Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne



FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 30, 2012


DEAR JERRY: Is it possible that a soundtrack LP was never issued for "Casablanca"?

Lots of people recorded "As Time Goes By," but who, if anyone, had a hit with it? Maybe the one who sings it in the movie?

"Casablanca" is an award-winning classic, repeatedly shown for 70 years. How could its music, with numerous instrumentals and vocals, not have been issued by someone.
—Leslie Robinson, Hagerstown, Md.




DEAR LESLIE: Someone did, but not until 55 years later, and still not on LP (i.e., vinyl).

From 1942 until 1997, most of the original "Casablanca" recordings were presumed to be lost forever.

Then, while looking for something else, a Warner Brothers employee unearthed those "missing" optical nitrate "Casablanca" recordings.

From that discovery, Turner Classic Films teamed with Rhino Records to produced a 20-track soundtrack CD (Rhino 0034X).

In the film and on the album, "As Time Goes By" is performed by Arthur "Dooley" Wilson. He also sings "Knock on Wood"; "Dat's What Noah Done"; plus a medley of "It Had to Be You" and "Shine."

The two most commercially successful singles of "As Time Goes By" are tunes you are not likely to hear in the mainstream media: by Rudy Vallee (Baritone with Orchestra) (Victor 20-1526), and Jacques Renard & His Orchestra (Brunswick 6205). Though not credited, the Renard Orchestra's vocalist is Frank Munn.

"As Time Goes By" may be perpetually associated with "Casablanca," but Herman Hupfeld originally wrote the tune for the short-lived Broadway musical "Everybody's Welcome."

This show opened at the Schubert Theatre on October 13, 1931, and closed four months and 139 performances later (February 13, 1932).

On that stage, Polly Bascom sang "As Time Goes By" in Act 1, then is joined on the Reprisal by Biny Hatfield in Act 2.

Meanwhile, one mile south at Tin Pan Alley, Hupfeld's song was snatched up by both Rudy Vallee (Victor 22773) and Jacques Renard (Brunswick 6205).

Renard's track is the same as reissued 12 years later to coincide with "Casablanca," but Vallee's 1931 waxing is completely different than on his 1943 single. That original even features this rarely-heard, one-minute intro:

This day and age we're living in gives cause for apprehension
With speed and new invention, and things like third dimension
We get a trifle weary with Mr. Einstein's theory
So we must get down to earth at times, relax … relieve the tension
No matter what the progress, or what may yet be proved
The simple facts of life are such, they cannot be removed

Most singers of "As Time Goes By" omit these lyrics, but not Rod Stewart. His 2003 remake, billed as the lead track on the "Great American Songbook, Volume II," faithfully reproduces Rudy Vallee's 1931 intro.

"Casablanca," the 1943 Academy Award winner for Best Picture, is the legendary Humphrey Bogart's screen debut in a romantic lead role. He previously specialized in portraying gangsters.



IZ ZAT SO? "Casablanca is not the only film starring Humphrey Bogart to have a soundtrack caught up in unexpected and out of the ordinary events.

In 1954, "The Caine Mutiny" soundtrack LP (RCA Victor LOC-1013) was withdrawn and destroyed before all but a few copies made it out of the plant, all caused by squabbling and disagreements over the content.

Because only a handful survived, an authentic original can now fetch in the neighborhood of $10,000.

Adding to "The Caine Mutiny" lore is RCA Victor's official catalog at the time, announcing a seven-inch EP (extended play) containing selections from the 12-inch album.

Based on nothing other than no one seems to have ever seen one, most in the industry assume none were produced in this format.

Still, should a copy of the EP (EOD-1013) surface, its value would easily exceed that of the LP.


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 2012 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Exclusive Permission



 

Vinyl Record News & Music Notes


Grace Potter & the Nocturnals New Album Cover Art

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals have recently revelaed the album art for their new album called 'The Lion The Beast The Beat.' The album’s cover was designed by LA-based artist Deedee Cheriel.

“I wanted the cover art to reflect all the themes within this album without being overwhelming,” Potter says of the album’s art. “I grew up in a family of artists so when it comes to cover art…I’m pretty tough. I was ready for a long, drawn out process, but Deedee Cheriel’s artwork fell perfectly in step with where I wanted to go. Her work seems ancient and immediate all at once. A beautiful combination of sacred and subversive. And if that’s too art-schooly for you, let’s just say there are animals puking laser rainbows…which is just plain awesome”

The Lion The Beast The Beat is scheduled for release on June 12.









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MALADIE Announce Release Album Cover Artwork

German black metallers MALADIE have just announced that their new album 'Plague Within' will be released on July 20 via Apostasy Records.





















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Bilocate Reveals New Cover Artwork

Jordanian dark metallers Bilocate have recently revealed the album cover artwork for 'Summoning the Bygones,' their upcoming new album. The artwork was designed by Matthew Vickerstaff of Darkwave Art in the United Kingdom, who is working with Listenable Records and Peaceville Records.

The album's official release date worldwide is on the 11th of June 2012 via Code666 records (Aural Music).
















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Smashing Pumpkins Reveal New Album Cover and Tracks


The Smashing Pumpkins are back with their first studio album since 2007.

Rolling Stone announced that the band will release 'Oceania,' its seventh studio album, on June 19th.  It is part of "Teargarden by Kaleidyscope," a 44-song work-in-progress released song-by-song since 2009, but will stand on its own.

NME.com reported that lead singer Billy Corgan said in December that 'Oceania' was the band's strongest album since 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness' released in 1995.

The album features new drummer Mike Byrne, guitarist Jeff Schroeder and bassist Nicole Fiorentino, all new since "Zeitgeist" was released in 2007.

Tracklist
"Quasar"
"Panopticon"
"The Celestials"
"Violet Rays"
"My Love Is Winter"
"One Diamond, One Heart"
"Pinwheels"
"Oceania"
"Pale Horse"
"The Chimera"
"Glissandra"
"Inkless"
"Wildflower"





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this seldom seen video (12 views, although that makes me #13....uh oh) about vinyl should get more views, i like the presentation!



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GRIMEY'S BEST SELLERS 4/23 - 4/29, 2012

Vinyl Top 25:

1. Jack White - Blunderbuss
2. JEFF The Brotherhood - Upstairs At United Vol. 3
3. The Flaming Lips - And Heady Fwends
4. The White Stripes - Hand Springs 7"
5. Dr. John - Locked Down
6. Caitlin Rose - Piledriver Waltz 7"
7. Arcade Fire - The Sprawl II 12"
8. Justin Townes Earle - Nothing's Gonna Change The Way You Feel... 7"
9. Diamond Rugs - Diamond Rugs
10. The Mynahbirds - It's My Time 7"
11. Ty Segall & White Fence - Hair
12. James Brown - Live At The Apollo 7"
13. Metallica - Beyond Magnetic
14. Paul Simon - Graceland
15. Little Richard - Here's Little Richard
16. Brendan Benson - What Kind Of World
17. Bruce Springsteen - Rocky Ground 7"
18. The Shins - Port Of Morrow
19. Martian Denny Orchestra - Crossfire 7"
20. Lee Hazelwood - LHI Years
21. Devo - Live In Seattle 1981
22. Townes Van Zandt - At My Window
23. Grace Potter & The Nocturnals - Live At Sun Studio
24. Uncle Tupelo - No Depression
25. Soundtrack - Empire Records
  
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Spin-Clean® Introduces Archival Record Sleeve, The “Yellow Jacket”

Spin-Clean® International, manufacturer of the largest-selling vinyl record-cleaning device in the world, has introduced a high quality, 45 RPM record sleeve for audiophiles, vinyl enthusiasts, and record collectors who are looking for a better way to preserve their vinyl archives.
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Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) April 25, 2012 - Spin-Clean® International, manufacturer of the largest-selling vinyl record-cleaning device in the world, has introduced a high quality, 45 RPM record sleeve for audiophiles, vinyl enthusiasts, and record collectors who are looking for a better way to preserve their vinyl archives.

The new sleeve, known as the “Yellow Jacket,” is reminiscent of original, archival-grade sleeves manufactured in the 1970s by Record-Rama Sound Archives.

Made from 60 lb., acid-free, archival storage-quality paper, the Yellow Jacket is unique in that its physical paper properties do not fade or degrade over time, unlike many of the archival “green sleeves” available some 30 years ago.

The Yellow Jacket also allows one to record historical information about the single on the sleeve itself, further helping to preserve the history of the 45 RPM contained within the sleeve.

According to Mark Mawhinney, owner of Spin-Clean® International, “There’s nothing else like it on the market. Just like Spin-Clean® Record Washers are one-of-a-kind, so is the Yellow Jacket.”

Spin-Clean® International has become a household name in the vinyl record industry since 1975, providing affordable record-washer / record-cleaning units, such as the Spin-Clean® Record Washer MKII, to the marketplace. Well-respected audio magazines such as Stereophile, Goldmine, and Absolute Sound have lauded the Spin-Clean® Record Washer MKII as an effective, inexpensive way to remove dust and dirt from LPs and 45s, unlocking the full dynamic range of vinyl recordings.

With the advent of the Yellow Jacket, Mawhinney believes the sleeve will quickly become a highly desirable companion piece to Spin-Clean’s® Record Washer MKII, because of its ability to endure the test of time.

“We have some of the original Yellow Jackets that are 30 years old and they still look and feel the same as they did back then,” remarks Mawhinney. “Obviously any 45 housed by them are reaping the benefits of such a strong archival sleeve.”

Spin-Clean® currently offers the Yellow Jacket in packages of 50 and 100, priced at $37.50 and $67.50 respectively.

Those interested in learning more about the Yellow Jacket or the Spin-Clean® line of vinyl cleaning products can call Spin-Clean® directly at 1-800-931-5850.

"I Am An Elvis Fan" Campaign Launched To Compile Ultimate Fan Collection


FANS VOTE FOR THEIR TOP 3 SONGS IN 7 GENRES: '50s, '60s, COUNTRY, MOVIES, LOVE SONGS, GOSPEL, AND IN CONCERT

VOTING TO TAKE PLACE ONLINE FROM MAY 1st TO MAY 12th, WITH TOP 21 SONG RESULTS TO BE ANNOUNCED ON JUNE 15th

21-song album available everywhere July 31, 2012, through RCA/Legacy

NEW YORK, May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Legacy Recordings in conjunction with Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) announces the launch of "I AM AN ELVIS FAN," a new campaign which encourages fans, from die-hards to casuals, to vote for their favorite recordings by Elvis from seven musical genres to be provided by Legacy. The top-scoring songs will determine the tracklist for I AM AN ELVIS FAN, a new 21-song collection that will be available starting July 31st through RCA/Legacy, a division of SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT.

The seven categories are '50s, '60s, Country, Movies, Love Songs, Gospel, and In Concert. The categories and tracks (all listed below) will be posted at www.iamanelvisfan.com where fans will be able to select their three top choices per genre. Facebook and Twitter users will be provided with links to share and spread the experience.   

Voting begins today and all votes must be received by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on May 12th. The results will be announced on June 15th. For a limited time, and as a bonus, those who pre-order the I AM AN ELVIS FAN album within the voting period (May 1 - May 12) will have their names included in the package, as space permits. Fans can pre-order the album and submit their name for inclusion in the package at www.iamanelvisfan.com.

The comprehensive "I AM AN ELVIS FAN" campaign, which can be experienced at www.Elvis.com/ElvisFan, encourages fans to "Create, Upload and Wear." In addition to the creation of the album, fans can also upload a photo of themselves to be used in an Elvis photo mosaic by EPE licensee Fan Mosaics. Those thousands of images in the fan mosaic will also be used on the I AM AN ELVIS FAN album cover. Photos can be uploaded now through June 1st. The cover art and song results will be revealed on June 15th. EPE will also create a limited edition "I AM AN ELVIS FAN" t-shirt which will be available for purchase at www.Elvis.com/ElvisFan beginning today. 

"I AM AN ELVIS FAN" – MUSICAL CATEGORIES

'50s – Selections: 1. That's All Right * 2. Good Rockin' Tonight * 3. Baby Let's Play House * 4. I Got A Woman * 5. Hound Dog * 6. Don't Be Cruel * 7. Mystery Train * 8. Blue Suede Shoes * 9. Money Honey * 10. Heartbreak  Hotel * 11. Shake, Rattle & Roll * 12. All Shook Up • 13. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy.

'60s – Selections: 1. In The  Ghetto * 2. Suspicious Minds * 3. Gentle On My  Mind * 4. Don't Cry Daddy * 5. Surrender * 6. Good Luck Charm * 7. Devil In Disguise * 8. She's Not You * 9. Suspicion * 10. The Girl Of My Best Friend * 11. His Latest Flame * 12. Love Letters * 13. Memories.

GOSPEL – Selections: 1. Peace in the Valley * 2. Crying in the Chapel * 3. How Great Thou Art * 4. If I Can Dream * 5. Amazing Grace * 6. Swing Down Sweet Chariot * 7. Joshua Fit The Battle * 8. Take My Hand Precious Lord * 9. Lead Me, Guide Me * 10. He Touched Me * 11. Milky White Way * 12. You'll Never Walk Alone * 13. Where Could I Go But To The Lord.

LOVE SONGS – Selections: 1. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You * 2. Any Way You Want Me * 3. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me * 4. One Night * 5. Can't Help Falling In Love * 6. Love Me Tender * 7. Always On My Mind * 8. Are You Lonesome Tonight? * 9. Unchained Melody * 10. Loving You * 11. You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling * 12. It's Now Or Never * 13. The Wonder Of You.

MOVIES – Selections: 1. King Creole * 2. Jailhouse Rock * 3. Trouble * 4. Return To Sender * 5. A Little Less Conversation * 6. Viva Las Vegas * 7. G.I Blues * 8. Follow That Dream * 9. Bossa Nova Baby * 10. Rubberneckin' * 11. Blue Hawaii * 12. Loving You * 13. Teddy Bear.

COUNTRY – Selections: 1. I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water * 2. Kentucky Rain * 3. For The Good Times * 4. Guitar Man * 5. Blue Moon of Kentucky * 6. Just Because * 7. Long Black Limousine * 8. I'll Hold You In My Heart (Until I Can Hold You in My Arms) * 9. She Thinks I Still Care * 10. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry * 11. Welcome to My World * 12. Funny How Time Slips Away * 13. There Goes My Everything.

IN CONCERT – Selections: 1. Polk Salad Annie * 2. Suspicious Minds * 3. Just Pretend * 4. You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling * 5. Bridge Over Troubled Water * 6. See See Rider * 7. Walk A Mile In My Shoes * 8. I Can't Stop Loving You * 9. You Gave Me A  Mountain * 10. An American Trilogy * 11. Burning Love * 12. My Way * 13. A Big Hunk of Love.

www.facebook.com/elvis

SOURCE Legacy Recordings

George Harrison: Living in the Material World & Early Takes Volume 1 Out Now!


Universal Music Enterprises is excited for the release of Martin Scorecese's documentary George Harrison: Living in the Material World on DVD and Blu-Ray as well as Early Takes Vol. 1, the companioin music collection of unreleased George Harrison on CD, LP and Box Set.

The Martin Scorcese directed documentary takes viewers on the musical and spiritual voyage that was Harrison’s life, much of it told in his own words. The result is deeply moving and touches each viewer in unique and individual ways.

Early Takes Volume 1 features previously unreleased material like demo versions of  "All Things Must Pass," "My Sweet Lord" and more. The album is a pivotal companion piece to the documentary and is a must have for any fan.

EARLY TAKES Volume 1 will also be released independent of the Deluxe Edition in CD, digital and 180-gram vinyl formats. EARLY TAKES is a pivotal companion piece to this critically acclaimed documentary and features previously unreleased recordings from Harrison. Included are rare, early takes of “I’d Have You Anytime” and “Awaiting On You All,” plus unheard demo versions of “Behind That Locked Door,” “All Things Must Pass,” “Run of the Mill” and “My Sweet Lord,” all later featured on Harrison’s 1970 chart-topping album All Things Must Pass. Other unreleased tracks include demos of “The Light That Has Lighted the World,” “Let It Be Me,” Bob Dylan’s “Mama You’ve Been on My Mind,” and an early take of “Woman Don’t You Cry For Me.”

Early Takes Vol. 1 Tracklist:

1. My Sweet Lord (demo) 3:33
2. Run Of The Mill (demo) 1:56
3. I'd Have You Any Time (early take) 3:06
4. Mama You've Been On My Mind (demo) 3:04
5. Let It Be Me (demo) 2:56
6. Woman Don't You Cry For Me (early take) 2:44
7. Awaiting On You All (early take) 2:40
8. Behind That Locked Door (demo) 3:29
9. All Things Must Pass (demo) 4:38
10. The Light That Has Lighted The World (demo) 2:23


Early Takes Vol. 1 - Order the Vinyl HERE

Vinyl Record Talk News

norm and jane over at Vinyl Record Talk have this news about grading vinyl.  my preference is a rating of 1-10, with 10 being the best (this goes for album covers as well)  I feel that a numeric system tells me more about a record than VG++, although that is up to debate.  However, taking a look at the proposed system, I think it will work out well for both buyers and sellers, take a look and start the debate!:

Grading Vinyl Records - A Proposal For An Expanded Set Of Standards

norm and jane also give us our weekly look at Ebay sales and now are offering a new feature, a weekly breakdown of Beatles records sold on eBay:

Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 04/28/2012

This week only one record has made the Top 5 before, and that's the Ricardo Marrero LP on the TSG label, whose records never made it out of a garage until after the tax evasion charges.  TSG was a short lived tax scam label for the purposes of taking inventory losses against another enterprise on quantities of records that were never actually pressed.  Though often the music on these records was terrible and the recording poor, there were some exceptions like this week's #1.

This week's Top 5 is the first the will not include The Beatles.  The Beatles will have their own Top 5 list starting this week.  Beatles collectibles of all kinds, teeth included, have become very popular, and records are no exception.  If we were to continue including The Beatles in a single weekly Top 5 list, it's likely there would be less and less room for all the other great records that are top tier collectibles.

1. LP - Ricardo Marrero and The Group "A Taste" TSG - $3,700.00

2. LP - Grannie "self-titled" SRT - $2,971.37

3. LP - Bodkin "self-titled" Private Pressing - $2,706.64

4. LP - Bob Marley & The Wailers "Soul Revolution Rhythm Part 3 Dub Album" Upsetter - $2,650.00

5. LP - Joe Harriott / Amancio D'Silva Quartet "Hum Dono" Columbia UK Pressing - $2,518.16

Vinyl Record Talk is Live on Radio Dentata on Tuesdays at 9pm ET / 6pm PT at RadioDentata.


drumroll please....now the beatles top sellers!

The Beatles Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales Week Ending 04/21/2012

This is the launch of the new Beatles Top 5 vinyl record sales.  We will be posting it here and discussing the Beatles Top 5 on Vinyl Record Talk, Tuesdays at 6pm PT.

This first week's #1 is a signed mono "Please Please Me" with the Dick James credits which sells for a whopping $24.7k.  A recently signed Capitol 70s reissue sells for $3.6k.  Another "Please Please Me" and two UK mono "White Albums" round out the list.

1. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" UK Parlophone Black & Gold Mono Pressing with Dick James credits and signed by all four Beatles (Perry Cox) - $24,675.00

2. LP - The Beatles "Help" Capitol Red Label signed by Ringo Starr and George Martin in 2009 - $3,600.00

3. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" UK Parlophone Black & Gold Mono Pressing with Dick James credits (1N/1N) - $3,344.82

4. LP - The Beatles "White Album" UK Mono Pressing #0093290 - $1,706.51

5. LP - The Beatles "White Album" UK Mono Pressing #0020949 - $1,149.58


The Beatles Vinyl Records Top 5 eBay Sales Week Ending 04/28/2012

Another impressive week for Beatles vinyl, with a "Love Me Do" demo selling for almost $20k.  eBay has a new section under music memorabilia which is dedicated to Beatles vintage vinyl.  This new section might be pushing prices up higher on its own. Then again The Beatles market itself if exploding for every kind of collectible, including teeth.

The most interesting item on this week's list is an India 78 RPM of "I Saw Her Standing There".

1. 45 - The Beatles "Love Me Do"/"P.S. I Love You" UK Parlophone Demo pressing. First beatles 45 and has Paul's last name misspelled "Mcartney" - $19,646.77

2. 45 - The Beatles "I Want To Hold You're Hand" / "This Boy" UK Parlophone Demo pressing - $1,331.43

3. 78 - The Beatles "I Saw Her Standing There" / "Hold Me Tight" India Pressing Parlophone - $1,256.05

4. LP - The Beatles "White Album" UK Parlophone Stereo #0523796 - $1,229.00

5. LP - The Beatles "Magical Mystery Tour" Mono Sealed - $1,150.00


be sure to stop by the Vinyl Record Talk blog  and tune in for Vinyl Record Talk at RadioDentata.com