Box of Vision is the essential new collection for Beatles fans. Store, Organize and Display THE BEATLES entire body of work in a gorgeous table-top package… Including a 200 page LP size book of brilliantly restored album artwork.
For the first time ever — all of THE BEATLES LP artwork in a single hard cover coffee table book.
Close to 200 pages of newly restored, pristine LP art prints.
Front covers, back covers and gatefold artwork for all of the original UK studio albums, from PLEASE PLEASE ME to LET IT BE. All of the unique US studio albums from MEET THE BEATLES to HEY JUDE.
The complete LP size booklets from Magical Mystery Tour, as well as the rarely seen LP size booklets from LET IT BE… NAKED, and LOVE.
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See and hear one of the great entertainers from the 50s and 60s, still going strong – Ray Stevens, renassiance man. He sings great – all styles from rock and roll to country: Remember Ahab the Arab, Guitarzan, Everything is Beautiful? There are lots more than that. It’s a mix of comedy, novelty and great rock and roll and country with a little pollitical humor thrown in. Ray is a unique genius talent ENTERTAINER EXTRARDINAIRE, unlke anyone else you have ever seen.So come along, for lless than $5 a month
click above banner to join the fun. In Episode 1 See buddy Phil Everly in a skit where Phil plays Ray’s manager
Do You Remember picnics in the park
Do you remember
Dancing in the dark
Do you remember
Lying in the sand
All these special moments
We had in wonderland
If I could take these precious moments
Put them in a box
If I could feel these times once more
I’d turn back the clock
Wouldn’t it be wonderful
The way that things were then
I would like to turn back time
Live it all again
Do you remember
Stealing that first kiss
Do you remember
Falling in love like this
Time goes by so swiftly
Time goes by so fast
I want to have these good times
I want our love to last
[Spanish section]
Do you remember
the meaning of romance
Do you remember
when we took the chance
Wouldn’t it be wonderful
Not to think of sorrow
I want all my yesterdays
To be my bright tomorrows
If I could take these precious moments
Put them in a box
If I could feel these times once more
I’d turn back the clock
Wouldn’t it be wonderful
The way that things were then
I would like to turn back time
Live it all again
Times change, People change and Neil Sedaka remains one of the few consistencies in the world today. Yes, Sedaka is very much going strong -with a new album and live appearances- as he has been doing for over five decades.. While the music scene is vastly different today Sedaka’s singing and playing i as good as ever. ‘The Music of My Life,’ just released after over a year in the making, consists of original Sedaka material with an emphasis on looking back at his long, successful career. ‘Music of my Life’ and is an eclectic mix of the many styles Sedaka drawn on in his storied career. The opener, ‘Do You Remember?’ has already become a hit in England -yes, that’s right – make it five, no , that’s SIX DECADES of hits for Sedaka!. Anyway, Do You Remember is an infectious, Salsa-styled number that harkens back to the ‘good d old days.’ Unlike many vintage artists who will pass off the changing times as ‘Our parents said the same thing about our music and times’. Sedaka seems more adamant. Listen to the lyrics closely – and not in just the opening song but many of them- and you will see that he is not afraid to speak his mind. In other words, much of life today sucks (if you will)- most of the music, movies and TV. Good for you Neil for telling it like it is. . If only more people would stand up and reject the status quo. Thankfully, we have Neil and scarily few other true ‘throwbacks’ still staying true to the good stuff.
There’s a little bit of everything on this new CD, including a fine doo-wop effort and ‘You,’ a classic Sedaka ballad brought back from a few years ago. Though some of the old innocense may be gone from this CD, its still got its share of ‘Happy Days’ ; I like the patented Sedaka storybook lyrics like ‘wonderland’ included on ‘Do You Remember.’This is one of Sedaka’s strongest albums ever, we’ll let you discover the rest of it…. Go to this Amazon link for a nice price and ENJOY! Also, you can keep in touch with Sedaka and his busy schedule – TV appearances like Huckabee , below — and regular touring at: NeilSedaka.com or listen here just for the melody of 01 Do You Remember but buy the entire CD !
In her quiet way, Doris Day continues to spread joy and not only with her music and films. Residents and visitors – two legged and four-legged – of Carmel-By-The -Sea, California are in for a treat as they reside or visit in this beautiful beach town near Monterey. We were unexpected recipients of Day’s Happy Day Vibes late January.
After dining at the excellent Grill on Ocean Avenue, we asked our waiter about any local spots where we could hear some music. He said we were in luck, to walk down a couple blocks to the Cypress Inn. Surprisingly unfamiliar with this place, we came upon a beautiful 30s-era smalllish Mediterranean white stucco hotel. Once inside the front door we were greeted by a small group of people and dogs(!) in a living-room setting with a pianist and flugelhornist playing jazz . It was something rather unimaginable in this day an age. The pianist, who turned out to be the well-known Dick Whittington and fellow musician , whose name we failed to write down, were putting on what amounted to a private concert of world-class vintage jazz as we reclined on couches, sipping drinks. Everyone , both two legged and four legged , in the room couldn’t have been more friendly, including the artists themselves. The unplanned experience was like something from another time and place. I can’t wait to go back to see what next time will have in store. Whittington, a transplant from Berkeley, CA , plays every Friday and Saturday with various renown guest artists.
Just experiencing the charming Cypress Inn was an experience in itself but learning that Doris Day was part owner, as was her late musical son, Terry Melcher, made it even more special. The retiscent Day was no doubt talked into allowing old movie posters (Pajama Game, etc.) and record album covers to adorn the walls near ‘Terry’s Lounge, an elegant classy but non-ostentatious bar which now serves tribute to Melcher, who had quite a remarkable, if under-appreciated career of his own as producer, musician and entrepeneur. It’s obvious that Day does not run the Cypress solely for profit , judging by the quality of music and charm we witnessed and not the number of people who could squeeze into the place - a gift for humans to enjoy with their four-legged friends. Their may not be another venue like it anywhere. Cats as well as dogs are welcome to stay overnight in the Inn along with their folks.
Going from her prototypical 50s image as the wholesome girl next store to a later life filled with much sadness - a number of failed marriages including brutality and the loss and associated tragedies involving her devoted son Terry, who, by the way , helped run DDAF, Day no doubt takes solace in the animals and in the contributions she has made.
Doris Day may be in her late 80s but, in our book its only a number and as one will witness at SeniorCountry.com ( to come) with Jack LaLanne, Art Linkletter and others, people can be vibrant at any age while others’ lives are basically over at much younger ages.
Doris Day, we are told, rarely has made public appearances in many years. Though we wish she did , for our own selfish reasons, we can understand why this kind sole, who has helped so many others and not gotten back nearly what she deserves, must take life like the words of her signature song, ‘Que Sera Sera’. We can only wish her the very best for many more years doing what she does so well , while we continue listening to her beautiful music and watching those fun, uplifting movies. Perhaps this little mention will alert others to what Doris Day is about today, and perhaps bring some joy into their lives too, whether it be at the Cypress or somewhere in Carmel, or just enjoying the music and movies. Doris Day, one of a kind. Great to have her with us!
Find one of the most under-rated doo-wop groups ever, which continues performing today in classic form. The Pentagon’s never had a hit go higher than #48 on the Billboard charts (‘To Be Loved,’ 1961) but they probably deserved alot better fate. Lead singer Joe C. Jones hails from the West Coast (San Bernardino) , which may be part of the problem, since the bulk of doo-wop comes from the East. Plus, when the song was recorded, in 1961. doo-wop was already fading from the music scene as surf and lighter sounds were taking its place.
We caught Jones and his new Pentagons at an a recent appearance in Livermore, Calfronial, after having seen him a few years earlier in Modesto. If there’s a better , more classic sounding ddo-wop group going today, hits or no hits, I’d like to hear them. ‘To Be Loved’ couild have gone Top 10 a few years earlier. Their other early songs, as found on their CD, Then and Now, are very strong, especially ‘I Wonder,’ ‘I’m In Love’ and ‘She’s Mine.’
The song writing is classic doo-wop, the singing impeccable.
Jones singing remains spectacular today; I can’t think of another lead singer who has maintained the quality and sound of his early records. He’s done well to find two backup singers that round out this talented trio. Why they haven’t been given a spot on PBS’ doo-wop series is a mystery. Will have to talk to that TJ Lubinski. Afterall, he’s all the way over in Pittsburg, which again, is part of the probelm. Anywy, check out this rare interview with San Bernardino-raised Joe Jones on LaneQuigley’s fine Rocket Radio show, then listen to a couple cuts before you go out and get the CD, Then and No w. Enjoy! Now that you’ve got a sample you can find the Pentagons CD ‘Then and After’ at Amazon by clicking here
BLUE RAIN: It’s not your 50s/60s oldies per se, but in Blake’s new CD he infuses much of the musical history he has witnessed since his breakout in 1964. Mister Blake, or Blake today, of Vancouver, had a regional hit in 1964, covering Dusty Springfield’s ‘I Only Want To Be With You.‘ After that, the music scene changed and most artists including Blake’s Canadian compatriots like Bobby Curtola (Fortune Teller) , Buddy Knox ((Party Doll) and even Paul Anka had to take day jobs for awhile to pay the bills. But,almost 5 decades later Blake has never forgotten his roots. He still would love nothing better than a hit record -er, CD or download. And, who knows. this could be the one… ‘Blue Rain’ has a wide appeal as it covers the various styles he has grown up with, including disco, dance, electronica, country and a good bit of roots ‘oldies’ woven in. Order the CD and read more about Blake at MisterBlake.com . By the way, it’s interesting that Blake chose Blue Rain as the title song, Blake’s early hero, Roy Orbison, had a minor hit with Blue Rain in the 60s, but it is a totally different song. If you listen closely to the CD you may hear some Roy Orbison references or samplings. Experience has surely helped Blake grow over the years as both singer and songwriter. All songs – written by Blake and Andy Smyth, except Jubilation – are strong, especially the opening three, in this writer’s opinion, namely ‘Blue Rain’, ‘I’m in Deep’, ‘Sex, Lies and Changing Times,‘ the latter which interestingly chronicles Blake’s and society’s wild ride through the past several decades. Also of special interest are the last songs on the CD which include Blake’s version of fellow Canadian Paul Anka’s ‘Jubilation’ and, an updated remake of Blake’s biggest hit, ‘I Only Want To Be With You.’ Sample one of the many fine songs , ‘Hit or Miss’ , at Amazon by clicking here.
The great Roy Orbison finally got his star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame on Friday. It was about time!
Thanks to the persistence of his widow, the intrepid and beautiful Barbara, Orbison has lived on well after his death at age 52 in 1989.
The star was unveiled on Vine Street, right in front of the Capitol Records tower, and right next to Garth Brooks. Not bad.
With “Pretty Woman” playing in the background, Barbara and sons Alex and Roy Jr., and Roy’s son Wesley, received the proclamation from the city of Hollywood. Dan Aykroyd (who was there with gorgeous wife Donna Dixon) and T Bone Burnett each spoke about their love of Roy — who didn’t love Roy Orbison, that’s the question!
And Barbara Orbison, in accepting the citation, turned around from the mic and thanked the community of friends who’ve grown around her since Roy’s death: Jeff Lynne, Joe Walsh and his wife Marjorie, Olivia Harrison, Barbara Bach Ringo Starr, Jim Keltner, Phil Everly, Chris Isaak, Jonathan Clyde from the Beatles’ Apple Records, and so on.
begin_the_beguine_tony_martin It’s sure good to see someone like Tony Martin still singing – and singing well into his late 90s. After all, probably the closest in age still on the circuit is Tony Bennett, and he’s a baby still in his mid-80s. Martin was raised right in my hometown of Oakland, and attended St Mary’s College despite being Jewish. After taking on a non-ethnic -sounding name, Tony Martin, Hollywood beckoned him. Martin became one of the top singers and actors of his day. During the night we saw him at the Razz Room in San Francisco last year, Martin dropped many of those names of people he worked with during the 40s and 50s and beyond, like Sinatra and Crosby, though his long-time conductor had to frequently help with the actual names. But that’s ok, Martin sang well – and sang his familiar songs like ‘Begin the Beguine and ‘There’s No Tomorrow (same tune as Elvis Presley’s ‘It’s Now or Never,’ but recorded long before Presley, as he noted. After Martin’s long-time movie-star wife Cyd Charisse (above right, with Martin in younger days) passed a few years ago, Martin called up his agent and said he needed to get busy and renewed his career, to the fortune of old and new fans, like us. If you want to hear the last of a breed of powerful balladeers from the big band era, try to see Martin if you can, or at least listen to his music , like this one:
Here is the front page of a music magazine published almost 20 year ago, deriding the Rock Hall of Fame for overlooking key talents (clockwise, from top right GENE PITNEY, NEIL SEDAKA, DEL SHANNON, CONNIE FRANCIS, THE SHIRELLES and BRENDA LEE. Since that time, Pitney , Shannon, the Shirelles and Brenda Lee have finally been inducted, but , amazingly, Neil Sedaka – who had two separate careers, in the 60s and 70s – and Connie Francis , who is the second if not best -selling female singer of all time- are still left out of the Hall, along with many notable names like Neil Diamond, Chubby Checker Paul Anka, Jan and Dean, Nary Wells, The Ventures, Lesllie Gore and most of the attached list (at left) and others you could probably think of… It’s always been an issue as to ‘What is rock and roll? ‘, but if they’re now letting in rap artists and heavy metal,blues and country artists its high time they considered the pop-meisters. Afterall, pop was the rock and roll in the 50s and 60s as was much of country music. Many no longer take the Hall seriously once learning that it is run by the head of ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine, a publication that has never really recognized any music prior to 1968, it’s inception, with rare exception. Early RS publications , for example , idsmissed Roy Oribson as a lightweight who hid behind dark clothes and glasses – that is, until Orbison returned to fame in the 80s, playing with some of Rolling Stone’s faves like Elvis Costello and Bob Dylan. Unlike some of the sports hall of fames, which put some actual ‘science’ to the test in selected members, the Hall is largely a popularity contest of music writers and publishers, largely of younger age. Prior to being inducted into the hall, the late great Gene Pitney once suggested they not keep nominating him every year but give his slot to a younger artist more likely to get in. Same for Del Shannon, who some say was very depressed after being overlooked many times. Since then, the Hall has become a joke, except to those who may have been inducted or prefer newer music to older.
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The star was unveiled on Vine Street, right in front of the Capitol Records tower, and right next to Garth Brooks. Not bad.
