Author Archives: Vinyl Revival

Robert Plant Bowled Me Over

lullaby and...THE CEASELESS ROAR

lullaby and…THE CEASELESS ROAR

I’ve had a love affair with Robert Plant for as long as I can remember.  From the first time I heard his voice on a Led Zeppelin record, I’ve been a devoted fan, following his career post-Zep in each and every re-incarnation, whether he’s playing solo, with Jimmy Page or Alison Krauss, or with one of his talented bands, “Strange Sensation,” “Band of Joy,” or “Sensational Space Shifters.”  I’ve seen him play all over Philly:  The Spectrum, The Electric Factory, The Tower, The Mann, and at every Philly show since 1983.  So it was such a huge thrill for me to see him play last night at a pop up concert at the Brooklyn Bowl, a very cool music venue/bar/restaurant/bowling alley in Brooklyn.  With only 850 or so tickets available for sale, this show would put me up close and intimate with Plant like I’d never been before.

The doors opened at 10:30 p.m. and we took our place as close to the stage as possible (3-4 rows of people back.) While we waited for Plant, who was scheduled to come on around midnight, we were treated to an opening dj set by Philly’s own, Questlove, of The Roots.  He spins there every Thursday and seemed comfortable and very approachable in the dj booth.  He got the growing crowd moving with a mix of funky songs until Robert Plant and the “Sensational Space Shifters” took the stage.  The band opened the show with a Howlin’ Wolf cover, “Spoonful,” and they did a killer version of Bukka White’s “Fixin’ to Die.” They played “Rainbow,” “Poor Howard,”” Turn it Up,” (one of my faves) and “Little Maggie,” all off their new album, lullaby and…THE CEASELESS ROAR.  I honestly thought they’d play more songs off the new album (which I love) and I was looking forward to hearing some of the other new stuff live, but there were some “folk” songs (Plant jokingly remarked that they were old enough to be considered folk songs)  that they performed instead.  These songs included “Thank You,” a gorgeous rendition of “Going to California,”  “Black Dog,” “Rock and Roll,” ”Nobody’s Fault but Mine,” and a kick ass version of “Whole Lotta Love/Who Do You Love” as the finale. Plant encouraged audience participation and we did not disappoint!  I feel bad for the people in front of me who had to listen to my constant singing and super loud yays and whoo hoos.

The show featured about 13 songs in all, and overall, it was really a great mix of blues, African rhythms, Celtic/English traditions, and good old rock and roll. The band was true to their name, sensational, and included Billy Fuller, Dave Smith, Liam “Skin” Tyson, John Baggott, and most notably, Juldeh Camara on a single-string fiddle, and Justin Adams, who co-wrote Mighty Rearranger, and really got the crowd in a frenzy with his dizzying guitar playing.

All in all, it was well worth the ride to Brooklyn. Even though the ride home at 2:30 a.m. this morning didn’t leave me much time for sleep, I would definitely do it all over again if I could.  Robert Plant can be my rainbow and bring a song for me anytime!

 

 

 

First Anniversary Salebration!

Screen shot 2014-08-13 at 2.49.12 PMI can’t believe it’s been one year since we opened!

In honor of our first year in business, we’re having a weekend celebration featuring a concert event with folk singer Betty Soo on August 22nd, screenings of the documentary film “Wages of Spin II,” on August 23rd, plus an anniversary sale with 50% off all in-store vinyl, complimentary cake, drinks and light refreshments all weekend long.

We’ve received some great press about our event this weekend.  Check out this great article from That Music Magazine and this blog post from the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation.

Queen Rule Again

Queen and Adam Lambert rocked the Wells Fargo Center in Philly on July 16, 2004.

Queen and Adam Lambert rocked the Wells Fargo Center in Philly on July 16, 2004.

I have seen many, many bands play live over the years but there was always one band that I wished I had seen but hadn’t… until the other night.  The band I’m talking about is Queen.  Queen’s last American tour was in 1982 and I remember when they played the Spectrum.  A friend of mine saw them and loved them.  I always said I’d catch them the next time but unfortunately there wasn’t a next time.

When Queen got together with Paul Rodgers around 2006, I just couldn’t bring myself to go.  It’s difficult to see a band you really like play without all of the original members, but I think it’s even more difficult when the original front man isn’t there.

When I heard Adam Lambert would be touring with Queen, I actually gave some serious thought to going.  I was a big Lambert fan from his days on “American Idol” and thought he certainly had the singing chops to do Queen’s songs justice.  Although, once again, it just didn’t seem right to me that they’d have another lead singer, but when I got a last minute invite from a friend who had an extra ticket, I decided to go.

I am so glad I did!  Although NO ONE could ever take Freddie Mercury‘s place, Adam’s voice was amazing and he really put on one hell of a show.  With costume changes, an audience sing-off, effortless interaction with the band members, and his own unique styling, I think Freddie would’ve been pleased with his performance.  It sure seemed like the audience was pleased and happy to hear all of Queen’s wonderful music live again. Queen’s remaining original members were pretty terrific too! Brian May’s guitar playing was sick! I especially loved his trippy guitar solo and his tribute to Freddie. Then there was Roger Taylor who was totally rockin’ out on the drums.  He gave the younger drummer playing with them a run for his money! Overall, the entire band sounded great and they looked like they were really having a fun time on stage.  They gave the audience a great show over two hours long with just the right mix of hits and lesser known numbers.   I would definitely see them again.

If you went to the show, what did you think and would you see them again?

 

 

July 4th Revised Hours

 

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We WILL be open on Friday, July 4th but only from 9 a.m. – noon. We WILL NOT stay open late for First Friday. Hope you can stop by sometime in between the holiday festivities!

Have a safe, fun Fourth of July with family and friends!

 

Wages of Spin II Soundtrack Songs Available

About a month ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Philadelphia premiere of the documentary film, “Wages of Spin II,” by Shawn Swords, at Bryn Mawr Film Institute.  The film continues the payola story from “The Wages of Spin” but also chronicles the corruption in the music industry in the 80’s and uncovers some of the players involved. You won’t believe some of the people who are implicated!

In addition to the great buzz the film is receiving, the soundtrack has been getting positive feedback from the music industry too. There are lots of great Philly talent and friends of Vinyl Revival on the soundtrack so check out some of the songs in the links below.

“Never Be Forgiven” Performed by Effusion 35 Written by Randy S. Robbins and Pat Manley © 2014 Great Blasket Music, ASCAP/What is This Crap Music, ASCAP https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/borrowed-time-reluctant-rhymes/id867812991

Several songs by Mitch Schecter of The Rip Chords: www.homeroomrecords.com www.ripchords.com

“No Sad Song” is the new single from Skip Denenberg.  Composed and performed by Skip. Produced, engineered and mixed by George Manney at Geo Sound Studio in Philadelphia. Download here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/skipdenenberg2

Several songs by Dan Brown: http://www.reverbnation.com/danieljohnbrown

Several songs by Frank Caravella: https://soundcloud.com/frank-caravella

The instrumental version of “It’s a Gas That Makes You Laugh Before it Kills You” is available all over (iTunes Amazon etc.) or at www.johnbyrneband.com “It’s a Gas That Makes You Laugh Before it Kills You” – The John Byrne Band Written by John Byrne Various Verses BMI Character Driven Productions

I hope to screen this documentary at The Vault at Vinyl Revival in the fall but if you’d like to purchase the DVD now, it is available at www.characterdrivenfilms.com.  Here’s a trailer for a sneak peek.

 

 

 

 

 

Record Store Day Re-Cap

 

Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate Record Store Day with us last Saturday!

Thanks especially to our customers, concert promoters who worked hard to organize the day’s events, Jim Rosin for doing a book signing, and all the bands and performers who generously played at our celebration too!

I hope you found what you were looking for on RSD but if you’re still searching for a title, here’s a list of the RSD releases we still have in stock. These are mostly single copies so if you if’d like one, come in as soon as possible before we sell out.

Adventure Club – Calling All Hereoes

Aerosmith – Draw the Line

Aerosmith – Rocks

Allicara  2743

Joan Baez – Blessed Are

Bastille – Of the Night

Beauregarde – Testify

Bleachers – I Want to Get Better

Hollis Brown – Hollis Brown Gets Loaded

Neko Case & Jason Little – Satellite of Love

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis – West of Memphis

Michael Chapman – Playing Guitar the Easy Way

Eric Church – The Outsiders

The Civil Wars – Live at Eddie’s Attic

Dillinger, Trinity, Wayne Wade, Al Campbell, Junior Tamlin – Five Man Army

Disclosure – Apollo

Ramblin Jack Elliott – Jack ElliottIce-T,

Everly Brothers – Roots

Frightened Rabbit – Live From Criminal Records

Mayer Hawthorne – Wine Glass Woman

Heavens to Betsy – Calculated

Ice -T – Greatest Hits

Rick James – You and I

Waylon & Shooter Jennings – Fenixon

Jimi Hendrix – Live at Monterey

Jimmy Page & The Black Crowes – Live at the Greek

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion – She’s on It

Stephen John Kalinich – A World of Peace Must Come

Jorma Kaukonen – QUAH

Kings of Leon – Wait for Me

Kodaline – Coming Up

Ray Lamontagne – Supernova

Henry Mancini – Sountdrack to Pink Panther

Dean Martin – Dream with Dean

Jim McCarty – Frontman

Randy Newman

John Oates – Stone Cold Love

The Orwells – Righteous One

Outkast – SOUTHERNPLAYALISTICADILLACMUZIK

Nina Persson – Sometimes

Pussy Galore – PUSSY GOLD 5000

Rodion G.A. – Misuinea Spatiala Delta (Delta Space Mission)

Bobby Rush – Upstairs at United, Vol. 11

Gil Scott-Heron – Nothing New Slipknot – Vol. 3 The Subliminal Verses

Spanish Gold – Out on the Street

Regina Speckor – You’ve Got Time

Sun Ra – Outer Spaceways Incorporated

Tayla Lynn – Coal Dust

Tears For Fears – Ready Boys & Girls

Whirlwind Heat – Do Rabbits Wonder?

James Williamson, Carolyn Wonderland – Open Up And Bleed

Johnny Winter – Live Bootleg Special Edition

Record Store Day Schedule of Events

Vinyl Revival is proud to be participating in Record Store Day, an international day to celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store, on April 19, 2014.  Vinyl Revival will stock a selection of titles that are Record Store Day exclusive, limited edition and first releases.  As part of the Record Store Day celebration, there will be free entertainment by indie/alternative musicians, a book signing, light refreshments and drinks during store hours from 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Record Store Day Schedule of Events

10 a.m. – Store opens

11 a.m. – Book signing with James Rosin, author of “Philly Pop, Rock, Rhythm & Blues”

11 a.m. –  Performance by Aaron Hug

12 p.m. – Performance by Nina Marie

12:45 p.m. – Performance by Traffic Nightmare

1:30 p.m. – performance by Ghost Gum

2:15 p.m. – Performance by Family Vacation

3:00 p.m. – Performance by Tom Curtis Jr.

3:45 p.m. – Performance by The One2s

4:30 p.m. – Performance by Big Tusk

5:15 p.m. –  Performance by Wild Rompit

6:00 p.m. Performance by DRGN King.

For a complete list of titles being released for 2014 Record Store Day, visit http://recordstoreday.com/.

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The Orlon’s Stephen Caldwell & DJ Steve Kurtz to Make Appearance at March’s Double Feature

The Orlons' Stephen Caldwell at Vinyl Revival on November 30, 2013

Me and The Orlons’ Stephen Caldwell November 30, 2013

March’s First Friday Flicks indie film screening series kicks off on Friday, March 7th at 7 p.m. with a musical double feature.  “Meet Me on South Street:  The Story of JC Dobbs” and Rufus Harley – Pipes of Peace, an intimate profile of the world’s first jazz bagpipe player, Philadelphia musician, Rufus Harley,  both by George Manney, will screen.

Special guests at the March 7th screening include Stephen Caldwell from The Orlons and DJ Steve Kurtz! Director George Manney is also scheduled to appear.

First Friday Flicks will also screen on Saturdays each month at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $8, $5 for students and seniors. Screening events are BYOB and snacks.

To purchase the $8  tickets for the Friday, March 7th show, click here.

DJ Steve Kurtz will host the March 7th First Friday Film Screening.

DJ Steve Kurtz will host the March 7th First Friday Film Screening.