The Limited Edition Waylon Jennings Telecaster | Dream Factory | Fender


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZKoSwf_IFk

The "newest" picture is this:




Every few years a picture comes up and people are wondering if it is Johnson. It seems like everytime a black male with a guitar is shown it's enough for some to claim it is him. In most cases those photographs are easily discredited. I don't think that currently there is another serious contender.

That audio is stunning. The clarity and definition on Johnson's guitar is amazing, and you can actually hear the inflections in his voice too. The EQ is damn near perfect, whoever did it or however it was done, or even more amazing if it were a flat transfer with no EQ. That's probably one of the clearest examples of Johnson recording in the corner of a hotel room with one microphone and a portable disc cutter. Taking that into consideration, it makes the quality of the recording even more amazing.

Amazing, isn't it? Such luck that these test pressings survived. The remastering was done by one Andrew Rose of "Pristine Classical". As the name suggests they usually concentrate on classical music. For more information you have to click through the website as all I just wrote comes from there.
They have other Johnson releases (two sound clips, "Ramblin' on my mind" and "From Four until late") that were remastered. But I don't think they had the test pressings for those CDs.
https://www.pristineclassical.com/collections/artist-robert-johnson

But I believe neither thing will happen and it will be more talking heads saying that Brian is a genius and the aging band members reciting the Same canned responses we’ve heard too often

That's exactly what I'm afraid of and honestly it is also the most likely way it will be because it has always been. You can't necessarily blame the guys for it as they only answer questions. It would need a different approach from the makers of the film.

Ieither they need to scour the world for interesting, unseen footage

I would love that, though. Through the years a lot of footage has come to light. Having the edited Hawaii 1967 footage half heartedly synched with a slowed down "Live in London" GOK from "An american Band" again would just blow badly. Surely there is more exciting - unseen - footage from their 60s heydays to the 70s comeback.

Rocker, I haven't read the book yet and could probably search for the answers, but I wanted to ask you since you've read the book. The last time I did any serious study of Johnson was in the 90's and actually wrote a paper about him, and at that time there were only that small handful of photos of the man himself. Have there been any new discoveries of him that are reprinted or mentioned in this new book? I always found it odd that for an artist who was pretty well known in his genre and in his regional areas where he traveled that there were not more photos of him.

Well, currently there are three known photos of him. The most recently released one is on/in the book of his step sister. "Biography of a phantom" doesn't feature any picture at all of him as it was written in the late 60s/early 70s and the first picture got released in the 80s. McCormick probably got his hands on one or two during the mid-70s. In fact one still unpublished one was found in his archive after his death. He got it from Johnson's family but refused to return it, even claiming he lost it - as the epilogue makes clear it was found in a folder with "Robert Johnson picture" on it, so go figure...

I would argue though that having three - maybe four - photos is more than we could ask for. During his lifetime he certainly wasn't a star. He had a record out that sold relatively nicely ("Terraplane Bllues") but the following records sold less. I also don't think that cameras were as common and affordable as today. Charley Patton was a much bigger star and had a longer life and we only got one confirmed picture of him. Johnson' star only began to shine after the 1961 release of "King of the Delta Blues".



Speaking of the recordings, take a listen to this:


Robert Johnson Mint Test Pressings - XR Remastered For Outstanding Sound Quality

https://www.pristineclassical.com/products/pabl010

Rolling Stone founder Jann Wenner removed from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame board

Wenner’s removal came after an interview with the New York Times in which he made comments that were seen as denigrating to Black and female musicians



https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/sep/17/rolling-stone-founder-jann-wenner-removed-from-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-board

Lots of good stuff on here:


Determination and passion drove Sam Phillips to create Sun Records and change music forever, and Sun is celebrating his 100th birthday with a 2-LP anthology of songs he brought to life. The gatefold features archival photos and liners from Grammy-winning writer Robert Gordon about Phillips’ legendary legacy. Known as “The Man Who Invented Rock ’n’ Roll,” tracks from artists like Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis remind listeners what the Big Bang of rock and roll sounded like in 1950s Memphis.


https://store.sunrecords.com/product/X3LPSR63/where-rock-n-roll-was-born-celebrating-100-years-of-sam-phillips-lp-various-artists?cp=110846_112418_113737&

I've read "Biography of a phantom" and it's a very entertaining book. The term "dedective story" that is commonlyused to describe it fits perfectly. I wouldn't mind more stories like this.
The book also talks about McCormick's life and questionable (to say the least) behavior toward Robert Johnson's family. This seems to be neccessary as it explains a.o. why certain parts of the original manuscript were edited.

Now here's something:



BRIAN WILSON 2002 Interview and Performance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWjCqIA0sKU

Thanks for the replies!

So, I guess the best way to start this would be to understand what a reasonable chart placing and number of records sold would've been. And of course radio airplay. Unfortunately the last matter can't be researched as I don't think there's any list about what stations played what singles how often.

The title says it all. Does anybody have any experience  with that app? Is it worth using?

https://www.vampr.me/

Someone should put the author in contact with Ian

Just saw this on facebook. I don't remember seeing it before:

Let's not forget that Jimmy Buffet also co-wrote and sang backing vocals on Brian's "South American". Here's video of the two of them recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxQjphssSYI

R. I. P.

I never cared much about on what day an album was released. Usually I'm fine if I know the year. Sometimes though, a specific release day makes you think about the fate of the album.

In 1977 the Beach Boys were hot again. The Brian's Back campaign yielded both a top ten album and top ten single. A lot of pr was done, they sold out stadiums around the world and the band was also getting it's own TV special. Dennis Wilson was about to release his first solo album - the first by any Beach Boy - in the same year.
It seems that Caribou put quite a bit of pr into Dennis' album as well. Magazine articles, radio interviews, record store events, a promo video, even a solo tour was planned. Yet the album barely made the top 100 when released which to me seems a little low.

The other day I saw a Facebook post about Pacific Ocean Blue, mentioning it's day of release - August 22nd 1977. That got me thinking....









A couple of pictures from appearances by Dennis in record stores to promote POB




Just a week earlier the Ohio State University Radio Observatory recorded a signal that when being analyzed by Jerry R. Ehman became known as the "WOW! Signal"; as to that point the strongest contender to be a message sent by alien life.




Although important science news that under normal circumstances would make for long discussions and reportings by both, scientists and laymen, this event was completely overshadowed by August 16th 1977. That day, as is well known, Elvis Presley died.







On the spot this became a media event like no other. What followed were a giant sales increase of Elvis records. Record stores were out of stock and RCA had problems keeping up with orders and had to use pressing plants all over the country. This wasn't just going on for a couple of days but actually quite a while.

The question that comes to mind: Did Pacific Ocean Blue suffer the same destiny as the WOW! signal? Was the chart placement of Pacific Ocean Blue a result of Elvis' passing? As we've seen it certainly took the focus away from everything else.



Epilogue

Mike Eder once told me that when the Beach Boys had a chance to visit Graceland, Dennis broke down crying at the grave of Elvis. Certainly this could be seen as Dennis lamenting the death of his generation's symbol of freedom. After thinking about the events of August 1977, though, one could also wonder if Dennis blamed (or let's say was reminded by) Elvis' death of himself not making a big splash as a solo artist.



What do you think? Am I crazy or do you think there could be something to it? Do you think it's placement on the charts and the numbers it sold wouldn't have been that much different had Elvis not died?

Dennis Wilson - News Clips of Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson's passing on December 28, 1983


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvZVKUW0FJ8

Reissues upgrade memorable Elvis Presley concerts well enough for aficionados
'Elvis As Recorded At Madison Square Garden' and 'Aloha From Hawaii By Satellite' have been reissued as CD sets, and probably to the delight to Elvis collectors looking for a decent product upgrade.

https://www.goldminemag.com/reviews/reissues-upgrade-memorable-elvis-presley-concerts-well-enough-for-aficionados

More like: "The bored", perhaps?....

One of the best Norm Macdonald moments

Legendary!
The guy had a great taste in music as well (imo). He was even friends with Billy Joe Shaver, I believe.

[CNN Sets Premiere Date For ‘Little Richard: I Am Everything’ – Update]

CNN Sets Premiere Date For ‘Little Richard: I Am Everything’ – Update

https://deadline.com/2023/08/sundance-little-richard-i-am-everything-magnolia-pictures-1235228920/?

Great musician! R. I. P.

Great work as always!

I enjoy reading how much Blondie was praised in reviews. This makes me sure had he stayed in the band he would certainly be seen as much as a "real" Beach Boy as Bruce. His contribution was just so strong

Thanks for sharing. Loved it!

Ever after hearing Mike singing this song on the Pet Sounds Sessions I think he should've been the one to do it. Nothing against Brian but I just think Mike gives the song the needed edge.

Here's another trailer:


Reinventing Elvis: The '68 Comeback (2023) Official Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JkyClDJQkE

['Reinventing ELVIS:]

'Reinventing ELVIS:
The '68 Comeback'
The 2023 John Scheinfeld / Steve Binder Documentary
Feature Review by Nigel Patterson
Plus additional reviews by Emiel Maier, Geoffrey McDonnell and Don Hudson



https://www.elvisinfonet.com/Spotlight-Reinventing-Elvis-The-68-Comeback-documentary-Review.html

[Director reflects on documentary 'Finding Elvis: The '68 Comeback']

Over at FECC the reviews of the Comeback documentary are all very positive.


Also:

Director reflects on documentary 'Finding Elvis: The '68 Comeback'

John Scheinfeld has earned both Emmy and Grammy nominations for his TV documentaries about music and his new one out this summer tells the story of "Reinventing Elvis," how a single TV show revived his career back in 1968.


https://abc7ny.com/reinventing-elvis-the-68-comeback-john-scheinfeld-documentary/13577593/





Reinventing Elvis: The '68 Comeback Review: An Eye-Opening Look at the Legend’s Major Comeback Attempt

In director John Scheinfeld documentary about Elvis Presley, the filmmaker offers a passionate look at the comeback that almost didn't happen.


https://movieweb.com/reinventing-elvis-the-68-comeback-review/

Just saw this post by Brian's Facebook account:


Following the recent Pet Sounds Dolby Atmos release, five iconic Beach Boys albums have just been released in Dolby Atmos. Listen to All Summer Long, Surfin’ USA, Surfer Girl, Little Deuce Coupe and Shut Down, Vol. 2 as you’ve never heard them before. Available on Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, and Tidal. Let us know what you think!