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from our friends at SoundStageDirect.com

Over-Nite Sensation (Pre-Order) by Frank Zappa

180 Gram Audiophile Virgin Vinyl LP - Sealed

Mastered from the Original Analog Master Tapes at Bernie Grundman Mastering by Chris Bellman

Love it or hate it, Over-Nite Sensation was a watershed album for Frank Zappa, the point where his post-'60s aesthetic was truly established; it became his second gold album, and most of these songs became staples of his live shows for years to come. Whereas the Flo and Eddie years were dominated by rambling, off-color comedy routines, Over-Nite Sensation tightened up the song structures and tucked sexual and social humor into melodic, technically accomplished heavy guitar rock with jazzy chord changes and funky rhythms; meanwhile, Zappa's growling new post-accident voice takes over the storytelling. While the music is some of Zappa's most accessible, the apparent callousness and/or stunning sexual explicitness of "Camarillo Brillo," "Dirty Love," and especially "Dinah-Moe Humm" leave him on shaky aesthetic ground.

Zappa often protested that the charges of misogyny leveled at such material missed out on the implicit satire of male stupidity, and also confirmed intellectuals' self-conscious reticence about indulging in dumb fun; however, the glee in his voice as he spins his adolescent fantasies can undermine his point. Indeed, that enjoyment, also evident in the silly wordplay, suggests that Zappa is throwing his juvenile crassness in the face of critical expectation, asserting his right to follow his muse even if it leads him into blatant stupidity (ironic or otherwise). One can read this motif into the absurd shaggy-dog story of a dental floss rancher in "Montana," the album's indisputable highlight, which features amazing, uncredited vocal backing from Tina Turner and the Ikettes. As with much of Zappa's best '70s and '80s material, Over-Nite Sensation could be perceived as ideologically problematic (if you haven't got the constitution for FZ's humor), but musically, it's terrific. -Steve Huey

Track Listing:
1. Camarillo Brillo
2. I'm The Slime
3. Dirty Love
4. Fifty-Fifty
5. Zomby Woof
6. Dinah-Moe Humm
7. Montana

Pre-Order at SoundStageDirect

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from our friends at Sundazed.com

MANFRED MANN ON SUNDAZED

Although many of the British Invasion's most prominent bands were comprised of rockers learning their craft as they went along, Manfred Mann was something different. The versatile British quintet, which took its collective name from that of its South African-born keyboardist, was comprised of four seasoned musicians with a solid grounding in jazz and blues, plus a charismatic frontman who was also one of England's finest blue-eyed soul singers. Together, the five members of Manfred Mann—or the Manfreds, as their fans called them—turned their diverse talents towards rock 'n' roll, and came up with a series of albums and singles that are among the catchiest and most enduring of the period. Now, Sundazed reaches back to present Manfred Mann's first five U.S. albums, out of print for decades and reissued for the first time in their original vinyl format, mastered from the original tapes and featuring complete cover art.

The Manfred Mann album

Manfred Mann's 1964 U.S. debut The Manfred Mann Album is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of the British Invasion, and it's easy to hear why. With the catchy smash single "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" alongside powerful readings of classics by Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Ike and Tina Turner, it's a transcendent meeting of pop infectiousness and R&B grit that sets the stage for the musical achievements that the band would soon begin to rack up.

For more information on the other albums and to get your copy visit Sundazed

also, Sundazed has gone whacky and are trying to clear space in the warehouse, visit their Garage Sale HERE Some amazing deals on vinyl!

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from our friends at mute.com

Goldfrapp To Release New LP This Fall

BRAND NEW ALBUM TALES OF US

AVAILABLE September 10th, 2013

Goldfrapp release their stunningly beautiful new album Tales Of Us through Mute on September 10th, 2013. Their sixth album, Tales Of Us is written and produced by band members Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory and was recorded at their studio in the English countryside.

A sumptuous body of work, Tales Of Us has been two years in the crafting and is their most narrative, cinematic and intimate recording to date. Nothing in their accomplished back catalogue has hinted at the new lyrical breadth that the band have introduced to Tales Of Us. All the songs except for one are named in the first person with a cast list of evocative character sketches, the contrary love affairs, the suspense, hallucinations, fairy tales and modern folklores documented and the traces of redemption they find in song take the poetry of Goldfrapp’s delicately considered music somewhere brand new.

A trailer for the album offers the first chance to get a glimpse of Tales Of Us and can be seen at www.goldfrapp.com. Collaborating with the uniquely cinematic narrative, filmmaker Lisa Gunning is creating a compelling and beautiful film to accompany the album, which will be shown in cinemas later this year.

Goldfrapp kick-start a summer of very special live performances with two shows at the Manchester International Festival on July 17th and 18th when they will be performing Tales Of Us live for the very first time, accompanied by the Royal Northern College of Music string orchestra. The band will then be performing at Somerset House on July 20th before going on to headline the Lovebox main stage on Sunday July 21st.

The summer shows are a precursor to a European headline tour in October and November. US tour dates to be announced shortly. For all ticket information please visit www.goldfrapp.com

Tales Of Uswill be available from September 10th on CD, vinyl, digital and a special limited edition boxset that will contain an exclusive disc of bonus material and a hardback book compiled by Goldfrapp, further details to follow.

Pre-Order HERE

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(1971)/ Abkco Records – vinyl Rolling Stones – Hot Rocks 1964-1971 – London Records

For anyone who ponders why these guys are still out there at their ages…this will set them straight!

Published on June 5, 2013

The Rolling Stones – Hot Rocks 1964-1971 – London Records (1971)/ Abkco Records 018771966715 180-gram audiophile stereo vinyl, 84:56 ****1/2:

(Mick Jagger – harmonica vocals; Keith Richards – guitars, bass, vocals; Brian Jones – guitars, percussion vocals, Charlie Watts – drums; Bill Wyman – bass; Mick Taylor – guitars; featuring many guest musicians)

Many greatest hits albums are released without the approval of the artists. Usually, it is a collection of commercial singles that reinforces the success of the band’s catalogue. In 1971, The Rolling Stones’ Hot Rocks 1964-1971 hit the record stores. For the most part, this compilation reflects the label and management’s perspective (At the time The Stones were embroiled in a dispute with their manager). The good news is the songs are vintage Rolling Stones, and very good. The album (unauthorized of course) captures a good deal of the material associated with the original lineup.

The opening track is a bluesy rendition of “Time Is On My Side”. Originally recorded by Kai Winding in 1963, both New Orleans singer Irma Thomas and The Rolling Stones (to a greater degree) brought a popular accessibility to it. This is pure British ‘60s music, featuring the earlier band (with Ian Stewart on organ). As the album progresses, the evolution of the group is interesting to observe. The menacing eminence comes across on “Play With Fire”. A mixture of social commentary and ‘60s experimentation is highlighted by an unusual arrangement that includes harpsichord riffs (and this decade saw plenty of these) and trendy cultural pretense. Of course, the mega-hit “Satisfaction” is included. The catchy electric guitar chords (Richards, who would become synonymous with rock grooves) and propulsive rhythm mesh perfectly, and The Rolling Stones celebrated their first No. 1 U.S. single. The sexual anti-establishment imagery lends an air of rebellion (they certainly “freaked out” Ed Sulliivan). It stands the test of time. The band’s version of “As Tears Go By” (which was a huge hit by Marianne Faithful) has a string accompaniment, but no bite. But their other muscular 1965 single, “Get Off Of My Cloud” displays the tough attitude that has been a staple of their sound. Charlie Watts’ drum opening and accented chorus creates a jump/swing rock classic.

This is a notable guitar-based collection. “Mother’s Little Helper” has Richards on twelve-string and electric, while Brian Jones rips on a Vox mando-guitar. Both Richard and Jones play hard electric grooves on “19th Nervous Breakdown”. Jones was a versatile musician and invigorates “Paint It Black” with his sitar work. At the core of the music is Jagger’s go-for-broke singing. He can handle blues, pop r & b, even a country twang. There are unique instrumental touches on songs like the ill-fated (from Altamont) “Under My Thumb”. Wyman’s fuzz bass and Jones’ marimba sound fresh and colorful. Rounding out this era are two tracks that successfully maneuvered The Stones out of the pop mainstream. “Let’s Spend The Night Together” was raucous and alarmed the parents of nearly every teenager. But, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” is a song for the ages. Richards utilizes a variety of open tuning and slack key adjustments that frame the evocative, at times disturbing, lyrics. It is hypnotic.

The next group of songs represents the first significant transitional phase, and possibly the greatest. Recorded between 1967- and 1974, most of the selections feature Mick Taylor on guitars. Two seminal cuts, “Sympathy For The Devil” and “Gimme Shelter” are preeminent in rock annals. Combining high voltage rock hooks and rambunctious lyrics, this pair of musical cautionary tales symbolizes the dysfunctional end of the tumultuous decade. The Rolling Stones were a phenomenal live act. A live take of “Midnight Rambler” (with Taylor on lead and slide guitar) is energetic and reflects the group’s performance reputation. “Brown Sugar” (from Sticky Fingers) was the first single released on Rolling Stones Records, but appears here because of the previous licensing contract with their manager. Finally “Wild Horses”, the last country blues opus to chart ends this on a mellower note.

Even though the selection is predictable, the acoustics shimmer on audiophile vinyl. Low-end mixing shines a light (no pun intended) on overlooked members Wyman and Watts. The guitars are crisp, but still maintain that trademark, relaxed band dynamic. For any fans that have unplayable vinyl Stones music, this is a quick fix. And for anyone who ponders why these guys are still out there at their ages…Hot Rocks 1964-1974 will set them straight!

TrackList:

Side One: Time Is On My Side; Heart Of Stone; Play With Fire; (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction; As Tears Go By; Get Off Of My Cloud

Side Two: Mother’s Little Helper; 19th Nervous Breakdown; Paint It Black; Under My Thumb; Ruby Tuesday; Let’s Spend The Night Together

Side Three: Jumpin’ Jack Flash; Street Fighting Man; Sympathy For The Devil; Honky Tonk Women; Gimme Shelter

Side Four: Midnight Rambler (Live); You Can’t Always Get What You Want; Brown Sugar; Wild Horses

–Robbie Gerson

Buy at AMAZON

I want to thank John over at www.audaud.com for the exclusive rights to reprint this great review!

AUDIOPHILE AUDITION focuses on recordings of interest to audiophiles and collectors, with an accent on surround sound for music, and on all hi-res disc formats. Over 100SACD, DVD Video/Audio and standard CD reviews are published during each month, and our archives go back to January 2001.

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