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This week Jane and Norm compare the known and unknown from Joe Cocker, CCR and Melanie. We play a track you know and one you probably don't.

We get more into Mad Men and ask what you think of lesbian face licking at work -- check out the poll on our Radio Dentata show page.

Plus, what wasn't reported about Mark David Chapman's parole hearing and as always, the Top 5 vinyl record sales on eBay.

Tune In Vinyl Record Talk!

The Baby Grands Celebrate Release Of Sophomore Album

Award winning kindie rockers The Baby Grands return to the children's/family music scene this November with 'The Baby Grands II'

September 18, 2010 - ATLANTA, GA – The children’s/family rock band, The Baby Grands (TBG), are scheduled to release their second album November 16, 2010 on the independent record label Backspace Records distributed via The Orchard.

A 2009 National Parenting Publication Award (NAPPA) winner, one of the most prestigious honors for children’s products, TBG are thrilled to offer the family entertainment community a new album produced and written by both Ben Rowell and Chuck Nash.

Front man singer songwriter Chuck Nash, a Musician Magazine’s Best Unsigned Artist and full time performer, lives in Jacksonville, Florida. Ben Rowell, an Atlanta resident who spent twelve years touring the country as rhythm guitar player and songwriter for the Gainesville, Florida based band Big Sky, met several years ago while on the road. When they reconnected recently, the two found new joy in creating music together. “Ten new songs, one new face,” Ben Rowell smiles as he sums up The Baby Grands II, titled numerically a la Led Zeppelin, and his first family music collaboration with singer Chuck Nash. “Ben and I were on the same page from the word ’go’,” explains Nash. “We have a great symbiotic relationship, and even our studios compliment one another’s.”

Coming off of the top five Sirius/XM Kid’s Place Live hit “Why is it W?” Ben wrote for the debut TBG record, Ben knew he had a lot more in the tank for this second go around, which led to a new adventure in writing The Baby Grands II. The duo teamed up for songwriting sessions via iChat, sent recording files back and forth, traveled on weekends and survived many sleepless nights of recording to complete their new album. And in this slightly unconventional way The Baby Grands II was born.

TBG’s new sound is an accessible combination of melody driven vocals and keyboard lines, thoughtful lyrics and big guitars from the seasoned industry rock ’n’ roll veterans. If Fountains of Wayne, The Barenaked Ladies and Tom Petty had a play date, The Baby Grands would also be invited. Chuck explains, “We didn’t set out to sound like anyone, and then we found ourselves with an opportunity to put variety of musical styles on one record. I think you can hear some Elvis Costello, Johnny Cash, and even AC/DC influences in there as well.” Starting with “Hey!” and ending with “Goodbye,” Ben and Chuck have penned a catchy and diverse mixture of songs sandwiched between the two creating a concept album of sorts.

For two accomplished performers and songwriters most people first ask, “Why children’s music?” That answer is simple to them. Chuck and Ben each have a little one that is the epicenter of their respective worlds, much like music is. Chuck has a little girl and Ben has a little boy. Each is into writing creative, witty songs with their children as inspiration. Ben summarizes the experience by saying, “I’ve never had so much fun making music of any kind.” While enlisting help from some of their friends like Rob Peck (George Jones) on harmonica, Eric Brigmond (Donovan Frankenreiter) on keyboards, Brian Homan (Vassar Clements) on pedal steel and Ken Nasta (Royal Trüx) on drums, Chuck and Ben have created a family album that they truly can be proud of.

For more information about The Baby Grands, to schedule an interview, or receive an advance copy of the album for review, please contact Kimberly Rowell at Backspace Records.

678.595.3088/kim@backspacerecords.com. The Baby Grands hope you enjoy listening to The Baby Grands II as much as they had fun making it.

About Backspace Records

Backspace Records is an independent record label with an assorted roster of artists including Real Blues Magazine Debut Album of the Year winner, Guitar Red (Billy Walls), former Big Sky front man singer songwriter, Mark Gaignard, and others. Backspace simply seeks to develop artists musically and give them a chance to succeed financially. The children’s/family genre is an exciting addition for the company. As with their other releases, a portion of the label’s profits from The Baby Grands II will go towards organ donor organizations. All of Backspace’s recordings are dedicated to the memory of Mack Lindsey, their friend, business partner and heart transplant recipient.

http://www.thebabygrands.com/
http://www.backspacerecords.com/

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News & Notes

Pet Shop Boys To Release 'Ultimate' Greatest Hits Album

Alongside a special DVD...

The Pet Shop Boys are scheduled to release a greatest hits collection on November 1. The album, 'Ultimate Pet Shop Boys' will feature 19 tracks in chronological order from 'West End Girls' to 'Love Etc'. It is described by the band as a "comprehensive greatest hits collection". The album tracklisting will be announced shortly.

Meanwhile, 'Ultimate Pet Shop Boys' will be accompanied by a DVD featuring over three hours of BBC TV performances by the Pet Shop Boys. It also includes the band's complete Glastonbury Festival performance from earlier this year.

The tracklisting for the DVD is:

'West End Girls' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'Love Comes Quickly' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money)' (Recorded for BBC 2’s Whistle Test)
'Suburbia' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'It’s A Sin' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'Rent' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'Always On My Mind' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'What Have I Done To Deserve This?' (Recorded for The Brits Awards)
'Heart' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Wogan)
'Domino Dancing' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'Left To My Own Devices' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'So Hard' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Wogan)
'Being Boring' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'Can You Forgive Her? (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'Liberation' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'Paninaro ‘95' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'Se a vida é' (Recorded for BBC 2’s Top Of The Pops 2)
'A Red Letter Day' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'Somewhere' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'I Don't Know What You Want But I Can't Give It Anymore' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'New York City Boy' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'You Only Tell Me You Love When You're Drunk' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'Home And Dry' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'I Get Along' (Recorded for BBC 2’s Top Of The Pops 2)
'Miracles' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'Flamboyant' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)
'I’m With Stupid' (Recorded for BBC 1’s Top Of The Pops)

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New album from Electric Penguins

The band's second album, aptly named II, is due out at the end of the month. Electric Penguins' sophomore offering II is set for a digital download release on September 24. A CD and vinyl release will follow on October 8, on Talking Tiger Records. Its first single, 'Highgate Hill' is available to download now on iTunes.

This self-recorded album, the Penguins tell us, is a "12 track feast of psychedelic cuts, which slides dreamily between electronic, folk and ambient soundscapes, with acoustic and club elements dispersed throughout the record." Quite the mouthful!

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Just in time for Halloween: Mad Tea Party releases ROCK N ROLL GHOUL

Asheville’s rock ‘n’ roll duo Mad Tea Party celebrate their favorite holiday again this year with ROCK N ROLL GHOUL, a follow-up to 2009’s ZOMBIE BOOGIE. With garage-rock icon Greg Cartwright (Reigning Sound, Oblivions) at the production helm, this year’s monster offering promises to make you howl at the moon.

Mad Tea Party provides their usual palate of shimmering vocal harmonies over Jason Krekel’s one-man-band juke joint guitar/percussion and Ami Worthen’s electric ukulele. Of course, ROCK N ROLL GHOUL also includes some sonic surprises.

The EP offers up 4 spooky selections for your rockin’ Halloween party. “Possessed,” a 60s-tinged psychedelic number, features Worthen’s wicked vocals and a demonic guitar solo from Mr. Cartwright. The furious screamer “Rock ‘n’ Roll Ghoul” expounds upon the theme of flesh-eating music critics while drivin’ rocker “Dr. Phibes” is an ode to the popular Vincent Price villain. The duo close with the Hollywood Flames’ song “Frankenstein’s Den” with Cartwright on drum kit and Caroline Pond (Snake Oil Medicine Show) joining Worthen on doo-wop vocals.

ROCK N ROLL GHOUL is available as a 7” vinyl record and as digital downloads. The EC horror comics inspired art for the record was hand drawn by San Francisco artist Gus Cutty.

Pre-order special: if you order the vinyl record before October 1, you will also receive a limited edition lino print Dr. Phibes poster by Jason Krekel.

http://themadteaparty.bandcamp.com/

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Cover Art for Darius Rucker’s Sophomore Album Revealed

Today, Darius Rucker revealed the cover art for his forthcoming album Charleston, SC 1966.

More details to follow

New Susan Boyle Album, The Gift, Arriving Tuesday, November 9

Highly Anticipated Seasonal Collection Premieres "Do You Hear What I Hear" Duet with Amber Stassi, Winner of Susan's Search Online Talent Contest

SYCO/Columbia Records proudly announces the release of The Gift, the eagerly awaited second full-length album from the top-selling international singing sensation Susan Boyle, available everywhere on Tuesday, November 9.

One of the most highly anticipated releases of 2010, Susan Boyle's The Gift premieres ten new performances from the former "Britain's Got Talent" contestant whose debut album, I Dreamed A Dream, sold more than 9 million copies worldwide since its release in November 2009. Like its predecessor, The Gift is produced by Steve Mac.

The first full-length collection since the release of her 9 times platinum record-breaking debut, The Gift offers a seasonal repertoire of inspirational and secular songs united in theme and the breathtaking vocal artistry of Susan Boyle.

Along with her selection of beloved holiday songs -- "Do You Hear What I Hear?," "The First Noel," "O Holy Night," "Away In A Manger," "Make Me A Channel For Your Peace," "Auld Lang Syne," and "O Come All Ye Faithful," Susan puts her stamp on some unforgettable pop classics including Lou Reed's "Perfect Day," Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," and Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over."

Susan Boyle's The Gift presents the debut of Amber Stassi, winner of the Susan's Search online talent contest, singing a transcendent duet with Susan on "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

Susan explained, "When making this album, I really wanted the songs to touch hearts. Music has always been a companion to me, particularly on special occasions. I wanted there to be a mix of songs that would flow with all our moods this holiday season. As much as the season is a time for reflection, it is also a time for fun and enjoyment with those closest to us."

Simon Cowell added, "Susan broke all the rules, became famous literally overnight and has become one of the world's most popular singers. I’m incredibly proud and pleased for her. I think Susan has gone a step further with this new album. She is a very special lady."

An unexpected pop icon with the voice of an angel, Susan Boyle rocketed to international fame when her performance of "I Dreamed A Dream" (from Les Miserables) on "Britain's Got Talent" became the most watched YouTube video of 2009, with Susan generating more than 500 million YouTube hits.

Susan surprised the world with her powerful, heart stopping voice when she walked onto the Britain's Got Talent stage in April 2009. By the November she had conquered the international music charts with her debut multi platinum album I Dreamed A Dream, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. Her debut album I Dreamed A Dream made Susan the biggest selling artist in the world in 2009, the fastest selling artist in the world for a decade and the fastest selling artist in the history of the UK charts. I Dreamed A Dream shot straight to the number one spot in over 21 countries including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

Tracklist
1. Perfect Day
2. Hallelujah
3. Do You Hear What I Hear (Duet with Amber Stassi)
4. Don't Dream It's Over
5. The First Noel
6. O Holy Night
7. Away in A Manger
8. Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace
9. Auld Lang Syne
10. O Come All Ye Faithful
SOURCE Columbia Records