Week Ending 08/23/2008
1) LP - Bruce Springsteen "Born To Run" Test Pressing Script jacket - $3050.00
2) LP - Bent Jaedig "Jazzman 67" Danish Debut - $2,901.00
3) LP - Elvis Presley "Christmas Album" Sealed LOC-1035 - $2,650.00
4) LP - Elvis Presley "Aloha" Chicken Of The Sea Promo - $2,639.00
5) 45rpm - The Nothing "Scream 'N' Cry" / "Uniformz" Wide Awak Musik - $2,503.00
SOURCE: http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com/
Friday, September 19, 2008
Classic Rock Videos
This is the first of many classic rock vidoes, and I can't think of anyone better to start us off, but Little Richard!
Insound vinyl sales charging upward
Posted by peter
Want more evidence that vinyl is making a comeback? Look no further than to the online music retailer Insound.
The company's vinyl record sales have shot up in recent years.
"Oh, God, then it was tiny," says Insound president/founder Matt Wishnow. "When we first started, I mean, when we first started, the first six months, it was less than 5 percent. I would say even until as recently as two years ago, it was 15 to 20 percent. But, then about two years ago, maybe three years ago, when iTunes started really exploding, it was interesting. CDs started declining, but vinyl started growing at a much faster rate even than CDs were declining. So, it wasn't just about people not buying CDs and turning to vinyl; it was more that CDs were becoming less relevant. But, that as digital music became sort of the standard, that avid music fans were saying, 'You know what? The more people buy digital music, the more I kind of want to really celebrate music through vinyl.' So, it climbed from over 20 percent two years ago, and it's been steadily climbing ever since to the point where last month we were at 50 percent of our sales were vinyl."
While Insound deals mainly with today's current bumper crop of indie acts, the company also deals in classic-rock vinyl that stretches back to the '60s (check out Insound's current back to school vinyl sale). The new Brian Wilson LP is there.
Insound also sells turntables and other audio equipment.
Check them out here: http://www.insound.com/index.php?from=5141
Want more evidence that vinyl is making a comeback? Look no further than to the online music retailer Insound.
The company's vinyl record sales have shot up in recent years.
"Oh, God, then it was tiny," says Insound president/founder Matt Wishnow. "When we first started, I mean, when we first started, the first six months, it was less than 5 percent. I would say even until as recently as two years ago, it was 15 to 20 percent. But, then about two years ago, maybe three years ago, when iTunes started really exploding, it was interesting. CDs started declining, but vinyl started growing at a much faster rate even than CDs were declining. So, it wasn't just about people not buying CDs and turning to vinyl; it was more that CDs were becoming less relevant. But, that as digital music became sort of the standard, that avid music fans were saying, 'You know what? The more people buy digital music, the more I kind of want to really celebrate music through vinyl.' So, it climbed from over 20 percent two years ago, and it's been steadily climbing ever since to the point where last month we were at 50 percent of our sales were vinyl."
While Insound deals mainly with today's current bumper crop of indie acts, the company also deals in classic-rock vinyl that stretches back to the '60s (check out Insound's current back to school vinyl sale). The new Brian Wilson LP is there.
Insound also sells turntables and other audio equipment.
Check them out here: http://www.insound.com/index.php?from=5141
Album Cover Art
Let's continue our look at controversial album cover art as well as the weirdest, best and worst album covers as complied by the staff at Gigwise.com
Controversial
40. Poison: ‘Open Up And Say… Ahh’ Is the second studio album by American glam metal band Poison, released in 1988 through the Enigma label of Capitol Records. The album, which ultimately sold eight million copies worldwide, proved to be the band's most successful release. It spawned four hit singles, which are "Nothin' but a Good Time", "Your Mama Don't Dance", "Fallen Angel", and their only number one single to date, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn". The album is widely considered a classic in the glam metal genre. The original front cover of the album, which featured model "Bambi" dressed as a luminous red demon with a protruding tongue (similar to Gene Simmons of Kiss), caused controversy amongst church and parental groups. In previous U.S. releases, the album was released with a censored cover in which most of the model’s face was obscured. The 2006 remastered CD release features the original cover art. Boy a model with a large tongue really scares me!
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Weirdest
40. Led Zeppelin: 'Houses of the Holy' Houses of the Holy is the fifth album by English rock band Led Zeppelin released by Atlantic Records on 28 March 1973. The album title is a dedication by the band to their fans who appeared at venues they dubbed "Houses of the Holy." It was the first Led Zeppelin album to not be, at least unofficially, titled after the band. The album represents a turning point for the band, as they began to use more layering and production techniques in recording their songs.
Although Houses of the Holy initially received mixed reviews, it has since become regarded by critics as one of Led Zeppelin's best albums. The album produced the favorites "Over the Hills and Far Away", "Dancing Days", "The Song Remains the Same, "D'yer Mak'er", and "The Ocean", and it has sold over 11 million copies in the United States. In 2003, the album was ranked number 149 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
The cover art for Houses of the Holy was inspired by the ending of Arthur C. Clarke's novel Childhood's End. (The ending involves several hundred million naked children, only slightly and physically resembling the human race in basic forms). It is a collage of several photographs which were taken at the Giant's Causeway, Ireland, by Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis. This location was chosen ahead of alternative one in Peru.
The two children who modelled for the cover were siblings Stefan and Samanatha Gates. The photoshoot was a frustrating affair over the course of ten days. Shooting was done first thing in the morning and at sunset in order to capture the light at dawn and dusk, but the desired effect was never achieved due to constant rain and clouds. The photos of the two children were taken in black and white and were multi-printed to create the effect of 11 nubiles that can be seen on the album cover. The results of the shoot were less than satisfactory, but some accidental tinting effects in post-production created an unexpectedly magical album cover. The inner sleeve photograph was taken at Dunluce Castle near to the Causeway.
Now, on my list, this is not a weird album cover, but in my top ten of the best of all-time. Different strokes for different folks as they say.
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Worst
40. Prince – ‘Dirty Mind’ Dirty Mind is the third album by Prince, released October 8, 1980. According to the New Rolling Stone Album Guide, "Dirty Mind remains one of the most radical 180-degree turns in pop history." With this album, Prince makes a decisive departure from his preceding more commercial album Prince. He seems keen to distance himself from the disco-ish light soul of "I Wanna Be Your Lover" and experiments with a New Wave-influenced, rock and roll sound. The title track, complete with a demo-like organ, is rich with punk sensibilities. The track "When You Were Mine" is full of bouncy guitar licks. However, it is the LP's second side (tracks 5-8) which gives the album its unique fusion sound and contains the tracks which were most controversial at the time, namely "Head" (a bawdy tale of Prince seducing a bride-to-be with oral sex) and "Sister" (a hyperdriven, punk-ish ode to incest clocking in at just 90 seconds). "Uptown" is the album's high point, with Prince singing about a utopian paradise where everyone is free to express themselves regardless of age, gender and skin color. This album was to set the scene emphatically for Prince's chart domination later in the 1980s. It fused black and white musical styles in a seamless fashion and showed that Prince was not afraid to push boundaries. In 2003, the album was ranked number 204 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. On its list of Top 100 Albums of the 1980s, Pitchfork Media had Dirty Mind at 87. I rank it as one of the top ten worst, Gigwise is right on here.
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Best
40. The Groundhogs : ‘Split’ (March 1971) The Groundhogs were a British blues band founded in late 1963, which toured extensively in the 1960s and continued in existence sporadically to the present day. The band's blues credentials were recognised when they backed John Lee Hooker and Champion Jack Dupree on their 1960s tours of Britain. The line-up for their first album, Scratchin' the Surface, released in 1968, consisted of Tony McPhee as singer and guitarist, bassist Peter Cruickshank (born 2 July 1945, Calcutta, West Bengal, India), Ken Pustelnik on drums (born 13 March 1946, on a farm near Blairgowry, Angus, Scotland) and Steve Rye on harmonica. They remain one of the lesser known yet critically regarded bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s blues rock groups. Interesting psychedelic cover for those acid lovers.
Controversial
40. Poison: ‘Open Up And Say… Ahh’ Is the second studio album by American glam metal band Poison, released in 1988 through the Enigma label of Capitol Records. The album, which ultimately sold eight million copies worldwide, proved to be the band's most successful release. It spawned four hit singles, which are "Nothin' but a Good Time", "Your Mama Don't Dance", "Fallen Angel", and their only number one single to date, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn". The album is widely considered a classic in the glam metal genre. The original front cover of the album, which featured model "Bambi" dressed as a luminous red demon with a protruding tongue (similar to Gene Simmons of Kiss), caused controversy amongst church and parental groups. In previous U.S. releases, the album was released with a censored cover in which most of the model’s face was obscured. The 2006 remastered CD release features the original cover art. Boy a model with a large tongue really scares me!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weirdest
40. Led Zeppelin: 'Houses of the Holy' Houses of the Holy is the fifth album by English rock band Led Zeppelin released by Atlantic Records on 28 March 1973. The album title is a dedication by the band to their fans who appeared at venues they dubbed "Houses of the Holy." It was the first Led Zeppelin album to not be, at least unofficially, titled after the band. The album represents a turning point for the band, as they began to use more layering and production techniques in recording their songs.
Although Houses of the Holy initially received mixed reviews, it has since become regarded by critics as one of Led Zeppelin's best albums. The album produced the favorites "Over the Hills and Far Away", "Dancing Days", "The Song Remains the Same, "D'yer Mak'er", and "The Ocean", and it has sold over 11 million copies in the United States. In 2003, the album was ranked number 149 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
The cover art for Houses of the Holy was inspired by the ending of Arthur C. Clarke's novel Childhood's End. (The ending involves several hundred million naked children, only slightly and physically resembling the human race in basic forms). It is a collage of several photographs which were taken at the Giant's Causeway, Ireland, by Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis. This location was chosen ahead of alternative one in Peru.
The two children who modelled for the cover were siblings Stefan and Samanatha Gates. The photoshoot was a frustrating affair over the course of ten days. Shooting was done first thing in the morning and at sunset in order to capture the light at dawn and dusk, but the desired effect was never achieved due to constant rain and clouds. The photos of the two children were taken in black and white and were multi-printed to create the effect of 11 nubiles that can be seen on the album cover. The results of the shoot were less than satisfactory, but some accidental tinting effects in post-production created an unexpectedly magical album cover. The inner sleeve photograph was taken at Dunluce Castle near to the Causeway.
Now, on my list, this is not a weird album cover, but in my top ten of the best of all-time. Different strokes for different folks as they say.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worst
40. Prince – ‘Dirty Mind’ Dirty Mind is the third album by Prince, released October 8, 1980. According to the New Rolling Stone Album Guide, "Dirty Mind remains one of the most radical 180-degree turns in pop history." With this album, Prince makes a decisive departure from his preceding more commercial album Prince. He seems keen to distance himself from the disco-ish light soul of "I Wanna Be Your Lover" and experiments with a New Wave-influenced, rock and roll sound. The title track, complete with a demo-like organ, is rich with punk sensibilities. The track "When You Were Mine" is full of bouncy guitar licks. However, it is the LP's second side (tracks 5-8) which gives the album its unique fusion sound and contains the tracks which were most controversial at the time, namely "Head" (a bawdy tale of Prince seducing a bride-to-be with oral sex) and "Sister" (a hyperdriven, punk-ish ode to incest clocking in at just 90 seconds). "Uptown" is the album's high point, with Prince singing about a utopian paradise where everyone is free to express themselves regardless of age, gender and skin color. This album was to set the scene emphatically for Prince's chart domination later in the 1980s. It fused black and white musical styles in a seamless fashion and showed that Prince was not afraid to push boundaries. In 2003, the album was ranked number 204 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. On its list of Top 100 Albums of the 1980s, Pitchfork Media had Dirty Mind at 87. I rank it as one of the top ten worst, Gigwise is right on here.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Best
40. The Groundhogs : ‘Split’ (March 1971) The Groundhogs were a British blues band founded in late 1963, which toured extensively in the 1960s and continued in existence sporadically to the present day. The band's blues credentials were recognised when they backed John Lee Hooker and Champion Jack Dupree on their 1960s tours of Britain. The line-up for their first album, Scratchin' the Surface, released in 1968, consisted of Tony McPhee as singer and guitarist, bassist Peter Cruickshank (born 2 July 1945, Calcutta, West Bengal, India), Ken Pustelnik on drums (born 13 March 1946, on a farm near Blairgowry, Angus, Scotland) and Steve Rye on harmonica. They remain one of the lesser known yet critically regarded bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s blues rock groups. Interesting psychedelic cover for those acid lovers.
Vinyl Collective Stock Update
My vinyl record buddy Virgil, over at www.vinylcollective has just updated his stock. If you are looking for colored and collectible vinyl, this is the place to go!
"Got quite a few restocks for you and at least for us we have a few newer varieties of certain records. Ones to pay close attention include the Gaslight dbl 7″s, Alkaline Trio, Coalesce, Hot Water Music, Latterman, I Hate Myself, This Bike is a Pipe Bomb, Bananas, F.Y.P, Mono, and lots more." - Virgil
A WILHELM SCREAM “Ruiner” LP purple
Against Me! “Cavalier Eternal” 7″ grey vinyl
Against Me! “Cavalier Eternal” 7″ purple vinyl
Alexisonfire “Crisis” LP IMPORT picture disc
ALEXISONFIRE / MONEEN “Switcheroo” split LP picture disc
ALEXISONFIRE/THE BLED split 7″ purple vinyl
ALKALINE TRIO - CRIMSON (COLORED VINYL) LP import red
BLINK 182 - THEY CAME TO CONQUER URANUS 7″
Bright Eyes “Motion Sick” 7″
BURNING BRIDES “Hang Love” dbl LP blue and purple vinyl
Chuck Ragan “Feast or Famine” LP grey vinyl
CHUCK RAGAN “Los Feliz” LP (Grey Marble vinyl)
Coalesce “Give Them Vol 2″ LP grey vinyl
Coalesce “Give Them Vol 2″ LP turquoise
Communique “Poison Arrows” LP
CRIMINALS “S/T” LP orange vinyl
DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL Shade Of Poison LP Mustard vinyl
DEATH ó SYMBOLIC LP 180 gram
DEFIANCE OHIO “Share What Ya Got” LP brown vinyl
DEFIANCE OHIO “the fear the fear the fear” LP dark grey / black vinyl
DEFIANCE OHIO “The Great Depression” LP (grey vinyl)
DEFIANCE OHIO “The Great Depression” LP (pink/purple vinyl)
DEFIANCE OHIO “The Great Depression” LP (turquoise vinyl)
DETROIT COBRAS - TIED & TRUE LP orange vinyl
DWARVES “Way Out” 7″ picture disc
Floor “Dove” LP Green Vinyl
FYP “Extra Credit” 7″ clear pink vinyl
FYP “Made In USA” 7″
FYP “Toys That Kill” LP
GORE GORE GIRLS “Get The Gore” LP grey vinyl
Grabass Charlestons/Ergs split 7″ brownish vinyl
Grabass Charlestons/Ergs split 7″ green swirl vinyl
HOLD STEADY - STUCK BETWEEN STATIONS (1ST) 7″ import
HOLD STEADY - STUCK BETWEEN STATIONS (2ND) 7″ import
HOT ROD CIRCUIT - SORRY ABOUT TOMORROW LP
HOT WATER MUSIC “Caution” LP grey vinyl
HOT WATER MUSIC “Flight and a Crash” LP grey vinyl
HOT WATER MUSIC “Forever and Counting” LP reissue gold vinyl
HOT WATER MUSIC “Forever and Counting” LP reissue white vinyl
HOT WATER MUSIC “Fuel For the Hate Game” LP purple vinyl
HOT WATER MUSIC “Never Ender” LP purple vinyl
Hot Water Music “New What Next” LP grey vinyl
HOT WATER MUSIC “No Division” LP (blue vinyl)
HOT WATER MUSIC “No Division” LP (purple vinyl)
HOT WATER MUSIC “Till the Wheels Fall Off” 2xLP grey vinyl
I HATE MYSELF “Ten Songs” LP BURNT CLEAR vinyl
I HATE MYSELF “Ten Songs” LP purple vinyl
I SPY “Revenge Of The Little Sh*ts” 10″
LADYTRON “604″ dbl LP
LAGWAGON “Let’s Talk About Leftovers” dbl LP Y/R, Y/G splatter vinyl
LATTERMAN “We Are Still Alive” LP black and white vinyl
LATTERMAN “We Are Still Alive” LP purple vinyl
LATTERMAN “We Are Still Alive” LP red vinyl
LIFETIME “Lifetime” LP reissue white vinyl
Lucero ìAttic Tapesî LP + 7″
MONO “Memorial Dal Futoro” 10″ grey vinyl
NEW MEXICAN DISASTER SQUAD “Don’t Believe” LP grey
NEW YORK DOLLS ìOne Day It Will Please Us To Rememberî 2xLP
Of Montreal ìHissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?î 3LP
Of Montreal ìSatanic Panic In The Atticî LP
OFF WITH THEIR HEADS / DEAR LANDLORD†split 7″ black/grey marble vinyl
PELICAN - CITY OF ECHOES (180 GR) LP clear light blue
PLANES MISTAKEN FOR STARS “Mercy” LP (grey vinyl)
PLANES MISTAKEN FOR STARS “We Ride to Fight” dbl LP red vinyl
RADON “Metric Buttloads of Rock” LP Yellow vinyl
Rehasher “Off Key Melodies” LP pink vinyl
Rehasher “Off Key Melodies” LP yellow vinyl
RISE AGAINST ìSUFFERER AND THE WITNESSî LP
RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS “To the Confusion of Our Enemies” LP
RUMBLESEAT “Is Dead” LP berry mix vinyl
RYAN ADAMS & THE CARDINALS “Easy Tiger” LP orange vinyl
RYAN ADAMS “DEMOLITION” LP
RYAN ADAMS & THE CARDINALS “Jacksonville City Nights” dbl LP
RYAN ADAMS ìHeartbreakerî LP
SAVES THE DAY - STAY WHAT YOU ARE LP
SCOUTS HONOR ìI Am The Dustî LP
THE ARRIVALS “Marvels of Industry” LP
THE BANANAS “A Slippery Subject” LP
THE BANANAS “Forbidden Fruit” LP
THE DRAFT “Devil in the Shade” / “Na Na Na” 7″
THE DRAFT “In a Million Pieces” LP berry vinyl
THE DRAFT “Stop Wastin’ My Time” / “Up All Night” 7″ grey
THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM “Senor and the Queen” 2×7″ clear vinyl
THE QUEERS “Love Songs for the Retarded” LP colored vinyl
THIS BIKE IS A PIPE BOMB “Front Seat Solidarity” LP turquoise vinyl
This is My Fist “History of Rats” LP Pink vinyl
THIS IS MY FIST / FIFTH HOUR HERO†split 7″ Grey vinyl
V/A Read Army Hot Water Music, Avail, Weakerthans 7″ green vinyl
YOUNG LIVERS “The New Drop Era” LP purple vinyl
"Got quite a few restocks for you and at least for us we have a few newer varieties of certain records. Ones to pay close attention include the Gaslight dbl 7″s, Alkaline Trio, Coalesce, Hot Water Music, Latterman, I Hate Myself, This Bike is a Pipe Bomb, Bananas, F.Y.P, Mono, and lots more." - Virgil
A WILHELM SCREAM “Ruiner” LP purple
Against Me! “Cavalier Eternal” 7″ grey vinyl
Against Me! “Cavalier Eternal” 7″ purple vinyl
Alexisonfire “Crisis” LP IMPORT picture disc
ALEXISONFIRE / MONEEN “Switcheroo” split LP picture disc
ALEXISONFIRE/THE BLED split 7″ purple vinyl
ALKALINE TRIO - CRIMSON (COLORED VINYL) LP import red
BLINK 182 - THEY CAME TO CONQUER URANUS 7″
Bright Eyes “Motion Sick” 7″
BURNING BRIDES “Hang Love” dbl LP blue and purple vinyl
Chuck Ragan “Feast or Famine” LP grey vinyl
CHUCK RAGAN “Los Feliz” LP (Grey Marble vinyl)
Coalesce “Give Them Vol 2″ LP grey vinyl
Coalesce “Give Them Vol 2″ LP turquoise
Communique “Poison Arrows” LP
CRIMINALS “S/T” LP orange vinyl
DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL Shade Of Poison LP Mustard vinyl
DEATH ó SYMBOLIC LP 180 gram
DEFIANCE OHIO “Share What Ya Got” LP brown vinyl
DEFIANCE OHIO “the fear the fear the fear” LP dark grey / black vinyl
DEFIANCE OHIO “The Great Depression” LP (grey vinyl)
DEFIANCE OHIO “The Great Depression” LP (pink/purple vinyl)
DEFIANCE OHIO “The Great Depression” LP (turquoise vinyl)
DETROIT COBRAS - TIED & TRUE LP orange vinyl
DWARVES “Way Out” 7″ picture disc
Floor “Dove” LP Green Vinyl
FYP “Extra Credit” 7″ clear pink vinyl
FYP “Made In USA” 7″
FYP “Toys That Kill” LP
GORE GORE GIRLS “Get The Gore” LP grey vinyl
Grabass Charlestons/Ergs split 7″ brownish vinyl
Grabass Charlestons/Ergs split 7″ green swirl vinyl
HOLD STEADY - STUCK BETWEEN STATIONS (1ST) 7″ import
HOLD STEADY - STUCK BETWEEN STATIONS (2ND) 7″ import
HOT ROD CIRCUIT - SORRY ABOUT TOMORROW LP
HOT WATER MUSIC “Caution” LP grey vinyl
HOT WATER MUSIC “Flight and a Crash” LP grey vinyl
HOT WATER MUSIC “Forever and Counting” LP reissue gold vinyl
HOT WATER MUSIC “Forever and Counting” LP reissue white vinyl
HOT WATER MUSIC “Fuel For the Hate Game” LP purple vinyl
HOT WATER MUSIC “Never Ender” LP purple vinyl
Hot Water Music “New What Next” LP grey vinyl
HOT WATER MUSIC “No Division” LP (blue vinyl)
HOT WATER MUSIC “No Division” LP (purple vinyl)
HOT WATER MUSIC “Till the Wheels Fall Off” 2xLP grey vinyl
I HATE MYSELF “Ten Songs” LP BURNT CLEAR vinyl
I HATE MYSELF “Ten Songs” LP purple vinyl
I SPY “Revenge Of The Little Sh*ts” 10″
LADYTRON “604″ dbl LP
LAGWAGON “Let’s Talk About Leftovers” dbl LP Y/R, Y/G splatter vinyl
LATTERMAN “We Are Still Alive” LP black and white vinyl
LATTERMAN “We Are Still Alive” LP purple vinyl
LATTERMAN “We Are Still Alive” LP red vinyl
LIFETIME “Lifetime” LP reissue white vinyl
Lucero ìAttic Tapesî LP + 7″
MONO “Memorial Dal Futoro” 10″ grey vinyl
NEW MEXICAN DISASTER SQUAD “Don’t Believe” LP grey
NEW YORK DOLLS ìOne Day It Will Please Us To Rememberî 2xLP
Of Montreal ìHissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?î 3LP
Of Montreal ìSatanic Panic In The Atticî LP
OFF WITH THEIR HEADS / DEAR LANDLORD†split 7″ black/grey marble vinyl
PELICAN - CITY OF ECHOES (180 GR) LP clear light blue
PLANES MISTAKEN FOR STARS “Mercy” LP (grey vinyl)
PLANES MISTAKEN FOR STARS “We Ride to Fight” dbl LP red vinyl
RADON “Metric Buttloads of Rock” LP Yellow vinyl
Rehasher “Off Key Melodies” LP pink vinyl
Rehasher “Off Key Melodies” LP yellow vinyl
RISE AGAINST ìSUFFERER AND THE WITNESSî LP
RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS “To the Confusion of Our Enemies” LP
RUMBLESEAT “Is Dead” LP berry mix vinyl
RYAN ADAMS & THE CARDINALS “Easy Tiger” LP orange vinyl
RYAN ADAMS “DEMOLITION” LP
RYAN ADAMS & THE CARDINALS “Jacksonville City Nights” dbl LP
RYAN ADAMS ìHeartbreakerî LP
SAVES THE DAY - STAY WHAT YOU ARE LP
SCOUTS HONOR ìI Am The Dustî LP
THE ARRIVALS “Marvels of Industry” LP
THE BANANAS “A Slippery Subject” LP
THE BANANAS “Forbidden Fruit” LP
THE DRAFT “Devil in the Shade” / “Na Na Na” 7″
THE DRAFT “In a Million Pieces” LP berry vinyl
THE DRAFT “Stop Wastin’ My Time” / “Up All Night” 7″ grey
THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM “Senor and the Queen” 2×7″ clear vinyl
THE QUEERS “Love Songs for the Retarded” LP colored vinyl
THIS BIKE IS A PIPE BOMB “Front Seat Solidarity” LP turquoise vinyl
This is My Fist “History of Rats” LP Pink vinyl
THIS IS MY FIST / FIFTH HOUR HERO†split 7″ Grey vinyl
V/A Read Army Hot Water Music, Avail, Weakerthans 7″ green vinyl
YOUNG LIVERS “The New Drop Era” LP purple vinyl
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The Dead, Allmans To Rock For Obama
The Dead and the Allman Brothers Band have signed for a Barack Obama fundraising concert, to be held Oct. 13 at Bryce-Jordan Center in State College, Pa. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Sept. 19).
"We're all deeply into this, into Barack Obama and the thought of taking this country back in some shape or form, what's left of it -- it's probably one thing we can all agree on," Dead drummer Mickey Hart told Billboard.com in July. The group reunited in February for a similar Obama fundraiser in San Francisco.
The Pennsylvania Campaign for Change is sponsoring the show and its related voter outreach campaign.
Now Obama will get all the old hippie votes :O)
"We're all deeply into this, into Barack Obama and the thought of taking this country back in some shape or form, what's left of it -- it's probably one thing we can all agree on," Dead drummer Mickey Hart told Billboard.com in July. The group reunited in February for a similar Obama fundraiser in San Francisco.
The Pennsylvania Campaign for Change is sponsoring the show and its related voter outreach campaign.
Now Obama will get all the old hippie votes :O)
Farm Aid to help farmers hurt by Ike, Gustav
Thu Sep 18, 6:07 PM ET
SOMERVILLE, Mass. - Farm Aid founder Willie Nelson says the organization will give $30,000 to groups that help family farmers in areas of Texas and Louisiana hit hardest by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.
Nelson, a native Texan, announced the grants Thursday. They include $7,500 each to the Lutheran Social Services of the South, the Southern Mutual Help Association, the Louisiana Interchurch Conference and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives.
Somerville-based Farm Aid says more money will be distributed as the extent of the hurricane damage becomes clearer.
Farm Aid, the nation's longest-running benefit concert, has raised more than $30 million since its first show in 1985.
The concert will be held in New England for the first time on Sept. 20.
To Help or For More Information:
http://www.farmaid.org/disasterfund
SOMERVILLE, Mass. - Farm Aid founder Willie Nelson says the organization will give $30,000 to groups that help family farmers in areas of Texas and Louisiana hit hardest by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.
Nelson, a native Texan, announced the grants Thursday. They include $7,500 each to the Lutheran Social Services of the South, the Southern Mutual Help Association, the Louisiana Interchurch Conference and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives.
Somerville-based Farm Aid says more money will be distributed as the extent of the hurricane damage becomes clearer.
Farm Aid, the nation's longest-running benefit concert, has raised more than $30 million since its first show in 1985.
The concert will be held in New England for the first time on Sept. 20.
To Help or For More Information:
http://www.farmaid.org/disasterfund
Checker's "Twist" tops all-time singles chart
NEW YORK (Billboard) - The 50th-anniversary Hot 100 Song chart is based on actual performance on the weekly Billboard Hot 100 since the singles chart's inception in August 1958 through July of this year.
Songs are ranked based on an inverse point system, with weeks at No. 1 earning the greatest value and weeks at No. 100 earning the least.
To ensure equitable representation of the biggest hits from all 50 years, earlier time frames were each weighted to compensate for the differences in the faster turnover rates from those earlier decades, compared with the slower churn the Hot 100 has experienced since the advent of Nielsen Music data.
Here are the top 10 singles on Billboard's 50th-anniversary Hot 100.
1: THE TWIST (CHUBBY CHECKER)
Label: Parkway / Peak Date: 9/19/60 and 1/13/62 / Peak Position: 1 (1 week) and 1 (2 weeks)
"I resurrected a corpse" is how Chubby Checker feels about recording "The Twist" in the early summer of 1960. And Frankenstein's monster had nothing on his achievement.
"The Twist" is the only song in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 to enjoy two separate chart runs to No. 1: September 19, 1960 (one week), and, after an October 1961 appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," January 13, 1962 (two weeks). It also set a record for the most weeks (39) on the Hot 100 by a No. 1 song -- which held until UB40's "Red Red Wine" lasted 40 weeks in 1988. Others since have surpassed the mark.
"'The Twist' brought the world dancing apart (to) the beat," says Checker, now 66, who was born Ernest Evans in South Carolina before moving to Philadelphia. "Then came all our dances -- the Pony, the Mashed Potato, the Fly, the Hucklebuck -- all dancing apart to the beat. Chubby gave us that. How did he do it? With 'The Twist."'
Forty-eight years later, however, Checker fesses up to being a reluctant savior for the song. "The Twist" first came out as the B-side of Hank Ballard & the Midnighters' 1959 single "Teardrops on Your Letter." DJs largely ignored "The Twist," but inner-city youth who had flipped the disc began doing a hip-wiggling dance to the track, which did not go unnoticed by "American Bandstand" host Dick Clark. When he couldn't get Danny & the Juniors to record a version of the song, Clark went to Philadelphia's Cameo-Parkway label and suggested that Checker take it on. Checker had recorded "The Class" for him in 1958 as a holiday single to send to friends.
"I said I didn't want to sing that song," Checker remembers. "It had been out already. Nobody was playing it. But I wanted to make records, and so when they said, 'Come up here and sing "The Twist,"' I said, 'OK."'
"The Twist" was the gift that kept on giving: Five more of Checker's 32 Hot 100 entries mined the dance. He even joined the Fat Boys for "The Twist (Yo, Twist)," which hit No. 16 in 1988.
2: SMOOTH (SANTANA FEATURING ROB THOMAS)
Label: Arista / Peak Date: 10/23/99 / Peak Position: 1 (12)
Exactly 30 years before Santana reached No. 1 with "Smooth," his eponymous band made its first appearance on the Hot 100 with "Jingo." It wasn't an auspicious debut, peaking at No. 56. But if you had told Carlos Santana back then that he would have the biggest hit of his career 30 years later to the week, do you think he would have believed you? Probably not. Co-written by Itaal Shur and Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas, "Smooth" introduced Santana's smash album "Supernatural" and became one of the biggest radio monsters of the decade, spending 12 weeks at No. 1.
3: MACK THE KNIFE (BOBBY DARIN)
Label: Atco / Peak Date: 10/5/59 / Peak Position: 1 (9)
In 1958, "Splish Splash" put 22-year-old Bobby Darin on the map, and three more hits in quick succession cemented his teen appeal. But the furiously ambitious Darin wanted the longevity promised by singing in supper clubs, appealing to Frank Sinatra's audience. "In night clubs I lean to other things. I even do 'Mack the Knife' from 'The Threepenny Opera,"' Darin told Billboard at the time. He recorded "Mack" for his standards album "That's All," produced by Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun and Jerry Wexler for Atlantic's Atco imprint. It won the Grammy for record of the year as well as a slightly belated nod for Darin as best new artist.
4: HOW DO I LIVE (LEANN RIMES)
Label: Curb / Peak Date: 12/13/97 / Peak Position: 2
LeAnn Rimes' second Hot 100 entry, after the 1996 No. 26-peaking "Blue," stands as the longest-running Hot 100 title of all time, charting for 69 weeks total between June 1997 and October 1998. The song, recorded when Rimes was only 14, even outlasted two of her follow-up releases on the chart. It also led the Adult Contemporary chart for 11 weeks and has gone on to sell 3.5 million physical singles. On the digital front, it routinely shifts more than 1,000 units per week, for a total to date in excess of 203,000. "It's just one of those songs that lives on in everyone's life," Rimes says today.
5: MACARENA (BAYSIDE BOYS MIX) (LOS DEL RIO)
Label: RCA / Peak Date: 8/3/96 / Peak Position: 1 (14)
This flamenco-flavored party song and accompanying silly dance by two middle-age men named Antonio Romero and Rey Ruiz was a hit in Spain in 1993, and "Macarena" was a favorite on cruise ships before docking in Miami's South Beach clubs by mid-decade, first appearing on the charts in 1995. But the bilingual Bayside Boys Mix of the song exploded on radio, spending 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 in 1996 and reaching the top several weeks before it was used to introduce -- and provide a punch line for -- Al Gore's speech at that year's Democratic National Convention. Los Del Rio's early version eventually returned to the chart, peaking at No. 23 and spending 21 weeks on the tally.
6: PHYSICAL (OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN)
Label: MCA / Peak Date: 11/21/81 / Peak Position: 1 (10)
Olivia Newton-John was weary of the sweet love songs that had defined her career for more than a decade. With longtime producer John Farrar, she decided to up the tempo for the title track of 1981's "Physical." The song also stirred up controversy for its lyrical nod to sexual intimacy, ultimately fueling a 10-week stay atop the Hot 100 to become Newton-John's biggest career hit. It had immense crossover appeal, scoring on the pop, adult contemporary, club play and black charts. After all was said and done, "Physical" was the No. 1 song of 1982.
7: YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE (DEBBY BOONE)
Label: Warner Bros./Curb / Peak Date: 10/15/77 / Peak Position: 1 (10)
Pat Boone's four daughters tried for years to forge a music career as the Boone Sisters, with no luck. Label honcho Mike Curb was determined to launch lead Debby as a solo artist and found the ideal song at a screening of the movie "You Light Up My Life." Curb borrowed the instrumental track and had Boone's vocal recorded over it. His instincts were right on: "Light" remained at No. 1 on the Hot 100 for 10 weeks beginning in October 1977, a record at the time for a female artist, and won an Academy Award for best original song and a Grammy Award for Boone as best new artist.
8: HEY JUDE (THE BEATLES)
Label: Apple / Peak Date: 9/28/68 / Peak Position: 1 (9)
The first single the Beatles released on their Apple Records label, "Hey Jude," was written in 1968 by Paul McCartney to comfort John Lennon's son Julian during the divorce of his parents. "I started with the idea, 'Hey Jules,' which was, 'Julian, don't make it bad, take a sad song and make it better,"' McCartney told biographer Barry Miles. "Hey Jude" entered the Hot 100 for the week ending September 14, 1968, at No. 10 and rose to No. 1 two weeks later. It held the top spot for nine weeks, making it the most successful hit of the band's career. It remains a staple of McCartney's live shows to this day.
9: WE BELONG TOGETHER (MARIAH CAREY)
Label: Island/IDJMG / Peak Date: 6/4/05 / Peak Position: 1 (14)
Early in the decade, Mariah Carey experienced a prolonged dry spell of hits that coincided with some bizarre public appearances, a film flop and a disastrous $80 million deal with Virgin. But she regrouped spectacularly on Island Def Jam with "The Emancipation of Mimi." "We Belong Together," the album's monster second single, was produced by Jermaine Dupri. It spent 14 weeks at No. 1 and helped the album shift 5.9 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. "I prayed to get through everything I got through, and I prayed for this record to be really good and really strong and for me to be proud of it," she told Billboard in 2005. "God always answers my prayers." Carey now has 18 No. 1 Hot 100 hits, second only to the Beatles' all-time record of 20.
10: UN-BREAK MY HEART (TONI BRAXTON)
Label: LaFace/Arista / Peak Date: 12/7/96 / Peak Position: 1 (11)
Three years after winning the 1993 best new artist Grammy Award, Toni Braxton released her second consecutive multiplatinum album, "Secrets." The follow-up to her self-titled LaFace Records debut spun off the preacher's daughter's first Hot 100 No. 1 ("You're Makin' Me High") and this, the biggest hit of her career. The song -- written by Diane Warren, produced by David Foster and rendered in Braxton's distinctive, husky alto -- spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100. A "Diva Mix" of the track, inspired by her show-opening performance at the 1996 Billboard Music Awards, spread "Heart" to overseas success as well.
Reuters/Billboard
Songs are ranked based on an inverse point system, with weeks at No. 1 earning the greatest value and weeks at No. 100 earning the least.
To ensure equitable representation of the biggest hits from all 50 years, earlier time frames were each weighted to compensate for the differences in the faster turnover rates from those earlier decades, compared with the slower churn the Hot 100 has experienced since the advent of Nielsen Music data.
Here are the top 10 singles on Billboard's 50th-anniversary Hot 100.
1: THE TWIST (CHUBBY CHECKER)
Label: Parkway / Peak Date: 9/19/60 and 1/13/62 / Peak Position: 1 (1 week) and 1 (2 weeks)
"I resurrected a corpse" is how Chubby Checker feels about recording "The Twist" in the early summer of 1960. And Frankenstein's monster had nothing on his achievement.
"The Twist" is the only song in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 to enjoy two separate chart runs to No. 1: September 19, 1960 (one week), and, after an October 1961 appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," January 13, 1962 (two weeks). It also set a record for the most weeks (39) on the Hot 100 by a No. 1 song -- which held until UB40's "Red Red Wine" lasted 40 weeks in 1988. Others since have surpassed the mark.
"'The Twist' brought the world dancing apart (to) the beat," says Checker, now 66, who was born Ernest Evans in South Carolina before moving to Philadelphia. "Then came all our dances -- the Pony, the Mashed Potato, the Fly, the Hucklebuck -- all dancing apart to the beat. Chubby gave us that. How did he do it? With 'The Twist."'
Forty-eight years later, however, Checker fesses up to being a reluctant savior for the song. "The Twist" first came out as the B-side of Hank Ballard & the Midnighters' 1959 single "Teardrops on Your Letter." DJs largely ignored "The Twist," but inner-city youth who had flipped the disc began doing a hip-wiggling dance to the track, which did not go unnoticed by "American Bandstand" host Dick Clark. When he couldn't get Danny & the Juniors to record a version of the song, Clark went to Philadelphia's Cameo-Parkway label and suggested that Checker take it on. Checker had recorded "The Class" for him in 1958 as a holiday single to send to friends.
"I said I didn't want to sing that song," Checker remembers. "It had been out already. Nobody was playing it. But I wanted to make records, and so when they said, 'Come up here and sing "The Twist,"' I said, 'OK."'
"The Twist" was the gift that kept on giving: Five more of Checker's 32 Hot 100 entries mined the dance. He even joined the Fat Boys for "The Twist (Yo, Twist)," which hit No. 16 in 1988.
2: SMOOTH (SANTANA FEATURING ROB THOMAS)
Label: Arista / Peak Date: 10/23/99 / Peak Position: 1 (12)
Exactly 30 years before Santana reached No. 1 with "Smooth," his eponymous band made its first appearance on the Hot 100 with "Jingo." It wasn't an auspicious debut, peaking at No. 56. But if you had told Carlos Santana back then that he would have the biggest hit of his career 30 years later to the week, do you think he would have believed you? Probably not. Co-written by Itaal Shur and Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas, "Smooth" introduced Santana's smash album "Supernatural" and became one of the biggest radio monsters of the decade, spending 12 weeks at No. 1.
3: MACK THE KNIFE (BOBBY DARIN)
Label: Atco / Peak Date: 10/5/59 / Peak Position: 1 (9)
In 1958, "Splish Splash" put 22-year-old Bobby Darin on the map, and three more hits in quick succession cemented his teen appeal. But the furiously ambitious Darin wanted the longevity promised by singing in supper clubs, appealing to Frank Sinatra's audience. "In night clubs I lean to other things. I even do 'Mack the Knife' from 'The Threepenny Opera,"' Darin told Billboard at the time. He recorded "Mack" for his standards album "That's All," produced by Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun and Jerry Wexler for Atlantic's Atco imprint. It won the Grammy for record of the year as well as a slightly belated nod for Darin as best new artist.
4: HOW DO I LIVE (LEANN RIMES)
Label: Curb / Peak Date: 12/13/97 / Peak Position: 2
LeAnn Rimes' second Hot 100 entry, after the 1996 No. 26-peaking "Blue," stands as the longest-running Hot 100 title of all time, charting for 69 weeks total between June 1997 and October 1998. The song, recorded when Rimes was only 14, even outlasted two of her follow-up releases on the chart. It also led the Adult Contemporary chart for 11 weeks and has gone on to sell 3.5 million physical singles. On the digital front, it routinely shifts more than 1,000 units per week, for a total to date in excess of 203,000. "It's just one of those songs that lives on in everyone's life," Rimes says today.
5: MACARENA (BAYSIDE BOYS MIX) (LOS DEL RIO)
Label: RCA / Peak Date: 8/3/96 / Peak Position: 1 (14)
This flamenco-flavored party song and accompanying silly dance by two middle-age men named Antonio Romero and Rey Ruiz was a hit in Spain in 1993, and "Macarena" was a favorite on cruise ships before docking in Miami's South Beach clubs by mid-decade, first appearing on the charts in 1995. But the bilingual Bayside Boys Mix of the song exploded on radio, spending 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 in 1996 and reaching the top several weeks before it was used to introduce -- and provide a punch line for -- Al Gore's speech at that year's Democratic National Convention. Los Del Rio's early version eventually returned to the chart, peaking at No. 23 and spending 21 weeks on the tally.
6: PHYSICAL (OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN)
Label: MCA / Peak Date: 11/21/81 / Peak Position: 1 (10)
Olivia Newton-John was weary of the sweet love songs that had defined her career for more than a decade. With longtime producer John Farrar, she decided to up the tempo for the title track of 1981's "Physical." The song also stirred up controversy for its lyrical nod to sexual intimacy, ultimately fueling a 10-week stay atop the Hot 100 to become Newton-John's biggest career hit. It had immense crossover appeal, scoring on the pop, adult contemporary, club play and black charts. After all was said and done, "Physical" was the No. 1 song of 1982.
7: YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE (DEBBY BOONE)
Label: Warner Bros./Curb / Peak Date: 10/15/77 / Peak Position: 1 (10)
Pat Boone's four daughters tried for years to forge a music career as the Boone Sisters, with no luck. Label honcho Mike Curb was determined to launch lead Debby as a solo artist and found the ideal song at a screening of the movie "You Light Up My Life." Curb borrowed the instrumental track and had Boone's vocal recorded over it. His instincts were right on: "Light" remained at No. 1 on the Hot 100 for 10 weeks beginning in October 1977, a record at the time for a female artist, and won an Academy Award for best original song and a Grammy Award for Boone as best new artist.
8: HEY JUDE (THE BEATLES)
Label: Apple / Peak Date: 9/28/68 / Peak Position: 1 (9)
The first single the Beatles released on their Apple Records label, "Hey Jude," was written in 1968 by Paul McCartney to comfort John Lennon's son Julian during the divorce of his parents. "I started with the idea, 'Hey Jules,' which was, 'Julian, don't make it bad, take a sad song and make it better,"' McCartney told biographer Barry Miles. "Hey Jude" entered the Hot 100 for the week ending September 14, 1968, at No. 10 and rose to No. 1 two weeks later. It held the top spot for nine weeks, making it the most successful hit of the band's career. It remains a staple of McCartney's live shows to this day.
9: WE BELONG TOGETHER (MARIAH CAREY)
Label: Island/IDJMG / Peak Date: 6/4/05 / Peak Position: 1 (14)
Early in the decade, Mariah Carey experienced a prolonged dry spell of hits that coincided with some bizarre public appearances, a film flop and a disastrous $80 million deal with Virgin. But she regrouped spectacularly on Island Def Jam with "The Emancipation of Mimi." "We Belong Together," the album's monster second single, was produced by Jermaine Dupri. It spent 14 weeks at No. 1 and helped the album shift 5.9 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. "I prayed to get through everything I got through, and I prayed for this record to be really good and really strong and for me to be proud of it," she told Billboard in 2005. "God always answers my prayers." Carey now has 18 No. 1 Hot 100 hits, second only to the Beatles' all-time record of 20.
10: UN-BREAK MY HEART (TONI BRAXTON)
Label: LaFace/Arista / Peak Date: 12/7/96 / Peak Position: 1 (11)
Three years after winning the 1993 best new artist Grammy Award, Toni Braxton released her second consecutive multiplatinum album, "Secrets." The follow-up to her self-titled LaFace Records debut spun off the preacher's daughter's first Hot 100 No. 1 ("You're Makin' Me High") and this, the biggest hit of her career. The song -- written by Diane Warren, produced by David Foster and rendered in Braxton's distinctive, husky alto -- spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100. A "Diva Mix" of the track, inspired by her show-opening performance at the 1996 Billboard Music Awards, spread "Heart" to overseas success as well.
Reuters/Billboard
Album Cover Art
Let's continue our album cover art series-the top 50 controversial, weirdest, worst and best album covers, brought to us by the crack staff at http://www.gigwise.com
Controversial
41. The Rolling Stones: ‘Beggars Banquet’ Beggars Banquet is an LP released in 1968 by The Rolling Stones. It marked a return to the band's R&B roots, generally viewed as simpler and more primal than the conspicuous psychedelics of Their Satanic Majesties Request. The album is featured in the book "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die". The controversary was the picture of the toilet and the gaffiti laced walls. The cover was rejected by both Decca and London Records due to its inappropriate imagery. In a show of defiance, Jagger and the band withheld the album for several months before finally relenting and allowing a replacement to be printed. Hey, I have been in that bathroom!
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Weirdest
41. Debbie Harry: 'Koo Koo' -Koo Koo is the title of the debut solo album by Debbie Harry, released in August 1981 while Harry was still a member of the group Blondie. Produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of the 70's disco group Chic, it reached #6 in the UK and stayed in the charts for seven weeks, being certified "Silver" by the BPI. The album reached #28 in the US. For the promotion of Koo Koo there were plans by Harry's record company, Chrysalis Records, to display large posters of the album cover created by Swiss artist H.R. Giger in various stations of the London Underground, but officials deemed the image of Harry's face with metal skewers going through her head too disturbing. In Japan the "Backfired" single was issued with an entirely different picture sleeve, showing a glamorous and most importantly non-provocative Debbie Harry looking more like her established Blondie persona.
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Worst
41. Ice T (Iceberg) Tracy Lauren Marrow (born February 16, 1958 in Newark, New Jersey) better known by his stage name, Ice-T, is a rapper, actor, and author. He is credited with helping create gangsta rap in the late 1980s. A compelling 'nude' album cover also helped fuel sales and its share of controversary as well. Ice-T threw listeners quite a curve ball with his riveting third album, The Iceberg/Freedom of Speech...Just Watch What You Say -- arguably the closest hip-hop has come to George Orwell's -1984. Instead of focusing heavily on gangsta rap, Ice-T made First Amendment issues the CD's dominant theme. Setting the album's tone is the opener, "Shut Up, Be Happy," which finds guest Jello Biafra (former leader of punk band Dead Kennedys) envisioning an Orwellian America in which the government controls and dominates every aspect of its citizens' lives. Though there are a few examples of first-rate gangsta rap here -- including "The Hunted Child" and the chilling "Peel Their Caps Back" -- Ice's main concern this time is censorship and what he views as a widespread attack on free speech in the U.S. As angry and lyrically intense as most of The Iceberg is, Ice enjoys fun for its own sake on "My Word Is Bond" and "The Girl Tried to Kill Me" -- an insanely funny rap-rock account of an encounter with a dominatrix. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
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Best
41. Pixies: ‘Surfer Rosa’ Surfer Rosa is the first full-length album by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in March 1988 on the British independent record label 4AD. The album's unusual and offbeat subject matter includes references to mutilation and voyeurism; this is augmented by experimental recording, low-fidelity production and a unique drum sound that owes much to sound engineer Steve Albini. Surfer Rosa contains many of the themes present in the Pixies' earlier output, including Spanish lyrics and references to Puerto Rico. Surfer Rosa's cover features a photograph of a topless "friend of a friend" of the band, posing as a flamenco dancer, pitched against a wall which displays a crucifix and a torn poster. Simon Larbalestier, who contributed pictures to all of the Pixies albums, decided to build the set because "we couldn't find the atmosphere we wanted naturally." According to Larbalestier, Francis came up with the idea for the cover as he wrote songs in his father's "topless Spanish bar"; Larbalestier added the crucifix and torn poster, and they "sort of loaded that with all the Catholicism." Commenting on the cover in 2005, Francis said, "I just hope people find it tasteful." The cover booklet expands on the theme, and features photographs of the flamenco dancer in several other poses; there are no song lyrics or written content, apart from album credits, in the booklet.
Controversial
41. The Rolling Stones: ‘Beggars Banquet’ Beggars Banquet is an LP released in 1968 by The Rolling Stones. It marked a return to the band's R&B roots, generally viewed as simpler and more primal than the conspicuous psychedelics of Their Satanic Majesties Request. The album is featured in the book "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die". The controversary was the picture of the toilet and the gaffiti laced walls. The cover was rejected by both Decca and London Records due to its inappropriate imagery. In a show of defiance, Jagger and the band withheld the album for several months before finally relenting and allowing a replacement to be printed. Hey, I have been in that bathroom!
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Weirdest
41. Debbie Harry: 'Koo Koo' -Koo Koo is the title of the debut solo album by Debbie Harry, released in August 1981 while Harry was still a member of the group Blondie. Produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of the 70's disco group Chic, it reached #6 in the UK and stayed in the charts for seven weeks, being certified "Silver" by the BPI. The album reached #28 in the US. For the promotion of Koo Koo there were plans by Harry's record company, Chrysalis Records, to display large posters of the album cover created by Swiss artist H.R. Giger in various stations of the London Underground, but officials deemed the image of Harry's face with metal skewers going through her head too disturbing. In Japan the "Backfired" single was issued with an entirely different picture sleeve, showing a glamorous and most importantly non-provocative Debbie Harry looking more like her established Blondie persona.
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Worst
41. Ice T (Iceberg) Tracy Lauren Marrow (born February 16, 1958 in Newark, New Jersey) better known by his stage name, Ice-T, is a rapper, actor, and author. He is credited with helping create gangsta rap in the late 1980s. A compelling 'nude' album cover also helped fuel sales and its share of controversary as well. Ice-T threw listeners quite a curve ball with his riveting third album, The Iceberg/Freedom of Speech...Just Watch What You Say -- arguably the closest hip-hop has come to George Orwell's -1984. Instead of focusing heavily on gangsta rap, Ice-T made First Amendment issues the CD's dominant theme. Setting the album's tone is the opener, "Shut Up, Be Happy," which finds guest Jello Biafra (former leader of punk band Dead Kennedys) envisioning an Orwellian America in which the government controls and dominates every aspect of its citizens' lives. Though there are a few examples of first-rate gangsta rap here -- including "The Hunted Child" and the chilling "Peel Their Caps Back" -- Ice's main concern this time is censorship and what he views as a widespread attack on free speech in the U.S. As angry and lyrically intense as most of The Iceberg is, Ice enjoys fun for its own sake on "My Word Is Bond" and "The Girl Tried to Kill Me" -- an insanely funny rap-rock account of an encounter with a dominatrix. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
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Best
41. Pixies: ‘Surfer Rosa’ Surfer Rosa is the first full-length album by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in March 1988 on the British independent record label 4AD. The album's unusual and offbeat subject matter includes references to mutilation and voyeurism; this is augmented by experimental recording, low-fidelity production and a unique drum sound that owes much to sound engineer Steve Albini. Surfer Rosa contains many of the themes present in the Pixies' earlier output, including Spanish lyrics and references to Puerto Rico. Surfer Rosa's cover features a photograph of a topless "friend of a friend" of the band, posing as a flamenco dancer, pitched against a wall which displays a crucifix and a torn poster. Simon Larbalestier, who contributed pictures to all of the Pixies albums, decided to build the set because "we couldn't find the atmosphere we wanted naturally." According to Larbalestier, Francis came up with the idea for the cover as he wrote songs in his father's "topless Spanish bar"; Larbalestier added the crucifix and torn poster, and they "sort of loaded that with all the Catholicism." Commenting on the cover in 2005, Francis said, "I just hope people find it tasteful." The cover booklet expands on the theme, and features photographs of the flamenco dancer in several other poses; there are no song lyrics or written content, apart from album credits, in the booklet.
Norman Whitfield (1943-2008)
Soul music, I mean, the 'real' soul music lost a superstar when Motown producer and songwriter Norman Whitfield passed away yesterday from a long-running battle with diabetes. He was 65.
Whitfield was a keen observer of the human psyche and he used it to his advantage as early as the age of 18 when he started working at Detroit's Thelma Records with future Temptation Richard Street and his group the Distants.
He also was full of tenacity and became an admirer of emerging record company owner Barry Gordy and his Motown Records. Gordy, at first, found Whitfield to be a bother but eventually grew to admire his thirst for knowledge and put him in charge of the company's quality control. Whitfield took the opportunity to get his hands on as many of the activities of the company as he could and he eventually ended up as part of the early songwriting group at the label.
Gordy, though, saw more in the young man's talents and eventually made him a producer, putting him initially in charge of the Temptations. From 1966 onward, Whitfield and Frank Wilson produced virtually every one of the group's hits.
Whitfield also showed immense creative flair with the ability to take one song and mold it in many different directions. The best example of this talent was with his own composition I Heard It Through the Grapevine. Whitfield produced the song as an uptempo, gritty R&B record for Gladys Knight and the Pips and then turned around and gave it a smooth, darker treatment with Marvin Gaye. Both turned into huge hits for the label.
Whitfield was also instrumental in taking the Motown labels into the 70's by crafting their sound in a more psychedelic vein, most notably with the Temptations on songs like Ball of Confusion and Cloud Nine. During this time, he also was actively involved with the careers of Edwin Starr (War) and the Undisputed Truth (Smiling Faces Sometimes), who had been Starr's backup singers.
When Motown's fortunes started to wain in the mid-70's, Whitfield left and started his own label which only had major success with Rose Royce (Car Wash). From the 80's on, he remained semi-retired other than occasional projects such as the soundtrack for the movie The Last Dragon.
Major songs composed by Norman Whitfield with various writing partners:
(I Know) I'm Losing You (Temptations, Rare Earth, Rod Stewart)
Ain't Too Proud to Beg (Temptations)
Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) (Temptations)
Beauty is Only Skin Deep (Temptations)
Car Wash (Rose Royce)
Cloud Nine (Temptations)
Everybody Needs Love (Gladys Knight & the Pips)
Freindship Train (Gladys Knight & the Pips)
I Can't Get Next to You (Temptations)
I Heard It Through the Grapevine (Gladys Knight & the Pips, Marvin Gaye, Creedence Clearwater Revival)
I Wanna Get Next to You (Rose Royce)
I Wish It Would Rain (Temptations)
Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) (Temptations, Rolling Stones)
Papa Was a Rollin' Stone (Temptations)
Pride and Joy (Marvin Gaye)
Psychedelic Shack (Temptations)
Runaway Child, Running Wild (Temptations)
Smiling Faces Sometimes (Undisputed Truth)
That's the Way Love Is (Marvin Gaye)
Too Busy Thinking About My Baby (Marvin Gaye)
Too Many Fish in the Sea (Marvelettes, Rascals)
War (Edwin Starr)
Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home) (Marvin Gaye, Paul Young)
You're My Everything (Temptations)
Grammy Awards:
1972 - Best R&B Song (Papa Was a Rolling Stone)
1976 - Best Instrumental Composition Written Specifically For a Motion Picture or Television (Car Wash)
Whitfield was a keen observer of the human psyche and he used it to his advantage as early as the age of 18 when he started working at Detroit's Thelma Records with future Temptation Richard Street and his group the Distants.
He also was full of tenacity and became an admirer of emerging record company owner Barry Gordy and his Motown Records. Gordy, at first, found Whitfield to be a bother but eventually grew to admire his thirst for knowledge and put him in charge of the company's quality control. Whitfield took the opportunity to get his hands on as many of the activities of the company as he could and he eventually ended up as part of the early songwriting group at the label.
Gordy, though, saw more in the young man's talents and eventually made him a producer, putting him initially in charge of the Temptations. From 1966 onward, Whitfield and Frank Wilson produced virtually every one of the group's hits.
Whitfield also showed immense creative flair with the ability to take one song and mold it in many different directions. The best example of this talent was with his own composition I Heard It Through the Grapevine. Whitfield produced the song as an uptempo, gritty R&B record for Gladys Knight and the Pips and then turned around and gave it a smooth, darker treatment with Marvin Gaye. Both turned into huge hits for the label.
Whitfield was also instrumental in taking the Motown labels into the 70's by crafting their sound in a more psychedelic vein, most notably with the Temptations on songs like Ball of Confusion and Cloud Nine. During this time, he also was actively involved with the careers of Edwin Starr (War) and the Undisputed Truth (Smiling Faces Sometimes), who had been Starr's backup singers.
When Motown's fortunes started to wain in the mid-70's, Whitfield left and started his own label which only had major success with Rose Royce (Car Wash). From the 80's on, he remained semi-retired other than occasional projects such as the soundtrack for the movie The Last Dragon.
Major songs composed by Norman Whitfield with various writing partners:
(I Know) I'm Losing You (Temptations, Rare Earth, Rod Stewart)
Ain't Too Proud to Beg (Temptations)
Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) (Temptations)
Beauty is Only Skin Deep (Temptations)
Car Wash (Rose Royce)
Cloud Nine (Temptations)
Everybody Needs Love (Gladys Knight & the Pips)
Freindship Train (Gladys Knight & the Pips)
I Can't Get Next to You (Temptations)
I Heard It Through the Grapevine (Gladys Knight & the Pips, Marvin Gaye, Creedence Clearwater Revival)
I Wanna Get Next to You (Rose Royce)
I Wish It Would Rain (Temptations)
Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) (Temptations, Rolling Stones)
Papa Was a Rollin' Stone (Temptations)
Pride and Joy (Marvin Gaye)
Psychedelic Shack (Temptations)
Runaway Child, Running Wild (Temptations)
Smiling Faces Sometimes (Undisputed Truth)
That's the Way Love Is (Marvin Gaye)
Too Busy Thinking About My Baby (Marvin Gaye)
Too Many Fish in the Sea (Marvelettes, Rascals)
War (Edwin Starr)
Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home) (Marvin Gaye, Paul Young)
You're My Everything (Temptations)
Grammy Awards:
1972 - Best R&B Song (Papa Was a Rolling Stone)
1976 - Best Instrumental Composition Written Specifically For a Motion Picture or Television (Car Wash)
This Date In Music History- September 18
Birthdays:
Teen idol Frankie Avalon was born in Philadelphia in 1940. While Elvis was in the Army, he filled a vacuum with hits like "Venus" and "Why," as well as starring in a popular string of Beach Party movies with former Mouseketeer Annette Funicello.
Joanne Catherall, vocalist with the Human League, was born in Sheffield, England in 1962.
Ricky Bell of Bell Biv Devoe and New Edition was born in New Jersey in 1967.
Jimmie Rodgers ("Honeycomb") is 75.
History:
1970 - James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix died in his London apartment at the age of 27. He was in an ambulance after taking too many sleeping pills when he choked to death on his own vomit and was pronounced D.O.A. at the hospital. Hendrix left the message 'I need help bad man', on his managers answer phone earlier that night. His death was ruled an accident, but in 1993, an investigation was re-opened by Scotland Yard. When no new evidence was unearthed, the matter was dropped.
In 1980, Amsterdam's Paradise Club was the setting for a two-day festival celebrating the life of Jimi Hendrix, which ended 10 years ago today. The 1,100 attendees watched Hendrix films and an appearance by the Noel Redding Band, with Mitch Mitchell guesting on drums.
KISS appeared without their 'make-up' for the first time during an interview on MTV in 1983. Now we know why they wore it.
The Beatles were involved in a bomb scare in 1964, as a phone caller says there was an explosive on their flight to Dallas. It turns out to be a false alarm.
Listeners tuning in to New York's WNEW-FM tonight in 1974 would have heard a soothing voice taking them into the night. The guest DJ was John Lennon.
Earl Van Dyke, otherwise known as "Chunk of Funk," died of prostate cancer in Detroit in 1992. As half of the Funk Brothers, he played keyboards on Motown smashes by the Temptations and the Miracles.
In 1991, Rob Tyner, lead singer with the MC5, died at age 47 of a heart attack.
In 1985, Frank Zappa delivered a brilliant monologue on censorship before the State Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, rebutting efforts by the Parents Music Resource Council (PMRC) to have warning labels placed on albums.
In 1956, a fight broke out during a Fats Domino concert at the naval base in Newport, Rhode Island, where several are injured and arrested. As a result, the base commander bans Rock n’ Roll shows saying the damage was caused by the "excitement accompanying the fever-pitched Rock n’ Roll."
"Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry topped the Billboard pop chart in 1976. It was the first of five chart singles for the band who took their name from a box of cough drops.
Here’s a surprise: In 2006, 73 year old country singer Willie Nelson and four members from his band were charged with drug possession after marijuana and magic mushrooms were found by police on his tour bus. Police had stopped the tour bus near Lafayette, Louisiana.
In 1996, at Sotheby's in London, Julian Lennon successfully bids just over $39,000 for the recording notes for a song that Paul McCartney wrote for him, "Hey Jude". At the same event, John Lennon's scribbled lyrics to "Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite" sold for $103,500.
Teen idol Frankie Avalon was born in Philadelphia in 1940. While Elvis was in the Army, he filled a vacuum with hits like "Venus" and "Why," as well as starring in a popular string of Beach Party movies with former Mouseketeer Annette Funicello.
Joanne Catherall, vocalist with the Human League, was born in Sheffield, England in 1962.
Ricky Bell of Bell Biv Devoe and New Edition was born in New Jersey in 1967.
Jimmie Rodgers ("Honeycomb") is 75.
History:
1970 - James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix died in his London apartment at the age of 27. He was in an ambulance after taking too many sleeping pills when he choked to death on his own vomit and was pronounced D.O.A. at the hospital. Hendrix left the message 'I need help bad man', on his managers answer phone earlier that night. His death was ruled an accident, but in 1993, an investigation was re-opened by Scotland Yard. When no new evidence was unearthed, the matter was dropped.
In 1980, Amsterdam's Paradise Club was the setting for a two-day festival celebrating the life of Jimi Hendrix, which ended 10 years ago today. The 1,100 attendees watched Hendrix films and an appearance by the Noel Redding Band, with Mitch Mitchell guesting on drums.
KISS appeared without their 'make-up' for the first time during an interview on MTV in 1983. Now we know why they wore it.
The Beatles were involved in a bomb scare in 1964, as a phone caller says there was an explosive on their flight to Dallas. It turns out to be a false alarm.
Listeners tuning in to New York's WNEW-FM tonight in 1974 would have heard a soothing voice taking them into the night. The guest DJ was John Lennon.
Earl Van Dyke, otherwise known as "Chunk of Funk," died of prostate cancer in Detroit in 1992. As half of the Funk Brothers, he played keyboards on Motown smashes by the Temptations and the Miracles.
In 1991, Rob Tyner, lead singer with the MC5, died at age 47 of a heart attack.
In 1985, Frank Zappa delivered a brilliant monologue on censorship before the State Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, rebutting efforts by the Parents Music Resource Council (PMRC) to have warning labels placed on albums.
In 1956, a fight broke out during a Fats Domino concert at the naval base in Newport, Rhode Island, where several are injured and arrested. As a result, the base commander bans Rock n’ Roll shows saying the damage was caused by the "excitement accompanying the fever-pitched Rock n’ Roll."
"Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry topped the Billboard pop chart in 1976. It was the first of five chart singles for the band who took their name from a box of cough drops.
Here’s a surprise: In 2006, 73 year old country singer Willie Nelson and four members from his band were charged with drug possession after marijuana and magic mushrooms were found by police on his tour bus. Police had stopped the tour bus near Lafayette, Louisiana.
In 1996, at Sotheby's in London, Julian Lennon successfully bids just over $39,000 for the recording notes for a song that Paul McCartney wrote for him, "Hey Jude". At the same event, John Lennon's scribbled lyrics to "Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite" sold for $103,500.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Metallica rocks worldwide charts with new album
Get Your Copy of Death Magnetic
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Hard rock band Metallica, hoping for a rebound in its fortunes after a difficult decade, has topped pop charts around the world with its first album in five years, its Warner Bros. Records label said on Wednesday.
"Death Magnetic," which was released worldwide last Friday, went to No. 1 in the United States and Britain, as well as such countries as Argentina, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and drummer Lars Ulrich's native Denmark.
Warner Bros. said it expected more No. 1 rankings as charts in other countries are finalized. The Warner Music Group Corp unit handles Metallica in the United States and Canada, while Vivendi SA's Universal Music Group has international rights.
In the United States, "Death Magnetic" sold almost 490,000 copies in the week ended September 14, despite being on sale for only three of those days. Albums are usually released on a Tuesday in the United States and a day earlier everywhere else. But Metallica opted for a Friday street date to make the release a global event.
Its last album, 2003's "St. Anger," released a few days ahead of schedule to combat music piracy, kicked off at No. 1 with 418,000 copies. It was ultimately considered a commercial and critical disappointment, coming on the heels of singer/guitarist James Hetfield's lengthy rehab stint, the departure of bass player Jason Newsted, and a fan backlash against Ulrich's loud condemnations of music piracy. The band's near demise during this period is immortalized in the documentary "Some Kind of Monster."
"Death Magnetic" ranks as one of the biggest chart-toppers of the year in the United States. Only albums by rapper Lil Wayne, British rock band Coldplay and teen idols the Jonas Brothers have done better. It also makes Metallica the only band in chart history to have five albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, according to Warner Bros. They were previously tied with the Beatles, U2 and the Dave Matthews Band.
Metallica will begin the first leg of a North American tour near Phoenix, Ariz., on October 21.
(Reporting by Dean Goodman)
SNEWED TOMATOES CONTEST
My friend in music, DJ Tom, over at www.iLike2Rock.net has told me about a great new contest. Here are the details as well as a message from the band SNEW:
For Immediate Release:
Lancaster, Pennsylvania- (September 17, 2008) iLike2Rock.net and the hard rocking band SNEW have just announced an interesting contest called SNEWED TOMATOES. The contest is being held to help promote the band as well as give ten lucky winners an autographed copy of SNEW’S new CD, “SNEW YOU,” as well as a $10 gift certificate to download music.
However the Grand prize winner (picked by the band among the top ten finalists) will win a SNEW Customized Squier Bullet Guitar!
The contest is open to US Residents over the age of 13. Contestants are to create a fictitious product using the SNEW name. They can use any graphics arts program to create the product. They can also use construction paper, anything really, and take a picture of it and upload it at:
http://www.ilike2rock.net/contest/snewentry.html
All images submitted will be posted in the photo gallery at
www.iLike2Rock.net/snewcontest
The contest deadline is October 31st and the top 10 winners will be picked November 5th with the Grand Prize winner being chosen on November 10th.
Videos Located at SNEWYOU.com and iLike2Rock.net
Contact:
Tom Johnson at RockMan@iLike2Rock.net
www.iLike2Rock.net
www.SNEWYOU.com
###
For Immediate Release:
Lancaster, Pennsylvania- (September 17, 2008) iLike2Rock.net and the hard rocking band SNEW have just announced an interesting contest called SNEWED TOMATOES. The contest is being held to help promote the band as well as give ten lucky winners an autographed copy of SNEW’S new CD, “SNEW YOU,” as well as a $10 gift certificate to download music.
However the Grand prize winner (picked by the band among the top ten finalists) will win a SNEW Customized Squier Bullet Guitar!
The contest is open to US Residents over the age of 13. Contestants are to create a fictitious product using the SNEW name. They can use any graphics arts program to create the product. They can also use construction paper, anything really, and take a picture of it and upload it at:
http://www.ilike2rock.net/contest/snewentry.html
All images submitted will be posted in the photo gallery at
www.iLike2Rock.net/snewcontest
The contest deadline is October 31st and the top 10 winners will be picked November 5th with the Grand Prize winner being chosen on November 10th.
Videos Located at SNEWYOU.com and iLike2Rock.net
Contact:
Tom Johnson at RockMan@iLike2Rock.net
www.iLike2Rock.net
www.SNEWYOU.com
###
Album Cover Art
Let's continue our album cover art series as complied by the staff at Gigwise:
Controversial
42. Roger Waters: ‘The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking’ The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking is a concept album by English musician Roger Waters. Some notables assisting Waters during the recording of the album were conductor Michael Kamen, actor Jack Palance, saxophonist David Sanborn and guitarist Eric Clapton. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA in April 1995.
The album concept is about a man's midlife crisis and how he dreams of committing adultery, among other things. The album takes place in real time from 04:30am to 05:12am. Its cover prompted controversy for featuring a rear-view nude photograph of the model Linzi Drew. In some regions, the album has been released with this picture censored. Sorry folks, I would have certainly stopped my car and given her a ride to anywhere she wanted to go!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weird
42. Bjork: 'Volta' –Volta is the Grammy-nominated sixth full-length studio album from Icelandic singer Björk, a follow-up to 2004's Medúlla and comprises ten new tracks. The Icelandic singer is always provocotive and as to what on earth she is wearing, well, you may have to ask her, I certainly have no idea!
---------------------------------------------------------
Worst
42. Tori Amos – ‘Y Kant Tori Read’ Y Kant Tori Read is the name of the 1980s synthpop band (and their self-titled debut album), formed by now-famous singer and songwriter Tori Amos. The band consisted of Tori, singer-pianist Kim Bullard, and future Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum, as well as long-time Amos collaborator guitarist Steve Caton and various studio musicians. Best estimates suggest that Atlantic pressed between 15,000 and 20,000 copies af the album (a typical pressing size for an unknown, untested artist), divided among LP, CD, and Cassette releases. The vast majority of the LP copies went to radio stations as promotional copies for on-air play, as only a small percentage of radio stations were set to play CDs in 1988. What happened to the rest of the copies? They were shipped to record stores for sale, but very few did sell. Those that didn't sell were recalled by the record company. There, they were turned into cut-out releases, then sold back to record stores at a discount, who then sold them to customers at a discount.
For those not familiar with record-industry jargon, a cut-out release is a release that either had too many copies made or for some reason didn't sell up to the expectations of the company. The record company buys back the releases, and cuts or somehow otherwise "marks" the CD case, LP sleeve, or Cassette case and card, not destroying the music, but making the product distinguishable from full-price product. These cut-out CDs, Cassettes, and LPs are then sold back to record stores at a considerable discount, (usually 50 percent or more of the original price) which is then passed on to the consumer. The marks are there to prevent customers from buying releases at a discount and returning them for a full-price refund.
The dominatrix outfit is scarry enough, but add in the voodooo hairdo and it makes me want to be spanked!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Best
42. Nick Cave: ‘Henry’s Dream’ - Henry's Dream is the seventh album released by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, on May 12, 1992. There are possible references to John Berryman's series of poems The Dream Songs, which logs the dreams of the protagonist Henry. This album remains a big favourite amongst Bad Seeds fans, although Nick Cave himself was reportedly unhappy with the production by David Briggs. Briggs preferred a "live-in-the-studio" method he had used with Neil Young. This led to Cave and Harvey re-mixing the album, and ultimately to the Live Seeds recordings, as Cave wanted the songs "done justice". It was the first album to feature long-standing members Martin P Casey (bass) and Conway Savage (piano, organ), both Australian. The latter is a singer-songwriter in his own right and has contributed distinctive backing vocals to a handful of Bad Seeds songs; here he and Cave deliver a rousing duet in the chorus of 'When I First Came To Town'. The album is considered by some to have a vague "concept", i.e. song narratives overlapping and/or sharing characters.
The album's artwork was designed by Anton Corbijn.
Controversial
42. Roger Waters: ‘The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking’ The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking is a concept album by English musician Roger Waters. Some notables assisting Waters during the recording of the album were conductor Michael Kamen, actor Jack Palance, saxophonist David Sanborn and guitarist Eric Clapton. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA in April 1995.The album concept is about a man's midlife crisis and how he dreams of committing adultery, among other things. The album takes place in real time from 04:30am to 05:12am. Its cover prompted controversy for featuring a rear-view nude photograph of the model Linzi Drew. In some regions, the album has been released with this picture censored. Sorry folks, I would have certainly stopped my car and given her a ride to anywhere she wanted to go!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weird
42. Bjork: 'Volta' –Volta is the Grammy-nominated sixth full-length studio album from Icelandic singer Björk, a follow-up to 2004's Medúlla and comprises ten new tracks. The Icelandic singer is always provocotive and as to what on earth she is wearing, well, you may have to ask her, I certainly have no idea!
---------------------------------------------------------
Worst
42. Tori Amos – ‘Y Kant Tori Read’ Y Kant Tori Read is the name of the 1980s synthpop band (and their self-titled debut album), formed by now-famous singer and songwriter Tori Amos. The band consisted of Tori, singer-pianist Kim Bullard, and future Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum, as well as long-time Amos collaborator guitarist Steve Caton and various studio musicians. Best estimates suggest that Atlantic pressed between 15,000 and 20,000 copies af the album (a typical pressing size for an unknown, untested artist), divided among LP, CD, and Cassette releases. The vast majority of the LP copies went to radio stations as promotional copies for on-air play, as only a small percentage of radio stations were set to play CDs in 1988. What happened to the rest of the copies? They were shipped to record stores for sale, but very few did sell. Those that didn't sell were recalled by the record company. There, they were turned into cut-out releases, then sold back to record stores at a discount, who then sold them to customers at a discount.
For those not familiar with record-industry jargon, a cut-out release is a release that either had too many copies made or for some reason didn't sell up to the expectations of the company. The record company buys back the releases, and cuts or somehow otherwise "marks" the CD case, LP sleeve, or Cassette case and card, not destroying the music, but making the product distinguishable from full-price product. These cut-out CDs, Cassettes, and LPs are then sold back to record stores at a considerable discount, (usually 50 percent or more of the original price) which is then passed on to the consumer. The marks are there to prevent customers from buying releases at a discount and returning them for a full-price refund.
The dominatrix outfit is scarry enough, but add in the voodooo hairdo and it makes me want to be spanked!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Best
42. Nick Cave: ‘Henry’s Dream’ - Henry's Dream is the seventh album released by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, on May 12, 1992. There are possible references to John Berryman's series of poems The Dream Songs, which logs the dreams of the protagonist Henry. This album remains a big favourite amongst Bad Seeds fans, although Nick Cave himself was reportedly unhappy with the production by David Briggs. Briggs preferred a "live-in-the-studio" method he had used with Neil Young. This led to Cave and Harvey re-mixing the album, and ultimately to the Live Seeds recordings, as Cave wanted the songs "done justice". It was the first album to feature long-standing members Martin P Casey (bass) and Conway Savage (piano, organ), both Australian. The latter is a singer-songwriter in his own right and has contributed distinctive backing vocals to a handful of Bad Seeds songs; here he and Cave deliver a rousing duet in the chorus of 'When I First Came To Town'. The album is considered by some to have a vague "concept", i.e. song narratives overlapping and/or sharing characters.
The album's artwork was designed by Anton Corbijn.
Spin cycle: Vinyl returns
Ever on the lookout for vinyl related material and news, Author Richard Bammer was kind enough to allow me to reprint his wonderful article about the return of vinyl. It is upon us, let's all enjoy it and the music!
LPs are hip status symbols among young fans, but finding turntables takes effort
Source: http://www.thereporter.com/
By Richard Bammer
09/14/2008
The vinyl LP, believe it or not, is making a comeback. True, record album sales have steadily declined in the past 25 years - to 3.4 million discs in 1998, reaching an ebb with 900,000 sales in 2006 - as music consumers, young and old, gravitated to the more easily available CDs and online downloads of mp3 files.
Curiously, however, sales reports show that while CD sales declined 17 percent last year, to 511 million units shipped, vinyl LP sales jumped 37 percent, to nearly 1.3 million.
Deejays, audiophiles and hardcore fans of vinyl are hardly surprised by the news, but industry watchers say some music buffs, especially those in their late teens and early 20s, are ditching their CDs for the rich, warm sound of the LP. Analog sound, not digital or electronically "sampled" sound, offers more sonic rewards and pleasure because it is closer to the actual sound created in the recording studio, they note.
This emerging trend has prompted all the major record labels (Warner Bros., Sony, EMI, BMG, Universal) to not only issue new discs by artists such as Radiohead and Coldplay but also to re-issue some popular albums from their back catalogs. In fact, Warner Bros. on Friday released the new Metallica album, "Death Magnetic," in a five-record (45 rpm) boxed version, available in some retail outlets and through the company's online vinyl store, www.becausesoundmatters.com. And the few record-pressing plants still making vinyl are "completely booked," said Josh Bizar, director of sales for Music Direct, a Chicago firm that specializes in home sound systems and vinyl discs.
New vinyl records, because they are printed in relatively small quantities, "are instantly collectible and disappear (from store and online shelves) almost as soon as they come out," he said, adding that "smarter" consumers are buying two copies and re-selling the extra on eBay "for ridiculous sums of money" - and getting it.
The resurgence of vinyl is due in part to its exotic and somewhat retro appeal - after all, its newest fans were not even born when CDs were initially mass marketed - but some teenagers say the reason is not only the sound quality, even the pops and clicks of imperfect records. They say some music is available only on vinyl.
"In a time when you can (illegally) get virtually any CD you want at the click of a button, for free, there's something exciting about finding something that no one has heard yet (er, in a long time)," said Sarah Rouleau, a senior at Buckingham Charter High in Vacaville and a former pop music columnist for The Reporter. "In fact, in online torrent communities, for instance, obscure, fresh-from-vinyl mp3 rips are in hot demand."
Additionally, Rouleau noted many hip-hop and rock 'n' roll groups "have begun adding fuzzy or crackling loops to their tracks to sound like old LPs, as a kind of tribute to the old technology and sound.
To Rouleau and her contemporaries, 2008 is an era when many music collections are the same and vinyl LPs offer a completely different audio and tactile experience. As their parents or grandparents knew, it takes time to enjoy a vinyl LP: taking it off the shelf, carefully pulling out the sleeve, equally carefully placing it on the turntable, laying on the needle. It offers a more personal connection to the music.
To some young fans, vinyl LPs are hip status symbols, "kind of a badge of honor" and are a sign of a "determined" music lover, said Bizar.
But while finding and purchasing vinyl - whether in a store, online or at a garage sale or flea market - is not overly difficult, sometimes finding a turntable is, said Rouleau, who has unsuccessfully sought out working record players at thrift stores in the Solano County area. She expressed chagrin at the price of new audiophile-quality turntables, which start at about $300.
"I own a few things on vinyl (lots of bands give them out for free with purchase of a CD), and I've tried to find a turntable, but ... They're awfully expensive to purchase new, and, because they're such a hot item, it's pretty difficult to find them in thrift shops."
But they appear to be plentiful at Collins Music & Collectibles in Suisun City, a longtime and funky Solano County used vinyl and music equipment store, where clerk Dennis Palmer showed off several models and new styluses for sale.
The Vacaville Radio Shack, in Vacaville Commons on Harbison Drive, had fully automatic belt-drive turntable in stock, with many more models - Audio-Technica and the Stanton T.90, with a USB port - available online, prices ranging from $60 to more than $350 for a higher-end model, with some customer reviews posted.
"I get at least one customer a week coming in here asking about a turntable," said salesman Anthony Vasquez.
At Best Buy on East Monte Vista Avenue in Vacaville, store manager Evan Pendley showed off one turntable in stock, the ionAudio for $158. He said a new complete sound system can range anywhere from $400 to $500 to more than $10,000.
Likewise, Bizar, 39 and a longtime vinyl aficionado, suggested record fans invest in a turntable that begins in the $300 range, saying the cheaper, all-plastic models do not deliver good sound quality and may not last as long.
"The turntable is the first link in the chain" of assembling a home sound system, he said, adding that a good stylus (beginning at $50) will offer "100 times the resolution" of sound that a CD offers. "Depth and warmth of the recording come into play," he noted. "It sounds so much better than downloading onto your iPod. It all depends on the turntable and needle - you have to get that music out of the grooves."
Palmer, of Collins Music, agreed and cautioned consumers to beware of buying used equipment.
"We show them that they work," he said of turntables offered for sale. "But that's it. We don't guarantee them or warranty them - unless you're a customer we've known for a long time."
LPs are hip status symbols among young fans, but finding turntables takes effort
Source: http://www.thereporter.com/
By Richard Bammer
09/14/2008
The vinyl LP, believe it or not, is making a comeback. True, record album sales have steadily declined in the past 25 years - to 3.4 million discs in 1998, reaching an ebb with 900,000 sales in 2006 - as music consumers, young and old, gravitated to the more easily available CDs and online downloads of mp3 files.
Curiously, however, sales reports show that while CD sales declined 17 percent last year, to 511 million units shipped, vinyl LP sales jumped 37 percent, to nearly 1.3 million.
Deejays, audiophiles and hardcore fans of vinyl are hardly surprised by the news, but industry watchers say some music buffs, especially those in their late teens and early 20s, are ditching their CDs for the rich, warm sound of the LP. Analog sound, not digital or electronically "sampled" sound, offers more sonic rewards and pleasure because it is closer to the actual sound created in the recording studio, they note.
This emerging trend has prompted all the major record labels (Warner Bros., Sony, EMI, BMG, Universal) to not only issue new discs by artists such as Radiohead and Coldplay but also to re-issue some popular albums from their back catalogs. In fact, Warner Bros. on Friday released the new Metallica album, "Death Magnetic," in a five-record (45 rpm) boxed version, available in some retail outlets and through the company's online vinyl store, www.becausesoundmatters.com. And the few record-pressing plants still making vinyl are "completely booked," said Josh Bizar, director of sales for Music Direct, a Chicago firm that specializes in home sound systems and vinyl discs.
New vinyl records, because they are printed in relatively small quantities, "are instantly collectible and disappear (from store and online shelves) almost as soon as they come out," he said, adding that "smarter" consumers are buying two copies and re-selling the extra on eBay "for ridiculous sums of money" - and getting it.
The resurgence of vinyl is due in part to its exotic and somewhat retro appeal - after all, its newest fans were not even born when CDs were initially mass marketed - but some teenagers say the reason is not only the sound quality, even the pops and clicks of imperfect records. They say some music is available only on vinyl.
"In a time when you can (illegally) get virtually any CD you want at the click of a button, for free, there's something exciting about finding something that no one has heard yet (er, in a long time)," said Sarah Rouleau, a senior at Buckingham Charter High in Vacaville and a former pop music columnist for The Reporter. "In fact, in online torrent communities, for instance, obscure, fresh-from-vinyl mp3 rips are in hot demand."
Additionally, Rouleau noted many hip-hop and rock 'n' roll groups "have begun adding fuzzy or crackling loops to their tracks to sound like old LPs, as a kind of tribute to the old technology and sound.
To Rouleau and her contemporaries, 2008 is an era when many music collections are the same and vinyl LPs offer a completely different audio and tactile experience. As their parents or grandparents knew, it takes time to enjoy a vinyl LP: taking it off the shelf, carefully pulling out the sleeve, equally carefully placing it on the turntable, laying on the needle. It offers a more personal connection to the music.
To some young fans, vinyl LPs are hip status symbols, "kind of a badge of honor" and are a sign of a "determined" music lover, said Bizar.
But while finding and purchasing vinyl - whether in a store, online or at a garage sale or flea market - is not overly difficult, sometimes finding a turntable is, said Rouleau, who has unsuccessfully sought out working record players at thrift stores in the Solano County area. She expressed chagrin at the price of new audiophile-quality turntables, which start at about $300.
"I own a few things on vinyl (lots of bands give them out for free with purchase of a CD), and I've tried to find a turntable, but ... They're awfully expensive to purchase new, and, because they're such a hot item, it's pretty difficult to find them in thrift shops."
But they appear to be plentiful at Collins Music & Collectibles in Suisun City, a longtime and funky Solano County used vinyl and music equipment store, where clerk Dennis Palmer showed off several models and new styluses for sale.
The Vacaville Radio Shack, in Vacaville Commons on Harbison Drive, had fully automatic belt-drive turntable in stock, with many more models - Audio-Technica and the Stanton T.90, with a USB port - available online, prices ranging from $60 to more than $350 for a higher-end model, with some customer reviews posted.
"I get at least one customer a week coming in here asking about a turntable," said salesman Anthony Vasquez.
At Best Buy on East Monte Vista Avenue in Vacaville, store manager Evan Pendley showed off one turntable in stock, the ionAudio for $158. He said a new complete sound system can range anywhere from $400 to $500 to more than $10,000.
Likewise, Bizar, 39 and a longtime vinyl aficionado, suggested record fans invest in a turntable that begins in the $300 range, saying the cheaper, all-plastic models do not deliver good sound quality and may not last as long.
"The turntable is the first link in the chain" of assembling a home sound system, he said, adding that a good stylus (beginning at $50) will offer "100 times the resolution" of sound that a CD offers. "Depth and warmth of the recording come into play," he noted. "It sounds so much better than downloading onto your iPod. It all depends on the turntable and needle - you have to get that music out of the grooves."
Palmer, of Collins Music, agreed and cautioned consumers to beware of buying used equipment.
"We show them that they work," he said of turntables offered for sale. "But that's it. We don't guarantee them or warranty them - unless you're a customer we've known for a long time."
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