Legendary Session Drummer Buddy Harman Dies

Buddy Harman, the Nashville-based drummer who played on over 18,000 recordings, passed away Thursday of congestive heart failure at the age of 79.

It was Harman's drum that struck the beat on Roy Orbison's Oh Pretty Woman, shuffled along on Patsy Cline's Crazy and rocked out Elvis Presley on Little Sister. In a forty year career, Harman played at least once with the vast majority of artists that recorded in the southern U.S.A.

Harman learned drums at an early age and studied in Chicago under Roy Knapp. Upon returning to Nashville, he initially found it a slow go as country was yet to fully integrate drumming into it's sound, but early recordings with the likes of Ray Price, Patsy Cline and Marty Robbins allowed him to develop a distinct style that would see him as being credited as one of the developers of the Nashville Sound.

As a session musician in Nashville, Harman was part of the Nashville A-Team which also included Harold Bradley, Hank Garland, Grady Martin, Boots Randolph, Charlie McCoy, Floyd Cramer, Hargus "Pig" Robbins and Bob Moore, among others. Harman also has the distinction of having played on the soundtrack to all 33 of Elvis Presley's movies.

In his book Heartaches By The Number: Country Music's Greatest Singles, author David Cantwell wrote "Buddy Harman set the standard, both quantitatively and qualitatively, for what a great country drummer should be. The mind boggles at the number of musically distinctive and emotionally fitting ways Harman found to lay down a beat."

WSM radio personality Eddie Stubbs commented, "If anybody could be called the father of modern country drumming, it would be Buddy. He defined the role of the drums in country music. No matter the song, he knew what to play. More importantly, he knew what not to play. Always."

In 1959, Harman became the first house drummer at the Grand Ole Opry, a position to which he would return in the early-90's. Among his accolades are the award for Drummer of the Year from the ACM in 1981 and the "Super Picker" Award from NARAS for drumming in 1975 and 1976.

Among Harman's 18,000 recordings are these gems:

• Oh Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
• Crying - Roy Orbison
• Cathy's Clown - Everly Brothers
• Little Sister - Elvis Presley
• King of the Road - Roger Miller
• Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash
• Crazy - Patsy Cline
• Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean
• Bye Bye Love - Everly Brothers
• Only the Lonely - Roy Orbison
• Crazy Arms - Ray Price
• Walking After Midnight - Patsy Cline
• Night Life - Ray Price
• Rose Garden - Lynn Anderson
• I'm Sorry - Brenda Lee
• Stand By Your Man - Tammy Wynette
• Coal Miner's Daughter - Loretta Lynn
• The Battle of New Orleans - Johnny Horton
• Viva Las Vegas - Elvis Presley
• Heartaches By the Numbers - Ray Price


Source: http://winkscollectibles.blogspot.com

This Date In Music History- August 23

Birthdays:

Rick Springfield ("Speak To The Sky") turns 59.

Jimy Sohns of the Shadows of Knight ("Gloria") is 62.

Tony "Spaghetti" Micale, lead singer of the Reflections ("Just Like Romeo And Juliet") is 66.

History:

Drifters vocalist Rudy Lewis was born in Philadelphia in 1936. His tenure with the group ended tragically sometime on the night of May 20, 1964 -- the following morning, he was found dead in his bed; some accounts say the cause was a drug overdose, while others who knew him say that Lewis, who was a binge eater, choked to death in his sleep. The group's other lead singer, Johnny Moore, stepped into the breach that same morning on the scheduled session for "Under The Boardwalk", and was the Drifters' lead vocalist for the remainder of their tenure on Atlantic and beyond.

The Beatles performed at the Hollywood Bowl in 1964 (the performance was finally released 13 years later).

Today in 1969 the song "Honky Tonk Woman" by the Rolling Stones topped the charts and stayed there for 4 weeks. Released the day after Brian Jones’ funeral, it’s the group's first hit with guitarist Mick Taylor (Jones’ replacement).

In 1975, Fleetwood Mac's self-titled album entered the charts. It's the former blues band's first record with pop-oriented songwriters Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham on board.

The late Keith Moon of the Who ("Pinball Wizard") was born in 1947.

The Looking Glass hit the top of the Billboard singles chart in 1972 with "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)."

The Beatles' movie "Help!" premiered in the U.S. in 1966.

The self titled-debut, "Blind Faith," entered the U.S. album chart in 1969, eventually reaching #1.

Killer Queen. “Queen's Greatest Hits” was released in Iran in 2004. Queen is the first Rock band to receive the official seal of approval in Iran even though Western music is strictly prohibited and homosexuality is considered a serious crime. Queen`s late singer, Freddie Mercury, who died of AIDs in `91, was of Iranian ancestry and bootlegged albums have been available for years.

Ringo Starr quit The Beatles during the recording sessions for "The White Album" in 1968, after finding that Paul had been erasing his drum tracks and replacing them with his own. During his absence, Paul fills in on drums for the taping of "Back In The USSR". He did return.

In 1969, Johnny Cash started a four-week run at #1 on the US album chart with "Johnny Cash At San Quentin.”

In 1987, there was big trouble at a Grateful Dead concert, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Summer of Love, when police killed an escaped drug addict who had shot one of the officers. The band's "In the Dark" album was sitting at number 6 in the US and its single, "Touch of Grey", was still climbing toward the Top Ten.

Oasis' "Be Here Now" sold 696,000 copies in its first two days of release in the UK in 1997, setting a record for the fastest selling album ever. It will top the chart the following week and reach #2 in the US in September.

In 1978, comedian Steve Martin was awarded a gold record for "King Tut", which had reached #17 on the Billboard chart.

A fan surreptitiously taped a Velvet Underground set on an ordinary cassette recorder in 1970. It turns out to be Reed's last night with the band and was later released as Velvet Underground - "The Velvet Underground Live at Max's Kansas City.'

New Vinyl Stamp? The News Is Good!!

I talked with my vinyl friend, Gary Freiberg yesterday(www.RockArtPictureShow.com www.VinylRecordDay.org) and have some exciting news to pass along:

Vinyl Record Day (VRD), Founder Gary J. Freiberg has announced the United States Postal Service has accepted Freiberg's proposal for a full review and consideration by the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to issue a First Class stamp series commemorating the vinyl record. The advisory Committee is responsible for making stamp subject recommendations to the Postmaster General.

"The intent for the stamp series is to raise awareness that we need to preserve our audio history that is available only on the vinyl record and to educate the public on the importance of preserving individual record collections. The RIAA has estimated only five percent of all recordings have been transferred to compact disc or other digital formats. There are a countless number of recordings that will never be transferred to other formats because it is not economically feasible for record companies to reissue releases that will not have commercial support. What many term are "old records" time has turned into audio historical documents, issuing a stamp series would be a major contribution to heightening the public's awareness of the importance of preserving the audio and visual history of the vinyl record." said Freiberg.

If adopted the series would be issued in 2011. Though final decision has not been made Freiberg is encouraged as the initial positive response from the manager of Stamp Development was made in less than a week. Freiberg will keep me informed when new information is available. In the meanwhile check out www.VinylRecordDay.org and help support vinyl's preservation.

Tim Barry Release

This from my vinyl friend Virgil over at http://www.vinylcollective.com/

A while back, I had posted mp3s from Tim’s live performance at Munford Elementary. I mentioned how rad I thought this session was and how I would love to release this as a single. The feedback from all of you was really strong so I asked Tim. Tim was uncertain about putting this out, but in the end, he decided to go for it. The really really cool thing about all of this is that the proceeds from the sale of this record and from the sales of the songs digitally will go to Munford Elementary’s music program. Here is how Tim explains it:

"This recording was never intended to be released. Ms, Kiesler asked me to play for her class and I agreed. Josh Small jumped on board soon after. I asked Dave Watkins to do an audio recording to give to the kids and teacher as a keepsake. A week later I uploaded the songs on my website and the response was impressive. I was offered the opportunity to release the songs and considered it for a couple weeks. My concern was that something as simple and fun as playing for kids could become a commodity. I settled on the fact that music is supposed to be shared, and that’s why I play it. With that said, feel good knowing that every single bit of “profit” from this release will go directly back into the classrooms at Mary Munford Elementary School. Thank you. -Tim Barry"

So this might end up being the only pressing of this record: 300 on White and 700 on brown. There is a test press contest and if you purchase a copy, you will be entered to win. Good luck. And thanks for your help in making this happen. I am so stoked to release this.

Expect copies by Mid September.

Four Blues Musicians Pass Away

The Blues Foundation is reporting the passing of four veteran blues musicians.


Phil Guy, younger brother of Buddy Guy, passed away in Chicago today at the age of 68. He had been battling kidney and liver cancer. Guy spent over a decade playing with harpist Raful Neal before moving to Chicago where he performed with his brother, Junior Wells and Jimmy Dawkins. He also recorded six solo albums for JSP between 1983 and 2000.

Chicago harmonica player Little Arthur Duncan passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 74. Duncan was born in Indianola, MS in 1934 and grew up on the same plantation as B.B. King. He moved to Chicago in the mid-50's, where he became friends with Little Walter and took up the harmonica. While holding down side jobs, he played with the likes of Earl Hooker around the Windy City scene and owned a club where he could showcase his music and the performances of others.

Singer/guitarist Alex "Lil' Bill" Wallace passed away last Sunday in Greenville, MS at the age of 83. Wallace learned modern guitar styles from T-Bone Walker. He would later pass the style on to Little Milton, Smokey Wilson and a young B.B. King who it is said to have convinced to change from gospel to blues music.

Singer/guitarist Hosea Leavy passed away last Monday from liver failure at the age of 80. Leavy cut his musical teeth in Arkansas before moving west in the 60's. His combo was the backing band on his brother Calvin Leavy's 1968 top 40 R&B hit Cummings Prison Farm. This lead to Leavy recording further sides with his brother and as a solo artist and, in 1998, his only solo album, You Gotta Move, was released on Fedora Records.

SOURCE: http://winkscollectibles.blogspot.com

The Art Behind The Music

An Interview With Classic Rock Art Curator Michael Goldstein of RockPoPGallery

By Robert Benson

Rock and roll has been part of our pop culture for many decades and, so too has pop/rock memorabilia and art associated with it. Many classic album covers were created to not only sell music, but the concepts and images that were often the driving forces behind the music as well.

A business that is keeping this ideal alive is www.RockPoPGallery.com, a site that is dedicated to bringing customers the best selection of limited-edition rock and pop music related art prints, photography and related collectibles on the market today.

I spoke with curator and owner Michael Goldstein of RockPoPGallery.com about his business and why it is so important to preserve these pieces of audio history. Let’s learn more about the man behind the scenes:

RockPoPGallery.com was founded in 2005 in Huntington, NY by Michael, a long-time collector of music related artwork, as Michael explains:

"It was my personal collection (and my display of it in my offices at the TV network I worked at) that got me into the business in the first place.”

And his interest in the art of the music was apparent at an early age, as Michael details:

“My father was a cartoonist/caricaturist and, while I only had 20% of his natural ability, I did a lot of drawing. I’d done a reproduction of one of Roger Dean’s “Flying Machines” on a wall in the basement of the house I grew up in, and that was the first time that I really sat down and took a look at the artistry that went into these covers. Growing up during the heyday of record cover art- from the Beatles to the Rolling Stones, from Iron Butterfly, the Electric Prunes and early Black Sabbath to King Crimson, Yes, Frank Zappa and The Mothers, and the Mouse/Kelly’s works- all of those images ingrained in my psyche. Later on, when I got into cartoon animation and then into TV/Web production, I had a chance to work with some of the illustrators and photographers whose works I’d admired while growing up; and seeing how many of the still ‘had to work for a living’ made me mad/curious as to why these works of art and most of the people who’d made them were, in my opinion, seen as outsiders by the fine art establishment. I had to do something about that. These images were all expressions of the collaboration between musical artists, art directors, illustrators and photographers, and many of these images have certainly survived the ‘test of time’ even better than some of the music they accompanied! The artwork is about emotional connections and different forms of inspirations (sometimes chemical) and I think that is why my visitors enjoy the album art-related Cover Stories I write, as they're all about the art and the artists.”

Not knowing much about fine art, I asked Michael about the specifics of the business, some rather obvious, and some that needed some clarification. Here are some of the questions I was curious about:

What is a print?

“To put it simply, unlike a painting, prints are made by drawing not on paper or canvas, but on a surface such as stone or a metal plate, from which the image can then be printed a number of times,” explained Michael. “The surface is inked, a sheet of paper is then placed over it and the two are run through a press. The total number of prints that are pulled is decided by the artist and the publisher beforehand and this is called an “edition”. Each impression in the edition is signed and numbered (and sometimes embellished otherwise) by the artist. Once the edition is completed, the original plate or stone is either defaced or destroyed so that no more can be made.”

“Original prints are often referred to by the technique that was used to produce them, such as lithography, silk-screening and the newest (and somewhat controversial) method – digital printing (or Giclee’). I explain these techniques in detail on the website.”

I asked Michael, how do I know what I’m buying is an original?

“In almost all circumstances, RockPoPGallery buys its inventory from only one of three sources – either directly from the artist, directly from the artist’s publisher, or at auction from auction companies that can authenticate the “provenance” (the documented history of a work of art from its production to the present) of a work of art,” stated Michael. “While many items come from these sources with complete documentation, this is not the case with all works and so we guarantee originality, based on our knowledge, provenance and the above checks. As an art lover, collector and a gallery owner I would not consider buying or selling a work of art that I am not 100% sure about. Upon request, RockPoPGallery will provide you with a Certificate of Authenticity, which will include a copy of the provenance provided from our sources. You can then go visit the web sites of the artists/publishers, and if the description of the print matches theirs in every detail, then there is a very good chance it is original.”

What determines the market price of a particular print?

"The international art market decides the price, based on the principles of supply and demand, basic economics really," Michael explained. "Original prints may exist in multiples of more than one, which can account for a difference of thousands of dollars between the price of a mass-produced poster, an unsigned 'open edition' print and a signed and numbered limited-edition print. If a certain print is in demand and the supply is no longer there, the price will go up. However, price also very much depends on the condition of the print. Works on paper are extremely delicate and can easily be damaged by mishandling, poor framing, exposure to strong light and, of course, the passage of time. Prints in good condition are more sought after by collectors and therefore their prices are higher. And finally, some prints have been signed by both the artist/photographer and the musical act that the cover was done for, such as the Jimmy Page-signed Led Zeppelin IV prints, the David Bowie-signed Ziggy Stardust prints, and the Tony Iommi-signed Technical Ecstasy prints we sell. I have much more detailed information on the website."

What is the most expensive piece you sell, or conversely, maybe the most interesting item you have owned or sold.

“This really changes day-to-day and expensive is a relative term,” said Michael. “Compare to a Warhol or a Lichtenstein or a Haring- all of whom did record covers- none of my images are expensive. The highest-priced items tend to be the pieces where the editions are nearly sold out- like the Led Zeppelin 4 cover art signed by Jimmy Page, Karl Ferris’ photos for the covers of “Are You Experienced?” and “Electric Ladyland,” Entwistle’s “Who by Numbers”, etc. As far as the most interesting item I have sold, well the one with the most personal story must have been my copy of Roger Dean’s “Magician’s Birthday.” I bought one for my personal collection at a very good price and then was offered a lot of money to sell it, which I did; not knowing how much I really wanted to keep it. To punish myself and to let me look at it everyday, I had a section of it tattooed on my right arm!”

I enjoyed my conversation with Michael and have certainly learned valuable information about the fine art that is available for rock and roll fans. I think what impressed me the most about conversation was Michael’s commitment and passion for what he does, certainly intangible qualities that you cannot place a value on.

The Comeback Continues!

Yes, it's true- Vinyl IS making A Comeback! Read these latest stories:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/19/eveningnews/main4364986.shtml

http://sharpmusic.wordpress.com/2008/08/19/welcome-back-vinyl-records-sales-expected-to-jump/

http://www.sott.net/articles/show/164064-Vinyl-records-make-a-return

http://brunorepublic.livejournal.com/383485.html

http://dj-spyder.blogspot.com/2008/08/san-antonio-wax-works.html

This Date In Music History- August 21

Birthdays:

Kenny Rogers ("Reuben James") turns 70.

Carl Giammarese of the Buckinghams ("Susan") is 61.

Joe Strummer (John Graham Mellors, The Clash) was born in 1952.

Jackie DeShannon had her biggest hit with 1969's "Put a Little Love in Your Heart." But she's also written hits for the Byrds ("Don't Doubt Yourself Babe"), the Searchers ("Needle and Pins"), and Kim Carnes ("Bette Davis Eyes"). She was born today in Hazel, Ky in 1944.

Guitarist James Burton was born in Minden, LA in 1939. He picked up the guitar at age 13 and played on Dale Hawkins ’57 hit "Susie Q." He's heard on Rick Nelson’s hits and from the late ‘60s to the end he was a key member of Elvis Presley’s band.

Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple/Black Sabbath) enters the world in 1952. The bassist/vocalist hails from Cannock, Staffordshire, England.

History:

Ever since the Beatles expressed a love of jellybeans, their concerts had featured plenty of offerings from the fans. However, at today's gig in Las Vegas in 1964, they have to stop playing twice in order to ask the audience to let up with the barrage of candy.

Ricky Nelson recorded "Lonesome Town" in 1958.

Patsy Cline recorded "Crazy" in 1961.

Jazz orchestra leader, the great, Count Basie was born in Red Bank, N.J. in 1904. He died on 26th April 1984.

In 2005, Bob Moog, inventor of the Moog synthesizer, died in Asheville, N.C. He was 71. The Moog appears on records by Pink Floyd, Kraftwerk, The Neptunes and Black Eyed Peas.

1923 - In Kalamazoo, Michigan, an ordinance was passed forbidding dancers from gazing into the eyes of their partner. My question, where were they supposed to look?

Barry McGuire's "Eve Of Destruction" was released in 1965.

In 1976, it was announced by RCA Victor records that the sales of Elvis Presley records passed the 400 million mark.

The Rolling Stones album, "Out of Our Heads," was number one on the US album chart in1965 on the strength of "Satisfaction,” "Play With Fire" and "The Last Time.”

"Do You Believe in Magic," the Lovin' Spoonful's rock and roll anthem, debuts in the Top Hundred in 1965 . Reaching #9, it is the first of ten Top Forty singles, including an amazing string of seven consecutive Top Ten hits.

Jefferson Airplane ran into some trouble with Akron, Ohio police in 1972 after their equipment manager calls some officers "pigs". Paul Kanter is roughed up, Grace Slick was maced and Jack Casady was arrested and dragged off stage.

In 1976, The Rolling Stones appeared in front of 200,000 fans with Todd Rundgren, Lynyrd Skynyrd, 10cc and others at England's annual Knebworth Festival. The concert was falsely advertised as "the last Stones show ever to be held in Britain." No word on when their last concert will really be…..

Elvis Presley started a three-week run at No.1 on the US album chart in 1961 with 'Something For Everybody' his sixth US No.1 album.

In 1956, comics Bill Buchanan and Dickie Goodman have the number three song in America with a novelty tune called "Flying Saucer". The premise of the record was two radio news reporters who ask questions which are then humorously answered with snippets from mid-'50s hits. Buchanan and Goodman were sued by 17 different record companies for copyright infringement, but all were dismissed by a ruling that said the parodies did not infringe on the sales of the original hits.

Brian Wilson

Music and Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson and Capitol Records are partnering with newspapers all across the US for an exclusive premiere of Brian Wilson's new album, That Lucky Old Sun.

From August 22 to September 1, more than 50 newspaper and TV station websites, including USA Today, will exclusively offer full streaming audio of Wilson's new album before its September 2 release.

Viewers to the websites will be able to listen to the full 38-minute album in sequence or skip ahead or back to individual tracks.

For the release of his new studio album, That Lucky Old Sun, Wilson has returned to Capitol Records, his original label home. The new album will be released on CD, limited edition CD/DVD, and digitally on September 2. The album was released today (August 19) as a limited edition vinyl LP.

Brian Wilson describes That Lucky Old Sun as an "interwoven series of 'rounds' with interspersed spoken word," and as an autobiographical travelogue of sorts. The new studio album is produced by Wilson and was created with his acclaimed band at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, where he first recorded in 1962.

Brian says, "This music is really special to me and I hope that everyone will enjoy it!"

Brian Wilson will tour with his band this fall, performing songs from That Lucky Old Sun and his classic hits.

Mississippi Records

So Mighty: Mississippi Records

MISSISSIPPI RECORDS IS a small, independent reissue label that has been releasing vinyl-only compilations of obscure but first-rate music from around the world for the past five years, ranging from '70s Thai orchestral music to Scottish anarchy punk and beyond.

The label has gained in notoriety in recent months, however, due to the popularity of its blues and gospel reissues, which have been appearing more and more frequently in local record stores and attracting superlatives from roots enthusiasts across the country.

Ranging from pre-war Piedmont blues to '70s gospel quartets, below are reviews for some of Mississippi Records' most popular releases.




» Various Artists, "Life Is a Problem"

Sure, rock 'n' roll may be the devil's music, but this album shows that the Lord's music sounds just as good accompanied by a screeching electric guitar. With recordings dating from the 1940s to the 1970s, these 13 tracks present some of the rawest and frenzied electric gospel ever put on tape. Never mind the apparent contradiction in Elder Charles Beck's "Rock N' Roll Sermon Pt. 1 & 2," in which Beck preaches against rock music over an equally blistering rock workout; this album reveals that the fervor and passion of spiritual music mixes well (almost too well) with the fire of the electric guitar.

Standout Track: The Crumb Brothers' "Seat in the Kingdom," recorded sometime in the late '50s/early '60s, is a broiling gospel number featuring the vocal hysterics of the family quartet's 10-year-old singer, 'Sugar.' Over a churning guitar rhythm, Sugar belts out a defense of the group's young age to those who doubt their true desire, and does it with such raw intensity it's hard to believe there were ever any suspicions in the first place.



» Skip James, "1931 Sessions"

One of the legends of delta blues, Skip James' high falsetto and deftness at both the guitar and piano should have made him a music star; sadly, like many musicians of his day, the Depression ruined any chance he had at a music career shortly after he recorded for Paramount in 1931, and he didn't record again until his rediscovery in 1964. The 12 tracks here, culled from his original sessions, show why blues enthusiasts sought him out so intensely during the '60s blues revival: His expert and unique style of finger-picking gave his guitar a menacing, haunting tone, and his falsetto can run shivers up anyone's spine. In addition, the excellent remastering and restoration of the recordings presents James' work clearer and cleaner than any compilation before.

Standout Track: Fans of the Coen Brothers' "O Brother Where Art Thou" will recognize "Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues," sung by the character Tommy Johnson in the movie and included in the accompanying soundtrack; it's one of James' best numbers, with his methodical guitar work and soaring moan giving the already-dark song an intense, lingering feel.



» Various Artists, "Last Kind Words: 1926-1953"

A compilation of country-blues music from the 1920s to the 1950s, "Last Kind Words" presents a good introduction to the world of country blues by mixing in the obscure with well known. More common names such as Blind Willie McTell, Memphis Minnie, Geechie Wiley and Robert Wilkins blend seamlessly with the less familiar Cannons' Jug Stompers and LuLu Jackson, and all the tracks expound classic country-blues musicianship. As with the Skip James album, the restoration quality of the recordings makes the tracks sound clearer and crisper, making it well worth picking up.

Standout Track: There's no denying the evocative veracity of Wiley's "Last Kind Words" and Wilkins' "That's No Way to Get Along," both classic recordings found on many blues comps, but Kid Prince Moore's "Church Bells" certainly belongs in the same canon. Moore's nimble finger picking and sweet vocal tone makes his version the definitive version of this traditional blues song, narrowly edging out fellow blues artist Ralph Willis and, yes, the Smothers Brothers, who recorded it in 1963.



» Washington Phillips, "What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?"

East Texas traveling preacher Washington Phillips recorded 18 distinctive and lush gospel numbers between 1927 and 1929; his uniqueness was based primarily on his instrument of choice, believed to be the long-since-extinct dolceola. From most accounts, it was an odd amalgamation of a zither, piano and guitar, and produces a haunting, ethereal fog of noise that sounds somewhat like a toy piano plugged into a reverb amp. It's a perfect accompaniment to Phillips' sweet, spiritual crooning, and the 12 tracks compiled here represent some of his best recordings.

Standout Track: The title track is probably Phillips' best known, a melody in which Phillips states at the beginning that he may not know what happens in Heaven, but "it's my business to stay here and sing about it." Being a preacher, Phillips' lyrics often read more like a sermon than a song, and Phillips alternates between philosophically musing on what either the poor, sick or heartbroken are doing now that they've reached the promised land, all over the hazy sounds of his dolceola.

» Some Mississippi Records titles are available through Forced Exposure.

SOURCE: http://www.expressnightout.com
Written by Express contributor Paul Vivari
Images courtesy Mississippi Records

New Vinyl Releases:

Afrika Bambaataa: Planet Rock: The Album (reissue) [vinyl]
Alkaline Trio: Good Mourning (limited edition reissue) [vinyl]
Anarbor: The Natural Way EP
Brainiac: Hissing Prigs in Static Couture (reissue) [vinyl]
Brian Wilson: That Lucky Old Sun [vinyl]
Captain Beefhart: Dustsucker (2-disc green vinyl) [vinyl]
Dandy Warhols: Earth To The Dandy Warhols [vinyl]D
Dirty Three: Horse Stories (reissue) [vinyl]
Everest: Ghost Notes [vinyl]
The Ex & Tortoise: In the Fishtank EP (reissue) [vinyl]
Fiery Furnaces: Remember (2-disc live album) [vinyl]
Funkadelic: Maggot Brain (reissue) [vinyl]
Gorilla Biscuits: Start Today (reissue) [vinyl]
Jim Boggia: Misadventures In Stereo (vinyl]
MakeUpBreakUp: We Prefer Not To... EP
Mr. Bungle: Disco Volante (reissue) [vinyl]
PJ Harvey: Rid of Me (reissue) [vinyl]
Stereolab: Chemical Chords [vinyl]
Thao: We Brave Bee Stings & All [vinyl]

World's Largest Record Collection

Want to learn more about the "World's Largest Record Collection?" Go to the main site and they have set up a great Q & A section. Let's hope that this archive falls into the right hands and these audio treasures can be preserved!

http://www.thegreatestmusiccollection.com/

Vinyl Collective News

My vinyl friend, Virgil Dickerson, over at www.vinylcollective.com has received some 'new' stock. Take a look at these great releases:

BORIS “Smile” dbl LP
CLUTCH “Jam Room” LP
CLUTCH “Pitchfork & Lost Needles” LP
DIANOGAH “Qhnnnl” LP
FUTUREHEADS “This Is Not The World” LP
THE GRATEFUL DEAD “American Beauty” LP
THE GRATEFUL DEAD “Workingman’s Dead” LP
JANE’S ADDICTION “Ritual De Lo Habitual” LP
LESS THAN JAKE “Gnv Fla” LP
JOHN COUGAR MELLENCAMP “Life Death Love and Freedom” LP
MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE “Black Parade” dbl LP
N.W.A. “Efil4zaggin + 100 Miles and Runnin” dbl LP
N.W.A. “Greatest Hits” dbl LP
NAS “Illmatic” LP
OLD 97′S “Blame It On Gravity” LP
A PERFECT CIRCLE “Emotive” dbl LP
A PERFECT CIRCLE “Thirteenth Step” dbl LP
TOM PETTY “Wildflowers” dbl LP
LIZ PHAIR “Exile In Guyville” LP
PUSCIFER “V Is For Vagina” dbl LP
RANCID “Out Come The Wolves” LP
RANCID “S/T” LP 1st album
RANCID “S/T” LP 5th album
SOCIAL DISTORTION “Greatest Hits” LP
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN “Born In The USA” LP
THE STROKES “Room On Fire” LP
SUPERGRASS “Diamond Hoo Ha” LP
A TRIBE CALLED QUEST “Beats Rhymes & Life” dbl LP
A TRIBE CALLED QUEST “Low End Theory” dbl LP
A TRIBE CALLED QUEST “Mignight Marauders” LP
A TRIBE CALLED QUEST “People’s Instinctive Travels” dbl LP
WHISKEYTOWN “Strangers Almanac” dbl LP

AC/DC Sets October 20 For Black Ice

AC/DC will release their new album, "Black Ice," on October 20 exclusively through Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and their own website.

The release through the Wal-Mart chain is a first as, previously, exclusives have come from bands who were no longer associated with major labels. AC/DC's release is with the full cooperation with their label, Columbia, who will be supporting through "multiple activities for fans."

The first single, "Rock 'n' Roll Train," will be serviced to radio on August 28. In addition, Columbia is releasing No Bull: The Director's Cut on DVD September 9. This is a newly edited version of the group's July 1996 show at the Plaza De Toros De Las Ventas in Madrid.

The track list:

Rock'n'Roll Train
Skies on Fire
Big Jack
Anything Goes
War Machine
Smash n Grab
Spoilin' for a Fight
Wheels
Decibel
Stormy May Day
She Likes Rock'n'Roll
Money Made
Rock'n'Roll Dream
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This Date In Music History- August 19

Birthdays:

Billy J. Kramer ("Bad To Me") turns 65.

Johnny Nash ("I Can See Clearly Now") is 68.

Don Fardon ("Indian Reservation") is 65.

Ginger Baker of Cream ("Sunshine Of Your Love") turns 68.

Ian Gillan (from Deep Purple) was born in 1945.

Elliot Lurie, singer with New Jersey rockers Looking Glass, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1948. He formed the group while at Rutgers University, and enjoyed a No. 1 hit in 1972 with "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)."

John Deacon (from Queen) was born in 1951.

Roger Cook, songwriter, and a member of Blue Mink, was born in 1940. Cook has had more than 80 top 30 hits, including ‘Something’s Gotten Hold Of My Heart’, ‘Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress’ , ‘You’ve Got Your Troubles’ and ‘I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing.’

History:

The Beatles scored their 14th US No.1 single in 1967 with 'All You Need Is Love.' Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Keith Moon, Graham Nash, Marianne Faithfull and Walker Brother Gary Leeds all sang backing vocals on the track.

Blues guitar god Blind Willie McTell died in Milledgeville, Ga. in 1959, from a brain hemorrhage. The 58-year-old legend had given up music to become a pastor.

NBC debuted their Rock and Roll TV show "Midnight Special," in 1972 with Wolfman Jack announcing. The first show featured War performing their million selling US hit "Slippin' Into Darkness".

In 1988, ‘Crazy’ by Patsy Cline, and Elvis Presley’s, ‘Hound Dog’ were announced as the most played jukebox songs of the first hundred years. The jukebox had been around since 1906, but earlier models had been first seen in 1889.

Betty Everett ("The Shoop Shoop Song") died in 2001.

A suitcase thought to contain Beatles memorabilia and recordings discovered at an Australian flea market in 2004, turned out to be a hoax, with many of the items mere photocopies or phonies. There were no recordings. Reminds us all to be careful.

After 58 episodes, the final Monkees TV show aired on NBC in 1968. Since the its initial run, almost every major cable network has aired re-runs of the show, including a popular stint on CBS from 1969-1972.

The Bee Gees' 25th charting album, 'One', was released in 1989. The title track reaches #7 and the band tours for the first time in nearly a decade.

The first American tour by the Beatles began in San Francisco, CA in 1964. The tour would cover 26 cities.

Fleetwood Mac's reunion album "The Dance" was released in 1997.

"Hard Luck Blues" by Roy Brown and His Mighty Mighty Men hit the top of the US R&B chart in 1950. Brown wrote Wynonie Harris' 1948 hit, "Good Rockin' Tonight", which is recognized by many Rock historians as a precursor to the Rock 'n' Roll era and was covered by Elvis Presley in 1954.

The Beatles were on the receiving end of an assassination threat during a concert in Memphis, Tennessee in 1966. During the second show, a firecracker is thrown on stage, but the band continued to play and the night went on without further incident.