Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 9, 2010

DEAR JERRY: Vinyl Record Day is here again (August 12), the eighth year for this event.

What began in 2002 in San Luis Obispo, Calif. has spread across North America, and overseas.

Vinyl Record Day is a Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation and the first vinyl related tax-deductible organization, as deemed by the IRS.

Preservation of the cultural influences found on recordings and their cover art are important goals of Vinyl Record Day. Future generations should have recorded historical speeches; soundtracks; radio broadcasts; and obscure music by artists whose work would otherwise be lost if not preserved on records.

We also recognize album cover art for its creativity and its influence on fashion, lifestyles, and social values.

One way to celebrate Vinyl Record Day is simply to enjoy your favorite music. Little else connects us to friends, family, and special times as the songs of our personal soundtrack.

As Jimi Hendrix once said: “Our LPs are like our personal diaries.'”

Many more VRD details can be found are found at www.vinylrecordday.org, including suggestions for having your own Vinyl Record Day party.
—Gary Freiberg, San Luis Obispo, Calif.


DEAR GARY: Thank you for the update. It thrills me to see how VRD is growing.

Music has always been my life, and it brought about nearly every meaningful relationship I've known, including the one which brings people to this feature in the first place.

I have countless memories of hearing a song for the first time, then rushing to a record store to add it to my precious vinyl collection.

Once home with my latest treasure, I held it while reading the label, sleeve or cover, then carefully laid it on the phonograph or turntable to enjoy.

After repeated plays, my new flat friend would be returned to its cover and tucked into a plastic bag, then filed away with others of its kind.

In this day and age, most of the music I acquire is the result of a few mouse clicks — an unemotional course of action with nary a wisp of the enchanting experience just described. Arrgh!

On VRD I'm going to unearth my original black and silver Decca 45 of Bill Haley's “Rock Around the Clock,” and pretend I just brought it home.


DEAR JERRY: Since you answered a question about the music on Mad Men once before, that makes you the most likely to clear up something for me.

In the closing moments in the final episode of season three, when Betty Draper (January Jones) is shown on the plane to Reno, a very interesting song plays in the background.

Though I never heard this haunting, addictive tune before, I instantly became attached to it. Now I need your help to find it. No mention of it appears anywhere in the closing credits.

The message in the lyrics is that “the future is much better than the past,” which perfectly fits the scene because Betty is going to Nevada to get a divorce from Don and begin a new life.

Silly as it seems, in another part of this song is what sounded to me like “shot a robot.”

What can you tell me about this?
—Darlene Washington, Terre Haute, Ind.


DEAR DARLENE: Most importantly, I can assure you that no artificial life forms were harmed during the filming of this Mad Men episode.

As hilarious as “shot a robot” sounds, it is completely understandable how you came to that conclusion. The similar sounding one-word title is “Shahdaroba,” and the singer is Roy Orbison.

Within its lyrics, written by the prolific Cindy Walker, “Shahdaroba” defines itself:

“Shahdaroba means the future is much better than the past. In the future, you will find a love that lasts.”

The producer's selection of this tune was brilliant. Others who have inquired about “the mysterious song heard on Mad Men” were certain it was written especially for use in the show.

Hardly, since Orbison released “Shahdaroba” in early 1963, as the B-side of the million-selling “In Dreams” (Monument 806).

Love this show, but ... several readers have written to report a major gaffe in the Christmas Party episode that kicked off Season 4.

At this 1964 event, Don holds a few 45s in his hand. One record very clearly seen is on the Eric label, a reissue company that didn't begin until 1969.

Why don't these filmmakers have someone like us on hand, who would have replaced this disc with ANYTHING that came out before 1965?

IZ ZAT SO? Cindy Walker (July 20, 1918 - March 23, 2006) is routinely included in any discussion of music's greatest songwriters. Walker's success rate may never be matched. Of her 500-plus recorded compositions, more than 400 ranked in the nation's Top 50, at one time or another, by a virtual who's-who of popular music.

“You Don't Know Me,” for example, became a chart hit eight times: Eddy Arnold (1956); Jerry Vale (1956); Lenny Welch (1960); Ray Charles (1962); Elvis Presley (1967); Ray Pennington (1970); and Ray Charles with Diana Krall (2005).

Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column.

Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368

E-mail: jpo@olympus.net

Visit his Web site: http://www.jerryosborne.com/ 

All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.

Copyright 2010 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Permission

Music News & Notes

Official Tracklisting & Cover Art For Santana's Guitar Heaven

Santana and Clive Davis have collaborated for the highly anticipated Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics Of All Time, which is ude to be released on September 21st. An official tracklisting for the album has been issued, along with cover art. The first single will be a tribute to George Harrison - a cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" featuring india.arie and Yo-Yo Ma. It will be Santana's first album since 2005.

GUITAR HEAVEN: THE GREATEST GUITAR CLASSICS OF ALL TIME TRACKLISTING:

Standard Edition
"Whole Lotta Love" featuring Chris Cornell (Led Zeppelin)
"Can't You Hear Me Knockin'" featuring Scott Weiland (The Rolling Stones)
"Sunshine Of Your Love" featuring Rob Thomas (Cream)
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" featuring india.arie and Yo-Yo Ma (The Beatles)
"Dance the Night Away" featuring Pat Monahan (Van Halen)
"Back In Black" featuring Nas (AC/DC)
"Riders On the Storm" featuring Chester Bennington and Ray Manzarek (The Doors)
"Smoke On the Water" featuring Jacoby Shaddix (Deep Purple)
"Photograph" featuring Chris Daughtry (Def Leppard)
"Bang A Gong" featuring Gavin Rossdale (T. Rex)
"Little Wing" featuring Joe Cocker (Jimi Hendrix)
"I Ain't Superstitious" featuring Jonny Lang (Howlin' Wolf, Jeff Beck Group)

Deluxe Edition
"Fortunate Son" featuring Scott Stapp (Credence Clearwater Revival)
"Under the Bridge" featuring Andy Vargas (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
The Making Of Guitar Heaven… DVD

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The Allman Brothers Band Returning To The Stage

The Allman Brothers Band have announced a three-night stand at Boston's Orpheum Theatre in November, part of "an East coast intimate theatre tour of Evening With shows." More shows are expected to be added soon.

It's the legendary band's first shows since Gregg Allman's liver transplant, which forced several cancellations this summer, including Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival. "I'm ready," said Allman. "I've been itching to play since I got the operation and am glad to be back. Can't thank everyone enough for their help and support."

As for the group's future following Gregg's surgery, guitarist Warren Haynes says, "It's really hard to say. I know [Gregg] personally feels like he's got a new lease on life. He's healing up and feeling better...Depending on the day you talk to him, he's already talking about getting back on the road. I think he has a lot of things that he wants to pursue himself, with his own band and projects and stuff. And even before this situation, the band was looking forward to winding down the schedule a little bit. So we'll see."

It's good to see them back......

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Working For A Nuclear Free City Unveil Cover Art

The band recently released the album artwork and track listings for their upcoming October 12th release 'Jojo Burger Tempest.' The album is a double album, with the title track taking up the entire 30-minute second disk. Working for a Nuclear Free City is made up of brothers Jon and Phil Kay and their friend Gary McLure. Their band has been called Uk’s favorite electronic-rock band, and they have been gaining a steady stream of support for the past few years. Their songs have landed in both Matt Damon’s Green Zone and Playstation 3’s Infamous.

Now the band are back with their newest offering, 'Jojo Burger Tempest.'

The track list:
01 Do a Stunt
02 Silent Times
03 Autoblue
04 Alphaville
05 Pachinko
06 Faster Daniel Faster
07 A Black Square With Four Yellow Stars
08 Black Rivers
09 Float Bridges
10 The King and June
11 BARRY
12 Little Lenin
13 Inokashira Park
14 Low
15 Burning Drum
16 Brown Owl
17 Buildings
18 The Jojo Burger Tempest

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Motionless in White Reveal Creatures Tracklist, Cover Art

Motionless In White (hailing from Scranton, PA) is thrilled to reveal the cover art and track listing for the band’s debut album, 'Creatures.' Recorded in Ocala, FL with Andrew Wade (A Day To Remember, The Word Alive), the album is scheduled for release on October 12, 2010.  Singer Chris Motionless could hardly contain himself when speaking about the album.

“I can absolutely promise that this is going to be one of the most pissed off and unique records of 2010,” he said. “We’ve taken our time to make sure our debut album is worth the wait – and believe me, this will be worth it.”  "Everything we’ve done has completely defined our own sound and will make it near impossible to catergorize us in any one specific genre,” he explained. “I don’t think ANYONE has any idea what to expect, or even moreso, I don’t think anyone is ready for what they’re about to hear!”




Motionless in White – Creatures Tracklist:

1. Immaculate Misconception
2. We Only Come Out At Night
3. London In Terror
4. Abigail
5. Creatures
6, Cobwebs
7. .Com Pt. II
8. Count Choculitis
9. City Lights
10. Puppets (The First Snow)
11. Undead Ahead
12. Scissorhands (The Last Snow)

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Weezer Unveil New Album Cover Art

Weezer have unveiled the cover art for their upcoming new album, ‘Hurley.' The cover art features a close up shot of actor Jorge Garcia who played Hurley on ABC’s hit show “Lost“.

The band are set to release the album on September 14 via their newly signed label, Epitaph Records.










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Marissa Nadler Releases Acoustic LP, Covers Record, 2 New Songs

After a pair of metal collaborations with Xasthur and Sailors With Wax Wings, ethereal-voiced folksinger Marissa Nadler has picked up her acoustic guitar again and switched on the vox reverb for a slew of new solo songs. In addition to the digital release of her self-recorded demos for 2009’s Little Hells (“acoustic versions, complete with extremely alternate versions/lyrics of each song”) via Reverb Nation, Nadler is offering a 17-track covers album (with handmade packaging!) on Etsy, hoping to use profits from the release to help finance the production of her forthcoming record.

What’s more, Nadler is offering two new songs—”Daisy, Where Did You Go?” and “The Sun Always Reminds Me of You”—for free!





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Midlake's The Trials Of Van Occupanther Gets Re-Released By Nova Posta Vinyl

The members of Midlake are in the middle of the busiest year they've ever had: They've already toured the world, won a MOJO award for Best Live Act and won a DOMA for Best Indie Rock act. Now the band has announced the vinyl re-release of their seminal album, 'The Trials Of Van Occupanther.'

Nova Posta Vinyl, the label responsible for the re-release, is actually owned and run by Midlake guitarist Eric Pulido and Denton singer-songwriter Robert Gomez. Nova Posta Vinyl is also responsible for the vinyl releases of Gomez's Pine Sticks and Phosphorus and Matthew And The Arrogant Sea's Family Family Family Meets The Magic Christian. Pulido is thrilled by the chance to re-release the disc and adds that "putting out records that are already established like Van Occupanther might be the future of [the label]."

"Everywhere we go people ask, 'Do you guys have vinyl?'" the slightly jet-lagged Pulido says this morning. Bella Union, Midlake's label, discontinued the pressing of Van Occupanther several years ago. "I was surprised that they didn't want to repress it themselves," Pulido adds. "Vinyl always sells."

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Suicidal Records To Unleash "No Mercy Fool!/The Suicidal Family" This Fall

Another treat from the Suicidal Records stable, "No Mercy Fool!/The Suicidal Family" features re-recorded tracks from Suicidal Tendencies' second album, "Join The Army" originally released in 1987, as well as tunes from the second full-length from "No Mercy," Suicidal Tendencies guitarist Mike Clark's speed metal band (which found ST vocalist Mike Muir on vocals) from 1986.

Since their beginnings in Venice, CA in the early ‘80s, Suicidal Tendencies have led the charge in the skate punk/thrash metal movement, consequently influencing an entire generation of bands along the way. Now, over two decades later, the time is right to unleash these lost gems, re-recorded and released for fans old and new to enjoy for the very first time. Also included is a new version of the classic Suicidal Tendencies track, "Possessed To Skate." A video for the song is also in the works. Stay tuned for additional plans to celebrate the record's release.

"No Mercy Fool!/The Suicidal Family" will be released via Suicidal Records September 7, 2010.

No Mercy Fool!/The Suicidal Family Track Listing

1.Suicidal Maniac
2.Possessed To Skate
3.The Prisoner
4.I Feel Your Pain...And I Survive
5.Join The ST Army
6.No Name, No Words
7.Born To Be Cyco
8.Come Alive
9.Something Inside Me
10.No Mercy Fool!
11.We're F'n Evil
12.Crazy But Proud
13.I'm Your Nightmare
14.Widespread Bloodshed...Love Runs Red

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Albatross reveal cover art, track list, & stream new track on Myspace

Horror metal band ‘Albatross’ from Mumbai, who recently signed to Demonstealer Records, have revealed the cover artwork and tracklist for their debut EP ‘Dinner Is You,' which is a sick, sadistic tale of cannibalism and the Kuru disease, which is a nervous system disorder afflicting cannibals, making them laugh uncontrollably. Each song is a spine-chilling story told through skull crushing metal.

The album has been mastered by Grammy nominated guitarist Andy LaRocque from King Diamond/Death.

Tracklist:
1. The Great Plague Of The 21st Century
2. The Dining Table
3. In The Court Of Kuru
4. Among the Cannibals

The band has released their track ‘The Dining Table’ for streaming on their Myspace page. (www.myspace.com/albatrossmetal) The album can be pre-ordered from:

http://demonstealerrecords.com/shop

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The Ting Tings Announce Comeback Single 'Hands'

The Ting Tings have recently announced details about their new single "Hands," which was written and produced by the duo's Jules De Martino and Katie White, and mixed by Calvin Harris. It is scheduled to be released on October 11 on digital download and limited 12” vinyl.

"Hands" is the first piece of new material from the band since their 2008 debut 'We Started Nothing,' which sold over two million copies.

This Date In Music History - August 11

Birthdays:

Mike Hugg - Manfred Mann (1942)

Jim Kale - Guess Who (1943)

Eric Carmen - The Young Rascals,The Raspberries, solo (1949)

Bryan Bassett - Wild Cherry (1954)



Joe Jackson (1955)

Richard Reinhardt - Ramones (1957)

Alan Frew - Glass Tiger (1959)

Charlie Sexton - Austin guitarist, singer, and songwriter (1968)

Ben Gibbard - Death Cab for Cutie (1976)

Chris Kelly - Kriss Kross (1978)

Sandi Thom - Scottish singer /songwriter, 2006 UK and Australian #1 single "I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (with Flowers in My Hair)" (1981)




They Are Missed:

Ventures drummer Mel Taylor died from lung cancer in 1996.

Born on this day in 1950, Erik Braunn - Iron Butterfly (1950). He died on 25th July 2003 (age 52).

Born on this day in 1943, Denis Payton, sax, Dave Clark Five, 1964 UK #1 single "Glad All Over," 1965 US #1 single "Over And Over," plus over 15 other UK top 40 singles). Payton died on December 17, 2006.


History:

Hank Williams was fired from the Grand Ole Opry in 1952 and told not to return until he was sober.

Elvis Presley’s most successful song of the ‘50s, “Don’t Be Cruel,” was released in 1956.

Booker T. and the MG's classic instrumental song, "Green Onions," was released in 1962.



Neil Sedaka started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1962 with "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," his first US #1 as an artist.

The Kingston Trio were the mystery guests on TV's "What's My Line" in 1963.

In 1964, the Beatles started recording their fourth album at EMI studios in London, England.

The High Numbers, (later to become The Who), played at The Railway Hotel in Harrow, England in 1964. Just before the band were due on stage, Roger Daltry’s father-in law came into the venue and dragged the singer outside and hit him. The band started their set and Daltry appeared back on stage after the fight.

The Beatles' "Help!" film opened in New York in 1965 (nearly two weeks after its London premiere).

At a press conference held at The Astor Towers Hotel in Chicago in 1966, John Lennon apologized for his remarks that The Beatles were “more popular than Jesus". Lennon told reporters “Look, I wasn’t saying The Beatles are better than God or Jesus, I said ‘Beatles’ because it’s easy for me to talk about The Beatles. I could have said ‘TV’ or ‘Cinema’, ‘Motorcars’ or anything popular and would have got away with it…”



In 1966, the Beatles arrived at Chicago's O'Hare Airport to start their last tour of the US.

The first Beatles single on their own Apple Records was released in 1968. The single was "Hey Jude" b/w "Revolution."

In 1967, the Small Faces, the Move, Marmalade, Paul Jones, Pink Floyd, Amen Corner, Donovan, Zoot Money, Cream, Jeff Beck, John Mayall, Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac and the Crazy World Of Arthur Brown all appeared at this years UK Reading festival. An advance 3 day ticket cost $4. Arthur Brown's trademark flaming helmet burnt out of control and organiser Harold Pendleton's father-in-law had to douse the flames with a pint of beer.

Apple Records was formed in 1968.

In 1969, Diana Ross introduced the Jackson 5 to 350 special guests at a Beverly Hills party (even though it was Gladys Knight who discovered them).

Elvis Presley filed for divorce from Priscilla in 1972 (it became final14 months later).

Guitarist Henry McCullough and drummer Denny Seiwell both quit Wings in 1973.

The "American Graffiti" film opened in 1973.

After seeing KISS play at a New York hotel in 1973, producer Bill Aucion offered to become their manager and promised a record deal.

The Edgar Winter Group's "Free Ride" was released in 1973.



Keith Moon of the Who collapsed at a Miami hotel and was hospitalized in 1976.

In 1976, EMI Records signed a deal with a Soviet record label to release Wings’ “Band On The Run” in the Soviet Union.

The Knack started a five-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1979 with "Get The Knack."

Led Zeppelin played their last ever UK show when they appeared at Knebworth Park, England in 1979. Also on the bill, The New Barbarians, Todd Rundgren, Southside Johnny and the Ashbury Dukes, Chas and Dave and Fairport Convention.

Sonny Bono appeared on ABC-TV's "Love Boat" in 1979 (this is the first and only time I will ever reference the "L Boat!).

Ray Parker JR. started a three week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1984 with the theme from the film 'Ghostbusters.' Parker who had been a session guitarist for Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye was accused of plagiarizing the melody from Huey Lewis and the News song "I Want a New Drug," resulting in Lewis suing Parker, the pair settled out of court in 1985.

In 1989, three members of L.L. Cool J crew were arrested and charged with raping a 15 year-old girl. The incident took place after a concert when the girl had won a backstage pass on a radio contest.

Kiss arrived on Hollywood Boulevard to unveil their star on The Walk Of Fame in 1999. The band had released over 30 albums and sold over 80 million records world-wide.

Black Sabbath, Linkin Park, Slipknot and Marilyn Manson all appeareded at the Ozzfest at PNC Bank Arts Centre, New Jersey in 2001.

Nelly and Kelly Rowland started a seven week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 2002 with "Dilemma."

Bruce Springsteen started a two week run at #1 on the US album chart in 2002 with ‘The Rising,' the singer's fifth US #1 LP.

In 2005, a court ruling stated that anyone who purchased Evanescence's "Anywhere But Home" CD/DVD package at Wal-Mart stores in Maryland prior to the first of the year can get a refund because the disc did not carry a parental-advisory sticker warning of explicit lyrics. A Maryland couple sued Sony BMG Music Entertainment and its Wind-Up Records subsidiary over the absence of a sticker.

Kid Rock and a reunited Alice In Chains performed at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis SD, in 2006.

In 2008, the four surviving founders of the Allman Brothers Band initiate a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over alleged unpaid royalties from sales of CDs, digital downloads and ringtones. The suit claims the band hasn’t been paid the proper rate for sales of their music that originally appeared on the Capricorn label. The musicians are seeking more than $10 million in damages.

Also in 2008, Karl Wiosna from Graig, near Pontypridd in Wales had his stereo equipment and music collection destroyed after being served with a noise abatement notice, which he later admitted breaching. Environmental health officers were alerted by neighbors who complained about the unacceptable volume Wiosna was playing his Cher and U2 records. Two tape and record decks, a radio and CDs were seized and destroyed by the council, he was also fined more than $300.

Rolling Stones’ Ron Wood joined Pearl Jam onstage in London in 2009. "You're supposed to save the best for last, but we're not," singer Eddie Vedder tells the fan-club only audience as Wood comes onstage. The guitarist plays four songs with PJ including “All Along The Watchtower.”



John Fogerty's cover of the Everly Brothers' "When Will I Be Loved," the first single from his album "The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again" was available exclusively through iTunes in 2009. Fogerty (ex-Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman) and Bruce Springsteen duet on the track.