Found this amusing:
Maxwell's Silver Hammer
Monday, January 19, 2009
Outrageous Heavy Metal Album Covers
Last week we looked at Gigwise.com's list of best & worst album covers for 2008. Switching gears a bit, let's look at www.spike.com's look at The Top 20 Most Outrageous Heavy Metal Album Covers. Actually, I think some of these are classic album covers, I love heavy metal covers! We will look at five a day, sometimes that's all a person can handle. Longtime readers of the blog will certainly recognize some of these classic album covers.
Heavy metal bands have always relied on their album covers. Most metal bands wouldn’t have been half as popular if it wasn’t for their ridiculously awesome album art. But how did it go so wrong? When did bands start thinking it was okay to take their shirts off and pose as medieval warriors?
20. Stryper: Soldiers Under Command
19. Stryken: First Strike
18. Boned: Up At The Crack
17. Attila: Attila
16. Black Sabbath: Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
Compiled by
By Dustin Sussman
http://www.spike.com/blog/top-20-most/71466?page=1&numPerPage=1
Heavy metal bands have always relied on their album covers. Most metal bands wouldn’t have been half as popular if it wasn’t for their ridiculously awesome album art. But how did it go so wrong? When did bands start thinking it was okay to take their shirts off and pose as medieval warriors?
20. Stryper: Soldiers Under Command
19. Stryken: First Strike
18. Boned: Up At The Crack
17. Attila: Attila
16. Black Sabbath: Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
Compiled by
By Dustin Sussman
http://www.spike.com/blog/top-20-most/71466?page=1&numPerPage=1
Music News & Notes
Grandmaster Flash Readies First New Album in 20 Years
Rock & Roll Hall member Grandmaster Flash is ready to put out his first album of new material since 1987 with "The Bridge." The album is due for release on March 3 on Adrenaline City Entertainment via Strut.
According to antimusic.com, Flash stated "As a DJ, I've been blessed to see many different people, places and styles. The album title represents all the bridges I've crossed worldwide. The bridges of time, cultures and color, the bridges of hip hop, funk, pop, rock, jazz, punk, disco and R&B."
-------------------------------------------
Seminal Folkster Donovan Receives French Honor
Donovan has been honored in France as an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters. Awarded at the annual MIDEM convention in Cannes, the honor acknowledges those who have made a significant contribution to the arts.
Accepting the award, Donovan stated: "I take it for all the work I've done over the years to bring poetry back to popular culture. To get an honour like this confirmed to me that it was successful, that my work was accepted on my terms, rather than becoming an entertainer. I wanted to be entertaining, but to bring to the world a sense of meaning again."
-------------------------------------------
Truth In Advertising
Ohio is the 27th state to pass some form of the Truth in Music bill that makes it illegal for groups to dupe the promoters or the public into believing that a touring act is the real thing even when there are no original members taking part in a performance.
Under the new Ohio law, going into effect on April 6, at least one member of the touring group has to have recorded under the group's name. Fines can be up to $15,000.
John "Bowzer" Bowman of Sha Na Na has spearheaded the effort across the country and says “The public is entitled to know what it’s going to see. You have to have a legitimate link to the group itself,” he said. “If the federal trademark laws worked effectively, we wouldn’t need these state laws.”
-------------------------------------------
Fore!
A number of veteran artists have been announced as participants in next weeks Bob Hope Classic golf tournament, including Stephen Stills, Huey Lewis, Alice Cooper and Don Felder.
-------------------------------------------
No Reunion of Jeff Beck Group
Jeff Beck has stated not to expect a reunion of the Jeff Beck Group with Rod Stewart and Ron Wood. "Reformation of bands is never my idea of a good idea. Leave well enough alone, especially 35 years after it happened.
"It usually indicates there isn't anything else happening in someone else’s career, otherwise you wouldn't entertain it - let’s face it. We weren't together in the heyday of money. We were playing small clubs and dives and broke up just before Woodstock, so we never had any big money gigs."
Rock & Roll Hall member Grandmaster Flash is ready to put out his first album of new material since 1987 with "The Bridge." The album is due for release on March 3 on Adrenaline City Entertainment via Strut.
According to antimusic.com, Flash stated "As a DJ, I've been blessed to see many different people, places and styles. The album title represents all the bridges I've crossed worldwide. The bridges of time, cultures and color, the bridges of hip hop, funk, pop, rock, jazz, punk, disco and R&B."
-------------------------------------------
Seminal Folkster Donovan Receives French Honor
Donovan has been honored in France as an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters. Awarded at the annual MIDEM convention in Cannes, the honor acknowledges those who have made a significant contribution to the arts.
Accepting the award, Donovan stated: "I take it for all the work I've done over the years to bring poetry back to popular culture. To get an honour like this confirmed to me that it was successful, that my work was accepted on my terms, rather than becoming an entertainer. I wanted to be entertaining, but to bring to the world a sense of meaning again."
-------------------------------------------
Truth In Advertising
Ohio is the 27th state to pass some form of the Truth in Music bill that makes it illegal for groups to dupe the promoters or the public into believing that a touring act is the real thing even when there are no original members taking part in a performance.
Under the new Ohio law, going into effect on April 6, at least one member of the touring group has to have recorded under the group's name. Fines can be up to $15,000.
John "Bowzer" Bowman of Sha Na Na has spearheaded the effort across the country and says “The public is entitled to know what it’s going to see. You have to have a legitimate link to the group itself,” he said. “If the federal trademark laws worked effectively, we wouldn’t need these state laws.”
-------------------------------------------
Fore!
A number of veteran artists have been announced as participants in next weeks Bob Hope Classic golf tournament, including Stephen Stills, Huey Lewis, Alice Cooper and Don Felder.
-------------------------------------------
No Reunion of Jeff Beck Group
Jeff Beck has stated not to expect a reunion of the Jeff Beck Group with Rod Stewart and Ron Wood. "Reformation of bands is never my idea of a good idea. Leave well enough alone, especially 35 years after it happened.
"It usually indicates there isn't anything else happening in someone else’s career, otherwise you wouldn't entertain it - let’s face it. We weren't together in the heyday of money. We were playing small clubs and dives and broke up just before Woodstock, so we never had any big money gigs."
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales
Week Ending 01/17/2009
1. LP - Pink Floyd "Meddle" EMI Columbia Blue Vinyl Pressing - $12,000.00 - Start: $1,500.00 - Bids: 48
2. LP - Michele Auclair "Sonates pour clavier et violin" Les Discophiles Francais - $5,500.00 - Start: $499.00 - Bids: 17
3. LP - Pink Floyd "self titled" Odeon Japan Promo - $4,300.00 - Start: $499.00 - Bids: 20
4. 45rpm - Elvis Presley "self titled" EP RCA SPD-23 - $4,250.00 - Start: $10.00 - Bids: 23
5. 45rpm - U2 "I Will Follow" / "Boy/Girl" CBS Ireland tan vinyl - $2,650.00 - Start: $0.01 - Bids: 17
2009 gets its first break of the $10k mark this week, with a rare blue vinyl "Meddle" selling for exactly $12k. The $10k mark was broken only three times last year, once by the #5 White Album, and twice by Northern Soul 45's.
In the #2 spot a French Bach LP set of Bach Sonatas bids up to $5.5k. Next, another Pink Floyd record makes the list, this one a Japanese promo which contained tracks from early Pink Floyd albums Saucerful Of Secrets through Atom Heart Mother, as well as a few singles and B-sides.
Elvis Presley's three EP set, simply titled "Elvis Presley" bids up halfway past $4.2k.
And last, a tan vinyl "I Will Follow" from U2 sells for halfway over $2.6k.
As always, I want to thank Norm over at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com/ for this great data.
1. LP - Pink Floyd "Meddle" EMI Columbia Blue Vinyl Pressing - $12,000.00 - Start: $1,500.00 - Bids: 48
2. LP - Michele Auclair "Sonates pour clavier et violin" Les Discophiles Francais - $5,500.00 - Start: $499.00 - Bids: 17
3. LP - Pink Floyd "self titled" Odeon Japan Promo - $4,300.00 - Start: $499.00 - Bids: 20
4. 45rpm - Elvis Presley "self titled" EP RCA SPD-23 - $4,250.00 - Start: $10.00 - Bids: 23
5. 45rpm - U2 "I Will Follow" / "Boy/Girl" CBS Ireland tan vinyl - $2,650.00 - Start: $0.01 - Bids: 17
2009 gets its first break of the $10k mark this week, with a rare blue vinyl "Meddle" selling for exactly $12k. The $10k mark was broken only three times last year, once by the #5 White Album, and twice by Northern Soul 45's.
In the #2 spot a French Bach LP set of Bach Sonatas bids up to $5.5k. Next, another Pink Floyd record makes the list, this one a Japanese promo which contained tracks from early Pink Floyd albums Saucerful Of Secrets through Atom Heart Mother, as well as a few singles and B-sides.
Elvis Presley's three EP set, simply titled "Elvis Presley" bids up halfway past $4.2k.
And last, a tan vinyl "I Will Follow" from U2 sells for halfway over $2.6k.
As always, I want to thank Norm over at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com/ for this great data.
Rock & Roll Tidbits
Steppenwolf's lead singer, John Kay is seldom seen without sun glasses due to the fact that he has been legally blind since childhood.
Before Bobby "Boris" Pickett released "The Monster Mash" in 1962, he was working as an actor, making appearances on the TV shows Bonanza, The Beverly Hillbillies and Petticoat Junction.
Blood, Sweat and Tears concert contract stated that their shows are not to be advertised as a reunion concert, even though the band has split and re-united at least five times.
Buddy Holly asked his future wife for a date, 30 seconds after meeting her and proposed later the same week. Six months earlier, he had recorded a song called "Take Your Time".
In 1957, Frank Sinatra was quoted as saying "Rock 'n' Roll is phony and false, and sung, written and played for the most part by cretinous goons."
October 17th, 1990 marked the first time that the #1 album in the United States was only available on CD or cassette - and could not be found on vinyl. The album was Vanilla Ice's "To The Extreme".
Songwriter Tommy Durden showed his partner Mae Axton a newspaper story about a suicide victim who had left a one-line note that said "I Walk A Lonely Street". The pair added "Heartbreak Hotel" to the line and in 22 minutes had written Elvis Presley's first million seller.
Vaudevillian Jack Norworth wrote "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in 1908 after seeing a sign on a bus advertising BASEBALL TODAY - POLO GROUNDS. Norworth and his friend, Albert von Tilzer (who wrote the music) had never been to a baseball game before his song became a hit.
Pat Boone was a semi-finalist on the TV talent show Ted Mack's Amateur Hour, but before the finals, he appeared on a similar show called Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, for a fee of $600. Ted Mack's show then disqualified him, as he was no longer an amateur, costing Pat a chance at a $6000 scholarship.
In 1972, Keith Richards and his girlfriend at the time, Anita Pallenberg, rented a lavish palace on the French Riviera while the band was recording the LP “Beggar’s Banquet.” Included in the household budget was $1,000 for food, $1,000 for alcohol, $2,500 for the rent and $2,500 for drugs.
Two of Jim Croce's biggest hit songs were inspired by real people. Leroy Brown was a fellow member of the Air National Guard who had gone AWOL and Big Jim Walker ("You Don't Mess Around With Jim") was a pool shootin son-of-a-gun from south Philadelphia.
Brenda Lee's 1960, US number one hit, "I'm Sorry", was recorded at the tail end of a recording session with just five minutes of studio time left. It was intended to be the "B" side of a 45 that featured "That's All You Gotta Do", but disc jockeys flipped the platter over and "I'm Sorry" soon shot to the top of Billboard's Hot 100.
Jim McGuinn of The Byrds changed his middle name to Roger and began using it as a stage name after becoming interested in Eastern religion. A guru had told him that names starting with the letter "R" would vibrate better with the universe.
When Paul McCartney wants to play some of his old Beatles' hits in concert, he must pay a royalty fee to Michael Jackson, who bought the publishing rights for $47.5 million in 1985.
In 1929, American Paul Galvin, the head of Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, invented the first car radio. Consumers had to purchase the radios separately as they were not available from carmakers. Galvin coined the name Motorola for the company's new products, combining the idea of motion and radio.
When Richard Penniman was asked how he came by his stage name, he said that in his childhood neighborhood, there were only two nicknames used, 'lil and bro. That's when he became Little Richard.
When John Lennon's Aunt Mimi bought him his first guitar in the summer of 1956, he practiced constantly. As she watched him play hour after hour, day after day, she finally remarked "The guitar's all very well John, but you'll never make a living out of it."
During the early stages of their careers, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Hall and Oates and Steve Martin were all opening acts for the rock and roll nostalgia group, Sha Na Na.
The Crickets were given awards as the Best Vocal Group in the US and Great Britain in 1957, despite the fact that the only member of the group that actually sang was Buddy Holly. The background vocals for their number one hit "That'll Be The Day" were sung by Gary and Ramona Tollet.
Roy Orbison's highest charting album did not come about until after his untimely death in 1989. "Mystery Girl" reached #5 and was eventually certified platinum.
Aerosmith was known to bring a chainsaw with them out on tour so that they could chop up hotel rooms with greater efficiency. They also traveled with extra-long extension cords. Their reasoning? So the TVs that they tossed out of their hotel rooms would stay on and keep playing all the way to the ground before they were smashed up.
Danny and the Juniors' 1958, Top 20 hit "Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay" was written in response to a rock record smashing party sponsored by St Louis radio station KWK.
Before Bobby "Boris" Pickett released "The Monster Mash" in 1962, he was working as an actor, making appearances on the TV shows Bonanza, The Beverly Hillbillies and Petticoat Junction.
Blood, Sweat and Tears concert contract stated that their shows are not to be advertised as a reunion concert, even though the band has split and re-united at least five times.
Buddy Holly asked his future wife for a date, 30 seconds after meeting her and proposed later the same week. Six months earlier, he had recorded a song called "Take Your Time".
In 1957, Frank Sinatra was quoted as saying "Rock 'n' Roll is phony and false, and sung, written and played for the most part by cretinous goons."
October 17th, 1990 marked the first time that the #1 album in the United States was only available on CD or cassette - and could not be found on vinyl. The album was Vanilla Ice's "To The Extreme".
Songwriter Tommy Durden showed his partner Mae Axton a newspaper story about a suicide victim who had left a one-line note that said "I Walk A Lonely Street". The pair added "Heartbreak Hotel" to the line and in 22 minutes had written Elvis Presley's first million seller.
Vaudevillian Jack Norworth wrote "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in 1908 after seeing a sign on a bus advertising BASEBALL TODAY - POLO GROUNDS. Norworth and his friend, Albert von Tilzer (who wrote the music) had never been to a baseball game before his song became a hit.
Pat Boone was a semi-finalist on the TV talent show Ted Mack's Amateur Hour, but before the finals, he appeared on a similar show called Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, for a fee of $600. Ted Mack's show then disqualified him, as he was no longer an amateur, costing Pat a chance at a $6000 scholarship.
In 1972, Keith Richards and his girlfriend at the time, Anita Pallenberg, rented a lavish palace on the French Riviera while the band was recording the LP “Beggar’s Banquet.” Included in the household budget was $1,000 for food, $1,000 for alcohol, $2,500 for the rent and $2,500 for drugs.
Two of Jim Croce's biggest hit songs were inspired by real people. Leroy Brown was a fellow member of the Air National Guard who had gone AWOL and Big Jim Walker ("You Don't Mess Around With Jim") was a pool shootin son-of-a-gun from south Philadelphia.
Brenda Lee's 1960, US number one hit, "I'm Sorry", was recorded at the tail end of a recording session with just five minutes of studio time left. It was intended to be the "B" side of a 45 that featured "That's All You Gotta Do", but disc jockeys flipped the platter over and "I'm Sorry" soon shot to the top of Billboard's Hot 100.
Jim McGuinn of The Byrds changed his middle name to Roger and began using it as a stage name after becoming interested in Eastern religion. A guru had told him that names starting with the letter "R" would vibrate better with the universe.
When Paul McCartney wants to play some of his old Beatles' hits in concert, he must pay a royalty fee to Michael Jackson, who bought the publishing rights for $47.5 million in 1985.
In 1929, American Paul Galvin, the head of Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, invented the first car radio. Consumers had to purchase the radios separately as they were not available from carmakers. Galvin coined the name Motorola for the company's new products, combining the idea of motion and radio.
When Richard Penniman was asked how he came by his stage name, he said that in his childhood neighborhood, there were only two nicknames used, 'lil and bro. That's when he became Little Richard.
When John Lennon's Aunt Mimi bought him his first guitar in the summer of 1956, he practiced constantly. As she watched him play hour after hour, day after day, she finally remarked "The guitar's all very well John, but you'll never make a living out of it."
During the early stages of their careers, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Hall and Oates and Steve Martin were all opening acts for the rock and roll nostalgia group, Sha Na Na.
The Crickets were given awards as the Best Vocal Group in the US and Great Britain in 1957, despite the fact that the only member of the group that actually sang was Buddy Holly. The background vocals for their number one hit "That'll Be The Day" were sung by Gary and Ramona Tollet.
Roy Orbison's highest charting album did not come about until after his untimely death in 1989. "Mystery Girl" reached #5 and was eventually certified platinum.
Aerosmith was known to bring a chainsaw with them out on tour so that they could chop up hotel rooms with greater efficiency. They also traveled with extra-long extension cords. Their reasoning? So the TVs that they tossed out of their hotel rooms would stay on and keep playing all the way to the ground before they were smashed up.
Danny and the Juniors' 1958, Top 20 hit "Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay" was written in response to a rock record smashing party sponsored by St Louis radio station KWK.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Rock & Roll Tidbits
"I Heard It Through The Grapevine" has reached the Billboard Hot 100 six times in versions by Marvin Gaye (#1), Gladys Knight (#2), Creedence Clearwater Revival (#43), Roger Troutman (#79), King Curtis (#83) and The California Raisins (#84). The song has also been recorded by dozens of other artists including The Temptations, Ike and Tina Turner, Paul Mauriat and Elton John.
In a 2005 interview, Billy Joel said that during the recording of "We Are The World", most of the artists didn't like the song, but nobody would say so. Cyndi Lauper thought it sounded like a Pepsi commercial and Billy agreed.
The contract that made Brian Epstein the Beatles' manager was never really valid. Both Paul and George were under 21 at the time and needed a legal guardian to sign. Epstein himself never signed the document at all.
Rocker Neil Young arrived at Woodstock in 1969 with fellow musician Jimi Hendrix. When they realized that they had to travel several miles from the helicopter pad to the stage, they stole a pickup truck for the journey. Young calls the theft, “One of the high points of my life.”
Al Kooper, founder of Blood, Sweat and Tears was a co-writer of the Gary Lewis and The Playboys' hit "This Diamond Ring". Although the song was a US number one smash, Kooper has said he was very disappointed at how the Playboys version sounded, and sheepish that it became such a hit. None of the Playboys actually played their instruments on the recording and Lewis' vocals were heavily supported by Ron Hicklin's overdubs.
The Academy Award winning score for the movie Fame was written by Leslie Gore's brother, Michael.
51 year old Lindsay Crosby, son of Bing Crosby, took his own life on December 11th, 1989, reportedly right after watching his father sing "White Christmas" during the television-airing of the classic Christmas movie, Holiday Inn. Lindsay was said to have suffered years of physical and verbal abuse inflicted on him as a child by his father. In May, 1991, Lindsay's 57 year old brother Dennis would also commit suicide.
Elvis's middle name is spelled "Aaron" on his tombstone. According to his official web site, the name was spelled Aron at birth, but as an adult, Elvis planned to change the spelling to Aaron and the tombstone was designed to reflect that wish.
In 1967, under Britain's open-ended tax system, The Beatles were in the 96% tax bracket.
Before reaching the US Top Ten in 1980 with "Giving It Up For Your Love", Delbert McClinton played harmonica on Bruce Chanel's chart topping 1962 hit, "Hey Baby". While on tour, he also taught some harp licks to John Lennon, who was playing in a then unknown opening act called The Beatles.
"Sunday Will Never Be The Same" was first offered to the Left Banke, but they rejected it. The song was then given to The Mamas and The Papas but they also passed on it. Finally, Spanky and Our Gang recorded it and took it to # 9 in the US in 1967.
Cat Stevens' song "Morning Has Broken" was an adaptation of a hymn of the same name by Eleanor Farjeon, who wrote many stories for children.
From 1969 to 1970, Jimmy Buffett was a staff writer for Billboard magazine in Nashville.
The Temptations 1964 classic hit "My Girl" was written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White of The Miracles. Robinson wrote the lyrics, which he later said were inspired by his wife, Claudette. They divorced in 1986.
The so-called ‘Prince of Darkness’ Ozzy Osbourne certainly developed a satanic reputation over the years. But Ozzy never took it too seriously, stating: “The devil worship thing was a marketing invention of the record company. We played along to put dough in our pockets.”
It is well known that Beatle George Harrison was spiritual and after reading about cosmic communication, Harrison climbed a mountain in hopes of receiving message from God. He waited and waited, but the only message he received was to climb back down the mountain.
Although the concept of the "hit parade" goes back to the mid 1930s, the invention and naming of the Top 40 format is widely credited to Todd Storz, who was the director of radio station KWOH-AM in Omaha, Nebraska, in the early 1950s. Storz noted the great response certain songs got from the record-buying public and compared it to selections on jukeboxes. He expanded his stable of radio stations and gradually converted them to an all-hits format, pioneering the practice of surveying record stores to determine which singles were popular each week.
In a 2005 interview, Billy Joel said that during the recording of "We Are The World", most of the artists didn't like the song, but nobody would say so. Cyndi Lauper thought it sounded like a Pepsi commercial and Billy agreed.
The contract that made Brian Epstein the Beatles' manager was never really valid. Both Paul and George were under 21 at the time and needed a legal guardian to sign. Epstein himself never signed the document at all.
Rocker Neil Young arrived at Woodstock in 1969 with fellow musician Jimi Hendrix. When they realized that they had to travel several miles from the helicopter pad to the stage, they stole a pickup truck for the journey. Young calls the theft, “One of the high points of my life.”
Al Kooper, founder of Blood, Sweat and Tears was a co-writer of the Gary Lewis and The Playboys' hit "This Diamond Ring". Although the song was a US number one smash, Kooper has said he was very disappointed at how the Playboys version sounded, and sheepish that it became such a hit. None of the Playboys actually played their instruments on the recording and Lewis' vocals were heavily supported by Ron Hicklin's overdubs.
The Academy Award winning score for the movie Fame was written by Leslie Gore's brother, Michael.
51 year old Lindsay Crosby, son of Bing Crosby, took his own life on December 11th, 1989, reportedly right after watching his father sing "White Christmas" during the television-airing of the classic Christmas movie, Holiday Inn. Lindsay was said to have suffered years of physical and verbal abuse inflicted on him as a child by his father. In May, 1991, Lindsay's 57 year old brother Dennis would also commit suicide.
Elvis's middle name is spelled "Aaron" on his tombstone. According to his official web site, the name was spelled Aron at birth, but as an adult, Elvis planned to change the spelling to Aaron and the tombstone was designed to reflect that wish.
In 1967, under Britain's open-ended tax system, The Beatles were in the 96% tax bracket.
Before reaching the US Top Ten in 1980 with "Giving It Up For Your Love", Delbert McClinton played harmonica on Bruce Chanel's chart topping 1962 hit, "Hey Baby". While on tour, he also taught some harp licks to John Lennon, who was playing in a then unknown opening act called The Beatles.
"Sunday Will Never Be The Same" was first offered to the Left Banke, but they rejected it. The song was then given to The Mamas and The Papas but they also passed on it. Finally, Spanky and Our Gang recorded it and took it to # 9 in the US in 1967.
Cat Stevens' song "Morning Has Broken" was an adaptation of a hymn of the same name by Eleanor Farjeon, who wrote many stories for children.
From 1969 to 1970, Jimmy Buffett was a staff writer for Billboard magazine in Nashville.
The Temptations 1964 classic hit "My Girl" was written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White of The Miracles. Robinson wrote the lyrics, which he later said were inspired by his wife, Claudette. They divorced in 1986.
The so-called ‘Prince of Darkness’ Ozzy Osbourne certainly developed a satanic reputation over the years. But Ozzy never took it too seriously, stating: “The devil worship thing was a marketing invention of the record company. We played along to put dough in our pockets.”
It is well known that Beatle George Harrison was spiritual and after reading about cosmic communication, Harrison climbed a mountain in hopes of receiving message from God. He waited and waited, but the only message he received was to climb back down the mountain.
Although the concept of the "hit parade" goes back to the mid 1930s, the invention and naming of the Top 40 format is widely credited to Todd Storz, who was the director of radio station KWOH-AM in Omaha, Nebraska, in the early 1950s. Storz noted the great response certain songs got from the record-buying public and compared it to selections on jukeboxes. He expanded his stable of radio stations and gradually converted them to an all-hits format, pioneering the practice of surveying record stores to determine which singles were popular each week.
This Date In Music History-January 18
Birthdays:
Bobby Goldsboro (1941)
Jonathan Davis- Korn (1971)
They Are Missed:
Songwriter and producer Keith Diamond died of a heart attack in 1997. He wrote, 'Caribbean Queen' and 'Suddenly' for Billy Ocean (also wrote hits for Donna Summer, James Ingram, Mick Jagger, Sheena Easton and Michael Bolton).
David Ruffin of The Temptations was born in 1941, Ruffin died of a drug overdose on June 1, 1991.
History:
In 1956, Bill Haley’s "Rock Around the Clock" became the first rock ‘n’ roll album to enter the albums chart. It peaked at #12.
In 1985, USA Today took a poll of its readers to ask where the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame should be built. The winner, as you know, was Cleveland, Ohio.
The Beatles released the soundtrack to their animated film Yellow Submarine in 1969.
In 1969, Blood, Sweat & Tears released their second album, accurately titled Blood, Sweat & Tears. It tops the charts, helped by the singles "Spinning Wheel" and "And When I Die."
Pink Floyd began recording "Dark Side Of The Moon" in 1973.
Capricorn Records filed for bankruptcy in 1980.
Paul Simon dropped out of law school in 1965 to become a full-time musician.
In 1978, Johnny Paycheck's ode to workplace frustrations, "Take This Job and Shove It,” reached the top spot on the Billboard Country chart.
Lisa Marie Presley divorced Michael Jackson in 1996-after less then two years of being married.
During an AC/DC North American tour in 1991, three fans were killed during a crush in a crowd at a gig in Salt Lake City.
Barry Manilow scored his first US #1 single in 1975 when “Mandy,” (originally titled “Brandy”) went to the top of the charts.
In 1964, The Beatles had their first appearance on the US singles chart with "I Want to Hold Your Hand". The disc entered the Billboard Hot 100 at #45, just ten days after its release, making it the fastest-breaking and the fastest selling single in Capitol Records history. Capitol had earlier turned down "Love Me Do", "Please Please Me", "From Me to You" and "She Loves You", which were then released by Vee Jay Records. After a nasty lawsuit, Capitol Records was granted an injunction, restraining Vee Jay Records from further manufacturing, distributing, advertising or otherwise disposing of recordings by the Beatles. If you have any old Beatles records on Vee Jay, hang on to them, they are now collectors' items.
In 1974, former members from Free, (Paul Rodgers & Simon Kirke), Mott The Hoople, (Mick Ralphs), and King Crimson, (Boz Burrell), formed Bad Company. The band went on to score a US #1 album with their debut release.
In 1965, the Rolling Stones recorded “The Last Time” and “Play With Fire” at the RCA studio in Hollywood, California. Phil Spector played acoustic guitar on “Play With Fire.”
In 1960, Johnny Preston's Indian love song "Running Bear" reached number one and became the first song to do so after it had fallen off the Billboard chart completely. Penned by J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper), the tune originally entered the chart in October 1959, then quickly vanished, but re-entered in November and slowly climbed to the top. It was also #1 in the UK.
In 2007, Ted Nugent caused a stir at the inaugural ball of Texas Governor Rick Perry when he appeared on stage wearing a T-shirt adorned with the Confederate flag and then embarking on an angry monologue about people who don't speak English. The 58-year-old Rocker also carried a fake machine gun on stage with him.
“That's What Friends Are For,” by Dionne Warwick began a four-week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1986, all company and artist’s profits were given to aids charities.
Bobby Goldsboro (1941)
Jonathan Davis- Korn (1971)
They Are Missed:
Songwriter and producer Keith Diamond died of a heart attack in 1997. He wrote, 'Caribbean Queen' and 'Suddenly' for Billy Ocean (also wrote hits for Donna Summer, James Ingram, Mick Jagger, Sheena Easton and Michael Bolton).
David Ruffin of The Temptations was born in 1941, Ruffin died of a drug overdose on June 1, 1991.
History:
In 1956, Bill Haley’s "Rock Around the Clock" became the first rock ‘n’ roll album to enter the albums chart. It peaked at #12.
In 1985, USA Today took a poll of its readers to ask where the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame should be built. The winner, as you know, was Cleveland, Ohio.
The Beatles released the soundtrack to their animated film Yellow Submarine in 1969.
In 1969, Blood, Sweat & Tears released their second album, accurately titled Blood, Sweat & Tears. It tops the charts, helped by the singles "Spinning Wheel" and "And When I Die."
Pink Floyd began recording "Dark Side Of The Moon" in 1973.
Capricorn Records filed for bankruptcy in 1980.
Paul Simon dropped out of law school in 1965 to become a full-time musician.
In 1978, Johnny Paycheck's ode to workplace frustrations, "Take This Job and Shove It,” reached the top spot on the Billboard Country chart.
Lisa Marie Presley divorced Michael Jackson in 1996-after less then two years of being married.
During an AC/DC North American tour in 1991, three fans were killed during a crush in a crowd at a gig in Salt Lake City.
Barry Manilow scored his first US #1 single in 1975 when “Mandy,” (originally titled “Brandy”) went to the top of the charts.
In 1964, The Beatles had their first appearance on the US singles chart with "I Want to Hold Your Hand". The disc entered the Billboard Hot 100 at #45, just ten days after its release, making it the fastest-breaking and the fastest selling single in Capitol Records history. Capitol had earlier turned down "Love Me Do", "Please Please Me", "From Me to You" and "She Loves You", which were then released by Vee Jay Records. After a nasty lawsuit, Capitol Records was granted an injunction, restraining Vee Jay Records from further manufacturing, distributing, advertising or otherwise disposing of recordings by the Beatles. If you have any old Beatles records on Vee Jay, hang on to them, they are now collectors' items.
In 1974, former members from Free, (Paul Rodgers & Simon Kirke), Mott The Hoople, (Mick Ralphs), and King Crimson, (Boz Burrell), formed Bad Company. The band went on to score a US #1 album with their debut release.
In 1965, the Rolling Stones recorded “The Last Time” and “Play With Fire” at the RCA studio in Hollywood, California. Phil Spector played acoustic guitar on “Play With Fire.”
In 1960, Johnny Preston's Indian love song "Running Bear" reached number one and became the first song to do so after it had fallen off the Billboard chart completely. Penned by J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper), the tune originally entered the chart in October 1959, then quickly vanished, but re-entered in November and slowly climbed to the top. It was also #1 in the UK.
In 2007, Ted Nugent caused a stir at the inaugural ball of Texas Governor Rick Perry when he appeared on stage wearing a T-shirt adorned with the Confederate flag and then embarking on an angry monologue about people who don't speak English. The 58-year-old Rocker also carried a fake machine gun on stage with him.
“That's What Friends Are For,” by Dionne Warwick began a four-week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1986, all company and artist’s profits were given to aids charities.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
End of the Road: iconic music store closes
MUSIC FANS and well-known musicians yesterday expressed sadness at the decision of Road Records, an independent Dublin music shop, to close after 11 years in business.
Owners Dave and Julie Kennedy told customers they were “sad to say” they had to close. They cited illegal downloads, online CD sales and declining footfall as among the reasons it had been losing money.
Successful Irish acts such as The Frames sold their early music in the shop, which is well known as an outlet for independent musicians. Acclaimed Idaho singer-songwriter Josh Ritter said it was the first place in the world to sell his debut album. He told The Irish Times that he would not be where he was today if it were not for the shop’s support.
“It is a tragedy they are closing down. There is nowhere else like it. It is like a combination of a pub, a record store and a therapist,” he said. “Road Records is like a symbol; their philosophy is too good to keep like a light under the bushel. I hope it’s not over yet and something else happens for them,” he said.
Singer-songwriter David Kitt, whose first single was released in Road Records, said it was more than a shop but “a centre to congregate, exchange ideas and put stuff out”.
The store on Fade Street was busy before the weekend and regulars leaving with vinyl-filled bags spoke sadly but fondly of it.
Lorina Rush said she was “heartbroken” as the shop had introduced her to so much new music. “It’s a really sad day and a huge loss to bands,” she said. “You feel like you are coming into someone’s sitting room and they are just short of giving you a cup of tea.”
Jamie Farrell, who has a small vinyl-only record label, said it was one of his main sellers. “It’s a community space for people to go in and chat about what’s going on,” he said.
“It’s a social experience, it’s unquantifiable,” said regular Glen O’Brien.
Dave Kennedy said he was “blown away” by the “amazing reaction” to the closure decision.
“We have always tried to be as supportive to local music as possible, mainly because people in this country make music as good if not better than anywhere else,” Mr Kennedy said. “Now local music scene bands are scared there will be no outlet for them.”
He appealed to people to support the city’s remaining independent music shops. “It’s only when they are all gone that you will then miss them,” he said.
This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times
Owners Dave and Julie Kennedy told customers they were “sad to say” they had to close. They cited illegal downloads, online CD sales and declining footfall as among the reasons it had been losing money.
Successful Irish acts such as The Frames sold their early music in the shop, which is well known as an outlet for independent musicians. Acclaimed Idaho singer-songwriter Josh Ritter said it was the first place in the world to sell his debut album. He told The Irish Times that he would not be where he was today if it were not for the shop’s support.
“It is a tragedy they are closing down. There is nowhere else like it. It is like a combination of a pub, a record store and a therapist,” he said. “Road Records is like a symbol; their philosophy is too good to keep like a light under the bushel. I hope it’s not over yet and something else happens for them,” he said.
Singer-songwriter David Kitt, whose first single was released in Road Records, said it was more than a shop but “a centre to congregate, exchange ideas and put stuff out”.
The store on Fade Street was busy before the weekend and regulars leaving with vinyl-filled bags spoke sadly but fondly of it.
Lorina Rush said she was “heartbroken” as the shop had introduced her to so much new music. “It’s a really sad day and a huge loss to bands,” she said. “You feel like you are coming into someone’s sitting room and they are just short of giving you a cup of tea.”
Jamie Farrell, who has a small vinyl-only record label, said it was one of his main sellers. “It’s a community space for people to go in and chat about what’s going on,” he said.
“It’s a social experience, it’s unquantifiable,” said regular Glen O’Brien.
Dave Kennedy said he was “blown away” by the “amazing reaction” to the closure decision.
“We have always tried to be as supportive to local music as possible, mainly because people in this country make music as good if not better than anywhere else,” Mr Kennedy said. “Now local music scene bands are scared there will be no outlet for them.”
He appealed to people to support the city’s remaining independent music shops. “It’s only when they are all gone that you will then miss them,” he said.
This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times
Music News & Notes
Sonic Youth Staying Weird On Matador Debut
Thurston Moore promises "heavy ass weirdo hooks" aplenty on Sonic Youth's as-yet-untitled Matador debut, due this summer.
"When I started writing, I was immersed in listening to the Wipers," he tells Billboard. "'No Way,' the first song we recorded, has a total Wipers vibe, if the Wipers were a No Wave band."
Moore says lyrics have been inspired by black metal bands, although he promises he's not mimicking their delivery. Other tracks include "Leaky Life Boat," which compares being alive to being in the aforementioned sinking ship, and "Burning Shame," a tribute to the late Fred "Sonic" Smith.
"We're super inspired to make a fresh start," says Moore. "We're glad to be dealing with a label that loves songs." Beyond that, not much has changed. "It's rock-centric, but still experimental," Moore promises. "We're still Sonic Youth. I still don't know how to play the guitar."
---------------------------------------------------
Ramblin' Jack Elliott Readies Album of Depression Country Blues
Ramblin' Jack Elliott will release his long-anticipated follow-up to his 2006 ANTI- Record debut "I Stand Alone" this April, entitled "A Stranger Here." Working with producer Joe Henry, the 77 year-old Elliott sings and plays acoustic guitar, and will be backed by a stellar collection of musicians handpicked by Henry, among them Van Dyke Parks and David Hidalgo (Los Lobos).
Revered for his interpretive take on traditional American music, on "A Stranger Here," Elliott steps out of the country-folk arena that has shaped his legend, 50+ years in the making. Haunting and evocative landscapes crafted by Henry construct a mood that is enhanced by Elliott's world-scarred voice. Together, musician and producer examine a carefully selected number of pre-WWII blues songs in a wholly unique way.
From the liner notes of "A Stranger Here," Henry writes: "I pitched the idea that he interpret country blues music from the Depression era of his birth... songs as dark, funny and strange as is he and the times that produced them, and also ones that still resonate in these turbulent days: songs from the blues masters Jack had known during their latter-day resurgence - and his own ascension - in the early sixties (Son House, Mississippi John Hurt, Rev. Gary Davis); songs that share shape and subject with many folk songs of the same period but speak with a particular poetry to struggle, love, justice and mortality - off-handedly and all at once... I needn't have pitched so hard. Jack seemed intrigued by the notion from the start, and had no trouble reading the songs as pertinent to him. He pounced on each one as it came up during the four days of recording in my basement studio, gave each a face of suave cunning, and was as unexpectedly arch as Bob Hope might've seemed strolling through a Fellini tableau. He's using an old language but always speaking in the present tense."
---------------------------------------------------
U2 releases new single and Horizon tracklist
Apparently it's no longer cool to record an album all in one place, or even in one country for that matter. U2 got her done international-style, from Morocco to Ireland and several countries in between, for the forthcoming No Line On The Horizon.
The album will be released on March 3 and is currently available for pre-order. The first single, "Get On Your Boots," drops Jan. 19. A digipak with lots of goodies will be available with the album and it will also be released in vinyl.
No Line On The Horizon tracklist:
"No Line On The Horizon"
"Magnificent"
"Moment of Surrender"
"Unknown Caller"
"I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight"
"Get On Your Boots"
"Stand Up Comedy"
"Fez - Being Born"
"White As Snow"
"Breathe"
"Cedars Of Lebanon"
The cover art is a image of the sea meeting the sky by Japanese artist and photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto.
---------------------------------------------------
Death Row Assets Auctioned For $18 Million
The assets of Death Row Records, said to include master recordings of Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, were auctioned yesterday (Jan. 15) for $18 million to Canadian development company WIDEawake Entertainment Group.
Because of the less-than-expected acquisition price, the only creditor likely to capture a return after lawyers and other Chapter 11 administrative fees are paid is the Internal Revenue Service.
That means other creditors, including unsecured ones like co-founder Lydia Harris, will be left out in the cold. Harris isn't content with the verdict.
"This was all a scam from the beginning," a disgruntled Harris tells Billboard. "Everyone wanted me to bring judgment down, and so I brought on the case. But now I'm not getting paid because I'm an unsecured creditor? Yet, administrators are getting paid and Suge [Knight]'s bills are still getting paid? If it wasn't for me no one would be getting money. They made sure it happened this way because I was the biggest creditor. There must be some internal thing going on and I'm obviously not in on it."
According to Harris, Conquest Media, an online marketing and branding company, made an undisclosed bid yesterday, but the judge overruled it because it wasn't filed on time.
--------------------------------------------------
Mott Reunion
It looks like Mott the Hoople are back together, at least for two nights. The original lineup of Ian Hunter, Mick Ralphs, Verden Allen, Dale Griffin and Overend Watts are scheduled to play London's Hammersmith Apollo on February 2 and 3 to celebrate their 40th anniversary, although there has been no word on the potential for further gigs.
--------------------------------------------------
Radiohead's first three albums to go collector's edition
As great as some of Radiohead's latter day albums have been, it's still tough to topple the trifecta of its first three: Pablo Honey (1993), The Bends (1995) and OK Computer (1997). Those three albums alone cemented the band's place in rock history, spawning the band's biggest singles "Karma Police" and "Creep."
In a move that will no doubt please completists to no end, Capitol/EMI records has announced it will release collector's editions and limited special editions of the band's first three albums on March 24. The swagged-out special collector's edition comes packaged in a lift-top box that includes a DVD and a series of collectible postcards. No word on prices for either edition, but there's nothing like spending your hard-earned cash on collectibles in a recession, right?
The full features for each edition are listed below:
Pablo HoneyCollector's Edition: album on disc one; demos, rarities, live recordings and a '92 BBC Radio One session on disc two.
Special Collector's Edition: both audio discs; DVD with four music videos, "Top of the Pops" TV performance from '93 and nine live recordings from the band's London Astoria concert in '94.
The Bends
Collector's Edition: album on disc one; EPs with rarities and a '94 BBC Radio session on disc two.
Special Collector's Edition: both audio discs; DVD with five music videos, '95 and '96 TV performances from "Top of the Pops," "Later with Jools Holland" and "2 Meter Session," and eight performances from the band's '94 London Astoria concert.
OK Computer
Collector's Edition: album on disc one; EPs with rarities and live recordings and a '97 BBC Radio One "Evening Session" on disc two.
Special Collector's Edition: both audio discs; DVD with three music videos and a '97 TV performance on "Later with Jools Holland."
Thurston Moore promises "heavy ass weirdo hooks" aplenty on Sonic Youth's as-yet-untitled Matador debut, due this summer.
"When I started writing, I was immersed in listening to the Wipers," he tells Billboard. "'No Way,' the first song we recorded, has a total Wipers vibe, if the Wipers were a No Wave band."
Moore says lyrics have been inspired by black metal bands, although he promises he's not mimicking their delivery. Other tracks include "Leaky Life Boat," which compares being alive to being in the aforementioned sinking ship, and "Burning Shame," a tribute to the late Fred "Sonic" Smith.
"We're super inspired to make a fresh start," says Moore. "We're glad to be dealing with a label that loves songs." Beyond that, not much has changed. "It's rock-centric, but still experimental," Moore promises. "We're still Sonic Youth. I still don't know how to play the guitar."
---------------------------------------------------
Ramblin' Jack Elliott Readies Album of Depression Country Blues
Ramblin' Jack Elliott will release his long-anticipated follow-up to his 2006 ANTI- Record debut "I Stand Alone" this April, entitled "A Stranger Here." Working with producer Joe Henry, the 77 year-old Elliott sings and plays acoustic guitar, and will be backed by a stellar collection of musicians handpicked by Henry, among them Van Dyke Parks and David Hidalgo (Los Lobos).
Revered for his interpretive take on traditional American music, on "A Stranger Here," Elliott steps out of the country-folk arena that has shaped his legend, 50+ years in the making. Haunting and evocative landscapes crafted by Henry construct a mood that is enhanced by Elliott's world-scarred voice. Together, musician and producer examine a carefully selected number of pre-WWII blues songs in a wholly unique way.
From the liner notes of "A Stranger Here," Henry writes: "I pitched the idea that he interpret country blues music from the Depression era of his birth... songs as dark, funny and strange as is he and the times that produced them, and also ones that still resonate in these turbulent days: songs from the blues masters Jack had known during their latter-day resurgence - and his own ascension - in the early sixties (Son House, Mississippi John Hurt, Rev. Gary Davis); songs that share shape and subject with many folk songs of the same period but speak with a particular poetry to struggle, love, justice and mortality - off-handedly and all at once... I needn't have pitched so hard. Jack seemed intrigued by the notion from the start, and had no trouble reading the songs as pertinent to him. He pounced on each one as it came up during the four days of recording in my basement studio, gave each a face of suave cunning, and was as unexpectedly arch as Bob Hope might've seemed strolling through a Fellini tableau. He's using an old language but always speaking in the present tense."
---------------------------------------------------
U2 releases new single and Horizon tracklist
Apparently it's no longer cool to record an album all in one place, or even in one country for that matter. U2 got her done international-style, from Morocco to Ireland and several countries in between, for the forthcoming No Line On The Horizon.
The album will be released on March 3 and is currently available for pre-order. The first single, "Get On Your Boots," drops Jan. 19. A digipak with lots of goodies will be available with the album and it will also be released in vinyl.
No Line On The Horizon tracklist:
"No Line On The Horizon"
"Magnificent"
"Moment of Surrender"
"Unknown Caller"
"I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight"
"Get On Your Boots"
"Stand Up Comedy"
"Fez - Being Born"
"White As Snow"
"Breathe"
"Cedars Of Lebanon"
The cover art is a image of the sea meeting the sky by Japanese artist and photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto.
---------------------------------------------------
Death Row Assets Auctioned For $18 Million
The assets of Death Row Records, said to include master recordings of Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, were auctioned yesterday (Jan. 15) for $18 million to Canadian development company WIDEawake Entertainment Group.
Because of the less-than-expected acquisition price, the only creditor likely to capture a return after lawyers and other Chapter 11 administrative fees are paid is the Internal Revenue Service.
That means other creditors, including unsecured ones like co-founder Lydia Harris, will be left out in the cold. Harris isn't content with the verdict.
"This was all a scam from the beginning," a disgruntled Harris tells Billboard. "Everyone wanted me to bring judgment down, and so I brought on the case. But now I'm not getting paid because I'm an unsecured creditor? Yet, administrators are getting paid and Suge [Knight]'s bills are still getting paid? If it wasn't for me no one would be getting money. They made sure it happened this way because I was the biggest creditor. There must be some internal thing going on and I'm obviously not in on it."
According to Harris, Conquest Media, an online marketing and branding company, made an undisclosed bid yesterday, but the judge overruled it because it wasn't filed on time.
--------------------------------------------------
Mott Reunion
It looks like Mott the Hoople are back together, at least for two nights. The original lineup of Ian Hunter, Mick Ralphs, Verden Allen, Dale Griffin and Overend Watts are scheduled to play London's Hammersmith Apollo on February 2 and 3 to celebrate their 40th anniversary, although there has been no word on the potential for further gigs.
--------------------------------------------------
Radiohead's first three albums to go collector's edition
As great as some of Radiohead's latter day albums have been, it's still tough to topple the trifecta of its first three: Pablo Honey (1993), The Bends (1995) and OK Computer (1997). Those three albums alone cemented the band's place in rock history, spawning the band's biggest singles "Karma Police" and "Creep."
In a move that will no doubt please completists to no end, Capitol/EMI records has announced it will release collector's editions and limited special editions of the band's first three albums on March 24. The swagged-out special collector's edition comes packaged in a lift-top box that includes a DVD and a series of collectible postcards. No word on prices for either edition, but there's nothing like spending your hard-earned cash on collectibles in a recession, right?
The full features for each edition are listed below:
Pablo HoneyCollector's Edition: album on disc one; demos, rarities, live recordings and a '92 BBC Radio One session on disc two.
Special Collector's Edition: both audio discs; DVD with four music videos, "Top of the Pops" TV performance from '93 and nine live recordings from the band's London Astoria concert in '94.
The Bends
Collector's Edition: album on disc one; EPs with rarities and a '94 BBC Radio session on disc two.
Special Collector's Edition: both audio discs; DVD with five music videos, '95 and '96 TV performances from "Top of the Pops," "Later with Jools Holland" and "2 Meter Session," and eight performances from the band's '94 London Astoria concert.
OK Computer
Collector's Edition: album on disc one; EPs with rarities and live recordings and a '97 BBC Radio One "Evening Session" on disc two.
Special Collector's Edition: both audio discs; DVD with three music videos and a '97 TV performance on "Later with Jools Holland."
Rock & Roll Tidbits
While the Beatles were still struggling to establish themselves, they were turned down by five different British record companies.
Rock and roll fakers Milli Vanilli had a problem during one of their “live” performances. Apparently, the tape-loop jammed and kept repeating the same line over and over again. The boys danced a few steps and then both bolted from the stage to fix the malfunctioning equipment.
Cher was a background vocalist on the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling".
When Stu Cook and Doug Clifford reformed CCR as Creedence Clearwater Revisited in 1995, former band mate John Fogerty won a court injunction to prevent the use of the name and the live performance of CCR's hits. The pair toured as Cosmo's Factory until the injunction was overturned on appeal.
Pat Boone spent a total of 21 weeks at the top of the Billboard Pop chart with six different number one hits spread out between 1955 and 1961. His daughter Debby had only one hit, "You Light Up My Life" in 1977, but it stayed number one for 10 straight weeks.
"Beyond The Sea" by Bobby Darin was based on a song called "Le Mer", written by Louis Charles Augustin Georges Trenet in 1945. Bobby used the same melody, but the English words are not a translation of the original French lyrics.
When United Artists was preparing to release Electric Light Orchestra's debut album, a company representative tried to place a call to someone connected with the band to find out what the LP should be titled. The caller, having failed to reach the desired party, jotted down the notation "no answer," a phrase which was mistaken for an album title and assigned to the U.S. version of the LP.
In 1967, CBS-TV attempted to turn Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant into the next Tom Jones. In fact, Plant recorded a lushly orchestrated Italian ballad called “Our Song.” It actually sold over 800 copies.
The longest title of an album that actually made the Billboard chart is by Fiona Apple. Made up of 90 words, the album is called -
"When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks Like a King What He Knows Throws the Blows When He Goes to the Fight and He'll Win the Whole Thing 'Fore He Enters the Ring There's No Body to Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might So When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand and Remember That Depth Is the Greatest of Heights and If You Know Where You Stand, Then You Know Where to Land and If You Fall It Won't Matter, Cuz You'll Know That You're Right"
The motel that was the scene of Janis Joplin's death in 1970 was right across the street from where Bobby Fuller died in 1966.
1950s crooner, Pat Boone is the great, great, great, great grandson of American frontier hero Daniel Boone.
Led Zeppelin founder Jimmy Page played as a session guitarist on Tom Jones’ 1965 hit, "It’s Not Unusual".
The world's first jukebox was installed at the Palais Royal Hotel in San Francisco on November 23rd, 1899. At a nickel per play, the machine earned nearly $1000 during the first six months of operation.
While upset about a girl who had just left him, Joe Rock wrote most of the lyrics to The Skyliners 1959 number one hit, "Since I Don’t Have You", while sitting in his car between stoplights.
In 1931, George Beauchamp and Adolph Rickenbacker designed and built the world's first electric guitar. Because of its odd shape, it was nicknamed 'Rickenbacker's Frying Pan'. The pair were granted a patent for their invention in 1937.
Paul McCartney originally wrote the first two lines of "I Saw Her Standing There" as "She was just seventeen, Never been a beauty queen." When he sang it for John Lennon, both realized that it was a poor rhyme. Finally, it was John who came up with "She was just seventeen, you know what I mean", which they knew was a perfect sexual innuendo for the song.
Rock and roll fakers Milli Vanilli had a problem during one of their “live” performances. Apparently, the tape-loop jammed and kept repeating the same line over and over again. The boys danced a few steps and then both bolted from the stage to fix the malfunctioning equipment.
Cher was a background vocalist on the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling".
When Stu Cook and Doug Clifford reformed CCR as Creedence Clearwater Revisited in 1995, former band mate John Fogerty won a court injunction to prevent the use of the name and the live performance of CCR's hits. The pair toured as Cosmo's Factory until the injunction was overturned on appeal.
Pat Boone spent a total of 21 weeks at the top of the Billboard Pop chart with six different number one hits spread out between 1955 and 1961. His daughter Debby had only one hit, "You Light Up My Life" in 1977, but it stayed number one for 10 straight weeks.
"Beyond The Sea" by Bobby Darin was based on a song called "Le Mer", written by Louis Charles Augustin Georges Trenet in 1945. Bobby used the same melody, but the English words are not a translation of the original French lyrics.
When United Artists was preparing to release Electric Light Orchestra's debut album, a company representative tried to place a call to someone connected with the band to find out what the LP should be titled. The caller, having failed to reach the desired party, jotted down the notation "no answer," a phrase which was mistaken for an album title and assigned to the U.S. version of the LP.
In 1967, CBS-TV attempted to turn Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant into the next Tom Jones. In fact, Plant recorded a lushly orchestrated Italian ballad called “Our Song.” It actually sold over 800 copies.
The longest title of an album that actually made the Billboard chart is by Fiona Apple. Made up of 90 words, the album is called -
"When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks Like a King What He Knows Throws the Blows When He Goes to the Fight and He'll Win the Whole Thing 'Fore He Enters the Ring There's No Body to Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might So When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand and Remember That Depth Is the Greatest of Heights and If You Know Where You Stand, Then You Know Where to Land and If You Fall It Won't Matter, Cuz You'll Know That You're Right"
The motel that was the scene of Janis Joplin's death in 1970 was right across the street from where Bobby Fuller died in 1966.
1950s crooner, Pat Boone is the great, great, great, great grandson of American frontier hero Daniel Boone.
Led Zeppelin founder Jimmy Page played as a session guitarist on Tom Jones’ 1965 hit, "It’s Not Unusual".
The world's first jukebox was installed at the Palais Royal Hotel in San Francisco on November 23rd, 1899. At a nickel per play, the machine earned nearly $1000 during the first six months of operation.
While upset about a girl who had just left him, Joe Rock wrote most of the lyrics to The Skyliners 1959 number one hit, "Since I Don’t Have You", while sitting in his car between stoplights.
In 1931, George Beauchamp and Adolph Rickenbacker designed and built the world's first electric guitar. Because of its odd shape, it was nicknamed 'Rickenbacker's Frying Pan'. The pair were granted a patent for their invention in 1937.
Paul McCartney originally wrote the first two lines of "I Saw Her Standing There" as "She was just seventeen, Never been a beauty queen." When he sang it for John Lennon, both realized that it was a poor rhyme. Finally, it was John who came up with "She was just seventeen, you know what I mean", which they knew was a perfect sexual innuendo for the song.
PS Audio GCPH Phono Preamplifier
I want to thank John over at http://www.audaud.com/index.php for the exclusive rights to reprint this great review!
AUDIOPHILE AUDITION focuses on recordings of interest to audiophiles and collectors, with an accent on surround sound for music, and on all hi-res disc formats. Over 100SACD, DVD Video/Audio and standard CD reviews are published during each month, and our archives go back to January 2001.
PS Audio GCPH Phono Preamplifier
Definitely worth your consideration if looking to spend around $1000 on a phono preamp.
Published on January 11, 2009
PS Audio GCPH Phono Preamplifier
SRP: $1000
PS Audio
4826 Sterling Drive
Boulder, CO 80301
720-406-8946 (voice)
720-406-8967 (fax)
www.psaudio.com
Basic Description
Phonograph preamplifier for MM and MC (gain 48/54/60/66 dB, 100/500/1K/47K impedance); front panel output gain adjust; mono switch; balanced design with balanced and single ended outputs; polarity switch; passive RIAA curve +/- .1 dB; auto subsonic filter; remote control (volume, phase, mono, mute); three-year warranty; 8.5” W x 2.75” H x 15.5” D (including knobs and jacks); 8.6 pounds.
Associated Equipment
Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable, Krell KAV-400i Integrated Amplifier, Whest TWO Phonostage (for comparison), Bowers and Wilkins 803S speakers, Audioquest cabling.
Setup, Testing and Description
As I mentioned in my Whest phonostage review, this preamplifier was one of the pieces that a friend had used to convert analog to digital and burn a comparison CD between four phono preamps. The Whest and the PS Audio were clear favorites. The PS Audio is $900 cheaper, built like a tank, offers remote control, switchable gain and loading right on the back of the unit, balanced outputs, polarity reversal and a mono switch. For those who intend to play older mono records (especially old jazz LPs) with a stereo cartridge the mono switch is a huge advantage and will produce better sound. Since reversing the polarity is so easy, you can always find out which way sounds best with each record and keep a record (pun intended) for the next time you play it My friend suggested reverse polarity on Harry Belafonte’s Belafonte at Carnegie Hall for instance.
The level control on the front of the unit allows the GCPH to be connected directly to an amplifier. As I was using an integrated amplifier I did not try this configuration although the amount of gain offered is more than sufficient to make this an option for some listeners.
The manual warns against locating the preamp near power amplifiers and other pieces which may induce noise in the component. I didn’t have any problems in my setup where the piece was positioned to the side of the turntable. If noise is an issue, try moving the preamp to another shelf away from the offending component.
When the unit is first powered up the volume control rotates to the lowest position to prevent any loud bursts of noise. After that it remains in its set position. At the recommendation of the manual (and my friend who experimented with volume setting) I left the control at the half way position. Halfway or the upper three quarters of the range are the recommended positions for the lowest noise levels. When doing comparisons between phono preamps it was convenient to be able to set levels using the control.
Connection of the input and output cables can be a bit confusing if you don’t pay attention to the labeling on the back panel of the GCPH. The channels are grouped together rather than by inputs and outputs. Also, the left output has a red ring around the connector and the right input has a white ring around the connector (usually signifying the reverse channel). I thought it might be a mistake on my unit, but I see in the manual that the back panel is pictured the same way—weird. The ground post is heavy duty and centered between the input jacks.
The gain and loading knobs are near the bottom, but it was easy enough to set them before and after the input and output connections were made. With the moving magnet cartridge that comes with the Marantz turntable (reviewed in November) I used the 48 dB setting and 47K ohms.
There is a power switch on the back, but I left the unit powered continuously during the time I listened to the PS Audio. As mentioned earlier, be forewarned that every time power is disrupted from the unit the volume will return to 0.
Sound
I used some of the same recordings I listened to with the Whest and I must say it was a very enlightening experience. Some of my initial impressions with both units changed as I listened to record after record.
With the same Eagles’ cut “One of These Nights” there were more high frequencies than with the Whest. This was not by the way of extension or air, but a sizzle, a shimmer, edge and/or grit to all the instruments. I wouldn’t go so far to call it an obvious distortion although it wasn’t there with the Whest. Some of these characteristics may have helped give the piece more presence and better vocal response. Bass was deeper/more powerful. Transient response was almost overdone and I struggle with the best way to articulate this characteristic as it wasn’t the improvement wrought by a good moving coil cartridge that makes things seem quicker even when they are not, but more of a change in dynamics and loudness. The definite areas of improvement were in image size and focus. It had more rock and roll and rhythm but in a way that many would term “hi-fi.”
With “Landslide” from Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled LP the PS Audio offered a richer presentation on guitar. Voice was bigger, more present/up-front and more focused. This cut sounded so good I wanted to sing along. There was no disguising any imperfections on the record including crackles, pops, and noise. The Whest is much more forgiving in this respect.
With “I’ve Seen All Good People” by Yes from The Yes Album and the Earl Klugh cut from Blue Note “Las Manos De Feugo” a pattern was starting to develop. The PS Audio was not as sweet or smooth, but offered deeper bass, more punch, and more drive. Images were more present and there was more distinct separation between them. The sound was more ‘there’ but lacked the ease and delicacy of the Whest. Another track that exhibited some of the same qualities was “Good Times” from Chic’s Greatest Hits. I wrote in my notes next to the GCPH—“good punch, bass, nice rhythm, clean voice, something added.” With the Whest the sound was lighter in weight; voice was laid back and blended more with the background sounds. It was a less involving sound, but less fatiguing as well.
I listened to a few tracks from The Beach Boys Endless Summer starting with “Surfer Girl.” The PS Audio had more bite and voices were more distinctive. With the Whest the tone of the music was served better—the sound was relaxed and I swayed with the music imagining my self on the warm sand. On “Don’t Worry Baby” it was just the opposite—voice was more remote on the Whest and it just lost the vibe. Here, the PS Audio’s more forceful sound was more along the lines how I believed the music should sound.
With newer recordings like the Pure Pleasure remaster of Keb’ Mo’s self-titled record, the PS Audio made the sound more alive and vocals had a greater sense of realism. There was an added richness to the sound across the entire band giving the impression of improved bass response, more prominent voice and strings, more edge, and a heavier/thicker sound. There is definitely something being added to the recording, but not enough to preclude a recommendation.
When I listened to “Material Girl” from Madonna’s Like a Virgin record through the PS Audio I couldn’t stop thinking how mediocre this LP sounded. It was compressed, edgy and flat. Bass was good, but overall the sound was crunchy and somewhat gritty. The Whest rendered the voice mellower which was an improvement with this record. High bell-like sounds were pleasant and tinkly (like they should be). Crackles, ticks and pops were not nearly as noticeable.
The Krell amplifier used in this review has never been thought of as a soft sounding amplifier A lot of people consider it to be on the brighter side of neutral and that contributed to some of the sound quality of the PS Audio. However, it just helped to bring into light some of the limitations with the GCPH. With “Low Down” from Boz Scaggs’ Silk Degrees record the sound with the PS Audio had too much sizzle and the music was just not entirely convincing. The Whest was much more relaxed and enjoyable to listen through. The cymbals had a chick-a, chick-a sound as opposed to the tick, tick, tick with the PS Audio.
Conclusion
Up to this point you might think I really hated the PS Audio, but that is not the case! While I had this unit under review one friend borrowed it for a couple of days and bought one soon after--he was that impressed. There is no denying its ease of use (remote, mono switch, polarity reversal, volume control, gain and loading knobs on the back, etc.) Build quality is excellent for its price and it shone in more than a few areas sonically. Bass response, dynamics, and presence were always impressive. Soundstaging was solid and dimensionality, focus, and depth were very good.
However, there was an artificial quality that would raise its ugly head and pull me out of my listening pleasure with some recordings. It would manifest itself as a thickness or make the music come across as forced and even sound like it were emphasizing particular frequency extremes. Ultimately (with an unlimited budget) I would not be happy with either the Whest or the PS Audio as they both have limitations, but given the price of the PS Audio you have to expect some shortcomings. In comparison with the lesser priced phono preamplifiers it clearly surpassed them. I haven’t heard anything at its price that sounded even close, so I continue my search…
-- Brian Bloom
AUDIOPHILE AUDITION focuses on recordings of interest to audiophiles and collectors, with an accent on surround sound for music, and on all hi-res disc formats. Over 100SACD, DVD Video/Audio and standard CD reviews are published during each month, and our archives go back to January 2001.
PS Audio GCPH Phono Preamplifier
Definitely worth your consideration if looking to spend around $1000 on a phono preamp.
Published on January 11, 2009
PS Audio GCPH Phono Preamplifier
SRP: $1000
PS Audio
4826 Sterling Drive
Boulder, CO 80301
720-406-8946 (voice)
720-406-8967 (fax)
www.psaudio.com
Basic Description
Phonograph preamplifier for MM and MC (gain 48/54/60/66 dB, 100/500/1K/47K impedance); front panel output gain adjust; mono switch; balanced design with balanced and single ended outputs; polarity switch; passive RIAA curve +/- .1 dB; auto subsonic filter; remote control (volume, phase, mono, mute); three-year warranty; 8.5” W x 2.75” H x 15.5” D (including knobs and jacks); 8.6 pounds.
Associated Equipment
Marantz TT-15S1 Turntable, Krell KAV-400i Integrated Amplifier, Whest TWO Phonostage (for comparison), Bowers and Wilkins 803S speakers, Audioquest cabling.
Setup, Testing and Description
As I mentioned in my Whest phonostage review, this preamplifier was one of the pieces that a friend had used to convert analog to digital and burn a comparison CD between four phono preamps. The Whest and the PS Audio were clear favorites. The PS Audio is $900 cheaper, built like a tank, offers remote control, switchable gain and loading right on the back of the unit, balanced outputs, polarity reversal and a mono switch. For those who intend to play older mono records (especially old jazz LPs) with a stereo cartridge the mono switch is a huge advantage and will produce better sound. Since reversing the polarity is so easy, you can always find out which way sounds best with each record and keep a record (pun intended) for the next time you play it My friend suggested reverse polarity on Harry Belafonte’s Belafonte at Carnegie Hall for instance.
The level control on the front of the unit allows the GCPH to be connected directly to an amplifier. As I was using an integrated amplifier I did not try this configuration although the amount of gain offered is more than sufficient to make this an option for some listeners.
The manual warns against locating the preamp near power amplifiers and other pieces which may induce noise in the component. I didn’t have any problems in my setup where the piece was positioned to the side of the turntable. If noise is an issue, try moving the preamp to another shelf away from the offending component.
When the unit is first powered up the volume control rotates to the lowest position to prevent any loud bursts of noise. After that it remains in its set position. At the recommendation of the manual (and my friend who experimented with volume setting) I left the control at the half way position. Halfway or the upper three quarters of the range are the recommended positions for the lowest noise levels. When doing comparisons between phono preamps it was convenient to be able to set levels using the control.
Connection of the input and output cables can be a bit confusing if you don’t pay attention to the labeling on the back panel of the GCPH. The channels are grouped together rather than by inputs and outputs. Also, the left output has a red ring around the connector and the right input has a white ring around the connector (usually signifying the reverse channel). I thought it might be a mistake on my unit, but I see in the manual that the back panel is pictured the same way—weird. The ground post is heavy duty and centered between the input jacks.
The gain and loading knobs are near the bottom, but it was easy enough to set them before and after the input and output connections were made. With the moving magnet cartridge that comes with the Marantz turntable (reviewed in November) I used the 48 dB setting and 47K ohms.
There is a power switch on the back, but I left the unit powered continuously during the time I listened to the PS Audio. As mentioned earlier, be forewarned that every time power is disrupted from the unit the volume will return to 0.
Sound
I used some of the same recordings I listened to with the Whest and I must say it was a very enlightening experience. Some of my initial impressions with both units changed as I listened to record after record.
With the same Eagles’ cut “One of These Nights” there were more high frequencies than with the Whest. This was not by the way of extension or air, but a sizzle, a shimmer, edge and/or grit to all the instruments. I wouldn’t go so far to call it an obvious distortion although it wasn’t there with the Whest. Some of these characteristics may have helped give the piece more presence and better vocal response. Bass was deeper/more powerful. Transient response was almost overdone and I struggle with the best way to articulate this characteristic as it wasn’t the improvement wrought by a good moving coil cartridge that makes things seem quicker even when they are not, but more of a change in dynamics and loudness. The definite areas of improvement were in image size and focus. It had more rock and roll and rhythm but in a way that many would term “hi-fi.”
With “Landslide” from Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled LP the PS Audio offered a richer presentation on guitar. Voice was bigger, more present/up-front and more focused. This cut sounded so good I wanted to sing along. There was no disguising any imperfections on the record including crackles, pops, and noise. The Whest is much more forgiving in this respect.
With “I’ve Seen All Good People” by Yes from The Yes Album and the Earl Klugh cut from Blue Note “Las Manos De Feugo” a pattern was starting to develop. The PS Audio was not as sweet or smooth, but offered deeper bass, more punch, and more drive. Images were more present and there was more distinct separation between them. The sound was more ‘there’ but lacked the ease and delicacy of the Whest. Another track that exhibited some of the same qualities was “Good Times” from Chic’s Greatest Hits. I wrote in my notes next to the GCPH—“good punch, bass, nice rhythm, clean voice, something added.” With the Whest the sound was lighter in weight; voice was laid back and blended more with the background sounds. It was a less involving sound, but less fatiguing as well.
I listened to a few tracks from The Beach Boys Endless Summer starting with “Surfer Girl.” The PS Audio had more bite and voices were more distinctive. With the Whest the tone of the music was served better—the sound was relaxed and I swayed with the music imagining my self on the warm sand. On “Don’t Worry Baby” it was just the opposite—voice was more remote on the Whest and it just lost the vibe. Here, the PS Audio’s more forceful sound was more along the lines how I believed the music should sound.
With newer recordings like the Pure Pleasure remaster of Keb’ Mo’s self-titled record, the PS Audio made the sound more alive and vocals had a greater sense of realism. There was an added richness to the sound across the entire band giving the impression of improved bass response, more prominent voice and strings, more edge, and a heavier/thicker sound. There is definitely something being added to the recording, but not enough to preclude a recommendation.
When I listened to “Material Girl” from Madonna’s Like a Virgin record through the PS Audio I couldn’t stop thinking how mediocre this LP sounded. It was compressed, edgy and flat. Bass was good, but overall the sound was crunchy and somewhat gritty. The Whest rendered the voice mellower which was an improvement with this record. High bell-like sounds were pleasant and tinkly (like they should be). Crackles, ticks and pops were not nearly as noticeable.
The Krell amplifier used in this review has never been thought of as a soft sounding amplifier A lot of people consider it to be on the brighter side of neutral and that contributed to some of the sound quality of the PS Audio. However, it just helped to bring into light some of the limitations with the GCPH. With “Low Down” from Boz Scaggs’ Silk Degrees record the sound with the PS Audio had too much sizzle and the music was just not entirely convincing. The Whest was much more relaxed and enjoyable to listen through. The cymbals had a chick-a, chick-a sound as opposed to the tick, tick, tick with the PS Audio.
Conclusion
Up to this point you might think I really hated the PS Audio, but that is not the case! While I had this unit under review one friend borrowed it for a couple of days and bought one soon after--he was that impressed. There is no denying its ease of use (remote, mono switch, polarity reversal, volume control, gain and loading knobs on the back, etc.) Build quality is excellent for its price and it shone in more than a few areas sonically. Bass response, dynamics, and presence were always impressive. Soundstaging was solid and dimensionality, focus, and depth were very good.
However, there was an artificial quality that would raise its ugly head and pull me out of my listening pleasure with some recordings. It would manifest itself as a thickness or make the music come across as forced and even sound like it were emphasizing particular frequency extremes. Ultimately (with an unlimited budget) I would not be happy with either the Whest or the PS Audio as they both have limitations, but given the price of the PS Audio you have to expect some shortcomings. In comparison with the lesser priced phono preamplifiers it clearly surpassed them. I haven’t heard anything at its price that sounded even close, so I continue my search…
-- Brian Bloom
Matador rep praises blogs, vinyl as business strategies
Matthew Blackwell
In this troubled economy, when just about every industry in America is on the verge of collapse, any scrap of sound business advice is worth savoring. And that goes double for the music industry, which also has to deal with the increasing obsolescence of its product. CD's are caught in a strange middle ground, with more convenient portable music devices on one side and better quality vinyl records on the other. So what are the options for a record label in this scenario?
According to Matador's Patrick Amory, its quite simple. You embrace the interactivity of Web 2.o, you embrace the quality of vinyl, and you stop pushing CD's so much. According to Amory, Matador's blog has doubled traffic to its website, and therefore increased business at its webstore. And if any labels out there are still stuck on the brick and mortar concept, Amory advises to go for vinyl. If customers are going to pay for a record, they want a quality product, and vinyl will beat out compact discs every time. So all those purists proselytizing about the resurgence of vinyl may have been making sound business sense after all.
SOURCE: http://www.prefixmag.com
In this troubled economy, when just about every industry in America is on the verge of collapse, any scrap of sound business advice is worth savoring. And that goes double for the music industry, which also has to deal with the increasing obsolescence of its product. CD's are caught in a strange middle ground, with more convenient portable music devices on one side and better quality vinyl records on the other. So what are the options for a record label in this scenario?
According to Matador's Patrick Amory, its quite simple. You embrace the interactivity of Web 2.o, you embrace the quality of vinyl, and you stop pushing CD's so much. According to Amory, Matador's blog has doubled traffic to its website, and therefore increased business at its webstore. And if any labels out there are still stuck on the brick and mortar concept, Amory advises to go for vinyl. If customers are going to pay for a record, they want a quality product, and vinyl will beat out compact discs every time. So all those purists proselytizing about the resurgence of vinyl may have been making sound business sense after all.
SOURCE: http://www.prefixmag.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
