Piper “Piper”/”Can’t Wait” (American Beat)
Posted by Beverly Paterson in Album Reviews
Prior to seizing the airwaves with prickly pop metal prizes like “Stroke Me,” “In The Dark” and “Everybody Wants You,” Billy Squier fronted a Boston, Massachusetts band called Piper. Signed to A&M Records, the group bore an image akin to something of a cross between Raspberries and Aerosmith. Despite the fact Piper received loads of promotion and press, they fell through the potholes and have largely been forgotten after all this time. Together for a few years, they cut two albums, which have been coupled onto one disc. Read the rest of this entry »
read comments (0)Beatles Bio Looks Behind the Myths
Posted by Bob Bembridge in Honoring Lives, Musician Reviews, Reviews
To London record executives in 1962, Liverpool may as well have been Timbuktu.
Small wonder that a provincial rock band calling itself “The Beatles” couldn’t beg, borrow, or steal a record contract. How a desperate Brian Epstein, after a crushing rejection by Decca, finally secured a recording contract is one of the many engaging stories told in Bob Spitz’s The Beatles: A Biography. Read the rest of this entry »
Acid Mothers Temple for beginners (like me!)
Posted by Doctor B in Concert Reviews, Opinion Posts, Reviews, bands to watch
I’d only heard a few of Acid Mothers Temple’s recordings before I saw them last April in Philadelphia. One of them was a seven-inch which sounded much to me like the output of any number of Japanoise bands, such as The Boredoms or The Machine Gun TV. Another was a live recording from 2004 which had them sounding like Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd jamming with Blue Cheer with members of Pere Ubu sitting in. This turned out to be merely a fraction of a fraction of the output of this extremely prolific Japanese psychedelic-rock band One day while I was in Philadelphia visiting friends, I heard on the radio that Acid Mothers Temple’s 2009 North American tour would bring them to a club in Philadelphia called Johnny Brenda’s. So I decided to make the trip and check them out. Read the rest of this entry »
VALENCIA UPDATE
Posted by Leigh Silbernagel in Celebrity News, Editorials, In & Around Our Store, Industry News, New Releases, News, Record Hunting, What's New, bands to watch
Direct from Valenica’s email newsletter, here’s the latest update about the Japan Tour and all of the Presale Information you need.
-leigh Silbernagel
LAST OF THE NEW WAVE RIDERS, UTOPIA LAND ON THE WRONG PLANET
Posted by Jeff Boule in Album Reviews, Concert Reviews, Musician Reviews, Opinion Posts, Reviews
Roger Powell from Utopia Photo by Coming Age
For those of you following my blogs, you know that some of my earlier posts were eradicated through the magic of ones and zeros. The reason I am bothering to repost them is that some are referred to in other blogs. Then when the hapless reader looks for those blogs they aren’t even there! This blog is BRAND NEW!!! This section of the box set Last Of The New Wave Riders never made it to press as concerts came first. I won’t be making that mistake this time. We will finish the box set and THEN begin an onslaught of new reviews. Upcoming will be The Tubes from B.B. Kings in NYC and then the Nine Inch Nails FAREWELL TOUR. Yup, you heard it right, Trenty is hangin’ up Nails. At least for a while. New Tori Amos album Abnormally Attracted To Sin will soon be reviewed here, and hopefully some new releases as well, as well as dipping our toes in some literary territory.
It ain’t all about Utopia, but we are going to review two more discs from the box set then we have all new events and music to sink our teeth into.
Greetings from Princeton Record Exchange,
Recently arrived: almost 200 rare jazz records including 78 Blue Notes!
As all of you jazz fans know, it’s very difficult these days to find a good collection of original pressings from the 60’s. Despite our best efforts, these records are getting harder and harder to find every year. So it is with pleasure that we announce this beautiful collection is now available for sale.
This is part two of the collection that we featured last month that contained 60 Blue Notes. Since the description is essentially the same, forgive me if I crib some of the writing from last time. However, along with many Blue Notes, this time there are many rarities on Riverside, Epic, Pacific Jazz, Prestige and other fine labels as well.
As an experiment, we have uploaded a short video showing all the titles. You can watch this video on our blog, www.prex.com/blog. If you like this idea, please leave a comment.
This collection ranges from around 1959 to 1969. In this writer’s opinion, the classic era in modern jazz. They came from a reviewer who wrote in the 60’s, and most are stamped “Review copy” on the back. As such, we believe them all to be original pressings. The records and covers are in amazingly good condition. There is writing on the back of most of the covers with the dates recorded penciled in, but they very few split seams, bent corners, ring wear or fading.
The gentleman also seems to have kept track of how many time he played them with little hash marks; most have ten or twelve, and it really looks like that is all the plays these records have had. With only one or two exceptions, the vinyl is immaculate! Very good sheen, no spindle marks, no scratches or scuffs; these are a real delight to see.
A couple of notes on this unusual collection: because of the scarcity of these records, and because so many of our valued customers are looking for them, we do request that you do not call us to put items on hold. We want to make sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to buy them. First come, first served please!
And, of course, these records have skyrocketed in value over the past few years, so they aren’t cheap. We have tried to be reasonable; they range from $25 – $600, and believe we are charging less than top market value. Because we have taken great care in determining demand, we ask that you understand the prices are the prices; no haggling please!
Some of the highlights are:
Duke Pearson “Tender Feelin’s” Blue Note BLP-4035, 47 W. 63rd, D.G., $299.99
Kenny Burrell “Blue Lights” Blue Note BLP-1597 47 W. 63rd, Deep Groove $249.99
Kenny Dorham “The Arrival of …” Jaro JAM-5007 Deep Groove $399.99
Charlie Rouse “Yeah!” Epic yellow/black label $349.99
Kenny Drew “Undercurrent”, 47 W. 63rd, $599.99 (note: we believe no DG exists)
Miles Davis “Cookin” Prestige PRLP-7094, yellow NYC, $199.99
Duke Jordan “Flight to Jordan” Blue Note BLP-4046, 47 W. 63rd, $499.99
Sahib Shihab “Summer Dawn” Argo LP-742, Deep Groove $179.99
Also, many fine records by Mile Davis, Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk, Freddie Roach, Herbie Hancock, Herman Foster, and other sought-after artists from the classic 60’s period are well represented. If you have been searching for these types of records, we encourage you to visit us soon; we don’t expect them to last long.
Various Artists “Off The Wall Volumes One & Two”
Posted by Beverly Paterson in Album Reviews
These albums, which are now available on compact disc, initially arrived on the shelves in the early eighties. Pressed in limited quantities via the Wreckord Wrack label, “Off The Wall Volumes One & Two” are nearly as rare and pricey as original copies of the featured singles, which were cut by sixties bands. Read the rest of this entry »
The seasons are nomads, and Summer has come back for a visit. Watermelon and berries are no longer in hibernation. There is now potato salad to make for the backyard barbeques to come. The beach becomes an opportunity again. Ball Mason jars are just waiting patiently to house freshly caught fireflies. And the songs of summer are ready to prove that they are just as luminous as sunlight glimmering through the trees. Read the rest of this entry »
I’ve been writing for this blog since its inception, more than a year ago. I’ve decided it’s time for a rest, or maybe a change. Sometimes a rest is a change. I hope you have enjoyed what I have written. Or, if not enjoyed, at least found yourself thinking about the subject at hand. Thank you for reading, and thank you to Princeton Record Exchange for providing this forum. I have tried when and where I could to argue for the necessity of keeping the art known as jazz fresh, vibrant, indeed revolutionary, as it has always been at its best, but now seems in danger of ossifying under commercial pressure. There is no point to jazz’s survival, if that survival is one of only dreary “repertory” renditions, tired variations on tired themes, and endless reissues of many-times-reissued before albums. I have directed criticism at public radio and TV for its timid cowering to commercial and organizational pressure, its abysmal failure to offer content with “the shock of the new,” its dereliction of cultural duties that are its real reason for existence. Endless Yanni offerings, or pallid cocktail jazz, are not valid exercises of their public trust. Instead, public programming should stop acting like an also-ran commercial network, and start being a cultural change-maker. They do it much better in Europe. Read the rest of this entry »
Brothers of the Southland “Brothers of the Southland” (ZOHO Music 200906)
Posted by Beverly Paterson in Album Reviews
Are you ready for a new supergroup? If so, cordially cock your ears towards the Brothers of the Southland. Composed of Bo Bice from “American Idol,” along with members of Wet Willie, The Outlaws, The Allman Brothers and The Black Crowes, here’s a band highly educated in the fine art of southern rock, and plays the music in the manner it was intended to be played. Read the rest of this entry »
The Jazz Festival is Dead. I’m Not Crying.
Posted by Anthony Medici in Uncategorized
Once upon a time, dinosaurs roamed the land. These behemoths had it their way. They consumed vast amounts of food. They trampled and trod upon whatever came before them. They did not have to adapt, and so they did not. When a planetary disaster struck, they were helpless and quickly headed towards oblivion.
So too the way of the behemoth jazz festival, most notably that espoused and produced by George Wein and a host of follow-the-leader wannabes. I refer you to the New York Times report of May 19, 2009, “New York Loses Its Jazz Festival.” According to the article, “[...] for the first time in 37 years, there will be no major summer jazz festival in New York. Nor will there be related series in Miami or Chicago, as the concert company behind them is suffering a financial crisis.” Apparently, Festival Productions, the company once owned by impresario Wein, which he sold to a group led by Chris Shields, is out of money and out of steam. Last year, Festival Productions produced 17 jazz festivals around the world; this year none. Read the rest of this entry »
“Rocking Horse – A Personal Biography of Betty Hutton” by Gene Arceri
Posted by Beverly Paterson in Reviews
Conceived of several excellent interviews author Gene Arceri conducted with Betty Hutton, “Rocking Horse” covers the famed actress and singer’s life from beginning to end. Well written, interesting, informative and laced with a nice personal touch, the book stages a fantastic job of drawing the reader into Betty’s colorful, creative and often complex world. Determined to make her mark in show business, Betty was a hard worker and truly loved her craft. In spite of encountering some hardships, she persevered and became one of the most popular performers of the forties and fifties.
Eventually abandoning show business altogether, and the reasons why are effectively documented in “Rocking Horse,“ Betty went to work for a church, where she found the peace and compassion she was seeking. As is the case with anyone’s life, whether they’re a public figure or an ordinary citizen, Betty had her highs and lows. That said, there are moments of sadness to be had in “Rocking Horse,” but for the most part, the book celebrates her tremendous talents and portrays her as a genuine human being. Not only is “Rocking Horse” a must have for admirers of Betty Hutton, but for movie buffs in general.
For the last four years without question Radiohead has been my favorite band. Never has a band held my heavyweight title for that long. I’ve never been big on watching videos or movies about bands, but I make an exception for Thom Yorke & Co. I’m lying down to watch the documentary
Meeting People Is Easy , which follows the and during their infamous 1997 OK Computer tour. I’ll keep you posted on my thoughts and ramblings throughout the film.
Various Artists “2131 South Michigan Avenue – 60’s Garage & Psychedelia from U.S.A. and Destination Records”
Posted by Beverly Paterson in Album Reviews
The mere mention of U.S.A. and Destination Records causes obsessive collectors of sixties music, such as myself, to go weak in the knees and turn to mush. Run by Jim Golden, both these Chicago, Illinois based labels (located at 2131 South Michigan Avenue) produced some of the coolest singles of its genre. A generous sampling of these tunes can be heard right here, on this double disc set, which also entails a lengthy history of the operations, an interview with Jim Golden, swarms of photos and profiles on the featured bands. Read the rest of this entry »
92 in the shade. An emblem of heat. The title of Tom McGuane’s modern classic novel. Phoenix was not quite that cool. It might have been all of a balmy 98 in the shade on my last trip there. 102 in the sun. Carless, and on foot, I was in search of LPs. Vinyl. Jazz vinyl. I scored my first vinyl at Grandiose, on East Pierce, a hip boutique with records, clothing and art. There I picked up a sealed copy of Stuff Smith’s Black Violin on MPS. I also picked up a double-LP on Arista Freedom (a short-lived but great label), Ornette Coleman’s The Great London Concert, recorded 1965, with David Izenzon, Charles Moffett and a small classical ensemble. I hadn’t seen this one before, and was glad to get it. There was also a nice copy of Jimmy Lyons’ “Some Other Afternoon” on BYG, but I already had that, so left it for the next vinyl hunter. In search or more vinyl, I was directed to Wax ‘n Trax, further along on Central Avenue, at Camelback; too far to walk. I would need to take the light rail train that runs along Central. As I attempted to finagle a ticket from the station dispenser, as the sun beat mercilessly down, and my hot sweaty hand clutched my bag of vinyl treasures, the question occurred to me: what is the melting point of vinyl? Read the rest of this entry »
Jude the Unobscure
Posted by Lydia Pudzianowski in Opinion Posts
After a long hiatus (and one blog), your favorite post-grad is back for some guaranteed Sunday blogging. Now that I have a BA in writing from the University of Pittsburgh, I’m qualified to do this (apparently that’s it though, as no one wants to hire me). Read the rest of this entry »
“Waiting for the Sun – A Rock ‘n’ Roll History of Los Angeles”
Posted by Beverly Paterson in Reviews
Pinching its name from the third Doors album, “Waiting for the Sun – A Rock ‘n’ Roll History of Los Angeles” was originally published in 1996, then reissued in the United Kingdom in 2003 with a profile on Beck. Now available in paperback, bolstered by an introduction from the author, penned this year, “Waiting for the Sun – A Rock ‘n’ Roll History of Los Angeles” lives up to its lofty title and then some. Read the rest of this entry »
Utopia’s Last Of The New Wave Riders Hurtles Towards Oblivion
Posted by Jeff Boule in Album Reviews, Concert Reviews, Editorials, Musician Reviews, New Releases, Reviews, Song Reviews
Photo By Jeff Boule
Once again, we revisit, review and revise a blog lost to zeros and ones…
As we recover from the last two back-to-back weeks of the Deface Tour, we need to take it easy. With this in mind, we will be doing an abbreviated review (read: not a two-parter this week). We are continuing with our examination of the Utopia box set, Last Of The New Wave Riders. A set of live performance CDs spanning from early in Utopia’s career up to almost the end. This particular show, the Oblivion Tour, is a single disc. The only one in the box set that isn’t a two CD set. VALUE!
Greetings from Princeton Record Exchange,
As our avid jazz customers know, it’s been way too long since we have had a large selection of Blue Note’s in stock. Despite our best efforts, these records are getting harder and harder to find every year. So it is with pleasure that we announce this beautiful collection is now available for sale. Read the rest of this entry »
Various Artists “Do You Wanna Be In The Show?”
Posted by Beverly Paterson in Album Reviews