this good!

CDs 2 & 3 – Live Rarities

Like CD 1, this is a collection of the band's live rarities from singles, CD pros, compilations and other oddities. All have been remastered from original sources for optimum sound quality.

2 DVDs:

"Family Jewels" Disc 3

Picking up where the original 2DVD "Family Jewels" set leaves off (1991), "Family Jewels" Disc Three begins with "Big Gun" the theme song to the motion picture "Last Action Hero" — itself a rarity on CD 1 – the first time on any AC/DC album! You also get all three music videos from the "Ballbreaker" album, three from "Stiff Upper Lip" and the most recent clips for "Rock N Roll Train" and "Anything Goes" from the #1 album "Black Ice". But there's more! Several clips from the original "Family Jewels" set actually had more than one promotional clip. Here are the alternate versions of those classic videos – all on DVD for the first time.

Live At The Circus Krone 2003:

2003 was a banner year for AC/DC. From their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame to massive European dates with THE ROLLING STONES, the band made several high-profile public appearances (including the SARS concert in Toronto for 200,000!). One run of shows found the band returning to their roots – playing clubs and theaters where they thrilled fans with sweaty, stripped-down shows and even throwing in some rarities they hadn't played in years. This show from Munich, Germany is the epitome of an "inside" look at how powerful the AC/DC show is — without all the bells and whistles of the big arena and stadium shows (well, they did bring the cannons…).

164-Page Coffee Table Book:

164 pages of rare and unseen photos spanning 1974-2009 plus full-size re-prints of original press releases, tour itineraries, tour books, test pressing labels, advertisements and much more. A real history of the band from the inside out. Rare photography includes never-before-seen shots of the band recording at the Albert Music studio on King Street in Sydney with legendary producers Harry Vanda and George Young in 1977. Also tons of unpublished live shots from all over the world.

LP:

The 12 unique studio rarities from CD 1 presented on 180-gram audiophile vinyl, mastered specifically for LP. A classic album in its own right!

For complete track listings, video clips, photos and extensive information, visit ACDCBacktracks.com.

Vinyl Collective News

Help Invest in Vinyl Collective/Suburban Home’s Future

from Virgil Dickerson

Truth be told, 2009 has been a tough year for our small, independent business. I guess every business in America can say the same thing. Instead of scaling things back and burying our heads in the dirt, we have figured out ways to take our business to the next level and make moves that will not only ensure we are around for another 14 years but position ourselves in a manner to help every small band and label help find their releases homes around the world.

This isn’t the first time we have found ourselves in a tough situation and as such, we have constantly evolved what we do at Suburban Home/Vinyl Collective to make things work. How else have we found a way to have been around for 14 years? We are developing a number of new projects that will ensure Vinyl Collective and Suburban Home a long future, but we could use your help in the short term. For a quick word on these projects, we are currently working on:

1. Our equivalent to CD Baby where we help every small band and label out with International distribution. We will soon be in a position to help artists who have a demand for their releases find distribution all over the world (U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, and Japan). We are working out the kinks and getting all of our ducks in a row, but this could be one of the biggest deals in independent music (no exaggeration).

2. Digital Retail Store in the Vinyl Collective store. Our buddy Robb from Limbeck has developed tools that will allow us to sell digital albums in our online store. We plan to launch the store this week and will be offering Flac as well as MP3 Albums at a much lower price than Itunes/Amazon. Expect a huge announcement this week.

3. The Mary Kay / Pampered Chef Pyramid Scheme at Vinyl Collective – I jokingly call it a pyramid scheme as this idea was inspired by Mary Kay and Pampered Chef where people help sell Vinyl Collective/Suburban Home titles in their community to make extra money. It won’t be a scheme though. Do you remember when distros would set up at shows? We want to see this again and will soon be calling upon people all over the world to help us sell our records as well as non-exclusive releases. Can you imagine having 50 to 100 Vinyl Collective representatives selling our records and those of the small labels we buy from? It could revolutionize and uplift our small scene. Sam from Goodcore and I are bouncing ideas off each other to make this work.

4. Used Vinyl Sales in the VC store – this project was put on the back burner for a little while, but we will soon be launching this. The integration of Google Docs into the VC site will help make this run very smoothly.

We need your help. We have come up with a number of ways you can help. Understand that we would love to figure out an easy way to offer stock in Vinyl Collective/Suburban Home so that our friends through music could also be part owners in VC/SH making Vinyl Collective a true Collective. Because of all the red tape involved with the SEC, we are not ready to make that plunge just yet (but maybe sometime in the future). We did, however, come up with a bunch of ways to help us out while helping yourself out:

Vinyl Collective For Life - for $1,000, you will receive every piece of vinyl that we release for as long as we exist. The 10 people who take advantage of this will receive the rarest variant of every 7″, 10″, LP, double LP, and/or boxset we release from here on out. These 10 people will also automatically receive one year’s membership to the VCCC (more on this later) and be enrolled in Suburban Home for Life (more on this later).

Suburban Home For Life – for $100, you will receive every digital release we put out for as long as we are a record label. We tend to release 10 to 12 albums a year so if you think about it, this could pay for itself in one year considering albums cost $10 on Itunes.

Under the Influence subscriptions – I said in the past that I really didn’t want to offer subscriptions of the Under the Influence series as it is a pain in the ass to keep up with, but the more we thought about it, we figured out an organized way to implement this. We will offer 100 subscriptions of the rarest color of volumes 15 through 24 (picked these volumes since we sold subscriptions of 5 through 14 previously).

Vinyl Collective Club Card (the VCCC) – Kind of like how a Costco or Sam’s Club membership works, you become a member of the club which entitles you to special pricing and offers. For $75 per year, you will become a member which entitles you to a VCCC Card, a unique coupon code entitling you to 10 percent off of every order for one year, and special offers for only VCCC members. If you don’t spend over $750 in a calendar year (amount to make the $75 VCCC pay for itself), we will give you a gift certificate for the difference so this will pay for itself no matter what.

I Celebrate Their Entire Catalog Sale (CDs/T-shirt) – We have offered this deal for quite a while but for those of you who prefer their music on CD, you get every in stock CD that Suburban Home has released, an I Celebrate Their Entire Catalog T-shirt, and our next 10 CD releases mailed to you over the course of the next year.

1 of every record we currently carry (a Raffle) – Enter to win 1 copy of every single 7″, 10″, LP, and double LP we carry at Vinyl Collective. This is between 3,000 and 4,000 records valued at between $40,000 to $60,000 depending on the number of records we have in inventory at the time, we select a winner. Instantly have one of the biggest record collections around. We will set up a Kickstarter project as we will need to reach a certain threshold in order to make this work. $3 is the cost of a raffle ticket.

We are hoping to raise over $100,000 to cover some debt, to help us launch these new projects, and to hire a full time music buyer for Vinyl Collective. There comes a time when most small businesses need help to get to that next level. That is where we are right now, but I assure you that this will not only help us, but it will help everyone around us as it is our goal to help the independent music community any way we possibly can.

I feel as though I was put on this Earth as an Independent Music Evangelist. It is hard-wired into my DNA and I cannot imagine doing anything else. I would appreciate your support in helping our little company raise these funds. Please pass this onto others, please post this on your blog or on your Facebook/Myspace pages.

Thanks for your consideration and support of what we do. Your friend through music, Virgil Dickerson

VISIT www.vinylcollective.com AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

Music News & Notes

McCartney CD/DVD Coming In November

Paul McCartney christened Citi Field, the new home of the New York Mets, with a sold-out three-night stand in Flushing, Queens. Those shows will be the focus of an upcoming 2CD/1DVD set titled "Good Evening New York City." Each night’s 33-song, two-hour-and-40-minute hits-filled set was filmed with 15 high-definition cameras, plus an additional 75 flipcams were distributed to the audience to capture all angles of McCartney’s performance. "Good Evening New York City" will be released on November 17th via Hear Music.

The deluxe edition of "Good Evening New York City" will feature both expanded packaging and a bonus DVD of McCartney performing atop the marquee of the Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York on July 15th. While the performance was filmed for Late Show With David Letterman, the DVD will include the performance of some songs that weren’t broadcast.

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

Wolfgang's Vault to Make Over a Thousand Concerts Available For Purchase

Six years ago, a small website launched that streamed concerts from the archives of the late Bill Graham. Wolfgang's Vault came under attack from a number of major artists over the rights to make their performances available over the internet but, over time, the site was able to strike deals with companies and artists.

Since then, Wolfgang's Vault has added the libraries of the King Biscuit Flower Hour, the Silver Eagle Cross Country archive and catalogs from the Record Plant, Dawson Sound, Daytrotter and Noise Pop. Almost every major artist is represented in the archives and, on occasion, shows are made available for download at a reasonable price.

Bill Sagan, CEO and founder of the Vault has now told Billboard that, as of November 1, the concerts available for purchase will grow from the current 500 to over 1,500, including 160 shows by the Grateful Dead along with concerts from artists as diverse as Jimi Hendrix to Aretha Franklin to Dolly Parton.

Sagan told Billboard that the change is "the result of negotiating agreements with performers and record labels that not only acknowledge our ownership of this material but gives us rights to exploit it. The objective is that just about everything we stream we'll be able to download. When we hit November 3, more than half the concerts...will be available for download. By Christmas or slightly after Christmas we'll be closer to three-quarters."

Prices for MP3 files of the shows will be $7.98 and $8.98 while lossless Flac recordings are $11.98 and $12.98. The site will also offer a $48 a year membership that comes with a $50 gift certificates, other discounts and the ability to stream concerts at a higher quality bit rate.

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

U2 Concerts Costly

U2 has sold $300 million in tickets on its current tour but is yet to generate a profit. That's what happens when you are dragging multiple giant claws around the world. According to Pollstar, the tour costs $750,000 a day to keep on the road, even on the days when the group is not performing. There are three complete claws and stages, with one being disassembled in the previous city, one ready for the current show and one being assembled at the next tour stop.

It is expected that the profit point will be reached sometime during the current sting in the U.S.

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

IMMORTAL: 'All Shall Fall' Title Track Available For Streaming

Reunited Norwegian black metallers IMMORTAL have posted the title track of their new album, "All Shall Fall", on their MySpace page.

Pictured below is the limited-edition, box-set version of "All Shall Fall". This box set is only available through Nuclear Blast's mailorder. Here

The box is made of iron, and it's HEAVY! It is limited to 1,000 copies, and contains the digipack, four picture-disc 7" vinyls, a poster flag, a patch and a button.

"All Shall Fall" will be released in North America on October 6 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD, which was issued in Europe on September 25, was recorded at Grieghallen and Abyss studios in Norway and Sweden, respectively.

"All Shall Fall" was made available in the following formats:

* Standard jewelcase CD
* Limited-edition digipack
* Limited-edition 180g vinyl
* Limited-edition picture disc
* Limited-edition box, only available through Nuclear Blast webshop.

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

RJD2 Announces New Album Details

The hip-hop instrumentalist RJD2 hasn't released a solo album since 2007's ill-fated indie pop move The Third Hand, and lately he's mostly been entering our living rooms via his earwormy "Mad Men" theme. But that's about to change. Last month, we reported that RJ has started his own label, RJ's Electrical Connections, and he's in the process of reissuing his back catalog. And come January 19, he'll release his fourth official album, The Colossus, via RJ's Electrical Connections.

The Colossus will alternate between the sample-based approach of his classic debut Deadringer and the live instrumentation of his more recent stuff. And while some tracks are instrumental, he's also recruited a few guest vocalists, including Little Brother rapper Phonte Coleman and Kenna, Malcolm Gladwell's favorite would-be pop star.

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

Cooper Halloween Single

Shock rock veteran Alice Cooper is going to treat us this year with a Halloween single. Keepin' Halloween Alive along with a Karaoke version (Cooperoke). It was scheduled to be made available through iTunes yesterday (Tuesday).