Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Catching Up On Some Oldies News

We've been away from the computer for the past several days ...

But that doesn't mean that stuff hasn't been happening!

Here are just some of the latest tidbits we've found to share ...

re: BRIAN WILSON / AL JARDINE / THE BEACH BOYS :
This announcement / update came while we were away ... so, unfortunately, all of these airdates are now behind us ... but you may want to check the radio websites to see if podcast rebroadcasts are available:
POSTCARDS ON THE AIRWAVES: Al Jardine Takes to the Air in Support of His Newly Released Solo Album

BURBANK, Calif. - July 14, 2010 - Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine is currently in New York City, following a Long Island concert with his Endless Summer Band in Massapequa, NY on Tuesday evening, July 13th.
Starting today, Wednesday, Jardine will be popping up all over the radio dial, supporting his newly released album, A Postcard from California, while also discussing subjects as diverse as baseball and the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. So tune in to your favorite radio station, either on the air or in many cases online, and hear what Al is talking or singing about today! Here are some of the upcoming highlights:
Today, Wednesday July 14th:
Sirius/XM Satellite Radio (if you're not a subscriber, you can sign up for a 30-day FREE trial at http://www.sirius.com/siriusinternetradio and listen on your computer, iPhone® or iPod Touch®. All times are Eastern Daylight Time, some shows are taped for later broadcast, check local listings or online schedules)
Interview with The B-Team (Sports Talk) (Live) 10:45 a.m.
Freewheelin' with Meredith Ochs & Chris T. (Road Dog Trucking Channel) (live) 11:15 a.m.
The Judith Regan Show (show airs at 6 pm) (Current affairs, arts and entertainment talk).
Interview with Larry Flick (cohost of Morning Jolt daily, host of Feel the Spin on Sundays).
The Cousin Brucie Show with "Cousin" Bruce Morrow ('60s Hits, Legacy Artists).
Tomorrow, Thursday July 15th:
WCBS-FM 101.1 Dan Taylor Mornings (New York's Greatest Hits) (Live) 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. (listen online at http://wcbsfm.radio.com and click on "Listen Live.")Hot Wax Daily with Mike McCann (Premiere Radio Networks, nationally syndicated, check local listings for times in your area).
True Oldies Channel with Scott Shannon (nationally syndicated, check the website at http://www.trueoldieschannel.com to find the station and schedule for your local area).
On Saturday evening, July 17th, Al will be guesting on Coast to Coast AM with weekend host Ian Punnett (Live), starting at 10:00 p.m. PACIFIC time. Billed as the #1 late night show in the U.S., Coast to Coast is heard on over 500 radio stations as well as SiriusXM Satellite Radio (XM Channel 165). Go to http://www.coasttocoastam.com to find your local affiliate.
More shows are scheduled for next week, include Maria Danza's nationally syndicated Morning Jam, from Citadel Media Networks' Classic Hits Radio.
Al Jardine's new twelve-song collection includes four cuts that comprise what he calls "the green side" of the new album, compositions that speak to the relationship of man and his environment. "Don't Fight the Sea," "Tidepool Interlude" and "A California Saga" are songs that reflect this artist's deep love for the California coastline and his concern for the ecological health of the planet. "I think this material defines the new project in these days of climate change," he suggests. Unfortunately it also seems especially timely in view of current events in the Gulf of Mexico.
Jardine has always embodied a special concern for the environment, and the coastline and ocean in particular. Previously, on the Beach Boys' Surf's Up album, he and Mike Love wrote the song, "Don't Go Near the Water." The new album includes "Lookin' Down the Coast," a tale of the discovery of California by the Spanish explorers, as seen through the eyes of its natural inhabitants, the California condor, the whale, the otter and the bear.
A Postcard from California was largely penned by Al Jardine and features a virtual "who's who" of classic rock and popular music royalty. Jardine was joined in the studio by a steady and willing stream of famous friends, including Brian Wilson, Glen Campbell, Neil Young, David Crosby, and Stephen Stills; as well as Steve Miller and the late Norton Buffalo (Steve Miller Band), Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (America), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), David Marks, Richie Cannata, John Stamos, and even actor Alec Baldwin. Completing the generational span, Jardine's sons, Matt and Adam, are also heard on vocal harmonies. The song, "Don't Fight the Sea" features the voices of Brian Wilson, the late Carl Wilson, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, Al Jardine and Matt Jardine in a unique labor of love that took some thirty years to complete.
-- David Carr / Kubro Music Group
Sorry we're getting this to you so late ... but good to see that Al is out in full support of his new studio effort. You can also listen to song samples and view videos on Al's official website: Click here: * * * AL JARDINE * * *

Last week we told you about Brian Wilson's upcoming new release "Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin" ... this week we've got a short promotional clip talking about the making of this album: Click here: YouTube - Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin
Sounds like an interesting piece of work. (kk)

... and, speaking of Gershwin ...

re: PAUL McCARTNEY:
A few weeks back we told you about Paul McCartney's appearance at The White House, where he was awarded The Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Well, now you'll be able to see the festivities for yourself in the comfort of your own home. PBS is airing a 90 minute special next week (it kicks off one week from tonight on Wednesday, July 28th but, as always with PBS, check your local listings to be sure ... although I'm sure this one will repeat a few times!) featuring many of the highlights of this musical event. In addition to Sir Paul serenading The First Lady with "Michelle", you'll also see The Jonas Brothers perform a rousing rendition of "Drive My Car", Dave Grohl of The Foo Fighters doing "Band On The Run", Elvis Costello taking a crack at "Penny Lane" and Stevie Wonder joining McCartney for the #1 Duet "Ebony And Ivory". (kk)

... and, speaking of The Beatles ...

re: WHO PLAYED THE VERY FIRST BEATLES RECORD IN AMERICA?:
Hi,
I just read this essay and wanted to just say it's outstanding. Great sleuth work!Frank

Did you notice that on the news clip of the dedication of Dick Biondi Way, WLS-TV correctly reported that Biondi was the first DJ to play the Beatles, a distinction that had for many years erroneously gone to Murray the K.? Looks like Forgotten Hits' efforts to set the record straight on this matter have finally been recognized in the mainstream media.
Ed Erxleben

What are they talking about? You can read our landmark series on this topic here: Click here: Forgotten Hits - Who Played The Very First Beatles Record In America?

A few comments on The Beatles "Remastered" CDs ...
Granted, they do sound a bit cleaner and, no doubt, have been digitally enhanced. However, what, it took (4) Four years to do just that? Ridiculous for the elevated retail price; a marketing ploy. The LEAST they should have done is remix the stereo songs that sound lopsided, with vocals to far left or right. I'm sure we haven't seen the last of remarketed Beatles. And I'd like to think everyone is sound quality conscious, when it comes to music, but all is discretionary.
Best,
John
The general consensus seems to be that they did an OUTSTANDING job with these ... even the surviving Beatles couldn't be more pleased ... until technology evolves to another level, I think this is gonna be it for a while ... now I'm just hoping they get back (pun intended) to The Capitol Albums Series here in The States! (kk)


re: JERRY LEE LEWIS:
Rolling Stone Magazine is reporting about some of the guest artists who will be appearing on legendary Jerry Lee Lewis' latest album.
In 1968, Jerry Lee Lewis rebounded from a decade of bad press when he scored his first country hit, "Another Place Another Time." The success kicked off a string of 30 Top 10 country successes, including the Number One single "To Make Love Sweeter For You."
The 74-year-old legend will return to the genre for the first time in decades this fall with his new album Mean Old Man. Like 2006's Last Man Standing, Mean Old Man finds Lewis teaming up with an iconic lineup that this time includes three Rolling Stones, Merle Haggard, Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr. "It's unique and very groovy, and I sound great on it!" Lewis tells Rolling Stone.

The Killer, Age 74 (2010)
Keith Richards plays guitar on the Stones' country-tinged classic "Sweet Virginia" while Mick Jagger sings on "Dead Flowers." Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood contributes on "Mean Old Man," a track Kris Kristofferson penned for the disc. Eric Clapton and James Burton provide backup guitars on "You Can Have Her." Ringo Starr and John Mayer appear on "Roll Over Beethoven," while country legends Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson sing on "Swinging Doors" and "Whiskey River," respectively. Kid Rock and Slash show up on "Rockin' My Life Away." Jim Keltner and Steve Bing produced the disc, recording with Lewis in Memphis and L.A. It will be released two ways: as an 18-track deluxe version and a 10-track standard edition on September 7th via Verve / Universal Music.
Lewis was initially a rock & roller with chart-topping Fifties hits like "Great Balls of Fire," "Whole Lotta Shaking Goin On" and "High School Confidential." DJs and record distributors abandoned him in 1958 after the press discovered he'd married his 13-year-old second cousin. When Rolling Stone profiled the piano-burning legend in 2006, he was grateful country fans gave him a second chance.
"My fans never stopped lovin' me," he said. "They always came to my shows. They didn't always get my records, 'cause [Sam Phillips] dropped all his distributors and wouldn't release anything. When I moved on to Mercury records in 1963 and started recording some country, my style of country, and some rock & roll too, one of them songs ['Another Place and Another Time'] sold a million copies right off the press. That tells you something is wrong."
--Patrick Doyle / Rolling Stone Magazine
Jerry Lee fans may remember a similar album he recorded back in 1973 that spawned a Top 40 Comeback Hit for the Rock and Roll Legend with his remake of the old Stick McGhee R&B Hit "Drinking Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee". "The Session" (recorded in England) featured a Who's Who of rock musicians helping out (including Eric Clapton, Alvin Lee, Albert Lee, Rory Gallagher, Gary Wright, Kenny Jones, Klaus Voorman, Matthew Fisher and Peter Frampton.) kk

re: MORE FOLLOW-UP NEWS:
A man pled guilty Tuesday (July 13) to arson in the February fire at Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's Philadelphia International recording studio there (which was once the home of Cameo and Parkway Records, as well). His lawyer said the man's blood alcohol content was four times the legal driving limit at the time of the blaze and he didn't know where he was nor remembers setting the fire. Sentencing is scheduled for September 10.
-- Ron Smith
You can read our original coverage of this senseless, tragic event here:
Click here: Forgotten Hits: Fire Tears Apart Philadelphia International Records, Former Home To Cameo / Parkway Records in the
Click here: Forgotten Hits: More On Philly

... and, speaking of The Philly Scene, here is some GREAT news about the long-awaited DVD release of "Wages Of Spin", the Dick Clark / American Bandstand expose we've been telling you about for the past two years!

re: WAGES OF SPIN:
Hi Everybody!
Our "Wages of Spin" DVD is now available for purchase. Any help in getting the word around is greatly appreciated. A lot of people have been asking about it for a long time.
"Wages of Spin" DVD now available on Character Driven Homepage at: www.characterdrivenfilms.com
Kick Off event at Rock Con: http://www.nationalrockcon.com
Shawn Swords

HELLO CHARLIE GRACIE FANS / FRIENDS -- ONE IN THE SAME!
FYI!: It's finally here -- the OFFICIAL RELEASE of "WAGES OF SPIN," the new documentary that covers the first chapter of Rock N Roll, the Philly Music Scene, American Bandstand, Bob Horn, Dick Clark and his role in Payola and so much more.
Featured: ORIGINAL AMERICAN BANDSTAND DANCERS, CHARLIE GRACIE, CHUBBY CHECKER, CONNIE FRANCIS, MIKE LOVE / AL JARDINE (Beach Boys), FRANKIE AVALON, LEN BARRY, THE DOVELLS, DANNY AND THE JUNIORS, THE CRESTS, FABIAN, and more!
THE OFFICAL RELEASE WILL TAKE PLACE AT ROCK CON at the Sheraton, Meadowlands, New Jersey on July 30, 31, & August 1st
*** Charlie Gracie and 116 other of his fellow rock legends will be at RockCon! Hope to see you there as well.
BUT YOU CAN STILL PURCHASE YOUR COPY ON LINE ---- NOW!
All of the information is available at the links shown above.
Charlie Gracie, Jr.

... and, speaking of RockCon, we're in the home stretch now. Hopefully some of our readers will attend and report back to us!


re: CHICAGO HONORS ANOTHER ONE OF ITS OWN:
Pretty neat news if you grew up here, loving the music of Steve Goodman. Wow ... now we've got Dick Biondi Way downtown ... and Ides Of March Way in Berwyn ... there is clearly a NEW appreciation standard to be met here in Chi-Town. (That reminds me ... I'd better get to work on my "Forgotten Hits Alley" campaign right away!!!) kk

Senate OKs Steve Goodman post office near Wrigley
July 14, 2010 9:49 PM

The U.S. Senate voted unanimously late Wednesday (July 14) to name a post office near Wrigley Field after the late folk singer and Cubs fan Steve Goodman.
By unanimous consent, the Senate gave the go-ahead to the resolution, which was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley D-Ill. and which passed the U.S. House in April in a 371-0 vote, to rename the
Lakeview post office at 1343 W. Irving Park Road the "Steve Goodman Post Office Building."

A Chicago native, the Grammy-winning Goodman died at age 36 in 1984 and is known for, among other things, having written the Cubs-themed songs "Go, Cubs, Go," which fans sing at Wrigley Field after every Cub victory, and "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request."

"While most Chicagoans know him for the song we sing after every Cubs win, Steve Goodman's contributions reach far beyond the ivy-covered walls of Wrigley," Quigley said in a statement in March, when he introduced the legislation. "Goodman was one of the most prolific American songwriters and performers of our time whose songs have been played by Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett and John Denver and whose short but tremendous life reminds us how one person can impact so many others."

The resolution now goes to the desk of President Obama, who is expected to sign it.

--Bob Goldsborough

(submitted by Ken Voss)
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/07/go-steve-go-senate-oks-goodman-post-office-near-wrigley.html
If I'm not mistaken, Goodman's ashes were scattered over Wrigley Field, a fitting tribute to a man who wrote "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request"!!! (kk)

More news this week as time permits! See ya! (kk)