When I think of the Chicago blues, particularly the era of the “electric blues,” I usually think of the legendary performers on the Chess label, most of whom are dead and gone, the label now operating as part of the Universal Music Group. A few small labels, like Alligator Records, which started in 1971, Earwig Music (founded in Chicago in 1978 by Michael Franks) and Red Lightnin,’ established in the UK in 1968, have catalogs of older blues recordings or distribute “contemporary blues.” But Delmark Records, founded in St. Louis in 1953, and based in Chicago since 1958, is not... Read More
Woke Up This Mornin’- Chicago Blues
I’ve always loved the blues. Don’t know when I first heard a blues song, but I identified with it immediately. As a youngster, I listened to delta blues, psych-blues from England, Texas blues and modern reinterpretations from bands like The Allman Brothers. But the Chicago “electric blues” holds a special place for me. It took the basic elements of rural blues and added something gritty, dynamic and edgy. It also became the foundation for a rediscovery of blues by so many notable artists from the UK in the ’60s. Guitarists like Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page and bands... Read More
Buying Older Records- Guides, Interviews, References
Buying Older Records- Guides, Interviews, References Buying older records can be challenging, even for the well-informed collector. This will serve as an index collecting links to various articles on the site about buying older records, including guides, interviews and references. In addition to identifying noteworthy used and collectible records on the site at large, TheVinylPress […]
Janis Ian- Between the Lines
I love Janis Ian. She’s a great songwriter, a terrific performer and this record, which contained the hit “At Seventeen” put her on the map. I had the opportunity to see her perform in 1975, the year the album Between the Lines was released. Though hard-pressed to remember what I did last week, let alone details of a concert that occurred 40 years ago, I recall being spellbound at the time. This record brings that kind of magic to you via the medium of vinyl. For that reason, it also remains an “audiophile” demonstration disc that is still used as a reference by gear... Read More
LP Sleeves, Jackets and Care
Veteran LP collectors might regard what follows as overkill, or even contrary to their practice or experience. So I offer this photo-essay of various ways to handle, package and manage LPs after they have been properly cleaned, along with some cautionary notes and guidelines, recognizing that there are many ways to approach the subject and a few “absolutes,” mainly having to do with the fact that some plastics used for outer jacket and inner sleeves, particularly PVC, are known to interact with vinyl records, and should be avoided. You can pick and choose your own method... Read More
The Sacred Mushroom
Any album that starts with a track entitled “I Don’t Like You” is bound to be interesting. This is a collectible piece of early blues-pysch from Cincinnati, featuring the talents of the Goshorn brothers. If you didn’t know that Larry Goshorn went on to Pure Prairie League, you might not hear the slight twang in his playing. Overall, the “‘Shroom” sounds more like a rust-belt version of The Cream. It’s a cool record, and as far as I know, a one and done for this band. It was originally released on the Parallax label, which was distributed by the (old) Audio Fidelity.... Read More
Bluegrass-Jazz Virtuosos
This record, mixing bluegrass with jazz, is a revelation. It features Norman Blake, Dave Holland, Vassar Clements and a cast of other virtuosos. The track “Sauerkraut ‘N Solar Energy” is a high energy landmark of superb musicianship -the tempo whips the musicians into a frenzy –and playing flat-out, not a note is misplaced. It’s an absolutely stunning display of artistry. Given the renewed interest in “Americana” and roots music, I’m surprised this record hasn’t been rediscovered, though it was an audiophile favorite back in the day. The album was... Read More
Chris Whitley- A Brief Retrospective
I’m haunted by Chris Whitley. We’ve had our share of gifted musicians— far too many to recount here– who died young, leaving a legacy of recordings that are honored today through reissues, deluxe boxed sets and retrospectives (in word and film). Labels can effectively mine a catalog, make a profit where little was had at the time of original release and in the process, keep the music alive for new generations of fans. For various reasons, Chris Whitley doesn’t yet benefit from that kind of visibility. His work really deserves greater recognition and a revival. There have been... Read More
Collecting “Essential” Rock LPs
I had a ball working on this piece with Jeff Gold, the owner of Recordmecca. He is known for offering the rare and desirable: rock records and memorabilia. Jeff’s book, 101 Essential Rock Records, ranging from the Beatles, to early psych, electric blues, prog, glam and punk, not only covers some of the most coveted pressings, […]
Collectability, Sonics and “Essential” Records- Comparing Notes with Jeff Gold, Owner of Recordmecca
I originally reached out to Jeff Gold, the owner of Recordmecca, to talk about label histories; Jeff began his career as the first employee at the legendary Rhino Records store in Los Angeles, was at A&M from 1981 through 1990 and later, at Warner Brothers for nine years. He’s also had more than a few moments of fame: he’s the guy who found those early Bob Dylan acetates from the late ‘60s- a discovery that not only proved to be of enormous value as artifacts, but provided an inside look at Dylan’s creative process during one of the artist’s many “transitional” periods-... Read More
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