News & Notes

Fela Limited Edition 10" Vinyl For Record Store Day

To celebrate this year's Record Store Day and in continuation of spreading the Fela magic to new and old fans alike, Knitting Factory Records is proud to announce the release of a limited edition Fela Kuti 10" vinyl EP, available April 17.

Comprised of music from The '69 Live Sessions that were originally released on the first Fela Kuti and His Africa 70's Nigerian album release, this record perfectly bridges the transition Fela made from performing African highlife to Fela's afrobeat.

Act fast - this 33rpm, 140 gram vinyl is very limited!  Head to your local independent record store on April 17 to find your copy of what is bound to be one of Record Store Day's hottest items.

Side A
1. My Lady Frustration
2. Wayo (2)

Side B
3. Lover
4. Eko

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The Steve Miller Band Loud and Proud Bingo

Loud & Proud Records is pleased to announce a worldwide partnership with American rock 'n' roll pioneers, The Steve Miller Band and Miller's new imprint Space Cowboy Records. Recorded at film producer George Lucas' infamous studios at Skywalker Ranch, BINGO! is the band's first studio album in 17 years. A true return to Miller's roots, BINGO! echoes his early years in the Chicago music scene and features carefully chosen and crafted tracks performed in distinctive Steve Miller Band fashion.

"With the continuing evolution of the music industry and all the new exciting opportunities that are available, I feel this is a perfect time to start a new record company and establish new innovative partnerships. I am looking forward to a long relationship with Roadrunner / Loud & Proud" says Miller of the new endeavor.

Early reaction from fans and industry insiders are comparing the album to Miller's 1968 masterpiece SAILOR. BINGO!, will be the first of two albums that were recorded together as a complete body of work, the second of which will be offered next year via the new label partnership.

"After many years of discussion and sharing ideas, the time has finally arrived for Loud & Proud and Steve Miller to work together," commented Loud & Proud President Tom Lipsky. "We are proud to be Steve's global label partner and excited to be involved with this landmark project."

The Steve Miller Band is one of the biggest selling recording, touring and catalog artists of all time, having sold more than 50 million albums worldwide throughout its career. SMB's Greatest Hits 74-78 compilation reached prestigious Diamond Award certification with sales of more than 13 million units sold.

BINGO! was co-produced by Andy Johns (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Van Halen), with artwork designed by the legendary Storm Thorgerson. These recordings feature longtime Steve Miller Band member Norton Buffalo, who sadly passed away in 2009.

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Just When You Thought You Have Heard Everything

Rod Stewart has sent a special gift to a fan who couldn't make it to one of his shows because she was under house arrest. Joan Higgins was fined $1,500 and confined to her home with an ankle bracelet after selling a goldfish to a 14-year-old minor. Stewart was outraged at the punishment for the Pet Shop Owner over such a minor crime, so he sent her two V.I.P. tickets to a show in July after her sentence is over.

Good thing she didn't sell the kid cigarettes, it would have been a death sentence!

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I found a couple of vidoes on the best way to clean vinyl.  I like the first one, looks interesting.  The second?  Never add water to a record while it is playing!


This video shows a method of cleaning LP records using steam. He uses a Perfection steamer and a record cleaning machine with vacuums, along with a set of brushes, Disc Doctor cleaner, and laboratory grade water. He uses distilled water in the steamer. He turns the turntable on, applies the cleaner, spreads it with a brush, and applies the steam while the record turns. After the steaming is done, he continues rubbing it with the brush, and turns on a vacuum. Next he runs the steamer of the record as a rinse for 8 or 9 seconds, then vacuums it again. He then applies the laboratory grade water and spreads that with the brush, then vacuums, repeats with the water and vacuums again. He uses an special tool to remove static, and it's done. He claims that the method demonstrated in this video is the best way to get records perfectly clean.



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Do you have an old collection of vinyl records but can't keep them in good condition? First, take an empty syringe and fill it with clean water. Add the water from the syringe as the record plays. The water will spread throughout the record and increase the sound quality. The stylus also has to be properly cleaned. This will help you clean your old and dusty records, as well as help with recording music on your CDs.