Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales-Week Ending 01/19/2008
1) LP - Hank Mobley self-titled LP Blue Note - $3500.00
2) 45 rpm - Jackie Day "Naughty Boy" / "I Want Your Love" Phelectron - $3,000.00
3) 45 rpm - Iron Maiden "Two Minutes To Midnight" Japanese Promo - $2,895.00
4) 78 rpm - Margaret Thornton "Jockey Blues" / "Texas Bound Blues" Black Patti - $2,4000.00
5) 45 rpm - New World "The World To-day" / "J.R." Virtue - $2,178.88
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Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales-Week Ending 01/12/2008
1) LP - U2 "Joshua Tree" Swedish Blue Vinyl - $4000.00
2) 45 rpm - Al Williams "I Am Nothing" / "Brand New Love" Palmer - $3,500.00
3) 45 rpm - Innersouls "Just Take Your Time" / "Thoughts" Plemmons - $2,469.44
4) 45 rpm - Elvis Presley "Milkcow Boogie Blues" / "You're A Heartbreaker" Sun 215 - $2,254.90
5) 45 rpm- Frankie Lyman "I'm Sorry" / "Sea Breeze" Big Apple - $1,901.00
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Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales-Week Ending 01/05/2008
1) 45 rpm - Freddie Butler "All Is Well" / "Save Your Love For Me" - $5,200.00
2) LP - Mariani "Perpetum Mobile" - $2,850.00
3) LP - Jutta Hipp "D.G. Flat" Blue Note Mono - $2,534.00
4) 45 rpm - Elvis Presley "That's All Right" / "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" - $1,726.99
5) LP - Billy Preston "Club Meeting" - $1,711.96
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Monday, February 11, 2008
This Day In Music History- Feb 11
Birthday wishes to Eugene Vincent Craddock (a.k.a. Gene Vincent), who was born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1935. The leather-jacketed "Be-Bop-a-Lula" singer had an incalculable influence on British rockers like the Beatles and many others.
In 1956, Julia, John Lennon's mother, bought him his first guitar through a mail order ad. His incessant playing prompts John's Aunt Mimi to say, "The guitar's all very well as a hobby, John, but you'll never make a living out of it." John forms his first group, the Quarrymen.
America hit #1 in 1972 with the song "A Horse With No Name.”
In 1975, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers formed from the seeds of the disbanded Mudcrutch. The lineup: Tom Petty (vocals, guitar), Mike Campbell (guitar), Benmont Tench (keyboards), Ron Blair (bass), Stan Lynch (drums).
Brazilian lite-jazz kingpin Sergio Mendes ("The Fool On The Hill") turns 73.
Today in 1989, the song "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.
David Bowie performed his first gig as his Ziggy Stardust persona in Tollworth, England in 1972.
The Monkees saw their second album, "More of The Monkees" leap from position 122 to number 1 in 1967. The made-for-TV group only provided the vocals for the release but were backed by some of the finest studio musicians around, like Glen Campbell and Neil Sedaka. The L.P. contained the hits, "I'm a Believer" and "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" and was produced by Carole King, Tommy Boyce, among others. After being pressured by the press, The Monkees announced that they will play their own instruments on all future recordings.
In 1964, the Beatles performed their first American concert at Washington, D.C.'s Washington Coliseum. Also on the bill are Tommy Roe, the Chiffons, and the Caravelles.
Otis Clay, generally acknowledged as one of Chicago's finest deep soul singers, was born in Waxhaw, MS in 1942.
Pop lyricist Gerry Goffin was born in Queens, N.Y. in 1939. Working at the Brill Building, he wrote scores of classics with Carole King, including "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman.”
The single "Superbowl Shuffle," by the Chicago Bears Shufflin' Crew was certified gold by the RIAA in 1986.
The third of four children, Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, Sheryl Suzanne Crow, was born in Kennett, MO in 1962.
The Beatles finished recording their debut album in 1963. The songs like “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Boys” and “Twist And Shout,” along with assorted ballads, are the result of a marathon fourteen hour session. On top of it, Lennon had a bad cold. The last song recorded is "Twist And Shout" and Lennon nailed the song in one take. He had to, his voice was shot.
In 1967, the Turtles released their biggest hit, "Happy Together", which will reach #1 in the US in March.
The TV movie Elvis, starring Kurt Russell, aired on ABC in 1979, with an estimated audience of 43 million viewers tuning in.
In 1956, Julia, John Lennon's mother, bought him his first guitar through a mail order ad. His incessant playing prompts John's Aunt Mimi to say, "The guitar's all very well as a hobby, John, but you'll never make a living out of it." John forms his first group, the Quarrymen.
America hit #1 in 1972 with the song "A Horse With No Name.”
In 1975, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers formed from the seeds of the disbanded Mudcrutch. The lineup: Tom Petty (vocals, guitar), Mike Campbell (guitar), Benmont Tench (keyboards), Ron Blair (bass), Stan Lynch (drums).
Brazilian lite-jazz kingpin Sergio Mendes ("The Fool On The Hill") turns 73.
Today in 1989, the song "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.
David Bowie performed his first gig as his Ziggy Stardust persona in Tollworth, England in 1972.
The Monkees saw their second album, "More of The Monkees" leap from position 122 to number 1 in 1967. The made-for-TV group only provided the vocals for the release but were backed by some of the finest studio musicians around, like Glen Campbell and Neil Sedaka. The L.P. contained the hits, "I'm a Believer" and "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" and was produced by Carole King, Tommy Boyce, among others. After being pressured by the press, The Monkees announced that they will play their own instruments on all future recordings.
In 1964, the Beatles performed their first American concert at Washington, D.C.'s Washington Coliseum. Also on the bill are Tommy Roe, the Chiffons, and the Caravelles.
Otis Clay, generally acknowledged as one of Chicago's finest deep soul singers, was born in Waxhaw, MS in 1942.
Pop lyricist Gerry Goffin was born in Queens, N.Y. in 1939. Working at the Brill Building, he wrote scores of classics with Carole King, including "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman.”
The single "Superbowl Shuffle," by the Chicago Bears Shufflin' Crew was certified gold by the RIAA in 1986.
The third of four children, Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, Sheryl Suzanne Crow, was born in Kennett, MO in 1962.
The Beatles finished recording their debut album in 1963. The songs like “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Boys” and “Twist And Shout,” along with assorted ballads, are the result of a marathon fourteen hour session. On top of it, Lennon had a bad cold. The last song recorded is "Twist And Shout" and Lennon nailed the song in one take. He had to, his voice was shot.
In 1967, the Turtles released their biggest hit, "Happy Together", which will reach #1 in the US in March.
The TV movie Elvis, starring Kurt Russell, aired on ABC in 1979, with an estimated audience of 43 million viewers tuning in.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
This Day In Music History- Feb 9
Songwriter and '70s solo superstar Carole King was born Carole Klein in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1942. Her hits included "Up On the Roof" and "You've Got a Friend."
Bill Haley died in Harlingen, Texas in 1981. His 1955 hit "Rock Around the Clock" is widely considered the first No. 1 of the rock era. Haley and his Comets sold 60 million records worldwide.
In 1991, C&C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams hits #1 US with "Gonna Make Sweat.”
Today in 1957, the song "Too Much," by Elvis Presley topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.
"Hey Paula" by Paul & Paula topped the charts in 1963 for a 3 week run.
In 1974, "Love's Theme" by the Love Unlimited Orchestra topped the charts.
In 2006, Beyonce topped the U.S. singles chart for a third week with "Check on It." The highest new entry is songwriter Teddy Geiger's "For You I Will (Confidence)," at No. 90.
In 2005, The Who's Roger Daltrey was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace. The rock gnome jokes the Queen would "probably fall off her podium if she heard The Who's songs."
In 2005, organist Jimmy Smith, who single-handedly introduced jazz to the power and versatility of the electric Hammond B3, died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, at age 79.
In 1991, modern gospel composer the Rev. James Cleveland died at age 58. His 1962 album “Peace Be Still,” sold 800,000 copies and established the blueprint for contemporary gospel recordings.
Today in 1970, the No. 1 LP in the U.K. was Led Zeppelin II.
Joe Ely, twang-driven singer-songwriter and one-third of the famed Flatlanders, was born in Amarillo, Texas in 1947. In the '70s he moved into rockabilly mode, opening for the Clash.
Pop/soul singer and composer Barbara Lewis was born in South Lyon, Michigan in 1943. Her biggest hit was 1963's No. 3 "Hello Stranger."
In 1939, songwriter Barry Mann, who with his wife, Cynthia Weill, wrote such pop classics as "On Broadway" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," was born in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Ernest Tubb, one of the first great honky-tonk singers, was born in Crisp, Texas in 1914.
In 1961, the Beatles played Liverpool’s Cavern Club. They performed at the venue three years earlier but were then known as the Quarry Men.
In 1958, a report by the American Research Bureau cited Dick Clark's American Bandstand as the top-ranked daytime television program, drawing an average of 8,400,000 viewers per day. (take that-Oprah!)
Lloyd Price reached number one on the Billboard Pop chart in 1959, with "Stagger Lee", an up-dated version of an old Folk song called "Stack-O-Lee". Wilson Pickett would take the song to number 22 in 1967.
In 1976, Percy Faith, who led his orchestra to the top of the US chart with "Theme From A Summer Place" in 1960, died of cancer. He was 62.
Bill Haley died in Harlingen, Texas in 1981. His 1955 hit "Rock Around the Clock" is widely considered the first No. 1 of the rock era. Haley and his Comets sold 60 million records worldwide.
In 1991, C&C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams hits #1 US with "Gonna Make Sweat.”
Today in 1957, the song "Too Much," by Elvis Presley topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.
"Hey Paula" by Paul & Paula topped the charts in 1963 for a 3 week run.
In 1974, "Love's Theme" by the Love Unlimited Orchestra topped the charts.
In 2006, Beyonce topped the U.S. singles chart for a third week with "Check on It." The highest new entry is songwriter Teddy Geiger's "For You I Will (Confidence)," at No. 90.
In 2005, The Who's Roger Daltrey was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace. The rock gnome jokes the Queen would "probably fall off her podium if she heard The Who's songs."
In 2005, organist Jimmy Smith, who single-handedly introduced jazz to the power and versatility of the electric Hammond B3, died at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, at age 79.
In 1991, modern gospel composer the Rev. James Cleveland died at age 58. His 1962 album “Peace Be Still,” sold 800,000 copies and established the blueprint for contemporary gospel recordings.
Today in 1970, the No. 1 LP in the U.K. was Led Zeppelin II.
Joe Ely, twang-driven singer-songwriter and one-third of the famed Flatlanders, was born in Amarillo, Texas in 1947. In the '70s he moved into rockabilly mode, opening for the Clash.
Pop/soul singer and composer Barbara Lewis was born in South Lyon, Michigan in 1943. Her biggest hit was 1963's No. 3 "Hello Stranger."
In 1939, songwriter Barry Mann, who with his wife, Cynthia Weill, wrote such pop classics as "On Broadway" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," was born in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Ernest Tubb, one of the first great honky-tonk singers, was born in Crisp, Texas in 1914.
In 1961, the Beatles played Liverpool’s Cavern Club. They performed at the venue three years earlier but were then known as the Quarry Men.
In 1958, a report by the American Research Bureau cited Dick Clark's American Bandstand as the top-ranked daytime television program, drawing an average of 8,400,000 viewers per day. (take that-Oprah!)
Lloyd Price reached number one on the Billboard Pop chart in 1959, with "Stagger Lee", an up-dated version of an old Folk song called "Stack-O-Lee". Wilson Pickett would take the song to number 22 in 1967.
In 1976, Percy Faith, who led his orchestra to the top of the US chart with "Theme From A Summer Place" in 1960, died of cancer. He was 62.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
This Day In Music History- Feb 7
"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," by Paul Simon, reached #1 in 1976 for the first of three weeks at the top position. It is the biggest single of his career.
Sammy Johns ("Chevy Van") is 62.
The late King Curtis ("Soul Twist") was born in 1934.
A thousand people (including Phil Everly) showed up for Buddy Holly's funeral in Lubbock, Texas and Ritchie Valens was laid to rest in San Fernando, California, in 1959.
In 1989, a bill is sponsored to make "Tutti Frutti" the official Georgia state song (Bubba vetoed it).
The TV mini-series "Elvis And Me" (based on Priscilla Presley's book) begins airing on ABC in 1981.
Shocking Blue, a three man, one woman band from Holland, had the top single in America with in 1970 with the song "Venus."
Today the song "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks. (1981)
Today the song "Open Your Heart" by Madonna topped the charts and stayed there for a week. (1987)
Dale Evans, Roy Rogers' better half and a co-writer of their song "Happy Trails," died of congestive heart failure in 2001. She was 88.
Foghat's "Lonesome" Dave Peverett succumbs to cancer. The 57-year-old singer and guitarist led the popular '70s hard rock quartet to top 20 glory with "Slow Ride."
In 1969, George Harrison enters London's University College Hospital to have an operation on his infected back molar and tonsils. (it was news back then!)
The Beatles land at New York's Kennedy Airport to make their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. A crowd of 4,000 screaming fans meets them.
In 1962, Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan is born David Rashbaum in Sayreville, N.J.
Country superstar Garth Brooks was born in Tulsa, OK in 1962.
Eddie "Guitar Slim" Jones died in New York of pneumonia at age 33 in 1959. His use of distortion and flamboyant stage manner - Slim would dye his hair to match his outfits - influenced guitarists like Albert Collins and Jimi Hendrix.
In 1979, at Los Angeles' Record Plant studio, Stephen Stills test drives to a new method of digital recording. He later scraps the sessions, and Ry Cooder becomes the first rock performer to release a digitally recorded album.
Rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty leaves Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1971, to spend more time with his family. CCR continues for another year and a half as a trio.
Limp Bizkit guitarist Wesley (Wes) Louden Borland was born in Richmond, VA in 1975.
In 1957, Iraq banned the film "Rock Around The Clock” (featuring Bill Haley & His Comets and Little Richard) because it "dangerous to teenagers and youths." Forty-six years later the U.S. finally retaliated by invading Iraq.
In 1984, Michael Jackson is noted in the Guinness Book of Records when his album "Thriller" passes the 25 million sales mark.
51 year old Carl Wilson, lead guitarist of The Beach Boys, died on February 7th in 1998, of lung cancer. He had also been battling brain cancer for over a year. Carl formed The Beach Boys with brothers Dennis and Brian, along cousin Mike Love in 1961 and was the lead vocalist on their hits, "God Only Knows" and "Good Vibrations".
Sammy Johns ("Chevy Van") is 62.
The late King Curtis ("Soul Twist") was born in 1934.
A thousand people (including Phil Everly) showed up for Buddy Holly's funeral in Lubbock, Texas and Ritchie Valens was laid to rest in San Fernando, California, in 1959.
In 1989, a bill is sponsored to make "Tutti Frutti" the official Georgia state song (Bubba vetoed it).
The TV mini-series "Elvis And Me" (based on Priscilla Presley's book) begins airing on ABC in 1981.
Shocking Blue, a three man, one woman band from Holland, had the top single in America with in 1970 with the song "Venus."
Today the song "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang topped the charts and stayed there for 2 weeks. (1981)
Today the song "Open Your Heart" by Madonna topped the charts and stayed there for a week. (1987)
Dale Evans, Roy Rogers' better half and a co-writer of their song "Happy Trails," died of congestive heart failure in 2001. She was 88.
Foghat's "Lonesome" Dave Peverett succumbs to cancer. The 57-year-old singer and guitarist led the popular '70s hard rock quartet to top 20 glory with "Slow Ride."
In 1969, George Harrison enters London's University College Hospital to have an operation on his infected back molar and tonsils. (it was news back then!)
The Beatles land at New York's Kennedy Airport to make their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. A crowd of 4,000 screaming fans meets them.
In 1962, Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan is born David Rashbaum in Sayreville, N.J.
Country superstar Garth Brooks was born in Tulsa, OK in 1962.
Eddie "Guitar Slim" Jones died in New York of pneumonia at age 33 in 1959. His use of distortion and flamboyant stage manner - Slim would dye his hair to match his outfits - influenced guitarists like Albert Collins and Jimi Hendrix.
In 1979, at Los Angeles' Record Plant studio, Stephen Stills test drives to a new method of digital recording. He later scraps the sessions, and Ry Cooder becomes the first rock performer to release a digitally recorded album.
Rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty leaves Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1971, to spend more time with his family. CCR continues for another year and a half as a trio.
Limp Bizkit guitarist Wesley (Wes) Louden Borland was born in Richmond, VA in 1975.
In 1957, Iraq banned the film "Rock Around The Clock” (featuring Bill Haley & His Comets and Little Richard) because it "dangerous to teenagers and youths." Forty-six years later the U.S. finally retaliated by invading Iraq.
In 1984, Michael Jackson is noted in the Guinness Book of Records when his album "Thriller" passes the 25 million sales mark.
51 year old Carl Wilson, lead guitarist of The Beach Boys, died on February 7th in 1998, of lung cancer. He had also been battling brain cancer for over a year. Carl formed The Beach Boys with brothers Dennis and Brian, along cousin Mike Love in 1961 and was the lead vocalist on their hits, "God Only Knows" and "Good Vibrations".
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Look for me at ilike2rock.net Internet Radio
I want to thank DJ Tom at www.ilike2rock.net Intenet Radio (all independent-all the time!) for allowing me to be the featured columnist for the Station. I even have my own page and appreciate the set up. Look for more news about what we have planned, including a "Vinyl Mind" segment! Check out the page here:
http://www.ilike2rock.net/vinylmind.html
This Day In Music History- Feb 3
February 3rd, 1959 was for many, "the day the music died", when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper were all killed. Their plane took off a little after 1 A.M. from Clear Lake, Iowa, when a cold North-East wind gave way to a blinding snow storm which drastically reduced visibility. Encased in a sea of snow with only white below, pilot Roger Peterson seemed to become disoriented and flew the plane into the ground. One wing hit the frozen earth and the small plane tumbled over and over, killing the three musicians and the plane's young pilot.
Today-Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers are the halftime entertainment for Super Bowl XLII at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ.
The late Johnny Cymbal ("Mr. Bass Man") AKA Derek ("Cinnamon") was born in 1945.
Dave Davies of the Kinks ("Well Respected Man") is 61.
Dennis Edwards of the Temptations ("Cloud Nine") turns 65.
Producer Phil Spector was arrested for allegedly shooting a woman to death in his Alhambra, California home, in 2003.
Peter Gabriel was born in 1950.
In 1968, the song "Green Tambourine" by the Lemon Pipers topped the charts and stayed there for a week.
Today in 1973, the song "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks.
The Beatles recorded "Lady Madonna" in three takes at Abbey Road studios in London in 1968.
In 1967, top British pop producer Joe Meek’s life comes to a sticky end, shooting both his landlady and himself. As well as releasing bizarre concept albums about life on the moon, Meek was responsible for the No. 1 success of "Telstar" in 1962. Amazingly, almost all his records were made in his bedroom.
Melanie, the pop singer who had a 1971 No. 1 with "Brand New Key," was born Melanie Safka in Queens, N.Y.in 1947.
The record label Reprise Records was formed by Frank Sinatra in 1960.
In 1991, Sinead O'Connor announced that she wouldn't accept any Grammy Awards or attend the ceremony because the show reflects "false and destructive materialistic values." (Oh, go shave your head).
In New York, Bob Dylan made his first recording, taping "San Francisco Bay Blues" in 1961.
In 2002, Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” was used in a Cadillac commercial that debuts during the Super Bowl. It’s the first Zep song licensed for a commercial. (one word-Why?)
Guitarist Lee Renaldo (Sonic Youth) was born in 1956.
The Cure’s Laurence Tolhurst has a birthday. He’s born in Horley, Surrey, England in 1959.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Celebrate Record Store Day- April 19th, 2008
by Robert Benson
When Neilsen Soundscan releases their sales data regarding vinyl records, did you know that they do not count hundreds of ‘indie’ vinyl record shops in their totals? So when you read ‘vinyl sales have risen….such and such a percentage,’ that these numbers woefully underestimate the true sales of vinyl.
But local independent and national record stores want to be counted and included in the vinyl sales figures because it is at these smaller record stores where vinyl records are selling the best.
So to help bring attention to this dilemma and to help celebrate the record store culture, hundreds of independently owned music stores across the country will celebrate the first annual “Record Store Day” on April 19th.
I spoke with Eric Levin, who owns Criminal Records (www.criminal.com) a independent record store in Atlanta about the concept and celebratory plans of Record Store Day.
“We came up with the concept at the annual Noise in the Basement convention in Baltimore, a gathering of independent record stores hosted by the Music Monitor Network (www.monitorthis.com). It is similar to “Free Comic Book Day (www.freecomicbookday.com), in that we decided to help bring attention to our stores by saying- we are out here, enjoy what we have to offer,” said Eric. “So on this day, all of the stores that choose to participate will simultaneously link together and act as one with the purpose of celebrating the culture and unique place that they occupy both in their local communities and nationally.”
“We have over 200 independent record stores that have signed up for the event, with more signing on each day. Each store will be doing something different to celebrate Record Store Day. Some stores may opt to have an ‘in store’ performance, special sale events, demonstrations, dances, swap meets or ‘an afternoon at a record store’ promotion as well as provide a ‘goodie bag’ that promotes new formats, new releases and exciting information about music, theatrical and gaming releases. Everything that makes an indie store unique should be on display,” related Eric.
Music stores have been part of our culture for decades and it is important to note that, while there may not be as many of them as there used to be, there are still those unique music shops that continue to thrive and are still part of our local and national music culture.
In fact, many music related entities have signed on to be part of Record Store Day as Eric explains:
“We have many groups involved including the Coalition of Independent Music Stores (www.cimsmusic.com), the Alliance of Independent Media Stores (www.thealliancerocks.com), Newbury Comics (www.newburycomics.com) & The Music Monitor Network (www.monitorthis.com),where one can find links to some of the best indie record shops around the country; with many more organizations signing up each day.”
“In fact, all indie record stores are invited to participate by making April 19th, 2008 a day of celebration at their place of business. Some music labels are getting involved as well by releasing special editions marking the day and the celebration of the music and the record store,” said Eric.
Moreover, many famous musicians are chiming in and doing their best to, not only promote Record Store Day, but the culture that encompasses it. Here are a few quotes:
Paul McCartney - “There’s nothing as glamorous to me as a record store. When I recently played Amoeba in LA, I realised what fantastic memories such a collection of music brings back when you see it all in one place. This is why I’m more than happy to support Record Store Day and I hope that these kinds of stores will be there for us all for many years to come. Cheers!"
Norah Jones - “It’s important to keep indie record stores alive because their unique environments introduce music lovers to things in a very personal way.”
John Doe - “The physical act of picking up a recording (CD, vinyl, cassette), checking it out, finding something unavailable, etc.; is an experience you will NEVER get online. And now it's becoming common knowledge that CDs have more digital information than most files, so they sound better. A great or even good record store is like no other."
Chuck Berry - "Music is an important part of our culture and record stores play a vital part in keeping the power of music alive."
Joan Jett - “The indie record stores are the backbone of the recorded music culture. It's where we go to network, browse around, and find new songs to love. The stores whose owners and staff live for music have spread the word about exciting new things faster and with more essence than either radio or the press. Any artist that doesn't support the wonderful ma and pa record stores across America is contributing to our own extinction.”
Ziggy Marley - "Record stores keep the human social contact alive it brings people together. Without the independent record stores the community breaks down with everyone sitting in front of their computers"
Ben Watt (Everything But The Girl) - "It is hard to underestimate the role of independent retail in the music industry. As the world continues to try and cram every purchase they make onto their computer, turning music into binary digits and artwork into pixelated packshots, we can only sit and wait for them to wake up from their dream and realize that ultimately human interaction in shops, with informed good people, handling cherishable artefacts is good for the soul. In the meantime we need to support the people who keep this world alive for the moment we all realize we need it again."
Sam Phillips (A&R/producer for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and many others) - “There would be no Elvis. There would be no Johnny Cash. There’d be no B.B King. There’d be no Roscoe Gordon. There’d be no Carl Perkins. There would be no Jerry Lee Lewis. There would be no Roy Orbison. I can just tell you. We owe all of that to the independents and the independent people that work so hard for us to have something that could be accepted through their efforts,hard work, and desire to keep a personal feeling in every record..”
Dean Wareham (Luna) - “We are drowning in a sea of Myspace, blather, and too much information. Music is everywhere and nowhere. The independent record store is the solution, a place staffed by friendly (or not) people who are actually paid to weed through this crap and help you find the good stuff.”
G. Love- “Independent record stores are where kids like me learned about the music that made them the musicians they are today. Independent record stores are about the love of records not the love of money!”
So as you have just read, the passion that these musicians have for the independent record shops is immeasurable. These are the professionals who know a little something about the music industry and embrace the concepts, culture and meaning of Record Store Day. Let’s make Record Store Day a national celebration of the independent record store, the musicians who love them and the historical culture that each individual store brings to each and every one of us.
When Neilsen Soundscan releases their sales data regarding vinyl records, did you know that they do not count hundreds of ‘indie’ vinyl record shops in their totals? So when you read ‘vinyl sales have risen….such and such a percentage,’ that these numbers woefully underestimate the true sales of vinyl.But local independent and national record stores want to be counted and included in the vinyl sales figures because it is at these smaller record stores where vinyl records are selling the best.
So to help bring attention to this dilemma and to help celebrate the record store culture, hundreds of independently owned music stores across the country will celebrate the first annual “Record Store Day” on April 19th.
I spoke with Eric Levin, who owns Criminal Records (www.criminal.com) a independent record store in Atlanta about the concept and celebratory plans of Record Store Day.
“We came up with the concept at the annual Noise in the Basement convention in Baltimore, a gathering of independent record stores hosted by the Music Monitor Network (www.monitorthis.com). It is similar to “Free Comic Book Day (www.freecomicbookday.com), in that we decided to help bring attention to our stores by saying- we are out here, enjoy what we have to offer,” said Eric. “So on this day, all of the stores that choose to participate will simultaneously link together and act as one with the purpose of celebrating the culture and unique place that they occupy both in their local communities and nationally.”
“We have over 200 independent record stores that have signed up for the event, with more signing on each day. Each store will be doing something different to celebrate Record Store Day. Some stores may opt to have an ‘in store’ performance, special sale events, demonstrations, dances, swap meets or ‘an afternoon at a record store’ promotion as well as provide a ‘goodie bag’ that promotes new formats, new releases and exciting information about music, theatrical and gaming releases. Everything that makes an indie store unique should be on display,” related Eric.
Music stores have been part of our culture for decades and it is important to note that, while there may not be as many of them as there used to be, there are still those unique music shops that continue to thrive and are still part of our local and national music culture.
In fact, many music related entities have signed on to be part of Record Store Day as Eric explains:
“We have many groups involved including the Coalition of Independent Music Stores (www.cimsmusic.com), the Alliance of Independent Media Stores (www.thealliancerocks.com), Newbury Comics (www.newburycomics.com) & The Music Monitor Network (www.monitorthis.com),where one can find links to some of the best indie record shops around the country; with many more organizations signing up each day.”
“In fact, all indie record stores are invited to participate by making April 19th, 2008 a day of celebration at their place of business. Some music labels are getting involved as well by releasing special editions marking the day and the celebration of the music and the record store,” said Eric.
Moreover, many famous musicians are chiming in and doing their best to, not only promote Record Store Day, but the culture that encompasses it. Here are a few quotes:
Paul McCartney - “There’s nothing as glamorous to me as a record store. When I recently played Amoeba in LA, I realised what fantastic memories such a collection of music brings back when you see it all in one place. This is why I’m more than happy to support Record Store Day and I hope that these kinds of stores will be there for us all for many years to come. Cheers!"
Norah Jones - “It’s important to keep indie record stores alive because their unique environments introduce music lovers to things in a very personal way.”
John Doe - “The physical act of picking up a recording (CD, vinyl, cassette), checking it out, finding something unavailable, etc.; is an experience you will NEVER get online. And now it's becoming common knowledge that CDs have more digital information than most files, so they sound better. A great or even good record store is like no other."
Chuck Berry - "Music is an important part of our culture and record stores play a vital part in keeping the power of music alive."
Joan Jett - “The indie record stores are the backbone of the recorded music culture. It's where we go to network, browse around, and find new songs to love. The stores whose owners and staff live for music have spread the word about exciting new things faster and with more essence than either radio or the press. Any artist that doesn't support the wonderful ma and pa record stores across America is contributing to our own extinction.”
Ziggy Marley - "Record stores keep the human social contact alive it brings people together. Without the independent record stores the community breaks down with everyone sitting in front of their computers"
Ben Watt (Everything But The Girl) - "It is hard to underestimate the role of independent retail in the music industry. As the world continues to try and cram every purchase they make onto their computer, turning music into binary digits and artwork into pixelated packshots, we can only sit and wait for them to wake up from their dream and realize that ultimately human interaction in shops, with informed good people, handling cherishable artefacts is good for the soul. In the meantime we need to support the people who keep this world alive for the moment we all realize we need it again."
Sam Phillips (A&R/producer for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and many others) - “There would be no Elvis. There would be no Johnny Cash. There’d be no B.B King. There’d be no Roscoe Gordon. There’d be no Carl Perkins. There would be no Jerry Lee Lewis. There would be no Roy Orbison. I can just tell you. We owe all of that to the independents and the independent people that work so hard for us to have something that could be accepted through their efforts,hard work, and desire to keep a personal feeling in every record..”
Dean Wareham (Luna) - “We are drowning in a sea of Myspace, blather, and too much information. Music is everywhere and nowhere. The independent record store is the solution, a place staffed by friendly (or not) people who are actually paid to weed through this crap and help you find the good stuff.”
G. Love- “Independent record stores are where kids like me learned about the music that made them the musicians they are today. Independent record stores are about the love of records not the love of money!”
So as you have just read, the passion that these musicians have for the independent record shops is immeasurable. These are the professionals who know a little something about the music industry and embrace the concepts, culture and meaning of Record Store Day. Let’s make Record Store Day a national celebration of the independent record store, the musicians who love them and the historical culture that each individual store brings to each and every one of us.
This Day In Music History- Feb 1
Blind Lemon Jefferson makes his first recordings in 1925.
Don Everly was born in Brownie, Kentucky in 1937.
In 1958, Paul McCartney introduced George Harrison to the Quarrymen at a basement teen club called the Morgue. George joins the group and the rest is history.
In 1961, "Shop Around," by the Miracles, was Motown's first national hit, reaching Number Two on the Billboard chart and topping Billboard's hot R&B singles list for eight weeks.
Seventy-three million Americans tuned in to see the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964.
In 1965, James Brown recorded "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," a revolutionary single that ushers in a whole new era of soul music. Released that summer, it tops the R&B chart for eight weeks and even cracks the pop Top Ten.
The debut album 'Buffalo Springfield', containing 12 original songs, was released in 1967. First pressings omit "For What It's Worth," which is subsequently added to the album when it becomes a hit. "For What It's Worth," which reaches #7, and was Buffalo Springfield's only Top Forty hit.
In 1969, Tommy James and the Shondells' 'Crimson and Clover', a shorter version of the five-minute album-track, launched the new self-helmed Shondell’s sound. It tops the US charts and earns a gold disc, becoming the group's biggest US seller.
In 1971, founding member Jeremy Spencer leaves Fleetwood Mac and disappears with a Christian cult group while on tour in Los Angeles.
Sid Vicious, the Sex Pistols' bassist, is found dead in a Manhattan apartment of a heroin overdose in 1979.
In 1969, The Temptations won Motown its first Grammy for "Cloud Nine."
Ray Sawyer (Dr. Hook-"Cover Of Rolling Stone") turns 71.
Bob Shane of the Kingston Trio ("Tijuana Jail") is 74.
The late Rick James (the original "Super Freak") was born in 1952.
In 1968, Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie, was born (exactly 9 months to the day after the King marries Priscilla).
In 1964, the governor of Indiana asks the Indiana Broadcasters Association to ban "Louie Louie," claiming the Kingsmen's song is pornographic and makes his ears tingle. DJs claim that it's impossible to decipher the true lyrics in the allegedly smutty hit, but their ears tingle too.
Elvis Presley arranges for his daughter, Lisa Marie, to meet her favorite singer-- Elton John, for her seventh birthday in 1975.
In 2004, Janet Jackson inadvertently bares her breast when Justin Timberlake tugs at her costume during the Super Bowl half-time show in Houston, Texas. Other performers include Kid Rock, P. Diddy and Nelly, who did not bare their breasts.
In 2000, seventies hit-makers Abba turn down a billion-dollar offer to re-form. The band's songwriters say they don't need to make a comeback but could use the money.
Mike Campbell, guitarist for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, was born in Panama City, FL. in 1954.
Beatlemania comes to America in 1964 when "I Want To Hold Your Hand" becomes the first of twenty Billboard number one hits for The Beatles. It would stay on top for seven weeks, with world wide sales of fifteen million.
In 1979, Blondie's "Heart Of Glass" was certified platinum in the UK, where it tops the Pop chart. The song will also rise to number one in the US the following April.
The Cars, who had placed 15 songs on the Hot 100 between 1978 and 1987, announced their break up in 1988.
Don Everly was born in Brownie, Kentucky in 1937.
In 1958, Paul McCartney introduced George Harrison to the Quarrymen at a basement teen club called the Morgue. George joins the group and the rest is history.
In 1961, "Shop Around," by the Miracles, was Motown's first national hit, reaching Number Two on the Billboard chart and topping Billboard's hot R&B singles list for eight weeks.
Seventy-three million Americans tuned in to see the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964.
In 1965, James Brown recorded "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," a revolutionary single that ushers in a whole new era of soul music. Released that summer, it tops the R&B chart for eight weeks and even cracks the pop Top Ten.
The debut album 'Buffalo Springfield', containing 12 original songs, was released in 1967. First pressings omit "For What It's Worth," which is subsequently added to the album when it becomes a hit. "For What It's Worth," which reaches #7, and was Buffalo Springfield's only Top Forty hit.
In 1969, Tommy James and the Shondells' 'Crimson and Clover', a shorter version of the five-minute album-track, launched the new self-helmed Shondell’s sound. It tops the US charts and earns a gold disc, becoming the group's biggest US seller.
In 1971, founding member Jeremy Spencer leaves Fleetwood Mac and disappears with a Christian cult group while on tour in Los Angeles.
Sid Vicious, the Sex Pistols' bassist, is found dead in a Manhattan apartment of a heroin overdose in 1979.
In 1969, The Temptations won Motown its first Grammy for "Cloud Nine."
Ray Sawyer (Dr. Hook-"Cover Of Rolling Stone") turns 71.
Bob Shane of the Kingston Trio ("Tijuana Jail") is 74.
The late Rick James (the original "Super Freak") was born in 1952.
In 1968, Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie, was born (exactly 9 months to the day after the King marries Priscilla).
In 1964, the governor of Indiana asks the Indiana Broadcasters Association to ban "Louie Louie," claiming the Kingsmen's song is pornographic and makes his ears tingle. DJs claim that it's impossible to decipher the true lyrics in the allegedly smutty hit, but their ears tingle too.
Elvis Presley arranges for his daughter, Lisa Marie, to meet her favorite singer-- Elton John, for her seventh birthday in 1975.
In 2004, Janet Jackson inadvertently bares her breast when Justin Timberlake tugs at her costume during the Super Bowl half-time show in Houston, Texas. Other performers include Kid Rock, P. Diddy and Nelly, who did not bare their breasts.
In 2000, seventies hit-makers Abba turn down a billion-dollar offer to re-form. The band's songwriters say they don't need to make a comeback but could use the money.
Mike Campbell, guitarist for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, was born in Panama City, FL. in 1954.
Beatlemania comes to America in 1964 when "I Want To Hold Your Hand" becomes the first of twenty Billboard number one hits for The Beatles. It would stay on top for seven weeks, with world wide sales of fifteen million.
In 1979, Blondie's "Heart Of Glass" was certified platinum in the UK, where it tops the Pop chart. The song will also rise to number one in the US the following April.
The Cars, who had placed 15 songs on the Hot 100 between 1978 and 1987, announced their break up in 1988.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
This Day In Music History- Jan 31
"I Want You Back," the first of four consecutive #1 hits in a nine-month period from the Jackson 5, reaches the top of the charts in 1970. The others: "ABC" (April 1970), "The Love You Save" (June 1970) and "I'll Be There" (October 1970).
In 1995, 'Skeletons from the Closet,' the Grateful Dead’s “best of” record from their years at Warner Bros., was certified triple platinum (3 million copies sold). It was the top-selling album of the Dead’s career.
KC (Harry Wayne Casey) of KC & the Sunshine Band ("Get Down Tonight") turns 57.
Slim Harpo ("Baby Scratch My Back") dies of a heart attack while recording in London in 1970.
Bob Dylan was reported to be in the audience as Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper play Duluth, Minnesota less than three days before their fatal plane crash in 1959.
Seventeen year-old Neil Young performed his first professional date at a Winnipeg country club in 1963.
In 1970, The Grateful Dead's bust for LSD and barbiturates in a New Orleans hotel becomes the inspiration for their song, "Truckin.”
In 1956, Elvis Presley signed a contract with the William Morris Agency to represent him in film deals.
Today in 1976, the song "Love Rollercoaster" by the Ohio Players topped the charts and stayed there for a week.
The song "The Tide Is High" by Blondie topped the charts and stayed there for a week in 1981.
Johnny Rotten (from Sex Pistols) was born in 1956.
In 1978, Blood, Sweat & Tears sax player Greg Herbert died in Amsterdam from an accidental overdose at age 30.
In 1967, at an antique shop in Kent, England, John Lennon, who is filming the promo clip for "Strawberry Fields Forever" nearby, purchases an 1843 circus poster reading "For the Benefit of Mr. Kite."
Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera was born in London in 1951.
Genesis drummer turned solo hitmaker Phil Collins was born in Chiswick, England in 1951.
Blues singer Chuck Willis, who recorded a definitive version of "C. C. Rider" and wrote songs like "It's Too Late," was born in Atlanta in 1928.
Singer Mario Lanza was born in Philadelphia in 1921.
The Cure’s Jason Cooper was born in 1967.
In 1969, Led Zeppelin opened for Iron Butterfly and so thrills the audience the headliners refuse to go on.
In 1957, Decca Records announced that Bill Haley & His Comets' "Rock Around The Clock" had sold over a million copies in the UK, mostly on 10 inch 78's.
The mother of the group The Cowsills, Barbara Cowsill, passed away in Arizona on January 31st at the age of 56. She and her family were the real life inspiration for the Partridge Family TV show.
In 1987, Paul Simon's "Graceland" went to number 1 on the UK album chart. The LP would stay on the list for 101 weeks.
In 1995, 'Skeletons from the Closet,' the Grateful Dead’s “best of” record from their years at Warner Bros., was certified triple platinum (3 million copies sold). It was the top-selling album of the Dead’s career.
KC (Harry Wayne Casey) of KC & the Sunshine Band ("Get Down Tonight") turns 57.
Slim Harpo ("Baby Scratch My Back") dies of a heart attack while recording in London in 1970.
Bob Dylan was reported to be in the audience as Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper play Duluth, Minnesota less than three days before their fatal plane crash in 1959.
Seventeen year-old Neil Young performed his first professional date at a Winnipeg country club in 1963.
In 1970, The Grateful Dead's bust for LSD and barbiturates in a New Orleans hotel becomes the inspiration for their song, "Truckin.”
In 1956, Elvis Presley signed a contract with the William Morris Agency to represent him in film deals.
Today in 1976, the song "Love Rollercoaster" by the Ohio Players topped the charts and stayed there for a week.
The song "The Tide Is High" by Blondie topped the charts and stayed there for a week in 1981.
Johnny Rotten (from Sex Pistols) was born in 1956.
In 1978, Blood, Sweat & Tears sax player Greg Herbert died in Amsterdam from an accidental overdose at age 30.
In 1967, at an antique shop in Kent, England, John Lennon, who is filming the promo clip for "Strawberry Fields Forever" nearby, purchases an 1843 circus poster reading "For the Benefit of Mr. Kite."
Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera was born in London in 1951.
Genesis drummer turned solo hitmaker Phil Collins was born in Chiswick, England in 1951.
Blues singer Chuck Willis, who recorded a definitive version of "C. C. Rider" and wrote songs like "It's Too Late," was born in Atlanta in 1928.
Singer Mario Lanza was born in Philadelphia in 1921.
The Cure’s Jason Cooper was born in 1967.
In 1969, Led Zeppelin opened for Iron Butterfly and so thrills the audience the headliners refuse to go on.
In 1957, Decca Records announced that Bill Haley & His Comets' "Rock Around The Clock" had sold over a million copies in the UK, mostly on 10 inch 78's.
The mother of the group The Cowsills, Barbara Cowsill, passed away in Arizona on January 31st at the age of 56. She and her family were the real life inspiration for the Partridge Family TV show.
In 1987, Paul Simon's "Graceland" went to number 1 on the UK album chart. The LP would stay on the list for 101 weeks.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Record Store Day
I just heard about this amazing concept and hope to have more information very soon!
On Saturday, April 19, 2008, hundreds of independently owned music stores across the country will celebrate “Record Store Day.”
On this day, all of these stores will simultaneously link and act as one with the purpose of celebrating the culture and unique place that they occupy both in their local communities and nationally.
On Saturday, April 19, 2008, hundreds of independently owned music stores across the country will celebrate “Record Store Day.”On this day, all of these stores will simultaneously link and act as one with the purpose of celebrating the culture and unique place that they occupy both in their local communities and nationally.
This Day In Music History- Jan 29
This Day is from Jan 29th. sorry it is a day late, I had some pressing issues that forced me away from my computer (OHH nooo!)
"Walk This Way” is a Top 10 single in 1977. The Aerosmith song is inspired by a line in Mel Brooks’ comedy Young Frankenstein.
In 1969, Steve Winwood leaves Traffic to join Blind Faith.
Mary Wilson of the Supremes is injured and her son is killed in a California auto accident in 1994.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer disband (the first time), 1979
Warner Brothers Records signed Peter, Paul and Mary to their first recording contract in 1962. Their self-titled album would stay in the US Top 10 for ten months, remained in the Top 20 for two years, and did not drop off the Hot 100 album chart until three-and-a-half years after its release. Their only single to make it all the way to number 1 was 1969's, "Leaving On a Jet Plane," written by John Denver.
The Beatles record "Sie Liebt Dich" (the German version of "She Loves You"), in 1964.
Rose Royce, the former backing band for the Temptations, went to #1 on the US singles chart with "Car Wash” in 1977.
In 2005,the Arctic Monkeys' "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" sells a 363,700 copies in its first week of release to become the No. 1 album in the U.K. and the fastest selling U.K. debut ever.
In 2001, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle rules that Funkadelic star George Clinton signed away his copyright on songs written in the late '70s and early '80s and no, he can't have it back. Clinton claimed rap stars were profiting off tunes he sold to Bridgeport Music in 1983.
Willie Dixon died of heart failure aged 76 in Burbank, CA in 1992. The blues songwriter's "Little Red Rooster" was famously covered by his acolytes the Rolling Stones.
Jimmy Durante or, as he was known, The Great Schnozzola, died in Santa Monica, CA in 1980.
In 1958,The Champs released "Tequila", an instrumental that will hit number one in mid-March, staying there for five weeks The group included sax player Jim Seals and drummer Dash Crofts, who would go on to score several hits in the seventies, including "Summer Breeze" as Seals and Crofts.
Tommy Ramone was born with the name Tamás Erdélyi in Budapest Hungary in 1952. He grows up in Queens, NY. Prior to the Ramones, the drummer is a studio intern for the production of the Jimi Hendrix album “Band Of Gypsys.” He's the group's manager before becoming a band member. 1952
Singer David Byron of the rock band Uriah Heep was born in Essex, England in 1947.
In 1967, Jimi Hendrix and The Who gave a tribute concert to the Beatles late manager, Brian Epstein.
1996 - Garth Brooks refused to accept his American Music Award for Favorite Overall Artist. Brooks said that Hootie and the Blowfish had done more for music that year than he did.
"Walk This Way” is a Top 10 single in 1977. The Aerosmith song is inspired by a line in Mel Brooks’ comedy Young Frankenstein.
In 1969, Steve Winwood leaves Traffic to join Blind Faith.
Mary Wilson of the Supremes is injured and her son is killed in a California auto accident in 1994.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer disband (the first time), 1979
Warner Brothers Records signed Peter, Paul and Mary to their first recording contract in 1962. Their self-titled album would stay in the US Top 10 for ten months, remained in the Top 20 for two years, and did not drop off the Hot 100 album chart until three-and-a-half years after its release. Their only single to make it all the way to number 1 was 1969's, "Leaving On a Jet Plane," written by John Denver.
The Beatles record "Sie Liebt Dich" (the German version of "She Loves You"), in 1964.
Rose Royce, the former backing band for the Temptations, went to #1 on the US singles chart with "Car Wash” in 1977.
In 2005,the Arctic Monkeys' "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" sells a 363,700 copies in its first week of release to become the No. 1 album in the U.K. and the fastest selling U.K. debut ever.
In 2001, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle rules that Funkadelic star George Clinton signed away his copyright on songs written in the late '70s and early '80s and no, he can't have it back. Clinton claimed rap stars were profiting off tunes he sold to Bridgeport Music in 1983.
Willie Dixon died of heart failure aged 76 in Burbank, CA in 1992. The blues songwriter's "Little Red Rooster" was famously covered by his acolytes the Rolling Stones.
Jimmy Durante or, as he was known, The Great Schnozzola, died in Santa Monica, CA in 1980.
In 1958,The Champs released "Tequila", an instrumental that will hit number one in mid-March, staying there for five weeks The group included sax player Jim Seals and drummer Dash Crofts, who would go on to score several hits in the seventies, including "Summer Breeze" as Seals and Crofts.
Tommy Ramone was born with the name Tamás Erdélyi in Budapest Hungary in 1952. He grows up in Queens, NY. Prior to the Ramones, the drummer is a studio intern for the production of the Jimi Hendrix album “Band Of Gypsys.” He's the group's manager before becoming a band member. 1952
Singer David Byron of the rock band Uriah Heep was born in Essex, England in 1947.
In 1967, Jimi Hendrix and The Who gave a tribute concert to the Beatles late manager, Brian Epstein.
1996 - Garth Brooks refused to accept his American Music Award for Favorite Overall Artist. Brooks said that Hootie and the Blowfish had done more for music that year than he did.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Album Cover Art
I enjoyed these YouTube videos, I hope you do as well:
Doors
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King Crimson
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Great album Covers
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Doors
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King Crimson
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Great album Covers
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Vinyl Gets Its Groove Back.
by Kristina Dell -- Time Magazine January 21, 2008 U.S. Edition
From college dorm rooms to high school sleepovers, an all-but-extinct music medium has been showing up lately. And we don't mean CDs. Vinyl records, especially the full-length LPs that helped define the golden era of rock in the 1960s and '70s, are suddenly cool again. Some of the new fans are baby boomers nostalgic for their youth. But to the surprise and delight of music executives, increasing numbers of the iPod generation are also purchasing turntables (or dusting off Dad's), buying long-playing vinyl records and giving them a spin.
Like the comeback of Puma sneakers or vintage T shirts, vinyl's resurgence has benefited from its retro-rock aura. Many young listeners discovered LPs after they rifled through their parents' collections looking for oldies and found that they liked the warmer sound quality of records, the more elaborate album covers and liner notes that come with them, and the experience of putting one on and sharing it with friends, as opposed to plugging in some earbuds and listening alone. "Bad sound on an iPod has had an impact on a lot of people going back to vinyl," says David MacRunnel, a 15-year-old high school sophomore from Creve Coeur, Mo., who owns more than 1,000 records.
The music industry, hoping to find another revenue source that doesn't easily lend itself to illegal downloads, has happily jumped on the bandwagon. Contemporary artists like the Killers and Ryan Adams have begun issuing their new releases on vinyl in addition to the CD and MP3 formats. As an extra lure, many labels are including coupons for free audio downloads with their vinyl albums so that Generation Y music fans can get the best of both worlds: high-quality sound at home and iPod portability for the road. Also, vinyl's different shapes (hearts, triangles) and eye-catching designs (bright colors, sparkles) are created to appeal to a younger audience. While new records sell for about $14, used LPs go for as little as a penny--perfect for a teenager's budget--or as much as $2,400 for a collectible, autographed copy of Beck's Steve Threw Up.
Vinyl records are just a small scratch on the surface when it comes to total album sales--only about 0.2%, compared to 10% for digital downloads and 89.7% for CDs, according to Nielsen SoundScan--but these numbers may underrepresent the vinyl trend since they don't always include sales at smaller indie shops where vinyl does best. Still, 990,000 vinyl albums were sold in 2007, up 15.4% from the 858,000 units bought in 2006. Mike Dreese, CEO of Newbury Comics, a New England chain of independent music retailers that sells LPs and CDs, says his vinyl sales were up 37% last year, and Patrick Amory, general manager of indie label Matador Records, whose artists include Cat Power and the New Pornographers, claims, "We can't keep up with the demand."
Big players are starting to take notice too. "It's not a significant part of our business, but there is enough there for me to take someone and have half their time devoted to making vinyl a real business," says John Esposito, president and CEO of WEA Corp., the U.S. distribution company of Warner Music Group, which posted a 30% increase in LP sales last year. In October, Amazon.com introduced a vinyl-only store and increased its selection to 150,000 titles across 20 genres. Its biggest sellers? Alternative rock, followed by classic rock albums. "I'm not saying vinyl will become a mainstream format, just like gourmet eating is not going to take over from McDonald's," says Michael Fremer, senior contributing editor at Stereophile. "But there is a growing group of people who are going back to a high-resolution format." Here are some of the reasons they're doing it and why you might want to consider it:
Sound quality LPs generally exhibit a warmer, more nuanced sound than CDs and digital downloads. MP3 files tend to produce tinnier notes, especially if compressed into a lower-resolution format that pares down the sonic information. "Most things sound better on vinyl, even with the crackles and pops and hisses," says MacRunnel, the young Missouri record collector.
Album extras Large album covers with imaginative graphics, pullout photos (some even have full-size posters tucked in the sleeve) and liner notes are a big draw for young fans. "Alternative rock used to have 16-page booklets and album sleeves, but with iTunes there isn't anything collectible to show I own a piece of this artist," says Dreese of Newbury Comics. In a nod to modern technology, albums known as picture discs come with an image of the band or artist printed on the vinyl. "People who are used to CDs see the artwork and the colored vinyl, and they think it's really cool," says Jordan Yates, 15, a Nashville-based vinyl enthusiast. Some LP releases even come with bonus tracks not on the CD version, giving customers added value.
Social experience Crowding around a record player to listen to a new album with friends, discussing the foldout photos, even getting up to flip over a record makes vinyl a more socially interactive way to enjoy music. "As far as a communal experience, like with family and friends, it feels better to listen to vinyl," says Jason Bini, 24, a recent graduate of Fordham University. "It's definitely more social."
From college dorm rooms to high school sleepovers, an all-but-extinct music medium has been showing up lately. And we don't mean CDs. Vinyl records, especially the full-length LPs that helped define the golden era of rock in the 1960s and '70s, are suddenly cool again. Some of the new fans are baby boomers nostalgic for their youth. But to the surprise and delight of music executives, increasing numbers of the iPod generation are also purchasing turntables (or dusting off Dad's), buying long-playing vinyl records and giving them a spin.
Like the comeback of Puma sneakers or vintage T shirts, vinyl's resurgence has benefited from its retro-rock aura. Many young listeners discovered LPs after they rifled through their parents' collections looking for oldies and found that they liked the warmer sound quality of records, the more elaborate album covers and liner notes that come with them, and the experience of putting one on and sharing it with friends, as opposed to plugging in some earbuds and listening alone. "Bad sound on an iPod has had an impact on a lot of people going back to vinyl," says David MacRunnel, a 15-year-old high school sophomore from Creve Coeur, Mo., who owns more than 1,000 records.
The music industry, hoping to find another revenue source that doesn't easily lend itself to illegal downloads, has happily jumped on the bandwagon. Contemporary artists like the Killers and Ryan Adams have begun issuing their new releases on vinyl in addition to the CD and MP3 formats. As an extra lure, many labels are including coupons for free audio downloads with their vinyl albums so that Generation Y music fans can get the best of both worlds: high-quality sound at home and iPod portability for the road. Also, vinyl's different shapes (hearts, triangles) and eye-catching designs (bright colors, sparkles) are created to appeal to a younger audience. While new records sell for about $14, used LPs go for as little as a penny--perfect for a teenager's budget--or as much as $2,400 for a collectible, autographed copy of Beck's Steve Threw Up.
Vinyl records are just a small scratch on the surface when it comes to total album sales--only about 0.2%, compared to 10% for digital downloads and 89.7% for CDs, according to Nielsen SoundScan--but these numbers may underrepresent the vinyl trend since they don't always include sales at smaller indie shops where vinyl does best. Still, 990,000 vinyl albums were sold in 2007, up 15.4% from the 858,000 units bought in 2006. Mike Dreese, CEO of Newbury Comics, a New England chain of independent music retailers that sells LPs and CDs, says his vinyl sales were up 37% last year, and Patrick Amory, general manager of indie label Matador Records, whose artists include Cat Power and the New Pornographers, claims, "We can't keep up with the demand."
Big players are starting to take notice too. "It's not a significant part of our business, but there is enough there for me to take someone and have half their time devoted to making vinyl a real business," says John Esposito, president and CEO of WEA Corp., the U.S. distribution company of Warner Music Group, which posted a 30% increase in LP sales last year. In October, Amazon.com introduced a vinyl-only store and increased its selection to 150,000 titles across 20 genres. Its biggest sellers? Alternative rock, followed by classic rock albums. "I'm not saying vinyl will become a mainstream format, just like gourmet eating is not going to take over from McDonald's," says Michael Fremer, senior contributing editor at Stereophile. "But there is a growing group of people who are going back to a high-resolution format." Here are some of the reasons they're doing it and why you might want to consider it:
Sound quality LPs generally exhibit a warmer, more nuanced sound than CDs and digital downloads. MP3 files tend to produce tinnier notes, especially if compressed into a lower-resolution format that pares down the sonic information. "Most things sound better on vinyl, even with the crackles and pops and hisses," says MacRunnel, the young Missouri record collector.
Album extras Large album covers with imaginative graphics, pullout photos (some even have full-size posters tucked in the sleeve) and liner notes are a big draw for young fans. "Alternative rock used to have 16-page booklets and album sleeves, but with iTunes there isn't anything collectible to show I own a piece of this artist," says Dreese of Newbury Comics. In a nod to modern technology, albums known as picture discs come with an image of the band or artist printed on the vinyl. "People who are used to CDs see the artwork and the colored vinyl, and they think it's really cool," says Jordan Yates, 15, a Nashville-based vinyl enthusiast. Some LP releases even come with bonus tracks not on the CD version, giving customers added value.
Social experience Crowding around a record player to listen to a new album with friends, discussing the foldout photos, even getting up to flip over a record makes vinyl a more socially interactive way to enjoy music. "As far as a communal experience, like with family and friends, it feels better to listen to vinyl," says Jason Bini, 24, a recent graduate of Fordham University. "It's definitely more social."
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Goldmine Magazine Launches Radio Station
The music that fills the pages of Goldmine Magazine can now be heard on Goldmine Radio, a 24/7 online streaming radio station at www.goldminemag.com.
IOLA, Wis. (January 24, 2008) -- The music that fills the pages of Goldmine Magazine can now be heard on Goldmine Radio, a 24/7 online streaming radio station at www.goldminemag.com.
Whether it’s classic rock, blues or oldies, or the best from the cream of the crop of today’s artists, music fans can log on any time to hear their favorites. Coming soon, Goldmine editor Peter Lindblad will host new programming each week featuring interviews with artists, collectors, auction houses, music industry players and more.
“For the serious record collector, this is the perfect avenue to listen to their favorites without compromising the condition of their vinyl collection,” says Lindblad. “For the music lover in general, they won’t find a bigger mix of all the music they’ve come to love over time.”
For more information about Goldmine magazine, the collectors record and compact disc marketplace, visit www.goldminemag.com.
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About Goldmine
Goldmine is the world's largest marketplace for collectible records, CDs, and music memorabilia covering rock & roll, blues, country, folk, and jazz. Each issue features articles on recording stars of the past and present with discographies listing all known releases. For more information visit www.goldminemag.com.
About Krause Publications
Krause Publications, based in Iola, Wis., is the world's largest publisher of leisure-time periodicals and books on collectibles, sewing and quilting, hunting, and fishing. Chet Krause, a long-time collector of coins, published the first issue of Numismatic News on Oct. 13, 1952, with nearly 1,000 readers. Today, Krause Publications, owned by F+W Publications, offers over 40 periodicals, 10 hobby shows, 750 reference and how-to books, and web properties. F+W Publications, an ABRY Partners, LLC company, also operates book clubs, conferences, trade shows, interactive media and education programs.
Contact
Peter Lindblad
Editor, Goldmine
800-726-9966, ext. 334
peter.lindblad[@]fwpubs.com
Website Link: http://www.goldminemag.com
IOLA, Wis. (January 24, 2008) -- The music that fills the pages of Goldmine Magazine can now be heard on Goldmine Radio, a 24/7 online streaming radio station at www.goldminemag.com.
Whether it’s classic rock, blues or oldies, or the best from the cream of the crop of today’s artists, music fans can log on any time to hear their favorites. Coming soon, Goldmine editor Peter Lindblad will host new programming each week featuring interviews with artists, collectors, auction houses, music industry players and more.
“For the serious record collector, this is the perfect avenue to listen to their favorites without compromising the condition of their vinyl collection,” says Lindblad. “For the music lover in general, they won’t find a bigger mix of all the music they’ve come to love over time.”
For more information about Goldmine magazine, the collectors record and compact disc marketplace, visit www.goldminemag.com.
# # #
About Goldmine
Goldmine is the world's largest marketplace for collectible records, CDs, and music memorabilia covering rock & roll, blues, country, folk, and jazz. Each issue features articles on recording stars of the past and present with discographies listing all known releases. For more information visit www.goldminemag.com.
About Krause Publications
Krause Publications, based in Iola, Wis., is the world's largest publisher of leisure-time periodicals and books on collectibles, sewing and quilting, hunting, and fishing. Chet Krause, a long-time collector of coins, published the first issue of Numismatic News on Oct. 13, 1952, with nearly 1,000 readers. Today, Krause Publications, owned by F+W Publications, offers over 40 periodicals, 10 hobby shows, 750 reference and how-to books, and web properties. F+W Publications, an ABRY Partners, LLC company, also operates book clubs, conferences, trade shows, interactive media and education programs.
Contact
Peter Lindblad
Editor, Goldmine
800-726-9966, ext. 334
peter.lindblad[@]fwpubs.com
Website Link: http://www.goldminemag.com
This Day In Music History- Jan 27
Elmore James was born in Richland, MS. In 1918.
Nick Mason of Pink Floyd was born in 1945
In 1956, Elvis Presley's debut single for RCA, "Heartbreak Hotel," was released. The first of Presley's 17 Number One hits, it holds down the top spot for eight weeks. The song sold 300,000 copies the first week and would eventually sell over a million, becoming Elvis' first gold record.
In 1972, perhaps the world's greatest gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson, died at age 60 in Evergreen Park, Ill.
The late David Seville ("Witch Doctor" and leader of the Chipmunks) was born in 1919.
Nedra Talley of the Ronettes ("Be My Baby") turns 62.
The Bee Gees made their first-ever appearance in the U.S. in 1968, at the Anaheim, California Convention Center (then head immediately back to England), after making $50,000.
Michael Jackson suffers scalp and neck burns when his hair catches fire during an accidental explosion on the set of a Pepsi commercial, shot in Los Angeles. Pepsi paid Jackson a $1.5 million settlement, which he then donated to the Brotman Memorial Hospital where he was treated. The commercial debuted on MTV on February 27, 1984 with the fire scene edited out.
"Peppermint Twist - Part I" by Joey Dee & the Starliters topped the charts in 1962 and stayed there for 3 weeks.
Bobby Bland was born in Rosemark, TN. in 1930.
Today in 1973, the song "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder topped the charts and stayed there for a week. (the song was Originally given to guitarist Jeff Beck but not immediately released, so Wonder cut his version).
In 2006, Gene McFadden, the R&B singer/songwriter who penned classics like The O'Jays' "Back Stabbers" and had a No. 1 hit as McFadden & Whitehead with "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now," died of cancer complications. He was 56.
Faith No More vocalist Mike Patton was born in Eureka, CA. in 1958.
Margo Timmins, lead singer with the Cowboy Junkies, was born in Montreal in 1961.
Little Richard left Rock and Roll in 1958 and enrolled in bible school at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. Richard explained that while flying over the Philippines on tour, the wing of his plane caught fire and his prayers that the flames go out were answered, so he decided to dedicate the rest of his life to God.
Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released in 1968. The release came 6 weeks after he was killed in a plane crash.
In 1971 David Bowie arrived for his first visit to the U.S. He did not perform, but received a lot of publicity for wearing dresses in Texas and Louisiana.
1967 General Motors begins offering an eight-track tape player as an option in their Buick line.
John Lennon writes, records and mixes "Instant Karma" during a nine hour session in 1970. Phil Spector produced the effort with George Harrison on guitar, Billy Preston on piano, Klaus Voormann on bass and Alan White on drums.
In 1972, the New Seekers received a gold record for "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing,” a song that received extensive air-play as the music for Coca-Cola commercials.
Nick Mason of Pink Floyd was born in 1945
In 1956, Elvis Presley's debut single for RCA, "Heartbreak Hotel," was released. The first of Presley's 17 Number One hits, it holds down the top spot for eight weeks. The song sold 300,000 copies the first week and would eventually sell over a million, becoming Elvis' first gold record.
In 1972, perhaps the world's greatest gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson, died at age 60 in Evergreen Park, Ill.
The late David Seville ("Witch Doctor" and leader of the Chipmunks) was born in 1919.
Nedra Talley of the Ronettes ("Be My Baby") turns 62.
The Bee Gees made their first-ever appearance in the U.S. in 1968, at the Anaheim, California Convention Center (then head immediately back to England), after making $50,000.
Michael Jackson suffers scalp and neck burns when his hair catches fire during an accidental explosion on the set of a Pepsi commercial, shot in Los Angeles. Pepsi paid Jackson a $1.5 million settlement, which he then donated to the Brotman Memorial Hospital where he was treated. The commercial debuted on MTV on February 27, 1984 with the fire scene edited out.
"Peppermint Twist - Part I" by Joey Dee & the Starliters topped the charts in 1962 and stayed there for 3 weeks.
Bobby Bland was born in Rosemark, TN. in 1930.
Today in 1973, the song "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder topped the charts and stayed there for a week. (the song was Originally given to guitarist Jeff Beck but not immediately released, so Wonder cut his version).
In 2006, Gene McFadden, the R&B singer/songwriter who penned classics like The O'Jays' "Back Stabbers" and had a No. 1 hit as McFadden & Whitehead with "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now," died of cancer complications. He was 56.
Faith No More vocalist Mike Patton was born in Eureka, CA. in 1958.
Margo Timmins, lead singer with the Cowboy Junkies, was born in Montreal in 1961.
Little Richard left Rock and Roll in 1958 and enrolled in bible school at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. Richard explained that while flying over the Philippines on tour, the wing of his plane caught fire and his prayers that the flames go out were answered, so he decided to dedicate the rest of his life to God.
Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released in 1968. The release came 6 weeks after he was killed in a plane crash.
In 1971 David Bowie arrived for his first visit to the U.S. He did not perform, but received a lot of publicity for wearing dresses in Texas and Louisiana.
1967 General Motors begins offering an eight-track tape player as an option in their Buick line.
John Lennon writes, records and mixes "Instant Karma" during a nine hour session in 1970. Phil Spector produced the effort with George Harrison on guitar, Billy Preston on piano, Klaus Voormann on bass and Alan White on drums.
In 1972, the New Seekers received a gold record for "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing,” a song that received extensive air-play as the music for Coca-Cola commercials.
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