The vinyl record collecting blog - with news about new vinyl record releases, vinyl record sales, new music releases, album cover art and weekly features
A Night at the Chalet - Filth
Aidan Baker - Spectrum of Distraction
Alcest - Les Voyages De L'Ame
Alex Amsterdam - Love Is Fiction (vinyl)
Alog - Unemployed (4 LPs) (vinyl)
Andrew Bird - Norman (soundtrack) (vinyl)
Ani DiFranco - Which Side Are You On?
Anthony Green (of Circa Survive) - Beautiful Things
Arc Angel - Arc Angel
Attack Attack! - This Means War
Blues Creation - Demon & Eleven Children (vinyl)
Bombay Bicycle Club - A Different Kind of Fix
Busdriver - Beaus$Eros
Byetone - Symeta (vinyl)
Cat Le Bon - CYRK
Ceremony - Hysteria (7") (vinyl)
Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto (CD/LP box set) (vinyl)
Cut Hands - Afro Noise 1 (vinyl)
Cut Hands - Afro Noise 2 (vinyl)
Daniel Menche - Guts (2 LPs) (vinyl)
Dare Dukes - Thugs and China Dolls
Deerhoof and David Bazan - Deerbazan
Diagrams - Black Light
Enter Shikari - A Flash Flood Of Colour
Ernest Gonzales - Natural Traits
Everything Went Black - Cycles of Light
Expensive Looks - Dark Matters
Famous Last Words - Pick You Poison
Florence and the Machine - No Light, No Light
Foe - Bad Dream Hotline
Frank Sinatra - The Concert Sinatra
Frank Turner - The Second Three Years
Frankie Rose - Know Me (7") (vinyl)
Gregg Rolie - Gringo
Grimes - Visions
Guided By Voices - Let's Go Eat The Factory
Guided By Voices - Chocolate Boy (vinyl)
Hate Squad - Katharsis
Hawkinson - Klaf
Heaven 17 - Play to Win: The Best of Heaven 17
Herman Dune - Tell Me Something I Don’t Know
Horrid Rane - Celestial Joy
Howler - America Give Up
Icon - Heat Of The Rising Sun (2 CD)
Jack DeJohnette - Sound Travels
Jamuel Saxon - Pre-Madona
Jana Winderen - Débris (vinyl)
Janis Joplin - Janis Joplin - Classic LP Collection (4-LP box set) (vinyl)
Jessie Baylin - Little Spark
Kathleen Edwards - Voyageur
Kidz Bop Kids - Kidz Bop 21
King Krule - King Krule
Kings of Leon - The Early Vinyl (7-LP box set) (vinyl)
Loincloth - Iron Balls of Steel
Loma Prieta - I.V.
Lost Sounds - Lost Sounds (7") (vinyl)
Mark Van Hoen - The Revenant Diary (2 LPs) (vinyl)
Martina McBride - Hits and More
Matthew Dear - Headcage (EP)
Michael W. Smith - Decades of Worship
Mikal Cronin - Tide (7") (vinyl)
Modern English - After the Snow (reissue)
Modern English - Mesh and Lace (reissue)
Modern English - Ricochet Days (reissue)
Monkees - Head: Limited Collector's Edition (3 CDs)
Nails / Skin Like Iron - split (7") (vinyl)
No UFO's - Soft Coast (vinyl)
Old Monk - Birds of Belize
Oliver - Dirty Talk (EP)
One Sonic Society - Forever Reign
Paul Brill - Breezy
Peaches - The Teaches of Peaches (reissue) (vinyl)
Philip Glass Ensemble - Einstein on the Beach (4-CD box set)
Punks on Mars - Hey Tiffany (7") (vinyl)
Rags & Ribbons - The Glass Masses
Raw Material - Raw Material (vinyl)
Red, White and Blues - Shine
Refugees (Cindy Bullens, Deborah Holland, Wendy Waldman) - Three
Secrets - The Ascent
Seeker Lover Keeper - Seeker Lover Keeper
Shawn Lee - Tabla Rock (vinyl)
Siopis - Ausländer
So is the Tongue - A Child of Divorce
Starf**ker - Jupiter (vinyl)
Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks and L.A. Guns - Wheels of Fire/Gorgeous George (7") (vinyl)
Steve Aoki - Wonderland
Stooges - Complete Funhouse Sessions (7-CD box set)
Strange Vacation - Chasm
The Big Pink - Future This
The Devil's Blood - The Thousandfold Epicentre
The Duke Spirit - Bruiser
The Internet - Purple Naked Ladies
The Life and Times - No One Loves You Like I Do
The Nightwatchman - Fabled City (reissue)
The Nightwatchman - One Man Revolution (reissue)
The Red Inspectors - Are We The Red Inspectors? Are We?
The Sound - From the Lions Mouth (remastered)
The Sound - Jeopardy (remastered)
Todd Terje - Arps (EP)
Tower City - The Ones That Better
Trailer Trash Tracys - Ester
Tribes - Baby
Uriah Heep - Logical Revelations
Various Artists - Electronic 11
Various Artists - Music From & Inspired By Pan Am
Various Artists - Qat Coffee & Qambus: Raw 45s From Yemen
Walter Rose - Cast Your Stone
HMV reveals plans to increase instore stock of vinyl in 2012
High street chain says customer demand has caused them to up their vinyl stocks
A spokesman for HMV has said that the high street chain is planning to step up the amount of vinyl it stocks in response to demand from customers.
The chain saw 'disappointing' sales over Christmas, but its official spokesman told NME that they're still hopeful for the future and are planning to bulk up what they offer in vinyl stock. They also said that the stores will never turn their back on stocking physical music.
Asked about what changes HMV would be bringing in 2012, the chain's official spokesman told NME: "A lot of customers have been asking us to increase the amount of racking we dedicate to music instore and we're pleased to say we'll be doing a lot more of that soon - in fact we're also planning to significantly increase our range of vinyl in quite a few locations as well."
great story about a love of music and vinyl! the article comes to us from Illinois
Highland hobbyist collects 45, 78 rpms through '70s
By JILL MOON
HIGHLAND — The ultimate vinyl collection includes Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Gene Autry, Ricky Nelson and Stan Musial — just ask Jim Ronat.
Ronat, 65, began in the music business as a performer with The Teen Beats, a four-piece band with a radio show on WIN-U AM 1510 out of Highland from 1963 to 1964, when Ronat graduated from Highland High School. As a disc jockey, Ronat did local high school news, dedications and requests. After graduation, Ronat joined the service for three years, before working for 40 years in the mail room and distribution for The St. Louis Post-Dispatch and The Wall Street Journal, which has a Highland plant. He retired in 2009 from the company that also printed Rolling Stone and The Sporting News.
“The band is how I got interested in records,” said the expert vinyl disc collector of mainly 45-rpm singles that made the Billboard 100 charts through the 1970s or came with a picture sleeve, just as collectible as the records. “That is the core of my collection, and that grew out to everything else.”
Reunited heavy metal band SLEEPY HOLLOW will release its new album, "Skull 13", on March 23 via Pure Steel Records and High Roller Records. The effort will be released on vinyl (limited 500 copies) through High Roller and on CD/DDL through Pure Steel.
CANNIBAL CORPSE: 'Torture' Cover Artwork, Track Listing Revealed; New Song Streaming
Florida-based death metal veterans CANNIBAL CORPSE will release their twelfth studio album, "Torture", on March 13 via Metal Blade Records. The follow-up to 2009's "Evisceration Plague" offers up 12 tracks of maniacally precise, soul-searing death metal. "Torture" was again produced by HATE ETERNAL's Erik Rutan at his own Mana Recording Studio in St. Petersburg, Florida as well as Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas, and features the maniacal cover art by longtime CANNIBAL CORPSE artist Vincent Locke.
We have had at time at Shop Radio Cast keeping Civil Wars, “Barton Hollow” vinyl LP in stock, but it is available once again! This is the debut album from the duet which was released in late 2011. The album scanned over 250,000 in the first week!
The Civil Wars consists of John Paul White, hailing from Florence, AL and Joy Williams, originally from Santa Cruz, CA, but now residing in East Nashville. The duo's chance meeting a year and a half ago fueled an immediate songwriting chemistry and creative synergy. Their second show ever, performed at a sold out Eddie's Attic, was recorded and released as a free digital album. Of the duo, Reg's Coffee House host, Scott Register, praises: 'In my 13 years on the radio, few of the artists I've championed had as immediate a reaction as The Civil Wars. When I first spun `Poison & Wine' listeners couldn't get enough of it and wanted to own it immediately. This band has the `it' factor that you look for. Don't miss out.'
Track Listing 20 Years I ve Got This Friend C est La Mort To Whom It May Concern Poison & Wine My Father s Father Barton Hollow The Violet Hour Girl With the Red Balloon Falling Forget Me Not
English Dogs Tour: The Punk Pioneers Returning to the States
Legendary punk rockers English Dogs have reformed and will be launching their first North American tour since 1985. The trek kicks off Feb. 10 in Baltimore and crisscrosses the country winding up on in Santa Clara, Calif. on Feb. 23. Support on the tour comes from The Casualties, Toxic Holocaust and Havok.
Founding member and drummer Pinch cannot wait to return to North America:
In 1957, in New Orleans, Little Richard recorded "Lucille."
Released on Specialty Records in February 1957, Little Richard's single made number 21 on the US pop chart, and number 10 on the UK chart. It was composed by Albert Collins and Little RichardAs a rock standard, it has been covered live and/or recorded by thousands of artists including AC/DC, Status Quo, Wings, The Beatles, Mud, The Hollies, The Animals, Paul McCartney, Van Halen, Johnny Winter, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Peter & Gordon, Queen, Deep Purple, the Ian Gillan Band, The Everly Brothers, Waylon Jennings, Kenny Rogers, Bill Haley & His Comets, Otis Redding, The Sonics, John Entwistle of The Who, and the Detroit band The Rockets. It was also covered by Status Quo as part of their Anniversary Waltz, Pt. 1. John Lennon and Paul McCartney sang the song together during a jam session in 1974, which can be heard on the bootleg A Toot & A Snore in '74, marking the only known occasion where the former songwriting team performed together after the bitter break up of the Beatles.
Also in 1957, the Cavern Club opened its doors as a Jazz club in Liverpool, England. The Quarry Men first played there seven months later and four years after, they would return as The Beatles. Paul McCartney visited the re-built club near the end of 1999 for a short set of old Rock and Roll tunes.
In 1964, the Beatles played two shows at the Olympia Theatre, Paris, France, the first of an 18-night engagement. This first show was attended mostly by Paris’ “top society” members (all dressed in formal evening attire). The French press had little good to say about The Beatles in the next day’s papers, but The Beatles didn’t care, because they’d just received news that their single “I Want to Hold Your Hand” had hit #1 in the U.S., selling 10,000 copies an hour in New York City alone.
In 1965, Chad Allen and The Expressions release their first album under their new name, Guess Who. A single issued from the LP was a cover version of Johnny Kidd's "Shakin' All Over" that helped launch the career of one of Canada's most successful Rock bands.
In 1969, in London at Twickenham Film Studios, the Beatles finished rehearsals for their "Get Back" project, later retitled "Let It Be."
In 1969, in San Francisco, Fleetwood Mac, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Albert Collins performed at the Fillmore West.
In 1972, David Seville, (real name: Ross Bagdasarian) who provided the voices of TV cartoon characters the Chipmunks, died just days short of his 53rd birthday. He also recorded the number one hit "Witch Doctor" in 1958.
In 1973, in Philadelphia, pre-fame Bruce Springsteen performed at Villanova University for an audience of 25 people.
In 1975, Paul McCartney and Wings arrived in New Orleans to begin recording sessions at Allen Toussaint's Sea Saint studios for their 'Venus and Mars' album. They stayed through Mardi Gras.
In 1980, Paul McCartney was placed in a Japanese jail for nine days after he was found in the possession of marijuana.
In 1984, Paul and Linda McCartney were arrested for drug possession in the Barbados. they liked their hooch.......
In 1986, ABBA performed together for the last time at a show honoring their manager Stig Anderson on the Swedish TV show This Is Your Life.
In 1987, Jools Holland was suspended by the UK's Channel 4 after saying “groovy fuckers” during a live ad broadcast during children's hours. shouldn't have said groovy......
In 1988, Tina Turner set the record (to that date) for largest audience for a single artist when she played before 182,000 people in Rio De Janeiro.
In 1988, George Harrison tops the Billboard chart with the first single from his "Cloud Nine" album, "Got My Mind Set On You", a song that was originally recorded by James Ray in 1962. In the UK, George's version spent four weeks at number 2.
In 1991, the Byrds, Wilson Pickett, Ike and Tina Turner and the Impressions are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.
In 1992, Eric Clapton recorded his unplugged session, that included an acoustic version of "Layla," for MTV.
In 1996, Jamaican authorities open fire on Jimmy Buffett's seaplane, mistaking it for a drug trafficker's plane. U2 singer Bono and Island Records producer Chris Blackwell were with Buffett, but no one was hurt. The incident inspired Buffett to write a song called "Jamaica Mistaica".
Also in 1996, Wayne Newton performed his 25,000th Las Vegas show.
In 1999, the Whiskey-a-Go-Go in Los Angeles began a 35th Anniversary celebration with shows by Robbie Krieger, the Grass Roots, Johnny Rivers, Nancy Sinatra, Jan & Dean, Randy Bachman and Martha Reeves.
In 2000, 71 year old Will "Dub" Jones of The Coasters passed away.
In 2004, Michael Jackson entered a plea of not guilty in a Santa Maria, California, courtroom, to multiple charges of child molestation. Though hundreds of fans enthusiastically greeted Jackson upon his arrival to the courthouse, he was reprimanded by Superior Court Judge Rodney S. Melville for being twenty minutes late. "You have started out on the wrong foot here," Melville told Jackson. "I want to advise you that I will not put up with that. It's an insult to the court."
In 2007, Pookie Hudson, the lead singer and songwriter for the Doo Wop group, the Spaniels, died of complications from cancer of the thymus at the age of 72. Hudson lent his romantic tenor to hits like "Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight" and influenced generations of later artists.
In 2008, an intimate Radiohead show had to be moved to a larger club after authorities intervened. 1,500 showed up for the show that promised tickets to the first 200 fans.
In 2009, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry reported that ninety-five per cent of music downloaded online was done so illegally in 2008. The IFPI, which represents 1,400 companies in 72 countries, said that there were 1.4 billion tracks legally downloaded last year, but estimated that more than 40 billion music files were illegally shared.
In 2010, singer and Country Music Hall of Famer Carl Smith died at the age of 82.
birthdays today include (among others): Nick Valensi (Strokes) (31), Paul Webb (Talk Talk) (50), Brendan O'Hare (Teenage Fanclub) (42), Sade (born Sade Adu) (53), Jill Sobule (53), Ronnie Milsap (69) and Jim Stafford (68)
Mastered by: Krieg Wunderlich, assisted by Rob LoVerde
MUSIC
SOUND
Mobile Fidelity Freshens Up a Classic by Michael Fremer December 01, 2011
Cleaned up, hair cut, even shown bowling in the gatefold photo layout, James Taylor, many felt at the time, had clearly sold out to corporate America by signing with Columbia Records. By 1977 his long hair, hippie days were over and so were ours, but many diehards resented the slick shift and were appalled by the whole thing, starting with the cover photo.
But once the stylus dropped in the lead-in groove, it was obvious that the label shift and image change had produced a musically and emotionally re-invigorated James Taylor, one that was able to maintain his former sensibilities while surrounding himself with a less folky, more pop/funky/electrified musical backdrop. You might even say it glows with the bell-toned Fender-Rhodes keyboard sound.
JT went on to become a multi-platinum selling hit and Taylor's biggest since his break-out album Sweet Baby James. True it's a fairly slick-sounding affair despite Taylor's use of many of his long-time cohorts like Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar and Russ Kunkel. Taylor's subject matter is sunnier and less self-absorbed. In "Looking For Love" he says he's had enough of self-pity.
He's downright exuberant singing to his girlfriend on the opener, "You're Smiling Face." Between that and "The Secret Of Life," his positive affirmation in which he lets listeners know he's figured it out how to live a satisfied, meaningful life that will allow him to age gracefully.
Obviously, the decades since show that he's lived his own advice. In fact sometimes you just wish he'd take that shit-eating grin off his face and show some emotion!
Side two opens with a reverential, string-drenched take on "Handy Man" that surprised and delighted consumers of the raucous original. There's the backstreet slink of "I Was Only Telling a Lie" that sounds more like something Bowie, Marc Bolan or Humble Pie could have come up with.
The hymnal, Paul Simon-ish "Terra Nova" remains one of Taylor's most beautiful and positive songs with backing by Carly Simon, whose multivoice coda remains memorable . Thankfully "Traffic Jam," an overly cute "gospel/rap" by way of The Coasters with a global warming message well ahead of its time is but a short detour to the love song finale, "If I Keep My Heart," which sounds more like a black r&b ballad than one by a folkie.
Well, a former folkie. This record propelled Taylor far beyond his guitar based folk music and he never looked back. It's success and the new image he'd created for himself removed all boundaries to his stylistic wanderings.
While the production may sound a bit slick, it's such sweet ear candy, you won't care. Val Garay gets the instruments remarkably well separated in space and give you a kick drum and electric bass you can latch onto and ride. All of the instruments receive the same clean, unprocessed treatment and as good as the original Columbia pressing was, Mobile Fidelity does it even better, striking the perfect balance between warmth and clarity. The original's dynamics can't match this edition.
There's plenty worth listening in on within these mixes and the mastering and pressing open a transparent, revealing window onto the action.
Thanks to Michael over at www.musicangle.com for the exclusive rights to reprint this material. Stop by MusicAngle.com for more reviews and features.
The Decemberists have recently announced that on March 13 they will release 'We All Raise Our Voices To The Air (Live Songs 04.11-08.11),' which is a 20-track live double-album (and triple-vinyl set) culled from the band's 2011 tour supporting their chart-topping, Grammy-nominated album 'The King Is Dead.'
In concert, the band which includes lead singer, songwriter and guitarist Colin Meloy, keyboardist & accordionist Jenny Conlee, guitarist Chris Funk, bassist Nate Query, and drummer John Moen, with additional member Sara Watkins on fiddle, guitar and vocals deliver an unforgettable live experience full of spontaneity. A band of breathtaking versatility, the Decemberists can reach deep into their rich catalog of songs for gorgeous fok-rock gems (“Rise To Me”), murderously driving rockers (“The Rake’s Song”), expansive suites (“The Crane Wife 1, 2, and 3”), the worst song Meloy ever wrote (“Dracula’s Daughter”), or epic sea shanties that inspire enthusiastic crowd participation (“The Mariner’s Revenge Song”).
The performances on We All Raise Our Voices To The Air are drawn from 12 different shows at venues including the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Stubb’s BBQ in Austin, Marymoor Amphitheatre in Seattle, and their final two shows at McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheatre in their hometown of Portland, which featured the addition of a horn section that can be heard on several songs.
Disc 1 1. The Infanta (5:15) 2. Calamity Song (3:57) 3. Rise To Me (4:55) 4. The Soldiering Life (3:58) 5. We Both Go Down Together (4:30) 6. The Bagman’s Gambit (8:05) 7. Down By The Water (3:59) 8. Leslie Ann Levine(4:15) 9. The Rake’s Song (3:34) 10. The Crane Wife 1, 2, and 3 (16:20)
Disc 2 1. Oceanside (3:15) 2. Billy Liar (6:33) 3. Grace Cathedral Hill (4:35) 4. All Arise! (4:30) 5. Rox In The Box (3:15) 6. June Hymn (4:20) 7. Dracula’s Daughter > O Valencia! (5:49) 8. This Is Why We Fight (4:35) 9. The Mariner’s Revenge Song (10:20) 10. I Was Meant For The Stage (10:00)
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NIGHTWISH To Release 'The Crow, The Owl And The Dove' Single
"The Crow, The Owl And The Dove", the second single from "Imaginaerum", the new album from Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH, will be released in Europe on March 2 via Nuclear Blast Records. Along with the title track, the single will include a previously unreleased song called "The Heart Asks Pleasure First" (theme from the movie "The Piano"). The cut will be available in two different versions, including an instrumental one.
"The Crow, The Owl And The Dove" is featured in three versions: the radio edit, album version and an instrumental.
You can order the single on CD, or as a vinyl in clear or blue color.
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi posted his first message in response to his recent diagnosis of lymphoma earlier this week. In a post on Facebook, Iommi wrote:
"My fans, friends & colleagues -
"I just want to say how overwhelmed I am with all your messages of support, thank you so much.
"Well it's not what I wanted for Christmas, that's for sure, but now I can't wait for the test results to come in and get going with the treatment.
"It's really good that the guys are coming over so that we can continue working on the album as things are going great in the studio.
"Well, not much else to say at this time, so thanks again.
"Bless you all,
Tony"
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this out of the lovely state of arizona.....vinyl nerds unite!
Not So Secretly, Eastside Records Comes Back from the Dead
By Amanda Ventura • College Times
There's a rich, nerdy culture that keeps record stores in business. So for audiophiles and vinyl enthusiasts, seeing a beloved record store close its doors is tough. They hardly ever re-open in the same place twice and generally the new locations never seem as convenient as before. Remember when Hoodlums went "on hiatus" after the Great Memorial Union Fire of 2007? The store's relocation on McClintock Drive – so far away from the college crowd – was such bittersweet news. Thankfully, the store is alive and well, and always worth the drive.
Let's hope the same holds true for Mill Avenue Districts' Eastside Records. As we remember it, the store, furnished by innards of various defunct record stores, was a compact goldmine of super obscure and collection-worthy vinyl. It was a place where folks could nerd out with the guys behind the counters and occasionally catch a live show.
and in southern california, it seems that the turntable may just be part of the college decor in every dorm....
Vinyls revitalize music industry
By Nick Mindicino · Daily Trojan
Vinyl records are not just for DJs to spin any more.
These hunky, 12-inch pieces of wax are quickly becoming the physical medium of choice among music fans.
In an age when thousands of songs can be stored on a miniscule device like an iPod Nano, younger consumers are discovering that perhaps their grandparents were right all along: Vinyl is the way to go.
And artists, too, are taking note. From smaller bands like Punchline to mainstream artists like Katy Perry, it clearly behooves artists to release a record on vinyl.
Though the landscape seems nearly apocalyptic for CD sales in the wake of the digital downloading revolution, vinyl records are providing a glimmer of hope in their niche markets.
Taj Mahal – Recycling The Blues & Other Related Stuff – Columbia Records/ Original Recordings Group (45 rpm vinyl)
Rare look at an emerging blues legend is captured on exquisite vinyl.
Taj Mahal – Recycling The Blues & Other Related Stuff – Columbia Records KC 31605 (1972)/ Original Recordings Group 12” 45rpm stereo audiophile vinyl (2 discs), 37:54 total ****:
(Taj Mahal – steel guitar, kalimba, conch, hand claps, upright bass, vocals; The Pointer Sisters – background vocals; Howard Johnson – hand claps, tuba)
When Taj Mahal burst on the scene in the late sixties, it was difficult to classify his music. Playing guitar and harmonica, he fit the bill as a traditional blues artist. Folk enthusiasts appreciated his banjo work as well. He collaborated with a variety of artists, including rock musicians (Ry Cooder). With creative vision, he developed a unique blues mystique. His stage presence led him to, folk and blues festivals, national rock venues and clubs around the world.
His 1972 studio/live album, Recycling The Blues & Other Related Stuff has now been reissued on 45 rpm vinyl. This is an unusual recording with 11 tracks that clock in just shy of thirty-eight minutes. The first seven tracks are live, recorded at the Fillmore West in San Francisco. Side A opens with a “Taj” oddity…a conch solo! Known for experimenting with unusual instruments, the next cut is unexpected. Performing on kalimba (African thumb piano), he manages to extract a rhythmic flow from this “tinny” instrument, as the crowd responds enthusiastically. Switching to his trademark National steel guitar, Taj explodes with forceful strumming and an earthy, baritone voice on “Bound To Love Me Some”. As a solo performer, he has few peers in the totality of his delivery. The set becomes more innovative as the bluesman unveils a banjo for an instrumental, “Ricochet”. With indelible technique, a riveting progression of chord and individual notation transforms bluegrass into modern expression.
Side B starts with a solo a capella gospel song (“A Free Song/Rise Up Children Shake The Devil Out Of Your Soul”). Then, it’s vintage Taj Mahal as he delivers “Corinna” with his raspy vocal style. Without losing the idiosyncratic ambiance, a duet with tuba player Howard Johnson (“Cakewalk Into Town” is an appealing transition to studio material. Side C is some of his best work. Backed by the “unknown” (at the time, anyway) Pointer Sisters, Taj reinvents Robert Johnson’s “Sweet Home Chicago” and makes it his own. The gospel-laden backup vocals are exultant. The Pointers resonate like soulful Andrews Sisters with their three-part harmonies on “Texas Woman Blues”. The album concludes with a virtuosic solo guitar instrumental, “Gitano Negro”. Easily the longest cut on the album (eight and a half minutes), Taj alternates pensive, delicate phrasing with cadenced strumming. There is an underlying classical structure that coalesces with the up tempo riffs.
ORG Recordings Group re-mastered 45 rpm vinyl is superior to most digital reproductions. Pressed at RTI and mastered by Bernie Grundman from the original analogue master tapes, every nuanced detail, including the rarely used kalimba is pristinely clear. The tones of the steel guitar are rich in texture. Audiophiles and Taj Mahal enthusiasts will want to add Recycling The Blues & Other Related Stuff to their collections.
TrackList: Side A: Conch Intro; Kalimba; Bound To Love Me Some; Richochet Side B: A Free Song (Rise Up Children Shake The Devil Out Of Your Soul); Corinna; Conch:Close; Cakewalk Into Town Side C: Sweet Home Chicago; Texas Woman Blues Side D: Gitano Negro
AUDIOPHILE AUDITION focuses on recordings of interest to audiophiles and collectors, with an accent on surround sound for music, and on all hi-res disc formats. Over 100 SACD, DVD Video/Audio and standard CD reviews are published during each month, and our archives go back to January 2001.
Special thanks to John at www.audaud.com for the exclusive rights to reprint this material.
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Ringo Starr Releasing New Album At End Of Month
Ringo Starr is scheduled to release his new album, 'Ringo 2012,' on January 31 in the US via Hip-O Records/UMe. The nine-track album features two covers, one of Buddy Holly's "Think It Over" and the other "Rock Island Line" as made famous by Lonnie Donegan. Guest appearances include guitarists Joe Walsh and Kenny Wayne Shepherd along with Amy Keys, Michael Bradford, Dave Stewart, Don Was, Steve Dudas, Edgar Winter, Charlie Haden, Richard Page, Kelly Moneymaker, Van Dyke Parks, Benmont Tench, and Bruce Sugar.
Starr produced this album, and it was recorded in Los Angeles and mixed in England. It will be released digitally, on CD and vinyl.
Tracklist 1. Anthem 2. Wings 3. Think It Over 4. Samba 5. Rock Island Line 6. Step Lightly 7. Wonderful 8. In Liverpool 9. Slow Down
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Hands Like Houses Reveal Album Artwork
Here is the cover art for Hands Like Houses' new LP, 'Ground Dweller.' Recorded at Chango Studios with Cameron Mizell, the album will be released on March 13 via Rise Records.
Tracklist: 1. Antarctica 2. Don't Look Now, I'm Being Followed. Act Normal. 3. This Ain't No Place For Animals 4. Spineless Crow 5. Starving to Death in the Belly of a Whale 6. A Clown and His Pipe 7. The Definition of Not Leaving 8. Lion Skin 9. One Hundred 10. Watchmaker 11. The Sower
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and in music history for december 14th:
In 1955, Big Joe Turner, the Clovers, Fats Domino, the Moonglows, the Drifters and the Harptones performed in two shows at the 6,000-seat St. Nicholas Arena in Harlem as disc jockey and concert promoter Alan Freed presented his first Rock and Roll Ball in New York City. Both shows sold out well in advance.
In 1963, at the Flamingo Jazz Club in the Soho section of London, drummer Charlie Watts made his live performance debut with the Rolling Stones.
In 1964, the Beatles (minus Ringo Starr, who was fog-bound in Liverpool) departed from Liverpool for Paris, France for an 18-day run at the Olympia Theatre. Arriving in Paris, John, Paul, and George were met by 60 fans. Ringo, accompanied by roadie Neil Aspinall, arrived the next day.
In 1966, David Jones changes his name to David Bowie to avoid confusion with Davy Jones from the Monkees, just in time for the release of his single, "Can't Help Thinking About Me". He would later say that he chose "Bowie" because he likes that "big American bear-killin' knife."
In 1967, over 25,000 people attend The Human Be-In - A Gathering Of The Tribes at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The event was a forerunner of major, outdoor Rock concerts and featured The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver Messenger Service and Big Brother And The Holding Company.
In 1967, the Rolling Stones released the single "Let's Spend the Night Together" in North America.
Released in the United Kingdom as a single in January 1967, "Let's Spend the Night Together" reached #3 on the UK Singles Chart. The song was included on the American version of the Stones' album 'Between the Buttons,' and was also released there as a single. However, due to the then-controversial nature of the lyrics (with its suggestion of casual sex) most radio stations opted to play the flip side "Ruby Tuesday" instead. The two songs charted separately on the US Billboard Hot 100, "Let's Spend the Night Together" stalling at #55 while "Ruby Tuesday" became a #1 hit. "Let's Spend the Night Together" features piano by both Jack Nitzsche and Keith Richards, organ by Brian Jones, drums from Charlie Watts, electric guitar and bass by Keith Richards, lead vocals by Mick Jagger and backing vocals from both Jagger and Richards. Bassist Bill Wyman does not appear on this track.
On The Ed Sullivan Show, the band was initially refused permission to perform the number. Sullivan himself told Jagger, "Either the song goes or you go." A compromise was reached to substitute the words "let's spend some time together" in place of "let's spend the night together"; Jagger agreed to change the lyrics but ostentatiously rolled his eyes at the TV camera while singing them. Ed Sullivan announced that the Rolling Stones would be banned from performing on his show again. In April 2006, for their first-ever performance in China, authorities prohibited the group from performing the song due to its "suggestive lyrics".
In 1970, a display of John Lennon's erotic "Bag One" lithographs opened in London. 2 days later Scotland Yard seized prints as evidence of pornography.
Also in 1970, Diana Ross performed for the last time with The Supremes at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas. During the show, Diana introduces her replacement, Jean Terrell, who will lead the group to seven more Top 40 hits, including the Top 10 entries "Up The Ladder To The Roof" and "Stoned Love" later in the year.
In 1972, Paul Simon released his self-titled solo debut album.
In 1973, Elvis Presley's Aloha From Hawaii concert is broadcast live to an estimated one billion people around the world. The soundtrack is later released as a two record set and becomes one of the King's best selling LPs of the '70s, hitting number one later the same year.
In 1978, the Sex Pistols played their last concert before breaking up. The show was in San Francisco, CA.
In 1978, an L.A. group called Player had the top tune in the US with "Baby Come Back". The song was written by band members Peter Beckett and John Crowley after both had broken up with their respective girl friends. The song reached #32 in the UK.
In 1984, when his "Pipes Of Peace" reached the top of the UK singles chart, Paul McCartney made British chart history by becoming the first artist to have a #1 record while part of a group (the Beatles), in a duo (with Stevie Wonder), in a trio (with Wings), and as a solo artist.
In 1989, Paul McCartney released his album 'Back In The U.S.S.R.' exclusively in Russia.
In 1992, Jerry Nolan, drummer for The New York Dolls, died at the age of 45. He was being treated for bacterial meningitis and bacterial pneumonia at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York, when he suffered a stroke and went into a coma from which he never recovered.
In 1995, Ruby Starr, vocalist for Black Oak Arkansas on their 1974 hit "Jim Dandy" as well as having her own solo career, died of cancer at the age of 45.
In 1999, the January issue of Rolling Stone magazine reveals that the two children of Melissa Etheridge and her partner Julie Cypher were fathered by David Crosby.
In 1999, Metallica sued Victoria's Secret, claiming that the manufacturer infringed on its trademark by marketing a line of "Metallica" lip pencils.
In 2005, a $100,000 statue honoring the late punk guitarist Johnny Ramone was unveiled by his widow Linda at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Johnny died from prostate cancer in September 2004 at the age of 55. Hundreds turned out for the ceremony, including Tommy Ramone – the only surviving band member. Dee Dee Ramone died of a drugs overdose in 2002 and Joey died in 2001 of lymphatic cancer.
In 2007, Amy Winehouse started a two-week run at #1 on the UK album chart with Back to Black (which went on to become the biggest-selling album of 2007 with sales over 1.5m copies).
In 2010, guitar great Jimmy Page was honored with the United Nations' first ever Pathways To Peace Award. Pathways To Peace is an international peace building, educational and consulting organization which has consultative status with the United Nations.
In 2011, as her latest release, "Haven't Seen the Last of Me" raced up Billboard's Dance Club Song chart, 64-year-old Cher was poised to mark the sixth decade in which she had a #1 hit. Her track record of achieving chart topping records includes: The 1960s - "I Got You Babe" The 1970s - "Gypsys, Tramps And Thieves" "Half Breed" "Dark Lady" and "All I Ever Need Is You." The 1980s - "If I Could Turn Back Time" and "After All" (with Peter Cetera) The 1990s - "Believe" "Strong Enough" and "All or Nothing". The 2000s - "Song For the Lonely" "A Different Kind of Love Song" and "When The Money's Gone."
Celebrating birthdays today, january 14th: 1969, L.L. Cool J (James Todd Smith) 1968, T-Bone Burnett 1948, Geoff Tate (Queensryche) 1959 and Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana)
Here is the month in review of the top selling ebay vinyl record sales, on a weekly basis, for December 2011. First and foremost, a special thank you to Norm and Jane at Vinyl Record Talk. Be sure to listen to their popular radio show Vinyl Record Talk for more information about the weekly top 5, vinyl record news and as well as weekly guests.
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 12/03/2011
Beatlemania is re-surging in auctions all over. The Beatles take three of five spots this week, with two "Please Please Me" records and an export "White Album".
1. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone Stereo UK 2nd Pressing - $5,146.50
5. 45 - The Sex Pistols "God Save The Queen" / "Did You No Wrong" Virgin South African Pressing - $2,591.82
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 12/10/2011
No doubt the Beatles stuff is hot right now. The "Love Me Do" 45 usually goes for $7k - 10k with the sleeve. But if a scrap of paper (see Lennon to-do list post) sells for $16k, what Beatles item isn't worth more than its weight in gold? The non-Beatle entries on this week's list are worth a look. The Maitrey Kali LP is the very rare double LP version, not the more typical single LP repress. And the "Love Buzz" 7" as a test pressing gets about double what one of the regular releases bring.
1. 45 - The Beatles "Love Me Do" / "P.S. I Love You" Parlophone Demo with sleeve - $17,338.20
2. LP - Maitreya Kali "Apache/Inca" Private Press - $10,101.00
3. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone Stereo UK 2nd Pressing - $7,029.00
4. 45 - Nirvana "Love Buzz" / "Big Cheese" Test Pressing - $4,350.00
5. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone Stereo UK 1st Pressing - $3.982.10
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 12/17/2011
In 1971 you could have found any of these records in a used bin for a half-dollar. Maybe the Brute Force 45 might not have turned up so easily as it was given out, more or less, as a joke by Apple Corp employees and was never officially released. This week is an honor roll of psych holy grails, with the Mexican psychedelic band Kaleidoscope having their only release topping the list.
1. LP - The Kaleidoscope "self-titled" Orfeon - $7,200.00
2. 45 - Brute Force "King Of Fuh" / "Nobody Knows" Apple 8 - $4,374.00
3. LP - The Bachs "Out of the Bachs" Private Press - $3,888.00
4. LP - The Beatles "Yesterday & Today" Capitol T-2553 #6 Mono 2nd State Butcher Cover - $3,483.83
5. LP - Damon "Song Of A Gypsy" Private Press - $3,450.00
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 12/24/2011
A sweet find turned up this week, a test pressing of "Freewheelin'" that has the alternate tracks that were mistakenly released on the original pressing. A stock copy of "Freewheelin'" typically sells for around half the $5k price that this test pressing bid to. Psych stuff continues to make the list, with Canadian holy grail "Bent Wind" getting the #2 spot, and Delany and Bonnie's Apple record getting the #4 spot. Poking in at the bottom is a KBD 45 from Bad Brains.
1. LP - Bob Dylan "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" Test Press LP Alternate Tracks - $5,212.00
4. LP - Delany & Bonnie "The Original Delaney And Bonnie" Apple SAPCOR7 UK Pressing - $3,534.64
5. 45 - Bad Brains "Pay To Cum" / "Stay Close To Me" w/sleeve and insert - $2,938.00
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 12/31/2011
The private press funk treasure from John Heartsman gets the top spot on this lackluster week. The week after Christmas can be low-key, but watch for the weeks from early January through Valentine's day to test the economic resilience of vinyl in 2012. As filmmaker Jeanie Finlay points out in her acclaimed documentary "Sound It Out", record collecting is primarily a men's pre-occupation.
And I declare that as men most of us never get what we want for Christmas - socks, ties, hand-made chotchkies from our kids. We must sneak in our true material desires in the zone between New Years and Valentine's Day.
1. LP - John Heartsman And Circles "Music Of My Heart" Private - $3,250.00
2. LP - Hank Mobley "self-titled" Blue Note 1560 Original Pressing - $2,480.00
The artwork for Van Halen's new album 'A Different Kind Of Truth' is placed side by side with an album from the 70's. The cover utilizes the same train image to the one on 'Movin' On,' the 1975 album by the Commodores.......it's just a train......
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i've said this before about this album cover....it's just a banana folks....
Velvet Underground Suing Andy Warhol Foundation Over Banana
The Velvet Underground have launched legal action over the use of 'their ' iconic, Andy Warhol-designed album cover. The group accused the Andy Warhol Foundation of trademark infringement, saying it illegally licensed the famous banana logo for use on other products.
The Velvet Underground say the banana, which was used on their 1967 debut album, is synonymous with their image.
Andy Warhol designed their first album cover - which incorporated the banana symbol and the phrase "peel slowly and see". On early editions of the album, the banana skin was a sticker which could be removed to display the flesh underneath. Legal papers filed in Manhattan state that the artwork, which was never officially copyrighted, "became a symbol, truly an icon, of the Velvet Underground" for some 25 years.
"The symbol has become so identified with the Velvet Underground that members of the public, particularly those who listen to rock music, immediately recognise the banana design as the symbol of the Velvet Underground," court papers said.
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album cover art for the day:
Nightqueen Unveils Cover Artwork
Nightqueen recently revealed the album artwork for their debut LP .For Queen And Metal." The art was created by Jan Yrlund and is scheduled for release On February 24, 2011 via Massacre Records.
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Ripple Music Signs Exclusive North American-Wide Distribution Deal with Heavy Music Leader, NAIL Distribution!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ripple Music and NAIL Distribution have signed a deal that, as of January 2012, will make NAIL Distribution the exclusive distributor of Ripple Music CDs and vinyl records throughout the entire North American Continent!
"This is a very big deal for Ripple Music as NAIL Distribution is an independent distributor with a proven track record of working with heavy music like Ripple, handles a tremendous catalog of artists, and operates with a ton of integrity." explains Todd Severin and John Rancik, co-owners of Ripple Music. "Plus, as a division of Allegro Media Group, this agreement opens up new and exciting opportunities for digital distribution of Ripple Music bands. We’re extremely proud to be working with the whole NAIL team and thrilled to get Ripple Music permeated through the ears of the North America," California-based Ripple Music burst onto the scene, making huge waves upon its launch in 2010 with a mission to release quality “authentic rock” for the hard-rocking world. Releasing vinyl, CD’s and Digital, Ripple Music quickly gained the approval of music lovers as they began working with some of the most respected artists in the heavy rock/heavy psych genres like Stone Axe, Mos Generator, Poobah, Fen, and JPT Scare Band. Since then, the Ripple family has continued to grow with critically-hailed releases by UK’s heavy rockers Grifter, Iron Claw, and Trucker Diablo.
"NAIL's excellent reputation among their client labels and retailers, their recent track record of labor-intensive growth, and the great people there in every department were all essential factors in giving us the confidence that we needed to make this move," notes the Ripple team. "Plus their absolute love for hard rock and what we're doing at Ripple. We’re very excited about our new relationship with NAIL."
NAIL has been one of the premier North American distributors of independent music for over 15 years, NAIL distributes music of all stripes, handling nearly 200 exclusive labels. NAIL delivers the best in independent rock, folk, Americana, punk, avant jazz, electronic, experimental, hip-hop, metal, and soon, Ripple Music.
In 1955, Etta James released "The Wallflower," also known as "Dance With Me Henry" and "Roll With Me Henry," one of several answer songs to "Work With Me Annie" by Hank Ballard & The Midnighters.
On January 12, 1957, Elvis Presley recorded the iconic rock and roller "All Shook Up."
Presley recorded the song at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. Take 10 was selected for release, and in March the song entered Billboard's Top 100 chart at #25. Within three weeks it had knocked Perry Como's "Round and Round" off the top spot, and stayed there for eight consecutive weeks. The song also became Presley's first UK #1 single, remaining there for seven weeks. Sales of the single exceeded 2 million, and the song was named Billboard's Year End number one song for 1957.
It is certified 2X Platinum by the RIAA. It was ranked #352 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
In 1959, Berry Gordy, Jr. borrowed $800 from his family and rented an eight-room house in Detroit at 2648 W. Grand Boulevard, which became Hitsville U.S.A., the home of his Motown Records and its subsidiary labels. His first release, "Come To Me" by Marv Johnson on the Tamla label, came nine days later.
In 1959, Motown Records signs The Primettes to a recording contract and convinces them to change their name. From several possibilities, they settle on one suggested by Florence Ballard - The Supremes.
In 1963, Steve Lawrence enjoyed his only US number one single with the Gerry Goffin / Carole King written "Go Away Little Girl." Donny Osmond would also take the song to the top in 1971.
In 1963, a New York doo-wop quintet called the Earls saw their only US Top 40 hit, "Remember Then" enter the Billboard chart, where it would reach #24.
In 1965, a Rock 'n' Roll variety show called Hullabaloo premieres on NBC TV. Featured acts include host Jack Jones, The New Christy Minstrels, The Zombies and Gerry and the Pacemakers.
In 1969, Led Zeppelin's eponymous debut album was released in North America. It took only about 36 hours of studio time to complete at a cost of just £1,782 (about $2800 US at today's conversion rate).
Most of the tracks were recorded "live" in the studio with a minimum of overdubs. Although the album initially received negative reviews, it went on to gross more than £3.5 million ($5.4 million US), and in 2003 was ranked #29 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
The groundbreaking LP is now seen as one of the most impressive and important debuts in Rock music history. The name of the band had recently been changed from The New Yardbirds after drummer Keith Moon of The Who predicted the band's music would "go over like a lead zeppelin". will listen to it anytime, the vinyl is so sweet!
On this day in 1972, "American Pie" by Don McLean was the #1 song.
In 1974, after entering Billboard's Hot 100 in October '73, The Steve Miller Band's "The Joker" makes it all the way to number one.
Also in 1974, Byron MacGregor's moving rendition of "The Americans" reaches number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. MacGregor, whose real name was Gary Mack, was the news director at Windsor, Ontario's CKLW radio. His recording of an essay by Canadian editorialist Gordon Sinclair, backed by the Detroit Symphony playing "America the Beautiful", became a multi-million seller, the proceeds of which where donated to the American Red Cross.
In 1975, the Warner Brothers Music Show began touring the UK. The nine-city, 18-date package tour featured the Doobie Brothers, Tower of Power, Montrose, Graham Central Station, and also Little Feat who developed a large cult following from the tour.
In 1977, EMI Records issued a statement saying it felt unable to promote the Sex Pistols' records in view of the adverse publicity the band had generated over the last two months.
In 1981, the Recording Industry Association of America donated 800 albums to the White House library. Among the vinyl were copies of Bob Dylan's 'Blonde on Blonde,' KISS' 'Alive!' and 'Never Mind the Bollocks Here's the Sex Pistols.'
In 1985, after a record 24 weeks as the #1 album in the nation, Prince slipped to the #2 spot with 'Purple Rain,' Replacing Prince at the top spot: Bruce Springsteen’s 'Born In the USA.'
In 1993, the original members of Cream reunite in Los Angeles to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Others to be inducted included CCR, The Doors, Van Morrison, Sly and the Family Stone, Frankie Lymon, Dinah Washington and Etta James.
In 1994, the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame inducts Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers Band, Martha and the Vandellas, Neil Young, Janis Joplin, Al Green and Frank Zappa.
In 1998, the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame inducts the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, the Mamas And The Papas, Santana, Lloyd Price, Gene Vincent, Allen Toussaint and Jelly Roll Morton. The event marked the first time that all seven current and past members of the Eagles were photographed together. Former band mates Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner, who had quit the group, were virtually ignored by Don Henley and Glenn Frey and were forced to the extreme edges of the stage when the band played a short set of past hits.
In 1999, Britney Spears' debut album "...Baby One More Time" was released.
In 2003, Maurice Gibb from the Bee Gee's died (age 53) in Miami Hospital, Florida following a heart attack during abdominal surgery. The Bee Gees released over 20 albums and had the 1979 world-wide #1 album 'Spirits Having Flown', and 'How Deep Is Your Love, 'Stayin' Alive', and 'Night Fever' from the soundtrack 'Saturday Night Fever' were all US #1 singles. Gibb was married to the Scottish singer Lulu from 1969 to 1973. In 2002, Maurice was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE), along with his brothers.
In 2004, Randy Van Warmer, who reached #4 on Billboard's Hot 100 and #8 in the UK in 1979 with "Just When I Needed You Most", died of leukemia at the age of 48. That song was written about his American girlfriend who came to stay with him in the England for several months before returning to the US. By prior arrangement, his cremated remains were sent into space in 2007.
birthdays today: Maggie Bell (Stone the Crows) 1945, Cynthia Robinson (Sly and the Family Stone) 1946, Charlie Gillingham (Counting Crows) 1960, Rob Zombie (White Zombie) 1966, Greg Kriesel (Offspring) 1965 and Raekwon (Wu-Tang Clan) 1968
DEAR JERRY:One of the very first 45s I wanted was Boyd Bennett's “Seventeen,” from the summer of 1955 when rock and roll was new.
As a teen who knew nothing about cover records, I was surprised to find several different versions of that song for sale. That was my introduction to covers.
I later learned how quickly the original versions of most popular songs in the 1950s faced stiff competition from other labels wanting a piece of the sales pie.
Jumping ahead 10 years, it seems cover versions were practically non-existent. Would you agree? —Sandy Stover, Santa Rosa, Calif.
DEAR SANDY: Not exactly, only because covers were still fairly common in the 1960s. There were far fewer then than a decade earlier, and were rarely successful, but not uncommon.
I can quantify this using the Cash Box Top 40 (which routinely listed both originals and covers) for the last week of August 1955 — when you bought “Seventeen” — followed by the Top 40 for the same week of 1965.
In 1955, when covers were the rule rather than the exception, 32 (80%) of the Top 40 were available by more than one artist. And this excludes instrumental versions of songs that by no means competed with the hit vocal, such as the MGM Studio Orchestra's “(We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock.”
Note also that only single releases can accurately be considered covers. An LP track can never be a true cover record!
Here then are the eight tunes (20%) of the Top 40, with their position, for which there no qualifying cover versions:
3 “(We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock” (Bill Haley and His Comets)
5 “Hard to Get” (Gisele MacKenzie)
12 “Tina Marie" (Perry Como)
20 “The Longest Walk” (Jaye P. Morgan)
28 “If I May” (Nat King Cole and the Four Knights)
31 “Pancho Lopez (Davy Crockett)” Lalo Guerrero
34 “My One Sin” (Nat King Cole)
35 “Honey Babe” (Art Mooney and His Orchestra)
Somewhat surprisingly, 10 years later the numbers are almost exactly reversed.
Mid the British Invasion, 33 (82.5%) of the Top 40 were unopposed, with only seven involving a cover record:
4 “Like a Rolling Stone” (Bob Dylan), covered by the Soup Greens
15 “All I Really Want to Do” (Cher), covered successfully by the Byrds with both making the Top 40
17 “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me” (Mel Carter), covered by Lanny Duncan, and Karen Chandler (who had the true original in 1952)
20 “What's New Pussycat!” (Tom Jones), covered by Burt Bacharach, co-writer of the song
21 “The 'In' Crowd” (Ramsey Lewis Trio). First instrumental issued in mid-'65 is by Gene Barge, making the Lewis version the cover
22 “It Ain't Me Babe” (Turtles), covered by Joe & Eddie, and Vern Swain
27 “Houston” (Dean Martin). First issued that summer by Sanford Clark, making Dino's version the cover
DEAR JERRY:Now that middle-age is in the rear view mirror, I am relating more and more to songs like Roy Clark's “Yesterday, When I Was Young.”
There was another song from those days with a similar theme. It's either Roy Clark or another tenor with a beautiful voice.
I thought the title to be “Minstrel in My Time,” but my searches for those words result in nothing helpful.
What is it, who wrote it, who sings it, and where can I find it? —Clint Yarrow, Salt Lake City
DEAR CLINT: One line in this song is “Minstrel of My Time,” but the title is “I Didn't See the Time Go By.”
You have every reason to associate this poignant ballad with “Yesterday, When I Was Young,” because both express a comparable sentiment, and both are from the pen of the legendary Armenian-French singer-songwriter, Charles Aznavour.
The recording you seek is probably by Glenn Yarbrough, and is easily available on his 1996 CD “Live at Harrah's Reno” (Increase B00003Q07E) — truly a tour de force performance.
IZ ZAT SO? Discussing cover records brings to mind a fascinating trivia tidbit first mentioned here many years ago:
Neither the Beatles nor Elvis Presley ever made a cover record! Never. Not even once.
Both artists recorded lots of other people's songs, but never as a single to compete with someone else's original.
Presley even refused to allow RCA Victor to release a single of his “Blue Suede Shoes” until after the Carl Perkins original ran its course. He didn't want his friend Carl to lose sales. Throughout his life, Perkins often referred to this as one of the kindest things anyone had ever done for him.
Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column. Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368 E-mail: jpo@olympus.net Visit his Web site: www.jerryosborne.com
All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.
Copyright 2011 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Exclusive Permission
Andrew Bird's upcoming album 'Break it Yourself,' will be released on March 6 via Mom + Pop Music. Starting on March 15, Bird will be emarking on an extensive spring tour in support of the album.
Tracklist: 1. Desperation Breeds… 2. Polynation 3. Danse Caribe 4. Give it Away 5. Eyeoneye 6. Lazy Projector 7. Near Death Experience Experience 8. Behind the Barn 9. Lusitania 10. Orpheo Looks Back 11. Sifters 12. Fatal Shore 13. Hole in the Ocean Floor 14. Belles
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Woody Guthrie Tribute Album Details
To coincide with the 100th birthday of Woody Guthrie, My Morning Jacket’s Yim Yames, Son Volt’s Jay Farrar, Centro-matic’s Will Johnson and Varnaline’s Anders Parker have recorded an album featuring previously unrecorded Guthrie lyrics. 'New Multitudes,' comprises interpretations on 12 Guthrie compositions, most of which were written during his time in Los Angeles.
'New Multitudes' is scheduled for release on February 28th via Rounder Records and as a limited edition which features original Guthrie lyric sheets, the 12 track release, and 12 additional compositions recorded by Farrar and Parker. The album will also be available on vinyl.
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MIKE PORTNOY, STEVE MORSE, NEAL MORSE Unite In FLYING COLORS; Debut Album Details
Mascot Label Group has announced the release of the eponymous debut album from FLYING COLORS — the spectacular new virtuoso prog/pop/metal rock band formed by drummer Mike Portnoy (ex-DREAM THEATER) and guitarist Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE). The CD will be made available via Music Theories Recordings in the U.K. on Monday, March 26, followed by a U.S. release on Tuesday, March 27.
FLYING COLORS is Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Dave LaRue (bass), Neal Morse (keyboards, vocals), Casey McPherson (lead vocals, guitar), and Steve Morse (lead guitar).
T.R.A.M. is a new 'supergroup' that features members of The Mars Volta, Animals as Leaders, and Suicidal Tendencies, will be issuing 'Lingua Franca,' their debut album, on February 28th.
Comprised of such renowned musically proficient artists as Adrian Terrazas (The Mars Volta) on saxophone, flute, bass clarinet and percussion, Javier Reyes (Animals as Leaders) on guitars, Tosin Abasi (Animals as Leaders) on guitars and Eric Moore (Suicidal Tendencies) on drums, the band formed in 2010 and made their live debut at SXSW last year.
Terrazas states: "Tosin Abasi and I were originally introduced by a mutual friend, Raanen Bozzio, last summer. This meeting also served as my first introduction to Animals As Leaders and Javier Reyes. Since then, Abasi, Reyes and I have developed a great relationship. We got together almost every day to try out ideas and after a month we had already formulated a majority of the record. At this point we contacted Eric Moore, an incredible drummer and the most joyful person to be around, and soon everything we had envisioned rhythmically came together on our first meeting/recording session (at the Farias productions studios) on what is now T.R.A.M."
Top 10 Albums sold at Shop Radio Cast for the week of January 3 – January 9, 2012:
1. The Black Keys – The Moan / Have Love Will Travel 7″ 2. The Horrible Crowes – Elsie LP 3. Jimmy Eat World – Bleed American 3XLP 4. Bayside – The Walking Wounded LP 5. Brand New – Your Favorite Weapon LP 6. Thrice – At: Guitar Center 7″ 7. Colour Revolt – Colour Revolt LP 8. Matt Pryor – May Day LP 9. Craig Finn – Clear Heart Full Eyes LP 10. Converge – Unloved and Weeded Out LP
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GRIMEY'S BEST SELLERS 1/02 - 1/08, 2012
Vinyl Top 25:
1. The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow 2. Bon Iver - Bon Iver 3. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues 4. M83 - Hurry Up We're Dreaming 5. My Morning Jacket - Friends Again 7" 6. The Beach Boys - The SMiLE Sessions 7. Adele - 21 8. Radiohead - In Rainbows 9. The Avett Brothers - Emotionalism 10. Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon 11. The Beatles - Abbey Road 12. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More 13. Bon Iver - For Emma Forever Ago 14. Mississippi Fred McDowell - The Alan Lomax Recordings 15. Real Estate - Days 16. Brendan Benson - Upstairs At United Vol. 1 12" 17. Cory Chisel - Upstairs At United Vol. 2 12" 18. The Civil Wars - Tracks In The Snow 10" 19. Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here 20. My Morning Jacket - Circuital 21. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes 22. Blind Willie McTell - 1927-1935 23. Miles Davis - Kind Of Blue 24. Smashing Pumpkins - Gish 25. Dan Auerbach - Keep It Hid
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say whay you want about heavy metal, the album cover art is some of the best around, take a good look at some of these great pieces of art (some I have not seen before):
Born on this day in 1895, Laurens Hammond, inventor of the Hammond organ. The sound of the Hammond was used by many rock artists including; Procol Harum, Keith Emerson, Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers and the Faces. Hammond died on July 3,1973.
Born on this day in 1924, Slim Harpo, blues musician. Died of a heart attack on January 31,1970 aged 46.
In 1928, Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra, with vocalist Bing Crosby, recorded "Ol' Man River." By spring it was the #1 record in the U.S. and the 26th of the band's 32 chart-toppers between 1920 and 1934.
In 1956, in Nashville, Elvis Presley recorded "I Was the One" and "I'm Counting On You."
Also in 1956, after changing their name from the Robins, the Coasters record their first tracks for Atlantic Records in Hollywood. The L.A. quintet would crack the Hot 100 the following year and place six consecutive hits in the Top Ten.
The now world famous Los Angeles night club, The Whiskey A-Go-Go, opened its doors in 1963. Johnny Rivers, Alice Cooper and Kansas have recorded live albums there. Rivers also recorded two Top 10 singles, "Memphis" and "Seventh Son", live at The Whiskey.
In 1964, "Louie Louie" by The Kingsmen was the number one song on the Cash Box music chart. For a while, the record was banned by a handful of US radio stations because of its indecipherable lyrics, which were rumored to contain some naughty words. Even the F.B.I. investigated the song, but finally concluded that they could find nothing wrong.
In 1964, Roger Miller recorded "Dang Me" and "Chug-A-Lug."
In 1965, the Beach Boys recorded "Do You Wanna Dance," which became the highest-charting Beach Boys song featuring Dennis Wilson on lead vocals.
In 1967, Jimi Hendrix started recording "Purple Haze." It was completed on February 3, 1967.
"I dream a lot and I put a lot of my dreams down as songs," Hendrix said in a 1969 interview with the New Musical Express, "I wrote one called 'First Around the Corner' and another called 'The Purple Haze', which was all about a dream I had that I was walking under the sea." The term "purple haze" has been used to refer to LSD, due to the form sold by Sandoz, called Delysid, which came in purple capsules. The phrase itself appears in print as early as 1861, in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, chapter 54: "There was the red sun, on the low level of the shore, in a purple haze, fast deepening into black..." Although, Hendrix himself stated that the song was partially in reference to a sci-fi story entitled "Night of Light" by Philip José Farmer. In it, "purple haze" is used to describe the disorienting effect of sunspot activity on the inhabitants of a planet called Dante's Joy.
In March 2005, Q magazine ranked "Purple Haze" at number one in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks. Rolling Stone magazine placed the song at #17 in their "500 Greatest Songs of All Time
In 1967, Johnny Cash and June Carter recorded "Jackson."
Also in 1967, at EMI's Abbey Road Studios in London, the Hollies began recording "On A Carousel." The track was completed two days later.
It was the Hollies first A-side in which Graham Nash sings lead vocals, although only for the first few lines. "On a Carousel" was the Hollies' second-to-last single in the US to be released by Imperial before the band switched to the Epic label. The song was a hit in the UK, peaking at #4 on the single charts. It was also a moderate hit in the United States, peaking at #11 on the Billboard chart.
In 1968, according to London's Daily Mirror newspaper, Jimi Hendrix moved into the townhouse where Handel is believed to have composed his famous works, "Water Music" and "Messiah." Jimi was quoted as saying he "will not let the tradition down," that he planned to compose music in the house also.
In 1977, a London court found Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones guilty of possession of cocaine after it was discovered in his car after a traffic accident. Richards was fined £750.
In 1985, a Brazilian rock Festival held in Rio, claimed to be the biggest ever staged. The festival featured; Queen, Rod Stewart, AC/DC, Whitesnake, Yes and Iron Maiden.
In 1990, in London, Paul McCartney played the first of 11 sold-out nights at Wembley Arena.
In 1992, Nirvana appeared as the musical guests on NBC-TV's "Saturday Night Live," where they performed "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Territorial Pissings." Also on this day the group’s 'Nevermind' went to #1 on the US album chart.
In 1999, guitarist/singer Barry Pritchard, a founding member of the Fortunes, died after a heart attack at 54.
In 2000, Richard "Dimples" Fields, an American Soul singer most often remembered for his 1982 hit, "If It Ain't One Thing, It's Another", which reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and #47 on the Hot 100, died following a stroke. He was 58.
In 2002, drummer Mickey Finn of T. Rex died of kidney and liver problems at the age of 55.
In 2003, Britain’s oldest rockers came out winners in The Pollstar listing of the Top 10 grossing US tours of 2002: Paul McCartney $68m (£40m), The Rolling Stones $58m (£34m), Elton John $47m (£27.6m), The Who $20m (£11.8m), Ozzy Osbourne $18m (£10.6m), Peter Gabriel $10m (£5.88m), Yes $6m (£3.5m), Elvis Costello $5m (£2.94m), The Moody Blues $4m (£2.35m) and Jethro Tull $3m (£1.76m).
In 2004, Ted Nugent required 40 stitches when a chain saw cut his leg during the filming of his reality TV show.
In 2005, singer/guitarist James Griffin, a founding member of the group Bread, died of lung cancer at the age of 61.
Also in 2005, drummer Spencer Dryden, who played with Jefferson Airplane, New Riders of the Purple Sage, the Dinosaurs, and was a nephew of Charlie Chaplin, died of colon cancer at age 66.
In 2006, the Beach Boys filed a law suit seeking millions of dollars in damages from two California men, claiming they stole a collection of photos, recordings and other band memorabilia from a warehouse with the intent of putting the items up for auction.
birthdays today include (among others): Vicki Peterson - Bangles (1958), Mary J. Blige (1971) and Tom Dumont - No Doubt (1968)
