991.com Sleevenotes : A Blog about Collecting Rare Vinyl 7", 12" & LP Records, CDs, Memorabilia & Music

Unseen Michael Jackson Video To Be Revealed...?

The Associated Press are reporting that just two weeks before he died, Michael Jackson wrapped up work on an elaborate production dubbed the 'Dome Project' that could be the final finished video piece overseen by the King of Pop. Read the full story on MSN Music.

Tuesday's Forthcoming Release [Part I]

    

ROLLING STONES REISSUES [THE LAST 5 ALBUMS FOR THE BOX] [Release Date 13/07/2009]

Dirty Work: http://991.com/buy/productinformation.aspx?StockNumber=475805

A rousing cover of Bob & Earl's 'Harlem Shuffle', with Jagger's distinctive vocals to the fore, heralded the arrival of 'Dirty Work'. This single made the Top 5 on both sides of the Atlantic in 1986. Produced by Steve Lillywhite and the Glimmer Twins, the album was dedicated to the memory of Ian Stewart, the group's original piano player and unofficial sixth member, who died the previous year.

Steel Wheels: http://991.com/buy/productinformation.aspx?StockNumber=475807

The release of Steel Wheels in 1989 followed the group's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and coincided with their eagerly-awaited return to the live arena. Recorded at Air Studios in Montserrat and Olympic in London, it made the Top 3 in Britain and in the States. It contains classic tracks like the US Top 5 single 'Mixed Emotions' as well as 'Rock And A Hard Place', which boasts a trademark riff as infectious as any they've come up with. The incredibly atmospheric 'Almost Hear You Sigh' also charted while Richards often reprises the ballad 'Slipping Away' in concert.

Voodoo Lounge: http://991.com/buy/productinformation.aspx?StockNumber=475810

Recorded in Dublin and in Los Angeles, and produced by Don Was, 'Voodoo Lounge' topped the British charts on its release in 1994. The rockers 'Love Is Strong' [featuring Jagger on harmonica], 'You Got Me Rocking' and 'I Go Wild' all performed strongly in the UK Top 40, while 'Out Of Tears' continued the group's fine tradition of late-night, soul-searching, soul-infused ballads and featured a killer vocal performance by Jagger. The singer also excelled on the equally contemplative 'Blinded By Rainbows', a forgotten gem in their repertoire, and the swaggering 'Sparks Will Fly', driven by the ever-excellent Charlie Watts on drums. 'Voodoo Lounge' deservedly won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 1995.

Bridges To Babylon: http://991.com/buy/productinformation.aspx?StockNumber=475811

Originally issued in 1997, 'Bridges To Babylon' made the Top 3 in the US and number 6 in the UK. The yearning and sinuous 'Anybody Seen My Baby?' and the mean and moody 'Saint Of Me' - both Top 30 hits in the UK - in particular, showed the band remained at the cutting edge. Energetic rockers 'Low Down' and 'Too Tight' repay further investigation as do the three tracks sung by Richards, in particular the closer 'How Can I Stop' which features another jazz legend, Wayne Shorter, on saxophone.

A Bigger Bang: http://991.com/buy/productinformation.aspx?StockNumber=475812

'A Bigger Bang', the Rolling Stones last studio album to date, made the Top 3 on both sides of the Atlantic in 2005. Its release coincided with the group's longest ever world tour, lasting two years, a feat likely to remain unbeaten by any other rock artist. Recorded mostly in France, it recalls the informal vibe of 'Exile On Main Street' and has sold in excess of 2.5 million copies to date. A double A-side single coupling the rocker 'Rough Justice' and 'Streets Of Love', another superior soulful ballad, reached number 15 in the UK, while the Bush-baiting 'Sweet Neo Con' made headlines in the US. 'A Bigger Bang' more than lived up to its title.

Beatles rights, Neil Young and Macca live

Michael Jackson May Have Left Paul McCartney Rights to 200 Beatles Songs in His Will: Michael Jackson arranged to give Paul McCartney the rights to The Beatles back catalog through his will according to reports published earlier this year. The pair who scored hits together in the mid-1980's with "Say, Say, Sa" and "The Girl Is Mine" had been feuding for years after Jackson won the rights to the Beatles back catalog because of legal wrangling between Macca and John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono.

McCartney for years expressed his dissatisfaction with Jackson's maneuver and the two were never on speaking terms again. Previously, the pair collaborated on Jackson's 1982 'Thriller' extract 'The Girl is Mine,' and McCartney's 1983 single 'Say, Say, Say' from 'Pipes of Peace' and forged a close friendship.

U.K. newspaper the Daily Mirror quoted a Jackson insider as saying in January saying: "Michael told his lawyers he was sad he no longer talks to Sir Paul and said he wanted to make things right."

Jackson, who died today at 50 years of age, had been reportedly diagnosed with cancer and one can speculate that the strain put on his heart during workouts for his concerts next month in London ultimately led to the King of Pop's demise. Jackson had sold 50% of his assets to Sony but held the other half which would be given back to McCartney if the rumors are proven to true.

Paul McCartney joins Neil Young onstage at London's Hard Rock Calling concert: Paul McCartney surprised Neil Young Saturday night in London's Hyde Park when Young was performing The Beatles "A Day In The Life". Macca casually strolled onstage catching Young off guard. Paul hugged Young and bowed to him several times before sharing the microphone on The Beatles classic. Young was performing at Hard Rock Calling.

McCartney "tour" announced

According to his official website [paulmccartney.com] Paul announced another date in Atlanta at Piedmont Park on Saturday August 15th and used the "tour" word officially for the first time. More importantly, he mentioned there would be more dates to come.

The pre-sale for PM.com starts today at 10am EST (3pm BST) and closes on Sunday June 28th 10pm EST (3pm BST). The link will be posted here shortly.

Tickets go on general sale at 10am EST / 3pm BST on Monday June 29th.

Paul McCartney's US Tour Dates currently read...

July 17 - New York, Citi Field
July 18 - New York, Citi Field
July 21 - New York, Citi Field
August 1 - Washington, FedExField
August 5 - Boston, Fenway Park
August 6 - Boston, Fenway Park
August 15 - Atlanta, Piedmont Park

...more dates to be announced.

Sir Paul is to have opening acts for this tour which is quite unusual. So far only Irish outfit The Script' have been officially announced.

Friday's Forthcoming Releases [Part I]

NICK CAVE / BONNIE PRINCE BILLY / VARIOUS ARTISTS 'Palermo Shooting OST' [Release Date 13/07/2009]

CD: http://991.com/buy/productinformation.aspx?StockNumber=475213

'Palermo Shooting' is the new feature film from legendary German film director Wim Wenders ('Paris, Texas', 'Wings of Desire'), the story of Finn, a successful photographer who lives in the city of Dusseldorf. Following a car crash in which Finn narrowly escapes death he is forced to reassess his life he moves to the city of Palermo, and this is where his adventures begin... The original soundtrack to 'Palermo Shooting' reads like a who's who of celebrated alternative artists and features many tracks recorded especially for the film. Wenders' old friend Nick Cave appears twice with his band Grinderman who contribute two new tracks - 'Dream (Song For Finn)' and 'Song For Frank' - while Bonnie Prince Billy and Matt Sweeney recorded the sublime 'Torn and Betrayed' for the film. Other artists to record original music for the film include Irmin Schmidt, Sibylle Baier and Get Well Soon. The soundtrack also features tracks from acclaimed artists such as Portishead, Calexico, Beirut, Iron and Wine, Calexico, Beth Gibbons and Rustin Man and The Velvet Underground... No self-respecting musical aficionado will want to be without it!

Where Have Gay Dad Gone...?

15 years after the creation of 'BritPop' the big questions are...

When did Kula Shaker rattle & roll away?

Did The Bluetones bottle it 'n buzz off?

Where have Sleeper slipped off to now?

Hold the chips where's have Salad gone?

What happend to an Uproar in the North?

Check out this interesting MSN Music feature for all the answers and more...

Fashion Against AIDS!

Some of the biggest celebrities from the world of fashion, music and entertainment have joined forces with the H&M clothing store and Designers against AIDS to create the 'Fashion Against AIDS' range of T-Shirts, T-Shirt Dresses, Vests and Bodies.

Katy Perry, Robyn, NERD and Cyndi Lauper are among the famous collaborators, with 25% of the sales donated to HIV/AIDS awareness projects.

Check out the complete range on the H&M website where, not only can you view the full range and make a purchase but also create your own music video !!

Now & Then

When you’ve sold more than 100 million records you can well afford to indulge yourself in a one of Maranello’s finest.  Indeed, I believe it’s compulsory. So, I was interested to see this little beauty recently advertised in Classic & Sports Car magazine.  Now if the Carpenters are your artist of choice you certainly cannot say your collection is complete without this in your garage.  I reckon a couple of hundred large might just secure it - a small price to pay for a glorious Daytona - then you can cruise down to the Riviera playing ‘Yesterday Once More’ on your 8-Track. Rainy days and Mondays just a distant memory...

Jimmy Page Doesn't Want To Be A Guitar Hero

Don't hold your breath for Guitar Hero Led Zeppelin folks. Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has slammed the popular Guitar Hero franchise.

During a press conference in Los Angeles, the guitarist said that he didn't feel video games are the ideal way to expose people to music or to teach them to play instruments.

"You think of the drum part that John Bonham did on Led Zeppelin's first track on the first album, Good Times Bad Times," Page said. "How many drummers in the world can play that part, let alone on Christmas morning?"

"It's depressing to have a label come and tell you that [Guitar Hero] is how kids are learning about music and experiencing music" Jack WhiteWhite went on to say that "It's depressing to have a label come and tell you that [Guitar Hero] is how kids are learning about music and experiencing music." While he added that he doesn't try to limit "which format people should get their music in…if you have to be in a video game to get in front of them, that's a little sad."

Hhmmm, now let me see. In the upcoming Guitar Hero 5, due out in September, The White Stripes song Blue Orchid is featured. So Mr.White is clearly not overly bothered in truth how people find out about his turgid dross.

Rolling Stone Headlines

More Jackson tickets released: As the start date for Michael Jackson’s historic 50-show run at London’s O2 Arena draws near — the shows are scheduled to kick off on July 13th — “rehearsals are underway with the full production staged,” according to an e-mail sent to those who registered to buy tickets. The note informed recipients that AEG Live is releasing a limited number of production tickets, though dates are not specified. A password will be sent to those who successfully registered for the ticket lottery at the Michael Jackson Live Website, and seats will go on sale tomorrow (June 24th) at 8 a.m. GMT. VIP packages that run from £770 to £790 per person are still available.

Tuesday's Forthcoming Releases [Part III]

WE FELL TO EARTH 'We Fell To Earth' [Release Date 13/07/2009]

CD: http://991.com/buy/productinformation.aspx?StockNumber=475131

"brutal and beautiful, inclusive and alienating at the same time" - Sunday Times Culture "a suitably paranoid mix of smoky atmospherics, drone rock and skittering electronics" - Q Record of the Day The band are Richard File, formerly one half of UNKLE and Wendy Rae Fowler [Queens of the Stone Age, Mark Lanegan] who met at famed Ranch de La Luna studio where UNKLE were recording. The album blends Richard's love of Krautrock and Electonic music with Wendy's passion for Psychedelia and Californian 60s rock. The first song serviced to media in April 'Lights Out"' received tremendous reactions...second track being serviced to media prior to album release is 'The Double'. This debut album is a remarkable tour de force from one of the year's most exciting new bands.

Tuesday's Forthcoming Releases [Part II]

GRAEME EDGE BAND Paradise Ballroom [released 27th July 2009]

CD: http://991.com/Buy/ProductInformation.aspx?StockNumber=475173

Founder member and drummer of THE MOODY BLUES, GRAEME EDGE recorded his second classic album in 1976 whilst the MOODY BLUES were on a sabbatical. Teaming up with ADRIAN and PAUL GURVITZ, EDGE followed on from his debut solo album KICK OFF YOUR MUDDY BOOTS (also released by ESOTERIC RECORDINGS this month) with another fine effort, leading some to cite his two solo albums as the finest solo album by any MOODY BLUES member of the 1970s. Unavailable on CD for many years, this Esoteric Recordings release has been re-mastered from the original master tapes and includes a lavishly illustrated booklet and essay.

Tuesday's Forthcoming Releases [Part I]

   

THE SMITHS 'VINYL+ SERIES' LP REISSUES [Release Date 06/07/2009]

The Smiths: http://991.com/buy/productinformation.aspx?StockNumber=475074

Meat Is Murder: http://991.com/buy/productinformation.aspx?StockNumber=475079

The Queen Is Dead: http://991.com/buy/productinformation.aspx?StockNumber=475083

Strangeways, Here We Come: http://991.com/buy/productinformation.aspx?StockNumber=475084

Rhino UK is pleased to announce the launch of the "Vinyl Plus+" series, with the re-issue of the four Classic studio albums by The Smiths. All feature newly re-mastered audio by Frank Arkwright [overseen by Johnny Marr, no less] and the original sleeves, [a gatefold in the case of 'The Queen Is Dead'], labels and original inner bags, pressed on high-quality 180 gram vinyl. In addition, each comes with a unique redemption code enabling customers to download the complete album as MP3 files from www.vinyl-plus.com.

Planet Rock News

Simple Minds To Play Free London Show: Simple Minds will play a free show in London in July.

The Scots rockers will play at the Roundhouse in London as part of the iTunes Festival that will see a different show played at the venue by a range of bands every night during the month.

Simple Minds play on 16 July, and tickets can be obtained solely through the iTunes Festival Facebook page. Other acts to play free gigs during the month include Oasis, Blur’s Graham Coxon, and a host of other acts. Click Here For iTunes Festival Page

When Jack met Alison...

It all started with a lost voice and a missing tour bus. Alison Mosshart sings for the Kills, the dirty blues-rock band that opened for the Raconteurs last fall, when Jack White lost his voice.

Read the full story of their Dead Weather project and details of a forthcoming 'Horehound' album HERE...

Monday's Forthcoming Releases [Part I]

THE RUMBLE STRIPS 'Welcome To The Walk Alone' [Release Date 13/07/2009]

CD: http://991.com/buy/productinformation.aspx?StockNumber=474797

The Tavistock 5 piece return with their second album, recorded and produced in New York by none other than Mark Ronson. Welcome To The Walk Alone shows the Rumble Strips in a much more widescreen light than their previous offering with parping brass toned down and the FILMharmonic orchestra of Prague drafted in by Owen Pallet (The Arcade Fire, final Fantasy) to fill this album with incredible cineramic textures and epic arrangements.

OASIS vinyl reissues coming soon...

Following a phenomenal year in support of their latest album, 'Dig Out Your Soul' which saw the band embark on their biggest global tour to date and achieve yet another No.1 in the UK charts and No. 5 in America, Oasis return to the UK this month to embark on their hugely anticipated, sold out stadium tour, which will see the band play to over 700,000 people in the UK. With a line-up of support acts including Kasabian, The Enemy, The Reverend & The Makers, Twisted Wheel and The Peth, these shows are sure to be the highlight of 2009.

To celebrate these events Oasis will be re-issuing their entire studio album catalogue on vinyl on a limited one-off re-press on the 13th July 2009. All eight albums will now be available through Big Brother Recordings on Super Heavyweight Vinyl and will feature brand new sleeve notes. In addition a strictly limited edition box set is also available to request. Individually numbered, this exclusive must have collectors' item will feature all eight vinyl albums and exclusive new artwork...

• Definitely Maybe
• [What's The Story] Morning Glory
• Be Here Now
• The Masterplan
• Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants
• Heathen Chemistry
• Don't Believe The Truth
• Dig Out Your Soul
• Limited Edition Collectors Box Set

Funky Soundtracks

In our quest to 'diversify' and get more 'with it', a number of soundtrack gems from the 991 vaults will be added over the next couple of weeks. Lush orchestrations, bad-ass grooves, modernism, a chance to experiment, soundtracks of yore have proven in recent years to be not only a collectors' paradise but perfect material for DJs and producers alike. These will be exclusively original pressings, predominantly from the late 50s through to the mid seventies. As ever you can expect the weird and wonderful plus a hefty (Neal Hefti to be precise) amount of quality scores from the likes of Lalo Schifrin, Bernard Herrmann, Michel Legrand, Henry Mancini, Ennio Morricone and beyond. One intriguing item that's proving to be 'ungoogleable' is an acetate containing music cues to a 1967 film that never was, which appears to be a lost recording from a certain Capitol producer & beat-junkies favourite of the sixties. Watch this space. Or 'stay tuned', as they say in the movies (don't they?)... Until then, check some of our newly added collectable Quincy Jones orchestrations already, and dig those sleeves!

In The Land Of Grey And Pink

In preparation for the forthcoming Lounge on the Farm Festival, which showcases new music talent from our local Kent area, BBC South East is to run a series on the Canterbury Scene, one of Kent's great musical and cultural legacies. Featuring an interview with hippy god Daevid Allen, get the full lowdown on the cathedral city's prog rock history thanks to the BBC: The Canterbury Sound