As I reflect on the 'passing' of one of the most intelligent and provacative comedians of all time, I recall all the times he made me laugh. In fact, I have one of his CD's in my machine now, it has been there for weeks. Although I have heard his 'schitck' many, many times, I still find it funny. Kind of like the Three Stooges humor, you knew what was coming, but it made you laugh anyway.
Mr. George Carlin had that gift, he could make anyone laugh...pretty much about anything. And nothing was 'off limits' for this comic genius. Yes, he is coarse and crude, but, as he explains, they are just words. And that is what I will miss the most, his words. May you rest in peace, Mr. Carlin.
I am posting a couple of his more recent "thoughts" and be warned, it will contain language that some will consder offensive:
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
This Date In Music History- June 22
Birthdays:
Jesus Jones vocalist, Mike Edwards, has a birthday (1964).
Happy birthday to a Barenaked Lady, Stephen Page who was born in 1970.
INXS bassist Garry Gary Beers was born in 1957.
Vern Allison, tenor with the Dells, was born in Chicago in 1936.
Peter Asher of Peter & Gordon ("Woman") is 64.
Country outlaw and Rhodes scholar Kris Kristofferson was born in Brownsville, Texas in 1936. Besides acting opposite Barbara Streisand, he wrote the Johnny Cash masterpiece, "Sunday Morning Coming Down" as well as the legendary “Me And Bobby Mcgee.”
Todd Rundgren ("Hello It's Me") is 60.
Howard Kaylan was born in New York in 1947. He became famous as the latter half of Flo & Eddie, the lead singers of the Turtles. That's also him you hear singing backing vocals on Bruce Springsteen's "Hungry Heart."
Jimmy Castor, who recorded such novelty favorites as "Troglodyte (Cave Man)" and "The Bertha Butt Boogie," was also born in New York in 1947.
History:
In Paris France, 32 year old Adolphe Sax, a Belgian musician and musical instrument designer, patents the saxophone in 1846. Sax continued to make instruments throughout his life, however, rival instrument makers challenged the legitimacy of his patents and initiated a campaign of litigation against him and his company, driving him into bankruptcy twice, in 1856 and 1873.
Corinthian "Kripp" Johnson of the Dell-Vikings ("Whispering Bells"), died of prostate cancer in 1990.
Mark David Chapman pleaded guilty to murdering John Lennon in December of 1980 and was sentenced to 20-years-to-life in prison. The most hated man in Rock and Roll history was denied parole at his first hearing in October of 2000 and again in October 2002, October 2004 and October 2006. He is still in New York's Attica state prison. Idiot.
Elvis Presley's "Wild In The Country" movie opened nationally in 1961.
At a recording session in Hamburg in 1961, the Beatles layed down the tracks "Ain't She Sweet," "Cry for a Shadow," "When the Saints Go Marching In," "Why," "Nobody's Child," and "My Bonnie."
In 1963, Little Stevie Wonder's "Fingertips, Part 2" became the first live single to go to No. 1.
Jimi Hendrix's handwritten lyrics to "Room Full of Mirrors" sold for $35,200 at a New York auction in 1991.
Blind Faith's first and only LP was released in 1969.
The Safaris' "Wipe Out" was released in the US in 1963. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 two weeks later and reached #2. The same record would be re-issued in 1966 and climb to #16.
After placing 17 instrumental singles on Billboard's Hot 100, Herb Alpert's initial vocal attempt, "This Guy's In Love With You" became his first number one hit in 1968. The song reached #3 in the UK.
Mason Williams' "Classical Gas" was released in 1968. It entered the Billboard charts three weeks later and reached #2 on the Pop chart and #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The record has since received more US radio airplay than any other instrumental in Rock history.
Linkin Park's "Minutes To Midnight" is certified platinum by the RIAA in 2007, the record-industry organization. The album takes less than a month to hit the 1 million-sales mark. The single "What I've Done" tops both the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks and the Hot Modern Rock Tracks charts.
Both The Beatles and Grand Funk Railroad played NY’s Shea Stadium (home of the Mets) but Billy Joel is the first Rock performer to appear in concert at Yankee Stadium in 1990.
At New York's Madison Square Garden in 1975, Eric Clapton joined the Rolling Stones onstage to jam on "Sympathy for the Devil."
"Sky Pilot,” by Eric Burdon and the Animals, entered the Top Forty in 1968. It is the Animals’ last Top Forty hit in the U.S. and one of my all-time favorites
Jesus Jones vocalist, Mike Edwards, has a birthday (1964).
Happy birthday to a Barenaked Lady, Stephen Page who was born in 1970.
INXS bassist Garry Gary Beers was born in 1957.
Vern Allison, tenor with the Dells, was born in Chicago in 1936.
Peter Asher of Peter & Gordon ("Woman") is 64.
Country outlaw and Rhodes scholar Kris Kristofferson was born in Brownsville, Texas in 1936. Besides acting opposite Barbara Streisand, he wrote the Johnny Cash masterpiece, "Sunday Morning Coming Down" as well as the legendary “Me And Bobby Mcgee.”
Todd Rundgren ("Hello It's Me") is 60.
Howard Kaylan was born in New York in 1947. He became famous as the latter half of Flo & Eddie, the lead singers of the Turtles. That's also him you hear singing backing vocals on Bruce Springsteen's "Hungry Heart."
Jimmy Castor, who recorded such novelty favorites as "Troglodyte (Cave Man)" and "The Bertha Butt Boogie," was also born in New York in 1947.
History:
In Paris France, 32 year old Adolphe Sax, a Belgian musician and musical instrument designer, patents the saxophone in 1846. Sax continued to make instruments throughout his life, however, rival instrument makers challenged the legitimacy of his patents and initiated a campaign of litigation against him and his company, driving him into bankruptcy twice, in 1856 and 1873.
Corinthian "Kripp" Johnson of the Dell-Vikings ("Whispering Bells"), died of prostate cancer in 1990.
Mark David Chapman pleaded guilty to murdering John Lennon in December of 1980 and was sentenced to 20-years-to-life in prison. The most hated man in Rock and Roll history was denied parole at his first hearing in October of 2000 and again in October 2002, October 2004 and October 2006. He is still in New York's Attica state prison. Idiot.
Elvis Presley's "Wild In The Country" movie opened nationally in 1961.
At a recording session in Hamburg in 1961, the Beatles layed down the tracks "Ain't She Sweet," "Cry for a Shadow," "When the Saints Go Marching In," "Why," "Nobody's Child," and "My Bonnie."
In 1963, Little Stevie Wonder's "Fingertips, Part 2" became the first live single to go to No. 1.
Jimi Hendrix's handwritten lyrics to "Room Full of Mirrors" sold for $35,200 at a New York auction in 1991.
Blind Faith's first and only LP was released in 1969.
The Safaris' "Wipe Out" was released in the US in 1963. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 two weeks later and reached #2. The same record would be re-issued in 1966 and climb to #16.
After placing 17 instrumental singles on Billboard's Hot 100, Herb Alpert's initial vocal attempt, "This Guy's In Love With You" became his first number one hit in 1968. The song reached #3 in the UK.
Mason Williams' "Classical Gas" was released in 1968. It entered the Billboard charts three weeks later and reached #2 on the Pop chart and #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The record has since received more US radio airplay than any other instrumental in Rock history.
Linkin Park's "Minutes To Midnight" is certified platinum by the RIAA in 2007, the record-industry organization. The album takes less than a month to hit the 1 million-sales mark. The single "What I've Done" tops both the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks and the Hot Modern Rock Tracks charts.
Both The Beatles and Grand Funk Railroad played NY’s Shea Stadium (home of the Mets) but Billy Joel is the first Rock performer to appear in concert at Yankee Stadium in 1990.
At New York's Madison Square Garden in 1975, Eric Clapton joined the Rolling Stones onstage to jam on "Sympathy for the Devil."
"Sky Pilot,” by Eric Burdon and the Animals, entered the Top Forty in 1968. It is the Animals’ last Top Forty hit in the U.S. and one of my all-time favorites
Saturday, June 21, 2008
The Power Of Vinyl!
Vinyl records reunite old sweethearts
By AP Press wire
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. -- They fell in love in 1942 but lost touch after Don Spooner went to war.
Spooner, then 21, and Shirley Brown, then 17, spent a last day together on the shore of Lake Michigan and he took a photo of "Shirl" sitting on the sand.
"We talked about getting engaged before I went overseas, but if I came home without an arm or a leg, it wouldn't be fair to her," he said.
He was gone for three years. Brown married another man and the two never spoke for six decades. Until now.
Spooner's memories were revived last month when he found two 78 rpm records in his old army trunk. Spooner said his parents had decided the recordings would be a great way to send their voices to him.
But Spooner couldn't find a phonograph to play them while overseas. So he didn't listen to them.
But after finding the records again, he was curious to hear the sounds if only he could find a machine to play them.
Spooner, 87, a widower, mentioned his dilemma at the car dealership where he works as a part-time driver.
Co-worker Robb Szymik used a record player and computer to put them on a CD. Spooner could hear his parents, Brown and others talking and singing.
"I went through a half a box of Kleenex," Spooner said. "All the voices were just as I remembered them."
He figured Brown also would love to hear them. He used an alumni directory to track her down. The two plan to meet tomorrow.
"I can't believe all this," Spooner said. "It's all because of the records."
By AP Press wire
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. -- They fell in love in 1942 but lost touch after Don Spooner went to war.
Spooner, then 21, and Shirley Brown, then 17, spent a last day together on the shore of Lake Michigan and he took a photo of "Shirl" sitting on the sand.
"We talked about getting engaged before I went overseas, but if I came home without an arm or a leg, it wouldn't be fair to her," he said.
He was gone for three years. Brown married another man and the two never spoke for six decades. Until now.
Spooner's memories were revived last month when he found two 78 rpm records in his old army trunk. Spooner said his parents had decided the recordings would be a great way to send their voices to him.
But Spooner couldn't find a phonograph to play them while overseas. So he didn't listen to them.
But after finding the records again, he was curious to hear the sounds if only he could find a machine to play them.
Spooner, 87, a widower, mentioned his dilemma at the car dealership where he works as a part-time driver.
Co-worker Robb Szymik used a record player and computer to put them on a CD. Spooner could hear his parents, Brown and others talking and singing.
"I went through a half a box of Kleenex," Spooner said. "All the voices were just as I remembered them."
He figured Brown also would love to hear them. He used an alumni directory to track her down. The two plan to meet tomorrow.
"I can't believe all this," Spooner said. "It's all because of the records."
Friday, June 20, 2008
sgt pepper fans warned about the 'record collecting gene'
New site seeks to forewarn potential music widows.
To mark the fortieth anniversary of Britain’s all time favourite album, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (released on June 1, 1967), online record collecting superstore 911.com is issuing a warning aimed at the hundreds of thousands of music fans whose taste has been in some way influenced by the seminal Beatles album.
Newly published, independent psychological research suggests that men aged between 25and 45 who are into music featuring ‘proper’ bands with guitars are most at risk from something termed ‘the record collecting gene.’
If allowed to go unchecked, record collecting can cost the addict tens of thousands of pounds and, in extreme cases, their marriage / relationship - potentially creating a nation of music widows.
Using interviews with record collectors, chartered psychologist, Professor Alex Gardner, built a profile of a typical record collector. His in-depth study identified several key attributes and behaviours to help create a portrait of the type of person most at risk of developing from being a simple music lover to vinyl junkie.
According to the research conducted by Professor Gardner, the group most at risk consists of:
· Men, aged between 25 and 45 who are into "proper bands with guitars"
· These men are likely to assign more importance to music than the car that they drive and even the clothes that they wear - for instance he’ll put more effort into choosing the music for a dinner party than what he is actually wearing when his friends come round
· They are likely to arrange their records and CDs alphabetically and will take care to keep them apart from any other music in the house (or flat)
· In addition, they’ll have a tendency towards what they refers to as ‘the good old days’, often citing early incarnations of the likes of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, The Jam, The Clash, The Smiths and Oasis as the only ones worthy of contemplation
· Even in the age of digital downloads, they remain perfectly happy buying their music on records and CDs even though they may carry much of it around on their iPod
Professor Gardner stated: "My findings show that record collectors would rather forgo holidays, cars and even clothing rather than have anything happen to their precious collection. One married respondent even said he’d rather lose his wife than part with his records."
"Some collectors spend over £2,000 a month on their habit - readily admitting it is more than a hobby - and talk about it in terms of the affective domain or feeling component as distinct from the cognitive or thinking one. In other words they let it rule their heart rather than their head."
The research was commissioned by 991.com, the world’s largest single source of rare vinyl, CDs and music memorabilia. 991.com felt it had a duty of care to music fans and their partners to highlight those people most likely to succumb to such a potentially addictive and expensive habit.
The British company has now posted this portrait, together with a suitable warning, on the site’s homepage.
Source: http://991.com/
Who is in the famous and legendary cover Sgt. Pepper? Visit here to find out the 'players':
http://math.mercyhurst.edu/~griff/sgtpepper/people.html
New Vinyl Releases
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!
Cream - Fresh Cream
Cream - Wheels of Fire
Cure - Faith
Cure - Pornography
Cure - Three Imaginary Boys
Hawkwind - Space Ritual Sundown, Volume 2
Madonna - Confessions on a Dance Floor
Jonathan Richman- Because Her Beauty is Raw & Wild
Who - Who Sell Out
Columbia Records to Release 'David Gilmour Live In Gdansk' -- Double Live Album and Concert DVD Available On September 16, 2008 Featuring Pink Floyd Songs Never Previously Performed Live with Orchestra
David Gilmour Live In Gdansk (Vinyl) -- 5 LP Box Set and 20-page
booklet, plus web-pass to download the album, features:
The full Live In Gdansk concert including 'Wot's...Uh The Deal?,' plus
extra audio tracks that include two of the private recording sessions
known as the 'Barn Jams.'
Cream - Fresh Cream
Cream - Wheels of Fire
Cure - Faith
Cure - Pornography
Cure - Three Imaginary Boys
Hawkwind - Space Ritual Sundown, Volume 2
Madonna - Confessions on a Dance Floor
Jonathan Richman- Because Her Beauty is Raw & Wild
Who - Who Sell Out
Columbia Records to Release 'David Gilmour Live In Gdansk' -- Double Live Album and Concert DVD Available On September 16, 2008 Featuring Pink Floyd Songs Never Previously Performed Live with Orchestra
David Gilmour Live In Gdansk (Vinyl) -- 5 LP Box Set and 20-page
booklet, plus web-pass to download the album, features:
The full Live In Gdansk concert including 'Wot's...Uh The Deal?,' plus
extra audio tracks that include two of the private recording sessions
known as the 'Barn Jams.'
This Date In Music History- June 20
Birthdays:
Creative genius Beach Boy Brian Wilson was born in 1942. As songwriter, arranger, singer and musician he creates some incredible Rock ‘n’ Roll but at an extreme personal and professional price.
Duran Duran bassist, John Taylor (Nigel John Taylor), starts life in Birmingham, England in 1960.
Anne Murray was born in Springhill, Nova Scotia in 1945.
Cyndi Lauper has a birthday today (1953).
Lionel Richie also has a birthday today (1949).
Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony was born in Chicago in 1955.
The late Chet Atkins (country star and guitarist on many early Elvis Presley recordings) was born in 1924.
Billy Guy was born in 1936.
History:
Bob Dylan and the Band release the live album Before the Flood in 1974.
In 1980, Billy Joel went to No. 1 with "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me." It was his first chart-topper.
Toast Of The Town, which would later be called The Ed Sullivan Show, premiered on CBS-TV in 1948. The first telecast was produced on a meager budget of $1,375. Only $375 was allocated for talent and $200 of that was shared by the young stars of that night's program, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.
The 3 day Newport '69 Festival started in Northridge, California in 1969. 150,000 make it to hear Jimi Hendrix, Joe Cocker, CCR, Ike & Tina Turner, Jethro Tull, The Rascals, Steppenwolf and others. Hendrix receives $125,000 for his appearance, at the time it was the highest fee ever paid to a single rock act for a single appearance.
Also in 1969, David Bowie signed with Philips Records and then entered Trident Studios in London to record "Space Oddity".
On June 20th 1972, the Tallahatchie Bridge, made famous in Bobbie Gentry's "Ode To Billie Joe,” collapsed.
Neil Diamond appeared on the 20th anniversary show of American Bandstand in 1973, along with Little Richard, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Cheech and Chong and Three Dog Night.
In 1995, a judge in Los Angeles awarded ownership of the Kingsmen's recordings to the group itself and away from Scepter-Wand Records. The court ruled that the company breached its contract by not paying the Kingsmen their proper royalties. The main song in question was "Louie, Louie", recorded in 1963.
Lawrence Payton of the Four Tops died on June 20, 1997 of liver cancer at his home in Southfield, Michigan. He was 59.
June 20, 2004, marked the 3000th time that Paul McCartney took to the stage as a professional musician. He had performed 2,535 concerts with the Quarrymen and the Beatles, 140 gigs with Wings and 325 solo shows.
Claydes Charles Smith, a co-founder and lead guitarist of Kool & the Gang died on June 20, 2006 after a long illness. He was 57.
In 2006, the BBC announced they are axing their flagship music program Top of the Pops. The show debuted in 1964, with The Rolling Stones singing "I Wanna be Your Man."
The Byrds' folk-rock version of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man" will spend a week at the top of the charts in 1965.
After topping record charts around the world, a medley of hits credited to Stars On 45 reaches number one in America in 1981.
Neil Young’s “Cinnamon Girl” goes gold in 1970.
Creative genius Beach Boy Brian Wilson was born in 1942. As songwriter, arranger, singer and musician he creates some incredible Rock ‘n’ Roll but at an extreme personal and professional price.
Duran Duran bassist, John Taylor (Nigel John Taylor), starts life in Birmingham, England in 1960.
Anne Murray was born in Springhill, Nova Scotia in 1945.
Cyndi Lauper has a birthday today (1953).
Lionel Richie also has a birthday today (1949).
Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony was born in Chicago in 1955.
The late Chet Atkins (country star and guitarist on many early Elvis Presley recordings) was born in 1924.
Billy Guy was born in 1936.
History:
Bob Dylan and the Band release the live album Before the Flood in 1974.
In 1980, Billy Joel went to No. 1 with "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me." It was his first chart-topper.
Toast Of The Town, which would later be called The Ed Sullivan Show, premiered on CBS-TV in 1948. The first telecast was produced on a meager budget of $1,375. Only $375 was allocated for talent and $200 of that was shared by the young stars of that night's program, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.
The 3 day Newport '69 Festival started in Northridge, California in 1969. 150,000 make it to hear Jimi Hendrix, Joe Cocker, CCR, Ike & Tina Turner, Jethro Tull, The Rascals, Steppenwolf and others. Hendrix receives $125,000 for his appearance, at the time it was the highest fee ever paid to a single rock act for a single appearance.
Also in 1969, David Bowie signed with Philips Records and then entered Trident Studios in London to record "Space Oddity".
On June 20th 1972, the Tallahatchie Bridge, made famous in Bobbie Gentry's "Ode To Billie Joe,” collapsed.
Neil Diamond appeared on the 20th anniversary show of American Bandstand in 1973, along with Little Richard, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Cheech and Chong and Three Dog Night.
In 1995, a judge in Los Angeles awarded ownership of the Kingsmen's recordings to the group itself and away from Scepter-Wand Records. The court ruled that the company breached its contract by not paying the Kingsmen their proper royalties. The main song in question was "Louie, Louie", recorded in 1963.
Lawrence Payton of the Four Tops died on June 20, 1997 of liver cancer at his home in Southfield, Michigan. He was 59.
June 20, 2004, marked the 3000th time that Paul McCartney took to the stage as a professional musician. He had performed 2,535 concerts with the Quarrymen and the Beatles, 140 gigs with Wings and 325 solo shows.
Claydes Charles Smith, a co-founder and lead guitarist of Kool & the Gang died on June 20, 2006 after a long illness. He was 57.
In 2006, the BBC announced they are axing their flagship music program Top of the Pops. The show debuted in 1964, with The Rolling Stones singing "I Wanna be Your Man."
The Byrds' folk-rock version of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man" will spend a week at the top of the charts in 1965.
After topping record charts around the world, a medley of hits credited to Stars On 45 reaches number one in America in 1981.
Neil Young’s “Cinnamon Girl” goes gold in 1970.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The Tear Jar
I received a call from DJ Tom over at www.ilike2rock.net and he was very excited to tell me about a local (he lives in PA) project that he has just added to the radio station. Read about the new musical below and if you love Blues music, I encourage you to visit the site and give a listen to some fresh, new Blues music that is bound to thrill your ears. I can see this production heading for Broadway in the near future, and you can here the music first!
The Tear Jar
An Explosion Of Blues Music
written by Robert Benson
Anyone who has ever listened to the “Blues” knows that it is more than just music, but an inspiration, an unfolding of the emotions that we all feel. From Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon and many other influential Blues legends, to the more contemporary Blues artists such as Robert Cray, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Blues music has and always be a part of out musical heritage.
Capturing the essence and spirit that the Blues represent is a novel “Blues Musical” called “The Tear Jar.” Not focusing on a particular band or individual, the “Tear Jar” instead is a collaboration and meeting of the minds of many talented people including producer Chris Bravacos, song writer Robert Welch, audio engineer Frank Silver and writer Jerry King Musser.
Blended into the musical are the rare talents of musicians such as: industry veteran Diane Wilson (singing the character of Savannah), talented Bluesman Don Johnson (singing the character of Mason Ball), Blues guitar virtuoso Jared James Nichols (singing the character of JD Hunter), Jazz sensation Rose Hudson (singing the part of Chandra), veteran Gospel singer Eugene Barclift (playing the character of Stubs) and Soul Music vet Charles Lee (as the Preacher), among others.
To set up the story, one needs to know what a ‘tear jar’ is and what it represents. In ancient cultures, water was a prized possession and giving up water from one’s own body, in the form of tears, was considered a personal sacrifice. They would catch their precious tears in tiny pitchers or ‘tear jars.” The ‘saved’ tears could then be used to ward off evil or to help a sick child. The writer takes this belief and implements into the storyline and applies it to the infectious Blues songs that encompass and define the musical. Here is a brief synopsis of the story:
“Seasoned, itinerant blues man, Mason Ball, returns to The Blue Rose, a club in which he enjoys playing, with an owner he deeply 'admires.' Upon his arrival, he's surprised to discover that a 'new kid in town' has claimed the stage and attention of an appreciative audience. This young upstart, one JD Hunter, is unwilling to relinquish the limelight and makes it clear that the 'old blues' is dead. To add to the tension, Mason's private love interest shares with him a serious, personal loss. Frustrated with his inability to appease her emotional pain, Mason dips his finger into a jar of tears given him by his recently departed mother and touches her with the potion. This act, apparently, manifests in wondrous results... relieving her of her anguish. Mason doubts his healing powers, yet can't dismiss the changes he seems to have made. When word gets out, the audience demands Mason's appearance onstage and seem to come for his 'gift of healing' as much as his gift of song. JD challenges Mason's abilities, those both spiritual and musical. When a plan to expose Mason backfires, JD Hunter learns what it's like to be on the receiving end of 'the gift.' But, gift or not, the characters in this story find themselves at a new place in their lives after discovering life's potential magic is available to anyone.”
I have not seen the production, but have listened to some of the music and was overjoyed to hear a dizzying array of crisp, fresh Blues cuts that are certain to be standards and will have die-hard Blues fans clamoring for more.
“When Does The Healing Begin” is full of Gospel-fueled licks and superb vocals that fuses the Blues and Gospel in an explosion of sound. The cut called “The Magic,” like any great Blues song, just bleeds emotion, from the growling vocals and the Stevie Ray Vaughan-like riffs, yet it still remains achingly tender. “Satisfier” is expertly played and sang, with sultry vocals and is sung with immeasurable passion and strength. “I’m Gone,” is bound to become a classic blues rocker, tight and structured, and just compels you to bob your head or tap your foot with melodic adventure. “Stormbringer” perfectly fuses Soul and Blues music, with impassioned vocals and stellar guitar and organ work.
“The Tear Jar” is bound to become an instant classic Blues production, with fresh Blues music for all fans of the genre, who are sure to be pleased with the efforts of all the performers and everyone who is involved with this wondrous project. In its beginning stages, “The Tear Jar” has a performance slated for the Sunoco Performance Theater on Thursday, August 7 and Friday August 8, 2008 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. And with an intriguing storyline, a stellar cast and new Blues standards, it will soon make a bold impression in the music world and specifically Blues music.
To learn more about this inventive project and learn more about the players visit:
www.tearjar.com
The Tear Jar
An Explosion Of Blues Music
written by Robert Benson
Anyone who has ever listened to the “Blues” knows that it is more than just music, but an inspiration, an unfolding of the emotions that we all feel. From Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon and many other influential Blues legends, to the more contemporary Blues artists such as Robert Cray, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Blues music has and always be a part of out musical heritage.
Capturing the essence and spirit that the Blues represent is a novel “Blues Musical” called “The Tear Jar.” Not focusing on a particular band or individual, the “Tear Jar” instead is a collaboration and meeting of the minds of many talented people including producer Chris Bravacos, song writer Robert Welch, audio engineer Frank Silver and writer Jerry King Musser.
Blended into the musical are the rare talents of musicians such as: industry veteran Diane Wilson (singing the character of Savannah), talented Bluesman Don Johnson (singing the character of Mason Ball), Blues guitar virtuoso Jared James Nichols (singing the character of JD Hunter), Jazz sensation Rose Hudson (singing the part of Chandra), veteran Gospel singer Eugene Barclift (playing the character of Stubs) and Soul Music vet Charles Lee (as the Preacher), among others.
To set up the story, one needs to know what a ‘tear jar’ is and what it represents. In ancient cultures, water was a prized possession and giving up water from one’s own body, in the form of tears, was considered a personal sacrifice. They would catch their precious tears in tiny pitchers or ‘tear jars.” The ‘saved’ tears could then be used to ward off evil or to help a sick child. The writer takes this belief and implements into the storyline and applies it to the infectious Blues songs that encompass and define the musical. Here is a brief synopsis of the story:
“Seasoned, itinerant blues man, Mason Ball, returns to The Blue Rose, a club in which he enjoys playing, with an owner he deeply 'admires.' Upon his arrival, he's surprised to discover that a 'new kid in town' has claimed the stage and attention of an appreciative audience. This young upstart, one JD Hunter, is unwilling to relinquish the limelight and makes it clear that the 'old blues' is dead. To add to the tension, Mason's private love interest shares with him a serious, personal loss. Frustrated with his inability to appease her emotional pain, Mason dips his finger into a jar of tears given him by his recently departed mother and touches her with the potion. This act, apparently, manifests in wondrous results... relieving her of her anguish. Mason doubts his healing powers, yet can't dismiss the changes he seems to have made. When word gets out, the audience demands Mason's appearance onstage and seem to come for his 'gift of healing' as much as his gift of song. JD challenges Mason's abilities, those both spiritual and musical. When a plan to expose Mason backfires, JD Hunter learns what it's like to be on the receiving end of 'the gift.' But, gift or not, the characters in this story find themselves at a new place in their lives after discovering life's potential magic is available to anyone.”
I have not seen the production, but have listened to some of the music and was overjoyed to hear a dizzying array of crisp, fresh Blues cuts that are certain to be standards and will have die-hard Blues fans clamoring for more.
“When Does The Healing Begin” is full of Gospel-fueled licks and superb vocals that fuses the Blues and Gospel in an explosion of sound. The cut called “The Magic,” like any great Blues song, just bleeds emotion, from the growling vocals and the Stevie Ray Vaughan-like riffs, yet it still remains achingly tender. “Satisfier” is expertly played and sang, with sultry vocals and is sung with immeasurable passion and strength. “I’m Gone,” is bound to become a classic blues rocker, tight and structured, and just compels you to bob your head or tap your foot with melodic adventure. “Stormbringer” perfectly fuses Soul and Blues music, with impassioned vocals and stellar guitar and organ work.
“The Tear Jar” is bound to become an instant classic Blues production, with fresh Blues music for all fans of the genre, who are sure to be pleased with the efforts of all the performers and everyone who is involved with this wondrous project. In its beginning stages, “The Tear Jar” has a performance slated for the Sunoco Performance Theater on Thursday, August 7 and Friday August 8, 2008 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. And with an intriguing storyline, a stellar cast and new Blues standards, it will soon make a bold impression in the music world and specifically Blues music.
To learn more about this inventive project and learn more about the players visit:
www.tearjar.com
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
This Date In Music History- June 18
Birthdays:
Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men is born in Philadelphia in 1971.
Sandy Posey ("Born A Woman") turns 61.
Tommy Hunt of the Flamingos was born in 1933.
James Paul McCartney was born in Liverpool, England in 1942.
History:
In 1918, Morganfield receives the nickname "Muddy Waters" as a result of his grandmother calling him "little muddy baby" because he liked to play in dirty water puddles and a muddy creek. "Waters" was added later, thus resulting in the moniker Muddy Waters.
In 1967, Jimi Hendrix performed at the Monterey International Pop Festival. Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones introduced him as "the most exciting performer I've ever heard." At the end of his performance, he burns his Fender Stratocaster. "The time I burned my guitar it was like a sacrifice," Jimi said. "You sacrifice the things you love. I love my guitar. I'd just finished painting it that day and was really into it." Literally overnight, the Jimi Hendrix Experience became one of the most popular acts in rock music.
Hank Medress of the Tokens ("The Lion Sleeps Tonight") died from lung cancer in 2007.
In 1977, Fleetwood Mac scored their only Billboard number one hit with "Dreams.” Over the next dozen years, they would reach the Top 40, thirteen more times.
1977- The No. 1 album in the U.K. is The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl, a live album created by splicing together two performances at the venue from 1964 and 1965.
In 1987, a concertgoer sued Motley Crue, claiming that she went deaf because their PA was turned up too loud.
In 1948, Columbia Records began the first mass production of the 33 1/3 RPM LP. The new format could contain a maximum of 23 minutes of music per side, versus the approximately three minutes that could be squeezed on to a 78 RPM disc.
Guitarist Danny Cedrone died in 1954, following a freak stairway fall, just a month after he had recorded the lead on "Rock Around The Clock" with Bill Haley and His Comets.
Our parents were delighted to find out that Frank Sinatra's "Strangers In The Night" overtook The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" as the best selling single in the US in 1966.
Ray Charles' funeral was held at the First AME Church in Los Angeles in 2004. Among the performers at the service are Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, and B.B. King. Also in attendance are Little Richard, Berry Gordy Jr. and Jesse Jackson.
The epic “River Deep Mountain High” was released in 1966. The Ike & Tina Turner’s single, produced by Phil Spector, who considered the record his masterpiece, falls far short of the Top 40 in the U.S. causing a disillusioned Spector to go into semi-retirement. The song does go to #1 in the U.K.
In 1993, A&M Records chairman Jerry Moss and vice-chairman Herb Alpert announced they were leaving the company they founded more than 30 years earlier. They had sold A&M in 1990 to Polygram for about $500-million. Moss and Alpert started the label in the garage of Alpert's Los Angeles home in 1962.
In 1977, the Sex Pistols’ Johnny Rotten gets his face and hands slashed by some thugs who apparently didn’t take to kindly to the group’s U.K. hit “God Save The Queen.”
Rare Earth drummer Peter Hoorelbeke was arrested in 1974, after throwing his drumsticks into the crowd.
R&B legend Fats Domino recorded "I Want to Walk You Home" in New Orleans in 1959.
Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men is born in Philadelphia in 1971.
Sandy Posey ("Born A Woman") turns 61.
Tommy Hunt of the Flamingos was born in 1933.
James Paul McCartney was born in Liverpool, England in 1942.
History:
In 1918, Morganfield receives the nickname "Muddy Waters" as a result of his grandmother calling him "little muddy baby" because he liked to play in dirty water puddles and a muddy creek. "Waters" was added later, thus resulting in the moniker Muddy Waters.
In 1967, Jimi Hendrix performed at the Monterey International Pop Festival. Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones introduced him as "the most exciting performer I've ever heard." At the end of his performance, he burns his Fender Stratocaster. "The time I burned my guitar it was like a sacrifice," Jimi said. "You sacrifice the things you love. I love my guitar. I'd just finished painting it that day and was really into it." Literally overnight, the Jimi Hendrix Experience became one of the most popular acts in rock music.
Hank Medress of the Tokens ("The Lion Sleeps Tonight") died from lung cancer in 2007.
In 1977, Fleetwood Mac scored their only Billboard number one hit with "Dreams.” Over the next dozen years, they would reach the Top 40, thirteen more times.
1977- The No. 1 album in the U.K. is The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl, a live album created by splicing together two performances at the venue from 1964 and 1965.
In 1987, a concertgoer sued Motley Crue, claiming that she went deaf because their PA was turned up too loud.
In 1948, Columbia Records began the first mass production of the 33 1/3 RPM LP. The new format could contain a maximum of 23 minutes of music per side, versus the approximately three minutes that could be squeezed on to a 78 RPM disc.
Guitarist Danny Cedrone died in 1954, following a freak stairway fall, just a month after he had recorded the lead on "Rock Around The Clock" with Bill Haley and His Comets.
Our parents were delighted to find out that Frank Sinatra's "Strangers In The Night" overtook The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" as the best selling single in the US in 1966.
Ray Charles' funeral was held at the First AME Church in Los Angeles in 2004. Among the performers at the service are Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, and B.B. King. Also in attendance are Little Richard, Berry Gordy Jr. and Jesse Jackson.
The epic “River Deep Mountain High” was released in 1966. The Ike & Tina Turner’s single, produced by Phil Spector, who considered the record his masterpiece, falls far short of the Top 40 in the U.S. causing a disillusioned Spector to go into semi-retirement. The song does go to #1 in the U.K.
In 1993, A&M Records chairman Jerry Moss and vice-chairman Herb Alpert announced they were leaving the company they founded more than 30 years earlier. They had sold A&M in 1990 to Polygram for about $500-million. Moss and Alpert started the label in the garage of Alpert's Los Angeles home in 1962.
In 1977, the Sex Pistols’ Johnny Rotten gets his face and hands slashed by some thugs who apparently didn’t take to kindly to the group’s U.K. hit “God Save The Queen.”
Rare Earth drummer Peter Hoorelbeke was arrested in 1974, after throwing his drumsticks into the crowd.
R&B legend Fats Domino recorded "I Want to Walk You Home" in New Orleans in 1959.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Top 5 Vinyl Record eBay Sales
Week Ending 06/07/2008
1) 45rpm - The Larks "My Reverie" / "Let's Say A Prayer" Apollo Red Vinyl - $3,338.88
2) 45rpm - Young Ladies "He's Gone To Another" / "I'm Tired Of Running Around" Stang - $2,819.99
3) 45rpm - Kenny and the Cadets "Barbie" / "What Is A Young Girl Made Of" Randy - $2,606.56
4) 45rpm - Dusty Brooks "Tears And Wine" / "Heaven On Fire" - $2,524.99
5) 45rpm - George Harrison "Love Comes To Everyone" / "Soft Touch" Dark Horse Picture Sleeve - $2,199.00
1) 45rpm - The Larks "My Reverie" / "Let's Say A Prayer" Apollo Red Vinyl - $3,338.88
2) 45rpm - Young Ladies "He's Gone To Another" / "I'm Tired Of Running Around" Stang - $2,819.99
3) 45rpm - Kenny and the Cadets "Barbie" / "What Is A Young Girl Made Of" Randy - $2,606.56
4) 45rpm - Dusty Brooks "Tears And Wine" / "Heaven On Fire" - $2,524.99
5) 45rpm - George Harrison "Love Comes To Everyone" / "Soft Touch" Dark Horse Picture Sleeve - $2,199.00
This Date In Music History- June 16
Birthdays:
Gino Vannelli ("I Just Wanna Stop") is 56.
Songwriter Lamont Dozier (co-wrote most the Supremes' and Four Tops' hits) is 67.
David "Little Caesar" Johnson of Little Caesar & the Romans ("Those Oldies But Goodies") turns 74.
Eddie Levert of the O'Jays was born in Canton, Ohio in 1942.
History:
Over 200,000 people attended the first Monterey Pop Festival this week in 1967. Many of the leading Rock acts of the time appeared, including Otis Redding, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Simon and Garfunkel, Canned Heat, The Mamas and The Papas, The Grateful Dead, Eric Burdon and The Animals, The Association, Booker T. and The MGs, David Crosby, Steve Miller, The Who, Jefferson Airplane and The Byrds. John Phillips, of The Mamas and The Papas would later write, "San Francisco" (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair)" about the festival, which became a big hit for Scott McKenzie.
'Trout Mask Replica,' by Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band, was released in 1969. This avant-garde classic was produced by Frank Zappa and released on his Straight record label.
In 1993, the U.S. Postal Service issued stamps honoring Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Otis Redding, Ritchie Valens, Clyde McPhatter and Dinah Washington.
The Elvis Presley/Nancy Sinatra movie "Speedway" premiered in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1968, where much of it was filmed.
A young woman named Gogi Grant knocked Elvis out of Billboard's number one spot in 1956 with a song called "The Wayward Wind". It was a tune that she recorded almost as an after thought, with just fifteen minutes of studio time remaining. Six weeks later, Elvis would be back on top with "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You".
Also in 1956, Patti Page saw what would be her biggest hit, "Allegheny Moon" enter the Billboard chart, where it would reach #2 during a 22 week run. In all, the Oklahoma native would place sixteen songs in the Top 40 between 1954 and 1965.
Accusing them of harassment during deportation proceedings, John Lennon files a suit against former U.S. Attorneys General John Mitchell and Richard Kleindienst in 1975.
1990- Inexplicably, the Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" goes to No. 1 in the Netherlands 24 years after it was first released.
In 2003, Toto apologized to keyboardist David Paich after claiming he was sitting out their summer tour to get a sex change operation. Paich is actually tending to a sick family member. Guitarist Steve Lukather says he's sorry the joke got out of control. Uh, bad joke.
1970 - Woodstock Ventures, the sponsors of the original Woodstock, announced that they lost more than $1.2 million on the festival.
The New York Jazz Museum opened in 1972.
Herman's Hermits were awarded their first gold record in 1965 for "Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter". The song was originally an album cut that got so much air play, MGM Records released it as a single.
The Rolling Stones were the most powerful Rock act in the world, according to Forbes magazine's 2006 Celebrity 100 list. The band sits at #2 behind actor Tom Cruise, on the survey, which rates stars on their earnings and media visibility during the past year. Other Rock artists ranking on the Celebrity 100 include U2 (#4), Bruce Springsteen (#11) and Paul McCartney (#14).
Pretenders guitarist, 25 year old James Honeyman Scott, died in his sleep in London, England in 1982. The official cause of death is "cocaine related heart failure."
In 1982, Donny Van Zant of .38 Special is arrested on stage in Tulsa, Oklahoma for public drinking. Oops, Tulsa was a dry town.
Snoop Dogg, who has turned recreational smoking into something of a rap career, is stopped in Temecula, Calif. in 2000, after border-patrol officers detect the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A posse member cops to owning the bud, and Snoop is free to play the Up in Smoke tour in San Jose.
Gino Vannelli ("I Just Wanna Stop") is 56.
Songwriter Lamont Dozier (co-wrote most the Supremes' and Four Tops' hits) is 67.
David "Little Caesar" Johnson of Little Caesar & the Romans ("Those Oldies But Goodies") turns 74.
Eddie Levert of the O'Jays was born in Canton, Ohio in 1942.
History:
Over 200,000 people attended the first Monterey Pop Festival this week in 1967. Many of the leading Rock acts of the time appeared, including Otis Redding, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Simon and Garfunkel, Canned Heat, The Mamas and The Papas, The Grateful Dead, Eric Burdon and The Animals, The Association, Booker T. and The MGs, David Crosby, Steve Miller, The Who, Jefferson Airplane and The Byrds. John Phillips, of The Mamas and The Papas would later write, "San Francisco" (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair)" about the festival, which became a big hit for Scott McKenzie.
'Trout Mask Replica,' by Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band, was released in 1969. This avant-garde classic was produced by Frank Zappa and released on his Straight record label.
In 1993, the U.S. Postal Service issued stamps honoring Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Otis Redding, Ritchie Valens, Clyde McPhatter and Dinah Washington.
The Elvis Presley/Nancy Sinatra movie "Speedway" premiered in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1968, where much of it was filmed.
A young woman named Gogi Grant knocked Elvis out of Billboard's number one spot in 1956 with a song called "The Wayward Wind". It was a tune that she recorded almost as an after thought, with just fifteen minutes of studio time remaining. Six weeks later, Elvis would be back on top with "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You".
Also in 1956, Patti Page saw what would be her biggest hit, "Allegheny Moon" enter the Billboard chart, where it would reach #2 during a 22 week run. In all, the Oklahoma native would place sixteen songs in the Top 40 between 1954 and 1965.
Accusing them of harassment during deportation proceedings, John Lennon files a suit against former U.S. Attorneys General John Mitchell and Richard Kleindienst in 1975.
1990- Inexplicably, the Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" goes to No. 1 in the Netherlands 24 years after it was first released.
In 2003, Toto apologized to keyboardist David Paich after claiming he was sitting out their summer tour to get a sex change operation. Paich is actually tending to a sick family member. Guitarist Steve Lukather says he's sorry the joke got out of control. Uh, bad joke.
1970 - Woodstock Ventures, the sponsors of the original Woodstock, announced that they lost more than $1.2 million on the festival.
The New York Jazz Museum opened in 1972.
Herman's Hermits were awarded their first gold record in 1965 for "Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter". The song was originally an album cut that got so much air play, MGM Records released it as a single.
The Rolling Stones were the most powerful Rock act in the world, according to Forbes magazine's 2006 Celebrity 100 list. The band sits at #2 behind actor Tom Cruise, on the survey, which rates stars on their earnings and media visibility during the past year. Other Rock artists ranking on the Celebrity 100 include U2 (#4), Bruce Springsteen (#11) and Paul McCartney (#14).
Pretenders guitarist, 25 year old James Honeyman Scott, died in his sleep in London, England in 1982. The official cause of death is "cocaine related heart failure."
In 1982, Donny Van Zant of .38 Special is arrested on stage in Tulsa, Oklahoma for public drinking. Oops, Tulsa was a dry town.
Snoop Dogg, who has turned recreational smoking into something of a rap career, is stopped in Temecula, Calif. in 2000, after border-patrol officers detect the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A posse member cops to owning the bud, and Snoop is free to play the Up in Smoke tour in San Jose.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
New Vinyl Releases:
New Vinyl Releases:
DEF LEPPARD will release the second single from the "Songs From The Sparkle Lounge" album, "C'Mon C'Mon", on July 14. The single, which will be released only on 12" vinyl picture disc, is available for pre-order from Amazon.com.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE CURE have released 'Freakshow', the second single from their new studio album, today (June 13th).
The band are releasing a new single of the 13th of every month in the run-up to the release of their as-yet-untitled album on September 13th.
Like last month's single,'The Only One', 'Freakshow' is available as a digital download, CD and 7” vinyl and comes backed with the b-side, 'All Kinds of Stuff'.
Details of the next two singles from the album are expected to be announced shortly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JUDAS PRIEST unveils "Nostradamus" (Epic), the veteran U.K. metal act's 16th studio album -- and its first concept work. The double-disc set, due internationally June 16 and one day later in the United States, tells the story of 16th-century prophet Michel de Nostredame, better-known as Nostradamus.
The set is the second album since Halford returned to the band in 2003 after doing other musical projects for 12 years.
"Nostradamus" is available in three configurations. Fans can buy the regular version of "Nostradamus" in a jewel case with a 20-page artwork booklet designed in conjunction with artist Mark Wilkinson, who has worked on numerous Judas Priest albums. Or they can choose the "regular deluxe" version, which has the double-CD housed in a 48-page hardbound book.
A third "super deluxe" release includes a triple-album vinyl version of the set and an exclusive poster plus the hardbound CD/booklet package. That version will be available through normal retail channels internationally, but in the States is exclusive to Best Buy stores.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On July 29, Be Your Own Pet's first label, Infinity Cat, will release their "ten-track maxi-EP" called The Boys R Back in Town on vinyl.
DEF LEPPARD will release the second single from the "Songs From The Sparkle Lounge" album, "C'Mon C'Mon", on July 14. The single, which will be released only on 12" vinyl picture disc, is available for pre-order from Amazon.com.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE CURE have released 'Freakshow', the second single from their new studio album, today (June 13th).
The band are releasing a new single of the 13th of every month in the run-up to the release of their as-yet-untitled album on September 13th.
Like last month's single,'The Only One', 'Freakshow' is available as a digital download, CD and 7” vinyl and comes backed with the b-side, 'All Kinds of Stuff'.
Details of the next two singles from the album are expected to be announced shortly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JUDAS PRIEST unveils "Nostradamus" (Epic), the veteran U.K. metal act's 16th studio album -- and its first concept work. The double-disc set, due internationally June 16 and one day later in the United States, tells the story of 16th-century prophet Michel de Nostredame, better-known as Nostradamus.
The set is the second album since Halford returned to the band in 2003 after doing other musical projects for 12 years.
"Nostradamus" is available in three configurations. Fans can buy the regular version of "Nostradamus" in a jewel case with a 20-page artwork booklet designed in conjunction with artist Mark Wilkinson, who has worked on numerous Judas Priest albums. Or they can choose the "regular deluxe" version, which has the double-CD housed in a 48-page hardbound book.
A third "super deluxe" release includes a triple-album vinyl version of the set and an exclusive poster plus the hardbound CD/booklet package. That version will be available through normal retail channels internationally, but in the States is exclusive to Best Buy stores.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On July 29, Be Your Own Pet's first label, Infinity Cat, will release their "ten-track maxi-EP" called The Boys R Back in Town on vinyl.
The Vinyl Comeback
The Vinyl Comeback- As more and more attention is being spent on this phenomenon, the great 'vinyl comeback' is in full swing. And as the upward trend in vinyl sales continues, we will be seeing more stories like this one in the news:
This Date In Music History- June 14
Birthdays:
Rod Argent of the Zombies ("She's Not There") and Argent ("Hold Your Head Up") turns 63.
1952 Jim Lea of the mighty Slade ("Run Runaway") was born in Wolverhampton, England in 1952.
Drummer Alan White has a birthday (born in 1949). Aside from his lengthy tenure with Yes, White is known for his work with ex-Beatles John Lennon ("Instant Karma") and George Harrison.
History:
The original "butcher block" cover for The Beatles "Yesterday And Today" album was officially recalled by Capitol Records in 1966, due to "extreme negative feedback," just prior to its release. Either meant as a "pop art satire" or a way of getting back at Capitol for rearranging the group’s albums for U.S. release, the cover, with the group placed among cuts of meat and decapitated dolls, soon becomes a collector’s item. A standard group photo is used instead. (Also known as the ‘Trunk Cover.”)
In 1964, in Melbourne, Australia, a crowd of 250,000 greeted the Beatles. It's reported to be the most Australians that have ever congregated in one place.
Also in 1964- In England, a tea chest addressed to the Beatles was opened. Twelve-year-old Beatlemaniac Carol Dryden was discovered inside.
Paul McCartney recorded "Yesterday" by himself in 1965, after trying unsuccessfully to fit the rest of the Beatles into the song. The cut goes on to become the world's most covered song.
The Beatles topped the British charts in 1969 with their first stereo single, "The Ballad of John and Yoko."
Showing the kind of financial sense that would lead to their downfall, Grand Funk Railroad spend $100,000 on a block-long billboard in New York to advertise their latest single, "Closer to Home." It went to No. 22 in 1970.
Cops broke out the tear gas in Tucson, Ariz., after a Rolling Stones concert gets out of hand in 1972.
In 1995, the Columbus, Ohio, police received more than 20 complaints that a Ted Nugent concert there is too loud. Nevertheless, Ted refuses to turn down the volume, as he's within the legal noise limits.
Bob Dylan recorded "Like A Rolling Stone" in 1965.
Mick Taylor was introduced as the new guitarist for the Rolling Stones in 1969.
Eric Clapton's band, "Derek and The Dominoes," made their live debut in Britain in 1970. The group was joined by Dave Mason, who played the guitar parts performed by Duane Allman on Derek and the Dominoes' only studio album, "Layla".
The first Hard Rock Cafe opened in London in 1971. The original is a L.A. dive featured on the back cover and inner sleeve of The Doors “Morrison Hotel/Hard Rock Café” album (On the inner sleeve the band is sitting at the bar).
In 1975, Peter Frampton’s concert at the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael was recorded. This performance along with a show the following night at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco comprise “Frampton Comes Alive,” one of the best selling double albums of all time.
"Thank God I'm A Country Boy", recorded live at the Universal Amphi-theater in California in 1975 by John Denver, became the best selling record in the US. The song was written by John Martin Sommers, a member of Denver's backup band.
Henry Mancini ("Mr. Lucky") died of pancreatic and liver cancer in 1994.
Janis Ian released "At Seventeen" in 1975, which will reach #3 in the US later in the year.
America achieved their second Billboard number one record and their seventh Top 40 hit in 1975 with "Sister Golden Hair.”
'Workingman’s Dead,' a landmark album by the Grateful Dead, was released in 1970. It is followed only five months later by 'American Beauty,' another classic studio album.
Roxy Music was formed in 1971.
The movie "Roadie," starring Meat Loaf, debuted in 1980.
Rory Gallagher, an Irish blues guitarist also known for his checked shirts, died in London in 1995.
In 1968, 23 year old Rod Stewart got his first major exposure in the US when he opened a tour with The Jeff Beck Group at the Fillmore East in New York. Stewart had such a bad case of stage fright, he hid behind a speaker cabinet throughout the first song.
Rod Argent of the Zombies ("She's Not There") and Argent ("Hold Your Head Up") turns 63.
1952 Jim Lea of the mighty Slade ("Run Runaway") was born in Wolverhampton, England in 1952.
Drummer Alan White has a birthday (born in 1949). Aside from his lengthy tenure with Yes, White is known for his work with ex-Beatles John Lennon ("Instant Karma") and George Harrison.
History:
The original "butcher block" cover for The Beatles "Yesterday And Today" album was officially recalled by Capitol Records in 1966, due to "extreme negative feedback," just prior to its release. Either meant as a "pop art satire" or a way of getting back at Capitol for rearranging the group’s albums for U.S. release, the cover, with the group placed among cuts of meat and decapitated dolls, soon becomes a collector’s item. A standard group photo is used instead. (Also known as the ‘Trunk Cover.”)
In 1964, in Melbourne, Australia, a crowd of 250,000 greeted the Beatles. It's reported to be the most Australians that have ever congregated in one place.
Also in 1964- In England, a tea chest addressed to the Beatles was opened. Twelve-year-old Beatlemaniac Carol Dryden was discovered inside.
Paul McCartney recorded "Yesterday" by himself in 1965, after trying unsuccessfully to fit the rest of the Beatles into the song. The cut goes on to become the world's most covered song.
The Beatles topped the British charts in 1969 with their first stereo single, "The Ballad of John and Yoko."
Showing the kind of financial sense that would lead to their downfall, Grand Funk Railroad spend $100,000 on a block-long billboard in New York to advertise their latest single, "Closer to Home." It went to No. 22 in 1970.
Cops broke out the tear gas in Tucson, Ariz., after a Rolling Stones concert gets out of hand in 1972.
In 1995, the Columbus, Ohio, police received more than 20 complaints that a Ted Nugent concert there is too loud. Nevertheless, Ted refuses to turn down the volume, as he's within the legal noise limits.
Bob Dylan recorded "Like A Rolling Stone" in 1965.
Mick Taylor was introduced as the new guitarist for the Rolling Stones in 1969.
Eric Clapton's band, "Derek and The Dominoes," made their live debut in Britain in 1970. The group was joined by Dave Mason, who played the guitar parts performed by Duane Allman on Derek and the Dominoes' only studio album, "Layla".
The first Hard Rock Cafe opened in London in 1971. The original is a L.A. dive featured on the back cover and inner sleeve of The Doors “Morrison Hotel/Hard Rock Café” album (On the inner sleeve the band is sitting at the bar).
In 1975, Peter Frampton’s concert at the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael was recorded. This performance along with a show the following night at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco comprise “Frampton Comes Alive,” one of the best selling double albums of all time.
"Thank God I'm A Country Boy", recorded live at the Universal Amphi-theater in California in 1975 by John Denver, became the best selling record in the US. The song was written by John Martin Sommers, a member of Denver's backup band.
Henry Mancini ("Mr. Lucky") died of pancreatic and liver cancer in 1994.
Janis Ian released "At Seventeen" in 1975, which will reach #3 in the US later in the year.
America achieved their second Billboard number one record and their seventh Top 40 hit in 1975 with "Sister Golden Hair.”
'Workingman’s Dead,' a landmark album by the Grateful Dead, was released in 1970. It is followed only five months later by 'American Beauty,' another classic studio album.
Roxy Music was formed in 1971.
The movie "Roadie," starring Meat Loaf, debuted in 1980.
Rory Gallagher, an Irish blues guitarist also known for his checked shirts, died in London in 1995.
In 1968, 23 year old Rod Stewart got his first major exposure in the US when he opened a tour with The Jeff Beck Group at the Fillmore East in New York. Stewart had such a bad case of stage fright, he hid behind a speaker cabinet throughout the first song.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Vinyl is still king
Every now and then I run across a great article. This is the case with the article posted below as it has a statement that I have been repeating for many years, what vinyl comeback?:
Source: http://www.cantonrep.com
Stark Matters: Convenience aside, vinyl is still king
BY BOB RUSS
I saw the story in Saturday's paper about the rebirth of the vinyl record.
It made me laugh.
It's a story that resurfaces every year or so, when someone discovers that LPs are not only still being manufactured and sold, but that a substantial amount of the public still craves the vinyl sound.
The reason I laugh is, I've been reading pretty much the same story for the last 25 years.
Someone is astounded to find out that records still exist — and then writes an article to share their amazing discovery.
But records never went away.
NOT A NEW STORY
Those who are into high-end stereo — audiophiles, as these strange creatures are known — have insisted for years that, given proper playback equipment, vinyl's sweet sound is heads and shoulders above the sterile sound of digital music.
When compact discs were first introduced, they were billed as perfect sound in an indestructible format.
But as anyone who's had CDs for any length of time can attest, they are far from indestructible. They can be scratched or broken, and sometimes cease to play for no apparent reason.
As for the sound, well, that depends. Today, there are plenty of awesome-sounding CDs available, provided the disc is properly recorded and mastered. But others — and most of the first CDs suffered this problem — are just transferred to disc with little regard for the sound, resulting in a dull, tinny sound that is as annoying as it is musical.
That's why, despite the introduction of the CD more than 25 years ago, the record album has held a special place in the hearts of music lovers.
MORE LIFELIKE
In general, the average record played back on quality equipment has several sonic advantages over the average CD: More life to the music, more "air" around the instruments, better imaging (in which each instrument seems to come from a different spot on the soundstage) and more punch to crescendos.
The CD has one major advantage, and I'll admit it's a big one: No background noise. The sound comes to you out of a background of dead silence, compared to the rumbly, pop-filled backdrops provided by a disc of well-worn vinyl.
Of course, if you take good care of your records, clean them before each playing and store them in their jackets in a protective sleeve, the way vinyl junkies do, the LP can be virtually soundless as well.
How can an ancient record album possibly sound better than a modern CD? Digital recording places samples of sound very close together, creating the illusion of continuous sound. The better this is done, the better the sound.
But records are analog, not digital — reproducing actual continuous sound, not bits of sound separated by milliseconds of silence.
Beyond the sonic benefits, there is something magical about a record album that compact discs can't capture: The feel of an album in your hand, the different textures of various album covers, the often-stunning cover art, liner notes big enough to be read — even the fact that the album must be turned over to be heard in its entirety.
CDs are nice and convenient. But records bring music to life.
Source: http://www.cantonrep.com
Stark Matters: Convenience aside, vinyl is still king
BY BOB RUSS
I saw the story in Saturday's paper about the rebirth of the vinyl record.
It made me laugh.
It's a story that resurfaces every year or so, when someone discovers that LPs are not only still being manufactured and sold, but that a substantial amount of the public still craves the vinyl sound.
The reason I laugh is, I've been reading pretty much the same story for the last 25 years.
Someone is astounded to find out that records still exist — and then writes an article to share their amazing discovery.
But records never went away.
NOT A NEW STORY
Those who are into high-end stereo — audiophiles, as these strange creatures are known — have insisted for years that, given proper playback equipment, vinyl's sweet sound is heads and shoulders above the sterile sound of digital music.
When compact discs were first introduced, they were billed as perfect sound in an indestructible format.
But as anyone who's had CDs for any length of time can attest, they are far from indestructible. They can be scratched or broken, and sometimes cease to play for no apparent reason.
As for the sound, well, that depends. Today, there are plenty of awesome-sounding CDs available, provided the disc is properly recorded and mastered. But others — and most of the first CDs suffered this problem — are just transferred to disc with little regard for the sound, resulting in a dull, tinny sound that is as annoying as it is musical.
That's why, despite the introduction of the CD more than 25 years ago, the record album has held a special place in the hearts of music lovers.
MORE LIFELIKE
In general, the average record played back on quality equipment has several sonic advantages over the average CD: More life to the music, more "air" around the instruments, better imaging (in which each instrument seems to come from a different spot on the soundstage) and more punch to crescendos.
The CD has one major advantage, and I'll admit it's a big one: No background noise. The sound comes to you out of a background of dead silence, compared to the rumbly, pop-filled backdrops provided by a disc of well-worn vinyl.
Of course, if you take good care of your records, clean them before each playing and store them in their jackets in a protective sleeve, the way vinyl junkies do, the LP can be virtually soundless as well.
How can an ancient record album possibly sound better than a modern CD? Digital recording places samples of sound very close together, creating the illusion of continuous sound. The better this is done, the better the sound.
But records are analog, not digital — reproducing actual continuous sound, not bits of sound separated by milliseconds of silence.
Beyond the sonic benefits, there is something magical about a record album that compact discs can't capture: The feel of an album in your hand, the different textures of various album covers, the often-stunning cover art, liner notes big enough to be read — even the fact that the album must be turned over to be heard in its entirety.
CDs are nice and convenient. But records bring music to life.
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