very interesting perspective and well written article!
Why vinyl really can get closer to the original studio sound than digital
In theory, digital audio is more accurate than vinyl records. But in many cases you will hear the artist's and producer's intentions much more accurately on vinyl than you will on CD or download.
By David Mellor
Firstly I must say that digital audio is capable of much more accurate results than vinyl, and I believe that anyone who thinks otherwise is deluding himself or herself.
I know from my own experience of having my recordings pressed onto both vinyl and CD that CD gets much closer to the sound I heard in the studio. Indeed, in the days of 16-bit recording, CD was the sound I heard in the studio, as the bits were identical.
And today, a 24-bit mix made in the studio can be released as a direct bit-for-bit copy in the form of a download. In comparison, vinyl has many degradations that alter the audio quality significantly. You may like the sound of vinyl, but no way is it more accurate.
But read on for some surprising information to the contrary...
Read the rest at recordproducer.com
=============
With vinyl’s resurgence, what goes around comes around
Vinyl records are making a comeback, both locally and nationally
by Charles Beacham
No, those aren’t giant black CDs. They’re called vinyl records.
As digital music has become more prevalent, a counter-movement has taken place. Vinyl records, having long been confined to thrift stores and the houses of grandparents, are being embraced by listeners and musicians. While this latest trend might feel fresh to some youngsters, it’s really just a new spin on an old favorite.
With the advent of the CD, previous mediums of audio storage became all but extinct, yet walking into a record store today will make most anyone feel like they’re traveling back in time. Where six years ago the walls and shelves of the record store were littered with nothing but those small jewel cases we all love to hate, they are now occupied by another more majestic form of audio storage: vinyl records.
Interestingly enough, most of the audiophiles frequenting record stores aren’t baby boomers pondering on their past, they are millennials — college and high school students raised in the digital age, who all have an mp3 player or Smartphone. These adolescents are indulging in an unforgettable experience that they have made all their own. To many of these young people, discovering the LP started when they were children and has grown up with them into a life-defining passion.
Read the rest at universe.byu.edu
=============
Norah Jones New Album Details
Norah Jones has revealed the artwork for her new album 'Little Broken Hearts.' Her fifth studio LP will be released on April 30 via Blue Note/EMI Records and was produced by Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton), features 12 original songs written by the pair.
Jones revealed that she drew inspiration for the album cover from the vintage movie posters in Burton's Los Angeles studio, adding: "Brian has this great collection of Russ Meyer posters in his studio, and this particular one, called Mudhoney, was right over the couch where I sat every day.
"I always was looking at it and thinking, 'That's so cool I want to look like her!' I remember staring at the poster the whole time we made the record. It's a great visual."
Tracklist:
1. Good Morning
2. Say Goodbye
3. Little Broken Hearts
4. She's 22
5. Take It Back
6. After The Fall
7. 4 Broken Hearts
8. Travelin' On
9. Out On The Road
10. Happy Pills
11. Miriam
12. All A Dream
=============
this from our friends at www.vinylcollective.com
New August Burns Red Ablum “Leveler” On Vinyl LTD 1,000
August Burn Red’s new album, “Leveler” is set to release April 10, 2012 via CI records. The pressing will be limited to only 1,000 copies on a 4 color swirl. Pre order your copy now. Other vinyl available from August Burns Red includes:
August Burns Red – Leveler LP
August Burns Red – God Rest Ye Merrry Gentlemen 7″
August Burns Red – O Come Emmanuel 7″
Dropkick Murphy’s – Live At Fenway 180 Gram 2XLP
Dropkick Murphy’s “Live at Fenway” is getting the vinyl treatment! The album is due out April 17th on a double 180 gram and includes limited edition Dropkick Baseball Cards!
Tracklist:
Hang Em High
Sunday Hardcore Matinee
Deeds Not Words
Going Out In Style
The Irish Rover
Peg O' My Heart
Memorial Day
Tessie
Cruel
Climbing A Chair To Bed
Take 'Em Down
Echoes On A Street
Devil's Brigade
Boys On The Docks
The Dirty Cup
State of Massachusettes
Kiss Me I'm Shitfaced
Time To Go
I'm Shipping
Preorder at Shop Radio Cast
=============
Columbia/Legacy Recordings Celebrates Janis Joplin with the Release of Essential New Additions to Her Catalog:
"JANIS JOPLIN - THE PEARL SESSIONS" (NEW TWO-DISC EDITION PREMIERING NINE PREVIOUSLY UNAVAILABLE TRACKS & NEWLY DISCOVERED STUDIO RECORDINGS)
THE FIRST OF BEAR'S "SONIC JOURNALS": "BIG BROTHER AND THE HOLDING COMPANY FEATURING JANIS JOPLIN - LIVE AT THE CAROUSEL BALLROOM 1968" RECORDED & PRODUCED BY OWSLEY STANLEY ("BEAR")
"Highlights From The Pearl Sessions," Limited Edition Double 10" Vinyl Release, Struck for Record Store Day 2012
NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia/Legacy Recordings celebrates Janis Joplin with the release of two essential new titles in the catalog of the American blues-rock-country-soul singer: Janis Joplin - The Pearl Sessions, a two-disc set premiering newly discovered studio recordings produced by Paul Rothchild (available Tuesday, April 17) and Big Brother and the Holding Company Featuring Janis Joplin - Live at the Carousel Ballroom 1968, an electrifying full-length concert recorded and produced for release by the legendary soundman Owsley ("Bear") Stanley (available Tuesday, March 13).
The Pearl Sessions is an historic expansion of Joplin's final studio album, providing fascinating new insight into Janis' creative process through a range of rare and previously unreleased material.
Newly available bonus material on The Pearl Sessions includes the original master mono mixes of the album's singles ("Cry Baby," "Me and Bobby McGee," "Half Moon," "Get It While You Can," "Move Over," "A Woman Left Lonely") and a full-length second disc showcasing Joplin live in the studio performing never-before-heard takes of Pearl classics. From behind-the-scenes banter to full finished takes, The Pearl Sessions shows the complexity of Joplin's genius, the tough and vulnerable aspects of her personality, her lightning sense of humor, and her razor-sharp attention to the details of her craft. Offering fresh perspectives on the more familiar "official" versions of the songs, alternate takes of "Get It While You Can," the Janis Joplin-composed "Move Over," and others open up unexpected new dimensions in the material and in the sublime nuances of Joplin's delivery.
The Pearl Sessions offers an unprecedented opportunity to be in the room with Janis, her producer, Paul Rothchild, and the members of the Full Tilt Boogie Band (guitarist John Till, pianist Richard Bell, bassist Brad Campbell, drummer Clark Pierson, organist Ken Pearson) as they create one of the enduring masterpieces of rock 'n' roll.
Originally released on January 11, 1971 (three months after her passing on October 4, 1970), Pearl debuted Joplin's final finished studio recordings. The only album Joplin ever recorded with the Full Tilt Boogie Band, the touring ensemble that had backed her on the Festival Express (a mythic 1970 concert tour by railroad across Canada with the Grateful Dead, the Band and others), Pearl included canonical studio recordings of songs that had been introduced to audiences on tour. A live version of "Tell Me Mama" (a song not included on the original Pearl), recorded during the legendary Toronto Festival Express date, is included as a bonus track on The Pearl Sessions. Also included as a bonus is Janis' scorching live version of "Half Moon," recorded for her appearance on "The Dick Cavett Show" on August 3, 1970.
Peaking at #1 on the Billboard 200, a position it held for nine weeks, Pearl included some of Janis's most familiar and best-loved performances including her cover of Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee" and her off-the-cuff a cappella "Mercedes Benz." A never released alternate take and the original "Me and Bobby McGee" demo are both included on The Pearl Sessions.
When putting together material for a 40th anniversary edition of Pearl, researchers discovered a treasure-trove of previously uncatalogued audio tapes from the album's sessions, produced by Paul Rothchild. An industry legend, perhaps best-known for producing the first five Doors albums, Rothchild further solidified his position in music history with his work on Pearl.
The Pearl Sessions brings together the original mono versions of the album's 45s and the original LP tracks alongside a revelatory cavalcade of newly-discovered alternate versions, outtakes and vocal takes that put you in the studio with Janis Joplin.
A limited edition double 10" high fidelity vinyl gatefold release, Highlights from The Pearl Sessions will be available exclusively for Record Store Day (April 21, 2012). A companion to the newly curated two CD edition of Joplin's farewell masterpiece, Pearl, this vinyl release presents previously unreleased and seldom heard takes and early versions of classic songs, culled from the recently discovered tapes used to create The Pearl Sessions.
A limited edition 12" vinyl edition of Pearl will also be available on Tuesday, April 17. A breakout from the Classic LP Collection box, the album is pressed at RTI on 180-gram audiophile vinyl.
Janis Joplin - The Pearl Sessions
DISC ONE:
The Pearl Album - produced by Paul Rothchild
Move Over
Cry Baby
A Woman Left Lonely
Half Moon
Buried Alive In The Blues
My Baby
Me and Bobby McGee
Mercedes Benz
Trust Me
Get It While You Can
Bonus Tracks - the Mono Single Masters - produced by Paul Rothchild
Me and Bobby McGee
Half Moon
Cry Baby
Get It While You Can
Move Over
A Woman Left Lonely
DISC TWO:
The Pearl Sessions & more...
Overheard in the Studio...
Get It While You Can (take 3) - previously unissued
Overheard in the Studio...
Get It While You Can (take 5) - previously unissued
Overheard in the Studio...
Move Over (take 6) - previously unissued
Move Over (take 13) - previously unissued
Move Over (take 17) - previously unissued
Me and Bobby McGee (demo version)
Me and Bobby McGee (take 5 - alternate) - previously unissued
Cry Baby (alternate version)
A Woman Left Lonely (alternate vocal)
Overheard in the Studio...
My Baby (alternate take) - previously unissued
Overheard in the Studio...
Get It While You Can (take 3) - previously unissued
My Baby (alternate take)
Pearl (instrumental) - Full Tilt Boogie Band
Bonus Tracks
Tell Mama (Live) - June 28, 1970 - Toronto
Half Moon (Live) - August 3, 1970 - from "The Dick Cavett Show"
Janis Joplin - Highlights from The Pearl Sessions
10" vinyl
SIDE ONE
Get It While You Can (take 3)
Move Over (take 6)
Me And Bobby McGee (demo version) *
SIDE TWO
Cry Baby (alternate version) *
A Woman Left Lonely (alternate vocal)
My Baby (alternate take)
SIDE THREE
Move Over (take 13)
Me And Bobby McGee (take 5 - alternate)
Get It While You Can (take 5)
SIDE FOUR
My Baby (alternate take) *
Get It While You Can (take 3)
Pearl (instrumental) *
All tracks previously unissued except *
Original Recordings Produced by Paul Rothchild
The release of The Pearl Sessions marks a renewed focus on Janis Joplin and the continuing influence of her music. Columbia/Legacy Recording will release Live at the Carousel Ballroom 1968, a previously unavailable live concert recording of Big Brother and the Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin,recorded June 23, 1968 by legendary soundman Owsley Stanley, a/k/a "Bear," who supervised the mastering of this release before his fatal car accident in his adopted homeland of Australia on March 12, 2011.
Dedicated to Bear, the album will be released on March 13, 2012, marking the one-year anniversary of his passing.
A special collector's edition of Live at the Carousel Ballroom will be available in a special two 12" vinyl LP gatefold collector's edition on Tuesday, March 27.
"This evening was special," remembers Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart who was in the Carousel Ballroom that night in June '68. "The Bear loved Janis. Her ability to sing multiple tones simultaneously and then morph them into heart wrenching chords was singular. Her primal cry, filled with tenderness and hurt, was delivered at 140 decibels as the band pushed here into the slipstream. There could be no one more qualified to bring Big Brother and the Holding Company to life than Owsley. Together they captured the magic. The Bear sure had it right this night."
BIG BROTHER AND THE HOLDING COMPANY FEATURING JANIS JOPLIN - LIVE AT THE CAROUSEL BALLROOM 1968
Tracklisting:
1. Combination Of The Two
2. I Need A Man To Love
3. Flower In The Sun
4. Light Is Faster Than Sound
5. Summertime
6. Catch Me Daddy
7. It's A Deal
8. Call On Me
9. I'm Mad (Mad Man Blues)
10. Piece Of My Heart
11. Coo Coo
12. Ball & Chain
13. Down On Me
Bonus Track:
14. Call On Me (Saturday Show—June 22, 1968)
SOURCE Legacy Recordings
=============
album cover art of the day:
MEKONG DELTA To Release 'Intersections' In April
"Intersections", a collection of re-recorded classics by the legendary German progressive thrash outfit MEKONG DELTA, will be released in Germany on April 20, in the rest of Europe on April 23 and in the U.S./Canada in early May via SPV/Steamhammer.
MEKONG DELTA — founded in the '80s by producer and bass player Ralf Hubert — plays unconventional and technical thrash metal whose list of former members includes Jörg Michael (STRATOVARIUS) and Uli Kusch (ex-HELLOWEEN). Outstanding and critically acclaimed albums like "The Music of Erich Zann", "Dances Of Death" and their latest effort, "Wanderer On The Edge of Time", were said to be milestones of the genre.
Read the rest at Blabbermouth
=============
and in music history for february 24th:
depending on which site you go to, the great George Harrison was born on this date (or the 25th) in 1943 (died in 2001)
In 1956, with the city looking for a legal way to shut down the increasing number of rock 'n' roll shows, police in Cleveland, Ohio were instructed to enforce a 1931 ordinance barring people under the age of 18 from dancing in public unless accompanied by an adult.
In 1957, in West Hollywood, Elvis Presley recorded "Loving You," the title song of his second feature film.
In 1957, Buddy Holly recorded a new version of “That’ll Be the Day,” the title being taken from a phrase used by John Wayne in the film The Searchers.
In 1962, Elvis Presley had his 10th UK chart topper with "Can't Help Falling In Love" / "Rock-A-Hula Baby."
In 1963, the Rolling Stones started a Sunday night residency at The Station Hotel, Richmond, Surrey. The Stones were paid £24 ($41) for the gig and played on the first night to 66 people.
In 1965, in Hollywood, a month after they recorded "Help Me Ronda" for issue on an album, the Beach Boys re-recorded the song as "Help Me Rhonda" for release as a single. For the first time, other than on their Christmas album, guitarist Al Jardine sang lead. The Los Angeles session musicians known as the Wrecking Crew provided much of the instrumental track, along with Carl Wilson on guitar and Brian Wilson on acoustic piano and Hammond B-3 organ. Backing vocals were by Mike Love, Carl, Dennis and Brian Wilson.
In 1967, in Los Angeles, the Supremes began recording "The Happening." They completed the track the following day. Wrecking Crew drummer Hal Blaine joined the Funk Brothers to provide the instrumentation, with background vocals handled by Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson. When "The Happening" was released as a single a month later, it was the final single issued by the Supremes under that name. Beginning with their next single release, "Reflections," the group's billing changed to Diana Ross and the Supremes, and Florence Ballard was replaced with Cindy Birdsong of Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles.
In 1969, the Jimi Hendrix Experience played their last British concert before dissolving the group.
In 1969, during a concert at California's San Quentin State Prison, Johnny Cash recorded "A Boy Named Sue."
In 1970, the Jackson 5 released the single "ABC."
In 1973, Roberta Flack had her second US #1 when “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” started a five-week run at the top. The song was written about US singer-songwriter Don McLean.
Recording sessions for the album were initially disrupted when bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones considered leaving the band. After reuniting at Headley Grange, the band wrote and recorded eight songs, the combined length of which stretched the album beyond the typical length of an LP. This prompted the band to make Physical Graffiti a double album by including previously unreleased tracks from earlier recording sessions.
Physical Graffiti was commercially and critically successful; the album went 16x platinum (though this signifies shipping of eight million copies, as it is a double album) in the US alone.
In 1976, the Eagles LP "Their Greatest Hits 1971 - 1975" becomes the first album in history to be certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The new certification represented sales of at least 1 million copies for albums and 2 million copies for singles. The Platinum award was originated in the early seventies because Gold status was achieved by most popular records in a very short period of time. The Eagles Greatest Hits album stayed on Billboard's Hot 200 chart for two and half years.
In 1982, winners at the Grammy Awards included John Lennon and Yoko Ono for Album of the Year with Double Fantasy, Kim Carnes for Song of the Year with “Bette Davis Eyes,” Quincy Jones for Producer of the Year and Sheena Easton for Best New Artist.
In 1987, Grammy Awards are presented to: Paul Simon's "Graceland" - Best Album; Steve Winwood's "Higher Love" - Best Record and Bruce Hornsby and the Range - Best New Artist. Fats Domino is presented with a Lifetime Achievement award.
In 1990, Bob Dylan joined Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman and David Crosby to sing "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Turn! Turn! Turn!" at a Los Angeles tribute to Roy Orbison.
In 1990, singer Johnnie Ray died of liver failure at age 63.
In 1992, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled two versions of its proposed Elvis stamp for a public vote. The younger Elvis design won and was issued on January 8, 1993.
In 1992, singer/songwriter Kurt Cobain married singer/musician/actress Courtney Love. They had a daughter and remained together until his death in 1994.
In 1994, singer Dinah Shore died of ovarian cancer at age 77.
In 2000, Carlos Santana won eight awards at the Grammy Awards. Before the Supernatural album, the guitarist had not had a Top 10 album since 1981.
In 2004, Estelle Axton, who helped create the legendary soul music label Stax, died in a hospital in Memphis, at age 85. Stax was home to Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, Isaac Hayes and Booker T and the MG’s. The Stax studio, “Soulsville U.S.A.,” was second only to Motown in its production of soul hits during its 1960s heyday.
In 2006, the Sex Pistols gave a virtual middle finger to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when they issued an open letter on front man Johnny Rotten's Website, saying they have no intention of attending the induction ceremony at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel. "Next to The Sex Pistols, rock and roll and that hall of fame is a piss stain. Your museum, urine in wine. We're not coming."
In 2008, singer Larry Norman, lead vocalist of the late 1960s group People and who later pioneered the Christian rock movement, died of heart failure at age 60.
In 2009, the U.S. Mint began circulating a new quarter featuring composer/pianist/bandleader Duke Ellington, making him the first African-American to appear by himself on an American coin.
In 2011, drummer Eddie Serrato, an original member of ? & The Mysterians, died after a heart attack at the age of 65.
birthdays today include (among others): Paul Jones (born Paul Pond) (Manfred Mann) (70), Rupert Holmes (65), George Thorogood (62), Michele Shocked (50) and Matt Skiba (Alkaline Trio) (36)
Why vinyl really can get closer to the original studio sound than digital
In theory, digital audio is more accurate than vinyl records. But in many cases you will hear the artist's and producer's intentions much more accurately on vinyl than you will on CD or download.
By David Mellor
Firstly I must say that digital audio is capable of much more accurate results than vinyl, and I believe that anyone who thinks otherwise is deluding himself or herself.
I know from my own experience of having my recordings pressed onto both vinyl and CD that CD gets much closer to the sound I heard in the studio. Indeed, in the days of 16-bit recording, CD was the sound I heard in the studio, as the bits were identical.
And today, a 24-bit mix made in the studio can be released as a direct bit-for-bit copy in the form of a download. In comparison, vinyl has many degradations that alter the audio quality significantly. You may like the sound of vinyl, but no way is it more accurate.
But read on for some surprising information to the contrary...
Read the rest at recordproducer.com
=============
With vinyl’s resurgence, what goes around comes around
Vinyl records are making a comeback, both locally and nationally
by Charles Beacham
No, those aren’t giant black CDs. They’re called vinyl records.
As digital music has become more prevalent, a counter-movement has taken place. Vinyl records, having long been confined to thrift stores and the houses of grandparents, are being embraced by listeners and musicians. While this latest trend might feel fresh to some youngsters, it’s really just a new spin on an old favorite.
With the advent of the CD, previous mediums of audio storage became all but extinct, yet walking into a record store today will make most anyone feel like they’re traveling back in time. Where six years ago the walls and shelves of the record store were littered with nothing but those small jewel cases we all love to hate, they are now occupied by another more majestic form of audio storage: vinyl records.
Interestingly enough, most of the audiophiles frequenting record stores aren’t baby boomers pondering on their past, they are millennials — college and high school students raised in the digital age, who all have an mp3 player or Smartphone. These adolescents are indulging in an unforgettable experience that they have made all their own. To many of these young people, discovering the LP started when they were children and has grown up with them into a life-defining passion.
Read the rest at universe.byu.edu
=============
Norah Jones New Album Details
Norah Jones has revealed the artwork for her new album 'Little Broken Hearts.' Her fifth studio LP will be released on April 30 via Blue Note/EMI Records and was produced by Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton), features 12 original songs written by the pair. Jones revealed that she drew inspiration for the album cover from the vintage movie posters in Burton's Los Angeles studio, adding: "Brian has this great collection of Russ Meyer posters in his studio, and this particular one, called Mudhoney, was right over the couch where I sat every day.
"I always was looking at it and thinking, 'That's so cool I want to look like her!' I remember staring at the poster the whole time we made the record. It's a great visual."
Tracklist:
1. Good Morning
2. Say Goodbye
3. Little Broken Hearts
4. She's 22
5. Take It Back
6. After The Fall
7. 4 Broken Hearts
8. Travelin' On
9. Out On The Road
10. Happy Pills
11. Miriam
12. All A Dream
=============
this from our friends at www.vinylcollective.com
New August Burns Red Ablum “Leveler” On Vinyl LTD 1,000
August Burn Red’s new album, “Leveler” is set to release April 10, 2012 via CI records. The pressing will be limited to only 1,000 copies on a 4 color swirl. Pre order your copy now. Other vinyl available from August Burns Red includes:
August Burns Red – Leveler LP
August Burns Red – God Rest Ye Merrry Gentlemen 7″
August Burns Red – O Come Emmanuel 7″
Dropkick Murphy’s – Live At Fenway 180 Gram 2XLP
Dropkick Murphy’s “Live at Fenway” is getting the vinyl treatment! The album is due out April 17th on a double 180 gram and includes limited edition Dropkick Baseball Cards! Tracklist:
Hang Em High
Sunday Hardcore Matinee
Deeds Not Words
Going Out In Style
The Irish Rover
Peg O' My Heart
Memorial Day
Tessie
Cruel
Climbing A Chair To Bed
Take 'Em Down
Echoes On A Street
Devil's Brigade
Boys On The Docks
The Dirty Cup
State of Massachusettes
Kiss Me I'm Shitfaced
Time To Go
I'm Shipping
Preorder at Shop Radio Cast
=============
Columbia/Legacy Recordings Celebrates Janis Joplin with the Release of Essential New Additions to Her Catalog:
"JANIS JOPLIN - THE PEARL SESSIONS" (NEW TWO-DISC EDITION PREMIERING NINE PREVIOUSLY UNAVAILABLE TRACKS & NEWLY DISCOVERED STUDIO RECORDINGS)
THE FIRST OF BEAR'S "SONIC JOURNALS": "BIG BROTHER AND THE HOLDING COMPANY FEATURING JANIS JOPLIN - LIVE AT THE CAROUSEL BALLROOM 1968" RECORDED & PRODUCED BY OWSLEY STANLEY ("BEAR")
"Highlights From The Pearl Sessions," Limited Edition Double 10" Vinyl Release, Struck for Record Store Day 2012
NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia/Legacy Recordings celebrates Janis Joplin with the release of two essential new titles in the catalog of the American blues-rock-country-soul singer: Janis Joplin - The Pearl Sessions, a two-disc set premiering newly discovered studio recordings produced by Paul Rothchild (available Tuesday, April 17) and Big Brother and the Holding Company Featuring Janis Joplin - Live at the Carousel Ballroom 1968, an electrifying full-length concert recorded and produced for release by the legendary soundman Owsley ("Bear") Stanley (available Tuesday, March 13).
The Pearl Sessions is an historic expansion of Joplin's final studio album, providing fascinating new insight into Janis' creative process through a range of rare and previously unreleased material.
Newly available bonus material on The Pearl Sessions includes the original master mono mixes of the album's singles ("Cry Baby," "Me and Bobby McGee," "Half Moon," "Get It While You Can," "Move Over," "A Woman Left Lonely") and a full-length second disc showcasing Joplin live in the studio performing never-before-heard takes of Pearl classics. From behind-the-scenes banter to full finished takes, The Pearl Sessions shows the complexity of Joplin's genius, the tough and vulnerable aspects of her personality, her lightning sense of humor, and her razor-sharp attention to the details of her craft. Offering fresh perspectives on the more familiar "official" versions of the songs, alternate takes of "Get It While You Can," the Janis Joplin-composed "Move Over," and others open up unexpected new dimensions in the material and in the sublime nuances of Joplin's delivery.
The Pearl Sessions offers an unprecedented opportunity to be in the room with Janis, her producer, Paul Rothchild, and the members of the Full Tilt Boogie Band (guitarist John Till, pianist Richard Bell, bassist Brad Campbell, drummer Clark Pierson, organist Ken Pearson) as they create one of the enduring masterpieces of rock 'n' roll.
Originally released on January 11, 1971 (three months after her passing on October 4, 1970), Pearl debuted Joplin's final finished studio recordings. The only album Joplin ever recorded with the Full Tilt Boogie Band, the touring ensemble that had backed her on the Festival Express (a mythic 1970 concert tour by railroad across Canada with the Grateful Dead, the Band and others), Pearl included canonical studio recordings of songs that had been introduced to audiences on tour. A live version of "Tell Me Mama" (a song not included on the original Pearl), recorded during the legendary Toronto Festival Express date, is included as a bonus track on The Pearl Sessions. Also included as a bonus is Janis' scorching live version of "Half Moon," recorded for her appearance on "The Dick Cavett Show" on August 3, 1970.
Peaking at #1 on the Billboard 200, a position it held for nine weeks, Pearl included some of Janis's most familiar and best-loved performances including her cover of Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee" and her off-the-cuff a cappella "Mercedes Benz." A never released alternate take and the original "Me and Bobby McGee" demo are both included on The Pearl Sessions.
When putting together material for a 40th anniversary edition of Pearl, researchers discovered a treasure-trove of previously uncatalogued audio tapes from the album's sessions, produced by Paul Rothchild. An industry legend, perhaps best-known for producing the first five Doors albums, Rothchild further solidified his position in music history with his work on Pearl.
The Pearl Sessions brings together the original mono versions of the album's 45s and the original LP tracks alongside a revelatory cavalcade of newly-discovered alternate versions, outtakes and vocal takes that put you in the studio with Janis Joplin.
A limited edition double 10" high fidelity vinyl gatefold release, Highlights from The Pearl Sessions will be available exclusively for Record Store Day (April 21, 2012). A companion to the newly curated two CD edition of Joplin's farewell masterpiece, Pearl, this vinyl release presents previously unreleased and seldom heard takes and early versions of classic songs, culled from the recently discovered tapes used to create The Pearl Sessions.
A limited edition 12" vinyl edition of Pearl will also be available on Tuesday, April 17. A breakout from the Classic LP Collection box, the album is pressed at RTI on 180-gram audiophile vinyl.
Janis Joplin - The Pearl Sessions
DISC ONE:
The Pearl Album - produced by Paul Rothchild
Move Over
Cry Baby
A Woman Left Lonely
Half Moon
Buried Alive In The Blues
My Baby
Me and Bobby McGee
Mercedes Benz
Trust Me
Get It While You Can
Bonus Tracks - the Mono Single Masters - produced by Paul Rothchild
Me and Bobby McGee
Half Moon
Cry Baby
Get It While You Can
Move Over
A Woman Left Lonely
DISC TWO:
The Pearl Sessions & more...
Overheard in the Studio...
Get It While You Can (take 3) - previously unissued
Overheard in the Studio...
Get It While You Can (take 5) - previously unissued
Overheard in the Studio...
Move Over (take 6) - previously unissued
Move Over (take 13) - previously unissued
Move Over (take 17) - previously unissued
Me and Bobby McGee (demo version)
Me and Bobby McGee (take 5 - alternate) - previously unissued
Cry Baby (alternate version)
A Woman Left Lonely (alternate vocal)
Overheard in the Studio...
My Baby (alternate take) - previously unissued
Overheard in the Studio...
Get It While You Can (take 3) - previously unissued
My Baby (alternate take)
Pearl (instrumental) - Full Tilt Boogie Band
Bonus Tracks
Tell Mama (Live) - June 28, 1970 - Toronto
Half Moon (Live) - August 3, 1970 - from "The Dick Cavett Show"
Janis Joplin - Highlights from The Pearl Sessions
10" vinyl
SIDE ONE
Get It While You Can (take 3)
Move Over (take 6)
Me And Bobby McGee (demo version) *
SIDE TWO
Cry Baby (alternate version) *
A Woman Left Lonely (alternate vocal)
My Baby (alternate take)
SIDE THREE
Move Over (take 13)
Me And Bobby McGee (take 5 - alternate)
Get It While You Can (take 5)
SIDE FOUR
My Baby (alternate take) *
Get It While You Can (take 3)
Pearl (instrumental) *
All tracks previously unissued except *
Original Recordings Produced by Paul Rothchild
The release of The Pearl Sessions marks a renewed focus on Janis Joplin and the continuing influence of her music. Columbia/Legacy Recording will release Live at the Carousel Ballroom 1968, a previously unavailable live concert recording of Big Brother and the Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin,recorded June 23, 1968 by legendary soundman Owsley Stanley, a/k/a "Bear," who supervised the mastering of this release before his fatal car accident in his adopted homeland of Australia on March 12, 2011.
Dedicated to Bear, the album will be released on March 13, 2012, marking the one-year anniversary of his passing.
A special collector's edition of Live at the Carousel Ballroom will be available in a special two 12" vinyl LP gatefold collector's edition on Tuesday, March 27.
"This evening was special," remembers Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart who was in the Carousel Ballroom that night in June '68. "The Bear loved Janis. Her ability to sing multiple tones simultaneously and then morph them into heart wrenching chords was singular. Her primal cry, filled with tenderness and hurt, was delivered at 140 decibels as the band pushed here into the slipstream. There could be no one more qualified to bring Big Brother and the Holding Company to life than Owsley. Together they captured the magic. The Bear sure had it right this night."
BIG BROTHER AND THE HOLDING COMPANY FEATURING JANIS JOPLIN - LIVE AT THE CAROUSEL BALLROOM 1968
Tracklisting:
1. Combination Of The Two
2. I Need A Man To Love
3. Flower In The Sun
4. Light Is Faster Than Sound
5. Summertime
6. Catch Me Daddy
7. It's A Deal
8. Call On Me
9. I'm Mad (Mad Man Blues)
10. Piece Of My Heart
11. Coo Coo
12. Ball & Chain
13. Down On Me
Bonus Track:
14. Call On Me (Saturday Show—June 22, 1968)
SOURCE Legacy Recordings
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album cover art of the day:
MEKONG DELTA To Release 'Intersections' In April
"Intersections", a collection of re-recorded classics by the legendary German progressive thrash outfit MEKONG DELTA, will be released in Germany on April 20, in the rest of Europe on April 23 and in the U.S./Canada in early May via SPV/Steamhammer.MEKONG DELTA — founded in the '80s by producer and bass player Ralf Hubert — plays unconventional and technical thrash metal whose list of former members includes Jörg Michael (STRATOVARIUS) and Uli Kusch (ex-HELLOWEEN). Outstanding and critically acclaimed albums like "The Music of Erich Zann", "Dances Of Death" and their latest effort, "Wanderer On The Edge of Time", were said to be milestones of the genre.
Read the rest at Blabbermouth
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and in music history for february 24th:
In 1956, with the city looking for a legal way to shut down the increasing number of rock 'n' roll shows, police in Cleveland, Ohio were instructed to enforce a 1931 ordinance barring people under the age of 18 from dancing in public unless accompanied by an adult.
In 1957, in West Hollywood, Elvis Presley recorded "Loving You," the title song of his second feature film.
In 1957, Buddy Holly recorded a new version of “That’ll Be the Day,” the title being taken from a phrase used by John Wayne in the film The Searchers.
In 1962, Elvis Presley had his 10th UK chart topper with "Can't Help Falling In Love" / "Rock-A-Hula Baby."
In 1963, the Rolling Stones started a Sunday night residency at The Station Hotel, Richmond, Surrey. The Stones were paid £24 ($41) for the gig and played on the first night to 66 people.
In 1965, in Hollywood, a month after they recorded "Help Me Ronda" for issue on an album, the Beach Boys re-recorded the song as "Help Me Rhonda" for release as a single. For the first time, other than on their Christmas album, guitarist Al Jardine sang lead. The Los Angeles session musicians known as the Wrecking Crew provided much of the instrumental track, along with Carl Wilson on guitar and Brian Wilson on acoustic piano and Hammond B-3 organ. Backing vocals were by Mike Love, Carl, Dennis and Brian Wilson.
In 1967, in Los Angeles, the Supremes began recording "The Happening." They completed the track the following day. Wrecking Crew drummer Hal Blaine joined the Funk Brothers to provide the instrumentation, with background vocals handled by Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson. When "The Happening" was released as a single a month later, it was the final single issued by the Supremes under that name. Beginning with their next single release, "Reflections," the group's billing changed to Diana Ross and the Supremes, and Florence Ballard was replaced with Cindy Birdsong of Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles.
In 1969, the Jimi Hendrix Experience played their last British concert before dissolving the group.
In 1969, during a concert at California's San Quentin State Prison, Johnny Cash recorded "A Boy Named Sue."
In 1970, the Jackson 5 released the single "ABC."
In 1973, Roberta Flack had her second US #1 when “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” started a five-week run at the top. The song was written about US singer-songwriter Don McLean.
In 1975, Led Zeppelin released the album "Physical Graffiti."
Recording sessions for the album were initially disrupted when bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones considered leaving the band. After reuniting at Headley Grange, the band wrote and recorded eight songs, the combined length of which stretched the album beyond the typical length of an LP. This prompted the band to make Physical Graffiti a double album by including previously unreleased tracks from earlier recording sessions.
Physical Graffiti was commercially and critically successful; the album went 16x platinum (though this signifies shipping of eight million copies, as it is a double album) in the US alone.
In 1976, the Eagles LP "Their Greatest Hits 1971 - 1975" becomes the first album in history to be certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The new certification represented sales of at least 1 million copies for albums and 2 million copies for singles. The Platinum award was originated in the early seventies because Gold status was achieved by most popular records in a very short period of time. The Eagles Greatest Hits album stayed on Billboard's Hot 200 chart for two and half years. In 1982, winners at the Grammy Awards included John Lennon and Yoko Ono for Album of the Year with Double Fantasy, Kim Carnes for Song of the Year with “Bette Davis Eyes,” Quincy Jones for Producer of the Year and Sheena Easton for Best New Artist.
In 1987, Grammy Awards are presented to: Paul Simon's "Graceland" - Best Album; Steve Winwood's "Higher Love" - Best Record and Bruce Hornsby and the Range - Best New Artist. Fats Domino is presented with a Lifetime Achievement award.
In 1990, Bob Dylan joined Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman and David Crosby to sing "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Turn! Turn! Turn!" at a Los Angeles tribute to Roy Orbison.
In 1990, singer Johnnie Ray died of liver failure at age 63.In 1992, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled two versions of its proposed Elvis stamp for a public vote. The younger Elvis design won and was issued on January 8, 1993.
In 1992, singer/songwriter Kurt Cobain married singer/musician/actress Courtney Love. They had a daughter and remained together until his death in 1994.
In 1994, singer Dinah Shore died of ovarian cancer at age 77.
In 2000, Carlos Santana won eight awards at the Grammy Awards. Before the Supernatural album, the guitarist had not had a Top 10 album since 1981.
In 2004, Estelle Axton, who helped create the legendary soul music label Stax, died in a hospital in Memphis, at age 85. Stax was home to Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, Isaac Hayes and Booker T and the MG’s. The Stax studio, “Soulsville U.S.A.,” was second only to Motown in its production of soul hits during its 1960s heyday.
In 2006, the Sex Pistols gave a virtual middle finger to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when they issued an open letter on front man Johnny Rotten's Website, saying they have no intention of attending the induction ceremony at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel. "Next to The Sex Pistols, rock and roll and that hall of fame is a piss stain. Your museum, urine in wine. We're not coming."
In 2008, singer Larry Norman, lead vocalist of the late 1960s group People and who later pioneered the Christian rock movement, died of heart failure at age 60.
In 2009, the U.S. Mint began circulating a new quarter featuring composer/pianist/bandleader Duke Ellington, making him the first African-American to appear by himself on an American coin.
In 2011, drummer Eddie Serrato, an original member of ? & The Mysterians, died after a heart attack at the age of 65.
birthdays today include (among others): Paul Jones (born Paul Pond) (Manfred Mann) (70), Rupert Holmes (65), George Thorogood (62), Michele Shocked (50) and Matt Skiba (Alkaline Trio) (36)
