Michael Nesmith I am not that

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Michael Nesmith Houston, TX

Michael Nesmith
Houston, TX

Michael Nesmith: “I Am Not That”

“BUZZ” Newspaper Article: Mar- Apr 2013 (#24-X)
Now here’s a guy who truly has done it all ! I am going to try to dis-spell all the misinformation surrounding Nesmith, however there is a lot to cover …

> A Journey With Michael Blessing < Papa Nez was born Robert Michael Nesmith: 30 Dec 1942 in Houston, Texas to Bette (Betty Clair McMurray /Nesmith- Graham 23 Mar 1924 –12 May 1980) & Warren A Nesmith (1919–1984). Warren & Bette were married in 1942 & Divorced in 1946. Michael was an only child raised in Dallas/ Ft. Worth. Bette created "Paint Out" in 1955 renamed "Liquid Paper” in 1958 (NOT: "White Out")& then sold the rights to Gillette in 1979 for $47 million (Nez inherited half of this amount in 1980). Mike started writing poetry about age 15. Nez enlisted into the US Air-force in 1960 & received his G.E.D. while enlisted, he was a mechanic and has said "I was kicked out of the Air-Force (in 1962), cuz I flipped over a general's plane". Mike enrolled in San Antonio Collage in 1962, he also began playing guitar around age 19 to regain dexterity in his hand after a firecracker accident, in collage Mike meet his long time bassist John London (John Carl Kuehne 6Feb1942 –12Feb2000) and Nez's 1st wife Phyllis Ann Barbour (married Jun'64, they had 3 children together: Christian DuVal: 31Jan1965, Jonathan: 4Feb1968 & Jessica Buffler: 10Sep1970 & then divorced in Mar'75) > Don’t Call On Me < Nez was part of the "New Christy Minstrels" & wrote songs recorded by other artists such as: Linda Ronstadt, Frankie Laine, Paul Butterfield & Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Nez himself became a recording artist in early 1963 when he released his 1st 45 Single "Wanderin b/w Well Well" on Highness Records & later that year "How Can You Kiss Me b/w Just A Little Love" on Omnibus. In 1965 Nez changed his performing name to Michael Blessing, then auditioned for and got the part on the TV Show "The Monkees" & signed with Colpix Records (same label as Davy Jones) & released "The New Recruit b/w Journey With" In Oct, then in Jan 1966 Nez release his 4th 45 Single (before The Monkees 1st record was released in Aug 1966) "Until It's Time For You To Go b/w What Seems To Be The Trouble Officer" however a 5th single was re-issued to capitalize on Nesmith's Monkees' fame "Just A Little Love b/w Curson Terr" on Edan Records in 1966. Nesmith was hired for "The Monkees" project with a 7 year contract from 1965- 1972, he wrote some 46 songs for The Monkees project & was on 8 albums & 11 singles, 58 TV episodes, 1 feature film & 1 TV Special. Nez recorded his 1st Solo Album in Jul 1968 "Wichita Train Whistle Sings" Nez also had an affair with Nurit Wilde (born in Israel) & gave birth to Nesmith's 3rd son Jason Nesmith in 7Aug1968. Nesmith announced he was leaving The Monkees in Nov 1969 but did full fill some commercial work in 1970 as a Monkee. Papa Nez formed the "First National Band" in early 1970 with John London, Red Rhodes (Orville J. 30 Dec 1930 in Alton, IL. - 20 Aug 1995) & John Ware on drums from "The Stone Poneys" & then released 6 LPs on RCA, the 1st being "Magnetic South" Jul 1970 & 2 Singles the 1st has a Non-LP flipside "Rose City Chimes" the 2nd is the #21 Hit "Joanne" in Aug70. His 2nd album "Loose Salute” was in Nov 1970 with the #42 Hit "Silver Moon" in Jan71. > The Crippled Lion < The 'First National Band' toured throughout 1970 I own, the only known to exist, tour poster, for the concert; Fri 20 Nov 1970 Des Moines, Iowa @ KRNT Theatre, (this poster is featured in the book "Total Control" on Page #138, (it was to be used in a "Nesmith CD Boxset" on Rio Records in 1994). Dick Youngs was the MC for this show & told me this about the concert "Nesmith was riding on the hit Joanne, & Silver moon was just out, yet only about 200 people showed up for the show, so at the beginning of the show Nesmith asked everyone to move forward to the front closer to the stage" John Ware had this to say, "The end of the band came in late '70 in Des Moines I think, there was a huge argument within in the band & John (London) & I quit". Then in May 1971 the band release a 3rd LP "Nevada Fighter" with the minor charting hit "Nevada Fighter" 2 other singles were released from this album. Of this trio of LPs 10 songs were hold over’s from Nesmith's Monkees stint, also if you play side #2 of all 3 LPs in a row, this comprises a musical tale of the old west. Nesmith releases a 4th album as "The 2nd National Band" the LP is"Tantamount To Treason" in Feb'72 with the hardrock "Mama Rocker" as a 45, Nez performs in Phoenix 12-15 Apr '72 . At this time RCA asks Nesmith "When are you going to deliver another hit like 'Joanne'?" so Nez releases "And The Hits Just Keep A Coming" Aug'72 a single is released but again not a hit. > I’ve Never Loved Anyone More < It is about this time Nez's 1st marriage ends & Long time friend Bill Martin creates a film in 1972 "Northville Cemetary Massacre" (but released in 1976, a budget VHS was released under a different title) Nesmith was asked to write the score for free! Nez releases his final LP for RCA "Pretty Much Your Stand Ranch Stash" in Oct'73, with 1 single. Of the last 3 LPs 5 songs are Monkees hold over’s. Nez also produced & wrote with other artists like: Iain Matthews, Bert Jansch & Linda Hargrove , when Electra Records gave Nez an off shoot label titled Countryside (the label was an photo of an Orange, the fruit, like the Beatles Apple), but was shut down about 1 ½ years later. Nez did not tour a lot but he did play shows from time to time here is the setlist to a Rare Live CD: 28 April 1974 in London @ The Roundhouse Joanne Some Of Shelly's Blues Silver Moon Different Drum Propinquity The Grand Ennui Wax Minute Tomorrow And Me The Upside Of Goodbye Roll With The Flow Marie's Theme > Dance Between The Raindrops < Then the changes really kick in, Nez opens his own record label "Pacific Arts" Oct'74 then releases "The Prison" boxset a record with a book in late 1974 & then re-releases it in Mar'75. Pacific Arts released many LPs of relativity unknown artists. Nesmith did do an unusual show of live music of "The Prison" with a ballet performing on the main stage with him off to the side reading the book and playing music. Nez marries for a 2nd time to Kathryn Bild in Feb 1976 (until Aug 1988). In Mar 1977 Nez put out "From A Radio Engine To The Photon Wing" with Thee 1st Official Video Single "Rio" though it did not score high on the charts it became a huge TV hit as Nesmith created the show “PopClips" . Nez & band did do a brief tour in 1977, then released his 1st 'Live Album' "Live At The Palais" in Aug'78 (the commercial for the LP is hysterical). In May 1979 Nez released "Infinite Rider On The Big Dogma" with 2 singles both having videos to match "Magic" & the minor hit"Crusin" again because of "PopClips" which ran on the "Nickleodeon" channel from late 1980 to early 1981 for 1 season of 30 min. episodes when the show was purchased by Warner Cable & turned the idea into MTV (Des Moines was #9 of the 10 test markets). One of Nesmith's final live performances was in Oct 1979 @ Compton Terrace in Phoenix, AZ. (I have this show on tape). > Capsule < Staring in 1980 Nez went on a promotional tour announcing "The audio only record is dead, moving forward there will only be VideoMusic" in keeping with this statement Nez turned towards VHS & Film releases in 1981 "Elephant Parts" a comedy segment video for which Nez won the 1st ever "Video Grammy" in 1982 the film "Time Rider" in 1984 the film "Repo Man" In Mar '85 the TV Special "Television Parts" leading to the short lived TV Series (9 episodes) "Television Parts" in Jun '85 when I interviewed Jerry Seinfeld (in MPLS Sep 2001) I asked him about his memories of appearing on "Television Parts" he replied "I remember it very well & very fondly, it was the 1st time I was on prime time TV, I played the 'Sock Detective' how do you know about that?" then in 1986 the VHS "Dr. Duck's Super-Secret All-Purpose Sauce" (a part #2 of 'Television Parts") in Feb 1987 the film "Square Dance" then in Mar 1987 "Burglar" followed by the film "Tapeheads" in 1988, Nez sent out a 'promo only VHS' to promote the film. > Total Control < In the late 80's Nez met his 3rd wife Victoria Kennedy (who he married in Apr 2000 & divorced in 2011) also in the late 80s Nez starts releasing Audio Albums with "Newer Stuff" in 1989 followed by "Older Stuff" in 1991 Nez goes out & performs for the 1st time in over 10 years in 1991 in Jacksonville, OR. @ Britt Festival, Nez records & releases "Live @ The Britt" on VHS (in 1999 the CD comes out) & to everyone's surprise releases "Tropical Campfires" in Jul'92, & then does a short tour. I was able to see Nez for the 1st time on Tour 15 Feb 1992 Chicago @ Cubby Bear. The beginning of the next year Jan'93 Nez is broadcast on "Austin City Limits" (from a 1992 performance). With a renewed interest in writing & recording Nez opens "Rio Records" 1994 & releases "The Garden" (the follow up to 'The Prison' 1974) & begins to re-release his earlier catalog on CD on the Awarness label, & begins pre-production on a 4 CD boxset, of which I was supplying some material for the accompanying booklet, about the same time the 'stuff hits the fan' Nesmith's Pacific Arts Co. has had a distribution deal with PBS since 1990, over time, with neither party happy with the other, several lawsuits were filed & in 1994 the suit, shuts down operations of Pacific Arts & in 1995 the law suit shut down his newly opened ‘Rio Records' however in Feb 1999 Nez & Co. were awarded $48 million in damages. > Dynaflow < In 1997 Nesmith returned to The Monkees for a new studio LP "Justus" a TV Special "Hey, Hey, It's The Monkees" & UK Tour. In early 2000 Nez launched www.VideoRanch3d.com selling his products & "on-Line" performances. Nez finally released a new CD "Rays" in 2006.Papa Nez being a prolific writer released his 1st novel "The Long Sandy Hair of Neftoon Zamora" in 1998 followed by in 2009 his 2nd "The America Gene" 2009. Nesmith, Dolenz & Tork toured the US last year. Nez went out solo last year and is on tour now. *Michael Nesmith of The MONKEES; will be performing Fri 5 April 2013 at the Fitzgerald Theatre in St. Paul his 2nd Solo tour in 21 years. I have been getting this question asked a lot "Will Nez be performing a lot of MONKEES songs" the answer ”Sorry No, "Papa Gene's Blues" & “Tapioca Tundra" however he does perform many songs he recorded 1st under the MONKEES name & can be found on "Missing Links1- 3" but did not release until his 1st few RCA solo LPs like "Some Of Shelly's Blues" & "Propinquity" I remember seeing Nez on TV in 1979 for a "Where are they now" segment & my Dad said "What has he really done outside of The Monkees”, with all due respect Dad... Michael Nesmith, well he did it all. In Nov 2013 My very Good Friends Rose, Anite & Fil were able to our copy of "(meet) The Monkees 1966 "Papa J" Cover autographed by Nez to the Shop ... my life is not complete. Until the next time.... MrZERo (RLSchwinden) "Mr. Zero's" Est. 2009 http://www.mrzeros.com 1744 Lexington Ave N Roseville/ St. Paul, MN. 55113 651-489-0207

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The MONKEES in 2012

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State Theatre MPLS

State Theatre MPLS

The MONKEES: 2012
Nesmith, Dolenz & Tork:
Thurs 15 Nov 2012 @ State Theatre
in MPLS. MN.

“BUZZ” Newspaper Article” Dec- Jan 2013 (#21-U)
(By: Mr.ZERo)

First of all this combination has never toured together before. The 2012 Trio performed just 12 dates from, 8 Nov in Escondido, CA. to 2 Dec in NYC. The Original 4 toured together from 1966 to 1968 and then again in 1997, they did perform 1 concert in 1989 for the Hollywood “Walk of Fame”. The trio of Nesmith, Dolenz & Jones toured in 1969. And in 1986 Jones, Dolenz & Tork toured as The Monkees from 1986 to 1989, then again 1996 & 1997 and again in 2000 & 2001 and finally in 2010. These statistics, and much, much more can be found in my book (not yet published) “The Monkees: Complete Touring History” or you can go to this website and get Tons of info; http://www.monkeesconcerts.com this guy did a great job.
When I arrived I knew about 1 out of every 3 people in the venue, I guess that will happen when you’ve followed a band since 1966 and seen them live somewhere around 45 times in 9 different states since 1986. Unfortunately the vocals were buried in the mix, just like last year when the other Trio played the MN. ZOO, on the 1st night. So it was hard to tell what the guys actually sounded like, except Micky I could hear him fine. I am told the vocals were fine depending on where you sat in the venue.
It was cool to see Nez, (only the 2nd time I have seen him live) when he walked out, it brought the house down, it was Very Apparent, 2/3 of the people were there to see Papa Nez, in his shiny loafers. (it seems most people do not realize Nez came into $48 million twice in his life in 1980 when his Mother Bette died and left her “Liquid Paper” fortune to Nez and then in 1999 Nez won a lawsuit against PBS, so he’s not really doing it for the money, although he did get divorced last year) Peter was Peter and did a fine job, playing Guitar & Banjo & 5 String Bass & Keyboards & Lead Vocals on 5 songs. My friend Jennifer said “Someone put a quarter in Tork for “Your Auntie Grizelda” as he came to life during this number. One thing, I personally saw Tork looking for cameras in the audience, maybe a little too much (focus on the show Peter). The backing band had long time “Monkees” Associates: David Alexander, Aviva Maloney & Wayne Avers & this time, Nesmith’s son Christian on Guitar, and Micky’s sister CoCo on backing vocals.
Micky did a great job as a front man (working harder to fill in for a missing Jones) also playing percussion, Guitar & Drums and wearing a ‘Tablecloth’ for “Randy Scouse Git”,very cool, Dolenz sang lead on 11 songs. Nez, was reading off a “I pad” I felt he only played about 3/4 of the songs, playing a Blonde 12 String Gretsch,( I doubt it was his same one from the 60 s as I heard that one was stolen from a guitar repair shop in Nashville in the 60s) & a Black Strat for “Pleasant Valley Sunday” & Keyboards during “For Pete’s Sake” Nez sang lead on 10 songs. And Nez performed the “Moog” on “Daily Nightly” a sight, you had to see to believe, hysterical !!! After the song Tork asked “How do you warm up for that?” Nez “Very slowly” Tork “He stole that joke”
It was really cool to finally see the 3 live, but when it was only the 3 on stage during 3 songs from “Headquarters” it really set in the fact the David is gone … and they waited all this time to do this … so the 2 video tributes to David were a nice touch. However, The Trio really did seem to lack a comradery between them, not much interaction between them, missing was the “one ups man ship” between Jones & Dolenz. However, it was a dream come true to watch Mike sing lead & play 12 string, with Micky on drums & Peter on bass for “You Told Me” “Sunny Girlfriend” “You Just May Be The One“ & “Mary Mary” what a time warp, to actually see this live, even though the guys are in their late 60s.
There was a video screen behind the guys, (they actually pioneered this in 1967) showing some really rare video clips some I had never seen before, and I have seen a lot over the last 25 years, including a trailer for the new “Boyce & Hart” documentary, “Candy Store Profits” due out next year. They also played some rare music before and after the concert, the most unusual track I heard was a Spanish Version of “Hard To Believe” a Jones track from “Pisces”. The Merch booth was CRAZY they $old Out Of Almost Everything!! After the show we saw Coco Dolenz outside by the bus, and Tork walking into the Hotel they were staying in. It was cool to see Christian Nesmith live, I saw my long time friend Karen & her friend Keyboardist David Alexander took our picture (& his too), I met Andrew Sandoval in person after all these years, also very cool, Sandoval is recording all 12 shows for a DVD next month.
The stand out songs for me were “You Told Me” “Early Morning Blues & Greens” “Do I Have To Do This All Over Again” “Sweet Young Thing” & “Tapioca Tundra” and My little friend Rose, got to sing “Daydream Believer” with the Trio, awesome. I personally would have loved to see them perform “Salesman” “Love Is Only Sleeping” “Tear The Top Off” “Nine Times Blue” or “You’re So Good” but alas my friend Doc tells me “Rik, You’re the only one who wants to hear that stuff?” So I give you the Set List for the night’s Concert. Apparently a lot of the concert can be found on “YouTube”
The Setlist:
*Intro Instrumental
Last Train To Clarksville (Nez & Tork on Guitar)
Papa Gene’s Blues
Your Auntie Grizelda (Tork’s song & dance)
She (in a lower key than the recorded version)
Sweet Young Thing (Tork on Banjo)
I’m A Believer (Dolenz on Tamborine)
(INY) Steppinstone
*Video: I Wanna Be Free
You Told Me (Dolenz on drums for the next 8 songs)
Sunny Girlfriend (Tork on Bass for the next 3 songs)
You Just May Be The One
Mary Mary
Girl I Knew Somewhere: Nez Vocal & Tork on Keyboards
For Pete’s Sake: Tork Vocal
Early Morning Blues & Greens: Tork Vocal
Randy Scouse Git (Dolenz on Kettle Drums)
Daily Nightly: (Nez on Vocal Moog)
Tapioca Tundra
Goin Down
*Head Film Trailer
Porpoise Song
*Video Daddy’s Song
Can You Dig It: Tork Vocal & Dolenz Percussion
As We Go Along
Circle Sky (Dolenz on Drums)
Long Title: DIHTDTAOA
*Video Tribute to David Jones
*Daydream Believer: Rose on stage singing
What Am I Doing Hanging Round (Tork on Banjo)
Listen To The Band (With Band Introduction)
Pleasant Valley Sunday (Dolenz Guitar)
BUT !!!
It was Great to see them and I had a Great Time and I loved it overall !!! I personally feel the coolest thing is all the Wonderful People I have met over the last 26 years because of a TV Show in the 60s that put out some Records and became a Band.
Thanks to Curt & Lori for filming me 20 years ago at Adventureland. I’d like to thank Andy for the Ticket, and Rob & Tom & Billy for hanging out, we tried in vain to get some autographs, especially from Nez, as we have the 1st LP a “J” (Papa Jean’s Blues) cover signed to the Shop (Mr. Zero’s we took the name from the Monkees episode #52 from 5 Feb 1968), by Jones, Tork & Dolenz, however Nez’s son Christian informed us, “My Dad won’t sign things, because he hates Ebay”, and so do the other 2 we found out, waiting around for 2 hours or more, to no avail (thank you Ebay Dealers for ruining it for everyone, everywhere in the universe) . In closing, I would say a wonderful time was had by all.
MrZERo
1744 Lexington Ave. N.
St. Paul, MN. 55113
www.MrZeros.Com

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When MrZERo met Chrysler

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Dave, Zack, Mitch

Dave, Zack, Mitch

“When Jesus Met Zero”

How the local band ‘Jesus Chrysler’ helped spawn the band ‘MrZERo’
“BUZZ: Newspaper Article” Jul- Aug 2013 (#29-jC)

> Riff One < I first met Bakko the Lead Singer & Guitar Player of 'JESUS CHRYSLER’ (They are a local band essentially from St. Paul), through my Co-Worker (Mr. Zero's) Crazy Rob sometime in spring 2010. Bakko & I hit it off, straight away both of us being huge KISS fans, I told him about a book I was involved with on KISS "Alive Forever" & he told me about the local band he was in. Bakko: "I was Born in Minneapolis, 1970, I mainly grew up in Owatanna, I founded the band in 1998 with our original drummer Shaggz, before JC, we were called 'Bloody Bedsheets' oddly enough my Mom thought “What was wrong with that name”. I play on all 5 of the CD's we have out so far. I've had at minimum at least a hand in writing every song. I like playing "Dashboard Jesus" and "Love Is A Lie". I don't really enjoy playing any particular cover. Duffy took over for Shaggz about 2004, Duffy had played with 'Treble’ in another band" "Jesus Chrysler" much like our childhood heroes KISS not only had out 4 CDs (at that time) "Ride" 2001 "Intake" 2001 "BurnOut" 2002, our mutual friend Glenn Bogan of the local band "Attica" produced the 1st 3 CDs for them, there is a music video for "Airbourne" released in 2006, followed by the CD "IV: Backfire" 2009 & finally "Make Bold Statements" 2012 to list them all, but the band also put out, trading cards, personalized guitar picks, coffee mugs, stickers, posters, matchbooks, buttons, t-shirts. etc. the only other local band I had seen do anything like this was "FLIP" who was even managed by former KISS manager Bill Aucoin, some years back. Brynn Arens (FLIP), is currently in "The ODDFATHERS" who recently worked with Eddie Kramer on their upcoming CD. > Given Away < Bakko invited me to his birthday party in Oct 2010, there I met the rest of the band, I 1st met the bass player ‘Knuckles’ me being of Polish decent he & I became fast friends. Knuckles: (Mirek Aleksandrowicz) "I was born in Katowice, Poland on 27 Sep 1972, biooootch!!! I joined the band by a drunken fluke & being co-workers with Bakko sometime about Sept-Oct '98. I played on; "Ride", "Intake" and the new one "Make Bold Statements". For the CDs I wrote; "Behind", "Given Away" & I collaborated on a number of other songs. My favorite original has to be "Route 666" & my favorite cover we did was Sex Pistols: "Holidays in the Sun" While socializing at the birthday party, I met the drummer 'Duffy' (Craig Duffy 14 Jan 1973 Mound, MN.) Duffy really didn't have a lot to say, but he sure know some very technical details about some songs we were about to perform that night. Bakko handed me a Tobacco Sunburst Gibson Les Paul and said "Here we're gonna jam in a few minutes, we're tuned to Eb, are there any songs you feel comfortable doing right away?" I responded with "Yea, 'Deuce' 'Cold Gin’ & 'Love Gun" I was then introduced to 'Treble' the lead guitarist of the band, I didn't quite know what to make of him at first, as he was walking around in a powder blue polyester leisure suit, & always seemed to be holding a beer in his left hand. Treble: (Marty Lang) “I was born in small town in Ontario, Canada in 1977. How I came to join the band, well, my band 'Distant Relatives of God' parted ways during the summer of 2003 for various reasons, but prior to that we had played a handful of shows with 'Jesus Chrysler'. During those shows Bakko and I talked a few times and exchanged phone numbers, at some point they needed a new lead guitar player and when Bakko heard that I was potentially available he called me up. I learned all of the songs off of their most current album at that time (Burn Out) before showing up to the audition, it was fun to show up and be able to say, "Yeah, let’s play any song you want, I know them all". I have played on 3 CDs so far "Backfire" the newest one "Make Bold Statements" & the unreleased "Deny it All Later". Bakko and I wrote almost everything for 'Make Bold Statements / Deny it All Later' together. My favorite original song to play right now is “Third Ring of Hell”, it's cool because Bakko and I both have cool vocal parts and rhythmic leads guitar parts. "War Pigs" is a fun song to cover; I really like the structure of the song, Black Sabbath rules. > Had To Be There < Well we all plugged in, with me on Rhythm Guitar & jammed away, I remember thinking "This lead guy is really good, I'd love to be in a band with this kind of player". We played for about 30- 45 minutes; it felt good, as I had not played with people in many years. My good friend Chris Watous of the Des Moines Band "Seven Hells" had been hounding me for years to join their band, in spring 2009 I had agreed to do the encore of a show in Baxter, Iowa, with ‘Seven Hells’ then again in July in Des Moines. I was so intrigued with the idea of playing again I asked to jam with 'Jesus Chrysler' again in Jan 2011. I had seen a video Bakko had done as a spoof of a sports celebrity & thought it was comic genius; I told him that I thought so. In Feb 2011 Bakko came to me with an idea & a script to do a video short for Mr. Zero's, he didn't give me any details, but I loved his last video, so I was in. The story is the owner of Mr. Zero's becomes the manager of the band only exploits them as free labor. As I had been involved with a local film "Attack of the Moon Zombies" (2011) a few months earlier, so I still had the acting bug so I was ready to do my part. The band (JC) recorded "Not Your Steppinstone" by The MONKEES for this video, as the Shop Mr. Zero's is named after a MONKEES TV episode (#52 "Devil & Peter Tork" Feb 1968). While filming this video I learned their long time bass player Knuckles was leaving the band, I quickly inquired about auditioning for the open position. I was informed "Naw, you're too old and you hair's too long" Christian Howard Shores: "I was born in Rochester Mn. & lived in Owatonna. That's where I graduated from high school and know Bakko from. We weren't very good friends only by friend association which is weird. I moved to Vegas when I was 21 and lived there for 13 years working mostly as a Chef at the Bellagio Hotel. I played in an original band & we recorded a CD, the band's name was "Haddenfield" (named in honor of the movie Halloween) we just changed spelling a little, it was the town that Michael terrorized. We played several gigs around Vegas... even opened up for Winger once. I got in touch with Bakko thru "fb" & he got invited to my surprise 40th Bday party after not seein’ him in 22years I joined the band in fall of 2011. I just played on a few songs on new CD, & redid some bass lines in my style. We are currently putting new material together for new CD, that I will play on whole thing and be a major contributor. My favorite new song is "Stankbutt", my favorite song on "Make Bold Statements" is "Oh Devil" ... the rest is history” > Get Up & Get Your Grandma Outta Here < So this is about the time I started thinking about putting my own band together. In Feb 2011 I met a country singer Colene Walters a "Patsy Cline" impersonator from Nashville, I began working with her until Sep 2011 when we parted ways. When in Sep 2011 'JESUS CHRYSLER' asked me to play Lead Guitar & Sing Lead & Backup on a promotional video they were working on for the song "Born To Raise Hell" a Motorhead cover. I had such a great time I wanted to do more. Then in Mar 2012 Bakko wrote & produced a Theme Song for "Mr. Zero's" which we used in our 3rd Anniversary Commercial later that spring. I met Mitch (Guitar & Keyboards) here at the Shop (Mr. Zero's 1744 Lexington Ave. N. Roseville, MN. 55113) in 2009 soon after we 1st opened. Rakehell: (Mitch Anderson: 1966 Feb Minneapolis) "When I was 15 I was at a house party when I 1st heard "Iron Man" by BLACK SABBATH, it changed my life. I soon asked my Mom if I could take guitar lessons. As far as my influences, I would have to say it starts & ends with Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, although I must acknowledge Dave Mustaine when he was with 'Metallica' & (early) 'Megadeth', although I am not a big fan of his now, oh & Barry Thompson & Gavin Ward of 'Bolt Thrower' as far as my influences there was also 'Judas Priest' & 'Iron Maiden' my favorite cover songs; "Into The Void" by Black Sabbath, "The Conjuring" by Megadeth & "For Victory" by Bolt Thrower.” “The only other actual band that I've been in is one that I started in high school with a couple of friends, which had several incarnations over the years. We called ourselves 'The Psychotic Embryos' & the last time we played together was probably 1993. We were a 50/50 band that did half covers and half originals, we did write some pretty cool songs, some of which I still remember how to play!" Through Mitch, I met the Drummer & Vocalist Dave in early 2010, both from St.Paul, he was in a band at the time called ‘Party Army’. Nailer: (Dave Columbus: 5 Jan 1964 St. Paul, Mn.) "When I was about 6 or 7 my brother would let me play his drums, but I didn't get serious about it until I was 14 or 15 when I got my first drum set. The bands I listened to early on were 'YES', 'RUSH' & 'Kansas'. I can't really say I have 3 favorite songs, there are so many I could name from a wide variety of bands, but I’ll stay with the 3 groups that I listed. "Roundabout", "Spirit of Radio", and "Dust in the Wind". The bands that mean the most to me that I've played in are 'Spirits Of Adventure', & the first band I played in. I still once in awhile get together and jam with them. Another is 'Show Me Yours', which is the most talented band I played in, & of course ’Rock Brigade', which is one of the bands I currently play in." > Let The Winter Sunshine On < I then met the 2nd Guitarist & Backing Vocals; Zach of Brooklyn Center through his wife in mid 2010, once again here at the shop. Gunslinger: (Zachary Plese: 197x Minneapolis,MN. @ North Memorial) “I got my 1st guitar around age 14, but I didn't start seriously playing till I was 18, my best friend got me into it, he was murdered sometime later. My main influences were Edward Van Halen, Tom Scholz: Boston & Steve Perry: Journey. My favorite songs would be "Love Will Find A Way" YES, "Peace Of Mind" Boston & "Dance the Night Away" Van Halen, although for some time now I have been into Alan Holdsworth, seriously anything by Holdsworth, it's my dream to play like him.” Drummer Dave continued to ask me to sit in with him, after a year & half of hounding me, (I had realistically stopped playing in 1989) I agreed to jam with these guys, 1st Zach in 2011 then Mitch in 2012 and eventually all 4 of us in Jan 2013. At 1st I was the Lead Vocalist & Guitar Player, but when we realized Mitch & Zach were levels ahead of me, I agreed to go back to playing Bass which I played in 2 or 3 different bands in the mid to late 80s. > Don’t Let Your Mind Post Toastee < Dr. Rox (R. L. Schwinden: 29 May 196? Sioux City, Iowa home of Tommy Bolin) “I was interested in music at an early age, my Aunt Debby used to play Dave Clark 5 records for me & I used to watch the MONKEES TV show (to hear the music) my Dad was a sub-drummer for ‘The Trashmen' back in the day, he wanted me to play drums but I could not keep a beat, so my Uncle Jeff gave me a guitar at age 8. I got my 1st real guitar at 16, my friends Mike Langley & Brett Rodgers taught me how to play, I was in a few bands, 'Magic Acid Band' 'Palace Guard' 'Black Diamond' currently I use a 1968 Gibson EB-O (modified) & a 1972 SG Deluxe (refinished). My main influences: The MONKEES, Black Sabbath, KISS & Tommy Bolin.” It was Drummer Dave's suggestion to call the band "MrZERo" since this is where the band came together. My friend Peggy Sorrell & I created the Band's Logo/CD Cover, she started in 2011 and I finalized in 2013. My friend Lily graces the poster art we use. We're currently performing covers: KISS, Black Sabbath, RATT, Twisted Sister, Van Halen, Cheap Trick, Night Ranger, David Bowie & Three Doors Down. In spring 2013 "MrZERo" approached "JESUS CHRYSLER" about performing on a double bill as they have just released their 4th CD "Make Bold Statements" however it was Treble of: JC who secured MrZERo to play with "JESUS CHRYSLER" @ The Red Sea in Jun 2013. And so now you know … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6igSCQYGH8 By: Dr. Rox (RLSchwinden) c/o Mr. Zero’s: Pop Culture Heaven 1744 Lexington Ave. N. Roseville, MN. 55113 www.MrZeros.Com *Est. 2009

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KISS Hotter Than Hell

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"Hotter Than Hell"

“Hotter Than Hell”

KISS: “Hotter Than Hell” 1974

“BUZZ” Newspaper Article March 2012 (12- L)
By: MrZero; R.L.Schwinden

How ya doin’ St. Cloud !!!

As some of you may not know I was a member of the staff that wrote the book “KISS: Alive Forever”. Put out on Billboard Books in 2002 with the ISBN # 0-8230-8322-5. I had 27 entries and conducted some 8 hours of interviews. I was recently asked then why is it, I have not yet done an article on one of my favorite bands? My response: “There is too much to cover in a 3 page article. So in an attempt to satisfy the fans, I narrowed the focus down to my favorite period of KISS 1974- 75. When I was in Grade School in Jackson, MS. my buddy Greg A. gave me “Hotter Than Hell” for my birthday and I was never the same again, I had found what I had been looking for all my life, And away we go….

“The Birth”

KISS was born from the ashes of the ‘Epic Label’ band “Wicked Lester” in Dec 1972. Gene $immon$ (Chaim Weitz: 25Aug1949; Haifa, Israel, then Eugene Klein NYC) on Bass & Vocals, Paul Stanley (Stanley Bert Eisen: 20Jan1952; Queens NYC) on Vocals & Guitar, Peter Criss (George Peter John Criscuola: 20Dec1946; Brooklyn, NYC) on Drums & Vocals & Ace Frehley (Paul Daniel Frehley: 27Apr1951; Bronx, NYC) on Lead Guitar & Vocals. The band recorded a 5 song demo tape on 13 Mar 1973 the tape contained: Deuce, Cold Gin, Strutter, Watchin You & Black Diamond. I was able to interview Gene in Jun 1990, in Des Moines, IA. I was told “Black Diamond” was started by Gene inspired by a brand name of guitar strings & or a brand of bowling ball, but finished up by Paul for someone he knew in NYC, Paul confirmed to me, in an interview I conducted with him in Oct 1990, in Sioux City, Iowa. KISS recorded their 1st LP “KISS” from Oct- Nov 1973 at Bell Sound Studios in NYC. It was released on Casablanca/ WB Records NB-9001 on 18 Feb 1973. The 1st version contained only 9 songs “Kissin Time” was recorded later on in April 1973 for a 45 Single then later added to new pressings of the LP.

“Bring on the Heat”

KISS relocated to LA in Aug- Sep 1974 to work with, for the 2nd time, producers Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise. The band being from NYC did not like the surroundings of west coast California. The band lived out of hotel rooms with Gene & Peter starting off as roommates because Gene said “Peter and I were a lot alike, in the fact we were both like giant little kids, we both loved treats like Twinkies, Hostess Cupcakes etc. we used throw all our treats in a pile on the bed and then divvy them up equally” until one day Paul was frustrated & went to Gene and asked Gene to please switch Ace for Peter as a roommate. On this same trip to LA Paul’s Custom Schecter ’72 “Flying V” with the lower fin being longer than the top fin (like Albert Lee’s) was stolen on the 2nd day of recording. This same guitar (I own the leather strap that came with it) was later traded to a friend of mine Kenny of the band “Patriot” sometime later in 1975 in Mynott, ND. for the ’74 black Gibson reversed Firebird Paul uses on the cover of “Alive”. It originally had a tobacco finish before Paul had his father’s company paint it black. Also on this visit Paul received his now famous “Rose” tattoo from legendary tattoo artist Lyle Tuttle. (this tattoo is rumored to have a copyright)

“Rock N Roll Ball”

Staying on the west coast was not going well for the band. Ace was in a car accident on 23 Aug 1974 which caused a problem when it came to photograph the front cover. Ace received a cut just over his right eye, preventing him from applying his entire face makeup. To compensate, the right side of his face was superimposed and airbrushed in. The costumes on the front cover were worn from roughly May 1974 to Jun 1975. In an interview I did with Ace in Apr 1990 in Phoenix, Ace told me “I still have my first two ‘Leathers’ (1974-75 Costumes) and the Marshall amps I used on that tour” On the back cover the photos of Gene, Peter & Ace are shown with them wearing costumes that as far as I know were only worn on that one occasion, specifically for the Norman Seeff photo shoot party. Interestingly Peter’s wife Lydia Criss was in attendance but Ace’s girlfriend Janette was not. The party got so wild and Paul got so drunk someone decided it was a good idea to lock Paul into his own rental car; the rumor is it took him half an hour to get himself out.

“Hotter Than Hell” NBLP-7006 (LP, 8Track, Cassette &CD)

Was released 22 Oct 1974 for me this is the most band cohesive album they ever did as the songs were written or co-written by 3 of the 4 members. As well as the last album where all 4 members played their own instruments on every track (the only other LP after this to have all 4 play on every track was “Rock N Roll Over” in 1976). The original title of the LP was “The Harder They Come” recorded at the ‘Village Recorder’ in LA. I interviewed Peter in Dec 1993 in Chicago; he informed me “Hotter Than Hell” was his favorite KISS LP and that in fact his correct birth year was 1945.

I am going to review the 8-Track release of the LP as it is very rare and is not in the same running order as the LP release. The 8-Track catalog number is # CABF-87006 & the track listing runs in this order:

  1. 1. “Hotter Than Hell” Paul’s tip of the hat to ‘FREE’s’ “Alight Now” apparently 1 of Paul’s favorite songs and one of the few covers songs he would play with any regularity.
  2. “Let Me Go Rock N Roll” Originally titled “Baby Let Me Go” Paul wrote the chord structure first and Gene wrote the melody & Lyrics later on.

3.”Comin Home” Paul told me in Dec 82 “Even though it’s credited to both of us (Paul and Ace), I wrote the whole song. When I brought it into the studio, Ace wrote a few chords for the bridge & ending”

4.”Parasite” Written by Ace and sung by Gene. When I asked Paul about this one he said “It’s a great song, but by ’76 we had so many other great songs, something had to go from the set.” When they played this live they added an extra chorus to the end of the song.

5.”All The Way” Originally titled “Talkin Louder”. Another Gene song written before he was in KISS, perhaps from his days with the “Long Island Sounds” or “Bullfrog Beer”

  1. “Goin Blind” Originally titled “Little Lady” written with Steven Coronel before Gene, Paul & Steven were in “Wicked Lester” Gene & Coronel also wrote “She” about the same time.
  2. “Watchin You” Gene used parts from 2 songs he liked by ‘Jeff Beck’ & ‘Mountain’ as inspiration for this song which was also written well before KISS.
  3. “Strange Ways” Written when Ace was in ‘Milemo’ in the early 70′s so the rumor goes. Sung by Peter the original version contained a several minute drum solo from Peter, cut out before the LP was released. Ace once said “I regret not singing lead on that one. The effect in the solo is the harmonic on the string from my thumb holding the pick” from my Apr90 interview.

9.”Got To Choose” Paul reworked an R&B song “99 & 1/2 (Won’t Do)” by Wilson Pickett. This is hands down my favorite KISS song.

  1. “Mainline” Rumored to have been played live in concert 28Nov 1974 in Charlotte, NC. There’s a rumor about this song, being written by Paul about Peter’s dabbling with heroin.

One 45 Single was released for this LP “Let Me Go Rock N Roll” b/w “Hotter Than Hell” the song failed to chart.

“Back on the Road”

The tour for this LP started in Oct 1974 to Feb 1975, the band played 53 concerts on this tour with other bands such as: Black Oak Arkansas (personal friends of mine), RUSH, Wishbone Ash, Jo Jo Gunne, Foghat, REO Speedwagon & James Gang (with Tommy Bolin), Trapeze, T.Rex & UFO. A TV commercial was created to promote the LP & Tour using song snippets from the LP. When I interviewed Paul in Dec 1982, I asked him about this time period. He said “I have the ’74 Gibson ‘Midnight Special’ in storage in our warehouse in NY, it’s actually white with sparkles in the finish, there were only about 25 made, as prototypes”. There are only 3 known recordings from this tour. One concert from 31 Jan 1975 was filmed in B/W in San Francisco, CA. at the Winterland Ballroom another concert was captured on Cassette from 18 Oct 1974 Hammond, IN. Here are the set lists as follows. Note: “She” would not yet be released until Mar 1975.

18 Oct 1974 w/ RUSH
Parthenon Theatre
Hammond, IN. (Audio recording)
Deuce
Strutter
Got To Choose
Firehouse
She (not yet released on LP)
Ace’s Solo
Nothin To Lose
Parasite
100,000 Years- Peter’s Solo
Black Diamond
Let Me Go Rock N Roll
Cold Gin

31 Jan 1975 (B/W Video)
Winterland Ballroom
San Francisco, CA.
Deuce
Strutter
Got To Choose
Hotter Than Hell
Firehouse
Watchin You- Ace’s Solo
Nothin To Lose
Parasite- Gene’s solo into;
100,000 Years- Peter’s solo
Black Diamond
Cold Gin
Let Me Go Rock N Roll

“In Conclusion”

To me and Peter Criss this is the definitive KISS album as it was a true group and band effort. So if you haven’t heard this one or seen the concert video do yourself a favor and check it out.
This article is dedicated to my Junior High School friends growing up on the Westside of Sioux City, Iowa, Spencer & Chris C. & Eric W. oh, yea, and “John S. Pyro” too……

Just in case you were unaware, I am in a KISS Tribute Band (with MN Pete, Tony & Christian) “KISSin Time” (find US on “fb”) which recreates this early time period of KISS on Tour late ’75 & early ’75. Contact KISSinTimeMPLS@Gmail.Com

Thank You Good Night, Twin Cities!

By: R.L.Schwinden aka MrZero and Special Guest Editor Jason “Bakko” Bakken: of: ‘Jesus Chrysler’

Mr. Zero’s *Est. 2009

www.MrZeros.Com

1744 Lexington Ave. N.

Roseville, MN. 55113

 

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Collective Soul

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Atlanta, GA.

Atlanta, GA.

“Heaven Let Your Light Shine Down”
COLLECTIVE SOUL:
“BUZZ” Article: Feb- Mar 2013 (#23-W)

Hello, Hello It’s good to be back,
Recently when I asked for input on my article’s I heard many things, 1 being “You only cover Vintage bands, nothing contemporary” So this time I decided to cover 1 of my favorite bands from the 90s & 2000s, so for you vinyl collectors this means “No, they are not on Vinyl Record LPs, this is a CD & Cassette Band” I first heard of “Collective Soul” about Jun 1994 I would guess, as our customers continued to come in and ask for the new “Skynyrd” song “Shine” we then figured out they were in fact asking for “Collective Soul” we sold tons of the “Cassingle” (the format that replaced 45 Vinyl Singles about that same time) of “Shine” (the flipside contained an edited version) at The “RecordShop #66” @ Southridge Mall, where I worked from 1991- 1995. COLLECTIVE SOUL released 8 CDs & 29 Cassingle/ CD Singles & 22 Music Videos starting in 1993 and it goes like this;

> Breathe < It all started in Stockton (Atlanta), Georgia home of other bands like "B-52s" "R.E.M." & "Black Crowes" Drummer Steve Gorman in Nov 2008 "Yea, we used to play a lot shows with those guys (Collective Soul) back home (Georgia)" when Ed Roland (Edgar Eugene Jr. 3 Aug 1963) & his younger brother guitarist Dean (10 Oct 1972) & Drummer Shane Evans (who had been in the band 'Marching Two Step’ with Ed in the 80s & 90s) & Bassist Will Turpin (William Ross 8 Feb 1971) who's father owned the recording studio where Ed Roland worked, & recorded demos that would end up being released as the bands 1st CD, & finally Guitarist Ross Childress, were put together to tour behind a demo "Shine" recorded by Ed Roland, that was getting airplay on a Florida radio station. > Love Lifted Me < "Hints, Allegations & Things Unsaid" This 1st CD was mainly recorded by Ed Rolland as demos but ended up getting released originally on Rising Storm Records in Jun 1993, then cleaned up a bit and re-released on Atlantic Records 22 Mar 1994 with "Shine" hitting #11 Mar 1993. I have to admit "Shine" is my favorite song of this CD with "Love Lifted Me" being 2nd. The band was asked to play "Woodstock '94" on Fri 12 Aug 1994 having only 1 Cd & 1 Hit under their belt. In Feb 1995 the "Jerky Boys: Movie" came out with a new song by the band "Gel" which I thought was great follow up to "Shine" followed by "The Blue Album" on 14 Mar 1995, my favorite off this CD is "Where The River Flows". This CD has the hits: "December" a #20 hit in Mar 1995 (on Cassette Maxi- Single with these other tracks: "Sister Don't Cry" (acoustic non-album) "Where The River Flows" & "December" live from 14 Mar 95 @ Thunderdome in St. Petersburg, FL. & later "World I Know" hit #19 on Nov 1995 with B-Side: "When the Water Falls" (Live Acoustic Version) also this same year they recorded these songs for these various CDs 'Jealous Guy' on "Working Class Hero" & 'The Bugaloos' on "Saturday Morning Cartoons" & 'Blue Christmas' on "You Sleigh Me" & a RAAIN: Public Service Announcement, the band was very busy in 1995. > Precious Declaration < The band's 3rd CD "Disciplined Breakdown" is released on 11 Mar 1997 with "Precious Declaration" being my favorite off this CD. This album was recorded under strenuous circumstances due to a lawsuit with the band's former manager. Later in Dec97 the ”Scream 2" soundtrack contained an early version of "She Said" "Dosage" the band's 4th comes out on 9 Feb 1999 with "Generate" being my favorite off this CD. The song 'Run' was used on the soundtrack "Varsity Blues" released in Jan99 & 'Heavy' was used on the video game PS2 "NHL 2001" released on 25oct2000 but the song "She Said" was actually a hidden track on the CD “Dosage” Ed Roland "So in a wise move we made the most popular song on the CD a hidden track?" As well as a PC only track "Almost You" Ross Childers "The model (on the cover) was a real trooper, they put honey on her face and used actual bees, it gave me the willies, most people think the bees were added (to the photo)" The band's 5th CD "Blender" is released on 10 Oct 2000 my favorite off this one is "You Speak My Language" a song not written by the band. This, the bands most blatant attempt at a Pop Top 40 CD, 2 singles are released off this CD "Why Pt2" & “Perfect Day" with Elton John. > Next Homecoming < The band losses its contract with Atlantic Records. A Label Rep. I spoke with at the time commented "Well, that haven't had any really big hits since the 1st 2 CDs, & we have been cleaning house on non-performing bands (Top 40 selling bands) so we decided it was time to let them go" So a 'Greatest Hits' package is released "7 Year Itch" on 18 Sep 2001 with 2 new tracks "Energy" &”Next Homecoming" both being stellar in my opinion. Then comes the 1st time I get to see the band in concert & a brief interview afterwards: Northrop Auditorium 19 April 2001 Opener "Fastball" Sponsored by Nokia, Ed announces during the show "Well, if you're gonna get a Cell Phone you might as well get a good one that works" Where the River Flows Precious Declaration Goodnight Good Guy 10 Years Later December Compliment Boast The World I Know Vent Blame Unknown Song She Said Perfect Day Why, Pt. 2 Gel Heavy *Encore: Run Simple Shine During the show a fan holds up a sign that reads: "Dean is Yummy" Ed reads out loud and responds, "Well that's interesting, as I have never tasted my brother I would not know, if that's true" Will Turpin: when asked if we was a good ol' boy "Yes sir, we're from Atlanta" Shane Evans: "Oh, I have been playing with these guys almost all my life, since Jr. High" Dean Roland "Thanks, man" in response to asking him to sign my CD & informing him I really love his style of guitar playing. Ross Childress: "Wow, you have 1 of these (1st Issue of CD), Ed look at this" Ed Roland "Sorry, I'm late, I had to take a shower" when asked where he's from "From Atlanta, born and raised" To a fan next to me "Oh, you have 1 of these I think there was only a few thousand pressed, basically this was just the demos I did, Atlantic cleaned them up a bit, but it's very close to how I originally recorded it" After the tour ends in 2001 Childress is released from the band & replaced by his guitar tech Joel Sefton Kosche (20Sep1969), then in 2003 Evans leaves the band, replaced by: Ryan Hoyle from 2003- 2008. > Rocket Science < I then caught the band a 2nd time on 29 Aug 2004 in Minneapolis @ The Quest. I was able to talk with Bass Player Will Turpin after the show: Turpin "Yep, I'm an O.G. 1 of the 3 originals left" On Ross, “Well he did some things the rest of us didn't agree with, so he sort of wore out his welcome. On Drummer Evans "He told us he was going on sabbatical and never came back" The band now form their own record label "EL Music Group" handled by: 'Rocket Science' the release "Youth" on 16 Nov 2004 "Counting The Days" I feel is the strongest track on this CD, this song uses a Metallica sample & also used in NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience. 2 other singles are released from this CD "Better Days" & "How Do You Love". On 24 May 2005 "From The Ground Up" is released this is more or less an "Un-Plugged" EP-CD. Then my friend Steve R. got me & my friend Lisa into see the band on 8 Nov 2005 in Maplewood @ The Myth with "Better Than Ezra" opening. Ed Roland to me "And who's this lovely young lady (Lisa F.)" Steve to me: "Look at Ed, he's such a Rock Star" Drummer Hoyle "We'll I had to adapt to their signature sound of alternating on 2 snare drums" on being asked what was the most difficult part of taking over for Evans on drums The next time I saw the band live they were opening for KISS @ Rockfest in Cadot, WI. 23 Jul 2007 the thing I remember most is Guitarist Kosche sang lead on "I Don't Need Anymore Friends" the 1st time I ever saw anyone sing lead besides Ed, come to find out this is a song from their next CD "Afterwords" that came out on 28 Aug 2007 an exclusive to Target (which opened their 1st store right here in Roseville in 1962) but later came out with a bonus disc released on 9 Dec 2008 with "An Evening With" "Ain't That Enough” & "Give" The last time I saw the band was in Des Moines, IA. on 26 Jun 2009 for the Arts Festival with Gavin DeGraw as an opener with their new & 3rd drummer Cheney Brannon. Once again shortly before their new CD is released "Rabbit" is released on 25 Aug 2009 & once again this one contained a bonus disc with "Staring Down" "She Does" & "Heart To Heart" this band is very prolific & reminding me of the 60s bands I have written about in the fact they have so many extra tracks they could release another full CD of songs not on other CDs, some 27 bonus, alternate or Non-LP tracks overall, outstanding. In closing I really feel this band could do it all, from hard rock to catchy ballads, one of my all time favorites to come out of the 90s into the 2000s & still together. MrZERo: RLSchwinden

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BadFinger

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The special love I have for you, my baby blue
“BUZZ: Newspaper Article” Aug- Sep 2011 (#6-F)

This month I’d like to cover my girlfriend’s favorite band “Bad Finger”

so this one’s for you Sweetie !

When I was a kid growing up in Sioux City, Iowa my favorite bands in order where The Monkees, Steppenwolf & The Beatles. Now I spent a whole lotta time in our front entry way listening to a giant AM Radio from the early 50s my Dad picked up somewhere, I used to hear my Favorites like Ringo Starr’s “Photograph” & Gordon Lightfoot’s “Sundown” but I also used to hear a band that kind of sounded like The Beatles, yet wasn’t The Beatles because they had broken up… so I went to Woolco and looked for this band I heard on the radio and it turns out it was in fact “Bad Finger” and oddly enough they were on the very same record label as The Beatles and even had a song written by: Paul McCartney !!!! and so the story goes….kinda like this;

* Ivey Place…1961- 1968

It all started with Pete Ham (Peter William Ham, 27 April 1947, Townhill, Swansea- 23 April 1975) and Ron Griffiths, Roy Anderson & David Jenkins come together in 1961 in Swansea, Wales UK performing under a few names such as “Black Velvets” & “Wild Ones” before they settled on the name “The Iveys” after the name of a street where Pete was from,. sometime in 1964 . Enter Drummer Mike Gibbins (Michael George Gibbins, 12 March 1949, Swansea -4 October 2005) in Mar 1965. Then sometime in 1966 Tom Evans (Thomas Evans Jr., 5 June 1947, Liverpool UK -19 November 1983) joins the band. In Jun 1966 Bill Collins was managing the band and eventually signed the band to a 5 year contact on 8 December 1966. The Beatles confidant Mal Evans & Apple records A&R man Peter Asher saw the band at the Marquee Club in London on 25 Jan 1968. Evans pitched and got approval from all 4 Beatles and “The Iveys” became the 1st non-Beatle act on Apple Records. They’re first single “Maybe Tomorrow” was released 8 Nov 1968 a 2nd single “Dear Angie” was released in Jul 1969 and an LP “Maybe Tomorrow” was released in limited counties.

*If You Want it…1969- 1970

Enter Paul McCartney… and Apple Records’ Neil Aspinall recommended a name change for the band in reference to an old working title of a Beatles song titled “Bad Finger Boogie” which turned out to be “With a Little Help from My Friends” in addition to McCartney offered up a “White Album” out-take titled “Come and Get It” in Aug 1969 to be used in the Ringo Starr film “Magic Christian”, Paul also produced a song “Carry on Till Tomorrow” for the film “Rock of All Ages” with 2 other songs by the band on the soundtrack album as well. In Oct 1969 with the name change also came a band member change out went Ron Griffiths, enter main stay Joey Molland (Joseph Charles Molland, 21 June 1947, in Edge Hill, Liverpool) “Come and Get It’ was released Jan 1970 and sold over a million copies world wide, “Magic Christian” was released in 1970 (without Molland’s musicianship).

March 1970 the band began recording material for they’re new LP “No Dice” featuring “No Matter What” which had been rejected as a single at first, but upon it’s release hit #8 in US. Later in 1970 the band worked with the 3 other Beatles, on Ringo Starr’s 45 “It Don’t Come Easy” George Harrison’s LP “All Things Must Pass” and involvement with John Lennon’s “Imagine” LP. As well as writing “Without You” a #1 hit for singer/ songwriter Harry Nilsson in 1971.

In one of my many conversions with Joey Molland he told me “I still own the Gibson I played on Harrison’s album” While on the band’s first US tour on Fri 16 Oct 1970 St. Thomas College, Gym St. Paul, Minnesota, Molland met his wife of 37 years Kathie Molland (9 Jan 1947- 23 Mar 2009) a former model for “Genie in the Bottle Highlights” hair product. Kathie told me in 2008 interview “His band played the local collage, then they were hanging out at “Depot Club” (now First Ave) Joey saw me and followed me around like a puppy dog” when I asked her about her modeling career she said “Well, the wasn’t much to it, stand here, hold this, bend over that, wasn’t real hard work” and laughed. It was also in Nov 1970 the band signed a deal (with the devil) Stan Polley.

* Can You be Straight Up… 1971-1973

The Spring of ’71 band embarks on recording their 3rd album “Straight Up” released in Dec 1971 produced by: Geoff Emerick, George Harrison & finished up by Todd Rundgren yielding the hits: “Day After Day” a #4 Billboard Hit & “Baby Blue” at #14 on the charts. It was at this time the members of the band were growing weary of the constant comparisons to The Beatles. In addition too, they’re Manager Polley was creating a situation where the band was not receiving their monies due. So in 1972 the band saw constant touring and not many recording sessions. The band attempt to produce themselves which resulted in delaying the final result until Chris Thomas was brought in to finish up their final LP for Apple “Ass” in Nov 1973 with the 45 “Apple of My Eye” the cover is credited to Evans.

* Enter the Rabbit… 1974- 1975

Roughly 6 weeks after the “Ass” album sessions were over in early 1974 the band started work on their next LP “Badfinger” (For Love or Money) for their new record label “Warner Bros” Polley had signed them to what seemed like a lucrative deal (at the time). However because the 2 records were recorded so close together they are very similar in content. Releasing 2 singles “Love is Easy” & “I Miss You” embarking on a US tour a concert in March was recorded at the Cleveland Agora for a potential live album, which did not materialize. Finishing up the Us tour the band started recording their 2nd LP for WB “Wish You Were Here” recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado and in London at George Martin’s studios. Released in Fall 1974 to positive reviews the album was withdrawn to avoid further legal entanglement. Inner band turmoil result in a new member Robert ‘Bob’ Jackson (6 Jan 1984 Coventry UK) on keyboards & vocals and the departure of Joey Molland of his own choosing in Dec ’74. Manager Polley pressured the band to return to Apple studios sometime in 1975 to work on their 3rd LP for “WB” recorded in just 11 days “Head First” would not be released until the year 2000. I do remember a story (rumor) in the late 80s that Gibbins was shopping the master tapes around to find a label to release the 1975 LP.

* Looks like The end….1975
Things were not going well for the band at this point. Many law suits being filed, dropped by WB, the last album turned in will not be released. Pete Ham was very despondent. After a night of drinking with band mate Evans on 24 April 1975 around 4am Pete Ham hanged himself in his garage leaving a note to his girlfriend & her son, his daughter Petera was born a month after his death. This was the end of the original “Badfinger”

*A Shiny New Name…1977- 1981
In late 1977 2 US musicians Joe Tansin on guitar & Kenny Harck on drums enlisted Molland and Evans on a California visit to form a new band, christened “Badfinger” at Electra Records suggestion. Their come back album “Airwaves” was released in 1979 with the 45 “Love is Gonna Come at Last” hit #69 on the charts. Then recruiting Tony Kaye (Anthony John Selvidge 11 Jan 1946 Leicester UK) from “YES” on keyboards & Peter Clarke on drums from “Stealers Wheel” It was in 1981 the ‘New’ band releases their next LP “Say No More” on Radio Records the single “Hold On” charted at #56 however now with new members Richard Bryans (Aviary) playing drums and Glenn Sherba on guitar.

*Another Death in the Family…1982- 1983
By 1982 Molland and Evans were touring in 2 separate bands called “Badfinger” with Gibbins and other post- Pete Ham band members and other musicians from bands such as “Grass Roots” & “Chicago” once again plagued by ill will and law suits. It is reported (rumored) that sometime after a heated argument between Evans and Molland, on 19 Nov 1983 Tom Evans hanged himself in his garden at his home in Richmond, UK. It is said that the note he left behind said “He wanted to go out the same way his friend Pete went”

*Day After Day….1984 and on
In the after math Molland, Gibbins & Jackson reform “Badfinger” and play some 31 dates as the “20th Anniversary of British Rock n Roll” they continue to perform together on and off till 1989 when Gibbins departed for the last time. Sometime during this a Local Des Moines, Iowa Guitar Hero Rob Forest (of DVC) was the lead singer and guitarist in the band. I have spoken to Joey many times over the past 8 years, I find him to be of quite good nature and incredibly funny, he once told me one of his favorite films was “Day of the Triffids” from 1962. Joey and his brother live in the Twin Cities area and have a band “Shakespeare’s Peace Pipe”

I approached Joey Molland about an interview for this article Mar 2011 he responded “You know I have talked a lot about this over the years, I’d kinda like to take a break from it till my book comes out” Upon doing my research of this band I have to say in closing the “BADFINGER” story proves the old adage “Truth is Stranger Than Fiction” the band had 5 personnel changes in as many years, 2 less than straight up managers, 2 suicides, and untold lawsuits, in it’s history. Kathie Molland once told me “Wait till the book comes out, it is virtually impossible for us to have done everything, everybody has said we’ve done”

Joey & Badfinger will be in St. Paul, Mn @ The Saints Stadium Sun 29 May 2011

R.L.Schwinden May 2011 (for my Baby Blue)

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The KINKS 1962 to 1996

Posted on by mrzeros2009@gmail.com Posted in Articles — 1 Comment ↓

“Let’s All Drink To The Death Of A Klown”
The Kinks: 1962- 1996
“BUZZ” Newspaper Article” Aug- Sep 2012 (#18-M)

A funny thing started happening here inside the Shop (Mr. Zero’s St.Paul 55113) about a year ago or so, many younger people keep coming in and asking for The Kinks on Vinyl. It has happened enough that I had to wonder “What is going on ?” After doing some research I found out several newer bands have sited The Kinks and several others like T. Rex, David Bowie & Elvis Costello as their influences. So I thought I would cover The Kinks on this round. I actually never got a chance to see The Kinks in concert, I was able to see Ray solo in Nov 1997, where he read from his book and played some songs in between. As with most British bands of the era, The Kinks were signed to different record labels in the UK than in the USA, so I am going to cover the USA releases because finding Kinks records is hard enough as it is, much less trying to find UK releases!!!

Sometime in 1962 the brothers Ray (Raymond Douglas: 21jun1944) & Dave (David Russell Gordon: 3feb1947) Davies formed “The Ravens” in Muswell Hill, North London along with fellow classmate Pete Quaife (Peter Alexander Greenlaw Kilby Kinnis: 31dec1943 – 23jun2010) on Bass & Original ‘RollingStones’ Drummer Mick Avory (Michael Charles 15feb1944, East Molesey, Surrey) Avory announced at his audition “I’m willing to join your band, but I’ll tell you up front, I’m no poofter” a comment on the “Mod” clothing Brother Dave was sporting at the time. Before settling on the name The Kinks in 1964, as it was said they had “kinky” or “Mod” fashion sense, they also went under the names; “Pete Quaife Band” & or “The Ramrods”. The band’s 1st two 45 singles were released on ‘Cameo’ in 1964- 65 and never issued on an album. Then in Aug 1964 the legend was born, Brother Dave had cut the speaker of his Elpico amp with a razorblade to create the first distorted guitar sound, “Hard Rock” was born in “You Really Got Me” a #7 hit on the Billboard Chart Nov64.

Here in the USA the band was signed to Reprise Records and released a whopping 25 singles from 1964 to 1972 with 8 studio LPs. The original 4 had stayed together until Bass Player John Dalton (21may1943 UK) who substituted for Quaife in June 1966 replaced Quaife permanently from April 1969 to Nov 1976. An interesting performance note; In the 1965 TV appearance for “Tired of Waiting On You” a #6 hit in Apr65, you can see what I can only assume is the very 1st levitating drum set riser, which in 1974 ‘KISS” manager Bill Aucoin insisted his band use nightly in their concerts. 1965 was the year of The Kinks as they had 4 Top 40 hits with; “All Day and All of The Night” #7 Feb65 and “Who’ll Be The Next In Line” #34 hit in Sep65, and later on “A Well Respected Man” #13 in Feb66.

In 1966 Reprise released a “Greatest Hits” album (I have it on Reel to Reel). That contained mostly 45 single tracks, some Non-LP tracks like “Set Me Free” that hit #23 in Jul65, however as the UK & USA versions of LPs & singles differed, some songs were not found on ‘Studio’ albums what so ever. For example up to 18 songs by The Kinks were not on any studio album, as they were only released as 45 singles. I constantly encounter people trying to find this song or that song on a vinyl album of other songs they like, when the reality is, as I mentioned some songs like “Dead End Street” “Big Black Smoke” & ” Mr. Pleasant” weren’t put on any studio LP at all. A sign of the times, it was the 60s, and music was a driving force of social commentary so many songs were recorded and released on a 45 single to get it to the public as soon as possible, and then later when assembling the album of that time, some of those songs were left off as the fans already bought them, or they were deemed unfitting for the new album’s theme. The 2nd big hit for the band in 1966 was “Dedicated Follower of Fashion” in Jun66 at #36 on the charts, then came the LP “Face To Face” released in Dec 1966 it was the band’s 1st departure from “Mod Rock” into the Psychedelic era, this album was largely over looked and at times very hard to find, even though “Sunny Afternoon” a hit #14 in Oct66 is on this album.

The Kinks much like The Beatles chose not to tour as much to focus on making better recordings with a common theme or story. I am going to include a set list from a concert to show what songs The Kinks did play live when they toured.

27 Nov 1969 @ Fillmore West in San Francisco, Ca.
Till the End of the Day
Mindless Child of Motherhood
Last of the Steam Powered Trains
You’re Lookin Fine
Mr. Churchill Says
Big Sky
You Really Got Me
All Day and All of the Night
Love Me Till the Sunshines
Brainwashed
Milk Cow Blues
See My Friends
Tired of Waiting For You
Brainwashed (reprised)
Louie Louie
Victoria
Well Respected Man
Death of a Clown
Dandy

The Kinks 2nd coming arrived in the form of a song about a “Transvestite” named “Lola” #9 in Oct70 an released again as a “Live” version Jul80, the “Live” version of this song gets played far more than the original. The band put out many other singles and albums over the next few years, however Top 40 hits eluded them, and so the band signed with RCA Records for 10 singles from 1971 to 1975 with 6 studio LPs. They added John Gosling (6feb1948 UK) on keyboards from 1970- 78 along with on Bass Andy Pyle (1946 UK) from 1976- 78. A song that people remember as being a hit but wasn’t is 1972’s “Colloid Heroes” this single failed to hit the Top 100. My favorite album from the period is “School Boys in Disgrace” Nov 1975, a fantastic ‘concept album’ from start to finish with the stand out tracks “Hard Way” “I’m In Disgrace” & Headmaster” the tour for this album found the band wearing “School Boy” outfits made famous later on by an Australian band later that same year. Brother Dave was using a Gibson L6-S for this tour as well, not many guitarists used this limited production guitar. Once again charting success eluded the band, so much so when RCA went to put out a “Greatest Hits” package Ray informed the record label of the “Trades Description Act” which prohibits false advertising, so RCA re-titled the LP “Greatest Celluloid Heroes” released in 1976.

The band’s RCA contract coming to a close they signed with Arista Records for 15 Singles from 1977 to 1984 with 6 studio LPs, 1978s “Misfits” produced a #30 hit with “Rock N Roll Fantasy” in Sep78 & “(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman” #41in Jun79. Once again replacing their Bass player for a 4th & final time, from 1978- 1996 with Jim Rodford (James Walter: 7jul1941 St Albans) who was also in The Swinging Blue Jeans & Argent, I met Rodford, in Sep2002 when he was with The Zombies, I was more interested in his time with The Kinks, however Jim was more interested in talking about his time in ‘Argent’ I asked him if I could send a questionnaire with him and if he would be so kind as to mail it back to me… Jim’s response “I’m not very good at stuff like that, I am always on tour though, you can catch me again”. And a new keyboards replacement with Ian Gibbons from 1979- 1989 and a new drummer with Bob Henrit (Robert John: 2may1944 UK) from 1984- 1996 replacing original drummer Avory after far too many disagreements with Brother Dave the most notorious being in 1965 in Cardiff where Avory hit Brother Dave with his kick drum foot pedal.

There is a “Live Concert” VHS/DVD from this era “One For The Road” recorded 23sep1979 @ Civic Center, Providence, RI. My favorite from this period would be “Give the People What They Want” from Aug81 this is a truly great album from start to finish stand out tracks to me are: “Add It Up” “Back To Front” & “YoYo” with “Destroyer” reaching #85 in Nov81 & “Better Things” reaching #92 in Jan82. In the 80s when a band’s videos is actually what got you on the charts, it was The Kinks 3rd coming with “Come Dancing” #6 in Jun83 & “Don’t Forget to Dance” #29 in Oct83. Also in 1983 Ray & Chrissie Hynde (Christine Ellen: 7sep1951Akron) of “The Pretenders” had a baby girl together. The Kinks final ‘ha raw’ was to be “Do It Again” at #41 in Feb85 I remember this video quite well, actually.

I am not exactly sure why but the band signed to MCA Records from 1986 to 1991 with 3 studio LPs, which seems very odd, since The Kinks had charted quite well with Arista records. Yet again misfiring with MCA records the band then signed to Sony Records in 1993, then in 1994 they began to put out their own material on their own Label “Konk” in total The Kinks had been signed to 4 of the 6 major record labels, to my knowledge the only band to do so in music history.

The Kinks managed to rack up 12 Top 40 hits in their career. I was also to see Brother Dave in May 2002 at “1st Ave” he did a great concert, some solo material as well as songs he sang in The Kinks and a few he didn’t sing originally. I met him afterwards and had him sign a couple things for me like his solo LP from1981 on RCA “Glamour” Dave said “Thanks for buying my record, did you like it?”.

Dedicated to my long lost friends: Kerri V. & Jesse S.

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The WHO 1964 to 1978

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The WHO: 1964- 1978
“BUZZ” Newspaper Article; Jan- Feb 2013 (#22-V)
(By: Mr.ZERo)

Recently I was able to see The WHO at the Xcel Center in St. Paul on Tues 27 Nov 2012. Now I hear lots of back lash about the band, specifically referred to as “The TWO” now I find this really wrong and somewhat offensive as Axl’s “Guns N Roses” (who I personally feel is the most over rated band of all time) contains solely Axl, and co-founding member Tracii Guns has not be in the band since May 1985. So why isn’t Axl’s Guns N Roses called “Only Axl” ??? I digress …

> Now for our story < Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend: (19 May 1945: Chiswick, London) & John Alec Entwhistle: (9 Oct 1944: Chiswick, London- 27 June 2002 Cocain induced heart attack in Las Vegas) were friends from Acton County Grammar School & were in a Dixieland band called “The Confederates” sometime in 1962, when Roger Harry Daltrey: (1 Mar 1944: Hammersmith- Acton, London) met Entwhistle walking down the street. Daltery was a Guitarist in a band called “The Detours” since 1961 Entwhistle joined Daltrey and shortly after Townshend joined The Detours with Doug Sandom (1936 UK) on Drums & Colin Dawson on Vocals. Soon Dawson left, and the bands management & Townshend felt the band needed a better drummer & so Sandom was let go. While using a temporary drummer, one Keith John Moon: (23 Aug 1946: Middlesex- Wembley – 7 Sep 1978) approached the band about being their drummer, Moon is soon accepted. Entwhistle informed the band there was already a band called The Detours, so the band changed their name to "The WHO" on 14 Feb 1964. However in an effort to be more "Mod" the band went under the name "The High Numbers" summer of 1964 and released a 45 Single "Zoot Suit/ I'm The Face". Heavily influenced by American R&B- Soul music, the band coined the phrase "Maximum R&B". > A Legal Matter < Amazingly The WHO only released 8 Studio Albums from 1965- 1978 with the original line up, they are listed as follows although it is worth pointing out that the same thing went for The WHO as did most other major British bands (like The Beatles, Rolling Stones & The Kinks), that the UK Versions of their albums were usually released earlier, with different track listings & sometimes even under a different title than the US versions, making both versions worth collecting, however on the UK versions far less were pressed & even fewer made it overseas. > Instant Party < Starting in 1965 the band releases 3 Singles with 4 Non-LP B-Sides. Their 1st LP "My Generation" is released in the USA in Apr 1966 on Decca Records, also in 1966 the band release 6 Singles with 9 Non- LP B- Sides. Note already the band has 13 songs not on an album, so at this point enough to make a 2nd LP. However, "A Quick One" or "Happy Jack" in USA is in fact the band's 2nd LP released in May 1967 on Decca, also in released in 1967 are 3 Singles with 5 Non- LP B- Sides. The band's 1st "Top 40" hit "Happy Jack" a #24 hit on the Billboard Chart on 3 Jun 1967 & then their 2nd hit "I Can See For Miles" a #9 hit on 25 Nov 1967. Later this same year the band's 3rd album "Sell Out" is released on 15 Dec 1967 also on Decca. In 1968 the band release 3 Singles with 4 Non- LP B- Sides. The 45 "Call Me Lightning" hits #40 on 4 May 1968. Again note, the band now have an additional 9 songs not on an album, making a total of 22 songs not on any LP by 1968. And then ... on 23 May 1969 the band make their biggest impact on the music world their 4th album, a concept 2 LP album “Tommy" is released on Decca. Also in 1969 the band release 2 Singles with 1 Non- LP B-Side. "Pinball Wizard" hits #24 on 24 May 1969 & "I'm Free" reaches #37 on 23 Aug 1969. > Naked Eye < The WHO is well known as a "Touring Band" (usually performing up to 2 hour concerts) & reputably heavily "Bootlegged" so the band decided to release their own "Live Album" considered to be 1 of the best "Live" LPs of all time "Live At Leeds" is released May 1970 recorded live at University of Leeds in Yorkshire, UK on 14 Feb 1970, here is the 'complete' Set-list: Heaven And Hell I Can’t Explain Fortune Teller Tattoo Young Man Blues Substitute Happy Jack I'm A Boy A Quick One, While He’s Away Summertime Blues Shaking All Over My Generation Magic Bus Overture It's A Boy 1921 Amazing Journey Sparks Eyesight To The Blind Christmas Acid Queen Pinball Wizard Do You Think It's Alight Fiddle About Tommy Can You Hear Me There's A Dr. Go To The Mirror Smash The Mirror Miracle Cure Sally Simpson I'm Free Tommy's Holiday Camp We're Not Gonna Take It Entwhistle once said "The Beatles ... they make better records than we do, but we blow them away on stage" Also in 1970 the band release 3 Singles with 3 Non- LP B- Sides. "Summertime Blues" hits #27 on 15 Aug 1970 & "See Me, Feel Me" reaches #12 on 28 Nov 1970. The band then release their 5th album "Who's Next" 25 Aug 1971 on Decca. Also in 1971 the band release 3 Singles with 3 Non- LP B- Sides. With "Won't Get Fooled Again" a #15 hit on 18 Sep 1971 & "Behind Blue Eyes" reaching #34 on 18 Dec 1971. In Oct 1971 the band's 1st compilation LP is released "Meaty, Beaty, Big & Bouncy" a "Greatest Hits" really, as all but 1 song was released on a 45. On to 1972 the band release 3 Singles with 4 Non- LP B- Sides, with "Join Together" hitting #17 on the charts on 9 Sep 1972. > Too Much Of Anything < In 1973 the bands 6th LP, and the 2nd 'Rock Opera' (also a 2 LP) "Quadrophenia" is released on 19 Oct on Track & MCA Records, along with 2 Singles in 1973 with 1 Non- LP B- Side, with "The Relay" reaching #39 on the charts on 13 Jan 1973. In Oct 1974 "Odds & Sods" is released. This is the 2nd compilation album released by the band, except this one contains singles & unreleased songs. The title, well... the 3rd word, in the UK, is an equivalent to the "F" word in the US. Then in 1974 the band release 3 Singles with 4 Non- LP B- Sides. At this the band has 11 songs out that again are not on any LP. In 1975 "By Numbers" is released on 25 Oct, on MCA. The band’s 7th album & release the Single "Squeeze Box" which hits #16 on 14 Feb 1976 & then release 2 Singles in 1976. The band's 8th and final LP with the original line-up "Who Are You" is released on 18 Aug 1978 on MCA. Keith Moon dies of an overdose of 32 pills of Clomethiazole on 7 Sep 1978 at Shepherd Market, Mayfair, on the same property where Mama Cass Elliot died. The band release 2 Single 45s 1 being "Who Are You" with the "F word" taken out by cutting the time down to 3:27 min. the song hits #14 on 4 Nov 1978. > Another Tricky Day < The WHO hire former "Faces" Drummer: Kenneth Thomas Jones: (16 Sep 1948: Whitechapel, London) in early 1979. On 26 Dec 1979 in London @ Hammersmith Odeon the band record their show for the charity LP "Concerts for the People of Kampuchea" that came out Mar 1981 on Atlantic, 4 songs were used from that set. With Jones on board the band release 2 studio albums "Face Dances" Mar 1981 & "It's Hard" Sep 1982. The last WHO concert was on 17 Dec 1982 in Toronto & a video was released from it: "Who Rocks America" & a 2nd "Live" album recorded on 14 Dec 1982 in Richfield, OH @ the Coliseum, which was the last US date of the tour. "Who's Last" was released in Dec 1984. > One Life’s Enough < As The WHO's "Farewell Tour" came to a close "Rarities Vol 1 & 2" were released in Aug 1983 in the UK only, I feel these 2 LPs are worth mentioning as almost all of the 25 tracks contained here are not on The WHO's official studio LPs. Later in 1985 with the introduction of the CD "Who's Missing" came out in Nov 1985 & "Twos Missing" in Apr 1987, totaling 24 tracks between the 2 CDs, these are the US versions of the UK "Rarities: 1 & 2" however as usual there are several tracks between the 2 ‘Releases’ that do not cross over & are unique to the UK or US releases. A final note while The WHO only released 11 studio LPs all 4 original band members did release Solo albums: Daltry: 8 Solo LPs from 1973- 1992 & Entwhistle: 7 Solo LPs from 1971- 2000 & Moon: "Two Sides" in Mar 1975 & Townshend: 7 Solo LPs from 1972- 1993. I have always found it fascinating how music history evolves as time goes by, for example 4 of The WHO's most famous songs "I Can't Explain" "My Generation" "Baba O'Riley" (consistently misidentified as ‘Teenage Wasteland’) & "Love Reign O'er Me" none of these songs were "Top 40" Hits. So until the next time: “Nerd Is The Word”

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Type O Negative

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“Am I Good Enough … For You?”
Type O Negative: 1989- 2010
“BUZZ: Newspaper Article” Nov- Dec 2012 (#20-T)

>How, Where & Why < In Jan 1997 I was working for a company I now only refer to as the 'Enemy' I was contacted by the record label Roadrunner and asked to check out this band 'Type O Negative' on 4 Feb 1997 in Des Moines, Iowa @ Toad Hollar, unfortunately I missed it because I worked at 6am at the time. 'Drain STH' was the opener. Then awhile later, I was offered the chance to meet Ozzy Osbourne, (1 of my childhood heroes) at 'OzzFest '97". *22 Jun 1997 in MPLS,MN. @ HHH Metrodome This was the actual 1st time I was able to see the band along with Coal Chamber, Fear Factory, Drain STH, (we actually had brunch with the a fore mentioned bands), as well as Marilyn Manson & Black Sabbath. I remember Kenny Hickey was quite taken with Martina Axen of 'Drain' (as was I). I was captivated by Type O Negative. The music was awesome it moved me, the 1st time a band had moved me like this since I 1st heard 'Black Sabbath' in 1972. I was so impressed I went out & bought "October Rust" when my girlfriend of the time came home from work I was so excited I said "Listen to this" I played "Love You To Death" for her and asked "Isn't this great what do you think?" she responded "That's great, I love music that when it's over I wanna go kill myself" I replied "Yea, I know, right?" So like always, with anything I like or find interesting, I delved into it & did my research: >Know What You’re Talking About < Type O Negative evolved from the bands 'Subzero' in 1988 & before that 'Carnivore' from 1982- 1987 who released 2 LPs one in 1985 & in 1987, & before that 'Fallout' in 1979- 1982 who released 1 single "Batteries Not Included" (I actually held 1 in my hand in 2000) & even before that 'Northern Lights' from 1976- 1979 when Peter Steele (Peter Thomas Ratajczyk: 4 Jan 1962 Red Hook Brooklyn, NY – April 14, 2010) on Lead Vocals & Bass and Josh Silver (16 Nov 1962: NYC) on Keyboards & Production. Steele brought in his long time friend from the neighborhood Sal Abruscato (Salvatore: 18 July 1970, Brooklyn, NYC) for Drums & then Silver brought in his childhood buddy Kenny Hickey (Kenneth Shaun Hickey: 22 May 1966 NYC) on Guitar & Vocals at 1st under the moniker "Repulsion" then changing the name to "Subzero" the entire band even went so far as to get tattoos of a "0" with a "-" in the center. Unfortunately there was already a band with the name "Subzero" so Steele decided to go with "Type O' Negative" in keeping with the tattoos. >Ground Xero < The band signed with "RoadRacer" records in 1990 and released their 1st CD "Slow, Deep & Hard" on 16 Jun 1991, this CD is more of a "Concept" album about a relationship Steele was in. It's hard to separate the tracks, but if I had to "Xero: Tolerance" "Glass Walls of Limbo" & "Prelude to Agony" would be the stand out selections for me. Originally this was one was to be titled "None More Negative" On 12 May 1992 the band releases its 2nd CD "The Origin of the Feces" for some reason, I cannot figure out, the band decided to make this CD a "Live Album" however it was created "Live" in the studio? The 1st cover was changed about 2 years after initial release as it was a nude picture of Steele's rear-end? This CD contains 2 reworked songs for the previous CD and 2 covers: "Hey Joe/Pete" & "Paranoid/ Iron Man" I find this one the weakest of their canon, so the stand out tracks would be; "Hey Pete" & "I Know You're F****** Someone Else". >Set Me On Fire < Here's where the band really take off! "Bloody Kisses" is released on 17 Aug 1993, this CD has the distinction of being re-released & altered 3 times!!! The original has a cover with 2 women embraced in a kiss, and the tracks "Kill All The White People" & We Hate Everyone" as well as 4 incidental pieces which were all later removed from the 2nd release in 1994. The 2nd version's cover is the same 2 women from the 1st version, only in this photo they are hugging. The song Suspended At Dusk" is also in place of the 6 tracks pulled from the 1st version. The 2009 version has a 2nd disk that contains 8 bonus tracks. This is the last release with Abruscato on Drums as he went on to join "Life Of Agony" the band's drum tech Johnny Kelly (9 Mar 1968: NYC) replaced Abruscato in 1994. Although the drum tracks for the next 3 CDs would be programed & would not use Kelly as a drummer. This is a great CD so this is hard but the stand out tracks for me are: "Blood And Fire" "Set Me On Fire" & "Christian Woman" The 1995 soundtrack "Mortal Kombat" contains a 1995 remix of "Blood And Fire" a far better version than the original. >The Green Man < Unbelievably the band top themselves with the next release "October Rust" put out on 20 Aug 1996 this is unquestionably their best work. This CD was not re-released or altered, perhaps a testimony to how great it is. Although "Love You To Death" was edited for a single release, "Cinnamon Girl" was remixed to a techno version for the "Duke Nukem" soundtrack, & "In Praise Of Bacchus" was also remixed for a single, & "Haunted" was featured on the "Blair Witch" soundtrack. This one is so great I cannot pick my favorites as the whole thing is my favorite. As of the late 80s VHS/ DVD started to count as part of most band's 'record deal' Type O Negative released the 1st of 2 long form videos "After Dark" on 24 Mar 1998 (VHS) & in 2000 for DVD I am uncertain as to why, but the band has been taking 3 years between releases, on 21 Sep 1999 "World Coming Down" is released, again another outstanding CD almost tied with its predecessor, this CD was another, Not to be re-released or altered. Although "Everyone I Love Is Dead" & "Everything Dies" were edited for single releases. Originally this was to be titled 'Prophets Of Doom and Aggroculture' >Frozen, Too Late < I was transferred to St. Paul in Nov 1999. Then one day on our way to the 'Winter Carnival' I saw Type O Negative was headlining (The Deadlights was the opener) So now I was ready to see my new heroes in Action, here's the setlist (the best I can remember anyway) *22 Feb 2000 in St. Paul, MN. @ Roy Wilkens Auditorium "In the Flesh" (Pink Floyd) Kill All the White People "Cornucopia" (Black Sabbath) Everyone I Love Is Dead My Girlfriend's Girlfriend Prelude to Agony Christian Woman Love You to Death World Coming Down Too Late: Frozen "No Quarter" (Led Zeppelin) Black No. 1 (Little Miss Scare-All) Great show, great performance, they had a snow machine during "Too Late: Frozen" at the end of the concert Peter Steele said "I'd like to thank each and everyone of you, because if it weren't for you ... I'd have killed myself along time ago ..." On 31 Oct 2000 the band release "Least Of The Worst" a "Best Of" of sorts, this CD contains 3 songs not any other release "It's Never Enough" "12 Black Rainbows" & "Stay Out Of My Dreams" all 3 are leftovers from "World Is Coming Down" as well as edit or remix versions for the other tracks on this CD. This very same month Steele was featured on the track "Just Say No To Love" from Tony Iommi's solo CD "Iommi" *11 Nov 2001 in MPLS, MN. @ Quest Me to Peter Steele "How was it to record with Tony Iommi" Steele "Like I was 16 again, it was awesome, it was the same with Ozzy" Me to Steele "Interesting Bass you use now?" Steele: "I call it a 'Fender- Bacher' but Fernandes, doesn't like me to do that ... who wants an apple?" >Angry Itch < The band release their 6th CD "Life Is Killing Me" is released on 17 Jun 2003, originally titled "The Dream Is Dead" but changed before release. This time 4 years after the last one, this is once again another great CD. So once again it's hard to pick, but the stand out tracks for me are: "Less than Zero" "IYDKMIGTHTKY" & "Todd's Ship Gods" although the CD is great. *10 Aug 2003 in MPLS @ Quest Me to Kenny Hickey "What guitars do you use at home off the road" Hickey "I just bought a 1985 Gibson Les Paul Custom a "Black Beauty" Me to Hickey "Your Fernandes has a duel color tone, black to green when the light hits it" Hickey: "I designed that myself !" *24 Nov 2003 in MPLS @ Quest Me to Josh Silver (notorious for not wanting to do interviews) "How come you guys never play 'Haunted' live?" Silver "Cause it's 10 minutes long, dude" Silver to a female fan "Fallout single, where'd you get that?" Fan: "Internet" *29 Oct 2004 MPLS, MN. @ Quest Me to Johnny Kelly "Who's you main influence as a drummer" Kelly "Bonham, I'd love to get a 26" kick drum in 'Green Sparkle' to shake the roof & make my fillings rattle" Me to Kelly "Who's idea was it to wear the 'Prison Orange Suits'” Kelly: "Peter's ... because he was just in for a stint, and thought it would be funny" and laughs On 14 Mar 2006 the 2nd long form video was released by the band "Symphony For The Devil" filmed on Sun 22 Aug 1999, in Cologne, Germany at the Bizarre Festival. This DVD also came with a CD of a 'Santana' Medley of 3 songs. The band's label "RoadRunner" (Peter Steele holds the record as the artist signed to this label for the longest period of time) released "Best Of Type O Negative" on 12 Sep 2006 reportedly without the band's knowledge, containing the 'Deep Purple' song "Highway Star". It was also about this time Steele ran into a health issue, of which that issue and the band leaving the 'RoadRunnner' label lead to rumors that Steele had died. >And In The End < The final CD "Dead Again" came out on 13 Mar 2007 at this time the band was signed to SPV- Steamhammer. This release was a real departure for the band, probably because Steele the main song writer had found God and re-embraced his Catholic upbringing, in addition too, this is the 1st CD to have Drummer Kelly actually play drums on the recordings, as well as Guitarist Hickey sang co-lead vocals with Steele. This CD like some of their others, I feel are intended to be listened to as a whole. So the stands out tracks, here for me are: "Profits of Doom" "She Burned Me Down" & "September Sun". There is an 'Exclusive Edition' with a 5 Live song CD & a 'Special Bonus Edition' with a 6 track DVD. *10 Apr 2007 in MPLS @ 1st Ave. I missed this show as I was stuck in Phoenix for a family thing, I wish I had seen this one, simply because my memories of the next & last time I saw the band (Described below). *16 Jun 2008 Maplewood, MN. @ Myth Peter Steele walked out on stage using a cane because of a limp & had a music stand with sheet music & lyrics to the songs they played that night, as I recall he wore glasses for some of the songs, he seemed to be in poor health, and very thin. Peter Steele died of heart failure (presumably Cocaine Induced) on 14 April 2010, effectively ending Type O Negative. "It is better to be hated for who you are, rather than loved for what you are not … So I am I good enough for you ... I guess not" MrZERo

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Vinyls Is NOT A Word

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Mr. Zero Vinyl Hero

Mr. Zero Vinyl Hero

“Vinyls” is Not A Word:

“BUZZ” Newspaper Article; April- May 2013 (#26-Z)

Greetings Collector’s of Quadraphonic Polyvinyl chloride thermoplastic polymer flat disc with inscribed modulated spiral groove.

I bought my 1st Vinyl Record in 1973 The BEATLES “67- 70: Blue Album” when it 1st came out, if you do not know I sold my 1st “Used Record” in 1977 in Jackson, MS. while at Brandon Jr. High School, since then I have worked for many Music Stores starting in 1986: RecordShop, Archives, PatchWorx, Wherehouse, BestBuy, DiscJockey, fye, DiscLand & Now I own Mr. Zero’s for now 4 years (April 2009), so I feel I know I a thing or 2 about records. In this article (my 2nd year now) I am going to try to dis-spell all the misinformation about Vinyl.

> The Genesis:
It all started when; Thomas Edison (1847- 1931) on 18 July 1877 invented the first phonograph, originally playing Cylinder type recordings in production from 1988- 1915, with a 2 minute maximum for content. A man named Charles Tainter invented the usage of hard carnauba wax to replace the current medium of paraffin & beeswax that was used on cylinder records, this is where the slang “Wax” came from, in reference to Records. The 1st “Flat Disc” records were referred to as “Edisons” which ran at about 80 revolutions per minute, they were made of Bakelite (an early from of plastic) and had a recording only on 1 side, the other was blank or had the record labels logo engraved on it like “Victor”. However starting in 1950 most Records were made from Vinyl, not wax at all.
> 78rpm
Sometime around 1910, the 10-inch 78 rpm shellac disc had become the most commonly used format. The electric powered synchronous turntable motor invented in 1925, that ran at 3600 rpm with a 46:1 gear ratio, the result a rotation speed of 78 rpm, therefore 78rpm was chosen to be the standard. However this format was limited to 5 minutes of content per side.
> 45 Single
In Feb 1949 RCA introduced the 45 rpm record, 7″ in size, as they refused to license from a rival company. The 45 ran at a faster speed than the 33 1/3 so it had a better sound, in addition to a wider groove for better fidelity making them extremely durable, however a time limitation of about 4 minutes until in 1965 Bob Dylan wanted his “Like A Rolling-stone” a 6 minute song to fit on the “A” side of a 45. Most 45s were issued in Mono and often a very different mix than the Stereo LP, sometimes an entirely different version of the song like KISS: “Detroit Rock City” released in 1976. In the 50s you had to release many hit singles before you released a full length LP (Long Player) on into the 60s (read my articles on the Beatles, Kinks & WHO) how many Non-LP songs bands had back then. The band would release a 45 single between LPs & if neither song was a hit then the band would not put those songs on the next LP. Mono realistically ended in 1968, however AM radio only issue 45s continued in Mono until 1978.

> 16rpm
Were developed & introduced in 1926 by Western Electric. Used for soundtracks to films & Radio only transcription records from 1930- 1960 & Chrysler Automobile Records, (mainly Jazz music in the 1950s) ran16 revolutions per minute, & played from the inside out, as appose to the outside in. This format did not last long.
> EPs
Extended Plays were very popular in the UK; the 1st ones were put out by Grey Gull Records in 1919 & by RCA in 1952. An EP is classified as 4- 6 songs & less than 25 minutes for both sides total, they can run at 45 or 33 1/3rpm, usually in a cardboard sleeve, as appose to paper. Most British bands released EPs between LPs

> The LP:
In the USA, in 1921 record sales were about $105 million per year, but with the introduction of the home radio unit the 1st death knell was heard for records when sales dropped to $5 million per year in 1933. Then Columbia Records introduced the LP in 1948 developed by Peter Goldmark at CBS laboratories, 1st in Mono & then later in Stereo. At this time 78s were the predominate format for music until about 1952 when the 78 dropped to 50% of the market in sales. Interestingly enough in 1958 RCA passed on the opportunity to buy the exclusive to “Stereo” a true live separation of sound between 2 channels that was invented by Alan Blumlein at EMI In the1930s. In 1931 RCA- Victor introduced the “Victrolac” a new vinyl based compound.

While the composition of vinyl has changed since its inception, the preference is virgin vinyl (all colored vinyl is virgin vinyl) as it has less impurities, for example much of the vinyl produced in the 70s was recycled, recalled, unsold records, with impurities and all. Standard grade pressings were 130 grams until about 1971 when RCA introduced the “Dynaflex” record at 90 grams these did not sound as good nor did they last as long.

In November 1957, the small independent Audio Fidelity Records label started releasing stereo LPs & invented the “Half Speed Masters” developed from trying to capture nature sounds on vinyl. The “Half Speed Master” were cut at a slower speed with deeper grooves for a better sound reproduction. In Japan the standard has been 160 grams so most imports are sought after for the superior sound quality, which is why the current re-issue grade is 180 grams to sound better and last longer. Did you know the average LP contains about 1500 feet of grooves?

Records in the 60s ran about 18 minutes per side, then in the 70s about 20 minutes per side. Then in 1976 Led Zeppelin had a 27min song on “Song Remains The Same” then in 1987 Def Leppard put out ‘Hysteria” with about 30min per side, but in 1987 it was all over for the vinyl format.

> Acetates
Sometimes known as “Demonstration Records” are an aluminum disc, earlier versions were cardboard with a coating of nitrocellulose lacquer (they have a very unique smell to them). This production process ran from the 1930s to late 1960s. In the 40s there were recording booths for military men to record messages home to their loved ones before they went off to war. A famous recording booth record was made by The Quarrymen (The Beatles) as Lennon, McCartney & Harrison stuffed themselves into a booth to record “Hallelujah, I Love Her So”

> Sound Sheet/ Flexi Discs
A thin plastic sheet usually 1 sided, & not very durable. Usually magazine inserts from about 1965-1985, 2 of the most famous flexis are; The Monkees: Davy Jones had 1 in 1968 which was a spoken word with music for the film “Head” a 2 sided clear blue sheet. The Who had 1 in a book from 1985, demos for “My Generation & Pinball Wizard” When the Beatles re-released the “Red” & “Blue” & “White” albums in 1981 after Lennon died, Musiccland released a Flexi for each LP. One conversation I had with Glen Buxton of the Alice Cooper Group in 1991, he was planning to release a Flexi of 2 songs he & Alice had recorder before The Alice Cooper Group as “The Spiders” in 1965, however I had to inform him, Felxis had gone by the wayside some years earlier.
> Cereal Box Records:
Usually found on Post Cereals from 1970- 1972. A piece of cardboard with a thin vinyl coating applied, again not very durable. The most famous artists found on these are: Monkees, Archies, Jackson 5 (with Michael), Bobby Sherman & children’s music.

> Quad:
Sometime about 1972 quadraphonic was introduced (the equivalent of 5.1 today) instead of sound being separated into 2 channels, quad is separated into 4, however you need a special quad amp and 4 of the same speakers. Very few titles were released in quad as this medium did not catch on.

> 12″ Singles:
About 1977 the 12″ Single was introduced for the Disco Clubs to keep people on the dance floors longer. Most ran at 45rpm with wider grooves so they had better fidelity. Almost all 12″ had remix or alternate versions making them very collectible.

> Cut-Outs/ Promotional:
Were recalled overstock that was actually cut or drilled, to show they could neither be sold or ‘returned’ for full value. Some “Promotional copies were marked in the same fashion. Promotion copies were made by the record labels for the record stores or radio stations, usually 1st runs off the plates they were better pressings, with cleaner & better sound some like CBS & WB had “White Labels” some covers bore a gold stamp or sticker indicating “promo” status. The 2nd death knell for records came about this time with the readily accessible home cassette recording deck, so much so that EMI put this slogan on their inner sleeves “Home taping is killing the music industry” with a skull & crossbones made from a Cassette shell.

> Record Collecting Blues:
One current trend is original blues records, which are very high in demand but very scarce in supply. For example the Chess label out of Chicago, Illinois considered 1000 copies sold good selling title, & 2000 copies sold a really good selling title & 5000 copies sold, a smash hit. The other thing to consider is until the early 90s the East & West Coast were very separate in development, & way ahead of the Mid-West, & blues primarily sold from Chicago to New Orleans. Another example to consider about blues, take Robert Johnson (1911- 1938) who is considered the Father of Blues, Johnson released only 78s in his lifetime, 11 total, NO LPs, 1 was released 25 years after his death and a 2nd LP 10 years after that.

> R.I.P. 1989:
“National Recall” Letter issued by NARM in December 1987 that essentially read: “All 6 major labels: CBS (Sony), WEA (Warner Bros), MCA (Universal), BMG (RCA), EMI (Capitol) & PGD (Polygram) have decided to stop shipping Vinyl record LPs to retail stores, effective 2 January 1988. In order to receive full credit for Vinyl on hand, have all stock returned to vendor by 30 December 1987. The list price of a vinyl record LP was on average $9.98 & the cost of a vinyl record was about $7.25 per item. At that same time the list price of a CD was on average $16.98 & the cost per item was about $12.75 (these are facts, folks .. as I was there)> No music retail chain was about to lose any money on dead stock & the chance to flip credit on vinyl to CD. At that time in 1987 Cassettes were about 60% of the retail market leaving CDs about 35% with vinyl trailing at a mere 5%, albeit not an entirely dead format, which is why NARM & the Labels decided to put an end to vinyl. In this same letter it did also state that stores would be able to “Special Order” most vinyl titles until 30 October 1989, but after this date “There Will Be NO More Vinyl Pressed in the USA” So music fans roughly there was no vinyl manufactured from late 1989 to 2003 If it was NEVER made on Vinyl originally then the “New” 180gram vinyl Is the Original press.

There was however some limited pressings of major artists such as: KISS, Metallica, Guns N Roses, Pearl Jam & Nirvana usually colored vinyl or picture discs released 1 week before the CD & Cassette, as well as many smaller independent releases. There are literally millions of titles only on vinyl LP; however the same rings true for Cassette as well as CD. It was simply not cost effective to re-release many titles on CD or even Cassette, in addition to many master recordings had been lost over the years, to make proper transfers of vinyl titles to CD, the same rings true today, for those titles only on cassette or CD, it’s just not worth the time or money to put many of those titles on vinyl.

> A Hundred Dollars:
As far as availability for some artists records we must take into consideration; how many were made, how many were sold, how many were recycled as CBS nor Capitol would not reduce overstock to “Cut Out” Status. A very important thing to consider, today Not all records have the same value, condition & quality are 1st & foremost, also it seems most people are looking for the same titles, therefore a higher demand warrants a higher price in re-sale.
Another thing to consider is how many survived due just to whether conditions, example: in California earthquakes & fires, Southwest intense heat, Deep South humidity, Midwest humidity & floods, Northeast overpopulation & a small living area people would tend leave luxuries behind, like their record collection, or people simply unaware of what they had and threw their LPs into the garbage.

What’s selling today in 2013, well after 4 years of selling “Used” vinyl, we have proven, it’s essentially the exact same artists that sold 10, 20, 30 & 40 years ago. Here’s the “Top 11”
1. The Beatles: 1962- 1970 (14 Albums)
2. Pink Floyd: 1967- 1994 (14 Albums)
3. Led Zeppelin: 1969- 1978 (8 Albums)
4. Jimi Hendrix: 1967- 1968 (3 Albums)
5. Frank Zappa: 1966- 1993 (62 Albums)
6. Grateful Dead: 1967- 1990 (22 Albums)
7. Bob Dylan: 1962- 2012 (35 Albums)
8. Doors: 1967- 1978 (9 Albums)
9. Neil Young: 1968-2000 (37 Albums)
10. Black Sabbath: 1970- 1978 (8 Albums)
11. Metallica: 1983- 1991 (5 Albums on Vinyl)

> Come Back:
On Vinyl making a comeback. In 2008 record labels shipped out some 3 million units of vinyl, keep in mind “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” sold over 5 million copies on vinyl in America alone. So 3 million is not a major come back. In 2012 Vinyl sales were up 16% on $4 million is only $64,000.oo up in sales.

The precious Internet has cost the USA billions in music sales, jobs, retail taxes, retail stores, retail jobs, Record Label jobs in promotion, production, art department. With Amazon sales 40% up in Oct 2009 & Ebay $59 Billion in 2008, & absolutely TAX Free. The internet does not create jobs it eliminates jobs and offers no real replacement. In the 60s through the early 2000s the music industry generated billions of dollars for not only the USA but other countries as well. As of today only 1 national music store chain exists, and that would be “fye” out of New York (fye: purchased Musicland/ Sam Goody in 2006 & closed it in 2007).

As of 2008 most cellphones can access the internet, making it possible for almost everyone to look up items on Gemm.Com & Discogs.com & Popsike.Com & Ebay & Amazon, so the days of finding hidden gem that someone over looked, are realistically over, especially in any shop/store establishment (they can use the internet too, isn’t that weird?). If you would like a local list of our peers who also sell used records you can contact us at www.MrZeros.Com, And, so happy hunting….. Mr. Zero Since 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21ultWh4lgw

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