The vinyl record collecting blog - with news about new vinyl record releases, vinyl record sales, new music releases, album cover art and weekly features
Gentle Giant Capitol/Alvcard ALUGGVO2 180g LP Produced by: Gentle Giant Engineered by: Gary Martin Mixed by: N/A Mastered by: Carl Rowatti at TruTone Mastering
MUSIC
SOUND
Prog Rock Classic Back on Vinyl by Michael Fremer December 01, 2010
The British progressive rock group Gentle Giant never achieved exalted status among the genre's aficionados, though they were well respected and their following was loyal and vociferous. When I was on "free form" FM radio in the mid 1970s I'd get calls from fans requesting Gentle Giant, but when I played through the albums, I heard nothing that I thought would grab listeners. Listening today to this and to Free Hand (ALLUGV03)—the two albums falling midway in their recording career— makes clear why that was so, and why they are deserving of a second listen almost forty years later.
Musically they were more inwardly directed and less given to bombast. While the level of musicianship was extremely high, keyboardist Kerry Minnear wasn't interested in showboating like Keith Emerson. Lead vocalist Derek Shulman (who went on to a very successful career in the music business after the band broke up) had a big voice but not a commanding presence that demands your attention. He was more a vocal technician than an emoter of emotions. He had neither Peter Gabriel's dramatic prowess nor Jon Anderson's, soaring, hypnotic pull. And as lyricists the Shulman, Shulman, Minear team never produced memorable lines that jumped out and grabbed. No "in and around the lake, mountains come out of the sky and they stand there," kind of moments.
So one could listen to this album or to Free Hand (Alucard ALLUGV03) and greatly appreciate the boldness of the musicianship and the complexity of the parts produced by the five musicians but not be moved or changed. Then and today these records come across as technically brilliant but emotionally flat—more like intellectually satisfying exercises than physically gripping and emotionally moving ones. The listening experience doesn't transcended the physical and leave you moved. These are inner thoughts expressed, with little resulting action.
They adhered to all of the genre's musical conventions, which if you don't dig in the first place, you won't like here, but in some ways they upped the ante, with precise vocal harmonies, complex, shifting rhythms and melodic inventiveness and harmonic complexities few other groups came close to achieving. While Keith Emerson used to toss classical music quotes into his solos, these guys actually made serious music!
The Power and the Glory is a cynic's delight: a concept album about authority, subjugation and foolish faith in and dissatisfaction with authority, even by the person exercising it, but the chessboard-like tunes spawned by the concept are lyrically uni-dimensional, which produces little drama or emotionally dynamic contrasts. You're invited to watch but not in.
Still, I bet prog rock fans of Genesis, Yes and some of the other bigger acts of the genre who may have missed Gentle Giant will be delighted by what they find here, for beyond familiar conventions, lies higher resolution musical complexity than made by some of the bigger selling groups. A Yes fan unfamiliar with Gentle Giant who plays side two's "Cogs in Cogs" first might exclaim "how the hell did I miss these guys?"
Sonically, both of these records could only be described as "decent" and "competent," but not mesmerizing or transcendent; sort of like the music. Don't expect spacious vistas. Instead, the instruments are closely miked in what sounds like a fairly small studio, with little if any reverb, except on specified parts. Why muck up the incredible playing precision with expansive, rhythm smearing reverb?
The Power and the Glory is the more musically dense and challenging of these two reissues (though both are dense and musically challenging), while Free Hand is more baroque yet jazz-like. If you can find a free MP3 of "On Reflection" somewhere, you'll marvel at the complexity and ingenuity of the vocal arrangement that's jazz like, yet medieval at the same time. If you think Jethro Tull did this sort of thing well, wait until you hear this track!
Sonically it's no contest: Free Hand sounds far more spacious, three dimensional and transparent. Perhaps its just a coincidence that the jacket says "Mastered from the original 1/4 inch tapes 2010" and The Power and the Glory, which sounds flatter, more two dimensional and less transparent doesn't. The sound knob 7 is for The Power and the Glory. Free Hand gets an "8".
Thanks to Michael over at www.musicangle.com for the exclusive rights to reprint this material. Stop by MusicAngle.com for more reviews and features.
Canadian metallers Blackguard have revealed the cover art fort heir upcoming album. The new album, 'Firefight,' is scheduled for release on March 29, 2011 through the band's new label home in Victory Records. The band commented on the new album by saying:
It's being reported that rock vetsTesla’s Jeff Keith and Frank Hannon are currently in the studio working on tracks for a planned acoustic album to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the band’s landmark Five Man Acoustical Jam disc. However, no release date has been set for the yet-to-be-titled album, but it’s expected that stripped-down versions of “Changes” and “Paradise” will be among the tracks included. Also slated for inclusion is a brand new song titled “2nd Street” and an acoustic version of “Better Off Without You.”
Released in 1990, Five Man Acoustical Jam was highlighted by a cover version of “Signs,” the classic hit recorded by the Five Man Electrical Band in 1971. Tesla’s version topped out at #2 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart. The album also featured covers of The Rolling Stones’ “Mothers Little Helper,” Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Lodi,” and The Beatles’ “We Can Work it Out.”
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New Robbie Robertson Album Due In April
Robbie Robertson returns this April with his fifth solo album, and first since 1998.
“How To Become Clairvoyant” – co-produced by Robertson and Marius de Vries - will feature several guests, including Eric Clapton (who co-wrote three tracks and plays on six), Steve Winwood (organ on two songs), Tom Morello, Robert Randolph, Trent Reznor and more. The album is due April 5.
"It turned out quite extraordinary," Robertson tells Rolling Stone. "I think I’ve written some really good songs, and the boys helped me out."
The title track from the record is set to be featured on the Season Two soundtrack for the popular HBO television series, True Blood.
Rolling Stone also reports that “This is Where I Get Off" is reportedly about Robbie’s departure from The Band in 1976; if true, it’ll be the first time Robertson has ever addressed the issue in a song.
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Chandler man preserves art of record sleeves
by Randy Cordova The Arizona Republic
When Jeff Marcus was a toddler, there were clear signs where he would go in his life. Just ask his mother, who remembers watching him stare in wonder at the family record player.
"He was just watching it go round and round," Elaine Marcus recalls. "Then when the record stopped, he just said, 'More music.' "
"More music" could be the mantra by which Marcus has lived his life. The Cave Creek man is a lifelong music buff who makes his living as a disc jockey working corporate events and weddings. Now, he has added another title to his resume. With the publication of the two-volume set "A History of Collectible American Record Sleeves," Marcus is an author.
Bobby J spins jazz recordings from his collection during his "The Mainstream 120" show on Saturday mornings on KSYM 90.1 FM.
As tributes to radio DJs go, it doesn't quite match those given to Wolfman Jack, the great border radio howler who was immortalized in the movie “American Graffiti,” and in various rock 'n' roll hits.
On the other hand, in San Antonio, if you get a mention in a song by Los #3 Dinners, you've pretty much made it, and by that standard, KSYM DJ Bobby J stands alone.
“Our most recent CD has a line in it that says, ‘Listenin' to jazz with Bobby J, trying to chase the blues away,' and almost all our fans know just who I'm taking about,” said Eric “Lenny” Friedland, a guitarist and vocalist for the group.
“Listening to his show is always an education, no matter how much one thinks they know about jazz, plus he has the uncanny ability to pick songs that have a logical and cool connection to each other,” Friedland said.
And for more than two decades, an unassuming guy named Bobby J has been serving up tunes and stories from the golden age of jazz for two hours each Saturday morning from the San Antonio College campus.
“This is Bobby J. Your dial is set on FM 90.1 at KSYM, San Antonio,” is how it has begun a thousand times or more since January 1989.
While I am not the biggest fan of Elvis, I do know that he helped shape rock and roll and our musical culture. Here is a bit of info from Wikipedia, and you know the rest :O)
Elvis Aaron Presleya (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King".
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Presley moved to Memphis, Tennessee, with his family at the age of 13. He began his career there in 1954 when Sun Records owner Sam Phillips, eager to bring the sound of African American music to a wider audience, saw in Presley the means to realize his ambition. Accompanied by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley was one of the originators of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country and rhythm and blues. RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage the singer for over two decades. Presley's first RCA single, "Heartbreak Hotel", released in January 1956, was a number one hit. He became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of rock and roll with a series of network television appearances and chart-topping records. His energized interpretations of songs, many from African American sources, and his uninhibited performance style made him enormously popular—and controversial. In November 1956, he made his film debut in Love Me Tender.
Conscripted into military service in 1958, Presley relaunched his recording career two years later with some of his most commercially successful work. He staged few concerts, however, and, guided by Parker, proceeded to devote much of the 1960s to making Hollywood movies and soundtrack albums, most of them critically derided. In 1968, after seven years away from the stage, he returned to live performance in a celebrated comeback television special that led to an extended Las Vegas concert residency and a string of profitable tours. In 1973, Presley staged the first concert broadcast globally via satellite, Aloha from Hawaii, seen by approximately 1.5 billion viewers. Prescription drug abuse severely compromised his health, and he died suddenly in 1977 at the age of 42.
Presley is regarded as one of the most important figures of 20th-century popular culture. He had a versatile voice and unusually wide success encompassing many genres, including country, pop ballads, gospel, and blues. He is the best-selling solo artist in the history of popular music. Nominated for 14 competitive Grammys, he won three, and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36. He has been inducted into four music halls of fame.
BLACKMORE’S NIGHT, the group featuring husband and wife Richie Blackmore and Candice Night, will be releasing their new album 'Autumn Sky' on January 18th.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, the band of minstrels has gained crossover success all over the world with its new genre of “Ren and Rock” music. The lyrics, written by award winning singer/songwriter Candice Night, are inspired by nature and the myths and fairy tales they encounter on their international travels. The melodies, composed and arranged by Grammy nominated Ritchie Blackmore, encompass musical structure and the essence of melodies from the early 1600s. And then they are “Blackmore-ized.” Blackmore's Night's last album, Secret Voyage, debuted at #1 on the Billboard New Age Chart and held that spot for four consecutive weeks.
In addition to being known from their unique sound which combines traditional as well as modern day instruments (including electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, violins, shawms, chanters etc), and Candice's enchanting lyrics and vocals, they are also known for their fabulous live shows, many of which have been performed at castles and other exceptional venues that add to the mystique and warmth of their performance. Blackmore's Night has appeared nationwide on PBS and Discovery channel specials, and has been awarded the Best Album of the Year and Best Vocal Album of the year by NPR New Age Reporter for their past 7 studio CDs.
Autumn Sky brings us 14 new Blackmore's Night songs, plus a cover of “Celluloid Heroes” from The Kinks. Recorded during Candice's pregnancy, Candice and Ritchie have dedicated the Autumn Sky album to their newly born daughter Autumn Esmerelda Blackmore.
Within Temptation Reveals Cover Artwork For New Album
Dutch metal vets Within Temptation have revealed the cover art for their forthcoming studio album 'The Unforgiving.' The artwork can be viewed here. "The Unforgiving" is scheduled for release in spring of 2011 through Roadrunner Records
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Enjoy The Ride Records To Release The Starting Line Vinyl
Enjoy The Ride Records will be releasing The Starting Line's 'Make Yourself At Home' EP and 'With Hopes Of Starting Over' EP on 10" vinyl in March.
The release will be limited to 500 and will be available to pre-order in February.
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Low Anthem Reveal Details New Album
The Low Anthem have revealed the cover art for their new album, 'Smart Flesh,' which will be released February 22 via Nonesuch. The first 5,000 CDs will come in letterpress printed packages with a bonus disc featuring three unreleased tracks from the 'Smart Flesh' recording sessions. In addition, the first 5,000 vinyl copies will come in exclusive letterpress packages.
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Victoria record store celebrates 25 years in business
Midnite Rambler Collectibles is a music library in vinyl form. Rows of records line the shelves, while the overflow sits piled wherever there is room.
It might appear to be a sort of chaos, but it's an organized chaos. Owner Ruben Flores said he knows what he has in stock and where to find it.
That's the sort of savvy that comes naturally after years in the biz.
The business just celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Tacoma is home to many avid record collectors, some who also happen to be hip-hop producers
As far as the masses are concerned, vinyl records were eclipsed by tapes decades ago. But records still hold a special place in hip-hop culture. Producers use them to "sample," which is to cut brief segments out of a record and piece them into a beat - a common method made mainstream by producers like Kanye West and Just Blaze.
These days, finding rare records is a hobby all in itself - one many in Tacoma call their passion.
Everything for sale, including that Rolling Stones autographed guitar
PRLog (Press Release) The end of an era. After serving the Tampa Bay area for almost 30 years, Vinyl Fever, located at 4110 Henderson Blvd. in South Tampa, will close its doors at the end of February. Known for its knowledgeable staff and extensive, eclectic selection of new and used CDs, vinyl records and related merchandise, Vinyl Fever has drawn customers from across the state and beyond. Recently voted one of the Top 25 record stores in the country by Rolling Stone magazine, Vinyl Fever (http://www.vinylfevertampa.com/) endured in no small part because its crew lives and breathes music, passionately providing customers with information and an experience they cannot get at other stores.
“It has been a great run,” says Owner/Manager Lee Wolfson. “We feel honored and fortunate to have lived such a long business life doing what we love. We would have liked to make it to 33 and 1/3 [years], but the combination of industry changes, a difficult economy, and the upcoming expiration of our lease has forced our hand.”
A CELEBRATION BEGINS
“We plan to celebrate and commemorate our 30 rocking years in Tampa. We’ll thank our customers and the community with blowout sales and special events, and hopefully leave everyone with great memories.”
Everything in the store will be sold, including the famous guitar autographed by the Rolling Stones that’s had a “Not for Sale” sign on it for years. For now, most items will be 30%-50% off.
THE BALLAD OF VINYL FEVER
As the independent music scene grew in the late 1970's, two idealistic bohemians named Sam and Dave pooled their personal record collections, music knowledge, and a few hundred bucks to open Singing Dog Records in Columbus, Ohio. Through their store they met Mike, who managed a similar store in Cleveland. Mike had lived in Tampa, was eager to return, and helped open Vinyl Fever in 1981. A Tallahassee store soon followed.
Dave's brother Lee followed in Dave’s footsteps. Starting out at Singing Dog, Lee transferred to Tallahassee in 1984 and took charge of all of the stores in 1987. Over time, Vinyl Fever Tampa split from its sister stores, still managed by Lee and an amazing crew of music aficionados.
LOCATION & STORE HOURS
Vinyl Fever Tampa, 4110 Henderson Blvd. (West of Dale Mabry), Tampa
Monday – Friday: 11am – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: Noon – 7pm
Sound Stage Direct elaborates on why the love of vinyl is more visible and audible than ever today even with digital music format hogging the airwaves.
PRLog (Press Release) – Jan 06, 2011 – Doylestown, Pennsylvania – From the homes of baby boomer folks to college dorm rooms, it appears that an antique music medium has slowly been resurfacing amidst today’s modern age. Vinyl’s got its groove back, it seems, and Sound Stage Direct couldn’t be happier.
The company caters to the vinyl-appreciating crowd which, compared to track records from early on, are enjoying a slow but steady increase of supporters. According to Seth Frank, the unattractive audio quality from mp3 players has made audiophiles turn to other mediums to enjoy their music and have found a rare gem in vinyl records.
“Sales are up. We see purchases for new and old vinyl releases from music fans across various ages and music genres.” says Frank. This is a bit surprising, considering how much the art of listening to music has changed through the years.
Music shops have cassette tapes and CDs, and the internet offers mp3 music files, most of them for free. So why would anyone bother to pore through stacks of bulky old albums that won’t even fit inside his pocket? Yet this is exactly why vinyl records appeal to music enthusiasts who are looking for the perfect listening experience.
Vinyl record collectors are in it not just because of the warm nuanced feel of each track from a vinyl album. The cover of a vinyl record, for one, is something tangible and allows the listener to go over the song lyrics of each track, hold it with his hands, and admire the artistry unique only in vinyl album cover art.
Listening to a vinyl record is indeed not only a musical experience but a social phenomenon as well. It offers an opportunity for fans of the same artists to convene in a room and comment on the vinyl record foldout photos. Fans of artists like The Doors or the more modern The White Stripes can talk openly with something tangible in their hands, making the vinyl listening experience more socially interactive, as opposed to listening to a track alone with an mp3 player.
Vinyl’s still got it going on, and from the way it looks and sound it will take a lot more than just digitalized music to stop vinyl enthusiasts from showing their appreciation for vinyl.
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SoundStage Direct, LLC is an online independent store based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. SSD has the largest selection of new releases and vinyl reissues online. And you don’t want to miss amazing closeout deals available at our LP outlet! We have vinyl LPs in every genre and in a variety of formats available ready to be shipped at your doorstep.
Tracklisting and cover art for this year's Grammy nominees compilation have been unveiled by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. The album includes 19 hit singles from 2011 nominated musicians and will be made available for purchase across United States on January 25.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the album will benefit the MusiCares Foundation and the Grammy Foundation, two charitable organizations established by the Recording Academy.
1. Cee-Lo - "Forget You" - Record of the Year, Song of the Year
2. B.o.B ft. Bruno Mars - "Nothin' on You" - Record of the Year
3. Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg - "California Gurls" - Album of the Year
4. Lady GaGa ft. Beyonce Knowles - "Telephone" - Album of the Year
5. Eminem ft. Rihanna - "Love The Way You Lie" - Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year
6. Lady Antebellum - "Need You Now" - Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year
7. Arcade Fire - "Ready To Start" - Album of the Year
8. Adam Lambert - "Whataya Want From Me" - Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
9. John Mayer - "Half of My Heart" (with Taylor Swift) - Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
10. Michael Buble - "Haven't Met You Yet" - Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
11. Bruno Mars - "Just The Way You Are" - Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
12. Michael Jackson - "This Is It" - Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
13. Ray LaMontagne and The Pariah Dogs - "Beg Steal or Borrow" - Song of the Year
14. Miranda Lambert - "The House That Built Me" - Song of the Year
15. Sade - "Babyfather" - Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals
16. Paramore - "The Only Exception" - Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals
17. Train - "Hey, Soul Sister" (Live) - Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals
18. Maroon 5 - "Misery" - Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals
19. "Glee" cast - "Don't Stop Believin' " (Regionals Version) - Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals
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Just a bit of trivia for you:
The Artists With the Most U.S. Number One Singles
1 The Beatles 20
2 Elvis Presley 18
3 Mariah Carey 15
4 Michael Jackson 13
5 The Supremes 12
6 Madonna 12
7 Whitney Houston 11
8 Stevie Wonder 10
9 Janet Jackson 10
10 George Michael 10
11 Elton John 9
12 Paul McCartney 9
13 Bee Gees 9
14 Rolling Stones 8
15 Phil Collins 7
16 Pat Boone 6
17 Hall and Oates 6
18 Diana Ross 6
19 Paula Abdul 6
20 Eagles 5
21 Four Seasons 5
22 Prince 5
23 KC & the Sunshine Band 5
24 Olivia Newton-John 5
25 Barbra Streisand 5
26 Lionel Richie 5
27 Bon Jovi 5
28 Boyz II Men 5
29 Puff Daddy 5
CD One: Original 15-song album, newly remastered from original master tapes
CD Two: Live performance on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" - previously commercially unavailable - PLUS four rare tracks, three previously unreleased
Double-CD and 180-gram vinyl double-LP packages available starting March 29, 2011, through Columbia/Legacy
NEW YORK, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- An artist who bridged East Coast and West Coast roots-rock movements, and led the next generation of post-2000 acoustic-based singer-songwriters, Pete Yorn now receives a well-deserved tribute with musicforthemorningafter: 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION. This double-disc repackaging of his classic debut album will be available at all physical and digital retail outlets starting March 29, 2011, through Columbia/Legacy, a division of SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT.
Prior to the release, Pete Yorn returns to the road for a major 27-city headlining North American tour. Dates begin February 14th at the Marquee in Tempe, Arizona; and conclude two months later on April 22nd at Center Stage in Atlanta. (Please see complete itinerary below.)
Released by Columbia Records on March 27, 2001, musicforthemorningafter has now been newly remastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Bob Ludwig. The original 15-song album comprises CD One of this commemorative 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION. Collectors will note that the final track of the album, which has remained an unindexed "hidden" track in catalog all these years, is now formally indexed and identified: "A Girl Like You."
The 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION adds a second CD, which starts with the entire acoustic performance given by Yorn and his band on "Morning Becomes Eclectic," the popular radio program hosted by Nic Harcourt at KCRW-FM in Santa Monica. The show reprised about half the songs on the album ("Life On A Chain," "Strange Condition," "Sense," "For Nancy ('Cos It Already Is)," "On Your Side," "Just Another," "Murray"), plus a cover of the Smiths' "Panic," and an interview segment.
The KCRW show took place on the day of the album release, March 27, 2001. Although promotional copies were circulated, and material subsequently turned up as bonus tracks on various releases, it has never been commercially available in its entirety until now. The band included Pete on vocals and acoustic guitar, musicforthemorningafter album producer R. Walt Vincent on bass, long-time college bandmates Waz on guitar and Joe Kennedy on piano and electric guitar; and Scott Cougan on bongos and percussion.
The rest of CD Two comprises four rarities: A previously unreleased demo version of "Closet" (from Yorn's personal archive); a previously unreleased song titled "The Barber" that was cut during the musicforthemorningafter sessions; "Knew Enough To Know Nothing At All," which has appeared as a bonus track and a B-side on various vinyl configurations in Europe and Japan; and "Life On A Chain (Hooky's Mix)," a previously unreleased mix by Brad Wood (another musicforthemorningafter album producer) made especially for this 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION.
musicforthemorningafter: 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION will be available as a two-CD set, and also as a special two-LP set on 180-gram vinyl. The two-CD set will include a new liner notes essay written by Rolling Stone senior editor David Fricke, along with a personal note written by Yorn to his fans.
At the time of its release, musicforthemorningafter sent critics into a tailspin, as they attempted to nail down Pete Yorn's sound. "Yorn's influences," Entertainment Weekly wrote, "from Springsteen to Pavement, cast too strong a shadow. But he effectively marries creaky jam-band vibes and swirly indie-rock riffs and even makes a simple 'uh uh uh uh uh' chorus ('Murray') sound amazingly fresh," referring to the song Pete wrote in New Zealand, after reading Heroes & Villains, the biography of the Beach Boys and their father, Murray Wilson. "I like an element of mystery," Pete said in 2001, "I don't want to explain myself. I couldn't really if I tried. I don't think it would make much sense to anybody anyway."
In fact, Pete Yorn was just a regular kid from suburban Montville, New Jersey, born in 1974 to regular parents – his father, a dentist, and his mother, a former concert pianist turned schoolteacher. At age nine, Pete taught himself to play his older brother's drum kit, and it was '80s classic rock – "Rush, Black Sabbath, and Van Halen," as he told Details – that was his first point of reference. Later on, a girlfriend turned him on to Morrissey and the Smiths, and Echo & the Bunnymen; R.E.M. and Big Star also figured into the mix. And of course, the Boss was unavoidable – early shows a decade later might include Pete's cover of "New York City Serenade" from 1973's The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle.
By the time he was in high school, Pete was playing drums in basement bands with names like Backgammon For Troubled Youth. One story recalls his bandmates talking him into singing the Replacements' "Talent Show" – at a talent show – even though he'd never sung in public before. It caused such a stir that a competing band cajoled Pete back onstage to sing Neil Young's "Rockin' In the Free World" with them. He never looked back. It was a quick segue to his first blush of songwriting.
Pete graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in communications, and headed to Los Angeles to seek work composing for film and television. His brother Rick was a highly successful agent there, representing an A-list of Hollywood stars; their other brother Kevin was an equally successful entertainment lawyer with his own A-list. When Pete started playing out at clubs, it was not uncommon to see a quorum of these celebs in the audience. Early fans of Pete's music ran the gamut from Liz Phair and Hole's Eric Erlandson, to Ed Burns, Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, and Wynona Ryder. One patron was the Farrelly brothers' longtime producer Bradley Thomas, who caught Pete's sets at Largo and took a copy of his demo.
Within a week, Pete received a phone call from Thomas, and the Farrellys, with "Life On A Chain" cranking in the background in their office, asking if he wanted to score their new film, Me, Myself & Irene, starring Jim Carrey. They were intentionally looking for someone who'd never done a score before; it took Pete and R. Walt Vincent three weeks to complete the score in Vincent's garage. In addition to the score, the film (released June 2000) also included Pete's original compositions, "Strange Condition" and "Just Another." The soundtrack album (Elektra), predominantly Steely Dan covers by major artists, also included "Strange Condition," which was soon discovered by Modern Rock and Triple-A programmers. "Just Another" made waves when it was heard on an episode of Dawson's Creek.
At the same time, Pete had won the heart of Columbia Records' A&R, and was working on his debut album. He was paired with several producers, including Vincent, who had a large following after his work on Jonathan Elias' The Prayer Cycle (Sony Music, 1999), a fascinating spiritual-based symphonic work with the London Chamber Orchestra and vocal soloists including Alanis Morissette, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, and the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Ofra Haza.
Besides Vincent and Pete himself, other producers on musicforthemorningafter included the ubiquitous Don Fleming (Gumball, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., Teenage Fanclub); Brad Wood (Liz Phair, Smashing Pumpkins, Ben Lee); and Ken Andrews. As a result of loyal radio airplay for "Strange Condition" (which hit #36 on Billboard's Modern Rock Chart) and "Life On A Chain" (#35 on the Adult Top 40 chart), the album sold strong and steady throughout the decade, surpassing RIAA gold with sales north of 650,000 copies to date.
Pete Yorn's first three albums on Columbia Records constituted a trilogy of sorts, a day-in-the-life (although he would not admit that it was an intentional release concept): musicforthemorningafter (2001), Day I Forgot (2003), and Nightcrawler (2006). His next album (and final for Columbia) was appropriately titled Back and Fourth (June 2009). Three months after its release, Yorn returned on a new label (ATCO/Rhino) for an album of duets with Scarlett Johansson, the 29-minute Break Up (September 2009), reportedly inspired by Serge Gainsbourg's 1967 and '68 collaborations with Brigitte Bardot. Most recently, Pete was back on a new label (Vagrant) with the self-titled Pete Yorn (2010), produced by Frank Black of the Pixies.
We have our six winners - so the 200,000th Visitor Contest is over (please no more emails)! Thank you to all who responded and look for more goodies coming soon! Again, a special thank you to Seth Frank over at SoundStageDirect.com for his interest in the CVR Blog and his love of vinyl! Be sure to stop by his site for some great new vinyl releases and some fantatsic vinyl reissues!
By the way, you can save 5% on your order at SoundStageDirect.com by adding the code CVR at check out (this is for everyone!)
We just passed our 200,000th visitor last night (I was sleeping) and to help celebrate this accomplishment I have partnered with SoundStageDirect.com to give away six $25 gift certificates toward the purchase of some new vinyl records to add to your collection. I want to thank Seth Frank at SoundStageDirect for his generous contibution to the CVR Blog and for sharing his passion of vinyl with my faithful readers.
SoundStageDirect.comis one of the Internet's leading sellers of vinyl and have one of the best selections available to vinyl collectors. You can choose from the latest releases, reissues, 180-200 gram records, turntables and supplies and much, much more - heck they have everything a vinyl lover could ask for!
The contest is very simple. Just be one of the first six to send me an email with the words "SoundStageDirect" in the subject line and you win a $25 gift certificate. (I will email you with the details if you win) Limit one certificate per person.
The year-end SoundScan numbers have been released today with some discouraging numbers for album sales (digital). However, the one big exception is the sale vinyl records. While the numbers aren't mindbogggling, vinyl sales rose 14% from 2009 to 2010, according to the Nielsen Company and Billboard's 2010 Music Industry Report. In 2009, 2.5 million vinyl albums were sold and in 2010 that number rose to 2.8 million. The top three selling vinyl albums were the Beatles' 'Abbey Road' (35,000 units sold), the Arcade Fire's 'Suburbs' (18,800 units), and Black Keys 'Brothers' (18,400 units).
It's amazing to me that the Beatles' 'Abbey Road' LP was at the top of the list, this from a band that broke up 40 years ago; a true testament to their music staying power.
The best-selling vinyl LPs of 2010
1. The Beatles, Abbey Road (35,000)
2. Arcade Fire, The Suburbs (18,800)
3. The Black Keys, Brothers (18,400)
4. Vampire Weekend, Contra (15,000)
5. Michael Jackson, Thriller (14,200)
6. The National, High Violet (13,600)
7. Beach House, Teen Dream (13,000)
8. Jimi Hendrix Experience, Valleys of Neptune (11,400)
9. Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon (10,600)
10. The xx, The xx (10,200)
Other top sellers included Vampire Weekend, Beach House, Pavement, and the National. Other artists that saw top sales included Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, and Metallica.
DEAR JERRY:The modern jazz station in our area just played a tune that really caught my attention.
As is often the case, they didn't give a title, but they did say it was “music from Diana Krall.”
I would buy the album it's on, but only if you help by identifying it.
The theme seems to be her ordering food at a diner, yet she does not want French fried potatoes, stewed tomatoes, pork chops, bacon, fish cakes, rye bread, and other common items.
What she craves in this song is flim flam sauce, with what sounds like awecenfay and shefafa.
Who wants just sauce as the main course? What are those other things? Cajun or Moroccan perhaps? Does any of this really exist?
—Donna Dorfman, Vincennes, Ind.
DEAR DONNA: All of the things Diana does not want to eat are real. Unfortunately, not a one of her preferred choices are likely to be found on anyone's menu — unless concocted specifically to tie-in with “The Frim Fram Sauce.”
Yes, that is the correct title, though it may also be shown as just “Frim Fram Sauce.”
Just to get her order straight, Diana, and everyone else who recorded this song, asks for “frim fram sauce with ossenfay, and chifafa on the side.”
In the original hit version, by the (Nat) King Cole Trio, the waiter is understandably unfamiliar with these delicacies. Nat, now a disappointed customer, ends the track with: “Now if you don't have it, just bring me a check for the water.”
The King Cole Trio's record (Capitol 224) came out in December 1945. In February '46, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald joined forces and crafted an excellent version (Decca 23496), which also became a big hit. Not really a vocal duet, Louis sings the first half and Ella the second, meaning they do not sing together on this number.
In March, Les Brown and His Orchestra, with vocal by Butch Stone, gave “The Frim Fram Sauce” the big band treatment (Columbia 36961), though the Brown-Stone waxing did not chart.
There are three easily available Diana Krall albums with “Frim Fram Sauce”: “Stepping Out”; “All for You (A Dedication to the Nat King Cole Trio)”; and “The Very Best of Diana Krall.”
Being a personal favorite, Diana's often includes “The Frim Fram Sauce” in her concert sets.
DEAR JERRY:It's been at least a year since I heard Susan Boyle being talked about in the entertainment media. Is her singing career in a sophomore slump?
—Samantha Charles, St. Paul, Minn.
DEAR SAMANTHA: Anything but. As of this writing (December 22), Susan's “The Gift” is the No. 1 title on both the Billboard and Cashbox Top Albums charts, and No. 1 on both of their Christmas album surveys.
Meanwhile, Boyle's debut collection, “I Dreamed the Dream,” the No. 1 album exactly one year ago, is still on the charts and even among the Top 70.
Susan may not be the big news story she became in 2009, when she flabbergasted everyone via Britain's Got Talent, but she sure is ringing up the sales.
If Susan Boyle's “The Gift” holding the No. 1 position on both the Pop and Christmas Albums charts seems quite extraordinary, it certainly is.
However, Susan is not the first to accomplish this feat.
In December 2007, Josh Grobin's “Noel” simultaneously topped those two charts.
IZ ZAT SO? Susan Boyle is not the only familiar name, from TV's talent competition shows, on the current Top 200 Albums list.
Here are six others, some of whom you may have even voted for: Jackie Evancho (“O Holy Night”); Crystal Bowersox (“Farmer's Daughter”); Carrie Underwood (“Play On”); Lee DeWyze (“Live It Up”); Fantasia Barrino (“Back to Me”); and (Chris) Daughtry (“Leave This Town”).
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
ZOO MUSIC is proud to present a limited edition "Badlands" 12" vinyl record available on March 29 from Montreal minimalist Dirty Beaches. Pressed in a limited edition of 500 vinyl records, "Badlands" features eight exclusive unreleased tracks coated in noise, echoed vocals and layered distortion.
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Jack White reveals vinyl innovations, Captain Beefheart Sub Pop singles
In honor of the late Captain Beefheart, Third Man is re-pressing the White Stripes single of Captain Beefheart covers "Party of Special Things to Do," "China Pig" and "Ashtray Heart." The tracks were originally released in 2001 via another legendary label vinyl and new release collective, the Sub Pop Singles Club. Not only is it in honor of the recently passed Don Van Vliet, but also for Sub Pop executive Andy Kotowicz, who died in a car accident in October.
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The Strokes’ Fourth Album Due in March
It's been five years since the Strokes released their last album 'First Impressions of Earth,' but the New York quintet have confirmed that they'll drop their fourth record in March. The still-untitled release is in the mixing stage. Bassist Nikolai Fraiture revealed in an interview with the BBC that the new LP will have a "classic sound" similar to the group's second and third releases
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QUEENSRŸCHE, ALICE IN CHAINS, VELVET REVOLVER Members To Perform At Seahawks Vs. Saints Game
Catch a special live musical performance by Michael Wilton and Chris DeGarmo (QUEENSRŸCHE), Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS) and Ben Smith (HEART) this Saturday, January 8 at the Seattle Seahawks playoff game (half time) against the New Orleans Saints at Seattle's Qwest Field.
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THE BRONX CASKET CO.: 'Antihero' Details Revealed
THE BRONX CASKET CO., the side project of OVERKILL bassist D.D. Verni and SEVEN WITCHES guitarist Jack Frost, will release its new album, "Antihero", on January 25 via eOne Music.
It's been five years since THE BRONX CASKET CO. last released an album and has been well worth the wait. Verni states, "This BRONX CASKET record is the best we have done, and we are looking forward to getting out on the road and doing some shows."
THE BRONX CASKET CO.'s follow-up to 2005's "Hellectric" will be the band's first release with D.D. handling all of the vocal duties.
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Gerry Rafferty Dies Following Long Illness
The singer-songwriter, from Scotland, died peacefully at his home following a long illness (age 63). His daughter Martha was at his bedside. Rafferty began his music career as a busker on the London Underground before going on to form the acclaimed band, Stealers Wheel.
The group enjoyed a series of hits, including ‘Stuck In The Middle With You’ and ‘Baker Street’ in the 1970s.
Rafferty also battled a drinking problem and had spent time receiving treatment at a Bournemouth hospital for liver failure.
After the holiday, another week with a short list of new music releases. Look for more exciting new releases in the upcoming weeks. As always, CVR Blog picks are in red:
Abigail Washburn - City of Refuge
Adam Faith - What Do You Want?
Ann Peebles - Tellin It
Billie Holiday - Icon Love Songs
Billy Fury - Rocker
Brutus - Murwgebeukt
Cher - Icon Class Actress - Journal of Ardency (Vinyl)
Cliff Richard & the Shadows - Move It: The Best of the Early Years (3 CDs)
Deadhorse - Deadhorse
El DeBarge - Icon
Ella Fitzgerald - Icon Love Songs
Ella Fitzgerald - Twelve Nights In Hollywood: Volumes 1 & 2 (2 CDs)
Ella Fitzgerald - Twelve Nights In Hollywood: Volumes 3 & 4 (2 CDs)
Elvis Presley - Wooden Heart (3 CDs)
Gregory Isaacs - Night Nurse
Imogen Heap & Frou Frou: Icon - Imogen Heap & Frou Frou
Jake Shimabukuro - Peace, Love, Ukulele
Jeavestone - 1+1=OK
Jerry Clower - Icon
Jim Croce - All Time Classics (3 CDs) Joe Glazer - Folk Songs of the American Dream
Joe Glazer - Sings Labor Songs
Joe Glazer - Songs of Joe Hill
Joe Glazer - Textile Voices: Songs & Stories of the Mills
Joyce Manor - Joyce Manor (Vinyl)
Lee Ann Womack - Icon: Lee Ann Womack
Louisiana Red - Sweet Blood Call
Marsha Ambrosius - Late Nights, Early Mornings
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - Icon Love Songs
Remember, if you are a record company and have new releases or know of any I missed (especially vinyl), please email me and I will add your music to the list. I also do reviews of new vinyl, email me for more information.
New Music Releases are put together from a variety of sources by blog owner Robert Benson
Rockers Bon Jovi have scored the highest-earning tour of 2010 with their Circle Jaunt Tour, which took $201.1m worldwide.
AC/DC came in at number two for the second year in a row, earning $177m, while U2 were third with ticket sales of $160.9m. Lady Gaga, who played a total of 138 gigs - almost twice as many as Bon Jovi - took $133.6m at the box office, according to Pollstar.
Other notable entrants inside the top-10 included Michael Buble at number six with $104.1m and Paul McCartney at eight with $93m.
Norm & Jane over atVinyl Record Talk Store and Vinyl Record Talkhave been very busy with some great new inventory, the holiday season and the 'various hackers, viruses and power outages' that they have been busy with. So here, Norm posts his "Vacation Catch-Up" of the Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales; picking up where we left off in December. Thanks to Norm for catching us up to date and be sure to stop by their weekly radio show (Vinyl Record Talk) for some chatter about vinyl, music news and whatever else they have in store for us!
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 12/11/2010
UK based power metal outfit Power Quest have completed their new album 'Blood Alliance' and are ready for an ambitious and busy 2011. The 6-piece band has its 10 years anniversary coming up, and 'Blood Alliance' is scheduled for release in early 2011 (released in Japan first on January 19 via Marquee/Avalon). The European release is expected by the end of March, with the USA release in early April.
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Chuck Berry Collapses During Chicago Gig
The legendary Chuck Berry had to cut short his performance in Chicago after collapsing on stage. The 84-year-old became ill during a performance on Saturday night at the Congress Theater in Chicago, IL. The rock n roll legend, whose hits include "Johnny B Goode" and "Roll Over Beethoven," was unable to continue his gig. However, Berry returned to play 20 minutes later but told fans he had no strength to continue. The singer is said to be fine after receiving medical attention.
Berry had earlier performed two New Year's Eve shows at B.B. King’s Blues Club and Grill in New York City.
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DEATH - Cover Artwork For Reissue Revealed
Relapse Records has revealed the cover artwork for the February reissue of DEATH's final studio album, 'The Sound Of Perseverance.' The first in a series of reissues planned for 2011, follows digital releases of the band's catalog in 2010 and will coincide with the 10th anniversary of guitarist CHUCK SCHULDINER's passing in 2001; following a battle with cancer. 'Sound' will be issued in a variety of deluxe editions with bonus material, new liner notes, and revamped artwork. Full details will be coming soon.
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R.I.P. BOBBY FARRELL (1949-2010)
BOBBY FARRELL, the energetic frontman of the disco/soul outfit BONEY M has passed away. The 61 year-old performer was found dead in a Russian Hotel room after failing to respond to a wake-up call. Farrell had been battling health problems in recent years and had complained of breathing problems prior to his band's performance in St. Petersburg on Wednesday night.
BONEY M had widespread success primarily in Europe during the 1970's after forming in Germany.
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Ultra-deluxe music box sets carry big prices - and risks
By Randy Lewis • Los Angeles Times • January 2, 2011
Scanning the upper stratosphere of this year's end-of-the-year holiday-centric music releases, it's tempting to think some record company execs decided it's time to head into full kamikaze-dive mode.
Despite so much news revolving around the record industry's struggles to sell 99-cent singles and $9.99 album downloads, several labels have recently cooked up ultra-deluxe box sets for Miles Davis, Elvis Presley, Hank Williams and others priced at $200 up to $1,200.
PATHOLOGY “Legacy of the Ancients” (Victory Records)
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After 20 Years, the Vinyl Still Spins -- And Sells -- at Groove Merchant Records
By Tomas Palermo
Chris Veltri stands behind the cluttered wood counter at Groove Merchant record store. Dressed in a navy peacoat and Levis, with sandy blond bangs draped over his blue eyes, he watches three customers browse his small Lower Haight shop. "Not bad for a Tuesday night," he says casually, his tone suiting his nickname, "Cool Chris," as the customers browse bins filled with vintage jazz, rare soul, disco, hip-hop, and collectible Brazilian records.
Like the vinyl rarities that fill the shop, Groove Merchant is rare survivor -- dozens of old San Francisco record retailers have either closed for good or retreated to largely online sales. But Groove Merchant celebrates its 20th anniversary this year......
Interview with Rock Photography Icon Robert M. Knight
By: Rick Landers
First and foremost, Robert Knight is an artist in the fine art of photography. His photographs of rock performers have helped to define many iconic moments in rock ‘n’ roll. Whether his subjects are on stage performing or artfully posed for their publicity needs, album covers or personal interests, every picture captures the essence of what defines these people as musicians and legends in their own right.
A considerable inventory of Knight’s work boldly portrays the explosiveness of the young Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, as well as the poignant beauty of Joni Mitchell. Check out Robert’s work in his book, Rock Gods: Forty Years of Rock Photography and enjoy the glamour and drama of Alice Cooper, Little Richard and dozens more.
The white suit John Lennon wore in the iconic photograph that graced the cover of the Beatles' 1969 'Abbey Road' album sold for a cool $46,000 at New Year's Day auction Saturday.
It's not often that I recommend CD's, however, this collection is by far the best collection of Brubeck favorites and one of the reasons I love jazz music.....read on:
Dave Brubeck Celebrates 90th Birthday as Critically-Acclaimed Dave Brubeck: Legacy of a Legend Two-Disc Collection Tops CMJ Jazz Charts
NEW YORK, Dec. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Released in advance of jazz legend Dave Brubeck's 90th birthday on December 6, Dave Brubeck: Legacy of a Legend, the artist's recently released two-disc compilation of tracks from 1954-1970, bulleted 18 positions, from #19 to #1, on the CMJ Jazz Top 40 chart as the album garnered critical acclaim and coast-to-coast airplay.
Dave Brubeck: Legacy of a Legend has reached #13 on the Billboard Top Jazz Album chart and #8 on the Traditional Jazz Album Chart. Brubeck has played on albums charting in every decade since the 1950s.
Dave Brubeck: Legacy of a Legend, a commemorative collection of tracks hand-picked by the artist, featuring extensive annotation and anecdotal liner notes written by his son Darius, was released through Columbia/Legacy, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, to all physical and digital retail outlets on Tuesday, November 16.
Compiled by Brubeck himself, Legacy of a Legend distills the artist's Columbia Records output from 1954 to 1970 into 21 essential tracks and includes signature recordings such as "Take Five" and "Some Day My Prince Will Come." Also included is an unreleased live take, "Three To Get Ready," from the Dave Brubeck Quartet's final concert in 1967.
"....hearing this music assembled in this way offers startling proof of Brubeck's truly iconic genius for the musical depth and range he displays as a composer, arranger, and pianist, both live and in the studio," wrote Thom Jurek for AllMusic, "He revisits the haunting (and now legendary) 'Thank You (Dziekuje)' ...with its gorgeous tribute to Chopin that is still provocative. The harmonic interplay between the pianist and Paul Desmond showcased on 'Camptown Ladies' and 'Something to Sing About' (to mention just two places) is furthered by the subtly insistent but utterly innovative rhythm section of Eugene Wright and Joe Morello...the quirky picks by the pianist provide a solid introduction for new listeners."
It's been a year of accolades for Brubeck, who received Kennedy Center Honors in December 2009, and who, along with his ensemble was named the Jazz Group of the Year in the 2010 Downbeat Reader's Poll.
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) celebrated Brubeck's birthday milestone with the premiere of "Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way," a full-length documentary executive produced by Clint Eastwood.
Brubeck's current "commemorative season" was celebrated in a concert review in the New York Times (November 28, 2010) of his recent three-night run at the Blue Note, noting that "His stylish Columbia Records output has been repackaged for two new boxed sets and a two-CD compilation," while praising the master's musicianship, "...he had softened his pianism, replacing the old hammer-and-anvil attack with something almost airy. Here he often held his fingers splayed flat against the keys, barely touching his sustain pedal. His playing was the picture of judicious clarity, its well-placed chordal accents suggesting a riffing horn section....And in one of the set's finer stretches he stirred up a gentle rustle, as if to renounce percussivism altogether. It was the second movement of 'Dialogues for Jazz Combo and Orchestra,' composed by his brother Howard Brubeck and originally recorded with Leonard Bernstein. Mr. Brubeck stated the melody unaccompanied, fluid and florid, before the ensemble shifted into medium swing for a solo by Mr. Militello. What followed was a contrapuntal piano-bass interlude, then Mr. Brubeck alone again. He smiled to himself as he brought the theme home, a captain firmly steering into port."
(Vinyl)
(Vinyl)
