dailyvinyl

Another Great Record Store Gone After 30 Years

2011-04-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

Another Great Record Store Gone After 30 Years: "

When University of Florida student Victoria Joyal heard Vinyl Fever was closing down this weekend, she drove down from Gainesville for a last visit.

'This is a sad day; I hate to see this place go,' she said.

'I've bought a lot of records here,' said Joyal, 20, who grew up in the Tampa area and has more than 700 vinyl records.

She was among a steady stream of longtime customers and bargain hunters who came to the store at 4110 Henderson Blvd. today.

Owner Lee Wolfson played vintage songs from his personal collection of vinyl albums and 45 rpms. He handed out cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon and negotiated prices on some of the remaining artifacts.

The independent record store sold new and used CDs as well as DVDs, vintage vinyl albums and even used audio cassettes. Its demise was brought on by declining sales as the sluggish economy and new technology such as iTunes took their toll.

Mike and Carleene Sessa, of Valrico, also pored through the remaining bins of records.

'We have never been here before,' said Carleene Sessa, who had gathered a stack of 45s. Her husband said he has more than 4,000 records but always has room for more.

Everything was up for sale, including the plastic and wooden crates that once held albums, the posters on the wall and a few souvenirs.

Another UF student, Brian Nez, bought a blue and white pennant with 'Juvenile Delinquent' printed on it.

Wolfson said the store will open Sunday even though 'we've just about sold it all.'

'I couldn't have asked for a better 30 years or a better final month,' he said. 'I don't know what I'll do next. I'm just going to take a break for now.'

Vinyl Helping Dementia Patients In The UK

2011-04-30T17:54:00.003-07:00

Vinyl Helping Dementia Patients In The UK: "

A new facility in the United Kingdom called Priory Grange is opening with a 1970s-inspired ward for residents in their 50s. The idea behind the concept is to create an environment that takes these early Dementia patients back to a time that they hold dear, and the sound of vinyl records play an integral part. The BBC spoke to Linda Hallett a representative for the facility who said, "We're looking at a time in their lives when they were in their early 20s," she continued. "And music. of course. We tend to stay quite focused on the music of our early 20s."

The Rooms are fitted with Retro wallpaper, posters, artwork, and even lava lamps. Of course there will also be vinyl record players with a selection of music from back in the day. It's cool to see such an innovative care home, and really interesting to see the integral part music and vinyl are playing in these patients recovery. You can check out the full story from the BBC here.

Portion of Distortion: Yeah, Trent!

2011-04-30T17:54:00.002-07:00

Portion of Distortion: Yeah, Trent!: "

Old news at this point, but Michael 'Trent' Reznor and Atticus Ross have officially won the Golden Globe for Best Original Score - Motion Picture for their work on The Social Network. I'm sure a lot of creepy, old goths who never got over the fact that the video for 'Closer' was in heavy rotation on MTV way back when will be pissed that one of their idols' lives is improving exponentially whilst they sit and watch reruns of Single Ladies, drowning their sorrows in a bowl of Frosted Flakes, listening to their mother ask, "When are you going to meet a nice girl?", but this isn't about them. It's about justice. And justice was served on a hot plate on Sunday night in Hollywood.

I equally loved Inception and The Social Network, in my opinion, the two best pictures of the year. Vastly different films with individual merits that can't be denied by any intelligent movie watcher. But did The Social Network mean more to the state of movies this year than Inception. Is it judged by what this movie says about 'right now,' rather than the feats accomplished? Does seniority (in the case of Fincher V Nolan) automatically guarantee, and justify, the win? I've been having this argument with myself ever since The Hurt Locker (a film more about 'right now') beat out Avatar (a film more about the bewonderment of cinema than anything else) last year at the Oscars. Hmm...who cares?

Read my review of The Social Network (Original Score) here, and buy it on vinyl in our shop!

Portion of Distortion: 'The F*ck?

2011-04-30T17:54:00.001-07:00

Portion of Distortion: 'The F*ck?: "

Happy New Year, fellow vinyl lovers. I've sincerely missed posting articles that only me, my girlfriend, Nicky and Dan read. Anyway, this has nothing to do with vinyl. But rather a dance craze based upon a movie I've hosannaed since I was a wee chap: Weekend at Bernie's. If you don't like Sarah Silverman's vastly more talented older brother, Jonathan, then just...go.

If there was ever a reason for me to visit the South again, it's to be amongst people who get where I'm coming from:

Vinyl Sales Slowing Down? Not Yet Says Billboard

2011-04-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

Vinyl Sales Slowing Down? Not Yet Says Billboard: "

Billboard reported last week on the year-end record sales numbers, and vinyl is once again is showing an upswing. Pretty much every other aspect of the report was showing minus signs, all except vinyl sales. While the numbers aren't as big as they were in previous years, sales still rose 14% from 2009 to 2010, this all according to the Nielsen Company and Billboard's 2010 Music Industry Report. In 2009, 2.5 million vinyl albums were sold; in 2010, that number rose to 2.8 million and cracked the Nielsen SoundScan sales record.

We previously reported on the top-selling vinyl artists of 2010 which was a fair split between new indie artists and established artists like Pink Floyd and The Beatles. Peeling back the numbers on the top three selling vinyl albums, we can see that the numbers are not record breaking, but are solid considering todays standards in record sales. The top selling record Abbey Road sold 35,000 units, Arcade Fire's Suburbs sold 18,800 units, and Black Keys' Brothers sold 18,400 units. The top three selling vinyl artists were the Beatles (36,700 units), Black Keys (36,000 units), and Radiohead (30,500 units).

Vinyl sales are still niche though, the fact of the matter is vinyl only accounts for about 4% of total sales for both Arcade Fire and Black Keys. Nonetheless, the numbers are up, which gives us hope to refute the case that vinyl is slowing down.

Top Selling Vinyl Releases of 2010

2011-04-30T17:53:00.002-07:00

Top Selling Vinyl Releases of 2010: "

Via CoS

For all the great new vinyl that came out in 2010 it is The Beatles Abbey Road that takes the cake as top selling record for the second year in a row. The Beatles last studio album had some pretty rough competition from new records by Arcade Fire and Black Keys, but it managed to hold on to that top spot.

Not only did The Beatles have the top record, but they also became the top-selling artist on vinyl in 2010, edging out the likes of Radiohead, Jimi Hendrix, Pavement, Metalica and Bob Dylan. Only vinyl sales would bring together such an eclectic group of artists!

The top 10 list for best selling records is bellow.

Top 10 Vinyl Records of 2010:

01. The Beatles – Abbey Road

02. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs

03. Black Keys – Brothers

04. Vampire Weekend – Contra

05. Michael Jackson – Thriller

06. National – High Violet

07. Beach House – Teen Dream

08. Jimi Hendrix Experience – Valleys of Neptune

09. Pink Floyd – Dark Side Of The Moon

10. The XX – XX

Portion of Distortion - Top Five Vinyls of 2010

2011-04-30T17:53:00.001-07:00

Portion of Distortion - Top Five Vinyls of 2010: "

Man, oh man, I bought a lot of records this year. Overall,
it was a pretty solid 365 days for loud music releases: new albums from the likes of Torche,
Melvins, Enslaved, Bison B.C. and Deftones were all rather sick, arguably some
of their best work in recent years, but the following five records have gotten
the most love on my turntable, and probably will continue to well into 2011.
So, without further adieu, my favorite heavy records of 2010. Double bass roll
please…

Kylesa – Spiral Shadow

If you read my review, you know how ga-ga I am about this
record and the anomaly known as Kylesa. Over their past three releases (Spiral
Shadow was preceded by 2006’s Time
Will Fuse Its Worth and 2009’s Static
Tensions), these Georgia natives have
carved themselves a nice little nook inside the bitter hearts of hipsters and
metalheads alike, blurring the lines between progressive rock, metal and
pyschedelia. The dual drumming assault, something I normally “pssht” at unless
it’s the Melvins, truly adds to the music, giving it subtle boosts of
polyrhythmic intelligence. Check out the new old Kylesa-sounding “Tired Climb,”
the introspective “Don’t Look Back” and the surprisingly catchy, Foo
Fighters-esque “Back and Forth.”

Dillinger Escape Plan – Option Paralysis

DEP is an acquired taste, like raw oysters: they gross the
shit out of most people, but once you’ve had a chance to try an Olympia, you’ll
never go back. Despite the super thick layer of cheese they tend to lay on in
the choruses and more intimate moments of their last three records (what do you
really expect from Mike Patton nuts?), they’re still one of the hardest-working
hardcore band in the business, maintaining their reputation as road dogs while
consistently putting out great records that further expand on their love for
NIN, blast beats and jazz noodling. Get up on “Good Neighbor,” “Room Full of
Eyes” and “Chinese Whispers.”

Refused – The Shape of Punk to Come (Deluxe Edition)

A superb remaster and deluxe packaging of one of my favorite
records of all time (read my review here), so yeah, why wouldn’t I pick it? The
guitars are crunchier, the already perfect-sounding drums have a little more
pop and weight, the vocals have more snarl, the bonus live cuts shine a light
on just how chaotic their shows must have been right before their implosion,
and, most importantly, the deluxe revisitation hammers home just how
influential this record has been over the past 12 years, and how it tastes
good, every single time, year after year. My money is always on “Worms of the
Senses/Faculties of the Skull,” “Refused Are Fucking Dead” and “The Shape of
Punk to Come.”

The Sword – Warp Riders

The Sword had me at “Slayer of the spider priests,” one of
the more provocative lines from 2006’s Age of Winters. Much like Age and 2008’s Gods of the Earth, Warp Riders exists in
the realm of conceptual mythology and Sabbath-infused stoner rock dalliance.
More polished than their previous works? Certainly. Catchier? You betcha. But
I’ll never fault a band for expanding their sound, especially when the songs
are there to back up the evolutionary steps. Not much needs to be said about
this record, it’s just a good time. Rip a B, check out “Three Wtches,” “Lawless
Lands” and “Night City,” and take a ride into space.

High on Fire – Snakes for the Divine

In terms of artist appreciation, seldom a trait is as
endearing as self-awareness, and it’s evident that Matt Pike and Company are
very aware of their place in the metal community. I think I speak for most
High on Fire fans when I say that 2008’s Death is This Communion left a lot to be desired of the power trio, and luckily,
they delivered some real axe-grinding shit to make up for it. The whole record
is nasty, obviously, but the first three tracks, “Snakes for the Divine,” “Frost
Hammer” and “Bastard Samurai” get played way more often than all the others on
my stereo. If you’re looking to climb into a fiery maze of hell, wield a spiked
shield and hunt minotaurs, turn off all the lights and crank “How Dark We Pray”
(other materials besides the record are required).

James Blake Totally Gets Vinyl!

2011-04-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

James Blake Totally Gets Vinyl!: "

For those of you who don't know, James Blake is one of the hottest dubstep artists and producers on the planet! He is 22 years old, hails from England and has an incredible knack for crafting some of the most interesting tracks of the past year. Rolling Stone described his music as "a scratched CD of Arthur Russell and Marvin Gaye collaborating in the afterlife." Well he just recently dropped the CMYK EP and it is one of the prettiest vinyl projects of the past year. It was released on yellow, magenta and cyan colored vinyl which form a CMYK color model when the vinyl is overlapped! Pretty cool huh?! Check out the tune CMYK below.

Rare Beatles Album Found in Charity Shop

2011-04-30T17:52:00.003-07:00

Rare Beatles Album Found in Charity Shop: "

We all comb the racks of second hand stores and charity shops hoping to find a long lost record, but to strike gold with a Beatles record worth over $400 is almost unimaginable! Well this is excactly what happened at a charity shop in Woodbridge, England when a Red Cross shop found that many of their records were worth more than £50. Having a ton of first pressings from the Beatles and the Stones the most valuable of all of these first pressings was of The Beatles’ debut album Please Please Me, valued at over at over £230!

Check out the whole article here.

Nick's Pick: Happy Holidays!

2011-04-30T17:52:00.002-07:00

Nick's Pick: Happy Holidays!: "

Hey folks, happy holidaze to you all! Christmas will be here in like 4-5 days and I'm pretty stoked!

Today I will not choose a song, but will alternatively pick a music video. Here is one from the wonderful Brian Jonestown Massacre. The song is called The Devil May Care, and It's really great. Check out the hot slow motion dance routine going on here by these three people, It's outstanding. Rumor has the footage is a clip from a film by Jean-Luc Godard. Enjoy.

Live At Leeds Deluxe Edition

2011-04-30T17:52:00.001-07:00

Live At Leeds Deluxe Edition: "

In case you don't know one of the greatest rock records of all time just got a special edition release -- the Live At Leeds 40th Anniversary Super-Deluxe Collectors’ Edition just dropped and it's totally awesome. The record is one of the seminal rock albums of all time and is also featured as inspiration for Todd Margaret's decision to say he was from Leeds in the series premier of The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret -- video below!

But, we already assume you know what this record is all about, so what vinyl goodies are in the package you might ask? Well, the box set includes a 200 gram vinyl reproduction of the original album, a 7” single and exact replica of “Summertime Blues” with John Entwhisle's “Heaven and Hell” track on the flip side. It also contains a huge famous Who poster, and a killer 64-page hardcover book detailing the whole Leeds concert with lots of rare period photos. The pack also has 4 CDs with the original Live at Leeds stuff as well as a performance taken from the day after Leeds on February 15, 1970 at England’s Hull Concert Hall.

A pretty killer set for the Holidays!

Elvis Costello To Release Vinyl Only EP

2011-04-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

Elvis Costello To Release Vinyl Only EP: "

According to Ology our main man Elvis Costello has announced the release of National Ransack, a vinyl-only EP of outtakes from his latest album National Ransom. The EP will be released on December 21st and will be exclusive to independent record stores.

Costello explains about the release via his website:

"The first record for which I ever slapped down my own pocket money was a vinyl E.P. It was ‘Twist And Shout’ by The Beatles. For more than 45 years, record shops have been my reference library, my college and occasionally something like a church. I've happily left a small fortune in the collection plate. We should defend and celebrate those still open for business with our last breath. Music takes time. My first record label released three 45rpm singles to very little fanfare before it ever became clear that this music lark might become my livelihood and it has been quite lively, now and then. So, if this Extended Play release should be my last as we presently know them, it's a fine way to go out. At least until someone comes up with pill that allows us to hear new music. I believe scientists are working on this as I write"

Pixies 'Wave Of Mutilation' Getting A Vinyl Release!

2011-04-30T17:51:00.001-07:00

Pixies 'Wave Of Mutilation' Getting A Vinyl Release!: "

Via Quietus

The Pixies 2004 compilation on 4AD will be available on vinyl in both Europe and the US next year! The record will be released on January 17 2011 and will be pressed on bright orange vinyl in Europe and will be only be released on black vinyl America. You can read more information about the release by clicking here.

DV Exclusive: Chat with Parker Gispert of The Whigs

2011-04-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

DV Exclusive: Chat with Parker Gispert of The Whigs: "

Ever the hard-working road veterans, The Whigs have long been putting out solid rock tunes, year-over-year, album-after-album. Their latest release, In The Dark, came out earlier this year and was followed by lots of touring, some of that with the Kings of Leon.

Daily Vinyl's Leslie Kinsman caught up with Whigs vocalist, guitar player, and primary songwriting force, Parker Gispert, just before the band embarked on a European tour. Parker talks touring with the Kings, the best place to buy vinyl in their hometown of Athens, GA, how the format of the music affects the recording proces, and more.

Check it out...

DV: You guys will finish your European tour at O2 in London. How many tours will this be with Kings of Leon?

PG: This will be our fifth proper tour actually.

DV: How did you guys connect in the first place?

PG: I guess the real genesis of the relationship was when we played a show in Paris with MGMT and the Kings. We were first on the bill, and after that show there was a big party and we had a lot of fun together. And that night they asked us to play their CD release show for their Only By The Night album. Then after that show they asked us to go on tour with them.

DV: How vinyl-conscious were you when recording? Is sounding clean on a record more of a concern or aesthetic for you guys, now that vinyl is making its comeback?

PG: Totally, when I’m home I listen to vinyl. I’m gone so much that when you’re on the road, you’re kind of stuck with the iPod. We do cater to a headphone, digital listening experience just because it’s the most prevalent. It’s not the utmost first thing that we’re considering when we go into the recording studio though. Both of the last two albums we’ve released have been on vinyl, and that is my preferred way to listen to both of those.

DV: What was the most rewarding part about visiting the troops in Germany and the U.K.? Can you describe the experience a little?

PG: Well at first, I definitely had some ethical qualms about the idea of going. It took me a minute to just think about it. Tim’s dad was in the Air Force and he grew up living in Germany for a couple of years, Japan, The U.K. etc. If you’re a 14-year-old growing up on a military base, you’re kind of starved of going to an everyday rock show experience. So regardless of how we felt about the war, for me it was just a very basic, humanitarian way to just show what we do by putting on a show for those people. It was a great experience.

DV: So you guys toured with The Hold Steady this past summer. I met Bobby Drake this summer living in Greenpoint. He’s the man.

PG: Yes. That was awesome. Oh my god, I love that guy. What a sweetheart. We had an awesome time with them. Learned a lot from them about music and about life in general. They’ve been through it and have been doing it for awhile. Their tour manager played in our favorite Athens band, The Glands. So all around it was just a really awesome time for us.

DV: Where is your favorite place to album shop in Athens?

PG: This actually ties together with The Glands. I go to Schoolkids Records in Athens and it’s owned Ross Shapiro, who is the singer of The Glands. They’ve been inactive for a while now, but they were the band to really inspire us to form The Whigs way back in the day. His musical taste influenced me a lot. He listens to all the records that are in the store and he has these really funny little captions that’ll he’ll write on every piece of vinyl like, “excellent enjoyment, second side has slight surface noise and ‘this’ song skips a bit.” So you really know what you’re buying. When people ask about record stores, I think that’s one of the things that goes overlooked. A place that has a really obscure album doesn’t really get me really excited anymore, because if I want something really obscure, I’ll just order it online. But the personal side of being able to have someone recommend you things that you respect, understanding the taste of the people who are physically in the store so you can hone in on something they’ll be excited to listen to it is what I kind of deem most important about a record store.

DV: What album in your record collection do you cherish the most? Why?

PG: Most of the records I’ve bought have come from Schoolkids. I bought vinyl growing up but I didn’t really listen to it as much until I was 18 or so. I would just buy it because I thought it looked cool and I wanted to look at the art really big. I would buy things that I already owned on CD just because I thought it was really cool to have the record too. In high school I had a Who’s Next vinyl that my friend’s dad had given to me and I listened to that a whole bunch. But I didn’t start a good collection until I went to college at UGA. But I think that Who’s Next album has the most special place in my heart just because I listened to it the most and subsequently went through two additional copies. That’s slightly embarrassing, I guess.

Third Man Weighs In on the eBay Debate

2011-04-30T17:48:00.002-07:00

Third Man Weighs In on the eBay Debate: "

This weeks big news in vinyl took place when Antiquiet posted the conversation between Third Man Label Head Jack White and members of the Third Man Records subscription service, The Vault. The conversation got a little hairy and primarily focused on the label’s decision to auction off limited-edition copies of the self-titled White Stripes debut reissue on eBay as opposed to on their site.

The story gained some ground fast with Pitchfork writing about Jack Whites take on it, and virtually everyone in the blogosphere sounding off on the issue. Today, Third Man’s Ben Swank did an interview with the Guardian in which he defends Boss White. Swank winds up reiterating the points Jack brought up earlier this week, but he also explains that the money from these auctions are going to be put towards contributions to select charities. In addition Swank gives us a little lesson on American Capitalism, here's a snippet from the Guardian interview below.

The industry is constantly changing. I can’t believe it’s taken 15 years for a label to start selling its own releases on eBay (even in limited numbers). We’re going to continue doing it. We’re also going to continue all the contests, giveaways, pop-up shops, random mail orders, subscription services and manufacturing of insane new vinyl products and any other ridiculous idea that strikes our fancy. Why? Because we’re American. And American’s do crazy shit for capitalism. See you in hell.

So what do you think, is Jack White and Third Man right or wrong?

Vinyl Dead?

2011-04-30T17:48:00.001-07:00

Vinyl Dead?: "

Consequence of Sound wrote an article today inciting that vinyl records could be on their way out. We read through the article, crunched the numbers, and realized that CoS is missing the most important point about vinyl -- it's a niche market!

Vinyl is catered towards a number of genres that rely on it as a medium (i.e. djs, indie rock, hip hop and dance to name a few), and to music collectors and fans like us who love how it sounds. Sure the numbers aren't increasing by 89% year over year, but they are still increasing and occupying a pretty large slice of the music buying pie.

So is vinyl on the way out? Hell no! It's the only medium to outlasted everything -- be it 8-tracks, cassettes, CDs or mp3s. Here's a snippet of the article below, let us know what you think!

Article Via CoS:

There’s another music format out there – vinyl. The last decade has seen a massive flux of nostalgia, and the musical frisbees are just one example. So how are the sales doing? No better than anything else. During 2008, 1.88 million units moved in the U.S, a massive 89.9% increase. 2009 saw more movement at 2.5 million units sold, but the increase was only 33%. In the first half of 2010 compared to the same span of time last year, there has only been a 9.1% increase.

90 percent to a potential 18 percent in two years is what economic statisticians call a bad sign. If products don’t continue to grow, their value to companies evaporates. Given, that ’08 upsurge data is a bit skewed due to the fact that vinyl was considered passé until the mid-aughts, with shipments not even breaching the million mark in ’06.

The question might be is this really even a problem? An increase is an increase, after all. This is true, but when sales begin to flatten out at marginally insignificant numbers, the validity of the product comes into question. General album sales, including CDs, LPs, and digital downloads, reached 373.9 million in 2009, with digital sales eating up a whooping 76.4 million of those. In juxtaposition, vinyl’s 1.3 million so far this year seems paltry.

So perhaps it’s true that vinyl’s popular resurgence is reaching an apex. Whether that means record companies will abandon the format as they did in the ‘80s is yet to be seen. Does this mean you should take ‘turntable’ off your holiday gift list? As always, the decision and the power really lies with you, the consumer. Audiophiles swear by the dinner-plate-sized format, and bands are always glad to find a solid income source. If you want this platform to stick around, then it’s up to you and your wallet. Though as our source Digital Music News all too accurately points out, “no matter how distinctive and collectible, LPs are still competing with free.”

Pre-Order The Decemberists' New Deluxe Box Edition

2011-04-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

Pre-Order The Decemberists' New Deluxe Box Edition: "

Riding high on the success of Hazards of Love and The Crane Wife (one of the best overall rock records of the past ten years, in my opinion), The Decemberists will drop a Deluxe Box Edition of their sixth studio
album, The King is Dead, on January 18th, 2011. I had the pleasure of catching them on the Hazards tour at Radio City last year, so I can vouch that If you were lucky enough to snag tickets for their January 24th-26th stint at the Beacon Theatre (is there a better venue in NYC?), you're in for a treat. The Deluxe Box Edition will feature the following goodies:

Limited edition of 2500 available exclusively on thedecemberists.com

A one-of-a-kind Polaroid photograph by Autumn de Wilde from the Impossible Project/Decemberists series

72 page hardcover book featuring over 250 unique Polaroid photographs by Autumn de Wilde and illustrations by Carson Ellis

The King Is Dead CD

Pendarvia DVD – a 30 minute short film by Aaron Rose, documenting the making of the album

The King Is Dead on 180 gram white vinyl with special cover

Limited edition Giclée print illustrated by Carson Ellis

Digital album download code delivered on January 18

Instant download of live video of 'Rise To Me' from Musicfest Northwest in Portland, Fall 2009

Instant download of 'Down By The Water'

All presented in a linen wrapped, clamshell box with foil-stamped cover

You can pre-order this mondo set, as well as t-shirts, standard and deluxe CD packages and, of course, VINYL, here.

Also, if you haven't done so, check out 'Down By The Water,' their collaboration with Peter Buck of R.E.M. How early-90's radio it sounds:

The Decemberists - Down By The Water by Pretty Much Amazing

Nick's Pick: Cloud Nothings

2011-04-30T17:47:00.004-07:00

Nick's Pick: Cloud Nothings: "

Gobble gobble everyone! Here is some new music for you all to listen to after you get all fat an full off your turkey(or tofurkey for all you weird vegetarians out there) dinner in a couple days.

Check out the catchy debut from Celveland rockers Cloud Nothings. This fresh LP just came out in early October on Speakertree Records. It's pretty sweet, fuzzy and lo fi(the way i like stuff usually).Yea.. Super simple, but it hits the spot. It's called Turning on, you should all give it a listen.

peep out one of my fav tracks below, it's called 'Turning On', See yaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!

Matthew Friedberger From The Fiery Furnaces To Release 8 Solo Vinyls in 2011

2011-04-30T17:47:00.003-07:00

Matthew Friedberger From The Fiery Furnaces To Release 8 Solo Vinyls in 2011: "

According to NME, Matthew Friedberger of the Fiery Furnaces has revealed that he will release eight solo albums in 2011.

Why we care is because the releases will be a vinyl-only series is called Solos and will feature Friedberger on vocals along with just one other instrument on each album.

Friedberger told EW.com 'Playing rock, except for driving around and carrying equipment in and out of a van and getting bedbugs from the motel and that kind of thing, you don't have to work very hard, so it seems...So I thought it would be fun to have way too many things to do.'

Solos will take the form of six albums released between January and November 2011, plus two bonus LPs which will only be available to those who subscribe to the whole series.

For more information on Solos, visit ThrillJockey.com.

Dungen Putting Out Vinyl On Third Man

2011-04-30T17:47:00.002-07:00

Dungen Putting Out Vinyl On Third Man: "

According to NME Jack White will be producing a single for the killer Swedish psychedelic band Dungen, and it will be set to be released on January 24 on Third Man.

Dungen recorded two tracks at White's Nashville studio after meeting him on a recent US tour. The aformentioned single will be released on vinyl through White's Third Man Records label, and features the A-side 'Oga Nasa Mum', which translates to 'Eye Nose Mouth' in English, backed by an as-yet-untitled instrumental. We love Dungen, we love vinyl, and we love Jack White, so we are pretty pumped about this one!

Pulp Set To Reunite

2011-04-30T17:47:00.001-07:00

Pulp Set To Reunite: "

Via The Guardian

Getting the band back together seems to be the trend for 90s indie acts as of late. From Pavement to GBV, and now the latest to announce their return, the English band Pulp. Releasing a statement Pulp have said that they are set to re-form for live dates beginning this summer which will include London's Wireless and Spain's Primavera Sound festivals.

A press release distributed this morning said: "Pulp have decided to get together and play some concerts next summer. The shows will involve all the original members of the band (Nick Banks, Jarvis Cocker, Candida Doyle, Steve MacKey, Russell Senior and Mark Webber) and they will play songs from all periods of their career. Yes, that means they'll be playing your favourites." These shows will be the first time since 1996 that the original Pulp lineup will take the stage together.

Pulp have directed fans to pulppeople.com for information on when tickets go on sale and any new news about the reunion.

Portion of Distortion: Kyuss Lives?

2011-04-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

Portion of Distortion: Kyuss Lives?: "

No, no they don't. Kyuss does not live. Because Kyuss is the sexy combination of Josh Homme, Nick Oliveri, Brant Bjork and the alway-stunning-in-camo-shorts John Garcia. The band that will be touring the UK under the moniker 'Kyuss Lives' next summer is minus one prolific guitarist in Homme, most likely because he either a) doesn't want to revisit the past or b) is busy with his myriad of other awesome projects (Them Crooked Vultures, Queens of the Stone Age, Rekords Rekords) that supercede taking part in some half-assed reunion tour for Euro stoners.

Homme will be "replaced" by 'John Garcia Plays Kyuss' (don't even get me started on this) Bruno Fevery...laaame. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. And this ain't right.

Tom Waits Releasing More Vinyl

2011-04-30T17:46:00.004-07:00

Tom Waits Releasing More Vinyl: "

via JamBase.com

After signing with Asylum Records in the early 70’s, Tom Waits recorded a series of groundbreaking albums whose noir tales of the after-midnight underworld transformed the seedy into the sublime in songs laced with both dark humor and profound longing. Nearly 40 years and several musical evolutions later, Waits’ Asylum years still hold a special place in the hearts of many.

Rhino will celebrate Waits this December by reissuing the Grammy-winning/Oscar nominated artists’ first four Asylum albums on 180-gram heavy vinyl each packaged with their original artwork. Released on December 21 at retail outlets, including www.rhino.com

Ahead of the general December 21 Rhino retail release, TomWaits.com is offering limited edition 180 gram red vinyl versions of Closing Time, The Heart of Saturday Night, Nighthawks at the Diner and Small Change. Those who pre-order by December 18 should have their packages arrive by December 24.

The red vinyl limited editions (only 1000 pressed of each title) will be available exclusively at www.tomwaitsstore.com and are available for pre-order now.

It's Like Record Store Day All Over Again

2011-04-30T17:46:00.003-07:00

It's Like Record Store Day All Over Again: "

Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving here in America) is looking like Record Store Day part two! It's been unveiled that tons of artists and labels will be releasing limited edition vinyls! In addition to The Black Keys’ Brothersbox set check out a list of some of the other releases below.

U2, Wide Awake In Europe

12' numbered vinyl featuring 3 live tracks from band's U2360 Tour.

The Black Keys, Brothers

Deluxe vinyl box set featuring six-track 10' of live tracks.

Iron and Wine, 'Walking Far From Home'

12' vinyl and CD single featuring unreleased tracks.

Metallica, Live @ Grimey's

CD and double vinyl set of band's 2008 Nashville show.

Dr. Dog, Double 7'

Double disc single featuring unreleased tracks 'Take Me Into Town.'

Gaslight Anthem, 'Tumblin' Dice'

7' vinyl single of previously unreleased Rolling Stones track.

George Harrison, All Things Must Pass

3 LP vinyl box set, issued on numbered 180-gram vinyl.

MGMT, 'Congratulations'

Gatefold 7' vinyl featuring previously unreleased Erol Alkan remix of 'Congratulations.'

Bob Dylan, 'The Times They Are A Changin''

7' transluscent red vinyl single with 'Like A Rolling Stone' B-side.

Bruce Springsteen, 'Save My Love'

7' single including 'Because the Night' and 4 color art sleeve.

The Ting Tings, 'Hands'

Brit duo's latest single on 7' vinyl, featuring remix by Passion Pit.

Jimi Hendrix, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

10' green vinyl featuring 'Little Drummer Boy' and 'Silent Night/Auld Lang Syne'

Roky Erickson and the Black Angels, Night of the Vampire

Live DVD from 2008.

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, I Learned the Hard Way

Soul group's latest album pressed on eleven 7' singles.

Attention Chicago...Bring Your Own Vinyl

2011-04-30T17:46:00.002-07:00

Attention Chicago...Bring Your Own Vinyl: "

According to NBC Chicago your fine city has some really great BYOV events. We have listed a few that we read about in the aforementioned article, let us know if there are any more that we are missing.

BLACK VINYL MONDAY: A note for the kids -- a record is a vinyl disc with grooves containing music and spun on a special machine called a record player. Learn more about this strange XX tonight at BYOV -- the Bring Your Own Vinyl event at Firkin. The popular Libertyville gastropub invites guests to bring in their favorite records for play and discussion with fellow attendees. Most records can also be appraised on-site as well which means there may be gold in your parent's attic. 4-11:30 pm, 515 North Milwaukee Ave, NO COVER

DIRTY FUN: The Mud Queens of Chicago host another one of their raucous parties tonight, taking over the Viaduct Theatre. It's exactly what it sounds like -- competitive mud wrestling in front of a hootin' and hollerin' crowd, with a rock & roll soundtrack provided by the bands Cooler By the Lake and Scotia Widows. And before you assume this form of entertainment has no redeeming value, a portion of the proceeds go toward the Young Women's Empowerment Project and the Chicago Women's Health Center. Feel better? 8 p.m., 3111 N Western, $15

PUMPKIN FUN: Mon Ami Gabi's annual Pumpkin Festival continues through Wednesday at the North Side and Oak Brook locations. The classic French bistro’s celebration offers pumpkin-inspired dishes, pumpkin carving contests and pumpkin games for chances to win dinner for four.

T. Rex Getting Some Vinyl Re-Releases!

2011-04-30T17:46:00.001-07:00

T. Rex Getting Some Vinyl Re-Releases!: "

Paste Magazine reported that one of our favorite labels, Mississippi record label Fat Possum, plans to remaster and reissue a whole bunch of T. Rex LPs and the first one is going to be our favorite of the bunch The Slider on Nov. 23.

For those of you who don't know, The Slider was originally released in 1972 and was T. Rex's 7th album, and it has been widely out-of-print for some time now. So we are pretty excited to hear how the remaster sounds, and pick this one up!

The label hasn’t revealed additional titles slated for remastering, but we're sure The Slider won’t be the last T. Rex resurrection and Electric Warrior must be right around the bend.

Slider Tracklisting:

1. Metal Guru

2. Mystic Lady

3. Rock On

4. The Slider

5. Baby Boomerang

6. Spaceball Ricochet

7. Buick Mackane

8. Telegram Sam

9. Rabbit Fighter

10. Baby Strange

11. Ballrooms of Mars

12. Chariot Choogle

13. Main Man

The Sword Release Hexagonal Picture Disc

2011-04-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

The Sword Release Hexagonal Picture Disc: "

You know what's cooler than shaped vinyl? Hexagonal-shaped vinyl. The Sword released this 3,000-copy limited pressing today for '(The Night The Sky Cried) Tears Of Fire,' their latest single from the awesomely awesome Warp Riders. Pick one up at Shop Radio Cast before it's too late!

This Is Why You Don't Throw Out Vinyl Boys and Girls

2011-04-30T17:45:00.004-07:00

This Is Why You Don't Throw Out Vinyl Boys and Girls: "

We recently saw in the Toronto Sun that an Elvis Presley fan is set to auction off his prized collection of vinyls. It is expected to fetch as much as $375,000 when it goes to auction later this week!

The man is called Steve Lacey, and he is set to sell 12,000 mint condition vinyl records, ones that he began collecting from around the world since he was just a little kid.

According to the Sun he said, 'It began when I was 11 and I heard he (Presley) had died. I got a paper round and spent everything on the collection. I worked five nights a week in a chippie (fast food joint) to buy more...Then I had to decide whether I wanted a mortgage or more Elvis records. I kept buying records.'

It will be auctioned off later this week at Bamfords in Derby, England, a spokesperson for Bamfords said, "It's probably the best collection in the world because Steve has records from so many countries."

Pretty awesome indeed, can you ever imagine your CD's going for that much...nope! This is yet another reason why vinyl is awesome, its collectible and is worth keeping long after you spin the record.

Portion of Distortion: Torche - In Return

2011-04-30T17:45:00.003-07:00

Portion of Distortion: Torche - In Return: "

So I finally broke the seal on the vinyl I picked up last night and was tickled to discover both Torche records (In Return and Songs for Singles) are colored! If there’s no sign on the merch table or a special sticker I don’t check, so I had not a clue. Awesome. In Return even comes with this cute little clear/decorated CD. The artwork and layout by John Dyer Baizley are exceptional, and very glossy.

This album is about as tight as a 7-track EP can get in the “stoner rock” category. I just listened to it twice and while the recent absence of Juan Montoya isn’t earth-shattering, it’s noticeable in the intricacies of this record. Very interestingly-layered guitars.

“In Return” produced the most “Damn, that’s heavy”-moment of last night’s show, and it sounds fantastique on wax. “Rule the Beast” has one of the most monolithically pounding bass breaks you’ll ever hear and “Tartip Carnivore” sounds exactly how you expect a song called “Tarpit Carnivore” to sound: like a goddamn tarpit carnivore, one that plays bass for Lucifer’s sludgerock band, and wears a black hoodie.

This is a great vinyl set if you can snag one at the shows.

Portion of Distortion: High on Fire/Torche/Kylesa at Webster Hall - 10.24

2011-04-30T17:45:00.002-07:00

Portion of Distortion: High on Fire/Torche/Kylesa at Webster Hall - 10.24: "

”You might not want to take the whole thing.” Good advice. Sage advice.

The first time I saw High on Fire, I was interning for a corporate barter firm in London in the Summer of 2005. My only reference point for the band was Blessed Black Wings, and the name “Matt Pike” didn’t mean anything to me. I didn’t even know who he was when he offered to buy me a drink at the bar before the show, thinking he was just some creepy American metal dude who was stoked another American was at the show. Turns out, that was exactly the case, but I didn’t understand the significance at the time. You live, you learn.

The High on Fire/Torche/Kylesa show at Webster Hall on 10/25/10 was a pretty rad time. I rarely get stoked about a three-band lineup, but it’s already happened twice in 2010 (Boris/Torche/Russian Circles at Music Hall of Williamsburg this past August was the first), and hopefully it’ll happen again before the year’s out.

I had already seen High on Fire and Torche a total of seven times, so I was most excited to see Kylesa, what I can only describe as “Hipster Metal,” even though the term hardly does the band justice. A common critique from metalheads of the brew that wear Iron Maiden patches and sport band tattoos is that Kylesa doesn’t need two drummers. Believe me, they don’t. But they pack a mean punch and play a rather diverse setlist, so piss off, old dudes. This band is here to own. And own they do. I was a wee bit disappointed they didn't play 'Nature's Predators,' but hey, maybe next time.

Despite having a fill-in drummer, Torche owned like they normally do: pitch-perfect vocals, a calvacade of energy and tones so low about ten groups of friends looked at each other with “Holy shit, dude!”-faces whilst head-banging in unison. 'Out Again,' the heroic diddy that closes out their latest full-length, Songs for Singles, sounds amazing live.

High on Fire came out and burned through a set mixed with new masterpieces (Snakes for the Divine is my favorite record to date, see “Frost Hammer,” “Bastard Samurai” and the title track) and old classics like “Blessed Black Wings” and “Turk.” Matt Pike didn’t offer to buy me a drink, but that’s cool, I had enough of my own.

I bought a king’s helping of merch: A Kylesa t-shirt for a buddy who couldn’t’ make it, and a nice, healthy handful of beautiful vinyl:

Kylesa – Spiral Shadow (180-gram)

Kylesa – Spiral Shadow (Yellow Vinyl)

Torche – In Return

Torche – Songs for Singles

High on Fire – Snakes for the Divine (180-gram)

Now I’m home in BK, powering through a deli sandwich, watching some tube. Portion out.

Record Fair Blowout In New York

2011-04-30T17:45:00.001-07:00

Record Fair Blowout In New York: "

We are so excited to head down to the WFMU record fair tonight and get some rad now vinyls! It's one of the biggest fairs in the city and has some of the most choice vinyls around, but you do have to weed through some crowds. The fair runs Friday October 22nd from 7-10pm, and Saturday and Sunday, the 23rd and 24th, from 10am to 7pm. Admission is $7. There are tons of records spanning over 30,000 square feet, so get ready to be hunched over for a few hours digging through some crates.

This year has an added bonus since it is also the CMJ Music Marathon, there will be live broadcasts and live music with names like Prince Rama, The Hamburglars, Ted Leo, Butts, Fabulous Diamonds, Dan Friel, and others among the performers.

Go out and support, and see you there!

White Stripes 45 Sells For A Shit Ton!

2011-04-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

White Stripes 45 Sells For A Shit Ton!: "

It seems like ages ago, but in 1998 Jack and Meg White were just an underground band playing around Detroit when they unleashed their 2nd single“Lafayette Blues.” The thing about this single was that it was limited to only 15 specially pressed vinyl 45s and sold one night after a gig at Detroit’s Gold Dollar bar. We all know the story of how they became a ridiculously famous band, and as you might have guessed it, fans have been dreaming of getting their hands on one of these red/white colored vinyls. Well, just the other day one collector did get one of these super-rare records and bought it for $18,000!

Third Man Records’ Ben Swank states:

The first copy to sell went for $800 back in 2003 and it’s been sky-rocketing ever since. Just recently I’ve had the pleasure of coordinating the sale of one of these singles for the stately sum of $18,000. Yes, you read that correctly…eighteen thousand United States dollars. This copy was painted by Mr. Buick and is pressed on especially swirly red/white vinyl.

While we don't have the good news to report that we are selling one of these 45s in our store, we were able to find the tune "Lafayette Blues" for your listening pleasure.

The White Stripes - “Lafayette Blues'

'All Things Must Pass' Getting A Vinyl Reissue It Deserves

2011-04-30T17:44:00.004-07:00

'All Things Must Pass' Getting A Vinyl Reissue It Deserves: "

One of our favorite records of all time is getting another reissue, this time on vinyl! November will mark the 40th anniversary of George Harrison's seminal album All Things Must Pass. EMI/Capital announced just yesterday that they will reissued the record in a limited edition, numbered, 180-gram vinyl set in its original 3LP configuration on November 26 and it will be available exclusively through independent record stores in the US -- so we will try to get our hands on some for our store.

All Things Must Pass was just newly remastered at Abby Road Studios from the original analog master tapes, and this limited edition set will include all replicated original monochromic album art, poster and lift-top box packaging! Needless to say we are really really excited to hear this one!

For those of you who don't know the tracklisting, shame on you, but we have it for you anyway below.

All Things Must Pass (limited edition 3LP) tracklisting:

LP1

SIDE ONE

1. I'd Have You Anytime

2. My Sweet Lord

3. Wah-Wah

4. Isn't It A Pity (Version 1)

SIDE TWO

1. What Is Life

2. If Not For You

3. Behind That Locked Door

4. Let It Down

5. Run Of The Mill

LP2

SIDE ONE

1. Beware Of Darkness

2. Apple Scruffs

3. Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)

4. Awaiting On You All

5. All Things Must Pass

SIDE TWO

1. I Dig Love

2. Art Of Dying

3. Isn't It A Pity (Version 2)

4. Hear Me Lord

LP3 ('Apple Jam')

SIDE ONE

1. Out Of The Blue

2. It's Johnny's Birthday

3. Plug Me In

SIDE TWO

1. I Remember Jeep

2. Thanks For The Pepperoni

A New Way To Clean Records?

2011-04-30T17:44:00.003-07:00

A New Way To Clean Records?: "

We had a little discussion the other week on how to best clean your records, but we never thought it would get this hi-tech! We were tipped off to this prototype device totday, and it pretty much is a little vacuum clean for your dusty old vinyl. The turntable-esque looking cleaner has a small vacuum mechanism in it that picks up dust from a small suction device located in the stylus arm.

Looks wild to us, but do you think you guys would ever pick something like this up? We got the pictures below.

Tom Waits Releases New 78rpm Record and Record Player

2011-04-30T17:44:00.002-07:00

Tom Waits Releases New 78rpm Record and Record Player: "

Have you been thinking recently, man where have all those good old 78rpm records gone? Well, you're in luck because on November 19th, Preservation Hall Recordings will release a limited edition run of hand-numbered 78rpm vinyl records featuring two tracks by Tom Waits and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. It's for charity and all of the proceeds will benefit the Preservation Hall Junior Jazz & Heritage Brass Band, a really good cause.

The tracks were recorded last year when Waits went down to New Orleans to record two songs with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, “Tootie Ma Was A Big Fine Thing” and “Corrine Died On The Battlefield.” The two tracks will come on a special limited edition record, each signed and numbered by Preservation Hall Creative Director Ben Jaffe. According to The End of Being, the first one hundred records will be accompanied by a custom-made Preservation Hall -- and you guessed it -- 78rpm record player as part of a Deluxe Donation package. The remaining 404 will be available as a standalone record for the Basic Donation package.

This Deluxe Donation Tier will run you $200 and will include the record and the custom mad record player, where as a $50 donation will get you just the limited edition record. Remember it's all for a good cause, and both packages will be available to buy at Preservation Hall in New Orleans on November 19, 2010 and also available for purchase online November 20th on their website here.

Rolling Stones Releasing Their Whole Catalogue On Vinyl

2011-04-30T17:44:00.001-07:00

Rolling Stones Releasing Their Whole Catalogue On Vinyl: "

So we just found out from The Examiner, and we are pretty excited, that ABKCO Records and Universal Music Group have announced they'll join forces to offer two vinyl box sets spanning over 40 years of the Rolling Stones' career, all of which will be released in November. Now we can't say that we are that stoked for the Voodoo Lounge double LP, but everything up to Tattoo You has us pretty pumped!

The box sets will include all 23 original studio albums, two Big Hits collections, two EPs. The sets will be released on November 23 in the U.S. and Canada (November 22 in the UK).

The Rolling Stones 1964-1969 vinyl box set is a limited edition numbered box set collection that chronologically features the Stones' early U.K. releases. The set includes nine re-mastered Rolling Stones studio albums, two remastered EPs, plus two "Big Hits" collections. The first five titles in the set are presented in their original mono format. Even Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2) is included with its original octagonal cover and artwork!

The second volume, The Rolling Stones 1971-2005 starts strong, but you also have to deal with not so hot albums like Steel Wheels and Bridges to Babylon. Even though the good Stones records mostly putter out in the early 1980s, those '70s records are must haves!

Each of these two volumes will be pressed on 180-gram virgin vinyl, and are said to sound pretty sweet.

The lists of titles in the two sets:

The Rolling Stones 1964-1969 Vinyl Box Set

The Rolling Stones (EP), original U.K. release January 10, 1964

The Rolling Stones, original U.K. release April 17, 1964

Five By Five (EP), original U.K. release August 14, 1964

The Rolling Stones No. 2*, original U.K. release January 15, 1965

Out Of Our Heads, original U.K. release September 24, 1965

Aftermath, original U.K. release April 15, 1966

Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass), original U.K. release November 4, 1966

Between The Buttons, original U.K. release January 20, 1967

Their Satanic Majesties Request, original U.K. release December 8, 1967

Beggars Banquet, original U.K. release December 5, 1968

Through The Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2), original U.K. release September 12, 1969

Let It Bleed, original U.K. release December 6, 1969

Metamorphosis, original U.K. release June 6, 1975

The Rolling Stones 1971-2005 Vinyl Box Set:

Sticky Fingers, original U.K. release April 23, 1971

Exile On Main Street, original U.K. release May 12, 1972

Goats Head Soup, original U.K. release August 31, 1973

It's Only Rock 'N Roll, original U.K. release October 18, 1974

Black And Blue, original U.K. release April 20, 1976

Some Girls, original U.K. release June 9, 1978

Emotional Rescue, original U.K. release June 23, 1980

Tattoo You, original U.K. release August 25, 1981

Undercover, original U.K. release November 7, 1983

Dirty Work, original U.K. release March 24, 1986

Steel Wheels, original U.K. release August 28, 1989

Voodoo Lounge (2 LPs), original U.K. release July 11, 1994

Bridges To Babylon (2 LPs), original U.K. release September 29, 1997

A Bigger Bang (2 LPs), original U.K. release Sept 5, 2005

Thurston Moore Releasing Special Vinyl

2011-04-30T17:44:00.000-07:00

Thurston Moore Releasing Special Vinyl: "

Via Toronto Sun

Sonic Youth rocker, and Daily Vinyl favorite, Thurston Moore is already getting us more excited about his new solo album, out later this year, because he's including all sorts of special vinyl and a book fool of extracts from his personal archives.

Moore has packaged a 69-page book and solo album he's called In Silver Rain With A Paper Key.

The book contains two seven-inch vinyl records and a collection of art, photographs, lyrics and poetry from Moore's personal notebooks and visual archives, reports TwentyFourBit.com.

The vinyl records feature new songs including "You've Lost Your Lover," "Circulation" and "Blood."

The set will be released through Moore's publishing company Ecstatic Peace Library and is due to hit stores on Dec. 1.

Portion of Distortion: Glassjaw Sells Out Another 7"

2011-04-30T17:43:00.002-07:00

Portion of Distortion: Glassjaw Sells Out Another 7": "

Okay, so the first pressing of 'Natural Born Farmer,' the latest Glassjaw jam has already sold out through their webstore. Apparently there's a second pressing coming soon? I need to keep a better eye on the internets.

Glassjaw's been like a really annoying cousin to me since I first checked out Everything You Ever Wanted to Know way back in 2000: I always dug the overall product, felt close to the music, but there were annoying and immature little nooks and crannies in the personality that kept me away from family gatherings, i.e. - shows at The Chance in Poughkeepsie or at the old Armory in Syracuse. Always dug the music, but HATED the vocals and the hockey-puck-earring, vegan-brownie-eating weirdos that rocked the hoodies and wore their messenger bags to the shows.

Anyway, you can stream the digital version of one of their other two sold-out singles here: 'Jesus Glue'

It's a pretty choice nug, I must say. Wayyy more mature than I remember.

Nick's Picks: Women

2011-04-30T17:43:00.001-07:00

Nick's Picks: Women: "

Heyyy, happy 10-10-10 day.

Women are a band from Canada and they have just recently created a really sweet record. The new LP named People Strain just came out this year on Jagjaguwar.

Last minute notice, but they are rockin Philly tonight over at Johnny Brendas. If you have nothing goin on jump on a train and check it out, eat some stinky cheese steaks while your at it. Down below is one of my fav tracks on the record named 'Eyesore'.

Portion of Distortion: Hot Damn!

2011-04-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

Portion of Distortion: Hot Damn!: "

So I was in Munich for Oktoberfest last week, and had 1.32
gallons (5 liters) of wheat’n’hoppy goodness spread out over five hours in the
following three tents: Lowenbrau, Paulaner and Hofbrau; the first being an
early-morning shotgun initiation into the drop-your-socks-and-grab-your-lederhosen
world of Germanic beer-chugging, the second being more of the same but bringing
the odd coincidence of my better half and I sitting down next to somebody from
her home town in PA and finally, the third being the nail that closed the
coffin…I remember chanting and screaming “Prost!”, meeting some Aussies, buying
a round for our entire table, scarfing on a cold sausage (the Oktoberfest
version of a Slim Jim) like a
fucking death row prisoner, hunkered down over his last meal before they
brought me to the chair…

Fast-forward to me waking up at 7pm, in a hotel room I don’t
remember checking in to and nursing the third-worst hangover of my career.
Class.

What does this have to do with anything, and more
importantly, vinyl? Well, homegirl and I were on the guest list for Every Time
I Die’s show in Munich the night after our debauchery ensued, and I was so
floored (I’m getting old) I just couldn’t make it out the door and bring myself
to start drinking again and push German teenagers on my way towards the stage
to contribute my guest vocals for the evening. So when I got back in on
Saturday night, I went through the catalogue and put Hot Damn! on the turntable: my favorite ETID record.

To me, ETID have always been the hardcore scene’s version of
AC/DC: some nasty-riff-and-grind chunk that most people seem to enjoy
regardless of their musical preferences, the kind of sexually-tinged,
drug-reference-laden (see lyrics like “Here’s to cheap sex and codeine, in a
hospital bed”) rebellious ish you throw on before ripping down your posters and
taking a sledgehammer to the wall in between your room and the toilet.

“Tonight I’m coming home in a coma if it fucking kills me,”
is a pretty rad way to start a record as far as I’m concerned, and “Romeo A
Go-Go” is their best leadoff track. The immaturity of the lyrics jives well
with the meet-me-by-the-dumpster-out-back vibe they’ve always pushed into the
atmosphere.

For my money, the meat of this album is in the one-two-three
punch of tracks four, five and six: “Godspeed Us To Sea” into “She’s My
Rushmore” Into “Floater.” The static-crunch of the guitars yields one of my
top-ten favorite guitar sounds I’ve ever heard. Jordan Buckley and Andy
Williams are pure, died-in-the-wool riff machines.

The aforementioned tracks are in the widget below. Hit. It.
Up.

The Witmark Demos Are Coming Soon and Word Is the Vinyl Masters Sound Killer

2011-04-30T17:41:00.004-07:00

The Witmark Demos Are Coming Soon and Word Is the Vinyl Masters Sound Killer: "

The latest Bob Dylan release, The Witmark Demos, are coming soon to a 4-LP vinyl set just in time for the holiday shopping season. The Witmark Demos are 47 songs that Dylan recorded in New York between 1962 and 1964 for his publisher at the time, Leeds Music and M. Witmark & Sons. The set includes 15 previously unreleased songs and contains the first recordings of classics "Blowing in the Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changing". God knows those publishers made some money off "Blowing in the Wind".

We're pretty stoked about this release in any format, but the word is that it sounds especially nice on vinyl. CNET reports that reissue producer Steve Berkowitz 'was especially pleased with the way The Witmark Demos transferred to vinyl; he credits engineer Mark Wilder for his stellar work and bringing in the best technology to serve the music.'

This one is going into The Bootleg Series as Volume 9. It comes out October 19, and you can bet that Daily Vinyl will be looking for it in our stocking this December. Read more at CNET.

It's Official JT Is A Vinyl Fan

2011-04-30T17:41:00.003-07:00

It's Official JT Is A Vinyl Fan: "

The Associated Press reported today that Justin Timberlake has come out of the Vinyl Closet, explaining his love for music medium. Speaking with an interviewer at German newspaper Frankfurter Rundschau on Thursday he admitted that he loves putting on records featuring oldies from the Beach Boys and early Beatles, explaining that vinyl records "sound warmer" and "more vintage" than digital versions.

Ding Ding, JT hits it right on the head, vinyl sure does sound more "warmer" and "vintage!" This news gets us excited about one thing in particular, and that's the inevitable re-release of all that great 'N Sync stuff on picture disk vinyl! Can you imagine the vintage, warm feel a track like "Bye Bye Bye" could have!

KPRI In San Diego Is Giving Vinyl A Spin Again!

2011-04-30T17:41:00.002-07:00

KPRI In San Diego Is Giving Vinyl A Spin Again!: "

We noticed a cool story today on Sign on San Diego, a local radio station is starting to spin vinyl on the air again! KPRI/102.1 FM started putting records live on the air in June when they started their 'Album Sides Wednesdays" program, a day devoted to playing entire sides of vinyl records.

The radio station's co-owner Jonathan Schwarts said, “I am a finance guy, and I always look at everything in terms of what it will do to the ratings. But when I heard (Bruce Springsteen’s) ‘The River’ come on the air that first day, it hit me right between the eyes,” Schwartz said. “Somebody might decide to turn us off because they never liked a particular album, but they might come back for a different side later. And if they don’t, I just hope they can respect what we’re trying to do here.”

Right on! We think it's a really cool idea here at DailyVinyl and if you live out in San Diego, make sure you tune in to KPRI today and every Wednesday to support the movement! If you don't live in San Diego you can listen live here!

Marc Weinstein Is A Cool Dude

2011-04-30T17:41:00.001-07:00

Marc Weinstein Is A Cool Dude: "

The LA Times had a great piece in their Sunday paper on Amoeba Records founder Marc Weinstein this weekend. We have professed our love for his lovely record chain in the past, and we found this article very enlightening, as it sheds some light on the man behind all those awesome records.

We found out that Marc Weinstein started selling records at the awesome Buffalo staple, Record Theatre back when it was the largest record store in the country. He loved working in a record store so much that he would eventually open up Amoeba's first location 20 years ago in an old Mexican restaurant in Berkley. Since then he has opened two more locations, the now infamous San Fran store in the Haight-Ashbury district, and finally opening it's largest location in LA in 2001 on Sunset.

It's a really cool article that shows a man who was able to beat the rise and fall of all those record store chains like Sam Goody, Virgin Megastore, and Tower. He did it by staying true to the independent artists and making sure his stores stood out from the pack. He told the LA Times, "When most of the chain stores moved into video displays that marketed the latest hits, we've been adamant that independent artists have equal standing next to major-label artists," he said. "We don't put up major label displays on the wall. We don't sell shelf space. Never have. Our customers know that."

Well done to you Mr. Weinstein!

Read the full LA Times article here.

Nikki Darlin Checks In From A Gas Station Between Cleveland and Chicago

2011-04-30T17:41:00.000-07:00

Nikki Darlin Checks In From A Gas Station Between Cleveland and Chicago: "

Photo Credit: Rob Stack

Nearly five years ago, Kelley, Jessi and Nikki Darlin formed a band of their own after meeting and spending time together teaching young girls at a Tennessee rock n’ roll camp; a camp Kelley Darlin developed eight years ago. With the help of their drummer, Linwood Regensburg, who also taught at the camp, the band recorded their first album, self-titled Those Darlins, on the Oh Dang Wow label. The album’s success took them on tour to over 140 locations all over the country, eventually opening for class acts like Wanda Jackson, Dan Auerbach, The Black Lips and Deer Tick. They just started their headlining fall tour this month with Turbo Fruits. I caught Nikki Darlin on the phone at a gas station somewhere between Cleveland and Chicago to talk about their new 7” vinyl single entitled “Night Jogger,” released on September 14^th.

DV - The artwork for the band’s recently released 7” single “Night Jogger,” is your personal arm x-ray. I heard you had a spill earlier this year after a show in Ohio.

ND - I’m not wearing a cast or brace or anything, but it’s been sore starting out the tour.

DV - That injury forced you to cancel your Australian tour right?

ND - No, we actually rescheduled that tour and are going in December. It’s our first time overseas.

DV - Your music has been described as 'The Carter Family meets The Black Lips,” but there’s a whole other dimension of fusions within your sound? How would you describe it, and would you initially describe it as country?

ND - Yeah , it’s kind of two extremes but we’ve certainly been described that way. Neither of the two have anything to do with each other in my opinion, but I get it. At first we identified more with country, but not so much anymore.

DV - So what does the new record sound like?

ND - It’s a lot more garage rock n’ roll than our last record, which was more country-based. I think that’s the kind of music we want to make together right now.

DV - When can we expect it?

ND - It’ll hopefully release in March of next year. Linwood did more writing for us on this one.

DV - You’re currently on tour with The Strange Boys and Gentleman Jesse as your opening acts. How does it feel to come from playing dive shows, to headlining your own tour in such a short span of time?

ND - It feels great. It’s not really overwhelming because we’ve done a lot of work to make it this far in these past years.

DV - Is the band consciously trying to change the “man’s world” mentality within the music world?

ND - No, it’s definitely not something conscious we’re doing. It’s just who we are. We aren’t trying to make any kind of feminist movement. We’re just in a band and we just happen to be women.

DV - It seems like you guys are just out to have a good time making music together.

ND - Yes, exactly.

DV - Aren’t you engaged to a member of Deer Tick? I heard he proposed to you on stage at a show?

ND - Yeah, (the proposal) on stage was kind of a joke. But we met in New York at a show prior to touring with Deer Tick.

DV - So are wedding plans sort of pending?

ND - We are both on tour so we’re not sure when (the wedding) is going to happen right now.

DV - You guys switch through instruments like a pack of cigarettes, from guitar, to bass, to bass ukelele? Is it like, once you learn one thing, you can pretty much pick-up anything else?

ND - I think it just depends on the person but we all switch off playing instruments and singing lead. It’s kind of hard to sing lead and play bass at the same time.

DV - Do you guys drink as much as you sing about drinking?

ND - …. Probably (Laughs).

DV - I guess in country music, drinking comes up a lot more as a topic.

ND - Yeah, (Laughs) we don’t have as many songs about it on our new album.

DV - I think Johnny Cash’s head might explode if he saw you guys play today. What do you think?

ND - I don’t know really, … (to the rest of the band) Hey guys, what do you think Johnny Cash would think of our show? …. I bet he’d think it was pretty cool.

Yeah, we think he’d be proud!

Those Darlins play at Terminal 5 October 29^th and Austin City Limits October 8^th.

Keeping Your Vinyl Clean

2011-04-30T17:40:00.003-07:00

Keeping Your Vinyl Clean: "

We often get asked about cleaning vinyl, so we figured we'd throw up a post with some basic directions on how best to care for your favorite records. Dirty records have lousy sound, so it's important to go through this process every so often to make sure that your records are sounding as best they can.

There are plenty of different ways to clean vinyl, and if you simply Google 'cleaning vinyl' you will find a number of different methods. We chose to give you the basic method below, it's really simple, you only need to buy a few different products, and in a few minutes your records will be spinning on your turntables good as new!

1. First off you are going to need some basic cleaning tools, solutions, cleaning pads, brushes and of course your turntable. A basic vinyl record solution can be bought at your local record store, or one can be made by using half parts isopropyl alcohol and distilled water.

2. Now pick up the record, holding it at the edges and labeled areas of course, and put it on your turntable. Make sure that your stylus is clean you do not want any dust particles getting into the grooves of the record once it's nice and clean.

3. If you have an anti-static brush, go ahead and brush the record down, making sure to get rid of any unwanted dust particles on the actual record. After you have done this you can take your record cleaning solution or alcohol-water solution (if you made your own you might want to mix 2 drops of Photo Flo into the solution to cut down on water spots).

4. Rub the solution in with a soft clean towel, we usually buy cloths from the record store, but we have heard a cloth diapers works really well. Now make sure that you are wiping in a circular motion with the grooves, this is really important as you do not want to be wiping against them creating scratches. This is a good time to use the turntable to assist you in spinning the records with the grooves. Remember do not get the label wet when cleaning, it's only paper!

If you have a really dirty record you might want to repeat these steps a few times to get it clean. Good luck and keep those records clean!

Here Comes The Vinyl Exploitative Movement

2011-04-30T17:40:00.002-07:00

Here Comes The Vinyl Exploitative Movement: "

(Via NYPress)

As we noted the other day, vinyl records are being sold in record numbers, we're talking 2.5 million vinyls last year alone, which is the most records sold since Nielsen started tracking them 20 years ago. So once businesses see profit like this, it's inevitable that someone's right there waiting to rip you off. Enter the Gagosian Gallery in NYC. They have started selling special edition vinyl with cover art that is signed by the artists in their Upper East Side shop, this according to the New York Times.

So how much are they selling these for? Well, take The Talking Heads’ excellent record Speaking in Tongues, a record I myself picked up for $4 in mint condition, will run you $2,000 dollars. Of course this includes a signed record by David Byrne and cover artist Robert Rauschenberg, but 2,000 clams seems to be a bit steep.

Records that aren't even signed by the artists are still getting astronomical prices. The NY Press states that Copies of The Velvet Underground & Nico range from $80 to $200 dollars, and Sonic Youth’s Dirty costs $70!

This is only the beginning of the vinyl exploitation movement. Don't be one of the guy/gals who purchases these overly expensive vinyls, otherwise we will be very very disappointed in you! If you want to get a vinyl please visit your local record store or swing by our store to get these classic records at reasonable prices.

DV Exclusive: An Interview With Guy Blakeslee from The Entrance Band

2011-04-30T17:40:00.001-07:00

DV Exclusive: An Interview With Guy Blakeslee from The Entrance Band: "

Photo: Virginia Lai

Since their debut album Prayer of Death in 2006, The Entrance Band has taken a firm hold of the lo-fi, psychedelic scene. With their self-titled sophomore album released in 2009, the band has toured around the country twice and traveled across borders to spread their undeniably blues-driven, soul sounds.

You might have even caught The Entrance Band’s set as they opened up Bonnaroo this past June in Tennessee. The super-trio consisting of Guy Blakeslee, guitar and vocals, Paz Lenchantin, former bass guitarist for A Perfect Circle and Zwan and Derek James, drums, finished their summer tour with The Growlers, (and their psychedelic school bus named Brandy), at the beginning of July. Then the band traveled overseas to play at The Fuji Rock Festival at the Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa-Machi, Japan. Blakeslee, brainchild of The Entrance Band, agreed to interview with us before he left for the festival and talked about his childhood, his guitar collection and being a civil rights advocate.

DV - Hey Guy, so where’d you grow up? What kind of school did you go to as a kid?

GB - I was born in 1981 in Baltimore City, Maryland. I grew up there and was a scholarship student at a couple of private schools. One of them was called The Park School. It was founded by radical quakers in the 50's to become the first integrated private school in the Baltimore area and was based on the principles of progressive education. There were no grades and technically there were no rules. A few of my teachers were very influential on my life path, especially the librarian, John Roemer, who was a major part of the Civil Rights Movement in Maryland as early as the 1950's.

DV - And did your parents support your musical aspirations?

GB - I moved away from Baltimore for good when I was 19 or 20 to tour, and ended up living in New York City, Chicago and England before landing in California to play with Paz about six years ago. My parents have always been very supportive of my musical path and both of them are still huge music fans. They turned me on to a lot of the music of their generation that has stayed with me and grown with me over the years, like The Everly Brothers, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Love, Leonard Cohen, Bob Marley, Tim Buckley and Woody Guthrie.

Both my parents were at Woodstock before they ever met each other. I feel fortunate to have been raised with their generation's consciousness as my starting point, as they were a part of a massive shift in the way people in this country perceive reality, politics and art, a shift which I feel is still taking place and accelerating today.

DV - Well, your song M.L.K. is an inspiring civil rights anthem that received negative online attention from Pitchfork’s Stephen M. Deusner on Dr. King’s anniversary this year, describing the song as having, “all the gravity of a grade school book report…”

GB- People's reactions to the song have been quite different. While many people find it inspiring or affirming, many others, the more cynical of us music folk in my opinion, think it is 'dumb' or 'over-simplified' or redundant. I think this shows something about our subculture. The song, and M.L.K's ultimate message, is very simple: love is the only way and the only way to bring about change even when engaging a violent opponent. Love is the vibration that heals, that unites, that brings peace. Someday humanity will reach a vibrational state where love is the basic frequency of all reality.

DV - Word! So it’s easy to miss, but you play your guitar backward, correct? Are you left-handed?

GB - I don't consider myself left-handed or right-handed..I do a lot of things each way. I can only play guitar the way that I do, though, because I taught myself. No one around me knew I wasn't holding it correctly. The way that I play is not totally uncommon. Dick Dale, Albert King and Elizabeth Cotten all played and play "upside down.” It's also how Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain both started out. When Jimi would play the bass, he played upside-down, like me.

DV - Is there a different sound aesthetic to playing the instrument backward?

GB - I know there's a different sonic quality to playing this way in that the treble-strings are dominant, so I try to reign in the treble as much as I can.

DV - What kind of guitars do you play and what are the stories behind them?

GB - I play three guitars currently. One is a Stratocaster that once belonged to Robbie Robertson of The Band. I bought it from a friend who received it from Robertson as a gift. I think my friend was dating Robbie's daughter at some point. Another guitar I play is a Telecaster and was given to me as a gift by Nadav Eisenman who produced 'The Entrance Band” album. The third guitar, and most special to me, is a Fender Jaguar, which belonged to Paz's late brother, Luciano. I take extra special care of this guitar, as it is not mine. It has a most special energy to it. I feel spirits and supernatural energies in the Jaguar and I play it with great respect and am honored to be holding it. The other two guitars, I don't treat so well, throwing them around quite a bit. But they are wonderful instruments that can handle a love-induced smashing every show.

DV - Your fans seem to react positively to the band’s overall message. What and who are you trying to reach with your music?

GB - We have no intended audience or particular message. We all view music and rock concerts as a collective experience with the ultimate goal of liberating the mind and body. Music is a unifier and a liberator. There's nothing better that bringing people together in freedom of expression through sound and movement.

DV - Being that your music has been genre-ed under psychedelic rock, how much do and have psychedelics played a role in your musical process?

GB - I find musical genres to be limiting and usually inaccurate. However, I would consider myself a "psychedelic person.”

DV - So what have been your favorite places to tour so far?

GB - I love touring, as touring has been my lifestyle and my true education for so many years. I love any chance to go to New Orleans or to leave the United States. And within the states I am particularly fond of places like Denver, Colorado, Lawrence, Kansas, and Austin, Texas. Towns that feel like a light in the middle of darkness, where people really appreciate music and have gathered with others who think and live differently from most of their surrounding neighbors.

DV - Ok so, you just finished touring with The Growlers. What was it like touring on their psychedelic school bus? And how did Paz deal with all the dudes?

GB - Our journeys on The Growler's bus have been epic and mind-altering! I can't speak for Paz, but I don't think we would have made it without her. She was always keeping the music good, keeping the driver awake, finding hoses for us to wash down with. Touring the country in a converted, psychedelic bus with ten friends, stopping to play music in different towns, kind of seems like a modern tripped-out version of The American Dream to me. The Growlers sure do love fireworks!

DV - Sounds like a blast, pun intended. When you’re not touring, you live in a secluded rural part of California with Paz right? What is it like there?

GB - We live in a beautiful, tranquil mountain vortex, the location of which must remain secret. We moved there to work on new music and recharge our spirits and bodies after some intense touring and major life changes. We record our new ideas and work on writing songs there and then bring the ideas down the mountain to collaborate with Derek. I enjoy the isolation of where we live and the peace and quiet. It makes me really appreciate being around people and sound and activity because we have a sanctuary to get away from it all.

DV - Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth regarded your most recent, self-titled album as “a soundtrack for the new groove.” Are you guys working on a new album?

GB - We are indeed writing a new record! But everything about it must remain a secret for now, and we don't even know who is going to put it out.

DV - I’ve seen some impressive collages you’ve made online. Have you always been interested and participated in all forms of art?

GB - I've always made collages and used to make a lot of zines when I was younger but music is my true form of expression and the language I'm most fluent in.

The Entrance Band’s next tour starts this October with Dungen. Keep an eye out for tickets and news about their upcoming album at TheEntranceBand.com, and of course swing by our store to pick up their killer self-titled double vinyl from our store!

Check Out The Pressing Of Soundgarden's Latest Record

2011-04-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

Check Out The Pressing Of Soundgarden's Latest Record: "

Soundgarden just released some footage of their new record Telephantasm getting pressed. The video also features the badass unreleased track 'Black Rain.' Check it out, and don't forget to swing by our store to pre-order the new record before it comes out on October 5.

Don't Say We Didn't Tell You So, Vinyl Records Sales Keep Rising

2011-04-30T17:39:00.002-07:00

Don't Say We Didn't Tell You So, Vinyl Records Sales Keep Rising: "

In an article posted to Computerworld last week, it was reported that according to Nielsen Entertainment, vinyl sales are soaring. In 2009 2.5 million albums were sold in the U.S. up from 1.88 million just the year before! No matter how you slice it, the craving for vinyl is higher today than at any time in recent history.

This jump just goes to show how important vinyl record sales are becoming for the ever evolving music industry, what once was a novelty is quickly becoming a real money maker. Just look at the increase in sales from just a few years ago, vinyl record sales were up 14% from 2007-2008, increasing from 858,000 to 990,000. That seemed like a ton of records back then, but compared to last years jump it's a drop in the bucket.

"The trend sure does seem sustainable," said David Bakula, senior vice president of analytics at Nielsen Entertainment. "And the record industry is really doing a lot of cool things to not only make the format come alive but to make it more exciting for consumers."

Not like our readers need any assurance, but it's always encouraging to see such positive numbers. Vinyl is totally back baby!

Inside The Mind of Wavves Brainchild Nathan Williams

2011-04-30T17:39:00.001-07:00

Inside The Mind of Wavves Brainchild Nathan Williams: "

Nathan Williams, lead singer and brainchild of WAVVES, has had a pretty tame year so far. And not tame like your mom’s decrepit Lhasa Apso Scrappy back home, but tame in the sense that he managed to not repeat what happened last year at The Primavera Sound Festival in Spain, where after ingesting what Williams blogged as an “Ecstasy, Valium and Xanax cocktail,” he terrorized the crowd and started a fight with his own drummer. After explaining that he doesn’t remember the set and canceling the European tour in 2009, he re-casted the group with bassist Stephen Pope and drummer Billy Hayes, who formerly made up Jay Reatard’s band before his death last January.

Williams and his new band bounced back onto the scene recording King of the Beach with producer Dennis Herring of Sweet Tea Recording in Oxford, Mississippi. Since the album’s release at the beginning of August, the band has been surfing the highways all over the country, playing their pop-punk sound at equally grungy venues. I wasn’t allowed to ask Williams about last year’s meltdown so instead we had a pretty mellow chat discussing topics like the new album, dropping out of high school and declining numerous college soccer scholarships he was offered.

DV - Hi, Nathan. Basically, I wanted to start off asking about highlights from the tour so far…

NW - I think the coolest show that we played was on a beach in Italy, like literally on the beach with sand in our toes. That was the best. It was so awesome.

DV - How about in the states?

NW - We played a show at The Glasshouse in Pomona, California that was pretty cool. I hadn’t been there since I was a kid. Just a bunch of insane kids losing their shit. Most of the shows have been pretty fun. There have been a couple sinkers along the way, but we haven’t had a show that people didn’t like. So far, it’s been a pretty amazing experience.

DV - So you recorded King of The Beach this year at Sweet Tea Recording with Dennis Herring in Oxford, Mississippi. How was recording with Dennis and putting your concept into someone else’s hands? Was it a little freaky for you?

NW - It was a little weird at first. It was like handing your baby off to a babysitter. Throughout the mixing and recording process, I was sitting right next to Dennis. I was a little bit annoying how close I was with it, but at the end of the day, if I wouldn’t have been there and been a hawk about it, it wouldn’t have turned out how I wanted it. And it was probably good for Dennis too because I was able to tell him certain things that I wanted and somehow he made whatever I asked possible.

DV - He somehow miraculously did it, like a magician?

NW - Yea, think of it as magic. But there were a couple of times where we kind of got into it on different opinions but I think that’s pretty healthy in a creative environment. It comes with the territory.

DV - I really like your new album, I know my opinion doesn’t really matter, but I do like it. Ha.

NW- Well I think you’re opinion matters!

DV - After playing the album a couple of times, I heard varying hints of Nirvana and The Beach Boys, for sure. Who exactly were your influences for King of The Beach?

NW - I think you kind of caught it. I think Nirvana is definitely one of them and a lot of alternative music that we grew up on, like Green Day and a lot of pop punk stuff. The Beach Boys is obvious because of the name of the album but I also think The Beatles, particularly structure-wise, song writing and melodies.

DV - Definitely, and the experimental songs at the end of the album reminded me of some old Of Montreal tracks.

NW - Oh, really?

DV - Yea, it reminded me of some of their older, more whimsical, quirky stuff.

NW - Well "Convertible Balloons," was co-written. Billy and I wrote that song.

DV - When did you decide to try something a little more out of the box?

NW - Honestly "Convertible Balloons," and "Baby Say Goodbye," were old demos that Billy had and were just gonna throw away. And I heard them and was like "No, these could be really good, we just have to play with them." So we took it into the studio and those were some of the only songs that we worked on while recording. I had written all the other songs prior to going there. We got to work through them at the studio so I think that’s probably why they turned out more experimental. We asked ourselves, "What else can we add to it that’ll make it sound different from the rest of the record?"

DV - Your album artwork looks like a psychedelic hand-made arts and craft masterpiece. I even noticed some pipe cleaners included. Who made it for you guys?

NW - Her name is Kelly and she’s Billy’s girlfriend’s friend. She lives in Memphis. I saw a mural that she had drawn of Stevie Wonder and I just thought it looked amazing so I asked her if she would do it. I told her the idea and she pretty much did what I said and added pipe cleaners.

DV - It took me a couple weeks of staring at the album to even notice the pipe cleaners. I finally saw them after staring at it for a while one night.

NW - Yea, I’ve sat stoned and stared at the cover before, for sure.

DV - To me the song ‘Take On The World’ is the perfect anthem for musicians. The verses are all about feeling like your work is shitty, but the chorus, ‘To take on the world would be something,’ is a little more optimistic and grasps the musician dream of spreading your music as far and wide as possible. Would you agree?

NW - Yea. It’s funny because whenever anyone asks me about that song they’re like, 'So why were you so depressed? You’re so self-deprecating on this album.' No, not really. I talk about how I’m the shit a lot on the album. But yes, sometimes that’s just how you feel. Try not to over-think emotions too much. It’s like, today I woke up and felt like shit. But I don’t wake up every single day and feel like shit. So it’s weird when people ask me if I’m depressed and if I’m going to kill myself. What? Maybe, I might. If I keep getting asked question, I might.

DV - Fair enough. Were you born in San Diego?

NW - No, I was born in L.A. and grew up in San Diego.

DV - So what were you like in high school?

NW - I dropped out of high school in tenth grade. I wore whatever the skateboarders I watched wore, so like cargo pants and skate shoes and Kid Dynamite t-shirts. I just dressed like a southern California kid.

DV - I read you started playing music in middle school.

NW - I started playing in bands when I was like 13, yea.

DV - Did you grow up taking guitar lessons?

NW - No I never took guitar lessons. I got a guitar when I was 11 and just wanted to play music to meet girls or something. I kind of just screwed around with my friends and played soccer my whole life. That took up a lot of my time.

DV - You did?

NW - Yeah, I played soccer from age 7 to 17.

DV - I played from like 4 to 16.

NW - Oh, really? Wow. Yea, I played Olympic Development and traveled all over with my club team.

DV - That’s so weird. Me too. I mean, it was a yearlong job for me. It was like my whole fucking life.

NW - Yea, it was no joke. I played school, travel and ODP all at the same time, and then finally, when I was 17, I was like, ‘Ok fuck this, I can’t do this anymore.’

DV - I thought about playing in college but I wanted to party and do whatever the fuck I wanted instead. It ran its course.

NW - Yeah, I had scholarships to a couple of schools but I just didn’t want to go to college. I didn’t feel like college was for me. And my parents were bummed but then I got into this. If you look at how much MLS players make it’s like $30,000 a year, so I was like fuck that. I think I chose pretty well. I’m getting by.

DV - I heard you say in a video interview that the band, "got as big as it did on accident." What did you mean by that?

NW - I knew I wanted to do something musically. I was managing a record store and I quit my job there. I recorded some demos and I wasn’t going to show them to anybody but a friend of mine was like "Oh these are so good, you need to put them up on MySpace." I showed my friend Jeremy who runs this label in New York and he really liked it. I just kind of let the song sit there and it just snow-balled.

If you missed their latest show at Music Hall of Williamsburg, WAVVES are set to play Madison Square Garden with Phoenix October 20^th.

Next Time You're In Nashville, Hit Up United Record Pressing

2011-04-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

Next Time You're In Nashville, Hit Up United Record Pressing: "

As vinyl enthusiasts, we're totally interested in the process of how our favorite albums are made. If you've ever wondered how this is done, and you want to see the process first-hand, be sure to take a tour of United Record Pressing in Nashville. United Record Pressing is one of the oldest and most-esteemed pressing plants in the country. They've been around since 1949 and even pressed the first Beatles 7's in America before they were signed to Capitol.

These days URP still uses classic techniques and vintage equipment to churn out many of the latest releases from top independent and major labels. They readily admit that with the growth of the iPod and digital music their vinyl pressing business has grown too. People just want a well-made, physical object for their music collection.

Next time you're in Nashville, be sure to contact them and set up a tour.

Here's a video of Ben Blackwell from Third Man Records giving a reporter from the Wall Street Journal a tour of URP:

Mon Khmer Is Playing Glasslands Tonight

2011-04-30T17:37:00.004-07:00

Mon Khmer Is Playing Glasslands Tonight: "

Daily Vinyl favorite, Mon Khmer, is gonna be rocking Glasslands tonight in Brooklyn. In case you haven't check out their debut LP, we seriously recommend that you do that. We've heard they are playing lots of new songs, so it's gonna be a good show. Come out if you're in the neighborhood.

Doors are at 8pm. $10 cover. Get tickets here.

Glasslands Gallery

Esben & The Witch

Mon Khmer

Grooms

Megafortress

Nick's Picks: Monster Rally

2011-04-30T17:37:00.003-07:00

Nick's Picks: Monster Rally: "

Grab your wool hats, grab your jean jackets, grab yourself a pumpkin ale fall is pretty much here, and it's certainly pretty. But for some of you monsters out there you just don't want summer to end. Well here is a little something for you to hang on to it for a bit longer. Check out Monster Rally! These short simple tunes are super laid back and all sundrenched out.

He just recently released a a couple new records which are out only digitally. His latest is called Color sky 7', and the one before that is a 7 track EP named Palm Reader. He allows you to download both records for free(!) at his bandcamp page, and i suggest you do cause they are all really cool. Check it out right HERE.

A couple tunes for your listening entertainment as you download the records, enjoy the day.

The Portable Record Player Just Got A Facelift

2011-04-30T17:37:00.002-07:00

The Portable Record Player Just Got A Facelift: "

Crosley has become the name that you can count on for kitschy vinyl products. Whether it's pseudo-retro turntables or 50s style jukeboxes, they got you covered. The products themselves never sound all that great, but we must admit some of the ideas are kinda cool.

Their newest release into the vinyl world is the CR6002A Revolution, it's a portable belt-driven turntable that allows you to take a record on the go. The turntable also comes equiped with a USB input so that you can import songs from your vinyls directly onto your PC or Mac. It runs at two speeds 33 1/3 and 45, has dual headphone jacks, built-in stereo speakers, and a carrying case. It's not a bad value for the features that are included, and will set you back around $150.

Another Awesome Third Man Vinyl

2011-04-30T17:37:00.001-07:00

Another Awesome Third Man Vinyl: "

So we've been talking about Jack White and his label Third Man a lot, but that's only because they have consistently been doing awesome things with vinyl. This latest concept might be the coolest idea yet. It's called the 'Triple Decker Record' and they are debuting it with the Dead Weather's new single. So we know what you are thinking, what the hell is a 'Triple Decker Record' right? Well it's a 12' record that you can crack open using a swiss army knife, remember those, or a screw driver. Once you crack open the record there is a 7' record waiting for you inside!

Still don't understand, we have a video of Jack White explaining the whole thing to you below.

Playing A Record With A Cardboard Record Player

2011-04-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

Playing A Record With A Cardboard Record Player: "

Note to all of you audiophiles out there, you may now want to look away from the post as this record player's quality might upset you....

Ok, so all of you who have hung around, we found this record player the other day and wanted to share it with you. Although not the greatest sounding device, its pretty neat to see a vinyl played with such a simplistic device. The player is called a CardTalk and was first created in the late 1940s by The World Literature Crusade, a religious organization, to help spread their ministry throughout the world.

Now the CardTalk is used on rare promotional occasions, one of which we ran into recently. Have a look at the instructional video below of a man using one in Northern Africa. It could possibly be the most difficult terrane to have to use a CardTalk, and the video itself is also one of the most uncomfortable things we have ever watched. Watch out for all that 'stinking wind' that blows this guys CardTalk all over the place!

Pitchfork Talks Album Artwork

2011-04-30T17:36:00.003-07:00

Pitchfork Talks Album Artwork: "

An excellent feature article by Erica Harvey currently up at Pitchfork discusses the state of photography in album artwork. It's definitely worth a read. We couldn't agree more with her opinion on vinyl as the preferred format for 20-somethings:

"One side-effect of the digital turn in music culture has been our relationship to the objects that populate it. We're more and more becoming nostalgic not for specific things from our youth, or even for our own memories, but for the surfaces and shapes of old-seeming objects, and for generalized types of memories. As a backlash to digital music's ephemerality and flux, we fixate longingly on the basicphysicality of records as much as we do with particular records we heard in our youth. iTunes and the iPod are wonderfully revolutionary pieces of technology, but they're also so effortlessly functional that they become mundane rituals of our everyday lives, blending into other activities. I'm a consummate re-tagger and artwork-adder, don't get me wrong. But compared to the rituals of flipping, cleaning, gazing upon, and showcasing my records that digital technology tries to recreate, it's not even a contest."

Below is Williams Eggleston's Greenwood, MS 1973, which is also the album cover for the Big Star classic Radio City.

A Couple Of Good Turntable Options

2011-04-30T17:36:00.002-07:00

A Couple Of Good Turntable Options: "

Most of you reading this already own a turntable and are spinning the many great records you get from us at Daily Vinyl on it right? Well, we also know some of you do not own a good turntable and a lot of you, like us, are always looking for new gear and upgrades. We just recently came across a great article at Don Lindch's Sound Advice Blog (via the Vinyl Record Architect) that describes two really good audiophile quality turntables for a pretty decent price, and we wanted to pass it along to our readers.

The first is the Rega P1 Turntable with an Ortofon OM-5E cartridge already pre-installed. For anyone interested in vinyl you know that Rega has been a premier name for quality sounding turntables since the mid-80s and this particular model is no different. Super sleek design, excellent pre-installed cartridge and sounds great. At around $395 it's one of the cheapest turntables Rega offers.

The second one that is looked at is the Pro-Ject Debut III Turntable, which will run you $50-$100 less -- depending if you get a snazzy color or not -- than the aforementioned Rega. The Pro-Ject comes stock with the Ortofon OM-5E cartridge pre-installed as well so it makes the comparing the two pretty fair. Also an excellent turntable, with the Pro-Ject Debut series being just as much an industry standard as Rega.

Check out the whole review and who came out on top at Don Lindch's Sound Advice Blog.

Jim Jarmusch Discusses His Stooges Documentary

2011-04-30T17:36:00.001-07:00

Jim Jarmusch Discusses His Stooges Documentary: "

Talking to Rolling Stone Magazine during All Tomorrows Parties Festival this past weekend, Jim Jarmusch explains that Iggy approached him about making a Stooges doc. All too many of these punk documentaries have been a bit boring as of late, excluding Don Letts of course, and it seems as though this Jarmusch one could be pretty interesting. We got a snippet of his interview with Rolling Stone below.

Also, in case you don't own any Stooges vinyl, what are you doing?! Go get yourself some right now from our store!

Heavy Hawaii To Release Limited Edition Vinyl

2011-04-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

Heavy Hawaii To Release Limited Edition Vinyl: "

One of our favorite Nick's Picks Heavy Hawaii are set to release a limited edition 500 copy 12' colored vinyl. Titled HH it will be released on Art Fag Recordings, and will available on September 28th in our store. Heavy Hawaii is also currently making the first single "Teen Angel" available for free online on their website. The vinyl version of the record features the six original songs which we have listed below.

Tracklisting for the Vinyl:

Sleeping Bag

Better

Beacons

Suicide Summer

Philly Games

Teen Angel

Bez Is Free!

2011-04-30T17:35:00.002-07:00

Bez Is Free!: "

Former member of the Happy Mondays, and everyone's favorite pilled up guy that does nothing but dance on stage, Bez has been released from jail after serving two weeks of a month sentence. Bez, who's real name is Mark Berry, was convicted last month of attacking his ex-girlfriend Monica Ward.

According to NME he walked out of Strangeways Prison and said to all his new friends, "See you later, lads." No word if he got his maracas back, but we will keep you posted once we find out.

BTW, we don't think Bez's Madchester Anthems came out on vinyl yet, but if it did please let us know so we can stock it in our store!

Nick's Picks: Dirty Beaches

2011-04-30T17:35:00.001-07:00

Nick's Picks: Dirty Beaches: "

Heyyyyyy check it out, this is the hot shit right here. You like that old crisp vintage sound that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? I do too. Alex Zhang Hungtai is the man behind the band Dirty Beaches. He hails from Montreal and writes beauty tunes. Here is a nice one from his newest 7' named True Blue, Which just came out this pass month.

Enjoy.

Wayne Coyne Has Gotten Big Into Twitter

2011-04-30T17:35:00.000-07:00

Wayne Coyne Has Gotten Big Into Twitter: "

Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne joined twitter a few weeks ago and has been extremely prolific. Things that Wayne likes to do on twitter include posting lots of semi-nude photos of his wife, sharing photos of things that he deems 'psychedelic', soliciting names for his new cat, conducting public conversations with David Lynch, letting everyone know exactly where he's hanging out, and all around just sharing interesting shit.

In fact, the process of naming his cat produced his best tweet yet:

'We would never ever choose Flaming Pussy Lips, chairman meow,walker Texas ranger,gringo starr,Ginger balls, dr. Fluffington,boomer sooner,'

It's a fun peak inside his brain. If you're on twitter, he's definitely worth following.

Jack White's Label And How They Value Vinyl

2011-04-30T17:34:00.003-07:00

Jack White's Label And How They Value Vinyl: "

There are few artists of this generation that embody the old spirit of making music, the same spirit that has defined the greatest records of the last 50 years. It's about attitude, persistence, integrity, and an overall appreciation for what music is, and how much it means to the people who care for it. There is no better "old soul" in current music than Jack White. He's just the kind of that guy that gets everything right, whether you love or hate his projects, you have to respect what he's doing as an artist, industry executive and producer.

This is why we were delighted to stumble upon a great interview that Collectors Weekly recently posted with Jack White's head of vinyl production at Third Man, Ben Blackwell. It has some excellent descriptions of the vinyl making process as well as what they personally value at Third Man. The best part just might be the response that Ben Blackwell gives in the comment section to some dude who was complaining about using digital audio masters on vinyl, classic stuff!

Check out the whole thing here.

Ever Want To Be A Vinyl Record? Well Now You Can!

2011-04-30T17:34:00.002-07:00

Ever Want To Be A Vinyl Record? Well Now You Can!: "

Have you ever wondered what you wanted to do with your ashes after you go. Maybe have them sprinkled into the ocean, or off of your favorite cliff top? If the Big Lebowski taught us anything, it is that spreading ashes could get messy pretty quick. Well, if you love vinyl, the natural solution seems to be putting those ashes into a limited pressing of your choice.

Luckily UK company And Vinyl has this very solution for you. With packages starting at a cool £3000 you can compile your very own send off, having your ashes rotating on a turntable for all of eternity.

This brings us to the inevitable question, what would your song choices be?

Portion of Distortion: White Zombie - Astro-Creep: 2000

2011-04-30T17:34:00.001-07:00

Portion of Distortion: White Zombie - Astro-Creep: 2000: "

My introduction to White Zombie came by way of MTV. I saw the “More Human Than Human” video like forty times in the summer of ’95, and the song ended up being a staple in the gut of my 7th grade mixed tape collection. I used to rock out to it on the bus, in the cafeteria, at home in my room and in the car when my grandmother would drive me to the mall (True story. An even truer story is my grandmother taking me to see Batman Forever, buying me the Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) cassette and then letting me get halfway through “Bring Da Ruckus” on our ride home before ejecting the tape).

Astro-Creep: 2000 is a pretty sick record compiled of simple riffs, a thick-as-hell drum sound and a dense, psychotic landscape painted by one young-ish Rob Zombie at his musical peak. White Zombie is a product of the ‘90’s Hard Rock/Alternative/Metal/Pop fusion brand that also brought us NIN and Tool; bands that in my mind, no matter who you speak with, even if they don’t like this type of shit can say, “Yeah, that’s good.”  For me this record was such a great progression from the dwindling grunge scene hitting rock radio at the time; a sleight of true badassery. “Electric Head: The Agony (Pt. 1) is a great opener, and from there the album drags you through a dark, dank, partially-illuminated alley at midnight, full of sinister clowns with five’o’clock shadows and switchblades. Overall, I’m more of fan of the second side of the record because there’s a bit more depth to it.

“El Phantasmo and the Chicken-Run Blast-O-Rama,” in my mind, encapsulates everything this band is in four minutes and fourteen seconds. “Blur the Technicolor” has a fantastic percussive buildup leading into this weird sort of goblin dance party sound. “Blood, Milk and Sky” is a creeping, knife-in-the-teeth, transcendental nightmare, and you should totally listen to it under the mystic powers of a black light.

As an extra nugget of rockage I’m also adding “Feed the Gods,” a b-side that appeared on the soundtrack to the movie Airheads, in the club scene when Chris Farley rips out that dude’s nipple ring. Listen to how off-time the high hats are during the verse(s), it’s weird.

Play Guitar With Pavement

2011-04-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

Play Guitar With Pavement: "

Pavement is gonna let a fan play guitar with them on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" when they play the show in September. So grab your axe and youtube yourself strumming "Major Leagues". Actually, don't choose that one. It's too obvious so you won't win.

You can enter here. Rawk!

Pirating Vinyl Is As Easy As "M-P-3"

2011-04-30T17:33:00.003-07:00

Pirating Vinyl Is As Easy As "M-P-3": "

Who knew that making copies of your favorite LP was so easy! With a little intuition you could be cranking out duplicates of you're favorite obscure No-Fi bands for all your friends in no time! SynthGear took the time to transcribe the whole process, which was originally written in German, here on their site.

Pirating Vinyl takes about 8 steps and with a little elbow grease you could turn out your own playable vinyl casts too. Enjoy!

A Technical Explanation of the New Arcade Fire Video for Lay People

2011-04-30T17:33:00.002-07:00

A Technical Explanation of the New Arcade Fire Video for Lay People: "

Arcade Fire released a new interactive video today and a lot people have been talking about it around the web. Since most music fans are not techy, we figured we'd give a brief lay person's explanation of just what's going on with this new video and why we think Arcade Fire chose to do this.

If you haven't seen the video yet you gotta check it out. It's a really powerful, personalized version of Arcade Fire's song called 'We Used To Wait' from their recent, #1 record The Suburbs.

Here's the premise: you type in the address of your childhood home or a place from your childhood, and then a program runs that creates a personalized video for you.

When the video launches, there's a kid running through the streets. Google images of the location that you selected and animations start to be woven in with the video to create the impression of the kid running around your old neighborhood. You start to get nostalgic real fast. It will blow your mind to see your old street featured in the video for one of your favorite rock bands.

The browser takes on a life of its own and choreographed windows start popping up all over your computer. It culminates in asking you to write a postcard to your younger self. When it's over, you can submit your postcard to Arcade Fire to print with seeds that they send out to random people, and to use in concert imagery. The people that receive a postcard can plant it and a tree will grow. The entire concept from the beginning to end is beautiful. It ties in themes from the album and your own childhood memories, and connects the digital world with the natural world in a never-ending narrative arc.

As for the technical side of the video, there's this weird HTML5 thing that music bloggers keep mentioning but don't understand. What is that?

HTML5 is the latest and greatest version of HTML that's only supported by the latest versions of Firefox, Safari, and Google Chrome. What has everyone excited about it is the fact that the leading browser makers, via HTML5, have standardized on a lot of what people want to do with the web - video, animation, applications, etc. And they've incorporated standard ways of doing these things so that a web developer (in this case one working with Arcade Fire) can write one web page or application and have it work across all devices. This video should even work on the ipad or iphone.

Techy people are all excited about this, and this video is one of the best overall displays of what browsers that support HTML5 can do. It combines playing music, importing photography from google maps, laying animations on top of these location-specific images, and an interactive way of letting you write a postcard and send it to the band in a wild font. There's a shit ton going on behind the scenes to accomplish all that, and it's amazing that the browser is the only software needed to handle it. In the past you'd have to also have some clunky plugins like flash installed on your computer to accomplish this. You can find out more about the technical side at Google's Chrome Experiments.

Not that we ever doubted the band, but It's surprising to see that Arcade Fire is so in touch with bleeding-edge technology and is pushing the envelope for what people can do with this technology. They truly are in tune with their time, and they're mining the times for new forms of artistic expression. Hats off to Arcade Fire.

Sounds Like Vinyl: The Moon and Antarctica

2011-04-30T17:33:00.001-07:00

Sounds Like Vinyl: The Moon and Antarctica: "

The Moon and Antarctica is one of two albums released in 2000 that, even at the end of the decade, still top “best of” lists, the other being Radiohead's Kid A. Notoriously out of print and fetching eBay prices well into the hundreds of dollars, the vinyl version of the album was finally reissued in honor of Record Store Day 2010 and is now once again available, and you can find it in our store. This edition is a double album that retains the original artwork (unlike the CD reissue from 2004) and comes with a full lyric sheet and a digital download.

It's a very cold album, and despite layers of loops and backmasked guitars, it retains a one-dimensional, lo-fi feel. This is arguably Modest Mouse's last and most developed foray through the indie garage rock style that early fans love them for, tones of 2004's more lush, pop-oriented Good News for People Who Love Bad News already peeking through Isaac Brock's yelps and frantic guitar. The vinyl edition of this album isn't too sonically distinct from its CD counterpart (the mix is the same as the 2004 reissue, not the original 2000 mix with which Brock was reportedly dissatisfied). The sequencing of the tracks helps break up a couple of the longer songs that always made the album difficult to listen to in one sitting for me. Fans of vinyl's unique properties will enjoy the locked groove on the end of the A side, turning “Perfect Disguise” into a hiccuping vocal loop and highlighting the potential infinity inherent in playing music on a circular track; otherwise, the album is identical to the CD release.

In one of the many deceptively-simple-yet-deep observations on the album, Brock considers that “anyone can equally, easily fuck you over.” Fortunately for us, this reissue of The Moon and Antarctica is a worthy addition to any vinyl collection, if only for its heretofore unattainable status, but most certainly also for the music contained within it.

Bob Dylan - 'The Witmark Demos' and Original Mono Recordings Coming This Fall!

2011-04-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

Bob Dylan - 'The Witmark Demos' and Original Mono Recordings Coming This Fall!: "

A long sought-after collection of Dylan demos will officially be released on Columbia Records on Tuesday, October 19th under the name Bootleg Series Volume 9 – The Witmark Demos. The demos were made for his publishers from 1962-64, and they contain 47 songs,15 of which that were recorded only for the sessions. Some of the tracks included are 'Ballad For A Friend,' 'Long Ago, Far Away,' 'The Death Of Emmett Till,' and the great 'Guess I'm Doing Fine.'

Also announced, via Columbia press release, is that the first eight of Dylan's records will be released as a limited edition box set of newly mastered mono versions. This will be the first time Mono versions of the Dylan songs are released since the originals. Be sure to check back here, as we will have them available once released in our store.

Conan O'brien Releases Some Vinyl With The Help of Jack White

2011-04-30T17:32:00.002-07:00

Conan O'brien Releases Some Vinyl With The Help of Jack White: "

As everyone waits with bated breath for his upcoming TBS talk show, Conan O’Brien will release two vinyls on Jack White's label Third Man. And They Call Me Mad? will be released as a 7-inch, the A side will feature O’Brien’s spoken word take on the story of Frankenstein, and the B side an interview with Third Man Records’ founder, Jack White. It’s available for pre-order at Third Man’s website, and will ship Aug. 24.

O’Brien also recorded the album Conan O’Brien Live at Third Man with The Legally Prohibited Band on June 10, 2010 in Nashville. It features the rock and rockabilly tunes he was touring on as well as a jam with Jack White on the song “20 Flight Rock.” You can pick this one up at the Third Man website as well.

Sounds Like Vinyl: In Rainbows Discbox

2011-04-30T17:32:00.001-07:00

Sounds Like Vinyl: In Rainbows Discbox: "

When Radiohead released In Rainbows as a pay-what-you-want download in the fall of 2007, they also gave fans a chance to preorder a special deluxe version of the album for about $80. This Discbox, initially the only physical version of In Rainbows, included the album on 2 heavy weight LPs, the album on CD, and a bonus CD of outtakes from the In Rainbows sessions. Naturally, it very quickly sold out. Earlier this spring, however, Radiohead announced that they would once again be making it available exclusively through their website, and I jumped on the opportunity to own it.

The mastering of In Rainbows was initially criticized by the audio community for being too compressed, which limits the dynamic range of the music; in short, the loud parts and the quiet parts are essentially the same volume. This master was subsequently released in CD form, and on the single disc ATO Records vinyl release. The real treasure of the Discbox version is that the vinyl has a completely different master than any other release, and a lot of the compression and limiting are not present.

The result is a fantastically recorded and mixed album, elements of which were invisible on the other versions. Though it seems impossible, “Nude” is even more intimate, the spaces between Thom Yorke's lyrics uncomfortably quiet. The intro to “Reckoner,” where the over-compression was most glaring, is entirely opened up, and Phil Selway's percussion swirls out of the speakers in whorls of cymbal crashes and snare hits. Drums crack with vibrancy through the mix, and Yorke's characteristic vocal layers are much more evenly spaced and distinguishable. The two discs run at 45 rpm, which allows for greater fidelity and less surface noise; in fact, the album sounds the smoothest and is among the quietest that I've ever owned. It is a landmark achievement not only in terms of musical quality, but in modern day vinyl production.

The Discbox comes in a thick black and white outer sleeve which contains a hefty LP-sized book inside and has a very satisfying weight to it. Resembling a coffee table book, it contains the two records and CDs, a book of Stanley Donwood's photographs for the album and a lyric booklet. The records come in black paper sleeves lined with rice paper to prevent scratching, and they look immaculate right out of the box.

If you're enough of a fan of In Rainbows to want to own it on vinyl, do yourself a favor and scour eBay for the Discbox version. It will run you about $100 at this point, but it's worth the extra cash. The packaging is sturdy and beautiful, and the sound is incomparable to the ATO Records release. It is a veritable piece of art.

For all you sound enthusiasts, our contributor T.J. Masters takes a look at vinyl releases from a strictly audio point of view with his column 'Sounds Like Vinyl'. This was an addendum to his In Rainbows review that was posted last week.

Kill Rock Stars Announce "An Introduction to Elliott Smith"

2011-04-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

Kill Rock Stars Announce "An Introduction to Elliott Smith": "

Originally posted on August 12, 2010

Slated for a November 2nd release, Kill Rock Stars and Domino Records will release an entry level course in Elliott Smith which consists of 14 songs from his seven albums. The record will serve as the Elliott 101 course, much like your Sociology 101 course wet your appetite for further exploration.

For the two of our readers who do not own any of Elliott's albums, or if you do not own any on vinyl, you can pick up this collection of songs on 180 gram vinyl when it's released in November. The songs chosen could be considered a "singles" collection, although many of our personal favorites are left out on this.

Kill Rock Stars also recently reissued Roman Candle and From a Basement on the Hill this year, which now makes Kill Rock Stars responsible for all of Smith's catalog minus his 2 major label releases.

Tracklisting for An Introduction of Elliott Smith is as follows.

Ballad of Big Nothing - from Either/Or

Waltz #2 - from XO

Pictures of Me - from Either/Or

The Biggest Lie - from Elliott Smith

Alameda - from Either/Or

Between The Bars - from Either/Or

Needle In The Hay - from Elliott Smith

Last Call - from Roman Candle

Angles - from Either/Or

Twilight - from From a Basement on the Hill

Pretty (Ugly Before) - from From a Basement on the Hill

Angel In the Snow - from New Moon

Miss Misery (early version) - from New Moon

Happiness (single version) - from Figure 8

Nick's Picks: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

2011-04-30T17:31:00.003-07:00

Nick's Picks: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros: "

Originally posted on August 4, 2010

If you haven't listened to this record yet you should definitely check it out. The band is led by a dude named Alex Ebert, who is the vocalist of the band Ima Robot. Pretty intersting shit right!? Anyway...this record, Up From Below came out last year in July and is their very first full length. Perhaps you've heard their song titled Home? it has some hot whistling going on it it, look it up. Below I will not post that song, I will post the very first track on the record which is titled "40 Day Dream". Hope you enjoy, tootles.

Kings of Leon Get Shit On

2011-04-30T17:31:00.002-07:00

Kings of Leon Get Shit On: "

Originally posted on July 26, 2010

So this might be the lamest excuse to walk off stage EVER! Kings of Leon cancelled their show at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in St Louis after just 3 songs, and as you can see from the video below, everyone was pretty pissed off. Good thing they didn't know the real reason they left, otherwise there might have been a riot.

According to the Riverfront Times it seems as though these pigeons heard three songs and wound up shitting all over them, most specifically bassist Jared Followill. A statement from their management confirms this stating, "Jared was hit several times during the first two songs. On the third song, when he was hit in the cheek and some of it landed near his mouth, they couldn't deal any longer. It's not only disgusting -- it's a toxic health hazard. They really tried to hang in there. We want to apologize to our fans in St. Louis and will come back as soon as we can."

Man, that is so not Rock 'n' Roll. What happened to just taking a good swig of Vodka, or grabbing one of those pistols that Kings of Leon talk about in their songs and shooting the bastard that shit in your mouth?

Bob Dylan Goes Electronica

2011-04-30T17:31:00.001-07:00

Bob Dylan Goes Electronica: "

Originally posted July 15, 2010

Here's another gem from The Onion. The Onion News Network is reporting that fans are outraged at Bob Dylan's transformation from electric to electronica. Check it out.

Nick's Picks: Ivan Mairesse

2011-04-30T17:31:00.000-07:00

Nick's Picks: Ivan Mairesse: "

Originally posted on July 11, 2010

Hey hey, it's been a minute. Things have been a bit busy lately; Camping, Montauk, weddings, but not busy enough for a quick pick.

Here's a guy I just became friendly with through Julian Lynch. He has a couple cassettes out right now and is working on some more tunes as we speak.

Check out this hot jam Ivan just recently sent my way. It's called 'Harvesting'. When he comes out with a new record i will be sure to post about it and keep y'all updated. Hope everyone is enjoying this hot summer, I sure am.

Portion of Distortion: Songs for the Death

2011-04-30T17:30:00.002-07:00

Portion of Distortion: Songs for the Death: "

Originally posted on July 6, 2010

Few bands can combine groove, stoner drone and overt licentiousness as well as Queens of the Stone Age. 2002’s Songs for the Deaf was a monumental record, released right as I was getting back to the ever-pleasant dorms to start my second year of college.

I had deprived myself of the Queens’ mystical powers to this point: I heard about them whenever they got roped into playing the neo-nazi shit-show that is Ozzfest and I had read somewhere that Rob Halford sang on the lead track to 2000’s Rated R when that jam dropped, but for some reason I just never got around to listening to them until I saw the “No One Knows” video on MTV.

I have to admit that Dave Grohl was the biggest selling point until I listened to the album in its entirety, roping me in for life and introducing me to their back catalogue (Rated R is without a doubt on my Top Ten Favorite Records of All Time list) and Josh Homme’s prior group, the almighty Kyuss (I can’t even go there right now).

Anyway, I found this sweet yellow pressing of Songs for the Death, a collection of “alternative versions from the album ‘Songs for the Deaf’”, at Earwax earlier this year and wanted to share its loveliness with you.

The standout cuts are:

“You Think I Ain’t Worth A Dollar But I Feel Like A Millionaire (RoughVersion)”

Slowed down and dragged through the forest of sludge

“No One Knows (Orchestral arrangement. No Guitar Solo. Piano conclusion)”

The strings adds a cool and unusual depth to an already cool and unusual tune

“Go With The Flow (Rough Version. Added Percussion)

The entire drum sound just seems to pop more on this cut. So rad.

“God Is On The Radio (No Reverb On Guitar & Drums)”

Love, love, love this cut. Dropped out is the deep-blue reverb on the axes and Grohl’s kit, and raised is Homme’s vocal contribution to the track allowing it to be heard alongside Mark Lanegan’s tortured croon. And Grohl’s kick drum thuds like a troll’s testicles hitting a wrestling mat as he Bonham-shuffles through this evil mantra.

Unfortunately, I can’t find the digital stream of “God,” so you need to go buy the record. Do it now.

The Daily Vinyl Northside Party

2011-04-30T17:30:00.001-07:00

The Daily Vinyl Northside Party: "

Originally posted on July 1, 2010

Well, we are still recovering from this weekend. It was filled with lots of music courtesy of the L Magazine and their 2nd annual Northside festival. It all kicked off for us at the Daily Vinyl party this past Friday, and it was a continuous party through Sunday night. We already posted some shots of the Liars/Fucked Show, and we wanted to give you guys a glimpse into what our show looked like at Union Pool on Friday. Tommy from Co-op 87 came down and had some great records for sale, Heavenly Beat, Steel Phantoms, and MINKS all killed!

Thanks so much to everyone that came down, and enjoy a really quick video of Steel Phantoms on stage!

Portion of Distortion: High Places/Fucked Up/Liars Live at Barge Park

2011-04-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

Portion of Distortion: High Places/Fucked Up/Liars Live at Barge Park: "

Originally posted on July 1, 2010

I only attended two Northside shows over the weekend: The Daily Vinyl Showcase at Union Pool on Friday night (where the hell were YOU, man?) and the High Places/Fucked Up/Liars tornado at the MetroPCS Stage at Barge Park on Saturday night.

After living through the Agincourt of headaches from the Bacchanalia that was the DV Showcase and watching the last scene of the most recent Rambo flick to help cope with the pain endured during the USA’s monumental loss to Ghana (yeah, I actually thought we were going to win), three friends and I grabbed a car over to the space.

We found ourselves in a big parking lot parallel to Midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building; such a nice view for a show. Because of beer goggles and my photographic forgetfulness (I once went on a 4-day trip to Las Vegas/Los Angeles and took 8 pictures of nothing particularly interesting) I’m only manned with a handful of shots of Pink Eyes’ (AKA Damian Abraham of Fucked Up) moobies, and one far-away pics of Liars rocking out, courtesy of my friend, Sasha. All aforementioned pics were taken on cell phones and are posted below.

Speed review:

High Places was a bunch of weirdo simian witch noise. The epitome of why the Hipster/Brooklyn music scene’s bar is so low.

Fucked Up was awesome. Such a good time to watch those dudes and dudette rock out on stage whilst the ever-charismatic Pink Eyes stripped to his skivvies and stalked the crowd looking for dry-humps and hugs. I’m kicking myself in the ass for skipping their late-2009 show with the Vivian Girls and Andrew W.K. on keyboards. I listened to “Hidden World” earlier today…might be one of the best punk records I’ve ever spun.

Liars were awesome, loud and full of energy. I’ve never been wowed by their music on wax, but you can consider me a fan from here on out.

Nick's Picks: Steel Phantoms

2011-04-30T17:29:00.002-07:00

Nick's Picks: Steel Phantoms: "

Originally posted on June 28, 2010

Northside Festival is over, see ya later.

We had a really really awesome Daily Vinyl show at Union Pool on Friday. Thanks to everyone who came out and was part of it, twas a blast!

Nicks favorite artist this Northside festival - Steel Phantoms. They did a tremendous job playing thursday friday AND sunday, killing each set. Nice on gents.. Starting today they embark on a few week tour with the Islands. check them out for sure if they come around your hood. You can peep their tour dates and tunes HERE!. Still waiting on some hot vinyl from these guys, once they put something out I will update you all on how to get your mits on it.
Check out one of my favorite tunes on their new record, Its called 'lobby lloyd' and is sweet.

Don't Miss Our Northside Show Tonight!

2011-04-30T17:29:00.001-07:00

Don't Miss Our Northside Show Tonight!: "

Originally posted on June 25, 2010

Just a reminder that the official Daily Vinyl Northside Showcase taking place Tonight from 7-10pm at Union Pool in Brooklyn, NY. As we mentioned earlier, the line-up is killer!

First up we have Heavenly Beat led by John Pena of one of our favorite bands right now, Beach Fossils, they are sure to be awesome.

Next up is the incredibly rad Steel Phantoms, who are set to embark on a pretty lengthy tour with Islands this summer.

Lastly we got MINKS, who's song 'Funeral Song' has been favorite of ours for the last couple of weeks.

Sticking with the vinyl vibe; the good folks at Co-op 87 will be selling some of their awesome selection outside at Union Pool all night, so be sure to pick up a hot new record too!

Needless to say we can't wait for this show! Tickets are only $8 and we can't wait to see you all there!

Nick's Picks: Ariel Pink & Northside Festival

2011-04-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

Nick's Picks: Ariel Pink & Northside Festival: "

Originally posted on June 25, 2010

Happy Northside Festival! So much to do, so little time. Me and some friends rolled on over to Spike Hill to catch Steel Phantoms and Sean Bones tonight (Thurs). Both acts rocked in a very awesome way. You can catch Steel Phantoms, along with Heavenly Beat and Minks tomorrow evening (Fri) at Union Pool. Us at Daily Vinyl are throwing the hot party, and one of our favorite local record shops, Co-oP 87 will be joining us and selling some nice vinyl in the outside area throughout the evening. Doors at 5 or 6, music starts at 7. Come on down, it will be super fine.

Speaking of super fine, I cannot get this track off the new Ariel Pink record out of my head. It's called 'Bright Lit Blue Skies', and swings so beautifully. Check it out below. Gotta go, see you tomorrow!!

PS- Check out this sweet original version of the song done by the Rockin' Ramrods back in 1966.
&quote;Bright Lit Blue Skies&quote;

Daily Vinyl Exclusive: Our Conversation With Robert Lester Folsom

2011-04-30T17:28:00.002-07:00

Daily Vinyl Exclusive: Our Conversation With Robert Lester Folsom: "

Since finding out about Robert Lester Folsom from a friend a few weeks back, we have been hooked. His record Music and Dreams instantly became a favorite of ours, and it is quickly becoming the soundtrack of our summer. When researching the man behind the record for our review on Music and Dreams, we found almost nothing on him, leading us to believe that Robert Lester Folsom was a musical mystery.

We were delighted to get an email out of the blue from one of Lester's labels, Yoga Records, shortly after we posted our review. It simply said, 'You wrote in your review that Robert Lester Folsom is 'shrouded in mystery' so I wanted to give you a chance to interview him if you wanted.' Did we ever! In just a few short days we got an email from Lester himself setting up a time to chat, and we got to speak to him at length last week. Here's a few things we found out about Robert Lester Folsom, he is a really cool dude, he might be playing some new shows in support of Music and Dreams, he is the pioneer of the DIY yacht-rock scene, and that if you talk bad about Ringo he might just lay you out! We are delighted to be able shed some light on the man, and hope you enjoy the conversation.

DV - So what was the scene like in 1976, set up Music and Dreams for us?

RLF - I was a music major at South Georgia college in Douglas, GA, and mostly I just wanted to make music, I didn’t want to study it. I kept running into people that made music locally, and Sparky Smith was probably one of those first people. Pretty soon we started getting the right people together (which would become the band Abacus), and I started showing them my original music. We did a demo in Atlanta, Ga, which we titled the Atlanta demos, and things didn’t quite happen like we hoped. In the Summer of ’76 I just said “I’m going to do a solo album.” So I started using the same guys that were playing in Abacus. They were up for it, they were just not willing to financially get involved, but they were at least willing to give their time. After the Atlanta Demos Stan Dacus, who was the main engineer at LeFevre Sound in Atlanta, was somewhat impressed with the original material, and he was able to give me a wonderful deal on recording time, mainly because he was in charge. Whatever it took, he had a vested interest in it. Aside from Abacus we pulled in a few session musicians from Atlanta, and we came up with a pretty good project I thought. When it was done we pressed 500 vinyl copies, some 8-tracks, and singles with “My Stove’s On Fire” on the A side, and “Show Me To The Window” on the flip side, and I maybe sold like 70% of that stuff. We had local airplay in South Georgia, maybe some in North Florida, and maybe in the Atlanta area, but other than that it never really happened then.

DV - How long did you guys play shows for after you guys put the record out?

RLF - We may have stayed together for not quite a year, because there was some tension since I was the one who put something together, and since it was solo we had not put something together as a band, and if you've ever been in a band, and I feel like maybe you have,

DV - Yeah I know, definitely.

RLF - You know, you get frustrated, “why don’t we do my songs,” and it’s like “why don’t you put the money into making your songs,” so it’s stuff like that. I had planned to do a second album and I ended up doing a single, but it was maybe 2 years after Music and Dreams, and that single is available now on the CD re-release now.

DV - Is it? What’s the name of the single?

RLF - It’s called “Blues Stay Away,” and the flip side was “Warm Horizon,” which is a 5 or 6 minute instrumental. I played all the guitars and I had a fantastic drummer and a bass player.

DV - Was it any of the guys from Abacus on that track?

RLF - On the A side “Blues Stay Away,” Sparky my bass player played on that. I was using guys from around the Valdosta, GA area mostly. I did that in like 3 different studios, I felt like maybe I was the new Brian Wilson or something, working on my “Good Vibrations.” It got well received, especially the longer song, the instrumental-type song, it got college FM play, which was big back then, FM played the cool music. But after that there was marriage and babies, self-employment and Florida.

DV - So are you still playing, are you still making music?

RLF - Oh yeah, I play every Sunday in my church in a contemporary prayer service, and I have an acoustic trio called Jen and The Tonics. And now because of the interest in Music and Dreams I am rehearsing a band to possibly recreate that music. We rehearse about every other Sunday.

DV - That would be amazing! I wanted to ask if you were going to do any shows.

RLF - Well the guys at Mexican Summer have stated that they would like me to head up to NY and play. Somebody has also thrown the idea of going to Japan, cause there was a lot of interest in my music in Asia.

DV - Really?

RLF - In fact that’s where I think the spark came back up. Some band in Japan, their name is Kirinji, they released “My Stove’s On Fire” from the Music and Dreams album, and they didn’t ask me about it.

DV - They just kinda did?

RLF - Yeah, and I’m finding out about it, they even have it on a live DVD, and from what I understand they are pretty big in Japan. They are either on Sony or Columbia, which is interesting.

  DV - Yeah, that’s pretty wild. I mean you must have known you made a great record. Was it your feeling that this would see the light of day eventually? Or did all this stuff, and the Mexican Summer re-release come as a surprise?

RLF - I’m gonna say that my music came back to life, especially this album, because of the Internet. You know I have a huge world market now, where originally I only had south Georgia. It’s just kinda sad that it happened 34 years later.

DV - The Internet is amazing in that sense. Even though it’s 34 years since Music and Dreams it seems you found an audience, and it’s amazing to see.

RLF - I appreciate all that, in fact I’m afraid if I did something now it would really be nothing like that was. It would just be today and then gone, I don’t know if it could be something that special 30 or 40 years from now, you know. It makes me think that maybe I can retire from thinking of making music and rest on my laurels from that thing I did 30 something years ago.

DV - Yeah, I’m curious too. As a songwriter, a musician, someone who studied music; are you contemplating coming out with a new record as Robert Lester Folsom or are your happy just leaving it at Music and Dreams?

RLF - Well, while I’m rehearsing with what I call “Abacus too” every other Sunday, I’m playing some of the stuff off of Music and Dreams, but I am intertwining it with new stuff, and it ends up being pretty much the same sound.

DV - Cool, so when you’re putting a set together are you finding the new and the old stuff just kinda works then?

RLF - I realized that with Music and Dreams that I actually had a sound, and it’s still there! So, maybe a new release would be very similar. But again I think it’s more special knowing it was 30 something years ago, and now it’s depreciated.

DV -There is that certain context. But, it just great music, and that tends to shine through.   

RLF - Even now I’m still using a chorus effect, I’m still using reverb, and I’m using a slightly overdriven Fender Deluxe Reverb. I’m mixing those, which is giving me the same sound.  

DV - Yeah your guitar tones have a really interesting sound. Listening to the record it does sound very 70s, but I thought that the tones themselves created something really unique.

RLF - At that time we were just discovering flangers, and choruses, and up until then we just had the tremolo on the Fender amplifier, and also cranking it up where we were blowing the speakers out. In fact, the studio had never seen a flanger pedal before us. I was using an Electric Mistress pedal that I was being used for flanging on just about everything that got flanged on that record. They were all kinda amazed by it.

DV - What were the records you were listening to when you were making Music and Dreams?

RLF - I like Dylan of course, but I would never say that anything that I’ve written sounds like Dylan, but he’s one of the biggies. Also, Joni Mitchell during that 70s period, Hejira, I love that album. I really liked the Surf’s Up album by The Beach Boys, and it made me go back and listen to the Pet Sounds record a little more closely.

DV - You can definitely hear some of those Beach Boys qualities on your record, with the harmonies and stuff. Also, your record has just a good summer vibe too.

RLF - You’re right! I never really thought about it until Mexican Summer re-released it, and of course the title track “Music and Dreams” has that line “I’m just waiting in the summer sun.”

DV - Yeah that opening track just sets the mood.

RLF - I was thinking you were going to ask me my favorite song on the record.

DV - Of course! What’s your favorite song?

RLF - You know I really like “Music and Dreams,” cause like you said it kinda sets the tone, and it’s really about who I was. And I really wanted a #1 record, I really wanted that, looking back it seems pretty naive or something.

DV - No, I think that’s what makes the record so charming.

RLF - In fact the single that wound up coming from that record was a completely different track, “My Stove’s On Fire.

DV - I actually wanted to know, where did you come up with that phrase?

RLF - Well, it’s almost like a true story, but looking back on it, it’s really just a huge sexual innuendo. So Disco had just come out, and Abacus was trying to get gigs and we were loosing out on these gigs to DJs and that was pissing us off. Even though we were loosing out on these gigs, I liked some of the Disco music, especially the beat. So I gave my drummer the beat for “My Stove’s on Fire,” and instead of saying “My Soul’s on Fire” I changed it around to “My Stove’s on Fire.” And I did wind up meeting some woman sitting in my kitchen, and that was pretty exciting, and all true. But, in the end I mainly wrote this as a novelty song protesting Disco music.

DV - It’s a great tune.

RLF - Yeah, well there are probably times when I’d be ashamed of that now. I have this wonderful lady I know who’s a retired minister, and I’d love to give her a copy of my album, but I’m worried about what she might think if she hears that song. I mean it can’t mean anything else, I really don’t have a stove that would burn up.

DV - All of these tracks have to give you some great satisfaction knowing that they are going to get some more attention now, and some kid is going to hear this and maybe get a band together or something.

RLF - Yeah, I have great satisfaction for those things now. I can’t say that I’m a working artist living off my music and stuff, but I am proud of what we did then, and I would like to continue to play it.

DV - So what other musical projects where you involved with?

RLF - Have you heard of The Stroke Band Green and Yellow?

DV - No, what’s that?

RLF - It’s a band that I produced, and it’s pretty interesting. It’s very different than Music and Dreams. They had this really spastic leader called Bruce Joyner, and they were doing this avant-garde kind of weird punk stuff, and they asked me to produce it. The record wound up getting some notoriety, and now it’s one of those records that if you find an original pressing it’s like $400. It has really primitive artwork just like mine, except theirs is green and yellow, and mine was blue and black.

DV - Your cover is cool, who did that?

RLF - A friend of mine Danny Dickens did that, he was going to art school and would always follow us around taking pictures and stuff. So I asked him to do the record, and I told him I wanted a sketch for the cover, I gave him a couple of black and white photos for the back, and for the rest I told him to just do what he wanted. He did a great job.

DV - He did do a great job.

RLF - Yeah, but back then I wasn’t so sure, because when you think of doing a record, you think of getting this official release on Capitol or Columbia or whatever. And back then when this came out I really thought we were just amateur.

DV - I think that’s why the record is so cool, it’s a 70s indie record, or what you would perceive as indie. It was DIY, you released it on your own label, the whole thing winds up feeling much different then your typical “1970s” record.

RLF - We wanted to sound like those 1970s records back then, and now I’m really proud that we don’t.

DV - I did see an original pressing of your record recently and they are going for like $250, do you have any of those left?

RLF - Good Lord! I can’t find any myself, I though I had some laying around, but I don’t. I have one good copy that I have for myself, and I can’t part with it. When we first moved to Jacksonville I might have had a box of them on vinyl, but I gave them all to the public library to distribute, and they’re gone now.

DV - We are a vinyl site so I’m curious if you still listen to vinyl, is it still important to you?

RLF - My turntable is the garage and my records are in the closet.

DV - So it’s not set up?

RLF - No, not yet, but it’s getting more tempting everyday. Actually when my daughter graduated from high school about 5 years ago, my gift to her was a turntable, and I even gave her some of my old records just for her to enjoy.

DV - So if you had to pick your favorite record what will it be?

RLF - It’s such a toss up, but I love The White Album by The Beatles. The lyrics were written in it, you had two albums, you had photos; I had like five copies of The White Album. I was also almost tempted to say Sgt. Peppers, cause it was the first album with all the big pictures, the mustache cut outs. In fact the first copy I had of Sgt. Peppers was Mono ‘cause I couldn’t afford the Stereo version, because it was like 50 cents more expensive, and now I find out that Mono was how it was intended.

DV - Since you’re a big Beatles fan, is it John or Paul for you...or is it George? 

RLF - I truly loved George, he was out of the limelight, and he was true to himself. He also didn’t have the pressure the other guys did, the only pressure he had was to be as good as they were, and to me he was great in his own right. You know Paul had the melodies and John was so clever, and had the edge. So to avoid that debate I think I just say George.

DV - I think I find myself doing the same thing.

RLF - I also love Ringo. And, don’t ever say anything bad about Ringo man I’ll jump on you!

DV - So you still have the hair?

RLF - I still have the shaggy hair, I just don’t have as much. And now you know, there’s no mystery here.

Portion of Distortion: Melvins Self Titled EP

2011-04-30T17:28:00.001-07:00

Portion of Distortion: Melvins Self Titled EP: "

Originally posted on June 18, 2010

So From The Nursery released this awesome self-titled 2,000-copy limited-edish e.p. earlier this year, featuring a longer version of “Dies Iraea” (the original, pussy-length version can be found on 2008’s Nude with Boots), a remix of “It Tastes Better Then the Truth” (also from Nude) and their badass, 9 plus minute cover of The Wipers’ “Youth of America,” from 2001’s charmingly-titled Electroretard. I love this album art, haha).

For those of you who aren’t fans of being hipped to cool tidbits of information: “Dies Irae” (the Melvins are so cool, they added an extra “a”) is the song that leads off Stanley Kubrick’s take on The Shining. You know those amazing helicopter shots accompanied by Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind’s electronic version of Hector Berlioz’ interpretation of this famous latin hymn? The one that sets the tone for the entire flick? Yeah, that one. Wikipedia rules, by the way.

Anywho, I found this jam misfiled at Bleecker Street Records back in April. How serendipitous.

Unfortunately, I can only find the original versions of the first two tracks to post here, but Nude with Boots is a killer record, and the e.p. is also available as a digital download on iTunes. Naturally, you’ll be much, much cooler if you hunt down the record.

Slash Almost Knocked Down

2011-04-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

Slash Almost Knocked Down: "

Originally posted on June 17, 2010

We found a video showing Slash getting decked from behind as he is rocking the guitar solo on 'Sweet Child O' Mine.' The guy going after Slash comes out of nowhere and nearly knocked his top hat off! Luckily for Slash everything stayed in tact, and he finishes the song with some surprisingly cool composure. Check it out!

Portion of Distortion: Melvins

2011-04-30T17:27:00.003-07:00

Portion of Distortion: Melvins: "

Originally posted on June 15, 2010

You can bet you balls I’m checking out the Melvins/ISIS show at Webster Hall this Friday (6/18), and you can double-down your weenus that I’ll be listening to Stoner Witch no less than five times front-to-back this week in anticipation of having King Buzzo, Dale Crover and those golden gents from Big Business dump mud into my ears for 60 minutes.

The gorgeous pink pressing of this sludge/stoner classic (pictured here) came into my possession only about two weeks ago, after a rather interesting work/pleasure weekend in Chicago: I left for LaGuardia at 4am on Friday morning, arrived at Midway and spent the day hitting up Chi-Town’s media agencies begging for dollars and insight. I had a handful of Glenmorangie 18’s in the Signature Lounge at the 96th, I’m afraid of heights, so 96 floors above the street was an interesting place to find myself, whiskey in hand, face pressed up against the glass, and then stayed up for about two days straight. Let’s fast-forward to me walking on Bedford Avenue back in Brooklyn, NY at around 11:30am on Sunday morning, I haven’t slept for 56 hours and I see this hot little beast of a record staring at me through the window of my favorite local record shop: Earwax. The conversation went something like this:

“Hi.”

“My man, is that the pink pressing of Stoner Witch?”

“Yeah, dude.”

“Sweet, let’s bag that shit up.”

I whole-heartedly love this entire album, so it’s hard to pick faves, but if I had to make a dream setlist for Friday night, tracks 3-6 off Witch would definitely make it.

“Sweet Willy Rollbar” is just dirty; enough said. “Revolve” turns from thick chugga-chugga riffs to an outdoor-concert jamfest without warning and when it does; you get a hippies dancing around a pile of burning underwear vibe until it shifts back into the grind their best known for. “Goose Freight Train” is evil and groovy enough to fit on the soundtrack to True Blood; something the devil puts on to swoon an unsuspecting vixen. Be sure to check out the Bonham-esque airplane-hanger drums about 32 seconds into “Roadbull” and let them dry-hump your face before the whole distorted mess turns into a rather pretty little whistling ditty.

Ahh…there’s so much to talk about…the riff that kicks in at the 4-minute mark of “Magic Pig Detective” is almost a precursor to everything I like about the Foo Fighters, “Shevil” is kind of ethereal…

Anywho, the aforementioned 3-6 jams are loaded into the widget below. My horrible writing skills don’t do this masterpiece justice, so go buy the record. Also, NPR has posted the Melvins’ entire live set from Bonnarrooooooo. Lots of new jams from The Bride Screamed Murder, but it’s the tits nonetheless.

So psyched for this show.

The Vaselines Are Back

2011-04-30T17:27:00.002-07:00

The Vaselines Are Back: "

Originally posted June 14, 2010

The Vaselines will release their first album in 20 years when their long-anticipated second LP Sex With an X arrives on Sub Pop this September. Eugene Kelly and Frances McKee have long been indie favorites, but they gained a widespread American audience after Kurt Cobain covered "Molly's Lips," "Son of a Gun" and "Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam" with Nirvana during the MTV Unplugged series.

This record will be the lone followup to their amazing debut Dum-Dum back in 1990. The band had a short reunion in 2008, coinciding with Sub Pop's 20th Anniversary Festival. Needless to say we are stoked to see for this one, we have been waiting long enough!

Nick's Picks: Rainbow Bridge

2011-04-30T17:27:00.001-07:00

Nick's Picks: Rainbow Bridge: "

Originally posted on June 14, 2010

Let's go USA!!! Let's go Italy!!! Whoop whoop!

Here's a hot track that seemed to have slipped on by me last summer. Let us not go another summer without being able to enjoy this sweet song. It's called 'Big Wave Rider', and you can check it out down below.

The band is called Rainbow bridge; a duo from Olympia Washington. The tune comes off their Big Wave Rider 7" put out by True Panther Records. Throw the track on your speakers, sit back, take a little snap, relax, take it ease for a few minutes. Then go walk around outside, it seems really nice out.

Portion of Distortion: Melvins (a) Senile Animal Box Set

2011-04-30T17:27:00.000-07:00

Portion of Distortion: Melvins (a) Senile Animal Box Set: "

Originally posted on To cap off my week of Melvins posts, I give you the (a) Senile Animal 4XLP box set, on beautiful, brilliant and bodacious blue/yellow wax. If I made Top Ten lists, this masterwork of stoner magic would be on my "Top Ten Heavy Records" of all time.

2006’s Animal marked Buzz and Dale’s first balls-out foray with the Big Business-infused lineup, bringing bassist Jarred Warren and skin-slapper Coady Willis into the Melvins’ circle, and showing how amazingly killer and rejuvenated a band that’s been around for 20+ years can sound by delving into the unknown and playing with two incredibly accomplished drummers; one panned to the right, the other to the left, wrapping their meaty arms around the tornado of porcine distortion.

“Civilized Worm,” the third track, was an immediate favorite and has always been the most standout cut in my eyes. The slow, in-the-pocket beat that kicks it off is the perfect intro to the anthemic riffs to come, and when they kick in, it’s totally surreal. And I looove the opening line: “We move more than I would like to gamble.” So sick. Just listen to it below and behold the percussive avalanche that starts around the 5:15 mark, ending the song with a mushroom cloud.

I was in Bar Great Harry in Carroll Gardens a little over a month ago, and my client asked me if I was especially geeked on any shows this summer: “Yeah! Tom Petty at the Garden, Faith No More, Lady GaGa, The Dead Weather…hmm…and the Melvins!” No sooner did I utter their name that Queens of the Stone Age’s “The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret” bled into the opening tom hit of “Civlized Worm” and I was in drunken, stoner rock bliss. Bar Great Harry consistently has one of the raddest playlists in the city, by the way.

The best one-two dickslap of the record goes to “Rat Faced Cranny” into “The Hawk,” the former being a giant ball of caterwauling insanity ending in a right-left drum roll duel that would give Neal Peart some serious wood, and perfectly segueing into the latter, a collection of some of the nastiest grind riffs and tempo-shifting I’ve ever heard from the group. I hope the widget does the transition justice. Fingers crossed.

Lastly, stick “A History of Band Men” in your pipe and smoke the shit out of it. It’s slow, it’s evil and it’s a sequel to “Civilized Worm” of sorts, replete with drone. Buzz breaks it down early on this one:

“Wake up you never looked so glum/Tell me how will we know they can't hear us coming? It's easy for me I've got a head-start running away.”

Chances are you won’t be able to find this exact pressing, but I think there’s an all-blue set currently up on eBay, so try to snag it if you love this band as much as I do.

Daily Vinyl Official Northside Showcase

2011-04-30T17:26:00.003-07:00

Daily Vinyl Official Northside Showcase: "

Originally posted on June 20, 2010

We are super happy to announce the official Daily Vinyl Northside Showcase taking place on June 25th from 7-10pm at Union Pool in Brooklyn, NY. The line-up is pretty badass, with three New York bands that have been covered in the Nick's Picks tip for some time here on Daily Vinyl.

First up we have Heavenly Beat led by John Pena of one of our favorite bands right now, Beach Fossils, they are sure to be awesome.

Next up is the incredibly rad Steel Phantoms, who are set to embark on a pretty lengthy tour with Islands this summer.

Lastly we got MINKS, who's song 'Funeral Song' has been favorite of ours for the last couple of weeks.

Sticking with the vinyl vibe; the good folks at Co-op 87 will be selling some of their awesome selection outside at Union Pool all night, so be sure to pick up a hot new record too!

Needless to say we can't wait for this show! Tickets are only $8 and we can't wait to see you all there!

Nick's Picks: The War on Drugs

2011-04-30T17:26:00.002-07:00

Nick's Picks: The War on Drugs: "

Originally posted on June 20, 2010

Hey, happy pops day!

Today Nicks pick will be The War on Drugs. They hail from Philadelphia and are super awesome. Kurt Vile plays with these dudes, and anything Kurt is involved with, well you know...

Back in 2008 they came out with one of my very favorite records called Whagonwheel Blues. Our good bud Jeff Z recorded it, which is why it probably rocks even harder! Within a few months the band should be coming out with a new record, I'm super stoked about it.

'If anybody cares the new War on Drugs is fuckin' epic and will be done soon.' says Adam, the singer of War on Drugs. Speaking of Adam, If any of you live in the Philly area keep an eye out for the singers dog, it just went missing. Her name is Alice and she's a reddish brown pit, you can check out the post below.

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/pet/1766200723.html

Thanks!!

To hold you over for now, here's a cool track off their earlier record, it's called 'Taking The Farm.'

Portion of Distortion: Converge

2011-04-30T17:26:00.001-07:00

Portion of Distortion: Converge: "

Originally posted on June 10, 2010

Welcome to “Portion of Distortion,” in which I talk about cool colored, rare and shaped vinyl I own to stroke my ego. Go!

One of my all-time favorite double LPs is this beautiful, clear pressing of Converge’s Jane Doe, the Massachusetts metalcore outfit’s magnum opus. From the first discordant note to the scorched-earth sandblast snare bursts of “Concubine,” Jane’s a bad bitch, and she’s got a body that just won’t quit.

Frontman (and hardcore icon) Jacob Bannon framed the album’s lyrical themes around “a dissolving relationship and the emotional fallout from that experience,” and it shows. The stop-and-go sludge-punk-from-hell riffage on “Homewrecker” and “The Broken Vow,” the groove-laden ambience of “Hell to Pay,” the chaos-and-breakdown of “Distance and Meaning” and “Thaw,” the soaring self-titled closing track and lyrical passages like, “I’ll take my love to the grave,” mix up to make a nice little emotional led salad. This is the ultimate breakup record.

Jane has been in heavy rotation on my turntable for damn near 10 years (released by Equal Vision in 2001). Arguably one of the best heavy records of the past decade, and easily one of my favorite Christmas presents of all time. Only 350 of these shits were pressed and the only other one I can find is currently going for $399.99 on eBay. But don’t fret, Deathwish, Inc. is re-releasing this, and when we get our hands on it we'll put it up in our store.

Until then let Converge grind your face with the samples below.

Nick's Picks: The Love Language

2011-04-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

Nick's Picks: The Love Language: "

Originally posted on June 9, 2010

Here is a really sweet band from North Carolina. The number of members in this band equals the number of legs on a spider. Merge is putting out their newest record which comes out July 13th, I heard a track from it and it sounds great.

Since I don't have any of the tracks from their upcoming release, I shall play you one of my favorite tunes off their first release which was self titled back in 2008.

The song is the first track on the record and is called 'Two Rabbits.'

It Was Inevitable, Ryan Adams Pens A Dio-esque Album

2011-04-30T17:25:00.003-07:00

It Was Inevitable, Ryan Adams Pens A Dio-esque Album: "

Originally posted on June 9, 2010

When you're Ryan Adams you really have no where else to go, except maybe revive the spirit of Ronnie James Dio. He has abandoned his alt-country roots, to instead become completely obsessed with Metal. Speaking of his new record Adams says, 'Day after Dio's funeral [the songs] just fell out,' he wrote. 'Soft mellow acoustic jams -- lots of New Orleans scenery and vibe from the trip... I am official[ly] very excited again.' We really hope that they are not nearly as bad as 'Victims Of The Ice Brigade,' off of his latest concept record Orion. Take a listen below.

Yeasayer Add Some More Dates This Fall

2011-04-30T17:25:00.002-07:00

Yeasayer Add Some More Dates This Fall: "

Originally posted on June 7, 2010

Yeasayer have been a bunch of busy guys these last few months, touring all over the world in support of their great new record Odd Blood. They just announced that after the festivals this summer, they will add a bunch more dates in September and October across the US. If you're lucky enough to be in one of these towns, you should totally hit this up, Yeasayer have a killer live show!

Yeasayer tour dates:

9/28, Millvale, PA (Mr Smalls Theatre )

9/29, Columbus, OH (Newport Music Hall)

 9/30, Bloomington, IN (Bluebird Nightclub )

10/1, Nashville, TN (Cannery Ballroom )

10/2, Atlanta, GA (Masquerade )

10/4, St Petersburg, FL (State Theatre)

 10/5, Miami, FL (Fillmore )

10/7, Orlando, FL (Club Firestone)

10/8, Tallahassee, FL (Union Green )

10/9, New Orleans, LA (House of Blues)

10/10, Austin, TX (Austin City Limits )

Nick's Picks: Suckers

2011-04-30T17:25:00.001-07:00

Nick's Picks: Suckers: "

Originally posted on June 7, 2010

Go Suckers, go Suckers!

Have you heard? Suckers release their first full-length tomorrow on Frenchkiss records. You should tooooootally check it out. The record will be called Wild Smile and is sure to be a trip.

Here is a tune to wet your pallet named 'Roman Candle.' Check out the hot whistling done by Quinn Walker. Just yesterday I played my friend Bob some of their tunes, and he said 'I really like this!', I think you will too.

Arcade Fire Announce First Shows

2011-04-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

Arcade Fire Announce First Shows: "

Originally posted on June 3, 2010

Well it's now official, Arcade Fire are back announcing their first North American shows in three years. They will be headlining Lollapalooza this year, as well as headlining one of their biggest shows to date, Madison Square Garden. Their Support for that show will be Spoon, and it is shaping up to be an epic night. We are sure this is just the beginning, but it's enough to get the Arcade Fire fans pretty damn excited.

June 7 - Sherbrooke, ON @ Theater Granada

June 8 - Sherbrooke, ON @ Theater Granada

July 12 - Quebec, QUE @ Quebec City Summer Festival

July 13 - Ottawa, QUE @ Ottawa Bluesfest

July 31 - Montreal, QUE @ Osheaga

Aug. 1 - Boston, MA @ Bank of America Pavillion

Aug. 2 - Philadelphia, PA @ Mann Centre for the Performing Arts

Aug. 4 - New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden

Aug. 6 - Washington DC @ Merriweather Post Pavilion

Aug. 8 - Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza

Aug. 9 - Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium

Aug. 11 - Atlanta, GA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Aug. 14 - Toronto, ON @ Olympic Island