for those who never gave up their turntables
MY INTRODUCTION TO WRITING RECORD REVIEWS was for my high school newspaper in 1969. Like most nerds with cool record collections given a pulpit, I wrote condescendingly about the artists and music that my classmates liked. I remember damning Glen Campbell and dismissing Cream’s farewell album. [Continue reading]
A WHILE BACK is an old person’s way of saying, “It was more than a few years ago but how much more, I ain’t certain.” So, a while back, I was telling my friends that the future of music was going to be AI generated by computer program developers who would not necessarily be musicians. [Continue reading]
IN MAY 1968, the Rolling Stones released “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” which was a worldwide smash. While it topped the Cash Box Top 100 in the US, for some inexplicable reason it stalled at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. In August, the group followed with “Street Fighting Man,” the lead single from their upcoming album. [Continue reading]
PUT RECORD COLLECTORS TOGETHER and we talk about all sorts of vinyl-related topics. One conversation led to a discussion about the perfect album for an evening of sexy slow dancing. Sinatra and Mathis were mentioned—of course!—but my choice has been Julie London’s About The Blues album since I discovered the record decades ago. [Continue reading]
ROLLING STONE REJECTED MY COMMENT! Two years ago, the Rolling Stone Daily newsletter ran an article titled “Hear the Beach Boys Reunite on Charity Re-Recording of ‘Add Some Music to Your Day.’ ” I read the piece, watched and listened to the video, and left a comment. It was immediately rejected for—get this—inappropriate language! [Continue reading]
DAVID BOWIE’S “SPACE ODDITY” was originally released during the second half of 1969. Several original pressings are rather rare and valuable records. In some countries, the record included a picture sleeve, many of which are even rarer and more valuable. This article offers a nutshell history of the record with a gallery of Space Odditys. [Continue reading]
DAVID BOWIE’S “SPACE ODDITY” was released in mid-1969. In Italy, new lyrics were composed that transformed the tale of Major Tom’s dilemma in outer space into a unique Italian Space Oddity. This “new” song was titled “Ragazzo Solo, Ragazza Sola,” which translates to “Lonely Boy, Lonely Girl.” [Continue reading]
“STREET FIGHTING MAN” by the Rolling Stones—the US issue on London Records—is the most valuable picture sleeve in the world! At least, that’s what I wrote nine years ago. At the time, I was unaware of any real contender for the title. Then I learned about the Japanese “Space Oddity” by David Bowie. [Continue reading]
THE TERM “PICTURE SLEEVE” has a specific meaning in record collecting. Basically, it’s a paper envelope with a photograph or artwork on at least one side made to hold a seven-inch, 45 rpm record. Japanese picture inserts for 45 rpm singles are not picture sleeves no matter how many collectors and dealers conflate the terms. [Continue reading]
WHAT IS A “PICTURE SLEEVE”? I know—this is a dumb question to the thousands of collectors who know the answer. But based on ads, articles, and comments on the internet, thousands of other collectors and sellers do not know the answer. Or they don’t know the correct answer. [Continue reading]