A TVD 12" Canvas Retrospective | 23 Envelope

23 Envelope was the team of Vaughan Oliver (graphic design and typography) and Nigel Grierson (photography), who designed the artwork for almost all 4AD releases until 1987.

Oliver and Grierson met in their late teens, as school boys, at Ferryhill Comprehensive, County Durham. Their friendship began in the art room, chatting about their mutual passions for art and rock music. For both of them, designing album covers was a natural ambition. "Record sleeves," says Grierson, "seemed like the greatest thing you could possibly do."

Bolan's Birthday Celebrated with Vinyl Reissues

September 16 will mark the 30th anniversary of the death of Marc Bolan, mastermind behind glam-rock titans T. Rex. Bolan died only a few weeks before what would've been his 30th birthday, and in remembrance of both anniversaries, a number of Bolan projects are underway in the next few weeks.

First up is "Souls We Miss", an exhibition of photographs of Bolan taken by the late Keith Morris. The photos will be exhibited at London's Redferns Music Picture Gallery for the seven weeks following September 14. On September 15, London's Shepherd's Bush Empire will host Marc Bolan: The Celebration, a concert featuring Marc's son Rolan,Marc Almond of Soft Cell, producer Tony Visconti, T. Rex tribute band T. Rextasy, Blondie's Clem Burke, and many more.

There are also several Bolan documentaries in the works, including a BBC 4 special, ITV's "20th Century Boy" airing September 8, and a BBC Radio 2 program on September 15. Apparently, the ITV special contains such revelations as the fact that Bolan lost his virginity at age nine. Whoa.

Then come the records, and there's a lot of 'em. Edsel Records will release a trio of T. Rex vinyl singles with previously unavailable tracks on each B-side. September 17 sees "Metal Guru" backed with an acoustic demo of "The Slider". The next Monday finds "Children of the Revolution" paired with a electric demo of "The Leopards". And October 1 finds "20th Century Boy" matches with "Teenager in Love", an acoustic duet between Marc and his longtime girlfriend, soul singer Gloria Jones.

Following on October 1, also on Edsel, is Live 1977 + In Conversation, a double-disc set consisting of live cuts and an interview. The first disc contains performances from the final T. Rex tour, with punk icons the Damned guesting on the encore of "Get It On". The In Conversation disc is culled from an interview conducted by Steve Wright with Bolan and Gloria Jones. It includes several acoustic on-air performances. Finally, on October 15, Edsel will release Interstellar Soul, a three-CD set collecting exclusive tracks, home demos, and other rarities. The package will arrive in a numbered edition of 5000.
(Thanks to th' Fork.)

TVD'S MORNING WAX - 9/6/07
...is also a TVD Recommends, lucky bastards! Four from the very fine Snowden...
Snowden - Anti-Anti (Mp3)
Snowden - Good News (Mp3)
Snowden - Chin Up (Mp3)
Snowden - Come Around (Mp3)

TVD'S MORNING WAX - 9/4/07
A morning cup o' classic Joe, live at the Hatfield Polytechnic 11/29/79.
Joe Jackson (Live) - One More Time (Mp3)
Joe Jackson (Live) - Don't Wanna Be Like That (Mp3)
Joe Jackson (Live) - I'm The Man (Mp3)
Joe Jackson (Live) - Got The Time (Mp3)
Joe Jackson (Live) - Friday (Mp3)

TVD'S MORNING WAX - 9/4/07
...and we're back...
Arnold - Float My Boat (Mp3)
Arnold - Fleas Don't Fly (Mp3)
Arnold - Ira Jones Goes To The Country (Mp3)
Arnold - Fishsounds (Mp3)
Arnold - Windsor Park (Mp3)

TVD'S WEEKEND SHOTS - 8/31/07
The Bathers - Twenty-Two.mp3
Danny Wilson - Pleasure To Pleasure.mp3
The Blue Nile - High.mp3
The Bathers - Dreamless.mp3
The Blue Nile - Stay Close.mp3
Danny Wilson - The Ballad Of Me And Shirley Maclaine.mp3
(...all Scots, wee hours edition.)

TVD Recommends: Foreign Born

From the new LP "On the Wing Now"
Foreign Born - In The Shape (Mp3)
Foreign Born - Union Hall (Mp3)

From the "In the Remote Woods" EP
Foreign Born - We Had Pleasure (Mp3)
Foreign Born - Escape (Mp3)
(Snap 'em up!)

TVD'S MORNING WAX - 8/31/07
(Big 12" Edition)
Echo and the Bunnymen - Silver (12" mix) (Mp3)
Tears for Fears - The Way You Are (12" mix) (Mp3)
Simple Minds - New Gold Dream (12" mix) (Mp3)
Paul Young - Come Back and Stay (12" mix) (Mp3)
King - Won't You Hold My Hand Now (Heavy Times 12" mix) (Mp3)

Dupont's DJ Hut Destroyed in Blaze

A blaze occurred this morning (8/30) at the building that houses Dupont Circle's DJ Hut (and home to TVD's favorite pizza place, Alberto's.)

The floor of the store is a mess of shattered glass, water, insulation, and the bamboo that lined the shop’s ceiling. Much of DJ Hut’s stock of LPs are melted or smoke damaged, including the whole of the classics and new singles sections. The turntables in the shop are also ruined.

“All of our store has been pretty much destroyed,” says co-owner Chris Stiles.

A few records appear still playable, including discs by Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth, Bob Marley and, EPMD; what’s salvagable is being carried out by staffers. The box set of Coldplay singles behind the counter “won’t be sold at $120,” says Stiles. It’ll be considered part of our their “fire sale,” he jokes.

Stiles doesn’t have much confidence in the condition of the store’s rarest and most expensive stock, which was kept in a separate room in the back of the shop–that’s where firefighters barreled through in their efforts to stop the blaze.

Still, Stiles is optimistic. He says the store and its stock is insured, and that DJ Hut may move to temporary digs soon, depending on what the damage assessment is. And, he points out, this isn’t the first fire at the shop: it suffered one about a year and a half ago. After that incident, Stiles says, the staff affirmed, “nothing can stop us. We still have that attitude.”

TVD purchased its Stanton deck there and the staff couldn't have been more knowledgeable and helpful. Here's hoping they're back on their feet very soon.
(Source: WCP)

TVD'S MORNING WAX - 8/30/07
(Last big weekend edition)
Arab Strap - Speed-Date (Mp3)
Arab Strap - Here We Go (Mp3)
Arab Strap - Love Detective (Mp3)
Arab Strap - The First Big Weekend (Mp3)

TVD Remembers Hilly Kristal

NEW YORK, Aug. 29 It is with deep sadness and regret that we inform you of the death of Hilly Kristal, who died on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 from complications from Lung Cancer. Kristal, 75, founded the legendary rock club CBGB and ran the club for 33 years. A singer and songwriter himself, Kristal opened the club to showcase "Country Bluegrass and Blues"; instead the club became a breeding ground for Punk rock. Among the many acts that called CBGB home were Blondie, the Talking Heads, Television, Living Color, Patti Smith and the Ramones. The club closed in October 2006, but CBGB continues, with a retail store in New York City and worldwide merchandise sales; in addition, there currently are plans to open new CBGB clubs in several locations.

Kristal is survived by his daughter, Lisa Kristal Burgman, son, Mark Dana Kristal, son-in-law Ger Burgman, grandchildren Jenny and Adam Burgman, CBGB, and the thousands of artists and musicians who played the club.

A private memorial service is planned. A public memorial will be held at a later date. Contributions in Hilly's honor may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or to the Hilly Kristal Foundation for Musicians and Artists (168 Second Avenue, PMB 207, New York, NY 10003).
(Source CBGB)

TVD'S MORNING WAX - 8/29/07
(Four from Norway's Even Johansen aka: Magnet)
Magnet - Heaviest Heart (Mp3)
Magnet - Little Miss More Or Less (Mp3)
Magnet - I'll Come Along (Mp3)
Magnet - Duracellia (Mp3)

TVD'S AM Gems - 8/28/07
The Raspberries - Go All The Way (Mp3)
Ringo Starr - Photograph (Mp3)
ELO - Telephone Line (Mp3)
Paul McCartney & Wings - Jet (Mp3)
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band - Whatever Gets You Thru the Night (Mp3)

TVD'S MORNING WAX - 8/28/07
(Now bundled together in one download. Give us some feedback if this is preferable or not - thanks!)
Soft Cell - What (Mp3)
Soft Cell - So (Mp3)
Soft Cell - Kitchen Sink Drama (Mp3)
Soft Cell - Tainted Love/Where Did Our Love Go (12" mix) (Mp3)
Soft Cell - Say Hello, Wave Goodbye [Extended Version] (Mp3)
...guitar free...

TVD'S MORNING WAX - 8/27/07
(Now bundled together in one download!)
The Lotus Eaters - The First Picture of You (Mp3)
Depeche Mode - Somebody (Mp3)
China Crisis - Wishful Thinking (Mp3)
Vitamin Z - Burning Flame (Mp3)
The Bible - Honey Be Good (Acoustic) (Mp3)
(Twee Monday)

Springsteen's "Magic" Gets Vinyl Release Week Before CD

Bruce Springsteen's new album, "Magic," is expected to be released on vinyl a week before its CD version hits stores in order to qualify it for 2007 Grammy consideration. The vinyl is due Sept. 25 via Columbia, while the CD will arrive Oct. 2; Sept. 30 is the cut-off for Grammy eligibility.

A handful of major releases have appeared on vinyl prior to CD; Pearl Jam released its 1994 album, "Vitalogy," on vinyl two weeks early, prompting a premature No. 55 debut on The Billboard 200.

The first single from "Magic," the driving rocker "Radio Nowhere," is due to hit U.S. radio outlets on Sept. 4 but has begun making the rounds online in the past 24 hours.
Springsteen and the E Street Band are widely expected to play some live shows in the U.S. around the album's release, but dates have yet to be announced.
(via Billboard)

Third World - 96 Degrees in the Shade (Mp3)
Jimmy Cliff - Johnny Too Bad (Mp3)
Lee 'Scratch' Perry - Black Panta (Mp3)
Musical Youth - Pass the Duchie (12 Inch Version) (Mp3)
Steel Pulse - Handsworth Revolution (Mp3)
Peter Tosh - Coming in Hot (Mp3)
Bob Marley - Punky Reggae Party (Mp3)
Bunny Wailer - Rise And Shine (Mp3)
Toots and the Maytals - 54-46 Was My Number (Mp3)
Jimmy Cliff - The Harder They Come (Mp3)
(...weekend spliff edition. shh.)

...and so brings a close to Nilsson Week. Thanks for hanging in (if you did!) and indulging us. Thanks must go again to harrynilsson.com and For the Love of Harry for the background info and for filling in some blanks. Tell 'em we sent ya'.

Along the way we were accused of riding the coattails of the aforementioned sites and I politely have to disagree with that notion. They have their audience and we have ours -- and it's one that may have missed Nilsson along the way. We hope we've broadened the horizons of the uninitiated and encouraged some new folks to seek out Harry's catalog. They'll be well rewarded.

Let it not be said however that we're against any critique or criticism, cuz we ain't! Let us know how you feel in any regard...more of this, less of that - we're all ears. Chime in and participate...and thanks!

LP
RCA
CPL1-0570
1974
Harry Nilsson - Many Rivers To Cross (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - Don't Forget Me (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - Old Forgotten Soldier (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - All My Life (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - Save The Last Dance For Me (Mp3)

Famously produced by John Lennon during his "Lost Weekend" period in 1974, Pussy Cats is often regarded as one of Nilsson's weaker albums, but it turns out to be one of my favorites. Just imagine, behind the drum kit alone for all the tracks on the LP are Ringo Starr, Keith Moon and Jim Keltner. Klaus Voorman shows up on bass. Jesse Ed Davis, Danny Kootch, Sneaky Pete Kleinow, Jim Horn and Bobby Keyes all sneak in there too.

And oh, yea -- Harry's on vocals. But if you've been following along all week, you'll note a distinct change in those vocals. Harry injured his vocal cords during the recording sessions which give some of these tunes an extra special resonance...gone is the sugar coating, in place of a whiskey-soaked rasp. And it was to stay that way for the rest of his recording career. A lost weekend, indeed.

Australia
LP
Starcall
APL1-0097
Harry Nilsson - I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - What'll I Do (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - Nevertheless (I'm In Love With You) (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - This Is All I Ask (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - As Time Goes By (Mp3)

"About two years ago [circa 1971], Harry and I were talking about songs, swapping titles, and testing memories. You know that game? Who wrote 'Miss Otis' and what year did Al Jolson die, and what else besides 'As Time Goes By' did Herman Hupfeld ... write? We found a lot of marvelous songs with fine words. And what melodies! 'You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want To Do It),' 'I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now.' Brilliant stuff, constructed with style and flair. ... One day Harry suggested 'Why don't we do an album of the old songs?' and it was the best idea I'd heard since God only knows when. 'You produce and I'll sing,' he said. And two years later - it's November 1972 - he says it again, and this time it's on." -- Derek Taylor

LP
RCA
1971
Harry Nilsson - Gotta Get Up (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - Early In The Morning (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - The Moonbeam Song (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - Without You (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - I'll Never Leave You (Mp3)

"Nilsson Schmilsson" is Harry Nilsson's best-selling album. It spent nearly one year on the charts, reaching #3, and going gold. The album's name comes from a discussion Harry had with some of the musicians about possible titles. One of them said it didn't matter much what you called it ... "Nilsson ... Schmilsson."
(And the greatest wake-and-bake cover ever? Could be...)

Harry's pre-Harry days ('63-'64).
Harry Nilsson (as Johnny Niles) - Donna (I Understand) (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson (as Johnny Niles) - Wig Job (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson (as Bo-Pete) - Do You Wanna (Have Some Fun) (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson (as Bo-Pete) - Groovy Little Suzie (Mp3)
Thanks again to FTLOH!

Three. Part. Harmony.

LP
RCA
LSP-4197
1969
Harry Nilsson - City Life (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - Open Your Window (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - Maybe (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - Waiting (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - Nobody Cares About The Railroads Anymore (Mp3)

"Harry" was Harry Nilsson's first album to break into Billboard's Top 200 album chart. It hit #120 and remained on the chart for 15 weeks.

The Monkees Demos
Harry Nilsson - Cuddly Toy (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - Hey Little Girl (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - Counting (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - The Story Of Rock And Roll (Mp3)
Recorded on March 17, 1967 while auditioning material for The Monkees and their producer Chip Douglas. (Thanks to For The Love Of Harry!)

The guy did get around.

LP
RCA
LSP-4289
1970
Harry Nilsson - Caroline (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - I'll Be Home (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - Living Without You (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - Dayton Ohio 1903 (Mp3)
Harry Nilsson - So Long Dad (Mp3)

"Randy was tired of the album when we were finishing making it, because for him it was just doing piano and voice, piano and voice, over and over and over. But I needed that practice because I needed to learn the songs inside and out the way that he knew them, but do it my way so that it (stylistically) matched both of us. Once I got the take down, I knew what I was going to do with it later. He didn't." - Harry

Or, How 10 CD's for a Penny Could Change Your Life
I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for a deal. Send me ten DVD's for 5 bucks? I'm there. Netflix? Done deal. Peapod? Sure -- bring the grocs right to the front door. I think I've even joined Columbia House and BMG Music Clubs about 5 times each -- immediately completing the terms of the deal and canceling. I mean, fair's fair, right? I take them up on their offer, I get my CDs and move on to the proverbial next town.

But there's an odd downside to this transient Club joining, at least in the musical arena...eventually you kinda have what ya want in the ole LP/CD collection. It forces your hand to look to things you might perhaps just half like, or hell, even hear for the first time.

And that's how I found Harry Nilsson...rolling the dice for a penny and pulling the lever for The Best of Harry Nilsson. And I had every reason for optimism given previous successes of this sort with T-Rex and Thin Lizzy. (Two bands I'll STILL champion to this day - don't start with me...)

What I didn't expect was the sheer pervasive genius of the songwriting, the character of the vocals, the wit, humor, melancholy and longing wrapped up in one performer. How could I have missed this? No wonder John and Paul pronounced Nilsson their favorite in '68...hell it was all there...the 'American Beatle.' And then came that familiar feeling...that buzz...the knowledge that there's a wealth of material out there that's "new." Well, at least it was to me, then.

And now it's ten or more years on from that moment and I still feel the same way, reviewing my LPs and CDs for this week's tribute to Harry. There's plenty to be said about the man and his music, but as I noted in this week's teaser, there are quite a few online doing it already and who have done a wonderful job of covering each and every base. My thanks go out to the very fine harrynilsson.com as well as For The Love Of Harry -- wonderful sites that can fill in the blanks for the curious as well as the converted.

So, timely? Probably not. Timeless? For certain. Sit back, relax, and download...and indeed, run out and purchase.

"Long ago, and far away..."

All next week at TVD...

...with great appreciation to some friends on the net.