Vinyl Pressing Plants Keeping Busy

We all know that vinyl records are a hot commodity right now and no one knows it more than some of the record pressing plants here in the United States. With presses working overtime, let's explore each one of these record pressing plants below:


A & R Record Manufacturing (Dallas, TX) http://www.arrecords.com/  
About A&R (est. 1969)
A&R has been dedicated to the best in 12" vinyl pressings, CD & CD Rom replication, serving artists and corporate clients worldwide. Mastering, disc cutting, printing and graphics services available.

Archer Record Pressing (Detroit, MI) http://www.archerrecordpressing.com/  





Brooklynphono (Brooklyn, NY) http://www.brooklynphono.com/

Capsule Labs http://capsulelabs.com/vinyl-record-pressing

We press vinyl records in house using a fully automated custom modified SMT 12 inch press.

IN-HOUSE PRESSING
Most of the vinyl pressing web sites are brokers sending your project to be pressed at one of the very few large pressing plants left operating in the world. Capsule Labs is a true vinyl presser, while we outsource the electroplating and the printing of labels and jackets, everything else is handled in house, from the mastering and cutting of lacquers, to the pressing and packaging, where we can control the quality and customize the process.

100% VIRGIN VINYL
Record manufacturing creates excess vinyl which gets trimmed off the edge. Almost every pressing plant regrinds this vinyl and mixes it in with virgin vinyl in their production chain. If not done properly, this introduces foreign elements in the vinyl (fluff) which ends up affecting the quality of the final record.

We only use 100% virgin vinyl at Capsule Labs and collaborate with local artists to recycle our excess vinyl into art instead, we will be featuring some of the vinyl art on our website soon.

Vinyl mastering consists of optimizing the final mastered song for the unique characteristics of the vinyl format which include low and high frequency treatment, level adjustment, groove spacing optimization, and if necessary, low-end summing to eliminate undesirable phasing that can occur from stereo effects in the bass frequencies on vinyl.

Our engineer Gil Tamazyan then cuts 10" or 14" master lacquers for 7" and 12" releases respectively, as well as 7" or 12" reference discs, on our custom modified Neumann VMS 66 cutting lathe. We take great care in optimizing the groove spacing and cutting depth to give you the loudest, cleanest cut vinyl allows for your runtime.

We also provide direct-to-disc recording of live performances cut straight to lacquers with no digital step in the audio processing chain, for the purest and warmest analog sound available anywhere today. If you are interested in finding out more about our Direct-To-Disc Sessions, contact us.

OUR CUTTING LATHE
•Neumann VMS 66 Disc Mastering Lathe with Groove Preview and Midi Controls
•Fairchild 602 Tube Limiters
•Shure SE20 Mastering Phono Preamp
•Custom Built FDS Low end Summing Passive System


EKS Manufacturing (Long Island City, NY)  http://www.eksmfg.com/


Erika Records (Downey, CA) http://www.erikarecords.com/

Erika Records is a vinyl record pressing plant that has over 30 years experience in the vinyl record manufacturing business. Erika Records is capable of producing traditional vinyl records to anything else you can imagine. Erika Records will provide you with a top quality product and excellent customer service. We require no or low minimums on your vinyl records order and our professional Customer Service Representatives are available to help you every step of the way. Whether this is your first time pressing vinyl or you are an industry professional, you will always receive our one on one attention to your vinyl record project. Erika Records can produce your vinyl record product in a timely and cost effective manner; be proud to say "Made in the USA!"

Erika Records can press all your traditional vinyl records in any size range from 2" to 12", with 13" records coming soon. Not only can we fulfill all your traditional vinyl record needs we also are the go to company for colored vinyl records, picture records, shape vinyl records, etched vinyl records, splatter vinyl records and picture shape vinyl records. Erika Records offers a state of the art vinyl record lacquer mastering lab that will ensure you produce a top quality vinyl record.

Erika Records has been creating unique and custom record shapes and picture records since their inception. Being one of the first companies to make picture and shaped records; we have pressed picture records for Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, KISS, Bon Jovi, Sublime, Gwen Stefani, Tim McGraw, Jack Johnson, Mars Volta and more. We are the leader in being able to take your vinyl record vision to the next step, with unique and creative options that will take your vinyl record from traditional to WOW! When the big companies are looking for a unique and top quality finished product they come to Erika Records.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our work and the materials we use. We use only top of the line vinyl to create a great vinyl record product that will stand the test of time. While we specialize in unique and custom records we are a record pressing plant and a good majority of our business is traditional vinyl records. No matter how large or small your vinyl record job is we have the experience and know how to get the job done on time.



Gotta Groove Records (Cleveland, OH) http://www.gottagrooverecords.com/


Gotta Groove Records - "Groove With Us" (1 Min Version) from Nick Cavalier on Vimeo.

Musicol Recording (Columbus, OH) http://www.musicolrecording.com/

Musicol Recording Studio has been located in Columbus Ohio for over 40 years. Our customer service and quality recording facilities have kept our repeat business alive in the Columbus area. We are dedicated to providing you with the best service whatever your needs may be. Our studio equipment is top-notch and our engineers are among the most knowledgeable in the industry. We would be happy to answer any questions you may or, if you have a specific need, please feel free to complete our form and receive a free quote.

Rainbo Records (Canoga Park, CA) http://www.rainborecords.com/




Record Technology Inc (Camarillo, CA) http://www.recordtech.com/

Record Technology is a world class record pressing plant located in Camarillo, California. We press for most audiophile record labels and for many quality minded independent and major record labels from around the world.

Also on site is AcousTech mastering, offering LP lacquer cutting and CD pre-mastering.



United Record Pressing (Nashville, TN) http://www.urpressing.com/

About United Record Pressing

United Record Pressing, LLC (URP) began in Nashville, Tennessee in 1949, when it was known by the name Southern Plastics. One of Southern Plastics top clients was Vee Jay Records out of Chicago. It was Vee Jay that pressed the first Beatles 7"s in America, prior to Capitol signing them. In 1962, Southern Plastics relocated to the current site of United Record Pressing which is the same location that pressed those Beatles 7"s.

Southern Plastics would eventually change its name to United Record Pressing in 1971.

In addition to the numerous important records that have been pressed in this plant, United managed to create a little history on its own. When the current URP plant opened in the 1960's it was a very different time in the South, Nashville included. In the early 60's there were hardly any restaurants or hotels in Nashville that would offer their services to African Americans. With top clients like Vee Jay Records and Motown being run by people of color, the company was in need of accommodations for their clients and created what we now call the "Motown Suite", an apartment located above the factory. The Motown Suite which is still viewable to guests touring the plant, displays the same furnishings that these execs were offered including a common room with a bar, a turntable, enough seating to entertain guests, a full bathroom, a double occupancy bedroom, a kitchen equipped with an old push button stove and other novel 60's decor. URP still uses the kitchen as a meeting room, with our staff sitting at the same 60's dinette set that Motown, Vee Jay and other label executives and artists used. Another feature of historical significance is the party room, located just steps from the Motown Suite. This large room was once used as an event room and hosted record label signing parties for folks including Wayne Newton, The Cowsills and a then 16 year old Hank Williams Jr. Currently, the party room functions as a museum of Southern Plastics / United Record Pressing's historical significance along with a brief history of recorded music. The museum room still pays tribute to the party room's history by featuring some of the original furniture from its heyday.




Here is a partial list of pressing plants overseas:
Australia   Zenith Records   Vinyl Factory

Belgium   Vinylium    Disco Press

Brazil   PolySom (Re-opened November 2009 with new owners)

Czech Republic   GZ Digital Media

France MPO    Magnetic Mastering, Marseilles NEW in 2010 !!

Germany   Celebrate Records   My 45   Ameise Vinylpresserei    Rand Muzik    Optimal Media Production
Master Media Productions   Pallas Group    Flight 13 Duplication  
Italy   Disco Elite [NEW]    Microwatt    Phonopress

Jamaica, West Indies   Tufff Gong    Laserworks (must supply own flat stampers and labels)

Japan     Toyokasei

Russia   New plant coming very soon. Alpha Toolex automatic presses and Neumann VMS70 lathe with SX74 cutterhead and Ortofon cutting amps.

Sweden   Vic-Tone Records (the one and only pressing plant in Sweden)

Switzerland  None. Small one Fabel press operation coming soon.

United Kingdom  Phoenix of Vinyl    Total Vinyl    Vinyl Factory  Two guys who each have one 7" press
Closed in 2009 : Orlake Records (owned by Vinyl Factory) and Quick Press Productions.
Closed in 2010 : Two "under the radar" plants producing pirate. counterfeit and bootleg records.

Mexico   RetroActivo Records [NEW in 2009!!]

Holland   Record Industry

Canada  Rip-V [NEW in 2009!!]

Music News & Notes

Pearl Jam To Release Live Album 'Live On Ten Legs'

Pearl Jam have recently announced details of a new live album called ‘Live On Ten Legs. The 18-track LP, due out on January 17, will features song recorded between 2003 and 2010 by band engineer John Burton.  Pearl Jam released their last live album ‘Love On Two Legs’ in 1998. They released their last studio album 'Backspacer' last year.

‘Live On Ten Legs’ tracklisting:

'Arms Aloft'
'World Wide Suicide'
'Animal'
'Got Some'
'State Of Love And Trust'
'I Am Mine'
'Unthought Known'
'Rearview Mirror'
'The Fixer'
'Nothing As It Seems'
'In Hiding'
'Just Breathe'
'Jeremy'
'Public Image'
'Spin The Black Circle'
'Porch'
'Alive'
'Yellow Ledbetter'

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Thirty Seconds To Mars to release This Is War Deluxe

MTV VMA winners Thirty Seconds To Mars are set to release a deluxe edition of their album 'This Is War' on November 9th. The deluxe album will feature “Hurricane 2.0” featuring Kanye West, live versions of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” and Kanye West’s “Stronger” which the band recorded for BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge, the “Kings & Queens” and “Closer To The Edge” videos along with bonus DVD content. The new edition of the album has a brand new cover and can be bought in four different colors, black, blue, pink and white. Fans can pre-order the deluxe edition and other Thirty Seconds To Mars merchandise at http://30secondstomars.shop.musictoday.com/

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The Dears to Release Degeneration Street

Montreal rockers The Dears have announced the release of their new album, 'Degeneration Street.' The releases finds Murray Lightburn, Natalia Yanchak, Patrick Krief, Robert Benvie, Roberto Arquilla and Jeff Luciani creating a sweeping collection of orchestral rock that is at once enlightening, angst-ridden and mesmerizing. Set for a February 15th release on Dangerbird Records, the signature sound of The Dears was captured and produced by Tony Hoffer (Phoenix, Belle and Sebastian).

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Blink-182 'Cheshire Cat' Vinyl Release

Hot Topic have announced they will be pressing Blink-182's debut album, 'Cheshire Cat', on vinyl in December. The release will be limited to 2000 copies and will be pressed on blue/yellow swirl vinyl.

Bluegrass Great Jimmy Gaudreau Releases “Pieces And Bits” Album On Goose Creek Music Record LableL

I've been to many, many concerts and the one that stands out for me was a bluegrass festival I went to in the late 70's. I went there with low expectations, but left with a new understanding of the genre and I was awestuck at some of the performances, man they could pick. It was lawn seating and believe it or not, lots of pipes were passed around which made my day :O)

Anyway, the music and musicians were superb!

Member of the Country Gentlemen collaborates with Who’s Who of noted instrumentalists, including virtuoso Jazz guitarist Frank Vignola

(I-Newswire) Purcellville, VA, November 6, 2010 - Loudoun County, Virginia media company Goose Creek Music is pleased to announce the release of Jimmy Gaudreau’s new studio album “Pieces and Bits”. The album is co-produced by Jimmy Gaudreau and Stuart Martin, and was recorded over a period of two years at Stonebridge Studios, a full-service music recording studio near Leesburg, Virginia. The songs are primarily instrumentals, and feature an appearance by virtuoso jazz guitarist Frank Vignola, as well as support from noted bluegrass players Mike Auldridge, Moondi Klein, Orrin Star, Jens Kruger, and many others. The album is available for sale on iTunes, from the Goose Creek Music Website (http://www.goosecreekmusic.com/) and from CD Baby (http://www.cdbaby.com/)

Talking about the album’s “Pieces and Bits” title, Gaudreau describes the “Pieces” as fully instrumented production numbers, while the “Bits” are bare bones versions of shorter tunes. The recordings demonstrate the dazzling Bluegrass mandolin and guitar work for which Gaudreau has become known, but also touch on influences from Jazz, Blues, Celtic, and Folk music. Stuart Martin, Goose Creek's chief sound engineer, co-produced the project and worked closely with Gaudreau to get the right natural tone for every instrument, from octave mandolin to 12-string, archtop acoustic, and flattop guitars.

Jimmy Gaudreau has long been regarded as one of the top Bluegrass performers in the world. Since getting the call in 1969 to move to the Washington, DC area from his native Rhode Island and join the legendary Country Gentlemen band, he has performed with a veritable Who's Who of Bluegrass bands and earned a reputation as a mandolin maverick with a sound and a style all his own.

In addition to two stints with the Country Gentlemen, Gaudreau has also performed with JD Crowe and the New South, with The Tony Rice Unit (for 9 years), and with his own bands Country Store, Spectrum (with Bela Fleck), Chesapeake, and Auldridge, Bennett & Gaudreau. He is a former member of the Country Gentlemen Reunion Band with Randy Waller, Eddie Adcock, and Tom Gray and was a part of Carolina Star with leader John Starling, and bandmates Mike Auldridge, Rickie Simpkins and Tom Gray. Jimmy also has performed in duos with Jack Lawrence and Orrin Star and Moondi Klein.

In 2005, Gaudreau was inducted into the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America's "Hall of Greats" and featured in a Mandolin Magazine cover story. In 2008, Gaudreau and Moondi Klein opened for Emmylou Harris during her summer tour series.
Founded in 2008, Purcellville, Virginia-based Goose Creek Music and Entertainment was started by president, Mike Pugh, a media producer and publisher who combines studio recording, live music events, advanced audio production facilities, and new-media distribution techniques to produce audio and video recordings of Baltimore, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia musicians.

Goose Creek broadcasts its published works on ComCast local television and through Web 2.0 destinations including social media sites, YouTube, Podcasts, and high-resolution Webcasts. Projects include music videos, documentaries, concert events, and studio recordings for local artists. Goose Creek Music embraces Americana music, integrating a multi-cultural musical heritage, including Country, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Hip-Hop, and Soul, as well as Tin Pan Alley, and Show Tunes from great American musicals. For more information about Goose Creek Music, call 540.751.1395 or visit www.goosecreekmusic.com

About Goose Creek Music & Entertainment LLC:

Goose Creek Music is a multimedia music production company. We capture great performances by artists from the Washington DC and Baltimore music scene, and produce live audio recordings, television shows, and video shorts. Goose Creek also works with local artists to record studio projects, create music videos for promotional purposes, and market their music on the Internet.

Company Contact Information

Goose Creek Music & Entertainment LLC
Mike Pugh
17723 Tranquility Road
Purcellville VA
20132
Phone : 540 751 1395

The Rock Gods 'n Metal Monsters Auction - Do Some Bidding This Weekend!

Just found this, I thought it may be of interest to hard rock vinyl record collectors.  It looks like a lot of great heavy metal vinyl will change hands, maybe into yours! (Closes November 07, 2010 at 2:00pm or 10 minutes after the last bid)

The Rock Gods 'n Metal Monsters Auction

October 31st - November 7th, 2010

The Auction is Live

Bidding Opens: Sunday, October 31st

Auction Ends: Sunday, November 7th - close process begins at 2:00 pm EST

(see auction rules for detailed close process)

On behalf of the entire Backstage Auctions Crew we wish to extend a hard rockin' welcome to The Rock Gods 'n Metal Monsters Auction. We are very excited about this event and we think you will agree after you feast your eyes on the amazing rock relics coming direct from the personal collections of legendary rock 'n metal gods *Al Jourgensen (Ministry), *Kip Winger (Winger), *Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Dio), *Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatrazz, Michael Schenker Group, Impellitteri), *Scott Rockenfield (Queensryche), *Bobby Rondinelli (Black Sabbath, BOC), *Andy Laroque (King Diamond), *John 5 (Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson), *Walter O'Brien ( Manager - Pantera, White Zombie, Metal Church) *Philip Kamin (Rock Photographer), *Bob Nalbandian (Editor, Metal Rendevouz) and *Ole Bang ( Manager - Mercyful Fate, King Diamond).

The auction will showcase hundreds of rare collectibles featuring Ministry, Revco, Pantera, White Zombie, Whitesnake, Dio, Winger and Queensryche, but with over 500 auction lots up for grabs this online event will also present fabulous finds featuring Metal Church, Grim Reaper, Rainbow, Alcatrazz, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Guns n' Roses, Bon Jovi, Marilyn Manson...and that's the short list!

Whether you're in the market for a fully signed Pantera guitar, original art by Marilyn Manson, a Buck Satan guitar (or two) or a few White Zombie RIAA record awards, this auction has it all, including artist signed collectibles, recordings, rare photos, original art work, promotional and concert posters, record awards, backstage passes, promotional merchandise, stage gear and artist worn apparel, drum sticks, exclusive ephemera, tour books and even a some really cool road cases.

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, at the 11th hour we have been able to add an incredible collection of over 200 sealed - early 1980s - heavy metal albums that will make your head spin. Among them are amazingly rare release from legendary labels such as Neat Records, Road Runner Records, Metal Blade Records, Heavy Metal Records, Killwah Records, Shrapnel Records and Enigma Records. This is "once in a lifetime" vinyl that you don't want to miss out on.

For more information please visit:  http://www.backstageauctions.com/catalog/auction.php

Michael Fremer Album Review

Should you replace your MCA 180?

Axis: Bold As Love

(reissue)

The Jimi Hendrix Experience

• Experience Hendrix/Sony Legacy 180g LP
• Produced by: Chas Chandler
• Engineered by: Eddie Kramer
• Mixed by: Eddie Kramer
• Mastered by: George Marino at Sterling Sound

MUSIC

SOUND





AAA Marino Mastered Hendrix

by Michael Fremer
October 01, 2010

If you were around when the second Jimi Hendrix album was released you probably got ripped off. After Reprise’s success with Are You Experienced?Capitol dusted off a Curtis Knight and the Squires album that Hendrix had played on as a sideman before forming The Jimi Hendrix Experience and using a recent photo, issued it as Get That FeelingJimi Hendrix Plays and Curtis Knight Sings.

Many were fooled into spending their hard earned money on that deviously labeled rip off but when the realsecond Hendrix Experience album was released in January of 1968, all of that was quickly and easily forgotten.

The outrageous Hindu devotional art cover that most cloistered college students at the time had never before seen was sufficiently mind-blowing but once the needle hit the lead in groove area it was “up, up and away” time!

The flying saucer opening was kind of corny (if your audio system is correctly set up the “saucer” will circle around the room) but the jazzy “Up From the Skies” was a smooth glide into the heart of Hendrix’s sophisticated music making helped considerably by Eddie Kramer’s outrageous post Sgt. Pepper’s… production work.

“Travel by dragonfly?” Hendrix’s lyrical, dream-like imagery combined with the musical and sonic intensity lifted listeners to new heights of aural pleasure, many aided by the fast spreading marijuana “scourge” of the time. From the shimmering high frequencies to the spatial movement between the speakers, this album was just made for weed!

No point in a tune-by-tune play by play. This album is the bridge between the harder rocking first album and the extended, jammy double LPElectric Ladyland that lost many fans initially but grows in stature as the years pass.

Songs like “One Rainy Wish” with the unexpected break “I have never laid eyes on you, not before this timeless day…” produced a powerful, surprising thrust that works its magic as effectively today as it did all of these years ago.

And of course the title song with its squishy, flange-y, cosmic time travel finale set tens of thousands of stoned young hippies into ecstatic overload. I remember listening to this album and the first two Doors albums (okay, and Days of Future Passed too, I’m ashamed to admit) with my college roommates late Friday nights.

It became our weekend ritual. We sat there zonked in the dark between my AR 2ax speakers cranked way up and when the lights went up at the end, we’d each been to places and seen things words couldn’t begin to describe. The smiles did though!

Of course all these years later, that thrill is gone, but it’s replaced by an appreciation of Hendrix’s guitar wizardry and the rhythm section’s suppleness. This is the album that let the other guitar greats of the era know that Hendrix was the greatest—that he’d transcended the blues riffs, the Chuck Berry-isms and the electrified C&W picking and taken string bending to new territory.

Sonically, this was a huge step forward compared to Are You Experience?, which was issued in mono only in the UK with a different cover and track order. The high frequencies, in particular, were pristine, crystalline and extended. The cymbals shimmered and Hendrix’s guitar line attacks were fast, clean and well-articulated. Bass lines were also clean and extended and the kick drum was deep, clean and well-textured.

The original UK Track issue (Track 613003) was smoother, more extended and went deeper and tighter than the U.S. Reprise tri-color “steamboat” original and of course it was pressed on much quieter vinyl. It had tremendous “depth of field.”

George Marino’s first 180g reissue for Experience Hendrix MCA back in the late 1990s was very good but at the time Sterling Sound no longer had a preview head so the cut was sourced from a 96K/24 bit file. Plating at UNI’s Gloversville, NY factory and the pressing itself were pretty good but not up to RTI’s standards.

So considering that this latest version is all analogue, and was plated and pressed at RTI, you would expect it to be quieter, more detailed and more transparent and you’d better believe it is all of that and more, particularly in terms of bass weight and body.

In fact, the original, while still magical and worth owning if you can find one, sounds polite and slightly compressed dynamically compared to this new reissue, though the top end on the original, cut from the fresh tape can’t be beat. Good luck finding a clean copy for a reasonable price.

Still, in most ways, this reissue is better so I recommend grabbing it while you can.

Thanks to Michael over at http://www.musicangle.com/  for the exclusive rights to reprint this material. Stop by MusicAngle.com for more reviews and features.

Copyright © 2008 MusicAngle.com & Michael Fremer - All rights reserved Reprinted by Permission

New CD Release: Michael Martin Murphey's "Acoustic Christmas Carols"

Rural Rhythm Christian releases "Acoustic Christmas Carols" by award-winning singer-songwriter Michael Martin Murphey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Nov 04, 2010 – RURAL RHYTHM CHRISTIAN is proud to announce the new album, “ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS CAROLS, Cowboy Christmas II ” by multi-awarding winning singer-songwriter, Michael Martin Murphey. The artist kicks off his 17th Annual Cowboy Christmas Ball Tour™ November 26, 2010 in Benton, Texas with stops in at least 15 cities before Christmas. A complete itinerary can be found at his website.

Murphey provides lead and harmony vocals, guitar, and tambourine on “ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS CAROLS, Cowboy Christmas II ” and is joined by Ryan Murphey (guitar), Laura Murphey (vocals), Brennan Murphey (guitar), Bea McTye (pipe organ), Paul Sadler (hammer dulcimer), John McEuen (guitar, banjo, mandolin, tambourine, Indian drum), Tony Laupheimer (percussion), Joey Miskulin (accordion), and produced by Joey Miskulin and Michael Martin Murphey. The album is now available to radio via Airplay Direct and available for sale at iTunes, Amazon, Rural Rhythm Records, MichaelMartinMurphey.com, and many other retail outlets.

TRACKS INCLUDE:
01 Home, Sweet Home
02 O Little Town of Bethlehem
03 The First Noël
04 In the Bleak Midwinter
05 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
06 Away in a Manger
07 Joy to the World
08 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
09 We Three Kings
10 Go Tell It on the Mountain
11 Silent Night
12 What Child Is This?
13 I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
14 Home, Sweet Home (Reprise)

The arrangements are reflective of the sounds of a solitary minstrel, or a small group of friends and family singing in a tiny chapel or around the fireside,“ explained Murphey. The cover art for “ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS CAROLS, Cowboy Christmas II” was provided by award-winning Utah artist and cowboy, Pete Plastow.

Rural Rhythm Records has released two previous CDs by Murphey including: the Grammy™ nominated BUCKAROO BLUE GRASS; and this year’s BUCKAROO BLUE GRASS II: Riding Song that includes two power country vocal collaborations – “Wildfire” with Carrie Hassler and “Running Gun” with Audie Blaylock.

For more information on Michael Martin Murphey, please visit http://www.michaelmartinmurphey.com/  or http://www.ruralrhythm.com/  Booking services for Murphey are handled by Class Act Entertainment.

This Date In Music History - November 5

Birthdays:

Art Garfunkel - Simon and Garfunkel, solo (1941)

Pablo Gomez - Los Bravos (1943)

Peter Noone - Herman's Hermits (1947)

Peter Hammill - Van Der Graff Generator (1948)

Don McDougall - Guess Who (1948)

Helen O'Hara - Dexy's Midnight Runners (1956)

David Moyse - Air Supply (1957)

Mike Score - A Flock Of Seagulls (1957)

Bryan Adams (1959)

Ken Coomer - Wilco, Uncle Tupelo (1959)

David Bryson - Counting Crows (1961)

Angelo Moore - Fishbone (1965)

Mark Hunter - James (1968)

Jonny Greenwood - Radiohead (1971)

Ryan Adams - Whiskeytown (1974)

Australian singer Kate Jenna DeAraugo (1985)

Kevin Jonas - Jonas Brothers (1987)


They Are Missed:

Thirty-three year-old Johnny Horton, who had a number one hit with "Battle of New Orleans," died in 1960 when his Cadillac was hit by a drunken truck driver in Milano, Texas. Ironically, Johnny had just played his last show at the Skyline in Austin, where Hank Williams had played his last show as well. Horton's widow, Billy Joe, was also Hanks Williams' widow.

Born on this day in 1946, Gram Parsons, singer, songwriter. Member of The International Submarine Band, The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers. Released the 1973 solo album 'Grievous Angel.' Died on September 19, 1973 from a heroin overdose (age 26).

Bobby Nunn of The Coasters died of heart failure in Los Angeles in 1986. Scored the 1958 US No.1 single "Yakety Yak" and 1959 US #2 single "Charlie Brown."

In 1989, former US Army Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler died at a Veterans Administration hospital in Nashville from complications brought on by an un-explained gun shot wound to the head, suffered 14 months earlier in Guatemala City. Sadler is best remembered for his hit "The Ballad of the Green Berets," which stayed on top of Billboard's Pop chart for five weeks in 1966. He was 49 years old at time of his death.

Fred “Sonic” Smith, MC5 guitarist and husband of Rocker Patti, died of a heart attack in 1994. He was 45.

In 2003, Bobby Hatfield of The Righteous Brothers was found dead in hotel room in Michigan, 30 minutes before he was due on stage (age 63). The autopsy report from the Kalamazoo County Medical Examiner gave the opinion that Hatfield suffered a sudden, unexpected death due to acute cocaine toxicity. The Righteous Brothers had the 1965 UK & US #1 single "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin" and the 1990 UK #1 ( #4 US) single "Unchained Melody." It became one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, by some counts having spawned over 500 versions in hundreds of different languages.

Surf guitarist Link Wray died in 2005 (age 76). Wray was credited with inventing 'fuzz' guitar after punching a hole in a speaker giving him a distorted guitar sound. Famous for his 1958 US #16 single "Rumble" which was banned on several radio stations, on the grounds that it glorified juvenile delinquency. A rare feat for a song with no lyrics.

Isaac Wister (Ike) Turner (November 5, 1931 – December 12, 2007) was an American musician, bandleader, talent scout, and record producer. Considered to be one of the fathers of rock and roll, his first recording, "Rocket 88" by "Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats," in 1951, is considered by some to be the "first rock and roll song" ever. 1971 US #4 single with then Tina Turner with the John Fogerty cut and wedding bar band staple "Proud Mary."


History:

Elvis Presley made his only commercial, for Southern-Made Doughnuts, on the Louisiana Hayride radio program in 1954.

"The Nat King Cole Show" debuted on NBC-TV in 1956. The Cole program was the first of its kind hosted by an African-American.

The Who released a song called "My Generation" in 1965 which will become a sort of anthem for British teens, rising to number two on the UK chart. In the US however, despite performing the tune on 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,' the song will be mostly ignored and would get no higher than number 74 on the Billboard chart.

The Monkees were on top of the Billboard singles chart in 1966 with "Last Train To Clarksville," the group’s first #1 hit. It was later revealed that due to filming commitments on their TV series, none of the group had played on this or most of the group’s early recordings. Eight weeks after their TV series debuted, the Monkees had the number one record in the US with the Tommy Boyce/Bobby Hart written song.

In 1967, Bee Gee Robin Gibb was a passenger on a train which crashed in South East London in England killing 49 people and injuring 78. Robin was treated for shock after the accident.

Kenny Rogers and The First Edition made their TV debut in 1967 on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Groovey, man.....



Also in 1967 more than 2,000 people attended an auction of Elvis Presley's personal belongings at his Circle G Ranch in Horn Lake, Mississippi, ten miles from Graceland.

Jerry Reed recorded the immortal cut "Amos Moses" in 1969.



In 1970, while making one of his rare stage appearances, the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson lost his balance several times and had to be helped backstage. His right ear, the better of the two, sustained severe damage because of the volume level on-stage.

In 1971, Elvis Presley kicked off a 15-date North American tour at the Metropolitan Sports Center in Minneapolis. Announcer Al Dvorin uttered the well known phrase: "Elvis has left the building" at the end of the show. He was asked to make the announcement in an effort to quiet the fans who continued to call for an encore.

The manager of a Virgin Records store in Nottingham England is arrested in 1977 and charged under the UK's 1898 Indecent Advertising Act for displaying a poster that read "Never Mind The Bollocks: Here's The Sex Pistols". At his trial two weeks later, defense lawyers called Professor James Kingsley, who testified that the word "bollocks" had several different meanings, both slang and proper. After a twenty minute deliberation, the court returned a verdict of not guilty.

In 1977, Ozzy Osbourne quits Black Sabbath, only to rejoin a few weeks later. He eventually leaves again to pursue a solo career.

Brian Wilson was officially fired from The Beach Boys by his former colleagues in 1982.

Billy Joel was at #1 on the UK singles chart in 1983 with "Uptown Girl" his only UK #1 stayed at the top of the chars for five weeks. A #3 hit in the US, the song was written about his relationship with his girlfriend then-wife, supermodel Christie Brinkley.

In 1983, Topper Headon of The Clash was arrested for walking his dog while drunk on London's Fulham Road. No word on the dog's condition, however, Headon was led home by his furry friend.

The Beach Boys went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1988 with "Kokomo." The track had been featured in the film Cocktail. It had been 22 years since the group had their last US chart topper with "Good Vibrations." Their only other Top Ten hit in that time had been "Rock and Roll Music" in 1976.

"The Locomotion," became the first song to reach the US Top 5 in three different versions, when Kylie Minogue's 1988 effort reached #3 on the US chart. The song had also been a hit for Little Eva and Grand Funk Railroad.



Sheryl Crow scored her first UK Top 10 single in 1994 when "All I Wanna Do" entered the charts at #.4. The US singer songwriter went on to become the first US female to score six UK hits off her debut album 'Tuesday Night Music Club.'

Producer Butch Vig's new band Garbage made their US live debut in 1995 when they played at The 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis. Vig produced Nirvana's album 'Nevermind.'

In 1995, 'The Wizard of Oz in Concert' took place for a Children's Defense Fund. The show featured Jackson Browne as the Scarecrow, Roger Daltrey as the Tin Man, Nathan Lane as the Cowardly Lion and Jewel as Dorothy.

Also in 1995, Queen released their first studio album since the death of Freddie Mercury. Mercury died November 24, 1991 of AIDS.

Creed were at #1 on the US singles chart in 2000 with 'With Arms Wide Open.'

In 2002, the funeral took place of Jam Master Jay, (Jason Mizell) from Run-DMC who was murdered by an assassin's single bullet on 30th October 2002. A $30,000 reward was offered in connection with the murder, to this day nobody has ever been convicted of the killing.

In 2007 there was the London premiere of Amazing Journey: The Story Of The Who and Amazing Journey: Six Quick Ones. Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend host the event. Also, a two-CD compilation, "The Very Best Of The Who Live In Concert 1969-1976" is available exclusively on the band's website.

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page received the Living Legend Award at the 2007 Classic Rock Roll of Honour ceremony in London.

In 2008, artwork created Queen's Brian May, Deep Purple's Roger Glover, Alice Cooper, Paul Rodgers and Pink Floyd's Nick Mason goes on the block at a benefit auction hosted by veteran British band Status Quo. The musicians redesigned "classic Quo single/album covers" for the event in honor of the 40th anniversary of the group's hit "Pictures Of Matchstick Men." The sale aids the Prince's Trust, a U.K. youth charity.

Ozzy Osbourne was presented with the Legend of Live honor at the 2009 Billboard Touring Awards in New York.

MUCH ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM FROM THE KING OF POP 'MICHAEL' TO BE RELEASED DECEMBER 14

Exclusive Teaser and Song to be Unveiled on MichaelJackson.com

New York, NY – The much anticipated album of newly completed recordings from Michael Jackson entitled MICHAEL will be released on December 14 by Epic Records in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson. Tomorrow, an exclusive teaser for the project will appear on www.michaeljackson.com; on Monday, November 8th the world premiere of “Breaking News,” a full track from the album, will stream on the site for one week only.

The creative process never stopped for the King of Pop who was always planning for his next album; unbeknownst to many fans around the world Michael Jackson was writing and recording songs continuously everywhere from a friend’s home in New Jersey to studios in Las Vegas and Los Angeles with a small group of handpicked collaborators. Now, through the unique stories that will be told about the songs that comprise MICHAEL, fans will get mind-blowing insight into how this artist worked and a chance to hear the songs he most recently created along with tracks that Michael had a desire to bring to fruition.

“Breaking News,” a never heard before song by Michael that appears on the new album was recorded in New Jersey in 2007 and recently brought to completion. Fans can begin pre-ordering the album on www.michaeljackson.com in the next 24 hours.

The attached image of the album cover of MICHAEL was created by painter Kadir Nelson in 2009. In the oil painting, Kadir – who is known for story telling through his art – takes us on a journey through some key moments and important people in Michael Jackson’s life.

Stay tuned for the worldwide launch of the official first single from MICHAEL later this month.
http://www.michaeljackson.com/

Top Selling Vinyl Records Sales at eBay - September 2010

Here is the month in review of the top selling ebay vinyl record sales, on a weekly basis, for September of 2010. First and foremost, a special thank you to Norm and Jane at CCdiscoveries.blogspot.com  for putting together this interesting data. Be sure to listen to their popular radio show Vinyl Record Talk  for more information about the weekly top 5, vinyl record news and as well as weekly guests.

The honor of our top seller for the month of September 2010 belongs to Led Zeppelin, with their “Road Box” Test Pressing collecting a cool $6,100 (another sold for $3,500). Next up are a self-titled LP from Madigral going for an even $5,100, followed by a Mark Everett album which sold at $5,000.

An Odeon labeled copy of "Yellow Submarine" from the lads from Liverpool sold for almost $5k, about half what it sold for sometime around 2003. The other two Beatles entries to the list are the very familiar LP by the Beatles, 'Please Please Me' Parlophone' (UK Gold Black label 1st Mono), one which sold for a shade under four grand and the other coming in at around $2,500.

Two 78 rpm records made our montly list with a pre-war blues effort from Blind Willie McTell ("Warm It Up To Me" / "Runnin' Me Crazy") on Vocalion selling for $4,000 and the other from Henry Brown and Ike Rodgers ("Blues Stomp" / "Blind Boy Blues") on the Paramount record label hitting the hammmer at $2,500.


Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 09/05/2010

Two private press LP's top the list this week, one from the early 70s beats one from 1985 by $100.00. An Odeon labeled copy of "Yellow Submarine" sells for almost $5k, but that's half what it sold for sometime around 2003. The Odeon label continued to be used on Apple records pressed in the UK but intended for distribution in Commonwealth countries. We'll have more on the Madrigal and Mark Everett LP's and what they are and where they come from VRT this Tuesday.

1. LP - Madrigal "self-titled" private press - $5,100.00

2. LP - Mark Everett "Bad Dude In Love" - $5,000.00

3. LP - The Beatles "Yellow Submarine" Odeon (for export) - $4,863.29

4. 78 - Blind Willie McTell "Warm It Up To Me" / "Runnin' Me Crazy" Vocalion - $4,000.00

5. LP - Nirvana "Never Mind" Czech Picture Disc EP Sample - $3,250.00


Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 09/11/2010

Jack White's personally designed 7" test pressing with sleeve and inserts from Third Man Record Store's opening night tops the list, in what's the youngest record to make the top, having been given away at the invitation only opening a little over a year ago. Three soul records make the list, the most in many weeks, and another pre-war blues 78 appears as well.

1. 45 - Dead Weather "Hang You From The Heavens" / "Are Friend Electric?" Test Pressing "Opening Night" $3,901.11

2. 45 - Scorpio and His People "The Unforgiven" / "Theme From The Movietown Sound" International Hits - $3,827.77

3. 78 - Henry Brown and Ike Rodgers "Blues Stomp" / "Blind Boy Blues" Paramount - $2,500.00

4. 45 - Psychodelic Frankie "Putting You Out Of My Life" / "Donna" Hi Speed - $2,247.00

5. LP - People's Pleasure with Alive And Well "Do You Hear Me Talking To You?" Brownstone - $2,051.00


Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 09/18/2010

Mostly the gods of record collecting this week with two Beatles "Please Please Me" LPs and a Led Zeppelin Road Box on the list this week.

1. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone UK Gold Black label 1st Mono - $3,988.23

2. 12" - Led Zeppelin “Road Box” - $3,500.00

3. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone UK Gold Black label 1st Mono - $2,501.44

4. LP - Hank Mobley with Donald Byrd and Lee Morgan Blue Note 1540 - $2,382.00

5. Georges Arvanitas "Soul Jazz" Columbia French Pressing - $2,080.55


Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 09/25/2010

A test pressing of the Led Zeppelin "Road Box" gets twice the price of one of the regular releases (there were only five released test pressings) and the #1 spot. Also, a bootleg makes the list for only the second time ever, with a Neil Young recording from the early 70s.

1. 12" - Led Zeppelin “Road Box” Test Pressing - $6,100.00

2. LP - Rising Storm "Calm Before . . . " Remnant - $4,154.00

3. 45 - The Admirations "I Want To Be Free" / "You Left Me" Peaches - $3,664.00

4. LP - New Young "I'm Glad Y'all Came Down" Bootleg - $3,250.00

5. 10" - Lazare Levy "Mozart Piano Sonatas" Ducretet - $3,161.98

Hinder's New Cover Art Revealed

Rockers Hinder have revealed the cover art and track list for the band's upcoming album 'All American Nightmare.'

"Our new album, 'All American Nightmare,' is almost two years in the making," the band told Noisecreep. "This is an album that really shows what Hinder is all about, and we feel our experiences and maturity as a band really translates in the songs. We've never worked so hard on a project or been more proud of anything we've ever done."

'All American Nightmare' is due out Dec. 7.

'All American Nightmare'
1. 'All American Nightmare'
2. 'What Ya Gonna Do'
3. 'Waking Up the Devil'
4. 'Red Tail Lights'
5. 'Hey Ho'
6. 'Put That Record On'
7. 'This Is the Life'
8. 'Two Sides of Me'
9. 'Everybody's Wrong'
10. 'Striptease'
11. 'Bad Mother F---er'

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The Estate Of Doug Fieger Releases 2nd Album Of Commemorative Series, 'Hankerings: A Tribute To Hank Williams'

The family of Doug Fieger, lead singer of The Knack is making available for a collection of recordings by the Fieger that have never before released in any format. 'Hankerings: A Tribute to Hank Williams' by Doug Fieger, was Fieger's dream - to release an album of Williams covers. Unfortunately that dream was never realized during his lifetime due to his battle with cancer (he died on Valentine’s Day, 2010)

"All of Doug's friends knew he had been recording these songs. But very few had ever heard them," explains Doug's sister, Beth Falkenstein. "After he died, everyone was asking me if I had found the tapes yet. They were all just so curious to hear them... and to hear his voice again."

Track Listing:

1. Hey, Good Lookin'
2. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
3. Jambalaya (On the Bayou)
4. I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You)

For more information, please visit: http://www.dougfieger.com/

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Gregg Allman Covers Blues Classics on New Album

For his first solo album in 14 years, Gregg Allman is paying tribute to blues legends such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King and Junior Wells. Titled 'Low Country Blues,' the LP was produced by T Bone Burnett and is expected on Jan. 18, 2011 via Rounder Records.

"When you have new record it always feels different," Allman said in a statement. "It's been too long. I guess I was just born with a lot of gypsy in my soul."

The release is named for the coastal region of Georgia where Allman lives. The album was recorded at Burnett's Village Recorder studio in Los Angeles and includes pianist Dr. John, guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, bassist Dennis Crouch and drummer Jay Bellerose.

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Amy Winehouse Covers Lesley Gore's Classic "It's My Party"

Troubled singer Amy Winehouse has delivered a powerful, gutsy performance of Lesley Gore's #1 smash hit from 1963. The recording was produced by Mark Ronson and will appear on Quincy Jones' upcoming Q Soul Bossa Nostra album. This new collection is a tribute to Quincy Jones and includes a wide range of cover version of songs associated in some way with Quincy Jones. "It's My Party" was one of the first songs produced by Quincy Jones to become a significant hit. Among other artists included on the album are Akon, Jennifer Hudson, and Usher.

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Third Man Records releases Laura Marling 7" single

Laura Marling and Third Man announced yesterday that a limited edition 7" single will be issued Tuesday, Nov. 9 as part of Third Man's Blue Series of vinyl releases.

Marling performed a couple of cuts, Jackson C Frank's "Blues Run The Game" and Neil Young’s epic anti-drug song "The Needle And The Damage Done" for her Blue Series contribution, and White sat in the producer's chair for the session, done at White's studio here in Nashville.

"It was perfect — one take," White told BBC Radio 1's Newsbeat in June. "She's gorgeous. Gorgeous voice and an incredible person. A wonderful girl."

Fans can pick up the 7-inch at Third Man Records' Nashville outpost, 623 7th Ave. S., or via mail order. Visit http://www.thirdmanrecords.com/ for more info.

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MASTODON "CRACK THE SKYE WORMHOLE TUNNEL BOX EDITION

Mastodon is releasing a super deluxe, super-limited edition of Crack The Skye to Metal Club stores on Black Friday.  Only 600 are being made. This version will come housed in a hard box case featuring a third-dimension wormhole design that contains exclusive and additional album art by long-time Mastodon artist Paul Romano. Inside is a full length Crack The Skye CD plus a DVD on the Making of Crack The Skye with photo gallery, track-by-track band commentary and more, by director Jimmy Hubbard. In Stores: 11/26/2010




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Tom Waits Releasing More Vinyl


Tom Waits recorded a series of groundbreaking albums in the early 70s. Nearly 40 years later and several musical evolutions later, Waits’ Asylum years still hold a special place in the hearts of many music lovers.

Rhino will celebrate the career of Waits this December by reissuing the Grammy-winning/Oscar nominated artists’ first four Asylum albums on 180-gram heavy vinyl each packaged with their original artwork. Released on December 21 at retail outlets, including http://www.rhino.com/

Prior to this December 21 Rhino retail release, TomWaits.com is now offering limited edition 180 gram red vinyl versions of the LPS 'Closing Time,' 'The Heart of Saturday Night,' 'Nighthawks at the Diner' and 'Small Change.' The red vinyl limited editions (only 1000 pressed of each title) will be available exclusively at http://www.tomwaitsstore.com/  and are available for pre-order now.

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Donovan To Perform 'Sunshine Superman' Next June

60's flower-child Donovan has recently announced that he will be performing his 1996 album 'Sunshine Superman' in its entirety in London next year. Joined by The London Contemporary Orchestra, Donovan will appear at The Royal Albert Hall on June 3.

The one-off gig is due to the request of his wife, as an anniversary present.

Donovan stated: '"This year of 2010 Linda and I celebrate our ruby anniversary. When I asked my muse what she wanted to do, she said, 'Perform the complete 'Sunshine Superman' album at the Royal Albert Hall.' Her wish is my command!"

Vinylmania: Records are back and they're in New London

By Katie Warchut

Publication: www.theday.com

Tim Cook / The Day

There was a time when everyone thought records were dead. The aging and suddenly cumbersome technology was seemingly left for obsessive collectors or those just clinging to nostalgia.

But vinyl sales have been growing, jumping 33 percent in 2009 over the previous year, according to Nielsen SoundScan, and younger pop stars have embraced the format - Justin Timberlake saying he likes the sound better, and Taylor Swift releasing her latest album, Speak Now, on vinyl.

The 2.5 million vinyl units is still just a tiny piece of the 1.5 billion units sold, but the audience for records appears to be growing, even locally.

A new music store opened in New London over the summer, The Telegraph, featuring new and used vinyl, run by music promoter Rich Martin and his wife, musician Daphne Martin.

"I learned from Mystic Disc back in the day," Martin says. "(Owner) Dan Curland had always railed against CDs... I thought he was just an old curmudgeon."

But Martin quickly became a vinyl devotee.

"Viscerally it's much warmer and a better way to go," he says. "Everybody's got their own ear for it… you feel it around you more. On digital, the sound dissipates quicker, it's more treble-y."

Tara Wyatt, the owner of Niantic's record store, Tumbleweeds, loves the vintage sound quality, "the crackle and pop," which she says younger people can appreciate from inheriting their parents' collections.

Though Martin still sells (and owns) CDs, Martin believes they made music less valuable and more disposable.

"A plastic CD feels like a piece of trash. I have a bag of them in the back of my car and they kinda get wet sometimes," he says.

In contrast, you can still find records from the '40s in great shape that have retained their value, he says.

A record, Martin says, is simply "more engaging by its nature."

"Instead of throwing it in and forgetting about it, or putting your iTunes on shuffle... you're there with the record," Martin says. "You listen to it halfway through and then flip it over. You're thinking about it and talking about it."

Wyatt agrees that records are a more social way of listening to music.

"I have an entire room in my house that's all vinyl," she says. "You can connect with the artist and how the process took place."

Of course, older technology is much more limited. You can't carry it with you or listen in the car. But record companies have helped vinyl advance by including free download codes in albums so listeners can enjoy music in both formats.

Two out of every three vinyl albums sold, according to Nielsen, were purchased at an independent music store.

The Telegraph boasts more than 5,000 records, about one-third of which are new. Although the store has an indie vibe - most recently advertising new albums by Fleet Foxes, Belle & Sebastian and Deerhunter - Martin tries to cater to all types of music lovers. He carries music from crooners to motown to classical to country, in addition to the local music scene, along with record players.

He has a John Coltrane album that collectors would value at $300 to $500, and, he says with a smile, "We have some Toto records I'll sell ya for two bucks."

There's also a certain pleasure in browsing the racks and checking out the album art, lyrics and liner notes.

Karrie Bulger, who helps out in Martin's store, says she recently heard someone on NPR reminiscing about the artwork on a Flaming Lips album grabbing them, even though they didn't know anything about the band.

"They wonder, 'Does that happen anymore? Do a lot of the kids even know what an album looks like?' It's such a tangible thing. It's romantic to buy an album and read all the stuff that comes along with it," she says.

Martin actually didn't set out to open a music store. He needed office space for his small record label and came up with the idea when landlord Frank McLaughlin suggested a retail side. But what he now values is the museum-like atmosphere record stores manage to retain.

"You talk about everybody's personal experience, when they first heard a song, when they saw them live," he says.

He hopes it can also be a new place for musicians to find inspiration, he says.

Reprinted By Permission www.theday.com/

I Have A Winner!

Congratulations to Deanna, the first emailer!  She wins a $100 gift certificate to CSN Stores!!

Look for more contests coming very soon!

Giveaway for $100 to CSN Stores Contest

Tired of storing your record player on that old end table?  You can use this $100 to get a better stand.

Be the first person to email me with the word 'end table' in the subject line and you win a $100 gift certificate to CSN Stores!

Good Luck!

Find Great Media Storage and Entertainment Centers

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 1, 2010

DEAR JERRY: My late brother was a teenager in the 1960s, and among his things are many records from those days.

Most are plainly marked and obvious as to what they are, except for one mysterious item, a picture sleeve with no record inside.

This plain white paper sleeve has a pencil drawing, credited to Ted Sully, of Davy Jones. This is the same young man who was a member of the Monkees. The only other print reads "Davy Jones Presents" (presents what, we're not told), and "Davy Jones Record Co., New York & Beverly Hills."

My online searches for "Davy Jones and Ted Sully" came up with nothing.

Since no mention is made of anyone else, I assume this sleeve was originally accompanied by a Davy Jones recording, unless Mr. Sully is also a recording artist, which I doubt.

If not Davy, which record belongs to this sleeve?
—Pauline Mason, Santa Ana, Calif.

DEAR PAULINE: Can't say exactly which, but we are certain it is one of four.

We know this because the entire record output of the Davy Jones Presents series numbers four singles, all packaged in the exact same nameless picture sleeve.

The short-lived Davy Jones Presents vanity label came and went in the summer of 1967, perhaps in part because being a Monkee at the peak of their popularity left Davy little time for anything other than Monkee business.

The fledgling label's executive vice-president was industry veteran, Jack Angel, co-founder of the Herald label. Among his more successful Herald artists are: Mello-Kings ("Tonite, Tonite"); Nutmegs ("Story Untold"); Faye Adams ("Shake a Hand"); Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs ("Stay"); and Turbans ("When You Dance").

Staying with what he knew best, in one of the company's first press releases, Angel says: "We're sticking to R&B-oriented and Pop-R&B music, mostly by newly-discovered talent."

That the company made only generic picture sleeves probably indicates they printed the sleeves before they knew the artists and titles of their eventual contents.

The same Ted Sully drawing of Davy, and text you see on the sleeve, is also used as the company logo on the record labels — peculiar because Jones is not heard on the songs, and there are no images of those who are.

As a tie-in when launching their new label, 50 of the nation's top radio stations ran a "Weekend with Davy Jones" contest, with listeners submitting their responses to "Why Davy Jones is Your Favorite Monkee."

The 50 winners, one from each radio market, were treated to dinner and a recording session with Davy Jones in Los Angeles, and other fun stuff.

Each teen winner was accompanied by the parent or guardian of their choice.

Here then is the complete Davy Jones Presents discography:

Davy Jones Presents 661: "Gypsy Girl" / "Girl" (Vinnie Basile)
Davy Jones Presents 662: "Fly Superman Fly" / "Have You Been Dreaming" (Randy Johnson)
Davy Jones Presents 663: "White House Happening" / "President Johnson" (Dickie Goodman)
Davy Jones Presents 664: "Back to the Beach" / "Too Proud to Let You Know" (Relations)


IZ ZAT SO? Davy Jones, the first member chosen to be a Monkee, must have liked "Gypsy Girl," an obscure 1966 release by the Staccatos (Syncro 661).

One of the first moves by Davy Jones Presents was to reissue both sides of the Syncro single on their label, and to use its selection number (661) as a starting point for his company's numbering.

Rather than credit the Staccatos, the DJP single is shown as by Vinnie Basile, the featured vocalist of the Staccatos.

Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column. Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368 E-mail: jpo@olympus.net  Visit his Web site: http://www.jerryosborne.com/

All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.

Copyright 2010 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Permission

This Date In Music History - November 3

Birthdays:

John Barry - John Barry Orchestra (1933) (film themes 'James Bond Theme', 'Zulu', & 'The Magnificent Seven.'

Brian Poole - Tremeloes (1941)

UK folk singer Bert Jansch (1943)

Tommy Dee - John Fred and His Playboy Band (1946)



Marie Lawrie, (Lulu) (1948)

Stuart Goddard (Adam Ant) (1954)

Ian McNabb - Icicle Works (1962)


They Are Missed:

One of the most successful recording artists of the pre-Beatles era, Lonnie Donegan, died in 2002 mid-way through a UK tour and shortly before he was due to perform at a memorial concert for George Harrison with The Rolling Stones (age 71). Donegan who launched the skiffle craze in the UK had the 1959 hit "Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavour On The Bedpost Over Night", the 1960 UK #1 single "My Old Man's A Dustman," "Rock Island Line," plus over 30 other UK Top 40 singles.





History:

In 1956, Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender" took over the top spot on the Billboard chart, pushing his double sided hit "Don't Be Cruel"/"Hound Dog" to number two.

In 1957, Sun Records released "Great Balls of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis. It will be his biggest hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Pop chart, number three on the R&B and number one on the Country and Western chart. The single went on to sell over five million copies worldwide.

ABC-Paramount released Danny and The Juniors' first hit, "At the Hop" in 1957. The song sold 7,000 copies in and around Philadelphia when it was first issued on the small independent Singular label.

Elvis Presley had his fifth UK No.1 single in 1960 with "It's Now Or Never," it stayed at #1 for eight weeks. The song which was based on the Italian song, "O Sole Mio," gave Presley his first post-army #1.

In 1962 a song called "He's A Rebel" topped the Billboard Hot 100, credited to The Crystals. In reality, the song was recorded by a trio known as the Blossoms, featuring lead singer Darlene Love. Phil Spector had hastily put the song together while The Crystals were out of town and put their name on the label because they had already had two top twenty hits with "There's No Other" and "Uptown."

During a Rolling Stones North American tour in 1964, a 17 year-old Rolling Stones fan fell from the balcony during a gig in Cleveland, Ohio. The Mayor of Ohio banned all future pop concerts, saying; "Such group's do not add to the community's culture or entertainment."

The filming for The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour was completed in 1967, finishing with a sequence at Ringo's country house in Weybridge, Surrey. BBC television bought the rights to broadcast the film twice, the first broadcast, in black-and-white was scheduled for December 26, 1967. The second showing, on the color channel BBC2, was not yet available to all Britons, was set for January 5, 1968.

Pink Floyd make their US debut at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco in 1967. The tour will come to an early end when Syd Barrett displays increasingly strange behavior, refusing to lip sync to "Arnold Layne" on American Bandstand and refusing to answer questions on The Pat Boone Show.

Carly Simon and James Taylor married in 1972.

During a concert at the Empire Pool in London in 1977, Elton John announces that he will not tour anymore. He would stay retired for fifteen months, but on February 3, 1979, he will resume touring with a concert in Sweden.

One hit wonder M went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1979 with "Pop Muzik."



The Eagles started a nine-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1979 with 'The Long Run', the group's fourth US #1 album.

RCA records signed Latin teen sensations Menudo for $30m in 1983. The line up of five young boys all had to sign a contract agreeing to leave the group when they reached 16, (when too old for the group). Ricky Martin was once a member.

Billy Ocean started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1984 with "Caribbean Queen" (the song was originally called "European Queen").

The U2 concert movie "Rattle And Hum" opened in 1988.

In 1990, 25 years after their version was recorded, The Righteous Brothers went to #1 on the UK singles chart with "Unchained Melody." The track had been featured in the Patrick Swayze film 'Ghost.' Written by Alex North and Hy Zaret, "Unchained Melody" is one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, with over 500 versions in hundreds of different languages.

In 1990, "Ice Ice Baby," by Vanilla Ice became the first rap record to top the US singles chart. The track was initially released as the B-side to the rapper's cover of "Play That Funky Music," and became the A-side after US DJ's started playing the track.

A free concert was held in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco in 1991 to honor the memory of promoter Bill Graham, who was killed in a helicopter crash the week before. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, The Grateful Dead, Journey and Joan Baez were the featured acts.

"Keep The Faith" by Bon Jovi was released in 1992. It was their first album in 5 years.

In 1995, Hootie and the Blowfish reach an out of court settlement with Bob Dylan for the group's unauthorized use of Dylan's lyrics in their song "Only Want To Be With You."

In 1997, Metallica came to a out of court agreement with a fan who claimed he lost his sense of smell after being dropped on his head by fans at one of their shows four years earlier.

The live Bee Gees album "One Night Only" was released in 1998.

EMI Records announced they had dropped Simple Minds in 2000. The Scottish band had sold over 30m albums during the 1980's.

Eminem started a 12 week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 2002 with "Lose Yourself."

Santana were at #1 on the US alum chart in 2002 with ‘Shaman’ their fourth US #1 album.

In 2003, P Diddy ran in the New York City Marathon and raised $2,000,000 for the educational system for the children of New York. He finished the marathon in four hours and eighteen minutes. Awesome!

Winners at this years 2005 MTV Europe awards included Coldplay, who won best UK act and best song for "Speed Of Sound," Green Day won best rock act and best album, Alicia Keys was named best R&B act, System of a Down won best alternative act, The Black Eyed Peas won the best pop award and for the first time, the awards included a category for best African act, won by 2 Face. Madonna, in her first live TV performance since a riding accident, launched the show by emerging from a giant disco ball. Madonna also presented MTV's 'Free Your Mind' humanitarian award to Live 8 organiser Bob Geldof.

In 2006, a man who had been stalking US singer, actress Hilary Duff was arrested for threatening to kill her. According to legal papers, Maksim Miakovsky had gone to the U.S. "for the sole purpose of meeting and becoming romantically involved with Ms. Duff". He was later sentenced to 117 days in jail and five years probation after pleading no contest to the charges.

The Killers were awarded the Best Rock honor at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2006. They also performed. The Red Hot Chili Peppers got the Best Album nod for 'Stadium Arcadium.'

Also in 2006, former Beatle Paul McCartney presented the live debut of his classical album, 'Ecce Cor Meum (Behold My Heart),' a four-part oratorio, at London's Royal Albert Hall. The special concert features the same ensemble that appears on the disc.

In 2008, Neil Young addressed the Dreamforce conference in San Francisco. He tells the audience that his experimental, energy-efficient Linc Volt car is an example of what independent automotive innovation can accomplish. "Guys in garages around the world have come together, and this is one of the results," says the musician.

Slayer unleashed, 'World Painted Blood,' their tenth studio effort in 2009. “Things were kept as pure as possible, and I think it shows on this record,” says drummer Dave Lombardo. “Things aren't polished. It's great. I am so proud of this record." The set is the follow-up to ‘06’s 'Christ Illusion.'

The release of a remastered “Bleach” celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Nirvana album in 2009. It’s available on two formats - an expanded CD and a double-vinyl LP. Part of the package is a previously unreleased ’90 Portland, OR, concert. In addition, “The Live At Reading” CD/DVD, chronicling the band's ‘92 headlining show in England, is out. Sanctioned by surviving Nirvana members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, the DVD has the band's entire Reading set in remastered in 5.1 Surround Sound, plus never-before-seen bonus footage.