Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Music News & Notes




New Megadeth album cover art revealed

Megadeth have released the cover art for the upcoming album called "Endgame." This is their twelfth studio album in two-and-a-half decades and is scheduled to be released on September 15 through Roadrunner Records.

Frontman Dave Mustaine spoke about the lyrical content of the new album, stating:

"I've never been known to be a silent bystander in a world that needs our participation. As more is revealed about our former President's legacy, a little-known but staggeringly frightening document which was signed into law ... has been uncovered."

The document Mustaine refers to is Operation Endgame, a plan to detain and remove all illegal aliens from the United States by 2012. Aside from the thematic elements of Endgame, Mustaine declared the new album as his “proudest moment since … Rust in Peace.” He particularly praises new lead guitarist Chris Broderick as inspiring him to relish recording new music in the studio.

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Psycho Charger Reveal New 'Toxic' CD Art


Gore-soaked rockers Psycho Charger have joined forces with renowned horror artist Eric “Unkle” Pigors – best known for his “Toxic Toons” series as well as promo art for bands like Metallica, Wednesday 13, Genitorturers and Scum of the Earth – for the artwork to accompany their upcoming CD Mark of the Psycho.

Aside from contributing the cover art, Pigors will also reportedly step up to the mic, along with other rumored guest performers like actor Chuck Williams (Bubba Ho-Tep), Jeano Roid from The Creeping Cruds, and original Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra, who has been approached to record an introduction to the album.

More gory details – including the official release date – will be coming soon to the band's official “gravesite.”

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Kristofferson plans September CD release

Kris Kristofferson will release a new disc, "Closer To The Bone," his second release with New West Records, on Sept. 29. Don Was (Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt) produced the 11-song disc. Was also produced Kristofferson's last CD, the critically acclaimed "This Old Road."

The new release will be offered a standard CD, deluxe two-CD set and a limited edition 180-gram vinyl.

"I like the intimacy of the new album" he said. "It has a general mood of reflecting on where we all are at this end of life." Songs include From Here To Forever, a melancholy lullaby to his children, and Good Morning John, written for Kristofferson's friend and mentor, the late Johnny Cash, about the struggles with addiction early in Cash's life.

"Closer To The Bone" features Kristofferson on vocals, guitar and harmonica, Don Was on bass, Rami Jaffee on keyboards, Jim Keltner on drums and longtime friend, the late Stephen Bruton, to whom the album is dedicated, on guitar, mandolin and backing vocals. All songs were written solely by Kristofferson except From Here To Forever, written in collaboration with Bruton and Glen Clark.

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New No Age EP set for October release

Two-man but whole-lotta-noise pop combo No Age will release a new EP this October, their first new material since 2008's Nouns. It's called Losing Feeling and will be available to the record buying public from October 6 on Sub Pop. It'll be available on 12" vinyl and digitally, in some kind of mp3 format, but not as a CD.

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Jamey Johnson Album Vinylized

Next week is one year since Jamey Johnson’s album That Lonesome Song came out on Mercury Records, but he’s already gearing up for his next CD. This time around, the album will come out simultaneously on retro vinyl, an appropriate move since much of the music he loves was recorded at a time when the CD hadn’t even yet been released.

"That’s how I listen to music," Jamey says. "It’s my favorite, No. 1 preference at home, to go put a vinyl record on my great grandmother’s old record player."

A release date hasn’t yet been announced for the new album, though the first single, "My Way To You," has already been released to radio stations. Beginning Monday, it will be available as a free download at www.jameyjohnson.com. The song goes to digital music stores Aug. 11.

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Lips EP

The Flaming Lips digitally released a three song EP today called Songs From The Future Album Embryonic EP which, obviously, is a preview of their upcoming album Embryonic, which will be out this fall. The songs include "Convinced of the Hex," "The Impulse" and "Silver Trembling Hands."

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Jazz Legend Dies

Legendary jazz master George Russell has died at age 86 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease, the AP reports. In 1953, Russell published The Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization, a theoretical text credited with influencing Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue.”

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Vinyl Collective Restocks

Virgil has some great restocks, stop by and get your fill at www.vinylcollective.com

GREY MACHINE îVultures Descendî LP
PELICAN “City Of Echoes” LP baby pink w/ black splatter 180 gram vinyl
PELICAN “City Of Echoes” LP black 180 gram vinyl
PELICAN “City Of Echoes” LP clear light blue 180 gram vinyl
PELICAN “City Of Echoes” LP clear w/ black splatter 180 gram vinyl
PELICAN “City Of Echoes” LP silver 180 gram vinyl
PELICAN/ THESE ARMS ARE SNAKES îPink Mammoth/Gold Diggersî split 10î clear w/ bl
PELICAN/ THESE ARMS ARE SNAKES îPink Mammoth/Gold Diggersî split 10î clear w/ pi
THE MELVINS î(a) Senile Animalî 4xLP
TORCHE “Healer/Across The Shields” LP + DVD emerald vinyl
TORCHE “Healer/Across The Shields” LP + DVD plain ol’ white vinyl
V/A “Champions Of Sound 2008″ dbl 7″ clear vinyl
XASTHUR “All Reflections Drained” dbl LP picture disc+backpatch
XASTHUR “All Reflections Drained” dbl LP red vinyl
NARROWS “New Distances” LP clear vinyl
REIGN SUPREME “Testing The Limits Of Infinite” LP light blue vinyl
JASON FALKNER “Can You Still Feel?” LP
GRIZZLY BEAR “Yellow House” LP
KINGS OF LEON “Aha Shake Heartbreak” dbl 10

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

New Music Releases ~ July 28, 2009




Angus Khan - Black Leather Soul

10 Ft. Gangja Plant - Bush Rock (vinyl)

A-ha - 'Foot Of The Mountain'

Amadou & Mariam - The Magic Couple

Anthem In - The Cloudbusting

Ashley Tisdale - Guilty Pleasure

Bad Secrets - Bad Secrets

Band of Skulls - Baby Darling Doll Face Honey (vinyl)

Bear McCreary - Battlestar Galactica: Season 4 (soundtrack)

Beardfish - Destined Solitaire

Berlin - Greatest Hits (vinyl)

Blur - Midlife: A Beginner's Guide to Blur

Carla Bruni - Quelqu'un M'a Dit (reissue)

Champagne Socialists - Blue Genes [Single]

Cinematic Orchestra - 'Late Night Tales'

Circle Jerks - Golden Shower of Hits (remastered vinyl)

Cornershop - Judy Sucks A Lemon For Breakfast

Dandy Warhols - 'Dandy Warhols Are Sound'

Deee-Lite - The Very Best of Deee-Lite (reissue)

Divine Heresy - Bringer of Plagues

Dogs Die in Hot Cars - Please Describe Yourself

Duke Special - Songs from the Deep Forest (reissue)

Elbow - Asleep in the Back (reissue)

Elbow - Cast of Thousands (reissue)

Elbow - Leaders of the Free World (reissue)

Elvis Presley - From Elvis in Memphis

Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood - Live from Madison Square Garden (vinyl)

Eureka - Shackleton's Voyage

Fabolous - Loso's Way

Features - Some Kind of Salvation

Fred Hersch - Fred Hersch Plays Jobim

Gang of Four - Return the Gift (2-CD reissue)

George Thorogood & The Destroyers - The Dirty Dozen

Georgia Anne Muldrow - Umsindo

Howling Bells - Radio Wars

Iggy Pop - Iggy & Ziggy: Cleveland '77 (vinyl)

Indukti - Idmen

Iron Horse - A Boy Named Blue: The Bluegrass Tribute to Goo Goo Dolls

John Adams - Dr. Atomic Symphony/Guide to Strange Places

John Entwistle - Rigor Mortis Sets In (reissue)

John Zorn - O'O

Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart (remastered vinyl)

Kevin Hearn - Havana Winter

Kid British - It Was This or Football: First Half

Kieran Kane - Somewhere Beyond the Roses

Kristinia DeBarge - Exposed

Laurent Korcia - Cinema (soundtrack)

Lo Fidelity Allstars - 'Northern Stomp'

Lou Reid & Carolina - My Own Set of Rules

Madness - The Dangermen Sessions, Vol. 1

Master Shortie - 'A.D.H.D'

Melinda Watts - People Get Ready

Merzbow - 13 Japanese Birds, Vol. 7

Michael Jackson - The Stripped Mixes

Morphine - Yes (vinyl reissue)

Neil Young - Mystery Train (reissue)

Neon Horse - Haunted Horse: Songs of Love, Defiance...

Octopus Project - Golden Beds

Opeth - Morningrise (vinyl reissue)

Opeth - My Arms, Your Hearse (vinyl reissue)

Os Mutantes - Os Mutantes (vinyl)

Owl City - Ocean Eyes (vinyl)

Pisces - A Lovely Sight

Porcupine Tree - Metanoia (reissue)

Radio Dept. - David EP

Reverend & The Makers - 'A French Kiss In The Chaos'

RX Bandits - Mandala

Starflyer 59 - Ghosts of the Past

Stina Nordenstam - The World Is Saved (reissue)

Subhumans - Time Flies/Rats (remastered)

Summer Cats - Songs for Tuesdays (vinyl)

Sun Ra & His Solar Research Arkestra - Helsinki 1971 - Complete Concert

Talking Heads - Rome Concert 1980

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - 103 7?

The Twang - Barney Rubble

Trashcan Sinatras - In the Music

Trevor Hall - Trevor Hall (vinyl)

Ty Segall - Lemons (vinyl)

Was (Not Was) - Boo! (vinyl reissue)

YACHT - See Mystery Lights

Various Artists - New Tales to Tell - A Tribute to Love and Rockets [Digital release]

Various Artists - Adam (soundtrack)

Various Artists - Black Rio, Vol. 2: Original Samba Soul 1968-1981 (vinyl)

Various Artists - Funny People (soundtrack)

Various Artists - Putumayo Kids Presents: Picnic Playground

Various Artists - Putumayo Presents: Brazilian Cafe

Various Artists - The Boat That Rocked (soundtrack)

Various Artists - We're Gonna Change the World! The 60's Chicago Garage Sound of Quill Productions (vinyl)


Rolling Stones - The Rolling Stones Box Set (13-CD box set)


Music News & Notes

Michael Jackson autobiography to be reprinted

Late singer's 1988 memoirs to be issued later this year

Michael Jackson's 1988 autobiography 'Moonwalk' is set to be reprinted later this year.

The rights to the book have been bought by Heinemann publishers in the UK and Harmony Books in the USA and Canada.

The reprint will be released in late October, reports the Montreal Gazette.

The reprint will feature a newly-written introduction by what publisher Random House, of which Harmony is an imprint, described as a "figure close to Jackson."

Maybe one of the Jackson's was right, he may be worth more to them dead.....

A number of reports have come out that Dr. Conrad Murray had been regularly injecting Jackson with the highly potent drug Propofol, including the night before his death. The problem is that the drug is only meant as an anesthetic and not as a regular cure for poor sleep. So, who, and why now become the story and yet the confusion and sadness will remain with all MJ's fans and family....

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Rarest Apple 45 sells for record price on eBay


One of the rarest Apple label 45s has just sold for an all time record price on eBay. A "thick" vinyl version ("thick" term was normally used for radio promotion as compared to the commercial copy which was on a thinner vinyl)of Apple 8 "King of Fuh"/"Nobody Knows" by Brute Force recently sold for £4,888 ($8,063) to an unnamed bidder. EMI would not distribute the 45, over objections from John Lennon, and most of the 2,000 commercial copies that were circulated were given out or sold by mail order.







For More of the story: Beatles News

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Apple and the LP

Apple and the four major record labels are reportedly collaborating on a project to boost album sales on iTunes. The move is an attempt to reinvigorate the album format, which has seen steadily decreasing sales since digital downloads took off.

The Financial Times says Apple is working with EMI, Warner, Sony and Universal to develop more appealing album download bundles under the codename 'cocktail.' The bundles will include additional content such as interactive booklets, sleeve notes and lyrics.

The per-track sales model on the iTunes store is blamed for contributing to the fall-off in album sales as digital downloads replace physical formats. Album sales in the US fell 14% last year, according to Nielsen. An executive close to the deal tell the FT that the new scheme is about 'recreating the heyday of the album when you would sit around with your friends looking at the artwork, while you listened to the music.'

Here's a novel approach....Why Not Release The Music As It Was Intended To Be- ON VINYL!!

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New Michelle Branch Music

Michelle Branch will return with "Everything Comes and Goes," her first solo album in six years, in the fall. The first single “Sooner or Later” will make its iTunes premiere today and hit the radio on August 11th.

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Michael Jackson Tops UK Album Charts For 5th Week

Michael Jackson topped the UK album charts for the 5th straight week with the greatest hits collection The Essential Michael Jackson. No other album has topped the UK album chart for so long this year.

Jackson didn’t just get the top spot, he also had five of the top 20 and ten of the top 50. 1982’s Thriller came in at #7 and 1979’s Off the Wall came in at #12.

He also had the #16 UK single with “Man in the Mirror” which was on Jackson’s 1987 album, Bad. “Man in the Mirror” peaked at #2 in the weeks immediately following Jackson’s death.

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Bruce Springsteen 'Set To Play Dedicated 'Born To Run' Concert'

It's being reported that Bruce Springsteen will play his 1975 album 'Born To Run' in its entirety at a forthcoming show in Chicago. The gig, on September 20, is one of two shows Springsteen is set to play at the United Center as part of his US tour.

A source close to the singer confirmed to Rolling Stone that only the one show would be dedicated to 'Born To Run.'

The album is widely regarded as Springsteen's landmark release and was last performed in its entirety at a fundraising gig in New Jersey last year.

Springsteen is currently touring in support of his latest album 'Working On A Dream.'

Monday, July 27, 2009

Classic Rock Videos

RAMONES - Rock n Roll Highschool - 1980 - BBC Live

Beatles Records Increase In Value

I found this very interesting. Beatles vinyl will always be at a premium and this list shows the prices in 1976 and the value in 1996. These prices obviously have changed, but this is a great example of how the demand for Beatles records has driven the price upward.


Thirty rare Beatle records - what they were worth in 1976 & their value in 1996 (1976 value shown first followed by 1996 value)

(Note that the values given are for mint, sealed, or unique copies.
Values for copies in lesser grades would be much lower). 1976 Value 1996 Value



1. The Beatles & Frank Ifield ("Portrait" cover) stereo sealed $600.00 $20000.00

2. The Beatles & Frank Ifield ("Portrait" cover) stereo mint- $350.00 $7000.00

3. Introducing the Beatles, blank back mono mint- $125.00 $1200.00

4. Introducing the Beatles, brackets label stereo mint- $150.00 $1500.00

5. Songs, Pictures, and Stories of the Beatles (VJ LP) mono sealed $150.00 $2500.00

6. Beatleviews ‘66, interview LP mono mint $10.00 $150.00

7. Hear the Beatles Tell All mono sealed $150.00 $1000.00

8. Slippin’ and Slidin’, promo 45, Apple 1883 mono mint + $45.00 $300.00

9. Magical Mystery Tour, 16mm film reel stereo mint- $220.00 $400.00

10. Ram radio spots, original EMI 10" master mono mint $100.00 $1500.00

11. "Yesterday"... And Today, 1st state butcher mono sealed $300.00 $6000.00

12. Beatles vs Four Seasons stereo mint $300.00 $2000.00

13. Beatles ‘65, original Capitol black label mono sealed $35.00 $475.00

14. set of mono & stereo Butcher slicks (both) mint $750.00 $3000.00

15. entire set of all 28 Capitol and Apple Beatles singles,
WITH sleeves, including "Can't Buy Me Love" (set) mint- $300.00 $2500.00

16. Ain't She Sweet, Atco LP stereo mint- $40.00 $150.00

17. "Ringo" album w/long version of "Six O' Clock" stereo mint- $35.00 $150.00

18. Souvenir of Their Visit, VJ EP mono mint $25.00 $175.00

19. John Lennon "Roots" album stereo mint $70.00 $1500.00

20. The "Best of Tobe Milo Records" LP (both) sealed $8.00 $400.00

21. Let It Be Dialogue, one sided interview stereo mint $8.00 $75.00

22. Wings Over America, 3 LP test pressing stereo mint $100.00 $250.00

23. 4 x 4 Capitol EP 5365 stereo mint- $30.00 $250.00

24. Something New, original Capitol black label mono sealed $30.00 $550.00

25. "Yesterday"...And Today, pasteover mono mint- $250.00 $1000.00

26. Meet the Beatles, set of 12 different variations,
including record club both mint- $125.00 $600.00

27. The Early Beatles, original Capitol black label mono shrink $35.00 $200.00

28. Let It Be, boxed with book, UK stereo mint- $100.00 $250.00

29. Beatle solo 45s, complete set of all known variations,
90 different in all both mint- $450.00 $1200.00

30. Yellow Submarine, original Apple stereo sealed $7.00 $100.00

An Increase of more than 1100% ! Totals: $4,898 $56,375
When I get the time, I wil update the list to show the price in 2009 :O)

SOURCE: http://www.rarebeatles.com/20years/20yrs2.htm

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales

Week Ending 07/25/2009

1. 45 - Brute Force "King Of Fuh" / "Nobody Knows" Apple 8 - $8,023.16

2. 78 - Dock Boggs "Old Rub Alcohol Blues" / "False Hearted Lover's Blues" The Lonesome Ace - $4,000.00
2. 78 - Dock Boggs "Lost Love Blues" / "Will Sweethearts Know Each Other There" The Lonesome Ace - $4,000.00

3. 45 - James Cotton "Cotton Crop Blues" / "Hold Me In Your Arms" Sun 206 - $3,050.00

4. 45 - Pink Floyd "Free Four" / "Absolutely Curtains" Odeon Japan Promo - $2,500.00

5. 7" - Elvis Presley "His Latest Flame" / "Little Sister" RCA Victor Compact Single - $2,200.00

As always, A special thank you to Norm at http://ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com/ for this great data.

Stop by and listen to Accidental Nostalgia with Norm & Jane
On Radio Dentata Thursdays 4PM PDT/7PM EDT

Music News & Notes

Classical Gas

Classical music fans now have a fantastic site to find their favorite music, all for the price of $9.95 a month or $99.50 a year.

Classical Archives (www.classicalarchives.com) bills itself as "the ultimate classical music destination."

"Archives" delivers just about everything that today's classical-music fan might desire, and it does so in one, easy-to-navigate place. This includes both information galore and recordings that can be streamed (for free) or downloaded onto an mp3 player. Downloading an entire album ranges in price from under $10 to over $20. The cost of downloading a single movement is often less than a dollar. The quality of the streaming revealed a solid flow of sound, free of the breakups that are common on many radio-station sites.

The quantity of material at Classical Archives is formidable. This includes at least 620,000 tracks, 7,800 composers, 27,000 artists and 110 labels. That's more than enough material to keep even the most avid aficionado occupied his entire life.

The site provides detailed musicological information for each work: movements, genre, principal instruments, year of composition and key. Users may compare various recordings of a given work. Various terms are explained clearly, concisely and accurately, including instruments, genres and stylistic periods. Almost every composer gets a bio as well as a list of works, albums and "essentials," which are must-have items.

Some people may find all this overwhelming and not know where to begin. Fortunately, "Archives" offers several entry points. The site's homepage includes "featured" sections for composers, performers and new releases, with each one offering a column of recordings.

When it comes to composers, the site seems intent on serving all kinds of listeners, including the novice, the traditionalist and the more adventurous sort. You'll find the masters most everyone has heard of in a category called "The Greats," and you'll find them (and seemingly everyone else) in a "Composers" category.

Now, if they can only get with a company to re-release some of the classic music on 180 gram (or better) vinyl.

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Deep Purple To Record New Album In February 2010

British hard rock legends Deep Purple has announced that they will begin recording their next studio album next February. Lead vocalist Ian Gillan stated: "I think we are ready to make another album. We’ve been talking about it for some time already. I think we’ll start to work on it next February."

"We go into the studio with absolutely nothing, no music or lyrics whatsoever. We sit in the kitchen, having some cup of tea, talk about families and football… Then we go into the room and play; six hours a day. After three days, some ideas begin to shape and we start to turn them into songs. To prepare the main lines takes about three weeks, to deal with lyrics, recording process and mixing also take two weeks. Since there have been many technological developments recently and we use them by recording the music in analog and mix it in digital to achieve the best result."

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Led Zeppelin Singer Robert Plant Injured In Car Crash

Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant had a car crash with a drugs counselor. The rocker was driving his Audi A8 car when he collided with driver Richard Grant at a junction in North West London.

Grant - who is a counselor for charity Turning Point - was knocked unconscious and suffered whiplash in the smash, but came round to find the singer standing nearby.

Plant – whose car was damaged beyond repair in the accident - said: "My Mercedes is smashed up and I'm not in a good way."

Plant, 60, is not thought to have been seriously hurt in the accident.

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Mute Math Reveal Album Cover For ‘Armistice’

Mute Math have revealed the album art for their upcoming new album ‘Armistice‘ due out August 18th, 2009.

This Date In Music History-July 27

Birthdays:

Pete Yorn (1974)

Juliana Hatfield (1967)

Rex Brown – Pantera (1964)

Karl Mueller - Soul Asylum (1962)

Conway Savage - Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds (1960)

Duncan Cameron - Sawyer Brown (1956)

Michael Vaughn - Paper Lace (1950)

Maureen McGovern (1949)

Bobbie Gentry (1944)

Al Ramsey - Gary Lewis and the Playboys (1943)

Harvey Fuqua - Moonglows (1928)


They Are Missed:

The late Nick Reynolds of the Kingston Trio was born in 1933.

In 2001, Leon Wilkeson, bass player with Lynyrd Skynyrd, was found dead in a hotel room in Florida (age 49).

Louisiana bluesman Lightnin' Slim (real name Otis Hicks) died in Detroit in 1974 (age 61).

Singer Bobby Day ("Rock-in Robin") died of cancer in 1990 (age 60).

Bob Hope died in 2003 (age 100). The comedian topped the charts way back in 1938 with his signature tune "Thanks for the Memories."




History:

Peggy Lee recorded her first hit record "Why Don’t You Do Right" in 1942.

The Bobbette's first and only Top Forty single, "Mr. Lee" entered the pop charts in 1957. The tune was about the trio's high school principal.

In 1958, fans of R&R music were warned that tuning into music on the car radio could cost them more money. Researchers from the Esso gas company said the rhythm of rock & roll could cause the driver to be foot heavy on the pedal, making them waste fuel. Drive 55 people…

Cass Elliot released her first solo single in 1968. “Dream a Little Dream of Me” had been recorded by Frank Sinatra, Frankie Laine and many others (#12 US - #11 UK).



John Denver started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1974 with “Annie's Song.” The song was a tribute to his wife and was written in 10 minutes while he was on a ski lift.

Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" was released in 1974.

In 1976, Bruce Springsteen sued his manager Mike Appel for fraud and breach of trust. The case dragged on for over a year, halting Springsteen's career. An out of court settlement was reached the following year.

Tina Turner filed for divorce from her husband Ike in 1976, ending their violent 16-year marriage and successful musical partnership.

In 1976, after a four-year court battle, John Lennon received his green card and was granted permanent residency status in the US. Authorities had wanted to deport him because of a previous drug arrest and because of his involvement with the radical left.

Alice Cooper's Indian art store in Scottsdale, Arizona was hit by a firebomb in 1979. Gone were $200,000 worth of artifacts and some of Cooper's gold records, which were stored in the back. Cooper said maybe a "disco-music freak" was responsible because he had been making some anti disco remarks. Yep, blame it on disco….

Madonna self-titled debut album was released in 1983.

Prince's first movie, "Purple Rain" opened nationally in 1984.

In 1986, Queen became the first western act since Louis Armstrong in 1964 to perform in Easton Europe when they played at Budapest's Nepstadion, Hungary, the gig was filmed and released as “Queen Magic in Budapest.”

A fan stabbed himself repeatedly with a hunting knife during a Los Angeles concert by the Cure in 1986. The fan told police he did it because he couldn't have the woman he loved. The 18,000 fans thought the stabbing was part of the show and cheered him on.

Jesus Jones went to #2 on the US chart in 1991 with “Right Here, Right Now.”

In 1991, Natalie Cole started a five-week run at #1 on the US album chart with “Unforgettable Love.”

Toni Braxton scored her first US #1 single in 1996 with “You're Makin' Me High” (#7 UK).

In 1996, The Spice Girls scored their first #1 UK single with “Wannabe.” Seven weeks at #1 the song won Best British-Written Single at the 1997 Ivor Novello Awards and Best Single at the 1997 Brit Awards. The Girl Power song became the best-selling single by a female group selling over six million copies worldwide.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Turntables, Needles and Belts - Oh My!

written by Robert Benson

Ahhh, the sweet sound of a vinyl record spinning on a turntable playing the music that you love. No matter what kind of music that you listen to, it just sounds better via this format. And if the vinyl revival is any indication, these treasures of sound are not fading away anytime soon.

In fact, new sales figures from SoundScan indicate the renewed interest in this historic audio format. In 2009, the sale of records has already topped the one million mark (through May). SoundScan is predicting that the sale of vinyl will reach 2.8 million units sold in 2009; up from 2008’s figure of 1.9 million units sold; a record high since the counting giant has been tabulating music formats sales.

Electronic companies also are seeing a renewed interest and a jump in sales of turntables or, as they used to be called, record players. People of all ages are resurrecting old turntables that have been stored away in attics and closets as the music industry has reveled in the digital age.

However, a couple decades of turntable storage will necessitate a couple of new parts to play those old and new records. Luckily, for the vinyl record consumer, there are a handful of places where one can still find the parts to get a turntable spinning again. Whether you seek a new cartridge, belt, preamp or needle (aka stylus) or are not sure what you need, one thing is certain; your local music shop stands almost no chance of easing your search. We found just one place online that not only had these items but had a posted warranty, toll-free number, live chat and electronics technician on staff.

Speaking with Steve Winokur from www.turntableneedles.com, we can understand why the site has become a Mecca for all who wish to restore their equipment. In this Q&A session, let’s explore more about what they do and how they help people with their turntable needs:

Tell us more about your company, why you started it:

“We used to be a consumer electronics repair facility in the 1990's,” details Steve. “TV, camcorder, VCR, CD, stereo, and even a few turntables can in for repair. We started operations in 1992. For the 1st several years I don't remember anyone coming in for a turntable belt save a few turntables a year that needed repair. Then, in the late 1990's, local walk-ins started coming in about once a month. They wanted a belt for their turntable! My VCR belt sources also had turntable belts so I ordered some in.”

“Back then internet was getting big so I bought the name turntablebelts.com. After several months, I launched the site. After several more months I grossed enough to pay my rent on the repair facility and this made things very exciting to say the least. It was only natural to try my hand at selling needles. Over the past decade, countless 1000's of hours have been poured into making the difficult task of finding the right needle as easy as possible for the consumer. The result is the website you see today. “

What do you think of the vinyl revival and what has it done for your business?

“We can now declare..."The analog resurgence is on!” Orders are strong despite the economy. People all over the planet are pulling out the old turntable, installing a new needle and belt and spinning vinyl again. Why? Well how else can you listen to all your favorite tunes from yesteryear at such a low cost? Not only are people transferring their vinyl to digital to save the expense of buying titles in digital if they can even be found, but they are also playing records again just for the nostalgia or pure enjoyment.”

“As we all know, music is good for the soul. At this time in history, millions of people still have the music of their youth just sitting around. Many are realizing that for the price of a CD or two or three, they can get their turntable back up and running with a new belt and needle and be able to listen to dozens of albums that they likely already love. There's no risk of paying $18.99 and only getting one good song on a CD. What a great way to forget the troubles of life for an hour. Real music once again. No podphones, and no seek button, an album is an event, not a scan.”

Tell me some of the common problems that customers have:

“There is really only one that stands out....."How'd I get the WRONG needle?" Well, about 25% of the time, someone has changed the cartridge from what was originally installed on a turntable. So, when a customer looks up their needle by the model number of the turntable and pays no attention to the currently installed cartridge or does not match the photo result to their needle they may experience a 25% chance of getting it wrong, thus resulting in an exchange. Always check the cartridge number.”

“In ALL cases, the foolproof way to get the right needle the 1st time is to focus completely on the number of the cartridge or needle that is currently installed, not necessarily the model number (though that still may help). But beware the two stumbling blocks:

A) Often there is no part number on the needle or cartridge (or it may be hidden under the headshell on top of the cartridge).

B) The part number in the owner's manual is still valid ONLY if the cartridge has never been changed!”

Tell me more about your search feature; is this a database that you wrote?

“Yes. We've gleaned info from numerous old out of print books. Scanned the info into optical recognition software and then proofread every single result of which there are well over 100,000 cross references. At www.turntableneedles.com, "Find My Player" is our flagship search tool and is an innovative search window that takes you straight to the parts you seek. It includes over 80,000 individual models showing the most common parts required. Often the old info is not clear visually or the intent is not clear. Since the info from say the 50's and 60's is intended for human consumption not computers, then a range of models might be listed that all use the same needle. So, it might say that for models 1300 thru 1350 use needle number 123. Wow, talk about tricky. The maker might have only made 5 models within the range of 1300 to 1350. What to do? We had to go thru and extrapolate data using deductive reasoning and internet research. Such that the resulting data is somewhat different as we try to individually list each model or part number so that search engines can pick up a match.”

“We constantly work behind the scenes to improve our site. We just added several hundred more ceramic cartridges and idler wheels to our site. We specialize more in obsolete, impossible to find needles and ceramic cartridges, more so than say current production DJ needles,” said Steve.

What is the best way to listen to music (not a trick question) and why?

“Wasn't there a Star Trek next generation episode where everyone got addicted to a new video game and the ship almost crashed as a result?”



“In my town it seems that about 75% of the pedestrians have these little white things with wires stuck in there ears. I hope society doesn't crash from so many people becoming addicted to some little white pod, unable to socialize or have a quiet walk. With exceptions, music listening, I believe should be an event, not a crutch for a mind afraid to be by itself or a brain that is addicted to constant noise.”

Do you have an interesting story that you remember about a certain order?

“Sure, the order "that never was". It was a cold dark night.......oops wrong order. We have one comment a potential customer left over at:”

Customer Comments

“I think it was a few years ago but the customer was able to get their unit back up and running with NO parts required. We told them what to do to solve the problem on their own. At the above link you will find dozens of stories written by verified customers.”

So, bring out those old turntables and join in with the vinyl revival. The sound of your music will be better and your listening experience much more enjoyable. While you’re at it, share the great sound with someone caught up in the digital age, they will find a sound that their ears have been missing all along.

Copyright 2009 Robert Benson

New Riders of the Purple Sage Founder John Dawson Dies


John "Marmaduke" Dawson, singer and songwriter of the seminal country-rock band New Riders of the Purple Sage, died on Tuesday, July 21, 2009. The sixty-four year old died from complications due to stomach cancer.

In the summer of 1969, John Dawson was looking to showcase his songs while Jerry Garcia was looking to practice his brand new pedal steel guitar. They hooked up and began to play coffeehouses and small clubs and the music that they created became the nucleus sound for the country-rock band New Riders of the Purple Sage. Dawson loved the sounds of Bakersfield-style country music, and he would turn his older friends on to the work of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, all the while providing a vital link between the East Coast, Timothy Leary-dominated psychedelic scene and the West.

The band took its name from a 1912 Western novel by Zane Grey, “Riders of the Purple Sage” and the New Riders became one of the Grateful Dead’s regular opening acts, its country-leaning sound complementing the older band’s psychedelic folk-rock.

Filling out the rhythm section in those early days were Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart and engineer Bob Matthews on bass, who was later replaced by Phil Lesh. In 1970, Dave Torbert took over on bass and the group began to tour extensively with the Dead, and in December of 1970, Spencer Dryden from Jefferson Airplane stepped in on drums.

The band was signed to Columbia Records in 1971 by Clive Davis and their self-titled album was released in September of that year to widespread acclaim. In 1972 the pattern of their success continued to grow, with their first European tour followed in June by the release of their second album, “Powerglide.” They toured the United States extensively in response to increasing demand, and in November, 1972 released their third album “Gypsy Cowboy.” The next LP "The Adventures of Panama Red," was released in September of 1973 and the title track "Panama Red," became an FM radio staple and the first gold record for the band. The record is considered by many critics as being one of the best country-rock albums that emerged from the 1970s and the sound continues to influence the alternative country movement of today. The group continued to release their signature sound of sweet country harmonies mixed with pulsing rock rhythms throughout the 70's.

The original New Riders of the Purple Sage disbanded in 1982, however Dawson continued to use the name, bringing in new musicians, for 15 years to play and record. He retired to Mexico in the late 1990s and by the 2000s was too ill to take part in reunion tours, said Buddy Cage, who replaced Mr. Garcia on pedal steel. The band carries on today with numerous personnel changes throughout the years, still hammering out alternative country rockers.

Michael Jackson Art



"Michael Jackson" by Andy Warhol.

It was created in 1984 as a cover for Time magazine. This is classic Warhol capturing MJ in his prime before things turned goofy and wierd.

Andy Warhol's name is synonymous with the Pop Art movement in America. Like other Pop artists, he often chose to use objects appropriated from popular culture as imagery for fine art. These were often photographs, which were then reproduced onto a canvas through a silkscreen process by assistants. Warhol then retouched them. As he put it, "I sort of half paint them just to give it a style." The choice of Warhol as Jackson's portraitist for the cover of Time was appropriate, given the artist's fascination with heroes of popular culture.

Oil on silkscreen on canvas, 1984
Time cover, March 19, 1984

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Image posted in 2007 on Deviant Art by yoma82. He's a 24 year old digital artist from Poland and uses color brilliantly to expose MJ in all his glory.






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This is a fascinating painting by Thomas Cale of the infamous Michael Jackson mug shot taken by police following his November 2003 arrest for child molestation. Part human-part alien, Jackson's appearance had made the transformation by this time.

Classic Rock Videos

The Ramones: Sheena Is A Punk Rocker

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales

Week Ending 07/18/2009


1. LP - John Hartman and Circles "Music Of My Heart" Private Press - $5,205.00

2. 10" - Kurt Cobain William Burroughs "The Priest They Call Him" Test Press - $3,999.99

3. 45 - The Crystals "The Screw Part 1" / "The Screw Part 2" Phillies - $3,799.99

4. LP - Dave Bixby "Ode To Quetzalcoatl" Private Press - $3,199.99

5. 45 - King Of Soul "Is Your Love For Me" / "Girl What Have You Done" Down To Earth - $2,693.13

As always, a special thank you to Norm at ccdiscoveries.blogspot.com for this great data. Stop by and listen to Accidental Nostalgia with Norm & Jane On Radio Dentata Thursdays 4PM PDT/7PM EDT

Music News & Notes

ESCAPIST RECORDS ANNOUNCE THIS TIME NEXT YEAR VINYL RELEASE

Escapist Records is pleased to announce the vinyl release of This Time Next Year’s debut EP, “A Place for You.” The Walnut Creek, CA pop-punk outfit originally released the seven-song EP through the independent label in mid-2007 to critical acclaim.

Absolutepunk.net called it “the most addicting thing I’ve heard so far this year.” The success of “A Place for You” lead to the band’s signing to Run for Cover Records and the release of a brand new EP last year. Since then, Alternative Press named the band one of the “100 Bands You Need to Know in 2009” and This Time Next Year has gone on to sign with Equal Vision Records with the release of their debut full-length due this Fall. “A Place for You” will see its official vinyl release (with free digital download) in the coming months - details are currently being finalized.

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P Diddy holds off release of new album

Hip-hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is holding off the release of his new album ‘Last Train To Paris’ so he doesn't have to compete with other big upcoming releases. With albums from rappers like Jay-Z and newcomer Drake on the way, Combs faces stiff competition in terms of sales - so he's playing the safer option.

‘Last Train To Paris’ should have been available in September, but there is now no definite release date. Speaking on the delay, P. Diddy told MTV.com: "We just vibing and making music, having a good time. The Train is coming... It's coming, it's coming."

"Right now, it's like Jay-Z time and Drake time. Enjoy those guys. But the Train is coming," he added.

In other words, he doesn't want to compete with them for the almighty music dollar.

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Narnia Releases New Album "Course Of A Generation" In Europe



Christian power metallers Narnia have issued the following update about the release of their new album "Course of a Generation:"

"Course of a generation has been released in Europe! We hope each and every one of You will grab a copy as soon as You can, and we almost promise that You won't be dissapointed ;)

"For our more distant friends living in other parts of the world, there will be news about releases in more territories soon - hang in there! Take care!"

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SUBSIGNAL: 'Beautiful & Monstrous' Release Date Confirmed

SUBSIGNAL, the new German band featuring former SIEGES EVEN members Arno Menses (vocals) and Markus Steffen (guitar), will release its debut album, entitled "Beautiful & Monstrous", on September 25 via GoldenCore Records/ZYX Music. The CD was helmed by co-producer Kristian Kohlmannslehner, who worked on SIEGES EVEN's 2007 release, "Paramount". The special edition of the album, which will have an approximate running time of 60 minutes, will come with a stylish digipack cover and one bonus track. The LP will also be released as a normal jewelcase version with rounded corners, and it will be made available on double vinyl.



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NC-based Merge Records celebrates 20th anniversary

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. The finale show of the 20th anniversary celebration of Durham-based Merge Records will feature three bands under that label.

The show is set for 7 p.m. Sunday in Memorial Hall on the University of North Carolina campus. It will feature She & Him, American Music Club and Wye Oak.

Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan started Merge Records in 1989, the same year they formed the band Superchunk in Chapel Hill. They started the company with $500 borrowed from McCaughan's father. For the first three years, the label's music went out on 7-inch vinyl.

In 1992, Merge began a relationship with Touch and Go Records of Chicago, which handles most of Merge's full-length releases.

The Vinyl Process