New Vinyl Record and Music Releases - September 11, 2012

A$AP Rocky - LongLiveASAP
A.C. Newman - I'm Not Talking
Aaron Lewis - The Road
Agent Ribbons - Let Them Talk
Agitation Free - Malesch
Agruss - Morok
Akon - Stadium
Alameda - Procession
Alanis Morissette - Original Album Series
Alastor - Syndroms of the Cities
Alastor - The Destiny
Altar of Oblivion - Grand Gesture of Defiance
Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestr - Theater Is Evil
Atlanta Rhythm Section - Are You Ready!
Barclay James Harvest - Live In Concert At Metropolis
Bedemon - Symphony of Shadows
Billy Talent - Dead Silence
Black Tears - Remix 2012
Bob Dylan - Tempest (vinyl)
Boyfrndz - All Day Pass
Bucky Covington - Good Guys
Buke & Gass - Function Falls (EP)
Calexico - Algiers
Castle - Blacklands
Chris Robinson Brotherhood - The Magic Door (vinyl)
Cloudscape - New Era
Crossfaith - Zion
Cryptopsy - Cryptopsy
Culture - From The Vault: Demos & Outtakes 1993-1998
DMX - Undisputed
Dark Forest - Aurora Borealis
Dark Forest - Land Of The Evening Star
Dark Tribe - Mysticeti Victoria
Dave Matthews Band - Away From The World (vinyl)
David Byrne & St. Vincent - Love This Giant (vinyl)
Deserters - The Slow Rhythms Of A Dead-Beat
Dio - Singles Box Set
Disharmonic - Carmini Mortis
Ehnahre - Old Earth
Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Emerson, Lake and Palmer (deluxe edition) (vinyl) (2 CDs/1 DVD)
Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Tarkus (deluxe edition) (vinyl) (2 CDs/1 DVD)
English Beat - Live at the Us Festival 82 & 83 (2 CDs)
Evans the Death - Catch Your Cold
Evocation - Dead Calm Chaos (reissue)
Evocation - Tales From The Tomb (reissue)
Evolution - Positively Possible
Ex Deo - Caligvla
Fabulous Diamonds - Commercial Music
Field Report - Field Report
Firewater - International Orange
Flotsam & Jetsam - Doomsday For The Deceiver
Flying Burrito Brothers - Close Up the Honky Tonks
Freddie Mercury - Barcelona: Special Edition
Funeral Mist - Devilry
Funeral Mist - Salvation
Gallon Drunk - The Road Gets Darker From Here
Gallows - Gallows
Good Time Boys - Every Landscape (EP)
Gorefest - The Demos
Grateful Dead - From the Mars Hotel (reissue) (vinyl)
Grave Digger - Clash of the Gods
Green Day - Static Age Live 2009
Gwilym Gold - Tender Metal
Hazel Dean - Evergreen: the Very Best of Hazell Dean (2 CDs)
Hello Echo - Coffee Cups (EP)
Helstar - 30 Years Of Helstar
Helvetia - Nothing in Rambling
Hoobastank - Fight or Flight
Hooded Menace - Effigies of Evil
Hooded Menace - Never Cross the Dead
Hot Chip - Made in the Dark (vinyl)
Hot Tuna - America's Choice
Hot Tuna - Burgers
Hot Tuna - Double Dose
Hot Tuna - First Pull Up, Then Pull Down
Hot Tuna - Hoppkorv
Hot Tuna - Hot Tuna
Hot Tuna - The Phosphorescent Rat
Hot Tuna - Yellow Fever
INXS - Kick (3 CDs/DVD) (reissue)
IO Echo - Ministry Of Love
Joe McElderry - Here's What I Believe
John Lee Hooker - Electric Blues
Johnny Winter - Johnny Winter
Jonny Greenwood - The Master (soundtrack)
Kathy Mattea - Calling Me Home
Khors - Wisdom of Centuries
King Cyst - Real Pussy
Kittie - Not So...Safe
Kix Brooks - New To This Town
LCD Soundsystem - LCD Soundsystem (reissue) (vinyl)
Lacuna - Celebrate the Summer
Lauren Wright - Kiss Me?
Lee "Scratch" Perry - Gold Collection
Legacy Of Disorder - Last Man Standing
Leo Kottke - Shout Toward Noon/Regards from Chuck Pink
Lifeforms - Multidimensional
Little Big Town - Tornado
Low - The Curtain Hits the Cast (reissue)
Ludacris - Ludaversal
Madonna - Original Album Series
Marco Benevento - TigerFace
Mark Knopfler - Privateering
Massive Attack - Protection (reissue) (vinyl)
Melody’s Echo Chamber - Melody’s Echo Chamber 
Miggs - 15th & Hope
Mind Bomb - Mind Bomb
Mr. Gnome - Deliver This Creature
Mr. Gnome - Heave Yer Skeleton
Mr. Gnome - Madness in Miniature
Muddy Waters and The Rolling Stones - Live at the Checkerboard Lounge Chicago 1981
Mumford & Sons - Babel
Museum - Traces Of
Music Tapes - Mary's Voice
NOFX - NOFX
Natural Child - Hard In Heaven 
Neal Morse - Momentum
Neil Halstead - Palindrome Hunches
Nelly Furtado - The Spirit Indestructible
Onuinu - Mirror Gazer
Pantera - Original Album Series (5 CDs)
Paper Route - Peace of Wild Things
Parenthetical Girls - Portrait of a Reputation (12")
Patterson Hood - Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance
Pet Shop Boys - Elysium (vinyl)
Pete Seeger - Live At Mandel Hall 1957
Pineapple Thief - All the Wars
Quicksand - Slip (reissue) (vinyl)
Radiation Sickness - The Madness Begins 1987-1990
Ramones - Rockaway
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Magpies/Victorian Machinery (7")
Residents - Duck Stab (reissue)
Reverence - The Asthenic Ascension
Ride - Waves
Riot - Fire Down Under (reissue) 
Robin Trower - Roots And Branches
Rolling Stones - Some Girls: Live in Texas '78 (vinyl)
Saigon - Bread And Circuses
Sea Wolf - Old World Romance
Seapony - Falling (vinyl)
Serpentine Path - Serpentine Path
Set Free - Set Free
Sic Alps - Sic Alps
Snowblink - Inner Classics
Solos - Beast of Both Worlds
Sonata Arctica - Shitload of Money
Stealing Sheep - Into the Diamond Sun
Steel Vengeance - Call Off the Dogs
Steel Vengeance - Second Offense
Steve Forbert - Over With You
Steven A. Clark - Fornication Under the Consent Of The King
Steve Vai - The Story Of Light
Texas In July - Bed Of Nails
The Avett Brothers - The Carpenter
The B-52's - Original Album Series (5-CD box set)
The Chocolate Watchband - Revolutions Reinvented
The Dead Goats - Path of the Goat
The English Beat - Live at the Us Festival 1982 and 1983
The Helio Sequence - Negotiations
The Knack - Rock & Roll Is Good for You
The Monkees - Original Album Series (5 CD box set)
The Outlaws - Anthology (Live & Rare) 1975-1981 (4 CDs)
The Presets - Pacifica
The Raveonettes - Observator (vinyl)
The Vaccines - Come of Age
The XX - Coexist
Thee Oh Sees - Putrifiers II
The xx - Coexist
Threshold - March Of Progres
Time Jumpers - Time Jumpers
Tom Tom Club - Downtown Rockers
Toy - Toy
Trespassers William - Cast
Turbo Fruits - Butter
Various Artists - Fifty Shades of Grey: The Classical Album
Various Artists - Have A Crappy Summer
Various Artists - Rock 'n' Roll Explosion: 120 Hits That Rocked The World
Various Artists - Joan of Arc Presents: Don't Mind Control
Various Artists - Spirit of Talk Talk
White Ash Falls - By The River Bend
Will Johnson - Scorpion
Wind Rose - Shadows Over Lothadruin
Withering Night - Lies and Corruption
Wodensthrone - Curse
ZZ Top - La Futura (vinyl) (pre-order)
ZZ Top - Original Album Series (5-CD box set)


 

Can Vinyl Last Forever? - Tips On The Care Of Vinyl Records

 

 

 

Ahhh, the sweet sound of a vinyl record playing your favorite music. Some say that there is no better way to listen to their music. Yes, vinyl records have made a triumphant return to the music arena, with sales over the last few years on a steady increase.

However, opponents of the format may point to the delicate nature of vinyl, records do require due diligence and upkeep in order to keep them sounding their best. But if you maintain a vigilant ritual, vinyl records can last many decades, so the records that you own right now can conceivably be passed down through generations of music lovers. And the bonus for properly maintaining your records is enjoying a crisp, clear playback each time you spin your turntable.

Let's explore some relatively easy ways to properly care and maintain vinyl records so they can be listened to and enjoyed and also to help preserve their resale value for years to come:

Never touch the grooves

When handling records, treat them with loving care, hold them with two hands around the outer edges of the record; never allowing your fingers to touch the grooves. A simple method to alleviate this potential problem area would be to invest in some disposable plastic "deli" gloves, like the ones used in food preparation. Then, one can easily manipulate the record playing process and take the fear out of handling records.

Know the enemies of vinyl

The environment in which your records are stored is very important to a long shelf life. If you want a long shelf life for your prized recordings, keep the records away from dirt, dust, smoke, fingerprints, and oils from human skin as well as faulty phonograph needles. Never stack your records on top of each other, albums should be stored vertically. Avoid storing them too tight as it can lead to ring wear on the cover or sleeve and cause unnecessary stress to the record's materials, surface and label, often resulting in warps and contact damage. Additionally, the records should be stored in a low humidity setting with a temperature between 60 and 70 degrees if possible. Obviously, it is imperative to keep your treasured vinyl away form heat sources such as sunlight, heater vents and even lighting. Avoid dusty environments and if possible store the records in a relatively airtight container such as a cabinet with doors or sealable boxes or bins.

Protecting your records and LP jackets

There are different opinions on this, but it is recommended by most to remove the original wrapping from the manufacturer, the dreaded shrink wrap, as this may shrink over time; eventually warping the jacket or possibly the record. A note of caution, however, some of the stickers or promotional information on this shrink wrap may actually make the album more valuable if left on; so use discretion when removing the shrink wrap. It is recommended to replace this wrapping with a high density polyethylene outer protective sleeve.

There are several vendors where one can buy these protective outer sleeves, but one that offers many different options for record collectors is a well-respected vendor www.bagsunlimited.com  Bags Unlimited has been in the collection protection business since 1975 and are the #1 choice of collectors for storage, display and shipping products for their collectibles. BagsUnlimited.com stocks record bags made out of polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester (Mylar). All three of these materials have passed the Photo Activity Test (P.A.T.) certifying that they are safe for long-term storage and protect them from dust, dirt, finger oils, and other airborne pollutants.

"We carry multiple types of poly sleeves, varying in thickness and record jacket sleeves that come with a re-sealable flap, depending on the collector's choice," explained David Street of BagsUmlimited.com. "We also stock 2 mil and 4 mil sleeves that are manufactured of archival polyester (Mylar), an inert material of the highest clarity. Mylar is extremely clear, inert, 100% acid-free and considered to be the most archival of all protective sleeves. Polyester will not discolor, damage or adhere to items placed inside it. This material has passed the Photo Activity Test and Polyester is used worldwide in museums, libraries and archives. Our polyester material has been approved by the Library of Congress for archival storage."

It is also very important to have clean, acid free inner sleeves to protect your records with paper sleeves being the most practical. Some recordings were issued with inner sleeves that have acidity issues, which over time, could damage the vinyl records that they hold. Additionally, some sleeves may be viewed as collectible, so it's best to save them as part of the album package.

"We are the manufacturers of our paper sleeves and therefore have control over the sizes and materials used. Being the manufacturers also insures that the sizes are true, the holes are centered, and the seams are well-glued," stressed Street. "Investing in quality sleeves for your records is one of the most important care tips for long lasting vinyl."

Storing your records in boxes can also add to the preservation process in many ways according to Street: "Bags Unlimited boxes are the Standard of the Industry. Storing your records in our boxes keeps them in an environment that will protect the corners, edges, and flat surfaces. It also keeps them away from ultraviolet light, dust and other airborne pollutants that can destroy or damage them," Street stated. "Our boxes are super strong, properly sized and stackable. They come with 3" deep sturdy covers and die-cut handles that can be in the open position for carrying or closed position for storing."

Cleaning and maintaining vinyl records

The most important aspect of owning and playing vinyl records is to keep the records clean. Due to the chemical nature of vinyl, they attract dust and dirt. This is caused by vinyl's tendency to build up static electrical charges which attract small particles of dust which land in the grooves. These particles will cause "pops" and "clicks" as the record plays.

The cleaning of records should be performed before and after playing. This will ensure the best possible playback, and also prepares the record for "dust free" storage. It's highly recommended that a record collector have on hand some sort of carbon fiber brush (there are many varieties of brushes available). Carbon fibers are used to help disrupt static buildup while brushing relies on the vibration of the almost microscopic carbon fibers to clean the grooves and remove dust and dirt. It's recommended that the turntable be running while brushing rather than holding the record in your hands because this will result in a smoother, more consistent cleaning motion.

Some people get so intensely careful about cleaning their vinyl records, they often forget about keeping the needle clean. Since the needle is constantly tracking in the groove of the records, it attracts large amounts of dirt and dust particles and must be cleaned. When not properly maintained, the needle may not vibrate fully and may not rest in the bottom of the record groove; resulting in decreased sound quality and other audio problems. Needle maintenance supplies are easily obtained, for instance, the aforementioned BagsUnlimited.com sells an inexpensive "Stylus Care System" which includes a special cleaning fluid and a dense nylon brush to maintain a clean needle.

Obviously the turntable surface should be kept clean of dust and static. Most newer turntables come equipped with a rubber or antistatic felt surface. A great way to clean both the needle and the turntable area and also keep the carbon fiber brush clean is with condensed air in a can, which is available at any electronics retailer; just spray the area before and after playing your records for a continued dust free environment for your audio treasures. Taking this one step further, BagsUnlimited has in stock a unique antistatic solution, as Dave Street explains:

"We carry a portable antistatic, ionizing air gun to use with the condensed air dust remover and it will significantly boost the ability of canned air to remove dust from static-prone areas. This ionizing gun effectively neutralizes static charges in vinyl, plastics, glass, films, Mylar and other items that hold static charges by creating a flow of ions that neutralizes static charges and releases clinging dust. The gun easily snaps onto any type of nonflammable canned air," explained Street.

There are many cleaning solutions that can be used to 'wet' wash a record and it really is a matter of personal preference as to which one to employ. In the old days, when record were made of shellac, they could be cleaned with a mild solution of regular soap and water (always use distilled water as tap water often contains too many contaminants) and this was the preferred way to maintain the old 78 rpm records. Never use the new cleaning solutions on 78's because they are alcohol-based and can dissolve shellac recordings and will ruin these types of records.

Speaking with Dave Street again, they sell several kits of various sizes to help keep record clean. "We recommend the 'Groovy Record Cleaning Kit' and each kit comes with micro bristled cleaning brush; cotton cleaning cloth, various sized bottles of GROOVY Cleaning Fluid which is Bags Unlimited's own Record Cleaning Fluid, and is specially formulated for its deep cleaning, antistatic, residue-free properties."

It's also recommend not storing the vinyl inside the record cover but instead slip the vinyl (protected by the inner sleeve) behind the cover with both protected by the outer sleeve, because storing the vinyl inside the cover may eventually create seam and/or spine splits. Over time the weight of the record could possibly cut through the binding.

The reward

This article was not written to exemplify how hard it is to maintain vinyl records; on the contrary, these are very simple tasks and often become mundane and second nature after time. But the reward is so great-the preservation of your prized collection and the coupdeville- the best possible sound reproduction that is humanly possible. With proper care and diligence, these historic audio treasures will last a lifetime or two, giving vinyl record owners many hours of listening bliss.

　

Copyright CollectingVinylRecords.Blogspot.com 2012 Robert Benson

Material may not be copied or redistributed without permission

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

LAST SHOP STANDING - OFFICIAL TRAILER

Today, a documentary called Last Shop Standing will be released in the UK.

Last Shop Standing inspired by the book of the same name by Graham Jones takes you behind the counter to discover why nearly 2000 record shops have already disappeared across the UK. The film charts the rapid rise of record shops in the 1960's, 70's and 80's, the influence of the chart, the underhand deals, the demise of vinyl and rise of the CD as well as new technologies. Where did it all go wrong? Why were 3 shops a week closing?Will we be left with no record shops with the continuing rise of downloading? Hear from over 20 record shop owners and music industry leaders as well as musicians including Paul Weller, Johnny Marr, Norman Cook, Billy Bragg, Nerina Pallot, Richard Hawley and Clint Boon as they all tell us how the shops became and still are a part of their own musical education, a place to cherish and discover new bands and new music.





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Green Day Announce Tour Dates

The pop/punkers will hit the road for 28 shows in late 2012 and early 2013, look and see if they are coming to a city near you!

 Seattle Paramount Theater (November 26)
 Kennewick Toyota Center (November 27)
 Salem Armory Auditorium (November 29)
 Sacramento Memorial Auditorium (December 1)
 Reno Grand Sierra Resort Grand Theatre (December 2)
 Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium (December 4)
 Tempe Marquee Theatre (December 10)
 Green Bay Resch Arena (January 7)
 Rosemont Allstate Arena (January 8)
 Wilkes Barre Mohegan Sun Arena (January 10)
 Penn State College PA Bryce Jordan Center (January 11)
 Rochester Blue Cross Arena (January 13)
 Pittsburgh Consol Energy Center (January 14)
 Brooklyn Barclays Center (January 16)
 Manchester Verizon Wireless Arena (January 18)
 Uncasville Mohegan Sun Arena (January 19)
 Fairfax Patriot Center (January 21)
 Philadelphia Liacourias Center (January 22)
 Providence Dunkin Donuts Center (January 24)
 Portland Cumberland Civic Center (January 25)
 Quebec City Colisee Pepsi Arena (January 27)
 Toronto Air Canada Centre (January 29)
 Cleveland Wolstein Center (January 30)
 Moline Wireless Center (February 1)
 Madison Alliant Energy Center (February 2)
 Omaha CenturyLink Arena (February 4)
 Broomfield 1STBANK Center (February 6)
 Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden Arena (February 8)

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from our friends at polyvinyl records:

Joan of Arc Presents: Don't Mind Control 2xLP -- Final Pressing!

Conceived by Joan of Arc frontman Tim Kinsella as a way to bring together many of the musicians who have recorded with his band over the years, Joan of Arc Presents: Don't Mind Control is back in print for the last time!

Featuring exclusives tracks from Owen, Birthmark, Cale Parks, Ghosts and Vodka, along with many more, Don't Mind Control is now available on yellow vinyl (after selling out on orange, green, and blue).

This final pressing won't be around for long -- it's limited to just 300 copies -- so grab one while you can!

Joan of Arc Presents: Don't Mind Control 2xLP+MP3

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lots of unique album cover art today!

Galderia Reveals Album Cover Art

French power metallars Galderia have revealed the new album cover art for the band's debut LP, 'The Universality.' The album is slated for a late November 2012 release. The artwork was created by Felipe Machado Franco from Final Frontiers.



















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Dropkick Murphys Reveal Album Cover Art

Celtic punk outfit the Dropkick Murphys have revealed the album cover art for their upcoming album called 'Signed and Sealed In Blood,' which is expected to be released sometime in early 2013.

The album is their second with producer Ted Hutt (Gaslight Anthem, Old Crow Medicine Show), which was recorded at Boston's Q Division studios and mixed by Joe Chiccarelli (The White Stripes).

"We had such a great time writing our last album, Going Out In Style, we were excited to get back into the studio right away," says bassist and co-lead singer Ken Casey. "Where Going Out in Style was a concept album-kind of intricate and difficult-this one is catchy, fun, and as sing-along as can be."








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Stuka Squadron Reveal New Album Art

U.K. metal vampires Stuka Squadron issued a statement that the band's sophomore LP will be called 'New Sound of War.'  The album will be released on November 19, 2012 via Metalbox Recordings.



















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Bison B.C. Reveals New Album "Lovelessness" Details

Vancouver based Bison B.C. have completed work on their new album 'Lovelessness.' The album will be available on October 22nd.

The band worked with producer Sanford Parker at Soma and Electrical Audio Studios in Chicago.














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THE SWORD New Album Cover Art, Limited Bundle Revealed

Austin, Texas metallarsTHE SWORD are set to release their fourth album called, 'Apocryphon' on October 22 via Razor & Tie.  The effort was produced and engineered by J. Robbins at Magpie Cage Studios and will feature cover art by famed comic book artist J.H. Williams III.

THE SWORD is also offering a limited-time-offer bundle including:

* Autographed limited-edition glow-in-the-dark 12-inch vinyl

* "Apocryphon" deluxe version digipak CD

* Three hand-numbered triptych 11 x 17 lithograph black light reactive posters

* Exclusive limited-offer "Apocryphon" T-shirt

* "Apocryphon" slipmat

* Includes digital download code

Get more details at Blabbermouth

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college student with the right idea!

Records should be revitalized for high-quality sound

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ah, the art of crate digging!

Idaho man an avid collector of vinyl records

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vinyl collectorson the other side of the world

Weekend leisure: The vinyl collectors

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and north of our borders, they love their records!

The music industry's vinyl offer

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from our friends at VintageVinylNews

Neil and Pegi Young Announce Bridge School Benefit Lineup


 

MusicRecordShop.com Bob Dylan Vinyl Contest Winner

 

We have a winner in the MusicRecordShop.com Bob Dylan Vinyl Contest  

The winner is Dave K. from Philadelphia, PA and we thank www.MusicRecordShop.com  for the chance to give a limited edition Bob Dylan album to one of our loyal readers!