Welcome to today's Short Takes focusing on recent releases from the worlds of stage and screen! First up, the Kritzerland label has announced another three additions to its reissue library of Ben Bagley's Revisited series. Bagley's original Revisited releases brought together all-star casts to explore the lesser-known side of famous songwriters' catalogues, and these three […]
Continue ReadingIt's been said that there's no place like home for the holidays...and few artists have conjured up that nostalgic warmth as well as Perry Como. For nearly five decades, the beloved Italian-American crooner was a fixture on radio, records, film and, naturally, the medium which seemingly suited the genial, gentle vocalist best: television. Starting with […]
Continue ReadingBobby Fuller has long been known for two things: recording the immortal "I Fought the Law," and being found dead in his car under mysterious circumstances. Finally, thanks to Cherry Red's Now Sounds imprint, Fuller can be appreciated for his musical gifts. Now Sounds has recently compiled Magic Touch: The Complete Mustang Singles Collection (WCRNOW57), […]
Continue ReadingVocalist, activist, storyteller, actress, host and personality of television and radio. All were apt descriptions for Nancy Wilson, but the one she preferred most was, simply, "song stylist." For when Nancy Wilson, who died at the age of 81 on Thursday, stepped up to a microphone, she inevitably made whatever composition she was singing - […]
Continue ReadingLulu (real name: Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie) burst onto the scene in 1964 with her earthy, throaty rendition of The Isley Brothers' "Shout!" The fifteen-year old parlayed that memorable U.K. top ten hit into an international career that remains vibrant and active to this very day. Lulu remained on Decca Records, the home of "Shout!," […]
Continue ReadingDespite having recorded over two dozen acclaimed studio albums on labels including Capitol, Asylum, Elektra, and Verve, Linda Ronstadt never got around to releasing a live album. Happily, Rhino Records is rectifying that with the February 1 release on CD, LP, and digital platforms of Live in Hollywood from the legendary songstress. Live in Hollywood […]
Continue ReadingOn the heels of two new collections of vault material celebrating the studio outtakes from Friends and 20/20, The Beach Boys have released a further copyright extension release featuring their work onstage. On Tour: 1968 presents 114 tracks recorded on the road in summer and winter 1968. The Beach Boys were on somewhat rocky ground […]
Continue ReadingIn a winter tradition that's as reliable as any, UMe has released the latest in the annual copyright extension series, entitled Motown Unreleased: 1968. The two-part compilation will arrive to digital download and streaming services today, December 14. Between the two volumes, there's a whopping 88 tantalizing, previously unreleased gems from the Motown vault! Motown […]
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