Sunday, January 31, 2010

This Date In Music History-January 31

Birthdays:

Blues harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite (1944)

Harry Wayne Casey - KC and the Sunshine Band (1951)

Phil Manzanera - Roxy Music (1951)

Curley Smith - Jo Jo Gunne (1952)

Adrian Vandenburg - Whitesnake (1954)

John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) - Sex Pistols (1956)

Singer/songwriter Lloyd Cole (1961)

Jeff Hanneman - Slayer (1964)

Al Jaworski - Jesus Jones (1966)

Jason Cooper- The Cure (1967)

Justin Timberlake - *NSYNC (1981)


They Are Missed:

The late Terry Kath, guitarist with Chicago, was born in 1946.

Blues singer and songwriter Slim Harpo died in 1970 of a heart attack in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at age 46.

Memphis harmonica player and vocalist Buster Brown died in 1976 (age 64).

Blood Sweat & Tears saxophone player Greg Herbert died in 1978 of an accidental drug overdose in Amsterdam during the band's European tour. He was 30 years age.

Barbara Cowsill, mother of the family group the Cowsills, died in Tempe, Arizona in 1985 (age 56). The Cowsills consisted of Barbara and six of her children - five boys and a girl. Their bubblegum hits in the late 1960's included the title song from "Hair." It was the Cowsills who provided the inspiration for TV's "The Partridge Family."

Rhythm-and-blues singer Donnie Elbert died in Philadelphia in 1989 two weeks after suffering a stroke. He was 52.

Dewey Martin died in his Van Nuys, CA, home in 2009. The drummer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Buffalo Springfield in ‘97. He was 68.


History:

In 1957, Decca Records announced that Bill Haley & His Comets, "Rock Around The Clock" had sold over a million copies in the UK, mostly on 10 inch 78's.

Bob Dylan was reported to be in the audience as Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper play Duluth, Minnesota less than three days before their fatal plane crash in 1959.

Bobby Darin becomes the youngest person to headline a TV special when "Bobby Darin & Friends" (including Joanie Sommers) aired on NBC in 1961.

Seventeen year-old Neil Young performed his first professional date at a Winnipeg country club in 1963.

The Beach Boys recorded "Surfin' U.S.A." and "Shutdown" in 1963.

In 1967, the Beatles spent a second day at Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent, England to complete filming for the ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ promotional video. The film was shot in color, for the benefit of the US market, since UK television was still broadcasting only in black and white. Taking time out from filming John Lennon bought a 1843 poster from an antiques shop in Surrey which provided him with most the lyrics for The Beatles song "Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite."



John Fred and his Playboy Band's "Judy in Disguise" and the American Breed's "Bend Me, Shape Me" were certified gold in 1968. Neither group came even close to selling that many records with any other release.

Crow recorded "Evil Woman Don't Play Your Games With Me" in 1969.



Led Zeppelin opened for the Iron Butterfly in 1969 and so thrilled the audience the headliners refused to go on.

The Jackson Five went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1970 with "I Want You Back." The song was originally written for Gladys Knight & The Pips.

The Grateful Dead's bust for LSD and barbiturates in a New Orleans hotel in 1970 becomes the inspiration for their song, "Truckin'."

In 1972, more than 40,000 mourners file past Mahalia Jackson's open coffin in Chicago's Great Salem Baptist Church. Funeral services are held the next day. Those in attendace are Coretta Scott King, Mayor Richard Daley and Sammy Davis, Jr. who reads a telegram from President Nixon. Aretha Franklin closed things by singing "Precious Lord, Take My Hand."

The Ohio Players went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1976 with "Love Rollercoaster" the group's second #1 hit.



Paul McCartney and Wings signed with Columbia Records in 1979, ending a 16-year association between the former Beatle and Capitol Records.

Blondie went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1981 with "The Tide Is High," the group's third US #1, also a #1 in the UK.

Janet Jackson started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart with "Together Again."

Michael Jackson's halftime performance at Superbowl XXVII in 1993 draws the largest viewing audience in the history of American television.

In 2007, Jim Morrison was enlisted to help fight global warming more than 35 years after his death. ‘Woman in the Window’, a previously unreleased poem written and recorded by The Doors frontman shortly before he died in 1971 was being set to music and used to publicise the Global Cool campaign.

In 2005, it took Cream (that would be Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker) a mere two hours to sell out four shows (May 2nd through 6th) at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The last time the group played together was at their induction into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in ‘93.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Music Notes & Vinyl Record News

Lou Reed Reissues Metal Machine Music, Tours With Metal Machine Trio

Lou Reed and his Metal Machine Trio bring music inspired by Reed's infamously abrasive 1975 album Metal Machine Music to the live stage in Europe for a string of dates this April. Accompanied by sax player Ulrich Krieger and noize maker Sarth Calhoun, Reed is set to play many discordant soundscapes, though a press release makes it clear he "won't duplicate the original" Metal Machine Music.

The tour coincides with a reissue of the LP on 180 gram vinyl, audio DVD, and-- for those who want their sonic corrosion crystal clear-- Blu-ray. The reissue is available to order on Lou's site now www.loureed.com/metalmachinemusic/

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Foreigner to Release New Studio Album in March

written by Dewa Nugraha

A time of comeback time for old time rockers still on the cards as this year 80's rock lovers will have the chance to hear another new stuffs from legendary group Foreigner as they prepared to release a new studio album titled "Can't Slow Down". According to Blabbermouth, the legendary rockers will be dropping their first studio record after 15 years on March 1 via earMusic.

The new record will consist in total of 13 studio songs that will probably something of a well prepared singles as the tracks are being produced by two renowned music producers, Marti Fredriksen and Mark Ronson. Beside being released as a CD format, the new record will also be included in a special package consisting of 2 CDs + DVD (CD 1 is the new album : Can't Slow Down, CD 2 The band's Live track and the DVD will consist of footage and interviews)

Commenting about the new album also about the band's line up for the record which consist the likes of, Mick Jones, Kelly Hansen, Tom Gimbel, Michael Bluestein, Jeff Pilson and Brian Tichy, the band's frontman and founder Mick said, "Our music has touched a lot of people worldwide. Unwittingly, we've weaved into the fabric of people's lives and this new line-up is working extremely hard to live up to the high bar that was set years ago." He also added, "This is the most dynamic line-up that we've had since the early days."

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Sigur Ros Frontman Announces Official Album Release Date

In an e-mail to fans last night, Sigur Rós lead singer Jónsi Birgisson finally announced a release date for his debut solo album, 'Go.' In addition to announcing the drop date of April 5th, Jónsi also published the cover art of the album, which will include a total of 9 songs "drawn from the large pool" of material he collected while working with Sigur Rós. Collaborating alongside Jónsi will be classical composer Nico Muhly, who helped arrange and fine tune the tracks.

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My Morning Jacket Plan Spring Tour

Kentucky's own My Morning Jacket are getting ready to return to what they do best-- playing marathon shows that make you believe in the rejuvenating powers of rock and/or roll. After a year away from the stage, the group will hit nine U.S. cities starting April 20 in Birmingham, Alabama. They'll be joined by New Orleans' famed Preservation Hall Jazz Band on all dates. (MMJ frontman Jim James recorded two songs with the Jazz Band for an upcoming benefit album out February 16.)

My Morning Jacket:

04-20 Birmingham, AL - Alabama Theater *
04-21 Nashville, TN - Municipal Auditorium *
04-23 Atlanta, GA - Chastain Park *
04-24 New Orleans, LA - Jazzfest *
04-27 St. Augustine, FL - St. Augustine Amphitheater *
04-28 Charleston, SC - Family Circle *
04-30 Raleigh, NC - Koka Booth *
05-01 Columbia, MD - Merriweather Post Pavilion *
05-02 Columbus, OH - LC Outdoor Pavilion *

* with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band

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Nelson Cancels Show Due To Hand Problem (And Crew Arrests)

Willie Nelson had to cancel a Kenansville, North Carolina concert last Thursday because of a sore hand; however, the decision to not go on also came after six members of his band and crew were arrested for alleged possession of marijuana and moonshine.

The charges against the six, including Nelson's bass player Dan Edward Spears, are misdemeanors and they were issued citations. Officers had smelled marijuana when they passed by Nelson's tour bus and investigated.

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Vinyl record cleaner makes a comeback

By Bob Karlovits

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Jan. 29--Television-audio dealer Mark Mawhinney is finding a resurging market for probably the lowest-priced item in his business,

It is his 40-year-old Spin-Clean, a vinyl record-cleaning device that sells for $60.

''Right now, we are behind about 700 units," says the owner of Northern Audio & Home Theater in Ross. "We can't keep up."

Spin-Clean is a narrow, plastic chamber that holds 33-, 45- and 78-rpm records, which are rotated through a bath that takes dirt out and drops it into the container.


Read the rest here: http://www.nj.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-15/1264829045309590.xml&storylist=entertainment

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Back in Black

Written by Jessica Novak

Maybe it’s the hiss as the needle drops. Perhaps it’s the crackles and pops as the record spins. Or it could be the rush of discovering a classic album buried among thousands of old records. In an era of digitizing and miniaturizing, vinyl is staking its claim in the music market. It seems counterintuitive to believe that bulky vinyl records might still be popular and profitable, yet in 2008, 1.88 million vinyl records were purchased, according to Neilsen SoundScan. Although that’s more than any year since SoundScan began tracking vinyl sales in 1991, the phenomenon seemed to remain an underground practice as digital sales boomed. However, the proliferation of record sales, even in Syracuse, suggests otherwise.

Scott Makarchuk, owner of Books and Memories, 2600 James St., hesitated to continue selling records when he bought the store almost a year ago. But within 11 months, he has collected more than 10,000 records in the basement of the used bookstore, all of which were brought to him by willing sellers. After Makarchuk inspects each, he chooses the best and purchases them for an average price of 85 cents before selling those best records for $3.95.

“I hadn’t used a record player since I was a kid so I didn’t see a point in continuing to sell them,” says Makarchuk, 43. “But after I saw record players being sold more and more and researched the industry, I realized there was potential.”

Read the rest here:

http://www.syracusenewtimes.com/index.php?id=3892&task=view&option=com_content&Itemid=148

Randy Bachman Still Takin' Care of Business as Radio DJ - Spinner

Randy Bachman Still Takin' Care of Business as Radio DJ - Spinner

Friday, January 29, 2010

Records’ revival

I want to thank the Bowling Green Daily News for allowing me to reprint this interesting article

Vinyl makes up half of Great Escape’s music sales

By Jenna Mink, The Daily News,


Forget about compact disc players. Who cares about MP3 players? Brennan Graves would rather spin an album on his record player.

“CDs are cold, and (iPods) have no soul at all,” said Graves, of Bowling Green. He enjoys “the organic process of putting the needle on the record.”

In the age of digital music and Internet downloads, vinyl records are making a comeback.

At Great Escape on Scottsville Road, vinyl sales have increased over the past two years, making up half of the store’s music sales, manager Matt Pfefferkorn said.

“The regulars we have like the sound of it,” he said. “They prefer the sound as opposed to a CD or iPod. Maybe they’re more into that pure sound.”

Customers of all ages flock to the store’s vinyl collection, but Pfefferkorn recently has noticed a spike in the number of younger people who purchase vinyl records.

“Normally, high school kids are into the latest technology, but they’re discovering their parents’ album collection,” he said. And “college kids are pretty heavily into the vinyl scene.”

In fact, new vinyl production has increased over the years, he said.

These days, customers buy albums from recent artists, such as Kanye West and Ben Harper, on vinyl. Artists, such as Willie Nelson and the Black Crowes, have released their newest albums on vinyl, and companies are remaking records by classic rocks bands, such as Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Beatles.

Many new records include a CD version of the album or a code to download the album onto an MP3 player, which also helps sales, Pfefferkorn said.

“There’s still people that will constantly come in and look through the records and not even look at the CDs,” he said. “CDs lost popularity due to iPods, but the record player is always there. It’s still there.”

Matthew Howard, an employee at CD Warehouse on Campbell Lane, said he has noticed an increase in the number of young customers who buy vinyl.

“I think it’s just the fascination with the older music,” he said. “A lot of people tell me recently that it just sounds better.”

Many customers prefer the artwork that accompanies a vinyl record, Howard said. In comparison to a CD cover, a record cover is big enough to hang on the wall.

Also, many customers collect vinyl for the bargaining experience - records, especially used ones, tend to be less expensive than CDs.

“You can come in here and, if you only have $10, essentially you can walk out with 10 records,” Pfefferkorn said.

Several people sell their used records to Pfefferkorn’s shop. Customers swap their records for cash on a daily basis. By 2 p.m. on a Friday, three people had sold records to the store.

Philip Fracassi, of Bowling Green, has collected records for two years.

“Originally, my parents had their own vinyl collection they passed onto me,” he said. “It has a better sound quality.”

Still, many customers have been collecting records since they were children. Pfefferkorn started buying records when he was 8 years old. Back then, he listened to his albums on his father’s record player.

Now he has 5,000 to 6,000 records.

“I have some good treasures,” he said. “You can kind of go back to your childhood ... to me, it’s the truest, purest form of listening to music.”

And most records sound good on any type of player. Pfefferkorn recently bought a Fisher Price record player for his daughter.

“I was listening to a Bob Dylan album on it, and it sounds so cool,” he said.

Graves has been collecting vinyl records for about 30 years. He now has about 500 records - some of his favorites include his Bruce Springsteen, Kiss and The Beatles collections.

“The artwork’s better. The sound’s better,” he said. “It’s more personal.”

SOURCE:  http://bgdailynews.com/

Michael Fremer Review


I am very happy to continue our feature (look for this every Friday), music reviews that are written by the senior contributing editor of Stereophile magazine- Michael Fremer. It has been a pleasure to speak with Michael and learn more about audio sound and equipment. His DVD, "It's A Vinyl World, After All" is a must have for anybody who loves vinyl. Additionally, make sure to stop by his site, http://www.musicangle.com/ and bookmark it for further exploration. I certainly want to thank Michael for the exclusive rights to reprint his fantastic material.


Miles, Taj, Hooker, etc. Play Jack Nitzsche (reissue)
OST: The Hot Spot


Antilles/Analogue Productions AAPB 8755 2 180g 45rpm LPs


Produced by: Jack Nitzsche and Michael Hoenig
Engineered by: Pamela Neal
Mixed by: Pamela Neal
Mastered by: Kevin Gray at AcousTech









Review by: Michael Fremer
2010-01-01


Drop John Lee Hooker off in the parched environs of Paris, Texas and tell him to do his mournful thing and that it’ll be okay because Miles Davis will be right behind him with his mute trumpet following his every musical move the way Ali Akbar Khan followed Ravi Shankar's.

That's the vibe of this soundtrack to the 1990 film "The Hot Spot" starring Dennis Hopper.

Add Taj Mahal on a few tracks, some slide guitar from Roy Rogers here, rhythm from bassist Tim Drummond and the late, great Earl Palmer, who drummed for everyone from Little Richard to Ricky Nelson to the Beach Boys there, and you have the late Jack Nitszche’s deliciously langourous musical game plan for the soundtrack.

There was no American vinyl issue of this back in 1990. In fact, there wasn’t much vinyl of anything back then and whether or not the original UK vinyl was sourced from analog is in doubt, yet original copies of it go for upwards of $100.00.

I’ve got a copy and take my word for it, that this double 45rpm reissue destroys the original. If you dig the Paris, Texas soundtrack album for its moody, desolate vibe and superb sonics, you’ll love this reissue. It’s outta the ballpark great!


SOURCE: http://www.musicangle.com/ 
Reprinted By Permission

This Date In Music History-January 29

Birthdays:

David Byron - Uriah Heep (1947)

Tommy Ramone (1952)

Louie Perez - Los Lobos (1953)

Rob Manzoli - Right Said Fred (1954)

Johnny Spampinato - NRBQ (1959)

Dave Baynton-Power - James (1961)

Eddie Jackson - Queensryche (1961)

Roddy Frame - Aztec Camera (1964)

Jonny Lang (1981)


They Are Missed:

American blues singer and guitarist Willie Dixon died of heart failure in 1992. Wrote the classic songs: "You Shook Me," "I Can’t Quit You Baby," "Hoochie Coochie Man," "I Just Want to Make Love to You," "Little Red Rooster." Dixon was a major influence on The Rolling Stones, Cream, Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin.



Born on this day in 1938, James Jamerson, bass played, The Funk Brothers, died of a heart attack 2nd August 1983 (age 45). Played on many Motown hits by The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Martha And The Vandellas.

In 2009, singer-songwriter John Martyn died in hospital in Ireland at the age of 60. The folk, blues and funk artist was widely regarded as one of the most soulful and innovative singer-songwriters of his generation and had been cited as an influence by artists as varied as U2, Portishead and Eric Clapton.


History:

In 1958, Challenge Records released "Tequila" backed with "Train to Nowhere" by the Champs. The A side will make it to Number One in mid-March. One other note...the Champs included Jim Seals and Dash Croft, later to become Seals and Crofts.

Warner Bros. Records signed the folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary in 1962. They will go on to have big hits with harmonized versions of such Bob Dylan songs as "Blowin' in the Wind" as well as "If I Had a Hammer," "Puff the Magic Dragon" and "Leaving on a Jet Plane."

In 1964, the Beatles spent the day at Pathe Marconi Studios in Paris, France, The Beatles' only studio recording session for EMI held outside the UK. They recorded new vocals for ‘She Loves You’, ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ and ‘Can't Buy Me Love’, after EMI's West German branch persuaded Brian Epstein that they would be unable to sell large quantities of records in Germany unless they were recorded in the German language. A translator coached John, Paul, and George, although their familiarity with the German language from their Hamburg days made things much easier.

During a concert in London in 1965, pop-rock singer P.J. Proby splits his pants on stage, significantly increasing his "naughty" reputation. Next month, he'll be banned by Britian's ABC theater chain for his new habit of purposely splitting his trousers on stage for dramatic effect.

The Bobby Fuller Four's "I Fought The Law" was released in 1966.



In 1967 - Jimi Hendrix and The Who gave a tribute concert to the Beatles late manager, Brian Epstein.

In 1968, the Doors appeared at The Pussy Cat A Go Go, Las Vegas. After the show singer Jim Morrison taunts a security guard in the parking lot by pretending to smoke a joint, resulting in a fight. The police arrive who arrest Morrison and charge him with vagrancy, public drunkenness, and failure to possess sufficient identification.

Steve Winwood left Traffic to join Blind Faith in 1969

New York music business financier Allen Klein is found guilty of ten counts of evading US income taxes in 1971. Klein once controlled the finances of both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. The Beatles, apparently over Paul McCartney's objections, hired Klein in 1969 to try to rescue their ailing Apple Corps Limited, which was losing thousands of pounds a week. The tangled business affairs of Apple, and Klein's failure to solve them, are cited as one reason for the Beatles' breakup

The triple album 'The Concert For Bangla Desh' went to #1 on the UK album chart in 1972. Organized by George Harrison to raise funds for the people caught up in the war and famine from the area. The set featured; Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Eric Clapton, Ravi Shankar and members from Badfinger.

Grand Funk recorded "The Loco-Motion" in 1974.

In 1977, Gwen Dickey former backing band for The Temptations, went to #1 on the US singles chart as Rose Royce with "Car Wash."

In 1979, 16-year-old Brenda Spencer killed two people and wounded nine others when she fired from her house across the street onto the entrance of San Diego's Grover Cleveland Elementary School. Spencer fired the shot's from a .22-caliber rifle her father had given her for Christmas. When asked why she did it, she answered “I don't like Mondays.” The Boomtown Rats went on to write and recorded a song based on the event.

Emerson, Lake & Palmer disbanded (the first time) in 1979.

In 1983, Australian group Men At Work went to #1 on the British and American singles and album charts simultaneously with "Down Under" and "Business As Usual." The last artist to achieve this was Rod Stewart in 1971.

Country superstar Garth Brooks refused to accept his American Music Award for Favorite Overall Artist in 1996. Brooks said that Hootie and the Blowfish had done more for music that year than he did. Yep, they did.

A deluxe, double-disc version of Beck's Grammy-winning '96 album, "Odelay," was released in 2008. The first disc features unreleased songs while the second contains 16 rare tracks.

In 2009, former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson made the largest ever leap to number one in US chart history, rising 96 places. Her single, My Life Would Suck Without You, rose from 97 to the top of the Billboard chart after selling 280,000 downloads in its first week of release. A clip from the video for the single was premiered in the commercial break of that week's episode of American Idol.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Chocolate Records?

In the category of 'now I have seen it all' comes this little video:

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 01/16/2010

1. 45 rpm - Dead Weather "Hang You From The Heavens" / "Are Friends Electric?" Test Pressing Third Man Records Opening Night - $3,161.11

2. 45 rpm - Conner Cagle "Always Let Your Good Side Show" Sunshine - $2,499.99

3. LP - The Beatles "The Collection" Japan Box Set - $2,195.00

4. 45 rpm - Elvis Presley "That's All Right" / "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" Sun 209

5. 45 rpm - Soldier Boy Houston "Western Rider Blues" / "Hug Me Baby" Atlantic - $1,861.55


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. NOW TUESDAYS at 4PM PT / 7PM ET for a complete rundown of the Top 5 with trivia and tidbits.

Vinyl News

Record Convention
EUGENE, Ore. -- Bill Finneran has found his groove.

Over the past 20 years, the Eugene man has turned his huge record collection into the largest record convention in the Northwest.

This year's convention takes place Sunday at the Eugene Hilton. Audiophiles, professional buyers and ordinary people looking for that rare vinyl gem are expected to turn out. Finneran says vendors from all over the country will have some 50,000 to 100,000 records for sale.

Finneran insists "a record convention is for everybody, not just for record collectors."








Archer Record Pressing: Detroit’s Last Vinyl Plant


Music News & Notes

Still Looking For Aerosmith Singer

Classic Rock magazine is reporting that Joe Perry approached Paul Rodgers last November at an awards ceremony to see if he would be interested in taking over as lead singer of Aerosmith.

The magazine's Jerry Ewing overheard the conversation at his table. "The next thing, Perry is starting to tell Rodgers that they have problems with Tyler and that they intend to carry on regardless – and how great it would be if Rodgers took the slot, and would he be interested in trying out? If I remember correctly there were the usual ‘how flattering’ platitudes but no real commitment, as you’d expect, nor refusal."

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Turner Classic Movies Picks 15 Most Influential Soundtracks

In celebration of the upcoming Grammy Awards, Turner Classic Movies has announced their picks for the 15 Most Influential Movie Soundtracks.

"It is nearly impossible to think of certain films without remembering their music scores. Casablanca, Laura, An Affair to Remember, The Magnificent Seven – the list is endless," said TCM host and film historian Robert Osborne. "Our list celebrates the most memorable and groundbreaking soundtracks, the ones which took the art of film music to new levels and made the most lasting impact on the world of movies."

The list not only singles out some great movie soundtracks, but includes a host of great musical artists from over the last fifty years. From Bill Haley & the Comets to Isaac Hayes, there is an amazing amount of well-known hits scattered among these records.

Per TCM, they used several criteria in picking these soundtracks including "the impact they have had on how music is used onscreen to tell a story and on the methodology of song selection. Their influence is also defined by their impact on pop culture."


•King Kong (1933) – Composer: Max Steiner

•Alexander Nevsky (1938) – Composer: Sergei Prokofiev

•The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) – Composer: Bernard Herrmann

•Blackboard Jungle (1955) – Music Adaptor: Charles Wolcott (Including hits by Bill Haley & the Comets and Joan Weber)

•The Man with the Golden Arm (1955) – Composer: Elmer Bernstein

•Psycho (1960) – Composer: Bernard Herrmann

•A Hard Day's Night (1964) – Musical Director: George Martin; Songs: John Lennon, Paul McCartney (Beatles)

•Goldfinger (1964) – Composer: John Barry (Shirley Bassey)

•The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) – Composer: Ennio Morricone (Hugo Montenegro)

•The Graduate (1967) – Composer: Dave Grusin; Songs: Paul Simon (Simon & Garfunkel)

•2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – Musical Consultant: Patrick Moore; Music Editor: Frank J. Urioste
•Shaft (1971) – Composers: Isaac Hayes and J.J. Johnson (Isaac Hayes)

•American Graffiti (1973) – Music Coordinator: Karin Green (Beach Boys, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Flamingos, Fats Domino and many more)

•Saturday Night Fever (1977) – Composers: Barry, Maurice & Robin Gibb and David Shire (Bee Gees, Trammps, Tavares, Yvonne Elliman, Walter Murphy, more)

•Star Wars (1977) – Composer: John Williams (London Symphony Orchestra)

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Eminem, Lil Wayne, Drake and Barker to Team for Grammys

Eminem, Lil Wayne, Drake and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker will come together for a “special performance” on this Sunday’s Grammy Awards, the official Grammy Twitter revealed this morning. Based on the talent involved, it’s safe to assume the rappers will perform a rocked-up rendition of their hit “Forever,” which was overlooked in for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. However, the fourth rapper featured on that track, Kanye West, was not added as a performer, even though West is a nominee on three of the five songs that are up for the Best Rap Collaboration Grammy. Perhaps producers feared another “incident.” As it stands now, the performance will also likely be Lil Wayne’s last major television appearance before he heads off to prison in February.

Sunday night’s show will feature Green Day performing alongside the cast of their American Idiot musical, as well as a tribute to guitarist Les Paul featuring Jeff Beck and Imelda May. Elton John, Roberta Flack and Jennifer Nettles have joined the lineup of performers. And the Grammys also announced this head-scratching combo: Jamie Foxx and T-Pain performing with Slash and Doug E. Fresh.

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Clooney’s Hope For Haiti Now Album On Track To Top U.s. Charts

The HOPE FOR HAITI NOW album, featuring songs performed during GEORGE CLOONEY’s TV benefit last week (22Jan10), will hit the number one spot on the U.S. charts on Wednesday (26Jan10).

The telethon tracks became available as downloads via iTunes immediately after Friday night’s star-studded show, which raised over $60 million (?37.5 million) for the relief effort in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, and fans have rushed to be part of the historic benefit.

The album has already topped the iTunes chart, while Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris’ version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah has shot to the top of the iTunes singles countdown.

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DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS ANNOUNCE NEW TOUR DATES IN SUPPORT OF
THE BIG TO-DO DUE OUT MARCH 16 / FREE MP3 AVAILABLE


The Drive-By Truckers announce the first part of The Big To-Do tour, screenings of their documentary, The Secret To A Happy Ending, unveil the album cover for The Big To-Do and offer free MP3.
The Big To-Do is slated for release on March 16, 2010 on ATO Records. Leading up to the release the band will play some weekend runs before kicking off The Big To-Do tour with a two night stand in Atlanta and then heading to SXSW. More dates to be announced in the coming weeks.

DBT and ATO Records are offering up the first single, "This Fucking Job," from The Big To-Do for free: download.atorecords.com/dbt/this_fucking_job.mp3

The premiere screening of the DBT documentary, The Secret To A Happy Ending, is scheduled for February 5, 2010 at AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, MD. This is a film about the redemptive power of rock & roll; it's about the American South, where rock was born; it's about a band straddling the borders of rock, punk and country; it's about making art, making love and making a living; it's about the Drive-By Truckers. Director Barr Weissman, Patterson Hood, Mike Cooley and Brad Morgan will be on hand for a Q&A after the screening.

This is the seventh DBT album that has featured original artwork by Wes Freed. The band has a very special relationship with Wes, they never tell him what to draw and often give him no input at all, yet he always seems to find some subtext, often one they didn't know was there, that he brings out and runs with. That relationship has hit a new level on this album, as he basically illustrated every song. He honed in on the circus allusions of The Rock Show and how it all could be tied together in The Big To-Do. Look for more pieces to be unveiled in the weeks prior to release date.

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Former Misfits Drummer Brian "Damage" Keats Passes Away

Brian "Damage" Keats, the former drummer for such legendary American punk bands as Verbal Abuse, Misfits and Genocide, has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was fourty six years old and is survived by his wife and child. Keats was born in Brooklyn, New York and performed in the last incantation of Misfits to feature frontman Glen Danzig. After The Misfits finished, he racked up an impressive resume of bands by joining the likes of Hellbound, The Skulls, Angels In Vain and Wink, amongst many others.

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Joanna Newsom announces triple album

Singer-songwriter and harpist Joanna Newsom has revealed the first details of her third album, the follow-up to 2006's acclaimed orchestral opus Ys. Now unveiled as a triple LP, Have One On Me will be released internationally on 23 February.

Despite her youth (she is just 28), and her home in hippie-dippy breezy California, Newsom is notorious for her meticulous compositions and conspicuous virtuosity – instrumental, lyrical and conceptual. On Ys, she sang intricate narratives of longing and loss, bolstered by arrangements by Van Dyke Parks. Her 2007 EP, Joanna Newsom and the Ys Street Band, took an early song, Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie, and added more elaborate instrumentation.

Yesterday, Newsom released the first official sample of Have One On Me, a track called '81. It is streaming now at the website of US label Drag City. The track has Newsom performing solo with harp, singing a serious story about love and trust in the Garden of Eden. Her voice has mellowed, sounding more conventionally pretty. '81's melody is brambled, shifting, and not meant for humming.

Of course, three LPs requires a lot of material. '81 might not be a long track but Newsom has played many new tunes at recent concerts, several of them epic. Though the tracklist for Have One On Me has yet to be released, there's much talk of songs like Jack Rabbits, Soft As Chalk, and Esme. The new album, Newsom reportedly told Australian radio, is a "cross" between her first and second records.

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LANDMINE MARATHON: 'Sovereign Descent' Artwork Unveiled


Phoenix, Arizona's LANDMINE MARATHON has unveiled the cover art of its forthcoming album, "Sovereign Descent", due out March 16, 2010 on Prosthetic Records. The cover art was handled by acclaimed artist Dan Seagrave, who's done covers for acts such as ENTOMBED, DISMEMBER, MORBID ANGEL, SUFFOCATION and many more.

Bassist Matt Martinez commented on the cover and working with Seagrave: "The artwork Dan Seagrave created is nothing short of amazing, and, in our biased opinion, some of his best work to date. We are extremely excited and honored to have been able to work with him."








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Ahoora Reveals "Awkward Diary" Cover Art



Ahoora has revelaed the cover art for the Iranian metal band's long awaiting third album, “Awkward Diary.” “Awkward Diary” will be out mid February via Washington, D.C’s Iranian label Zirzamin. The album will be available worldwide on CD and also digitally within the major online music stores. Below, you can see the front cover of “Awkward Diary,” which was exclusively done for Ahoora by Richard Baxter.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

I am continuing our feature: Ask "Mr. Music." Now in its 24th year of syndication (1986-2010), Jerry Osborne's weekly Q&A feature will be a regular post every Wednesday from now on. Be sure to stop by Jerry's site (http://www.jerryosborne.com/) for more Mr. Music archives, record price guides, anything Elvis, buy & sell collectibles, record appraisals and much more. I thank Jerry for allowing the reprints.


FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 25, 2010


DEAR JERRY: In 1959 or '60, I heard a song on the radio, but never once heard it again. The title may be something about a lovers hymn.

Believe me, I have checked everywhere but can find no mention anywhere of such a tune. I recall it has an R&B flavor to it, with a male lead voice and a female group backing him.

Did I really hear this? I'm beginning to wonder if all of this is only in my mind. You are my last resort.
—Jim Goyette, Ft. Myers, Fla.


DEAR JIM: After trying so hard on your own to solve this mystery, you deserve an answer. Even if it is from your last resort.


Your recollection of the facts is excellent, it is indeed “A Lovers Hymn” issued in April 1959 (Dot 15943), by the Fontane Sisters.

Though this single did not make the national charts it did get some regional air play, which you obviously know.

You even describe accurately the male lead singer and the female backup; however, just from seeing the record label you could not know anyone other than the Fontane Sisters is involved.

The male singer you hear is Charlie Singleton, who is also the writer of “A Lovers Hymn.” Strangely, Singleton is not credited as a performer anywhere on the label — this despite his being the primary voice on the session.

Not crediting a backup singer or orchestra is not uncommon. Failing to even make mention of the lead singer is practically unheard of.

A scattered few records exist with no artist credit whatsoever, but I do not recall one like this Dot single.

Granted, the Fontane Sisters were the bigger name act, but at least something like “The Fontane Sisters with [or Featuring] Charlie Singleton” should have been used.

Now you'll be pleased to know you can easily listen to “A Lovers Hymn” on YouTube. Even the inexplicable label is pictured. Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjdVwdS-YKQ


DEAR JERRY: Last month when I heard Dean Martin singing “June in January” I thought how very unusual it is hearing two different months mentioned in a title.

Might there be one with three? I can't think of any.

Also, is each of the 12 months represented in at least one song title on records? For example, I do not know of any title including February, March, August, or November.

March is a near-impossible one, as all of those I find are about marching, such as “March from the River Kwai” and “March of the Penguins.”
—Marcy Galloway, Green Bay, Wisc.


DEAR CALENDAR GIRL: By answering the second question, your first one shall also be satisfied.

The names of all 12 months can be found in song titles, and I will provide one hand-picked example of each as proof:

“June in January” (Dean Martin, 1959); “February Sunshine” (Giant Sunflower, 1967); “Winds of March” (Journey, 1978); “April Love” (Pat Boone, 1957); “First of May” (Bee Gees 1969); “June Night” (Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, 1957); “July 12, 1939” (Charlie Rich, 1970); “June, July, and August” (Freddy Cannon, 1962); “September in the Rain” (Dinah Washington, 1961); “October” (U2, 1981); “November Rain” (Guns 'N Roses, 1992); “December 1963 (Oh What a Night)” (4 Seasons, 1976).


IZ ZAT SO? Over the past 70 years (1940-2009) only twice did the nation's No. 1 Pop song have a month in the title: Pat Boone's “April Love” (1957) and “December 1963 (Oh What a Night),” by the 4 Seasons (1976).

“November Rain,” by Guns 'N Roses, reached No. 3, as did Freddy Cannon's “June, July, and August,” but only because its flip side is “Palisades Park.” “June, July, and August,” a tune about summer vacation (“gonna shout … school is out”), is also the answer to your first question.

Special thanks to Kenneth Atlas, of Cashbox magazine, for assistance in preparing this feature


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, or visit his Web site: www.jerryosborne.com. All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.

Copyright 2010 Osbourne Enterprises- Reprinted By Permission

Music News & Notes

Pelican's "What We All Come To Need" To See Vinyl Release

Pelican's Southern Lord Recordings debut full-length "What We All Come To Need" - originally released in October - will be issued in double-LP format on February 23rd. The deluxe vinyl version bears a heavyweight gatefold jacket, and the fourth side of the release contains three bonus tracks not available on the CD version. In celebration of the vinyl release of the album Pelican will play a hometown show in Chicago on March 12th alongside Pinebender and Follows (ex-Russian Circles).

This record release show will also be the sole location to purchase Pelican's Ephemeral Bean Blend; the band's own limited edition collaboration with Intelligentsia Coffee of Chicago. The band states, "The richest, most complex flavors take patience and skill to craft and are over far too quickly. In that spirit we are proud to present this blend of coffee beans, who have known artisan care from their moment of inception at the farms at which they were grown to the roastery where their delicate nuances were honed to perfection by the skilled craftsmen at Intelligentsia. Enjoy the moment while it lasts."

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Dylan, Cole, Mellencamp & Robinson to Perform at White House

Bob Dylan, Natalie Cole, John Mellencamp, the Blind Boys of Alabama and Smokey Robinson are all headed to the White House to be part of In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music From the Civil Rights Movement. The show will be aired live on PBS from the East Room on February 11 at 8 PM. Others performing include Jennifer Hudson, John Legend and Seal. While Dylan has been to the White House before, this is his first time performing.

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Lady Gaga Raises $500,000 For Haiti Earthquake Relief

Matching Radiohead's figure...

Lady Gaga raised over $500,000 for Haiti on Sunday, matching the impressive figure amassed by Radiohead.

All proceeds from Gaga's show at the Radio City Music Hall show, plus all the merchandise profits on the singer's official website went to the relief effort in the earthquake ravaged Caribbean nation.

The singer said: "On Gaga For Haiti day, in just 24 hours, with very minimal marketing and planning, all the little monsters all over the world made over half a million dollars for Haiti relief.

"I know Bravado fell off their chair, that's who sells all my merchandise - they couldn't believe it!”

On the same night, Radiohead's one-off show at The Music Box Theater in Hollywood amassed $572,000 for Haiti after fans bought tickets via an online auction. Hollywood stars Charlize Theron, Daniel Craig, Rosanna Arquette and Justin Timberlake were just some of those in attendance.

This Date In Music History-January 27

Birthdays:

Bobby "Blue" Bland (1930)

British rock songwriter and singer Kevin Coyne (1944)

Nick Mason - drummer for Pink Floyd (1945)

Nedra Talley - Ronettes (1947)

Brian Downey - Thin Lizzy (1951)

Seth Justman - J. Geils Band (1951)

Richard Young - The Kentucky Headhunters (1955)

Margo Timmins - Cowboy Junkies (1959)

Gillian Gilbert - New Order (1961)

Mike Patton - Faith No More (1968)

Mark Trojanowski - Sister Hazel (1970)

Mark Owen - Take That (1974)


They Are Missed:

Born on this day in 1918, Elmore James, US blues guitarist, singer, wrote "Shake Your Money Maker," covered by Fleetwood Mac in 1968. Influenced Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Keith Richards. James died 24th May 1963.

Mahalia Jackson, who once remarked that she sang "because I was lonely," died in 1972. The gospel singer had been in ill-health ever since her heart attack in 1964. She was 60 years old.

Born today in 1919, David Seville, creator of The Chipmunks, (1958 #1 single "The Chipmunk Song") Seville died on January 16, 1972.

Gene McFadden, R&B vocalist and songwriter, best known as half of the Philly soul team McFadden & Whitehead, died of cancer in 2006 at the age of 56. The duo had the 1979 hit "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now," which sold more than 8 million copies and was nominated for a Grammy Award.


History:

In 1956, Elvis Presley's single, "Heartbreak Hotel" was released by RCA Records, who had just purchased Presley's contract from Sun Records for $35,000. The song sold 300,000 copies in its first week and would eventually sell over a million, becoming Elvis' first Gold record.



Little Richard entered Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama in 1958. It's a school for blacks run by the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Little Richard explained while flying over the Philippines on tour, the wing on his plane caught fire and his prayers that the flames go out were answered. As a result, he says he's giving up rock & roll so he can serve God. Amen...

Johnny Horton recorded "The Battle Of New Orleans" in 1959.

In 1961, Frank Sinatra played a benefit show at Carnegie Hall in New York City for Martin Luther King.

Joey and the Starlighters started a three week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1962 with "Peppermint Twist, part 1."

In 1962, the Beatles appeared at Aintree Institute in Aintree, Liverpool. The group had played here many times before but this was their last performance at the venue. Brian Epstein became infuriated when the promoter paid The Beatles' fee (£15 pounds) with handfuls of loose change. Epstein took this as an insult to the group, and made sure that The Beatles never played for that promoter (Brian Kelly) again.

Also in 1962, Elvis Presley received his 29th gold record for "Can't Help falling in Love," just weeks after getting one for the soundtrack to his seventh movie, "Blue Hawaii."

In 1964, the Rolling Stones appear as judges on the British "rate-a-record" TV show "Juke Box Jury." Their somewhat impolite behavior on the set causes a furor in the British press.

Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released in 1968, 6 weeks after he was killed in a plane crash.



The Bee Gees make their U.S. debut in 1968 with two concerts at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. They put $50,000 in their pockets and immediately head back to England without appearing elsewhere in the states.

David Bowie arrived in the US for the first time in 1971; he couldn't play live because of work permit restrictions, but attracted publicity when he wore a dress at a promotion event. That'll teach them!

The New Seekers received a gold record in 1972 for "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing." It's a tune that will be better remembered as the music for the Coca-Cola commercials.

Originally given to guitarist Jeff Beck but not immediately released, Stevie Wonder’s cut at his own song, “Superstition,” was a chart topper in 1973; his second #1 single in the US, 10 years after his first #1.

In 1976, a $2 million suit was brought against attorney Micahel Lippan by his former client, David Bowie. Bowie charged that Lippman took a 15-percent agent's fee instead of the customary ten percent and that he withheld $475,000 after being dismissed by Bowie.

Rod Stewart's album Blondes Have More Fun becomes number one on the Billboard chart in 1979. Sales of the album are spurred by the insipid single "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?," and the success representes a comeback for Stewart.

Madonna made her first appearance in the UK in 1984 when she appeared on C4 TV music program The Tube performing "Holiday." The show was broadcast live from the Hacienda Club in Manchester.

In 1984, Michael Jackson's hair caught fire during the filming of a Pepsi TV commercial.

In 1993, Warner Brothers announced it will release Ice-T from his recording contract. The company cites "creative differences" for the decision, which followed the previous year's controversy over Ice-T's "Cop Killer."

James Brown was charged with possession of marijuana and unlawful use of a firearm in 1998 after police were called to his South Carolina home. Brown later clamed the drugs were used to help his 'eyesight.' Um Ok....

Alan Jackson started a three week run at #1 on the US album chart in 2002 with ‘Drive.’

U2’s Bono joined British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Microsoft chairman Bill Gates at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland in 2005 to address the issue of poverty in Africa. "(I) encourage people to do the right thing on the global stage," says Bono.

In 2009, Bruce Springsteen released “Working On A Dream,” his 16th studio album. Produced by longtime collaborator Brendan O'Brien, the set was recorded with the E Street Band during downtime on their tour. "All the songs were written quickly [and] we usually used one of our first few takes," says Springsteen. The album contains "The Last Carnival," a song that pays tribute to late E Street Band member Danny Federici. "It started out as a way of making sense of his passing," says Springsteen. "He was a part of that sound of the boardwalk the band grew up with."

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

New Music Releases January 26, 2010

Lots of new music this week, be sure to stop at the links to pick up your favorite artists' music!

CollectingVinyl


7dayBinge - 7dayBinge
Aaron Neville - Power Play: 6 Big Hits
Ace Frehley - Trouble Walkin'
Adam Bomb - Fatal Attraction
AFCGT - AFCGT (vinyl)
Air Supply - Playlist: The Very Best of
Alice Cooper - Dada
Alice Cooper - Special Forces
Alice Cooper - Zipper Catches Skin
Animal Collective - Campfire Songs (reissue)
Art Webb - Love Eyes
Bad Company - Dangerous Age
Bad Company - Holy Water
Barry Manilow - Greatest Love Songs of All Time
Basia Bulat - Heart of My Own (vinyl) (2-CD limited edition)
Beach House - Norway (vinyl)
Beach House - Teen Dream (vinyl)
Beat Farmers - Tales of the New West (reissue)
Beck & Charlotte Gainsbourg – IRM
Bernard Edwards - Glad to Be Here
Bettie Serveert - Pharmacy of Love
Blue Cheer - Outside Inside (vinyl reissue)
Blue Cheer - Vincebus Eruptum (vinyl reissue)
Blue Oyster Cult - Playlist: The Very Best of
Blue Rodeo - The Things We Left Behind
Bon Jovi - Superman Tonight (Single)
Boulder - Boulder
Buraka Som Sistema - Fabriclive 49
Cars - Shake it Up (Mobile Fidelity)
Cave In - Planets of Old EP (CD & DVD)
Celtic Woman - Songs From The Heart
Charlotte Gainsbourg - IRM (2-LP vinyl)
Chicago Underground Duo – Boca Negra
Citay - Dream Get Together (vinyl)
Clancy Brothers - Playlist: The Very Best of
Clipd Beaks - To Realize (vinyl)
Corrine Bailey Rae – The Sea
Dark Age - Acedia
David Bowie - A Reality Tour (remastered with bonus tracks)
Dean Martin - Essential Love Songs
Deas Vail - Birds & Cages
Dukes of Stratosphear - 25 O'Clock (remastered) (vinyl)
Dukes of Stratosphear - Psonic Psunspot (remastered) (vinyl)
Elvis Presley - Clambake (Budget Release)
Elvis Presley - Frankie & Johnny (Budget Release)
Elvis Presley - Fun In Acapulco (Budget Release)
Elvis Presley - G.I. Blues (Budget Release)
Elvis Presley - Girl Happy (Budget Release)
Elvis Presley - Girls! Girls! Girls! (Budget Release)
Elvis Presley - Roustabout (Budget Release)
Elvis Presley - Viva Las Vegas (Budget Release)
Enigma - Platinum Collection
Eric Bibb - Booker's Guitar

http://www.insound.com/

Erland & the Carnival - Erland & the Carnival
Evacuate Chicago - Verasity
F**ked Up - Couple Tracks: Singles 2002 - 2008 (vinyl)
Five Stairsteps & Cubie - Love's Happening
Four Tet - There Is Love in You (2-LP vinyl)
Frank Sinatra - Cycles
Frank Sinatra - Great Songs from Great Britain
Frank Sinatra - Sinatra & Swingin Brass
Frank Sinatra - Strangers in the Night (Remastered)
Frank Sinatra - That's Life
Fredrik - Trilogi
Frehley's Comet - Second Sighting / Live + 1
Fucked Up – Couple Tracks: Singles 2002-2008
Gang Gang Dance - God's Money (vinyl reissue)
George Tipton - Nilsson By Tipton
Gigi - Maintenant
Golden Earring - On the Double
Gorevette - Lustfully Yours [EP]
Great Buildings - Extra Epic Everything
Grinder Switch - Redwing
Guess Who - Playlist: The Very Best of
Harvey Milk – Harvey Milk (first album, never officially released except for a limited, tour-only vinyl run)
Heligoats - Goodness Gracious
Henry Clay People - For Cheap or for Free
Henry Mancini - Music of Peter Gunn Complete Edition (2 CDs)
Hiromi - Place to Be
Home - Seventeen (vinyl)
Howard Shore - Edge Of Darkness: Original Score
I See Hawks in L.A. - Shoulda Been Gold: 2001-2009
Ian Dury & the Blockheads - Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll: The Essential Collection
Infinite Body - Carve Out the Face of My God (vinyl)
Interference - Interference
J. Tillman - Wild Honey b/w Black Barge 7" (vinyl)
Jaga Jazzist – One-Armed Bandit
Jailbreak - The Rocker (vinyl)
Jason Castro - Jason Castro
Jennifer Lopez - Love?
Jessie Colin Young - American Dreams
Joan of Arc - Joan of Arc Presents: Don't Mind Control (vinyl)
Joe Firstman - El Porto
Joe Satriani - Playlist: The Very Best of
John Vanderslice - D.I.A.L.O (vinyl)
Kidz Bop Kids - Kidz Bop 17
Lady Antebellum - Need You Now
Lighten Up – Absolutely Not
Locksley – Be In Love
Loren Conners & Darin Gray - The Lost Mariner (vinyl reissue)
Los Campesinos! - Romance is Boring (vinyl)
Lostprophets - The Betrayed
Mad Max - Mad Max
Mad Max - Night Of Passion
Mad Max - Rollin' Thunder
Mad Max - Stormchild
Magnetic Fields – Realism
Major Stars - Return to Form (vinyl)
Max Richter - Memoryhouse (vinyl reissue)
Merzbow - 13 Japanese Birds 13
Molly Hatchet - Kingdom of XII
Mondo Drag - New Rituals (vinyl)
Moonface - Dreamland EP: Marimba and Shit-Drums (vinyl)
Mr. Gnome - Deliver This Creature (reissue)
Mr. Gnome - Heave Your Skeleton
Muse - Resistance(2-LP vinyl)
My Brightest Diamond - Shark Remixes (2-CDs)
Mycale & John Zorn - Mycale: The Book of Angels 13
Native – Wrestling Moves
Neil Sedaka - Music of My Life (Preview)
Never Shout Never - What Is Love
New Found Glory - New Found Glory (10th Anniversary Edition) (CD & DVD)
Number One Gun - To the Secrets & Knowledge
Oh No Ono - Eggs
One to One - Forward Your Emotions
Owl City - Fireflies
Owl City - Ocean Eyes (deluxe edition with bonus tracks)
Pat Metheny - Orchestrion
Patrick & Eugene – Altogether Now (Birds Bees Flowers Trees)
Patty Griffin - Downtown Church
Paty Metheny - Orchestrion
Paul McCartney - Live in Los Angeles
Peggy Lee - Let's Love
Peggy Lee - Two Shows Nightly (Deluxe Edition)
Pete Carr - Multiple Flash
Pete Carr - Not a Word on It
Pit Er Pat - The Flexible Entertainer (vinyl)
Quail Lungs - Dumb DaDaDum
Queen - Hot Space
Queen - Made in Heaven
Queen - The Game
Red Krayola with Art & Language – Five American Portraits
Retribution Gospel Choir - 2 (vinyl)
Robbie Patton - No Problem•Robbie Patton - Orders From Headquarters
Robert A. A. Lowe & Rose Lazar - Eclipses (vinyl)
Royal Trux - Untitled (remastered)
Sam Cooke - Playlist: The Very Best of
Scout Niblett - Calcination of Scout Niblett (vinyl)
Slow Six – Tomorrow Becomes You
Soweto Gospel Choir - Grace
Steve Vai - Playlist: The Very Best of
Suicidal Tendencies - Playlist: The Very Best of
Tape & Bill Wells - Fugue (vinyl)
Thavius Beck – Dialogue
The Silent League – …But You’ve Always Been The Caretaker
Three 6 Mafia - Laws Of Power
Time for Three - 3 Fervent Travelers
Tindersticks - Falling Down a Mountain
UFO - Strangers in the Night (2 LPs)
Unspoken Word - Unspoken Word
Van Der Graaf Generator - Now & Then
Various Artists - Casual Victim Pile: Austin 2010 (vinyl)
Various Artists - Good God! Born Again Funk
Various Artists - NPR Discover Songs: The New Jazz Divas
Various Artists - Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids
Various Artists - Smooth Jazz Tribute to Jay-Z
Various Artists - The Minimal Wave Tapes
Various Artists - The Only Classic Country Collection You'll Ever Need
Ventures - Venturized
Volcano, I'm Still Excited - Volcano, I'm Still Excited (vinyl reissue)
Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston: 25th Anniversary Edition (Preview)
Youssou N'Dour - Music From the Motion Picture I Bring What I Love (soundtrack)

CollectingVinyl

Michael Fremer Special!

First part of a interview with Michael Fremer the man behind the DVDs "Michael Fremer's Turntable Setup DVD and Michael Fremer's It's A Vinyl World After All..."

He is also a reviewer for Stereophile magazine. We caught up with his a the Hi Fi & Surround exhibition 2009 in Copenhagen.




Part Two

Music News & Notes

Hallelujah! Cohen Cover Takes Over iTunes Again – This Time For Haiti Relief

Covers of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" have a history of breaking records for digital music (see American Idol's Justin Castro, Jeff Buckley, that girl from the X Factor). Today, Justin Timberlake joins the club.

Timberlake covered Cohen's '84 classic -- with help from former fellow Mouseketeer Matt Morris -- on Friday night's Hope For Haiti benefit. And though the evening featured memorable performances by artists including Madonna, Wyclef Jean, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Coldplay, Jay-Z, etc., etc. -- apparently JT hit people in their credit cards (and hearts) a little more than the others. His cover of "Hallelujah" is currently at No. 2 on the iTunes chart. (Sheryl Crow and Kid Rock's cover of "Lean on Me" is the next telethon recording to represent on the chart, at the No. 12 spot.)

"It's always been one of my favourite songs," Timberlake told MTV of "Hallelujah." "And my artist Matt, we always kinda sing that song when we're messign around in the studio with ideas.

"The way that it's written can be interpreted many different ways," he continued. "But the emotion that comes through -- the chords, the melody and also what's being said in the song -- it just kind of fit for the telethon."

All the musical performances from Friday night's fundraising special were made available to download via iTunes following the program, with funds raised going towards various NGOs assisting with the earthquake relief effort. According to the New York Times, the Hope For Haiti Now album was the No. 1 album on iTunes in 18 countries, and set records as the biggest one-day album pre-order for the online retailer. That said, however, CBC reports that final figures on how much the recordings raised for charity have yet to be released.

The telethon's producers released a statement saying that the donations made by viewers via phone and text message tally up to more than $57 million US. (CBC reports that the Strombo/Cheryl Hickey/Ben Mulroney-hosted Canadian telethon that also aired Friday raised around $9.4 million.)

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Blackball Records reissuing Jawbreaker's Unfun

Jawbreaker's Adam Pfahler made a post to the band's MySpace page this weekend wherein he revealed that his Blackball Records will be reissuing the band's 1990 debut full-length, Unfun.

We're not really calling it this, but the twentieth anniversary edition of Jawbreaker's 1990 debut album Unfun will be released on Blackball Records on March 30, 2010.

Unfun has been remastered by John Golden from the original analog tapes. The increased sampling rate boosts some of the bottom end and midrange. It sounds fucking awesome.

The CD and download versions of the record include the three song Whack & Blite E.P., as well as the 7" mix of "Busy" as an unlisted bonus track. The vinyl version is available for the first time since 1992 and has the same 12 song track list.

The original artwork has been restored and all formats include additional band photos from the time of recording. The CD comes with a 24 page booklet with the Whack & Blite E.P. insert reproduced in its entirety.

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AC/DC To Release "AC/DC: Iron Man 2" Compilation Album

AC/DC has just announced they will release "AC/DC: Iron Man 2," on April 19th through Columbia Records in support of the upcoming "Iron Man 2" film from Marvel Studios. The album will feature 15 AC/DC songs, selected from ten of the band's studio albums ranging from 1976 to 2008. Included in the album are songs such as "Shoot To Thrill," "Thunderstruck," and "Let There Be Rock" as well as "War Machine" from the recent "Black Ice" release.

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The survival of vinyl records

By Charles Purnell

Music industry insiders made a prediction in 1989 that vinyl records would soon be extinct.

The foresight was partially true because record companies stopped producing 45s (vinyl singles) in early 1990. The reason: buying behavior of music patrons had changed. Cassettes and compact discs proved far more appealing than the flat, black circles with only two songs on them.

As it turned out, LPs (long players in industry jargon) maintained appeal with DJs throughout the decade of cassettes and compact discs.

With the emergence of DJ software like Serato in 2001, another prediction was made – LPs would soon be extinct because digital vinyl could be used to play MP3s. Furthermore, turntables were going to be tossed to the wayside because digital turntables, allowing DJs to scratch and back cue CDs, were underway.

Read the rest here: http://www.dailytitan.com/2010/01/the-survival-of-vinyl-records/

Monday, January 25, 2010

Music News & Notes

James McMurtry Announces iPhone App and Tour Dates

James McMurtry fans can now stay up to date with concert information, photos, videos, music and blog posts while they are on the go with the his new official iPhone application. The app also allows users to post photos from their iPhone directly to the fan community and engage other fans across Facebook and iLike.

McMurtry and his band will be touring the western United States in support of his latest release, Live in Europe (Lightning Rod Records). The album is a document of McMurtry's first European tour, on which he was joined by keyboardist Ian McLagan and fellow Texas songwriting legend Jon Dee Graham. The set is available as a CD with a bonus DVD, or as a deluxe vinyl LP package with a CD and DVD insert.

Live in Europe, available as a CD/DVD set or as a vinyl LP/DVD set, has earned praise from the critics. Mike Seely, writing in the Seattle Weekly, wrote: "The great Texan James McMurtry released a new album of old material in 2009—in other words, a live album. No matter: Mere mention of its drop date gave me an excuse to delve deeper into McMurtry's supremely underrated oeuvre. . . This re-exposure made me surer than ever that McMurtry is the Springsteen of the South."

======================

The Scorpions Announce Retirement

German hard rock legends The Scorpions have announced that at the end of their upcoming world tour they will be retiring. The tour will be in support of their new album, "Sting in the Tail," which is set for release on March 19th. The band made the announcement on their website as well as releasing a couple of previews from the new album. Here is the announcement:

It was always our pleasure, our purpose in life, our passion and we were fortunate enough to make music for you - whether it was live on stage or in the studio, creating new songs.


While we were working on our album these past few months, we could literally feel how powerful and creative our work was – and how much fun we were still having, in the process. But there was also something else: We want to end the Scorpion's extraordinary career on a high note. We are extremely grateful for the fact that we still have the same passion for music we've always had since the beginning. This is why, especially now, we agree we have reached the end of the road. We finish our career with an album we consider to be one of the best we have ever recorded and with a tour that will start in our home country Germany and take us to five different continents over the next few years.


We want you, our fans, to be the first to know about this. Thank you for your never-ending support throughout the years! We uploaded the very first snippets from our new album for you. And now… let's get the party started and get ready for a "Sting in the Tail"! See you on the world tour

Revolver Boutique Puts One Million Vinyl Records Up For Sale

Company Lost its Lease on Warehouse and Needs to Liquidate Entire Record Collection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 25, 2010 – SAN DIEGO – Calling all collectors of vinyl records! San Diego-based Revolver Boutique has lost its lease on its warehouse and is now liquidating one of the nation’s largest collection of vinyl records – one million pieces in stock – all up for immediate sale.

“We lost our warehouse and must liquidate this enormous vinyl record collection,” said Gabe Galvez with Revolver Boutique. “This is a great addition to any record collector’s collection and it is available below cost.”

The diverse collection of music covers everything from rock and jazz to even classical and pop music. Most of the record inventory covers the span of the 1950s to the 1980s, but the album collection for sale pretty much has something available for every music lover.

“We are willing to take options on medium size to large size orders of these albums,” Galvez said. “We are even willing to work with the buyer to help sort the albums or even help move them. No appropriate offer will be rejected.”

Revolver Boutique acquired the record collection in the takeover of San Diego-based vintage clothing and music store Thrift Trader. Thrift Trader was an active purchaser of vintage vinyl records in the greater San Diego area and stored the extensive collection in a local warehouse.

“They were buying 10,000 or more vinyl records per month,” Galvez said. “It’s easy to see how this diverse collection of records grew to more than one million albums very quickly.”

For more information on the extensive collection of more than one million vinyl records, or to make an offer to acquire the inventory, please contact Gabe Galvez with Revolver Boutique at 619-507-5946 or via email at gabe.galvez@revolverboutiques.com.

For more information on Revolver Boutique, please check out their brand new website at http://www.revolverboutiques.com/

-30-

Media Contact:

Gabe Galvez
Revolver Boutique
Phone: (619) 507-5946
Email: gabe.galvez@revolverboutiques.com
# # #

This Date In Music History-January25

Birthdays:

Etta James (1938)

Michael Cotten - Tubes

Mal Green - Split Enz (1953)

Richard Finch - KC and the Sunshine Band (1954)

Andy Cox - Fine Young Cannibals (1956)

Gary Brian Tibbs - Adam and the Ants (1958)

Alicia Keys (1980) Has sold over 25 million albums and singles worldwide and won numerous awards, including nine Grammys.


They Are Missed:

(Sleepy) John Estes, an important early bluesman, was born in Ripley, Tennessee in 1903. He played on the streets of Memphis in the 1920's, supporting himself by working the night shift at a trainyard. His tendency to doze off on the job earned him his nickname. (died June 5, 1977)

In 1983, the Allman Brothers bassist Lamar Williams died of lung cancer (age 34). He joined the band in 1972 after the death of original bassist Berry Oakley.

Albert Grossman, who managed the careers of Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan, died in 1986 on a flight from the US to Britain.

Born today in 1915, folk singer songwriter Ewan MacColl, composer of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," a hit for Roberta Flack in 1971. MacColl died on October 22, 1989.

Born on this day in 1931, Stig Anderson, songwriter, producer and Abba's manager. Co-wrote some of Abba’s biggest hits, such as "Waterloo," "Mamma Mia," "S.O.S," "Fernando," "Dancing Queen," "Knowing Me, Knowing You." Died of a heart attack on 12th Sept 1997.


History:

Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" became the first single ever to enter the U.K. pop chart at Number One in 1958.

The original cast recording of 'The Sound Of Music 'started a 16-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1960.

Sam Cooke recorded "Chain Gang" in 1960.

Sam Cooke's "Twistin' the Night Away," was released on RCA Records in 1962. It will make it up to #9 on the pop chart.

In 1964, producer Phil Spector appeared as a panelist on the British rate-a-record TV program "Juke Box Jury."

In 1967, the Beatles made a last-minute remix of "Penny Lane" before the pressing of their next double A sided single"Strawberry Fields Forever/Penny Lane." Both songs were originally intended for forthcoming Beatles album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.



David Gilmour played his first show with Pink Floyd at Southampton University in 1968. He replaced Syd Barrett whose behavior had become increasingly unpredictable.

Creedence Clearwater Revival released their classic “Born On The Bayou” LP in 1969.

In 1971, Charles Manson and three female members of his "family" are found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit murder and seven counts of murder in the first degree and are sentenced to life imprisonment. During one of the most sensational trials in history, it was revealed that Manson regarded the Beatles as angels who communicated to him through their music. In particular, "Helter Skelter," "Piggies," "Revolution 9" and other songs on the "The White Album."

Grace Slick and Paul Kantner of the Jefferson Airplane become the proud parents of a baby girl in 1971, which the they originally wanted to name God, but settled on China. Good move.....

The Carpenters went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1975 with their version of The Marveletts 1961 hit "Please Mr. Postman."

In 1978, Bob Dylan headlined a seven-hour benefit concert for imprisoned boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter. The show at the Houston Astrodome also featured Stevie Wonder, Isaac Hayes, Carlos Santana, Steve Stills and Ringo Starr.

Nanci Griffith releases her debut album, 'There's a Light Beyond These Woods' in 1978.

In 1979, the Cars won the Rolling Stone magazine annual readers' poll as the best new band of the year.

Paul McCartney was released from a Tokyo jail in 1980 where he'd been imprisoned for ten days after trying to carry a half pound of marijuana through customs at the Tokyo airport. He was immediately deported.

The day after his birthday, comedian John Belushi of "Saturday Night Live" and Blues Brothers fame jams with punk rockers, the Dead Boys, at The Whiskey in Los Angeles in 1980.

Yoko Ono donated $425,000 to Liverpool old people’s home Strawberry Fields in 1984.

Barbra Streisand started a three-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1986 with 'The Broadway Album.'

Paul McCartney recorded an acoustic set in London for MTV Unplugged in 1991.

Color Me Bad scored their second US #1 single in 1992 with "All 4 Love."

Today in 1992 the song "Don't Let the Sun Go Down" by George Michael & Elton John topped the charts and stayed there for a week.

In 1994, singer Markey Mark was sued by a Portland, Oregon woman who said she was trampled during one of his shows. She said he invited the crowd to rush the stage after he stripped down to his underwear.

Also in 1994 - Lawyers for Michael Jackson and a 14-year-old boy announced a multi-million-dollar settlement of a civil lawsuit. The boy had accused Jackson of sexually molesting him — the superstar denied it. Reports put the settlement at anywhere from 5 million to 24 million dollars.

Billy Joel totals his Mercedes on a Long Island, New York highway in 2003 (but receives only facial cuts).

In 2007, Ted Nugent (who is never at a loss for words) claimed reports by the "hyper-liberal media" stating he made racially offensive remarks during his performance at Texas Governor Rick Perry's inauguration ball are untrue. "In total defiance to the vicious lies and hateful allegations of 'racism' leveled at me by irresponsible, unprofessional and downright goofy media punks, I never said a word . . . against 'illegal immigrants' or 'non-English-speaking' anyone," writes Nuge in a Waco Tribune-Herald guest column. "I will intensify my fight for a united America by demanding all Americans speak English."

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young attended the Sundance Film Festival in 2008 for the premiere of CSNY Deja Vu documentary about the quartet's antiwar-themed '06 tour. Neil Young directed (under his Bernard Shakey alias) and co-wrote the film which focuses on CSNY's '06 Freedom of Speech tour and examines the group's opposition to the Iraq war.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Music News & Notes

Norah Jones Talks ‘The Fall’ And Performs Songs The Album


Norah Jones has kicked off 2010 with a series of TV, radio and online performances in support of her critically-acclaimed new album The Fall. Jones, whose career sales have just surpassed 40 million worldwide! The multiple GRAMMY Award-winning singer’s performance and interview on KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic aired January 6. Her interview and performance for Yahoo Maximum Performance is also currently live!

On January 12, Blue Note Records will release the Chasing Pirates Remix EP digitally and as 12” vinyl. The remixes—which were premiered online last month on RCRD LBL, Stereogum, and Artist Direct—include “That’s What I Said (The NYC Remix by Adrock and Mike D),” “Chasing Pirates (Santigold and Snotty Remix),” and “Chasing Pirates (Droogs Remix),” which was created by a remix collective that included Beck.

Upcoming Jones will also be taping performances for Clear Channel Radio Stripped and PBS Soundstage, as well as taking part in the GRAMMY 2010 MusiCares Person Of The Year tribute to Neil Young on January 29 in Los Angeles. Jones is nominated for a 2010 GRAMMY Award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals for her duet with Willie Nelson on “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” from his album American Classic. She will be launching a 36-city U.S. tour in support of The Fall on March 5 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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New RAMMSTEIN Single

Rammstein are to release new single 'Ich Tu Dir Weh' on February 8. It will be available on four separate formats: CD, etched/coloured vinyl seven inch, coloured vinyl 12 and download. There will be a special iTunes version, containing an extra track and booklet, whilst the CD and vinyl versions will feature a selection of remixes, all of them exclusive. The single will not be available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, where it's the subject of government bans.

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FRAMPTON THANKS 'CHURCHILL' ON NEW ALBUM

Peter Frampton release an autobiographical album at the end of April. It's titled 'Thank You Mr. Churchill', and was recorded at his home studio in Cincinnati, with co-producer Chris Kimsey. Guesting on the record is Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron.

=========================

The White Stripes to release their first official live album Duo

The White Stripes are set to release their first ever official live album. The band will release the 16-song record on CD and vinyl on March 15 to accompany the regular DVD release of Canadian tour documentary Under Great White Northern Lights.

Following its deluxe release last year, the Emmett Malloy-directed film will be released on DVD on the same day.

The duo's first live album draws on recordings taken from the same 2007 tour as the documentary, which say Jack and Meg White play across Canada.

The album's tracklisting is as follows:

'Let's Shake Hands'
'Black Math'
'Little Ghost'
'Blue Orchid'
'The Union Forever'
'Ball And Biscuit'
'Icky Thump'
'I’m Slowly Turning Into You'
'Jolene'
'300 MPH Torrential Outpour Blues'
'We Are Going to Be Friends'
'I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself'
'Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn'
'Fell In Love With A Girl'
'When I Hear My Name'
'Seven Nation Army'

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Aerosmith to audition singers to replace Steven Tyler

Aerosmith have revealed that they are set to hold auditions next month for a replacement for singer Steven Tyler. Tyler recently checked into rehab to get treatment for painkiller addiction. He insisted he still planned to work with the band, but now guitarist Joe Perry has said that another frontman will be sought soon.

Perry told news agency QMI that they were going to "start having some auditions, making some phone calls. Hopefully, we'll have found a new singer by the summer, and Aerosmith will be able to go back out on the road".

Perry said that the move wouldn't necessarily mean that Tyler would not return to the band.

"He [Tyler] has to have leg surgery and foot surgery and it's basically going to take him out of the picture for about a year, year and a half," he explained. "So, in the meantime, the rest of the band wants to play. And I want to play with the other guys in Aerosmith. So the four of us are just making our plans. We're gonna find somebody to get in there and fill that spot."

=========================

REM's 'Everybody Hurts' chosen by Simon Cowell for Haiti charity single

REM's 1993 single "Everybody Hurts" has been chosen by Simon Cowell as his charity single to raise money for the Haiti earthquake appeal. Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Take That and Robbie Williams are rumoured to feature on the single, which has received the backing of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who has said that VAT on the record will be waived to maximise revenues.

REM's manager Bertis Downs told The Sun that the band are waiving all royalties for the song, which is raising money for the Helping Haiti fund and the Disasters Emergency Committee.

"We are deeply touched the song has been chosen for this Haiti campaign," Downs said. "It means a lot that the song the guys wrote all those years ago will be used for such an important appeal."

Other acts expected to appear on the single, which being organised jointly by Cowell and The Sun, include N-Dubz, Leona Lewis, Will Young and Rod Stewart. The single will be released later this month, though no date has been confirmed yet.

This Date In Music History-January 23

Birthdays:

Jerry Lawson - Persuasions (1944)

Anita Pointer - Pointer Sisters (1948)

Patrick Simmons - Doobie Brothers (1950)

Bill Cunningham - Box Tops (1950)

Robin Zander - Cheap Trick (1952)

Anita Baker (1958)

Earl Falconer - UB40 (1959)

Nicholas Harmer - Death Cab for Cutie (1975)


They Are Missed:

Born on this day in 1889, Leadbelly, (Hurrdi William Ledbetter), Blues musician. Wrote "Goodnight Irene," "The Rock Island Line," "The Midnight Special" and was once jailed for shooting a man dead during an argument over a woman. He died December 6, 1949.

In 1972, Maybelle Smith, also known as 'Big Maybelle,' died in Cleveland from a diabetic coma. Her career crested as a jazz singer in the late 40's and early 50's recording some best selling records such as "Candy" and "96 Tear Drops." She was 47.

Vic Ames (Ames Brothers) died in an auto accident in 1978.

In 1978, Terry Kath, guitarist with Chicago accidentally shot himself dead while cleaning (with what he believed) was an unloaded gun. Kath’s last words were "Don't worry it's not loaded" as he put the gun to his head and pulled the trigger. The guitarist and singer was killed instantly. He was 32 years old.

In 1990, Allen Collins guitarist from Lynyrd Skynyrd died of pneumonia after being ill for several months. Collins who was one of the founding members also co-wrote most of the band's songs (including Free Bird), with late front man Ronnie Van Zant. He survived a plane crash in 1977 that killed two other band members.

"Louie Louie" composer Richard Berry died in his sleep at his home in South Central Los Angeles in 1997, (age 61). Berry sold the rights to all his songs, including "Louie Louie," for $750 in 1956. Thirty years later, an artists' rights group helped him recover two-million dollars in royalties.



Associates singer, songwriter, Billy MacKenzie committed suicide in 1997 (age 39).

Soul singer Johnny Funches from The Dells died in 1998.

Born today in 1950, Danny Federici, organ and keyboard player for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. Died of cancer on April 17th 2008 at the age of 58. Federici had worked with Springsteen for over 40 years, including early bands Steel Mill and Child.


History:

In 1956, rock 'n' roll fans in Cleveland that were under age 18 were banned from dancing in public (unless accompanied by an adult), after Ohio Police introduced a law dating back to 1931.

Brunswick Records released "Maybe Baby" b/w "Tell Me How" by The Crickets in 1958.

In 1959, 6,000 teenagers attended the first night of the ill-fated Winter Dance Party with Buddy Holly at the Million Dollar Ballroom in Milwaukee (despite temperatures of 17 below and 13 inches of snow).

Tony Bennett recorded "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" in 1962.

"Downtown" made Petula Clark the first UK female singer to have a #1 on the US singles chart since Vera Lynn in 1952.

Cream released its final album in 1969, appropriately titled Goodbye Cream.

In 1969, working at Apple studios in London, The Beatles (with Billy Preston on keyboards) recorded ten takes of "Get Back."



In the wake of Buffalo Springfield’s demise, Neil Young released his self-titled first solo album in 1969.

In 1970, folk singer Judy Collins was denied permission by the court to sing as part of her testimony at the trial of the Chicago Seven. Others denied the same privilege are Pete Seeger, Phil Ochs, Arlo Guthrie and Country Joe McDonald.

Steel Mill played their final show when they appeared at the Upstage Club, Asbury Park, New Jersey in 1971. Singer Bruce Springsteen formed new bands during the rest of the year known under such names as the Bruce Springsteen Jam, Dr. Zoom and the Sonic Boom, and finally the Bruce Springsteen Band.

George Harrison became the first solo Beatle to have a #1 when "My Sweet Lord" went to the top of the UK single charts in 1971. The song from his 'All Things Must Pass' album stayed at #1 for five weeks. The track returned to the top of the UK charts in 2002, following his death.

Dawn started a three week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1971 with "Knock Three Times," the group's first #1, also an UK #1.

In 1977, Pink Floyd released 'Animals,' a bleak concept album that appears to have drawn on author George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' for inspiration.

The members of the inaugural Rock & Roll Hall of Fame were inducted during ceremonies at New York's Waldorf Astoria in 1986. And the winners are: Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Fats Domino, the Everly Brothers, disc jockey Alan Freed, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Sun Records founder Sam Phillips and Elvis Presley. Three of rock's forefathers — Mississippi delta blues singer Robert Johnson, country and western singer Jimmie Rodgers and blues pianist Jimmy Yancey — are also inducted.

Michael Jackson went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1988 with "The Way You Make Me Feel."



Tiffany started a two-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1988 with Tiffany.

In 1988, Nirvana recorded a 10-song demo with Seattle producer Jack Endino. Sub Pop records boss Jonathan Poneman hears the tape and offers to put out a Nirvana single.

The IRS began auctioning off Willie Nelson's property in 1991 to satisfy the $16.7 million in back taxes owed by the country singer.

In 1996, the City Council in Johnson City, Tennessee, withdrew permission for White Zombie to hold a show there. Several town residents had complained that the band advocated Satan worship.

Santana started a three week run at #1 on the US album chart in 2000 with 'Supernatural', the album spent a total of nine weeks at #1 during this year.

In 2001, an English coroner criticized the rap singer Eminem's lyrics as depressing during an inquest into the death of a schoolboy who threw himself in front of a train. The 17-year old boy had printed out the lyrics to Eminem's track 'Rock Bottom' before his death.

In 2003, R Kelly was arrested on new child pornography charges. The singer was detained in Miami after police said digital sex pictures were discovered at his home in Florida last June. The singer was already facing 21 charges relating to producing child pornography and appearing in a video having sex with an underage girl. He was charged with a further 12 counts of possession of child pornography.

In 2005, one of the biggest charity concerts since Live Aid raised $2 million for victims of the tsunami disaster in Asia. The concert was held at The Millennium Stadium, Cardiff featured Eric Clapton, Manic Street Preachers, Keane, Charlotte Church, Snow Patrol, Embrace, Feeder, Craig David and Liberty X, who appeared before 60,000 fans at the sold-out concert.

John Mellencamp released his "Freedom's Road" album in 2007 with the single (and truck commercial theme) "Our Country."