Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - John Lennon
(warning, Yoko sings)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
This Date In Music History-December 25
While I enjoy Christmas with my family, here is "This Date In Music History" (an expanded version) a bit early. In fact, I have decided not even to turn my computer on tomorrow. May all my faithful readers have a safe and Happy Holiday Season.
Birthdays:
Robin Campbell (UB40-1954)
Jimmy Buffett ("Margaritaville”-1946)
Country singer Barbara Mandrell (1948). She was named Country Music Association entertainer of the year in 1979, 1980 and 1981.
Annie Lennox (Eurythmics-1954)
Shane MacGowan (The Pogues-1957)
Alannah Myles, (Canadian singer-1958) 1990 US #1 and UK #2 single “Black Velvet.”
Dido, singer, songwriter (1971)
Pete Brown, lyricist, poet, singer, producer, Cream (1940). Also worked with Jack Bruce, Graham Bond, Mick Jagger and Peter Green.
They Are Missed:
Swing icon Cabell "Cab" Calloway III (December 25, 1907 – November 18, 1994)
Born on this day in 1937, O'Kelly Isley, of The Isley Brothers. Died on March 31, 1986.
Born on this day Noel Redding, bass, Jimi Hendrix Experience, (1945-2003)
Born on this day in 1944, Henry Vestine, guitar, Canned Heat. Died on October 20, 1997.
Dean Martin, US actor and singer, died in 1995. Had the 1956 UK & US #1 single “Memories Are Made Of This,” plus over 15 other UK Top 40 singles.
In 1998, Bryan MacLean, guitarist with Love, died of a heart attack (age 62) while having Christmas dinner with a young fan who was researching a book about the band.
James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul", died in 2006 (age of 73), after being diagnosed with severe pneumonia. Brown went to his dentist in Atlanta the previous day who told him something was wrong, and he sent him to a doctor immediately.
Trumpeter Gene Miller, who played with Otis Redding and Etta James among others, died in Memphis in 1987.
History:
"Silent Night" was performed for the first time in 1818, at the Church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorff, Austria.
In 1960, 17 year-old Mary Wells made her debut on the US charts with her first release, "Bye Bye Baby.” The record would make the R&B Top Ten and the Pop Top Fifty. Over the next five years, she would provide Motown with eleven Top Forty hits.
Bing Crosby's “White Christmas” entered the Billboard Pop chart for the first time in 1954, seven years after it was recorded. Bing's rendition has sold over 100 million copies around the world, with at least 50 million sales as singles. It was the largest selling single in music history until it was surpassed by Elton John's “Candle in the Wind 1997.”
Melanie started a three week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1971 with “Brand New Key,” the first release on her new label Neighborhood Records (a song that she would later say took her only fifteen minutes to write).
The Eagles started a eight-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1976 with “Hotel California.”
Dave Clark Five went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1965 with “Over And Over.” They became the 7th UK act of 1965 to score a US #1 single.
The Beatles 6th album “Rubber Soul” started a nine-week run at #1 on the UK chart in 1965. It spent a total of 42 week's on the UK chart and was also a #1 in the US.
Appearing at The Fox Theatre, Brooklyn, New York in 1964 were The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Miracles, Stevie Wonder and The Marvelettes. What a line-up!
In 1964, The Beatles, recorded six songs for the BBC radio program Saturday Club in London: “Rock and Roll Music,” “I'm a Loser,” “Everybody's Trying to Be My Baby,””I Feel Fine,” “Kansas City/Hey Hey Hey Hey” and “She's a Woman.”
David Bowie had a #3 UK hit in 1982 with a duet with Bing Crosby, “Peace On Earth - Little Drummer Boy.”
In 1993, Mariah Carey started a four week run at #1 on the US singles chart with “Hero,” a #7 hit in the UK. Also on this day Mariah went to #1 on the US album chart with “Music Box.”
James Taylor received his first guitar for Christmas in 1960, at the age of 12.
In 1958, Alan Freed organized quite a Christmas Rock & Roll Spectacular at Manhattan's Loew's State Theatre. Among the 17 acts on the bill were: Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, the Moonglows, Jackie Wilson, Frankie Avalon, the Everly Brothers and headliner Johnnie Ray.
On Christmas morning in 1959, a young Richard Starkey received his first drum set for Christmas. The 18-year-old apprentice/engineer later become world famous as Ringo Starr, drummer for the Beatles.
In 1964, female fans of George Harrison attacked his girlfriend, Patti Boyd at one of The Beatles' Christmas shows in London. It seems the girls were resentful of Patti's place in George's life.
In 1981, Michael Jackson called Paul McCartney and suggested they write and record together. Their first effort would result in a US #2 and UK #8 hit, "The Girl Is Mine" in late 1982.
Lou Christie's biggest song, "Lightning Strikes" enters Billboard's Hot 100 in 1965 for a 15-week stay. Although he would have many other hits, this would be Christie's only number one.
The Young Rascals entered the Hot 100 in 1965 for the first time with "I Ain't Gonna Eat My Heart Out Anymore", which peaked at #52.
On Christmas Day in 1967, Paul McCartney became engaged to Jane Asher, but they would never marry.
Birthdays:
Robin Campbell (UB40-1954)
Jimmy Buffett ("Margaritaville”-1946)
Country singer Barbara Mandrell (1948). She was named Country Music Association entertainer of the year in 1979, 1980 and 1981.
Annie Lennox (Eurythmics-1954)
Shane MacGowan (The Pogues-1957)
Alannah Myles, (Canadian singer-1958) 1990 US #1 and UK #2 single “Black Velvet.”
Dido, singer, songwriter (1971)
Pete Brown, lyricist, poet, singer, producer, Cream (1940). Also worked with Jack Bruce, Graham Bond, Mick Jagger and Peter Green.
They Are Missed:
Swing icon Cabell "Cab" Calloway III (December 25, 1907 – November 18, 1994)
Born on this day in 1937, O'Kelly Isley, of The Isley Brothers. Died on March 31, 1986.
Born on this day Noel Redding, bass, Jimi Hendrix Experience, (1945-2003)
Born on this day in 1944, Henry Vestine, guitar, Canned Heat. Died on October 20, 1997.
Dean Martin, US actor and singer, died in 1995. Had the 1956 UK & US #1 single “Memories Are Made Of This,” plus over 15 other UK Top 40 singles.
In 1998, Bryan MacLean, guitarist with Love, died of a heart attack (age 62) while having Christmas dinner with a young fan who was researching a book about the band.
James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul", died in 2006 (age of 73), after being diagnosed with severe pneumonia. Brown went to his dentist in Atlanta the previous day who told him something was wrong, and he sent him to a doctor immediately.
Trumpeter Gene Miller, who played with Otis Redding and Etta James among others, died in Memphis in 1987.
History:
"Silent Night" was performed for the first time in 1818, at the Church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorff, Austria.
In 1960, 17 year-old Mary Wells made her debut on the US charts with her first release, "Bye Bye Baby.” The record would make the R&B Top Ten and the Pop Top Fifty. Over the next five years, she would provide Motown with eleven Top Forty hits.
Bing Crosby's “White Christmas” entered the Billboard Pop chart for the first time in 1954, seven years after it was recorded. Bing's rendition has sold over 100 million copies around the world, with at least 50 million sales as singles. It was the largest selling single in music history until it was surpassed by Elton John's “Candle in the Wind 1997.”
Melanie started a three week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1971 with “Brand New Key,” the first release on her new label Neighborhood Records (a song that she would later say took her only fifteen minutes to write).
The Eagles started a eight-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1976 with “Hotel California.”
Dave Clark Five went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1965 with “Over And Over.” They became the 7th UK act of 1965 to score a US #1 single.
The Beatles 6th album “Rubber Soul” started a nine-week run at #1 on the UK chart in 1965. It spent a total of 42 week's on the UK chart and was also a #1 in the US.
Appearing at The Fox Theatre, Brooklyn, New York in 1964 were The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Miracles, Stevie Wonder and The Marvelettes. What a line-up!
In 1964, The Beatles, recorded six songs for the BBC radio program Saturday Club in London: “Rock and Roll Music,” “I'm a Loser,” “Everybody's Trying to Be My Baby,””I Feel Fine,” “Kansas City/Hey Hey Hey Hey” and “She's a Woman.”
David Bowie had a #3 UK hit in 1982 with a duet with Bing Crosby, “Peace On Earth - Little Drummer Boy.”
In 1993, Mariah Carey started a four week run at #1 on the US singles chart with “Hero,” a #7 hit in the UK. Also on this day Mariah went to #1 on the US album chart with “Music Box.”
James Taylor received his first guitar for Christmas in 1960, at the age of 12.
In 1958, Alan Freed organized quite a Christmas Rock & Roll Spectacular at Manhattan's Loew's State Theatre. Among the 17 acts on the bill were: Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, the Moonglows, Jackie Wilson, Frankie Avalon, the Everly Brothers and headliner Johnnie Ray.
On Christmas morning in 1959, a young Richard Starkey received his first drum set for Christmas. The 18-year-old apprentice/engineer later become world famous as Ringo Starr, drummer for the Beatles.
In 1964, female fans of George Harrison attacked his girlfriend, Patti Boyd at one of The Beatles' Christmas shows in London. It seems the girls were resentful of Patti's place in George's life.
In 1981, Michael Jackson called Paul McCartney and suggested they write and record together. Their first effort would result in a US #2 and UK #8 hit, "The Girl Is Mine" in late 1982.
Lou Christie's biggest song, "Lightning Strikes" enters Billboard's Hot 100 in 1965 for a 15-week stay. Although he would have many other hits, this would be Christie's only number one.
The Young Rascals entered the Hot 100 in 1965 for the first time with "I Ain't Gonna Eat My Heart Out Anymore", which peaked at #52.
On Christmas Day in 1967, Paul McCartney became engaged to Jane Asher, but they would never marry.
Music News & Notes
U2 planning five different versions of new album U2
Extras include an exclusive magazine, book and Anton Corbijn film
U2 are set to release five different versions of new album 'No Line On The Horizon', with a host of extras including a new film by Anton Corbijn available to fans.
As well as a standard CD and vinyl issue, 'No Line On The Horizon' will be released in three limited editions, reports Billboard.
The digi-pack version offers the full album along with a 36-page booklet, a fold-out poster and a downloadable film by Corbijn, featuring the music of U2.
A magazine version of the album comes with a 60-page soft cover magazine-style book, along with the Corbijn film as a download.
The most excessive of the five releases is the box set, which features a 60-page hardback book, a second poster and a DVD version of Corbijn's film.
As NME.COM previous reported, U2 are set to release 'No Line On The Horizon' in the UK on March 2.
SOURCE: http://www.nme.com
=============================================
New Kelly Clarkson Single Due Next Month
Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Kelly Clarkson's new single, "My Life Would Suck Without You," will hit U.S. radio outlets Jan. 19. The track will introduce her fourth, as-yet-untitled studio album, due March 17 from RCA.
Although a track list has yet to be announced, Clarkson has worked with producer/songwriter Dr. Luke and OneRepublic leader Ryan Tedder on new material.
The album will be the follow-up to 2007's "My December," which has sold 780,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Clarkson feuded with RCA exec Clive Davis over her desire to write her own material for the album, on the heels of her smash 2004 album "Breakaway," which featured a number of co-writes with experienced songwriters.
A planned arena tour was scrapped just before "My December" came out due to lower-than-expected ticket sales, and was reconfigured for smaller venues a few months later.
Last fall, Clarkson signed with manager Narvel Blackstock, who paired her with his wife, Reba McEntire, for a successful co-headlining tour in early 2008.
SOURCE: http://www.billboard.com
=============================================
Wal-Mart Snags Exclusive Springsteen Hits Set
Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Wal-Mart will be the exclusive U.S. retailer for Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band's "Greatest Hits," which will arrive Jan. 13, two weeks prior to the group's new Columbia studio album, "Working on a Dream."
The 12-track set omits material from Springsteen's albums without the E Street Band to round up classics such as "Born To Run," "Thunder Road," "Born in the U.S.A." and "Darkness on the Edge of Town."
Both "Greatest Hits" and "Working on a Dream" will be in stores when Springsteen and company perform at the Super Bowl XLIII halftime show on Feb. 1 in Tampa, Fla.
Like last year's "Magic," the new album was produced by Brendan O'Brien. Springsteen began writing material before "Magic" was even complete, and "agreed we'd somehow find time during the touring year to get this record made," the Boss writes on his Web site.
Indeed, O'Brien's ability to help Springsteen and the band multitask "has allowed us to get a steadier stream of our best music out to our fans," the artist says. "This is something I've always wanted to do. We found time to book sessions, get the band while it was hot off the road, write and record a new record, while giving our audience what I hope was some of the best E Street shows we've ever done."
Meanwhile, Springsteen made a surprise appearance last night (Dec. 22) at the fourth Hope Concert in Red Bank, N.J., which also featured Jon Bon Jovi and Southside Johnny. The Boss performed "Run Run Rudolph" with Bon Jovi and then played "Merry Christmas Baby," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," "634-5789," "10th Avenune Freeze-Out" and "Having a Party" with the house band.
Here is the track list for "Greatest Hits":
"Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)"
"Born To Run"
"Thunder Road"
"Darkness on the Edge of Town"
"Badlands"
"Hungry Heart"
"Glory Days"
"Dancing in the Dark"
"Born in the U.S.A."
"The Rising"
"Lonesome Day"
"Radio Nowhere"
SOURCE: http://www.billboard.com
Extras include an exclusive magazine, book and Anton Corbijn film
U2 are set to release five different versions of new album 'No Line On The Horizon', with a host of extras including a new film by Anton Corbijn available to fans.
As well as a standard CD and vinyl issue, 'No Line On The Horizon' will be released in three limited editions, reports Billboard.
The digi-pack version offers the full album along with a 36-page booklet, a fold-out poster and a downloadable film by Corbijn, featuring the music of U2.
A magazine version of the album comes with a 60-page soft cover magazine-style book, along with the Corbijn film as a download.
The most excessive of the five releases is the box set, which features a 60-page hardback book, a second poster and a DVD version of Corbijn's film.
As NME.COM previous reported, U2 are set to release 'No Line On The Horizon' in the UK on March 2.
SOURCE: http://www.nme.com
=============================================
New Kelly Clarkson Single Due Next Month
Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Kelly Clarkson's new single, "My Life Would Suck Without You," will hit U.S. radio outlets Jan. 19. The track will introduce her fourth, as-yet-untitled studio album, due March 17 from RCA.
Although a track list has yet to be announced, Clarkson has worked with producer/songwriter Dr. Luke and OneRepublic leader Ryan Tedder on new material.
The album will be the follow-up to 2007's "My December," which has sold 780,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Clarkson feuded with RCA exec Clive Davis over her desire to write her own material for the album, on the heels of her smash 2004 album "Breakaway," which featured a number of co-writes with experienced songwriters.
A planned arena tour was scrapped just before "My December" came out due to lower-than-expected ticket sales, and was reconfigured for smaller venues a few months later.
Last fall, Clarkson signed with manager Narvel Blackstock, who paired her with his wife, Reba McEntire, for a successful co-headlining tour in early 2008.
SOURCE: http://www.billboard.com
=============================================
Wal-Mart Snags Exclusive Springsteen Hits Set
Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Wal-Mart will be the exclusive U.S. retailer for Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band's "Greatest Hits," which will arrive Jan. 13, two weeks prior to the group's new Columbia studio album, "Working on a Dream."
The 12-track set omits material from Springsteen's albums without the E Street Band to round up classics such as "Born To Run," "Thunder Road," "Born in the U.S.A." and "Darkness on the Edge of Town."
Both "Greatest Hits" and "Working on a Dream" will be in stores when Springsteen and company perform at the Super Bowl XLIII halftime show on Feb. 1 in Tampa, Fla.
Like last year's "Magic," the new album was produced by Brendan O'Brien. Springsteen began writing material before "Magic" was even complete, and "agreed we'd somehow find time during the touring year to get this record made," the Boss writes on his Web site.
Indeed, O'Brien's ability to help Springsteen and the band multitask "has allowed us to get a steadier stream of our best music out to our fans," the artist says. "This is something I've always wanted to do. We found time to book sessions, get the band while it was hot off the road, write and record a new record, while giving our audience what I hope was some of the best E Street shows we've ever done."
Meanwhile, Springsteen made a surprise appearance last night (Dec. 22) at the fourth Hope Concert in Red Bank, N.J., which also featured Jon Bon Jovi and Southside Johnny. The Boss performed "Run Run Rudolph" with Bon Jovi and then played "Merry Christmas Baby," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," "634-5789," "10th Avenune Freeze-Out" and "Having a Party" with the house band.
Here is the track list for "Greatest Hits":
"Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)"
"Born To Run"
"Thunder Road"
"Darkness on the Edge of Town"
"Badlands"
"Hungry Heart"
"Glory Days"
"Dancing in the Dark"
"Born in the U.S.A."
"The Rising"
"Lonesome Day"
"Radio Nowhere"
SOURCE: http://www.billboard.com
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Turn, turn, turn: Music lovers young and old rediscovering the beauty of vinyl
Music lovers young and old rediscovering vinyl
By MARC CABRERA
Where once Goliath record chains such as The Warehouse and Sam Goody have folded, small-fry Mike Lunt, owner of Recycled Records in Monterey, still stands with a vinyl record in hand and a slingshot in his back pocket.
That's because while the CD has slowly faded into the background due to the popularity of digital downloading, vinyl records have reclaimed their relevance among music listeners, locally and nationally.
According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, while CD sales continue a double-digit decline, sales of vinyl albums have doubled in the last year to 6 million, and turntable sales increased 80 percent over the same period. The resurgence is being led not just by baby boomer nostalgia for gatefold album sleeves and those pops and scratches on favorite records, but by college-age consumers discovering the elaborate artwork of vinyl-album packaging for the first time — and entranced by the grittier, less-artificial sound quality.
Lunt and his fellow record store owner, Bob Gamber, owner of The Vinyl Revolution down the street on Lighthouse Avenue, each acknowledge the bump in business at their shops.
The reason is simple: In the digital download age, people still long for both a physical product and quality sound. Vinyl fulfills both needs.
"Records sound so much better," said Lunt, working in the cramped booth at the end of his store, surrounded by stacks of used vinyl records he carefully rubbed with D4+ fluid to remove smears and fingerprints.
"(With records) you're actually buying something. A lot of the download stigma is you don't actually get anything for your money. Sure, you get the song, but there's nothing there to show for it."
It's gratifying for Lunt and Recycled Records, which marked its 33rd anniversary this year. Lunt plans on celebrating the anniversary in February to honor 331/3 years, a nod to the revolutions per minute setting on some older record players.
At his store, business has steadily improved over the past couple years, although he and Gamber both said the recession has slowed some of the momentum.
A lot of Lunt's customers come in looking for special orders, but a significant portion of his product has included new releases.
Major label recording artists such as Metallica, Radiohead and Wilco have recently issued special vinyl editions of their latest releases and include bonus download codes.
"It's the best of both worlds," said Lunt.
Down the road at Vinyl Rev, Gamber's been busy stocking his shelves with new vinyl releases as well as major record label re-issues. Album re-issues from classic rock artists such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd are plenty popular.
"You can't keep them on the shelves," said Gamber.
The 51-year-old Gamber is a classic rock relic of sorts, albeit a heavy metal rocker. A former Metallica roadie before the band hit it big, Gamber has owned stores in Santa Cruz and San Francisco. He opened Vinyl Rev in 1994, drawn to the ocean and quiet community.
"When I opened up in 1994, people thought I was nuts," said Gamber. "They said 'What are you doing? CDs are the future. Nobody wants records.'"
He's seen vinyl go through different stages of popularity, from mostly the realm of hip-hop DJs during the mid-'90s to dance music DJs seeking drum-'n'-bass, jungle and acid jazz records during the latter-portion of the decade and into the 2000s.
The sales log at Gamber's shop recently offered a varied array of artists, from experimental rockers Mars Volta to hardcore band Leftover Crack to rap icon Tupac Shakur.
Likewise, Gamber's customer base is varied. From punk rock 'tweens looking for classic black metal re-issues to older heads marvelling over the original MC5 pressing.
"The younger kids are getting into vinyl. They know this format sounds the best because it is the best," he said. "The older guys, they know what's on those old records so they're looking for that stuff they grew up on."
Lunt sees some business from tourists as well, particularly business travelers who have discovered his shop while in town.
Michael Calvert, a 29-year-old Web designer from Portland, Ore., was sifting through the shelves at Recycled Records one December afternoon. A former Santa Cruz resident, he picked up the hobby from his older brother, who was a punk and heavy metal fan. He was drawn to the sound quality.
"Vinyl has a more natural sound," he said. "Plus, having a record is a lot cooler than having a CD."
Alex Griffin, 36, of London, was also digging around at Recycled Records. His collection dates back to the early 1980s, and includes originals from The Doors and The Moody Blues.
His prized possession: a collection of original Bob Marley pressings he picked up on a trip to Jamaica. The albums cost him a few hundred dollars.
"If I like it, I buy it," he said.
While the popularity surge has lifted Lunt's spirits, his bottom line is simple — enjoy the music.
"It's the music that really matters, not the format," he said. "Obviously, I'm pro vinyl. But in the end, whatever you enjoy listening to music on is the most important thing."
SOURCE: http://www.montereyherald.com
Reprinted By Permission
By MARC CABRERA
Where once Goliath record chains such as The Warehouse and Sam Goody have folded, small-fry Mike Lunt, owner of Recycled Records in Monterey, still stands with a vinyl record in hand and a slingshot in his back pocket.
That's because while the CD has slowly faded into the background due to the popularity of digital downloading, vinyl records have reclaimed their relevance among music listeners, locally and nationally.
According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, while CD sales continue a double-digit decline, sales of vinyl albums have doubled in the last year to 6 million, and turntable sales increased 80 percent over the same period. The resurgence is being led not just by baby boomer nostalgia for gatefold album sleeves and those pops and scratches on favorite records, but by college-age consumers discovering the elaborate artwork of vinyl-album packaging for the first time — and entranced by the grittier, less-artificial sound quality.
Lunt and his fellow record store owner, Bob Gamber, owner of The Vinyl Revolution down the street on Lighthouse Avenue, each acknowledge the bump in business at their shops.
The reason is simple: In the digital download age, people still long for both a physical product and quality sound. Vinyl fulfills both needs.
"Records sound so much better," said Lunt, working in the cramped booth at the end of his store, surrounded by stacks of used vinyl records he carefully rubbed with D4+ fluid to remove smears and fingerprints.
"(With records) you're actually buying something. A lot of the download stigma is you don't actually get anything for your money. Sure, you get the song, but there's nothing there to show for it."
It's gratifying for Lunt and Recycled Records, which marked its 33rd anniversary this year. Lunt plans on celebrating the anniversary in February to honor 331/3 years, a nod to the revolutions per minute setting on some older record players.
At his store, business has steadily improved over the past couple years, although he and Gamber both said the recession has slowed some of the momentum.
A lot of Lunt's customers come in looking for special orders, but a significant portion of his product has included new releases.
Major label recording artists such as Metallica, Radiohead and Wilco have recently issued special vinyl editions of their latest releases and include bonus download codes.
"It's the best of both worlds," said Lunt.
Down the road at Vinyl Rev, Gamber's been busy stocking his shelves with new vinyl releases as well as major record label re-issues. Album re-issues from classic rock artists such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd are plenty popular.
"You can't keep them on the shelves," said Gamber.
The 51-year-old Gamber is a classic rock relic of sorts, albeit a heavy metal rocker. A former Metallica roadie before the band hit it big, Gamber has owned stores in Santa Cruz and San Francisco. He opened Vinyl Rev in 1994, drawn to the ocean and quiet community.
"When I opened up in 1994, people thought I was nuts," said Gamber. "They said 'What are you doing? CDs are the future. Nobody wants records.'"
He's seen vinyl go through different stages of popularity, from mostly the realm of hip-hop DJs during the mid-'90s to dance music DJs seeking drum-'n'-bass, jungle and acid jazz records during the latter-portion of the decade and into the 2000s.
The sales log at Gamber's shop recently offered a varied array of artists, from experimental rockers Mars Volta to hardcore band Leftover Crack to rap icon Tupac Shakur.
Likewise, Gamber's customer base is varied. From punk rock 'tweens looking for classic black metal re-issues to older heads marvelling over the original MC5 pressing.
"The younger kids are getting into vinyl. They know this format sounds the best because it is the best," he said. "The older guys, they know what's on those old records so they're looking for that stuff they grew up on."
Lunt sees some business from tourists as well, particularly business travelers who have discovered his shop while in town.
Michael Calvert, a 29-year-old Web designer from Portland, Ore., was sifting through the shelves at Recycled Records one December afternoon. A former Santa Cruz resident, he picked up the hobby from his older brother, who was a punk and heavy metal fan. He was drawn to the sound quality.
"Vinyl has a more natural sound," he said. "Plus, having a record is a lot cooler than having a CD."
Alex Griffin, 36, of London, was also digging around at Recycled Records. His collection dates back to the early 1980s, and includes originals from The Doors and The Moody Blues.
His prized possession: a collection of original Bob Marley pressings he picked up on a trip to Jamaica. The albums cost him a few hundred dollars.
"If I like it, I buy it," he said.
While the popularity surge has lifted Lunt's spirits, his bottom line is simple — enjoy the music.
"It's the music that really matters, not the format," he said. "Obviously, I'm pro vinyl. But in the end, whatever you enjoy listening to music on is the most important thing."
SOURCE: http://www.montereyherald.com
Reprinted By Permission
The Format That Refuses To Die; Vinyl Records Alive And Well
Written by Mike Duffy
Even with all the advances in audio technology and the digital craze, one format has withstood the test of time: vinyl records.
The evolution of personal audio playback is an interesting tale: from paper cylinders to records, records to 8-tracks, 8-tracks to cassettes, cassettes to CDs, and finally, CDs to digital MP3s, only one "primitive" format has managed to not fade away into history. Records were introduced way back in 1877 and are still being widely used across the world, and it's not just DJs who are using them.
Thanks in part to high school children who are just discovering vinyl records for the first time, and baby boomers who are looking for a taste of nostalgia, the vinyl record market has exploded in recent years, with sales increasing about 35 percent in 2007, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. People are once again snatching up vinyl records as quickly as they are produced, and record label executives are taking notice.
As a result, more and more labels are choosing to press their new releases on the format they once considered obsolete, even going into their catalog and re-pressing some of their older albums. Labels are still catering to digital savvy consumers though, as many new vinyl releases often come with download cards, which can be redeemed online to receive MP3's of the album. Online retailers have also taken note, and are now offering more vinyl records for sale. An influx of new websites specifically catering to vinyl enthusiasts have also been popping up, selling vinyl and record accessories.
There are several reasons why vinyl sales have taken off in recent years. Any purist (or audiophile) will tell you that vinyl sounds better than any other format available today. You will hear things playing a record that you won't be able to pick up on when playing that same album in CD or MP3 format. Vinyl also comes in different weights, which is measured in grams, and ranges from the standard 140 grams all the way up to 220 grams. The heavier a record is, the better sound quality you will get. Some people will only settle for the best, and some younger folks are tired of the high compression rates found in CDs and MP3s, which steals the quality of the music. And some have sought out alternative methods of listening to their favorite albums.
Most records released today come in elaborate packaging that features liner notes and larger artwork than their CD counterparts. Vinyl now comes in various colors, patterns, shapes and styles. There's the standard 12 inch LP, which supports full length albums; seven inch singles, which are often used for only one or two songs; and all sizes in between. Records have also strayed from the standard black vinyl circle into elaborate shapes and bright colors. Records are being pressed on every color found in the rainbow and then some, as well as almost every shape known to man. The variety and bigger size attracts many buyers.
One more reason why vinyl sales have taken off is their collectability. The market has never been better for someone who is in possession of an original Beatles or Led Zeppelin LP. These days vinyl is often pressed in one time limited runs, or presses, compared to an almost infinite amount when records were the dominant format. This makes some records highly sought after. Multiple colors are also pressed, leading to many variations of a single record, which also leads to collectability. Some records released for the first time in 10 years can fetch as much as $200 once they go out of print. For example, a record of only 1,000 total copies were pressed: out of that 1,000, only 100 were pressed on red vinyl, and 500 were pressed on blue. A red record would be worth more to collectors than the blue record, and could fetch a hefty sum on eBay and other online outlets.
For whatever reason - whether it be for their superior sound quality, the larger and more detailed artwork and packaging, or just for old time's sake - vinyl records are here to stay. And they won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
SOURCE: http://media.www.pioneertimeswpu.com/
Even with all the advances in audio technology and the digital craze, one format has withstood the test of time: vinyl records.
The evolution of personal audio playback is an interesting tale: from paper cylinders to records, records to 8-tracks, 8-tracks to cassettes, cassettes to CDs, and finally, CDs to digital MP3s, only one "primitive" format has managed to not fade away into history. Records were introduced way back in 1877 and are still being widely used across the world, and it's not just DJs who are using them.
Thanks in part to high school children who are just discovering vinyl records for the first time, and baby boomers who are looking for a taste of nostalgia, the vinyl record market has exploded in recent years, with sales increasing about 35 percent in 2007, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. People are once again snatching up vinyl records as quickly as they are produced, and record label executives are taking notice.
As a result, more and more labels are choosing to press their new releases on the format they once considered obsolete, even going into their catalog and re-pressing some of their older albums. Labels are still catering to digital savvy consumers though, as many new vinyl releases often come with download cards, which can be redeemed online to receive MP3's of the album. Online retailers have also taken note, and are now offering more vinyl records for sale. An influx of new websites specifically catering to vinyl enthusiasts have also been popping up, selling vinyl and record accessories.
There are several reasons why vinyl sales have taken off in recent years. Any purist (or audiophile) will tell you that vinyl sounds better than any other format available today. You will hear things playing a record that you won't be able to pick up on when playing that same album in CD or MP3 format. Vinyl also comes in different weights, which is measured in grams, and ranges from the standard 140 grams all the way up to 220 grams. The heavier a record is, the better sound quality you will get. Some people will only settle for the best, and some younger folks are tired of the high compression rates found in CDs and MP3s, which steals the quality of the music. And some have sought out alternative methods of listening to their favorite albums.
Most records released today come in elaborate packaging that features liner notes and larger artwork than their CD counterparts. Vinyl now comes in various colors, patterns, shapes and styles. There's the standard 12 inch LP, which supports full length albums; seven inch singles, which are often used for only one or two songs; and all sizes in between. Records have also strayed from the standard black vinyl circle into elaborate shapes and bright colors. Records are being pressed on every color found in the rainbow and then some, as well as almost every shape known to man. The variety and bigger size attracts many buyers.
One more reason why vinyl sales have taken off is their collectability. The market has never been better for someone who is in possession of an original Beatles or Led Zeppelin LP. These days vinyl is often pressed in one time limited runs, or presses, compared to an almost infinite amount when records were the dominant format. This makes some records highly sought after. Multiple colors are also pressed, leading to many variations of a single record, which also leads to collectability. Some records released for the first time in 10 years can fetch as much as $200 once they go out of print. For example, a record of only 1,000 total copies were pressed: out of that 1,000, only 100 were pressed on red vinyl, and 500 were pressed on blue. A red record would be worth more to collectors than the blue record, and could fetch a hefty sum on eBay and other online outlets.
For whatever reason - whether it be for their superior sound quality, the larger and more detailed artwork and packaging, or just for old time's sake - vinyl records are here to stay. And they won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
SOURCE: http://media.www.pioneertimeswpu.com/
Music News & Notes
Plant Says No One More Time
Robert Plant told Britain's BBC Radio Wales that he will not be doing a Led Zeppelin tour. Among other things, he said that he was getting too old to to perform in two-hour rock shows all over the world.
"I'm doing very well with Alison and I'm enjoying that.
"I still see Jimmy quite a lot and he's very complimentary and supportive of what I'm doing, but we are in different places now and you have to go on to do different things."
--------------------------------------------------
Rick Wakeman Reviving Six Wives of Henry VIII
Rick Wakeman is in the process of reviving his 1973 album, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, and will perform it in its entirety this spring in London.
The May 1 and 2 shows will be at Hampton Court Palace's West Front for an audience of 5,000 each night. Joining him on the dates will be the English Chamber Choir, a full orchestra and a guest narrator.
The Six Wives album was Wakeman's first solo project outside of Yes and is heralded as one of the forerunners of progressive rock. The album was totally instrumental with Wakeman playing the Moog, Organ and Mellotron. He studied the personalities of each of the wives and wrote a separate piece to try and capture each of their spirits. Joining him on the album were Yes members Chris Squire, Bill Bruford and Steve Howe along with the Strawbs' Dave Cousins.
In the U.S., the album peaked at number 30 on the album chart. The press release for the London shows claims that, over the years, the album has sold 15 million copies around the world.
Wakeman has also written three new pieces for the performances, Tudor Overture, Defender of the Faith and Tudor Rock.
--------------------------------------------------
Count Five Singer Dead
John "Sean" Burne, the lead singer and guitarist for the Count Five (Psychotic Reaction), passed away last Monday (December 15) from cirrhosis of the liver.
--------------------------------------------------
Drunk Lennon Recording Sold For Big Bucks
A recording of John Lennon performing Lloyd Price's Just Because was sold at auction on Monday for $30,000. The recording, made in 1973, includes some improvised lyrics and was, reportedly, made while Lennon was drunk.
--------------------------------------------------
Jacko Not Sicko
Michael Jackson's spokesperson has denied claims that the singer is in ill health.
Dr. Tohme Tohme (really!) said, "Concerning this author's allegations, we would hope in the future that legitimate media will not continue to be exploited by such an obvious attempt to promote this unauthorized 'biography.' The writer's wild allegations concerning Mr. Jackson's health are a total fabrication."
Robert Plant told Britain's BBC Radio Wales that he will not be doing a Led Zeppelin tour. Among other things, he said that he was getting too old to to perform in two-hour rock shows all over the world.
"I'm doing very well with Alison and I'm enjoying that.
"I still see Jimmy quite a lot and he's very complimentary and supportive of what I'm doing, but we are in different places now and you have to go on to do different things."
--------------------------------------------------
Rick Wakeman Reviving Six Wives of Henry VIII
Rick Wakeman is in the process of reviving his 1973 album, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, and will perform it in its entirety this spring in London.
The May 1 and 2 shows will be at Hampton Court Palace's West Front for an audience of 5,000 each night. Joining him on the dates will be the English Chamber Choir, a full orchestra and a guest narrator.
The Six Wives album was Wakeman's first solo project outside of Yes and is heralded as one of the forerunners of progressive rock. The album was totally instrumental with Wakeman playing the Moog, Organ and Mellotron. He studied the personalities of each of the wives and wrote a separate piece to try and capture each of their spirits. Joining him on the album were Yes members Chris Squire, Bill Bruford and Steve Howe along with the Strawbs' Dave Cousins.
In the U.S., the album peaked at number 30 on the album chart. The press release for the London shows claims that, over the years, the album has sold 15 million copies around the world.
Wakeman has also written three new pieces for the performances, Tudor Overture, Defender of the Faith and Tudor Rock.
--------------------------------------------------
Count Five Singer Dead
John "Sean" Burne, the lead singer and guitarist for the Count Five (Psychotic Reaction), passed away last Monday (December 15) from cirrhosis of the liver.
--------------------------------------------------
Drunk Lennon Recording Sold For Big Bucks
A recording of John Lennon performing Lloyd Price's Just Because was sold at auction on Monday for $30,000. The recording, made in 1973, includes some improvised lyrics and was, reportedly, made while Lennon was drunk.
--------------------------------------------------
Jacko Not Sicko
Michael Jackson's spokesperson has denied claims that the singer is in ill health.
Dr. Tohme Tohme (really!) said, "Concerning this author's allegations, we would hope in the future that legitimate media will not continue to be exploited by such an obvious attempt to promote this unauthorized 'biography.' The writer's wild allegations concerning Mr. Jackson's health are a total fabrication."
This Date In Music History-December 23
Birthdays:
Jefferson Airplane guitarist Jorma Kaukonen was born in 1940. In 1970, he formed Hot Tuna with the Airplane's Jack Casady.
Iron Butterfly drummer Ron Bushy (1945)
Iron Maiden guitarist Dave Murray (1955)
Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam-1964)
They Are Missed:
Songwriter Tim Hardin was born in Eugene, Oreegon in 1941. His songs include "Reason to Believe" and "If I Were a Carpenter." He died of a heroin overdose on December 29, 1980.
Eugene Record of the Chi-Lites ("Oh Girl") was born in 1940.
"Little" Esther Phillips ("Release Me") was born in 1935
Dan Hamilton, of Hamilton, Joe Frank and Reynolds, suffered a stroke and died in 1994.
Jackie Landry of The Chantels died of cancer in 1997 at the age of 56.
History:
Elton John and Bernie Taupin began writing songs together in 1969.
In 1959, Chuck Berry was arrested for transporting a minor across a state line for an immoral purpose. Berry claimed he was only giving a young lady a ride to her job as a hat-check girl at his St. Louis nightclub. Unbeknown to Berry, 14 year old Janice Norine was working as a prostitute. Although he will be convicted and given a five year sentence, the charges were eventually dropped.
In 1964, the Beach Boys made their first appearance on Shindig. The group performed "Little Saint Nick," "Dance, Dance, Dance," "Johnny B. Goode," and "Monster Mash."
In 1968, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus, distributed presents to the children of Apple's staff.
George Harrison released one of his rare Christmas records, "Ding Dong, Ding Dong" in 1974.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience's "Foxy Lady" was released in 1967.
John Lennon's film "Imagine" premiered on national TV in 1972.
Rod Stewart's idiotic song "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" was released in 1978.
In 1972, former Grand Funk Railroad manager Terry Knight arrived during a concert by the band with a court order to seize $1m in money or assets. Police informed the ex-manager that he couldn't take anything until after the show.
New records making their first appearance on the US record charts in 1979 included: Rod Stewart's "I Don't Want to Talk About It", Anne Murray's "Daydream Believer", Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker" and Neil Diamond's "September Morn".
The Police were the highest earning touring group in 2007, bringing in nearly $132 million The band's 54 gig North American trek generated almost double the total of the second-placed act, Country star Kenny Chesney.
In 1985, Judas Priest fans Raymond Belknap and James Vance shot themselves after listening to the Judas Priest album ‘Stained Class.’ The two had drunk beer, smoked marijuana and then listened to hours of the album. Afterwards they took a shotgun to a nearby school playground where Belknap shot and killed himself. Vance then blew away his jaw, mouth and nose but lived for more than three years before dying of effects of the shooting.
In 1964, pirate station 'Radio London', started broadcasting from the former US Minesweeper 'Mv Galaxy'.
1966-BBC-TV broadcasted Ready, Steady Go! for the last time, after the Musicians Union enforced a ban on miming. The weekly program was the UK's most popular Pop music television show, helping many of Britain's finest musical acts get their start. The special guests for the farewell show are Mick Jagger, The Who, Eric Burdon, The Spencer Davis Group, Donovan and Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich.
Jefferson Airplane guitarist Jorma Kaukonen was born in 1940. In 1970, he formed Hot Tuna with the Airplane's Jack Casady.
Iron Butterfly drummer Ron Bushy (1945)
Iron Maiden guitarist Dave Murray (1955)
Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam-1964)
They Are Missed:
Songwriter Tim Hardin was born in Eugene, Oreegon in 1941. His songs include "Reason to Believe" and "If I Were a Carpenter." He died of a heroin overdose on December 29, 1980.
Eugene Record of the Chi-Lites ("Oh Girl") was born in 1940.
"Little" Esther Phillips ("Release Me") was born in 1935
Dan Hamilton, of Hamilton, Joe Frank and Reynolds, suffered a stroke and died in 1994.
Jackie Landry of The Chantels died of cancer in 1997 at the age of 56.
History:
Elton John and Bernie Taupin began writing songs together in 1969.
In 1959, Chuck Berry was arrested for transporting a minor across a state line for an immoral purpose. Berry claimed he was only giving a young lady a ride to her job as a hat-check girl at his St. Louis nightclub. Unbeknown to Berry, 14 year old Janice Norine was working as a prostitute. Although he will be convicted and given a five year sentence, the charges were eventually dropped.
In 1964, the Beach Boys made their first appearance on Shindig. The group performed "Little Saint Nick," "Dance, Dance, Dance," "Johnny B. Goode," and "Monster Mash."
In 1968, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus, distributed presents to the children of Apple's staff.
George Harrison released one of his rare Christmas records, "Ding Dong, Ding Dong" in 1974.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience's "Foxy Lady" was released in 1967.
John Lennon's film "Imagine" premiered on national TV in 1972.
Rod Stewart's idiotic song "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" was released in 1978.
In 1972, former Grand Funk Railroad manager Terry Knight arrived during a concert by the band with a court order to seize $1m in money or assets. Police informed the ex-manager that he couldn't take anything until after the show.
New records making their first appearance on the US record charts in 1979 included: Rod Stewart's "I Don't Want to Talk About It", Anne Murray's "Daydream Believer", Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker" and Neil Diamond's "September Morn".
The Police were the highest earning touring group in 2007, bringing in nearly $132 million The band's 54 gig North American trek generated almost double the total of the second-placed act, Country star Kenny Chesney.
In 1985, Judas Priest fans Raymond Belknap and James Vance shot themselves after listening to the Judas Priest album ‘Stained Class.’ The two had drunk beer, smoked marijuana and then listened to hours of the album. Afterwards they took a shotgun to a nearby school playground where Belknap shot and killed himself. Vance then blew away his jaw, mouth and nose but lived for more than three years before dying of effects of the shooting.
In 1964, pirate station 'Radio London', started broadcasting from the former US Minesweeper 'Mv Galaxy'.
1966-BBC-TV broadcasted Ready, Steady Go! for the last time, after the Musicians Union enforced a ban on miming. The weekly program was the UK's most popular Pop music television show, helping many of Britain's finest musical acts get their start. The special guests for the farewell show are Mick Jagger, The Who, Eric Burdon, The Spencer Davis Group, Donovan and Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Back In Time With Counter Clock Records
written by Robert Benson
As we all enjoy the vinyl record revival, there is another aspect to this phenomenon that sometimes gets overlooked: the forgotten 45 rpm records from years past. Sure, there are some mainstream artists, punk rockers and indie musicians who have found this audio medium to their liking, it is a marvelous way to not only give their fans what they want (the music), but also create a collectible as well.
Another medium from the past has gone through some major changes in recent years. Remember when AM radio dominated the air waves? And then another format in the 70’s added even more alternatives for music lovers -FM radio. Now we have satellite radio and another inventive medium, the Internet radio station.
One Internet radio station in particular has been able to combine the aforementioned 45 rpm records and the Internet to form Counter Clock Radio (http://www.live365.com/stations/counter_clock?play) and Counter Clock Records (http://stores.ebay.com/Counter-Clock-Records). The business is the brainchild of the wife and husband team of Jane and Norm Geddis of Mission Viejo, California who have developed a ‘play what we find’ programming style that is very unique and allows their listeners an eclectic array of music genres to listen to. I had the opportunity to speak with the developers of this novel concept, let’s learn more about Counter Clock Records and Counter Clock Radio:
Obviously you have a love for vinyl- what is it about records that make them so appealing to you?
Norm: “They're round, like wheels. It's by far the best use of man's first invention. CD's never felt quite the same. Downloads are radio plus labor. I'm a decade past being impressed with myself for getting software to work after an evening playing around with my computer.”
Jane: “I like the built-in nostalgia value of vinyl - whether it’s a 1964 Top 40 one-hit wonder or a super rare Private Press Psych LP. It felt like a part of me died and was buried when CD's became the standard. With downloads, it’s like the moss has grown over the headstones.”
How long have you been online/ selling on ebay and what are your thoughts about the fee changes and the overall operations of this online giant?
Norm: “We started Counter-Clock Records in July of '07. Or rather, I started selling on eBay about that time, just 45's that I was done loving on, and then both us created the store and glued these other parts (blog and radio station) to it.”
“As far as those changes everyone talks about, I came into the middle of that and, speaking just for me, I'm a part of Counter-Clock Records. eBay is just the venue, the shopping center where our store is located. No matter where one has their store, there's not a merchant on this planet, or likely any other, who isn't complaining about the rents. It's not a complaint I'm going to pass along to my customers.”
When did you decide to go ‘online’ with the Live365 radio station?
Norm: “The station has been running since March of '07 which was several months before we opened the store.”
What kind of fan base do you have, what kind of records/music do you play?
Jane: “Our base is our customers who have found our station. The station is very close to exactly how we want it to be, with short music news segments and trivia, so now we have something unique and something we're proud of. It's time to let everyone know. We play what we find. I call the programming style Accidental Nostalgia.”
My readers love the “Top 5 vinyl record sales” feature each week. How long have you been doing this? Have you noticed any specific patterns- what sells the best (and who) and what is the most expensive record that you have ever documented on the list?
Norm: “I began the blog about the same time I started the radio station. The "store" so to speak began when I put a few records up on my eBay account in July of last year.”
“The most expensive record I've documented was the White Album that sold last week for $30k, which is saying a lot for vinyl collectibles in this economy. Unfortunately I flubbed that one and it got left off that week's list. The seller had listed it in "Music Memorabilia" and I keep my eyes on the "Record" category. I also didn't keep an eye on your blog that week, Robert, or I would have caught it - the problem of selling records and writing about them during the holiday season. So I did a mea culpa entry on that one so it makes it on the Record Store Day year-end list.”
I love listening to the station- your format and genres of music are very eclectic. Where do you get the music and how do you decide what you want to play?
Jane: “We buy collections from individuals, closed record stores, from eBay as well. Mostly the 45's speak to me. By that I mean that when I look through a stack of records I sense what's interesting, unusual, weird . . . just enjoyable. Norm has an encyclopedia of music history in his head, but if we just went on that alone we'd sound like tons of other stations. So clairvoyance plays its part.”
Do you have any plans to add DJ’s to the mix?
Jane: “A podcast is in the works. But it may not happen unless the Earth starts spinning slower.”
What are the future plans for the station and Counter Clock Records?
Norm: “Next year is going to be about more of everything. We have lots of inventory to love on and get out there to the world. The backbone of vinyl records is the community record store. The Internet cannot deliver that. Counter Clock Records is something to come home to, but not to replace the chill up your spine dirty tile smell of your record store.”
What do you think of the ‘vinyl revival’ and where do you see vinyl in the next ten years?
Jane: “I think the vinyl revival is great! I also think it was inevitable. Tens of millions of us who love vinyl are either retiring or have more time on our hands, and whether you have a little or a lot of money, there's something for everyone. Plus, it seems that even though they're not buying "our music,” young adults and teens are discovering that there is something more to vinyl than the downloads. And getting squeezed in the middle are CD's. It seemed only a matter of time before these two groups converged and the music market opened up to let us back in.”
Norm: “I'm not a money guru and this isn't investment advice. However, as my grandmother used to say during tough times, "there'll always be somebody with money." And, like during the seventies and early nineties, traditional investments are not attractive. Comic book values skyrocketed in the seventies, as with sports cards in the early nineties. I think it’s about to be vinyl's day in the sun.”
Do you have a Top Ten list of your favorite 45’s and or favorite recording artists?
Jane: “I'll do artists-Etta James, Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell, The Band, Bill Monroe, Renaissance, Mazzy Star, Opal, Joan Armatrading, CSNY.”
Norm: “45's for me- Mixed Feelings "Sha La La"/"Love Will Find A Way," Moody Blues "Go Now"/"Lose Your Money," Small Faces "Itchycoo Park"/"I'm Only Dreaming," Sandi Sheldon "You're Gonna Make Me Love You"/"Baby You're Mine," Pink Floyd "Point Me At The Sky"/"Careful With That Axe Eugene," Olivia Tremor Control "California Demise" EP, Hedgehoppers Anonymous "It's Good News Week"/"Afraid Of Love," Barbara Lewis "Baby I'm Yours"/"I Say Love," Denny Laine "It's So Easy”/Listen To Me"/"I'm Looking For Someone To Love," The Intruders "Every Day Is A Holiday"/"Old Love" and probably a hundred others.”
So, if you are looking for some great old obscure rock and roll, one-hit wonders and soulful R&B, drop by Counter Clock Radio and Counter Clock Records and give them a spin. Your ears will love what you hear.
By the way, they are having a fantastic sale on 45 rpm records. Almost all 45's will be discounted 15%-40% and come with free shipping and $10.00 no limit worldwide shipping.
You can also download audio clips of the collectingvinylrecords.blogspot.com highlights for each week from their site http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com
As we all enjoy the vinyl record revival, there is another aspect to this phenomenon that sometimes gets overlooked: the forgotten 45 rpm records from years past. Sure, there are some mainstream artists, punk rockers and indie musicians who have found this audio medium to their liking, it is a marvelous way to not only give their fans what they want (the music), but also create a collectible as well.
Another medium from the past has gone through some major changes in recent years. Remember when AM radio dominated the air waves? And then another format in the 70’s added even more alternatives for music lovers -FM radio. Now we have satellite radio and another inventive medium, the Internet radio station.
One Internet radio station in particular has been able to combine the aforementioned 45 rpm records and the Internet to form Counter Clock Radio (http://www.live365.com/stations/counter_clock?play) and Counter Clock Records (http://stores.ebay.com/Counter-Clock-Records). The business is the brainchild of the wife and husband team of Jane and Norm Geddis of Mission Viejo, California who have developed a ‘play what we find’ programming style that is very unique and allows their listeners an eclectic array of music genres to listen to. I had the opportunity to speak with the developers of this novel concept, let’s learn more about Counter Clock Records and Counter Clock Radio:
Obviously you have a love for vinyl- what is it about records that make them so appealing to you?
Norm: “They're round, like wheels. It's by far the best use of man's first invention. CD's never felt quite the same. Downloads are radio plus labor. I'm a decade past being impressed with myself for getting software to work after an evening playing around with my computer.”
Jane: “I like the built-in nostalgia value of vinyl - whether it’s a 1964 Top 40 one-hit wonder or a super rare Private Press Psych LP. It felt like a part of me died and was buried when CD's became the standard. With downloads, it’s like the moss has grown over the headstones.”
How long have you been online/ selling on ebay and what are your thoughts about the fee changes and the overall operations of this online giant?
Norm: “We started Counter-Clock Records in July of '07. Or rather, I started selling on eBay about that time, just 45's that I was done loving on, and then both us created the store and glued these other parts (blog and radio station) to it.”
“As far as those changes everyone talks about, I came into the middle of that and, speaking just for me, I'm a part of Counter-Clock Records. eBay is just the venue, the shopping center where our store is located. No matter where one has their store, there's not a merchant on this planet, or likely any other, who isn't complaining about the rents. It's not a complaint I'm going to pass along to my customers.”
When did you decide to go ‘online’ with the Live365 radio station?
Norm: “The station has been running since March of '07 which was several months before we opened the store.”
What kind of fan base do you have, what kind of records/music do you play?
Jane: “Our base is our customers who have found our station. The station is very close to exactly how we want it to be, with short music news segments and trivia, so now we have something unique and something we're proud of. It's time to let everyone know. We play what we find. I call the programming style Accidental Nostalgia.”
My readers love the “Top 5 vinyl record sales” feature each week. How long have you been doing this? Have you noticed any specific patterns- what sells the best (and who) and what is the most expensive record that you have ever documented on the list?
Norm: “I began the blog about the same time I started the radio station. The "store" so to speak began when I put a few records up on my eBay account in July of last year.”
“The most expensive record I've documented was the White Album that sold last week for $30k, which is saying a lot for vinyl collectibles in this economy. Unfortunately I flubbed that one and it got left off that week's list. The seller had listed it in "Music Memorabilia" and I keep my eyes on the "Record" category. I also didn't keep an eye on your blog that week, Robert, or I would have caught it - the problem of selling records and writing about them during the holiday season. So I did a mea culpa entry on that one so it makes it on the Record Store Day year-end list.”
I love listening to the station- your format and genres of music are very eclectic. Where do you get the music and how do you decide what you want to play?
Jane: “We buy collections from individuals, closed record stores, from eBay as well. Mostly the 45's speak to me. By that I mean that when I look through a stack of records I sense what's interesting, unusual, weird . . . just enjoyable. Norm has an encyclopedia of music history in his head, but if we just went on that alone we'd sound like tons of other stations. So clairvoyance plays its part.”
Do you have any plans to add DJ’s to the mix?
Jane: “A podcast is in the works. But it may not happen unless the Earth starts spinning slower.”
What are the future plans for the station and Counter Clock Records?
Norm: “Next year is going to be about more of everything. We have lots of inventory to love on and get out there to the world. The backbone of vinyl records is the community record store. The Internet cannot deliver that. Counter Clock Records is something to come home to, but not to replace the chill up your spine dirty tile smell of your record store.”
What do you think of the ‘vinyl revival’ and where do you see vinyl in the next ten years?
Jane: “I think the vinyl revival is great! I also think it was inevitable. Tens of millions of us who love vinyl are either retiring or have more time on our hands, and whether you have a little or a lot of money, there's something for everyone. Plus, it seems that even though they're not buying "our music,” young adults and teens are discovering that there is something more to vinyl than the downloads. And getting squeezed in the middle are CD's. It seemed only a matter of time before these two groups converged and the music market opened up to let us back in.”
Norm: “I'm not a money guru and this isn't investment advice. However, as my grandmother used to say during tough times, "there'll always be somebody with money." And, like during the seventies and early nineties, traditional investments are not attractive. Comic book values skyrocketed in the seventies, as with sports cards in the early nineties. I think it’s about to be vinyl's day in the sun.”
Do you have a Top Ten list of your favorite 45’s and or favorite recording artists?
Jane: “I'll do artists-Etta James, Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell, The Band, Bill Monroe, Renaissance, Mazzy Star, Opal, Joan Armatrading, CSNY.”
Norm: “45's for me- Mixed Feelings "Sha La La"/"Love Will Find A Way," Moody Blues "Go Now"/"Lose Your Money," Small Faces "Itchycoo Park"/"I'm Only Dreaming," Sandi Sheldon "You're Gonna Make Me Love You"/"Baby You're Mine," Pink Floyd "Point Me At The Sky"/"Careful With That Axe Eugene," Olivia Tremor Control "California Demise" EP, Hedgehoppers Anonymous "It's Good News Week"/"Afraid Of Love," Barbara Lewis "Baby I'm Yours"/"I Say Love," Denny Laine "It's So Easy”/Listen To Me"/"I'm Looking For Someone To Love," The Intruders "Every Day Is A Holiday"/"Old Love" and probably a hundred others.”
So, if you are looking for some great old obscure rock and roll, one-hit wonders and soulful R&B, drop by Counter Clock Radio and Counter Clock Records and give them a spin. Your ears will love what you hear.
By the way, they are having a fantastic sale on 45 rpm records. Almost all 45's will be discounted 15%-40% and come with free shipping and $10.00 no limit worldwide shipping.
You can also download audio clips of the collectingvinylrecords.blogspot.com highlights for each week from their site http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com
Top 5 Vinyl Record eBay Sales
Week Ending 12/20/2008
1. 45rpm - Larry Clinton "She's Wanted" / "If I Knew" Dynamo Promo - $5,000.00 - Start: $9.99 - Bids: 13
2. 45rpm - Elvis Presley "That's All Right, Mama" / "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" Sun 209 - $4,450.00 - Start: $9.99 - Bids: 50
3. 45rpm - Bruce Springsteen "Born To Run" / "Meeting Across The River" CBS Greece Promo - $3,926.00 - Start: $499.00 - Bids: 9
4. 45rpm - Dennis Edwards "Johnnie On The Spot" / "I Didn't Have To" International Soulsville - $3,300.00 - Start: $1,999.99 Bids: 4
5. 45rpm - Elvis Presley "That's All Right, Mama" / "Blue Moon of Kentucky" Sun 209 - $2,999.99 - Start: $2,999.99 Bids: BIN
All 45's this week on the top 5, Larry Clinton's rarest Northern Soul 45, "She's Wanted", on the Dynamo label sells for exactly $5k. In the #2 spot, the first of two "That's All Right, Mama" Elvis 45's on Sun that appear on this week's list, this one a near mint copy, sells for halfway past $4.4k.
Next, a CBS promo of Springsteen's "Born To Run" from Greece bids up past $3.9k. Reportedly, CBS pressed only 200 copies of this 45 for promotion in Greece, and never released it in the country commercially .
Another Northern Soul treasure takes the #4 spot, Dennis Edwards "Johnnie On The Spot" gets exactly $3.3k.
And last, the second copy of "That's All Right, Mama" to make the list this week, this one in VG-ish condition, sells on a Best Offer for a penny less than $3.3k.
As always, I want to thank Brian over at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com for this great data!
1. 45rpm - Larry Clinton "She's Wanted" / "If I Knew" Dynamo Promo - $5,000.00 - Start: $9.99 - Bids: 13
2. 45rpm - Elvis Presley "That's All Right, Mama" / "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" Sun 209 - $4,450.00 - Start: $9.99 - Bids: 50
3. 45rpm - Bruce Springsteen "Born To Run" / "Meeting Across The River" CBS Greece Promo - $3,926.00 - Start: $499.00 - Bids: 9
4. 45rpm - Dennis Edwards "Johnnie On The Spot" / "I Didn't Have To" International Soulsville - $3,300.00 - Start: $1,999.99 Bids: 4
5. 45rpm - Elvis Presley "That's All Right, Mama" / "Blue Moon of Kentucky" Sun 209 - $2,999.99 - Start: $2,999.99 Bids: BIN
All 45's this week on the top 5, Larry Clinton's rarest Northern Soul 45, "She's Wanted", on the Dynamo label sells for exactly $5k. In the #2 spot, the first of two "That's All Right, Mama" Elvis 45's on Sun that appear on this week's list, this one a near mint copy, sells for halfway past $4.4k.
Next, a CBS promo of Springsteen's "Born To Run" from Greece bids up past $3.9k. Reportedly, CBS pressed only 200 copies of this 45 for promotion in Greece, and never released it in the country commercially .
Another Northern Soul treasure takes the #4 spot, Dennis Edwards "Johnnie On The Spot" gets exactly $3.3k.
And last, the second copy of "That's All Right, Mama" to make the list this week, this one in VG-ish condition, sells on a Best Offer for a penny less than $3.3k.
As always, I want to thank Brian over at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com for this great data!
Album Cover Art
Well, we made it, here is the number one (out of 50) of the dirtiest and sexiset album covers compiled by the folks at Gigwise.com (Gigwise comments in quotes):
1. Nashville Pussy: ‘Let Them Eat Pussy’ – The Atlantic rockers are notoriously obsessed with sex, drugs, rock n’roll and sex, it’s no surprise that Nashville Pussy’s album covers were often pretty full-on. This one is a bit like The 2 Live Crew’s sleeve, except the dancers are forcibly grabbing the men and, well, making them eat pussy. Delightful.
This is some good ol' time rock n' roll. Two hot chicks and two disgusting white trash guys. Short tunes, all of them fast. 12 songs in 27 minutes. Spastic solos. Grumpy voice. Nashville Pussy rocks. You like Motorhead? The Hellacopters? and what about that idiot Ted Nugent? Got a short attention span? If so, then you might like this quartet, some of the songs are killer; "You're Goin' Down", "Go Motherfucker Go", "Fried Chicken and Coffee", "I'm The Man", pretty much all of them have that trashy rock vibe that all it does is wanna get you all messed up and greasy. You are nasty, a dirty old man, a wifebeater, a deadbeat, a barfly, lowlife, a scummy sonuvabiutch, and you like rock n' roll and none of that polished Enrique Igleasias crap? Try this pussy.~rateyourmusic.com review
I have never seen this cover before, but being the pig I am, I do like it.
1. Nashville Pussy: ‘Let Them Eat Pussy’ – The Atlantic rockers are notoriously obsessed with sex, drugs, rock n’roll and sex, it’s no surprise that Nashville Pussy’s album covers were often pretty full-on. This one is a bit like The 2 Live Crew’s sleeve, except the dancers are forcibly grabbing the men and, well, making them eat pussy. Delightful.
This is some good ol' time rock n' roll. Two hot chicks and two disgusting white trash guys. Short tunes, all of them fast. 12 songs in 27 minutes. Spastic solos. Grumpy voice. Nashville Pussy rocks. You like Motorhead? The Hellacopters? and what about that idiot Ted Nugent? Got a short attention span? If so, then you might like this quartet, some of the songs are killer; "You're Goin' Down", "Go Motherfucker Go", "Fried Chicken and Coffee", "I'm The Man", pretty much all of them have that trashy rock vibe that all it does is wanna get you all messed up and greasy. You are nasty, a dirty old man, a wifebeater, a deadbeat, a barfly, lowlife, a scummy sonuvabiutch, and you like rock n' roll and none of that polished Enrique Igleasias crap? Try this pussy.~rateyourmusic.com review
I have never seen this cover before, but being the pig I am, I do like it.
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