Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

Warner Bros. Records and Affiliated Labels Announce Exclusive Releases for Record Store Day on April 21st

Vinyl Packages Will Be Available From Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Keys, Gary Clark Jr., Metallica, Eric Clapton, The Flaming Lips, Mastodon, Common, Regina Spektor, Wilco, Michael Buble, Disturbed, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., and More

BURBANK, CA--(Marketwire - Mar 5, 2012) - Warner Bros. Records has announced that it will make a series of vinyl albums and singles available on April 21st in honor of the 5th annual Record Store Day -- a celebration of the unique culture surrounding over 700 independently owned record stores in the USA, and hundreds of similar stores internationally. Warner Bros. Records is proud to be an official sponsor of Record Store Day.

These very special releases are as follows:

The Black Keys: El Camino (Deluxe vinyl album)

A stunning and highly collectible deluxe vinyl issue of the critically acclaimed 2011 album from The Black Keys. Cut for vinyl from the master tapes at Bernie Grundman Mastering and pressed at Pallas for sonic perfection. This album will never sound or look better. This RSD exclusive package also contains a bonus CD, a limited edition poster, and a two song 45 rpm 7" single featuring previously unreleased live tracks: "Sister" and "Money Maker."

Gary Clark Jr.: Gary Clark Jr. Presents HWUL Cuts Vol. I (12" vinyl single)

A RSD exclusive contains two previously unreleased live tracks, "If You Love Me Like You Say" and "Bright Lights" capture over twenty minutes of music from one of the most anticipated guitar players in music today. This first-ever vinyl release from Clark is sure to be sought out by fans and collectors alike. Cut at 45 rpm by Bernie Grundman Mastering for the very best in analog sound quality and presentation.

Eric Clapton: Blues (Deluxe Vinyl Album Box Set)

Released to critical acclaim leading up to RSD's Back To Black Friday 2011, this limited edition box set is close to selling out. The set includes all three of Eric Clapton's seminal blues albums, From The Cradle, Riding With The King (with B.B. King) and Me And Mr. Johnson, remastered from original source material for vinyl. First time vinyl versions of these albums afford the listener an absolutely stellar new audio experience. With little more than 1,000 box sets left it's time to get your hands on this audiophile treasure.

Common: The Dreamer/The Believer (12" vinyl album)

A limited edition offering featuring exclusive album art of Common's ninth studio album for Record Store Day. The Dreamer/The Believer reunites Common with producer No. I.D., who produced the rapper's most acclaimed CDs. Robust tracks revere and update the past, such as the retro-soul, Curtis Mayfield-influenced "Lovin' I Lost" and tremulously beautiful "Gold."

Wilco / Billy Bragg: Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions (3 CD and 1 DVD)

On Record Store Day, Nonesuch releases Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions, which includes: Mermaid Avenue; Mermaid Avenue Vol. II (re-mastered); Mermaid Avenue Vol. III, comprising 17 previously unreleased recordings made during the Mermaid Avenue sessions; director Kim Hopkins' 1999 film Man in the Sand, which documents those sessions; and a 48-page booklet with new liner notes by Nora Guthrie, full lyrics, archival photographs, and facsimiles of lyric sheets and sketches by Woody Guthrie.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.: We Almost Lost Detroit EP (12" vinyl EP)

A Record Store Day exclusive containing three remixes and three covers, including Madonna's "Like A Prayer," "I Think Of You" by Sixto Rodriguez (both exclusive to this release only) and the memorable Gil Scott Heron cover "We Almost Lost Detroit" from their debut album IT'S A CORPORATE WORLD and remixes by Stepdad, Phantasmagoria, and Chuck Daniels. This six-song single disc is cut at 45 rpm by Bernie Grundman Mastering.

Disturbed: The Collection (Vinyl Album Box Set)

We are proud to announce the definitive Disturbed vinyl box-set edition, THE COLLECTION. A five-album, six-disc offering of the band's complete studio album discography featuring The Sickness (2000), Believe (2002), Ten Thousand Fists (2005), Indestructible (2008), and Asylum (2010). A career retrospective spanning ten years and 18 Billboard Top 100 hits of sophisticated and life-altering heavy music. For this box set, each album has been carefully mastered and pressed on 140-gram vinyl for the very best in audio quality. Each album has been meticulously showcased in a stunning art presentation that is unique and exclusive to this release. This is a limited edition box of only 2500 units worldwide.

Dr. John: Locked Down (Vinyl album)

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted boogie and blues pianist with an inimitable growl of a voice, Dr. John's most enduring achievements have fused New Orleans R&B, rock, and the Mardi Gras party spirit to come up with his own brand of "voodoo" music. Dr. John's new album, Locked Down (due April 3rd), is a bold statement produced by The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach and will be Dr. John's first for Nonesuch Records.

Fleetwood Mac: Fleetwood Mac (Deluxe and Standard vinyl editions)

What can be said about this classic album that has not been said before? Originally released in 1975 and representing not only a rebirth of the band, with the addition of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, but really a second debut for a group firmly rooted in the rock genre, now reinventing themselves into a pop rock force in a way that few other artists can lay claim to. The album includes the iconic songs "Rhiannon," "Say You Love Me," and "Over My Head." Cut for vinyl at Bernie Grundman Mastering from the original analog tapes and pressed in both 33 rpm and 45 rpm for the very best in audio presentation. A collectible and definitive version for any generation.

JEFF The Brotherhood: Upstairs at United Vol. 3 (12" vinyl EP)

This release is a 3 song EP of JEFF The Brotherhood as a 5 piece band (recorded live to tape) performing "Master Of The Universe" by Hawkwind (from the album of the same name), a brain-melting new track called "In Space, Nobody Can Hear You Scream" plus a reprised "cover" of "I'm A Freak." Pressed at 45rpm for greater sonic impact at United Record Pressing and distributed by URP Music

Kimbra: Settle Down (Deluxe CD EP)

International newcomer Kimbra's digital EP is being re-released as a physical CD just in time for RSD and her tour with Gotye. The five-song release, which now includes the sultry "Good Intent," also features title track "Settle Down" as well as a remix of "Cameo Lover."

Metallica: Beyond Magnetic (12" color vinyl EP)

Beyond Magnetic consists of four outtakes from the 2008 Death Magnetic sessions and is available for the first time on silver vinyl just for RSD. A potent and exceptionally well-produced example of Metallica's most recent work, which can hold its own with anything within their vast heavy music cannon. Previously unreleased on vinyl and includes a limited edition Metallica sticker.

Mastodon / Feist "A Commotion" / "Black Tongue" (7" vinyl single)

A very exclusive and highly anticipated RSD pressing features Mastodon covering the Feist song "A Commotion," while Feist covers Mastodon's "Black Tongue." A unique and highly buzzed-about Record Store Day prize.

Red Hot Chili Peppers: Stadium Arcadium (Deluxe 180 Gram vinyl Box Set)

On April 14, 2012, the Red Hot Chili Peppers will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and to commemorate this historic event, this classic Deluxe box set of the band's first number one album will be specially priced for Record Store Day. The Deluxe package was mastered for vinyl by Steve Hoffman and includes two 16-page booklets -- "Jupiter" and "Mars." The Red Hot Chili Peppers won four Grammy® Awards for Stadium Arcadium including: Best Rock Album, Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package in addition to Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group for their chart-topping, record-breaking single "Dani California."

Ximena Sarinana: Maps / La Llorona (7" vinyl single)

A two-song 7" from an exceptionally original and emerging artist, featuring two audio tracks: "Maps" (a Yeah Yeah Yeah's cover) from Rolling Stone Live and "La Llorona" (a Latin American folk song) from KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic." A special release to celebrate her Coachella 2012 appearance.

Regina Spektor: "The Prayer of François Villon (Molitva)" / "Old Jacket (Stariy Pedjak)" (7" color vinyl single)

A RSD exclusive features two b-sides from Regina's upcoming album What We Saw From The Cheap Seats, due in May. This single on white vinyl, mastered by Bob Ludwig, features two songs originally penned by Russian Poet/Musician Bulat Okudzhava, and are performed completely in Russian.

Tegan and Sara: Get Along (12" color vinyl album)

A Record Store Day exclusive -- never before on vinyl. Featuring music from the 2011 Get Along release, comprised of 15 favorites like "Alligator," "Call It Off," "Monday Monday Monday," and "Sentimental Tune." This single live disc, pressed on 12" white vinyl, finds the duo waltzing through its 15-year career with the kind of ease and amiable confidence that can only come from longtime friends who also happen to be siblings.


Side by Side 2012 Series:

A continuation of the well-received Warner Bros Records "Side by Side" series, which was initially introduced in 2011. All are exclusive for Record Store Day on uniquely colored and extremely limited edition 7" vinyl singles, featuring Warner artists covering other historic and personally influential iconic artists. This year's series includes:

The Flaming Lips / Mastodon: "A Spoonful Weighs A Ton" (7" baby pink vinyl single)

The mighty Mastodon faithfully covers the Lips classic "Spoonful Weighs a Ton," from The Soft Bulletin album. Ferociously beautiful!

Sara Watkins (Featuring Fiona Apple) / The Everly Brothers:

"You're The One I Love" (7" olive green with blue/black splatter vinyl single) Sara Watkins covers The Everly Brothers classic "You're The One I Love" and features co-vocals from a very special guest, Fiona Apple. From Sara's new full-length album, Sun Midnight Sun, available later this spring.

Michael Bublé / Ray Charles: Georgia On My Mind (7" Georgia Peach vinyl single)

Michael Bublé's first ever 7" vinyl release featuring a cover of Ray Charles' classic "Georgia On My Mind" on "Georgia Peach" colored vinyl.

Carolina Chocolate Drops / Run-DMC: "You Be Illin'" (7" Coke-bottle green vinyl single)

The Run-DMC classic rendered in an entirely new way by old-time string band the Carolina Chocolate Drops. The Drops' version was recorded at the same sessions as their February 2012 release Leaving Eden, which was produced by Nashville legend Buddy Miller.

MC5 / Afrika Bambaataa: "Kick Out the Jams" (7" White with red splatter vinyl single)

The incendiary original coupled with a cover version from the pioneer of The Electro Funk Sound.

Otis Redding / Aretha Franklin: "Respect" (7" gold vinyl single)

The seminal classics meet for the first time together on vinyl.

SOURCE: Warner Bros. Records

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Merge Records Record Store Day Releases

Arcade Fire – ‘Sprawl II’ b/w ‘Ready to Start’ (Remixed by Damian Taylor & Arcade Fire) 12″ Single

This special 12-inch pressing marks the first physical release of the remixes of ‘Sprawl II’ and ‘Ready to Start’ by Damian Taylor and Arcade Fire. The remix of ‘Sprawl II’ can be heard in the dance motion-activated music video by Vincent Morisset at Sprawl2.com, while the ‘Ready to Start’ remix has previously only been available as a bonus download with the deluxe film-bundled version of The Suburbs.

Richard Buckner – ‘Willow’ b/w ‘Lost’ 7″ vinyl

‘Willow’ b/w ‘Lost’ is Richard Buckner’s first 7″ containing two new songs and a free download with purchase, the 7-inch will also include a digital-only cover of The Cars’ ‘Candy-O.’

M. Ward – ‘Primitive Girl’ b/w ‘The Twist’ & ‘Roll Over Beethoven’ 7″ vinyl

M. Ward’s limited-edition RSD exclusive 7″ features ‘Primitive Girl’, the first single from his new record, as well as two non-album b-sides including ‘Roll Over Beethoven,’ and an original song entitled ‘The Twist.’ M. Ward will be performing at Fingerprints in Long Beach, CA, on Record Store Day.

Destroyer – Destroyer’s Rubies Double-LP reissue vinyl

Destroyer’s Rubies will be released on vinyl for the first time in the US. The double-LP reissue will be pressed in limited quantities on ruby red coloured vinyl exclusively for Record Store Day and will include a free download of the entire album. Side 3 features ‘Loscil’s Rubies,’ a 20-minute bonus track remixed by Scott Morgan.

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this from our friends at vinylcollective.com

Top 10 Albums – March 5, 2012

Here are the Top 10 albums sold at Shop Radio Cast for the week of February 29 - March 5, 2012:

1. Blink 182 – Take Off Your Pants and Jacket LP
2. Blink 182 – Dude Ranch LP
3. Torche – Harmonicraft LP
4. Jimmy Eat World – Bleed American 3XLP
5. Face To Face – All for Nothing 10″
6. Blink 182 – Blink 182 2XLP
7. Taking Back Sunday – Tell All Your Friends LP
8. Operation Ivy – Hectic LP
9. Operation Ivy – Energy LP
10. Brand New – Your Favorite Weapon LP

Buy these and many more at ShopRadioCast

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and in music history for march 6th:

Born on this day 1893, Memphis blues artist Walter ‘Furry’ Lewis. He was the first guitarist to play with a bottleneck. He lost a leg in a railroad accident and once supported The Rolling Stones. Joni Mitchell wrote the song ‘Furry Sings The Blues’ after him. Lewis died on September 14th 1981, aged 88.

In 1955, Tennessee Ernie Ford topped the UK singles chart with what music historians believe is the first Country tune to do so, "Give Me Your Word".

In 1957, the Diamonds become one of the first Canadian artists to have success in the United States when their hit "Little Darlin" reaches #2 on the Billboard Pop chart and #3 on the R&B chart.

In 1958, the Everly Brothers record another Boudleaux Bryant tune, "All I Have To Do Is Dream", which will become their second US number one hit, after "Wake Up Little Susie". It will also top the UK chart.  It had been recorded in just two takes on March 6, 1958 and featured Chet Atkins on guitar. It is the only single to be at #1 on all of Billboard's singles charts simultaneously, on June 2, 1958. The song is ranked No. 141 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

In 1959, the Drifters recorded "There Goes My Baby."

In 1964, Elvis Presley's movie 'Kissin' Cousins' premiered.

In 1965, the Temptations went to #1 on the US singles chart with the Smokey Robinson penned "My Girl", making the group the first male act to have a chart topper for Motown Records. The single reached #43 in the UK.

In 1966, the Rolling Stones started recording sessions for their tenth UK single "Paint It Black" at RCA studios in Hollywood.

In 1967, the Beatles recorded sound effects onto the song 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' at Abbey Road studios in London. The beginning audience murmurs and sounds of a band preparing for a performance are added, along with screams from a tape of the Beatles in concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

In 1970, the Beatles released "Let It Be" in the UK. (single)

In 1973, John Lennon's visa extension is cancelled by the New York Office of the US Immigration Department, just five days after it was granted.

Also in 1973, an attempt to bring Elvis Presley to the UK for shows at London's Earl's Court failed when promoters were told that Elvis had US tour and filming commitments. The real reason was that Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker, was an illegal US immigrant and would not leave the country for fear he would not be allowed back in.

In 1975, the Average White Band, a Scottish group playing Funk music, are awarded a Gold record for the instrumental "Pick Up the Pieces", which was #1 on the Cash Box Best Sellers chart this week.

Also in 1975, Led Zeppelin is awarded a Gold record for the double disc album 'Physical Graffiti.' The LP would eventually be certified as 16 times Platinum for sales of over 8 million copies.

In 1976, after placing 28 songs in the Top 40 of Billboard's Pop chart, The Miracles make the list for the last time when "Love Machine" went to the top. Their run included seven Top 10 hits and two number ones. "Love Machine" made it to #3 in the UK.

In 1976, EMI Records re-released all 22 British Beatles singles. In addition "Yesterday" was released for the first time on 45 in the UK.

In 1982, Billboard Magazine tells us that Dick Clark has donated the podium he stood behind on the original American Bandstand to the national museum at the Smithsonian.

In 1982, the Go-Go's started a six-week run at #1 on the US album chart with 'Beauty And The Beat.' In 2003, the album was ranked number 413 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

In 1993, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle went to #1 on the US singles chart with "A Whole New World' (Aladdin's Theme)." The single ended Whitney Houston's 14-week run at the top of the charts.

In 1999, Monica had the US #1 single with "Angel Of Mine," Britney Spears held the UK #1 position with "...Baby One More Time."

In 2000, Eric Clapton was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the third time, after receiving previous honors as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream.

In 2001, Led Zeppelin was named as "the most bootlegged band" when 422 illegal albums were counted. The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and The Beatles were next in line with over 350 unauthorized titles available.

Also in 2001, Mike "Smitty" Smith, the original drummer for Paul Revere and the Raiders died of natural causes at his home in Hawaii at the age of 58.

In 2007, according to Dr. Bill Bass, a forensic anthropologist hired by the son of J.P. Richardson, The Big Bopper suffered massive fractures and likely died immediately in the 1959 plane crash that also killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. Jay Richardson had hired Dr. Bass of the University of Tennessee to look into rumors that a gun may have been fired on board the plane and that the Big Bopper might have survived the crash and died while trying to get help. Dr. Bass' report says that those rumors are groundless. "There was no indication of foul play. [He] died immediately. He didn't crawl away." Jay Richardson was pleased with the findings, saying "I was hoping to put the rumors to rest."

In 2010, Mark Linkous, frontman with band Sparklehorse committed suicide by shooting himself in the heart outside a friend's house in Knoxville, Tennessee. In 1996 Linkous "died" for two minutes after ingesting a mix of Valium and antidepressants while supporting Radiohead on tour in the UK. He recovered, but the incident left him paralysed, after lying unconscious for 14 hours, with circulation to his legs cut off. He suffered a heart attack when doctors tried to straighten the limbs, and he had surgery seven times to save his legs.

birthdays today include (among many others): Jerry Naylor (Crickets) (73), (Marilyn Manson) (48), Mary Wilson (Supremes) (68), Hugh Grundy (Zombies) (67) and David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) (66)