WELCOME TO BLITZ MAGAZINE'S WEB SITE!
WITH THEIR EYES ON THE STARS: In recent months, We Five co-founder and guitarist, Jerry Burgan (seen above, holding guitar in a recent band photo) has taken on an auxiliary role of educator, bringing the legacy of folk rock to successive generations via seminars and live performances. In an interview with Blitz Magazine Editor/Publisher Michael McDowell, Burgan discusses this project, as well as his new solo Global Recording Artists label CD, Reflections, Songs & Stories (Click on We Five / Jerry Burgan Interview link under Previous Posts column at right for interview).
THE INTERNET HOME FOR BLITZ MAGAZINE -
THE ROCK AND ROLL MAGAZINE FOR THINKING PEOPLE
THE ROCK AND ROLL MAGAZINE FOR THINKING PEOPLE
Welcome to the official web site for Blitz, The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People. Since 1975, Blitz has been the leading voice for the discerning music enthusiast. Blitz Magazine was also one of the first magazines of its kind to embrace the internet, having also been online since January 1996.
Here you will find news and updates about all of the key artists essential to the growth and development of rock and roll music and related genres, including rhythm and blues, country and western, jazz and easy listening. For highlights from recent past editions of the Bits And Pieces and Shape Of Things To Come columns, click on the archival postings on the right hand side of this page. Be sure and check back frequently for regular updates.
If you have any questions, please e-mail us at BlitzMcD@aol.com.
Michael McDowell
Editor/Publisher
Blitz Magazine
Since 1975 - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People
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NOW ON BLITZ MAGAZINE'S WEB SITE: The Blitz Awards For 2011 represent the latest installment in Blitz's annual celebration of the best new releases and reissues of the previous year. Scroll down to find out how your favorites from 2011 fared.
ALL NEW BLITZ EXCLUSIVE: Creation lead guitarist Eddie Phillips discusses his new solo project, Woodstock Daze with Editor/Publisher Michael McDowell in an exclusive interview. Click on the Eddie Phillips interview link under the Previous Posts heading at right for the full story.
In the Bits And Pieces column, rock and roll legend Bobby Vee discusses his plans in the wake of his being diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. Editor/Publisher Michael McDowell speaks with Electric Prunes co-founder and front man, James Lowe about his recent quadruple bypass surgery. We also pay tribute to Monkees co-founder David Jones. Veteran rocker and folk rock pioneer Trini Lopez discusses the making of his sixty-fifth album, Into The Future.
Also in the Reissues/Anthologies and Books section of The Shape Of Things To Come column, Peter Appleyard's all star jazz marathon, The Lost 1974 Sessions has finally seen release on the Linus Entertainment label. Gear Fab Records spotlights rare first generation garage rock with the double length reissue of the Custom label Psychedelic Guitars and What's Happening? albums by the enigmatic studio band, the Mind Expanders. Journalistic colleague Susan Whitall and Kevin John celebrate the tragic life of John's father, rhythm and blues legend, Little Willie John in a new biography. Blitz Editor/Publisher Michael McDowell takes a closer look at the Sundazed label's reissues of the two classic Smash label albums by the veteran Baroque rock pioneers, the Left Banke.
Likewise in the New Releases portion of The Shape Of Things To Come column, Bees co-founder and Byrds alumnus, John York has debuted a new solo CD, Fanfare For 2. The legendary first generation rocker, Charlie Gracie has released an album of all new material, For The Love Of Charlie. Doo wop stalwarts the Roomates have joined forces with vocalist Susanna Pichin for an ambitious new covers project, 16 Reasons And More. British Columbia singer/songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen takes a significant step forward in an overcrowded field with her second release, Curiosity. Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and nephew of the Scaffold's Mike McGear, James McCartney makes a most ambitious recording debut with The EP Colleciton. Likewise, Sussex singer/songwriter Peter Lacey and collaborator David Beard give all who listen a reason to Smile with the inspiration of the Beach Boys in Lacey's latest release, We Are The Sand. In turn, veteran singer, songwriter, producer, session musician, label president, pastor and family man, Jeremy Morris discusses his new garage rock supergroup, the Lemon Clocks. First generation garage rock guitarist, Gar Francis takes time between Doughboys projects to release a new CD, Shine On. Blues rock stalwarts Savoy Brown have signed with the Ruf label and released an all new CD, Voodoo Moon. The Austin, Texas-based band, Del Castillo revisits past triumphs and also expands upon their impressive legacy with their new CD and DVD release, Infinitas Rapsodias. British hardcore-inspired trio, the Mobbs make a solid case for musical economics with their debut CD, It's... The Mobbs! In the world of jazz, the quartet led by vibraphonist Hendrik Meurkens raises the bar for the jazz idiom with Live At Bird's Eye; both on Soho Records.
2011 was in many respects one of the most challenging years in recent memory on a variety of fronts. Unrest in the economic and political sectors were key factors in the overall atmosphere of uncertainty that characterized much of the news headlines, with the resultant divisiveness in these matters compounding the concerns to a significant degree.
Not surprisingly, as if in reaction to those developments, 2011 was one of the most richly diverse years in the new millennium to date, in terms of both new releases and reissues of archival material. True to form, the veteran greats continued to create at optimum level, with fresh recordings by Danny and the Juniors, Mike and the Ravens, the Critters, the Tol-Puddle Martyrs, the Zombies, Charlie Gracie, Tony Bennett, the Del Satins, Glen Campbell, Jackie DeShannon, Trini Lopez, Chad and Jeremy’s Chad Stuart, Doughboys drummer Richard X. Heyman and Creation guitarist Eddie Phillips making the most significant impressions.
As he has been with almost every new release since his groundbreaking Orange Crate Art album with long time collaborator Van Dyke Parks in 1995, Beach Boys founder and resident visionary, Brian Wilson was far and away the most deserving recipient of Blitz’s pick for Best New CD. In The Key Of Disney found Wilson applying his richly produced, harmony laden, trademark sound to eleven staples of the Walt Disney catalog, proving that his interpretive skills remain both undiminished and on par with his unmatched creative gifts; all of which bodes well for his forthcoming 2012 reunion tour with fellow Beach Boys Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, David Marks and Mike Love.
That is not to infer that the current crop of rockers did not contribute accordingly during 2011. Second generation garage rockers, the Cynics proved to be a hallmark of consistency with Spinning Wheel Motel, as did New Wave era holdovers the Cars, Duran Duran, Bebe Buell and Nick Lowe with their respective new releases. In turn, relative newcomers James McCartney, Laurie Biagini, the Turnback, Them Bird Things and All The Apparatus each proved themselves to be first rate songwriters with the capability to execute their respective visions succinctly.
Jazz’s healthy growth curve likewise continued unabated in 2011. As has been the case for the past several years, jazz has been blessed with an abundance of relative aspirants who draw their inspiration (at least in part) from such hard bop visionaries as John Coltrane, Charles Mingus and Charlie Parker and who respond in kind through their original material. New offerings by Mac Gollehon, the Sheryl Bailey 4, Swingadelic, and the Duduka De Fonseca Trio, as well as genre stalwarts Ramsey Lewis and Booker T. Jones kept the genre in the spotlight.
Rhythm and blues likewise continued to rebound steadily from a protracted slump, with encouragingly increasing support amongst its current gatekeepers for the pioneers of the movement. To that effect, veteran vocalist Betty Wright joined forces with the Roots for an album that showcases both in top form. Likewise, Aretha Franklin and Ben E. King each contributed commendably to their respective formidable legacies, while bands like the Bo-Keys spoke well for the future of the idiom.
Meanwhile, country music (which is still in the early stages of recovering from its own long term aesthetic decline) watched with no small degree of apprehension as one of its most beloved visionaries, Merle Haggard closed out the year with health concerns. Even so, long time country staples Ralph Stanley, Dolly Parton, Mel Tillis and Ronnie Milsap each turned in first rate releases, while banjo champion Steve Martin sustained his momentum with a second bluegrass album that underscores the notion that he has at last found his true calling.
Perhaps the most significant changing of the guard in 2011 came within the loosely defined cadre of artists that fall under what is often referred to as the Radio Disney umbrella. Inevitably, long time front runners Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers faded from grace within the less discerning factions of their target demographic, in tandem with the cancellation of their respective Disney Channel television series. But to their credit, the Jonas Brothers and Cyrus each established a precedent for creative autonomy that was heretofore in rare supply within the genre, and which happily seems to be continuing within its new regime.
The de facto leader of the movement (and one who seems to be embraced by default) is the remarkably gifted Southern California singer/songwriter, Colbie Caillat. Caillat’s third album, All Of You is not only her most cohesive effort to date, it in turn produced what is far and away the best single of the year in the irresistible calypso romp, Brighter Than The Sun. Part surf rocker and part folk rocker, Caillat personifies a musical savvy that bodes well for the ongoing upgrade of the genre.
Sharing the spotlight with Caillat in that respect is musicologist Victoria Justice. The star of the Nickelodeon television situation comedy, Victorious, Justice is an avid record collector, who frequents the vaunted Amoeba Records outlet on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California. Her 2010 debut single, Freak The Freak Out set the precedent for her first album, in which she definitely brings a higher degree of accountability to a tried and true template.
Alongside Caillat and Justice were several artists who made their most significant impact with individual tracks, rather than complete albums. Chief amongst them was vocalist and Irvine, California native, Rebecca Black, whose memorable Friday single joined such classics as Eddie Cochran’s Weekend, the Easybeats’ Friday On My Mind and George Jones’ Finally Friday as an instant anthem in celebration of the Sabbath. Likewise the Nashville, Tennessee quartet, Hot Chelle Rae, whose wry and flippant original, Tonight, Tonight reflected the cavalier perspective of its target demographic succinctly. Whether Black or Hot Chelle Rae will be able to sustain their momentum into 2012 and beyond remains to be seen, although their respective contributions to 2011 seem sufficient to assure their legacies.
Sadly (and most ironically), the only genre that pressed ahead without a clear cut collective vision in 2011 was Gospel. While some of its current standard bearers each persevered with new releases, the majority of them produced only one or two tracks of consequence; many of which were inevitably collected on the 2012 installment of the annual two-CD Wow compilation, released in late 2011. The only Gospel artist to both record prolifically and with considerable diversity is the veteran singer, songwriter, producer, pastor and label president, Jeremy Morris. With more than fifty albums to his credit to date, Morris furthered the Gospel most impressively with two stylistically divergent releases in 2011.
Much ado was made within the conventional recording circles in 2011 about the alleged inevitable demise of the compact disc in favor of an all download industry. This speculation was fueled in part via a September interview with Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason on NBC television’s Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, in which Mason stated that this development was a significant factor in the surviving band members’ decision to undertake a massive reissue project. However, the reality is that not only does the compact disc continue to flourish, the vinyl album has also become an increasing presence, even in conventional retail outlets.
The ongoing viability of the compact disc is evidenced by not only the wealth of worthwhile new releases (as depicted in the New Releases section of the Blitz Awards), but via the number of superb compilations and anthologies that grace the Reissues section. Not surprisingly, the long awaited legitimate release of the Beach Boys’ historic and groundbreaking 1966 - 1967 Smile sessions in deluxe box form not only takes top honors, it likewise easily qualifies as one of the best reissue projects of the millennium to date and in turn set a precedent for several other like minded projects during the year.
Among them are comprehensive and most welcome boxes that celebrate the work of several diverse and indispensable musical visionaries. Foremost of these is Rhino Handmade’s deluxe box set celebrating the Monkees’ 1969 Instant Replay album; their first venture without bassist Peter Tork. Complete monaural and stereo mixes are included, along with extensive session notes, unreleased tracks and a bonus vinyl single with picture sleeve, featuring two tracks from the band’s 33-1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee television special. The affiliate Friday Music label rounded out the proceedings with essential reissues of the Monkees’ 1969 The Monkees Present album and their 1970 Changes album.
The venerable Bear Family label added to their enormously impressive catalog with a long overdue, highly acclaimed and comprehensive look at the first decade of the recording career of country music legend and long time Blitz favorite, Bill Anderson. The First Ten Years 1956 - 1966 includes virtually all of Anderson’s Decca recordings from that period, accompanied by a hardcover book detailing each session in considerable detail. Surprisingly, this Bear Family box represents the first comprehensive CD collection of that phase of Anderson’s career.
While not as generous in that respect, the Pink Floyd box set, Discoveries is nonetheless a convenient means to acquire a complete set of the band’s studio work, from the early sides with the late Syd Barrett to such ambitious outings as Obscured By Clouds and later works like The Division Bell. While Discoveries contains neither live recordings nor bonus tracks, the remixes therein represent the band’s basic catalog better than did the earlier individual CD reissues.
Perhaps the most significant setback of the year was the apparent collapse of Collectors Choice Records, which in the process derailed the momentum of the label’s highly ambitious Cameo/Parkway reissue series. That responsibility for the moment would seem to fall to its collaborator in that respect, the Ace/Big Beat family of labels, although by year’s end Ace had not yet added to the several Cameo/Parkway titles that it shared with Collectors Choice. However, Ace/Big Beat managed to maintain a high level of interest with its various reissue and compilation projects by Rick Nelson, Trini Lopez and Lesley Gore.
Lesley Gore was also the subject of a first rate rarities collection from Teensville Records. The New South Wales-based label (which is a subsidiary of Rare Rockin’ Records) has rapidly ascended to front runner status in recent years, with 2011’s offerings also including a great Paul Petersen collection, along with various artist anthologies focusing upon rare British singles and the work of songwriter Billy Meshel.
The mission statements of the Sundazed and Now Sounds labels also continued unabated in 2011. Sundazed continued to focus on the best first generation garage rock with great collections by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, the Yardbirds, the Left Banke, Oscar and the Majestics and Mister Gasser and the Weirdos, while Now Sounds stayed true to west coast vocal harmony euphoria with essential reissues of monster classics albums by Harpers Bizarre and the Association. Roger Maglio’s highly respected Gear Fab label also held its own with several great CD debuts of hopelessly rare vinyl albums, as did Shawn Nagy’s Super Oldies Records with its salute to the late producer, Norman Petty.
Long the front runner in maintaining the ongoing availability of the work of essential artists from the dawn of the recording industry, the Archeophone label sustained its momentum in 2011 with a collection of the best releases from 1914, as well a noteworthy anthology by the Fisk Jubilee Quartet. The UK-based relative newcomer, Sepia Records has filled in a critical gap by addressing the intervening years, with state of the art reissues of the Original London Cast recording of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man and classic albums by Lawrence Welk, Dorothy Provine, the Ames Brothers, Pat Boone, Josephine Baker and Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby.
With the healthy upswing in the academic perspective has come a marked increase in the number of books that chronicle the world of music from a variety of perspectives. Despite the closing of the venerable Borders bookstore chain in 2011, a number of music industry veterans successfully weighed in as authors, including former Ceremony lead vocalist, Chaz Bono, as well as country music royalty offspring Roseanne Cash, Hilary Williams and Georgette Jones.
But the most significant accomplishments in that respect in the print media came in the form of biographies and autobiographies of some of music’s most treasured legends. Veteran journalist Susan Whitall and musician Kevin John joined forces to produce a comprehensive biography of John’s beloved father, King Records recording artist Little Willie John. The still active and much loved recording artist/radio announcer Jerry Blavat also confounded expectations with his life story, You Only Rock Once, as did Five Americans cofounder Mike Rabon with his revealing retrospective, High Strung. Musicologist and record collector Donald Riggio likewise made a most impressive debut as an author with his fictionalized and mesmerizing rock and roll tale, Seven Inch Vinyl.
Tragically, the mortality rate amongst musicians continued at an alarming rate in 2011. Virtually all of the key genres felt significant losses, with rock and roll taking an especially hard hit with the untimely passing of Electric Prunes bassist Mark Tulin, Wayfarers and Music Machine founder and front man Sean Bonniwell, Spanky and Our Gang guitarist Fredy Ray “Nigel” Pickering, Grass Roots bassist Robert Frank “Rob” Grill, Pentangle’s Herbert “Bert” Jansch, respected vocalists Andrew Gold and Amy Winehouse, and beloved songwriter Jerome “Jerry” Leiber of the venerable Leiber/Stoller team.
Country music was also hard hit in 2011 with the loss of the great Ferlin Husky, whose brilliant portrayal of aspiring entrepreneur/musician Woody Weatherby in the 1966 motion picture, Las Vegas Hillbillys forever guaranteed his legacy. The enormity of that loss was compounded throughout 2011 with the passing of Louvin Brothers cofounder, Charles Elzer “Charlie Louvin” Loudermilk, as well as country rocker Mel McDaniel, singer/songwriter Liz Anderson, vocal pioneers Margaret Whiting, Billie Jo Spears and Billy Grammer, Johnny Cash sideman Marshall Grant, Johnny and Jack’s Johnny Wright, one time Stoney Cooper collaborator, Wilma Lee Cooper, bandleader Andrew John “Doc Williams” Smik and bluegrass pioneer Wade Mainer of J.E. Mainer’s Mountaineers.
Rhythm and blues, jazz and easy listening were also not without their share of losses. Foremost among them was the 06 December passing of the immensely respected singer, songwriter and producer, Lawrence Darrow “Dobie Gray” Brown, as well as Four Freshmen cofounder Bob Flanigan, Dave Brubeck Quartet drummer Joseph Albert “Joe” Morello, composer John Barry Prendergast, the Marvelettes’ Gladys Horton and blues greats Hubert Sumlin and Eddie Kirkland.
Finally, folk music took an especially hard hit with the loss of two key members of long time Blitz favorites, the Highwaymen. Although the Highwaymen had decided to call it a career after more than a half century with the 2010 death of band leader and resident visionary, Dave Fisher, their ranks suffered immeasurable additional loss in 2011 with the passing of interim member, Gilbert Lee “Gil” Robbins on 05 April from prostate cancer at age 80 and the tragic death of band cofounder Robert Sherwin “Bob” Burnett on 07 December from brain cancer at age 71. The Highwaymen were recipients of the Best Reissue CD award from Blitz Magazine in 2009 with their landmark Folk Era label double CD, The Cambridge Tapes.
Despite these losses and the overall atmosphere of uncertainty in the world of economics and politics, the world of music managed to flourish and assert its ongoing role as the definitive art form. At this juncture, only God knows how things will develop in 2012. But if the various releases celebrated in the Blitz Awards For 2011 are any indication, music itself should continue in that role unabated.
1). IN THE KEY OF DISNEY - BRIAN WILSON (WALT DISNEY RECORDS)
2). For The Love Of Charlie - Charlie Gracie (ABKCO)
3). We’re Forever & Ever & Ever Yours - Danny And The Juniors (Nova Music)
4). From Pillar To Post - Mike And The Ravens (Playground)
5). Flying In The Dark - The Tol-Puddle Martyrs (Secret Deals)
6). Breathe Out, Breathe In - The Zombies (Red House)
7). Woodstock Daze - Eddie Phillips (Deliverance Of Sound)
8). Tiers And Other Stories - Richard X. Heyman (Turn-Up)
9). Duets II - Tony Bennett (Columbia)
10). The Complete EP Collection - James McCartney (Engine Company)
11). Ghost On The Canvas - Glen Campbell (Surfdog)
12). Alpha Omega - Jeremy Morris (Jam)
13). We Are The Sand - Peter Lacey (Pink Hedgehog)
14). Still Wanderin’ - The Del Satins (Praia Recording Group)
15). Don’t Argue With An Elephant - Chad Stuart (Electric Paintbox)
16). A Mother’s Prayer - Ralph Stanley (Rebel)
17). Spinning Wheel Motel - The Cynics (Get Hip)
18). All Of You - Colbie Caillat (Universal Republic)
19). See My Friends - Ray Davies (Decca)
20). As Far As Yesterday Goes - The Red Button (Grimble)
21). Guitar Heaven - Jeremy Morris (Jam)
22). Into The Future - Trini Lopez (TriLo)
23). Drawn In Chalk - The Turnback (Turnback)
24). A Go-Go Girl In A Modern World - Laurie Biagini (Laurie Biagini)
25). Wildlike Wonder - Them Bird Things (Playground)
26). Rare Bird Alert - Steve Martin (Rounder)
27). The Old Magic - Nick Lowe (Yep Roc)
28). Gilbertville - Gilbert O’Sullivan (Hypertension)
29). Surrender Dorothy - Simon Felton (Pink Hedgehog)
30). All The Apparatus - All The Apparatus (Faulty)
31). Timepieces - The Critters (Critters)
32). Voodoo Moon - Savoy Brown (Ruf)
33). Got To Get Back! - The Bo-Keys (Electraphonic)
34). Porcelain - Edward Rogers (Zip)
35). Fifteen Minutes - Barry Manilow (Stiletto)
36). Power Chords, Harmonies And Mistletoe - Various Artists (Twist)
37). Victorious - Victoria Justice (Columbia)
38). Laro - Jim Paredes (MCA Universal)
39). Better Day - Dolly Parton (Dolly)
40). When You Walk In The Room - Jackie DeShannon (RockBeat)
41). You Ain’t Gonna Believe This - Mel Tillis (Show Dog Nashville)
42). Fly Down Little Bird - Mike Seeger and Peggy Seeger (Appleseed)
43). International Pop Overthrow, Volume Fourteen - Various Artists (Pop Geek Heaven)
44). Rock N’ Raw Live - The Doughboys (Ram)
45). Hi-Fi Christmas Party, Volume Three - Various Artists (Vandalay)
46). Live At Bird’s Eye - Hendrik Meurkens (Zoho)
47). All You Need Is Now - Duran Duran (S-Curve)
48). The Road From Memphis - Booker T. Jones (Anti-)
49). Country Again - Ronnie Milsap (Bigger Picture)
50). Happen Again - Andy Kim (!ceworks)
51). Taking Another Look - Ramsey Lewis (Hidden Beach)
52). A Woman Falling Out Of Love - Aretha Franklin (Aretha’s Records)
53). Haunted Woman - Ladies Of The Canyon (Warner)
54). Here For A Good Time - George Strait (MCA Nashville)
55). My Love Will Keep - Jonathan Edwards (Appleseed)
56). Move Like This - The Cars (Hear Music)
57). Heart And Soul - Ben E. King (Canam)
58). Hard Love - Bebe Buell (Niji)
59). Play - Roxanne Potvin (Black Hen Music)
60). I Feel You - Herb Alpert and Lani Hall (Concord)
61). The Movie - Betty Wright and the Roots (S-Curve)
62). Straight Ahead - Mac Gollehon (American Showplace Music)
63). Strictly Whatever - Harry Manx and Kevin Brett (Stony Plain)
64). Use Me - David Bromberg (Appleseed)
65). So Beautiful Or So What - Paul Simon (Hear Music)
66). Beyond The Sun - Chris Isaak (Vanguard)
67). Someone To Watch Over Me - Susan Boyle (Columbia)
68). A Very She And Him Christmas - She And Him (Merge)
69). Wow Hits 2012 - Various Artists (Provident Music)
70). Uncover Me, Volume Two - Jann Arden (Universal Canada)
71). The Duduka Da Fonseca Trio Plays Toninho Horta - The Duduka Da Fonseca Trio (Zoho)
72). Unbroken - Demi Lovato (Hollywood)
73). Young Love - Mat Kearney (Universal Republic)
74). Wild And Free - Ziggy Marley (Tuff Gong)
75). The Other Duke: Tribute To Duke Pearson - Swingadelic (Zoho)
76). For All Those Living - The Sheryl Bailey 4 (Pure Music)
77). Ha Ha Ha - Mondo Jetset (Pink Hedgehog)
78). Renegade - Lightnin’ Malcolm (Ruf)
79). The People’s Key - Bright Eyes (Saddle Creek)
80). Hear And Now - Lou Volpe (Jazz Guitar)
81). Many Moons - David Lopato (Global Coolant)
82). Something Quiet - Bob Gluck, Joe Giardullo and Christopher Dean Sullivan (FMR)
83). Metals - Leslie Feist (Cherry Tree)
84). Destinations - John Gatti (John Gatti Music)
85). Bones And Tones - Bones and Tones (F.A.R.)
86). Tapestries Of Song - Matt Panayides (Pacific Coast Jazz)
87). Nightshades - Cobra Starship (Decay Dance)
88). Wingwalker - Jane Ira Bloom (Outline)
89). The Desert And The City - Mike Rood (Mike Rood)
90). Dream On - Kathleen Kolman (Walkin’ Foot Productions)
1). SMILE - THE BEACH BOYS (CAPITOL)
2). Instant Replay - The Monkees (Rhino Handmade)
3). The Monkees Present; Changes - The Monkees (Friday Music)
4). The First Ten Years 1956-1966 - Bill Anderson (Bear Family)
5). Rick Nelson In Concert At The Troubadour 1969 - Rick Nelson (Ace)
6). The Complete Collection - Tony Bennett (Columbia)
7). British Teen Rarities - Various Artists (Teensville)
8). Mrs. Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter; Hold On! - Herman’s Hermits (ABKCO)
9). Feelin’ Groovy - Harpers Bizarre (Now Sounds)
10). 1914 - Various Artists (Archeophone)
11). Paradise Found: The Songs Of Billy Meshel - Various Artists (Rare Rockin’ Records)
12). The Music Man – Original London Cast (Sepia)
13). Little Games - The Yardbirds (Sundazed)
14). The MGM Singles - Sam The Sham And The Pharaohs (Sundazed)
15). Calcutta!/Yellow Bird - Lawrence Welk (Sepia)
16). Hits And Rarities 1961-1968 - Paul Petersen (Teensville)
17). Walk Away Renee - Pretty Ballerina; The Left Banke Too - The Left Banke (Sundazed)
18). Discovery - Pink Floyd (EMI Catalogue)
19). Psychedelic States: New York In The ’60s, Volume Three - Various Artists (Gear Fab)
20). From Canada To Clovis - Various Artists (Super Oldies)
21). Hits And Rarities 1964-1969; Magic Colors - Lesley Gore (Teensville; Ace)
22). The Phillies Album Collection - Various Artists (Phil Spector Records/Legacy)
23). If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears - The Mamas And Papas (Sundazed)
24). Bradley’s Barn - The Beau Brummels (Rhino Handmade)
25). Singular Genius: The Complete ABC Singles - Ray Charles (Concord)
26). Where The Boys Are: The Songs Of Neil Sedaka And Howard Greenfield - Various Artists (Ace)
27). Young Man With The Big Beat - Elvis Presley (Legacy)
28). Sinner Not A Saint - Trini Lopez (Ace)
29). Through The Years, Volumes Seven And Eight - Bing Crosby (Sepia)
30). The Bang Years: 1966-1968 - Neil Diamond (Columbia)
31). My Heart - Doris Day (Arwin Productions)
32). Dark Side Of The Moon; Wish You Were Here (Immersion Box) - Pink Floyd (Capitol)
33). Moonglow/Yes Indeed! - Pat Boone (Sepia)
34). Insight Out - The Association (Now Sounds)
35). Ring-A-Ding-Ding! - Frank Sinatra (Concord)
36). Satchmo: Ambassador Of Jazz - Louis Armstrong (Verve)
37). The Rationals - The Rationals (Big Beat)
38). Slim Harpo Rocks - Slim Harpo (Bear Family)
39). Freedom - Filet Of Soul (Gear Fab)
40). David Jones: The Deluxe Edition - David Jones (Friday Music)
41). Hey Baby! - Nino Tempo and April Stevens (Ace)
42). There Breathes A Hope 1909-1916 - John Work II And His Fisk Jubilee Quartet (Archeophone)
43). Voila Paris! - Josephine Baker (Sepia)
44). Cabaret Echoes 1918-1927 - Various Artists (Archeophone)
45). Hot Rod Hootenanny; Rods ’N Ratfinks; Surfink! - Mister Gasser And The Weirdos (Sundazed)
46). Awake In A Dream: The Project 3 Recordings - The Critters (Now Sounds)
47). 35 Years Of Stony Plain - Various Artists (Stony Plain)
48). Turn Up The Music - Point Of Grace (Word Entertainment)
49). Some Girls Deluxe Edition - The Rolling Stones (Universal Republic)
50). Owen-B - Owen-B (Gear Fab)
51). Songs From The Roaring ’20s - Dorothy Provine (Sepia)
52). No Chance Baby! - Oscar And The Majestics (Sundazed)
53). This Is It!! - Dirty Martha (Gear Fab)
54). What’s Going On (40th Anniversary Edition) - Marvin Gaye (Motown)
55). Hillow Hammet - Hammer (Gear Fab)
BLITZ AWARDS FOR 2011
2011 was in many respects one of the most challenging years in recent memory on a variety of fronts. Unrest in the economic and political sectors were key factors in the overall atmosphere of uncertainty that characterized much of the news headlines, with the resultant divisiveness in these matters compounding the concerns to a significant degree.
Not surprisingly, as if in reaction to those developments, 2011 was one of the most richly diverse years in the new millennium to date, in terms of both new releases and reissues of archival material. True to form, the veteran greats continued to create at optimum level, with fresh recordings by Danny and the Juniors, Mike and the Ravens, the Critters, the Tol-Puddle Martyrs, the Zombies, Charlie Gracie, Tony Bennett, the Del Satins, Glen Campbell, Jackie DeShannon, Trini Lopez, Chad and Jeremy’s Chad Stuart, Doughboys drummer Richard X. Heyman and Creation guitarist Eddie Phillips making the most significant impressions.
As he has been with almost every new release since his groundbreaking Orange Crate Art album with long time collaborator Van Dyke Parks in 1995, Beach Boys founder and resident visionary, Brian Wilson was far and away the most deserving recipient of Blitz’s pick for Best New CD. In The Key Of Disney found Wilson applying his richly produced, harmony laden, trademark sound to eleven staples of the Walt Disney catalog, proving that his interpretive skills remain both undiminished and on par with his unmatched creative gifts; all of which bodes well for his forthcoming 2012 reunion tour with fellow Beach Boys Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, David Marks and Mike Love.
That is not to infer that the current crop of rockers did not contribute accordingly during 2011. Second generation garage rockers, the Cynics proved to be a hallmark of consistency with Spinning Wheel Motel, as did New Wave era holdovers the Cars, Duran Duran, Bebe Buell and Nick Lowe with their respective new releases. In turn, relative newcomers James McCartney, Laurie Biagini, the Turnback, Them Bird Things and All The Apparatus each proved themselves to be first rate songwriters with the capability to execute their respective visions succinctly.
Jazz’s healthy growth curve likewise continued unabated in 2011. As has been the case for the past several years, jazz has been blessed with an abundance of relative aspirants who draw their inspiration (at least in part) from such hard bop visionaries as John Coltrane, Charles Mingus and Charlie Parker and who respond in kind through their original material. New offerings by Mac Gollehon, the Sheryl Bailey 4, Swingadelic, and the Duduka De Fonseca Trio, as well as genre stalwarts Ramsey Lewis and Booker T. Jones kept the genre in the spotlight.
Rhythm and blues likewise continued to rebound steadily from a protracted slump, with encouragingly increasing support amongst its current gatekeepers for the pioneers of the movement. To that effect, veteran vocalist Betty Wright joined forces with the Roots for an album that showcases both in top form. Likewise, Aretha Franklin and Ben E. King each contributed commendably to their respective formidable legacies, while bands like the Bo-Keys spoke well for the future of the idiom.
Meanwhile, country music (which is still in the early stages of recovering from its own long term aesthetic decline) watched with no small degree of apprehension as one of its most beloved visionaries, Merle Haggard closed out the year with health concerns. Even so, long time country staples Ralph Stanley, Dolly Parton, Mel Tillis and Ronnie Milsap each turned in first rate releases, while banjo champion Steve Martin sustained his momentum with a second bluegrass album that underscores the notion that he has at last found his true calling.
Perhaps the most significant changing of the guard in 2011 came within the loosely defined cadre of artists that fall under what is often referred to as the Radio Disney umbrella. Inevitably, long time front runners Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers faded from grace within the less discerning factions of their target demographic, in tandem with the cancellation of their respective Disney Channel television series. But to their credit, the Jonas Brothers and Cyrus each established a precedent for creative autonomy that was heretofore in rare supply within the genre, and which happily seems to be continuing within its new regime.
The de facto leader of the movement (and one who seems to be embraced by default) is the remarkably gifted Southern California singer/songwriter, Colbie Caillat. Caillat’s third album, All Of You is not only her most cohesive effort to date, it in turn produced what is far and away the best single of the year in the irresistible calypso romp, Brighter Than The Sun. Part surf rocker and part folk rocker, Caillat personifies a musical savvy that bodes well for the ongoing upgrade of the genre.
Sharing the spotlight with Caillat in that respect is musicologist Victoria Justice. The star of the Nickelodeon television situation comedy, Victorious, Justice is an avid record collector, who frequents the vaunted Amoeba Records outlet on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California. Her 2010 debut single, Freak The Freak Out set the precedent for her first album, in which she definitely brings a higher degree of accountability to a tried and true template.
Alongside Caillat and Justice were several artists who made their most significant impact with individual tracks, rather than complete albums. Chief amongst them was vocalist and Irvine, California native, Rebecca Black, whose memorable Friday single joined such classics as Eddie Cochran’s Weekend, the Easybeats’ Friday On My Mind and George Jones’ Finally Friday as an instant anthem in celebration of the Sabbath. Likewise the Nashville, Tennessee quartet, Hot Chelle Rae, whose wry and flippant original, Tonight, Tonight reflected the cavalier perspective of its target demographic succinctly. Whether Black or Hot Chelle Rae will be able to sustain their momentum into 2012 and beyond remains to be seen, although their respective contributions to 2011 seem sufficient to assure their legacies.
Sadly (and most ironically), the only genre that pressed ahead without a clear cut collective vision in 2011 was Gospel. While some of its current standard bearers each persevered with new releases, the majority of them produced only one or two tracks of consequence; many of which were inevitably collected on the 2012 installment of the annual two-CD Wow compilation, released in late 2011. The only Gospel artist to both record prolifically and with considerable diversity is the veteran singer, songwriter, producer, pastor and label president, Jeremy Morris. With more than fifty albums to his credit to date, Morris furthered the Gospel most impressively with two stylistically divergent releases in 2011.
Much ado was made within the conventional recording circles in 2011 about the alleged inevitable demise of the compact disc in favor of an all download industry. This speculation was fueled in part via a September interview with Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason on NBC television’s Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, in which Mason stated that this development was a significant factor in the surviving band members’ decision to undertake a massive reissue project. However, the reality is that not only does the compact disc continue to flourish, the vinyl album has also become an increasing presence, even in conventional retail outlets.
The ongoing viability of the compact disc is evidenced by not only the wealth of worthwhile new releases (as depicted in the New Releases section of the Blitz Awards), but via the number of superb compilations and anthologies that grace the Reissues section. Not surprisingly, the long awaited legitimate release of the Beach Boys’ historic and groundbreaking 1966 - 1967 Smile sessions in deluxe box form not only takes top honors, it likewise easily qualifies as one of the best reissue projects of the millennium to date and in turn set a precedent for several other like minded projects during the year.
Among them are comprehensive and most welcome boxes that celebrate the work of several diverse and indispensable musical visionaries. Foremost of these is Rhino Handmade’s deluxe box set celebrating the Monkees’ 1969 Instant Replay album; their first venture without bassist Peter Tork. Complete monaural and stereo mixes are included, along with extensive session notes, unreleased tracks and a bonus vinyl single with picture sleeve, featuring two tracks from the band’s 33-1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee television special. The affiliate Friday Music label rounded out the proceedings with essential reissues of the Monkees’ 1969 The Monkees Present album and their 1970 Changes album.
The venerable Bear Family label added to their enormously impressive catalog with a long overdue, highly acclaimed and comprehensive look at the first decade of the recording career of country music legend and long time Blitz favorite, Bill Anderson. The First Ten Years 1956 - 1966 includes virtually all of Anderson’s Decca recordings from that period, accompanied by a hardcover book detailing each session in considerable detail. Surprisingly, this Bear Family box represents the first comprehensive CD collection of that phase of Anderson’s career.
While not as generous in that respect, the Pink Floyd box set, Discoveries is nonetheless a convenient means to acquire a complete set of the band’s studio work, from the early sides with the late Syd Barrett to such ambitious outings as Obscured By Clouds and later works like The Division Bell. While Discoveries contains neither live recordings nor bonus tracks, the remixes therein represent the band’s basic catalog better than did the earlier individual CD reissues.
Perhaps the most significant setback of the year was the apparent collapse of Collectors Choice Records, which in the process derailed the momentum of the label’s highly ambitious Cameo/Parkway reissue series. That responsibility for the moment would seem to fall to its collaborator in that respect, the Ace/Big Beat family of labels, although by year’s end Ace had not yet added to the several Cameo/Parkway titles that it shared with Collectors Choice. However, Ace/Big Beat managed to maintain a high level of interest with its various reissue and compilation projects by Rick Nelson, Trini Lopez and Lesley Gore.
Lesley Gore was also the subject of a first rate rarities collection from Teensville Records. The New South Wales-based label (which is a subsidiary of Rare Rockin’ Records) has rapidly ascended to front runner status in recent years, with 2011’s offerings also including a great Paul Petersen collection, along with various artist anthologies focusing upon rare British singles and the work of songwriter Billy Meshel.
The mission statements of the Sundazed and Now Sounds labels also continued unabated in 2011. Sundazed continued to focus on the best first generation garage rock with great collections by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, the Yardbirds, the Left Banke, Oscar and the Majestics and Mister Gasser and the Weirdos, while Now Sounds stayed true to west coast vocal harmony euphoria with essential reissues of monster classics albums by Harpers Bizarre and the Association. Roger Maglio’s highly respected Gear Fab label also held its own with several great CD debuts of hopelessly rare vinyl albums, as did Shawn Nagy’s Super Oldies Records with its salute to the late producer, Norman Petty.
Long the front runner in maintaining the ongoing availability of the work of essential artists from the dawn of the recording industry, the Archeophone label sustained its momentum in 2011 with a collection of the best releases from 1914, as well a noteworthy anthology by the Fisk Jubilee Quartet. The UK-based relative newcomer, Sepia Records has filled in a critical gap by addressing the intervening years, with state of the art reissues of the Original London Cast recording of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man and classic albums by Lawrence Welk, Dorothy Provine, the Ames Brothers, Pat Boone, Josephine Baker and Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby.
With the healthy upswing in the academic perspective has come a marked increase in the number of books that chronicle the world of music from a variety of perspectives. Despite the closing of the venerable Borders bookstore chain in 2011, a number of music industry veterans successfully weighed in as authors, including former Ceremony lead vocalist, Chaz Bono, as well as country music royalty offspring Roseanne Cash, Hilary Williams and Georgette Jones.
But the most significant accomplishments in that respect in the print media came in the form of biographies and autobiographies of some of music’s most treasured legends. Veteran journalist Susan Whitall and musician Kevin John joined forces to produce a comprehensive biography of John’s beloved father, King Records recording artist Little Willie John. The still active and much loved recording artist/radio announcer Jerry Blavat also confounded expectations with his life story, You Only Rock Once, as did Five Americans cofounder Mike Rabon with his revealing retrospective, High Strung. Musicologist and record collector Donald Riggio likewise made a most impressive debut as an author with his fictionalized and mesmerizing rock and roll tale, Seven Inch Vinyl.
Tragically, the mortality rate amongst musicians continued at an alarming rate in 2011. Virtually all of the key genres felt significant losses, with rock and roll taking an especially hard hit with the untimely passing of Electric Prunes bassist Mark Tulin, Wayfarers and Music Machine founder and front man Sean Bonniwell, Spanky and Our Gang guitarist Fredy Ray “Nigel” Pickering, Grass Roots bassist Robert Frank “Rob” Grill, Pentangle’s Herbert “Bert” Jansch, respected vocalists Andrew Gold and Amy Winehouse, and beloved songwriter Jerome “Jerry” Leiber of the venerable Leiber/Stoller team.
Country music was also hard hit in 2011 with the loss of the great Ferlin Husky, whose brilliant portrayal of aspiring entrepreneur/musician Woody Weatherby in the 1966 motion picture, Las Vegas Hillbillys forever guaranteed his legacy. The enormity of that loss was compounded throughout 2011 with the passing of Louvin Brothers cofounder, Charles Elzer “Charlie Louvin” Loudermilk, as well as country rocker Mel McDaniel, singer/songwriter Liz Anderson, vocal pioneers Margaret Whiting, Billie Jo Spears and Billy Grammer, Johnny Cash sideman Marshall Grant, Johnny and Jack’s Johnny Wright, one time Stoney Cooper collaborator, Wilma Lee Cooper, bandleader Andrew John “Doc Williams” Smik and bluegrass pioneer Wade Mainer of J.E. Mainer’s Mountaineers.
Rhythm and blues, jazz and easy listening were also not without their share of losses. Foremost among them was the 06 December passing of the immensely respected singer, songwriter and producer, Lawrence Darrow “Dobie Gray” Brown, as well as Four Freshmen cofounder Bob Flanigan, Dave Brubeck Quartet drummer Joseph Albert “Joe” Morello, composer John Barry Prendergast, the Marvelettes’ Gladys Horton and blues greats Hubert Sumlin and Eddie Kirkland.
Finally, folk music took an especially hard hit with the loss of two key members of long time Blitz favorites, the Highwaymen. Although the Highwaymen had decided to call it a career after more than a half century with the 2010 death of band leader and resident visionary, Dave Fisher, their ranks suffered immeasurable additional loss in 2011 with the passing of interim member, Gilbert Lee “Gil” Robbins on 05 April from prostate cancer at age 80 and the tragic death of band cofounder Robert Sherwin “Bob” Burnett on 07 December from brain cancer at age 71. The Highwaymen were recipients of the Best Reissue CD award from Blitz Magazine in 2009 with their landmark Folk Era label double CD, The Cambridge Tapes.
Despite these losses and the overall atmosphere of uncertainty in the world of economics and politics, the world of music managed to flourish and assert its ongoing role as the definitive art form. At this juncture, only God knows how things will develop in 2012. But if the various releases celebrated in the Blitz Awards For 2011 are any indication, music itself should continue in that role unabated.
BEST NEW CDs
1). IN THE KEY OF DISNEY - BRIAN WILSON (WALT DISNEY RECORDS)
2). For The Love Of Charlie - Charlie Gracie (ABKCO)
3). We’re Forever & Ever & Ever Yours - Danny And The Juniors (Nova Music)
4). From Pillar To Post - Mike And The Ravens (Playground)
5). Flying In The Dark - The Tol-Puddle Martyrs (Secret Deals)
6). Breathe Out, Breathe In - The Zombies (Red House)
7). Woodstock Daze - Eddie Phillips (Deliverance Of Sound)
8). Tiers And Other Stories - Richard X. Heyman (Turn-Up)
9). Duets II - Tony Bennett (Columbia)
10). The Complete EP Collection - James McCartney (Engine Company)
11). Ghost On The Canvas - Glen Campbell (Surfdog)
12). Alpha Omega - Jeremy Morris (Jam)
13). We Are The Sand - Peter Lacey (Pink Hedgehog)
14). Still Wanderin’ - The Del Satins (Praia Recording Group)
15). Don’t Argue With An Elephant - Chad Stuart (Electric Paintbox)
16). A Mother’s Prayer - Ralph Stanley (Rebel)
17). Spinning Wheel Motel - The Cynics (Get Hip)
18). All Of You - Colbie Caillat (Universal Republic)
19). See My Friends - Ray Davies (Decca)
20). As Far As Yesterday Goes - The Red Button (Grimble)
21). Guitar Heaven - Jeremy Morris (Jam)
22). Into The Future - Trini Lopez (TriLo)
23). Drawn In Chalk - The Turnback (Turnback)
24). A Go-Go Girl In A Modern World - Laurie Biagini (Laurie Biagini)
25). Wildlike Wonder - Them Bird Things (Playground)
26). Rare Bird Alert - Steve Martin (Rounder)
27). The Old Magic - Nick Lowe (Yep Roc)
28). Gilbertville - Gilbert O’Sullivan (Hypertension)
29). Surrender Dorothy - Simon Felton (Pink Hedgehog)
30). All The Apparatus - All The Apparatus (Faulty)
31). Timepieces - The Critters (Critters)
32). Voodoo Moon - Savoy Brown (Ruf)
33). Got To Get Back! - The Bo-Keys (Electraphonic)
34). Porcelain - Edward Rogers (Zip)
35). Fifteen Minutes - Barry Manilow (Stiletto)
36). Power Chords, Harmonies And Mistletoe - Various Artists (Twist)
37). Victorious - Victoria Justice (Columbia)
38). Laro - Jim Paredes (MCA Universal)
39). Better Day - Dolly Parton (Dolly)
40). When You Walk In The Room - Jackie DeShannon (RockBeat)
41). You Ain’t Gonna Believe This - Mel Tillis (Show Dog Nashville)
42). Fly Down Little Bird - Mike Seeger and Peggy Seeger (Appleseed)
43). International Pop Overthrow, Volume Fourteen - Various Artists (Pop Geek Heaven)
44). Rock N’ Raw Live - The Doughboys (Ram)
45). Hi-Fi Christmas Party, Volume Three - Various Artists (Vandalay)
46). Live At Bird’s Eye - Hendrik Meurkens (Zoho)
47). All You Need Is Now - Duran Duran (S-Curve)
48). The Road From Memphis - Booker T. Jones (Anti-)
49). Country Again - Ronnie Milsap (Bigger Picture)
50). Happen Again - Andy Kim (!ceworks)
51). Taking Another Look - Ramsey Lewis (Hidden Beach)
52). A Woman Falling Out Of Love - Aretha Franklin (Aretha’s Records)
53). Haunted Woman - Ladies Of The Canyon (Warner)
54). Here For A Good Time - George Strait (MCA Nashville)
55). My Love Will Keep - Jonathan Edwards (Appleseed)
56). Move Like This - The Cars (Hear Music)
57). Heart And Soul - Ben E. King (Canam)
58). Hard Love - Bebe Buell (Niji)
59). Play - Roxanne Potvin (Black Hen Music)
60). I Feel You - Herb Alpert and Lani Hall (Concord)
61). The Movie - Betty Wright and the Roots (S-Curve)
62). Straight Ahead - Mac Gollehon (American Showplace Music)
63). Strictly Whatever - Harry Manx and Kevin Brett (Stony Plain)
64). Use Me - David Bromberg (Appleseed)
65). So Beautiful Or So What - Paul Simon (Hear Music)
66). Beyond The Sun - Chris Isaak (Vanguard)
67). Someone To Watch Over Me - Susan Boyle (Columbia)
68). A Very She And Him Christmas - She And Him (Merge)
69). Wow Hits 2012 - Various Artists (Provident Music)
70). Uncover Me, Volume Two - Jann Arden (Universal Canada)
71). The Duduka Da Fonseca Trio Plays Toninho Horta - The Duduka Da Fonseca Trio (Zoho)
72). Unbroken - Demi Lovato (Hollywood)
73). Young Love - Mat Kearney (Universal Republic)
74). Wild And Free - Ziggy Marley (Tuff Gong)
75). The Other Duke: Tribute To Duke Pearson - Swingadelic (Zoho)
76). For All Those Living - The Sheryl Bailey 4 (Pure Music)
77). Ha Ha Ha - Mondo Jetset (Pink Hedgehog)
78). Renegade - Lightnin’ Malcolm (Ruf)
79). The People’s Key - Bright Eyes (Saddle Creek)
80). Hear And Now - Lou Volpe (Jazz Guitar)
81). Many Moons - David Lopato (Global Coolant)
82). Something Quiet - Bob Gluck, Joe Giardullo and Christopher Dean Sullivan (FMR)
83). Metals - Leslie Feist (Cherry Tree)
84). Destinations - John Gatti (John Gatti Music)
85). Bones And Tones - Bones and Tones (F.A.R.)
86). Tapestries Of Song - Matt Panayides (Pacific Coast Jazz)
87). Nightshades - Cobra Starship (Decay Dance)
88). Wingwalker - Jane Ira Bloom (Outline)
89). The Desert And The City - Mike Rood (Mike Rood)
90). Dream On - Kathleen Kolman (Walkin’ Foot Productions)
BEST REISSUES / ANTHOLOGY CDs
1). SMILE - THE BEACH BOYS (CAPITOL)
2). Instant Replay - The Monkees (Rhino Handmade)
3). The Monkees Present; Changes - The Monkees (Friday Music)
4). The First Ten Years 1956-1966 - Bill Anderson (Bear Family)
5). Rick Nelson In Concert At The Troubadour 1969 - Rick Nelson (Ace)
6). The Complete Collection - Tony Bennett (Columbia)
7). British Teen Rarities - Various Artists (Teensville)
8). Mrs. Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter; Hold On! - Herman’s Hermits (ABKCO)
9). Feelin’ Groovy - Harpers Bizarre (Now Sounds)
10). 1914 - Various Artists (Archeophone)
11). Paradise Found: The Songs Of Billy Meshel - Various Artists (Rare Rockin’ Records)
12). The Music Man – Original London Cast (Sepia)
13). Little Games - The Yardbirds (Sundazed)
14). The MGM Singles - Sam The Sham And The Pharaohs (Sundazed)
15). Calcutta!/Yellow Bird - Lawrence Welk (Sepia)
16). Hits And Rarities 1961-1968 - Paul Petersen (Teensville)
17). Walk Away Renee - Pretty Ballerina; The Left Banke Too - The Left Banke (Sundazed)
18). Discovery - Pink Floyd (EMI Catalogue)
19). Psychedelic States: New York In The ’60s, Volume Three - Various Artists (Gear Fab)
20). From Canada To Clovis - Various Artists (Super Oldies)
21). Hits And Rarities 1964-1969; Magic Colors - Lesley Gore (Teensville; Ace)
22). The Phillies Album Collection - Various Artists (Phil Spector Records/Legacy)
23). If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears - The Mamas And Papas (Sundazed)
24). Bradley’s Barn - The Beau Brummels (Rhino Handmade)
25). Singular Genius: The Complete ABC Singles - Ray Charles (Concord)
26). Where The Boys Are: The Songs Of Neil Sedaka And Howard Greenfield - Various Artists (Ace)
27). Young Man With The Big Beat - Elvis Presley (Legacy)
28). Sinner Not A Saint - Trini Lopez (Ace)
29). Through The Years, Volumes Seven And Eight - Bing Crosby (Sepia)
30). The Bang Years: 1966-1968 - Neil Diamond (Columbia)
31). My Heart - Doris Day (Arwin Productions)
32). Dark Side Of The Moon; Wish You Were Here (Immersion Box) - Pink Floyd (Capitol)
33). Moonglow/Yes Indeed! - Pat Boone (Sepia)
34). Insight Out - The Association (Now Sounds)
35). Ring-A-Ding-Ding! - Frank Sinatra (Concord)
36). Satchmo: Ambassador Of Jazz - Louis Armstrong (Verve)
37). The Rationals - The Rationals (Big Beat)
38). Slim Harpo Rocks - Slim Harpo (Bear Family)
39). Freedom - Filet Of Soul (Gear Fab)
40). David Jones: The Deluxe Edition - David Jones (Friday Music)
41). Hey Baby! - Nino Tempo and April Stevens (Ace)
42). There Breathes A Hope 1909-1916 - John Work II And His Fisk Jubilee Quartet (Archeophone)
43). Voila Paris! - Josephine Baker (Sepia)
44). Cabaret Echoes 1918-1927 - Various Artists (Archeophone)
45). Hot Rod Hootenanny; Rods ’N Ratfinks; Surfink! - Mister Gasser And The Weirdos (Sundazed)
46). Awake In A Dream: The Project 3 Recordings - The Critters (Now Sounds)
47). 35 Years Of Stony Plain - Various Artists (Stony Plain)
48). Turn Up The Music - Point Of Grace (Word Entertainment)
49). Some Girls Deluxe Edition - The Rolling Stones (Universal Republic)
50). Owen-B - Owen-B (Gear Fab)
51). Songs From The Roaring ’20s - Dorothy Provine (Sepia)
52). No Chance Baby! - Oscar And The Majestics (Sundazed)
53). This Is It!! - Dirty Martha (Gear Fab)
54). What’s Going On (40th Anniversary Edition) - Marvin Gaye (Motown)
55). Hillow Hammet - Hammer (Gear Fab)
posted by BlitzMagazine at 12:53 PM
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