Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osborne

FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 18, 2011

DEAR JERRY: Since no one else asks about songs with the same title, yet are completely different, I'll do it myself.

An example is Del Shannon's classic 1960s hit, “Runaway,” and another “Runaway” by Jefferson Starship, in the 1970s.

I have both and know, other than their titles, they have absolutely nothing in common.

What title appears on the greatest number of popular records, with each being a different song than the others?

Logic dictates it would be a one-word title, as the more words there are, the less likely other songs would have the same title.

It might be “Runaway,” though “Tonight” (Ferrante & Teicher) and “Crazy” (Patsy Cline) could also be in the running.
—Linda Oakridge, Beaumont, Texas


DEAR LINDA: Sometimes if you want something done right, you just have to do it yourself.

It took several hours to research this, but it was fun and I love the question.

All three you suggest are in the running, and among my Top 10. I verified 10 different hit recordings of “Runaway”; 14 of “Tonight”; and 15 of “Crazy.”

Here are the other seven titles, and number of different songs: “Dreams” (11); “Sunshine” (12); “You” (12); “Happy” (16); “I Love You” (17); “Angel” (21); and at the top of the list, “Hold On” (33).

Other than “Hold On” and “I Love You,” my choices are indeed one-word titles, thus supporting your theory.

Each of the following artists, listed alphabetically with year of issue, recorded a significant and distinctive version of “Hold On”:

Badfinger (1981); Tanya Blount (1995); Crystal Bowersox (2010); Danny Brooks & Rockin' Revelators (2009); Michael Buble (2010); Rosanne Cash (1986); Natalie Cole (1980); Dove Brothers (2009); Dwele (2004); En Vogue (1990); Ian Gomm (1979); Good Charlotte (2004); Gail Davies (1983); Jonas Brothers (2007); Kansas (1980); Rich Landers (1981); Sarah McLachlan (1994); Donny Osmond (1989); R.J.'s Latest Arrival (1987); Radiants (1968); Rascals (1970); Rusko (2010); Santana (1982); Sons of Champlin (1976); Symba (1980); Ed Townsend (1959); Triumph (1979); KT Tunstall (2007); Tom Waits (1999); Jamie Walters (1995); Wild Cherry (1977); Wilson Phillips (1990); and Steve Winwood (1977).

Not included in our count are songs titled “Hold On” plus a subtitle. Three examples are “Hold On (To This Old Fool)” (Buddy Ace); “Hold On (Just a Little Bit Longer)” (Anthony & the Imperials); and “Hold On (For Love's Sake)” (Joyce Kennedy).


DEAR JERRY: There were a couple of records in our home in early '60s, both with such unusual titles I have never forgotten them.

Having not seen either in 50 years, I don't recall the singers. One is about daddy and the other about papa.

First is “Fill the Gap in Your Mouth with Teeth Because Your Daddy's Tired of Kissing Your Gums.”

Second is “When They Operated on Papa They Opened Mama's Male.”

Ever heard of these comical oldies but goodies?
—Richard Tillman, Evansville, Ind.


DEAR RICHARD: Considering the degree of difficulty associated with remembering such long-winded titles, you did great.

The only corrections are inconsequential, but the title of the first one, exactly as shown on the label, is “Fill That Gap in Your Mouth with Teeth 'Cause Daddy's Tired of Kissing Gum.”

The credit on this 1949 single is Fat Man Robinson Quintet (Motif 2002).

“When They Operated on Papa They Opened Mama's Male” is by Jimmy Heap, and came out in 1960 (Imperial 8325).


IZ ZAT SO? Neither of the lengthy titles mentioned above are remotely close to being the longest ever on a U.S. record.

That honor belongs to Christine Lavin, whose 1985 “Future Fossils” LP (Philo 1104) includes this 99-word title:

“Regretting What I Said to You When You Called Me at Eleven O'clock on a Friday Morning to Tell Me That at One O'clock Friday Afternoon You're Gonna Leave Your Office, Go Downstairs, Hail a Cab to Go out to the Airport to Catch a Plane to Go Skiing in the Alps for Two Weeks. Not That I Wanted to Go with You, I Wasn't Able to Leave Town, I'm Not a Very Good Skier, I Couldn't Expect You to Pay My Way, But After Going Out with You for Three Years, I Don't Like Surprises (A Musical Apology).”

Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column. Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368 E-mail: jpo@olympus.net  Visit his Web site: www.jerryosborne.com  

All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.

Copyright 2011 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Permission







Vinyl Record News & Music Notes


Hi-Speed Soul Records

Film School Releases 2nd Video for "When I'm Yours

Video News from Film School


Los Angeles based band Film School has released their second video for the album Fission, out on Hi-Speed Soul Records. The video for "When I'm Yours" is now posted on YouTube and creatively captures the spirit of this song.

youtube.com

For more information, contact Eric Howarth at Hi-Speed Soul Records at info@hispeedsoul.com



Company Information:

Hi-Speed Soul Records is an independent record label and management company based out of San Diego, CA, currently working with and/or releasing albums by The Afghan Whigs, The Black Heart Procession, Nada Surf, Swervedriver, Mrs. Magician, Three Mile Pilot, Film School, Adam Franklin, The Nervous Wreckords, Lady Dottie and the Diamonds, and more.

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Coalmine Records' Matt Diamond Talks 'Can You Dig It?' Compilation, Value Of The 12-Inch Single

By Matt Diamond

In celebration of Coalmine Records' five year anniversary, the Brooklyn-based indie has released a compilation entitled "Can You Dig It?" This digital-only, full-length compilation contains 15 tracks of the label's singles catalog that has spanned over the past five years. It also boasts an impressive song line-up from artists signed to the boutique label, in addition to noteworthy guest features, both of which represent a wide brush-stroke of today's underground hip-hop scene -- including El Da Sensei (Artifacts), Heltah Skeltah, Evidence, Saigon, Inspectah Deck, Bekay, Skyzoo, Supernatural, Big Noyd, Brown Bag AllStars, Torae, Custom Made and more.

In this column, Matt Diamond (CEO of Coalmine Records) shares his motives for releasing "Can You Dig It?"

Read the interview at ballerstatus.com

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FROM VISION TO VINYL:

A Step-by-Step Look at Vinyl Record Production

Panel Discussion and Q&A To Be Held at the GRAMMY Museum

Wednesday, May 18th - 7:30 PM

(Los Angeles, CA - April 19, 2011) On Wednesday, May 18, 2011 The GRAMMY Museum will host From Vision to Vinyl: A Step-by-Step Look at Vinyl Production. The panel will address the entire vinyl manufacturing process, from tracking and mastering audio with a vinyl release in mind, through pressing, packaging and design. Independent artists and labels releasing vinyl for the first time, those looking to reacquaint themselves with the process, or music fans interested in learning more are encouraged to attend. The panel will begin promptly at 7:30 pm.

This event is FREE and open to the public; reservations required. To reserve your seats, please call 213.765.6800 or e-mail programs@grammymuseum.org. Media RSVP's, please contact Meghan Pochebit, Meghan@OffCentralPR.com.

Moderated by Neil Scheild of Origami Vinyl, an all-vinyl record store and independent label in Echo Park, From Vision to Vinyl will not only offer a behind the scenes look at manufacturing, it will also provide guidance for maximizing the creative options available for a vinyl release while staying on schedule and within budget. Panelists include Pete Lyman of Infrasonic Sound Recording Co., Kevin Smith of Bill Smith Custom Records, Jennifer Freund of DoradoPkg and DJ/ Founder of Stones Throw Records, Peanut Butter Wolf. Complete panelist biographies are below.

"As vinyl resurges back into artists' and record labels' plans, more and more options for producing, manufacturing, and printing come up," says Neil Scheild of Origami Vinyl. "Our goal is to help you cut through the tape and provide you with the information needed to help you understand the process and its pro's and con's. It can be a very expensive and confusing task if you don't have the tools or knowledge behind making a record. Come hear these very experienced professionals offer up their priceless advice to get you on the way to releasing your records."

"Many of Infrasonic Sound's newer clients oftentimes start the vinyl mastering process without knowing what the next step is," says Pete Lyman, Co-Owner and Principal Mastering Engineer of Infrasonic Sound. "This panel provides an opportunity to explain the vinyl production process from start to finish and creates an amazing network of professionals in not only the music industry, but also the vinyl community."

For additional information, visit http://www.grammymuseum.org/  or email Meghan Pochebit, Meghan@OffCentralPR.com

From Vision To Vinyl: A Step-by-Step Look at Vinyl Production

Speaker Biographies

Neil Schield (moderator) is the owner of Origami Vinyl, a vinyl only record shop and record label located in Echo Park, CA. Over the last 12 years Neil has been proactive in the music industry heading up initiatives at indie and major labels in the mobile, licensing, online retail, and online marketing aspects of the business. http://www.origamiorigami.com/

Pete Lyman is the owner of Infrasonic Sound in Los Angeles, a recording studio and CD/vinyl mastering suite, where he serves as a Principal Recording Engineer as well as the Chief Mastering Engineer. Having segued into the world of mastering in 2000, Pete has cut records and mastered material (both on vinyl and CD) for artists like No Age, Best Coast, Norah Jones, Shooter Jennings, People Under the Stairs, Male Bonding, Ben Harper and Jason Falkner to name a select few. Lyman is one of the few engineers worldwide equipped to record and master directly to vinyl lacquer, thanks to the unique setup of Infrasonic's recording studio and adjacent mastering suite. http://www.infrasonicsound.com/

Kevin Smith is the owner of Bill Smith Custom Records, a pressing plant in El Segundo, CA. Bill Smith Custom Records has been manufacturing 7-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch records for over 50 years, using only the best materials available and maintaining a personal touch with each of their clients. http://www.billsmithcustomrecords.com/

Jennifer Freund is the CEO of Dorado Pkg, manufacturers of premium quality album covers, vinyl record jackets, CD and digipak covers, posters, tour books and numerous other music industry packaging and print products. Clients include labels, distributors and independent artists worldwide. Dorado Pkg is a division of Corporate ImpressionsLA Inc., printers and packagers of business and marketing materials for over 30 years. For more information, visit http://www.doradopkg.com/

Peanut Butter Wolf is a DJ, hip-hop producer and the founder of hip-hop label Stones Throw Records. In 1990 he began to work with emcee Charizma, and both of them were soon signed to Hollywood BASIC, a division of Disney's Hollywood Records. Lately, Peanut Butter Wolf has moved away from producing (save the odd remix or compilation track) to run the Stones Throw label and to travel as a DJ to Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, and across the US. http://www.stonesthrow.com/

About "From Vision to Vinyl"

Now in its second year, From Vision To Vinyl: A Step-by-Step Look at Album Production was first held at Echo Park's Origami Vinyl during the summer of 2010. Enthusiastic about the increased number of vinyl releases Los Angeles' local music community was putting forth, but acknowledging that many bands and labels were pressing vinyl for the first time, folks from Origami Vinyl and Infrasonic Sound commissioned other industry professionals (from DoradoPkg and Bill Smith Custom Records) to join them in hosting a free seminar on how to independently get a record made. The RSVP list was nearly triple the modest space's capacity. This year, the panel will be held at The GRAMMY Museum and podcast online on Wednesday, May 18th.