Freewill - Rush
Monday, June 1, 2009
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales
Week Ending 05/30/2009
1. 45rpm - The Sex Pistols "God Save The Queen" / "Did You No Wrong" Gallo Rhodesia - $4,837.65 - Starts: $1.55 - Bids: 27
2. LP - Mark Fry "Dreaming With Alice" IT Italy - $3,752.36 - Start: $1.54 - Bids: 23
3. LP - Sonny Clark "Cool Struttin'" Blue Note Mono original - $3,416.00 - Start: $9.99 - Bids: 18
4. 78rpm - Whistler's Jug Band "Foldin' Bed" / "Tiger Rag" Victor - $3,333.33 - Start: $0.99 - Bids: 16
5. 45rpm - Dennis Edwards "Johnnie On The Spot" / "I Didn't Have To" International Soulville - $3,072.88 - Start: $499.99 - Bids: 12
An original pressing from Rhodesia on the Gallo label of the second Sex Pistols' single bids to over $4.8k. Next, and Italian prog LP sells for more than halfway over $3.7k.
A Blue Note original of a Sonny Clark LP bids up a little over $3.4k. A 78 gets the #4 spot, this one from Whistler's Jug Band gets perfect 3's at over $3.3k. In the #5 spot, a northern soul45 from Dennis Edwards bids wellover $3k.
As always, thanks to Norm at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com for this great data!
1. 45rpm - The Sex Pistols "God Save The Queen" / "Did You No Wrong" Gallo Rhodesia - $4,837.65 - Starts: $1.55 - Bids: 27
2. LP - Mark Fry "Dreaming With Alice" IT Italy - $3,752.36 - Start: $1.54 - Bids: 23
3. LP - Sonny Clark "Cool Struttin'" Blue Note Mono original - $3,416.00 - Start: $9.99 - Bids: 18
4. 78rpm - Whistler's Jug Band "Foldin' Bed" / "Tiger Rag" Victor - $3,333.33 - Start: $0.99 - Bids: 16
5. 45rpm - Dennis Edwards "Johnnie On The Spot" / "I Didn't Have To" International Soulville - $3,072.88 - Start: $499.99 - Bids: 12
An original pressing from Rhodesia on the Gallo label of the second Sex Pistols' single bids to over $4.8k. Next, and Italian prog LP sells for more than halfway over $3.7k.
A Blue Note original of a Sonny Clark LP bids up a little over $3.4k. A 78 gets the #4 spot, this one from Whistler's Jug Band gets perfect 3's at over $3.3k. In the #5 spot, a northern soul45 from Dennis Edwards bids wellover $3k.
As always, thanks to Norm at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com for this great data!
This Date In Music History-June 1
The Beatles released Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in the UK in 1967 (it was released in the US the next day). The album was certified gold for sales on its first day in stores.
Buy Sgt. Pepper
Birthdays:
Pat Boone (1934)
Ron Wood – Rolling Stones (1947)
Alan Wilder - Depeche Mode (1959)
Graham Russell - Air Supply (1950)
Simon Gallup – Cure (1960)
Alanis Morissette (1974)
Ronnie Dunn - Brooks and Dunn (1953)
They Are Missed:
Noted Frank Sinatra arranger Nelson Riddle was born in 1921 (died October 6, 1985). He also wrote the theme to the Batman TV show.
David Ruffin of the Temptations died in Philadelphia following an accidental drug overdose in 1991.
The late Johnny Bond ("Hot Rod Lincoln") was born in 1915.
History:
In 1951, Jackie Brenston's "Rocket 88," recorded by Sam Phillips and released by Chicago's Chess Records, hits #1 on the R&B chart. It is widely acknowledged as the first rock and roll record. The same month Phillips records "How Many More Years"/"Moanin' At Midnight," the first single by bluesman Howlin' Wolf.
In 1955, Sam Phillips signed aspiring country singer Johnny Cash and released his debut single, "Cry! Cry! Cry!"/"Hey! Porter."
In 1962, the Beatles auditioned for George Martin at Parlophone/EMI Records. He agreed to sign the group, but insisted that Pete Best be replaced. Within months, Richard "Ringo" Starkey joined the group.
"Walking to New Orleans," Fats Domino's last Top Ten pop hit, was released in 1960.
Sam Cooke recorded "You Send Me" in 1957.
The Monterey International Pop Festival took place in 1967, featuring the new generation of bands from San Francisco, Los Angeles and London.
In 1958, Jimi Hendrix's father bought him a second-hand acoustic guitar. It costs five dollars. "Jimmy told me about it [the guitar] and I said, ‘Okay,' and gave him the money. He strummed away on that, working away all the time, any spare time he had," said Al.
In 1972, the first day of recording took place at Abbey Road studios, London on what would become Pink Floyds album “Dark Side Of The Moon.”
“All we are saying is give peace a chance.” The anti-war anthem “Give Peace A Chance” was recorded during John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s bed-in for peace in Montreal in 1969. Holed up in room 1742 of the Queen Elizabeth Hotel with John and Yoko are acid guru Timothy Leary, singer Petula Clark, comedian Dick Gregory, poet Allen Ginsberg and comedian Tommy Smothers (who played acoustic guitar with Lennon). They and others contribute vocals to the song. “Give Peace A Chance” eventually gets to #14 in the US and #2 on the U.K. charts (kept out of the top spot by the Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women”).
'Supernatural', Santana's first album for Arista Records, was released in 1999. It goes on to sell more than 21 million copies worldwide 13 million in the U.S. alone.
“Eagles,” the band’s self-titled debut containing “Take It Easy,” was released in 1972.
Today in 1959, the song "The Battle of New Orleans" by Johnny Horton topped the charts and stayed there for 6 weeks. The song was originally a poem written by high school teacher James Morriss in 1936, which he put to the music of an old fiddle tune known as “The Eighth Of January.” Horton later won a Grammy Award for the song.
"It's My Party" by Lesley Gore topped the charts in 1963.
In 1956, Doris Day signs a five-year contract with Columbia for a whopping $1 million. Que sera, sera!
Elvis Presley's two-sided hit single, "Teddy Bear" and "Loving You", was released in 1957.
The shack in which Elvis was born in Tupelo, Miss., was opened as a tourist attraction in 1971.
Joni Mitchell released her legendary album Blue in 1971.
Paul Simon released There Goes Rhymin' Simon in 1973.
In 1975, Willie Nelson released his acclaimed concept album Red Headed Stranger.
KISS released their album Love Gun in 1977.
Top Sellers of the Decade
This is the latest music data as we are rapidly coming closer to the end of the decade (yeah, I know, it's only the end of May). What I find interesting is that the Beatles come in at #2. Not bad for a group that has been around for fifty years. This exemplifies the impact that the group has had upon our music world throughout the decades and the fact that they can obtain a new audience as each decade passes- Amazing! Another interesting point is that country music's contributation to the list is a bit overwhelming and shows the power that this genre of music has. Another surprise for me is the number of people who buy (and keep buying) Johnny Cash music, another legend that spans the generations.
Here's a list of the 20 musical acts that have sold the most albums since the first week of January 2000. The number immediately after the artist's or band's name is the total number of albums that the artist has sold in this decade. Also identified is when the artist first cracked The Billboard 200, and the title of their best-selling album since January 2000.
1. Eminem - 31,127,000. First charted: 1999. Eminem, 36, is the top male artist and the top rap artist so far in this decade. His 2000 album "The Marshall Mathers" LP is his best-seller. It has sold 10,178,000 copies.
2. The Beatles - 27,591,000. First charted: 1964. The Beatles have sold more albums in the 2000s than any other group, rock act or foreign act. Their 2000 compilation "1" is their best-seller. It has sold 11,402,000 copies. The Beatles were the #5 album-selling act of the 1990s.
3. Tim McGraw - 24,295,000. First charted: 1994. McGraw, 42, is the #1 country artist so far in the 2000s, just nosing out Toby Keith. McGraw was the #38 album-selling act of the ‘90s. His 2000 compilation "Greatest Hits" is his best-selling album of the decade. It has sold 5,995,000 copies.
4. Toby Keith - 24,189,000. First charted: 1993. Keith, 47, is the #2 country artist of this decade. His 2003 album "Shock'n Y'All" is his best-seller. It has sold 4,420,000 copies.
5. Britney Spears - 22,937,000. First charted: 1999. Spears, 27, is the youngest artist on this list, edging out Josh Groban by one year. She is also #1 female artist in this decade. Her 2000 album, "Oops!...I Did It Again," is her best-seller of the decade. It has sold 9,183,000 copies. Spears was the #108 album-selling act of the ‘90s.
6. Kenny Chesney - 21,396,000. First charted: 1996. Chesney, 41, is the #3 country artist of this decade. His best-selling album is 2004's "When The Sun Goes Down," which has sold 4,111,000 copies.
7. Nelly - 21,206,000. First charted: 2000. Nelly, 34, is the #1 new artist to emerge in this decade, edging out Linkin Park. He's also the #1 African American artist, edging out Jay-Z, and the #2 rap artist. Nelly's 2000 debut, "Country Grammar," is his best-selling album. It has sold 8,454,000 copies.
8. Linkin Park - 21,125,000. First charted: 2000. Linkin Park is the #2 rock group of the decade, behind the Beatles. It's also the #2 new artist. The band's 2000 debut album, "Hybrid Theory", is its best-seller. It has sold 9,600,000 copies.
9. Creed - 20,398,000. First charted: 1997. Creed is the #3 rock group of the decade. 1999's "Human Clay" is the band's best-selling album. It has sold 9,480,000 copies since January 2000. Creed was the #167 album-selling act of the ‘90s.
10. Jay-Z - 19,379,000. First charted: 1996. Jay-Z, 39, is the #3 rap artist of the decade. 2003's "The Black Album" is his best-selling album of this decade. It has sold 3,338,000 copies. Jay-Z was the #152 album-selling act of the ‘90s.
11. Nickelback - 19,158,000. First charted: 2000. The Canadian group is the #2 foreign act of this decade (after the Beatles). Nickelback is also the #3 new artist and the #4 rock group. 2005's "All The Right Reasons" is its best-seller, with sales of 7,159,000 copies.
12. Josh Groban - 19,115,000. First charted: 2001. Groban, 28, is the #1 pop male artist of this decade. He's the #4 new artist. The pop/classical star's 2003 album "Closer" is his best-seller, with sales of 5,746,000 copies.
13. Rascal Flatts - 18,831,000. First charted: 2000. The trio is the #1 country group of this decade, nosing out Dixie Chicks. It's also the #5 new act. 2004's "Feels Like Today" is the act's best-selling album. It has sold 5,134,000copies.
14. Metallica - 18,490,000. First charted: 1984. Metallica is the #1 hard rock act of the decade (unless you count the genre-bending Linkin Park). The band's 1991 blockbuster "Metallica" is the band's best-selling album of this decade. It has sold 3,691,000 copies since January 2000. Metallica was the #3 album-selling act of the ‘90s.
15. Alan Jackson - 18,479,000. First charted: 1990. Jackson, 50, is the oldest solo artist on this list, edging out Toby Keith. 2002's "Drive" is his best-selling album of this decade. It has sold 3,508,000 copies. Jackson was the #17 album-selling act of the ‘90s.
16. *NSYNC - 18,402,000. First charted: 1998. The boy band is the #1 pop group of this decade (assuming you classify the Beatles as rock). *NSYNC's 2000 album "No Strings Attached" is its best-seller, with sales of 11,111,000 copies. The quintet was the #80 album-selling act of the ‘90s.
17. Dixie Chicks - 18,293,000. First charted: 1998. The female trio is the #2 country group so far in this decade. 2002's "Home" is the act's best-selling album of this decade. It has sold 5,997,000 copies. Dixie Chicks was the #105 album-selling act of the ‘90s.
18. Johnny Cash - 17,860,000. First charted: 1958. The country legend, who died in 2003 at age 71, is the most surprising name on the list. He made it on the strength of an enormous catalog and a renewed focus on him after his death. His 1999 compliation "16 Greatest Hits" is his best-seller of the decade. It has sold 2,846,000 copies since January 2000.
19. Kid Rock - 17,606,000. First charted: 1999. Kid Rock, 38, is the #1 male rock artist of this decade. Kid's 2001 album "Cocky" is his best-seller of the decade. It has sold 5,045,000 copies.
20. Celine Dion - 17,579,000. First charted: 1991. The Canadian diva, 41, is the #2 pop female artist of this decade, behind Britney Spears. Dion's 1999 greatest hits album, "All The Way...A Decade Of Song," is her best-seller in the decade. It has sold 4,971,000 copies since January 2000. Dion was the #4 album-selling act of the ‘90s.
Music News & Notes
New Music From Young, Matthews, Costello Coming Tomorrow
"Neil Young Archives Vol. 1: 1963-1972," Neil Young will be released tomorrow. Some, who may be expecting a trove of unheard songs may be disappointed in this endlessly delayed eight-CD set. There's only a smattering of truly new material here, some of it more interesting than it is essential. Spring for the pricey DVD or truly extravagant Blu-ray versions -- each a whopping 10 discs -- and you'll also get a warehouse's worth of photos, lyrics, and audio and video clips. An impressive package, but fans will be paying big bucks for a lot of stuff they already own; which may be a cause for concern.
"Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King," Dave Matthews Band is also scheduled for release on Tuesday, June 2. Dave Matthews Band have somberly been faced with the sudden loss of one of the founding members (Saxophonist LeRoi Moore died in August from injuries incurred in an ATV accident, midway through the recording of their latest album). However, his spirit -- and his sound -- looms large, on "Big Whiskey." The GrooGrux King of the title references Moore, as does the figure at the center of Whiskey's intricate cover art (drawn by Matthews himself); his sweet, solitary sax flourishes even bookend the album. Throughout, the spectre of death rarely recedes, but life -- embodied by the proto-DMB revelry of "Why I Am" -- still prevails. Moore's spirit is effident throughout the album, another fine effort from the band.
"Secret, Profane, and Sugarcane," Elvis Costello is also set for a June 2 release. In this new effort, Elvis Costello sounds downright acousticly-frisky at times which musically calls to mind 1986's sublime, countryish "King of America." (The two albums share producer T Bone Burnett.) "Sulphur to Sugarcane" in particular is a lusty delight, pinpointing the notable (alleged) qualities of ladies from different locales ("The women in Poughkeepsie/Take their clothes off when they're tipsy ..."). Fans will not be disappointed, in fact, this is Costello's best effort in a long time.
--------------------------------------
STATIC RADIO NJ Set For Tour
The New Brunswick, New Jersey punk trio will be playing shows in support of the vinyl release of their debut full-length, "An Evening Of Bad Decisions." Originally issued on CD by Black Numbers in September of 2008, the 12-inch version was released by the label earlier this month. It features brand new artwork and a free digital download for all the songs. There were 1000 copies pressed on 3 limited colors: 500 black, 300 white and 200 clear, creating a buzz among collectors
--------------------------------------
World Renowned Reggae Label VP RECORDS Releases REGGAE GOLD
Album to Feature Some of the Summer’s Hottest Tracks by Sean Paul, Mavado, Estelle, Elephant Man, T.O.K., Beres Hammond and Jazmine Sullivan
VP Records has released the long-awaited and latest installment of "Reggae Gold" on June 30th, 2008. The compilation is Reggae’s most highly-anticipated release of the year and will be part of the definitive collection from the genre this summer.
Reggae Gold 2009 compilation features a varied assortment of top reggae artists and hits including Estelle featuring Sean Paul on the international smash “Come Over”, as well as tracks by Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica, T.O.K. and Serani’s massive radio hit, “Playing Games”. The JTB (Jamaican Tourist Board) and VP Records have partnered to re-create the iconic “Welcome to Jamaica” image for the album cover. In cooperation with JTI (Jamaica Trade and Invest), JTB and Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery, VP Records will launch an extensive marketing campaign around the release of Reggae Gold 2009 that extends until the end of the year. All details of the campaign’s phases will be announced on www.myspace.com/reggaegold and www.vprecords.com.
For the past 16 years, VP Records has been at the forefront of reggae music with their Reggae Gold series. Since it’s inception this collection has featured the biggest songs of the year in reggae/dancehall but has also included music from international artists and crossover recording acts. Reggae Gold has featured superstars such as Beenie Man, Buju Banton, and Lady Saw. Reggae Gold is renowned for featuring dancehall and reggae hits, as well as tracks from up and comers which on this offering includes Laden, Jah Vinci and Prodigal Son.
Tracklisting for Reggae Gold 2009:
“Come Over” – Estelle featuring Sean Paul
“Need U Bad” – Jazmine Sullivan
“Love Is Wicked” – Brick & Lace
“Playing Games” – Serani
“So Special” – Mavado
“Nuh Linga” – Elephant Man
“Watch Your Friends” – Jah Vinci
“Protected” – Chino featuring Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor
“See You Again” – Beres Hammond
“Blessings” – Etana & Alborosie
“Start A New” – Tarrus Riley
“Far Away” – Queen Ifrica
“Head Cyaan Hot So” – Prodigal Son
“Praise and Worship” – Busy Signal
“Money Over War” – Laden
“Dance and Sweep” – Elephant Man
“Couple Up” – T.O.K.
“Leave If You Want To Leave” – I Wayne
BONUS I-TUNES ALBUM TRACKS:
“So Blessed” – Mavado
“Stay Close” – Wayne Wonder
--------------------------------------
Award-Winning Caribbean Trumpet Phenom Etienne Charles Releases Landmark CD “Folklore” To International Acclaim
NEW YORK – World-renowned trumpeter Etienne Charles announces the release of the highly-awaited CD, "Folklore," already being hailed internationally as a landmark recording.
A native of Trinidad and Tobago and emanating from a robust fourth-generation musical family heritage, Charles has composed and brilliantly delivered a unique suite of Caribbean/Afro-Caribbean music based on West African-Caribbean mythology.
A banner CD release event is scheduled with performances July 21-25, 2009 at 11PM nightly at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center in New York. For ticket/reservations, please call 212-258-9595 or visit http://www.jalc.org.
“The music of Folklore employs and combines jazz improvisation and harmony with folk rhythms and chants inspired by the African experience of Trinidad and Tobago,” stated Charles, a graduate of Julliard who won the 2006 National Trumpet Competition, among other performance awards. “At the album’s core is a suite of compositions based on mythical characters of Afro-Caribbean folkloric tradition - creatures that have been a part of that heritage for centuries, as they were brought over by West African slaves and passed down from generation to generation through stories, chants and dances,” he added.
--------------------------------------
SLASH Issues Update On Solo Record
VELVET REVOLVER and ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash has posted an update on the recording process for his new solo album, which he is tracking with former NINE INCH NAILS drummer Josh Freese and ex-JANE'S ADDICTION bassist Chris Chaney. Confirmed guest singers so far include Ozzy Osbourne and AVENGED SEVENFOLD's M. Shadows.
Slash writes on his MySpace page: "We're almost done with vocals — two more songs left and a couple of odds and ends. Then, I can stand back and see what we've got. It is a fucking awesome ensemble, that much I do know, with brilliant performances from each and every singer. I do hope to have a release date soon, but I can assure you, as I said before, it won't be this year. It will, most definitely, be out be very early in the New Year.
"Even though the recording process is almost done, the legal logistics involved with so many different artists takes a minute to iron out.
"When the record is released, I plan on posting what gear was used on what songs; guitars, amps etc. Although most of it was done with one guitar and two amps. A lot of interesting mic set-ups, though. The record is being recorded anolog as well. This might be one of the last rock and roll records to be recorded that way, no joke. So, of course, I have to release it on vinyl, as well as CD."
Slash will be joined by BLACK SABBATH legend Ozzy Osbourne, THE ROLLING STONES guitarist Ron Wood and LED ZEPPELIN drummer Jason Bonham — son of the late John Bonham, the band's original drummer — for the axeman's headlining appearance at this year's edition of the Quart festival, set to take place June 30 - July 4, 2009 in Kristiansand, Norway. Slash will perform a mixture of old and new material on the festival's opening day.
Commented Slash: "My gig at the Quart fest is coming up in Norway, June 30, which is starting to come together. I'll [announce] who all's playing next week, but it's a great lineup and the songs so far are shaping up to be a really great set."
Slash previously played with Ozzy at the 77th Royal Variety Performance in November 2005 in Cardiff. They performed a version of THE BEATLES classic "In My Life", with family photographs projected onto the background of the stage.
Slash left GUNS N' ROSES in the mid-'90s, forming SLASH'S SNAKEPIT before later assembling VELVET REVOLVER with several other ex-members of GUNS N' ROSES and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland.
VELVET REVOLVER is currently searching for a replacement for Weiland, who was dismissed in April 2008.
--------------------------------------
The New Riders of the Purple Sage are releasing their first studio CD in over 20 years on June 2, 2009 !
This legendary SF group’s renaissance began four years ago and continues today with over 100 shows annually to audiences throughout North America. The new album, "Where I Come From," is produced by Michael Falzarano and features 12 new songs, seven of which were written by David Nelson and Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. Also included are Carl Perkins "Wears The Crown," an ode to the rockabilly king, written by Michael Falzarano (formerly of Hot Tuna) along with "Something in the Air Tonight," two live show favorites Higher, penned by Johnny Markowski, and Olivia Rose by Ronnie Penque, and a cool cover of the classic "Minglewood Blues." NRPS is David Nelson, Buddy Cage, Michael Falzarano, Ronnie Penque & Johnny Markowski. (cover art by San Francisco artist Stanley Mouse)
"Neil Young Archives Vol. 1: 1963-1972," Neil Young will be released tomorrow. Some, who may be expecting a trove of unheard songs may be disappointed in this endlessly delayed eight-CD set. There's only a smattering of truly new material here, some of it more interesting than it is essential. Spring for the pricey DVD or truly extravagant Blu-ray versions -- each a whopping 10 discs -- and you'll also get a warehouse's worth of photos, lyrics, and audio and video clips. An impressive package, but fans will be paying big bucks for a lot of stuff they already own; which may be a cause for concern.
"Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King," Dave Matthews Band is also scheduled for release on Tuesday, June 2. Dave Matthews Band have somberly been faced with the sudden loss of one of the founding members (Saxophonist LeRoi Moore died in August from injuries incurred in an ATV accident, midway through the recording of their latest album). However, his spirit -- and his sound -- looms large, on "Big Whiskey." The GrooGrux King of the title references Moore, as does the figure at the center of Whiskey's intricate cover art (drawn by Matthews himself); his sweet, solitary sax flourishes even bookend the album. Throughout, the spectre of death rarely recedes, but life -- embodied by the proto-DMB revelry of "Why I Am" -- still prevails. Moore's spirit is effident throughout the album, another fine effort from the band.
"Secret, Profane, and Sugarcane," Elvis Costello is also set for a June 2 release. In this new effort, Elvis Costello sounds downright acousticly-frisky at times which musically calls to mind 1986's sublime, countryish "King of America." (The two albums share producer T Bone Burnett.) "Sulphur to Sugarcane" in particular is a lusty delight, pinpointing the notable (alleged) qualities of ladies from different locales ("The women in Poughkeepsie/Take their clothes off when they're tipsy ..."). Fans will not be disappointed, in fact, this is Costello's best effort in a long time.
--------------------------------------
STATIC RADIO NJ Set For Tour
The New Brunswick, New Jersey punk trio will be playing shows in support of the vinyl release of their debut full-length, "An Evening Of Bad Decisions." Originally issued on CD by Black Numbers in September of 2008, the 12-inch version was released by the label earlier this month. It features brand new artwork and a free digital download for all the songs. There were 1000 copies pressed on 3 limited colors: 500 black, 300 white and 200 clear, creating a buzz among collectors
--------------------------------------
World Renowned Reggae Label VP RECORDS Releases REGGAE GOLD
Album to Feature Some of the Summer’s Hottest Tracks by Sean Paul, Mavado, Estelle, Elephant Man, T.O.K., Beres Hammond and Jazmine Sullivan
VP Records has released the long-awaited and latest installment of "Reggae Gold" on June 30th, 2008. The compilation is Reggae’s most highly-anticipated release of the year and will be part of the definitive collection from the genre this summer.
Reggae Gold 2009 compilation features a varied assortment of top reggae artists and hits including Estelle featuring Sean Paul on the international smash “Come Over”, as well as tracks by Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica, T.O.K. and Serani’s massive radio hit, “Playing Games”. The JTB (Jamaican Tourist Board) and VP Records have partnered to re-create the iconic “Welcome to Jamaica” image for the album cover. In cooperation with JTI (Jamaica Trade and Invest), JTB and Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery, VP Records will launch an extensive marketing campaign around the release of Reggae Gold 2009 that extends until the end of the year. All details of the campaign’s phases will be announced on www.myspace.com/reggaegold and www.vprecords.com.
For the past 16 years, VP Records has been at the forefront of reggae music with their Reggae Gold series. Since it’s inception this collection has featured the biggest songs of the year in reggae/dancehall but has also included music from international artists and crossover recording acts. Reggae Gold has featured superstars such as Beenie Man, Buju Banton, and Lady Saw. Reggae Gold is renowned for featuring dancehall and reggae hits, as well as tracks from up and comers which on this offering includes Laden, Jah Vinci and Prodigal Son.
Tracklisting for Reggae Gold 2009:
“Come Over” – Estelle featuring Sean Paul
“Need U Bad” – Jazmine Sullivan
“Love Is Wicked” – Brick & Lace
“Playing Games” – Serani
“So Special” – Mavado
“Nuh Linga” – Elephant Man
“Watch Your Friends” – Jah Vinci
“Protected” – Chino featuring Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor
“See You Again” – Beres Hammond
“Blessings” – Etana & Alborosie
“Start A New” – Tarrus Riley
“Far Away” – Queen Ifrica
“Head Cyaan Hot So” – Prodigal Son
“Praise and Worship” – Busy Signal
“Money Over War” – Laden
“Dance and Sweep” – Elephant Man
“Couple Up” – T.O.K.
“Leave If You Want To Leave” – I Wayne
BONUS I-TUNES ALBUM TRACKS:
“So Blessed” – Mavado
“Stay Close” – Wayne Wonder
--------------------------------------
Award-Winning Caribbean Trumpet Phenom Etienne Charles Releases Landmark CD “Folklore” To International Acclaim
NEW YORK – World-renowned trumpeter Etienne Charles announces the release of the highly-awaited CD, "Folklore," already being hailed internationally as a landmark recording.
A native of Trinidad and Tobago and emanating from a robust fourth-generation musical family heritage, Charles has composed and brilliantly delivered a unique suite of Caribbean/Afro-Caribbean music based on West African-Caribbean mythology.
A banner CD release event is scheduled with performances July 21-25, 2009 at 11PM nightly at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center in New York. For ticket/reservations, please call 212-258-9595 or visit http://www.jalc.org.
“The music of Folklore employs and combines jazz improvisation and harmony with folk rhythms and chants inspired by the African experience of Trinidad and Tobago,” stated Charles, a graduate of Julliard who won the 2006 National Trumpet Competition, among other performance awards. “At the album’s core is a suite of compositions based on mythical characters of Afro-Caribbean folkloric tradition - creatures that have been a part of that heritage for centuries, as they were brought over by West African slaves and passed down from generation to generation through stories, chants and dances,” he added.
--------------------------------------
SLASH Issues Update On Solo Record
VELVET REVOLVER and ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash has posted an update on the recording process for his new solo album, which he is tracking with former NINE INCH NAILS drummer Josh Freese and ex-JANE'S ADDICTION bassist Chris Chaney. Confirmed guest singers so far include Ozzy Osbourne and AVENGED SEVENFOLD's M. Shadows.
Slash writes on his MySpace page: "We're almost done with vocals — two more songs left and a couple of odds and ends. Then, I can stand back and see what we've got. It is a fucking awesome ensemble, that much I do know, with brilliant performances from each and every singer. I do hope to have a release date soon, but I can assure you, as I said before, it won't be this year. It will, most definitely, be out be very early in the New Year.
"Even though the recording process is almost done, the legal logistics involved with so many different artists takes a minute to iron out.
"When the record is released, I plan on posting what gear was used on what songs; guitars, amps etc. Although most of it was done with one guitar and two amps. A lot of interesting mic set-ups, though. The record is being recorded anolog as well. This might be one of the last rock and roll records to be recorded that way, no joke. So, of course, I have to release it on vinyl, as well as CD."
Slash will be joined by BLACK SABBATH legend Ozzy Osbourne, THE ROLLING STONES guitarist Ron Wood and LED ZEPPELIN drummer Jason Bonham — son of the late John Bonham, the band's original drummer — for the axeman's headlining appearance at this year's edition of the Quart festival, set to take place June 30 - July 4, 2009 in Kristiansand, Norway. Slash will perform a mixture of old and new material on the festival's opening day.
Commented Slash: "My gig at the Quart fest is coming up in Norway, June 30, which is starting to come together. I'll [announce] who all's playing next week, but it's a great lineup and the songs so far are shaping up to be a really great set."
Slash previously played with Ozzy at the 77th Royal Variety Performance in November 2005 in Cardiff. They performed a version of THE BEATLES classic "In My Life", with family photographs projected onto the background of the stage.
Slash left GUNS N' ROSES in the mid-'90s, forming SLASH'S SNAKEPIT before later assembling VELVET REVOLVER with several other ex-members of GUNS N' ROSES and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland.
VELVET REVOLVER is currently searching for a replacement for Weiland, who was dismissed in April 2008.
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The New Riders of the Purple Sage are releasing their first studio CD in over 20 years on June 2, 2009 !
This legendary SF group’s renaissance began four years ago and continues today with over 100 shows annually to audiences throughout North America. The new album, "Where I Come From," is produced by Michael Falzarano and features 12 new songs, seven of which were written by David Nelson and Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. Also included are Carl Perkins "Wears The Crown," an ode to the rockabilly king, written by Michael Falzarano (formerly of Hot Tuna) along with "Something in the Air Tonight," two live show favorites Higher, penned by Johnny Markowski, and Olivia Rose by Ronnie Penque, and a cool cover of the classic "Minglewood Blues." NRPS is David Nelson, Buddy Cage, Michael Falzarano, Ronnie Penque & Johnny Markowski. (cover art by San Francisco artist Stanley Mouse)