fantastic vinyl story, well worth the read....
Vinyl Renaissance
By Blair Jackson
Today, websites offer up music on a silver platter of convenience: iTunes and Rhapsody allow consumers to download digital music files, and music streaming sites such as Spotify and Mog allow listeners to access entire albums for free on the date of release.
Despite having cheap and easy access to music, consumers are still paying for tunes.
In its 2011 industry report, the data gathered from Nielsen SoundScan showed digital sales to be up 28 percent from last year. While overall, album and track sales showed very little growth — at barely over 1 percent — vinyl records saw a 36 percent increase in sales over the past year, making vinyl the fastest growing medium in the industry.
As the standard medium, vinyl has long been replaced by a slew of new technology, and had even been dubbed as archaic. Today it is not the most convenient or inexpensive way to listen to music. So, what has spurred this vinyl renaissance in the digital age?
At Sound Warehouse on Block Avenue, vinyl sales are up, and according to manager Mykal White, everyone is buying records — from teenagers to seniors — and they all have their own reasons.
Read the rest at freeweekly.com
=============
nice idea, let's bring it milwaukee!
Get Some Culture: Spinning Records Reemerge
By Rachel Schultz
For the first time in decades, Kansas City will host its own Audio Hi-Fi Show, featuring Leland Leard, a representative from top equipment manufacturer Music Hall Audio. Hi-fi, or high fidelity, involves reproducing sound to a higher quality, which is what many disc jockeys use to reproduce their music. However, hi-fi equipment includes a range of items and can also include high-quality home theater systems.
Vinyl Renaissance, a Kansas City original audio equipment and music store, is hosting the show at its 39th Street location on Thursday, March 15 at 6 p.m. Dan Phillips, the owner of the business, says that the idea for the show simply came up in conversation one day. Although Denver and St. Louis host similar programs, Kansas City hasn’t seen an equipment show in many years.
Read the rest at kansan.com
=============
White Stripes Announce Record Store Day Release
The White Stripes have confirmed plans to reissue two of their early singles as special edition vinyl releases for this year's Record Store Day. Third Man Records will be releasing two White Stripes tracks on April 21. One side of the red and black vinyl will feature "Handsprings" and the other cut is "Red Death at 6:14."
=============
REM's Peter Buck Solo Album In The Works
Peter Buck could become the first member of REM to release a solo album. The guitarist is said to be working on his own LP, which could even feature the musician's famously unheard singing voice.
One of the band's long-time collaborators, guitarist Scott McCaughey, told Seattle's KIRO 97.3: "Peter's making this record of his." McCaughey offered no further details about the project, saying simply it will be "pretty 'out'".
Buck will probably sing on the record, but is unlikely to sing in concert. He is considering releasing the LP on vinyl only, with no download version.
=============
Original works by Jerry Garcia and Grateful Dead guitars up for auction at Bonhams
SAN FRANCISCO.- Nearly 17 years after the passing of Grateful Dead lead guitarist, singer and songwriter Jerry Garcia, worldwide auction house Bonhams will present its Visions of Garcia auction, May 8 (the 35th anniversary of the famous 5-8-77 Cornell show) in San Francisco, the band’s home town. The highly anticipated auction, also simulcast in New York, will offer one-of-a-kind memorabilia, including original and rare works by Garcia and guitars designed specially for him.
Gracing the auction will be items including Mood River, one of only five known original oil paintings by Garcia, circa 1959. Given to his brother as a gift many years ago, the painting depicts a blue-yellow sky, pink hills and multi-colored terrain (est. $100,000-$150,000).
Other highlighted works of art will include a set of airbrush originals, circa 1985, of Alien Craft & Brain by Garcia (est. $120,000-$180,000); two Garcia sketchbooks, circa 1991, with 30 unseen original images (est. $65,000-$75,000); Rainbow Foot by Mouse and Alton Kelley (one of their earliest first collaborations), the original preliminary cover art of the well-known Europe 72 double live album, featuring a foot stepping out from under a rainbow over the Earth (est. $100,000-$150,000).
Also of note will be Garcia’s well-known original airbrush artwork Wetlands II, which features a wetland habitat of plants and water before a multi-colored sky (est. $150,000-$180,000) and his original watercolor Purple Dog, a masterwork of color (est. $25,000-$30,000).
Instruments on offer will include a well-known Garcia acoustic Takamine guitar, as seen on the album covers for Pure Jerry Vol. 8 and Ragged But Right, played from 1985-1988 for acoustic shows (est. $100,000-$150,000); an Ibanez guitar, designed for Jerry Garcia by Ibanez and Bob Weir in 1977 (est. $50,000-$60,000); and a Billy Kreutzmann drum set (est. $10,000-$15,000).
In addition, there will be a 1983 Jerry Garcia-owned Harley Davidson, featured on the cover of the book Playing in the Band by David Gans (est. $40,000-$60,000). The auction also includes handwritten set lists, Garcia’s sunglasses, the famous Skull and Roses banner from The Grateful Dead Movie and rare items from the Wall of Sound!
Additional items offered will include drums; speakers; amplifiers; original Rick Griffin artwork for the Dylan and the Dead album cover, gifted by Griffin to Garcia and signed by both; photos from well-known photographer Herb Greene, and more.
An illustrated catalogue for the sale will be available online in the preceding weeks, for review and purchase at www.bonhams.com
=============
from our friends at vinylcollective.com
Jimmy Eat World Bleed American Pictures Now Shipping!
The Shop Radio Cast exclusive pressing of Jimmy Eat World’s “Bleed American 3XLP” has arrived and will begin shipping tomorrow. We have a picture of this beautiful pressing which is limited to only 1,000 copies.
Getting dropped from their major label deal at Capitol Records might have been the best thing that could have happened to Mesa, Arizona's Jimmy Eat World. After spending six years building up a fan base touring and releasing numerous singles and albums to moderate success, the band's relationship with the label soured and they found themselves starting close to square one. Undaunted by the situation, Jimmy Eat World hit the studio with the help of previous producer Mark Trombino. The resulting album incited a small bidding war. The band eventually signed to Dreamworks Records and in July of 2001 Bleed American was released to critical and commercial success. Sharing many elements with the bands previous album, Clarity, Bleed American keeps the sweet, emo-punk flavored vocals and harmonies, the textured guitars and the sticky sweet hooks, but the tone of the album hides something different. A struggle. A test for validation. A yearning to belong. A darker, harder edge is heard instantly with the intro riff of the first song and debut single "Bleed American." On the hit single "The Sweetness", singer and guitarist Jim Adkins calls out " If you're listening, sing it back." What sounds like a love song could easily be a cry for validation to fans and the music industry. But what it all points to is a triumph of great songwriting and success, proving the title of the album couldn't be more appropriate. It's a shame that fearing misinterpretation, the title was removed from the album following the September 11 attacks. Putting your heart out on display, overcoming adversity and the D.I.Y. spirit that built America and independent music perfectly represents the themes throughout this modern day classic. The smash hit single "The Middle" was a radio and MTV staple and helped propel the album to platinum status in the U.S. selling over one million copies.
This special edition of the album features the complete original album with the rightfully restored album title and includes twenty-one additional rare, b-side, live or unreleased tracks pulled from singles and live performances on three 140g LPs. All audio was taken from the original recordings and remastered for this special vinyl release. Pressed on high quality, European vinyl, this is sure to be the definitive copy of Bleed American – a must own for vinyl collectors and hardcore fans.
Vinyl Color: Gold, Silver and Blue (LTD 1,000 SRC Exclusive)
Get your copy now while you still can HERE.
=============
for anyone who's reading, i want this!
IRON MAIDEN: 'En Vivo!' Double Vinyl Picture Disc Packaging Unveiled
A photo of the double vinyl picture disc version of "En Vivo!", the new concert Blu-Ray, two-DVD set and double soundtrack album from legendary British metallers IRON MAIDEN, can be seen below. (our left)
Due on March 26 via EMI, "En Vivo!" was filmed on April 10, 2011 in front of over 50,000 ecstatic fans at the Estadio Nacional, Santiago during the "Round The World In 66 Days" leg of "The Final Frontier World Tour", and captures a magnificent performance by the band, ardently embraced by the legendary Latino passion and energy of their Chilean fans. With spectacular stage backdrops, dynamic musicianship and a literally jaw-dropping appearance by Eddie, this live show encapsulates to perfection the heart and soul of IRON MAIDEN 2011.
Read the rest at Blabbermouth
=============
Bruce Springsteen Edges Out Adele For Number 1 Album in the U.S.; Ties Elvis For Third Most Number 1's
The difference was a mere one-thousand albums, but Bruce Springsteen has finally displaced Adele from on top of the Billboard Album chart. The British songstress has occupied the spot for the last nine consecutive weeks and for 23 weeks over the last year.
Read more at our friends at VintageVinylNews
=============
some great stuff coming next month!
New Music Releases - April 2012
April 3rd
Dr. John, ‘Locked Down’
Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, ‘Thick As a Brick 2′
Elvis Costello & the Imposters, ‘The Return of the Spectacular Spinning Songbook!!!’ (DVD)
Greg Kihn Band, ‘Best of Beserkley ’75-’84′
Nicki Minaj, ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded’
Willow, ‘Knees and Elbows’
April 10th
Fleetwood Mac, ‘Making Rumours: The Inside Story of the Classic Fleetwood Mac Album’ (Book)
Bonnie Raitt, ‘Slipstream’
Joe Satriani, ‘Satchurated: Live in Montreal’ (DVD)
Monica, ‘New Life’
April 17th
Blue Oyster Cult, ‘The Essential Blue Oyster Cult’
Grateful Dead, ‘All the Years Combine: The DVD Collection’
Janis Joplin, ‘The Pearl Sessions’
Train, ‘California 37′
=============
and in music history for march 15th:
In 1945, Billboard magazine began listing a top albums chart. The first #1 was 'The Nat King Cole Trio.
In 1954, the Chords recorded their doo-wop composition "Sh-Boom," covered later in the year by the Crew-Cuts.
In 1955, Elvis Presley signed a management contract with Colonel Tom Parker. Parker had previously managed the Great Parker Pony Circus with one of the acts being a troupe of dancing chickens.
In 1955, in New Orleans, Fats Domino recorded "Ain't It A Shame." The song gained national fame after being re-recorded by white recording artist Pat Boone. Domino's version soon became more popular, bringing Domino's music to the mass market a half dozen years after his first major recording, "The Fat Man." This was the first song that John Lennon learned to play. He later covered it on Rock 'n' Roll. The song is ranked #431 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
In 1958, at Russwood Park in Memphis, Elvis Presley gave his last concert before leaving for duty with the US Army. Except for two benefit shows in 1961, this was the last Elvis concert performance until 1969.
In 1959, jazz saxophonist Lester Young, who played in the bands of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, and Teddy Wilson, died from the effects of alcoholism at the age of 49.
In 1962, Roy Orbison released "Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)."
In 1965, in Los Angeles, Elvis Presley began filming his 19th movie, "Harum Scarum," co-starring Mary Ann Mobley, Fran Jeffries, Michael Ansara, and Jay Novello.
In 1967, at EMI's Abbey Road Studios in London, George Harrison began recording his composition "Within You Without You," at this point called "Untitled," for the Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' album. Harrison was the only member of the Beatles who played on the track, which was completed with overdubs on March 22 and April 3.
In 1968, LIFE magazine called Jimi Hendrix "the most spectacular guitarist in the world."
CVR Blog 45rpm Singles Spotlight:
In 1968, the Beatles released the single "Lady Madonna" in North America. The song was released as a single, backed with "The Inner Light." The song was recorded on 3 and 6 February 1968 before the Beatles left for India. This single was the last release by the band on Parlophone in the United Kingdom, where it reached #1, and Capitol Records in the United States, where it reached #4. The saxophone solo was played by British jazz musician and club owner Ronnie Scott.
The piano playing on this song was inspired by 1950s rock/blues pianist, Fats Domino. McCartney recalled in 1994, "'Lady Madonna' was me sitting down at the piano trying to write a bluesy boogie-woogie thing ... It reminded me of Fats Domino for some reason, so I started singing a Fats Domino impression. It took my voice to a very odd place."
John Lennon helped write the lyrics, which give an account of an overworked, exhausted (possibly single) mother, facing a new problem each day of the week. The lyrics miss Saturday and in a 1992 interview, McCartney, who only realized the omission many years later, half-jokingly suggested that, given the difficulties of the other six days, the woman in the song likely went out and had a good time that night.
In 1973, Roberta Flack was at #1 on the US singles chart with “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and Elton John had the #1 album with 'Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player.'
In 1969, hoping to marry in Paris, John Lennon and Yoko Ono encountered passport problems that kept them from boarding a passenger ship to take them there, and were left "standing in the dock at Southampton, trying to get to Holland or France," as later chronicled in the Beatles song "The Ballad Of John And Yoko."
Also in 1969, Janis Joplin was pictured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
In 1971, in Nashville, Elvis Presley recorded four songs, including two Gordon Lightfoot compositions, "Early Morning Rain" and "That's What You Get For Lovin' Me." The other two songs, which also were released only as album cuts, were "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Amazing Grace."
Also in 1971, CBS announced its intention to cancel "The Ed Sullivan Show" after 23 years. At the time, it was the longest-running television show in history.
In 1972, disc jockey Robert W. Morgan of Los Angeles radio station KHJ played Donny Osmond's "Puppy Love" for 90 minutes straight. Police eventually raided the station fearing foul play, but discovered a publicity stunt instead.
In 1975, Led Zeppelin went to #1 on the UK chart with the double album Physical Graffiti, the first on their own Swan Song label. The album spent six weeks at #1 on the US chart.
In 1975, the group T. Rex disbanded.
In 1976, 'Destroyer' was released by KISS. The cover art for Destroyer was painted by fantasy artist Ken Kelly. Kelly's work was brought to the attention of Simmons, who met with Kelly to discuss ideas for Destroyer. Kelly agreed but asked to see Kiss perform live first to gain inspiration. He was invited to a show and given a backstage pass. He later said of the performance, "It blew me away." Kelly was later commissioned by the band to draw the cover for 1977's Love Gun.
Kelly's original version of the album cover was rejected by the record company because they felt the scene was too violent looking with the rubble and flames. Also, the original version had the members of Kiss wearing the "Alive" costumes. The front cover shows the group striding on top of a pile of rubble, and a desolate background spotted with destroyed buildings, some of which are engulfed in flames. The back cover shows a similar scene, but with more buildings on fire. The front of the LP-liner features a large Kiss logo and the lyrics to "Detroit Rock City". The other side displays the lyric "SHOUT IT OUT LOUD", as well as an advertisement for the Kiss Army fan club.
In 1982, Bob Dylan was inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, some might say belatedly.
In 1986, the Bangles were at #2 on the UK singles chart with “Manic Monday,” a song written by Prince under the pseudonym Christopher. It also made #2 in the US, held off #1 by Prince’s own “Kiss.”
In 1989, the Rolling Stones signed a $70 million contract to play 50 North American dates. It was the largest contract in rock history.
In 1999,relatives of Buddy Holly filed a suit against MCA Records for allegedly hoarding royalty payments, forging contracts and illegally producing albums without the consent of the family.
In 2002, Yoko Ono unveiled a seven-foot bronze statue of John Lennon overlooking the check-in hall of Liverpool’s John Lennon airport. The re-branding of the airport featured a sketch of Lennon's face with the words “Above Us Only Skies.”
In 2002, a rare autographed copy of the Beatles album, 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, sold at auction for approximately $59,000.
In 2002, singer Marshall Lieb, a member of the late 1950s/early 1960s singing groups the Moondogs and the Teddy Bears, and who later toured with the Hollywood Argyles, died of a heart attack at the age of 63.
In 2006 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, parts of Fats Domino's three pianos were discovered and saved by the Louisiana State Museum after attempting to salvage his Ninth Ward home in New Orleans.
In 2010, Sony Music announced an agreement with the estate of Michael Jackson worth more than $200 million, the biggest recording deal in history, involving 10 album projects over a period of seven years including one of previously unreleased material.
birthdays today include (among others): Phil Lesh - Grateful Dead (1940), Mike Love - Beach Boys (1941), Sly Stone - Sly and the Family Stone (1943), Ry Cooder (1947), Dee Snider -Twisted Sister (1955), Bret Michaels - Poison (1963), Mark McGrath - Sugar Ray (1968) and Mark Hoppus - Blink-182 (1972)
Vinyl Renaissance
By Blair Jackson
Today, websites offer up music on a silver platter of convenience: iTunes and Rhapsody allow consumers to download digital music files, and music streaming sites such as Spotify and Mog allow listeners to access entire albums for free on the date of release.
Despite having cheap and easy access to music, consumers are still paying for tunes.
In its 2011 industry report, the data gathered from Nielsen SoundScan showed digital sales to be up 28 percent from last year. While overall, album and track sales showed very little growth — at barely over 1 percent — vinyl records saw a 36 percent increase in sales over the past year, making vinyl the fastest growing medium in the industry.
As the standard medium, vinyl has long been replaced by a slew of new technology, and had even been dubbed as archaic. Today it is not the most convenient or inexpensive way to listen to music. So, what has spurred this vinyl renaissance in the digital age?
At Sound Warehouse on Block Avenue, vinyl sales are up, and according to manager Mykal White, everyone is buying records — from teenagers to seniors — and they all have their own reasons.
Read the rest at freeweekly.com
=============
nice idea, let's bring it milwaukee!
Get Some Culture: Spinning Records Reemerge
By Rachel Schultz
For the first time in decades, Kansas City will host its own Audio Hi-Fi Show, featuring Leland Leard, a representative from top equipment manufacturer Music Hall Audio. Hi-fi, or high fidelity, involves reproducing sound to a higher quality, which is what many disc jockeys use to reproduce their music. However, hi-fi equipment includes a range of items and can also include high-quality home theater systems.
Vinyl Renaissance, a Kansas City original audio equipment and music store, is hosting the show at its 39th Street location on Thursday, March 15 at 6 p.m. Dan Phillips, the owner of the business, says that the idea for the show simply came up in conversation one day. Although Denver and St. Louis host similar programs, Kansas City hasn’t seen an equipment show in many years.
Read the rest at kansan.com
=============
White Stripes Announce Record Store Day Release
The White Stripes have confirmed plans to reissue two of their early singles as special edition vinyl releases for this year's Record Store Day. Third Man Records will be releasing two White Stripes tracks on April 21. One side of the red and black vinyl will feature "Handsprings" and the other cut is "Red Death at 6:14."
=============
REM's Peter Buck Solo Album In The Works
Peter Buck could become the first member of REM to release a solo album. The guitarist is said to be working on his own LP, which could even feature the musician's famously unheard singing voice.
One of the band's long-time collaborators, guitarist Scott McCaughey, told Seattle's KIRO 97.3: "Peter's making this record of his." McCaughey offered no further details about the project, saying simply it will be "pretty 'out'".
Buck will probably sing on the record, but is unlikely to sing in concert. He is considering releasing the LP on vinyl only, with no download version.
=============
Original works by Jerry Garcia and Grateful Dead guitars up for auction at Bonhams
SAN FRANCISCO.- Nearly 17 years after the passing of Grateful Dead lead guitarist, singer and songwriter Jerry Garcia, worldwide auction house Bonhams will present its Visions of Garcia auction, May 8 (the 35th anniversary of the famous 5-8-77 Cornell show) in San Francisco, the band’s home town. The highly anticipated auction, also simulcast in New York, will offer one-of-a-kind memorabilia, including original and rare works by Garcia and guitars designed specially for him.
Gracing the auction will be items including Mood River, one of only five known original oil paintings by Garcia, circa 1959. Given to his brother as a gift many years ago, the painting depicts a blue-yellow sky, pink hills and multi-colored terrain (est. $100,000-$150,000).
Other highlighted works of art will include a set of airbrush originals, circa 1985, of Alien Craft & Brain by Garcia (est. $120,000-$180,000); two Garcia sketchbooks, circa 1991, with 30 unseen original images (est. $65,000-$75,000); Rainbow Foot by Mouse and Alton Kelley (one of their earliest first collaborations), the original preliminary cover art of the well-known Europe 72 double live album, featuring a foot stepping out from under a rainbow over the Earth (est. $100,000-$150,000).
Also of note will be Garcia’s well-known original airbrush artwork Wetlands II, which features a wetland habitat of plants and water before a multi-colored sky (est. $150,000-$180,000) and his original watercolor Purple Dog, a masterwork of color (est. $25,000-$30,000).
Instruments on offer will include a well-known Garcia acoustic Takamine guitar, as seen on the album covers for Pure Jerry Vol. 8 and Ragged But Right, played from 1985-1988 for acoustic shows (est. $100,000-$150,000); an Ibanez guitar, designed for Jerry Garcia by Ibanez and Bob Weir in 1977 (est. $50,000-$60,000); and a Billy Kreutzmann drum set (est. $10,000-$15,000).
In addition, there will be a 1983 Jerry Garcia-owned Harley Davidson, featured on the cover of the book Playing in the Band by David Gans (est. $40,000-$60,000). The auction also includes handwritten set lists, Garcia’s sunglasses, the famous Skull and Roses banner from The Grateful Dead Movie and rare items from the Wall of Sound!
Additional items offered will include drums; speakers; amplifiers; original Rick Griffin artwork for the Dylan and the Dead album cover, gifted by Griffin to Garcia and signed by both; photos from well-known photographer Herb Greene, and more.
An illustrated catalogue for the sale will be available online in the preceding weeks, for review and purchase at www.bonhams.com
=============
from our friends at vinylcollective.com
Jimmy Eat World Bleed American Pictures Now Shipping!
The Shop Radio Cast exclusive pressing of Jimmy Eat World’s “Bleed American 3XLP” has arrived and will begin shipping tomorrow. We have a picture of this beautiful pressing which is limited to only 1,000 copies.
Getting dropped from their major label deal at Capitol Records might have been the best thing that could have happened to Mesa, Arizona's Jimmy Eat World. After spending six years building up a fan base touring and releasing numerous singles and albums to moderate success, the band's relationship with the label soured and they found themselves starting close to square one. Undaunted by the situation, Jimmy Eat World hit the studio with the help of previous producer Mark Trombino. The resulting album incited a small bidding war. The band eventually signed to Dreamworks Records and in July of 2001 Bleed American was released to critical and commercial success. Sharing many elements with the bands previous album, Clarity, Bleed American keeps the sweet, emo-punk flavored vocals and harmonies, the textured guitars and the sticky sweet hooks, but the tone of the album hides something different. A struggle. A test for validation. A yearning to belong. A darker, harder edge is heard instantly with the intro riff of the first song and debut single "Bleed American." On the hit single "The Sweetness", singer and guitarist Jim Adkins calls out " If you're listening, sing it back." What sounds like a love song could easily be a cry for validation to fans and the music industry. But what it all points to is a triumph of great songwriting and success, proving the title of the album couldn't be more appropriate. It's a shame that fearing misinterpretation, the title was removed from the album following the September 11 attacks. Putting your heart out on display, overcoming adversity and the D.I.Y. spirit that built America and independent music perfectly represents the themes throughout this modern day classic. The smash hit single "The Middle" was a radio and MTV staple and helped propel the album to platinum status in the U.S. selling over one million copies.
This special edition of the album features the complete original album with the rightfully restored album title and includes twenty-one additional rare, b-side, live or unreleased tracks pulled from singles and live performances on three 140g LPs. All audio was taken from the original recordings and remastered for this special vinyl release. Pressed on high quality, European vinyl, this is sure to be the definitive copy of Bleed American – a must own for vinyl collectors and hardcore fans.
Vinyl Color: Gold, Silver and Blue (LTD 1,000 SRC Exclusive)
Get your copy now while you still can HERE.
=============
for anyone who's reading, i want this!
IRON MAIDEN: 'En Vivo!' Double Vinyl Picture Disc Packaging Unveiled
Due on March 26 via EMI, "En Vivo!" was filmed on April 10, 2011 in front of over 50,000 ecstatic fans at the Estadio Nacional, Santiago during the "Round The World In 66 Days" leg of "The Final Frontier World Tour", and captures a magnificent performance by the band, ardently embraced by the legendary Latino passion and energy of their Chilean fans. With spectacular stage backdrops, dynamic musicianship and a literally jaw-dropping appearance by Eddie, this live show encapsulates to perfection the heart and soul of IRON MAIDEN 2011.
Read the rest at Blabbermouth
=============
Bruce Springsteen Edges Out Adele For Number 1 Album in the U.S.; Ties Elvis For Third Most Number 1's
The difference was a mere one-thousand albums, but Bruce Springsteen has finally displaced Adele from on top of the Billboard Album chart. The British songstress has occupied the spot for the last nine consecutive weeks and for 23 weeks over the last year.
Read more at our friends at VintageVinylNews
=============
some great stuff coming next month!
New Music Releases - April 2012
April 3rd
Dr. John, ‘Locked Down’
Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, ‘Thick As a Brick 2′
Elvis Costello & the Imposters, ‘The Return of the Spectacular Spinning Songbook!!!’ (DVD)
Greg Kihn Band, ‘Best of Beserkley ’75-’84′
Nicki Minaj, ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded’
Willow, ‘Knees and Elbows’
April 10th
Fleetwood Mac, ‘Making Rumours: The Inside Story of the Classic Fleetwood Mac Album’ (Book)
Bonnie Raitt, ‘Slipstream’
Joe Satriani, ‘Satchurated: Live in Montreal’ (DVD)
Monica, ‘New Life’
April 17th
Blue Oyster Cult, ‘The Essential Blue Oyster Cult’
Grateful Dead, ‘All the Years Combine: The DVD Collection’
Janis Joplin, ‘The Pearl Sessions’
Train, ‘California 37′
=============
and in music history for march 15th:
In 1945, Billboard magazine began listing a top albums chart. The first #1 was 'The Nat King Cole Trio.
In 1954, the Chords recorded their doo-wop composition "Sh-Boom," covered later in the year by the Crew-Cuts.
In 1955, Elvis Presley signed a management contract with Colonel Tom Parker. Parker had previously managed the Great Parker Pony Circus with one of the acts being a troupe of dancing chickens.
In 1955, in New Orleans, Fats Domino recorded "Ain't It A Shame." The song gained national fame after being re-recorded by white recording artist Pat Boone. Domino's version soon became more popular, bringing Domino's music to the mass market a half dozen years after his first major recording, "The Fat Man." This was the first song that John Lennon learned to play. He later covered it on Rock 'n' Roll. The song is ranked #431 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.In 1958, at Russwood Park in Memphis, Elvis Presley gave his last concert before leaving for duty with the US Army. Except for two benefit shows in 1961, this was the last Elvis concert performance until 1969.
In 1959, jazz saxophonist Lester Young, who played in the bands of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, and Teddy Wilson, died from the effects of alcoholism at the age of 49.
In 1962, Roy Orbison released "Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)."
In 1965, Freddie and the Dreamers released "I'm Telling You Now" in North America, two years after it was issued in the UK. The cut was co-written by Garrity and Mitch Murray, reached number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in spring 1965. They were the first of three consecutive groups from Manchester to have number 1 hits that spring, the others being Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders and Herman's Hermits. Their next biggest US hit was "Do the Freddie" at number 18, intended to inspire 'The Freddie' as a dance craze. The band's late 1965 album, Do the Freddie, included diagrams from dance instructor Arthur Murray on how to perform the routines.
In 1965, in Los Angeles, Elvis Presley began filming his 19th movie, "Harum Scarum," co-starring Mary Ann Mobley, Fran Jeffries, Michael Ansara, and Jay Novello.
In 1967, at EMI's Abbey Road Studios in London, George Harrison began recording his composition "Within You Without You," at this point called "Untitled," for the Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' album. Harrison was the only member of the Beatles who played on the track, which was completed with overdubs on March 22 and April 3.
In 1968, LIFE magazine called Jimi Hendrix "the most spectacular guitarist in the world."
In 1968, the Beatles released the single "Lady Madonna" in North America. The song was released as a single, backed with "The Inner Light." The song was recorded on 3 and 6 February 1968 before the Beatles left for India. This single was the last release by the band on Parlophone in the United Kingdom, where it reached #1, and Capitol Records in the United States, where it reached #4. The saxophone solo was played by British jazz musician and club owner Ronnie Scott.
The piano playing on this song was inspired by 1950s rock/blues pianist, Fats Domino. McCartney recalled in 1994, "'Lady Madonna' was me sitting down at the piano trying to write a bluesy boogie-woogie thing ... It reminded me of Fats Domino for some reason, so I started singing a Fats Domino impression. It took my voice to a very odd place."
John Lennon helped write the lyrics, which give an account of an overworked, exhausted (possibly single) mother, facing a new problem each day of the week. The lyrics miss Saturday and in a 1992 interview, McCartney, who only realized the omission many years later, half-jokingly suggested that, given the difficulties of the other six days, the woman in the song likely went out and had a good time that night.
In 1973, Roberta Flack was at #1 on the US singles chart with “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and Elton John had the #1 album with 'Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player.'
In 1969, hoping to marry in Paris, John Lennon and Yoko Ono encountered passport problems that kept them from boarding a passenger ship to take them there, and were left "standing in the dock at Southampton, trying to get to Holland or France," as later chronicled in the Beatles song "The Ballad Of John And Yoko."
Also in 1969, Janis Joplin was pictured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.Also in 1971, CBS announced its intention to cancel "The Ed Sullivan Show" after 23 years. At the time, it was the longest-running television show in history.
In 1972, disc jockey Robert W. Morgan of Los Angeles radio station KHJ played Donny Osmond's "Puppy Love" for 90 minutes straight. Police eventually raided the station fearing foul play, but discovered a publicity stunt instead.
In 1975, Led Zeppelin went to #1 on the UK chart with the double album Physical Graffiti, the first on their own Swan Song label. The album spent six weeks at #1 on the US chart.
In 1975, the group T. Rex disbanded.
In 1976, 'Destroyer' was released by KISS. The cover art for Destroyer was painted by fantasy artist Ken Kelly. Kelly's work was brought to the attention of Simmons, who met with Kelly to discuss ideas for Destroyer. Kelly agreed but asked to see Kiss perform live first to gain inspiration. He was invited to a show and given a backstage pass. He later said of the performance, "It blew me away." Kelly was later commissioned by the band to draw the cover for 1977's Love Gun.Kelly's original version of the album cover was rejected by the record company because they felt the scene was too violent looking with the rubble and flames. Also, the original version had the members of Kiss wearing the "Alive" costumes. The front cover shows the group striding on top of a pile of rubble, and a desolate background spotted with destroyed buildings, some of which are engulfed in flames. The back cover shows a similar scene, but with more buildings on fire. The front of the LP-liner features a large Kiss logo and the lyrics to "Detroit Rock City". The other side displays the lyric "SHOUT IT OUT LOUD", as well as an advertisement for the Kiss Army fan club.
In 1982, Bob Dylan was inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, some might say belatedly.
In 1986, the Bangles were at #2 on the UK singles chart with “Manic Monday,” a song written by Prince under the pseudonym Christopher. It also made #2 in the US, held off #1 by Prince’s own “Kiss.”
In 1989, the Rolling Stones signed a $70 million contract to play 50 North American dates. It was the largest contract in rock history.
In 1999,relatives of Buddy Holly filed a suit against MCA Records for allegedly hoarding royalty payments, forging contracts and illegally producing albums without the consent of the family.
In 2002, Yoko Ono unveiled a seven-foot bronze statue of John Lennon overlooking the check-in hall of Liverpool’s John Lennon airport. The re-branding of the airport featured a sketch of Lennon's face with the words “Above Us Only Skies.” In 2002, a rare autographed copy of the Beatles album, 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, sold at auction for approximately $59,000.
In 2002, singer Marshall Lieb, a member of the late 1950s/early 1960s singing groups the Moondogs and the Teddy Bears, and who later toured with the Hollywood Argyles, died of a heart attack at the age of 63.
In 2006 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, parts of Fats Domino's three pianos were discovered and saved by the Louisiana State Museum after attempting to salvage his Ninth Ward home in New Orleans.
In 2010, Sony Music announced an agreement with the estate of Michael Jackson worth more than $200 million, the biggest recording deal in history, involving 10 album projects over a period of seven years including one of previously unreleased material.
birthdays today include (among others): Phil Lesh - Grateful Dead (1940), Mike Love - Beach Boys (1941), Sly Stone - Sly and the Family Stone (1943), Ry Cooder (1947), Dee Snider -Twisted Sister (1955), Bret Michaels - Poison (1963), Mark McGrath - Sugar Ray (1968) and Mark Hoppus - Blink-182 (1972)
