The vinyl record collecting blog - with news about new vinyl record releases, vinyl record sales, new music releases, album cover art and weekly features
ARCHIVE YOUR RECORDS TO MP3 FOR PLAY ON ANY DIGITAL MEDIA PLAYER
With the ION TTUSB10, it has never been easier to preserve your most memorable music favorites to digital media, such as CDs, hard disk, or portable media devices. The ION TTUSB10 sports a sleek design and includes easy-to-use audio recording software for your computer. And with a stereo input, you can also digitize music from cassettes or other analog sources!
EZ Vinyl Converter by MixMeister is included free with the ION TTUSB10 and provides the easiest way to convert your vinyl records to your computer's digital music library. Simply plug in your ION TTUSB10 turntable, click to mark when tracks end, enter your artist, album and track information and you're done! EZ Vinyl Converter automatically separates the tracks and imports them into your iTunes library.
Once you have your albums converted, you can sort them, make custom playlists, and easily take them with you on an iPod or play them directly from your computer. In addition, the ION TTUSB10 comes with free Audacity software for editing your recorded tracks.
Key Features
Plug & Play USB - no drivers needed!
Adjustable Anti-Skate control for increased stereo balancing
33 1/3 and 45 RPM
Supports the recording of 78 RPM records through the included software
Ever heard of the Beatles “Butcher” album? Actually, the real question is have you ever seen it?
If you’ve got one stashed away, it’s worth several hundred dollars in Tucson. In a big city on either coast, you could be looking at a Grover Cleveland.
The grooves laid down on the actual vinyl disk by the Fab Four are worthless. No one really cares what the record actually sounds like. It’s the album cover that’s got some serious bling.
Despite the explosion of CDs, iTunes, and Internet music, it’s the out-of-print records, mistakes, classics, and outrageous covers that are highly collectible.
Scott Landrum, music buyer for Bookmans Used Book Store, 1930 E. Grant Road, recently took me on a little magical history tour of album collecting.
“The Holy Grail is the Beatles’ butcher cover,” he said.
In 1966, Capitol Records released “Yesterday and Today,” a collection of cuts from previous Beatles albums. On the album’s cover, the band posed in white butcher coats surrounded by bloody meat and body parts from plastic dolls.
Lore has it the London lads did it to snipe Capitol for chopping up their albums to repackage them. Although it was recalled quickly, many DJs and music critics had received the records early as promotional copies.
In his 13 years at Bookmans, Landrum has seen only one of the world-famous “butcher” covers - his own. He traded it in.
Collectors are not driven by novelty and nostalgia alone. There is a strong market for people who want the old 12-inch square covers as unique, frameable art. You don’t get that with a puny 5-inch by 5-inch CD.
Others want tunes from their favorite artists to fill gaps in their personal libraries. Many are aficionados, desperately seeking rare jazz, bebop and big band vinyl that, already rich in tenor, will grow in value.
Collecting is not just a passion for boomers who want to recapture their glory days. Many professional musicians still prefer LPs and a new generation of music lovers have sparked a vinyl revival.
“Although not as strong as past years, collecting vinyl is still very popular with the 20 and younger crowd. They buy a lot of punk rock, heavy metal and psyco-delic. They love the Clash and the Sex Pistols. They’re fascinated by the late 70s and early 80s,” said Landrum.
For the more discriminating buyer, ie., those with wads of Ben Franklins, discontinued, high-quality rare finds are always in play. For these fanatics, music and sound quality does matter.
“Most serious audiophiles have big collections and have been collecting for years. They like stuff from the bebop era. They want the great drummers of the past, even big band has appeal to them,” Landrum explained. “It’s been my experience that jazz aficionados really like things that are out of print.”
Album art got its start in 1939 when Columbia Records hired an art director named Alex Steinweiss. Thinking creatively, Steinweiss believed the studio could sell more records if the packaging were more eye-catching and striking.
Just for fun, I looked up some of my old albums on eBay. Not surprisingly, my box of late 1970s rock would only snag a buck or two each. What did surprise me was that eBay sells over three million records a year.
Some albums I’ve grabbed at garage sales for the art on the cover fetch a little more. My 1959 Sound of Music with Mary Martin on Broadway is worth $10. The Oklahoma cover, with Shirley Jones shown riding in the Surrey with the Fringe on Top, brings $5.
Rarely, Landrum sees some old 78-rpm, 10-inch records. Most have little value except for very old blues albums. Once, he matched up a collector with a 1920s-era cut for $600.
By chance, I found an old 78 in storage at home. It’s an Audiophile 13 by the Red Dougherty Trio from 1953. I even recognized some of the tunes: “Twelfth Street Rag,” “Who’s Sorry Now,” and “Sunny Side of the Street.” EBay had one copy for $8.
And to think after all these years, vinyl was deader than Elvis. Makes me wonder where I stashed all my B.B. King 8-track tapes.
A special thank you to Roger Yohem for allowing me to reprint his interesting feature Posted with permission of Inside Tucson Business, original story published Nov. 30, 2009 by Roger Yohem.
3. 45 - William Powell "Heartache Souvenirs" / "The Chicken Shack" Power-House - $3,830.00
4. LP - Ricard Marrero & The Group "A Taste" TSG - $3,617.00
5. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone UK Gold Black label 1st Stereo - $3,569.59
As always, a special thank you to Norm at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com/for this great data. Stop in and listen to their unique radio show Accidental Nostalgia with Norm & Jane On Radio Dentata - 60 minutes of rare records and nugatory narration. Every Tuesday 4PM PT/7PM ET, Sunday 9AM PT/12PM ET & Monday 12AM PT/3AM ET
Joan Jett’s Blackheart Records Holiday Album Available on Vinyl for First Time
The holidays are right around the corner and Blackheart Records, Joan Jett’s record label, will be celebrating with their holiday album A Blackheart Christmas available on vinyl for the very first time. The album features holiday standards from Girl in a Coma, The Dollyrots and original tunes from Seattle punks The Cute Lepers and veteran Blackheart band The Vacancies. A modern take on “Silent Night” closes out the 11-track offering recorded with Joan Jett on vocals and guitar.
Girl in a Coma, The Dollyrots, The Vacancies and The Cute Lepers are all featured artists on Jett’s Blackheart Records, a company she started over 25 years ago, making her the first woman to start her own rock label.
Track Listing:
1. Blue Christmas – Girl in a Coma
2. The Elf Song – The Vacancies (original)
3. Santa Baby – The Dollyrots
4. Little Drummer Boy – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
5. Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You – The Cute Lepers
6. Father Christmas – The Vacancies
7. I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Girl in a Coma
8. Winter Wonderland – Thommy Price featuring Nefertiti Bones
9. Home For Christmas – Kenny Laguna
10. All I Ever Want (Under The Christmas Tree) – The Cute Lepers (original)
11. Silent Night – The Blackhearts and special guests
TETRAFUSION, the Louisiana-based progressive metal quartet, have unveiled the artwork and track listing for their sophomore effort entitled Altered State.
Altered State track listing:
1. Collage of the Present
2. Monologue
3. Last Chance
4. The Deserter
5. Altered State (instrumental)
6. Shadows
7. Tears of the Past
The album artwork can be viewed below:
Altered State is the follow-up to TETRAFUSION’s self-financed, full-length debut, Absolute Zero. The debut was released to critical acclaim, and was also declared as “one of the best instrumental releases of 2009” by Ultimate-Guitar.Com. Altered State will be the band's first time to feature vocals in their work; duties taken by keyboardist/vocalist Gary Tubbs. Stay tuned at the group's MySpace page to receive future updates and news as the release approaches next year. The album is scheduled for an early 2010 release.
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MENTORS' 'You Axed For It!' Reissued On Vinyl With Two Previously Unreleased Bonus Tracks
Out for the first time on vinyl in nearly 25 years, the MENTORS' "You Axed For It!" is ready to shock and gross the world all over again. Stool Sample Records has created an exact replica of the 1985 classic and has pressed a very limited edition of 500 on vivid pink "beef curtain" vinyl. Included in the package is a bonus 7" with two never-before-heard tracks from the infamous trio, including "Animal", a song written about a particular roadie who was notorious for showing up late to gigs.
The MENTORS' lyrics are often credited for the creation of the voluntary, RIAA-administered, parental advisory label "Parental Advisory - Explicit Lyrics" label we've all become so accustomed to seeing. With such classic rockers as "Herpes 2", "Free Fix" and "Clap Queen", who can blame Tipper Gore for her outrage?
Stuart Leonard Sample launched Stool Sample in late 2008 with bands just like the MENTORS in mind; that is, classic bands worthy of re-circulation and re-introduction and with a fan base tired of paying top dollar on eBay for these extremely rare records. Stool Sample is also releasing a picture sleeve 7" containing two songs recorded in Steve Broy's (Dr. Heathen Scumbag) basement in Seattle, Washington in 1977, long before the band was ever signed in Los Angeles.
Both the album and the 7" have a release date of December 15.
JUDAS PRIEST: Classic Albums To Be Re-Released On Vinyl
Back On Black, which specializes in vinyl editions of classic metal albums and is dedicated to providing top-quality releases for record collectors and metal fans worldwide, has announced that 2010 will see the release of the original classic JUDAS PRIEST albums on vinyl. All albums will be 180gm heavyweight vinyl and packaged in deluxe gatefold sleeves. The first 1,000 copies of each title will come in limited-edition colored vinyl. All editions will contain bonus tracks as per the Sony remastered issues.
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This Is It Slated For Jan 26 Release
Sony Pictures has announced a January 26 release date for the DVD version of Michael Jackson's This is It. The date was moved back to give theaters additional time to show the film and to tie it in with the Grammy Awards.
The DVD version will have an hour of extra footage while the Blu-Ray will have 1-1/2 hours extra along with a Smooth Criminal film that was to show prior to Jackson's performances and a making of for the short film. Both will have two making-of pieces on the full film and shorts on costumes, dancer auditions and Jackson himself.
Marc Rashba, VP of marketing for Sony, said "We're thrilled with the date that we ended up with, where it's at an opportune time in the market. The Grammys follow right after the release date (on Jan. 31). There will be a lot of Grammy areas in stores, and we can play into that."
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Dead Game
Discovery Bay Games and Debbie Gold have published Grateful Dead-opoly, an officially licensed version of Monopoly but, instead of buying streets, you purchase Dead albums. The playing pieces include the bands bus and a drum while the "Chance" cards reference different things that happened in the band's history. More information is available at http://www.gratefuldeadopoly.com/.
American Bandstand host Dick Clark - often called "the world's oldest teenager" (1929)
Paul Stookey - Peter Paul and Mary (1937)
Frank Ifield (1937)
Jimmy Bowen - Rockabilly singer and MCA Records executive (1937)
Sixties soul vocalist J.J. Barnes (1943)
Leo Lyons - Ten Years After (1943)
Rob Grill - Grass Roots (1944)
Roger Glover - Deep Purple (1945)
Terry Reid - UK singer, member of Peter Jay's Jaywalkers. Reid turned down the job as lead singer with Led Zeppelin - Ooops (1949)
June Pointer - Pointer Sisters (1953)
David Sancious - keyboard player and guitarist, early member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, contributed to the first three Springsteen albums (1953)
George McArdale - Little River Band (1954)
Billy Idol (real name William Broad) (1955)
Richard Barbieri - Japan (1957)
John Ashton - Psychedelic Furs (1957)
Paul Wheeler - Icehouse (1965)
John Moyer - Disturbed (1973)
Clay Aiken - runner-up in 2003 US American Idol (1978)
They Are Missed:
The late Luther Ingram ("If Loving You Is Wrong") was born in 1937.
Ukulele-strumming freak Tiny Tim (real name Herbert Khaury) died in 1996 from an apparent heart attack. He was 74.
Born on this day in 1924, Allan Sherman (1963 #2 hit "Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah"). He died on November 21, 1973 (age 49).
Born today in 1929, Johnny Horton (1959 #1 "The Battle Of New Orleans"). Horton was killed in a car crash on November 5, 1960.
Don 'Sugarcane' Harris was found dead in his Los Angeles apartment in 1999 at the age of 61. The American guitarist and violinist was part of the 50's duo Don & Dewey. He also worked with Little Richard, John Mayall, Frank Zappa, John Lee Hooker and Johnny Otis.
History:
Coed Records released the Crests' "16 Candles" in 1958. It will be the Johnny Maestro-led group's biggest hit, reaching #2 on the pop chart and #4 on the R&B chart in January.
In 1959, Billboard reported the payola scandal "will substantially damage the careers of at least twenty-five DJs." Alan Freed was quoted as saying that his career has gone "down the drain."
George Harrison was deported from Germanyin 1960 for working under the legal age limit (he’s 17). The remaining Beatles (John Lennon, Paul McCartney and drummer Pete Best) eventually followed him back to Liverpool ending the band’s first Hamburg excursion.
Sly & The Family Stone's "Everyday People" was released in 1968.
Glen Campbell started a five-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1968 with "Wichita Lineman."
In 1969, The Monkees made what would be their last live appearance for 15 years when they played at The Oakland Coliseum, California.
David Bowie, Dusty Springfield, Grapefruit and the Graham Bond Organization and other acts performed at the Save Rave '69 benefit concert to aid the youth culture magazine, Rave, in London in 1969.
Simon & Garfunkel's first TV special aired in 1969. Sponsor AT&T backed out when they learn that the duo plan to show footage of Bobby Kennedy's funeral march and clips of the Vietnam War.
In 1969, The Rolling Stones played the final night on a 17 date North American tour at the International Raceway Festival, West Palm Beach, Florida. Also appearing, The Moody Blues, Ten Years After, King Crimson, Janis Joplin, The Band, Steppenwolf and Iron Butterfly.
Sly And The Family Stone were at #1 on the US singles chart in 1971 with "Family Affair."
Genesis releases "Nursery Cryme" in 1971.
Wings released "Hi, Hi, Hi," in 1972. The song was quickly banned from the BBC because of its "unsuitable lyrics." However, the song is a hit, making #5 in the U.K. and #10 in the U.S. in early 1973.
Jazz drummer Buddy Rich was arrested on marijuana possession charges during his Australian tour in 1973. He pleads innocent and the charges are later dropped.
The Eagles' "Best Of My Love" was released in 1974.
Elton John started a ten-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1974 with his "Greatest Hits."
In 1977, David Bowie appeared on Bing Crosby's 42nd annual Christmas Special. He does a duet with Bing on "Little Drummer Boy." The show had been taped prior to Crosby's death the previous month.
At the Top Rank club in Wales in 1980, Elvis Costello and Squeeze performed a benefit concert for the family of late Welsh boxer Johnny Owen, killed recently by head injuries suffered in an American match.
In 1983, the Jackson family and promoter Don King announce plans for the "Victory" tour.
In 1985, the Dead Kennedys release the "Frankenchrist" album, which includes a poster later deemed by courts to be obscene.
Phil Collins had his fifth US #1 in 1985 with "Separate Lives." The song was taken from the film 'White Nights' and featured Marilyn Martin.
LL Cool J performed the first rap concert in 1988 which was held in Africa.
Rob Pilatus of Milli Vanilli infamy was hospitalized in Los Angeles in 1991 following a suicide attempt.
In 1991, the Billboard Hot 100 chart changed by including airplay as well as sales, the #1 hit this week was P.M Dawn, "Set Adrift On Memory Bliss."
Rapper Tupac Shakur was shot five times while being robbed outside a New York City recording studio in 1994. He survived, but was killed in another shooting nearly two years later in Las Vegas.
Metallica were at #1 on the US album chart in 1997 with "Reload," the bands third US #1 album.
In 1999, Elton John was blasted by the Boy Scout Association after he appeared on stage at London's Albert Hall performing 'It's A Sin' with six male dancers dressed as Boy Scouts. The dancers had peeled of their uniforms during the performance.
In 2003, the corner of Bowery and Second Street in New York was renamed Joey Ramone Place, in honor of the late punk icon. Among the hundreds attending were Tommy and Marky Ramone, Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads, The Dictators' Handsome Dick Manitoba and Plasmatics guitarist Richie Stotts.
In 2005, 50 Cent was planning to create a vibrator of his manhood, so his female fans could pretend to have sex with him. The rapper was also planning to sell a line of condoms and waterproof sex toys designed to excite his female fans. The rapper said: "I need to make a 50 Cent condom and motorised version of me, which will have to be waterproof so you can utilise it in the tub, Blue is my favorite colour so it will probably be blue." How freaking vain.....
Also in 2005, police were investigating claims that Michael Jackson was trafficking drugs to feed his 40 pills-a-day habit. The singer was suspected of flying antidepressants and painkillers from the US to his current home in Bahrain.
