Friday, September 11, 2015

The Friday Flash

re:  Here We Come ... Again:
Rhino is releasing the complete Monkees television series again ... on BluRay this time around ... all 58 episodes plus their theatrical release "Head" (with never-before-seen outtakes), their television special "33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee", bonus commentaries from all four original members of the group and original Kellogg's commercials aired during the show's original broadcast. 
It's all being done in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the original casting call issued on September 8th, 1965 ... and Rhino promises all kinds of new, bonus surprises throughout their 50th anniversary year.
The BluRay edition will be released in January with a limited pressing of 10,000 copies.  (kk)
 
And, speaking of 50 Year Anniversaries ...
 
#50:   
Hey KK!
This is the Vibeman!
The 50th Anniversary of Davie Allan The Arrows is at least for us a time to know that the things we enjoyed of yesterday are still here among us today. There still is the celebration of keeping the dream alive and finding some joy in a form of music not everyone has embraced. Will they? We may never know. Will we? Better get it while the gettins' good!
 

 
re:  Eye Of The Tiger:   
Lots of fuss these past few days about Kim Davis playing Survivor's "Eye Of The Tiger" at her "release rally". Songwriters Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan were quick to point out that they did NOT authorize use of their song for this purpose ... nor does her stance (on refusing to issue gay marriage licenses) in any way reflect their views ... 
I have not authorized the use of Eye of the Tiger for use by Kim Davis and my publisher will issue a C&D. This does not reflect my views. 
-- Jim Peterik
Crain Chicago Business gave the event headline coverage on Wednesday ... and it was picked up by virtually every other kind of media, too, once the song's cowriters issued statements.  (Man, you just can't BUY publicity like this ... and this story was delivered free on a silver platter!)
"Eye of the Tiger" is meant to be motivational, but Survivor doesn't want its song to motivate anti-gay sentiments.    
Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who has been the center of media attention after refusing to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Rowan County, played the song yesterday at a rally alongside Mike Huckabee, and Survivor is not happy about it. Davis was jailed for her failure to issue the licenses and appeared at the rally in Grayson, Ky., following her release. 
"I was very surprised and dismayed at the misuse of the song I co-wrote with Frankie Sullivan for 'Rocky lll,' " he said. "The song has motivated thousands through the years to reach beyond their limits. Its use for the release of Kim Davis does not support my views or my politics. I have contacted my publishers to make sure this usage is stopped immediately."  
Jim Peterik, founder of the Chicago band and co-writer of the song made famous by "Rocky III," said in a statement to Billboard magazine that the band did not grant Davis the right to use the song at the rally.
Cowriter Frankie Sullivan made a similar statement on his Facebook Page ... 
NO! We did not grant Kim Davis any rights to use "My Tune -The Eye Of The Tiger." I would not grant her the rights to use Charmin! 
C'mom Mike, you are not The Donald but you can do better than that - 
See Ya really SoooooooonnnnnnN!!!!!! ...
Frankie Sullivan
 
re:  Eight Tracks:
>>>You know, I never had an eight track tape cartridge nor player?!  I skipped right over that media right to the Cassette Tape!  (Chuck Buell)
>>>Likewise ... I hated the way 8-tracks switched channels right in the middle of a song ... couldn't believe ANYBODY found that acceptable!!!  Yet all my friends had them and didn't seem to be bothered by this at all.  Cassettes were the ONLY way to go for me for a long, long time ... especially since I could now make my own to listen to in the car.  (kk)
Because Kent, they were the first way we could bring our favorites into the car with us ... pure and simple.  A battery run turn-table on a bumpy road?  Not going to work.  And we didn't accept the negatives of these 8 tracks for long, as cassettes came right behind.  The stereo system I bought in the mid 70's (and is still working) had all 4 possibilities:  turn-table, radio (AM/FM), 8-track and cassette.
Shelley
 
re:  This And That: 
Kent ...
9/11/1945 =  Happy Birthday Dennis Tufano.
Don't know what I'd do without Ron Smith's book "Eight Days A Week."
Frank B.
P.S. - 9/13/1944 = Happy Birthday Peter Cetera.
 
Speaking of Dennis Tufano, "The Buckinghams: The Complete Hit Singles" is available today.  We told you last week that we'd be running the complete, unedited, unabridged version of the disc's liner notes on October 1st ... and also that we had a copy to give away to a lucky Forgotten Hits Reader ... so if you'd like YOUR shot at a free copy, please drop us a line and let us know.  Simply put "Buckinghams CD" in your subject line and we'll enter your name in the drawing.
 
Here's one FH Reader who won't be entering for his chance to win a copy ...  
 
Music4Me says:
This is good or bad news, depending on your point of view: The new Buckinghams Complete Hit Singles (release date 9/11/15) on Varese Sarabande will be all stereo despite the actual singles in many cases being in mono. Carl Giammarese, the group's guitarist / lead singer, has voiced his disappointment with the stereo single mixes, saying they sounded watered down and lacked the punch of the original 45's. He has stated that he has offered to be involved in the mixing / mastering to get the sound right but has never been given the opportunity. Word is also that Varese requested mono versions of a number of songs from CBS / Sony but were only given stereo versions to work with. Another chance to get it right goes by the wayside.
Personally, from what I heard of the stereo remixes, the mono versions should be better, unless you narrow the stereo versions, but I'm not sure digital alteration can't save the stereo versions. Not that I'd buy them ... Varese is okay, but you'll find a vinyl ripping CD tune now and then.  I don't think Carl was there when the music was recorded. As far as I can tell, others (studio musicians) played the music. I'm sure Sony will handle all audio work; this is typical.
You can tell some Columbia hits were remixed, like The Cyrkle ... their Turn Down Day includes a drum piece that was dismissed (when mixing) from the hit. Whoops! :)
Embarrassing moments on CD? A Rhino - Dick Bartley release (DJ I admired) had a (debut) stereo version of "You're The One" by We Five, but missing some overdubbing, but what someone set free in public domain was more complete stereo.
Best,
John
I'm guessing you mean either "You're The One" by The Vogues or "You Were On My Mind" by We Five in your above statement ... not sure which, but both of those at least make sense ... "You're The One" by We Five does not.
As for the new Buckinghams CD, I've listened to it and it sounds pretty good to me.  It's a short set (just 15 tracks), but all the hits (and non-hit single releases) are here.
If I have an objection to anything it's the fact that they used the "radio edit" for "Susan", with the "offensive" (to the band, anyway) psychedelic interlude deleted.  For me, this doesn't work within the context of "The Complete Hit Singles" banner because this version was never released as a single ... you couldn't buy it that way nor do I recall ever hear it being played that way (in its edited form) at the time.  (In fact, I didn't hear the "radio edit" until probably twenty years later ... but apparently some radio stations WERE playing it at the time, despite the fact that it wasn't available commercially.)  I would have preferred that they released the REAL single (as advertised) and, if they truly felt it necessary to showcase the edited version, included that as a bonus track instead.  (Just my opinion ... at least this way the disc lives up to its title.)
I asked Cary Mansfield of Varese Vintage and Clark Besch, who helped to assemble the new collection (as well as write the liner notes) about this decision but never heard back from either of them on this topic.  (kk)
 
And, speaking of some of our Chicagoland Local Heroes ...
 
This Sunday, September 13th, our FH Buddy Dean Milano will be hosting a fund-raising event honoring Mitch Aliotta of Aliotta, Haynes and Jeremiah, who passed away a couple of months ago. 
On Sunday, September 13th, c’mon down to WIRE for a party in honor of Mitch Aliotta, who passed away recently. 
He left behind a lot of medical expenses and his friends are getting a benefit together to help with the costs. 
I’ll be stage managing the event and I’ll also perform a special song. The event starts at 6:00, I’ll be on at 10:30 and the address in Berwyn is 6815 W. Roosevelt Road. 
We’ll see ya there!
Dean
 
 
 
More on this from Chicagoland Radio and Media ...
 
A benefit concert is taking place this weekend to help out the family of the late Chicago born musician Mitch Aliotta. The concert will feature numerous acts with some very special guest appearances. Emceeing the whole event will be WDRV-FM / 97.1 The Drive overnight DJ Greg Easterling.
Mitch Aliotta is best known as the bass player and founder of the Chicago area band Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah, famed for their iconic hit "Lake Shore Drive." Prior to his time in that group, he played with Rotary Connection, which featured Minnie Riperton on lead vocals. Aliotta passed away on July 21st at the age of 71 due to complications from diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Unfortunately, Aliotta's passing left his family with a large amount of debt. His brother and some friends have put together a benefit show to help Aliotta's immediate family out with the final expenses.
Called "The Party for Mitch Aliotta," the concert will feature at least five bands: Omega 3 (which includes Mitch's brother Ted Aliotta), Maggie Aliotta & The Mighty Fines (Mitch's daughter), Doubleplay, Rough Draft, and Kurt Michaels' Continuum (KMC) featuring Alain Quinn.
Among the special guests expected to participate are Jimy Sohns of The Shadows of Knight and Ray Graffia of The New Colony Six.
WDRV-FM's overnight voice Greg Easterling will serve as the emcee for the entire evening. Also appearing will be another Chicago radio veteran, WERV-FM / 95.9 The River's afternoon host Mitch Michaels.
"The Party for Mitch Aliotta" will take place this Sunday, September 13th at Wire, located at 6815 W. Roosevelt Road in Berwyn. (Mitch Aliotta grew up in Berwyn.) Tickets to attend this special event are only $15, which can be purchased in advance at this link
HERE. Ticket proceeds will go toward helping Mitch Aliotta's family.
For those unable to attend but who wish to help out, a GoFundMe page has been set up for the Mitch Aliotta Memorial Fund. That page can be found
HERE.
 
On October 30, Eagle Rock Entertainment and Zappa's Honker Home Video will issue the never-before-released Frank Zappa’s Roxy: The Movie on DVD & Blu-Ray with an exclusive Soundtrack included. 
A Frank Zappa show goes way beyond a mere concert – it is an experience … a flight of improvisation, musicianship, and cerebral cynicism.  An unparalleled Composer and Guitarist, Zappa redefined rock n roll paradigms by introducing  into the mix his favorite influences from classical music, jazz, blues, doo-wop, traditional and non-traditional music.  And he did so with unparalleled humor and audacity.  But it was the music itself that influened generations of musicians and, quite frankly, blew minds.  Roxy: The Movie, filmed over three nights in December, 1973, at the Roxy Theatre in Hollywood, CA, is a powerful display of this experience, and reveals what made him such a pioneering musical revolutionary. 
Right from the top of the program, the film exudes the essence of Zappa, as we only see a dark room with a single light, and we hear him commiserating with the audience, as he stalls for time because of technical snafus that would ultimately force the film into hibernation for decades (make that eras in musical terms) while advancement in technology aligned allowing the Zappa Family Trust to bring this project to a patient and deserving audience.  The curtain goes up and the magic unravels to reveal “Cosmic Debris” and we are up and away with one of the most enduring band line-ups under Frank Zappa's leadership.
“Frank broke all sound barriers in Music and pushed musical event horizons to educate and entertain his audiences so they could experience real possibilities on a contemporary music stage – all without taking himself seriously.  He always said he had “something for everyone from 8 to 13.”  Being a mom I can tell you, that is when your imagination is wide open and some of those ideas stay fixed and expandable in time and space forever,” says Gail Zappa.
"I'm beyond thrilled that Roxy The Movie is finally going to be available. It took a herculean effort to bring it to life. So much love, time, energy and attention to detail went into its resurrection. This movie rocks so hard, I think both old and new fans will agree,” says Ahmet Zappa. “Enjoy!"
Written, directed, conducted & performed by Frank Zappa, as well as originally  produced by him, all these 40 years later Gail Zappa, Ahmet Zappa, and Jeff Stein, bring you now Roxy: The Movie.  Starring Zappa, The Mothers, and the Music and the Musicianship.  The film contains some of Zappa's most challenging instrumentals, expertly executed by himself (lead guitar, vocals),  George Duke (keyboards, synthesizer, vocals), Bruce Fowler (trombone), Napoleon Murphy Brock (flute, tenor saxophone, vocals), Tom Fowler (bass guitar), Ralph Humphrey (drums), Chester Thompson (drums), and Ruth Underwood (percussion).
Released just in time for Frank Zappa's favorite holiday, Halloween.  Roxy: The Movie is a stunning homage to one of unpopular music's most fearless musicians.
Click here to view trailer: https://youtu.be/YPIwdlnoKyA
 
To my friends and fans in South Florida -- or those who may be in South Florida next month:
I've been invited to be October's featured act at THE ACOUSTIC UNDERGROUND CONCERT SERIES
As some of you may know, The A.U.C.S. is the longest-running acoustic concert series in Florida and I'm honored to have been asked.
What's more, it's being held at one of my favorite Florida venues: The Luna Star.
It's the first Saturday of the month.
Here are the details:
Your attendance is mandatory.
Also notice that I'll be doing Micheal Stock's FOLK AND ACOUSTIC radio program on the Sunday before the show (Sept. 27). You can here it online by going to WLRN.org and clicking "Listen Live."
Yers,
Bob
 
From your favorite commercials piece ... #37 - 7-Up ...
If you're interested, I remember the rest of the lyrics to that 7 Up jingle.
After "it's the light shining over the dark" it goes --
"And in this time of over complication there's Un ... there's Un. If what you want is simplification come Un, come Un ... Un for all, all for Un, 7 Up the Un Cola.
Alan  
 
Kent ...
A new Johnny Cash Documentary will air on the anniversary of his death (9/12)http://tasteofcountry.com/johnny-cash-american-rebel/Frank B.
That would be tomorrow, airing on CMT.  Check your local listings.  (kk)
 
Hi Kent,
I loved your post of Roy Orbison’s “Ride Away.”
A couple of days ago, I saw another odd use of an oldie in a commercial: Amazon Prime is using Lee Marvin’s “Wand’rin’ Star.” When was the last time anyone heard that one?!
- Charlie
Perhaps never!  (lol)  You've gotta wonder about the creative minds behind the sources for some of this inspiration.  The Roy Orbison tune WAS a hit ... Top 20 in fact ... but over the past 50 years only so many songs by so many artists continue to exist ... the rest are put out to pasture, many forevermore.  Resurrecting this one was a REAL surprise ... but the Lee Marvin tune?  How many people are even going to know what that is?  Kind of like the Roger Miller / Robin Hood ditty that proved to be so popular a few months back!  (kk)
 
Kent ...
Maybe one of your reader's can answer my questions.
Every time I go to Larry's Pub I play the Jukebox.
Every time I play the Jukebox I play "In The Still Of The Night" by The Five Satins.
A couple of weeks ago I found that the song was removed from the Jukebox.
They tell me that the Jukebox company lost the rights to this song.
I think they made enough money just from my plays to want to keep the song in the Jukebox.
Another time I'm at Larry's Pub and, since I was wearing my "GoodFellas" T-Shirt, I thought it would be clever of me to play the soundtrack from the "GoodFellas" movie.
I attempt to do that. I'm able to play 11 of the 12 songs. For some unknown reason "Sincerely" by the Moonglows isn't there and I'm wondering why?
Frank B.
Wow, this one's going to have to be answered by someone far more savvy than me! (lol)  I didn't know you could lose "jukebox rights" ... or that if an entire album was offered as a choice and listed 12 songs, it would play anything less than that.  Anybody out there have any thoughts or ideas on this one?  (kk)
 
Some new thoughts on the "evolution of radio" ...
 
Here's an article forwarded by our friend Larry White, who will be returning to Buffalo in the near future.  I expect we all agree with Dick Taylor's thoughts.