Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

Let's look at a bit of vinyl record history with the 25 best selling albums of all time.  Some may surprise you, others belong right where they are.  The Beatles and Pink Floyd each have two entries on the list.

25 Best Selling Vinyl Records Of All Time

1. Michael Jackson - Thriller (1982)  51-65 million albums sold
2. AC/DC - Back in Black (1980)  50 million albums sold
3. Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)  50 million albums sold
4. Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell (1977)  50 million albums sold
5. Bee Gees - Saturday Night Fever (1977) 40 million albums sold
6. Fleetwood Mac - Rumours (1977)  40 million albums sold
7. Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin IV (1971)  37 million albums sold
8. Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)  32 million albums sold
9. Eagles - Hotel California (1976)  32 million albums sold
10. Beatles - Abbey Road (1969)  31 million albums sold
11. Bruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A. (1984)  30 millions albums sold
12. Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms (1985)   30 million albums sold
13. Pink Floyd - The Wall (1979)  30 million albums sold
14. Carole King - Tapestry (1971)   25 million albums sold
15. Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Waters (1970)   25 million albums sold
16. Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston (1985)  25 million albums sold
17. Madonna - Like a Virgin (1984)   21 million albums sold
18. Barbara Streisand - Guilty (1980)  20 million albums sold
19. Blondie - Parallel Lines (1978)   20 million albums sold
20. Boston - Boston (1976)   20 million albums sold
21. Lionel Richie - Can't Slow Down (1983)  20 million albums sold
22. Phil Collins - No Jacket Required (1985)   20 million albums sold
23. Prince & The Revolution - Purple Rain (1984)   20 million albums sold
24. Supertramp - Breakfast in America (1979)  20 million albums sold
25. Tina Turner - Private Dancer (1984)   20 million albums sold


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from our friends at burningshed.com

Barclay James Harvest - Once Again (double vinyl)

The Prog Rock Classics label 180g double vinyl reissue of BJH's second album from 1971.

Finding the band at their most lyrical and ambitious, Once Again features two of the band's all-time classics, Mockingbird and Galadriel.

Part of a limited run of 1000 copies globally, this is packaged in a gatefold sleeve and is based on the EMI digital re-master featuring five extra tracks, including the haunting orchestral miniature White Sails (A Seascape).

Get at the BurningShed

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from the land down under:

What spins around comes around as vinyl finds the old groove again





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yesterday was a special day in the history of music, read on:

The Stories of Famous Bandmates’ First Meetings







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great review of an awesome album:

Jethro Tull: Living In The Past (Chrysalis) - Life at 33 1/3: Living in the glorious past










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cool write up:

Silliest Rock Gimmicks: Mimes, Chainsaws, King Arthur on Ice + More!






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SURF'S UP AGAIN FOR THE BEACH BOYS








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Dropkick Murphys Discuss Boston Marathon Bombing Relief Efforts, Rocking With Bruce Springsteen + More







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album cover art of the day:


Wizard Reveals New Album "Trail Of Death" Artwork


 

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

from our friends at SoundStageDirect

This Week's Bestselling Vinyl Records at SoundStageDirect

1. Bob Dylan - Blood On The Tracks
2. Stone Temple Pilots - Core (Clear Vinyl) (Pre-Order)
3. Weezer - Pinkerton
4. Faith No More - Angel Dust
5. Foreigner - 4
6. MFSL Original Master Record Sleeves (50)
7. Various Artists - The Big Lebowski
8. Record Jacket Sleeves
9. De La Soul - 3 Feet High And Rising
10. Allman Brothers Band - Eat A Peach

New Releases & Featured Vinyl Records

4 by Foreigner Holst The Planets by Zubin Mehta Bruckner Symphony No. 7 by Herbert Von Karajan VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine by VPI Blood On The Tracks by Bob Dylan Hard Bop by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers In The Beginning... by Townes Van Zandt Archiv Produktion: Early Music Studio Of Deutsche Grammophon 1947-2013 by Various Artists Rega RP1 Turntable w/ Performance Pack (Grey) by Rega

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from our friends at MusicOnVinyl

Tori Amos - Under The Pink

Released in 1994, Tori Amos' 2nd album Under The Pink was received with great popular acclaim. After her appealing debut Little Earthquakes, Under The Pink established Amos as a Pop force to be reckoned with.

She finds herself in the niche Kate Bush and Joni Mitchell originally carved out, but Amos forged her own style of songwriting, virtuoso piano playing perfectly complementing her sensitive and subtle voice. Emotional lyrics are strengthened by beautifully orchestrated strings and guitars, all adding to a wonderful experience. We've thrown in a first pressing of 1.000 pink coloured copies, each individually numbered for high collectability.

• 180 gram audiophile vinyl
• First 1000 copies numbered  & limited on pink vinyl. Also available on black.

 

Uriah Heep - Salisbury (Expanded)

Perfectly combining Heavy Metal and Prog Rock, Uriah Heep proved on their second album Salisbury (1972) that they were the undisputed flag bearers of the British Prog Rock movement. The album's title track is a 16 minute long jam on the B side, which shows the diversity and musicianship of these guys.

 

Absolutely unique about the Music On Vinyl reissue is the bonus LP, which contains a wealth of previously unreleased tracks and single edits. It also contains "Simon The Bullet Freak", a track that was released in the US but was not included in the UK tracklisting. The gatefold sleeve sports the original UK artwork. Heep fans will undoubtedly love it!

• 180 gram audiophile vinyl
• Insert
• Including  a bonus LP
• Expanded edition never before on vinyl

 Bill Withers - Menagerie
 

Bill Withers has been making a comeback since the release of the documentary Still Bill, but there are many who would argue that, although he hasn't recorded an album since 1985, he never really left.

His musical legacy has found a place in our hearts and settled into our subconscious, none more so than Menagerie's opening track "Lovely Day".  Every song as smooth as the next, this upbeat album is perfect for the summer to come. There's a relaxed vibe running through every note – even  in the more up-tempo songs – and a consistency here that shows Bill at his best.

Now's the perfect time to add this certified gold record that hasn't been reissued on vinyl since 1978 to your ever-growing Bill Withers collection! On 180 gram audiophile vinyl!

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from our friends at StormingTheBase.com

The Grapes Of Wrath - High Road (Vinyl)

Platinum-selling Canadian folk-rock trio The Grapes of Wrath announce the release of High Road on March 19, 2013 via Toronto-based imprint Aporia Records. High Road is the first album in 22 years to feature all three of the band’s original members Kevin Kane, Tom Hooper and Chris Hooper. In 2010, the three founding members shared the stage for the first time since their final show in 1992. “We realized there was a special kind of chemistry between the three of us,” recalls Chris. “I guess because we’d grown up together.”

“It’s interesting how this has evolved from doing just a single reunion show to signing a new record deal – all on it’s own steam,” says Kevin. “It’s nice when things sort of come together of their own volition and don’t feel forced or contrived.

“In the spring of 2012 the trio gathered at co-producer Darryl Neudorf’s (Neko Case, Blue Rodeo) private studio to begin work on the album – the first time all three had been in a studio together since completing their final album, These Days, at London’s Abbey Road in 1991. The resulting twelve tracks, written by both Kevin and Tom, feature the signature harmonies, vivid melodies and heartfelt lyrics The Grapes are known for yet also explore new sounds that will surprise the average fan.

“This record is a continuation of where we last left off. This isn’t a nostalgia trip. It’s like our other records – the next step in our growth as songwriters and musicians. The only difference is it took us a little longer to make the step” says Tom.

We expect this item to be in stock on July 26, 2013

Order at StormingTheBase

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from the uk:

Free digital downloads are helping the resurgence of the vinyl LP






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Nomeansno Treat 'Mama' and 'Wrong' to Double-LP Vinyl Reissues





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Led Zeppelin: Jimmy Page guitar sells at London auction for $40,000











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Former Wolfmother Frontman Andrew Stockdale Unveils 2013 U.S. Solo Tour







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Pink Floyd Promo Single Sells for More Than $3,000

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 30, 2013

DEAR JERRY: There's a song by Mel Tillis that I can't find anywhere. Maybe you can help me.

It begins with his boss sending him out of town on business, to Texas I think.

There he meets a willing woman, but, being married, he chooses not have an affair.
—Richard Jonen, Elkhorn, Wis.

DEAR RICHARD: Despite a couple of discrepancies, one of which is colossal, I believe the song you seek is "Send Me Down to Tucson" (MCA 40983), a big hit in early 1979. The original single can quickly be found online for about two bucks. It is also on several Mel Tillis albums.

"Send Me Down to Tucson" is from the 1978 movie, "Every Which Way But Loose," starring Clint Eastwood.

Not surprisingly, this tune topped the country charts in Arizona, while peaking at No. 2 on Billboard.

More significant than the mistaken destination (not Texas) are the events of the serendipitous rendezvous, as summarized by these few lines:

"No one wants to go down to Tucson in the summer
So this time the boss chose me
I've been sort of restless, guess he thought it might help if
I got away from my wife and family
There's been no other woman since the mother of my children
And in each and every way she's a lady
Now there's one that I'll remember, a sultry night we spent together
And she satisfied the love inside of me
Go on and send me down to Tucson and I'll get the job done
And call up the one whose love is free"

Should the free love become known at the company headquarters, there may be plenty of volunteers for desert duty, even in the 100-plus degree weather (at the time of this writing, it is 108 in Tucson, and 116 in Phoenix).



DEAR JERRY: Thoroughly enjoyed reading about Bing Crosby, Glenn Miller, or Jimmy Dorsey having five of the Top 10 songs.

It got me wondering how many times there were more than five versions of the same song in the Top 100, particularly in the 1950s when cover records were everywhere.

Was "Fascination" one? I know several artists recorded it.
—Lloyd Carlson, Buffalo, N.Y.



DEAR LLOYD: Topping the list, with seven separate entries (May 5, 1956) is "Man with the Golden Arm," albeit with slight variations musically as well as with the title.

In order of ranking that week, with exact title and artist, they are:

17 "Themes from The Man with the Golden Arm" (Richard Maltby and His Orchestra)
28 "Main Title & Molly O (From the Otto Preminger Film The Man with the Golden Arm)" (Dick Jacobs and His Orchestra and Chorus)
38 "Main Title from The Man with the Golden Arm" (Elmer Bernstein and Orchestra)
56 "Main Title — Golden Arm" (Les Elgart and His Orch.)
68 "Main Title (From the Film The Man with the Golden Arm)" (Billy May and His Orchestra)
69 "Delilah Jones (Based on Main Title theme from the Otto Preminger Film The Man with the Golden Arm)" (McGuire Sisters (with Dick Jacobs Orchestra and Chorus)
97 "Main Title from The Man with the Golden Arm)" (Buddy Morrow and His Orchestra)

One that didn't chart, issued about six months later, but still worth mentioning is "The Man with the Golden Arm," by Sammy Davis Jr., with Morty Stevens and Orchestra.

Several performers recorded "Fascination," but never were there more than these four charted at the same time: Jane Morgan; David Carroll; Dick Jacobs; and Dinah Shore, all in September 1955.

Twice in the '50s, six versions of the same song held Top 100 positions:

"Autumn Leaves" (November 12, 1955): (2) Roger Williams at the Piano; (44) Steve Allen with George Cates and His Orchestra; (54) Victor Young and His Singing Strings; (64) Mitch Miller, His Orch. & Chorus; (67) Jackie Gleason and His Orchestra; (100) Ray Charles Singers.

"(Moritat) Theme from The Three Penny Opera" (February 18, 1956): (13) Dick Hyman Trio; (23) Richard Hayman and Jan August; (54) Les Paul; (57) Billy Vaughn and His Orchestra; (61) Louis Armstrong and His All-Stars; (64) Lawrence Welk and His Champagne Music. Exact titles do vary.



IZ ZAT SO? Though cover versions were less common in the '60s, they still existed.

Twice in the same year, and three times overall, the Top 100 included four versions of the same song:

"Look for a Star" (June 20, 1960): (85) Dean Hawley; (88) Garry Miles; (92) Billy Vaughn and His Orchestra; (99) Gary Mills. All four made their chart debut that same week.

"Love Is Blue (L'amour Est Bleu)" (February 24, 1968): (1) Paul Mauriat and His Orchestra; (57) Al Martino; (97) Claudine Longet; (100) Manny Kellem, His Orchestra and Voices. Exact titles do vary.

Not often will you find a chart with the same song at No. 1 and No. 100.

"Here Comes the Judge" (June 15, 1968): (19) Shorty Long; (62) Magistrates Featuring Jean Hillary; (82) Pigmeat Markham; (93) Buena Vistas. Exact titles do vary.


　
　

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: www.jerryosborne.com

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

Copyright 2013 Osborne Enterprises - Reprinted By Exclusive Permission

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

from our friends at polyvinylrecords.com

Pre-Order of Montreal The Sunlandic Twins Picture Disc

From theatrical live performances to eye-popping album artwork, of Montreal has always been as much about what you see as what you hear.

And now, the band's visual and musical dimensions are even more closely linked on this beautiful picture disc edition of their beloved 2005 album, The Sunlandic Twins.

Here, the record itself serves as the showcase for David Barnes' iconic imagery and Kevin Barnes' superlative songwriting. And it has never looked or sounded better.

Featuring of Montreal favorites such as "Wraith Pinned to the Mist," "Oslo in the Summertime," "So Begins Our Alabee," and many more, this landmark album will only be available on picture disc via this one-time, limited edition pressing of 535 numbered copies.

Over half of the pressing is already sold, so if you want one -- pre-order now!

Pre-Order HERE

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Pre-order Death Cab For Cutie, Brett Nelson

Electronic Anthology Project Of Death Cab For Cutie 7 Inch

Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie) & Brett Nelson (Built To Spill) re-imagine 2 Death Cab songs as New Wave circa 1982, in the latest installment of The Electronic Anthology Project. Brett re-works the instrumental track with synthesizers & drum machine & Ben contributes new vocals. Features "Soul Meets Body (Plans)" & "Champagne from A Paper Cup (Something About Airplanes)." (ltd ed color vinyl 7")

Pre-Order HERE



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For immediate release:

The Stanleys Release Kid’s Gonna Rock Vinyl, Tour Dates

Just in time for summer, The Stanley’s are at it again, bringing the world the pop-heavy Kid’s Gonna Rock 7” Vinyl split with fellow power popsters The Mynd Gardners to be released worldwide on July 1st, produced by Ken Stringfellow (REM) and Andy Lawson (Eskimo Joe).

Exuding a sense of freedom echoed by the bands musical journeys around the world, the high-energy title track, “Kid’s Gonna Rock,” is an upbeat pop anthem with driving guitar and an addictive chorus that has recently been added to Harmonix’s Rock Band for XBOX 360.

With the summer of 2012 came The Stanleys’ infectious debut offering, the “Always-EP”, receiving praise from a budding community of fans and spinning on medium to high rotation on US college Radio and London’s Radio 2. They rode the wave of the ‘Always – EP’ success, playing all over the world including the prominent CMJ, NXNE, and the world’s largest festival, Summerfest.

The Stanleys are taking on the world again this July for the KID’S GONNA ROCK TOUR in support of their Kid’s Gonna Rock 7” Vinyl, with dates in the US, Europe, China, and Australia. The world better watch out because these kids are gonna rock!

Pressed on gorgeous purple vinyl. Includes their tracks "Misinterpreted" and "Recharge Your Mind" (download code for these included with vinyl).

Order HERE

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Vinyl-only public library opens in London - The volunteer-run Vinyl Library is stocked exclusively by donations







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Bob Dylan’s electric guitar from Newport Folk Festival 1965 is for sale









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Kiss Poster Sells for More Than $3,000











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like all lists on the net, certainly up for debate.  But how can you not include "lodi" is beyond me...

Top 10 Creedence Clearwater Revival Songs







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GRIMEY'S BEST SELLERS 6/24 - 6/30, 2013

Vinyl Top 25:
1. The National - Trouble Will Find Me
2. Jason Isbell - Southeastern
3. Mavis Staples - One True Vine
4. The Shins - Live At Third Man
5. The Kills - Live At Third Man
6. Boards Of Canada - Tomorrow's Harvest
7. Daughter - If You Leave
8. Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires Of The City
9. Smith Westerns - Soft Will
10. Townes Van Zandt - In The Beginning
11. Queens Of The Stone Age - Like Clockwork
12. Cooper - Motown Suite
13. Bass Drum Of Death - Bass Drum Of Death
14. Public Image Ltd - Public Image
15. Sigur Ros - Kveikur
16. D Watusi - Dark Party
17. Della Mae - This World Oft Can Be
18. Rose Windows - Sun Dogs
19. Alt-J - An Awesome Wave
20. Ray Lamontagne - Trouble
21. Peter Buck - You Must Fight To Live On The Planet Of The Apes 7"
22. The Allman Brothers - Brothers & Sisters
23. Big Star - Nothing Can Hurt Me
24. Jane's Addiction - Live In NYC
25. The Features - The Features

 

New Music Releases - July 2, 2013

 A Great Big Pile Of Leaves - You’re Always On My Mind
Autopsy - The Headless Ritual
Bell X1 - Chop Chop
Big Black Cloud - Black Friday
Bobby Womack - Everything's Gonna Be Alright: Singles 67-76
CHVRCHES - EP
Ciara - Ciara
Darkane - The Sinister Supremacy
Editors - The Weight of Your Love
Huntress - Starbound Beast
I Can See Mountains - Life On A Houseboat
Juicy J - Stay Trippy
Look Alive - Mistakes & Milestones
Maya Jane Coles - Control
Never Shout Never - Sunflower
Nick Drake - Bryter Layter (reissue) (vinyl)
Owen - L’Ami du Peuple
Pretty Lights - Color Map of the Sun
Pulp - Party Clowns: Live In London 1991 (reissue) (vinyl)
Relient K - Collapsible Lung
The Fall - Re-Mit
The Leisure Society - Alone Aboard The Ark
Tom Odell - Long Way Down
Various Artists - Los Nuggetz: 1960s Punk, Pop, Psychedelic from Latin America (4-CD box set)
Various Artists - Scared to Get Happy: Story of Indie Pop 1980-1989 (5-CD box set)
Various Artists - The Dutch Woodtstock
Various Artists - The Lone Ranger: Wanted (soundtrack)
Zomby - With Love

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

In 2010, I posted an article about Mr. Dean's work and now the lawsuit is here. Take a look back at the article and you can certainly see why.

Read About Roger Dean: Other Wordly Art or How Avatar Ripped Him Off

read on about the lawsuit:

Asia and Yes Artist Roger Dean Sues James Cameron Over ‘Avatar’













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Deep Elm Records to Release LIGHTS & MOTION "Reanimation" Limited Edition 2X Vinyl LP in Connection with Foreign Sounds

Deep Elm Records will be releasing a Double Vinyl LP set of cinematic post-rock powerhouse LIGHTS & MOTION's critically-acclaimed debut "Reanimation" in connection with Foreign Sounds, a South Carolina-based record label run by musicians who embrace all elements of the independent DIY mindset while not subscribing to a singular sound. Currently in production in the Czech Republic, this hand-numbered, double-gatefold, limited edition pressing of what PopMatters called "the greatest debut album in post-rock history" and will be limited to 500 copies on black vinyl. A soon-to-be collector's item, a reservation is strongly encouraged as we expect this limited pressing to sell out very quickly. Foreign Sounds anticipates shipping orders in late August. For reservation information, go to foreignsounds.com/lightsandmotion
 
  - Double Vinyl LP Set, Limited Edition Pressing of 500
  - 13 Uncut Original Recordings on Premium 150 Gram Vinyl
  - Double Gatefold (2 Sleeve) Full-Color Jacket with Liner Notes
  - Hand-Numbered, Black Vinyl with Full-Color Disc Labels
  - Manufactured in the Czech Republic by Pirates Press
  - Total Running Time: 67 minutes

One word: Epic. That's the most succinct way to describe the stunning instrumental debut by LIGHTS & MOTION. The band's braintrust, 24 year old self-taught multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, engineer, mixer and all around musical savant Christoffer Franzen, created and composed every song in real-time during late night insomnia sessions through pure accident, improvisation and inspiration. And the result? More than you could have ever hoped for. Reanimation is pure, sweeping, musically-animated emotion: modern yet classic, bold yet restrained, grandiose yet humble, storming yet tranquil, swerving yet linear...and you are completely surrounded in the sincerity, the ecstasy, the illumination of it all. Every song is deeply intimate yet so massively majestic, culminating in a timeless album that is seemingly created from the same stuff dreams are made of. Reanimation is sure to be acknowledged as one of the best and most important post-rock albums ever made. "If this was the last album we ever released on Deep Elm, I would consider our 18 year mission an overwhelming success" says label founder John Szuch.

"There are two factors by which the genre of post-rock should be judged by - a litmus test, if you will. One, does it challenge and/or dispel the false notion that at the center of rock music presides a frontman and 'proper' song structure? Two, and perhaps most important, does it take listeners out of themselves and into ethereal, ambient and otherworldly realms of which anything and everything is possible when guitars and percussion collide? If this is to be true, then Reanimation, the debut LP from Sweden's 24-year-old multi-instrumentalist, Christoffer Franzen (aka Lights & Motion), is a near-perfect post-rock album. Bound the single thread that is Franzen's solitary performances - improvised, layered and manipulated - is a 67-minute epic that ebbs and flows through sweeping reverb, lush textures of orchestrated strings and sonically crushing melodies. Of the post-rock groups recognized by the majority of mainstream indie rock listeners, Lights & Motion most closely resembles Explosions in the Sky in the band's habitual use of rock's standard guitar, bass and drums. And while Reanimation is chock-full of the non-traditional percussion often found in the genre, it's Franzen's use of this trinity in creating such majestic and euphoric movements that will astound most. No bones about it, Reanimation is quite possibly the greatest debut album in post-rock history..." - PopMatters

For reservation information, go HERE

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from our friends at www.nonesuch.com

Inside Llewyn Davis - Original Soundtrack Recording

Release date: September 17, 2013

Inside Llewyn Davis follows a week in the life of a young folk singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) is at a crossroads. Guitar in tow, huddled against the unforgiving New York winter, he is struggling to make it as a musician against seemingly insurmountable obstacles—some of them of his own making. Living at the mercy of both friends and strangers, scaring up what work he can find, Llewyn’s misadventures take him from the basket houses of the Village to an empty Chicago club—on an odyssey to audition for music mogul Bud Grossman—and back again. Brimming with music performed by Isaac, Justin Timberlake and Carey Mulligan (as Llewyn’s married Village friends), as well as Marcus Mumford and Punch Brothers, Inside Llewyn Davis—in the tradition of O Brother, Where Art Thou?—is infused with the transportive sound of another time and place. An epic on an intimate scale, it represents the Coen Brothers’ fourth collaboration with Grammy and Academy Award®-winning music producer T Bone Burnett.

Nonesuch Store pre-orders of the Inside Llewyn Davis soundtrack on CD and vinyl, both due September 17, include an exclusive, 11" x 7" print from the film.

Pre-Order the vinyl at Nonsuch

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vinyl review from our friends at AudAud.com

Nancy Wilson – This Mother’s Daughter – Capitol Records/ Pure Pleasure Records (vinyl)

Nancy Wilson struts her stuff…

Nancy Wilson – This Mother’s Daughter – Capitol Records/ Pure Pleasure Records PPAN ST11518 – 180 gram Stereo LP (1976) [6/26/13] ****:

(Nancy Wilson, vocals; Dave Grusin, George Duke – piano, Fender Rhodes; George Duke – Moog; Hugh McCracken, Jeff Miranoy – guitars; Chuck Rainey – bass; Steve Gadd – drums; Oliver Brown – percussion; Blue Mitchell – Flugelhorn)

Published on June 25, 2013

During her prime recording career in the 1960s and 1970s, Nancy Wilson was one of the most prolific jazz vocalists on Capitol Records, releasing more than twenty-five albums. Her voice blended sophistication along with a sassiness, whether it was singing pop songs of the era or blending jazz with a funk edge. From the latter style came This Mother’s Daughter in 1976. Produced by Eugene McDaniels, and arranged by Hugh McCracken, Dave Grusin and George Duke, the album was recorded at The Record Plant in Los Angeles. The backing musicians were first call sidemen from LA, so from the get-go, this recording was given a strong jump start.

Pure Pleasure Records, from England, as part of their 180 gram limited edition audiophile re-issue program, has had the esteemed Blue Note engineer, Ron McMaster, remaster the original recording at Capitol Studios. The result is Nancy at her finest on vinyl, singing a mix of contemporary soul with strings and horns.

“From You to Me to You” opens Side 1 with a swirling mix of strings and background vocals surrounding Ms. Wilson as she soars above the mix. Chuck Rainey’s electric bass is unmistakable as his round bottom end keeps the funk quotient high. “Love Has Smiled on Us” is a pretty ballad with the vocal taking center stage with a minimum of strings and background vocals. Piano is the primary instrument backing Nancy as she emotes sweetly. “I Don’t Want a Sometimes Man” has a Motown feel only belied by the strings that Berry Gordy would have left out if he had Diana Ross do this number.

“Tree of Life” is a step up in lyrics with a hopeful theme. Written by producer McDaniels, it was covered as well by Aretha Franklin. A gospel choir adds class and emotion. George Duke’s Moog synthesizer adds spacey effects to “Now” while Steve Gadd makes his presence felt on drums. The title track follows as Wilson preaches to the next generation of women including her daughter, born on July 4, 1975. The theme is helping to prepare our children for the future.

“He Never Had It So Good” brings us back to the eternal man/woman struggle. “When We Were One” has some funky guitar, and a feel that would have been appropriate for a movie theme, complete with some extravagant strings and horns arranged by Dave Grusin and Hugh McCracken. “Stay Tuned” ends our 1970s visit with Nancy Wilson, as its bluesy romp is aided by Blue Mitchell’s righteous Flugelhorn solo. It is perhaps the most straight-ahead jazz tune on the album.

For fans of Ms. Wilson who want to hear her in her prime, backed by a potent crew of musicians, with strings, background vocals, and occasional horns to sweeten the mix—all in audiophile splendor—then this album fits the bill well.

TrackList:
Side 1:  From You To Me To You, Love Has Smiled On Us, I Don’t Want a Sometimes Man, Tree of Life, China
Side 2:  Now, This Mother’s Daughter, He Never Had It So Good, When We Were One, Stay Tuned

—Jeff Krow

Buy at Amazon

I want to thank John over at www.audaud.com for the exclusive rights to reprint this great review!

AUDIOPHILE AUDITION focuses on recordings of interest to audiophiles and collectors, with an accent on surround sound for music, and on all hi-res disc formats. Over 100SACD, DVD Video/Audio and standard CD reviews are published during each month, and our archives go back to January 2001. 

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vinyl doing well north of the border

Where vinyl's still groovy - Record-store dream becomes reality thanks to mammoth collection










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Slow Season Releases Multi-Colored 7 inch Vinyl On Easy Rider Records







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Nick Drake 'Five Leaves Left' album set for special vinyl re-release











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Scorpions: 'MTV Unplugged - Live In Athens' Due Before End Of Year






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Entertainment Weekly‘s 100 Greatest Albums Ever











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making the rounds on YouTube :

Black Sabbath’s ‘Paranoid’ Covered By Children’s Orff Rock Band

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

from our friends at SoundStageDirect


This Week's Bestselling Vinyl Records

1. Bob Dylan - Blood On The Tracks
2. Faith No More - Angel Dust (Pre-Order)
3. MFSL Original Master Record Sleeves (50)
4. Allman Brothers Band - Eat A Peach
5. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Second Helping 6. Rolling Stones - Let It Bleed
7. Rolling Stones - Beggars Banquet
8. Tommy James And The Shondells - The Best Of 9. Bob Marley - Legend
10. Rolling Stones - Hot Rocks 1964-1971


New Releases & Featured Vinyl Records

4 by Foreigner
Bruckner Symphony No. 7 by Herbert Von Karajan
VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine by VPI
Blood On The Tracks by Bob Dylan
Hard Bop by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
In The Beginning... by Townes Van Zandt
Bryter Layter by Nick Drake
Archiv Produktion: Early Music Studio Of Deutsche Grammophon 1947-2013 by Various Artists
Rega RP1 Turntable w/ Performance Pack (Grey) by Rega

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interesting site contacted me this week, take a look, very cool articles and features

EXCLUSIVE: My Time With Joey Ramone - By Annette Stark










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new vinyl from our friends at MusicOnVinyl

Various Artists - The Music Is You: A Tribute To John Denver

Fifteen years after his death and 40 years after the release of his widely beloved song "Rocky Mountain High," John Denver's life and music is celebrated with The Music Is You: A Tribute to John Denver. 

The album features magical covers of Denver's most popular songs by a diverse group of established international artists like Dave Matthews, Amos Lee, Brandi Carlile & Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams and many more.

John Denver, the two-time Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter released 23 studio albums in his lifetime.  He is best known for the beloved songs "Leaving on a Jet Plane," "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "Sunshine On My Shoulders, "Annie's Song" and "Rocky Mountain High". With over 33 million records sold, his catalogue continues to sell thousands of units per week.  Among his numerous awards and recognitions, Denver was instrumental in championing environmental causes and space exploration.  Music On Vinyl is proud to present The Music Is You: A Tribute to John Denver on a lavish 180 gram double vinyl in a gatefold sleeve.

 "As a songwriter, he wrote from the heart, frequently returning to the feelings that guided him, including love, the idea of home and family, hope, life on the road (loneliness), the outdoors and the beauty of nature, and a deep, broad appreciation of life's difficulties and frustrations." —Bill Danoff, Denver's friend and collaborator

• 180 gram audiophile vinyl
• Gatefold sleeve
• Featuring Denver covers by Dave Matthews, My Morning Jacket, Brandi Carlile And Emmylou Harris, Train, Amos Lee, Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros, Lucinda Williams, Josh Ritter and more

 

Tracklisting:

Side 1

 1.Leaving On A Jet Plane (My Morning Jacket)

 2.Take Me To Tomorrow (Dave Matthews)

 3.All Of My Memories  (Kathleen Edwards)

 4.Prisoners (J. Mascis and Sharon Van Etten)

 

Side 2

 1.Sunshine On My Shoulders (Train)

 2.Back Home Again (Old Crow Medicine Show)

 3.This Old Guitar (Lucinda Williams)

 4.Some Days Are Diamonds (Amos Lee)

 

Side 3

 1.Rocky Mountain High (Allen Stone)

 2.Annie's Song (Brett Dennen and Milow)

 3.Looking For Space (Evan Dando)

 4.Take Me Home, Country Roads (Brandi Carlile & Emmylou Harris)

 

Side 4

 1.The Eagle And The Hawk (Blind Pilot)

 2.I Guess He'd Rather Be In Colorado (Mary Chapin Carpenter)

 3.Darcy Farrow (Josh Ritter with Barnstar!)

 4.Wooden Indian (Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros)

 

 

Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown

The vinyl reissue of Come Around Sundown marks the total discography of Kings Of Leon available on Music On Vinyl!

After touring relentlessly following the Only By The Night album, the Followill brothers released Come Around Sundown in 2010, building on their immensely successful formula of Alternative Rock. This album sounds immense, with big riffs, bellowing vocal excursions, thundering drums – imagine rocking out to this stuff with 50,000 KOL fans in a booming stadium.

Featuring the hit "Radioactive", Come Around Sundown was the 11th best-selling album in the UK in 2010, certified Gold in the US.  The album was nominated at the 54th Grammy Awards for Best Rock Album.  Rolling Stone magazine placed Come Around Sundown at #18 on their list of the Best Albums of 2010.

• 180 gram audiophile vinyl
• Printed innersleeves
• Gatefold sleeve

Tim Buckley - Greetings From L.A.

The first album in his 'sex-funk' era, Greetings From L.A. (1972) was a step into another direction for Buckley.  Ordinarily known for his signature Folk sound, on Greetings From L.A. he focused on Soul, Jazz and Funk for the first time in his career. 

Throughout the album, Buckley shifts effortlessly between honky-tonk sing-a-longs,  groovy organ grinders and laidback Soul.  His vocals at times resemble a cross between Mick Jagger & Jim Morrison. 

Just like the original, the front sleeve contains a unique punch-out postcard of a wonderful Los Angeles vista.

• 180 gram audiophile vinyl
• Special "postcard"sleeve

 

John Lee Hooker - Never Get Out Of These Blues Alive

The unparalleled John Lee Hooker recorded Never Get Out Of These Blues Alive within two days in 1971, working together with young Blues stars Van Morrison and Steve Miller, among others.
John takes centre stage delivering the hard edged Blues he's known for, whilst giving his fellow musicians enough space to jam along. Stellar performances by Charlie Musselwhite on blues harp and Miller & Elvin Bishop on guitar top off the album.

The title track is simply what Blues is all about: mournful, depressed and loose – epic stuff. Noteworthy is Hooker's laidback rendition of Van Morrison's "T.B. Sheets", of which the original is found on Morrison's debut album Blowin' Your Mind (180 gram audiophile vinyl)

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vinyl doing well in the great state of california

Third Eye Records Opens Ears with New Location






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pennsylvania record store/label doing their part in the vinyl revival

Mind Cure Records in Polish Hill ready to spin at 45 rpm










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yes they have vinyl in russia! (3 million sold in 2102)

Legendary Soviet Record Label Goes Online











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Fleetwood Mac Vinyl Reissues Scheduled for August











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Home and Car Once Owned by John Lennon Up For Sale








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Sign a Petition to Launch the Les Paul Stamp!











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Bob Dylan, Marcus Mumford, Justin Timberlake on soundtrack to Inside Llewyn Davis





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album cover art of the day:


Vasaeleth Unveils New Album "All Uproarious Darkness" Artwork

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 24, 2013

DEAR JERRY: Many years ago you compiled a list of mail-related songs for someone working for the postal service. I have a similar request.

I want to create a unique CD of motorcycle songs as a gift for my husband, and would be grateful for a list of such songs. Then I could pick ones I think he would like. He even has a CD player on his bike.

Can you help with this?
—Martina Kosmescher, Jupiter, Fla.

DEAR MARTINA: Help just rode in on two wheels.

Not knowing the type of music he prefers, I selected some tunes with "motorcycle" in the title, and ones from several genres and eras. All are easily available online for you to audition and download.

When more than one artist is shown with the same title, they are completely different songs.

Alphabetical by title, with the artist whose recording I verified, they are:

"Bad Motorcycle" (Storey Sisters)
"Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots" (Cheers)
"Chrome Plated Motorcycle Man" (Cyril May)
"Dream Motorcycle" (Marty Balin)
"Girl on a Motorcycle" (Basement Tape)
"Girl on a Motorcycle" (Crokodile Tears)
"Girl on a Motorcycle" (Lola Dutronic)
"Girl on a Motorcycle" (Mark Lucas and the Dead Setters)
"Motorcycle" (Iggy Pop)
"Motorcycle" (Love & Rockets)
"Motorcycle" (Paul Simon as Tico and the Triumphs)
"Motorcycle" (Vinyltones)
"Motorcycle Alligators" (Jimmy Hasser)
"Motorcycle Baby" (Rocket 3)
"Motorcycle Baby" (Rockin' Scoundrels)
"Motorcycle Blues" (Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry)
"Motorcycle Blues" (David James Vasquez)
"Motorcycle Blues" (Jesse Colin Young)
"Motorcycle Boy" (Gutterball)
"Motorcycle Day" (Frank Tribes)
"Motorcycle Daydream" (Bedroom Eyes)
"Motorcycle Dreamer" (Menudo)
"Motorcycle Drive By" (Third Eye Blind)
"Motorcycle Driver" (Joe Satriani)
"Motorcycle Girl" (Giants)
"Motorcycle Girl" (Cruzados)
"Motorcycle Irene" (Moby Grape)
"Motorcycle Journey" (Big Room)
"Motorcycle Loretta" (Crown of Thorns)
"Motorcycle Mama" (Allan Benoit)
"Motorcycle Mama" (Natchez)
"Motorcycle Mama" (Neil Young & Nicolette Larson)
"Motorcycle Mama" (Pocket)
"Motorcycle Mama" (Sailcat)
"Motorcycle Man" (Hot Sugar)
"Motorcycle Man" (Riptones)
"Motorcycle Man" (Townsend & Tucker)
"Motorcycle Michael" (Jo Ann Campbell)
"Motorcycle Millie" (William Garrett)
"Motorcycle Riding D.J." (James Maddox)
"Motorcycle Rose" (Heart Shapre')
"Motorcycle Song" (Arlo Guthrie)
"Motorcycle Song" (Billy Joel)
"Motorcycle Song" (Loaded Dice)
"Motorcycle Song" (Ron Overcash and Nu Blooz Band)
"Motorcycle Ways" (Arizona)
"Motorcycles" (Hank Vegas)
"Motorcycles and Music" (Red Herring and South Boston Popps Orchestra)
"My Motorcycle" (Larry Siegel)
"Poppity Pop Goes the Motorcycle" (Royal Crown Revue)
"Really Like My Motorcycle" (Wolf and Gypsy Band)
"Red Motorcycle and a Blue Tattoo" (Courtney Hogan)
"She's a Bad Motorcycle" (Surf Sluts)
"Silver Motorcycle" (Union)

There should be enough here to put together something for your Easy Rider.


DEAR JERRY: Some people ask you about songs because they remind them of an old flame or good friend.

My connection with a song is based on a very different memory, one not nearly as romantic or pleasant.

Due to an unfortunate series of events in the summer of 1968, I spent some time in the East Lansing Police Jail.

There I met a homeless guy who actually preferred jail to life on the streets, and I remember him referring to incarceration as providing "three squares and a cot."

Coincidentally, there was a hit song at the time about three squares.

I have not heard it since that summer, but sure would enjoy hearing it again. What was it?
—Steven Mendez, Royal Oak, Mich.


DEAR STEVEN: While you were a guest of Michigan's capital city, and the three squares and a cot at the E.L.P.J., radio WJIM (AM 1240) was spinning "Three Squares," by Jimmy Gilmer (Atco 6583).

It was in fact exactly 45 years ago this month when the WJIM Sound Power Survey listed "Three Squares" in Lansing's Top 10. Jimmy Gilmer had several hits in the '60s with the Fireballs, including the million-selling No. 1 hit, "Sugar Shack." But he recorded "Three Squares" solo, though he was still with the Fireballs. As a group, they had three chart hits in 1968, including the Top 10 entry, "Bottle of Wine."

Even so, "Three Squares" must have been a disappointment. Packed with potential, it deserved more than just regional hit status in a small market.

Unfortunately, what happened in Lansing stayed in Lansing. Not enough other stations jumped on it and it simply fizzled nationally.

At first, one might think the tune is about three not-so-hip people. That is not the case, as indicated by the complete title: "Three Squares (And a Place to Lay Your Head)."

It really is about three meals daily, plus a cot (of sorts), but does not involve being taken into custody.

Jimmy's song is an attempt to reason with his love interest. She apparently is involved with someone for no reasons other than food and shelter.

The first verse adequately summarizes the story:

"The memories of a tenement room
The desperate hours of perpetual gloom
It's all built up inside you, baby I know
That's why you think there's no place else you can go
Don't let him buy you, girl
No don't destroy your world for
Three squares and a place to lay your head
Three squares and a soft feather bed
Three squares can't be all you're livin' for
When love is so much more"


IZ ZAT SO? Bob Montgomery, a close friend and one-time singing partner of Buddy Holly's, wrote "Three Squares (And a Place to Lay Your Head)."

Montgomery is credited with over 100 songs, including "Love's Made a Fool of You"; "Heartbeat"; and "Wishing," all first recorded by Holly, then by others.

Montgomery also wrote "Misty Blue" (Dorothy Moore, Eddy Arnold, others) and "Back in Baby's Arms" (Patsy Cline, Emmylou Harris, Sissy Spacek, others).

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

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

Copyright 2013 Osborne Enterprises - Reprinted By Exclusive Permission