Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

a truly inspiring story from author Tom Vartabedian and a wonderful salute to the vinyl record!

For the record - back to a record

by Tom Vartabedian

Haverhill, Mass. - You know what I did this morning?

I listened to music like it hasn't been played in a long, long time. I spun some platters and wallowed in nostalgia.

Yup, good old-fashioned music heard from a record player. It was so crisp and clear, someone in an adjoining room wondered where I got the CD. It had them fooled --- and me as well.

Why, you might think, am I resorting to ancient times when we have all this modern technology at our disposal? Well, let me tell you. The good, old days wouldn't be so old if more people practiced them.

You may have heard this song before concerning my record collection and how it met a hapless death when we moved from a spacious house into a condo five years ago. Yes, I did donate the bulk of them back to the library where many of them originated through sales.

But I did preserve a precious few that were quite sentimental to me, like my ethnic music and some favorite classical discs that have withstood the test of time. Last I heard, collectors are getting big bucks for records on e-bay.

I had no intention of ever playing my platters again, due to the absence of a machine. Until, fate intervened. I had made a trip to the dumpster and there, on the ground, laid this turntable, complete with a pair of speakers. I thought it was a mirage.

Read the rest at www.reporter.am

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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Chooses Everly Brothers Box Set as an Initial Entry into New Archives

A 4-LP limited edition box set featuring the music of the Everly Brothers has been slated for induction, as one of the first entries, into the newly created archives of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This inclusion continues the Hall's dedication to carrying on the legacy of historically significant musical artists of the rock and roll genre.

The box set is released by 180 Gram Records, a producer and distributor of musical limited edition box sets and other limited-run merchandise, in association with Cadence Records, the Everly Brothers' original record label of the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Don and Phil Everly, known as the Everly Brothers, were among the first ten acts inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, which also included such notable rock and roll artists as Elvis Presley, Little Richard, and Ray Charles. Additionally, the duo were inducted, in 2001, into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

"It's been 53 years since the Everly Brothers signed with Cadence Records in 1957, and we are extremely pleased that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has decided to honor this legendary duo by adding the newly released box set to their archive," stated Mark Carter, president of 180 Gram Records. "The Cadence Record period was an extremely creative and prolific time for the Everly Brothers and the Hall of Fame archive inclusion of this box set helps to ensure that their music will be around, in a high-quality format, for many years to come."

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SKELETONWITCH Premiere New Song, Reveal Album Cover Artwork

Ohio-based SKELETONWITCH return this fall with a new LP called 'Forever Abomination.' Produced by Grammy-winner Matt Hyde the album is now available for pre-order at ForeverAbomination.com, where a new song ("The Infernal Resurrection") is currently streaming. The album's artwork was done by Andrei Bouzikov (MUNICIPAL WASTE, HOLY GRAIL, CANNABIS CORPSE) - who also contributed the cover art for the band's 2009 release, 'Breathing The Fire.'










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Oh, Sleeper Reveal New Album 'Children Of Fire' Details

Christian rockers Oh, Sleeper have recently announced the release of their third studio album, 'Children of Fire,' on September 27th on Solid State Records. The album was produced by Andreas Magnusson (Black Dahlia Murder, Haste The Day) and mixed by Machine (Lamb of God, Chiodos).

“With every record we try to push the limits of what we can do with our sound,” says guitarist James Erwin. “This record is an expansion of our sound and the best incarnation of the band to date. Also this is the most in depth we ever taken a concept record. Instead of 12 different stories that tie together around one theme, this album is one complete story where every track acts as a chapter in that story. Listeners will really have to grasp every part of the story to understand it fully.”

Tracklist:

1. Endseekers
2. Shed Your Soul
3. The Marriage of Steel and Skin
4. Hush Yael
5. The Conscience Speaks
6. Dealers of Fame
7. Means To Believe
8. In The Wake of Pigs
9. Claws of a God
10. The Family Ruin
11. Chewing The Stitch
12. Children of Fire

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spin.com has a slaute to nirvana's epic album with fellow rockers adding their thoughts

'80s Metal Stars Talk Nirvana's 'Nevermind'

When Nirvana's Nevermind arrived some 20 years ago, '80s metal was already well on its way out (see SPIN contributor Chuck Eddy's 2009 essay on the subject). But the arrival of Kurt Cobain and Co.'s blockbuster album added an exclamation point to the musical transition. Hear from five vets including NIKKI SIXX of Mötley Crüe, SEBASTIAN BACH from Skid Row and SAMMY HAGAR of Van Halen and others who remember the now iconic LP

Read the quotes at spin.com







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Rose Funeral Reveal Cover Art

Cincinnati-based death/black metal trio Rose Funeral have revealed the apocalyptic cover art and tracklist for their upcoming album 'Gates of Punishment' which makes its US premiere on September 27th The band also shared some details about the making of the album:

"I can honestly say this album just crushes any release we have done," reports frontman Ryan Gardner. "We are looking to turn heads and drop jaws with this album. Gates of Punishment is filled with intense blasts, fast paced solos, melodic harmonies, dark chords, pissed off vocals, and harsh breakdowns. This is the sound I have been searching for with Rose Funeral, and I couldn't be happier."

Tracklist:

1. Legions of Ruination
2. Grotesque Mutilation
3. Beyond the Entombed
4. False Divine
5. Arise Infernal Existence
6. Malignant Amour
7. A Recreant Canticle
8. The Desolate Form
9. Entercism
10. Amidst Gehenna
11. Gates of Punishment

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hangout.altsounds.com has a fantastic story, learn more about Trivium with this album review

Trivium - In Waves

In Waves, one of the most eagerly anticipated metal records of 2011, can without a doubt be considered the most important release of Floridian metal outfit Trivium’s twelve year career. Like any well established artist, Trivium have had a history of fluctuating but generally consistent success that has, during the low points as well as the high, offered the group a wealth of knowledge which has facilitated their impressive growth. You see, that’s the key word when it comes to Trivium. Growth. It’s a compliment that’s dished out far too readily to artists that truly lack variance, but simply an observation of undeniable accuracy when applied to this formidable foursome. Since their debut release Ember To Inferno, the band have made a conscious effort to undergo considerable adjustments and changes to produce freshly squeezed material – and ultimately to avoid the often inevitable fate of becoming sickeningly stale. After positively causing a raucous and expanding their fan base enormously with 2004 release Ascendancy, the sheer aggression of Trivium became the passion of thousands of fans and the apparent key to flawless accomplishment. But, as we have come to learn so willingly, Trivium are all about change, and immediately their style metamorphosed, their music was reformed, convention was subverted. With The Crusade, Heafy vowed never to scream again and told us that the guitars had actually been tuned higher than ever before. It seemed that the days of the coarse growls accompanying crushingly heavy instrumental support were long gone, replaced instead with an anthemic rock vibe that struck a worrying nerve with a number of devoted followers. However, three years ago, the fervent outfit struck back at critics with overwhelming force; Shogun. Inspiringly technical, brilliantly challenging and entirely ambitious, the album did exactly what needed to be done and Trivium soared elegantly back to the top of their game. They had produced the album of their career, and with Heafy at the forefront, screaming his lungs aflame once more.

Read the rest of this comprhensive write up at hangout.altsounds.com

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florida record store owner loves her records and so do her customers!

Tangible music fading? Downtown store Divinyl Revolution clings to nostalgia

By CASEY MOHL

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The sounds of bygone-era bands The Clash, The Dead Boys and New York Dolls can be heard coming from Brittany Nasser’s apartment.

You could say Nasser, who owns Divinyl Revolution at 437 Broadway, is passionate about collecting music. Her record collection is so huge there isn’t enough space for her to move around at home.

She wishes today’s youth could understand her obsession, but with the closure of Borders Books and Music on Broadway in April, the writing is on the virtual wall. Music buyers are trending digital.

Read the rest of this heartwarming article at saratogian.com

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New Found Glory Reveal New Album Artwork

Here is the cover art for New Found Glory’s upcoming album, ‘Radiosurgery.’ The album will be available on October 4 via Epitaph Records.

“Our music is constantly evolving and changing and when this band puts out an album we always try to offer something different,” explained lead guitarist Chad Gilbert in a statement. “With this disc we wanted to go back to the music that got us into punk and incorporate influences from those albums.”

“This album is a culmination of all of our albums put together and in a lot of ways we feel like a new band when we’re playing these songs because they’re so energized and they affirm the fact that we’re going to be a band for a long time. In a lot of ways it feels like we’re just getting started," added rhythm guitarist Steve Klein.

Tracklist

1. Radiosurgery
2. Anthem for the Unwanted
3. Drill It in My Brain
4. I’m Not the One
5. Ready, Aim, Fire!
6. Dumped
7. Summer Fling, Don’t Mean a Thing
8. Caught in the Act (Feat. Bethany Cosentino)
9. Memories and Battle Scars
10. Trainwreck
11. Map of Your Body

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You Me At Six Announce New Release

You Me At Six are very pleased to announce details of their 3rd album, ‘Sinners Never Sleep,’ which will be released in the UK, Australia & New Zealand on October 3rd. ‘Sinners Never Sleep’ was recorded in Los Angeles in the first half of 2011. In addition to the standard CD and MP3 versions, a special deluxe edition of the album will also be available. This will include the film documentary ‘Bite My Tongue’ which goes behind the scenes to look at the story so far of the 5 young men from Surrey who came to be known as You Me At Six.

Tracklist:

1. Loverboy
2. Jaws On The Floor
3. Bite My Tongue (feat. Oli Sykes)
4. This Is The First Thing
5. No One Does It Better
6. Little Death
7. Crash
8. Reckless
9. Time Is Money (feat. Winston McCall)
10. Little Bit Of Truth
11. The Dilemma
12. When We Were Younger

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Mayday Parade Reveal New Album Artwork

Mayday Parade have recently unveiled the cover art for their upcoming self-titled album. The album was co-produced by Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount and is scheduled for release on October 4.

Tracklist:

1. Oh Well, Oh Well
2. No Heroes Allowed
3. When You See My Friends
4. You’re Dead Wrong
5. Priceless
6. Stay
7. Call Me Hopeless, Not Romantic
8. A Shot Across the Bow
9. Everything’s an Ilusion
10. I’d Rather Make Mistakes Than Make Nothing at All
11. Without the Bitter the Sweet Isn’t as Sweet
2. Happy Endings Are Stories That Haven’t Ended Yet




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this from our freinds at vinylcollective.com

This Charming Man – Every Little Secret LP

Suburban Home Records have announced the release of This Charming Man’s (Brain Fallon of Gaslight Anthem) debut and only release, “Every Little Secret” on vinyl August 9th. “Every Little Secret” was their 6 song EP originally released on a rare CD version via XOXO Records. The vinyl release contains four additional untitled bonus tracks.

Pre orders will launch tomorrow, Wednesday August 2nd at 12 pm EST ONLY through the Suburban Home Records store at Shop Radio Cast.

It is limited to only 1,000 copies – 333 on black, 667 on brown with 200 copies going to the Vinyl Collective co-op members.

This Charming Man began in 2005 with Brain Fallon (Gaslight Anthem), who remained the only original member. However, Benny Horowitz and Alex Levine and eventually Alex Rosamilia joined; thus bringing together the present lineup of The Gaslight Anthem.


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Here is the latest Top Ten Records Sold on eBay Accoding To WhatSellsBest.com:


Best Selling eBay Record Auctions (updates monthly)


10.  $3,050 - Nirvana 'Love Buzz' Sub Pop
This Nirvana 'Love Buzz', Sub Pop Single #28 of 1000 (SP23), received 23 bids before it sold on eBay, on May 9, 2010.

9.  $4,173 - Gioconda de Vito
This Mozart Bach Violin Concertos Gioconda de Vito, (UK HMV ASD 429) received 16 bids before it sold on eBay, on April 20, 2010.

8.  $5,801 - Black Out/New Sounds of 70
This Black Out - New Sounds of 70, received 15 bids before it sold on eBay, on March 29, 2010.

7.  $6,766 - Original Northern Soul 45
This Northern Soul 45 (stock copy) of Larry Clinton's "She's Wanted", received 14 bids before it sold on eBay, on May 20, 2010.

6.  $7,099 - Margaret Little Record
This Genebro Records (#230) Margaret Little “Love Finds A Way” (45), received 35 bids before it sold on eBay, on April 5, 2010.

5.  $9,000 - Rare Queen "Red Vinyl" Album
This Rare Queen "The Works" Record with rare Red Vinyl received 26 bids, before it sold on eBay, on March 31, 2010.

4.  $9,700 - Billy Nichols 1968 Album
This 1968 Billy Nichols "Would You Believe" LP, (UK psych pop album) received 17 bids, before it sold on eBay, on March 7, 2010.

3.  $10,000 - Elvis Presley - That's All Right
This unplayed 45 of Elvis Presley's 1954 debut record "That's All Right", received 45 bids, before it sold on eBay, on March 22, 2010.

2.  $23,805 - Sex Pistols - Save the Queen
This rare Sex Pistols record the song "God Save the Queen" (1977 A&M), received 37 bids, before it sold on eBay, April 15, 2011.

1.  $26,099 - Sealed Beatles 'Butcher'
This unopened (Sealed) 1966 Beatles "Butcher" album, received 43 bids before it sold on eBay, on January 12th, 2010.

Check out more auction results for collectibles at www.whatsellsbest.com

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and in music history for today, August 3:

In 1929, Emile Berliner, inventor of the gramophone, died in Washington, DC. Berliner took out a Canadian patent on his machine in 1897 and set up manufacturing facilities in Montreal. He sold his firm to the Victor Talking Machine Company about five years before his death.

In 1963, the Beatles appeared at The Cavern Club in Liverpool for the very last time. They had performed 274 concerts at the dingy, basement club since their debut there 2½ years earlier. Their first gig paid them $14 and their last brought in $840.

The Beach Boys released "Surfer Girl" in 1963, which would climb to #7 in the US by September. It was the first song Brian Wilson ever wrote and the first one he produced. Its flip-side, "Little Deuce Coupe", proved to be The Beach Boys' most successful B-side, reaching #15 in America and becoming a hot rod classic.

Allan Sherman released "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadda" in 1963.

The Rolling Stones recorded "Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby" in 1966.

The first Newport Pop Festival opened in Costa Mesa in 1968.

In 1971, Paul McCartney announced the formation of his new band Wings.

In 1971, Ringo Starr receives a Gold record for a tune he wrote himself, "It Don't Come Easy".



In 1974, guitarist, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter left Steely Dan to join The Doobie Brothers. Jeff Porcaro would take his place before moving on to form Toto. Michael McDonald also hitched up with Steely Dan when Porcaro joined, but he too eventually left to become a member of The Doobies.

In 1979, The Knack hit the top of both the album and singles charts with their LP, "Get The Knack" and the single, "My Sharona."

Def Leppard released their album "Hysteria" in 1987.

In 1993, Motown Records was sold to the Dutch recording and entertainment company Polygram for $325 million. That was more than five times the $61 million Motown founder Berry Gordy got for the company when he sold it to an investment group in 1988.

In 2003, Roger Voudouris, singer / songwriter / guitarist who reached #21 on the Billboard Pop chart in 1979 with "Get Used To It", died at the age of 48 after suffering from liver disease for some time. Although his success was limited in the US, he enjoyed a strong following in Japan and Australia.

In 2006, Arthur Lee, singer and guitarist for the psychedelic Rock band Love, died of leukemia at the age of 61. The group reached #33 in the US with "7 And 7 Is" and #52 with "My Little Red Book" in 1966.

celebrating birthdays today, among others are crooner Tony Bennett, Shirly Manson of Garbage (1966) Ed Roland of Collective Soul (1963) and James Hetfield from Metallica (1963)

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

Banquets Release 'Top Button Bottom Shelf'

The debut album from Jersey City's Banquets is now available for Pre-Order. 'Top Button, Bottom Shelf,' the album is slated for release on August 23rd from Black Numbers (Grey Area, Go Rydell, Static Radio, NJ).

The vinyl is limited to 500 on three different colors (100 Pink w/ Black Swirl, 150 Blue w/ Silver Swirl, 250 Yellow w/ Blue Swirl). A limited edition CD version will also be available from Black Numbers. German-based label Coffeebreath And Heartache will be issuing a limited edition pressing of 200 records on mixed colored vinyl with handscreened covers as well.

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Johnny Cash and Jimmy Buffett 180 Gram Vinyl Record Releases

180 Gram Records, announces the release of Johnny Cash and Jimmy Buffet on 180 gram vinyl, available for a limited time through Kickstarter.com. This music project with Kickstarter involves all 7-LPs from Johnny Cash's early work for Sun Records, and two of Jimmy Buffett's earliest albums from Barnaby Records. These albums will be created from the original audio files using all original artwork for the albums, sleeves and jackets. They will be mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio with the manufacturing support of Chad Kassem at Quality Record Pressings.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 02, 2011 ~ 180 Gram Records announces the release of Johnny Cash and Jimmy Buffet on 180-gram vinyl, available for a limited time through Kickstarter.com. This music project with Kickstarter involves all 7-LPs from Johnny Cash's early work for Sun Records, and two of Jimmy Buffett's earliest albums from Barnaby Records.

Each collection will be created in the best audiophile format available today: 180-gram virgin vinyl. 180-gram vinyl is a premium format chosen by audiophiles for its warm, rich tones, increased durability after many playbacks, and exceptional audio reproduction. In addition, 180 Gram Records will be using all original artwork and masters for the production of both artists' works.

180 Gram Records’ Mark Carter says, “Our goal is simple: to honor and commemorate the artistry of the amazing performers and musicians who have contributed to our rich heritage of popular music, by re-releasing their albums in the best audio format available.” This will be the first re-release of either group of works, in vinyl, since their initial pressings. Kevin Gray of Cohearant Audio will master each collection, with the manufacturing support of Chad Kassem at Acoustic Sounds/Quality Record Pressings.

Supporters of this project will be helping to restore the music and art of these never-re-released LPs, support the continuing growth and restoration of vinyl records, and promote great music to all generations of listeners. Pledges can be as little or as much as they choose and each supporter will receive any or all of these albums, depending on the amount of donation.

Multiple pledge packages are available, each with a thank you gift to the donator. Choose from bronze, silver, gold, platinum or double platinum packages or make a donation of your own chosen amount. There is a deadline for this project so time is essential.

180 Gram Records is a premier producer and distributor of collectible vinyl records from best selling music artists and other limited-run collectible merchandise. They offer select and expertly crafted items to satisfy the demands of collectors, music enthusiasts, and fans alike. For additional information about either collection or about 180 Gram Records, please visit their web site at www.180gramrecords.com .

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this from our friends at vinylcollective.com

Top 10 Albums – August 1, 2011

Here are the top 10 albums at Shop Radio Cast for the week of July 26 to August 1, 2011:

1. Mariachi El Bronx – II (Tricolor LP)
2. Ready Set/That’s Outrageous! – Young Forever Split 7″
3. Chuck Ragan – Covering Ground LP (w/ Free Coozie & Coasters)
4. Sundowner – Four One Five Two LP
5. The Horrible Crowes – Elsie
6. Dwarves – Fake Id 10″
7. Thrice – Major/Minor
8. NOFX – “Untitled” 10″ (Hardcore Covers)
9. Portugal The Man – Church Mouth LP
10. Mock Orange – Disguised As Ghosts LP (Exclusive)

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cool cover art!

BIOHAZARD: New Album Title, Artwork Unveiled

Seminal New York City hardcore/metal band BIOHAZARD has set "Reborn In Defiance" as the title of its tenth studio album, due in Europe on September 26 (three days earlier in Germany) via Nuclear Blast Records.

The band's first new studio CD in six years and the first with the original lineup — Evan Seinfeld (vocals, bass), Billy Graziadei (guitar, vocals), Danny Schuler (drums) and Bobby Hambel (guitar) — since 1994's "State of The World Address" was produced by Toby Wright, who has previously worked with KORN, SLAYER, MÖTLEY CRÜE, KISS, FEAR FACTORY, IN FLAMES, STONE SOUR and OZZY OSBOURNE, among others.

Read more at Blabbermouth  











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USA


Albums:
1. Adele :21
2. Kidz Bop Kids :Kidz Bop 20
3. 3 Doors Down :Time Of My Life
4. Beyonce :4
5. DJ Khaled :We The Best Forever
6. Blake Shelton :Red River Blue
7. 311 :Universal Pulse
8. Jason Aldean :My Kinda Party
9. Amy Winehouse :Back To Black
10. Selena Gomez & The Scene :When The Sun Goes Down


Singles:
1. LMFAO :Party Rock Anthem
2. Katy Perry :Last Friday Night
3. Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer :Give Me Everything
4. Nicki Minaj :Super Bass
5. Adele :Rolling In The Deep
6. Lil Wayne :How To Love
7. Hot Chelle Rae :Tonight Tonight
8. Lady Gaga :The Edge Of Glory
9. One Republic :Good Life
10. Bad Meets Evil feat. Bruno Mars :Lighters


UK


Albums:
1. Amy Winehouse :Back To Black
2. Adele :21
3. Beyonce :4
4. Adele :19
5. Amy Winehouse :Frank
6. Caro Emerald :Deleted Scenes From The Cutting Room Floor
7. Lady Gaga :Born This Way
8. Bruno Mars :Doo Wops and Hooligans
9. Chase & Status :No More Idols
10. Amy Winehouse :Frank/Back To Black

Singles:
1. JLS :She Makes Me Wanna
2. The Wanted :Glad You Came
3. DJ Fresh :Louder
4. Ed Sheeran :The A Team
5. Beyonce :Best Thing I Never Had
6. Loick Essien :How We Roll
7. Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer :Give Me Everything
8. Amy Winehouse :Back To Black
9. Katy Perry :Last Friday Night
10. Nicki Minaj :Super Bass

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Vinyl Record Talk Is Going Live On Radio Dentata Tuesday 8pm PT / 5pm ET

Vinyl Record Talk will be starting live today on Radio Dentata at our usual time of 8pm PT / 5pm ET.

After 40 plus shows and some major computer repair, Norm and Jane are confident they can broadcast live without causing any fires. Each week VRT brings you rare and hard-to-find 45RPM finds, various pop culture lessons in Psych and Soul, occasional interviews, the Top 5 Auction Report, and music and vinyl news.

Check out the show at Vinyl Record Talk




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and in music history for today:

In 1958, Johnny Cash left his first record label, Sun, to sign a major-label contract with Columbia, where he would remain for the next 26 years.

In 1962, Robert Allen Zimmerman legally changed his name to Robert Dylan.

Also in 1962, Aretha Franklin made her TV debut on American Bandstand.

In 1964, The Beatles appeared at the Gaumont Cinema in Bournemouth. One of the supporting acts, billed as a ‘new and unknown London group’, was The Kinks.

In 1972, Brian Cole, an original member of The Association, died of a heroin overdose at the age of 28. He played bass on the hits "Windy", "Cherish" and "Never My Love".

In 1975, The Eagles went to #1 on the U.S. singles chart with “One of These Nights,” the group's second U.S. #1 single

In 1976, Peter "Puddy" Watts, road manager with Pink Floyd died of a heroin overdose. Watts supplied the crazed laughter on the groups ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’ album.

In 1983, James Jamerson died of complications stemming from cirrhosis of the liver, heart failure and pneumonia in Los Angeles, he was 47 years old. As one of The Funk Brothers he was the uncredited bassist on most of Motown Records' hits in the 1960s and early 1970s including songs by Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Martha and the Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops and The Supremes. He eventually performed on nearly 30 No.1 pop hits.

In 1986, Peter Cetera started a two-week run at #1 on the US charts with the theme from the film 'Karate Kid II', 'The Glory Of Love',

In 1987, David Martin, bass player with Sam The Sham and The Pharaohs died of a heart attack at the age of 50. Martin co-wrote the group's #1 hit "Wooly Bully". After leaving the group in 1966 over management conflicts, he returned to Dallas and opened a television and video repair store.



In 1991, singer Rick James, who scored a 1981 hit with "Super Freak", pleads innocent to charges he imprisoned, tortured and sexually assaulted his 21-year-old girlfriend, Tanya Hijazi in his California home. He would be arrested again in 1992 for similar charges and in 1994 was sentenced to five years and four months for cocaine use and assaulting two women. After serving two years, he was released from prison and continued his career.

In 2000, Jerome Smith from KC and the Sunshine Band died after being crushed by a bulldozer he was operating. Had the 1975 US No.1 single 'Get Down Tonight' and the 1983 UK No.1 single 'Give It Up.'

In 2000, Liverpool music store Rushworth and Dreaper closed down after 150 years of trading. The store had become famous after supplying The Beatles and other Liverpool group's with musical instruments.

In 2001, Ron Townson of The 5th Dimension died of heart failure at the age of 68.

Born today Joe Lynn Turner, singer, Rainbow, Deep Purple (1951) and Butch Vig, record producer and the drummer with Garbage. Produced Sonic Youth, The Smashing Pumpkins' Gish and Nirvana's Nevermind album. (1957)

New Vinyl Record and Music Releases - August 2, 2011

Not a lot to choose from this week, although I can recommend a few including a DVD from 70's rockers Heart, Arcade Fire's The Suburbs Deluxe Edition, Fountains of Wayne with Sky Full of Holes, Okkervil River with Your Past Life as a Blast and a two CD set Ronnie James Dio's Ronnie James Dio Story: Mightier Than the Sword.

New hardcore and metal releases include Bury Your Dead (Mosh 'n' Roll), Immersed with In The Ire Of Creation, Unkind's Harhakuvat and Greeley Estates with the appropreitly titled LP The Death of Greeley Estates

CVR Blog picks highlighted in bold with link!


All Shall Perish - This Is Where It Ends

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (vinyl)

Arcade Fire's 2011 Grammy Award winning Album of the Year, The Suburbs, gets a deluxe anniversary CD / DVD reissue. The CD includes two new tracks (one featuring vocals by David Byrne) and an extended version of "Wasted Hours," in addition to the original album. The DVD includes the Spike Jonze film Scenes from the Suburbs, as well as the companion documentary Behind the Scenes from the Suburbs, and the official music video for "The Suburbs." The exclusive booklet features lyrics and 80 pages of photos taken during the film.

Archers Of Loaf - Icky Mettle (remastered with bonus CD)
Aristillus - Devoured Trees & Crystal Skies
Ben Folds Five - Ben Folds Five (reissue) (vinyl)
Black Country Communion - Black Country Communion 2  (vinyl)
Boston Space Ships - Let It Beard (vinyl)
Buffalo Killers - 3
Bury Your Dead - Mosh 'n' Roll
Caina - Hands that Pluck
Capitol Six - Captain Rehab (vinyl)
Cast of Victorious - Victorious: Music From The Hit TV Show
Chaperone - Raised By Wolves (7" single)
Charlemagne Palestine & Joachim Montessuis - Voxorgachitectronumputer
Charles Bradley - No Time for Dreaming: The Instrumentals (vinyl)
Collections of Colonies of Bees - Giving
Conrad Schnitzler, Borngräber & Strüver - Con-Struct
D.O.K. - West Coast (vinyl)
DJ Raff - Latino & Proud
Dir En Grey - Dum Spiro Spero
Direct Hit - Domesplitter
Distance - Dubstep Allstars Vol. 08 mixes
Drive-By Truckers - Ugly Buildings, Whores & Politicians: Greatest Hits 1998-2009
Dub Taylor - Lumière For Synthesized & Concrète Sound (vinyl)
Dutchess and the Duke - Dutchess and the Duke (vinyl)
Fink - Perfect Darkness (vinyl)

Fountains of Wayne - Sky Full of Holes

Fruit Bats - Tripper (vinyl)
G.F. Fitz-Gerald & Lol Coxhill - Poppy Seed Affair (2 CDs+DVD)
Gavin Russom - Night Sky
Greeley Estates - The Death of Greeley Estates
Greyson Chance - Hold on Til the Night
Grieves - Together/Apart (vinyl)
Grinderman - Mickey Mouse and the Goodbye Man (vinyl)
Gypsy And The Cat - Gilgamesh
Harvest - Years of Defiance. Years of Disgust.
Heart - Heart: Live (DVD)
High Wolf - Atlas Nation
Himalayan Bear - Hard Times (vinyl)
Hole - Pretty on the Inside (reissue) (vinyl)
Holly Throsby - Team
Hope I Die Virgin - Is Forever No Way
Hot Water Music - The Fire, The Steel, The Tread / Adds Up To Nothing
Housemartins - Happy Hour: Collection
Hudson Mohawke - Satin Panthers
Hype Williams - Kelly Price W8 Gain Vol.II (EP) (vinyl)
Immersed - In The Ire Of Creation
It Prevails - Stroma
J-Live - S.P.T.A.
Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter's - Marble Son (vinyl)
Jim Ward: Quiet in the Valley, On the Shores the End Begins / The Electic Six
John Hiatt - Dirty Jeans & Mudslide Hymns (CD+DVD Deluxe Edition)
John Wesley Coleman III/ Timmy's Organism: Split
Johnny Cash - Sings Hank Williams (reissue) (vinyl)
Johnny Cash - With His Hot & Blue Guitar (reissue) (vinyl)
Johnny Nash - I Can See Clearly Now
Joshua Radin - The Rock & The Tide
Justice - Civilization  (reissue) (vinyl)
Justice - Cross   (reissue) (vinyl)
Kangding Ray - Or
Keb Mo - The Reflection
Kenny Wayne Shepherd - How I Go
Le Butcherettes - Sin Sin Sin (vinyl) 
Louise Burns - Mellow Drama
Love of Everything - Sooner I Wish
Luciano - Rub-A-Dub Market
MF Doom - Operation Doomsday (remastered 4-LP box set)(vinyl)
Machinedrum - Room(s) (vinyl)
Malefice - Awaken the Tides
Manraze - Punkfunkrootsrock
Mariachi El Bronx - Mariachi El Bronx (II)
Mat Kearney - Young Love
Mathieu Santos - Massachusetts 2010
Max Richter - Sarah's Key: Original Motion Picture Score
Mika Vainio - Life (...It Eats You Up)
Mike Oldfield - Incantations (2 CDs+DVD)
Mode Moderne - Real Goths (vinyl)
Moonface - Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I'd Hoped (vinyl)
Motels - Apocalypso
Musikanto - Sky of Dresses
Muslimgauze - In Search of the Abraham Mosque
NOFX - The Hardcare (vinyl)
Nekromantix - What Happens In Hell, Stays In Hell
New Boyz - Too Cool To Care
O.A.R. - King
Offshore - Pacer
Okkervil River - Your Past Life As a Blast
Ossie - Set the Tone (vinyl)
Panda Bear - Surfers Hymn (vinyl)
Patti Smith - Best of Patti Smith
Pg. 99 - Singles (reissue) (vinyl)
Powerwolf - Blood Of The Saints
Rhydian Roberts - Wave
Richard Bucker - Our Blood
Roberto del Burgo - Pocket Rockets
Roger Glover - If Life Was Easy

Ronnie James Dio - Ronnie James Dio Story: Mightier Than the Sword (2 CDs)
Roska - Rinse 15" mixes
Screaming Trees - Last Words: The Final Recordings
Siriusmo - Pearls & Embarrassments: 2000 - 2010 (2 CDs)
Slash and other acts - Phineas & Ferb Across 1st and 2nd Dimensions
Soft Swells - Every Little Thing
Somi - Live At Jazz Standard
Sovereign Strength - The Prophecy
Sun Wizard - Positively 4th Avenue

Suzanne Vega - Close Up 3: States of Being
The Calm Blue Sea - The Calm Blue Sea (reissue)
The Duke & The King - The Duke & The King
The Ettes - Look at Life Again Soon
The Ettes - Wicked Will
The Wood Brothers - Smoke Ring Halo
Thi'Sl - Beautiful Monster
Thou - The Archer and the Owle (vinyl)
Tig Notaro - Good One
Trace Adkins - Proud to Be Here
Unkind - Harhakuvat
Various Artists - Heidi Presents The Jackathon
Various Artists - Kommt Zusammen
Various Artists - DJ-Kicks: Motor City Drum Ensemble (vinyl)
Various Artists - David Rodigan's Dubwize Shower
Viva Brother - Famous First Words


New Jazz Releases - August 2, 2011

Remember, if you are a record company and have new releases or know of any I missed (especially vinyl), please email me and I will add your music to the list. I also do reviews of new vinyl, email me for more information.

Have new music for the list? Email me at rbenson30@wi.rr.com

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

I found this article at, of all places at digitalmusicnews.com, and they bring up an interesting problem for the makers of vinyl records.

There haven't been any new pressing plants built in many years, which means that if the small increase in vinyl sales continues to increase, they could start reaching full capacity, (which isn't a bad thing!). However, it will get harder and harder to get something pressed on vinyl, and may even drive the prices up, meaning vinyl sales will probably drop at that point. (makes sense) The old machines do not have 'replacement' parts, so they have to be manufactured on site, just to keep some of these relics operating. read on..... (any vinyl manufacturers have a comment?)


Are The Vinyl Pressing Plants Worried The Vinyl Resurgence Is Just A Fad?

The simple version is that growing demand for vinyl will result in more capacity to handle that demand. Certainly makes sense over the long-term, though right now, it's just not that simple.

For starters, there are a lot of sticky production and expansion issues surrounding the recent surge in vinyl, including a deep suspicion among pressing plants that this is just a fad. And when it comes to capacity, there's a ceiling to consider. "What a lot of people don't understand is vinyl sales are going to get a lot slower before they get a lot faster," said Nick Mango of Limited Pressing, specifically part of a recent discussion surrounding Lyor Cohen's expressed adulation with wax. "There's only a certain amount of pressing plants on the planet. No one is making new pressing machines. Very soon plants will reach full capacity and vinyl will become increasingly hard to get pressed."

Please read at the rest at digitalmusicnews.com



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norm the eBay Vinyl Czar from Vinyl Record Talk  has put together another eBay Top Five:

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 07/30/2011

A Bach classical set tops the list but at $4k less than its selling price in February of 2010. Two Northerns show up on this week's list; the Larry Clinton 45 sold last week as well, and the Al Scott shows up for the first time since 2007.





1. LP - Annlies Schmidt "Bach: 6 Suites for Cello Alone" Ducretet-Thomson 300 C 043/4/5 - $7,120.00

2. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone UK Gold Black Stereo - $5,274.14

3. 45 - Al Scott "What Happened To Yesterday" / "You're Too Good" Genuine 150 - $4,200.00

4. LP - Mozart a Paris Oubradous Pathe 7 LP Box Set - $4,139.98

5. 45 - Larry Clinton "She's Wanted" / "If I Knew" Dynamo 300 - $3,728.99


More on this week's Top 5 on Vinyl Record Talk , Tuesday 8:00PM Eastern / 5:00PM Pacific on Radio Dentata.

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U2 End 360 Tour

The iconic U2 360 world tour is officially over with the band playing their 110th show last night in Moncton, Canada. The band have been on the road around the world on the 360 tour since June 30, 2009; which took them to Turkey and Russia for the first time ever. The biggest audience was 108,800 fans at Stadium Azteca in Mexico City on May 14, 2011.

Here is the U2 360 tour by numbers:

7,100,000 Fans
10 million People watched a live stream of U2 360 at the Rose Bowl on YouTube
320,000 Fans saw 360 in Mexico City
92,270 Meals fed to working staff and guests
29,000 Tee shirts given to local stagehands
9,760 Guitar strings utilized
7,100 Miles - approximate distance travelled by space station while talking with U2
5,200 Years - collective touring experience of U2 tour personnel
400 Tons - weight of the fully loaded claw
134 Crew members
126 Truck drivers
110 Concerts
53 Gigs attended by a single fan
33 Flemish speaking crew members
30 Countries
12 Bus drivers
11 Babies born to crew
7 Astronauts attended
4 Appreciative Irishmen
2 fairytale crew weddings
1 Singer in surgery
1 World leader released from house arrest during tour

and a partridge in a pear tree........

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DREAM THEATER Announce Collector’s Edition Box Set

Progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER are scheduled to release their new album, 'A Dramatic Turn Of Events,' on September 13 on Roadrunner Records. The CD, which marks the recorded debut of new drummer Mike Mangini, will be made available in the standard version; a special edition CD/DVD set will include "The Spirit Carries On" — a 60-minute movie documenting DREAM THEATER’s much-discussed drummer auditions; a double LP set in gatefold jacket; and a limited deluxe collector's edition box set.

The "A Dramatic Turn Of Events" deluxe collector’s edition box set includes the "A Dramatic Turn Of Events" album; instrumentals of the entire album; the DVD of "The Spirit Carries On"; a double-LP set of "A Dramatic Turn Of Events" (180-gram vinyl in gatefold jacket); DREAM THEATER-branded custom turntable slipmat; and a litho print of album. Also, 50 lucky winners will find a DREAM THEATER "Ticket For Life," which is randomly inserted into packaging. All the content will be housed in a custom box and those who purchase will receive a digital download of the album the day prior to release.







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new info in rolling stone about the saga of styx, full reunion or not?

Dennis DeYoung Open to Styx Reunion

'I gave that band my life'

Earlier this month, Rolling Stone interviewed Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw – and he told us that there was virtually no scenario in which he'd allow former frontman Dennis DeYoung to rejoin the band.

Read the rest and see what Tommy Shaw had to say at rollingstone.com

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they are playing in my neck of the woods (Twin Lakes, WI), maybe i can get to see them!

Five Finger Death Punch Announces "Share The Welt" Tour With Hatebreed

Five Finger Death Punch have recently announced it will headlining the "Share the Welt" tour this fall. The tour is in support of the band's upcoming third album, 'American Capitalist, which is slated to hit the stores on October 11th, 2011.

Supporting the band on the tour are All That Remains, Hatebreed, and Rev Theory. More dates are set to be announced in September, so stay tuned for updates. See below for all current tour dates.

Summer festivals:

8/13 Twin Lakes, WI @ Shadow Hill Ranch
8/16 Honolulu, HI @ Blaisdell Arena
8/19 Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center – (WQBK’S A BIGGER DAY OUT)
8/20 Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre – (ROCK ON THE RANGE CANADA)
8/26 Post Falls, ID @ Greyhound Park Ampitheater – (KHTQ ROCK HARD AT THE PARK)
8/27 Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre – (KISW PAIN IN THE GRASS)
8/28 Hillsboro, OR @ Washington County Fair – (PDX ROCKFEST)
9/10 Chandler, AZ @ Firebird Raceway – (UFEST)
9/18 Dayton, OH @ Montgomery County Fairgrounds – (WXEG X FEST)
9/24 Irvine, CA @ Irvine Meadows/Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre – (EPICENTER)

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REIGN IN ART

I recently received an email from the webmaster at ReignInArt.com, applauding my posting of heavy metal and hard rock album cover art. (thank you!) 

Well, he takes it a step futher and has put together one of the most immpresive album cover art sites that i have seen launched in quite some time.

Every week they will post over a dozen of the best hard rock and heavy metal, cd/album releases of the week. Visitors can then Vote for Album of the Week, Vote for Album of the Month, Vote in RIA’s Weekly Category. The site also posts Weekly Winners, Monthly Winners, Interviews and Top 5 and more (a forum is coming soon!)

I have picked a few of my favorites









Iwrestledabearonce - Ruining It For Everybody

BAYONET - Bayonet

June 14, 2011 winner

Alestorm - Back Through Time

so take a trip into heavy metal album cover art and see The Best in Heavy Metal and Hard Rock Album Art at ReignInArt.com


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lots of interesting events happened in music on August 1st, let's explore the past:

Francis Scott Key was born in 1779. He was an American composer, attorney, poet, and social worker. He was the composer of the "Star-Spangled Banner."

The late Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead) was born in 1942.

Also in 1942, the American Federation of Musicians went on strike. Union president James C. Petrillo told musicians that phonograph records were 'a threat to members' jobs.' As a result, musicians refused to perform in recording sessions over the next several months, although live, musical radio broadcasts did continue.

In 1954, the "Moondog Jubilee of Stars Under the Stars" took place at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Acts on the bill included Fats Domino, Muddy Waters, the Clovers, the Orioles, and Little Walter.

Alt-folker, the late Robert Buck (10,000 Maniacs) was born in 1958.

Also in 1958, Era Records released "To Know Him Is To Love Him" by The Teddy Bears on their Dore label and sends 500 copies to radio stations across the US. The song was written by group member Phil Spector, who was inspired by the words on his father's tombstone. Spector's father had committed suicide when Phil was 12.

In 1960, Elvis Presley was named Public Enemy #1 by the East German newspaper, "Young World."

Also in 1960 Billboard reported the findings of a Seventeen Magazine survey...the average teenage girl listens to the radio two hours and thirteen minutes a day and plays records two hours and twelve minutes a day.

In 1960, Chubby Checker's "The Twist" was released in the US, where it will become the number one song by mid-September. Record industry history was made when Checker's original hit recording re-entered the charts in the Fall of 1961 and by January of 1962, was back in the number one position. It was the first record ever to hit number one on two separate occasions.

Also in 1960, an 18 year-old Aretha Franklin made her first recordings for Columbia Records in New York. Her initial chart appearance would come over a year later when her version of Al Jolson's 1918 hit, "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody" would reach #37 during a two week stay on the Hot 100.

In 1963, the first Beatles Monthly Fan Club Magazine was published. It continued until 1969 and at its peak was selling 350,000 copies a month.

In 1964, the title track from The Beatles' movie A Hard Day's Night topped the record charts on both sides of the Atlantic in 1964. The film was originally titled Beatlemania, until producers heard an offhanded comment by Ringo Starr as he flopped into a canvas chair and said "It's been a hard day's night, that was."

In 1964, Billboard Magazine reported that the harmonica is making a comeback in a big way thanks to its use by Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Bob Dylan.

In 1964, Jan and Dean's "Little Old Lady From Pasadena" peaked at #3 on the Billboard Pop chart. Although they would place five more songs in the US Top 40, this would be their final Top 10 entry.

In 1964, rockabilly singer Johnny Burnette died in a boating accident while fishing at Clear Lake, California. He was 30 years old. Burnette is most often remembered for his two, 1960 million-sellers - "Dreamin" and "You're Sixteen".

In 1966, the Troggs accomplished the rare feat of having a Top Ten hit in both the UK and the US with different songs. In England, "With a Girl Like You" was a major hit, while in the US, "Wild Thing" led the Billboard chart.



In 1969, the three-day Atlantic City Pop Festival opened in New Jersey. It's the first such festival in the Philadelphia-New York area. Over 110,000 customers paid $13 to hear such artists as Iron Butterfly, CCR, Jefferson Airplane, Three Dog Night, Little Richard, Janis Joplin, Santana, Procol Harem and Joe Cocker perform.

In 1970, Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4" entered the Billboard Hot 100 where it will climb to #4. Many fans are confused about the song's meaning until it is explained that the tune was being written at 25 or 6 to four in the morning.

"The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" was debuted on CBS-TV in 1971.

In 1971, the concert for Bangla Desh was staged to raise money for victims of famine and war in that country. The show featured George Harrison, with some help from his friends Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Ravi Shankar and some members of Bad Finger. The three disc live album from the show reached number 1 in the UK and number 2 in the US in 1972, as well as winning a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. The concerts, album and film raised nearly $11 million US for the impoverished people of the newly-independent nation of Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan.

In 1973, 'American Graffiti' premiered in Los Angeles and became something of a surprise hit. The film, centered on a group of teenagers growing up on the West coast of the US in the 1960s, cost just over $700,000 to make, but has garnered an estimated return of well over $200 million in box office receipts and home video sales. The soundtrack album reached #10 in America and has been certified triple Platinum.

In 1974, the Carpenters' album "The Singles 1969 - 1973" became the first LP to be certified Platinum in the UK.

In 1981, MTV made its debut at 12:01am. The first video to be shown was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the Buggles.

In 1987, the Grateful Dead's LP 'In The Dark' entered the Billboard album chart. The disc contains the group's only US Top 40 hit, "Touch Of Grey," which would reach #9.

Also in 1987, Los Lobos' rendition of "La Bamba" becomes the first Spanish language recording to top the UK chart. Ritchie Valens' 1959 version reached #49.

In 1988, a Cincinnati radio station, WCVG-AM, began broadcasting Elvis Presley songs and trivia 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The format would last slightly over a year.

In 1996, Bill Buchanan, who originated novelty records known as "break-ins" with his partner Dickie Goodman, died in Los Angeles of cancer. He was 66. Break-in records used snippets of Top 40 hits as part of a comedy routine. Buchanan and Goodman first used the concept on "The Flying Saucer" which went to number three on the Billboard chart in 1956. The following year brought the hits "Flying Saucer the 2nd" and "Santa and the Satellite". Goodman committed suicide in 1989.

In 2008, a half-hour Beatles recording that included the band cracking jokes and breaking into giggles while they rehearsed material in 1964 went up for auction by the Berkshire-based firm, Cameo. The tape sold for $19,600.

Birthdays today (among others) include Michael Penn (1958) and Adam Duritz of Counting Crows (1964)